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referring to fig1 , a mounting apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is provided for fixing a plug 10 to a socket 30 . the mounting apparatus includes a pair of opposite elastic generally c - shaped hooks 50 respectively fixed to the socket 30 for clamping the plug 10 , and the hooks 50 are an exemplary securing means according to this embodiment . the socket 30 includes a first sidewall 32 and a second sidewall 34 parallel to the first sidewall 32 . each hook 50 includes a connecting portion 52 extending from the corresponding first sidewall 32 or the second sidewall 34 , a bending portion 54 slantingly extending from a free end of the connecting portion 52 and over an upper wall of the socket 30 , and a latching portion 56 extending from a free end of the bending portion 54 and parallel with the upper wall towards the opposite hook 50 . to use the mounting apparatus , the bending portions 54 of the hooks 50 are pulled outward to depart away from each other , and the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 30 . then releasing the bending portion 54 , the bending portions 54 are restored , and respectively drive the latching portions 56 of the hooks 50 to clamp the plug 10 of the signal wire . referring to fig2 , a mounting apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is provided for fixing the plug 10 to the socket 30 . the mounting apparatus includes two hooks 50 a for securing the plug 10 , and two elastic members , and the hooks 50 a are the exemplary securing means according to this embodiment . in this embodiment each elastic member is a spring 70 . two horizontally - spaced positioning blocks 320 each defining a through hole 322 therein respectively extend from the first sidewall 32 and the second sidewall 34 . each hook 50 a includes a generally l - shaped latching portion 56 a . the latching portion 56 a includes a first section slantingly extending toward the opposite latching portion 56 a and over the upper wall of the socket 30 and a second section . an operating portion 52 a slanting downward from a end of the second section of the latching portion 56 a . two shafts respectively extend from two sides of a joint between the latching portion 56 a and the operating portion 52 a . to assemble the mounting apparatus , the shafts of each hook 50 a are pivotably engaged in the through holes 322 of the corresponding positioning blocks 320 . one end of each spring 70 is fixed to the first sidewall 32 or the second sidewall 34 , and the other end of each spring 70 is fixed adjacent a turning portion of the latching portion 56 a of corresponding hook 50 a . to use the mounting apparatus , the operating portions 52 a of the hooks 50 a are pressed to urge the latching portions 56 a of the hooks 50 a to move away from each other , and the springs 70 are respectively stretched out with the hooks 50 a . the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 30 , then the operating portions 52 a are released , and the springs 70 are respectively restored to clamp the plug 10 . referring to fig3 , a mounting apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is provided for fixing the plug to the socket 30 . the mounting apparatus includes two bolts 90 for securing the plug 10 , and the bolts 90 are the exemplary securing means according to this embodiment . the first sidewall 32 and the second sidewall 34 respectively define a fastener hole ( not shown ) therein . to use the mounting apparatus , the plug 10 is inserted into the socket 30 , and the two bolts 90 are respectively screwed in the fastener holes for resistingly engaging the plug 10 , thus the plug 10 is fixed in the socket 30 . it is believed that the present embodiments and theirs advantages will be understood from the foregoing description , and it will be apparent that various changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages , the examples hereinbefore described merely being preferred or exemplary embodiments .
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with initial reference to fig1 , shown is the perspective view of the support device 50 that includes the first arcuate flexible finger 80 , its longitudinal axis 85 , the first finger 80 proximal end portion 90 , the first finger 80 distal end portion 95 , the second arcuate flexible finger 100 , its lengthwise axis 105 , the second finger 100 proximal end portion 110 , the second finger 100 distal end portion 115 , the shoulder element 120 , the cradle segment 125 , and the inverted “ u ” shape 130 . next , fig2 shows a use perspective view of the support device 50 straddling the margin 75 of the sink 70 , with the cradle segment 125 , the shoulder element 120 , the first arcuate flexible finger 80 , and the second flexible finger 100 . continuing , fig3 shows a use perspective view of the support device 50 straddling the margin 75 of the sink 70 , with the cradle segment 125 , the shoulder element 120 , the first arcuate flexible finger 80 , and the second flexible finger 100 , wherein the cradle segment 125 is supporting the article 55 is in an upright position 60 , with the article 55 in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent . further , fig4 shows a perspective view of the base portion 165 of the shoe assembly 140 including the extension 175 of the base 165 , and the depression 180 of the base 165 . next , fig5 shows a perspective view of the shoe assembly 140 with the base portion 165 , the extension 175 of the base 165 , the depression 180 of the base 165 , the cup 145 , the bottom 150 of the cup 145 , the opposing lip 155 of the cup 145 , the cup 145 bottom 150 being accommodated 170 in the base 165 , the flexible clip 190 , the inward portion 200 of the flexible clip 190 , the opposing outward portion 205 of the flexible clip 190 , the cradle portion 210 of the clip 190 , and the base 165 upon the surface 160 . yet further , fig6 shows a perspective use view of the shoe assembly 140 with the base portion 165 , the extension 175 of the base 165 , the depression 180 of the base 165 , the cup 145 , the bottom 150 of the cup 145 , the opposing lip 155 of the cup 145 , the cup 145 bottom 150 being accommodated 170 in the base 165 , the flexible clip 190 , the inward portion 200 of the flexible clip 190 , the opposing outward portion 205 of the flexible clip 190 , the cradle portion 210 of the clip 190 , and the base 165 upon the surface 160 . also in fig6 , the article 55 is in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein , wherein the depression 180 is receiving 185 a portion of the article 55 and the flexible clip 190 cradling 210 the opposing portion of the article 55 . continuing , fig7 shows a perspective view of the platform device 220 with the retention basin 225 , the peripheral portion 230 , the spillway margin 235 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 , the bi - modal shaped ridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raised rib 240 . further , fig8 shows a perspective use view of the platform device 220 with the retention basin 225 , the peripheral portion 230 , the spillway margin 235 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 , wherein the basin 225 and extension 245 are substantially conforming 255 to the sink margin 75 of the sink 70 . in addition , in fig8 , the bi - modal shaped ridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raised rib 240 , the directing 275 of the liquids to the sink 70 , with the ridge 260 retainably suspending 270 a portion of the article 55 over the basin 225 , wherein the article 55 is in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein . moving onward , fig9 shows an inverted perspective view of the platform device 220 in relation to fig7 , with the peripheral portion 230 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 . next , fig1 also shows the inverted perspective view of the platform device 220 in relation to fig7 , with the peripheral portion 230 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 in addition to the sponge support 280 mounted on the raised rib 240 . further , fig1 shows a perspective view of the platform device 220 , with the retention basin 225 , the peripheral portion 230 , the spillway margin 235 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 , the substantial conforming 255 to the sink margin 75 of the sink 70 for the basin 225 and the extension 245 , the bi - modal shaped ridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raised rib 240 , and the sponge support 280 . continuing , fig1 shows a perspective view of the platform device 220 with the retention basin 225 , the peripheral portion 230 , the spillway margin 235 , the raised rib 240 , the extension 245 , with the extension 245 depending outwardly opposite 250 of the raised rib 240 , the substantial conforming 255 to the sink margin 75 of the sink 70 for the basin 225 and the extension 245 . further , in fig1 , the bi - modal shaped ridge 260 that projects parallel 265 to the raised rib 240 , and the sponge support 280 , the directing 275 of the liquids to the sink 70 , with the ridge 260 retainably suspending a portion of the article 55 over the basin 225 , wherein the article 55 is in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being self contained cleaning sponge having dishwashing detergent disposed therein , also the sponge support 280 holding a sponge 66 . next , fig1 shows a perspective view of the sponge support 280 that is removably engagable to the opposing lip 155 of the cup 145 , with the cup 145 , and cup 145 bottom 150 shown also . further , fig1 shows a perspective use view of the sponge 66 on the sponge support 280 that is removably engagable to the opposing lip 155 of the cup 145 , with the cup 145 , and cup 145 bottom 150 shown also . broadly , in looking at fig1 through 3 , the present invention is for the support device 50 for an article 55 that is adjacent to a sink 70 margin 75 , with the support device 50 including the first arcuate flexible finger 80 having the longitudinal axis 85 , the first finger 80 having a proximal end portion 90 and an opposing distal end portion 95 and the second arcuate flexible finger 100 having a lengthwise axis 105 , the second finger 100 having a proximal end portion 110 and an opposing distal end portion 115 . further included in the support device 50 is the shoulder element 120 that is sized and configured to cradle 125 the article 55 in an upright position 60 , the shoulder element 120 is disposed in an attached manner therebetween the first proximal end portion 90 and the second proximal end portion 110 . wherein the first flexible finger 80 , the shoulder element 120 , and the second flexible finger 100 approximately form an inverted “ u ” symmetrical shape 130 that frictionally straddles 135 the sink 70 margin 75 , wherein operationally the support device 50 cradles the article 55 in the upright position 60 adjacent to the sink 70 margin 75 . wherein the article 55 can be supported in either one of two opposing positions with the article 55 adjacent to the shoulder element 120 and the first arcuate flexible finger 80 or the article 55 adjacent to the shoulder element 120 and the second arcuate flexible finger 100 . further on the support device 50 for the article 55 , the shoulder element 120 can further comprise a cradle segment 125 that has a continuously curving concave surface to suspend in an adjacent manner the article 55 in an open environment 285 , see fig1 , and 3 . in addition , for the support device 50 for the article 55 , the cradle segment 125 can also extend for a full width of the shoulder element 120 in an arcuate axis 126 that is perpendicular 127 to the longitudinal 85 and lengthwise 105 axes to facilitate article 55 drainage or seepage 57 in the open environment 285 , again see fig1 , and 3 . also the article 55 , as shown in fig1 , and 3 , can be in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being the self - contained cleaning sponge 61 having dishwashing detergent stored in a reservoir 62 in the cleaning utensil 65 handle 62 , with the cleaning utensil 65 being supported by the support device 50 in the open environment 285 , with the open environment 285 being defined as having free and open access all around the external surfaces of the cleaning utensil 65 for seepage 57 of the dishwashing detergent to drain back into the sink 70 without the need of a drainage channel in the support device 50 , as best shown in fig3 . also , on the support device 50 for the article 55 the first 80 and second 100 arcuate flexible fingers preferably depend downwardly from the shoulder element 120 in a continuous arc from the first 90 and second 110 proximal end portions to the first 95 and second 115 distal end portions along the longitudinal 85 and lengthwise 105 axes respectively to conform to the sink margin 75 and sink walls 71 on each opposing side of the sink margin 75 , as best shown in fig2 and 3 . further , on the support device 50 for the article 55 the first 95 and second 115 distal end portions can further comprise a first curved extension 96 and a respective second curved extension 116 to further support the article 55 or as preferably shown the reservoir handle 62 as shown in fig3 . continuing , for the support device 50 for the article 55 wherein the first 96 and second 115 curved extensions can form respective first 97 and second 117 concave channels that are each coincident to the continuously curving concave surface of the cradle segment 125 , see fig1 and 2 . as an alternative embodiment , in looking at fig4 through 6 , the shoe assembly 140 utilizes a cup 145 with a bottom 150 , and the opposing lip 155 , for upright support 60 of an article 55 upon a surface 160 , in the open environment 285 with the shoe assembly 140 including a base 165 , wherein the base 165 sized and configured to accommodate 170 the cup 145 bottom 150 and include an extension 175 with a depression 180 disposed therein to receive 185 a portion of the article 55 . further included in the shoe assembly 140 is the flexible clip 190 having an inward portion 200 that is disposed upon the lip 155 , the clip 190 having an opposing outward portion 205 with a cradle portion 210 disposed opposite of the lip 155 , wherein operationally the cradle portion 210 retainably suspends 215 an opposing portion of the article 55 over the lip 155 facing the bottom 150 in the open environment 285 . also , for the shoe assembly 140 , the cradle portion 210 preferably has a continuously curving concave surface 212 to suspend in an adjacent manner the article 55 in an open environment 285 , see fig5 and 6 or detail . also the article 55 , as shown in fig6 , can be in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being the self - contained cleaning sponge 61 having dishwashing detergent stored in a reservoir 62 in the cleaning utensil 65 handle 62 , with the cleaning utensil 65 being supported by the shoe assembly 140 in the open environment 285 , with the open environment 285 being defined as having free and open access all around the external surfaces of the cleaning utensil 65 for seepage 57 of the dishwashing detergent to drain back into the cup 145 and depression 180 without the need of a drainage channel in the shoe assembly 140 , as best shown in fig6 . continuing for the shoe assembly 140 wherein the cradle portion 210 can extend for a full width of the flexible clip 190 along a curved axis 211 to further support the article 55 over the lip 155 facing the bottom 150 in the open environment 285 , as best shown in fig5 . in addition , for the shoe assembly 140 the base can further comprise a peripheral ridge 176 that forms a part of the base depression 180 ; see fig4 , wherein the peripheral ridge helps to retain the article 55 seepage 57 , as best shown in fig6 . also , for the shoe assembly 140 , the base 165 can further comprise a receiving slot 181 forming a portion of the base depression 180 , see fig4 , wherein the receiving slot 181 is operational to receive a portion of the article 55 , namely the reservoir handle 62 , to facilitate retaining different length 56 articles 55 , as best shown in fig6 . further , on the shoe assembly 140 , the base 165 can further comprise a receptacle 177 formed from an interface as between the receiving slot 181 and the peripheral ridge 176 , as best shown in fig4 , wherein the receptacle 177 adds volume to the depression 180 for receiving a portion of the seepage 57 from the article 55 , see fig6 . further on the shoe assembly 140 , it can further comprise a sponge support 280 that includes a support lip 281 interface that is removably engagable to the cup lip 155 , being operational to support a sponge 66 in addition to the article 55 , as shown in fig1 and 14 . as another alternative embodiment , in looking at fig7 through 12 , the platform device 220 is for the article 55 that is adjacent to a sink 70 with a sink margin 75 , the platform device includes the retention basin 225 including the peripheral portion 230 and the spillway margin 235 , with the retention basin 225 having a raised rib 240 adjacent to the peripheral portion 230 . further , in the platform device 220 is the extension 245 that is affixed to the spillway margin 235 , the extension 245 depending outwardly 250 opposite of the raised rib 240 , wherein the basin 225 and the extension 245 substantially conform 255 to the sink 70 margin 75 . also , in the platform device 220 included is the bi - modal shaped ridge 260 affixed to a portion of the spillway margin 235 , with the bimodal ridge 260 projecting parallel 265 to the raised rib 240 , wherein operationally the ridge 260 retainably suspends 270 a portion of the article 55 over the basin 225 that directs article 55 liquids 275 and seepage 57 to the sink 70 . also , for the platform device 220 for the article 55 , wherein the bi - modal shaped ridge 260 can have a continuously curving concave surface 261 to suspend in an adjacent manner the article 55 to be elevated above a floor 226 of the retention basin 225 to operationally facilitate the article 55 seepage 57 throughout an entire area of the floor 226 , as best shown in fig7 , and 12 . further , on the platform device 220 for the article 55 , the bi - modal shaped ridge 260 can extend to at least as high 262 as the raised rib 240 to further ensure to suspend in an adjacent manner the article 55 to be elevated above the floor 226 of the retention basin 225 to operationally facilitate the article 55 seepage 57 throughout an entire area of the floor 226 , see fig7 , and 12 . as for the article 55 , as shown in fig8 and 12 , can be in the form of a cleaning utensil 65 being the self - contained cleaning sponge 61 having dishwashing detergent stored in a reservoir 62 in the cleaning utensil 65 handle 62 , with the cleaning utensil 65 being supported by the platform device 220 in the open environment 285 , with the open environment 285 being defined as having free and open access all around the external surfaces of the cleaning utensil 65 for seepage 57 of the dishwashing detergent to drain back into the entire area of the floor 226 of the retention basin 225 , via the sponge 61 being elevated above the floor 226 , i . e . not resting upon the floor 226 , with the sponge 61 being elevated above the floor 226 from the bi - modal shaped ridge 260 extending to at least as high 262 as the raised rib 240 , see fig7 , thus suspending the sponge 61 up off of the floor 226 , see fig8 and 12 . thus operationally allowing the sponge 61 to completely drain itself of dishwashing liquid and allow the floor 226 to completely drain of dishwashing liquid , plus having the benefit of less chance of the dishwashing liquid “ wicking ” up from the reservoir handle 62 to the sponge 61 , on the floor 226 to the sink margin 75 and down the sink walls 71 , as the sink walls 71 potentially being lower than the reservoir handle 62 , will via gravity draw out the dishwashing liquid from the reservoir handle 62 , potentially wasting the dishwashing liquid from the reservoir handle 62 , of which suspending the sponge 61 up off of the floor 226 helps to prevent . continuing , for the platform device 220 for the article 55 , wherein the peripheral portion 230 can further comprise an outer peripheral notch 231 , as shown in fig9 or an inner peripheral notch 232 , see fig7 for receiving a sponge support 280 , as best shown in fig9 , 11 , and 12 . in addition , for the platform device 220 for the article 55 , wherein the notch 231 is oppositely positioned from the bi - modal shaped ridge 260 on the retention basin 225 to operationally facilitate the platform device 220 to support the article 55 and a sponge 66 simultaneously , as shown in fig1 . also on the platform device 220 for the article 55 the sponge support 280 can further comprise a centrally located drain aperture 282 as shown in fig1 . further on the platform device 220 for the article 55 wherein the extension 245 further comprises a reverse angled end portion 251 to minimize capillary action of the article seepage 57 toward the area identified as substantially conforming 255 to the sink margin , preferably the reverse angled end portion 251 has an angle of about ten to fifteen degrees as related to the sink margin 75 . accordingly , the present invention of a support device has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention . it should be appreciated , though ; that the present invention is defined by the following claim construed in light of the prior art so modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein .
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the position of a detector appropriate for implementing the present invention will be described . to improve the spatial resolution of measurement of a potential in accordance with the present invention , two conditions described below should be satisfied . a mirror surface which is a reflecting surface for the primary electron beam is put near to a sample . fig3 shows an explanatory drawing on an optical condition ( optical condition a ) expectable the highest spatial resolution in measuring a potential utilizing the present invention . in the drawing , zc is an object point of an objective lens where a detector is positioned . if such arrangement as fig3 is employed , when focused on the detector , focusing is adjusted on the mirror surface as well . consequently , in calculating a potential of a sample from the condition with which focus offset is minimized on the detector , if the arrangement exhibited in fig3 is employed , the spatial resolution of measurement of a potential can be improved . here , a displacement amount reflected to the detector by variation of the potential of the sample is proportional to an open angle of the object point ( under the case focus offset by aberration is negligible ). therefore , if the open angle at the object point is made large , the detection sensitivity of variation of the potential of the sample improves . however , under the optical condition as exhibited in fig3 , velocity in the lateral direction is forcibly generated on the mirror surface . therefore , as the open angle of the primary beam is larger , the beam is reflected at a position ( a in fig4 ) which is higher than the mirror surface and the focus is offset at the detecting surface . consequently , even if the open angle is made large and measuring sensitivity of the potential of the sample is improved , the open angle cannot be made large because the focus offset attributable to the open angle as described above occurs . to solve the problem described above , an optical condition ( optical condition b ) as exhibited in fig5 can be employed . zc in the drawing is a crossover plane where a detector is positioned . then , the exciting amount of an objective lens is adjusted so that the inclination of the primary electron beam on the mirror surface becomes parallel with the light axis . if the electron beam is irradiated under the condition , any primary electron beam having any angle at the object point is incident perpendicular to the mirror surface , reflected at the potential surface of the same potential , and is converged to the same position on the detector . therefore , the sensitivity of measuring the potential can be improved because the open angle of the primary electron beam used for measurement can be enlarged . however , because the primary electron beam is widened spatially at the mirror surface , spatial resolution deteriorates . accordingly , if spatial resolution of measuring a potential is important , the potential can be measured by the optical condition a , and if measuring accuracy for the potential is important , the potential can be measured by the optical condition b . in addition , because the optical condition optimal for measurement of a potential using a mirror electron ( specifically , crossover position zc , booster voltage v b , retarding voltage v r , open angle of crossover plane α c , and deflection fulcrum z p ) and the optical condition optimal for observation do not coincide , it is preferable to measure switching the optical condition used in measurement of the potential and in observation . in measuring a potential in accordance with the present invention , if the detector is disposed above the deflector , the mirror electron is scanned on the detector by the influence of the deflector . therefore it is preferable to dispose the detector between the deflector and the objective lens in measuring a potential in accordance with the present invention . preferred embodiments in accordance with the present invention will be described below referring to the drawings . fig1 is an explanatory drawing of the outline of a scanning electron microscope . although the explanation below is made with an example of a scanning electron microscope ( sem ) wherein an electron beam is scanned on a sample , the application is by no means limited to it but possibly to other charged particle beam device as well such as a fib ( focused ion beam ) device , or the like . however , according to the polarity of the charge of the beam , it is necessary to vary the polarity of the voltage applied to the sample . in addition , fig1 explains only one embodiment of a scanned electron microscope , and the present invention can be applied to the scanned electron microscope with configuration other than that of fig1 in a range within the scope thereof . in a scanning electron microscope explained in fig1 , extraction voltage is applied between the field emission negative electrode 11 and the extraction electrode 12 , and the primary electron beam is extracted . the primary electron beam 1 thus extracted is accelerated by the acceleration electrode 13 , and is subjected to converging by the condenser lens 14 and scanning deflection by the upper scanning deflector 21 and the lower scanning deflector 22 . the deflection intensity of the upper scanning deflector 21 and the lower scanning deflector 22 has been adjusted to allow two - dimensionally scanning on the sample 23 with the lens center of the objective lens 17 as a fulcrum . the primary electron beam 1 deflected is further subjected to acceleration by rear stage accelerating voltage 19 in the acceleration cylinder 18 disposed in the passage of the objective lens 17 . the primary electron beam 1 rear stage accelerated is converged by lens action of the objective lens 17 . the cylindrical electrode 20 is grounded and forms an electric field between the acceleration cylinder 18 for accelerating the primary electron beam 1 . the electron such as the secondary electron emitted from the sample or the backscatter electron is accelerated in the direction reverse to the irradiation direction of the primary electron beam 1 by the negative voltage ( hereafter referred also to as retarding voltage ) applied to the sample and by the electric field formed in the gap with the acceleration cylinder 18 , and is detected by the detector 29 . the electron detected by the detector 29 is synchronized with the scanning signal supplied to the scanning deflector and is displayed on an image display device not shown . also , the image obtained is stored in a frame memory not shown . further , the current or the voltage supplied or applied to each constituting element of the scanning electron microscope shown in fig1 may be controlled by a control device arranged separate from the main body of the scanning electron microscope . a method for measuring a potential of a sample using an electron beam will be described below . a flowchart of the present embodiment is shown in fig6 . also , an outline of a charging control device is shown in fig8 . in the step s 1 , judgment is made whether the reference function fr of the acquisition condition to be compensated this time has been stored or not in the reference function record part 102 . if there is no reference data required for the compensation this time in the record part 102 , the reference sample or the uncharged sample is made a mirror state in the step s 100 in the loop 1 with the condition stored in the acquisition condition record part 103 being set , and the displacement amount or the magnification against v r is detected by a feature amount arithmetic unit 101 in the step s 120 . the reference function fr obtainable by function fitting using the obtained displacement amount or the magnification is obtained in the step s 130 , and is stored in the reference function record part 102 in the step s 140 . when the reference function fr has been obtained in the loop 1 or there already is the reference function fr in the step 1 , the acquisition condition is read out from the acquisition condition record part 103 by the step s 100 of the loop 2 after charging of the sample , and the mirror state is set . in the step s 110 , the displacement amount or the magnification is detected against v r by a plurality of numbers using the feature amount arithmetic unit 101 . in the step s 130 , the potential of the sample v s is derived from the feature amount and the number of references fm obtained by the potential arithmetic unit 104 . in the step s 150 , the compensated value of the exciting current i obj is calculated based on the potential of the sample obtained using the focus current control device 105 , and the exciting amount of the objective lens is adjusted . according to the present invention , the focus control can be performed by measuring the potential of the charged sample by the non - contact electron beam and compensating the exciting current . with this configuration , the focus control in observing an insulated sample can be performed in a short time and without variation in the sample condition . though the present embodiment is to derive the potential of the sample using the relation between the retarding potential v r and the displacement amount or the magnification and to perform the focus control by adjusting the exciting current i obj , even if the optical parameters ( retarding potential v r and the exciting current i obj ) shown above are replaced with other optical parameters , similar effect is expectable . a flowchart of the second embodiment is shown in fig7 . also , an outline of a charging control device is shown in fig8 . in the step s 1 , judgment is made whether the reference function fr of the acquisition condition to be compensated this time has been stored or not in the reference function record part 102 . if there is no reference data required for the compensation this time in the record part 102 , the reference sample or the uncharged sample is made a mirror state in the step s 100 in the loop 1 with the condition stored in the acquisition condition record part 103 being set , and the displacement amount or the magnification against v r is detected by a feature amount arithmetic unit 101 in the step s 120 . the reference function fr obtainable by function fitting using the obtained displacement amount or the magnification is obtained in the step s 130 , and is stored in the reference function record part 102 in the step s 140 . when the reference function fr has been obtained in the loop 1 or there already is the reference function fr in the step 1 , the acquisition condition is read out from the acquisition condition record part 103 by the step s 100 of the loop 2 after charging of the sample , and the mirror state is set . in the step s 110 , the displacement amount or the magnification is detected against v r by a plurality of numbers using the feature amount arithmetic unit 101 . in the step s 130 , the potential of the sample v s is derived from the feature amount and the number of references fm obtained by the potential arithmetic unit 104 . in the step s 160 , the compensated value of the deflection current i scan is calculated based on the potential of the sample obtained using the deflection current control device 105 , and the deflection amount is adjusted . according to the present embodiment , the magnification control can be performed by measuring the potential of the charged sample by the non - contact electron beam and compensating the exciting current . though the present embodiment is to derive the potential of the sample using the relation between the retarding potential v r and the displacement amount or the magnification and to perform the magnification control by adjusting the deflection current i scan , even if the optical parameters ( retarding potential v r ) shown above are replaced with other optical parameters , similar effect is expectable . in addition , feedback to the magnification of the obtained image may be performed . it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications , combinations , sub - combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof .
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the structure and method of fabrication of the present invention is applicable to a housing , said housing preferably fabricated from a right angle cylinder . the housing may be constructed from a plastic material , such plastic material being rigid or semi - rigid polyethylene , polypropylene , or the like , said housing contains a dentifrice and is constructed to be impervious to same when unbroken . the housing may be transparent or opaque -- as desired . the housing should have a length of approximately an inch and a half to three and a half inches , with a diameter of approximately one - sixteenth of an inch to three - sixteenths of an inch , o . d . the central regions of the housing , approximately mid - way between its two ends , should be deformed so as to define a depression therein extending radially inwardly from its outermost walls . disposed within a cavity formed by the housing is an elastomeric - like material , such as ethylene propylene copolymer , such as vistalon 404 , manufactured by exxon chemical co . of houston , tex ., u . s . a ., or ethylene - vinyl acetate copolymers , such as elvax , a product of the dupont company , wilmington , del ., u . s . a ., or low density polyethylene elastomer compounds , equivalent to heisler compound hc5201 , a product of heisler compounding division , container corporation of america , wilmington , del ., u . s . a . such materials are noted to have a capability of being manually extensible when opposing forces are applied at opposite ends of its length . a dentifrice is also disposed within the housing . at some point in the stretching process , such tended exposed material reaches a maximum length , having then a foreshortened diameter . the ability to continuously stretch such material is limited , such that the material achieves a much greater tensile strength at the time it reaches its maximum elongation , greater than its original tensile strength . the same material will not revert back to its original thicker configuration when the tensioning forces are released . i have fabricated test samples of these materials and note that such materials tend to remain adhered to the interior of completely filled plastic housings , in the regions adjacent the closed ends of the cylindrical housing , yet tend to stretch thinner in the central region adjacent to the weakened and broken portion of the housing . no adhesive is absolutely required to secure these stretchable elastomeric - like materials to the interior of any rigid housing , since the stretched portions thereof reach a maximum tensile strength point , prior to the time that the remaining unextended elastomeric - like material , attached to the housing portion , is separated away from the interior wall of each housing portion . in addition , when a housing having a rectangular cross - section is utilized , the central material will substantially produce a rectangular cross - section . in all cases , the ends of the central elastomeric - like material , having an equal or slightly smaller diameter than the internal diameter of the cavity , are secured to the sealed ends of each portion of the housing , which are disposed furthestmost from each other or are sealed at a point in each housing end , intermediate the draw hole and the closed end . in order to prevent slubbing , or the generation of non - uniform cross - sectional protuberences , and to increase tensile strength prior to a full extention of the elongatable material , one drawhole of relatively small diameter is formed adjacent each of the two broken opposed ends of the housing , compelling any slubs , generated within the housing -- to be further drawn down and to provide a cross - section of stronger extended material which is uniform and of lesser cross sectional dimensions , and to control the dispensing of the dentifrice . passing the elongatable material through the draw holes will cause some cross - linking and hence , an increased degree of tensile strength and a decrease in the further ability to stretch . as desired , dentifrice - like materials , such as flavorings , flourides and antiseptic materials may be admixed with the extrudate and allowed to admix or attach to the elastomeric material prior to its use . the well - known process of surface bonding provides &# 34 ; cells &# 34 ; into which dentifrice - like material may be stored and thus made available when the elastomeric material is passed outwardly from its cavity . in addition , the present invention can be fabricated -- if desired -- by coaxial concurrent extrusion techniques . if such be the case , an adhesive , as desired , can be included upon the interior wall of the housing , so as to further assist in the drawing down the elongation process within the housing . the adhesive can be applied to the wall of the housing , as part of the extrusion process or to the exterior of the elastomeric - like material . in such case , the dentifrice would be mixed with the elastomeric material . in another mode of manufacture , the elastomeric - like material may be prefabricated from one or more monofilaments and passed through the extruder , in unextended form , so as to be extruded and formed as part of the outer housing , when it is extruded . such monofilaments may be of initially large diameter , or a combination of monofilaments twisted together or running parallel together , any of which to be drawn down by the single minor drawhole located adjacent the broken portion of each of the ends of the housing . in this manner , the central - most elastomeric - like material , above described , may be preformed and then drawn down to the appropriate size . dentifrice - like materials may include flavorings , such as polyiff no . 16924 - 00349 ™ made by international flavors and fragrances , inc ., new york city , n . y ., u . s . a ., which may be impregnated into or about the exterior surface of the central - most elastomeric - like material . similarly , liquids , liquid dentifrice - like materials , such as water based compounds mixed with sorbitol , glycerin , cefyipyridirium chloride , polysorbates , and flavorings and colorings , may be utilized as a liquid , as desired . gel - like dentifrices , similar to toothpastes , comprising carbopol , sodium lauryl sulfate , keltrol , sodium hydroxide , sodium saccharin , oils , flavorings , colorings , and preservatives , may be utilized as the dentifrice , as desired . alternatively , simple imitation flavorings , such as cinnamon , may be employed to impart a pleasant taste upon the application of the elongated elastomeric - like material into the user &# 39 ; s mouth . medicaments , utilized alone , or in combination with the foregoing , such as fluoride compounds , other well - known antiseptics , talcs , and lubricants , may be utilized as the dentifrice - like material . now referring to the figures , and more particularly to the embodiment illustrated in fig1 showing housing 10 with portions 12 and 14 separated by perforation 15 in the central region of housing 10 . ends 16 and 18 are closed off so as to totally contain elastomeric - like material 20 thereinbetween . material 20 is admixed to carry a dentifrice - like material . when the apparatus in fig1 is broken , as is shown in fig2 open ends 22 and 24 are disposed opposite each other , whilst material 20 is still engaged within housing ends 12 and 14 , in its original shape , excepting in regions 26 and 28 where the extending process has begun . monofilament - like material 30 is shown opposite intermediate broken ends 22 and 24 and is illustrated having slubs 32 and 34 , of larger diameter , which slubs are difficult to remove and create a nuisance in the process of utilizing extended portion 30 in a dental floss - like apparatus . fig3 illustrates housing 36 comprising ends 38 and 40 . as in fig1 oppositemost ends 42 and 43 are closed , so as to form sharpened ends which are suitable as a toothpick - like device , if desired . contained with housing 36 , in the cavity 46 is elastomeric - like material 44 . region 50 is collapsed inwardly , so as to provide for a narrow passageway 52 communicating between housing ends 38 and 40 . region 48 describes the radially inwardly extending region of the housing about passageway 52 . fig4 illustrates the apparatus shown in fig3 when broken adjacent its midregion 50 , so as to form broken housing portions 36a and 36b . drawhole 54 is shown formed in housing 36a , opposite and adjacent drawhole 56 , similarly formed in housing 36b . elastomeric - like material 44 , on being tensioned in the direction of arrow 58 , has its rightmost end pulled away from interior wall portion 60 of housing 36a . if desired , a layer of adhesive 62 can be formed on the interior wall of housing 36a , to insure a better grasp between elastomeric - like material 44 to housing end 36a . in similar fashion , though not shown , an adhesive may be utilized on the exterior portion of elastomeric - like material portion 46 to secure the interior of housing 36b . slubs 64 are drawn down to a uniform thickness exposed portion 66 . similarly , drawhole 56 is positioned opposite drawhole 54 , and is useful in drawing down , in a uniform fashion , extended material 68 , eminating from the elastomeric - like material 46 found in housing 36b . fig5 illustrates one half of the apparatus shown in fig4 shown in another embodiment . the left - hand housing portion 36a is illustrated showing a thick elastomeric - like material 70 relative to the diameter of drawhole 54a . extended material 66a is shown as having been formed by passing through drawhole 54a . it should be noted that end 72 , of elastomeric . like material 70 is secured to housing 36a , intermediate portions of the housing forming end 42a and drawhole 54a . in this particular embodiment , elastomeric - like material 70 is not adhered to the interior walls of housing 36a , and certainly no adhesive , such as 62 shown in fig4 is required . fig5 may utilize either the same admixed elastomeric - like material or , as shown , utilize the dentifrice - like material 94 covering or adhering to the surface of elastomeric material 70 , before and after the elastomeric - like material is partially withdrawn from the housing 96 . fig6 illustrates elastomeric - like material 70 , as shown in fig5 having a uniform large cross - section . fig7 & amp ; 7a illustrate a multistranded monofilament 74 in combination , being of rope - like construction , shown in cross - section utilizable instead of unitary material 70 , shown in fig5 . cells 98 are shown depicting blown openings in elastomeric - like material 70 , in which the dentifrice - like material 94 is stored . alternately , elastomeric - like material 70 may be admixed with dentifrice - like material , as in fig1 if desired . in this embodiment , and applicable to the embodiment shown in fig5 liquid - like or gel - like dentifrice material 104 is carried within housing 78 , and is free for dispensation covering or simultaneously admixing with extrudate 88 upon the extrusion of extrudable material 88 outwardly from housing 84 . the interior of housings 12 , 14 , 36 , 36a , 36b , 38 , 40 , and 78 may be coated with a non - porous , impervious coating or fabricated from a non - porous , impervious material to eliminate or control evaporation and spoilage , prior to use . fig8 & amp ; 8a comprise monofilaments 76 , similarly prefabricated prior to the extrusion process . monofilaments 76 extend parallel to one another when enclosed within housing ends 36a and 36b . monofilaments 76 may have cells 102 thereon , similar to cells 98 , carrying dentifrice - like material 94 . fig9 illustrates another embodiment of the invention shown in side elevation , cross - sectional view in which half a portion of the housing 78 is shown having closed end 80 . closed end 80 may , if desired for cosmetic purposes , be sealed in a tapered fashion , not shown , so as to present a clean appearance and to be useful as a toothpick -- if so desired . depression area 82 is shown intermediate end 80 and end 84 of this embodiment . end 84 contains drawhole 86 from which stretched strongest elongatable material 88 emerges for use , carrying dentifrice 106 , previously stored in housing 78 , and identified as 104 therein . the depressed area 82 is used as a technique to secure a portion of monofiliment 90 to handle housing end 78 , without employing an adhesive therefor . another great advantage of this embodiment is that only a coated portion 92 of elongatable material 90 can be permitted to be extended . the length of tensile material 88 is controlled by the bulk of unextended material 92 or , in other words , the distance separating depression 82 and drawhole 86 . it should be remembered that the process which closes ends 42 and 43 , shown in fig3 and 4 , utilizes a heat and pressure application , in a technique well known in the art . similarly , the circular inward depression 48 , shown in fig3 is formed utilizing pressure with or without heat , so as to result in draw down holes 54 and 56 and a region of the housing which is defined to be broken . one of the advantages of the present invention is a one - time use dentifrice - carrying dental flossing device which does not require manual manipulation of the dental floss - like material , as by contacting same with the user &# 39 ; s hand , prior to its use . another advantage of the present invention is a dentifrice - carrying dental floss - like housing which housing maintains the flossing material in a clean , safe and undisturbed condition following its initial manufacture , which permits the user to easily and quickly make a clean dental floss - like material readily available for use . still another advantage of the present invention is an inexpensive dentifrice storage device , using a dental flossing device which in of itself , may be carried about , from place to place , such that the integrity of the cleanliness of the dental floss and dentifrice is not harmed prior to the time in which the user elects to utilize same . yet another advantage of the present invention is a dentifrice and dental flossing device which is simple to manufacture , convenient in its use , rugged in its construction , and which may bear advertising or other descriptive material directly thereupon . a further advantage of the present invention is overcoming the objectional concept of requiring users to put their fingers into their mouths when utilizing a dental floss - like device . still yet another advantage of the present invention is avoiding the need for the user to wind the dental floss about their fingers , prior to the use thereof . still a further advantage of the present invention is utilizing a dental floss - like material which reaches a uniform cross - section at its elongated length , which will not extend further , whilst having a uniform cross - section throughout its exposed length , thereby making it more convenient to utilize the apparatus . yet another advantage of the present invention is a dental floss device which dispenses dentifrice and dental floss - like material , without spoilage or evaporation prior to use . the present invention utilizes a housing of any desired shape . the housing includes a cavity . within the cavity there resides an elastomeric - like material which stretches and when reaching a certain length , increases its tensile strength substantially , without possessing the characteristic of reverting to its initial cross - section or snapping back . as desired , such material may be admixed or coated with a dentifrice - like mixture or simply containing said mixture . the cavity housing , defining the cavity , when broken about a weakened or defined portion , separates the cavity into two ends . opposite and adjacent these ends , and formed by the housing are two small draw down holes , whose cross - sectional dimensions are substantially smaller than the internal diameter of the housing . the elastomeric - like material is secured to the closed ends of the housing , located furthest most from each other and opposed from the draw down holes . the elastomeric - like material may be adhered to the sidewalls of the housing , either by the use of an adhesive or not , or may be formed from the elastomeric - like material having a cross - section equal to or somewhat smaller than the internal dimensions of the housing , or may be fabricated from pre - extruded monofilaments which are joined together either by twisting or running parallel to one another or simply having a cross - section whose dimensions are greater than the draw down holes formed at the location of the broken ends of the housing . in the case of the smaller diameter cross - section , the dentifrice may totally or partially fill the balance of the internal diameter of the housing . thus , there is disclosed in the above description and in the drawings , an embodiment of the invention which fully and effectively accomplishes the objects thereof . however , it will become apparent to those skilled in the art , how to make variations and modifications to the instant invention . therefore , this invention is to be limited , not only by the specific disclosure herein , but by the appending claims .
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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 , wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elements throughout . the embodiments are described below in order to explain the present invention by referring to the figures . fig2 schematically illustrates transmitting and receiving data to and from adjacent ips , based on a code division method according to an embodiment of the present invention . in particular , fig2 shows a star topology where at least two ips share one switch . for example , in fig2 , 16 ips ip 1 , ip 2 , ip 3 , . . . , ip 16 share one switch . each ip is assigned to its own address . hereinafter , the assigned ip address and ip ( ) will be used with the same meaning throughout the specification . each ip is assigned with an orthogonal code . the following & lt ; table 1 & gt ; lists ips and their assigned orthogonal codes . each ip stores the data shown in & lt ; table 1 & gt ;. the address of an ip generating data to be transferred is called “ source address ,” and the address of an ip where data is eventually transmitted is called “ destination address .” for instance , it is assumed that ip ( 0 ) generated data to be transferred to ip ( 3 ), and ip ( 6 ) generated data to be transferred to ip ( 9 ). the ip ( 0 ) spreads the data employing an orthogonal code assigned to the ip ( 3 ). then , the ip ( 0 ) transfers the spread data to the shared switch “ s ”. similarly , the ip ( 6 ) spreads the data employing an orthogonal code assigned to the ip ( 9 ), and later transfers the spread data to the switch . the switch adds the transferred data , and broadcasts them to adjacent ips . that is , the switch transfers the data being added to ip ( 0 ) to ip ( 15 ). using the assigned orthogonal codes , the ip ( 0 ) to ip ( 15 ) despread the transferred data . performing the despreading process , the ip ( 3 ) receives data from the ip ( 0 ), and the ip ( 9 ) receives data from the ip ( 6 ), respectively . therefore , the code division method makes it possible for the switch to transmit a lot of data at the same point . fig3 illustrates a data switching process based on the code division method . in particular , fig3 illustrates an noc constructed of 16 ips . the noc based on code division will now explained in detail with reference to fig3 . a spreader 300 receives data and an ip for transferring the data . the spreader 300 also receives an orthogonal code assigned to the ip for transferring the data . in other words , the spreader 300 receives an orthogonal code out of w ( 0 ) to w ( 15 ), which is specially assigned to the ip for transferring the data . then , the spreader 300 spreads the data by using the orthogonal code , and transfers it to an adder 310 . the other spreaders 302 to 304 also perform the same process as the spreader 300 . the adder 310 adds the transferred data and transfers them to the despreaders 320 to 324 . the despreader 320 despreads the transferred data by using its assigned orthogonal code w ( 0 ), and transfers it to an accumulator 330 . then , the accumulator 330 accumulates the transferred data . in such a manner , the despreader 322 despreads the transferred data by using its assigned orthogonal code w ( 1 ), and transfers it to an accumulator 332 . then , the accumulator 332 accumulates the transferred data . the despreader 324 despreads the transferred data by using its assigned orthogonal code w ( 15 ), and transfers it to an accumulator 334 . then , the accumulator 334 accumulates the transferred data . by checking the accumulated data in the accumulators 330 to 334 , a user is able to find out whether the data have been received . the data is transmitted to the ip that uses the same orthogonal code as the one used by the spreader , and if the ip uses a different orthogonal code from the one used by the spreader , the ip cannot receive the data . this is because of the nature of the orthogonal code having no correlation between codes . one drawback of the star topology - based structure illustrated in fig2 is that the length of orthogonal code assigned to each ip increases in proportion to the number of ips . to overcome this problem , a suggestion is made to assign an orthogonal code to the noc having the net topology - based structure shown in fig1 , in order to transfer data . as depicted in fig1 , each switch can set a routing path with up to four adjacent switches . the following will , therefore , explain how to assign an orthogonal code according to each path as shown in fig2 . fig4 illustrates assigning an orthogonal code according to each path , according to an embodiment of the present invention . as described above , a switch in the net topology - based structure can set a routing path with up to four adjacent switches . therefore , four orthogonal codes are required for the noc having the net topology - based structure . at this time , the number of orthogonal codes is maintained constant regardless of the increase in the number of ips . the following & lt ; table 2 & gt ; illustrates allocated orthogonal codes per path ( direction , output port ). as shown in the & lt ; table 2 & gt ;, the orthogonal code has a fixed length no matter how many ips exist . each switch included in the noc stores the same data as shown in the & lt ; table 2 & gt ;. described next is a method for transmitting data from an ip having a source address to an ip having a destination address , on the basis of the & lt ; table 2 & gt ;. fig5 is a flowchart illustrating the operations conducted by the switch of the present invention . with concurrent reference to fig4 and 5 , there are four ports , each port with a despreader for despreading data by using its assigned orthogonal code . the switch performs operations as follows . first , the switch determines whether there is data to be transmitted at operation s 500 . if the data to be transmitted has been generated , the switch proceeds with the next operation . however , if the data to be transmitted has not been generated , the switch does not proceed with the next operation but instead repeats operation s 500 . in operation 502 , the switch compares the destination address included in the received data with its own address . if it turns out that the destination address is in coincidence with its own address ( i . e ., the same ), the switch proceeds with operation 504 , but if the addresses are not coincident with each other , the switch proceeds with operation 506 . in operation 504 , the switch transfers the transmitted data to an ip connected to the switch . in operation 506 , the switch calculates a value “ a .” the “ a ” can be obtained from the following & lt ; equation 1 & gt ;, using source address and “ n ” values . hereinafter , the address of an ip connected to the switch conducting the procedure of fig5 will be referred to as the “ source address ,” while the address of an ip that actually generated data to be transferred will be referred to as an “ original source address .” in equation 1 , % indicates a modulo operation . for example , provided that the source address is 2 and n equals to 4 , a = 2 % 4 = 2 . after obtaining the value , the switch sets a routing path ( port ) of the data being generated at operation s 508 . this operation will be explained below in more detail . then , the switch spreads the data by using an orthogonal code assigned to the port at operation s 510 . the spread data is transferred to four ports of the switch at operation s 512 . each port despreads the transferred data by using its assigned orthogonal code at operation s 514 . lastly , each port transfers the despread data to adjacent switches at operation s 516 . as described above with reference to fig5 , the switch includes one spreader and four despreaders . data spreading is performed by the spreader built in the switch , and data despreading is respectively performed by those four ports disposed outside the switch . therefore , the switch transmits data to only one port out of the four . that is , only the port using the same orthogonal code with the one used by the spreader transmits the data . the data from the port includes information about the original source address and the destination address . fig6 illustrates a procedure for setting a routing path of data according to an embodiment of the present invention . at first , a switch obtains a difference ( b ) of the destination address ( dst ) and the source address ( src ) ( s 600 ). for example , provided that the source address is 2 and the destination address is 9 , b = 9 − 2 = 7 . then , the switch determines whether a condition 1 ≦ b ≦( n − 1 - a ) is satisfied at operation s 602 . if the condition is satisfied , the switch proceeds with the next operation 604 , but if the condition is not satisfied , the switch proceeds with the operation 606 . in operation 604 , the switch sets a routing path of the data to the right side ( east ). the switch determines whether a condition b ≦( n − a ) is satisfied at operation 606 . if the condition is satisfied , the switch proceeds with operation 608 , but if not , the switch proceeds with operation 610 . in operation 608 , the switch sets the routing path of data to downward ( south ). in operation 610 , the switch determines whether a condition − a ≦ b ≦− 1 is satisfied . if the condition is satisfied , the switch proceeds with operation 612 , but if not , the switch proceeds with operation 614 . in operation 612 , the switch sets the routing path of data to the left side ( west ). the switch sets the routing path of data to upward ( north ) at operation 614 . for example , it is assumed that the source address is 2 and the destination address is 9 , and n = 4 . then , the switch sets the routing path of data to downward ( south ). therefore , the switch spreads the data by using an orthogonal code assigned to the south , and the spread data is transferred to those four ports , respectively . each port despreads the transmitted data . in this manner , only the port in the south can generate data and transfer the data . although it is assumed that data is transmitted and received in the embodiments of fig5 and 6 , there are some cases where at least two data having different destination addresses are generated in the switch . if this is the case , the switch performs the procedures of fig5 and 6 on each data . to this end , the switch should spread each data at the same point . this explains why the number of data packets and the number of spreaders should be same . for instance , it is assumed that the routing path of a first data is directed to the east and the routing path of a second data is directed to the south . in this case , the switch spreads the first data by using an orthogonal code assigned to the east , and spreads the second data by using an orthogonal code assigned to the south . the switch then adds the spread data and transfers them to those four ports . each port despreads the transmitted data , respectively . performing the despreading process , the port of the east generates the first data , and the port of the south generates the second data . thusly generated data are transferred to adjacent switches , respectively . fig7 illustrates the operation performed by the switch of an embodiment of the present invention . in fig3 , the ip performed the data spreading and despreading processes , but in fig7 , the switch performs the data spreading and despreading processes . since the switch can receive data from four ports , it has four spreaders , as shown in fig7 . each port includes an input port and an output port . the data input to at least one input port is transferred to a routing path setting unit 700 . although in this embodiment the routing path setting unit 700 receives data from the four input ports , the number of input ports transferred to the routing path setting unit 700 can be varied , depending on the soc . the routing path setting unit 700 uses the destination address included in the transferred data and its own address to determine an output port where the data needs to be transferred . if the destination address and its own address are same , the switch transfers the transferred data to the ir the procedure involved in the determination of the output port by the routing path setting unit 700 is similar to the procedure described referring to fig4 . if an output port 1 is chosen , the routing path setting unit 700 transfers the data to a spreader 710 . in such a manner , if an output port 2 is chosen , the routing path setting unit 700 transfers the data to a spreader 712 . if an output port 3 is chosen , the routing path setting unit 700 transfers the data to a spreader 714 . lastly , if an output port 4 is chosen , the routing path setting unit 700 transfers the data to a spreader 716 . the spreader 710 spreads the transferred data by using an orthogonal code w 0 and transfers it to the adder 720 . in such a manner , the spreader 712 spreads the transferred data by using an orthogonal code w 1 , and transfers it to the adder 720 . the spreader 714 spreads the transferred data by using an orthogonal code w 2 , and transfers it to the adder 720 . lastly , spreader 716 spreads the transferred data by using an orthogonal code w 3 , and transfers it to the adder 720 . then , the adder 720 performs the adding process on the spread data . after adding the data , the adder 720 transfers the data to the despreaders 730 to 736 , respectively . the despreader 730 despreads the transferred data by using the orthogonal code w 0 , and transfers it to an accumulator 740 . similarly , the despreader 732 despreads the transferred data by using the orthogonal code w 1 , and transfers it to an accumulator 742 . also , the despreader 734 despreads the transferred data by using the orthogonal code w 2 , and transfers it to an accumulator 744 . lastly , the despreader 736 despreads the transferred data by using the orthogonal code w 3 , and transfers it to an accumulator 746 . after accumulating the data , each of the accumulators 740 to 746 transfers the data to adjacent switches via a corresponding output port . every output port can output data , but only the output port ( s ) chosen by the routing path setting unit 700 actually outputs data . for example , if the routing path setting unit 700 chooses the output port 0 and the output port 1 , only the output ports 0 and 1 output data . in conclusion , the code division - based routing setting can be advantageously used for reducing the size of the buffer included in the switch . moreover , by setting the data routing path by using the orthogonal code , it is possible to shorten transmission time . therefore , no matter how many ips are used for constructing the soc , the orthogonal code can be maintained at constant length . 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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a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is provided with reference to the figures . fig1 shows two components 10 , 11 connected with an interconnection medium , referred to as link 12 . one has a transmitter circuit 13 which drives symbols ( bits ) on link 12 in response to rising - edge timing events on the internal clkt signal 14 . this series of bits forms signal datat . the other has a receiver circuit 15 which samples symbols ( bits ) on link 12 in response to rising - edge timing events on the internal clkr signal 16 . this series of bits forms signal datar . fig2 illustrates the timing parameters , including the transmit clock clkt signal 14 on trace 20 , the transmitter signal datat on trace 21 , the receive clock clkr signal 16 on trace 22 , and the receiver signal datar on trace 23 . the transmitter eye 24 and the receiver eye 25 are also illustrated . the transmitter eye 24 is a window during which the signal datat is transmitted on the link . the receiver eye is a sampling window defined by the t s setup time and t h hold time which surround the clkr rising edge 35 , 36 and define the region in which the value of datar must be stable for reliable sampling . since the valid window of the datat signal is larger than this setup / hold sampling window labeled receiver eye 25 , the receiver has timing margin in both directions . the datat and datar signals are related ; datar is an attenuated , time - delayed copy of datat . the attenuation and time - delay occur as the signal wavefronts propagate along the interconnection medium of link 12 . the transmitter circuit 13 will begin driving a bit ( labeled “ a ”) no later than a time t q , max after a rising edge 30 of clkt , and will continue to drive it during transmitter eye 24 until at least a time t v , min after the next rising edge 31 . t q , max and t v , min are the primary timing parameters of the transmitter circuit 13 . these two values are specified across the full range of operating conditions and processing conditions of the communication channel . as a result , t q , max will be larger than t v , min , and the difference will represent the dead time or dead band 32 of the transmitter circuit 13 . the transmitter dead band 32 ( t dead , t ) is the portion of the bit timing window ( also called bit time or bit window ) that is consumed by the transmitter circuit 13 : the receiver circuit 15 will sample a bit ( labeled “ a ”) during the receiver eye 25 no earlier than a time t s , min before a rising edge 35 of clkr , and no later than a time t h , min after the rising edge 35 . t s , min and t h , min are the primary timing parameters of the receiver circuit . these two values are specified across the full range of operating conditions and processing conditions of the circuit . the sum of t s , min and t h , min will represent the dead time or dead band 37 , 38 of the receiver . the receiver dead band 37 , 38 ( t dead , r ) is the portion of the bit timing window ( also called bit time or bit window ) that is consumed by the receiver circuit : in this example , the bit timing window ( receiver eye 25 ) is one t cycle minus the t dead , t and t dead , r values , each of which is about ⅓ of one t cycle in this example . fig3 shows two components 100 ( transmit component ) and 101 ( receive component ) connected with an interconnection medium referred to as link 102 . the link is assumed to carry signals in one direction only ( unidirectional ), so one component 100 has a transmitter circuit 103 coupled to a data source 110 labeled “ normal path ,” and one component 101 has a receiver circuit 104 coupled to a destination 111 labeled “ normal path ”. there are additional circuits present to permit periodic adjustment of the drive point and sample point in between periods of normal system operation . these adjustments compensate for changes in the system operating conditions . the transmitter component includes a block 105 labeled “ pattern ”, which can consist of pattern storage or pattern generation circuitry , and which is used as a source of transmit calibration patterns . a multiplexer block 106 labeled “ mux ,” implemented for example using a logical layer ( by which the normal data path may act as a source of calibration patterns and , for example , a virtual switch is implemented by time multiplexing normal data and calibration patterns ) or physical layer switch , enables the transmit calibration pattern set to be driven onto the link by the transmitter circuit . the transmitter drive point can be adjusted by the block 107 labeled “ adjust ”. a sideband communication channel 113 is shown coupled between the component 101 and the component 100 , by which the results of analysis of received calibration patterns at the component 101 are supplied to the adjust block 107 of the component 100 . the receiver component 101 includes a block 108 labeled “ pattern ”, which can consist of pattern storage or pattern generation circuitry , and which is used as a source of expected patterns . a block 109 labeled “ compare ” enables the received pattern set to be compared to the expected pattern set , and causes an adjustment to be made to either the transmitter or receiver . the receiver sample point can be adjusted by the block 112 labeled “ adjust ”. fig4 shows two components 100 , 101 connected with a unidirectional link 102 , in which components of fig3 are given like reference numerals . in the embodiment of fig4 , only the receiver sample point can be adjusted ; the transmitter drive point remains fixed during system operation . thus , there is no adjust block 107 in the component 100 , nor is there a need for sideband communication channel 113 of fig4 . fig5 shows two components 100 , 101 connected with a unidirectional link 102 , in which components of fig3 are given like reference numerals . in the embodiment of fig5 , only the transmitter drive point can be adjusted ; the receiver sample point remains fixed during system operation . thus , there is no adjust block 112 in the component 101 of fig5 . in general , periodic timing calibration can be performed on all three examples , since timing variations due to condition drift can be compensated at either the transmitter end or the receiver end . in practice , it is cheaper to put the adjustment circuitry at only one end of the link , and not at both ends , so systems of fig4 or 5 would have an advantage . also , it should be noted that system of fig4 does not need to communicate information from the “ compare ” block 109 in the receiver component 101 back to the transmitter component 100 , and thus might have implementation benefits over system of fig5 . fig6 shows the example from fig5 , and also includes the steps needed to perform a timing calibration update . ( step 601 ) suspend normal transmit and receive operations , by completing transactions in progress and preventing new ones from beginning , or by interrupting transactions that are in progress . ( step 602 ) change the drive point of the transmit component from the “ tx ” operation value ( used for normal operations ) to either the “ txa ” or “ txb ” edge value ( used for calibration operations ) in the “ adjust ” block . the “ tx ” operation value may be a simple average of “ txa ” and “ txb ,” i . e . a center value , or it may be another function of “ txa ” and “ txb ,” such as a weighted average . it may be necessary to impose a settling delay at this step to allow the new drive point to become stable . ( step 603 ) change “ mux ” block of the transmit component so that the “ pattern ” block input is enabled . ( step 604 ) a pattern set is created in the “ pattern ” block of the transmit component and is transmitted onto the “ link ” using the txa or txb drive point . ( step 605 ) the pattern set is received in the receive component . note that the sample point of the receiver is fixed relative to the reference clock of the system . ( step 606 ) the received pattern set is compared in the “ compare ” block to the expected pattern set produced by the “ pattern ” block in the receive component . the two pattern sets will either match or not match . as a result of this comparison ( and possibly other previous comparisons ) a pass or fail determination will be made . ( step 607 ) adjust either the “ txa ” or “ txb ” edge value in the transmit component as a result of the pass or fail determination . the “ tx ” operation value in the transmit component is also adjusted . this adjustment may only be made after a calibration sequence including transmission of two or more of calibration patterns has been executed , in order to ensure some level of repeatability . ( step 608 ) change the drive point of the transmitter from the “ txa ” or “ txb ” edge value ( used for calibration operations ) to “ tx ” operation value ( used for normal operations ) in the “ adjust ” block of the transmit component . it may be necessary to impose a settling delay at this step to allow the new drive point to become stable . ( step 609 ) change “ mux ” block of the transmit component so that the “ normal path ” input is enabled . fig7 includes the timing waveforms used by the calibration steps of fig6 for a system like that of fig5 . these timing waveforms are similar to those from fig2 , except that the drive point is adjusted to straddle the sampling window of the receiver in order to track the edges of the valid window of the transmitter . the “ adjust ” block in the transmit component maintains three values in storage : txa , tx , and txb . the tx value is the operation value used for normal operation . the txa and txb are the “ edge ” values , which track the left and right extremes of the bit window of the transmitter . typically , the tx value is derived from the average of the txa and txb values , but other relationships are possible . the txa and txb values are maintained by the calibration operations , which from time to time , and periodically in some embodiments , interrupt normal operations . in fig7 , the position of the rising edge of clkt has an offset of t phaset relative to a fixed reference ( typically a reference clock that is distributed to all components ). when the tx value is selected ( t phase ( tx ) in the middle trace 701 showing clkt timing waveform ) for operation , the rising edge 702 of clkt causes the datat window 703 containing the value “ a ” to be aligned so that the datar signal ( not shown but conceptually overlapping with the datat signal ) at the receiving component is aligned with the receiver clock , successfully received , and ideally centered on the receiver eye . when the txa value is selected ( t phase ( txa ) in the top trace 705 showing clkt timing waveform ), the rising edge of clkt is set to a time that causes the right edges of the datat window 706 ( containing “ a ”) and the receiver setup / hold window 710 ( shaded ) to coincide . the t s setup time and t h hold time surround the clkr rising edge , together define the setup / hold window 710 ( not to be confused with the receiver eye of fig2 ) in which the value of datar must be stable for reliable sampling around a given clkr rising edge 704 . since the datat window , and the resulting datar window , are larger than this setup / hold window 710 , the transmitter has timing margin . however , in the case shown on trace 705 with the transmit clock rising edge at offset t phase ( txa ) , all the timing margin is on the left side of the transmitter eye for the setup / hold window 710 , adding delay after the t q timing parameter . there is essentially no margin for the t v timing parameter in the trace 705 , so that the offset defines the left edge of the calibration window . the calibration process for txa will compare the received pattern set to the expected pattern set , and determine if they match . if they match ( pass ) then the txa value will be decremented ( the t phaset ( txa ) offset becomes smaller shifting the transmit window 706 to the left in fig7 ) or otherwise adjusted , so there is less margin for the t v timing parameter relative to the receiver window 710 . if they do not match ( fail ) then the txa value will be incremented ( the t phaset ( txa ) offset becomes larger shifting the transmit window 706 to the right in fig7 , or otherwise adjusted , so there is more margin for the t v timing parameter . as mentioned earlier , the results of a sequence including transmission of two or more calibration patterns may be accumulated before the txa value is adjusted . this would improve the repeatability of the calibration process . for example , the calibration pattern could be repeated “ n ” times with the number of passes accumulated in a storage element . if all n passes match , then the txa value is decremented . if any of the n passes does not match , then the txa value is determined to have reached the edge of the window and is incremented . in another alternative , after the nth pattern , the txa value could be incremented if there are fewer than n / 2 ( or some other threshold number ) passes , and decremented if there are n / 2 or more passes . when txa is updated , the tx value will also be updated . in this example , the tx value will updated by half the amount used to update txa , since tx is the average of the txa and txb values . if tx has a different relationship to txa and txb , the tx update value will be different . note that in some embodiments , the tx value will need slightly greater precision than the txa and txb values to prevent round - off error . in alternate embodiments , the tx value can be updated after pass / fail results of txa and txb values have been determined . in some cases , these results may cancel and produce no change to the optimal tx value . in other cases these results may be accumulated and the accumulated results used to determine an appropriate adjustment of the tx setting . according to this embodiment , greater precision of the tx setting relative to the txa and txb settings may not be required . when the txb value is selected ( t phaser ( txb ) in the bottom trace 707 showing a clkt timing waveform ) for calibration , the rising edge of clkt is set to a time that causes the left edge of the transmitter valid window 708 ( containing “ a ”) and the receiver setup / hold window 710 ( shaded ) to coincide . in this case with the transmit clock rising edge at t phaser ( txb ) , all the timing margin is on the right side of the transmit window 708 , providing more room than required by the t v timing parameter . this means that there will be essentially no margin for the t q timing parameter on the left side of the window 708 , defining the right edge of the calibration window . the calibration process will compare the received pattern set to the expected pattern set , and determine if they match . if they match ( pass ) then the txb value will be incremented ( the offset becomes larger ) or otherwise adjusted , so there is less margin for the t q timing parameter . if they do not match ( fail ) then the txb value will be decremented ( the offset becomes smaller ) or otherwise adjusted , so there is more margin for the t q timing parameter . as mentioned earlier , the results of transmission of two or more calibration patterns may be accumulated before the txb value is adjusted . for example , transmission of the patterns could be repeated “ n ” times with the number of passes accumulated in a storage element . after the nth sequence the txb value could be decremented if there are fewer than n / 2 passes and incremented if there are n / 2 or more passes . this would improve the repeatability of the calibration process . when txb is updated , the tx value will also be updated . in this example , the tx value will updated by half the amount used to update txb , since tx is the average of the txa and txb values . if tx has a different relationship to txa and txb , the tx update value will be different . note that the tx value will need slightly greater precision than the txa and txb values if it is desired to prevent round - off error . fig8 shows the example from fig4 , and also includes the steps needed to perform a timing calibration update . note that only steps ( block 802 ), ( block 807 ), and ( block 808 ) are different relative to the steps in fig6 . ( step 801 ) suspend normal transmit and receive operations , by completing transactions in progress and preventing new ones from beginning , or by interrupting transactions that are in progress . ( step 802 ) change the sample point of the receive component from the “ rx ” operation value ( used for normal operations ) to either the “ rxa ” or “ rxb ” edge value ( used for calibration operations ) in the “ adjust ” block . the “ rx ” operation value may be a simple average of “ rxa ” and “ rxb ,” i . e . a center value , or it may be another function of “ rxa ” and “ rxb ,” such as a weighted average . it may be necessary to impose a settling delay at this step to allow the new sample point to become stable . ( step 803 ) change “ mux ” block of the transmit component so that the “ pattern ” block input is enabled . ( step 804 ) a pattern set is created in the “ pattern ” block of the transmit component and is transmitted onto the “ link ” using the txa or txb drive point . ( step 805 ) the pattern set is received in the receive component . note that the transmit point of the transmitter is fixed relative to the reference clock of the system . ( step 806 ) the received pattern set is compared in the “ compare ” block to the expected pattern set produced by the “ pattern ” block in the receive component . the two pattern sets will either match or not match . as a result of this comparison ( and possibly other previous comparisons ) a pass or fail determination will be made . ( step 807 ) adjust either the “ rxa ” or “ rxb ” edge value in the receive component as a result of the pass or fail determination . the “ rx ” operation value in the transmit component is also adjusted . this adjustment may only be made after two or more of these calibration sequences have been executed , in order to ensure some level of repeatability . ( step 808 ) change the sample point of the receiver from the “ rxa ” or “ rxb ” edge value ( used for calibration operations ) to “ rx ” operation value ( used for normal operations ) in the “ adjust ” block of the receive component . it may be necessary to impose a settling delay at this step to allow the new sample point to become stable . ( step 809 ) change “ mux ” block of the transmit component so that the “ normal path ” input is enabled . fig9 shows includes the timing waveforms used by the receiver calibration steps of fig8 for a system configured for example as shown in fig4 . these timing waveforms are similar to those from fig2 , except that the sampling point is adjusted within the bit window in order to track the edges of the window . the “ adjust ” block in the receive component maintains three values in storage : rxa , rx , and rxb . the rx value is the operation value used for normal operation . the rxa and rxb are the “ edge ” values , which track the left and right extremes of the bit window . typically , the rx value is derived from the average of the rxa and rxb values , but other relationships are possible . the rxa and rxb values are maintained by the calibration operations , which periodically or otherwise from time to time interrupt normal operations . in the timing diagrams , the position of the rising edge of clkr has an offset of t phaser relative to a fixed reference ( not shown , typically a reference clock that is distributed to all components ). this offset is determined by the rxa , rx , and rxb values that are stored . when the rx value is selected ( t phaser ( rx ) in the middle trace 901 showing a clkr timing waveform ) for use in receiving data , the rising edge 902 of clkr is approximately centered in the receiver eye of the datar signal containing the value “ a ”. the datar signal is the datat signal transmitted at the transmitter after propagation across the link , and can be conceptually considered to be the same width as datat as shown in fig9 . the receiver eye is shown in fig2 . the t s setup time is the minimum time before the clock clkr rising edge which must be within the datar window 903 , and the t h hold time is the minimum time after the clock clkr rising edge that must be within the datar window 903 , together defining the setup / hold window 904 ( not to be confused with the receiver eye of fig2 ) in which the value of datar must be stable for reliable sampling around a given clkr rising edge . since the valid window 904 of the datar signal is larger than this setup / hold window 904 , the receiver has timing margin in both directions . when the rxa value is selected ( t phaser ( rxa ) in the top trace 905 showing a clkr timing waveform ), the rising edge of clkr is approximately a time t s later than the left edge ( the earliest time ) of the datar window 903 containing the value “ a ”. in this case , the clkr rising edge is on the left edge of the receiver eye , and all the timing margin is on the right side of the setup / hold window 904 , providing more room than is required by the t h timing parameter . this means that there will be essentially no margin for the t s timing parameter , defining the left edge of the calibration window . the calibration process will compare the received pattern set to the expected pattern set , and determine if they match . if they match ( pass ) then the rxa value will be decremented ( the offset becomes smaller ) or otherwise adjusted , so there is less margin for the t s timing parameter . if they do not match ( fail ) then the rxa value will be incremented ( the offset becomes larger ) or otherwise adjusted , so there is more margin for the t s timing parameter . as mentioned earlier , the results of transmission and reception of two or more calibration patterns may be accumulated before the rxa value is adjusted . for example , the patterns could be repeated “ n ” times with the number of passes accumulated in a storage element . after the nth sequence the rxa value could be incremented if there are fewer than n / 2 passes and decremented if there are n / 2 or more passes . this would improve the repeatability of the calibration process . when rxa is updated , the rx value will also be updated . in this example , the rx value will updated by half the amount used to update rxa , since rx is the average of the rxa and rxb values . if rx has a different relationship to rxa and rxb , the rx update value will be different . note that in some embodiments , the rx value will need slightly greater precision than the rxa and rxb values to prevent round - off error . in alternate embodiments , the rx value can be updated after pass / fail results of rxa and rxb values have been determined . in some cases , these results may cancel and produce no change to the optimal rx value . in other cases these results may be accumulated and the accumulated results used to determine an appropriate adjustment of the rx setting . according to this embodiment , greater precision of the rx setting relative to the rxa and rxb settings may not be required . when the rxb value is selected ( t phaser ( rxb ) in the bottom trace 906 showing a clkr timing waveform ), the rising edge of clkr is approximately a time t h earlier than the right edge ( the latest time ) of the datar window 903 containing the value “ a ”. in this case , the clkr rising edge is on the right edge of the receiver eye , and all the timing margin is on the left side of the window 904 , providing more room that required by the t s timing parameter . this means that there will be essentially no margin for the t h timing parameter , defining the right edge of the calibration window . the calibration process will compare the received pattern set to the expected pattern set , and determine if they match . if they match ( pass ) then the rxb value will be incremented ( the offset becomes larger ) or otherwise adjusted , so there is less margin for the th timing parameter . if they do not match ( fail ) then the rxb value will be decremented ( the offset becomes smaller ) or otherwise adjusted , so there is more margin for the t h timing parameter . as mentioned earlier , the results of transmission and reception of two or more calibration patterns may be accumulated before the rxb value is adjusted . for example , the sequence could be repeated “ n ” times with the number of passes accumulated in a storage element . after the nth sequence the rxb value could be decremented if there are fewer than n / 2 passes and incremented if there are n / 2 or more passes . this would improve the repeatability of the calibration process . when rxb is updated , the rx value will also be updated . in this example , the rx value will updated by half the amount used to update rxb , since rx is the average of the rxa and rxb values . if rx has a different relationship to rxa and rxb , the rx update value will be different . note that the rx value will need slightly greater precision than the rxa and rxb values if it is desired to prevent round - off error . fig1 shows an example of a bidirectional link . in this case , component a ( 1000 ) and component b ( 1001 ) each contain a transmitter and receiver connected to the link , so that information may be sent either from a to b or from b to a . the elements of the unidirectional example in fig3 is replicated ( two copies ) to give the bidirectional example in fig1 . fig1 shows two bidirectional components 1000 , 1001 connected with an interconnection medium referred to as link 1002 . normal path 1010 acts as a source of data signals for normal operation of component 1000 during transmit operations . normal path 1031 acts as a destination of data signals for component 1000 , during normal receive operations . likewise , normal path 1030 acts as a source of data signals for normal operation of component 1001 during transmit operations . normal path 1011 acts as a destination of data signals for component 1001 , during normal receive operations . the first bidirectional component includes a block 1005 labeled “ pattern ”, which can consist of pattern storage or pattern generation circuitry , and which is used as a source of transmit calibration patterns . a multiplexer block 1006 labeled “ mux ,” implemented for example using a logical layer or physical layer switch , enables the transmit calibration pattern set to be driven onto the link by the transmitter circuit 1003 . the transmitter drive point can be adjusted by the block 1007 labeled “ adjust ”. a sideband communication channel 1013 is shown coupled between the component 1001 and the component 1000 , by which the results of analysis of received calibration patterns at the component 1001 are supplied to the adjust block 1007 of the component 1000 . component 1000 also has support for calibrating receiver 1024 , including a block 1028 labeled “ pattern ”, which can consist of pattern storage or pattern generation circuitry , and which is used as a source of expected patterns for comparison with received patterns . a block 1029 labeled “ compare ” enables the received pattern set to be compared to the expected pattern set , and causes an adjustment to be made to either the transmitter or receiver . the receiver sample point can be adjusted by the block 1032 labeled “ adjust ”. the second bidirectional component 1001 includes complementary elements supporting transmitter 1023 and receiver 1004 . for the receiver operations , a block 1008 labeled “ pattern ”, which can consist of pattern storage or pattern generation circuitry , and which is used as a source of expected patterns . a block 1009 labeled “ compare ” enables the received pattern set to be compared to the expected pattern set , and causes an adjustment to be made to either the transmitter or receiver . the receiver sample point can be adjusted by the block 1012 labeled “ adjust ”. the second bidirectional component 1001 supports transmission operations , with elements including a block 1025 labeled “ pattern ”, which can consist of pattern storage or pattern generation circuitry , and which is used as a source of transmit calibration patterns . a multiplexer block 1026 labeled “ mux ,” implemented for example using a logical layer or physical layer switch , enables the transmit calibration pattern set to be driven onto the link by the transmitter circuit 1023 . the transmitter drive point can be adjusted by the block 1027 labeled “ adjust ”. a sideband communication channel 1033 is shown coupled between the component 1000 and the component 1001 , by which the results of analysis of received calibration patterns at the component 1000 are supplied to the adjust block 1027 of the component 1001 . the example of fig1 allows both receive sample points and both transmit drive points to be adjusted . however , the benefit of adjustable timing can be realized if there is only one adjustable element in each direction . the example of fig1 ( using the same reference numerals as fig1 ) shows an example in which only the receiver sample points are adjustable . thus , elements 1007 and 1027 of fig1 are not included in this embodiment . this is equivalent to two copies of the elements of example in fig4 . the example of fig1 ( using the same reference numerals as fig1 ) shows an example in which only the transmitter drive points are adjustable . thus , elements 1012 and 1032 of fig1 are not included in this embodiment . this is equivalent to two copies of the elements of example in fig5 . the example of fig1 ( using the same reference numerals as fig1 ) shows an example in which the receiver sample point and transmitter drive point of the first bidirectional component 1000 are adjustable . thus , elements 1012 , 1008 , 1009 , 1027 , 1026 , 1025 are not included in this embodiment . a storage block 1050 is added between the receiver and a “ mux ” block 1051 . the “ mux ” block 1051 is used to select between a normal source of signals 1030 and the storage block 1050 . also , the compare block 1052 is used for analysis of both transmit and receive calibration operations , and is coupled to both the adjust block 1007 for the transmitter , and adjust block 1032 for the receiver . this alternative is important because all the adjustment information can be kept within one component , eliminating the need for sideband signals for the calibration process . if component 1001 were particularly cost sensitive , this could also be a benefit , since only one of the components must bear the cost of the adjustment circuitry . the calibration steps for bidirectional examples in fig1 , 11 and 12 can be essentially identical to the calibration steps already discussed for unidirectional examples in fig4 and 5 . however , the asymmetry in bidirectional example of fig1 will introduce some additional calibration steps , and will receive further discussion . fig1 shows the example from fig1 , and also includes the steps needed to perform a timing calibration update . ( step 1401 ) suspend normal transmit and receive operations , by completing transactions in progress and preventing new ones from beginning , or by interrupting transactions that are in progress . ( step 1402 ) change the drive point of the transmit component ( a ) from the “ tx ” operation value ( used for normal operations ) to either the “ txa ” or “ txb ” edge value ( used for calibration operations ) in the “ adjust ” block . it may be necessary to impose a settling delay at this step to allow the new drive point to become stable . ( step 1403 ) change “ mux ” block of the transmit component ( a ) so that the “ pattern ” block input is enabled . ( step 1404 ) a pattern set is created in the “ pattern ” block of the transmit component ( a ) and is transmitted onto the “ link ” using the txa or txb drive point . ( step 1405 ) the pattern set is received in the receive component ( b ). note that the sample point of the receiver is fixed relative to the reference clock of the system . the received pattern set is held in the “ storage ” block in component b . ( step 1406 ) the “ mux ” block input connected to the “ storage ” block in component b is enabled . the pattern set is re - transmitted onto the link by component b . ( step 1407 ) the pattern set is received by component a from the link . ( step 1408 ) the received pattern set is compared in the “ compare ” block to the expected pattern set produced by the “ pattern ” block in the receive component ( a ). the two pattern sets will either match or not match . as a result of this comparison ( and possibly other previous comparisons ) a pass or fail determination will be made . ( step 1409 ) adjust either the “ txa ” or “ txb ” edge value in the transmit component ( a ) as a result of the pass or fail determination . the “ tx ” operation value in the transmit component ( a ) is also adjusted . this adjustment may only be made after two or more of these calibration sequences have been executed , in order to ensure some level of repeatability . ( step 1410 ) change the drive point of the transmitter from the “ txa ” or “ txb ” edge value ( used for calibration operations ) to “ tx ” operation value ( used for normal operations ) in the “ adjust ” block of the transmit component ( a ). it may be necessary to impose a settling delay at this step to allow the new drive point to become stable . ( step 1411 ) change “ mux ” block of the transmit component ( a ) so that the “ normal path ” input is enabled . the calibration steps for bidirectional examples of fig1 , 11 , and 12 can be essentially identical to the calibration steps already discussed for unidirectional examples of fig4 and 5 . however , the asymmetry in bidirectional example of fig1 will introduce some additional calibration steps , and will receive further discussion . fig1 shows the example from fig1 , and also includes the steps needed to perform a timing calibration update . ( step 1501 ) suspend normal transmit and receive operations , by completing transactions in progress and preventing new ones from beginning , or by interrupting transactions that are in progress . ( step 1502 ) change the sample point of the receive component ( a ) from the “ rx ” operation value ( used for normal operations ) to either the “ rxa ” or “ rxb ” edge value ( used for calibration operations ) in the “ adjust ” block . it may be necessary to impose a settling delay at this step to allow the new drive point to become stable . ( step 1503 ) change “ mux ” block of the transmit component ( a ) so that the “ pattern ” block input is enabled . ( step 1504 ) a pattern set is created in the “ pattern ” block of the transmit component ( a ) and is transmitted onto the “ link ”. the normal transmit drive point is used . ( step 1505 ) the pattern set is received in the receive component ( b ). note that the sample point of the receiver is fixed relative to the reference clock of the system and is not adjustable . the received pattern set is held in the “ storage ” block in component b . ( step 1506 ) the “ mux ” block input connected to the “ storage ” block in component b is enabled . the pattern set is re - transmitted onto the link by component b . ( step 1507 ) the pattern set is received by component a from the link using either the rxa or rxb value to determine the receiver sample point . ( step 1508 ) the received pattern set is compared in the “ compare ” block to the expected pattern set produced by the “ pattern ” block in the receive component ( a ). the two pattern sets will either match or not match . as a result of this comparison ( and possibly other previous comparisons ) a pass or fail determination will be made . ( step 1509 ) adjust either the “ rxa ” or “ rxb ” edge value in the receive component ( a ) as a result of the pass or fail determination . the “ rx ” operation value in the receive component ( a ) is also adjusted . this adjustment may only be made after two or more of these calibration sequences have been executed , in order to ensure some level of repeatability . ( step 1510 ) change the sample point of the receiver from the “ rxa ” or “ rxb ” edge value ( used for calibration operations ) to “ rx ” operation value ( used for normal operations ) in the “ adjust ” block of the receive component ( a ). it may be necessary to impose a settling delay at this step to allow the new sample point to become stable . ( step 1511 ) change “ mux ” block of the transmit component ( a ) so that the “ normal path ” input is enabled . the bidirectional example in fig1 utilizes a storage block 1050 as part of the calibration process . there are a number of alternative options for implementing this storage , each option with its own costs and benefits . fig1 shows an option in which the storage block is implemented as part of the interface containing the transmit and receive circuits . this has the benefit that the circuitry used for normal operations ( the “ normal path ”) is not significantly impacted . the cost of this option is that the storage block will increase the size of the interface , and will thus increase the manufacturing cost of the component 1001 . fig1 and fig1 show why a storage block is needed for the implementations of example of fig1 . the storage allows the received pattern set in component 1001 to be held ( and delayed ) prior to being re - transmitted . fig1 shows a gap 1600 between the interval 1601 in which the pattern set is being transmitted by a ( and received by b ) and the interval 1602 in which the pattern set being transmitted by b ( and received by a ). if no storage was present , there would be a relatively small delay between the start of each these two intervals resulting in an overlap of the intervals , as shown in fig1 . in general , components on a bidirectional link are not allowed to transmit simultaneously , so some storage will be required with the configuration of fig1 to prevent this . it is possible to design the transmitter circuits and the link so that transmitters on both ends are enabled simultaneously . this is called simultaneous bidirectional signaling . in such a communication system , the storage block of configuration of fig1 could be left out of component 1001 . typically , simultaneous bidirectional signaling requires additional signal levels to be supported . for example , if each of two transmitters can be signaling a bit , there are four possible combinations of two transmitters simultaneously driving one bit each . the four combinations are { 0 / 0 , 0 / 1 , 1 / 0 , 1 / 1 }. typically the 0 / 1 and 1 / 0 combinations will produce the same composite signal on the link . this requires that the transmitter circuits be additive , so that three signal levels are produced { 0 , 1 , 2 }. the receiver circuits will need to discriminate between these three signal levels . a final requirement of simultaneous bidirectional signaling is that a component must subtract the value it is currently transmitting from the composite signal that it is currently receiving in order to detect the actual signal from the other component . when these requirements are in place , the storage block requirement can be dropped . this is one of the benefits of this approach . the cost of this approach is the extra design complexity and reduced voltage margins of simultaneous bidirectional signaling . fig1 shows option b in which the storage block is implemented from the storage elements 1801 , 1802 that are normally present in the transmit and receive circuits . these storage elements are typically present for pipelining ( delaying ) the information flowing on the normal paths . storage elements may also be present to perform serialization and deserialization . this would be required if the internal and external signal groups have different widths . for example , the external link could consist of a single differential wire pair carrying information at the rate or 3200 mb / s , and could connect to a set of eight single - ended internal wires carrying information at the rate of 400 mb / s . the information flow is balanced ( no information is lost ), but storage is still required to perform serial - to - parallel or parallel - to - serial conversion between the two sets of signals . this storage will create delay , which can be used to offset the two pattern sets in the option of fig1 . the benefit of this approach is that no extra storage must be added to component 1001 . the cost is that the wiring necessary to connect the receiver to a “ mux ” block in the transmitter may be significant . another cost is that the amount of storage naturally present in the receiver and transmitter may be relatively small , limiting the length of the pattern set which can be received and retransmitted with this approach . fig1 shows an option in which the storage block is implemented from the storage cells that are normally present in a memory core 1900 . in this option , component 1001 is assumed to be a memory component . in this case , the storage area 1901 , labeled “ region ”, is reserved for receiving the pattern set from component 1000 , and for retransmitting the pattern set back to component 1000 . this storage area may only be used by the calibration process , and should not be used by any normal application process . if this storage area were used by an application process , it is possible that application information could be overwritten by the pattern set information and thereby lost . the benefit of this approach is that no additional storage needs to be added to component 1001 ( and no special path from receiver to transmitter ). the cost of this approach is that a hole is created in the address space of the memory component . since most memory components contain a power - of - two number of storage cells , this may create a problem with some application processes , particularly if two or more memory components must create a contiguous memory address space ( i . e . with no holes ). fig2 shows an option in which the storage block is again implemented from the storage cells that are normally present in a memory core 1900 . in this option , component b is assumed to be a memory component . in this case , the storage area 1901 labeled “ region ” is reserved for receiving the pattern set from component 1000 , and for retransmitting the pattern set back to component 1000 . this storage area may only be used by the calibration process , and should not be used by any normal application process . unlike the option in fig1 , however , component 1000 adds a storage block 2001 , labeled “ cache ”, which emulates the storage capability of the storage area 1901 “ region ”. when a write is performed to the “ region ” of storage area 1901 , it is intercepted and redirected to the “ cache ” in storage 2001 . likewise , when a read is performed to the “ region ” of storage area 1901 , the read is intercepted and redirected , returning read data from “ cache ” via mux 2002 . in this way , the application processes see no hole in the memory address space . the benefit of this option is that no additional storage needs to be added to component 1001 ( and no special path from receiver to transmitter ). the cost of this approach is that a storage block 2001 “ cache ,” with address comparison logic to determine when the application is attempting to access the region 1901 , must be added to component 1000 , as well as the control logic and “ mux ” block 2002 needed to intercept read and write commands for component 1001 . fig2 shows an option in which the storage block is again implemented from the storage cells that are normally present in a memory core 1900 . in this option , component 1001 is assumed to be a memory component . in this case , the storage area 1901 labeled “ region ” is used for receiving the pattern set from component 1000 , and for retransmitting the pattern set back to component 1000 . this storage area 1901 may be used by both the calibration process and by the application processes , however . in order to ensure that the application processes are not affected by the periodic calibration process , a temporary storage block 2101 , labeled “ temp ”, is provided in component 1000 , along with a “ mux ” block 2102 for accessing it . when a calibration process starts , the contents of “ region ” are read and loaded into “ temp ” storage block 2101 . the calibration process steps may now be carried out using the storage area 1901 . when the calibration sequence has completed , the contents of “ temp ” storage block 2101 are accessed and written back to the “ region ” of storage area 1901 , and the application process allowed to restart . again , the application processes see no hole in the memory address space . the benefit of this option is that no additional storage needs to be added to component 1001 ( and no special path from receiver to transmitter ). the cost of this approach is that a storage block 2101 and the “ mux ” block 2102 must be added to component 1000 . the calibration process becomes longer , since a read operation must be added to the beginning , and a write operation must be added to the end , supporting the use of the “ temp ” storage block 2101 . fig2 shows an option in which the storage block is implemented from the latching sense amplifier circuit 2201 that is present in a memory component 1001 . latching sense amplifier circuit 2201 includes latches or other storage resources associated with sense amplifiers . most memory components use such a latching sense amplifier circuit 2201 to access and hold a row 2202 of storage cells from the memory core 1900 . read operations are then directed to the sense amplifier which temporarily holds the contents of the row of storage cells . write operations are directed to both the sense amplifier and to the row of storage cells so that the information held by these two storage structures is consistent . when another row of storage cells is to be accessed , the sense amplifier is precharged and reloaded with this different row . when component 1001 is a memory component with such a latching sense amplifier circuit 2201 , it is possible to modify its operation to permit a special mode of access for calibration . in this special mode , the sense amplifier may be written by the receiver circuit 1004 and may read to the transmitter circuit 1023 without first being loaded from a row 2202 of storage cells in the memory core 1900 . this permits the storage resource of the sense amplifier circuits 2201 to be used to store received calibration patterns , or portions of received calibration patterns , in region 2203 ( which may include less than an entire row in some embodiments ) for calibration without affecting the contents of the memory core , which would affect the interrupted application process . this second access mode would require a gating circuit 2204 between the memory core and the sense amplifier , which could be disabled during the calibration process . there is typically such a gating circuit 2204 in most memory components . a benefit of this option is that no additional storage needs to be added to component 1001 ( and no special path from receiver to transmitter ). the cost of this approach is that a modification must be made to critical circuits in the core of a memory component . the individual steps that are shown in the calibration processes described above do not necessarily have to be done in the order shown . in fact , if some reordering is done , the overhead of the calibration process can be reduced , improving the effective signaling bandwidth of the system and reducing the worst case delay seen by latency - sensitive operations . for example , in the case of the calibration process for the transmitter shown in fig6 , it is not necessary to perform the evaluation steps and the update steps ( compare 606 and adjust 607 ) in sequence as shown . instead , the transmitter calibration process may be performed in the following manner : ( step 2301 ) suspend normal transmit and receive operations , by completing transactions in progress and preventing new ones from beginning , or by interrupting transactions that are in progress . ( step 2302 ) control the “ adjust ” logic so the transmitter uses a calibrate ( txa / txb ) drive - timing - point according to the stored results of the previous comparison . ( step 2303 ) control the “ adjust ” logic so that the pattern block is coupled to the transmitter . ( step 2304 ) a pattern sequence is read or created from the pattern block and is transmitted onto the interconnect using the selected calibrate drive - timing - point . ( step 2305 ) the pattern sequence is received using the normal ( rx ) sample - timing - point . ( step 2306 ) control the “ adjust ” logic so the transmitter uses a normal ( tx ) drive - timing - point . ( step 2307 ) control the “ adjust ” logic so that the “ normal path ” to the transmitter is enabled . ( step 2309 ) the received pattern sequence is compared to the expected pattern sequence from the “ pattern ” block . ( step 2310 ) the calibrate drive - timing - point ( txa / txb , tx ) is adjusted according to the results of the comparison . in the modified sequence , normal transmit and receive operations may be restarted earlier . this is possible because the comparison results are saved and used to adjust the timing point during the next calibration process . a more significant saving in overhead is possible in the system of fig1 , by changing the order of steps in the process of fig1 , for example . it is possible to separate the evaluation and update steps as previously described . however , it is also possible to perform receive operations with the first component while its transmitter is changing the drive - timing - point between the normal and calibrate values . the periodic calibration process could become : ( step 2401 a ) suspend normal transmit operations , by completing transactions in progress and preventing new ones from beginning , or by interrupting transactions that are in progress ( step 2402 a ) control the “ adjust ” logic so the transmitter uses a calibrate ( txa / txb ) drive - timing - point according to the stored results of the previous comparison . ( step 2403 a ) control the “ adjust ” logic that the pattern block is coupled to the transmitter . ( step 2404 a ) a pattern sequence is created from the “ pattern ” block and is transmitted onto the interconnect using the selected calibrate drive - timing - point . ( step 2405 a ) the pattern sequence is received in the second component and placed in storage . ( step 2406 a ) control the “ adjust ” logic so the transmitter uses a normal ( tx ) drive - timing - point . ( step 2407 a ) control the “ adjust ” logic so that the “ normal path ” to the transmitter is enabled . note that receive operations could continue during this process except when the calibration pattern is actually being transmitted on the interconnect . in particular , the component could receive while its transmitter is changing the drive - timing - point between the normal and calibrate values . the second set of steps for the calibration process would consist of : ( step 2401 b ) the pattern sequence in storage is transmitted onto the interconnect by the second component . ( step 2402 b ) the pattern sequence is received using the normal ( rx ) sample - timing - point . ( step 2403 b ) the received pattern sequence is compared to the expected pattern sequence from the “ pattern ” block . ( step 2404 b ) the calibrate drive - timing - point ( txa / txb , tx ) is adjusted according to the results of the comparison . note that normal transmit and receive operations could continue during this process except when the calibration pattern is actually being received from the interconnect . if reordering and overlapping of calibration steps is done , the overhead of the calibration process can be reduced , improving the effective signaling bandwidth of the system and reducing the worst case delay seen by latency - sensitive operations . the reduction in overhead can also permit the periodic calibration process to be executed at a more frequent rate . the benefit is that this will compensate for sources of timing drift that change more rapidly . this will permit more of the bit time to be used for the transmitter drive time variation and the receiver sampling window , and less of the bit time will be needed for timing drift within the system . fig2 illustrates an example like that of fig1 , with the exception that the point to point bidirectional link of fig1 is replaced with a multidrop link , coupling component 2500 to a plurality of components 2551 , 2552 . the multidrop link configuration can be applied in other configurations . in the representative example shown in fig2 , a first bidirectional component 2500 and a plurality of other bidirectional components 2551 , 2552 are connected in a point to multi - point configuration , or multipoint to multipoint configuration , with an interconnection medium referred to as link 2502 . normal path 2510 acts as a source of data signals for normal operation of component 2500 during transmit operations . normal path 2531 acts as a destination of data signals for component 2500 , during normal receive operations . the calibration operations are interleaved , and re - ordered , in this embodiment with normal communications , as described above to improve throughput and utilization of the communication medium the first bidirectional component 2500 includes a block 2505 labeled “ pattern ”, which can consist of pattern storage or pattern generation circuitry , and which is used as a source of transmit calibration patterns . a multiplexer block 2506 labeled “ mux ,” implemented for example using a logical layer or physical layer switch , enables the transmit calibration pattern set to be driven onto the link by the transmitter circuit 2503 . the transmitter drive point can be adjusted by the block 2507 labeled “ adjust ”. in this embodiment , the adjust block 2507 includes storage for multiple parameter sets which are applied depending on the one of the other components 2551 , 2552 , . . . on the link to which the transmission is being sent . component 2500 also has support for calibrating receiver 2524 , including a block 2528 labeled “ pattern ”, which can consist of pattern storage or pattern generation circuitry , and which is used as a source of expected patterns for comparison with received patterns . a block 2529 labeled “ compare ” enables the received pattern set to be compared to the expected pattern set , and causes an adjustment to be made to either the transmitter or receiver . the receiver sample point can be adjusted by the block 2532 labeled “ adjust ”. in this embodiment , the adjust block 2507 includes storage for multiple parameter sets which are applied depending on the one of the other components 2551 , 2552 , . . . on the link from which the communication is being received . in the first component 2500 , the compare block 2529 is used for analysis of both transmit and receive calibration operations , and is coupled to both the adjust block 2507 for the transmitter , and adjust block 2532 for the receiver . in the example of fig2 , the receiver sample point and transmitter drive point of the first bidirectional component 2500 are adjustable . the other components 2551 , 2552 , . . . are implemented as described with reference to fig1 without adjustment resources , in this example , and not described here . in alternative embodiments , the components 2551 , 2552 , . . . on the link may be provided with adjustment and calibration resources , as described for other embodiments above . while the present invention is disclosed by reference to the preferred embodiments and examples detailed above , it is to be understood that these examples are intended in an illustrative rather than in a limiting sense . it is contemplated that modifications and combinations will readily occur to those skilled in the art , which modifications and combinations will be within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the following claims .
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i have discovered that certain organic compounds will effectively enhance the relative volatility in azeotropic distillation of ethylene glycol from 1 , 2 - butanediol and 1 , 3 - butanediol when they occur as a close boiling mixture . in the mixture of polyols shown in table 2 , the major products are ethylene glycol , propylene glycol and glycerine . to be of commercial value , these compounds must be obtained in high purity . table 3 lists the hydrocarbons ethylbenzene , p - xylene , m - xylene , o - xylene , cumene and mesitylene which are effective azeotrope forming agents to separate ethylene glycol from 1 , 2 - butanediol and 1 , 3 - butanediol . they have the advantage of forming a two phase overhead product which enables separation of the ethylene glycol from the hydrocarbons by simple decantation . the data in table 3 was obtained in a 30 theoretical plate packed rectification column . it lists the time run at total reflux , the overhead temperature in celcius degrees , the overhead composition at the end of the reflux period , the weight percent of ethylene glycol in the azeotrope and the relative volatility of ethylene glycol to 1 , 2 - butanediol and 1 , 3 - butanediol with each agent . table 3__________________________________________________________________________effective agents for separating ethylene glycol from 1 , 2 - butanedioland 1 , 3 - butanediol in vapor - liquid equilibrium still azeo . press . overhead bottoms relative volatilityagent temp . mm hg % eg % 1 , 2 bu % 1 , 3 bu % eg % 1 , 2 bu % 1 , 3 bu eg : 1 , 2 eg : 1 , 3__________________________________________________________________________ bu3 - heptanone 108 60 99 . 9 0 . 1 -- 59 . 7 40 . 3 -- 10 + 3 - heptanone 112 60 94 . 9 0 5 . 1 44 . 4 34 . 4 21 . 2 10 + 8 . 9cyclohexanone 117 60 100 0 -- 56 . 4 43 . 6 -- 10 + cyclohexanone 80 50 70 . 7 13 . 9 15 . 4 54 . 3 32 . 3 13 . 4 3 . 0 1 . 1diisobutylketone 124 60 100 0 -- 62 38 -- 1 . 27diisobutylketone 125 60 95 . 9 0 4 . 1 50 . 7 34 . 0 15 . 3 1 . 71 1 . 26methyl isoamylketone 113 60 99 . 9 0 . 1 -- 66 . 1 33 . 9 -- 10 + methyl isoamylketone 118 60 94 . 3 0 5 . 7 46 . 7 27 . 1 26 . 2 10 + 9 . 3isobutyl heptylketone 131 60 73 . 6 26 . 3 -- 21 . 6 78 . 4 -- 10 + isobutyl heptylketone 140 60 67 . 4 20 . 1 12 . 5 60 . 8 26 . 8 12 . 4 1 . 5 1 . 12 , 6 - dime - 4 - heptanone 134 60 99 . 9 0 . 1 -- 71 . 2 28 . 8 -- 10 + 2 , 6 - dime - 4 - heptanone 134 60 93 . 7 0 . 1 6 . 3 50 . 4 25 . 0 24 . 6 10 + 7 . 32 - methoxyethyl ether 130 60 99 . 9 0 . 1 -- 71 . 7 28 . 3 -- 10 + 2 - methoxyethyl ether 132 60 99 . 8 0 . 1 0 . 1 60 . 8 21 . 7 17 . 5 10 + 10 + __________________________________________________________________________ table 4__________________________________________________________________________effective agents for separating ethylene glycol from1 , 2 - butanediol and 1 , 3 - butanediol in rectification column % eg azeo . time overhead bottoms relative volatilityagent over . temp . hrs . % eg % 1 , 2 bu % 1 , 3 bu % eg % 1 , 2 bu % 1 , 3 bu eg : 1 , 2 eg : 1 , 3__________________________________________________________________________ buo - xylene 22 131 2 . 5 85 . 9 14 . 1 -- 53 . 3 46 . 7 -- 1 . 06o - xylene 9 130 5 92 8 0 41 . 2 37 . 6 21 . 2 1 . 1 10 + m - xylene 10 130 6 95 . 3 4 . 7 -- 49 . 9 50 . 1 -- 1 . 11m - xylene 22 130 4 95 . 2 4 . 8 0 44 . 6 34 . 6 20 . 8 1 . 11 10 + p - xylene 10 130 5 98 . 4 1 . 6 -- 48 . 1 51 . 9 -- 1 . 15p - xylene 8 130 9 94 . 8 5 . 2 0 48 . 5 33 . 4 21 . 1 1 . 11 10 + ethylbenzene 7 121 5 99 . 9 0 . 1 -- 42 . 3 57 . 7 -- 1 . 27ethylbenzene 15 125 6 99 . 9 0 . 1 0 43 . 3 35 . 4 21 . 3 1 . 27 10 + cumene 20 114 5 99 . 9 0 . 1 -- 61 . 6 38 . 4 -- 1 . 26cumene 10 120 8 99 . 3 0 . 7 0 48 . 6 21 . 6 29 . 8 1 . 18 10 + mesitylene 20 126 5 99 . 1 0 . 9 -- 48 . 3 51 . 7 -- 1 . 17mesitylene 10 129 8 98 2 0 49 . 8 18 . 2 32 . 0 1 . 15 10 + diisobutylketone 15 153 12 99 . 8 0 . 1 0 . 1 32 . 2 49 . 2 18 . 6 1 . 31 1 . 26diisobutylketone 13 151 11 99 . 9 0 . 1 -- 41 . 9 58 . 1 -- 1 . 27__________________________________________________________________________ table 4 lists a number of effective agents whose relative volatilities were obtained in a 30 plate rectification column at 640 mm . hg pressure . the temperature of the azeotrope is listed as well as the overhead and bottoms composition and the percent of ethylene glycol in the overhead . the effective agents are the aromatic hydrocarbons o - xylene , m - xylene , p - xylene , ethylbenzene , cumene and mesitylene . diisobutyl ketone was also investigated in the rectification column . each agent was evaluated using the binary mixture of 1 , 2 - butanediol and ethylene glycol and the ternary containing 1 , 2 - butanediol , ethylene glycol and 1 , 3 - butanediol . the results indicate that the separation of ethylene glycol from mixtures containing both 1 , 2 - butanediol and 1 , 3 - butanediol is just as good as with 1 , 2 - butanediol and ethylene glycol . thirty grams of ethylene glycol , 20 grams of 1 , 2 - butanediol , 10 grams of 1 , 3 - butanediol and 40 grams of 3 - heptanone were charged to a vapor - liquid equilibrium still and refluxed for five hours . the vapor composition was 94 . 4 % ethylene glycol , 0 . 5 % 1 , 2 - butanediol and 5 . 1 % 1 , 3 - butanediol . the liquid composition was 44 . 4 % ethylene glycol , 34 . 4 % 1 , 2 - butanediol and 21 . 2 % 1 , 3 - butanediol . this is a relative volatility of ethylene glycol to 1 , 2 - butanediol of 1 . 47 and of ethylene glycol to 1 , 3 - butanediol of 8 . 8 . a four foot rectification column packed with stainless steel helices was calibrated with m - xylene and p - xylene which possesses a relative volatility of 1 . 11 and found to have thirty theoretical plates . a solution comprising 50 grams of ethylene glycol , 40 grams of 1 , 2 - butanediol , 20 grams of 1 , 3 - butanediol and 100 grams of ethylbenzene was placed in the stillpot and heated . after six hours of refluxing at total reflux , the overhead composition was 99 . 9 % ethylene glycol , 0 . 1 % 1 , 2 - butanediol , 0 % 1 , 3 - butanediol and the bottoms composition was 43 . 3 % ethylene glycol , 35 . 4 % 1 , 2 - butanediol and 21 . 3 % 1 , 3 - butanediol . this gives a relative volatility of ethylene glycol to 1 , 2 - butanediol of 1 . 27 and of ethylene glycol to 1 , 3 - butanediol of 10 +. these data are shown in table 4 .
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in what follows , a first exemplary embodiment of the energy - absorbing device 100 according to the present invention will be described by reference to the views shown in fig1 to 3 . as can be seen from the view shown in fig1 in particular , the energy - absorbing device 100 consists in essence of an energy - absorbing member 10 and a mating member 20 . in fig2 , the energy - absorbing device shown in fig1 is shown in a view in longitudinal section . it can be seen from this view that the mating member 20 is in the form of a piston and that that region 12 of the energy - absorbing member 10 which is adjacent the mating member 20 is in the form of a cylinder . that region 22 of the mating member 20 in the form of a cylinder which is adjacent the energy - absorbing member 10 is held telescopically by that region 12 of the energy - absorbing member 10 which is in form of a cylinder . the construction and operation in particular of the embodiment of the energy - absorbing device 100 according to the invention which is shown in fig1 will be described in detail below by reference to fig2 and 3 . hence , in the embodiment of the energy - absorbing device 100 which is shown in fig2 , the energy - absorbing member 10 is formed in one piece from fibrous composite material . in particular , the energy - absorbing member 10 has an energy - absorbing region 11 and a guiding region 15 . provided at the transition between the energy - absorbing region 11 and the guiding region 15 is an edge which forms an abutment 13 against which the mating member 20 in the form of a piston butts . it is conceivable in this case for the end - face 21 of that region 22 of the mating member 20 in the form of a piston which is adjacent the energy - absorbing member 10 to butt directly against the abutment 13 of the energy - absorbing region 11 . however , in the embodiment of the energy - absorbing device 100 which is shown in fig2 , a tapered ring 23 is provided at the end - face 21 of the mating member 20 in the form of a piston and it is thus this tapered ring 23 which butts against the abutment 13 of the energy - absorbing region 11 . the tapered ring 23 is connected solidly to the end - face 21 of the mating member 20 in this case . in the embodiment of the energy - absorbing device 100 which is shown , the guiding region 15 of the energy - absorbing member 10 is in the form of a guiding tube whose inside diameter is larger than the outside diameter of the mating member 20 in the form of a piston . in this way , that region 22 of the mating member 20 which is adjacent the energy - absorbing member 10 can be held telescopically by the energy - absorbing member . as can be seen particularly from the view in fig3 , the inside diameter of the energy - absorbing member 10 which , overall , is of a tubular form is smaller in the energy - absorbing region 11 than the outside diameter of the mating member 20 . the edge 13 which is provided at the transition between the guiding region 15 and the energy - absorbing region 11 thus constitutes an abutment against which the mating member 20 in the form of a piston butts . the energy - absorbing device 100 shown in fig2 is so designed that shock forces applied to the energy - absorbing device 100 , and in particular to the mating member 20 in the form of a piston , are applied to the end - face 25 remote from the energy - absorbing member 10 of the mating member 20 . for this purpose , it is conceivable for an anti - ride - up device 26 to be mounted at the end - face 25 of the mating member 20 . this is of advantage particularly when the energy - absorbing device 100 is used as a safety device against shock loads in a track - borne vehicle , in particular a rail - borne vehicle . in the event of a crash , the anti - ride - up device 26 prevents the end - face 25 of the mating member 20 in the form of a piston from being able to skew out horizontally . in normal operation , i . e . when the shock forces applied to the mating member 20 via its end - face 26 do not exceed the critical shock force for the response of the energy - absorbing device 100 , the shock forces applied to the mating member 20 are applied via the end - face 21 of the mating member 20 ( and via the tapered ring 23 if there is one ) to the abutment 13 of the energy - absorbing region 11 of the energy - absorbing member 10 . from there , the shock forces are transmitted to the structure of the body of the wagon or carriage to which the energy - absorbing device 100 is connected . in the case of the solution according to the invention , the shock force which is critical for the response of the energy - absorbing device 100 is determined , on the one hand , by the properties of the material of the energy - absorbing region 11 , in particular by its strength . in the present exemplary embodiment , the energy - absorbing region 11 consists of a fibrous composite material . on the other hand , the shock force which is critical for the response of the energy - absorbing device 100 is determined by the triggering of the energy - absorbing region 11 and by the geometry of the tapered ring 23 . when the energy - absorbing device 100 responds , the fibrous composite material of the interior wall of the energy - absorbing region 11 is non - ductilely reduced to fibres by the mating member 20 which moves relative to the energy - absorbing member 10 in the direction of the energy - absorbing region 11 . what is essential in this case is that the mating member 20 which moves in the direction of the energy - absorbing region 11 non - ductilely reduces to fibres only that material of the energy - absorbing region 11 which forms the interior wall of the energy - absorbing region 11 . as the energy is absorbed , the mating member 20 thus slides further into the energy - absorbing member 10 and as it does so shears away the inner area of the energy - absorbing region 11 . as this shearing away takes place , material of the energy - absorbing region 11 is reduced to fibres , but the outer wall of the energy - absorbing region 11 is not affected . being left in place , the outer wall of the energy - absorbing region 11 acts as a guiding surface to guide the movement of the mating member 20 relative to the energy - absorbing member 10 . so that it is only the fibrous composite material of the energy - absorbing region 11 and not , for example , the material of the mating member 20 which is reduced to fibres when the energy - absorbing device 100 responds , the end - face 21 of the mating member 20 , or the tapered ring 23 ( if there is one ), should be of greater strength than the energy - absorbing region 11 . as can be seen in particular from the views in fig2 , 3 , 6 and 7 , the mating member 20 in the form of a piston takes the form of a hollow body which is open at its end - face 21 adjacent the energy - absorbing member 10 . fragments of the energy - absorbing region 11 formed from fibrous composite material which are produced when the mating member 20 moves relative to the energy - absorbing member 10 ( or at least some of them ) are received in the interior of the hollow body when this happens . this has the advantage that no fragments of the fibrous composite material can make their way out to the exterior when the energy - absorbing region 11 is reduced to fibres . fig6 shows the energy - absorbing device in a state prior to the response thereof . fig7 shows the device in the state , when the energy - absorbing device responds and , in the course of the movement of the mating member 20 relative to the absorbing member 20 , the energy - absorbing region 11 is at least partly non - ductily reduced to fibres . the resulting fibre fragments of the energy absorbing region 20 are depicted at f in fig7 in the interior of the energy - absorbing member 20 . a further embodiment of the energy - absorbing device 100 in according to the invention is shown in fig4 . fig5 shows a detail of fig4 in the transitional region between the mating member 20 and the energy - absorbing region 11 . the embodiment of the energy - absorbing device 100 according to the invention which is shown in fig4 substantially corresponds to the embodiment previously described by reference to the views in fig2 and fig3 . however , in the embodiment of the energy - absorbing device 100 according to the invention shown in fig4 , the guiding region of the energy - absorbing member is not formed in one piece with the energy - absorbing region 11 . instead — as can be seen in particular from the view in fig5 — in the embodiment of the energy - absorbing device 100 which is shown in fig4 , the energy - absorbing member 10 is formed from a guiding tube 16 which may , for example , be formed from fibrous composite material or some other material , with the energy - absorbing region 11 formed from fibrous composite material being held in this guiding tube 15 . responsibility for guiding the movement of the mating member 20 in the form of a piston relative to the energy - absorbing member 10 is assumed , in the embodiment shown in fig4 , by the inner face of the guiding tube 15 . in contrast to the embodiment shown in fig2 , what is reduced to fibres when energy is absorbed is not simply the inner region of the energy - absorbing region 11 but the whole of the material in the energy - absorbing region 11 . the invention is not limited to the embodiments of the energy - absorbing device 100 which have been described by reference to the drawings . rather , there are other embodiments or modifications which are conceivable . in particular , the invention is not limited to the mating member 20 taking the form of a piston and at least that region 12 of the energy - absorbing member 10 which is adjacent the mating member 20 taking the form of a cylinder , with that region 22 of the mating member 20 which is adjacent the energy - absorbing member 10 being held telescopically by the energy - absorbing member 10 . instead , it is , for example , also conceivable for the energy - absorbing member 10 to take the form of a piston and for at least that region 22 of the mating member 20 which is adjacent the energy - absorbing member 10 to take the form of a cylinder , with that region 12 of the energy - absorbing member 10 which is adjacent the mating member 20 being held telescopically by the mating member 20 . it is also conceivable , in the embodiment shown in fig2 , for the outer region of the energy - absorbing member 10 , i . e . the outer wall of the energy - absorbing region 11 , on the one hand , and the guiding region 15 , on the other hand , to be made stronger as a whole than the region of the energy - absorbing region 11 which is reduced to fibres non - ductilely when the energy - absorbing device 100 responds , by giving the fibres of the fibrous composite material a suitable alignment .
| 5 |
fig1 schematically shows a unit 1 for dewatering a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system 2 , for example the hydraulic system of an aircraft . in the case of the present embodiment , the hydraulic fluid is a phosphate ester . the unit 1 is preferably a component of a floor maintenance machine , as typically found in airports . the unit 1 has a first device 3 , a second device 4 , a third device 5 and a fourth device 6 . each of the devices 3 to 6 has a container 10 , all the containers 10 being fluidically coupled with the hydraulic system 2 by a common feed 11 and a common return 12 . the unit 1 is coupled with the hydraulic system 2 , for example during maintenance of the aircraft with the hydraulic system 2 and is of a temporary nature , i . e . the connection 13 of the feed 11 and the connection 14 of the return 12 to the hydraulic system 2 are configured to be detachable . arranged in the feed 11 and in the return 12 , downstream of the connections 13 and 14 are in each case stop valves 15 , 16 which are each opened after the unit 1 has been coupled with the hydraulic system 2 and are closed before the unit 1 is uncoupled from the hydraulic system 2 . this prevents residual hydraulic fluid from issuing out of the unit 1 after the uncoupling of the hydraulic system 2 . a hydraulic pump 17 which pumps the hydraulic fluid through the unit 1 is preferably arranged downstream of the stop valve 15 in the feed 11 . a filter 18 with a contamination indication is preferably arranged in the feed 12 downstream of the hydraulic pump 17 . a corresponding filter 22 with a contamination indication is also preferably arranged in the return 12 downstream of the stop valve 16 . the filters 18 , 22 filter contamination particles out of the hydraulic fluid . if the contamination indications of the filters 18 , 22 indicate that said filters 18 , 22 are contaminated , they can be replaced . a flow sensor 23 is preferably provided in the feed 11 downstream of the filter 18 . the flow sensor 23 can establish whether and how much hydraulic fluid is flowing through the unit 1 . connected to the flow sensor 23 in the feed 11 is preferably an adjustable pressure reducing valve 24 which can adjust the pressure in the hydraulic fluid which is supplied to the containers 10 . a nonreturn valve 25 connected to the pressure reducing valve 24 in the feed 11 prevents the hydraulic fluid from flowing against the direction of flow provided with reference numeral 26 in the feed 11 . the feed 11 downstream of the nonreturn valve 25 preferably has a safety line 27 , connecting this to the return 12 , with a safety valve 28 . in the normal state , the safety valve is in the position shown in fig1 , in which it prevents hydraulic fluid from flowing from the feed 11 into the return 12 through the safety line 27 . however , if an error then occurs which prevents the hydraulic fluid from flowing from the feed 11 through the container 10 into the return 12 , but the pump 17 is still subsequently supplying hydraulic fluid , the safety valve 28 is opened if a specific limiting value for the permissible hydraulic fluid pressure is exceeded and the hydraulic fluid can then flow away from the feed 11 into the return 12 . thus , damage to lines and valves , for example can be prevented . downstream of the filters 18 and 22 , the feed 11 and the return 12 preferably have a respective moisture sensor 32 and 33 which measure the water content in the hydraulic fluid . fig2 shows by way of example one of the moisture sensors 32 , 33 which projects with its moisture probe 32 a into the feed 11 and there capacitively measures the moisture of the hydraulic fluid . the moisture sensor is also equipped with a temperature probe 32 b which provides a temperature of the hydraulic fluid . the measured temperature is incorporated in the determination of moisture of the hydraulic fluid . according to the present embodiment , only two moisture sensors 32 , 33 are arranged in the feed 11 respectively in the return 12 . in the same way , it is possible for each of the devices 3 to 6 to have two moisture sensors , one of which is provided upstream and the other is provided downstream of the container 10 , so that the water content can be individually determined upstream of and downstream of each container 10 for each of the devices 3 to 6 . however , the variant shown in fig1 is relatively economical in terms of parts , since it manages with only two moisture sensors 32 , 33 . the devices 3 to 6 are configured identically . for this reason , in the following the construction thereof will be described by way of example with reference to device 3 . the container 10 is configured as a cartouche , i . e . as a cylindrical container which extends substantially vertically to the ground 40 ( not shown further ). in the following , “ upper ” and “ lower ” always relate to the ground 40 . at its upper end 29 , the container 10 is fluidically coupled with the feed 12 by a feed valve 34 configured as an electromagnetically actuatable 2 / 2 directional control valve and at its lower end 30 , it is fluidically coupled with the return 12 by a return valve 35 configured as an electromagnetically actuatable 2 / 2 directional control valve . in the open position of the feed valve 34 and of the return valve 35 , shown in fig1 for device 3 , hydraulic fluid can flow from the feed 12 into the container 10 and out of said container 10 again into the return 12 . in the closed position of the feed valve 34 and of the return valve 35 , shown in fig1 for device 5 , hydraulic fluid cannot flow either from the feed 11 into the container 10 , or from the container 10 into the return 12 . arranged between the return valve 35 and the return 12 is preferably a nonreturn valve 36 which prevents hydraulic fluid from flowing out of the return 12 into the container 10 at any time . this prevents a mutual influencing of the containers 10 of the devices 3 to 6 . in particular , the nonreturn valve 36 seals off a container 10 which is in emptying operation , described in detail later on , from the pressurised hydraulic fluid in the return 12 . provided on the container 10 are an upper filling level sensor 37 and a lower filling level sensor 38 which generate a signal when the filling level in the container 10 falls below a first limiting value or when a filling level in the container 10 exceeds a second limiting value . the filling level sensors 37 and 38 are preferably arranged on a measuring column 39 , the lower end of which is fluidically connected to a line 43 connecting the return valve 35 to the return 12 and the upper end of which is connected to the upper end of the container 10 . a level 44 of the hydraulic fluid in the measuring column 39 corresponds to the level 45 of the hydraulic fluid in the container . according to the present embodiment , the lower filling level sensor 38 only generates a signal when the line 43 is at least partly empty so that the level 44 in the measuring column falls below the position of the filling level sensor 38 . this ensures that the filling level sensor 38 only generates a signal when the container 10 is completely empty . in its interior , the container 10 has a sorbent 46 , for example a silica gel . the sorbent 46 is capable of removing water out of the hydraulic fluid . furthermore , the container 10 has a heating means 47 which is configured , for example as heating elements , through which current flows when an electromagnetic switch 48 is closed and the heating elements generate heat which heats the sorbent 46 . at its upper end 29 , the container 10 can be fluidically coupled with a compressed air line 53 by a compressed air valve 52 configured as an electromagnetically actuatable 3 / 3 directional control valve . the compressed air line 53 can be charged with filtered compressed air by a compressor 54 and a filter 55 connected downstream . furthermore , the container 10 can be fluidically coupled with a vent line 56 by the compressed air valve 52 , the vent line 56 having a filter 57 and a ventilation 58 at which atmospheric pressure prevails . the compressed air valve 52 has a first position in which the container 10 is not coupled with the compressed air line 53 or with the vent line 56 . in a second position , the container 10 is coupled with the compressed air line 53 . in a third position of the compressed air valve 52 , the container 10 is coupled with the vent line 56 . furthermore , the upper end 29 of the container 10 can be fluidically coupled with a vacuum line 63 by a vacuum valve 62 configured as a 2 / 2 directional control valve , the vacuum line 63 preferably having in the following sequence : a settling container 64 , a vacuum pump 65 and preferably a water separator 66 . the settling container 64 protects the pump from solid and liquid constituents . the vacuum pump 65 can charge the vacuum line 63 with a vacuum ( based on atmospheric pressure ). the vacuum valve 62 has two positions : in a first position , as shown in fig1 for device 3 , the vacuum line 63 is uncoupled from the container 10 , i . e . there is no vacuum in the container 10 . in a second position of the vacuum valve 62 , the container 10 is fluidically coupled with the vacuum line 63 and there is a vacuum in the interior of the container 10 . particles of dirt in the air which has been sucked up can be filtered out in the settling container 64 to protect the vacuum pump 65 . the water separator 66 , for example an electrostatic separator removes the water from the air , sucked up out of the container 10 , which water is possibly contaminated with hydraulic fluid ( or with additives thereof ). furthermore , a control means 67 is provided which is connected in terms of signalling with all the switchable elements 15 , 16 , 17 , 24 , 34 , 62 , 48 , 35 , 54 and 65 to control them and is connected in terms of signalling with all the signal - emitting elements 18 , 22 , 33 , 23 , 32 , 37 , 38 , 68 and 69 to evaluate signals therefrom ( the electrical lines have not been shown for reasons of clarity ). the control means 67 is preferably configured as a flexibly programmable spc ( stored - program control ). the control means 67 is preferably connected to an indicator 73 ( see also fig3 ), on which , for example measured values , the different operating states of the individual devices 3 to 6 or also warning signals , for example that a filter should be replaced , can be displayed . the circuitry of the control means 67 is shown schematically in fig3 . by way of example , the control means 67 is connected to the moisture sensor 32 . furthermore , the control means is connected to the indicator 73 which has already been mentioned . the control means 67 is also connected to a warning light 64 to warn an operator of the unit 1 . the control means 67 powered by a plug power pack 75 can be programmed flexibly by a pc ( personal computer ) 76 which , for example , allows the input of various limiting values for the permissible water content of the hydraulic fluid , which values can differ for different types of aircraft , for example . of course , each of the devices 3 to 6 could have a respective compressed air line 53 , vent line 56 , vacuum line 63 and control means 67 ( with respectively associated components ), however , according to the present embodiment , in order to economise on parts , devices 3 to 6 are provided with a common compressed air line 53 , vent line 56 , vacuum line 63 and control means 67 . in fig4 and 5 , the device 3 is shown supplemented by a cleaning means 80 . of course , each device 3 to 6 can have a cleaning means 80 of this type . a cleansing agent feed 81 is fluidically coupled with the line portion 82 connecting the return valve 35 to the container 10 and a cleansing agent return 83 is fluidically coupled with the line portion 84 connecting the feed valve 34 to the container 10 . provided in the cleansing agent feed 80 or in the cleansing agent return 83 are firstly respective stop valves 85 , 86 which , in the closed state , ensure that no cleansing agent 87 penetrates unintentionally into the lines 82 , 84 . a discharge line 92 preferably branches off from the cleansing agent feed 81 downstream of the stop valve 85 , it being possible for said discharge line 92 to be fluidically coupled with a cleansing agent container 94 by a discharge valve 93 configured as an electromagnetically actuatable 2 / 2 directional control valve . downstream of the discharge line 92 , the cleansing agent feed 81 has a cleansing agent feed valve 95 configured as an electromagnetically actuatable 2 / 2 directional control valve , a cleansing agent pump 96 and preferably a cleansing agent filter 97 with a contamination indication , downstream of which the cleansing agent feed 81 opens into the cleansing agent container 94 . provided in the cleansing agent return 83 , downstream of the stop valve 86 is a cleansing agent return valve 98 which is configured as an electromagnetically actuatable 2 / 2 directional control valve , downstream of which the cleansing agent return 83 opens into the container 94 . the cleansing agent container 94 is also oriented substantially vertically to the ground 40 and has at its upper end 102 a ventilation 103 above a filter 104 . each device 3 to 6 can now be operated in the types of operation as listed in the following : in a dewatering mode , see fig1 , device 3 ; in an emptying operation associated with a re - drying mode , see fig1 , device 4 ; in a re - drying operation associated with the regenerating mode , see fig1 , device 5 ; and in a filling operation associated with the regenerating mode , see fig1 , device 6 . in the dewatering mode shown for device 3 in fig1 , the hydraulic fluid flows from the hydraulic system 2 by the effect of the pump 16 through the feed 11 into the container 10 and there flows through the sorbent 46 which removes water from the hydraulic fluid . thereupon , the hydraulic fluid flows out of the container 10 into the return 12 and then returns into the hydraulic system 2 . during this procedure , the moisture sensors 32 , 33 are constantly measuring the water content in the hydraulic fluid . the moisture sensor 32 provides the control means 67 with the measured water content in the feed as a measured value mz and the moisture sensor 33 provides said control means with the water content measured in the return as a measured value mr . the control means 67 compares the measured value mr with a limiting value g 1 which is , for example 0 . 45 % water content and is thus just below the maximally permissible water content in the hydraulic fluid of 0 . 5 %. if the control means 67 then establishes that the measured value mr is above the limiting value g 1 , it decides that the sorbent 46 no longer has an adequate sorption capacity for permanently keeping the water content of the hydraulic fluid below 0 . 5 %, i . e . the maximally permissible value . the control means 67 then switches device 1 into the regenerating mode and , in this mode , initiates the emptying operation , as shown for device 4 in fig1 . additionally or alternatively , it can be provided that the control means 67 constantly determines the value of the difference bd between the measured value mr and the measured value mz and compares this value bd with a limiting value g 2 . the limiting value g 2 is preferably calculated as a function of the measured value mz . in this respect , the limiting value g 2 is a value , to be expected , of the difference with a sorbent 46 of a “ normal ” sorption capacity . these values can be recorded in a table , for example . in addition , the flow rate dr , indicated by the flow sensor 23 , can also be used in determining the limiting value g 2 , because the flow rate influences the value , to be expected , of the difference between the measured values mz and mr ; for example with a high flow rate , the active time of the sorbent 46 on the hydraulic fluid is reduced . therefore , a lower difference value will be expected . if the control means then establishes that the value bd is above the value g 2 , it likewise switches the device into the regenerating mode and , in so doing , initially switches into the emptying operation , as shown in fig1 for device 4 . the second calculation method allows an earlier prediction that the sorption capacity of the sorbent 46 is exhausted . for the emptying operation , the control means 67 closes the feed 11 by means of the feed valve 34 and connects the compressed air valve 52 such that compressed air flows from the compressed air line 53 into the container 10 . in so doing , the hydraulic fluid in the container 10 is discharged by the compressed air 105 into the return 12 through the open return valve 35 . the lower filling level sensor 38 indicates to the control means 67 when the container 10 is completely empty and even when a portion of line 43 is empty . this ensures that the container 10 is completely empty . the control means 67 then again switches the compressed air valve 52 such that no further compressed air flows from the compressed air line 53 into the container 10 . the control means 67 then closes the return valve 35 so that the container 10 is no longer fluidically coupled with the return 12 . thereafter , the control means 67 switches into re - drying operation , switching the vacuum valve 62 such that the container 10 is connected to the vacuum line 63 and there is a vacuum in the container . the vacuum evaporates the water absorbed by the sorbent 46 and the water escapes through the vacuum valve 62 and line 63 . the control means 67 also switches the switch 48 such that current flows through the heating elements of the heating means 47 and the sorbent is heated . this measure further stimulates the evaporation of the water absorbed in the sorbent 46 . by means of the pressure md measured by the pressure sensor 68 in the vacuum line , the control means 67 constantly calculates the temporal change in pressure mdz and compares this with a limiting value for the change in pressure gd . when the value mdz falls below the value gd , it is then established that the amount of water absorbed in the sorbent 46 has fallen to a desired ( low ) content . thereupon , the heating means 47 is disconnected again by switching the switch 48 and the vacuum valve 62 is reclosed . there is then the possibility of again cleaning the sorbent 46 , i . e . to free the sorbent from particles of dirt incorporated therein from the hydraulic fluid . whether the device is switched into a cleaning operation of this type can take place , for example on the basis of a measured value which is indicated to the control means 67 by the filter 22 and which reflects the extent to which the hydraulic fluid is contaminated with particles of dirt . if the degree of contamination exceeds a predetermined limiting value , the control means 67 can decide to switch into the cleaning operation . in the cleaning operation , the stop valves 85 , 86 ( see fig4 and 5 ) and the cleansing agent feed valve 95 and the cleansing agent return valve 98 are opened . the discharge valve 93 is closed . the control means 67 then starts up the pump 96 and the cleansing agent 87 is circulated through the sorbent 46 , as a result of which particles of dirt are flushed out of the sorbent 46 . the flushed out particles of dirt are in turn filtered out of the cleansing agent 87 by the filter 97 . after a certain amount of time , when it can be assumed that the sorbent 46 is clean , the control means 67 switches off the pump 96 again , closes the cleansing agent feed valve 85 and the cleansing agent return valve 98 and opens the discharge valve 93 , as shown in fig5 . the control means 67 then switches the compressed air valve 52 such that compressed air 105 flows from the compressed air line 53 into the container 10 and , in so doing , discharges the cleansing agent 87 out of the container 10 into the cleansing agent feed 81 ( see fig5 ), the cleansing agent 87 then being discharged through the discharge line 92 and through the open discharge valve 93 into the cleansing agent container 94 and it displaces the air 106 present in the cleansing agent container 94 out of the cleansing agent container 94 through the filter 104 and the ventilation 103 . the compressed air valve 52 is re - closed so that no more compressed air flows into the container 10 when it is established that all the cleansing agent 87 has been displaced out of the container 10 . a suitable sensor ( not shown ) can be provided for this purpose . if the measured signal which is made available by the cloudiness sensor 99 to the control means 67 and indicates a cloudiness of the cleansing agent 87 exceeds a limiting value for the permitted cloudiness of the cleansing agent , the cleansing agent 87 can be replaced at this time . hereafter or , if it is established that a cleaning operation is unnecessary , directly after the re - drying operation , the control means 67 switches into the filling operation and opens the feed valve 34 and switches the compressed air valve 52 such that the container 10 is connected to the vent line 56 , whereupon the hydraulic fluid flows out of the feed 11 into the container 10 and displaces the compressed air 105 in the container 10 out of said container into the vent line 56 through the filter 57 and ventilation 58 ( shown in fig1 for device 6 ). if the level 45 of the hydraulic fluid in the container 10 rises to a specific level , it activates the filling level sensor 37 and the filling level sensor 37 indicates to the control means 67 that the container is full again . thereupon , the control means 67 switches device 3 back into dewatering mode , in which the hydraulic fluid is again dewatered by means of the sorbent 46 . the control means 67 only switches devices 3 to 6 alternately into the dewatering mode , emptying operation , re - drying operation and filling operation . this means that when device 3 is in dewatering mode , device 4 is in emptying operation , device 5 is in re - drying operation and device 6 is in filling operation ( see fig1 ). it is conceivable to provide a further device according to the invention , in which case the control means 67 only switches devices 3 to 6 and the other device alternately into dewatering mode , emptying operation , re - drying operation , cleaning operation and filling operation . although the present invention has been described on the basis of a preferred embodiment , it is not restricted thereto , but can be modified in many different ways .
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the present invention is about an assembly system for manufacturing of furniture and other constructive elements , for its folding and unfolding , or opening and closing , and fixation of a part in its position of use according to its spatial orientation . double assembly system consisting of a group of elements that intersects with another and , together , allows for a rotational movement of a definite and concrete angle of a group of elements of the other angle , allows the union of parts , generally flat ones , so that one of the mentioned parts can pivot , rotate or fold over another according to the mentioned angle , and stabilize the mentioned part in its final position . an assembly moves relative to the other on a defined rotation axis , or longitudinal axis of assembly , that can optionally incorporate pins and their corresponding accommodations depending on the design and precise resistance and utility use of the component to which they will belong to . in the case of not carrying a pin or hinge on its axis , the movement of an assembly and the parts united with it with respect to the other , in practice , is not defined with respect to the mentioned axis . if necessary , you mechanisms can be added that will direct the mentioned movement . the rotational range , in most cases , is from 0 to 90 ° because usually the straight angle is the most widely used in the manufacture of any parts or constructive elements . however , you can set greater or smaller angles for the final stabilization of one part over another . the anchoring system will be defined according to the material of the given parts , their thickness , design , and use . regarding the number of constituent elements of each assembly : the basic system consists of an element ( in an assembly ) that binds to a group of two elements ( from the other assembly ) and being able to successively incorporate the elements necessary for each case . each element or group of elements can carry a coupled part in each of its ends , in only one of them or in none . in position to stabilize , i . e . in the maximum angle , the faces of the elements that can make contact can actually make contact all or not , depending on the strength of the material and the use or usefulness of the parts which they form part of . the dimensions and proportions of the elements of the system may vary depending on the design and chosen material and the required resistance according to the use or usefulness of the parts of which they form part of . generally , the facing elements are symmetrical . the geometric section of each element may vary on either side of the rotation axis , as shown by way of example , in the figures accompanying the description , in any case , it must be integral and have the necessary stiffness , either on its own geometric shape , or by the union of parts which reach to it . likewise , opposing parts may have different thicknesses so that the geometric sections of the facing elements are different , asymmetrical . fig1 : perspective view : the first assembly ( fig1 a ) formed by a group of elements , the second assembly ( fig1 b ) formed by another group of elements , resulting in a double angle assembly of minimal movement ( in fig1 . c ), and a double angle assembly of maximum movement ( in fig1 . d ). fig2 : view of the assembly system applied to vertical parts ), in fig2 . a two intertwined elements in the closed position are observed , and in fig2 . b they are in open position . fig3 : overview of the system applied to parts in horizontal position , in fig3 . a two intertwined elements in closed position are observed , and fig3 . b they are in the open position . fig4 : view of different possibilities as to the fact that each element or group of elements or assembly can carry coupled a piece in each of its ends ( fig4 a ), in only one of them ( 1 ° assembly of fig4 b ), c ), d ), 2nd assembly of fig4 c )) or in none of them ( 2 ° assembly of fig4 . d )). fig5 : perspective view of the basic system formed by an element that links to a group of two elements ( fig5 . a ) and can successively incorporate the elements necessary for each case ( fig5 . b ). fig6 : view of the top floor of several examples of the system , depending on their geometric form . fig6 bis : same as the previous one but in perspective . fig7 : view from the top of several examples of assembly system with the range of rotation angles greater or less than 90 °. fig7 bis : same as the previous one but in perspective . to facilitate the reading and understanding of the description , constituent elements and references of the assemblies represented in the drawings or figures are listed in continuation : rotational angle or rotation interval ( β ). the first assembly represented in fig1 . a ), and the second assembly represented in fig1 . b ). elements ( 1 ) of the first assembly and elements ( 2 ) of the second assembly . parts ( 1 f , 1 g , 2 f , 2 g ). angle of rotation or rotation interval ( 3 ). external faces ( 1 a , 2 a ) of the elements ( 1 , 2 ). connecting parts ( 1 b , 2 b ) of the elements ( 1 , 2 ). inner face ( 1 c , 2 c ) of connecting parts ( 1 b , 2 b ). inner face ( 1 d , 2 d ) of the elements ( 1 , 2 ). anchor pieces ( 1 e , 2 e ). in fig1 a double assemblage system is observed consisting of a group of elements ( 1 , 2 ), the first group of elements ( 1 ) of a first assemblage is represented in fig1 . a ), and a second group of elements ( 2 ) of the second assemblage is represented in fig1 . b ), which intersect ( see fig1 and 2 ), and united ( fig1 . c ) they allow a rotational movement ( see fig1 . d ) of a defined and specific angle ( β ) of a group of elements ( fig1 . a ) over another ( see fig1 . b ) allowing for the union of parts ( 1 f , 1 g , 2 f , 2 g ) ( see fig2 ), generally flat ones , so that one of the mentioned parts can pivot , rotate or fold over another according to the aforementioned angle , and stabilize the mentioned part in its final position ( see fig2 and 3 ). hence , each assembly ( fig1 . a y fig1 . b ) essentially comprises some elements ( 1 , 2 ) and connecting pieces ( 1 b , 2 b ) of the mentioned elements ( 1 , 2 ) inwardly , and , as defined previously , some parts ( 1 f , 1 g , 2 f , 2 g ) ( see fig2 ). these connecting parts ( 1 b , 2 b ) of the elements ( 1 , 2 ), at least of one assembly , are on each side of the longitudinal axis ( 3 ) of the assembly or rotational axis . as shown in fig1 . d ) and 2 b ) and 3 b ), the angle ( β ) of maximum movement is achieved because each element ( 1 ) of a group has two faces ( 1 a ), one on each side of the axis of rotation ( 3 ), which contact the connecting parts ( 2 b ) of the other group ( see fig1 . d ) on its inner face ( 2 c ); and , in turn , each element ( 2 ) of this group has two outer faces ( 2 a ), one on each side of the axis of rotation , which contact the connecting parts ( 1 b ) of the previous group in the internal face ( 1 c ). thus , in that position ( fig1 . d and fig2 . b and 3 . b ), the system stabilizes the parts ( 1 f , 1 g , 2 f , 2 g ) which it connects . depending on the resistance of the material used in the manufacture of the system and application or use of the connecting materials which they form part of , all the external faces ( 1 a , 2 a ) that can make contact can actually make effective contact or distribute the actions or efforts that are exerted on some of them . an assembly moves relative to the other on a definite axis of rotation ( 3 ) that can carry pins ( not shown ) and the accommodation of these or not , depending on the design and precise resistance and the use or application of the part / s which they will form part of . thus , the system allows the non - use of a physical axis , by setting the cross - linked assemblies together . fig6 shows that in the case of not carrying pin or bolt on the axis ( 3 ), in some designs ( fig6 ), the movement of an assembly and the part / s ( 1 f , 1 g , 2 f , 2 g ) attached to it with respect to the other , in practice , is not defined with respect to said axis ( 3 ). this is solved by giving a cylindrical form as the design or constructive solution of fig6 b ), or those shown in fig7 and 7 bis , or , as indicated , mechanisms can be added to direct said movement ( not shown ). in fig2 to 4 , it is observed that the system is valid for use in any spatial position , producing different forces and loads . vertically ( fig2 ), higher loads will occur in the inner faces ( 1 d , 2 d ) of the elements ( 1 . 2 ); and in horizontal position ( fig3 ), on the outer faces ( 1 a , 2 a ) of the elements ( 1 . 2 ) of the assemblies and the inner faces ( 1 c , 2 c ) of their connecting parts ( 1 b , 2 b ). in the same fig2 - 4 , it is observed that the system is supplemented with the pieces of anchor ( 1 e , 2 e ) of the connecting materials or parts ( 1 f , 1 g , 2 f , 2 g ), the design of which will depend on these and on their thickness and use . the interval of rotation ( β ), in most instances , is from 0 to 90 ° ( see fig4 ) because generally the straight angle is the most widely used in the manufacture of any part or constructive element . however , as shown in fig7 and 7 bis , smaller or greater angles can be defined for the final stabilization of a part over another group , varying in a group the angles of the contact faces with those of another group , or in both , or in the design of one of the anchoring parts . fig4 shows that each element ( 1 , 2 ) or group of elements or assembly can be coupled out with a piece ( 1 f , 1 g , 2 f , 2 g ) on each of its ends ( see fig4 a ) on only one of them ( see fig4 c )) or on none . all parts of each assembly , that is , elements ( 1 , 2 ), connecting parts ( 1 b , 2 b ) of the elements ( 1 , 2 ) and anchoring pieces ( 1 e , 2 e ) may be independent ( see fig2 and 3 ), forming part of each other or forming one piece . in turn , each part can be divided into other parts and / or materials . also , the materials to be joined can be an integral part of the assembly . to link an assembly with another to form the system , at least it will be needed that a connecting piece ( 1 b , 2 b ) of the elements of the assemblies ( 1 , 2 ) is removable during assembly . despite the previous paragraph , the double assembly system can be constructed with components that form one single piece . the basic assembly system is formed by a set of two elements ( 1 ) in the first assembly connected to an assembly consisting of a single element ( 2 ) ( fig5 . a ), with each assembly being able to incorporate more elements than would be needed for each case ( see fig5 . b or fig1 - 4 ). specifically , in fig5 . a , a configuration is observed in which second assembly comprises a single element ( 2 ), and each of the connecting parts ( 2 b ) of the element ( 2 ) of the second assembly comprises two inner faces ( 2 c ), and a pair of outer faces ( 1 a ) of the first assembly are in contact with the internal faces ( 2 c ) of the connecting pieces ( 2 b ) of the second assembly . in this configuration , the two connecting parts ( 2 b ) of the element ( 2 ) do not link two elements ( 2 ) and only act through their inner faces ( 2 c ), as contact elements with the two elements ( 1 ) of the first assembly . the dimensions and proportions of the elements of the system may vary depending on their design and chosen material and the required resistance according to the use or application of the parts which they are part of . generally the elements ( 1 , 2 ) of opposing assemblies are symmetrical ( see fig1 to 5 ), but not necessarily . the geometry of each element ( 1 , 2 ) of the assembly can be varied to each side of the axis of rotation ( 3 ), as shown by way of non - limiting and schematic examples , in fig6 . each element ( 1 . 2 ) of the assemblies can be formed by any geometrical shape , regular or irregular , or a composition of them . in any case , it should be supportive and have the necessary rigidity , either by its own geometric shape , or by the union of parts which reach to it . thus , the outer faces which contact ( 1 a , 2 a ) the elements ( 1 , 2 ) of the assemblies can be flat and at straight angles ( fig6 . a ), b ), c ), f ), g ), h ), inclined ( fig6 . d , e ), curves and / or irregular ; the internal faces ( represented vertically ) ( 1 c , 2 c ) are geometrically tailored for perfect contact . the materials to be joined may have different thicknesses of a group or assembly of the system with respect to the other ( fig6 . e ), f ), g ), just the anchorage parts varying ( fig6 . e ) or also the geometry of the elements of the assemblies ( 1 , 2 ) ( see fig6 . f ), g ); the thickness of the joined materials by the same assembly can also vary ( fig6 . h ). therefore , the geometric sections of the elements may be different and asymmetric . the different parts will be made depending on their materials , in any case one of the joints must be removable in its assembly .
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when a metal tube is bent it is deformed . the act of bending a metal tube results in the stretching , wrinkling , narrowing and possibly cracking of portions of the tube . the amount and type of deformation depends on several factors , including the dimensions of the metal tubing , the type of metal used , the method used to bend the tubing , the angle or degree of the bend and the radius of the bend . the smaller the radius and the greater the degree of the bend the more the tube will be deformed . the most common deformation is stretching , thinning and strain hardening of the outside wall of the bent tube ( i . e . the wall that forms the outer curve of the bent tube ). due to such deformations , for any given type of metal tubing , there is a definite limit to the minimum radius that can be achieved by bending . when a tube is bent to too small a radius the outside wall of the tube can crack . such cracking is more likely to occur if the weld seam of the metal tube is located near or along the outer curve of the bent tube . in other words , in bending any given size of metal tubing the strength of the tubing is necessarily compromised and one is limited in both the degree of bend and the minimum radius that can be achieved . referring to fig1 a and 1b , a section of bent square tubing 100 is shown having an outer curved wall 110 , an inner curved wall 120 and lateral walls 130 ( fig1 b shows a cross - section of the square tubing of fig1 a taken along line a - a ). bending the tubing 100 results in the thinning and narrowing of the outer curved wall 110 relative to the inner curved wall 120 . the portions of the lateral walls 130 nearest the outer curved wall 110 also experience some thinning and are deflected toward one another . the maximum deformation is experienced near the center of the outer curved wall 110 . such deformation has the effect of weakening the tubing 100 and , therefore , any structure in which the tubing 100 is incorporated may be compromised . referring to fig2 , an end view of the bent section of metal tubing 100 is shown . the bending process often causes the metal tube to twist . this is shown in fig2 by the deviation of the metal tube 100 from the reference line 140 , which represents the position that would be occupied by the lateral wall 130 of an untwisted section of metal tubing . referring to fig3 and 4 , an end and side view of a corner joint between two sections of 4 ″× 4 ″× ½ ″ square metal tubing 150 , 152 is shown . in fig3 the joint is shown without welds and in fig4 the joint is shown with welds 158 , 160 , 162 , 164 . fig3 and 4 demonstrate that , when making corner joints between relatively large corner radius tubes , excessive weld is required to fill the space 154 between the tubes so that it is flush with the flat surfaces of the tubing 150 , 152 . in addition , a backing bar 156 must often be employed to aid in welding the two tubes together . another difficulty encountered in such joints is that , due to the excessive welding , there is a risk that lamellar tears will develop in the wall of the metal tube proximate the weld . lamellar tearing is the separation of the metal of the tube in a plane generally parallel to the rolling direction of the plate of the metal tube . the tearing develops in susceptible material as a result of high through - thickness strains . the through - thickness strains are the normal results of weld metal shrinkage . by definition lamellar tears always lie within the base metal , ( i . e . the metal tube ) generally parallel to the weld fusion boundary . the tear may initiate just outside the visible heat affected zone and propagate to the root or toe , in which case the tear may be detected visually . often , however , the tear is subsurface , in which case it must be detected by other means ( e . g . ultrasonic testing ). the welding between the two tubes 150 , 152 , and in particular the inside corner weld 158 , causes the free end of the upper tube 150 to deflect downwards toward the lower tube 152 . the end result is that after taking care to ensure that the joint is properly aligned and welding the two tubes together , one of the tubes may no longer be straight . when making a t - joint or corner joint as shown in fig3 and 4 it is often necessary to weld a plate 166 onto the end of the upper tube . such a plate 166 helps to reinforce the upper tube 150 against twisting that may occur when the structure is placed under stress . the welding of such a plate represents an additional step in the making of such a t or corner joint , which step is required in many jurisdictions by occupational safety regulations ( for example , when such a joint is used in the construction of rops or fops ). as will become clear later , this extra step is unnecessary in structures constructed according to the present invention . referring to fig5 , a miter joint is shown between two straight sections of metal tubing 170 , 172 . the need for bending metal tubing can in some instances be avoided by such miter joints , however , such miter joints involve an extra cutting step , ( the ends of the metal tubes must be cut on an angle ) and have sharp inside and outside corners 174 , 176 , which represent potential hazards . in addition , miter joints may be aesthetically undesirable in certain applications . referring to fig6 , a cast metal 45 - degree elbow 10 is shown having an outer curved side 12 and an inner curved side 14 . referring to fig7 , the 45 - degree elbow 10 is shown in cross - section taken along line b - b of fig6 . the elbow 10 is a 4 ″× 3 ″ metal tube having a wall thickness of ⅛ ″. the outer curved side 12 has a radius of curvature of 6¾ and a length of approximately 5 . 3 ″ and the inner curved side 14 has a radius of curvature of 2¾ ″ and a length of approximately 2 . 16 ″. due to the degree of the bend , the radius of the bend , and the wall thickness of the elbow 10 , it generally cannot be made by bending a straight piece of metal tubing using known bending techniques and standard metals because the outer curved side 12 would be stretched to the point of cracking . the outer curved side 12 is almost 2 . 5 times as long as the inner curved side 14 and the radius of curvature of the inner curved side 14 is less than 34 of the width of the elbow 10 ( i . e . 4 ″). referring to fig8 , a cast metal 90 - degree elbow 20 is shown having an outer curved side 22 and an inner curved side 24 . referring to fig9 , the 90 - degree elbow 20 is shown in cross - section taken along line c - c of fig8 . the elbow 20 is a 3 ″× 3 ″ metal tube having a wall thickness of ¼ ″. the outer curved side 22 has a radius of curvature of 5¼ ″ and a length of approximately 8 . 2 ″ and the inner curved side 24 has a radius of curvature of 2¼ ″ and a length of approximately 3½ ″. due to the degree of the bend , the radius of the bend , and the wall thickness of the elbow 20 , it cannot generally be made by bending using known bending techniques and standard metals because the outer curved side 22 would be stretched to the point of cracking . the outer curved side 22 is more than 2 times as long as the inner curved side 24 and the radius of curvature of the inner curved side 24 is less than ¾ of the width of the elbow 20 ( i . e . 3 ″). referring again to fig8 , the ends of the elbow 20 are beveled 26 such that they are ready for butt welding to the ends of adjacent sections of metal tubing . ; referring to fig1 , a 2 ″× 2 ″× 3 / 16 ″ 90 - degree cast steel elbow 50 is shown butt - welded to adjacent sections of square tubing 60 . one butt - weld 52 is ground flush to the surface of the metal tube 60 and elbow 50 and the other butt - weld 54 is not . fig1 illustrates the basis of the present invention ; structures built from metal tubing wherein the curved joints or elbows are cast and welded to sections of metal tubing . referring to fig1 , a cab guard 70 for a truck is shown by way of example of a structure built according to the present invention . cab guards are designed to prevent objects on the bed or trailer of a truck from striking the cab of the truck . the cab guard 70 is constructed from 4 ″ steel square tubing and a steel mesh screen 72 . straight sections of square tubing 74 are butt welded to 90 - degree cast steel elbows 76 . referring to fig3 and 4 , right angle junctions between substantially straight sections of metal tube can be made according to the present invention by welding the ends of the substantially straight sections of metal tube to a cast 90 - degree curved elbow . when made according to the present invention , such junctions are easier to make , ( i . e . easier to weld ) less susceptible to lamellar tearing , less likely to cause bending of the substantially straight sections of tubing , generally stronger and lighter and more aesthetically pleasing than prior art junctions ( such as shown in fig3 and 4 ). the present invention also contemplates a method of constructing metal tube structures using cast curved elbows and / or joints . the method involves the welding together of sections of metal tubing to form the desired structure wherein the curved are cast rather than bent . the cast sections or components are welded to the other sections of metal tubing in the metal tube structure according to known welding techniques . in other words , structures that would normally require elbows or joints made by bending metal tubing if they were built according to prior art methods , can be built without using parts made by bending . accordingly , while this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments , this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense . various modifications of the illustrative embodiments , as well as other embodiments of the invention , will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description . it is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention .
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the agile management portal program includes intranet / internet based software integrated in a process to help organizations such as companies , enterprises , and businesses , to be more agile . the program allows management teams , wherever located , to quickly plan , design , and work on a common portfolio of strategic goals and initiatives the teams believe will make the business grow and prosper , and to gain access to pre - populated external sources of knowledge , expertise and tools via the internet . agility management : in at least some circumstances , agility means being able to consistently grow and perform better than competitors in the marketplace over time , and agility management means linking strategic planning , project management , and high performance organizational principles into an integrated set of management tools , templates and services that enable organizations to be more agile . the agile manager can serve as a “ management portal ” through which people can view both internal organizational goals and external information available to help achieve these goals . the portal &# 39 ; s functional architecture is called the agile manager , and has four modules that can be used in a planning and management process : the agile manager , the agile company , the agile baseline , and agile know - how , ( 1 ) a business domain structure to which strategic goals and contributing initiatives can be linked . this structure creates a stem - to stem view of how the business works , including customer , value chain , organization and economic domains . this structure allows the user to enter and subsequently explore strategic goals and initiatives germane to either the organization as a whole or to a particular domain . once the user picks an area of interest , the user is effectively “ one click ” away from several context sensitive views about investments the organization is making to grow and improve performance . ( 2 ) a gap analysis facility that a management team can use to assess performance gaps and to design how any aspect of the domain structure would have to change to close these gaps . ( 3 ) the ability to create a portfolio of strategic goals and their contributing initiatives using either top down brainstorming or bottom - up association techniques . as a result , teams can effectively start with a clean sheet of paper and reinvent the business from scratch . or the teams can review an inventory of already on - going activities and relate these activities to each other and to overall strategic goals . having this portfolio available on - line — subject to permissioning controls — for all to see , keeps members of the organization aware of where they need to go , what it will take to get there , and what actions should be taken to stay on track . ( 4 ) a facility to draw people &# 39 ; s attention immediately to changes in the portfolio and its contents that are important to the people in view of their particular roles or interests . this facility gives various common and individualized views of different goals and initiatives that will help diverse groups of people to work together effectively . a history of these changes and related dates is also maintained . ( 5 ) a common attribute structure that provides information ( e . g ., costs , payback , priority , risks , due dates ) for any goal and contributing initiative so the goals and initiatives can be sorted against a piece of information to facilitate ongoing decision making . for example , if resources are limited , the user can sort initiatives by cost , payback , and priority , or if the user wants to see how the portfolio will affect any part of the organization , the user can sort by domain . ( 6 ) the ability to follow a context sensitive link to any goal or initiative and its relevant internal and external sources of knowledge deemed helpful to successful implementation . ( 7 ) a management action plan / agenda utility that managers can use to keep track of pending issues and actions for each strategic goal or initiative . as a result , users can learn about outstanding issues , upcoming agenda items , and the responsible parties . as a result , items are easily found and a user is allowed to see progress related issues before meetings , so that less time is needed to focus management meetings on substantive issues . ( 8 ) the agile manager also supports the agile company program , which includes content that executives can use to assess how well their organization matches high performance criteria and to suggest base - case template programs that can be adapted to accelerate developing agility . behind the agile company is content reflecting 20 traits and characteristics that capture fundamental principles underlying agile , high performing organizations ( 9 ) the agile baseline includes an accessible assessment tool that displays performance criteria that respondents then evaluate in terms of their organization &# 39 ; s competency relative to each criterion . the result of this input is displayed as a “ spider ” diagram that visually helps to convey the extent of any gaps that should be closed to improve competitiveness . the spider diagram helps people focus on opportunities for improvement and makes the rationale for change readily accessible to members of the organization . ( 10 ) agile know - how includes a subscription service that provides links to specific knowledge sources and tools that can be helpful to people working on different initiatives . this subscription service fits together with the agile manager so the knowledge is accessible in the context in which it is needed . when the agile manager and its modules are used in conjunction with the agility management process , people are better able to work together in a way demonstrated to be correlated with high performance : fosters a more adaptive culture ( e . g ., to relish change and fight inertia ): linking goals , projects and their attributes and being able to sort the portfolio to focus on a particular aspect facilitates adapting to changes when they occur . helps align users behind strategic goals and contributing projects : getting users to “ see ” in simple outline form where the organization wants to go to grow and prosper , and what it &# 39 ; s going to take to get there , which enables users to understand the strategy and to keep their own projects in alignment . helps employees act and be treated like owners : when people can see a model of the organization and understand how it works they are better able to make decisions about what is important , much as if they owned the organization . helps make decisions based on benefits and risks to the business : linking proposed initiatives to the model of the organization , and to costs , paybacks , and priorities makes it easier to understand the benefits and risks that could result . provides well managed structure that encourages teamwork across boundaries : the ability to understand and be informed of changes elsewhere in the organization enhances the ability to work across different disciplines and locations . encourages people to continuously look for ways to improve the business : enabling management team members to review a table of contents of their business , and to assess gaps between how good they need to be and where they are currently , and to set goals for closing these gaps ; this ability of individuals or teams to step back and to “ see ” the table of contents and to reflect on what changes need to be made to be different in the marketplace and to improve performance is a key ingredient in creating a culture that continually looks for ways to improve the business . helps people understand better how the pieces of the business work together : the model of the business gives viewers an integrated view of how the business works and how they relate , which provides a valuable context for understanding why something that does not entirely make sense locally could be proper for the business as a whole . keeps users focused on successfully implementing strategic priorities : the ability to constantly view and be aware of what is in the approved strategic goals and initiatives portfolio keeps members of the organization aligned around common strategic priorities . makes the management process more cost effective by having information and knowledge available when it is needed : the linking of plans , goals , resources , people and projects into a relational database accessible via the internet makes valuable information available almost immediately . to use agility manager effectively , an organization may use an intranet with widespread email and web browser usage . agility manager is compatible with modern email systems and with microsoft and netscape web browsers . typically , no other client - side software is required . agility manager combines sophisticated application code with powerful , industry standard server components . the agility manager server includes a database server , a web application server , and application code written in server - side java . agility manager can use a microsoft or oracle database server . for example , agility manager may be run on an ibm websphere application server , or may run on other java - based application servers . the agility manager may run on windows nt or solaris or other operating environments . agility manager may be installed on an internal server , or may be hosted on a server such as a web server and connected via internet or virtual private net . mailers : email client with click - through url linking , such as notes , outlook , outlook express , eudora , communicator . database server : ms sql 6 . 5 oracle 8 database administration capability is typically required . mail system : smtp compatible , such as notes , exchange , sendmail , smail , postoffice . mailers : email client with click - through url linking , such as notes , outlook , outlook express , eudora , communicator . integration and source code fig1 is a map of the basic structure of the suite of software that shows key functions performed by the agile manager and ways in which users can get access to other modules of the suite . the sequence of the map illustrates logical paths users take as different aspects of the goal hierarchy are considered , from deciding what belongs and why , designing and modifying goals and contributing projects , monitoring and pursuing issues related to implementation progress , and getting to specific knowledge found helpful to the context of any particular initiative . a screen by screen description is provided below . the agility management program helps leaders , managers , and staff conduct normal management practices in everyday corporate life while quickly and effectively using the power of the internet to gain access to knowledge needed to make decisions . thus , the program helps leaders and managers to execute daily operations successfully , to continually improve the way they do business to keep abreast of changing competitive conditions and to deliver increasing value to their customers and owners . technology is transforming virtually every aspect of commerce , and globalization and deregulation are making competition more complex . these forces are causing organizations to go through planning and execution cycles to launch multiple new initiatives to cope . to do this , organizations routinely make assessments of their performance — they consider best practices , they survey customer opinions , they examine market and competitive trends and practices ; they create task forces and hire consultants who generate findings and conclusions . to handle these conclusions , organizations conduct planning to establish goals and design initiatives to improve their performance — they hold retreats to develop these visions and they decide on priorities and allocate resources to fund initiatives to bring these visions to fruition . to execute these initiatives , organizations assign staff and hire outside expertise and know - how to get the results they want . to get the results to stick , organizations undertake change management programs to bring people and organizational behaviors into line with what the new initiatives require . the agility management program software enables people to get organized and communicate much easier and faster as they go through these planning and execution cycles , and to gain access to knowledge and tools that will help them understand how to implement their initiatives more successfully . fig2 illustrates the relationship between the agile manager and common planning practices . the planning / execution process is repeated again and again across organizations in different departments , functional areas , and lines of business . it is not uncommon for literally hundreds of initiatives to be underway in units across an organization . some of the initiatives are local initiatives to improve a specific operation and typically do not need to be coordinated with other initiatives . many initiatives , however , have multiple components that should be coordinated so that they contribute to the accomplishment of a single overarching goal . for instance , a new product requires that processes across the organization from sales and marketing , through operations and manufacturing , and technology to human resources be integrated and aligned so that the product will be introduced in time to exploit an opportunity in the marketplace . similarly , introduction of new technology , such as a new workstation , often requires coordination of units from information technology , sales and marketing , human resource training , and administration before the new technology can be put into beneficial use . the agile manager not only facilitates the planning / execution cycle for any particular goal or initiative , but also allows the user to put all the priority goals and each priority goal &# 39 ; s contributing initiatives into a strategic implementation portfolio or hierarchy ( fig3 .). the portfolio view relates contributing initiatives or projects to their overarching goals and to each other , and allows the user to sort these initiatives , projects , or goals in a variety of ways . for example , the user can sort the initiatives in terms of their impact on the domain structure of the organization , by strategic factors such as cost , payback , and priority , or according to the status and stage the goals and initiatives are in to allow better management . people throughout an organization have distinct roles to play in the formulation and implementation of plans . traditionally , these roles have been substantially formalized , with senior levels likely to do the planning and lower levels likely to do the implementation . modern email and voice communication have flattened organizational structures by allowing ordinary employees to get access to information on their own without depending on senior levels as the source of knowledge . the agile manager allows effectively everyone to see the goals and projects important to the company and , as shown on fig4 , helps people to play specific roles with a clear picture of the initiatives involved and allows people to contribute ideas . overview of how the software integrates with a process in the agility management program as shown in fig5 , the agility management program reflects principles of effective management of high performing organizations . the following describes a typical sequence of how a management user / team might use the agile manager . the particular example is drawn from an actual implementation of the agile manager linking strategic corporate goals and information technology initiatives . the agile manager structure allows many different business applications , and a key problem it helps solve is bridging a communication gap between business users and their technical counterparts so both sides work off the same page . the first sequence , for planning , starts with users viewing their domain structure ( fig6 ) and deciding where they want to set a new goal ( see fig7 ). users can view the domain structure at different levels of depth from the highest level ( shown in fig6 ) to lower levels showing sub - components within each domain ( see fig8 ). if they wish , users can display already existing goals ( see fig9 ), which helps them to understand what &# 39 ; s in the current hierarchy , which can help address issues such as whether particular domains are sufficiently active and whether some existing goals may no longer be appropriate . once users have reviewed current activity and debated where the company needs to devote attention to improve future performance , they can select any domain and select an agile baseline mode (“ baseline ”). baseline allows users to critique the selected domain in terms of criteria that the agile manager suggests ( see fig1 ), or that they provide or modify themselves . once the users have agreed on the criteria and reached consensus about both how good the criteria need to be and how good the criteria currently are , the results are displayed in a spider diagram ( see fig1 ). the spider diagram helps to capture the users &# 39 ; assessment of the current situation and to explain why the domain has been selected for developing new goals to be included in the hierarchy . subsequently , users can return to baseline to reassess whether improvement goals and projects that have been undertaken have in fact been successful . this reassessment can suggest new gap areas where new initiatives may be appropriate , or indicate that not enough has been accomplished to sufficiently improve the situation . after exercising baseline , users may establish a new goal ( by a “ new goal ” button on the domain screens ) ( see fig7 for the screen that appears when the button is pushed ) to improve performance . once established , the new goal takes its place in the goal hierarchy and management can decide what should happen next . for example , even if a goal “ expand business with the most profitable customers ” has been entered , ideas related to the goal have not been entirely fleshed out , resources have not been allocated , plans have not been formulated , and accountability has not been assigned . the goal is without projects necessary to bring about the desired results . to begin to put these projects together , users can use the gap analysis feature to view each domain and sub - domain in terms of how each domain or sub - domain would have to change if the goal is to be achieved . as users identify these changes , they create in effect a vision of a different company that would achieve the goal ( see fig1 ). in this example , two projects or goals to expand business with profitable customers are : to deepen relationships with high net worth clients , and to have profitable products for every segment . each of these two projects or goals may also in turn be analyzed in the gap analysis process to create other projects or goals that will make them a reality . as these projects or goals are defined , they are added to the goals hierarchy ( see fig3 ) that provides access to the strategic hierarchy of goals and contributing projects or goals that the company is working on to improve performance . if the user wants to get more information about the new goal or any goal listed in the hierarchy , the user clicks on the goal of interest to get to summary information as shown in fig1 for the goal “ expand business with most profitable customers .” in summary , the planning sequence allows the user to update company plans either by starting with a clean sheet of paper and brainstorming a new goal and the projects that would bring it about , or by reviewing the existing hierarchy of goals and projects and deciding whether something is missing ; thus , the hierarchy typically includes a combination of new ideas being considered and maturing goals and projects that are in the process of implementation . the agile manager allows managers to keep the hierarchy of goals and contributing goals in constant view and up - to - date with changing circumstances . the hierarchy can be viewed as a totality of goals and contributing goals affecting the enterprise ( see fig3 ), or can be viewed by top goals ( see fig1 ), depending on the user &# 39 ; s interest , or by specific top goal ( see fig1 ). in addition , the user can view the hierarchy against certain types of information that help inform the user about the impact of goals on the business domains ( see fig1 ) or the priority ( see fig1 ) or impact of each of the goals , or about its status , stage of development , or ownership accountability ( see fig1 ). because these different views are a click away , the agile manager supports a dynamic decision making process where discussion can move quickly from strategic to tactical considerations . for example , if the topic is budgets , the user can sort by goal or project cost ( see fig1 ), or by priority or return on investment (“ payback ”) ( see fig1 ) and can be provided with information that can help the user decide where to commit resources based on factors such as benefit and risk . in another example , when managers meet and want to focus on key implementation issues , they can opt to switch to viewing “ status ” factors and can view goals or projects by status ( e . g ., on track or in need of attention ) ( see fig1 ), which stage each is in ( see fig2 ), risks , or who is responsible . without the agile manager , each view would likely require a special study or report ; the agile manager makes these different views available at a moment &# 39 ; s notice . in addition , managers who want to explore any goal or project in more detail can click on the goal or project of interest and get more information . similarly , managers who see something missing while reviewing the overall hierarchy can select “ new goal ” from the menu and enter a new goal or project ( see fig2 ). in at least some embodiments , an especially important view managers can use to manage the hierarchy is a view in which the goals and projects are sorted by domain . this view can be produced for any of a number of levels , e . g ., for the entire hierarchy ( see fig1 ) or for a selected goal in isolation ( see fig2 ). a purpose of this view is to allow managers to understand quickly what initiatives are underway or will affect an aspect of the business . for instance , if a question arises regarding what is being done about market trends , managers can click on any topic on the domain structure ( e . g . customer relationships ) ( see fig2 ) and see immediately what initiatives are underway related to this topic ( see fig2 ). users can also execute searches by name or word in the title of a goal or project ( see fig2 ), and can put alerts in place ( see fig2 ) that will flag changes that occur in goals or projects previously indicated as being of particular interest ( see fig2 ). a major purpose of the agile manager , in addition to planning and managing the overall portfolio of goals and projects ( i . e . the hierarchy ), is to help managers accelerate implementation progress related to a goal and its contributing projects . a user has an array of choices to view when reviewing the progress of a selected goal . ( the choices available depend on the permission that is granted by the owner of a goal to different types of users ( see fig2 )). a “ summary ” page ( see fig1 ) contains information about the goal itself that can be edited ( see fig2 ). other main views for helping to manage include “ progress ” ( see fig2 ) that displays the contributing projects or goals that must be finished or achieved before the parent goal can be fully accomplished . the “ progress ” view allows managers to view progress for the contributing projects side - by - side to determine whether the projects are properly synchronized or are out of phase with each other . other features are useful for managers and teams executing goals and contributing projects . a “ discussion ” feature ( see fig3 ) allows a user on the system to communicate directly about , and in the context of , the goal or project of interest . the owner of a goal can also select a particularly important part of the discussion and put it on an agenda ( see fig3 ). another useful feature includes an ability to link to internal and external sources of information that goal or project teams believe are important to make accessible to users involved ( see fig3 and 33 ). the links provide a practical application of knowledge management because the links allow teams to place information effectively or actually one click away so users can get at the information without excessively disturbing the state of the software . for example , users can hot - link to and open a detailed microsoft project plan if the plan is useful to the discussions . users can place word documents related to the goal where the documents can be found , and open the documents when needed . similarly , users can link to web sites of outside consultants or suppliers that may be related to the goal at hand . in this way , users can start using the software through the domain structure , find out the relevant issues , and access relevant knowledge context sensitively along the way . the above sections have laid out a description of agile manager and the agile baseline module . in addition , the agile manager includes the agile company and agile know - how modules . the agile company can be added to or made accessible from the agile manager and provides a survey that employees can take to assess how well the company or organization is managed in view of high performance criteria . the agile company software can be downloaded onto the client &# 39 ; s server and a user on the network can complete a questionnaire of multiple pages , such as 20 pages , ( exemplified in fig3 ) and then the software can tabulate results to show strengths and weaknesses for sample analysis . the agile company also has templates that can be made available to help clients get started with a change program designed to improve specific high performance traits . the goal “ expand business with most profitable customers ” shown in fig3 is set up with such a template . agile know - how links users to excerpts of publications about topics relevant to the goals and projects in which they &# 39 ; re involved . for instance , the user can stipulate concepts , such as leadership , and specific aspects of the concept , such as senior leadership , and the kind of information needed , such as understanding the concepts , or how to be a good leader , and then get excerpts that match the needed information . in this regard , the agile manager enables an organization to use the agile manager as a single source for not only information about strategic initiatives but also knowledge available inside and outside the organization that can help make the organization more agile . the goal hierarchy screen is the default screen ( see fig3 ) and an important navigational screen for accessing details about any single goal or initiative , or accessing various views . once the goals and contributing projects have been loaded , the default screen presents a goal hierarchy and can be used as follows : hierarchy : the left side of the screen presents an outline the top section of which represents the organization &# 39 ; s strategic implementation plan , i . e ., in which the top level statements represent strategic goals that are the highest level organization goals , and the next indented level statements represent contributing initiatives that are indicated as having to be completed for the strategic goals to be achieved . a user authorized to see the portfolio view can see where the organization wants to go and what it will take to get there , with the goals and projects associated together in one spot . unassociated goals : the goals and initiatives under this heading are indicated as being either no longer relevant strategically or not yet placed in the hierarchy . functions from this screen : if a user is unhappy with the placement of a goal or initiative or wants to adjust attributes of the goal or initiative , the user has only to click on a goal or initiative listed to retrieve its related information . for example , a click on the initiative takes the user to a summary screen ( see fig1 for example ) for this initiative . the following information fields are available for any goal or initiative : heading : the entry shows the name of the goal or initiative for which basic information is displayed on this screen . owner : this entry lists the name of the person responsible for implementation of the goal or initiative and authorized to edit its related information . parent goal : this entry lists the name of the goal or initiative immediately above or superior to the initiative that is active . an advantage of showing the parent goal is that a user working on the initiative is instructed that the initiative is contributing to the parent goal . objective : this entry shows the objective of the initiative so a user is instructed as to what the initiative is specifically to accomplish . history : the entry maintains a running log of changes made to the initiative , and indicated by whom and when . here is recorded when the project was created and when delegated to the current owner . the changes are monitored by the computer so that the user can identify which changes the user wants to have flagged automatically when they are made ( see view alerts below ). status : this entry identifies the category such as “ on - time ,” chosen to summarize the status of the goal or initiative &# 39 ; s progress , so that the user can determine at a glance whether the goal or initiative is in need of attention . the categories listed here can be modified to fit each client situation when an edit mode is selected . due date : this entry indicates the date by which the initiative is to be achieved . priority : the benefit entry presents a numerical score from 1 ( lowest ) to 5 ( highest ) based on user judgment about the relative value of the initiative or goal in terms of improving the business results . for example , the goal may be rated 3 of 5 , i . e ., average . an advantage of a simple rating is that users can quickly understand the rating scale and then discuss specifically the reasons behind the rating . risk : this field presents a 1 to 5 numerical score that indicates a risk level for the goal or initiative , such as that the team is new , that the technology is untested , or that the market is new . by keeping track of risk , managers can work proactively to reduce risk and thus increase the probability of a successful implementation . in addition , when there are resource constraints , decisions about which initiatives to continue to pursue may depend on a combination of benefit scores and risk scores to indicate how much managers can count on achieving the initiative and having a positive impact on the business . for example , with a priority score of 3 that is lower than a risk score of 4 , a question might be raised about whether to continue to fund the initiative if there are other initiatives that have better benefit / risk characteristics . project code : ( not shown ) this field allows an alphanumeric identifier to be assigned for administrative purposes . stage : the stage field shows where in the project life cycle the goal or initiative is so that a user can keep track of how the goal or initiative is progressing and what remains to be done . for example , the initiative shown is in the “ start up ” stage . in the edit mode , several stages are displayed from which the owner can pick one that is descriptive of the status of the initiative . investment : this field captures the cost of or investment in each particular goal or initiative so the user can readily access financial information related to decision making and priorities . payback : the payback field refers to the economic return anticipated for achievement of the particular goal or initiative . in conjunction with the investment field , the payback field can allow a ratio of return on investment to be produced , which ratio may play a key decision making role in an assessment of the relative value of one initiative versus another . rank : ( not shown ) this field is available for formulas developed for each client for calculating the ranking of each goal and initiative , including the combined values of initiatives contributing to a particular strategic goal . score : ( not shown ) the score field relates to a unique calculation of the cumulative value of each goal and initiative based on weighting techniques appropriate to the user ( e . g ., alignment with corporate values , brand , payback , competitive position , management attitudes ). both the rank and score fields are provided to help users prioritize goals and initiatives in the portfolio . edit button : when a user clicks on the edit button , the user is taken immediately to the basic goal edit screen ( see fig2 ) which allows the authorized owner to modify the basic information about the particular goal or initiative that has been selected . the project name and description fields are for text , the due date is for calendar completion date information , and the other fields such as domain , status , benefit and risk priority , and stage present pop - up menus . when changes are submitted , the changes are automatically accessible to whoever uses the system and are captured in the history log . delegate button : this button allows the user to designate or redesignate the individual who is the owner of the goal or initiative by going to the delegate screen ( see fig3 ) and searching through names of candidates to whom responsibility can be delegated . delete button : when this button is selected , the user is automatically asked whether the goal or initiative is to be deleted and , if so , the goal or initiative is deleted and archived in case subsequent retrieval becomes necessary . project menu : this pop - up menu lists the choices of views the user can access from the basic goal info screen as regards the active goal or initiative that has been selected . the view choices include the following : control panel : when this choice is made the user is presented with the control panel view ( see fig2 ) and can review the permissioning rules . if the rules are satisfactory , the user can retreat and proceed along another path . if the rules need to be changed , the user clicks the edit button and is presented with another version of the control panel that can be edited and submitted . only the authorized owner is able to make changes . project briefing : if the user wants to understand better how the active goal or initiative relates to the parent goal , the user can click on this choice and will be presented with the project briefing screen ( see fig3 ). here salient information is displayed from the objective field in the basic information related to the selected goal ( see fig3 ). in addition , sources of knowledge that may be helpful to access are listed so that the user can hot - link to them if need be . in a typical embodiment , this screen cannot be edited and is just a view . goal components : when the user makes this choice , the user is presented with a goal components screen ( see fig3 ) and , in a typical embodiment , views only the contributing goals that are related to the parent goal . from this screen the user can access different functions including : select parent : when the user wants to change the position of an initiative in the hierarchy , the user clicks on this button and is taken to the select new parent screen ( see fig3 ). on this screen the user can either search for the new parent goal or initiative if the user knows its name , or click on “ select from project hierarchy ” and be presented with another screen that lists the hierarchy . the user then selects a goal or initiative as the new parent , and when the user clicks on this selection , the original initiative is associated with the new parent and shows up so associated in the hierarchy . add subproject : when the user , wants to add a new subordinate initiative with which the user is working , the user can use the “ add ” button to view new goal screen ( see fig7 ) and enter information about the new initiative using the standard template . when the information is entered , the new initiative is placed appropriately in the hierarchy . add milestone : this button allows the user to flag and define major milestones in the initiative , which can be useful for adding more detail if appropriate for monitoring significant targets . the create milestone screen allows the user to name and define the milestone and to set a finish date and status . project history : this button takes the user to a display of project history ( see fig4 ) that shows when changes were made , from creation of the initiative to modifications to any of its attributes . this history can be very valuable for tracking key events in the life of a goal or initiative for analytic or other reasons . from this screen the user can also add comments to explain particular events , or add new events . links : this button takes the user to a view ( see fig3 ) of the links to any knowledge sources that the initiative team has chosen to put here so that the knowledge sources will be accessible to any members when necessary . an advantage of this facility is that with the domain structure linked to goals and initiatives and with knowledge linked to the goals and initiatives , the organization is provided with a clear and natural organization for placing and locating critical information when needed . from this screen the user can add links ( see fig3 ). gaps analysis : this button takes the user to the list of contributing goals / projects ( with actual and desired weightings ) by domain - screen ( see fig1 ). from this list the user can determine whether the changes for each key domain have been identified . if the user is dissatisfied , the user can either select the edit button and change specific information about one or more of the existing contributing goals / projects or click on “ add ” to get to the edit contributing goal screen ( see fig7 ). in the latter case , the user can select a domain and enter the name of a new initiative , its actual achievement weighting ( based on current status ) and desired achievement weighting ( based on the importance of this initiative to achieving the parent goal ). when the new initiative idea is submitted , the software displays the gap analysis view with the new initiative added . the user can continue to add new contributing goals / projects by domain . when the user is comfortable that the domains have been covered , the user can click on a listed goal name and proceed directly to its summary screen to begin to flesh out more information about its characteristics such as its owner and objective . in at least some cases , the value of the gap analysis is substantial , because it allows users to brainstorm what changes in the domain structure need to be made if a particular goal or initiative is to be implemented successfully . in this regard , the combination of domain structure and gap analysis keeps members of the organization focused on how the organization works and where improvements need to be made for strategic or tactical reasons . view menu : the menu at the top of the goal hierarchy screen ( see fig2 ) give the user access to hierarchical views that facilitate decision making related to creating the hierarchy itself , reviewing status , or flagging changes particularly interesting to the user . a description of each of the buttons is set forth in the following sections : select domain : when this is selected the domain structure screen is presented ( see fig2 ). all goals view : when this button is clicked , the user is presented with screen ( see fig1 ) which repeats the hierarchy on the left and adds relevant information on the right in five categories useful to users when the users want to assess the validity of the current goal hierarchy , including cost , payback priority , domain , and due date ( expressed as time remaining before expected completion ). from this screen , the user can select other views where the hierarchy is sorted by category represented by the column heading , e . g ., is sorted in descending order of costs , screen ( see fig1 ), thereby helping people decide whether the level of investment required can be afforded . likewise , using column headings as buttons , the user can sort the hierarchy into various views according to payback ( see fig1 ), priority ( see fig1 ), domain ( see fig1 ), or due date . these views facilitate meetings and deliberations where users need to quickly produce a variety of sorted views to achieve the variety of perspectives needed to reach informed decisions . for example , a view sorted by payback , with cost information also visible , helps users decide whether the return on investment will be sufficient to justify financially . sorting by priority allows users to view the relative weightings that have been given to the goals and initiatives based on factors deemed important from a prioritization perspective . in a typical case , from a strategic perspective , the view sort by domain is highly desirable because this view shows how the goals and initiatives affect different aspects of the organization , e . g ., from dealing with customers , to processes , organization , and economics . as a result , users can make common sense decisions about , for example , whether all the needed changes in all the domains have been accounted for . status view : this button takes the user to various views of the portfolio sorted by information fields that indicate how well the goal or initiative is progressing . when the button is clicked , the projects by status screen ( see fig1 ) is presented , sorted by status categories and showing other column headings that can be clicked on to get projects by stage ( see fig2 ) or by owner , projects by risk , and projects by due date . armed with these views , users can decide where to focus their attention to keep projects on track . alerts view : this button takes the user to the project alerts view ( see fig2 ) which shows changes a particular user has identified as being of particular interest . from this view , the user can access the set alerts and set alertsedit screens and modify the goals and types of changes the computer is to monitor and flag on the user &# 39 ; s behalf . in a typical embodiment , the agile manager is accessible from every desktop , with appropriate security clearances , for individual or team use on - line , with print out ability for manual use , and for electronic projection to facilitate team meetings . the software is flexible and is arranged to allow the user to make non - structural changes in , for example , the specifics contained . the user changes the “ base case ” to reflect the desired language and sub - domain elements . as a result , the more the tool is used , the more the tool comes to reflect the user and the user tends to become proficient with the tool . the technique ( i . e ., at least a portion of one or more of the procedures described above ) may be implemented in hardware or software , or a combination of both . in some cases , it is advantageous if the method is 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 such as a keyboard , and at least one output device . program code is applied to data entered using the input device to perform the procedure described above and to generate output information . the output information is applied to one or more output devices . in some cases , it is advantageous if each program is implemented in a high level procedural or object - oriented programming language such as microsoft c or c ++ to communicate with a computer system . the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine language , if desired . in any case , the language may be a compiled or interpreted language . in some cases , it is advantageous if each such computer program is stored on a storage medium or device ( e . g ., rom or magnetic diskette ) 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 in this document . the system may also be considered to be implemented as a computer - readable storage medium that has been configured with a computer program , where the storage medium as configured with the program causes a computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner .
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as required , detailed embodiments of the present inventions are disclosed herein ; however , it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention , which may be embodied in various forms . therefore , specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting , but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure . referring now to fig1 , a front and left side view of the bender rail and driver components of a stitching head 10 is shown . a frame piece 12 is provided having a bender rail 14 movably connected thereto . bender rail 14 is provided with a cam 16 which is connected to bender rail 14 . cam 16 , as more completely identified hereinafter , is comprised of a first leg 32 which is a force - applying leg and a second leg 34 which is a force - redirecting leg . the operation and effect of these two cam legs 32 , 34 will be further described hereinafter . a cam follower 36 is provided which travels the path of cam 16 . the construction and operation of cam follower 36 will be further described hereinafter . still referring to fig1 , driver 20 is connected to bender rail 14 and driver 20 slidably moves within tracks 6 on either side of bender rail 14 . during operation , a staple 7 is disposed directly below driver 20 . staple 7 also rides in tracks 6 . driver 20 is connected to driver rail 22 by cam follower 36 . referring to fig4 , cam follower 36 is comprised of several components that connect driver rail 22 to driver 20 . more particularly , cam follower 36 is comprised of a cam follower upper link 26 which is pivotally connected to driver rail 22 by cam follower upper roller 24 . cam follower 36 also has a lower link 30 which is connected to driver 20 by cam follower lower roller 28 . upper link 26 and lower link 30 of cam follower 36 are pivotally connected by cam follower transition roller 18 which extends into cam 16 such that the movement of upper link 26 and lower link 30 comprising cam follower 36 is directed by the pathway formed by cam 16 . it is cam follower transition roller 18 which travels along the path presented by cam 16 ( fig1 ). as will be described hereinafter , the position of cam follower 36 as determined by the position of transition roller 18 within cam 16 determines the amount of force that is communicated from driver rail 22 through cam follower 36 and to driver 20 . this variation in the application of force will be further described hereinafter with reference to fig1 - 4 . referring now to fig1 - 4 , the application of force to achieve the insertion of a staple 7 into a work piece 5 ( fig1 ) will be described . first referring to fig1 , bender rail 14 is shown extended from frame 12 and in position to contact and compress a work piece 5 prefatory to the insertion of a staple 7 into the work piece 5 by driver 20 . also shown in fig1 , driver 20 is in its uppermost position as limited by transition roller 18 of cam follower 36 ( fig4 ) within force - applying leg 32 of cam 16 . it will be appreciated that cam 16 is connected to bender rail 14 , therefore , the position of cam 16 with respect to frame 12 is determined by the thickness of the work piece 5 which bender rail 14 contacts . it also will be appreciated that as the thickness of work piece 5 increases the vertical distance traveled by driver 20 within bender rail 14 decreases and as a work piece 5 becomes thinner , bender rail 14 is further downwardly extended with respect to frame 12 and the distance traveled by driver 20 becomes greater . this variation in the distance traveled by driver 20 with respect to bender rail 14 as being dependent upon the thickness of a work piece 5 will become clear as the operation of stitch head 10 is further described . again referring to fig1 , transition roller 18 of cam follower 36 is shown in the uppermost position permitted by cam 16 and which is the position of transition roller 18 and driver 20 just prior to the initiation of a downward stroke for insertion of a staple by stitch head 10 . in operation transition roller 18 then moves downwardly from the position shown in fig1 . this movement is in response to the downward movement of driver rail 22 , the movement of which is governed by the actuating bar ( not shown ) of the stitching machine ( not shown ) into which stitch head 10 has been inserted . the downward movement of driver rail 22 is communicated through cam follower 36 and to driver 20 which begins the forcing of a staple 7 into work piece 5 . it will be appreciated that the orientation of force - applying leg 32 provides a generally straight - line connection between driver rail 22 and driver 20 thereby communicating the entire force applied to driver rail 22 to driver 20 for the insertion of a staple into a work piece 5 . it also will be appreciated by comparing the position of driver 20 in fig1 to the position of driver 20 shown in fig2 that downward movement of driver 20 has been generated as a result of the downward movement of driver rail 22 communicated through transition roller 18 and cam follower 36 as governed by the pathway of cam 16 . referring now to fig2 , transition roller 18 of cam follower 36 is in the transition area at which the path established by cam 16 changes from a force - applying leg 32 into a force - redirecting path established by force - redirecting leg 34 of cam 16 . it will be appreciated by a comparison of the position of driver 20 in fig2 with the position shown in fig1 that downward progress of driver 20 has occurred as transition roller has been further moved along force - applying leg 32 of cam 16 by driver rail 22 . as transition roller 18 enters the initial portion of force - redirecting leg 34 of cam 16 and driver 20 is shown nearly to the end of bender rail 14 at which point the crown ( the portion that connects the two legs of the staple ) of staple 7 would be in contact with the work piece 5 . with the staple crown in contact with the work piece , further downward driving of the staple 7 into the work piece 5 can be terminated . as transition roller 18 moves further along force - redirecting leg 34 of cam 16 the position of driver 20 becomes even with the end of bender rail 14 . it is at this position of driver 20 that the crown of a staple 7 would be pressed against work piece 5 and the termination of downward force by driver 20 against the staple crown should occur . terminating additional downward force will avoid pressing the staple crown into the work piece and / or through the work piece 5 thereby causing damage to the work piece and a stitching failure . to avoid further downward pressure against the staple by driver 20 the force being applied by driver rail 22 either must be terminated or redirected to avoid the further application of force to a staple being inserted by driver 20 . this redirection of force is accomplished by further movement of cam follower 36 along force - redirecting leg 34 of cam 16 as shown in fig3 . in the end position of force - redirecting leg 34 no further downward movement of driver 20 occurs even though additional downward movement of driver rail 22 occurs and transition roller 18 travels farther along force - redirecting leg 34 of cam 16 . it is the movement of cam follower transition roller 18 along force - redirecting leg 34 of cam 16 that redirects the force being applied by driver rail 22 and avoids further downward movement of driver 20 and further insertion of a staple into work piece 5 . inspection of the shape of cam 16 as shown in fig1 - 4 shows that the path of force - applying leg 32 of cam 16 is generally in a straight line with , or parallel to , the direction of travel of driver rail 22 . in contrast , the path of force - redirecting leg 34 of cam 16 changes to a direction that is approximately 22 degrees from the path of force - applying leg 32 . this change in path direction results in the downward force from driver rail 22 being redirected along the path established by force - redirecting leg 34 with some of the force being put to the purpose of pivoting the force - applying leg 32 and the force - redirecting leg 34 about cam follower transition roller 18 . this redirection of the force being delivered by driver rail 22 results in reduction and termination of the downward movement of driver 20 and the force delivered to driver 20 from driver rail 22 . interlock and release mechanism for engagement of bender rail with driver for driver rail with driver referring now to fig5 an embodiment is shown for the releasable interlocking or engagement of bender rail 82 with driver 80 and for the releasable interlocking or engagement of for drive rail 88 with driver 80 during the staple insertion process . it will be appreciated that while different reference numbers are now employed the continuation of the same or similar structure names as used on fig1 - 4 is intended to reference the same or similar structures as was presented previously in those figures . in fig5 driver 80 is shown interlocked with bender rail 82 as flange 84 is spring biased , or mechanically pressed , to be rotated to contact shoulder 86 of bender rail 82 thereby connecting the bender rail 82 with the driver 80 for joint movement as the driver 80 receives force from the driver rail 88 . also shown in fig5 and 6 is the interlocking of driver 80 with driver rail 88 by the abutting of hip 90 ( fig6 ) of flange 92 on shoulder 91 of driver rail 88 . it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that with bender rail 82 and driver 80 and drive rail 88 connected together that the downward motion of these structures begins the formation of the staple 7 ( fig1 ) as the force from the actuator bar ( not shown ) is communicated through the drive rail 88 to the bender rail 82 to shape wire into a staple having a crown and two legs extending from either end of the crown . still referring to fig5 and 6 , driver 80 is released from engagement with bender rail 82 . the disengagement is achieved as the result of cam follower 94 on flange 84 being pressed inwardly to caused flange 84 to be rotated off of shoulder 86 as cam follower 94 arrives at point b on cam 96 . this allows driver 80 to continue to move separately from bender rail 82 to continue downward movement to force the staple through the workpiece . bender rail 82 has previously ended its movement downward upon bender rail 82 contacting the workpiece ( not shown ). in fig6 and 7 , driver 80 is unlocked from driver rail 88 by the rotation and release of hip 90 of flange 92 from engagement or interlock with shoulder 91 on driver rail 88 . this disengagement or release occurs when driver 80 reaches the end or tip of bender rail 82 which is in contact with the workpiece 5 . it is at this point in the operation of stitching head 10 that the staple 7 has been inserted into the workpiece 5 and further downward movement of driver 80 is not needed and would cause the staple 7 to be driven too far into the work piece 5 . the increased resistance driver 80 receives upon contacting the workpiece 5 at the conclusion of the staple 7 insertion is sufficient to urge flange 92 to move hip 90 along shoulder 91 which results in the rotation of flange 92 against flexible rod 93 which has , up to this point in the operation , biased hip 90 of flange 92 against shoulder 91 . this rotation of flange 92 allows the disengagement of hip 90 from shoulder 91 and the disengagement of driver 80 from driver rail 88 . as a result driver 80 is released from drive rail 88 and the additional downward movement of the driver rail 88 as caused by the actuator bar ( not shown ) does not transmit force to the driver 80 .
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referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first , particularly to fig1 , and 3 thereof , there is shown a cooking appliance 2 according to the invention . the appliance 2 has at least one cooking area 4 with a gas heating device 6 having a gas burner 8 with at least one , preferably , two or more , flame rings which are formed by gas outlet openings 10 . the heating output of the gas heating device can be adjusted at a manual adjusting element 12 , for example , a rotary knob , between a minimum gas heating output and a maximum gas heating output . the at least one cooking area 4 has , in addition to the gas heating device 6 , that is to say , in addition to the gas burner 8 , an electric heating device 14 having at least one electric heating element 16 whose heating output can be adjusted between a minimum electrical heating output and a maximum electrical heating output , the minimum electrical heating output being lower than the minimum gas heating output of the gas heating device 6 . the electric heating element 16 , for example , a tubular heating element , surrounds the gas burner 8 , for example , in a ring shape , and , preferably , at a constant distance . the upper surface of the electric heating element 16 is constructed as a heat transfer surface and a supporting surface , on which a vessel in the form of a pot or a pan can be placed to heat or cook foodstuffs and / or beverages . the electric heating element 16 is inserted into upper depressions 20 in arms 22 of a pan support 24 and is carried by this pan support 24 . a vessel that can be put onto the cooking area is , therefore , carried primarily by the pan support 24 , while the contact made between the base of the vessel and the electric heating element 16 merely serves for heat transfer to the pan . according to a modified embodiment , the electric heating element 16 is integrated into the pan support 24 . at the operating element 12 , it is possible to adjust manually not only the gas heating output of the gas burner 8 but also the electric heating output of the electric heating element 16 . the operating element 12 has a gas adjusting range i marked on the operating panel 26 for the gas heating device 6 with its gas burner 8 , and an electrical adjusting range ii for the electric heating device 14 with its electric heating element 16 . see fig3 . the two adjustment ranges i and ii are disposed one after another on a defined movement path of a tip 28 of the adjusting element 12 . the lowest gas heating output is adjacent the highest electrical heating output . the two adjoin at the point designated “ ⅙ ” and , by using the operating element 12 , a change can optionally be made from the lowest gas heating output to the highest electrical heating output at the point designated “ ⅙ ”. the adjustable highest gas heating output is designated “{ fraction ( 1 / 1 )}” at the other end of the gas adjustment range i . the lowest electrical heating output is designated “{ fraction ( 6 / 100 )}” at the other end of the electrical adjustment range ii . [ 0048 ] fig4 shows a graph in which the rotational angle “ α ” to which the adjusting element 12 can be adjusted is plotted on the horizontal axis . plotted on the vertical axis of the graph is the heating output “ p ”. on the horizontal axis , the rotational angle range is divided up into the first adjustment range i of the gas heating output and the second adjustment range ii of the electrical heating output . to ignite the gas burner 8 , it is adjusted to the highest heating output “{ fraction ( 1 / 1 )}” at the adjusting element 12 , and its gas flowing out is ignited automatically or manually , depending on the embodiment of the cooking appliance , an automatic igniting device being the preferred embodiment . if the gas heating output is reduced at the operating element 12 beyond the smallest , predetermined adjusting value of “ ⅙ ” of the maximum value “{ fraction ( 1 / 1 )}”, for example , at this point the gas supply to the gas burner 8 is automatically interrupted and , instead , the electric heating element 16 is switched on , specifically at its highest electrical heating output value . from the highest electrical heating output value , the electrical heating output can be reduced at the operating element 12 down to a predetermined lowest electrical heating output value of , for example , “{ fraction ( 6 / 100 )}”. if the heating output is reduced further , the appliance is automatically switched off at the manual operating element 12 . of course , the output range can also be passed through from the absolute lowest electrical heating output value as far as the maximum gas heating output value . in such a case , the ignition of the gas flowing out from the gas burner 8 is not carried out only when the maximum gas heating output value “{ fraction ( 1 / 1 )}” is adjusted but , of course , at the transition from electrical heating operation to gas operation , when the adjustment of the lowest possible gas heating output of , for example , “ ⅙ ” of the maximum heating output value “{ fraction ( 1 / 1 )}” is reached or exceeded . according to a special embodiment , for a rapid cooking area , an adjustment possibility can be provided to switch on the burner 8 of the gas heating device 6 and the electric heating element 16 of the electric heating device 14 at the same time , in order to produce a heating output greater than the maximum heating output of the gas heating device . such a possible adjustment can , for example , be provided by the adjusting element 12 having a third rotational area for such a purpose or by being axially displaceable to perform such an adjustment . [ 0050 ] fig5 and 6 show a cooking appliance according to the invention , in which a gas burner 8 having one or more rings of gas outlet openings 10 and at least one electric heating element 16 are integrated in a pan support 24 - 2 . the heating element 16 can instead also be fixed to the pan support 24 - 2 instead of being integrated . in both cases , the gas heating device 6 with the gas burner 8 , and the electric heating device 14 with the electric heating element 16 , together with the pan support 24 - 2 , form one structural unit . [ 0051 ] fig7 and 8 show a further embodiment of the invention , in which the at least one electric heating element 16 is integrated into a pan support 24 and surrounds a gas burner 8 of the gas heating device 6 at a constant distance . the electrical heating output and the gas heating output can be adjustable through the same operating element 12 , as in the other embodiments or , as illustrated in fig7 and 8 , by an adjusting element 12 - 2 for the gas heating device 6 and a further adjusting element 12 - 1 for the electric heating device 14 . according to the preferred exemplary embodiments , the electric heating element 16 makes contact with the base or a side wall of a vessel that can be placed on the element 16 , for example , a pot or pan . according to other embodiments , there may also be spacing between the heating element 16 and the vessel . it is noted , however , that such spacing impairs the heat transfer rate .
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fig1 illustrates a conductor lift 10 incorporating aspects of the present inventions . the embodiment of conductor lift 10 illustrated in fig1 is generally configured to be used with three - phase 115 kv power distribution systems . the three - phase 115 kv embodiment is used throughout this description to illustrate the inventions . however , persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that conductor lift 10 can be modified and sized for use with other power distribution systems , including , without limitation , systems with higher or lower voltages , two - phase systems , dc systems , systems including static lines , and systems using multiple conductors per phase . additionally , although many disclosed features are especially well - suited for use with energized conductors , conductor lift 10 can also be used in non - energized situations . conductor lift 10 is configured to be mountable on a boom 102 of a lift truck 100 ( see fig1 and 13 ) or similar device . conductor lift 10 is preferably connected to boom 102 by mounting assembly 20 . mounting assembly 20 — described in greater detail below in connection with fig2 — provides several benefits including , without limitation , the ability to adjust the articulation of conductor lift 10 with respect to boom 102 and the ability to stow conductor lift 10 on a side of boom 102 when conductor lift 10 is not in use . mounting assembly 20 is connected to arm hub 50 of conductor lift 10 . arm hub 50 is described in greater detail in connection with fig5 a and 5b , below . extending from arm hub 50 are upper arm 104 , lower arm 106 , and center insulating stem 108 . upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 are preferably constructed from a strong material with a high electrical resistance , such as fiberglass . in the event that a conductor becomes loose and contacts upper arm 104 or lower arm 106 , the high electrical resistance material provides a length of insulation , which helps to prevent electricity from arcing back to boom 102 . however , upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 do not have to be insulating and can alternatively comprise other materials , including conductive materials such as steel , aluminum , or other metals , with or without external insulation . when configured for use in a three - phase 115 kv system , upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 are preferably between 10 and 16 feet long ; more preferably between 14 and 15 feet long ; and most preferably about 14 . 5 feet long . for use with other systems , upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 can be made shorter or longer , as appropriate . alternatively , arm hub 50 can be positioned at a point other than the midpoint of conductor lift 10 , and upper arm 104 made a different length than lower arm 106 . in such embodiment , center insulating stem 108 , if used , is preferably positioned at or near the midpoint , rather than attached to arm hub 50 . an upper bracket 114 is attached to upper arm 104 . upper bracket 114 is configured to be selectively positionable along upper arm 104 . similarly , a lower bracket 116 is attached to and selectively positionable along lower arm 106 . in the illustrated embodiment , selective positioning is accomplished using holes 118 defined in upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 at increments between about 3 and 12 inches , and most preferably at about six inches . however , other methods for selective positioning are known and can be used . alternatively , for applications in which adjustive positioning is unnecessary , upper bracket 114 and lower bracket 116 can be attached at fixed positions . in the illustrated embodiment , extenders 122 , 123 are shown attached to upper bracket 114 and lower bracket 116 , respectively . at a distal end of extender 122 from upper bracket 114 is upper insulating stem 124 . at a distal end of extender 123 from lower bracket 116 is lower insulating stem 126 . wire holders 132 ( or any other conductor - holding device ) are secured at a distal end of each of upper insulating stem 124 , center insulating stem 108 , and lower insulating stem 126 . alternatively , depending on the conductor configuration , extenders 122 , 123 can be removed so that upper insulating stem 124 connects directly to upper bracket 114 and lower insulating stem 126 connects directly to lower bracket 116 . upper bracket 114 and lower bracket 116 preferably comprise quick disconnect sockets ( see fig8 a and 8b ) configured to hold extenders 122 and 123 or insulating stems . similarly , extenders 122 and 123 preferably comprise compatible quick disconnect sockets configured to hold insulating stems . in an alternative embodiment , if a conductor lift will not be used for work on energized conductors , insulating stems are not necessary and can be omitted or replaced by non - insulating components . fig2 is a closer view of mounting assembly 20 . mounting assembly 20 comprises adapter plate 212 , articulation plates 228 , and link bars 232 or 234 ( see fig3 b ). adapter plate 212 comprises attachment tabs 214 , which correspond to boom tip tabs 204 on boom tip 202 . adapter plate 212 is secured to boom tip 202 by attachment pins 216 placed through holes defined in attachment tabs 214 and boom tip tabs 204 . removing two attachment pins 216 from one side of mounting assembly 20 allows adapter plate 212 and conductor lift 10 to rotate between a use position and a stowed position . adapter plate 212 preferably comprise an upper pivot point 224 and a lower pivot point 226 . lower pivot point 226 is rotatably attached to pivot holes 404 ( see fig4 ) defined in articulation plates 228 . a vertical link bar 232 or a horizontal link bar 234 are rotatably attached at one end to upper pivot point 224 and at the other end to articulation plate 228 . as shown in fig9 a , for vertical configuration of conductor lift 10 , vertical link bar 232 is preferably a slotted bar . as shown in fig9 b , for horizontal configuration of conductor lift 10 , horizontal link bar 234 is preferably a shorter bar with holes defined near each end . fig3 a is a closer view of boom tip 202 and adaptor plate 212 . boom tip tabs 204 extend from each side of boom tip 202 . boom tip 202 and boom tip tabs 204 are preferably existing features on boom 102 . attachment tabs 214 extend from adaptor plate 212 and align with boom tip tabs 204 . adaptor plate 212 is secured to boom tip 202 by placing attachment pins 216 through holes defined in boom tip tabs 204 and attachment tabs 214 . fig3 b illustrates boom tip 202 and adaptor plate 212 in an alternative configuration . in this view , two attachment pins 216 have been removed , allowing adaptor plate 212 to hingedly rotate and place conductor lift 10 alongside boom 212 . in this configuration , a stow latch 302 comprising a stow bar 304 engages boom slots 312 . fig4 shows a closer view of mast 230 and articulation plate 228 with one possible configuration of link attachment points 402 and pivot holes 404 . link attachment points 402 represent holes defined in articulation plates 228 . by connecting vertical link bar 232 or horizontal link bar 234 to a particular link attachment point 402 , the orientation of conductor lift 10 with respect to boom 102 can be selected . preferably , vertical link bar 232 is attached to a link attachment point 402 with a “ v ” ( vertical ) symbol , while horizontal link bar 234 is attached to a link attachment point 402 with an “ h ” ( horizontal ) symbol . at least one link attachment point 402 preferably corresponds to a stowed position using vertical link bar 232 , horizontal link bar 234 , or a special stow link bar ( not shown ). components of mounting assembly 20 are preferably made of metal such as steel for durability and strength . alternatively , certain components , such as articulation plates 228 and adapter plate 212 can comprise non - conducting material to reduce the risk of undesired transmission of electric current . fig5 a provides another view of mounting assembly 20 . mounting assembly 20 also comprises arm hub 50 . arm hub 50 comprises hub covers 502 , which provide a physical barrier to protect users from the moving parts within . fig5 b shows arm hub 50 with one hub cover 502 and one articulation plate 228 removed for clarity . between articulations plates 228 is mast 230 . mast 230 is preferably welded to articulation plates 228 , so that two or more articulation plates 228 and mast 230 function as a single part in the assembled device . at arm hub 50 , upper arm 104 is attached to upper arm crank 504 and lower arm 106 is attached to lower arm crank 506 . upper arm crank 504 and lower arm crank 506 are each hingedly connected to mast 503 . upper arm crank 504 comprises upper gear teeth 514 . lower arm crank 506 comprises lower gear teeth 516 . upper gear teeth 514 and lower gear teeth 516 are interconnected so that angular movement of lower arm 106 with respect to arm hub 50 will cause an analogous angular movement of upper arm 104 in the opposite direction . the mechanical linking of upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 facilitates deploying and stowing of conductor lift 10 , allowing convenient manual manipulation without powered assistance . preferably , upper arm crank 504 and lower arm crank 506 are configured so that , at one extreme end of a prescribed range of motion , upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 will appear to form a single straight shaft . at an opposite extreme end of the prescribed range of motion , upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 are preferably substantially parallel and adjacent ( see fig1 ). additionally , as illustrated in fig1 , upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 can be positioned at an intermediate alignment . in this configuration , wire holders 132 attached to upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 can engage offset conductors without the use of extenders 122 , 123 . fig6 shows arm hub 50 with one articulation plate 228 and mast 230 removed to show a a locking mechanism that can be used with arm hub 50 . when upper arm 104 is in a desired position ( e . g . fully opened or in an intermediate alignment ), a sliding pin 602 engages a notch 604 defined in upper arm crank 504 . sliding pin 602 is held in place by cam 608 , rocker arm 612 , and spring 614 . sliding pin 602 prevents rotation of upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 , until sliding pin 602 is released by pulling on rocker arm 612 . a locking pin 616 prevents movement of rocker arm 612 and prevents accidental disengagement of sliding pin 602 , e . g . due to spring 614 failure . alternatively , other locking mechanisms are known and could be used . fig7 is a closer view of upper arm 104 , upper bracket 114 , upper insulating stem 124 , and wire holder 132 . near the upper end of upper arm 104 is a dessicant canister 702 . dessicant canister 702 plugs the upper arm 104 and contains a dessicant material which absorbs moisture from the interior of upper arm 104 . dessicant canister 702 also preferably functions as a moisture indicator by comprising at least one moisture - sensitive element that changes color when moisture is present within upper arm 104 . preferably , a similar dessicant and moisture indicator system is provided for lower arm 106 . fig8 a and 8b illustrate one embodiment of a quick connect system . a connection plate 802 is attached to insulating stem 122 . connection plate 802 comprises connection loops 804 . receiver plates 812 are attached to wire holder 132 . receiver plates 812 comprise receiver slots 814 , which are configured to align with connection loops 804 so that connection loops 804 extend through receiver slots 812 when a receiver plate 812 is adjacent connection plate 802 . wire holder 132 can be quickly secured to insulating stem 124 by inserting a u - bar 822 through connection loops 804 and securing the u - bar 822 in place with fasteners such as threaded nuts . wire holder 132 preferably comprises two orthogonally - oriented receiver plates 812 to allow installation of wire holder 132 either vertically or horizontally with respect to insulating stem 124 . preferably , compatible quick connect systems are used to connect all extenders , insulating stems , and wire holders . fig9 a and 9b illustrate conductor lift 10 in vertical and horizontal alignments , respectively , with respect to boom 102 . fig9 a includes vertical link bar 232 , while fig9 b includes horizontal link bar 234 . fig1 illustrates upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 positioned in an intermediate ( offset ) alignment . fig1 illustrates conductor lift 10 in a folded position . in the folded position , upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 are generally parallel to each other . a link mechanism 902 can be used to maintain this relationship . fig1 shows conductor lift 10 in a stowed position . upper arm 104 and lower arm 106 are also parallel to boom 102 . attachment sockets ( not shown ) preferably secure upper arm 104 , lower arm 106 , or both , to boom 102 when conductor lift 10 is stowed . in fig1 , adaptor plate 212 is shown as still connected on one side to boom tip 202 . alternatively , adaptor plate 212 can be fully disconnected from boom tip 202 and be supported by boom slots 312 and attachment sockets . further alternatively , after adaptor plate 212 is fully disconnected from boom tip 202 , conductor lift 10 can be removed from lift truck 100 for storage or for use at another location . fig1 shows conductor lift 10 in a deployed position ready for use . fig1 is an exploded view of a conductor lift illustrating various components . although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments , this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense . various modifications of the disclosed embodiments , as well as alternative embodiments of the inventions , will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention . it is , therefore , contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications that fall within the scope of the invention .
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according to the first embodiment of the present invention , the dielectric ceramic composition is to satisfy the conditions of requiring less than 1100 ° c . in sintering temperature , and achieving not less than 2000 in dielectric constant , not more than 5 % in dielectric loss tan δ and not less than 1 × 10 7 ω . m of specific resistance ρ . to satisfy these conditions , x for pb -( ni 1 / 3 nb 2 / 3 ) o 3 , y for pbtio 3 , and z for pb ( mg 1 / 4 fe 1 / 4 w 1 / 2 ) o 3 are limited to ranges of from 0 . 40 to 0 . 78 , from 0 . 20 to 0 . 40 , and from 0 . 02 to 0 . 30 , respectively . in order to confirm the appropriateness of the above limitations for x , y , and z , various dielectric samples having varying compositions were prepared at varying sintering temperatures , as indicated in table 1 , according to the following procedure . high - purity pbo , nico 3 , nb 2 o 5 , tio 2 , mgo , fe 2 o 3 , and wo 3 were weighed so as to have compositions a to o as shown in table 1 and fig1 . each of the resulting mixtures was milled and dry - mixed in an alumina - made pot mill and then subjected to calcination in air at a temperature of from 800 to 830 ° c . for 2 hours . adequate amounts of an organic binder and water were added to the calcined product , and the mixture was subjected to secondary milling and mixing for 16 hours , followed by granulation by spray drying . the granulated powder was pressed into a disk of 30 mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness under a pressure of 1000 kg / cm 2 . the molded article was calcined in air at a temperature of from 950 to 1200 ° c . for 2 hours . finally , a silver electrode was baked on both sides of the disk at 720 ° c . to prepare a dielectric sample . the resulting samples were designated as samples a to o , respectively . the dielectric constant e and dielectric loss tan δ on the surface side of each sample were measured under conditions of 1 khz , 1 v r . m . s ., and 25 ° c ., and the specific resistance ρ of each sample was determined from the insulation resistance upon application of direct current of 500 v for 1 minute and the thickness dimension of the sample after the calcination . the result obtained are shown in table 1 below . table 1__________________________________________________________________________ calcination dielectric specificsample composition temperature dielectric loss tan δ resistanceno . ( x : y : z ) (° c .) constant ε (%) ρ ( ωm ) remarks__________________________________________________________________________a 0 . 78 : 0 . 20 : 0 . 02 1100 7680 1 . 8 5 . 02 × 10 . sup . 9 present inventionb 0 . 50 : 0 . 20 : 0 . 30 1060 3530 1 . 8 2 . 11 × 10 . sup . 8 &# 34 ; c 0 . 40 : 0 . 30 : 0 . 30 1035 14060 2 . 7 1 . 50 × 10 . sup . 8 &# 34 ; d 0 . 50 : 0 . 40 : 0 . 10 1060 3500 2 . 3 3 . 25 × 10 . sup . 9 &# 34 ; e 0 . 58 : 0 . 40 : 0 . 02 1100 5650 4 . 3 6 . 96 × 10 . sup . 9 &# 34 ; f 0 . 70 : 0 . 20 : 0 . 10 1060 6430 0 . 3 3 . 74 × 20 . sup . 9 &# 34 ; g 0 . 65 : 0 . 30 : 0 . 05 1095 24450 3 . 2 9 . 30 × 10 . sup . 9 &# 34 ; h 0 . 60 : 0 . 30 : 0 . 10 1060 18880 1 . 7 2 . 09 × 10 . sup . 9 &# 34 ; i 0 . 50 : 0 . 30 : 0 . 20 1060 17040 5 . 0 2 . 38 × 10 . sup . 8 &# 34 ; j 0 . 20 : 0 . 30 : 0 . 50 1000 7330 11 . 7 3 . 22 × 10 . sup . 6 comparisonk 0 . 40 : 0 . 40 : 0 . 20 1035 4980 22 . 0 1 . 46 × 10 . sup . 7 &# 34 ; l 0 . 30 : 0 . 40 : 0 . 30 1000 4210 11 . 2 8 . 83 × 10 . sup . 7 &# 34 ; m 0 . 40 : 0 . 50 : 0 . 10 1060 1510 1 . 8 2 . 10 × 10 . sup . 9 &# 34 ; n 0 . 30 : 0 . 50 : 0 . 20 1035 1360 5 . 6 2 . 38 × 10 . sup . 7 &# 34 ; o 0 . 20 : 0 . 50 : 0 . 30 1035 1430 26 . 2 3 . 13 × 10 . sup . 7 &# 34 ; p 0 . 80 : 0 . 15 : 0 . 05 1150 4890 0 . 6 7 . 92 × 10 . sup . 9 &# 34 ; q 0 . 65 : 0 . 34 : 0 . 01 1180 10220 3 . 3 1 . 74 × 10 . sup . 9 &# 34 ; r 0 . 65 : 0 . 15 : 0 . 20 1140 2370 0 . 9 3 . 29 × 10 . sup . 8 &# 34 ; __________________________________________________________________________ it can be seen from the results of table 1 that the dielectric ceramic compositic &# 39 ; ns within the polyhedral area shown in the phase diagram of fig1 ( samples a to i ) have very desirable dielectric constants and small dielectric loses , and also that these characteristics can be attained through sintering at low temperatures . if x is less than 0 . 40 , the dielectric constant ε becomes small as in sample o or the dielectric loss tan δ is deteriorated as in sample j . if it exceeds 0 . 78 , a higher temperature is required for calcination as in sample p . thus , the above - described conditions cannot be fulfilled when x is out of the range of from 0 . 40 to 0 . 78 . if y is less than 0 . 20 , the calcination temperature becomes too high as in samples p and r , and if it exceeds 0 . 40 , the conditions of dielectric constant and dielectric loss are not satisfied . if z is less than 0 . 02 , the temperature required for calcination is higher than 1100 ° c . as in sample q . if z exceeds 0 . 30 , the dielectric loss is increased as in sample j . the above results are shown in fig2 in which the area outside the scope of the present invention is divided into some areas each indicating the conditions unsatisfied . for example , the area &# 34 ; t , ε &# 34 ; indicates that the calcination temperature and dielectric constant do not fulfill the above - described conditions . in the second embodiment of the present invention , addition of an amount of manganese dioxide to the basic composition of sample g in table 1 according to the first embodiment brings about an improvement in dielectric loss . in order to demonstrate the effect of the manganese dioxide addition , various dielectric samples were prepared using high - purity pbo , nico 3 , nb 2 o 5 , tio 2 , mgo , fe 2 o 3 , wo 3 , and mno 2 . the same procedure as for samples a to o was followed , except that the composition was shown in table 2 , the calcination temperature was fixed at 1080 ° c . and the manganese dioxide was added in the amount indicated in table 2 . evaluation of the resulting samples was made in the same manner as for samples a to o . the results obtained are shown in table 2 below . table 2__________________________________________________________________________ amount of calcination dielectric specificsample composition mn . sub . 2 temperature dielectric loss tan δ resistanceno . ( x : y : z ) ( wt %) (° c .) constant ε (%) ρ ( ωm ) __________________________________________________________________________1 0 . 67 : 0 . 28 : 0 . 05 -- 1080 21268 1 . 4 2 . 61 × 10 . sup . 82 0 . 66 : 0 . 28 : 0 . 06 -- &# 34 ; 22275 1 . 2 2 . 2510 . sup . 83 0 . 67 : 0 . 29 : 0 . 04 -- &# 34 ; 23443 2 . 2 4 . 87 × 10 . sup . 84 0 . 66 : 0 . 20 : 0 . 05 -- &# 34 ; 21656 1 . 7 6 . 97 × 10 . sup . 95 0 . 65 : 0 . 29 : 0 . 06 -- &# 34 ; 20069 1 . 7 8 . 50 × 10 . sup . 86 0 . 65 : 0 . 30 : 0 . 05 -- &# 34 ; 22708 3 . 3 9 . 87 × 10 . sup . 87 0 . 67 : 0 . 28 : 0 . 05 0 . 03 &# 34 ; 17365 1 . 1 3 . 12 × 10 . sup . 88 0 . 66 : 0 . 28 : 0 . 06 &# 34 ; &# 34 ; 16285 1 . 2 1 . 72 × 10 . sup . 89 0 . 67 : 0 . 29 : 0 . 04 &# 34 ; &# 34 ; 19105 1 . 3 4 . 03 × 10 . sup . 910 0 . 66 : 0 . 29 : 0 . 05 &# 34 ; &# 34 ; 18199 1 . 4 3 . 53 × 10 . sup . 811 0 . 65 : 0 . 29 : 0 . 06 &# 34 ; &# 34 ; 17755 0 . 8 7 . 50 × 10 . sup . 812 0 . 65 : 0 . 30 : 0 . 05 &# 34 ; &# 34 ; 18640 1 . 4 4 . 43 × 10 . sup . 813 0 . 66 : 0 . 29 : 0 . 05 0 . 02 &# 34 ; 19360 1 . 1 5 . 33 × 10 . sup . 914 0 . 65 : 0 . 29 : 0 . 06 0 . 04 &# 34 ; 16949 0 . 8 5 . 87 × 10 . sup . 8__________________________________________________________________________ as can be seen from table 2 the sample nos . 7 to 12 adding manganese dioxide to the composition markedly reduce the dielectric loss without the necessity of increasing the sintering temperature . the dielectric constant is somewhat decreased as compared with the cases of adding no manganese dioxide , sample nos . 1 to 6 but is still higher than 16000 . however , since addition of an excessive amount of manganese dioxide adversely affects the dielectric constant , the amount of manganese dioxide to be added is up to 0 . 1 %, preferably 0 . 02 to 0 . 04 % by weight based on the three components . in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention , the dielectric ceramic compositions are calcined in a 100 % oxygen atmosphere to further ensure the excellent characteristics of the compositions . in order to demonstrate this effect , samples a &# 39 ; and d &# 39 ; to g &# 39 ; were prepared in the same manner as for samples a and d to g , respectively , except for conducting the calcination in a 100 % oxygen atmosphere in place of an air atmosphere , and the characteristics of the calcined products were determined in the same manner as described above . the results obtained are shown in table 3 . table 3______________________________________ di - di - elect - elect - calcination ric ric specific temper - const - loss resist - sample composition ature ance tan β ance ρno . ( x : y : z ) (° c .) ε (%) ( μm ) ______________________________________a &# 39 ; 0 . 78 : 0 . 20 : 0 . 02 1090 9540 1 . 2 . sup . 2 . 05 × 10 . sup . 10d &# 39 ; 0 . 50 : 0 . 40 : 0 . 10 1000 3810 2 . 3 . sup . 1 . 31 × 10 . sup . 12e &# 39 ; 0 . 58 : 0 . 40 : 0 . 02 1090 7140 2 . 4 9 . 04 × 10 . sup . 9f &# 39 ; 0 . 70 : 0 . 20 : 0 . 10 1030 8460 0 . 2 4 . 31 × 10 . sup . 9g &# 39 ; 0 . 65 : 0 . 30 : 0 . 05 1030 26210 3 . 1 5 . 70 × 10 . sup . 9______________________________________ it is apparent from comparisons between table 3 and table 1 that calcination in an oxygen atmosphere lowers the calcination temperature , increases the dielectric constant and reduces the dielectric loss more than in the case of calcining in air with respect to each particular composition . while the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof , it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof .
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a first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to fig1 - 3 , in which fig1 a and 1b are block diagrams of a sector format , and fig2 and 3 show principles of msr recording and retrieving . as fig1 a shows , a sector 1 according to the present invention which includes , in the order specified , a sector start identifier 10 , a pll lead - in signal ( vfo ) 11 , sync bytes 12 , a data field 13 , a post - amble ( pa ) 14 , and a buffer 15 . the sector start identifier 10 is a sector mark which indicates the beginning of a sector , and is a physically formed indented pit . the pll lead - in signal ( vfo ) 11 , the sync bytes 12 , the data field 13 , the post - amble ( pa ) 14 and the buffer 15 are formed using msr recording techniques which will be discussed later . the buffer 15 is a buffering area provided for absorbing rotational jitter of a spindle motor . the data field 13 includes a sector track number ( not specifically shown ), a first sector address ( id 1 ) 16 which contains a sector number , a 2048 byte data area 17 , a second sector address ( id 2 ) 18 which contains the same information as the first sector address ( id 1 ), a crc ( cyclic redundancy check ) byte 19 , and an ecc ( error correction code ) byte 20 . the sector addresses ( id 1 ) 16 and ( id 2 ) 18 each contain four bytes . the crc byte 19 is created by a commonly known method using the first sector address 16 , the data of 2048 byte data area 17 and the second sector address 18 . also , the ecc byte 20 is created with a commonly known method using the first sector address 16 , the data of 2048 byte data area 17 , the second sector address 18 and the crc byte 19 . according to one aspect of the present invention , the sector addresses 16 and 18 are recorded using msr techniques having a significantly higher recording density than the density of the physically formed sector start identifier 10 . consequently , there is a reduction in the amount of physically formed sector address information . as a result , the overall storage capacity increases because more area is available to record user data . in fact , sector address information according to the present embodiment requires only 55 bytes , which is half of what is required in conventional storage media . in this manner , the present embodiment facilitates a 3 % increase in storage capacity over conventional storage mediums using 110 bytes of physically formed sector address information . moreover , the use of msr techniques to record the sector addresses 16 and 18 eliminates the need to provide the vfo 1 , am , vfo 2 and am pits of sector address information 90 ( fig1 ) provided in conventional devices . accordingly , storage capacity in a device according to the present invention is further increased . as noted above , sector start identifier 10 is formed as a physically indented pit . the use of a physically formed pit is desirable in order to assure detection of the beginning of a sector . with the improved sector formatting of the present invention , the sector addresses id 1 16 and id 2 18 are recorded in the data field 13 using msr techniques . as is well known in the art , misreading of the sector address may be determined using the crc byte . thus , if necessary , the misread sector address may be corrected using the ecc byte 20 . consequently , accurate reading of sector addresses in a device according to the present invention is assured . still further , the detection of an off tracking error in the center portion of a sector is facilitated in the present invention using the sector addresses 16 and 18 provided on either side of the data area 17 . specifically , an off tracking error is signaled if the sector address 16 which proceeds the data portion 17 does not match the sector address 18 which immediately follows the data portion 17 . msr recording and retrieving according to the present invention will be explained with reference to fig2 and 3 . as shown in fig2 , a magneto - optical disk according to the present invention is provided with a magnetic recording layer 3 which includes a recording layer 6 , an intermediate layer 5 and a retrieving layer 4 . the intermediate layer 5 has a property whereby it selectively passes signals recorded on the recording layer 6 to the retrieving layer 4 . specifically , the intermediate layer 5 passes signals to the retrieving layer 4 only when heated to a predetermined constant temperature , e . g ., 200 ° c . these signals are reproduced from the retrieving area while a read / record magnetic field having orientation a ( fig2 ) is applied . by carefully controlling the laser light source , only a small portion of the beam spot reaches the predetermined constant temperature . in this manner , it is possible to assuredly record and reproduce bytes recorded in an area smaller than the beam spot . the specific layer type for preferred double mask rad technology but other types of the msr technologies can be used . fig3 a through 3e illustrate principles of reproducing information using msr techniques . in fig3 a a beam spot 2 does not encompass a portion p of the magnetic recording layer 3 . accordingly , the portion p of the intermediate layer 5 will not pass any signals to the retrieving layer 4 because it is below the predetermined constant temperature . in fig3 b , the beam spot 2 has advanced and begins to heat portion p of the magnetic recording layer 3 . however , the intermediate layer 5 will not pass signals to the retrieving layer 4 because it is still below the predetermined constant temperature . in fig3 c , the beam spot 2 has advanced slightly and has heated portion p to the predetermined constant temperature . consequently , the intermediate layer 5 will pass signals recorded in portion p to the retrieving layer 4 . this selective passing phenomenon is called a switched connection . when the beam spot 2 advances as shown in fig3 d , the portion p of the intermediate layer 5 exceeds the predetermined constant temperature and ceases to pass ( imprint / copy ) signals to the retrieving layer 4 . subsequently , as shown in fig3 e , the beam spot 2 passes the portion p , thereby allowing that portion to cool . in this manner , a mark which is less than the diameter of the beam spot of a light beam can be reproduced . recording of data using msr techniques is a two step process involving a preliminary step of orienting a direction of the magnetic area of the recording layer 6 in a predetermined direction , and a final step of recording information . the orienting step involves scanning a portion of the magnetic area of the recording layer 6 with a beam spot 2 having an erasing intensity while applying a magnetic field oriented in an erase direction . as shown in fig2 , the erase magnetic field b is oriented in an opposite direction from the read / record magnetic field a . moreover , the erasing intensity of the beam spot 2 is higher than the read intensity of the beam spot . recording of information is accomplished by applying a magnetic field oriented in a read / record direction while irradiating a light beam of a write intensity . the magnetic orientation of the byte heated to the predetermined temperatures changes from an initial erase orientation to the orientation specified by the read / record magnetic field a . fig4 is a block diagram of a variation on the sector format shown in fig1 a and 1b . notably , the position of the second sector address ( id 2 ) 18 is shifted to follow the ecc byte 20 . as described above , off tracking of the head after the first sector address ( id 1 ) 16 has been read is accomplished by comparing the first sector address ( id 1 ) 16 with the second sector address ( id 2 ) 18 . according to the second embodiment , the ability to detect off tracking of the head is enhanced to include off tracking during reproduction of the crc 19 and the ecc 20 . fig5 is a block diagram of an optical disk device according to the present invention and fig6 is a circuit diagram of the optical disk device of fig5 . a magneto - optical disk device 7 is connected to a host 9 as is shown in fig5 . a controller 45 includes an interface ( not shown in the drawing ) which exchanges commands and data with the host 9 , a microprocessor ( mpu ) 34 and an optical disk controller ( odc ) 35 . the mpu 34 performs over - all control of the magneto - optical disk device , and the odc 35 will be explained later with fig6 . a bias magnet 31 applies a magnetic field to a magneto - optical disk 30 . a bias magnet control circuit 36 controls the magnetic field of the bias magnet 31 in response to instructions from the mpu 34 . a write ( recording ) circuit 38 includes a write modulator 42 and a laser diode control circuit 41 . the write modulator 42 modulates write data from the odc 35 into data formatted in pit position modulation ( ppm ) record data ( also called mark record ) or into pulse width modulation ( pwm ) record data ( also called edge record ) corresponding to the type of magneto - optical disk . the laser diode control circuit 41 controls a laser beam intensity of an optical head 33 with this modulated data . a read ( retrieve ) circuit 40 , is equipped with an agc ( automatic gain control ) circuit , a filter , a sector mark detection circuit , an analog / digital conversion circuit ( adc ), a read demodulator 43 , and a frequency synthesizer 44 . the frequency synthesizer 44 generates a read clock signal . the read demodulator 43 detects the sector mark from the pit signal or from mo signal input from the optical head 33 , and outputs a detection signal sm to the odc 35 . the read demodulator 43 also converts the mo signal input from the optical head 33 into a digital value and outputs it to the odc 35 . the optical head 33 detects the feedback light of the magneto - optical disk 30 , and inputs an id signal / mo signal to the read circuit 40 . a spindle motor 32 rotationally drives the magneto - optical disk 30 , and a spindle motor control circuit 39 controls the spindle motor 32 in response to directives of the mpu 34 . a servo control circuit 37 has a tes detection circuit , a fes detection circuit , and a dsp ( digital signal processor ). the tes detection circuit creates a tes signal ( tracking error signal ) from light detected by the optical head 33 . correspondingly , a fes detection circuit creates a fes signal ( focus error signal ) from light detected by the optical head 33 . the dsp drives a track actuator of the optical head 33 using the tes signal with a track servo loop , and drives a focus actuator of optical head 33 from the fes signal with a focus servo loop . moreover , the dsp also drives and controls a vcm ( which is not depicted in the drawing ) which moves the optical head 33 in a direction crossing tracks of the magneto - optical disk 30 . turning now to fig6 , the odc 35 is provided with a sync byte detection circuit 50 , a demodulation circuit 51 , a crc check / ecc correction circuit 52 , a sector address verifier 53 , and a data buffer 55 . the mo signal digitized from read circuit 43 is input to the sync byte detection circuit 50 and the demodulation circuit 51 . a read process is performed by transmitting a data start signal to the demodulation circuit 51 when the sync byte detection circuit 50 detects sync bytes 12 ( fig1 ). thereafter , the demodulation circuit 51 begins demodulation . however , if the sync byte 12 is not detected within a predetermined time interval , a sync byte undetected error is reported to the mpu 34 from sync byte detection circuit 50 . data demodulated by demodulation circuit 51 is sent to the crc check / ecc correction circuit 52 . the crc check / ecc correction circuit 52 calculates crc bytes from the demodulated data , and compares the calculated crc bytes with the crc bytes 19 of the demodulated data . if they do not match , error correction is performed by the ecc byte 20 in the ecc correction circuit 52 to correct the data . if ecc correction is unsuccessful , an ecc correction error is sent to the mpu 34 . in this manner , an optical disk device 7 according to the present invention can assuredly obtain valid sector addresses even if the sector addresses are written using msr techniques . restored data ( or correct data which does not require correction ) is sent to the sector address verifier 53 and the data buffer 55 . the sector address verifier 53 extracts the first sector address 16 and the second address 18 of a sector and compares them . if these two addresses match , it can be confirmed that the head was not off track while writing , and the confirmed sector address is posted to the mpu 34 . conversely , an off hacking error is reported to the mpu 34 when the two sector addresses 16 and 18 do not match . the above - described aspects of the present invention are not limited to magneto - optical disks , and may also be applied to other types of optical disks such as magnetic expansion retrieving type disks and magnetic field modulation type disks . in other words , the above - described aspects are applicable to other optical disks which record sector addresses with the same recording method as data . furthermore , because it is contemplated that the present invention can be implemented for both a hard disk that magnetically controls the tracking and / or a hard disk drive that controls hacking with a laser unit , other implementations are within the scope of the present invention . write processing in a device according to the present invention will now be explained with reference to fig7 and 8 . in step ( s 1 ), the mpu 34 verifies whether or not a write command has been received . in step ( s 2 ), the write command has been received , and the mpu 34 positions the head 33 twenty sectors ahead of the intended write sector a ( see fig9 ). the magnetization direction of the bias magnet 31 is oriented in step ( s 3 - a ) in the erase direction b ( fig2 ). in step ( s 3 - b ), the mpu 34 counts start sector identifiers 10 until the target sector a is reached , and erase processing is initiated in step ( s 3 - c ). it should be noted that the head cannot read the sector address at this time since the bias magnet 31 is oriented in the erase direction b . however , since the sector identifier 10 is formed as a physical pit , the head can detect ( and count ) the start of a sector irrespective of the magnetization direction of the bias magnet 31 . in step ( s 4 - a ), the magnetization direction of the bias magnet 31 is oriented in the read / record direction a , the head 33 is once again positioned twenty sectors ahead of the target sector a ( s 4 - b ), and the mpu 34 counts start sector identifiers 10 until the target sector is reached ( s 4 - c ). once the target sector is reached , write processing is initiated ( s 5 ). it should be appreciated that the aforementioned erase and write operations were performed by counting down to the target sector , without actually verifying the sector address . consequently , in steps ( s 6 - s 12 ), a verification process is performed to determine whether the write operation was performed on the intended sector to ensure that the write operation did not inadvertently operate on an adjacent track due to the head 33 being off track . the verifying operation begins by positioning the head in sector c on the physical track which immediately precedes the target track ( s 6 ). see fig1 . in step ( s 7 - a ), the head 33 reads from sector c ( on the track which physically precedes the target track ) until sector d ( on the target track ) which immediately precedes the target sector a . it should be noted that the tracks shown in fig1 are formed in a spiral manner . if an error is detected during the reading operation in step ( s 7 - b ), then it is likely the head was off track during either the erasing ( s 3 - c ) or writing ( s 5 ) operations , whereupon the mpu 34 reports a write command abnormal termination 8 to the host and terminates further processing . in step ( s 8 ), if no read error is detected , the mpu 34 stores the sector address of sector d . subsequently , in step ( s 9 - a ), the target sector a is read . as was explained above with reference to fig6 , the mpu 34 compares the first sector address 16 and the second sector address 18 of the intended sector to determine whether they match ( s 9 - b ). if the sector addresses do not match then an off track error has occurred and the mpu 34 reports a write command abnormal termination to the host 5 and terminates further processing . in step ( s 10 ), the head reads from sector e which immediately follows the target sector . then , in step ( s 11 ), the addresses of the sectors immediately preceding ( sector d ) and immediately following ( sector e ) are compared with the target address ( sector a ). if the relationship d & lt ; a & lt ; e is satisfied then processing continues with step ( s 12 - a ). otherwise , an error is reported to the host 9 . next , in step ( s 12 - a ) a reading operation is performed from sector ( e ) ( on the target track ) until sector f ( on the track which immediately follows the target track ). again , it should be noted that the tracks shown in fig1 are formed in a spiral manner . if an error is detected during the reading operation ( s 12 - b ), then it is likely that the head 33 was off track during either the erasing ( s 3 - c ) or writing ( s 5 ) operations , whereupon the mpu 34 signals a write command abnormal termination to the host 9 and terminates further processing . conversely , if no read error is detected , the mpu 34 posts a write command normal termination to the host 9 and terminates ( s 13 ). in this manner , the mpu 34 can detect errors such as off track erasing and off track writing . likewise , using the write verify operation ( s 6 - s 12 ), the mpu 34 is able to verify that data has been correctly recorded on the target sector even though it cannot verify sector addresses in real - time . the reading operation in steps s 7 a through s 12 b is able to detect off track conditions of the head in a track direction by checking a sector continuity of the sectors d , a , e , and also off track conditions in track traverse direction by checking read error from the sector c to the sector d and from the sector e to the sector f , that is , checking a sector continuity from the sector c to the sector f and whether c & lt ; a & lt ; f . read processing in a device according to the present invention will now be explained with reference to fig1 . the mpu 34 verifies whether or not a read command has been received ( s 20 ). once the mpu 34 receives a read command , it positions the bias magnet 31 in the read direction ( s 21 - a ), and positions head 33 at sector b which is twenty sectors ahead of the intended read sector a ( s 21 - b ). see fig9 . next , the mpu 34 counts sector identifiers 10 , until it reaches sector d , which immediately precedes the target sector ( s 21 - c ), and reads and stores the address of sector d ( s 22 ). the target sector a is then read ( s 23 - a ). as explained above , with reference to fig6 , the mpu 34 compares the first sector address 16 and the second sector address of the intended sector to ascertain whether they match ( s 23 - b ). again , as explained earlier , if the sector addresses do not match then an off track error has occurred , and the mpu 34 reports a read command abnormal termination to the host 9 and terminates . the head 33 then reads the sector address of sector e , which immediately follows the target sector a ( s 24 ). the mpu then compares the sector address of sector e with the target sector address and the stored address of sector d ( s 25 ). if the relationship d & lt ; a & lt ; e is satisfied then the read data in data buffer 55 is transmitted to the host 9 and a read command normal termination is posted to the host ( s 26 ). otherwise , an error has likely occurred during writing processing , and a read command abnormal termination is reported to the host 9 . although a preferred embodiment of the storage medium has been specifically described and illustrated , it is to be understood that variations or alternative embodiments apparent to those skilled in the art are within the scope of this invention . since many such variations may be made , it is to be understood that within the scope of the following claims , this invention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described .
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described herein are techniques for an encoding system . in the following description , for purposes of explanation , numerous examples and specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of particular embodiments . particular embodiments as defined by the claims may include some or all of the features in these examples alone or in combination with other features described below , and may further include modifications and equivalents of the features and concepts described herein . fig1 a depicts an example of an encoder 102 according to one embodiment . encoder 102 includes multiple encoding processes 104 - 1 - 104 - 3 ( it will be understood that two or more encoding processes at two or more bitrates may be used ). in one embodiment , encoder 102 may be the same encoder that encodes a video file 106 at multiple bitrates . in other embodiments , encoder 102 may include multiple encoders that encode video file 106 at different bitrates . as shown , an encoding process 104 - 1 encodes video file 106 at a first bitrate ; encoding process 104 - 2 encodes video file 106 at a second bitrate ; and encoding process 104 - 3 encodes video file 106 at a third bitrate . the first , second , and third bitrates may be low , medium , and high bitrates , where a higher bitrate represents a higher quality video . each encoding process 104 outputs an encoded video file 108 . for example , encoding process 104 - 1 outputs encoded video file 108 - 1 , which includes video encoded at the first bitrate ; encoding process 104 - 2 outputs an encoded video file 108 - 2 , which includes video encoded at the second bitrate ; and encoding process 104 - 3 outputs an encoded video file 108 - 3 , which includes video encoded at the third bitrate . keyframes in encoded video files 108 are aligned such that the files can be segmented at the same times and used in hypertext transfer protocol ( http ) live streaming ( hls ) or any other streaming protocol that requires segments to be aligned . segments need to be created at a keyframe . the keyframe includes all information needed to decode the keyframe . thus , a first frame of a segment should be a keyframe so the decoder can decode the keyframe without referencing other frames in the segment . by aligning the keyframes at the same position in the encoded video , segments of video can be created at the keyframes and are thus aligned . for example , a segment may start at every keyframe . thus , when a media client switches bitrates for a segment , the segment for the new bitrate is aligned with a segment for the old bitrate . fig1 b shows an example of a system 150 that switches between delivery of streams of different bitrates according to one embodiment . system 150 includes a content delivery network ( cdn ) 152 that includes one or more servers ( not shown ) that can stream video content to a client 154 . although one cdn and one client 154 are shown , it will be understood that any number of cdns and clients 154 may be used . client 154 includes a media player 156 that can render the video . in one example , media player 154 sends requests to cdn 152 for segments of video . the request may specify which segment of the video and which bitrate to send . for example , media player 156 may request a high bitrate when available network bandwidth is high and a low bitrate when network bandwidth is low . as shown , cdn 152 is storing encoded video files 108 - 1 , 108 - 2 , and 108 - 3 , which have been encoded at the first bitrate , second bitrate , and third bitrate , respectively . in one example , media player 156 requests segments # 1 , # 2 , and # 3 at the third bitrate . cdn 152 sends these segments from encoded video file 108 - 3 . at this point , available bandwidth may be high and media player 156 requests a high bitrate version of the encoded video . then , media player 156 requests segments # 4 and # 5 at the second bitrate . cdn 152 sends these segments from encoded video file 108 - 2 . at this point , the available bandwidth may have gone down . after which , media player 156 requests segments # 6 and # 7 at the first bitrate . cdn 152 sends these segments from encoded video file 108 - 1 . at this point , the available bandwidth may be low and media player 156 requests the lowest bandwidth version of the encoded video . as discussed above , when switching between bitrates , the segments must be aligned . for example , the end of segment # 3 in encoded video file 108 - 3 should be aligned with the end of segment # 3 in encoded video file 108 - 2 . thus , when cdn 152 switches the stream from encoded video file 108 - 3 to encoded video file 108 - 2 , segment # 4 in encoded video file 108 - 2 starts at the point that segment # 3 in encoded video file 108 - 3 ended . similarly , when cdn 152 switches the stream from encoded video file 108 - 2 to encoded video file 108 - 1 , segment # 6 in encoded video file 108 - 1 starts at the point that segment # 5 in encoded video file 108 - 2 ended . referring back to fig1 a , a frame type manager 110 is used to align the keyframes in encoded video files 108 . for example , encoding process 104 - 1 may encode video file 106 and determine optimal positions in which to place keyframes during encoding . the keyframe may also be referred to an intra - frame ( i frame ) and includes all information that is needed by a decoder to decode the keyframe . the i frame is different from a frame that requires information from another frame to be decoded , such as a p - or b - frame . in a p or b frame , blocks may be p or b blocks where these blocks derive information from another block . that is , only the differences of a p or b block are encoded and when decoding the p or b block , information from another block is used along with the differences to recreate the p or b block . accordingly , a segment should be created only at a keyframe . if a segment is created at a frame that requires information from another frame , then that frame may be dependent on information that is not in the segment . because a segment is created at a keyframe , the keyframe can be decoded without referencing any other frames . thus , when switching bitrates , the first frame that should be received at media player 156 is a keyframe such that media player 156 can decode the keyframe at the different bitrate . when encoding process 104 - 1 determines the keyframes , encoding process 104 - 1 outputs information to frame type manager 110 to allow keyframes to be aligned from encodings at other bitrates . for example , encoding process 104 - 1 may note each frame type decision that is made . for example , for every frame type decision that is made , the type of frame is stored in the file . in this example , each frame type decision , such as p , b , or i , is recorded in the file . also , because every frame type decision is stored in the file , the position of each frame may not need to be stored . that is , each encoding process at a different bitrate would sequentially insert each frame type in order . in another example , the positions of only the keyframes may be noted and stored in a file . for example , the keyframes may be inserted at the 0 second , 60 second , 150 second , etc . positions in the video . then , the subsequent encodings would insert keyframes at these positions . frame type manager 110 provides information ( e . g ., the frame type or position ) to encoding process 104 - 2 and encoding process 104 - 3 to allow encoding process 104 - 2 and encoding process 104 - 3 to align keyframes with keyframes in encoding process 104 - 1 . for example , encoding process 104 - 2 and encoding process 104 - 3 insert keyframes in the same position as encoding process 104 - 1 . additionally , encoding process 104 - 2 and encoding process 104 - 3 may make the same frame type decisions as encoding process 104 - 1 . for example , if encoding process 104 - 1 made the frame type decisions of i , b , b , p . . . i , then encoding process 104 - 2 and encoding process 104 - 3 make the same frame type decisions in the same order in the encoded video . by enforcing the frame type decision to be the same as encoding process 104 - 1 , alignment of keyframes is achieved . for example , if segments are split at keyframes in the same position in the encoded videos , the segments are aligned . fig2 depicts a more detailed example of encoding process 104 - 1 according to one embodiment . a frame type analysis manager 202 receives characteristics of video . frame type analysis manager 202 analyzes the characteristics and determines a frame type . the frame type is output to a motion estimation and compensation block 204 . motion estimation and compensation block 204 performs motion estimation and compensation using the frame type . other parts of the encoding process are not shown , but a person of skill in the art will appreciate how the encoding process works . if the frame type is i , then only intra predication can be used . if the frame type is p , then intra -( i ) and uni -( p ) predication can be used if the frame type is b , then intra -( i ), uni -( p ), and bi -( b ) prediction can be used . frame type analysis manager 202 may determine the frame type and also the position of the frames based on various characteristics of the video . for example , frame type analysis manager 202 may determine where to place keyframes in the encoded video . the keyframes may be placed in what frame type analysis manager 202 considers an optimal position , such as when scene changes occur or discontinuities in motion . frame type analysis manager 202 is free to make decisions as to what type of frame to select and also where to place keyframes . frame type analysis manager 202 outputs the determined frame types to a file of frame types 206 . file 206 may be any storage medium that can store the file types . for example , file 206 is stored on random access memory ( ram ) or read - only memory ( rom ), portable storage , disk storage , etc . the storage medium may also be a database that is queried for the frame type decisions . although file will be used for discussion purposes , any storage medium may be used . in one embodiment , every frame type and position is stored in file 206 . in other examples , only the positions of keyframes are stored in file 206 . fig3 a depicts an example of the frame type decisions made by frame type analysis manager 202 according to one embodiment . as shown , the frame type sequence may be i , p , b , p , p , p , b , . . . i , and so on . keyframes are shown at 302 - 1 and 302 - 2 . fig3 b shows an example of a file that can store the frame types shown in the frame type sequence of fig3 a according to one embodiment . file 206 may include an array 310 that stores the frame type decisions in each position of the array . for example , in a position # 0 , the frame type decision of i is stored . in one example , an identifier may be stored , such as a number or binary number that identifies it as an i - frame . in a position # 1 , the frame type of p is stored . another identifier for the p - frame type may be stored in position # 1 . in position # 2 of array 310 , the frame type of b is stored . a third identifier indicating the b - frame type may be stored . this process continues as array 310 is filled with frame type identifiers based on the frame type sequence of fig3 a . fig3 c shows another example of a file that can store the keyframe types shown in the frame type sequence of fig3 a according to one embodiment . a second array 312 may store positions for the keyframe . for example , in a position 0 of array 312 , a position is stored for the keyframe at 302 - 1 in the frame type sequence . for example , the position may be indicated by a time , in seconds , such as 0 seconds . since only the positions of the keyframes are stored , the next position of array 312 stores a position of the next keyframe shown at 302 - 2 in the frame type sequence . for example , at a position 1 of array 312 , the position of 60 seconds is stored for a corresponding keyframe at 302 - 2 . this process continues as the positions of all keyframes are stored . fig4 depicts a more detailed example of encoding process 104 - 2 or 104 - 3 according to one embodiment . instead of having a frame type analysis manager that analyzes characteristics of video to determine the frame type and position of frames in the encoded video , encoding process 104 - 2 or 104 - 3 include a frame type determination manager 402 that receives file 206 and determines the frame type and position based on information from file 206 . frame type determination manager 402 does not analyze characteristics to independently determine where to place keyframes in the encoded video . rather , frame type determination manager 402 may read file 206 to determine where keyframes were placed in the first encoding process 104 - 1 . frame type determination manager 402 then outputs the frame type and position to motion estimation and compensation block 204 . this is the same block as found in encoding process 104 - 1 . by determining the frame type and position based on information from file 206 , and using the frame type and position in the encoding process , encoding process 104 - 2 and 104 - 3 align the keyframes in encoded video files 108 - 2 and 108 - 3 , respectively , with the keyframes in encoded video file 108 - 1 . that is , keyframes occur at the same positions in the encoded video for all bitrates . thus , if video is segmented at keyframes , then the segments will be aligned for the encoded video at different bitrates . in one embodiment , frame type determination manager 402 may read array 310 to determine a frame type . for example , for a frame # 1 , frame type determination manager 402 may read position 0 of array 310 to determine the frame type , which is a keyframe . for frame # 2 , frame type determination manager 402 may read position 1 of array 310 to determine the frame type , which is a p frame . frame type determination manager 402 may continue to read corresponding positions of array 310 to determine various other frame types in sequence . for example , positions 2 and 3 indicate that b - frames should then be inserted . this process continues as frame determination manager 402 continually reads in a frame type from array 310 for each frame that is being encoded . in one example , frame type determination manager 402 may maintain a counter that reads sequential positions of array 310 as each frame is encoded by encoding process 104 - 2 or 104 - 3 . in another embodiment , frame type determination manager 402 may read array 312 to determine when to insert a keyframe . for example , for a keyframe # 1 , frame type determination manager 402 may read position 0 of array 310 to determine the position of the first keyframe , which may be at 0 seconds . for keyframe # 2 , frame type determination manager 402 may read position 1 of array 312 to determine the position of the second keyframe , which may be at 60 seconds . the positions may also correspond to frame numbers , such as position 0 is frame # 1 , position 1 is frame # 2 , etc . frame type determination manager 402 may continue to read corresponding positions of array 312 to determine various other positions of keyframes . this process continues as frame determination manager 402 continually reads in keyframe positions from array 312 for each keyframe that is being encoded . fig5 depicts a simplified flowchart 500 of a method for encoding video at a first bitrate according to one embodiment . at 502 , an encoding process 104 - 1 determines characteristics of the video for encoding frames . for example , motion information in the video may be analyzed . at 504 , encoding process 104 - 1 determines where to place keyframes in the encoded video based on the characteristics . at 506 , encoding process 104 - 1 stores the frame type decisions in file 206 . at 508 , encoding process 104 - 1 outputs file 206 for use in other encoding processes . fig6 depicts a simplified flowchart 600 of a method for encoding video at multiple bitrates according to one embodiment . at 602 , an encoding process ( e . g ., encoding process 104 - 2 or 104 - 3 ) determines a frame number being processed . for example , a counter may be used and incremented as each frame is encoded . at 604 , when a new frame is processed , the encoding process queries file 206 for the frame type corresponding to the frame number . at 606 , the encoding process receives the frame type . for example , the frame type may be an i -, p -, or b - frame . at 608 , the encoding process uses the frame type in encoding the video . for example , the frame type is inserted at a time that is aligned with encodings at other bitrates . this process continues for all the frames being encoded . accordingly , when the video is encoded at the different bitrates , the keyframes will be aligned in all encoded video files 108 . thus , the encoded video files encoded at different bitrates can be segmented according to the keyframe positions . in addition to having the keyframes aligned , by letting encoding process 104 - 1 choose where to insert the keyframes , the encoding process may be more efficient . the efficiency is achieved because the encoding process 104 - 1 makes the decision on where to insert the keyframes based on characteristics of the video that may optimally encode the video instead of arbitrarily inserting keyframes every 60 seconds . fig7 illustrates an example of a special purpose computer system 700 configured with encoder 102 according to one embodiment . computer system 700 includes a bus 702 , network interface 704 , a computer processor 706 , a memory 708 , a storage device 710 , and a display 712 . bus 702 may be a communication mechanism for communicating information . computer processor 704 may execute computer programs stored in memory 708 or storage device 708 . any suitable programming language can be used to implement the routines of particular embodiments including c , c ++, java , assembly language , etc . different programming techniques can be employed such as procedural or object oriented . the routines can execute on a single computer system 700 or multiple computer systems 700 . further , multiple processors 706 may be used . memory 708 may store instructions , such as source code or binary code , for performing the techniques described above . memory 708 may also be used for storing variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 706 . examples of memory 708 include random access memory ( ram ), read only memory ( rom ), or both . storage device 710 may also store instructions , such as source code or binary code , for performing the techniques described above . storage device 710 may additionally store data used and manipulated by computer processor 706 . for example , storage device 710 may be a database that is accessed by computer system 700 . other examples of storage device 710 include random access memory ( ram ), read only memory ( rom ), a hard drive , a magnetic disk , an optical disk , a cd - rom , a dvd , a flash memory , a usb memory card , or any other medium from which a computer can read . memory 708 or storage device 710 may be an example of a non - transitory computer - readable storage medium for use by or in connection with computer system 700 . the computer - readable storage medium contains instructions for controlling a computer system to be operable to perform functions described by particular embodiments . the instructions , when executed by one or more computer processors , may be operable to perform that which is described in particular embodiments . computer system 700 includes a display 712 for displaying information to a computer user . display 712 may display a user interface used by a user to interact with computer system 700 . computer system 700 also includes a network interface 704 to provide data communication connection over a network , such as a local area network ( lan ) or wide area network ( wan ). wireless networks may also be used . in any such implementation , network interface 704 sends and receives electrical , electromagnetic , or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information . computer system 700 can send and receive information through network interface 704 across a network 714 , which may be an intranet or the internet . computer system 700 may interact with other computer systems 700 through network 714 . in some examples , client - server communications occur through network 714 . also , implementations of particular embodiments may be distributed across computer systems 700 through network 714 . particular embodiments may be implemented in a non - transitory computer - readable storage medium for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system , apparatus , system , or machine . the computer - readable storage medium contains instructions for controlling a computer system to perform a method described by particular embodiments . the computer system may include one or more computing devices . the instructions , when executed by one or more computer processors , may be operable to perform that which is described in particular embodiments . as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow , “ a ”, “ an ”, and “ the ” includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise . also , as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow , the meaning of “ in ” includes “ in ” and “ on ” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise . the above description illustrates various embodiments along with examples of how aspects of particular embodiments may be implemented . the above examples and embodiments should not be deemed to be the only embodiments , and are presented to illustrate the flexibility and advantages of particular embodiments as defined by the following claims . based on the above disclosure and the following claims , other arrangements , embodiments , implementations and equivalents may be employed without departing from the scope hereof as defined by the claims .
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as is described above , the fluorine containing polymeric compound of the invention represented by the general formula ( i ) having the subscript a equal to 0 can be obtained by the amidation reaction between a polyvinylamine of the general formula ( ii ) and an alkyl perfluoroalkanoate of the general formula ( iii ) according to the reaction equation the polyvinylamine as the starting material of this amidation reaction can be prepared from a polyacrylamide having an average molecular weight of , for example , about 7000 which is subjected to the reaction of so - called hoffmann degradation to give a polyvinylamine hydrochloride followed by neutralization thereof with a base . the amidation reaction of this equation is performed usually in an alcohol such as methyl alcohol as the solvent by keeping the reaction mixture at a temperature in the range from - 10 ° c . to + 50 ° c . or , preferably from + 15 ° c . to 30 ° c . suitable alcohols as the solvent for the reaction include methyl , ethyl , n - propyl , isopropyl , n - butyl , sec - butyl , isobutyl , tert - butyl and n - amyl alcohols , of which methyl alcohol is preferred . the reaction is performed preferably by adding an alkyl perfluoroalkanoate of the general formula ( iii ) into a solution of a polyvinylamine prepared by dissolving a polyvinylamine in a solvent or by neutralizing a solution of a polyvinylamine hydrochloride in a solvent . the ratio of the subscripts n to m or the degree of amidation , referred to as the degree of modification hereinafter , can be freely controlled by adequately selecting the amount of the alkyl perfluoroalkanoate relative to the polyvinylamine . the amidation reaction proceeds in a homogeneous phase without precipitates formed in the reaction mixture unless the degree of modification exceeds about 70 %. the reaction is usually complete within several minutes to several hours under agitation of the reaction mixture . the reaction mixture after completion of the reaction is subjected to evaporation of the solvent and washing with water and the thus obtained polymeric product is dried . the product can be identified to be the desired amidated polyvinylamine from the results of the chemical analysis for the content of fluorine and the infrared absorption spectroscopic analysis . the amidated polyvinylamine containinq the perfluoro alkyl groups is soluble in organic solvents when the degree of modification does not exceed about 70 % and the solution can be easily spread on water surface to form a monolayer film from which an lb film can be prepared . it has been found from the measurement of the surface pressure vs . area isotherm , referred to as the f - a isotherm hereinafter , for the monolayer film spread on water surface that decrease in the degree of modification facilitates preparation of an ultra thin film in which an increased area is occupied by one perfluoroalkyl group . an lb film was prepared by depositing a single layer or a plural number of the layers spread on water surface on to a glass plate and the film thickness and the critical surface tension γ c of the film in dyn / cm relative to n - alkanes were determined to give a result that the γ c for a single layer of the lb film was about 16 when the degree of modification was 37 %, 18 % or 9 % while the value of γ c for a three fold layer was about 14 . the value of γ c for an lb film having a degree of modification of 56 % was about 13 . these results indicate that the perfluoroalkyl - containing amidated polyvinylamine has a surface in a condition of a very low surface energy to exhibit high water - and oil - repellency as well as excellent insusceptibility to dust deposition . the above mentioned values of γ c are consider ably smaller than the value 18 . 5 of a polytetrafluoroethylele resin . the value of the γ c of the lb film prepared according to the invention is stable against a heat treatment at 90 ° c . for 2 hours when the degree of modification is high although the value of γ c is increased by an pg , 7 increment of about 2 when the degree of modification is low by the same heat treatment . the thickness of the lb films per single layer can be determined in two ways to give somewhat different values of 0 . 4 to 0 . 6 nm by the method using a talystep and 0 . 6 to 0 . 9 nm by the x - ray diffractometry . these results indicated that the thickness of the lb films of the perfluoroalkyl - containing amidated polyvinylamine is extremely small . when the subscript a in the formula ( i ) is 1 , the inventive polymer can be prepared by the reaction of a polyallylamine of the general formula ( iv ) with a perfluoroalkylmethyl isocyanate of the general formula ( v ). the polyallylamine as the starting material of the reaction can be obtained by neutralizing a polyallylamine hydrochloride with a basic compound . the reaction of the polyallylamine with the perfluoroalkylmethyl isocyanate of the general formula ( v ) can be expressed by the following reaction equation : -- ch . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 2 nh . sub . 2 )]. sub . m + n ( rfch . sub . 2 nco )→-- ch . sub . 2 nh ( ch . sub . 2 nh . sub . 2 )]. sub . m - n [ ch . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 2 nhconhch . sub . 2 rf )]. sub . n , in which each symbol has the same meaning as defined before . the above mentioned reaction is performed preferably by adding the perfluoroalkylmethyl isocyanate into a solution of the polyallylamine in a reaction medium , which is preferably a mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide and benzene , at a temperature in the range from 10 ° to 50 ° c . or , preferably , from 15 ° to 30 ° c . the degree of modification of the polyallylamine with the perfluoroalkyl groups bonded through urea bonds can be controlled by suitably selecting the amount of the perfluoroalkylmethyl isocyanate relative to the polyallylamine . the reaction is complete usually within several minutes to several hours under agitation of the reaction mixture . after completion of the reaction , the reaction mixture is freed from the solvent by evaporation and the residue is washed with water and dried to give a fluorine - containing polymeric product which can be identified by the chemical analysis for the fluorine content and infrared absorption spectroscopy to be the polymer expressed by the general formula ( i ) in which the subscript a has a value of 1 . it is noted that the urea bond in the inventive polymer is more stable against hydrolysis than the amide bond . when the degree of modification with the perfluoroalkyl groups bonded through the urea bond does not exceed 60 %, the polymer is soluble in several organic solvents including a mixture of 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethyl alcohol and benzene and the solution can be spread on water surface to form a monolayer from which an lb film can be easily prepared . measurements of the f - a isotherms give a conclusion that a decrease in the degree of modification facilitates preparation of an ultra thin film in which a single perfluoro alkylmethyl group occupies an increased area . further , the area occupied by a single perfluoroalkylmethyl group is decreased to about a half of the value of 0 . 28 nm 2 , which is the cross sectional area of the perfluoroalkylmethyl group , or smaller . this fact indicates that the perfluoroalkylmethyl groups are folded in multifold overlapping in the thin film . an lb film was prepared by depositing a single layer or a plural number of the layers spread on water surface on a glass plate and the film thickness and the critical surface tension γ c of the film in dyn / cm relative to n - alkanes were determined to give a result that the value of γ c for a single layer of the lb film was about 16 when the degree of modification was 12 %, 16 %, 24 % or 38 % while the value for a three - fold layer was about 15 . the value of γ c for an lb film having a degree of modification of 58 % was smaller by about 1 than each of the above mentioned values for both of a single and a three - fold layers . the above mentioned values of γ c in dyn / cm are considerably smaller than the value 18 . 5 of a poly ( tetrafluoroethylene ) resin . the value of γ c of the lb film prepared according to the invention is stable against a heat treatment at 80 ° c . for 2 hours . when an lb film of a three fold layer of a 58 %- modified polymer is dipped in 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethyl alcohol , the value of γ c decreases to 9 . 7 indicating that rearrangement of the perfluoroalkylmethyl groups takes place in the presence of the fluorine - containing solvent so as to be aligned in upright dispositions of the groups on the film surface . the thickness of the lb films per single layer can be determined in two ways by using a talystep or by the x - ray diffractometry to give a value of about 3 nm for a polymer having a degree of modification of 12 % while the value increases to 4 to 10 nm by increasing the degree of modification above 24 % indicating that the multifold overlapping of the perfluoroalkylmethyl groups has an effect of increasing the film thickness . as is described above , the degree of modification of the polyvinylamine or polyallylamine with the perfluoro alkyl - containing pendant groups can be freely controlled by adjusting the amount of the perfluoroalkyl containing reactant relative to the base polymer . when the degree of modification does not exceed a certain limit , the perfluoroalkyl - containing polymer is soluble in at least one organic solvent so that an lb film of an extremely small film thickness can be prepared from the solution . the area occupied by a single perfluoroalkyl group in the thus prepared thin film can be controlled by changing the degree of modification . the thus prepared lb films of the inventive polymer have an extremely low surface energy as compared even with a polytetrafluoroethylene resin by virtue of the perfluoro alkyl groups on the surface . a polyacrylamide was prepared according to a known method described in &# 34 ; experimental method for synthesis of polymers &# 34 ;, published by tokyo kagaku dojin , 1962 , at page 157 excepting the use of 30 times excess amount of the solvent and 10 times excess amount of ammonium persulfate ( nh 4 ) 2 s 2 o 8 as a polymerization initiator . the thus obtained polyacrylamide had a relatively small weight - average molecular weight of 7100 calculated from the intrinsic viscosity using the equation of [ η ]= 6 . 8 × 10 - 4 m 0 · 66 . the polyacrylamide was then subjected to the reaction of hoffmann degradation according to a known method described in &# 34 ; kobunshi ronbunshu &# 34 ;, 33 , 309 ( 1976 ) to give a polyvinylamine hydrochloride . a methyl alcohol solution of sodium methylate was prepared by adding 0 . 06 g of metallic sodium to 7 . 5 ml of methyl alcohol and , when evolution of hydrogen gas from the solution had ceased , 0 . 11 g of the polyvinylamine hydrochloride obtained above was added to the solution and stirred in a covered reaction vessel . the precipitates of sodium chloride were removed from the reaction mixture by filtration . thereafter , the thus obtained filtrate was admixed with ethyl perfluorooctanoate in an amount to give 9 %, 18 %, 37 %, 56 % or 65 % by moles of the perfluoroalkyl groups relative to the amino groups in the polyvinylamine and the mixture was stirred for 4 hours at room temperature . the reaction mixture after completion of the reaction was a clear solution and could be used as such in the preparation of lb films . the polymer solution prepared in the above described manner was then freed from the solvent to dryness by evaporation under reduced pressure and the solid residue was washed with water and dried to give a polymeric compound of which the degree of modification was 9 %, 18 %, 37 %, 56 % or 65 % each with a possible error of ± 1 % as determined by the quantitative analysis for the content of fluorine when the amount of the ethyl perfluorooctanoate as the reactant was increased to correspond to a degree of modification of 74 %, precipitates were formed in the reaction mixture . the infrared absorption spectra of these polymer products indicated strong absorption bands at a wave number of 1700 cm - 1 assignable to amide bonds and in a wave number region of 1100 to 1300 cm - 1 assignable to c -- f bonds . a methyl alcohol solution of sodium methylate was prepared by adding 1 . 14 g of metallic sodium to 30 ml of methyl alcohol and , when evolution of hydrogen gas from the solution had ceased , 4 . 94 g of a polyallylamine hydrochloride having an average molecular weight of about 9000 were added to the solution and stirred in a covered reaction vessel . the precipitates of sodium chloride separated from the reaction mixture by filtration were washed with 16 ml of methyl alcohol and the washing was combined with the filtrate as a solution of the polyallylamine . thereafter , methyl alcohol was added to make up the volume of the solution to 50 ml . a 5 . 0 ml portion of this solution was taken and freed from the solvent by evaporation under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved by adding 20 ml of dried dimethyl sulfoxide and 12 ml of dried benzene to form a clear solution . this solution under vigorous stirring was admixed at one time with a solution of 0 . 125 g of perfluorooctylmethyl isocyanate in a mixture of 50 ml of dried dimethyl sulfoxide and 30 ml of dried benzene , precipitation of a small amount of the fluorinated polymer was noted in the reaction mixture . the reaction mixture was then freed from the solvents by evaporation under reduced pressure and the residue was washed successively with ether and water followed by drying to give a polymeric product which was a polyallylamine having pendant groups of perfluorooctylmethyl groups bonded to the polymeric chain through urea bonds with a degree of modification of 16 %. the infrared absorption spectrum of this polymeric product indicated strong absorption bands assignable to the urea bonds at wave numbers of 1660 and 1585 cm - 1 and assignable to the c - f bonds in a wave number region of 1300 to 1100 cm - 1 . the degree of modification of this polymeric product of 16 % was obtained by calculating from the content of fluorine 38 . 7 % determined by the chemical analysis . similarly , another perfluoroalkyl - modified polyallylamine having a content of fluorine of 45 . 1 % corresponding to a degree of modification of 24 % was prepared from 3 . 0 ml of the polyallylamine solution in methyl alcohol prepared above and 0 . 298 g of perfluorooctylmethyl isocyanate . a perfluoroalkyl - modified polyallylamine was prepared from a 5 . 0 ml portion of the polyallylamine solution in methyl alcohol prepared in example 2 and 0 . 057 g of perfluorooctylmethyl isocyanate in a similar manner to example 2 . a 52 . 5 mg portion of the thus obtained polymeric product was dissolved in 100 ml of 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethyl alcohol to give a solution from which insoluble matter was removed by filtration . evaporation of the solvent from the filtrate under reduced pressure gave a perfluoroalkyl - modified polyallylamine which contained 34 . 6 % of fluorine corresponding to a degree of modification of 12 %. a 54 . 1 mg portion of the 24 %- modified polymer obtained in example 2 was washed with 10 ml of 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluorethyl alcohol to extract out the polymer fraction of relatively low degrees of modification followed by a second extraction in a similar manner to above using 75 ml of 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethyl alcohol to leave a fraction of the polymers of higher degrees of modification . the thus obtained polymer contained 51 . 5 % of fluorine corresponding to a degree of modification of 38 %. a perfluoroalkyl modified polyallylamine was prepared from a 2 . 0 ml portion of the polyallylamine solution in methyl alcohol prepared in example 2 and 0 . 296 g of perfluorooctylmethyl isocyanate in a similar manner to example 2 . a 150 mg portion of the thus obtained polymeric product was washed with a mixture of 10 ml of 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethyl alcohol and 50 ml of benzene to remove the fraction of relatively low degrees of modification . the thus obtained perfluoroalkyl - modified polyallylamine contained 56 . 3 % of fluorine corresponding to a degree of modification of 58 %. each of the perfluoroalkyl - modified polyvinylamines prepared in example 1 was dissolved in a low concentration in a mixture of methyl alcohol and benzene and the solution was spread on water surface at 17 ° c . to determine the relationship between the surface pressure and the area occupied by a single molecule or to obtain a so - called f - a isotherm shown in fig1 of the accompanying drawing which includes the curves of pvaf 9 , pvaf 18 , pvaf 37 and pvaf 56 , which refer to the polymers having degrees of modification of 9 %, 18 %, 37 % and 56 %, respectively . these results indicate that the limiting areas or the areas occupied by a single perfluoroacyl group of the polymer in a monolayer are 0 . 78 , 0 . 64 , 0 . 49 and 0 . 30 nm in the polymers pvaf 9 , pvaf 18 , pvaf 37 and pvaf 56 , respectively . the ultra thin film spread on the water surface could be deposited on a glass plate at a surface pressure of 20 mn · m - 1 as a film of a single monolayer or a film of a multi - fold accumulated layers . the films each had an appearance of complete transparency . the lb films prepared in the preceding example from the polymers pvaf 9 , pvaf 18 , pvaf 37 and pvaf 56 were subjected to the measurement of the contact angle against n - alkanes including the films of a single monolayer and films of three - fold accumulated layers as prepared , after a heat treatment at 90 ° c . for 2 hours and after a treatment by dipping in methyl alcohol at 20 ° c . for 24 hours followed by drying . the values of critical surface tension γ c in dyn / cm were calculated from a zisman plot of the thus determined contact angles by utilizing the least square method to give the results shown in table 1 . table 1______________________________________ critical surface tension ζc , dyn / cm after heat after treatment treatment with methyl as prepared ( see text ) alcohol ( see text ) three - three - layer single fold single single fold______________________________________pvaf56 13 . 9 13 . 1 13 . 7 20 . 8 17 . 2pvaf37 16 . 4 14 . 8 16 . 5 24 . 2 19 . 6pvaf18 16 . 9 14 . 9 18 . 0 26 . 8 21 . 6pvaf9 16 . 2 14 . 0 18 . 3 --. sup . ( 1 ) 22 . 3paaurf12 16 . 6 15 . 5 15 . 7 . sup . ( 3 ) 16 . 8 --. sup . ( 2 ) paaurf16 16 . 3 15 . 1 . sup . ( 4 ) 15 . 2 . sup . ( 4 ) 16 . 4 16 . 7 . sup . ( 4 ) paaurf24 16 . 1 15 . 3 15 . 6 . sup . ( 3 ) 16 . 3 17 . 4paaurf38 15 . 9 14 . 8 15 . 3 . sup . ( 3 ) 15 . 7 16 . 8paaurf58 15 . 5 14 . 5 14 . 2 . sup . ( 3 ) 15 . 9 9 . 7______________________________________ . sup . ( 1 ) no drops of nalkanes were formed . . sup . ( 2 ) ζc could not be determined due to disorder in the condition of film surface resulting in poor reproducibility of the value . . sup . ( 3 ) film of 3fold accumulated layers . sup . ( 4 ) film of 5fold accumulated layers lb films of ten - fold accumulated layers were prepared from the polymers pvaf 9 , pvaf 18 , pvaf 37 and pvaf 56 in a manner similar to example 5 and subjected to the measurement of the film thickness in the following two ways . thus , a part of the lb film was peeled off from the substrate surface and the level difference between the area with the lb film thereon and the bare substrate surface after exfoliation of the lb film was determined by using a talystep to give a result that the thickness was 4 to 6 nm ± 2 nm in each of the lb films of pvaf 9 , pvaf 18 , pvaf 37 and pvaf 56 . the thickness of a single monolayer would be one tenth of this value . separately , each of the lb films was subjected to the x - ray diffractometry by using the cu k . sub . α1 line of the wavelength of 0 . 154050 nm with an acceleration voltage of 40 kv and beam current of 30 ma to give a diffraction diagram from which the film thickness was calculated by utilizing the bragg &# 39 ; s equation to give a value of 5 to 8 . 5 nm in each of pvaf 9 , pvaf 18 , pvaf 37 and pvaf 56 . the thickness of a single monolayer would be one tenth of this value . each of the perfluoroalkyl - modified polyallylamines prepared in examples 2 to 4 was dissolved in a low concentration in a mixture of 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethyl alcohol and benzene and the solution was spread on water surface at 17 ° c . to determine the relationship between the surface pressure and the area occupied by a single molecule or to obtain a so - called f - a isotherm shown in fig2 of the accompanying drawing which includes the curves of paaurf 12 , paaurf 16 , paaurf 24 , paaurf 38 and paaurf 58 , which refer to the polymers having degrees of modification of 12 %, 16 %, 24 %, 38 % and 58 %, respectively . these results indicate that the limiting areas or the areas occupied by a single perfluoroalkylmethyl group of the polymer in a monolayer are 0 . 40 , 0 . 28 , 0 . 14 , 0 . 13 and 0 . 12 nm in the polymers paaurf 12 , paaurf 16 , paaurf 24 , paaurf 38 and paaurf 58 , respectively . the ultra thin film spread on the water surface could be deposited on a glass plate at a surface pressure of 20 mn · m - 1 as a film of a single monolayer or a film of a multi - fold accumulated layers . the films each had an appearance of complete transparency . the lb films prepared in the preceding example from the polymers paaurf 12 , paaurf 16 , paaurf 24 , paaurf 38 and paaurf 58 were subjected to the measurement of the contact angle against n alkanes including the films of a single monolayer and films of three - fold ( five fold for paaurf 16 ) accumulated layers as prepared , after a heat treatment at 80 ° c . for 2 hours and after a treatment by dipping in methyl alcohol at 20 ° c . for 24 hours followed by drying . the values of critical surface tension γ c in dyn / cm were calculated from a zisman plot of the thus determined contact angles by utilizing the least square method to give the results shown in table 1 . lb films of ten - fold accumulated layers were prepared from the polymers paaurf 12 paaurf 16 , paaurf 24 paaurf 38 and paaurf 58 in a manner similar to example 8 and subjected to the measurement of the film thickness in the following two ways . thus , a part of the lb film was peeled off from the substrate surface and the level difference between the area with the lb film thereon and the bare substrate surface after exfoliation of the lb film was determined by using a talystep to give a result that the thickness was 25 nm ± 5 nm in the lb film of paaurf 12 and 40 to 100 nm in the lb films of paaurf 24 , paaurf 38 and paaurf 58 . the thickness of a single monolayer would be one tenth of this value . separately , each of the lb films was subjected to the x - ray diffractometry by using the cu k . sub . α1 line of the wave length of 0 . 154050 nm with an acceleration voltage of 40 kv and beam current of 30 ma to give a diffraction diagram from which the film thickness of the single layer was calculated by utilizing the bragg &# 39 ; s equation to give a value of about 2 . 8 nm , 3 . 5 nm , 5 . 5 to 9 . 0 nm and 5 . 5 to 9 . 0 nm for the polymers of paaurf 12 , 16 , 24 and 58 , respectively .
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preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following non - limiting examples . the inventors surprisingly found that ratios of particular hormones may be used to predict the timing of the onset of labour in pregnant subjects and , in particular , to predict the onset of preterm labour . prediction of preterm labour would allow appropriate prophylactic treatment to prevent a preterm delivery and the associated risks to the neonate . samples for determining the levels / ratios of hormones may be in the form of blood , plasma , saliva , sputum , cervical or vagina smears or swabs . detection of the hormones is preferably carried out in vitro . however , it will be understood that detection may be may be carried out in vivo . five hundred unselected pregnant women provided 2 - 9 plasma samples from 7 weeks of pregnancy to labour . samples were assayed for progesterone , estradiol and estriol . results were used to form trajectories for each analyte . notably samples were taken between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm when no dramatic diurnal variation in p , e2 and e3 occurs ( keirse 1990 ). the human ethics committee of the hunter area health service approved this study and all subjects provided written informed consent . a cohort of unselected subjects was recruited by research midwives at their first antenatal visit and followed to delivery at the john hunter hospital in newcastle , australia , during the period 2000 - 2004 . maternal blood samples were taken at approximately monthly intervals until and including sampling at the time of labour and just after delivery where possible . visits to the ante - natal clinic were between 9 am and 5 pm . gestational age was defined by an early ultrasound scan . blood was obtained by venepuncture , transferred to heparin tubes and centrifuged at 2000g at 4 ° c . for 15 minutes . plasma was separated and kept at − 20 ° c . until assayed . samples for each subject were batched for assay . progresterone ( p ) and estradiol ( e2 ) were measured , using the bayer corporation advia centaur assay ( bayer corp ., tarrytown , n . y ., usa ), a competitive immunoassay using direct chemiluminescent technology . for the p assay , sensitivity was 60 ng / ml and intra - assay cv 5 . 3 %. for the e2 assay , sensitivity was 10 pg / ml and intra - assay cv 8 . 4 %. total estriol ( e3 ) was measured using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay ( fpia ) technology and the abbott tdxflx analyser ( abbott laboratories , tex ., usa ). sensitivity was 6 . 6 ng / ml and intra - assay cv 2 . 3 %. stata 9 . 2 software ( statacorp , college station , tex .) was used for curve - fitting and statistical analysis . non - linear least squares estimation was used to fit individual curves for each woman and each analyte prior to the last four weeks of pregnancy . hypothesis tests of group medians or paired group medians were conducted using non - parametric statistical tests , as appropriate to the distribution of the data . a two - tailed significance level of 5 % was used throughout . means are reported with standard deviations ( sd ), medians are reported with either inter - quartile ranges ( iqr ) or bootstrapped 95 % confidence intervals ( ci ) estimated by the bias - corrected and accelerated method ( bca )( efton b and tibshirani 1993 ). five hundred and fifty - seven women were recruited , of whom 57 were withdrawn due to incomplete attendance , formal withdrawals for a variety of reasons , 5 spontaneous abortions prior to 20 weeks and 2 terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies . minimum study requirements were 2 blood samples taken and delivery and fetal outcome data available . gestational length and gestational age at sample were based on early ultrasound scans except for 4 subjects in whom last menstrual period dating was used . the characteristics of the 500 subjects included are provided in table 1 . the women were predominately caucasian ( 92 %), with a small percentage of aboriginal or torres strait islander descent ( 3 %) and others including asians ( 5 %). maternal and fetal outcomes were much poorer for multiple gestations ; preterm delivery rate was 7 . 2 % in singleton and 77 % in multiple gestations . the following , further exclusion criteria were applied to subjects for curve - fitting : gestational length & lt ; 26 weeks ; & lt ; 3 blood samples taken in total ; & lt ; 3 measurements for either p or e2 or e3 available before the last 4 weeks of pregnancy . 31 singleton , 2 twin and 1 triplet pregnancies were thus excluded . the remaining cohort of 466 subjects comprised a group of 456 women with singleton pregnancies ( subgroups : 15 spontaneous onset preterm delivery ( ptd : gestational length & lt ; 37 weeks ), 10 iatrogenic preterm delivery , 89 normal term , 313 other term , including induced and caesarean section delivery and 29 post - term ), and a multiple gestation group of 10 women with twin pregnancies ( 4 spontaneous ptd , 4 iatrogenic ptd and 2 term pregnancies ); a conservative definition of normal was used requiring spontaneous onset of labor , non - smoking and no pathology . it was assumed that a single equation type could be used to curve - fit the samples for each analyte . lower order equations were preferred . the samples in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy were excluded from curve - fitting to allow the detection of a late gestation change in trajectory . further detail of curve - fitting is provided example 2 supplementary details of curve fitting . the following equations were selected : loge progesterone = a + b * t1 . 5 ( where t is gestational age in days , coefficient of determination ( r2 )& gt ; 0 . 85 for 95 % of subjects , median for groups and subgroups range 0 . 96 - 0 . 97 , overall median 0 . 97 ). loge estradiol = a + b /( log t ) ( r2 & gt ; 0 . 67 for 95 % of subjects , median for groups and subgroups range 0 . 93 - 0 . 98 , overall median 0 . 95 ). loge estriol = a + b /✓ t ( r2 & gt ; 0 . 74 for 95 % of subjects , median for groups and subgroups range 0 . 89 - 0 . 97 , overall median 0 . 95 ). estimated levels were calculated weekly for each subject and each analyte from the trajectory equations ( using individual values of a and b ) and the ratios p / e2 , p / e3 and e3 / e2 were calculated by division . smoothed , median curves for the twin group and preterm and term singleton groups are shown for p , e2 , e3 , p / e2 , p / e3 and e3 / e2 in fig1 . estimated median levels for p , e2 and e3 at 26 weeks in the twin pregnancy group ( n = 10 ) were considerably higher than the medians in the singleton group ( n = 456 ). results are provided with medians and iqr in nmol / l : p , singletons 275 ( 235 , 320 ), twins 504 ( 395 , 722 ); e2 , singletons 32 . 9 ( 24 . 0 , 41 . 1 ), twins 45 . 6 ( 37 . 2 , 91 . 9 ); e3 , singletons 183 ( 143 , 228 ), twins 351 ( 292 , 601 ). in 106 singleton , term pregnancies with spontaneous labor onset , additional blood samples were taken either in the 24 hours preceding delivery ( labor group , n = 58 ) or in the first 4 hours post - partum ( post - delivery group , n = 48 ). additionally , 172 blood samples were taken in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy in 165 singleton , term pregnancies with spontaneous labor onset ( last - 4 - weeks group ). examples of individual , estimated , trajectories for the ratios p / e3 and e3 / e2 are shown in fig2 a - b for three pregnancies . these graphics show only the 20 weeks prior to delivery ; note that some p / e3 ratios descend from very high levels in the early weeks of pregnancy . p , p / e2 , p / e3 and e3 / e2 results for the labor group ( n = 58 ) at four time - points are shown in box and whiskers plots in fig2 c - f ; results are interpolated for the first 3 time - points and measured for the last . estimated levels for p , e2 and e3 interpolated at 26 weeks gestation for each pregnancy and the ratios p / e2 , p / e3 and e3 / e2 were compared in the singleton term ( n = 431 ) and preterm delivery groups ( n = 25 ) using wilcoxon rank - sum group median tests . for the 58 pregnancies with a sample in the 24 hours prior to delivery ( labor group ), measured p , e2 , e3 , p / e2 , p / e3 and e3 / e2 results at labor were compared with estimated results 4 weeks prior using wilcoxon matched - pairs signed - rank tests . in this group , samples at labor were also compared with measured penultimate samples ; the mean time from the penultimate sample to the sample at labor was 24 . 2 days ( sd 13 . 4 ). results are provided in table 2 . none of the hypothesis tests for the singleton preterm group versus the term group at 26 weeks showed a significant difference . for the labor group , all the paired hypothesis tests showed a significant difference , excepting the comparison of p levels and the comparison of p / e2 ratios . 53 % of measured p levels at labor were lower than the previous measured level and the median paired difference between p level at labor and that at 4 weeks prior ( 48 nmol / l ) was no different from zero , providing evidence that half of these trajectories had peaked before labor , however , the timing for this peak cannot be ascertained from these data . specifically , interpolated progesterone , estradiol and estriol median concentrations at 26 weeks gestation in singleton pregnancies with preterm deliveries ( ptd ) were not significantly different from those with term deliveries ( p , p = 0 . 63 ; e2 , p = 0 . 96 ; e3 , p = 0 . 29 ). in multiple pregnancies p , e2 and e3 concentrations were higher than in singletons . as pregnancy progressed the ratio of p to e2 in term singletons fell from 18 ; 1 at 12 weeks to 11 : 1 at labour . p to e3 ratios fell from 7 : 1 at 12 weeks to 1 : 1 at labour , while e3 to e2 ratios rose from 2 : 1 at 12 weeks to 11 : 1 at labour . the predicted levels at labour were compared with measured levels for p , e2 and e3 using matched - pair sign tests ( binomial distribution ). for p , 8 measured levels were above predicted and 50 below ( p & lt ; 0 . 001 ), for e2 , 29 measured results were above and 29 below ( p ≈ 1 . 0 ) and for e3 , 41 measured results were above predicted and 17 below ( p = 0 . 002 ). box and whiskers graphs for measured , late - pregnancy samples are provided in fig3 . for p , e2 and e3 , a test group of 6 normal subjects with 7 or more samples was used to examine the trajectory fit with various curve types and choose several candidate equations , which were then fitted to the whole group and a final choice of curve - type selected . given that intra - assay cvs are similar percentages at low , medium and high levels , log - transforming and using a weighting of i provided a reasonable approach for regression considering that the range of levels for each pregnancy was extremely wide ( from & lt ; 100 to several thousand units in some cases ). initially , a range of equations of order 1 ( i . e . degree i using a fractional polynomial approach royston p . 1994 ; and royston et al 1999 ) and a quadratic equation were tried ; had none of these proved satisfactory because of the trajectory shapes , further equations of degree 2 would have been used . log - transformed data were curve - fitted for each analyte and for each subject by non - linear least squares regression . the set of possible equation types which fitted the test group well was then fitted to the data for each of the 466 subjects , using an automated process and generating individual coefficients a , b and c ( quadratic equation only ) for each equation for each subject , individual trajectories were compared visually against sample levels for each analyte in the test group and for other subjects if the r2 fit parameter was low . several criteria were used for the final choice of equation for each analyte : approximate normality and homoscedasticity in combined residuals consideration of median r2 , both in the whole group and sub - groups . the chosen equation should not fit differentially in singleton subgroups and if the twin pregnancies had trajectories quite different from singletons , it may have been necessary to use a different equation type for twins . a higher overall median r2 was preferred . a curve - type of lower order was preferred if the fit was comparable to an equation of higher order . the resultant equations for p , e2 and e3 were monotonically increasing for all subjects : progesterone = exp ( a + b * t1 . 5 ) where t is gestational age in days estradiol = exp ( a + b /( log t )) estriol = exp ( a + b /✓ t ) in order to interrogate the wide variation in progesterone levels , linear regression was used to assess the association of progesterone levels estimated at 26 weeks gestation with maternal and fetal factors ( which may be causal or confounding ) using the following continuous and dichotomous variables in 388 singleton pregnancies ( 367 term and 21 ptd pregnancies with all data items available ): maternal age , over 35 years ( y / n ), parity , primiparous ( y / n ), maternal weight at enrolment , smoking prior to enrolment ( y / n ), fetal sex . those variables with p values lower than 0 . 25 in simple linear regression were included in multiple regression in backwards stepwise mode . however , where variables were highly correlated ( such as parity and primiparous ), only the variable with the lowest p value was included in multiple regression . the association of progesterone estimated at 26 weeks gestation with maternal and fetal predictor variables was assessed initially using scatterplots ; maternal weight showed an inverse ( curved ) relationship with progesterone and higher progesterone levels only occurred at lower weights ( weight range 44 - 148 kgs ; term mean weight 72 . 2 kg ( sd 16 . 2 ), ptd mean weight 71 . 2 kg ( sd 20 . 0 ))( fig5 ). weight was transformed to the inverse form for use in regression . results of simple linear regression for progesterone against each predictor variable were as follows , including p values and t statistics : age , p = 0 . 94 , t = 0 . 08 ; over 35 years , p = 0 . 89 , t =− 0 . 14 ; parity , p & lt ; 0 . 001 , t =− 3 . 84 ; primiparous , p & lt ; 0 . 001 , t = 3 . 91 ; inverse weight , p & lt ; 0 . 001 , t = 7 . 56 ; male sex , p = 0 . 001 , t = 3 . 45 ; smoking , p = 0 . 021 , t =− 2 . 32 . inverse weight and dichotomous variables primiparous , fetal sex and smoking were included in the multiple linear regression ; these four variables were simultaneously significantly associated with progesterone level at 26 weeks . p - values , coefficients and 95 % cis were as follows : inverse weight , p & lt ; 0 . 001 , 7967 ( 5879 , 10054 ); primiparous , p = 0 . 003 , 18 . 7 ( 6 . 2 , 31 . 1 ); male sex , p & lt ; 0 . 001 , 22 . 6 ( 10 . 4 , 34 . 9 ); smoking , p = 0 , 002 , − 22 . 2 (− 35 . 9 , − 8 . 6 ); constant 154 ( 123 , 185 ). 20 % of the variance in progesterone levels is explained by the model ( r2 = 0 . 20 ), indicating higher progesterone levels ( on average ) for those women having their first baby , non - smokers and for males and decreasing levels with increasing maternal weight ( after adjustment for the other variables in the model ). there was significant interaction between inverse weight and smoking ( p = 0 . 03 , coefficient − 4877 (− 9356 , − 398 )); with the interaction term included in the model , r2 was slightly increased to 0 . 21 and the coefficients of the other variables were changed . the assumptions of linear regression were met but the residuals were fairly large , probably due to these variables only explaining a modest proportion of the variance . although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms , in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the invention described herein . boroditsky r s , reyes f i , winter j s , faiman c . maternal serum estrogen and progesterone concentrations preceding normal labor . obstet gynecol 1978 ; 51 : 686 - 91 . da fonseca e b , bittar r e , carvalho m h , zugaib m . prophylactic administration of progesterone by vaginal suppository to reduce the incidence of spontaneous preterm birth in women at increased risk : a randomized placebo - controlled double - blind study . am j obstet gynecol 2003 ; 188 : 419 - 24 efron b , tibshirani r . an introduction to the bootstrap . new york : chapman & amp ; hall ; 1993 gibb w , the role of prostaglandins in human parturition . 1998 ann med 30 235 - 241 . goffinet f , rozenberg p , kayem g , perdu m , philippe h j , nisand i , the value of intravaginal ultrasonography of the cervix uteri for evaluation of the risk of premature lab . j . gynecol . obstet . biol . reprod ( paris ) 1997 ; 26 : 623 - 9 iams j . prevention of preterm birth . n engl j med 1998 ; 338 : 54 - 6 keirse m j . progestogen administration in pregnancy may prevent preterm delivery . br j obstet gynaecol 1990 ; 97 : 149 - 54 meis p j , klebanoff m , thom e , et al . prevention of recurrent preterm delivery by 17 alpha - hydroxyprogesterone caproate . n engl j med 2003 ; 348 : 2379 - 85 mesiano s . roles of estrogen and progesterone in human parturition . front horm res 2001 ; 27 : 86 - 104 . royston p . regression using fractional polynomials of continuous covariates : parsimonious parametric modelling . appl stat 1994 ; 43 : 429 - 67 . royston p , ambler g , sauerbrei w . the use of fractional polynomials to model continuous risk variables in epidemiology . int j epidemiol 1999 ; 28 : 964 - 74 tulchinsky d , hobel c j , yeager e , marshall j r . plasma estrone , estradiol , estriol , progesterone , and 17 - hydroxyprogesterone in human pregnancy . i . normal pregnancy . am j obstet gynecol 1972 ; 112 : 1095 - 100 . u . s . pat . no . 5 , 650 , 394 terao t , kanayama n , casal d , ( filed 4 nov . 1993 ) u . s . pat . no . 5 , 516 , 702 seyei a . e , and casal d . c , ( filed 29 jun . 1994 )
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the present invention is predicated on the discovery that bicyclic polyamines of the above formula , as well as acid salts thereof , exert an anti - inflammatory effect in humans and non - human mammals without certain toxic side effects associated with conventional anti - inflammatory agents . the active agents of the invention are particularly effective against the inflammation associated with arthritis . other clinical indications include moderate pain , fever , dysmenorrhea , tendinitis / bursitis , sunburn , ankylosing spondylitis , psoriatic arthritis and reiter &# 39 ; s syndrome . they are also effective in preventing or treating inflammatory conditions requiring immunosuppression such as rheumatoid arthritis , systemic lupus erythematosus , hashimoto &# 39 ; s thyroiditis , multiple sclerosis , myasthenia gravis , graves &# 39 ; disease , diabetes type i and uveitis , cutaneous manifestations of immunologically mediated illnesses such as alopecia areata , and in treating inflammatory and hyperproliferative skin diseases such as psoriasis , atopical dermatitis , contact dermatitis and further eczematous dermatitises , seborrhoeic dermatitis , lichen planus , pemphigus , bullous pemphigoid , epidermolysis bullosa , urticaria , angioedemas , vasculitides , erythemas , cutaneous eosinophilias , lupus erythematosus and acne , and in situations of organ or tissue transplantation and graft - versus - host disease such as following bone marrow grafts . the methods and compounds of the invention advantageously find use in ameliorating the mild to moderate pain and tenderness that often accompany inflammation . they are also effective in the control of moderate pain resulting from various musculoskeletal disorders , menstrual cramps and post - operative discomfort . a further advantage of the methods and compositions of the present invention resides in the fact that the bicyclic polyamine are orally active . oral availability allows administration by mouth and renders the present invention particularly suitable for use in treating conditions involving chronic inflammation such as arthritis . in the polyamines of the invention as described in formula i , r 1 - r 4 may be hydrogen , straight - or branched - chain alkyl , for example , methyl , ethyl , n - propyl , isopropyl , n - butyl , isobutyl , sec - butyl , tert - butyl and the like ; aryl , for example , phenyl , p - tolyl , 2 , 4 , 6 - trimethylphenyl and the like ; aryl alkyl , for example , benzyl , α - phenethyl , β - phenethyl and the like ; cycloalkyl , for example , cyclohexyl , cyclobutyl , cyclopentyl , cycloheptyl and the like . particularly preferred polyamines are n , n &# 39 ;- bis ( 4 - piperidinylmethyl )- 1 , 4 - butanediamine ( pip 4 , 4 , 4 !) ( 4 ) fig1 !, n , n &# 39 ;- bis ( 4 - piperidinyl )- 1 , 3 - propanediamine ( pip 3 , 3 , 3 !) ( 5 ) fig2 ! and n , n &# 39 ;- bis ( 4 - piperidinyl )- 1 , 4 - butanediamine ( pip 3 , 4 , 3 !) ( 10 ) fig3 !. compounds of the above formulae are synthesized according to the methods described in application ser . no . 08 / 080 , 642 filed jun . 22 , 1993 , the entire contents and disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference . polyamines of formula i in which the terminal nitrogens are incorporated into piperidine rings such as pip 4 , 4 , 4 !, pip 3 , 4 , 3 ! and pip 3 , 3 , 3 ! may be preferably prepared using mesitylenesulfonyl - protected segments as shown in fig1 - 3 . for example , a bicyclic polyamine ( 4 in fig1 ) may be obtained by alkylation with 1 , 4 - dibromobutane ( 0 . 5 equivalent )/ nah / dmf of the bis - sulfonamide ( 2 ) of 4 -( aminomethyl ) piperidine ( 1 ) to give ( 3 ). reductive removal of the sulfonamide protecting groups with 30 % hbr in hoac / phoh yields a bicyclic polyamine ( 4 ) ( fig1 ). as a further example ( fig2 ), the corresponding 3 - 3 - 3 bicyclic polyamine may be synthesized by alkylation of the appropriate mesitylenesulfonamide derivative ( 3 ), then deprotection with hbr as usual to give bicyclic spermine analogue ( 5 ). in an analogous fashion ( fig3 ), alkylation of mesitylenesulfonamide derivative ( 3 ) followed by deprotection of ( 9 ) gives the 3 - 4 - 3 bicyclic polyamine ( 10 ). for the utility mentioned herein , the amount required of active agent , the frequency and mode of its administration will vary with the identity of the agent concerned and with the nature and severity of the condition being treated and is , of course , ultimately at the discretion of the responsible physician or veterinarian . in general , however , a suitable dose of agent for all of the above - described conditions will lie in the range of about 0 . 005 mg / kg to about 300 mg / kg , and preferably about 0 . 1 mg / kg to about 100 mg / kg , of mammal body weight being treated . the composition may be administered orally , topically or parenterally ( intravenously , intradermally , intraperitoneally , intramuscularly or subcutaneously ) for a period of time of from one to about thirty days . for chronic problems , the drug is administered as needed . while it is possible for the agents to be administered as the raw substances , it is preferable to present them as a pharmaceutical formulation . the formulations of the present invention , both for veterinary and human use , comprise the agents together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers therefor and optionally other therapeutic ingredients . the carrier ( s ) must be &# 34 ; acceptable &# 34 ; in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof . desirably , the formulations should not include oxidizing agents and other substances with which the agents are known to be incompatible . the formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy . all methods include the step of bringing into association the agent with the carrier which constitutes one or more accessory ingredients . in general , the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the agent with the carrier ( s ) and then , if necessary , dividing the product into unit dosages thereof . formulations suitable for oral administration may be in the form of discrete units such as capsules , cachets , tablets , or lozenges , each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient ; in the form of a powder or granules ; in the form of a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or non - aqueous liquid ; or in the form of an oil - in - water emulsion or a water - in - oil emulsion . a tablet may be made by compressing or molding the active ingredient optionally with one or more accessory ingredients . compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing , in a suitable machine , the active ingredient in a free - flowing form such as a powder or granules , optionally mixed with a binder , lubricant , inert diluent , surface active agent or dispensing agent . molded tablets may be made by molding , in a suitable machine , a mixture of the powdered active ingredient and a suitable carrier moistened with an inert liquid diluent . formulations suitable for parenteral administration conveniently comprise sterile aqueous preparations of the agents which are preferably isotonic with the blood of the recipient . suitable such carrier solutions include phosphate buffered saline , saline , water , lactated ringers or dextrose ( 5 % in water ). such formulations may be conveniently prepared by admixing the agent with water to produce a solution or suspension which is filled into a sterile container and sealed against bacterial contamination . preferably , sterile materials are used under aseptic manufacturing conditions to avoid the need for terminal sterilization . formulations suitable for topical administration include ointments , creams , gels and pastes . for example , the active agent may be conveniently prepared as a solution or stable emulsion with about 0 . 5 % to about 10 % by weight of the active agent with a compatible carrier . suitable such carriers include oils such as cottonseed or linseed , waxes , paraffins , polyethylene glycol , silicones and the like . in addition to solutions or emulsions , micellar or liposomal formulations and the like may be used . formulations for oral , topical or parenteral administration may optionally contain one or more additional ingredients among which may be mentioned preservatives such as methyl hydroxybenzoate , chlorocresol , metacresol , phenol and benzalkonium chloride . such materials are of special value when the formulations are presented in multi - dose containers . buffers may also be included to provide a suitable ph value for the formulation and suitable materials include sodium phosphate and acetate . sodium chloride or other appropriate salts may be used to render a formulation isotonic with the blood . if desired , the formulation may be filled into the containers under an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen or may contain an anti - oxidant and are conveniently presented in unit dose or multi - dose form , for example , in a sealed ampoule . it will be appreciated that while the agents described herein form acid addition salts and carboxylic acid salts , the biological activity thereof will reside in the agent itself . these salts may be used in human and in veterinary medicine and presented as pharmaceutical formulations in the manner and in the amounts ( calculated as the base ) described hereinabove , and it is then preferable that the acid moiety be pharmacologically and pharmaceutically acceptable to the recipient . examples of such suitable acids include ( a ) mineral acids : hydrochloric , hydrobromic , phosphoric , metaphosphoric and sulfuric acids ; ( b ) organic acids : tartaric , acetic , citric , malic , lactic , fumaric , benzoic , glycollic , gluconic , gulonic , succinic and aryl - sulfonic , for example , p - toluenesulfonic and methanesulfonic acids . the active agent or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives or salts thereof may also be mixed with other pharmaceutically active materials that do not interfere with the desired action or with materials that enhance or supplement the desired action . examples of appropriate other agents include antibiotics , antifungals , antivirals , antihistamines , immunosuppressants and other anti - inflammatory or analgesic compounds the like . a . n , n &# 39 ;- bis ( 2 , 4 , 6 - trimethylbenzenesulfonyl )- 4 -( aminomethyl )- piperidine ( 2 ) fig1 !-- a solution of 2 - mesitylenesulfonyl chloride ( 19 . 49 g , 89 . 1 mmol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 100 ml ) was added to 4 -( aminomethylpiperidine ( 1 ) ( 5 . 15 g , 45 . 1 mmol ) in 1n naoh ( 100 ml ) at 0 ° c . after the addition was complete , the biphasic mixture was stirred for 24 hours ( 0 ° c . to room temperature ). the layers were separated and the aqueous portion was extracted with chcl 3 ( 2 ×). the combined organic phase was washed with 0 . 5n hcl ( 200 ml ) and h 2 o ( 100 ml ) dried with sodium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo . recrystallization from aqueous ethanol produced 18 . 72 g ( 88 %) of ( 2 ) as plates : mp 158 . 5 °- 160 ° c . ; nmr ( cdcl 3 / tms ) δ0 . 8 - 2 . 0 ( m , 5h ), 2 . 25 ( s , 6h ), 2 . 46 - 2 . 93 ( m + 2s , 16h ), 3 . 37 - 3 . 65 ( m , 2h ), 4 . 67 ( t , 1h , j = 6 ), 6 . 90 ( s , 4h ). anal . calcd . for c 24 h 34 n 2 o 4 s 2 : c , 60 . 22 ; h , 7 . 16 ; n , 5 . 85 . found : c , 60 . 31 ; h , 7 . 19 ; n , 5 . 86 . b . n , n &# 39 ;- 1 , 4 - butanediylbis 2 , 4 , 6 - trimethyl - n - 1 - ( 2 , 4 , 6 - trimethylphenyl ) sulfonyl !- 4 - piperidinyl ! methyl !- benzenesulfonamide ( 3 ) fig1 !-- sodium hydride ( 80 % in oil , 1 . 411 g , 47 . 0 mmol ) was added to ( 2 ) ( 18 . 43 g , 38 . 5 mmol ) and nai ( 0 . 146 g , 0 . 97 mmol ) in dmf ( 165 ml ) at 0 ° c . the suspension was stirred for 13 / 4 hours at room temperature under nitrogen . 1 , 4 - dibromobutane ( 2 . 2 ml , 18 . 4 mmol ) was added by syringe and the reaction mixture was heated at 84 ° c . for 19 hours . after cooling to 0 ° c ., h 2 o ( 200 ml ) was cautiously added to quench residual nah , followed by extraction with chcl 3 ( 300 ml , 2 × 100 ml ). the combined organic phase was washed with 1 % na 2 so 3 ( 100 ml ) and h 2 o ( 2 × 100 ml ), dried with sodium sulfate and evaporated under high vacuum . recrystallization from etoac / chcl 3 gave 13 . 00 g ( 70 %) of ( 3 ) as an amorphous solid : mp 202 °- 203 . 5 ° c . ; nmr ( cdcl 3 / tms ) δ0 . 75 - 1 . 90 ( m , 14h ), 2 . 25 ( s , 12h ), 2 . 40 - 3 . 18 ( m + 2s , 36h ), 3 . 3 - 3 . 6 ( m , 4h ) , 6 . 87 ( s , 8h ) . anal . calcd . for c 52 h 74 n 4 o 8 s 4 : c , 61 . 75 ; h , 7 . 37 ; n , 5 . 54 . found : c , 61 . 49 ; h , 7 . 39 ; n , 5 . 43 . c . n , n &# 39 ;- bis ( 4 - piperidinylmethyl )- 1 , 4 - butanediamine ( 4 ) fig .. 1 !-- 30 % hbr in acetic acid ( 100 ml ) was added over 10 minutes to a solution of ( 3 ) ( 5 . 34 g , 5 . 28 mmol ) and phenol ( 18 . 97 g , 0 . 202 mol ) in ch 2 cl 2 ( 75 ml ) at 0 ° c . the reaction was stirred for 24 hours ( 0 ° c . to room temperature ) and cooled to 0 ° c . distilled h 2 o ( 120 ml ) was added , followed by extraction with ch 2 cl 2 ( 3 × 100 ml ). the aqueous layer was evaporated under high vacuum . the residue was basified with 1n naoh ( 12 mol ) and 50 % ( w / w ) naoh ( 20 ml ) with ice cooling , followed by extraction with chcl 3 ( 10 × 50 ml ), while adding nacl to salt out the aqueous layer . organic extracts were dried with sodium sulfate and evaporated . the residue was taken up in ethanol ( 200 ml ), acidified with concentrated hcl ( 3 . 5 ml ) and solvents were removed under vacuum . tetrahydrochloride salt was recrystallized with 7 % aqueous etoh to furnish 1 . 318 g ( 58 %) of ( 4 ) as a white solid . nmr ( d 2 o / tsp δ1 . 19 - 2 . 23 ( m , 14h ), 2 . 8 - 3 . 6 ( m , 16h ). anal . calcd . for c 16 h 38 cl 4 n 4 : c , 44 . 87 ; h , 8 . 94 ; n , 13 . 08 . found : c , 44 . 77 ; h , 9 . 00 ; n , 13 . 00 . using a method analogous to that described in example 1 above , and with the substitution of 4 - aminopiperidine dihydrochloride ( 2 ) for 4 -( aminomethyl ) piperidine and 1 , 3 - dibromopropane for 1 , 4 - dibromobutane as depicted in fig2 n , n &# 39 ;- bis ( 4 - piperidinyl )- 1 , 3 - propanediamine ( pip 3 , 3 , 3 !) was synthesized . recrystallization from aqueous ethanol produced a white solid : 1 h nmr ( d 2 o / tsp ) δ1 . 66 - 2 . 00 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 02 - 2 . 16 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 40 ( d , 4h , j = 4 . 7 ), 3 . 12 - 3 . 30 ( m , 8h ), 3 . 51 - 3 . 63 ( m , 6h ). anal . calcd . for c 13 h 32 cl 4 n 4 : c , 40 . 43 ; h , 8 . 35 ; n , 14 . 51 . found : c , 40 . 51 ; h , 8 . 43 ; n , 14 . 41 . using a method analogous to that described in example 1 above , n , n &# 39 ;- bis ( 4 - piperidinyl )- 1 , 4 - butanediamine ( pip 3 , 4 , 3 !) was synthesized from bis ( mesitylenesulfonyl ) diamine ( 3 ) and 1 , 4 - diiodobutane as depicted in fig3 . recrystallization from aqueous ethanol produced a white solid : 1 h nmr ( d 2 o / tsp ) δ1 . 72 - 1 . 96 ( m , 8h ), 2 . 34 - 2 . 45 ( m , 4h ), 3 . 05 - 3 . 22 ( m , 8h ), 3 . 45 - 3 . 66 ( m , 6h ); hrms ( fab , glycerol / trifluoroacetic acid matrix ) calcd . for c 14 h 30 n 4 ( free amine ) 255 . 2549 ( m + h ), found 255 . 2543 ( m + h ). anal . calcd . for c 14 h 34 cl 4 n 4 . h 2 o : c , 40 . 20 ; h , 8 . 68 ; n , 13 . 39 . found : c , 40 . 55 ; h , 8 . 34 ; n , 13 . 36 . inhibition of acute inflammation and modulation of autoimmune - mediated response by pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! was obtained as described above . distilled water was used as the vehicle for in vivo testing . pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! was completely soluble in the vehicle . commercially obtained chemicals used were indomethacin and hydrocortisone ( sigma , st . louis , mo ., u . s . a . ), aspirin ( miles labs ., elkart , in , u . s . a . ), carrageenan ( tokyo kasei industry co ., ltd . ), mycobacterium tuberculosis ( difco labs ., detroit , mich ., u . s . a .) and carboxymethyl - cellulose ( wako pure chemical industries , osaka , japan ). doses of all compounds used were calculated on the basis of the weight of the salt . in these studies , long evans derived rats ( body weight from 130 - 160 g ) from the animal center of national taiwan university medical college were used . the animals were housed in stainless steel cages ( in inches : 22 length × 18 width × 6 height ) with 10 rats per cage . the environment was maintained under controlled temperature ( 20 °- 24 ° c .) and humidity ( 40 %- 70 %) with 12 hours light - dark cycles at least one week prior to use . free access to standard laboratory chow ( taiwan sugar co .) and tap water was granted . all aspects of this work including housing , experimentation and disposal of animals were performed in general accordance with the international guiding principles for biomedical research involving animals ( cioms publication no . isbn 92 90360194 , 1985 ). a . inhibition of acute inflammation -- inhibition of acute inflammation was measured using the carrageenan - induced paw edema model of winter et al proc . soc . exp . biol . med ., vol . 111 , &# 34 ; carrageenan - induced edema in hind paw of the rat as an assay for anti - inflammatory drugs ,&# 34 ; pages 544 - 547 ( 1962 )!. test substances were administered , p . o . or i . p ., to groups of 3 fasted rats one hour ( or 30 minutes for i . p . treatment ) before intraplantar injection of carrageenan ( 0 . 1 ml , 1 % suspension ) into the right hind paw . paw swelling , measured by water displacement , was recorded 3 hours after carrageenan administration . inhibition by more than 30 % compared to vehicle - treated controls indicates significant activity . pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! exhibited acute anti - inflammatory activity by significantly reducing the extent of carrageenan - induced paw edema in rats at a dose of 30 mg / kg intraperitoneally ( table 1 ). this activity compared favorably with that seen with concurrently assessed aspirin ( 150 mg / kg p . o .) and hydrocortisone ( 25 mg / kg p . o .). table 1______________________________________inhibition of carrageenan - induced edema in rat pawby anti - inflammatory drugs and pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! dose paw volume % edemacompound route ( mg / kg ) (× 0 . 01 ml ) inhibition______________________________________control po -- 89 100 ( dist . h . sub . 2 o ) 87 89 x = 88 . sup . aspirin po 150 54 ( 46 ) 47 43 x = 48 . sup . hydrocortisone po 25 56 ( 32 ) 63 60 x = 60 . sup . pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! ip 30 32 ( 58 ) 40 39 x = 37 . sup . ______________________________________ b . modulation of immune - mediated inflammatory response -- modulation of immune - mediated inflammatory response in rats was measured using the adjuvant - induced arthritis model of winter et al arthritis rheum ., vol . 9 , &# 34 ; treatment of adjuvant arthritis in rats with anti - inflammatory drugs ,&# 34 ; pages 394 - 404 ( 1966 )!. groups of 5 male rats ( weighing from 130 - 150 g ) were used . a finely ground suspension of 0 . 3 mg / killed mycobacterium tuberculosis in 0 . 1 ml of light mineral oil ( complete freund &# 39 ; s adjuvant , cfa ) was administered into the subplantar region of the right hind paw on day 1 . hind paw volumes were measured by water displacement on days 0 , 1 , 5 , 14 and 18 . test substances were dissolved or suspended in 0 . 5 % carboxymethyl - cellulose and administered orally on 5 consecutive days from day 1 through day 5 . a concurrent vehicle control group was used to eliminate the generally minor influence of animal handling ( stress - induced adrenal stimulation ). two concurrent active reference agent groups served to validate the assay system . the percent inhibitions of swelling in the injected and uninjected paws of the control and treated groups were calculated as shown in the following formulae . a . day 1 → day 0 : percent inhibition on the first day of cfa injection and one dose of test substance : ## equ1 ## b . day 5 → day 0 : percent inhibition on the 5th day after 5 doses of test substance : ## equ2 ## c . day 5 → day 1 : percent inhibition of paw volume change between day 1 and day 5 : ## equ3 ## d . day 14 → day 0 : percent inhibition of untreated paw on day 14 relative to day 0 : ## equ4 ## e . day 18 → day 0 : percent inhibition of untreated paw on day 18 relative to day 0 : ## equ5 ## f . day 18 → day 14 : percent inhibition of untreated paw volume change between day 14 and day 18 : ## equ6 ## inhibition of paw swelling by greater than 30 % was considered significant . changes in body weight ( day 18 v . day 0 ) were recorded and the presence (+) or absence (-) of polyarthritic in signs are also recorded on day 19 in the experimental animals &# 39 ; paws ( p ), tails ( t ), noses ( n ) and ears ( e ). as shown in table 2 , pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! at a daily dose of 100 mg / kg p . o . for 5 consecutive days , reduced both part of the acute phase and inhibited the development of the late phase swelling in the contralateral paw . similar to concurrently assessed hydrocortisone and indomethacin , pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! did not affect weight gain reductions , compared to vehicle - treated animals during the course of the 18 day study . unlike hydrocortisone and indomethacin , pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! did not prevent the appearance of signs of polyarthritis in the paws of the rats . table 2__________________________________________________________________________adjuvant arthritis test b . w . gain dose net swelling of paw volume ( ml ) and inhibition percentage ( g ) polyarthritiscompound route ( mg / kg ) a ( 1 - 0 ) b ( 5 - 0 ) c ( 5 - 1 ) d ( 14 - 0 ) e ( 18 - 0 ) f ( 18 - 14 ) ( 18 - 0 ) p t n e__________________________________________________________________________vehicle ( 0 . 5 % cmc ) po 10 ml / kg × 5 0 . 90 1 . 90 1 . 00 0 . 52 1 . 01 0 . 49 30 + - - - &# 34 ; po 10 ml / kg × 5 0 . 80 1 . 70 0 . 90 0 . 30 0 . 47 0 . 17 60 + - - - &# 34 ; po 10 ml / kg × 5 0 . 80 1 . 71 0 . 91 0 . 57 0 . 84 0 . 27 40 + - - - &# 34 ; po 10 ml / kg × 5 0 . 80 1 . 40 0 . 60 0 . 32 0 . 40 0 . 08 40 + - - - &# 34 ; po 10 ml / kg × 5 0 . 85 1 . 54 0 . 69 0 . 54 1 . 03 0 . 49 40 + - - - average 0 . 83 1 . 65 0 . 82 0 . 45 0 . 75 0 . 30 42pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! po 100 0 . 83mes . 5 1 . 17 0 . 34 0 . 25 0 . 35 0 . 10 20 + - - - &# 34 ; po 100 0 . 79mes . 5 1 . 49 0 . 70 0 . 43 0 . 55 0 . 12 35 + - - - &# 34 ; po 100 0 . 70mes . 5 1 . 04 0 . 34 0 . 23 0 . 37 0 . 14 35 + - - - &# 34 ; po 100 0 . 87mes . 5 1 . 37 0 . 50 0 . 34 0 . 45 0 . 11 5 + - - - &# 34 ; po 100 0 . 51mes . 5 1 . 03 0 . 52 0 . 20 0 . 53 0 . 33 30 + - - - average 0 . 74 1 . 22 0 . 48 0 . 29 0 . 45 0 . 16 25inhibition % 11 26 ( 41 ) ( 36 ) ( 40 ) ( 47 ) hydrocortisone po 30 0 . 78mes . 5 0 . 89 0 . 11 0 . 43 0 . 53 0 . 10 40 + - - - &# 34 ; po 30 0 . 65mes . 5 0 . 96 0 . 31 0 . 31 0 . 38 0 . 07 30 - - - - &# 34 ; po 30 0 . 70mes . 5 0 . 86 0 . 16 0 . 30 0 . 66 0 . 36 25 - - - - &# 34 ; po 30 0 . 82mes . 5 0 . 98 0 . 16 0 . 38 0 . 72 0 . 34 20 - - - - &# 34 ; po 30 0 . 70mes . 5 1 . 61 0 . 91 0 . 33 0 . 41 0 . 08 0 - - - - average 0 . 73 1 . 06 0 . 33 0 . 35 0 . 54 0 . 19 23inhibition % 12 ( 36 ) ( 60 ) 22 28 ( 37 ) indomethacin po 5 × 5 0 . 53 0 . 84 0 . 31 0 . 20 0 . 43 0 . 23 10 - - - - &# 34 ; po 5 × 5 0 . 58 0 . 86 0 . 28 0 . 40 0 . 50 0 . 10 15 - - - - &# 34 ; po 5 × 5 0 . 58 0 . 72 0 . 14 0 . 26 0 . 51 0 . 25 5 - - - - &# 34 ; po 5 × 5 0 . 51 0 . 81 0 . 30 0 . 42 0 . 49 0 . 07 5 - - - - &# 34 ; po 5 × 5 0 . 45 1 . 02 0 . 57 0 . 12 0 . 22 0 . 10 5 - - - - average 0 . 53 0 . 85 0 . 32 0 . 28 0 . 43 0 . 15 8inhibition % ( 36 ) ( 48 ) ( 61 ) ( 38 ) ( 43 ) ( 50 ) __________________________________________________________________________ effect of pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! on b and t cell mitogenesis and the mixed lymphocyte response this study examined the potential immunomodulatory activities of pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! on mouse spleen cells using in vitro techniques . the effect of the compound on the ability of murine splenocytes to respond to the g cell mitogen concanavalin a ( con a ) and the b cell mitogen lipopolysaccharide ( lps ) was studied . these mitogens non - specifically activate lymphocytes to proliferate and are general indicators of what effect a compound has on t or b cell function . in addition , the compound was tested for its effect on the mixed lymphocyte response ( mlr ). the mlr is an in vitro manifestation of cell - mediated immunity in which t cells respond to differences in major histocompatibility complex ( mhc ) class ii molecules ( ia antigens ) expressed on foreign or allogeneic leukocytes ( primarily b cells and microphages / monocytes ). pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! ( molecular weight 428 . 3 ) was obtained as a powder and was solubilized in medium . controls included medium alone ( 100 % of control ), as well as various concentrations of cyclosporin a ( csa , a known immunosuppressant for these assays ) and ethanol ( etoh , vehicle for csa ). a . preparation of cells -- under sterile conditions , spleens were removed from balb / c ( h - 2 d ) and cba / j ( h - 2 k ) mice . balb / c splenocytes were used as responder cells in the mitogen assays and the mlr assays , whereas cba / j cells were used as stimulator cells in the mlr assays . single cell suspensions were prepared in complete medium ( rpmi - 1640 plus 10 % fetal calf serum , 100 μg / ml streptomycin , 100 μg / l penicillin , 10 μg / ml gentamicin , 2 mm l - glutamine and 2 × 10 5 m 2 - mercaptoethanol ). cells were exposed to various concentrations of the test compounds for the entire culture period . the initial dilutions in medium were filter sterilized to maintain aseptic conditions . b . mitogen assays -- con a and lps were obtained from sigma chemical co . ( st . louis , mo ., u . s . a .). 2 × 10 5 balb / c splenocytes were added per well . the final concentration of con a used was 3 μg / ml which had been shown to be optimal for t cell stimulation in previous studies . the final concentration of lps used was 25 μg / ml which had been shown to be optimal for stimulation in previous studies . triplicate wells were set up in 96 - well flat - bottom microtiter plates for all treated cultures and positive controls ( 100 % of control ) were performed in replicates of nine wells . plates were incubated at 37 ° c . in a humidified co 2 incubator for 3 days , pulsed with 1 μci 3 h - tdr / well for 6 - 16 hours , harvested and counted in a liquid scintillation counter . all data were processed using lotus 1 - 2 - 3 and sigmaplot software . c . mixed lymphocyte response ( mlr )-- previous studies had demonstrated a vigorous proliferative response in a one - way mlr using balb / c responders and cba / j stimulators . thus , a balb / c ( 2 × 10 5 cells / well ) anti - cba / j ( 8 × 10 5 cells / well ) mlr combination was used in these studies . cba / j spleen cells were irradiated with 2 , 000 r to prevent them from responding to balb / c mhc antigens . triplicate wells were set up in 96 - well flat - bottom microtiter plates for all treated cultures and positive controls ( 100 % of control ) were performed in replicates of nine wells . plates were incubated at 37 ° c . in a humidified co 2 incubator for 5 days , pulsed with 1 μci 3 h - td3 / well for 6 - 16 hours , harvested and counted in a liquid scintillation counter . all data were processed using lotus 1 - 2 - 3 and sigmaplot software . d . results -- the results from one set of experiments are shown in tables 3 - 5 . the means + standard deviation ( sd ) of the counts per minutes ( cpm ) indicating the proliferative responses of replicate wells are shown for the con a ( table 3 ), lps ( table 4 ) and mlr ( table 5 ) assays . background responses ( responders only ) were low and within the laboratory historical range , indicating no significant pre - activation of the cells from their animal donors . all positive control responses ( 100 % of control ) were vigorous , indicating that the responder cells were responsive to the various stimuli . a positive control compound , csa , was used to demonstrate immunosuppression in these studies . as shown in tables 3 - 5 , csa was immunosuppressive for all assays . because csa is dissolved in etoh , corresponding concentrations of etoh diluted in medium were included to control for any effects on the cells from the alcohol alone . in general , etoh was not inhibitory at the concentrations tested in these assays as shown in tables 3 - 5 . as shown in table 3 , pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! had no inhibitory effect on the con a response , suggesting no general effect on t cells . as shown in table 4 , some inhibition of the lps response was observed for pip 4 , 4 , 4 !, suggesting some effects on b cell proliferation . there was some dose - dependent suppression caused by pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! in the 1 - 100 μm range . as shown in table 5 , the mlr was inhibited by pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! primarily at 10 and 100 μm , suggesting inhibition of the proliferative response of cd4 + t cells , the cells which respond to alloantigens . alternatively , if the compound effected the expression of class ii mhc ( ia ) molecules on the stimulator cells , this may also account for these results . table 3______________________________________mitogen response to con a proliferative response drug ( cpm ) % compound concentration mean ± sd control______________________________________media ( no con a ) none 1319 ± 352 -- media ( positive control ) none 196119 ± 22511 100csa 1 . 000 μm 7916 ± 1139 4 0 . 100 μm 30719 ± 4963 16 0 . 010 μm 54539 ± 5810 28 0 . 001 μm 96868 ± 22376 50etoh 0 . 013000 % 277029 ± 23757 140 0 . 001300 % 290003 ± 20210 146 0 . 000130 % 296690 ± 28125 151 0 . 000013 % 238348 ± 17009 120pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! 1000 . 000 μm 273418 ± 14954 138 100 . 000 μm 313504 ± 279 158 10 . 000 μm 365771 ± 2876 185 1 . 000 μm 340397 ± 25586 172 0 . 100 μm 333419 ± 31211 168 0 . 010 μm 343389 ± 21927 173______________________________________ table 4______________________________________mitogen response to lps proliferative response drug ( cpm ) % compound concentration mean ± sd control______________________________________media ( no lps ) none 1983 ± 306 -- media ( positive control ) none 176092 ± 20673 100csa 1 . 000 μm 25054 ± 4947 14 0 . 100 μm 79687 ± 3818 45 0 . 010 μm 81281 ± 213033 46 0 . 001 μm 133300 ± 6182 76etoh 0 . 013000 % 169245 ± 11996 96 0 . 001300 % 162318 ± 7643 92 0 . 000130 % 162300 ± 34911 92 0 . 000013 % 162784 ± 7406 92pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! 1000 . 000 μm 83427 ± 18281 47 100 . 000 μm 117804 ± 14014 67 10 . 000 μm 187500 ± 8089 106 1 . 000 μm 192921 ± 32628 110 0 . 100 μm 174197 ± 23886 99 0 . 010 μm 175516 ± 10793 100______________________________________ table 5______________________________________mixed lymphocyte response proliferative response drug ( cpm ) % compound concentration mean ± sd control______________________________________media ( no stimulators ) none 1065 ± 314 -- media ( with stimulators ; none 41679 ± 2791 100positive control ) csa 1 . 000 μm 355 ± 30 1 0 . 100 μm 558 ± 42 1 0 . 010 μm 13969 ± 3280 34 0 . 001 μm 26629 ± 9391 64etoh 0 . 013000 % 30099 ± 8116 72 0 . 001300 % 37528 ± 7203 90 0 . 000130 % 34064 ± 1054 82 0 . 000013 % 38955 ± 14703 93pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! 1000 . 000 μm 22583 ± 2490 54 100 . 000 μm 29717 ± 3146 71 10 . 000 μm 568531 ± 6200 136 1 . 000 μm 54594 ± 11873 131 0 . 100 μm 411919 ± 6106 99 0 . 010 μm 330859 ± 11640 79______________________________________ prevention of type ii collagen - induced arthritis in mice by pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! the purpose of this study was to test pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! in an experimental model of arthritis in dba / 1j mice by observing the onset , duration and remission of inflammation utilizing type ii collagen . twenty male dba / 1j mice , equally divided into two groups of ten animals , were immunized with a single intradermal injection of native type ii chick collagen ( 100 μg / animal , intradermally ) in complete freund &# 39 ; s adjuvant ( cfa ) on day 0 . beginning on day 20 , one group was injected daily i . p . with 75 mg / kg pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! ; the other group received an equal volume ( 7 . 5 ml / kg ) of isotonic saline i . p . as a comparable control group . on day 21 , both groups received a challenge dose of type ii collagen ( 100 μg / animal , intradermally at the base of the tail , in 50 μl cfa ). daily joint measurements were recorded once per day on days 20 - 40 . joints were measured using a constant tension caliper ( mitutoyo digimatic thickness gauge ). all mice were measured before the start of the study ( day - 1 ) to obtain baseline readings at three joints on the right and left hindlimb ( paw thickness , ankle width and knee width ) and two joints of the right and left forelimb ( paw thickness and elbow width ). on day 26 of the study , five days following initiation of pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! treatment , the dosage was decreased from 75 to 50 mg / kg due to overt toxicity of compound administration . four of ten mice treated with pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! died or were sacrificed in extremis , during the treatment period . joint measurements decreased in mice treated with pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! as compared to untreated control mice . this effect was first evident by day 25 of the study , five days following initiation of pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! treatment . fig4 - 8 show the joint measurement data : the size of the various joints in millimeters for pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! and control mice is plotted against the study day for left and right knee ( fig4 ), left and right forelimb paw ( fig5 ), left and right forelimb elbow ( fig6 ), left and right hindlimb paw ( fig7 ) and left and right hindlimb ankle ( fig8 ). the method of siegmund et al proc . soc . exp . biol . med ., vol . 95 , pages 729 - 731 ( 1957 )! was used to measure the analgesic activity of pip 4 , 4 , 4 !. groups of 10 male icr mice weighing 22 ± 2 g were employed . various doses of test compound , dissolved in a vehicle of distilled water , were administered intraperitoneally . the control group received vehicle alone . at 30 minutes post dosing , 2 mg / kg of phenylquinone ( p . q .) was injected i . p . and the number of writhes exhibited during the following 5 - 10 minute period post p . q . injection were recorded . the mean ± sem number of writhes in each treatment group was calculated and unpaired student &# 39 ; s t test was applied for comparison between vehicle and treated groups . differences were considered significant when p & lt ; 0 . 05 . as shown in table 6 , pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! exhibited analgesic activity as compared with the vehicle control . table 6______________________________________analgesia ( p . o . writhing ) (# writhes ) compound route dose ( x ± sem ) % inhibition______________________________________vehicle ip . sup . 20 ml / kg 14 ± 1pip 4 , 4 , 4 ! ip 100 mg / kg 3 ± 1 ** ( 79 ) ______________________________________ ** p & lt ; 0 . 01 modulation of immune - mediated inflammatory response in rats was measured using the adjuvant - induced arthritis model of winter et al , arthritis rheum ., supra . two separate studies utilizing this model were conducted as follows : a . cfa was made by emulsifying 10 mg desiccated , ground mycobacterium tuberculosis ( h37ra ) in 15 ml heavy white mineral oil and 1 ml of saline . four groups consisting of 6 male lewis rats weighing 150 - 200 g were injected subcutaneously at the base of the tail with 0 . 1 ml of cfa . drugs to be assayed were administered 5 days beginning on the day of the adjuvant injection . the paw volume of the right and left rear paw of each rat were measured on the day of adjuvant injection and at regular intervals for 30 days thereafter . b . cfa was made as in a . above . the emulsion was injected subcutaneously at the base of the tail and induced the arthritic state . measurements of paw volume were made for 30 days to monitor paw swelling . drug treatment began on day 0 . four groups consisting of 10 male lewis rats weighing 150 - 200 g were injected subcutaneously at the base of the tail with 0 . 1 ml of cfa . drugs to be assayed were administered for 5 days beginning on the day of the adjuvant injection . the control values from the two studies were averaged to give the fairest representation of the data . the results are set forth in table 7 below . table 7______________________________________ initial final dose day day % finalcompound route mg / kg 14 - 0 28 - 0 inhibition______________________________________control po 1 . 16 1 . 91 -- dipip 3 , 4 , 3 ! po 100 . 391 . 571 70dipip 3 , 4 , 3 ! po 100 . 709 1 . 12 41dipip 4 , 4 , 4 ! po 100 . 496 . 801 58dipip 5 , 4 , 5 ! po 100 1 . 24 1 . 72 9voltaren po 6 . 232 . 629 67indomethacin po 6 . 004 0 . 14 93______________________________________ unless defined otherwise , 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 . it is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the scope of the application and the appended claims .
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the present invention is directed to an improved process for depositing ha onto the surface of materials suitable for dental or surgical implants . the process employed for this coating is ion beam sputtering , which uses a high energy ion beam to &# 34 ; kick out &# 34 ; atoms from a ha plate and allows them to be directed onto the device to be coated . the geometry of this setup is shown in fig1 . a 50 kev xenon beam 10 is directed at an angled substrate 12 containing a coating 11 of sintered ha . the substrate 12 may be hollow and water cooled by a flow of water into conduit 15 and out of conduit 17 , which are connected to the hollow interior of the substrate 12 . the striking of the beam 10 onto the coating 11 leads to the sputtering of ha ions 14 out of the coating 11 onto parts 16 which are to be coated . these parts are placed upon a rotating support platter 18 that may also be water cooled . the entire arrangement is located in a high vacuum into which a controlled amount of oxygen or , preferably , water vapor is bled . as a result , a thin coating 17 of ha is formed on the product . this sputter process may be utilized on implant materials that cannot survive the high temperatures of vacuum evaporation which has been used in the prior art for coating materials with ha . the high velocity imparted to the sputtered atoms through the use of a high energy xenon beam directed at an ha target allows the atoms to penetrate into the surface of the device to be coated and , therefore , provides a superior adhesion of ha to the parts over those produced using evaporative coating techniques . xenon ion beam sputtering is a process that provides extremely high microscopic temperatures ( high kinetic energy ) while maintaining the macroscopic temperature of the bulk ha below its sublimation / decomposition point . without this capability , less energy would be imparted to the target and thus the ions would not penetrate the surface of the device to be coated to the same extent . this would produce a coating that does not have the adherence of the present invention . the ion beam used in this process , preferably xenon , impels atoms out of the target substrate onto the surface of an implant part or material 16 . xenon is preferred because it can produce a high energy beam which reacts chemically with the substrate and produces a higher yield of sputtered ha than any other readily - available gas . an alternative to the use of the xenon beam includes , but is not limited to a krypton beam . as used herein , high energy is defined as at least 2 kev and may extend up to 200 kev , but preferably is at least 10 kev . the substrate 12 ( fig1 ) is covered with a suitable target coating material 11 , preferably sintered ha . alternative target coating materials include , but are not limited to , plasma sprayed ha and ha powder . the process is carried out in a high vacuum so that contaminant atoms cannot be incorporated into the growing film . a high vacuum , as used herein , is defined broadly as at least 10 - 4 torr to 10 - 7 torr and preferably from 10 - 6 torr to 10 - 7 torr . a proper stoichiometry of the ha compound is achieved by bleeding into the vacuum a precisely metered amount of oxygen or preferably water vapor such that oh groups are formed to replace some of the oxygen that is usually lost from the ha molecule while in transit to the metal substrate . the amount of oxygen to be used broadly falls within the range of between about 10 - 5 torr and about 10 - 6 torr , and preferably within the range of between the ranges of 3 × 10 - 6 torr and 9 × 10 - 6 torr . it is related to the vacuum pressure used . the amount of water vapor to be used would be twice as much as the above - cited amounts for oxygen . prior to the coating process , the metal substrate can first be sputter - etched or cleaned by directing the ion beam directly onto the metal surface to be coated . the arrangement of the apparatus to accomplish this is shown in fig2 . xenon ions 20 are impelled onto the parts 16 to be coated . the entire operation is conducted in a vacuum upon the rotating water - cooled platter 18 ( model z - 100 ion implanter , available from eaton corp ., beverly , ma ). this action sputters off all surface oxides 22 and permits the ha molecules deposited as shown in fig1 to adhere directly to the metal surface with no intervening oxide barrier . an alternative to the deposition process of fig1 is shown in fig3 . in this process , the target 26 and the parts 16 have been reversed in position so that the target is below the parts . the target in this arrangement is made in the form of a tray 27 supporting powdered ha 28 , instead of sintered ha . since the powder is loose and is not adhered to the target substitute 26 , the creation of a target is simple and inexpensive . however , the target must be right side up or the powdered ha would fall off . because of the high energy of the xenon beam , the ha ions are given sufficient energy to kick off the target against the force of gravity , reach the parts and still have sufficient velocity to penetrate the surface of the parts . the principal uses of the present invention are for any application where live bone must grow toward and adhere to a foreign metal within the body of an animal or human to be treated . this includes total joint prosthesis , dental implants , ear implants , and similar devices . the advantages of the process of the present invention include the ability to coat a metal substrate with ha which is close to natural apatite ( ca 10 ( p0 4 ) 6 ( oh ) 2 ). this is in part achieved through the introduction of oh ions into the atmosphere of the vacuum . in addition , crystal grains are not visible on the coating surface , thus leading to a featureless surface having a full density non - porous ha film . this eliminates the tendency of the film to crack when the implant is bent as is often necessary during installation . also , the process leads to an excellent adhesion of the ha material to titanium , stainless steel , cobalt - chrome - molybdenum and similar materials , while keeping the production costs at a minimum . s . d . cook et al ( int . j . oral and maxillofacial implants , 27 : 15 - 22 , 1987 ) disclosed that plasma sprayed ha coated titanium implants developed 5 - 8 times the mean interface strength of uncoated material when implanted into adult mongrel dogs . histological evaluations in all cases revealed mineralization of interface bone directly onto the ha - coated implant surface . however , push - out tests conducted at all times post - implantation , demonstrated that failures occurred primarily at the ha - titanium interface . therefore , ha - coated implants of the present invention can be further coated , using a conventional plasma spray or modified plasma spray process ( such as those disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 145 , 764 issued mar . 27 , 1979 and 4 , 223 , 412 issued sept . 23 , 1980 , both incorporated herein by reference ). this would lead to a titanium implant with two layers of ha - coating . the one micron thick , ion - implanted ha coating would act as an intermediate layer to effect a method of bonding subsequently plasma sprayed ha coatings to titanium . the resultant implant would then have the advantages of superior biocompatability and superior adhesion of both methods . the present invention is described further below in specific examples which are intended to illustrate it without limiting its scope . the sputtering experiments described below were done using a modified ion implanter ( eaton model z - 100 , eaton corp ., beverly , ma ). the xenon ion beam current on the water - cooled ha sputter target was approximately 2ma over an area of approximately 16 in . 2 on the ha . the samples which were used were microscope glass slides , and small ( 1 cm . diameter ) stainless steel metal discs which were masked with a sheet of stainless steel foil to cover half of the exposed area . runs were performed using approximately 20 ma - hours of xenon dose and using none , 3 × 10 - 6 torr , and 6 × 10 - 6 torr oxygen gas bled into the vacuum chamber . the target was a copper plate of 4 inches × 4 inches × 1 / 4 inch thick , coated with approximately 75 microns of sintered ha ( coor &# 39 ; s , inc ., golden , colorado ). the results of a series of three runs are prescribed in table 1 below . table 1______________________________________ ion beamrun # dose o . sub . 2 pressure samples______________________________________1 20 ma - hrs . 0 1 - glass slide 1 - stainless disk 1 - titanium foil2 20 ma - hrs . 3 × 10 . sup .- 6 torr 1 - glass slide 1 - stainless disk3 20 ma - hrs . 6 × 10 . sup .- 6 torr 1 - glass slide 1 - stainless disk______________________________________ the thickness of each film was determined using a step profiling machine ( sloan - dektak , santa barbara , ca ). the films were all approximately 5 , 000 angstroms ( 0 . 5 micron ) thick and were translucent as seen on the coated glass slides . on the metal pieces , they were greenish due to the preferential reflection of green light at that particular thickness . the average sputter rate was 233a / ma - hr . for all three runs . a scanning electron microscopic ( sem ) analysis demonstrated that even under 10 , 000 × magnification , the ha films were essentially featureless , which indicates that they are not porous , have nearly - full density and have no grain boundaries . an elemental x - ray analysis using edax ( amry , bedford , ma ) was performed . the x - rays emitted during the electron examination give an indication of the elements present above the atomic number of sodium . the spectrum of elements in the sample on the titanium foil demonstrated that ti , al , and v from the metal , as well as p , cl , and ca from the ha coating were present . the percentage of phosphorous and calcium ( in atomic percents ) in the sample film was 32 % and 68 %, respectively . when a natural apatite standard was analyzed on the same instrument , the values for phosphorous and calcium were 35 % and 65 %, respectively . this result demonstrates that the process of the present invention is capable of producing a coating which is very close to natural apatite . a hardness analysis was performed upon the coated material . the mineral ha has a hardness of 5 on the mohs scale ( diamond is 10 and talc is 1 on this scale ). measurements with calibrated scratch points demonstrated that a mohs 4 did not scratch the film , a mohs 5 barely scratched it and a mohs 6 probe severely scratched it . the hardness is therefore about 5 from this measurement , which is consistent with a fully dense ha . the adhesion of the ha film to both titanium and stainless steel appeared to be extremely good from additional scratch tests that were performed . these scratch tests demonstrated no flaking or transverse cracks along the scratch line , even at a 200 fold magnification . this shows that the adhesion to metal is as good or better than the shear strength of the material itself . the sputtering apparatus as described above in example 1 was employed and the target was a cold pressed ha powder , 2 &# 34 ;× 4 &# 34 ;× 1 / 8 &# 34 ;, formed at a pressure of 500 psi using the techniques and apparatus described above . films coated on glass and single crystal sodium chloride plates were analyzed by x - ray diffraction in order to ascertain the obtained crystal structure . the results demonstrated that the sputtered films were essentially dense , amorphous ha . however , upon subsequent vacuum annealing in a conventional utility furnace at 10 - 4 torr pressure and at temperatures ranging between about 300 ° c . and about 900 ° c ., for times ranging between about 1 hour and 24 hours , complete recrystalization occurred . the invention has been described in reference to preferred embodiments . it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that many additions , substitutions and deletions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed below .
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fig1 is a perspective or isometric of a simplified communications satellite designated generally as 10 , including a body 12 , upon which are mounted solar panels illustrated as 14a and 14b . solar panels 14a and 14b produce electrical energy which is supplied to electrical power control and routing circuits illustrated as a block 16 , which produces power for communication circuits including amplifiers , linearizers , phase shifters , and the like , illustrated together as a block 18 . the circuits of block 18 coact with a transmit - receive antenna designated generally as 20 which includes a dual - polarized planar antenna array illustrated as 22 , in conjunction with two separate , mutually - orthogonally - polarized feed antenna structures , illustrated in fig1 as waveguide - fed horn antennas 24 and 26 , positioned at a location offset from the plane of the array . horn 24 transmits and receives vertically ( v ) polarized signals , and horn 26 transmits and receives horizontally ( h ) polarized signals . communications circuits 18 of fig1 are coupled in known fashion with feed antennas 24 and 26 . feed antenna arrangements 24 and 26 radiate diverging beams of energy of the two mutually orthogonal v and h linear polarizations toward array 22 in a transmit mode , and receive from array 22 beams of electromagnetic radiation converging toward phase centers 24f and 26f , respectively , of antennas 24 and 26 . as so far described , the arrangement of fig1 is similar to the arrangement described in copending patent application ser . no . 07 / 848 , 055 , entitled , &# 34 ; a reflectarray antenna for communication satellite frequency re - use applications &# 34 ;, filed mar . 9 , 1992 in the name of profera . in the above - mentioned profera application , each element of array 22 includes two mutually - orthogonally - polarized electromagnetic reflectors . the use of reflectors requires that , in order to achieve a given carrier - to - noise ( c / n ) ratio , feed antennas 24 and 26 must radiate the full power to be transmitted , plus an additional amount to compensate for any losses which occur in the reflector elements . in accordance with an aspect of the invention , each element of array 22 includes cross - polarized antennas , each of which is coupled to a separate amplifying and phase shifting module . fig2 a and 2b are simplified perspective or isometric views and simplified elevation cross - sectional views , respectively , of one type of antenna element which may be used in array 22 of fig1 . in fig2 a , an array element designated generally as 220 includes a first dipole with elements 222 , 224 interconnected by wires or conductors illustrated as 226 with a balun , in this case illustrated as a split - tapered or &# 34 ; infinite &# 34 ; balun 227 . balun 227 connects to a coaxial transmission line ( coax line ) 228 . a second dipole includes dipole elements 232 and 234 , similarly interconnected with each other and with a coax line 238 by conductors 236 and a balun 237 . fig2 b is a simplified elevation cross - section of antenna elements 222 , 224 and balun 227 , viewed in the direction of section lines 2b -- 2b of fig2 a , and also illustrating a dielectric support substrate 240 . as illustrated in fig2 b , antenna element 222 is connected by a conductor 226a to the center conductor 242 of coax line 228 . center conductor 242 of coax line 228 extends through an opening or aperture 246 formed in substrate 240 between antenna elements 222 and 224 . a balanced - to - unbalanced transition ( balun ) 227 is provided by a taper 248 of the outer conductor 250 of coaxial transmission line 244 . the narrow tapered end of outer conductor 250 also extends through aperture 246 and is connected by conductor 226b to dipole element 224 . dipole antenna elements 232 and 234 of fig2 a are similarly connected to coaxial transmission line 238 . fig3 a is a perspective or isometric view , partially cut away , of two patch - type antenna elements which may be used in part of array 22 of fig1 . in fig3 a dielectric substrate illustrated as 340 has a conductive ground plane 310 associated with the lower side , and a plurality of rectangular or square patch antenna elements 332 , 342 supported by the upper side of dielectric substrate 340 . as known to those skilled in the art and as illustrated in fig3 b , each patch , such as patch 332 of fig3 b , may be biaxially symmetric about mutually orthogonal axes 396 and 398 , and may be fed at points illustrated as 392 , 394 which are symmetrically placed relative to the axes . such feeding with appropriately dimensioned patch antennas , results in radiation of electromagnetic energy with mutually orthogonal linear polarizations . as illustrated in fig3 a , point 392 is fed by the center conductor 384 of a coaxial cable 388 which extends through an aperture 386 in ground plane 310 , and through the adjacent dielectric support 340 to point 392 on patch antenna 332 . the outer conductor of coax line 388 connects to ground plane 310 . similarly , feed point 394 is driven by the center conductor 374 of a coaxial transmission line 378 , which extends through an aperture 376 in ground plane 310 to point 394 , and which has its outer conductor connected to ground plane 310 . similar coax lines , designated 368 and 369 , are associated with patch antenna 342 . as also illustrated in fig3 a , coaxial cables 378 , 388 by which patch antenna 432 is fed , are coupled to a module designated 410 , described in greater detail in conjunction with fig4 . fig4 illustrates details relating to a module 410 of fig3 a , and its interaction with a patch antenna and with the array . in fig4 module 410 includes a circulator 412 coupled to receive signal from coaxial cable 378 in response to signals received by patch antenna 332 in a first polarization , illustrated as v . circulator 412 couples the received signal to a processor designated generally as 411 , which includes a low noise amplifier ( lna ) 414 which amplifies weak signals , such as those received from an earth station , which applies the amplified signals to a phase shifter ( ps ) illustrated as a block 416 . phase shifter 416 provides phase shifts selected as described below , and applies the phase shifted signals to a variable gain amplifier ( vga ) or variable attenuator 418 , which adjusts the signal level . the phase shifted , gain adjusted signal is applied from vga 418 to a power amplifier ( pa ) 420 , which amplifies the signal and applies it as a processed signal to circulator 412 , which circulates the amplified signal back to coaxial cable 478 for application to feed point 394 of patch antenna 332 for reradiation . in a similar manner , circulator 422 of module 410 receives signal from coaxial cable 388 in response to the reception by patch antenna 332 of electromagnetic radiation of the other linear polarization , illustrated in fig4 as h , and couples it to a low noise amplifier 424 of a processor 421 . processor 421 also includes a phase shifter 426 , variable gain amplifier 428 , and power amplifier 430 , which applies the signal back to circulator 422 for application to feed point 392 of patch antenna 332 . patch antenna 332 reradiates amplified signal of the second polarization . those skilled in the art will realize that substantial amplification can be used in each processor , at frequencies at which the return loss of the patch antenna exceeds the gain . each module may have its phase shifter 416 preset to a value which causes the vertically polarized energy received from a collimated beam , as for example an array beam directed towards a distant earth station , to be reradiated from the particular location at which module 410 is placed within the array and to coact with other modules with different phase shifter settings , to cause the vertically polarized reradiated beam to converge towards focal point 24f of vertically polarized feed antenna 24 . similarly , at that same location of module 410 , phase shifter 426 would be set to cause the horizontally polarized reradiated signal from patch 332 , responsive to a collimated beam , to converge towards focal point 26f of horizontally polarized feed antenna 26 of fig1 . because of the reciprocity of transmit and receive functions , this in turn will result in a diverging beam of energy from focal point 24f of vertically polarized feed antenna 24 arriving at the various points on antenna array 22 so that the energy reradiated by patch 332 in response to signal applied to feed point 394 of fig4 will , together with other reradiated signals originating from other patch antenna of array 22 , form a collimated directed towards the distant location . similarly , the horizontally polarized signal diverging from focal point 26f of horizontally polarized feed antenna 26 of fig1 will arrive at the various patch antennas with a phase which , when processed by the appropriate phase shifter 426 , will result in a collimated beam . the variable gain amplifiers are set to provide the desired amount of amplitude taper across the radiating aperture of the array . in particular , each vga is set to a value which controls the amplitude of its own antenna element relative to that of the other antenna elements . in general , those antenna elements or radiators nearest the center of the array will have their associated variable gain amplifiers set for gain greater than the gain of variable gain amplifiers associated with antenna elements near the edge of the array . such tapered distributions reduce the magnitude of sidelobes . some of the amplitude tapering is provided by the taper element in the feed antennas . those skilled in the art will know how to determine the taper provided by the feed horn , and the amount of taper which must be imparted by the vgas . a socket is provided for each module by which energizing power is coupled to the module from power control 16 of fig1 to operate the lna , ps , vga and pa . the socket associated with module 410 is illustrated as 440 in fig4 . socket 440 mates with a corresponding plug 442 associated with module 410 , to couple energizing power to the various portions of the module from a common power supply ( not illustrated ) associated with the array . in order to avoid individual adjustment of the phase shifters and variable gain amplifiers of each module as it is inserted into the array , the socket may be keyed to its particular location by means of jumpers , index pins , or the like , so that it &# 34 ; knows &# 34 ; where it is in the array by a unique mechanical or electrical code . this code is translated into address information for a memory ( mem ) 444 , which is pre - loaded with information defining the settings of the phase shifters and the variable gain amplifiers for all possible locations in the array . thus , when a module is inserted into the holder , the memory is addressed at a location at which the stored information represents the phase and amplitude settings required to provide the transition between collimated beams and converging or diverging beams directed toward the two different faces , depending upon polarization . an alternative which provides more flexibility and which reduces the cost of preloaded memory on each module , substitutes one or more latches coupled to an array controller , for receiving and storing digital control information distributed over a bus to all modules , and addressed to each individual module . the information can be supplied sequentially to each module , thereby limiting the size of the control bus . the latches preserve the digital information identified or addressed to that particular module between access times . one or more digital - to - analog converters coupled to the latches convert the stored control information into analog control signals for control of the phase shifter and variable gain amplifier . as a yet further alternative , digitally controlled phase shifters and variable gain amplifiers may be coupled directly to the latches . other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art . for example , each of the feed antennas illustrated in fig1 as a horn 24 or 26 may instead be an independent array antenna . while the preferred embodiment uses modules for each antenna of the array which provide both amplitude tapering and phase control , the appropriate phase may be provided by the inherent delay of the amplifier , so that no discrete phase shifter is necessary , and in a similar manner , no discrete variable amplitude control may be necessary in particular applications . while removable &# 34 ; modules &# 34 ; have been described , fixed , nonremovable equivalents may be used . the antenna may be made an integral part of its associated module . while the array has been illustrated as being planar , the amount of module - to - module phase shift which must be imparted may be reduced if the surface is curved into an approximation of a parabola of revolution .
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fig1 depicts the limiting components of a compression chamber 10 of an ultrasonic welding device , in order to compact and weld long , extended , braid - like workpieces , such as conductors 12 , 14 , 16 . in the diagram , the compression chamber 10 is delimited at the bottom by a working surface of a sonotrode 18 . opposite to sonotrode 18 is an anvil 20 , which is raised and lowered ( double arrow 22 ) so as to move parallel to the working surface of sonotrode 18 ( double arrow 24 ). the anvil 20 proceeds thereby from a support 26 , which , with a section 28 , forms a right lateral limiting surface of the compression chamber 10 . opposite is an adjustably arranged slide valve 30 ( double arrow 32 ), which proceeds from support 34 . by adjusting the slide valve 30 , support 34 respectively , the height of compression chamber 10 can be adjusted . according to the width of compression chamber 10 , the working surface of anvil 20 , which is opposite the working surface of sonotrode 18 is automatically adjusted . the height of compression chamber 10 , which can be aligned to the total transverse section of workpieces 14 , 16 , is adjusted by shifting the column , support 26 respectively , of anvil 20 . as fig1 further points out , slide valve 30 is full integrated with support 34 by bolts 36 , 38 . furthermore , the coupling surfaces 40 , 42 of slide valve 30 and support 34 is structured in such a way that that , additionally , a form closure results . however , not only between slide valve 30 and support 34 can an integrated connection be made , but also in principal between all the connected components of an ultrasonic welding device , in particular those subjected to forces conditioned by welding . thus , fig2 depicts a design diagram of an anvil 44 , anvil slide valve respectively , which is formed from a right parallelpiped base 46 and a working part 48 , and which preferably exhibits working areas 50 , 52 on opposite sides , from which a limiting surface of a compression chamber forms as shown in detail in fig1 . the base 46 is fully integrated with working part 48 by a bolt 54 . additionally , in order to achieve a form closure , they are both formed from the base 46 , as well as from the anvil of their coupling surfaces 56 , 58 . accordingly , a sonotrode of an exhibiting sonotrode head can be trained with one or more working surfaces . also , the possibility exists of connecting several working parts , which , at the same time , perform the function of a sonotrode head , with the base of the sonotrode , which is in accordance with the theory of the invention . fig3 depicts sections , for example , of a booster 60 or a base of a sonotrode 62 , which are fully integrated by a bolt 64 . furthermore , coupling surfaces 66 , 68 , which are opposite each another , are structured in such a way that a proposed form closure is given . the coupling surfaces are increased via these measures , a self centering of the components 60 , 62 to be connected is achieved , as well as a cushioning of influencing transverse forces . the intended form closure trained structuring of coupling surfaces 40 , 42 , 56 , 58 or 66 , 68 can be achieved by a desired surface geometry formation . examples are shown in fig4 - 14 . thus , a coupling surface 70 can exhibit elevations 72 , 74 , running parallel to each other , which are separated by a corresponding groove 76 . if the coupling surfaces , which lie on each another , are uniformly trained , then the trench exhibits a geometry that is congruent to projection 72 , so that an assigned coupling surface of a surface 70 exhibits a corresponding geometry . of course , the possibility also exists that the coupling surfaces , which lie above each other , can be structured differently . in this case , however , a structural enlargement must be given in such a manner that the desired intended form closure is attainable . in the drawings of fig4 and 5 , the linear - shaped elevations 74 , 76 are arranged as exclusively running parallel to each other , so that the possibility exists , according to fig6 and 7 , that elevations 78 , 80 , 82 of coupling surface 77 are arranged intersecting each other , as fig7 , in particular , clarifies . however , a concentric arrangement of linear - shaped elevations 84 , 86 in coupling surface 83 is possible , as shown in fig8 and 9 . fig1 - 14 show the preferred cross section geometry of the preferably linear - shaped coupling surface elevations . it is to be noted , however , that it is not imperative for the elevations to be linear - shaped for the structuring and achievement of a form closure . rather , for structural development , pyramidal ( or pyramidal truncated , respectively ) and conical ( or conical truncated , respectively ) elevations can also be proposed corresponding to adjacent recesses . according to the drawing in fig1 , elevations 88 , 90 of coupling surface 87 exhibit , on average , an equilateral triangle geometry , whereby sides 92 , 94 enclose an angle α , which can be , for example , 60 - degrees , 90 - degrees , or approximately 60 - degrees or 90 - degrees . the distance between elevations 88 , 90 from apex to apex is shown by t and preferably falls in the range of 0 . 5 mm & lt ; t & gt ; 5 mm . the height of projection 88 , 90 may fall between 0 . 5 mm and 2 . 5 mm . according to fig1 , trained projection structures 94 , 96 of a coupling surface 93 , on average , exhibit a trapezoidal geometry , whereby sides 98 , 100 may enclose an angle α , for example , of 60 or 90 - degrees . the elevations merge at the bottom , so that they are delimited via v - shaped grooves . the distance t between the projections preferably falls in the range of 0 . 5 mm & lt ; t & gt ; 5 mm . the height , in particular , may lie between 0 . 5 mm and 2 . 5 mm . likewise , the projections 104 , 106 of a coupling surface 110 , on average , exhibit trapezoidal geometry . the projections are thereby delimited by a level base section 108 , which are parallel to the extended plane or sections of the coupling surface 110 . the distance between projections 104 , 106 preferably falls between 0 . 7 mm and 6 mm . the projections 104 , 106 , moreover , exhibit a plateau - like , even , outer surface , which exhibits a preferred width between 0 . 1 mm and 3 mm . the base sections 108 exhibit a width b between 0 . 1 mm and 3 mm . therefore , the structure should be so designed that widths a and b are , in each case , smaller than the distance t . the height of the projections 104 , 106 may fall between 0 . 5 mm and 2 . 5 mm . according to fig1 , a coupling surface 112 exhibits a saw tooth - like structure via non - equilateral triangles of the following projections 114 , 116 with a distance t between 0 . 5 mm and 5 mm . the projections 114 , 116 exhibit sides 118 , 120 , which enclose a preferred angle α with 45 °≦ α ≦ 75 °. side 118 exhibits a preferred angle γ with 15 °≦ γ ≦ 45 ° for the normalization of the coupling surface 112 , and side 120 exhibits a preferred angle β with 15 °≦ β ≦ 45 °. the distance t between projections 114 , 116 falls between 0 . 5 mm ≦ t ≦ 5 mm . the height may be chosen between 0 . 5 mm and 2 . 5 mm . however , a coupling surface 122 exhibiting wave geometry is also possible according to fig1 , in order to achieve the desired form closures between coupling surfaces lying on top of each other . wave geometry preferably follows a sine path , whereby the radii of curvature r 1 r 2 of projection 122 , valley 124 respectively , may deviate from each other . the distance between sequential projections 124 , 128 may fall between 0 . 5 mm ≦ t ≦ 5 mm . in order to optimally weld conductors independently of their number , it is suggested by this invention that the number of conductors 12 , 14 , 16 of compression chamber 10 be adjusted by placing workpieces of a given width , which subsequently permit an optimal welding procedure . so that , if two or three conductors are welded together , the compression chamber 10 is adjusted to a width that ensures that the conductors are arranged in a column one above the other in the compression chamber 10 , as shown in fig1 , and in the schematic diagram of slide valve 30 . by placing the workpieces 12 , 14 , 16 , the anvil 20 is shifted to the right , in order to release the compression chamber 10 from above ( schematic diagram of the anvil 20 ). if more than four workpieces are welded together against it , then the compression chamber 10 is optimally opened for placing workpieces as shown in the cross - sectional diagram . the width is given , in this case , by the maximum limiting surfaces of the compression chamber 10 provided by sonotrode 10 . after the conductors have been placed in an appropriately wide opened compression chamber 10 , the slide valve 30 is shifted toward the support , respectively column 26 . then the slide valve 30 is lowered toward sonotrode 18 . at the same time , an excitation of sonotrode 18 occurs , in order to perform the welding .
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with reference to fig1 and 2 there is shown a testable chip carrier 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention . the testable chip carrier comprises a rigid substrate 12 formed of suitable electrically insulating material , such as ceramic , aluminium nitride , silicon dioxide , beryllium oxide or alternatively a laminated composite structure such as poly - silicon with an insulating layer of polyamide thereon . the substrate 12 is divided into free distinct portions . the innermost portion is a chip receiving area , occupied by chip 14 in position . this is bounded by an interconnect portion 16 extending outward from the edge or perimeter 20 of the chip 14 ( fig2 ) to a test perimeter 18 ( fig1 ). the separation of the interconnect portion 16 and the test perimeter 18 is defined by four intersecting scribe lines 22 , 24 . the chip 14 is characterised by a plurality of bonding pads 30 , typically spaced around all four sides thereof . such bonding pads 30 are normally all spaced at equal distance from the chip perimeter 20 , but are not always spaced equidistant from adjacent bonding pads . they may also include bonding pads 31 of different sizes , as illustrated . an example of pad geometry is for bonding pads of 100 μm width and 50 μm minimum spacing between pads ( ie . a minimum pitch of 150 μm ). the interconnect portion 16 includes a plurality of electrically conducting interconnect elements 32 deposited on the substrate 12 and each extending from an inner bonding area 34 at a position proximal to the chip bonding pads 30 outward to an outer bonding area 36 proximal to a scribe line 22 or 24 . electrical connections are made to the chip 14 by way of wire bonds 50 from bonding pads 30 to inner bonding areas 34 , and also from outer bonding areas 36 to appropriate external electrical connections as will be described later . fiducial alignment aids 42 for chip attach and wire bond pattern recognition systems may also be patterned onto the substrate in the interconnect portion 16 . the test perimeter 18 comprises the eight outer sections shown in fig1 bounded by the outer periphery of the substrate 12 and the scribe lines 22 and 24 . the test perimeter carries further interconnect elements 38 deposited on the substrate 12 which each extend from a corresponding outer bonding area 36 on interconnect portion 16 to a test pad 40 on test perimeter 18 . it is a particular feature of the present invention that the interconnect elements 36 , 38 are defined on the substrate 12 using any fine line dielectric and conductor deposition techniques which are capable of resolving interconnect elements to a pitch at least as small as the closest pitch of the bonding pads 20 of the chip 14 , such as those used in hybrid , thick film or thin film deposition techniques . this permits the inner bonding areas 34 to be located proximal to the chip perimeter 20 at such positions that they are in orthogonal alignment to each corresponding bonding pad 30 to which electrical connection win be made by a wire bond 50 . thus it can be observed , in particular from fig2 that each wire bond 50 is of identical length to every other wire bond attached to chip 14 . this results in substantial benefits in respect of signal integrity , since the signal path across the wire bond is identical in each case , and capacitive and inductive effects caused by dissimilar wire bond lengths are thereby eliminated . the outer bonding areas 36 are also configured to exactly match the pattern of external connections to which the chip will eventually be connected , in analogous fashion to that described for wire bonds 50 . for example , the external connections may be to a multi - chip module or directly onto printed circuit board . thus wire bond connections 52 ( shown in fig3 ) from the outer bonding areas 36 to the external connections of the printed circuit board or multi - chip module are preferably also all of identical length . the interconnection portion 16 thereby acts as an interface to match the chip bond pad dimensions to the external electrical connections with minimal difference in electrical path length , and can also act as a supporting substrate for the chip . the contribution , impedance - wise , to this path length of the interconnect elements 32 is relatively small . unlike ceramic package interconnects which must be chosen to withstand the rigours of ceramic firing processes , the thin or thick film deposition techniques used to form the interconnects 32 may be chosen to use high conductivity metals such as gold , silver , aluminium or copper . thus the material used for the interconnect may also be chosen to allow for mono - metal interconnection strategies . signal integrity may be further improved by the use of uniform track spacing on the chip carrier substrate , or by predetermining the characteristic impedance thereof to suit the external circuit . the pitch of the interconnects is capable of matching the normal pitch of chip bond pads without difficulty . fine line screen print processes with track widths down to 25 μm at 25 μm spacing -- ie . 50 μm pitch -- can be utilised where required . a further major benefit of the testable chip carrier 10 is the ability to facilitate full - functional chip testing at final operating speeds before installation of the chip into the multi - chip module or onto the printed circuit board . this is achieved by the use of the detachable test perimeter 18 . the substrate 12 may be formed with laser scribed pits in the underside thereof to form the scribe lines 22 , 24 . typically , for a substrate of 625 μm thickness , the laser scribed pits are formed to a depth of approximately one - third substrate thickness (˜ 200 μm ) with a similar dimension diameter of each pit . the test perimeter 18 is thus removable after chip testing by snapping the substrate along the scribe lines 22 , 24 . alternatively , perimeter removal can be performed after testable chip carrier assembly and test using a saw or laser process . the interconnects 32 and 38 are electrically continuous until such detachment of the test perimeter 18 . in use , the chip 14 is bonded to the substrate 12 using suitable known bonding techniques such as wire bonding between the chip bonding pads 30 and the inner bonding areas 34 . the test pads 40 are patterned in a suitable layout to facilitate electrical connection of the chip to a standard test and / or burn - in module , such as probe card type apparatus , or packaged device testing apparatus . the test pads 40 may be configured in any convenient manner : for example , the standard pin grid array package layout may be used with a square matrix of test pads 40 . after testing and burn - in , the outer perimeter is discarded as described , leaving the greatly reduced central area of chip receiving area and interconnect portion as the final &# 34 ; package &# 34 ; area . in order to place the testable chip carrier 10 into a form in which full chip protection is achieved , a lid may be applied to the substrate in accordance with various known techniques . with reference to fig3 there is shown a cross - sectional view of such a lid arrangement . hermetic encapsulation of the chip 14 can be performed by soldering or glass frit sealing a lid 54 over the chip 14 , inner bonding areas 34 and wire bonds 50 . the interconnects 32 over which the lid 54 is bonded can be protected by deposition of a suitable passivation layer thereover , with appropriate definition of an exposed area at the inner and outer bonding areas 34 , 36 . non - hermetic encapsulation is also possible with a suitable lidding operation . further benefits are realisable with the testable chip carriers described above . because the deposition and definition process of the interconnects 32 , 38 on the substrate 12 is a substantially cheaper and more straight - forward operation than that of custom building ceramic packages , the chip carriers are readily matched to any combination of chip design and / or multi - chip module or printed circuit board design . the interconnect portion 16 also occupies substantially less space than the equivalent standard or custom design package . a reduction in overall component size of 17 : 1 has been achieved in certain cases . it is also possible using known thick and thin film deposition techniques to create multilevel interconnect portions 16 and test perimeters 18 thereby further increasing packing density . this also allows the use of transmission line type structures to be fabricated ( eg . ground planes ) with the intention of further improving signal performance at high frequencies . vias may be formed through the substrate 12 in order to allow electrical connections to pass through to the underside of the chip carrier 10 . this facilitates the provision of test pads on the underside of the test perimeter 18 , eg . for the creation of the pin grid array pattern previously discussed . it also allows the placement of passive devices on the underside of the chip carrier substrate 12 , such as decoupling capacitors . it is a feature of state - of - the - art high current demand chips that rapid switching demands occurring on - chip can cause glitches and spikes on the power supply lines to the chip . these glitches and spikes can be detrimental to other components mounted nearby on the printed circuit board or multi - chip module . the provision of capacitors on the chip carrier substrate 12 would enable power supplies to be regulated . the choice of substrate 12 may also be made to suit heatsink requirements . this allows the use of common or integral heatsinks for multi - chip assemblies if desired . the heatsink and chip carrier substrate 12 may be of a single piece construction using , for example , poly - silicon . alternatively , the chip receiving area can be formed as an aperture permitting direct connection of the chip 14 to a heatsink underlying the chip carrier substrate 12 , as will be described in greater detail with reference to fig7 . direct attach of carrier and chip to a common integral heatsink of a multi - chip module gives a better thermal path than prior art arrangements . the approach necessitates chip - through - board technology , and therefore finer line design rules and technology to manifest it . the testable chip carrier thus acts as an interface between the fine line geometries associated with the pitch of bonding pads 30 , and the larger geometries associated with external interconnects on pcb or mcm to which the chip is to be attached . an application of a testable chip carrier 10 to a printed circuit board incorporating suitable heat sinking arrangements is shown in fig4 . in this example , the chip carrier includes wire bond connections 50 , 52 from the chip 14 to the carrier interconnect portion 16 , and from the interconnect portion to a pcb 60 . an aperture is created in the pcb 60 , one edge of which is indicated by reference numeral 62 , and a heatsink 64 is attached to the underside 61 of the pcb 60 . the chip carrier substrate 12 is attached directly to the heatsink 64 , and the wire bonds 52 to the pcb then formed using known techniques . individual heatsinks may be used , or common heatsinks spanning several chip carriers at different locations on the pcb 60 . the chip 14 to chip carrier 10 , and chip carrier 10 to heatsink 64 interfaces are bonded together using a thermally conductive epoxy . the selection of an epoxy with a high modulus of elasticity may also act as an elastic junction to compensate for differential thermal expansions where dissimilar substrate materials are used . it will be recognized that where the chip carrier substrate 12 and heatsink 64 are both chosen from the same material , eg . poly - silicon , very efficient coupling and heat transfer may take place . the entire assembly of pcb 60 , cavity and chip carrier 10 may be potted using an epoxy or silicone compound to create a very low cost encapsulated packaging medium . a further embodiment of the invention is now described with reference to fig5 and 6 . with reference to fig5 a portion of a testable chip carrier 10 is shown in plan view . the interconnect elements 32 formed on the interconnect portion 16 include the outer bonding areas 36 which extend orthogonally outward , over the scribe lines 22 , 24 and into the test perimeter 18 forming the test perimeter interconnects 38 . a &# 34 ; detachment portion &# 34 ; of the test perimeter is defined by reference numeral 70 . this detachment portion extends outward from the scribe lines 22 , 24 to an outer edge 71 indicated by the dashed line . in manufacture of the testable chip carrier 10 , before the formation of the interconnects 32 , 38 , a coating of low - adhesion powdered compound is deposited on the substrate 12 in the detachment portion 70 . the interconnects 32 , 38 are then deposited and defined . a loss of interconnect 38 adhesion to substrate 12 occurs within the detachment portion 70 . after testing of the chip , and before removal of the test perimeter 18 , the interconnects 38 are severed along the line of the outer edge 71 using an appropriate cropping tool . when the test perimeter 18 is subsequently detached by snapping the substrate 12 along the scribe lines 22 , 24 , the portion of the interconnects 38 overlying the detachment portion 70 will remain with the chip carrier 10 , as extensions to the interconnect elements 32 . with reference to fig6 these extensions act as beam lead interconnects 72 for subsequent connection to a printed circuit board 60 or multi - chip module in place of the wire bonding procedures previously described . the cantilevered end 74 of the beam lead 72 is bonded directly to contacts on the pcb 60 using either ultra - sonic / thermo - compression bonding , adhesive and soldering techniques or the like . in the embodiment shown , the testable chip carrier 10 is mounted on a heatsink 64 attached to the underside of the pcb 60 in similar manner to that previously described with reference to fig4 . the testable chip carrier may also be modified to allow direct mounting of the chip on an underlying heatsink . referring to fig7 such an arrangement is shown . fig7 a shows the device before removal of the test perimeter 18 , and fig7 b shows the device after removal of the test perimeter . a chip 14 is mounted directly onto the thermal slug or heatsink 64 , together with the testable chip carrier 10 . the chip receiving area in this case is an aperture in the substrate 12 of sufficient size to accommodate the chip 14 , ie . the heatsink acts as the mechanical chip support . the interconnect portion 16 is designed to cover the heatsink 64 , and the testable perimeter 18 extends outward beyond the edges of the heatsink , scribe lines 22 , 24 approximately coinciding with the edges of the heatsink . chip 14 is wire bonded with wires 50 to inner bonding areas on the interconnect portion 16 as previously described . in this arrangement , an improved thermal path is effected . the chip , testable chip carrier and thermal slug can be manufactured from thermally similar materials , eg . silicon . with reference to fig8 and 9 , a testable carrier according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown , in which connection to bonding pads situated on the chip in positions other than at the periphery thereof are accommodated . this may be described as area bonding capability , contrasted with the periphery bonding capabilities already described . the short , equal length bonding wires are maintained even for chips including centrally positioned bonding pads . a testable chip carrier 80 comprises substrate 12 , similarly divided into three portions : a chip receiving area 82 , interconnect portion 16 and a test perimeter 18 . scribe lines 22 , 24 separate the interconnect portion 16 and test perimeter 18 as previously described , and other features associated with the interconnect portion and the test perimeter are as described with reference to fig1 and 2 . however , within the chip receiving area 82 a continuation of substrate 12 is provided , which includes apertures 84 - 88 cut therethrough at locations corresponding to the positions of bonding pads on a chip which will be attached beneath the carrier 80 , with its passivation layer bonded to the underside of the carrier 80 . apertures 84 - 87 are used for peripheral bonding pads ( eg . corresponding to pads 30 , 31 of fig2 ), while aperture 88 is provided for centrally positioned bonding pads , such as those commonly found on memory chips . interconnects 90 are also provided to inner bonding areas 92 which are located in the chip receiving area 82 . the extension of the substrate 12 into the chip receiving area also facilitates the provision of decoupling capacitor structures 94 thereon which are in very close proximity to the inner bonding areas 92 . similar to that previously described , ground plane structures may also be included in the chip receiving area 82 . fig9 shows in greater detail the wire bonding arrangements of the chip carrier 80 of fig8 . chip 14 is located beneath the chip receiving area 82 of substrate 12 . inner bonding areas 92 are located adjacent to aperture 88 , and wire bonds 50 , all of substantially equal length are provided to chip bond pads 96 . the wire bonds may be provided in varying diameters according to whether they provide signal or power connections . it will be understood that heatsinking arrangements direct to the underside of the chip 14 may be made in similar manner to that already described , and that the carrier substrate 12 will ideally be thermally matched with the chip ( eg . by using a silicon substrate ), with the wire bonds capable of accommodating any thermal mismatch . the area bonding technique of this embodiment offers a replacement to flip - chip type interconnection strategies , but with several advantages such as direct chip - to - heatsink attachment and easier inspection of interconnections .
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the detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized . the description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example . however , the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples . although the present examples are described and illustrated herein as being implemented in a crowdsourcing system in which many task providers obtain solutions to tasks via the crowdsourcing system , the system described is provided as an example and not a limitation . as those skilled in the art will appreciate , the present examples are suitable for application in a variety of different types of crowdsourcing systems including those where all the tasks are offered by the same entity . fig1 is a schematic diagram of a crowdsourcing system comprising a crowdsourcing node 100 and a reward engine 102 . the crowdsourcing node 100 is provided using a web server or other computing - based device which is connected to a communications network such as the internet or other communications network . this enables the crowdsourcing node to be in communication with a large scale population of users 104 . the crowdsourcing node 100 is in communication with a reward engine 102 which may be integral with the crowdsourcing node 100 although that is not essential . the reward engine is arranged to set relative rewards for all contests ( i . e . tasks ) offered by the crowdsourcing node . it may also be arranged to recommend a reward to an entity which posts a contest at the crowdsourcing node . a system operator 103 is also in communication with the crowdsourcing node and is a provider of the crowdsourcing service . however , it is not essential for a system operator to be present . the crowdsourcing node may be operated by the contest owners in a collaborative manner . the crowdsourcing node stores or has access to details of a plurality of contests 101 each having an associated reward . each contest comprises a task and a time period for completing the task . each contest has a contest owner and the contest owners may be different for each task but this is not essential . the contest owners are any entities such as enterprises or individuals who specify requirements for a task including a budget for any rewards offered . for each contest , a contest budget 105 is provided as input to the crowdsourcing node 100 . also , for each contest , a contest owner utility function 106 is provided as input to the crowdsourcing node . an example of a contest owner budget is the cost function shown in fig2 . cost is plotted against reward so that , if the cost is equal to reward then a linearly increasing cost function results . however , in the example of fig2 the cost function 200 is convex with the cost increasing with reward but never reaching a particular reward value r 201 stated by the contest owner as the budget . in this way the cost function captures the degree of satisfaction of the contest owner . if the cost is much less than the stated reward the contest owner is satisfied . however , if the cost is almost the same as the stated reward the contest owner is less satisfied . the example in fig2 is just one form of suitable cost function . other forms of cost function may be used . the cost functions may be input to the crowdsourcing node 100 by other entities and / or they may be pre - configured at the crowdsourcing node . for example , a plurality of different types of cost function may be pre - configured and a contest owner may simply pick one of these or a default cost function may be selected . an example of a contest owner utility function 300 is given in fig3 . in this example the utility of a particular contest to the contest owner increases with the average number of participants in that contest . in this example , the utility function is concave although other forms of function may be used . in some embodiments the contest owner utility function is input to the crowdsourcing system by another entity . for example , the utility function may be determined using an offline process and provided as input by a contest owner . in other embodiments a plurality of utility functions are preconfigured at the crowdsourcing node 100 for a plurality of different contest types . the reward engine 102 is arranged to use information about contest types to select appropriate ones of the pre - configured utility functions for use in setting relative rewards for the contests . it is also possible for contest owners to select from the pre - configured utility functions . in high level terms the utility functions can be thought of as a mechanism by which a contest owner is able to specify “ i require on average x participants in my contest ”. the mean number of participants ( i . e . players ) in a contest is referred to herein using the symbol “ λ ”. this parameter may be observed by the crowdsourcing node 100 which is arranged to monitor the number of participants in each contest 101 over time . the crowdsourcing node 100 may also be arranged to estimate or monitor the total number of potential participants 104 . for example , this may be achieved by providing a registration process whereby all potential participants provide user details to the crowdsourcing node 100 . the total number of potential participants n may then be estimated as the portion of the registered users who are currently active . any other suitable way of estimating n may be used . as mentioned above , the reward engine is arranged to set relative rewards for all contests ( i . e . tasks ) offered by the crowdsourcing node . it may also be arranged to recommend a reward to a contest owner . a system operator 103 is also in communication with the crowdsourcing node and is a provider of the crowdsourcing service . suppose that the relative rewards are set by the system operator in order to provide the optimal contest outcomes for each contest owner . this may be referred to as a “ system welfare problem ”. another possibility is that the contest owners &# 39 ; collaborate with one another and agree to set relative rewards in a manner to give jointly optimal contest outcomes . in this case the reward engine 102 is arranged to set relative rewards for the contests for example , as now described with reference to fig4 . this method may also be used to recommend rewards to contest owners by determining the relative rewards and recommending those to the contest owners . a total number of users ( also referred to as participants or players in the contests ) is observed 400 by the crowdsourcing node and provided to the reward engine . the reward engine has information about a plurality of contests and is arranged to access 400 a utility function as mentioned above for each contest . the reward engine also receives 402 a contest budget for each of the contests . the reward engine is arranged to optimize 403 an objective which is related to the aggregated utility over all contests minus the aggregated cost over all contests . the optimization is carried out using any suitable optimizer provided at the reward engine . for example , the optimizer may use gradient descent or any other suitable optimization method . the result 404 gives a relative reward for each contest and these relative rewards may be scaled as required by the system operator . for example , suppose that each contest j is associated with a utility u j ( λ j ) for the mean number of participants in this contest λ j ≧ 0 suppose also that each contest j is associated with a cost c j ({ right arrow over ( r )}) for a vector of given non - negative rewards { right arrow over ( r )}=( r j , . . . , r k ). assume { right arrow over ( r )} takes values from a given set that is a subset of [ 0 ,∞) k . in some embodiments the rewards given are non - monetary and in these cases the cost budgets are zero . for example , if the rewards are reputation points then the cost budget is zero . examples of these embodiments are now discussed with reference to fig5 . the crowdsourcing node 100 is arranged to observe and / or estimate 500 the total number n of potential users of the crowdsourcing service . as for the method of fig4 this may be achieved by requiring users to register with the crowdsourcing node before participating in a contest or it may be achieved by monitoring all current participants . any other method of estimating or observing n may be used . the reward engine 102 is arranged to access 501 a utility function for each contest as described above with reference to fig4 . the reward engine proceeds to find a parameter μ ( referred to herein as the shadow price ) by solving an equation relating p to the average number of players per contest λ . the average number of players per contest can be thought of as the demand for contests . the reward engine makes an assessment 503 as to whether the total number of participants n is greater than a threshold . if so then a large scale limit is assumed to apply and the relative rewards for each contest are found 505 from a specified relationship between a reward and the shadow demand which is independent of the total number of participants n . otherwise , if the large scale limit is taken not to apply , then the relative rewards are found 504 from a specified relationship between a reward and the shadow demand which depends on the total number of participants n . examples of the specified relationships between reward and shadow demand are now given . in these examples , the utility functions for each contest are increasing , concave functions of the average number of participants per contest . however , this is not essential . other forms of utility function may be used and corresponding changes to the specified relationships made . consider the system c k (•)≡ 0 for each contest class k and rewards taking values on =[ 0 ,∞) k . suppose that for each contest class k , u k ( λ k ) is an increasing , strictly concave function of λ k ≧ 0 . let u ′ k denote the marginal utility and u ′ k − 1 its inverse . in this case it is found that , under player - specific skills ( player and contest specific skills assumptions are explained in more detail later ), optimal rewards are unique up to a multiplicative constant . moreover for any c & gt ; 0 , in the large system limit , optimal rewards are unique up to a multiplicative constant . moreover for any c & gt ; 0 , r j = ce u ′ j − 1 ( μ ) , j = 1 , . . . , k , in other embodiments the rewards are monetary and so the cost budgets are not zero . in these cases the reward engine is arranged to set appropriate relative rewards for the contests using a two stage process where the large scale limit applies ( i . e . the total number of participants n is above a threshold ). the first step comprises optimizing a utility function over average number of participants per contest to find an optimal average number of participants for each contest . the second step comprising finding the relative rewards for the contests given the observed total number of participants and the utility functions for each contest . a detailed example of this is now given . in the large - system limit under the assumption of contest - specific skills , the revenue for a contest of class j is given by π j ( λ j )= r j m j ( 1 −( 1 + λ j ) e − λ j ) where r j is the offered reward , m j is the maximum skill and λ j is the expected number of participants for contest j in equilibrium . the maximum skill is explained later . this revenue corresponds to the total amount of effort put forth by the players in the contest . it corresponds to a revenue of m j when two or more players are present and 0 otherwise . this revenue is not relevant in all circumstances ; in many contests , only the effort put forth by the strongest player is important . nonetheless , in contests where the player &# 39 ; s effort may be usefully aggregated , this quantity warrants inspection . where v j ( π j ) is the utility from contest j where the revenue in that contest is π j . suppose that the cost is d j ( r j ) for reward r j if the contest is attended by at least one player ; this corresponds to c j ({ right arrow over ( r )})=( 1 − e − λ j ({ right arrow over ( r )}) ) d j ( r j ), the reward engine is arranged to use a two step procedure as follows . for some r & gt ; 0 , r j = re λj , whenever λ j & gt ; 0 . the first step amounts to solving , for fixed r & gt ; 0 , and j = 1 , . . . , k , maximise v j ( re − λ j m j ( 1 −( 1 + λ j ) e − λ j ))−( 1 − e − λ j ) d j ( re − λ j ) this yields a solution to λ j ( r ). the second step amounts to finding r ≧ 0 such that in embodiments described herein the crowdsourcing node 100 comprises or has access to a model of the contests 101 . for example , a data structure is stored at the crowdsourcing node 100 which holds a model of the contests as all - pay auctions . in addition the data structure may hold information describing belief about one or more probability distributions representing skills of players . in some embodiments the skills may be player - specific in that each player is modeled with a skill that applied across all contests . in other embodiments contest - specific skills are modeled whereby each player has different skills for different types of contest . for example , the data structure may hold a model which represents each contest as a one - shot game in which players select a contest , exert effort ( at a cost that depends on their skill ), and in each contest the player with the best effort wins a prize . specifically , consider a game in which n players chose among j contests . let r j denote the reward offered in contest jε { 1 , . . . j }. associated with each player i is a vector of skills { right arrow over ( v )} 1 =( v i1 , . . . , v ij ), where v ij represents a player i &# 39 ; s skill at a contest j . suppose that the skill vector for each player is drawn from a continuous joint probability distribution over [ 0 , m ] j , that skill vectors for different players are drawn independently from each other , and that the distribution is known to all players but the skill vector { right arrow over ( v )} i is only known to player i . the parameter m represents a maximum possible skill , for example , corresponding to an upper limit on the amount of effort a player can obtain from a unit cost . the game consists of two stages . in the first stage each player i selects a contest j and a bid b ij . in the second stage , in each contest j , the prize is awarded to the player with the highest bid among those who selected the contest . since bids represent effort ( which cannot be unspent ), all bids are collected . the payoff to player i is v ij r j − b ij if he submitted the highest bid and b ij otherwise . in the event of a tie the winner is selected uniform at random among the highest bidders . the contests may be modeled as all - pay auctions — these are auctions in which the highest bidder receives the object , but all bidders pay their bid to the auctioneer . to see the connection between contests and all pay auctions suppose the skill of player i at contest j is modeled by a unit cost of effort c ij . if he exerts effort b ij and wins , his payoff is r j − c ij b ij ; if he loses he still pays the cost c ij b ij . scaling his payoffs by dividing by c ij , the game above is reached when thus , a player &# 39 ; s skill v ij . may be interpreted as the amount of effort he is able to exert per unit cost . in some embodiments , while a given player does not know the skills of the other players , he is aware of the underlying distribution . additionally , all other information is public — all players are aware of the number of players n the number of contests j , and the reward offered in each contest . in these cases the crowdsourcing model holds a model of the contests which is a model of incomplete information . for example , a mixed strategy for a player i with skills { right arrow over ( v )} i consists of a probability distribution { right arrow over ( π )}=( π i1 , . . . , π ij ) over the contests together with a bid b ij for each contest j . player i &# 39 ; s payoff is the expected payoff in the all - pay auction , with the expectation taken over his own mixed strategy and i &# 39 ; s beliefs about other players &# 39 ; types and strategies . his mixed strategy is a best response if is yields him at least as high a payoff as any other strategy . { right arrow over ( π )} i is independent of the player i and π j ({ right arrow over ( v )}) denotes the probability that a player with skill { right arrow over ( v )} joins contest j . in some embodiments the crowdsourcing node 100 comprises a contest recommendation engine 600 as now described with reference to fig6 . as in fig1 a community of potential participants 104 is in communication with the crowdsourcing node using a communications network of any suitable type . the crowdsourcing node is arranged to receive input comprising user skill information 601 and to provide contest recommendations 602 as output using the contest recommendation engine . for example , a potential participant in the community 104 may receive contest recommendations about which of the available contests 101 to participate in . the crowdsourcing node comprises a model of the contests 101 as described above and this model may be stored at a memory at the node . the contest recommendation engine 600 may also be used to assign contests to potential participants in a similar manner . for example , rather than recommending a contest which the potential participant then decides whether to take up , the engine 600 simply assigns one or more contests to that participant . as mentioned above a user &# 39 ; s skill can be thought of as the amount of effort or good that a user can produce by unit time . this may be observed or measured in some way , such as by observing the number of successful contest outcomes attained by a user in a given time period . for example , software may be provided at a computer used by the user to monitor time spent on tasks for particular contests and to provide this information to the crowdsourcing node . alternatively , the information may be provided by the user him or herself as part of a registration process at the crowdsourcing node or in any other manner . for example , as part of the registration process the user may provide details of education and training history as well as relevant past experience . rules and thresholds at the crowdsourcing node may be used to analyze this information and to classify the potential participants in the community 104 into a plurality of pre - defined skill levels . in some embodiments , the crowdsourcing node is arranged to deal with situations in which skill history information is available for the potential participants in the community 104 . in these cases , a skill level is known for each contest participant . in other embodiments , the crowdsourcing node is arranged to deal with situations where skill history information is unavailable . embodiments in which skill history information for individual participants is unavailable are now described . the crowdsourcing node is arranged to observe or monitor a number n which is the total number of potential contest participants in the community 104 . this number may be monitored as described above or may be estimated by the crowdsourcing node 100 . the crowdsourcing node also has access to a reward value for each of the contests 101 which may be computed by the system operator 103 ( for example , as described above with reference to fig5 ) in any suitable manner or may be pre - configured . contests which offer the same or similar reward in magnitude are considered as a class of contests . the crowdsourcing node also receives information about a distribution f ( v ) across skills in the user population . for example , this information may be that 10 % of the community 104 have skills less than 0 . 2 . this information may be monitored or observed by the crowdsourcing node itself or may be provided by an external entity . in some examples , the model of the contests at the crowdsourcing node 100 is arranged to represent the skills of the contest participants ( players ) in such a way that each player &# 39 ; s skill is independent of the particular contests . this is appropriate in applications where the contests comprise tasks that are closely related and / or require a similar kind of talent . this is also appropriate in applications where all players require a similar amount of time to put forth effort but different players face different hourly opportunity costs . for each player i the skill vector { right arrow over ( v )} is equal to ( v , v , . . . , v ) where v is drawn from the distribution f ( v ) independently of the skill of other players . for example , there are k classes of contests with rewards r 1 & gt ; r 2 & gt ; . . . & gt ; r k . using the notation { right arrow over ( r )}=( r 1 , . . . , r k ) and for any subset a ⊂ { 1 , . . . , k }, let it is found that a contest is selected by a player with a strictly positive probability if the reward offered by this contest is one of the { right arrow over ( k )} highest rewards , where also a player selects a particular a particular contest of class j with probability p j given by the contest recommendation engine 600 stores a data structure holding the relationship specified in equation 1 above . this relationship gives the probability that a player will select a particular contest of a given class in terms of the rewards for each contest class and the total number of participants n . the contest recommendation engine 600 uses the relationship in the data structure to rank the contests 101 and create a ranked list of contests to provide as output 602 . in other embodiments , skill history information is available so that a skill level is known for each potential participant in the community 104 . in these cases the crowdsourcing node may again be arranged to model the population of player skills such that each player is endowed with a skill which is the same across all contests . however , each player may have his or her own individual skill level . this is referred to herein as “ player - specific skills with levels ”. in these embodiments the crowdsourcing node receives skill level intervals or uses configured data about this . for example , this input specifies the number of skill levels required and the intervals between the levels . the system operator 103 is able to adjust the number of skill levels and the skill level intervals as required for different applications , numbers and classes of contests 101 . the contest recommendation engine 600 has a data structure storing a function for partitioning the population of users into the skill levels . an example of this function is given in equation 2 below . it also has another data structure holding a relationship specifying the probability that a player of a particular skill selects a particular contest of a given class . an example of this relationship is given in equation 3 below . this probability relationship is used by the contest recommendation engine 600 to rank contests in a skill specific way and so to create a list of recommended contests 602 for a particular user . for example , given a user with a particular skill , the contest recommendation engine maps that user to a given skill level . from that skill level the contest recommendation engine is then able to obtain a distribution across contest classes , for example , using equation 3 below . players are partitioned over { tilde over ( k )} skill levels such that a skill level l corresponds to an interval of skill values [ v l + 1 , v l ), where for l = 1 , . . . , { tilde over ( k )}, and v l = 0 for l ={ tilde over ( k )}+ 1 , . . . , k . a player of skill v selects a particular contest of class j with a probability π j ( v ) given by for vε [ v l + 1 , v l ). thus a player of skill level l selects a contest that offers one of l highest rewards . equation 1 says that in equilibrium players are partitioned over a finite set of skill levels . equation 2 tells us that a player of skill level l randomly selects a contest among those that offer one of the highest rewards . note that a small value of l denotes a higher level of skill . the players of skill level select the l - th highest reward with the largest probability and those that offer larger reward are selected with smaller probability . a player of skill level l selects a contest that offers the j - th highest reward where j = 1 , . . . , l , with probability inversely proportional to r j 1 / n − 1 ). an example in which there are 5 contest classes and four skill levels is shown in fig7 . the contest recommendation engine partitions the population of users into four skill levels as illustrated ( with the maximum skill being m ). the distribution across contest classes known from equation 3 is used to determine weighted links between the skill levels and contest classes . these weighted links are represented by arrows in fig7 with the thickness of the arrows indicating the likelihood that a player joins that particular contest class . in the example in fig7 contest 1 has the highest reward and players with skills in level 1 are in the highest segment of [ 0 , m ]. with reference to fig8 the crowdsourcing node 100 receives user skill information 800 for a particular user and selects an appropriate skill level for that user 801 using the contest recommendation engine 600 . for the selected skill level the contest recommendation engine 600 is arranged to access 802 a weighted mapping to a set of contest classes and to use 803 that mapping to select contests for recommending . in the large system limit i . e . where there are many contests offering the same rewards and the total number of participants n is large , then the contest recommendation engine is able to use a simpler process . the contest recommendation engine 600 may incorporate rules , thresholds or other criteria for assessing whether the large system limit applies . in this case , the arrows in fig7 do not need to be weighted . rather the contest recommendation engine simply selects those contest classes that offer the l highest rewards where l is the skill level of the player concerned . the contest recommendation engine then recommends all the selected contest classes or selects a subset of those to recommend to the user . the sub set may be selected in any suitable manner for example , by making a random selection , on the basis of past history for that user , on the basis of information about the contests or in any other way . in the embodiments discussed above , the model of the contests at the crowdsourcing node 100 is arranged to represent the skills of the contest participants ( players ) in such a way that each player &# 39 ; s skill is independent of the particular contests . however , it is also possible for the model to represent skills of the players in a contest - specific manner . in this case , a given player has different skills for different classes of contest . in this case , where the large system limit applies then the contest recommendation engine 600 simply uses the same methods as described above to recommend contests to users . technical report msr - tr - 2009 - 9 “ crowdsourcing and all - pay auctions ” february 2009 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety . fig9 illustrates various components of an exemplary computing - based device 900 which may be implemented as any form of a computing and / or electronic device , and in which embodiments of a crowdsourcing system may be implemented . the computing - based device 900 comprises one or more inputs 906 which are of any suitable type for receiving media content , internet protocol ( ip ) input , files , user registration details , contest owner budgets , contest owner utility functions , system operator instructions , user skill information , user population information and other input . the device also comprises communication interface 907 to enable the device to communicate with other entities over any suitable type of communications network . computing - based device 900 also comprises one or more processors 901 which may be microprocessors , controllers or any other suitable type of processors for processing computing executable instructions to control the operation of the device in order to provide a crowdsourcing system . platform software comprising an operating system 904 or any other suitable platform software may be provided at the computing - based device to enable application software 903 to be executed on the device . the computer executable instructions may be provided using any computer - readable media , such as memory 902 . the memory is of any suitable type such as random access memory ( ram ), a disk storage device of any type such as a magnetic or optical storage device , a hard disk drive , or a cd , dvd or other disc drive . flash memory , eprom or eeprom may also be used . an output including a display interface 905 is also provided such as an audio and / or video output to a display system integral with or in communication with the computing - based device . the display system may provide a graphical user interface , or other user interface of any suitable type although this is not essential . the term ‘ computer ’ is used herein to refer to any device with processing capability such that it can execute instructions . those skilled in the art will realize that such processing capabilities are incorporated into many different devices and therefore the term ‘ computer ’ includes pcs , servers , mobile telephones , personal digital assistants and many other devices . the methods described herein may be performed by software in machine readable form on a tangible storage medium . the software can be suitable for execution on a parallel processor or a serial processor such that the method steps may be carried out in any suitable order , or substantially simultaneously . this acknowledges that software can be a valuable , separately tradable commodity . it is intended to encompass software , which runs on or controls “ dumb ” or standard hardware , to carry out the desired functions . it is also intended to encompass software which “ describes ” or defines the configuration of hardware , such as hdl ( hardware description language ) software , as is used for designing silicon chips , or for configuring universal programmable chips , to carry out desired functions . those skilled in the art will realize that storage devices utilized to store program instructions can be distributed across a network . for example , a remote computer may store an example of the process described as software . a local or terminal computer may access the remote computer and download a part or all of the software to run the program . alternatively , the local computer may download pieces of the software as needed , or execute some software instructions at the local terminal and some at the remote computer ( or computer network ). those skilled in the art will also realize that by utilizing conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art that all , or a portion of the software instructions may be carried out by a dedicated circuit , such as a dsp , programmable logic array , or the like . any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought , as will be apparent to the skilled person . it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments . the embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages . it will further be understood that reference to ‘ an ’ item refers to one or more of those items . the steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order , or simultaneously where appropriate . additionally , individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein . aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought . the term ‘ comprising ’ is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified , but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements . it will be understood that the above description of a preferred embodiment is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art . the above specification , examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention . although various embodiments of the invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity , or with reference to one or more individual embodiments , those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention .
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a computer system incorporating the present invention can utilize one of several design variations that allow multiple processors to start up using a single , common rom with minimal changes to the rom from single processor rom &# 39 ; s . the following designs will be discussed with specific reference to intel 80386 or 80486 microprocessors being the microprocessors utilized in the multiprocessor system , but the use of other processors is also contemplated . throughout the course of this description , the secondary processors will be referred to in the singular as the processor p z , but it is understood that multiple secondary processors may coexist in this environment . referring now to fig1 the letter c designates generally a computer system incorporating either of the two designs according to the present invention . many of the details of a typical computer that are not relevant to the present invention have been omitted for the purpose of clarity . the system c generally includes a primary processor p 1 , a secondary processor p z , and various interprocessor logic circuitry 30 that is connected between the primary processor p 1 and the secondary processor p z . both the primary processor p 1 and the secondary processor p z each generally include a cache subsystem ( not shown ). the interprocessor logic 30 generally includes various option and status registers and circuitry relating to the operation of the processors . the primary processor p 1 , the secondary processor p z , and the interprocessor logic circuitry 30 are each connected to a system bus 40 which generally includes an address bus and a data bus as well as various control and status lines that allow for the proper functioning of the computer c . also attached to the system bus is read only memory ( rom ) 50 , which includes the start - up program that initializes the multiple processors according to the present invention called the power on self test ( post ); random access memory ( ram ) 52 which forms the main memory of the system c ; and cmos memory 54 which is used to provide nonvolatile , random access memory for use by the system c . in each of the designs according to the present invention , at power on the primary processor , processor p 1 , is activated and begins a post ( power on self test ) which is located in the rom 50 of the computer system , while the secondary processor p z , is kept in a held state . this activation of the processor p 1 and holding of the processor p z is accomplished in slightly different manners in the two designs . in the first design a reset bit , which is located preferably in a register in the interprocessor logic circuitry 30 referred to as the processor option register is used . the reset bit generally operates similarly for all processors such that a setting of the reset bit , which occurs at power up by hardware control , results in the reset input of the respective processor being pulsed and causes the respective processor to be placed in a held state . a subsequent clearing of the reset bit releases the respective processor from its held state and allows the respective processor to begin the post . therefore , at power on the reset bit of the processor p 1 is toggled , allowing the processor p 1 to begin the post , while the reset bit of the processor p z is set but not cleared , thereby keeping it in a deactivated or held state . the second design utilizes a sleep bit located in the processor option register in the interprocessor logic 30 associated with each processor p z . the sleep bit operates such that , when it is set for a respective processor , requests for the bus 40 by the respective processor are blocked . therefore , in the second design , the processors p 1 and p z each have their reset bit toggled and a sleep bit is set on the processor p z . the toggling of the reset bit of the processor p 1 allows it to begin the post , while the setting of the sleep bit on the processor p z , which occurs at power up by hardware control , causes any requests for the bus by the processor p z to be blocked , thus effectively placing the processor p z in a held state . a subsequent clearing of the sleep bit of the processor p z by the processor p 1 allows bus requests by the processor p z to be passed , thereby allowing the processor p z to begin the post . therefore , in each of these designs , at power on the reset bit of the processor p 1 is generally toggled by the power on circuitry ( not shown ) of the computer system c , allowing it to begin a post , while the processor p z is kept in a deactivated or held state . in the first design according to the present invention , as shown in fig2 when the processor p 1 ( fig1 ) has finished a sufficient portion of its post routine in step 212 to allow start up of the processor p z ( fig1 ), the software implementing this design performs an initialization procedure i 1 to bring the processor p z into an active state . first , in step 216 , the vector at memory location 40 : 67 in the rom 50 ( fig1 ), which is the reset vector memory location , is replaced with a new vector pointing to initialization code located in the rom 50 that will be executed by the processor p z when it is enabled . the vector that was previously stored in this location is saved for later restoration . in step 218 , the processor p 1 performs a similar replacement procedure with the cmos non - volatile memory reset byte , which is preferably located in the cmos 54 . the cmos reset byte is located at address location ofh in the cmos memory 54 and is accessed through ports 070h and 071h , as is standard for addressing the cmos memory in the ibm pc compatible computers . the status of this byte reflects whether a normal boot or vector on reset is necessary when the processor p z reads this value in the post sequence . the processor p 1 will have previously interrogated this location and have found the normal boot value present , enabling it to begin a normal post . the current value of the cmos reset byte is saved in step 218 to a temporary location , preferably to a register in the processor p 1 . the cmos reset byte is then changed to value 0ah , this value signifying that the computer system c is or has been running and that only a vector on reset is necessary instead of the normal post routine that a processor would normally fellow at power on . this change , in effect , fools the processor p z into thinking that it has already performed the post operations . the 0ah value written to the cmos reset byte is the reset without eoi value and is utilized to prevent the processor p z from clearing the interrupt controller , as this is unnecessary and might inadvertently cause an error . address line a20 of the system address bus 40 ( fig1 ) is enabled in step 220 to allow the processor p z to properly access high memory in the rom 50 where the post program is located . address line a20 had previously been disabled in the post routine of the processor p 1 ( step 12 ) for software compatibility reasons , these stemming from the use by previous programmers of a feature of the 8086 microprocessor whereby the program counter rolled over to 0000h after fffffh due to the maximum of twenty address lines available in that microprocessor . this roll over was incorporated into software written for these older 8086 microprocessor - based systems for various purposes , the end result for current purposes being that , in order to maintain compatibility with this older software , address line a20 was disabled during the post of the processor p 1 ( step 212 ). consequently , address line a20 must be re - enabled in step 220 to allow the processor p z to address the bootstrap program which is preferably located in high memory in the rom 50 . in step 222 , the processor p 1 clears the reset bit in the processor option register of the processor p z , thereby activating the processor p z to begin the post routine in step 226 . the processor p z comes out of reset and vectors to the reset location in the rom 50 where the post program is located . this is the same location where processor p 1 vectored to after reset , this being a general function of the microprocessors used in the present invention . thus , both the processors p 1 and p z operate from the same rom 50 immediately after reset execution . very early in the execution of the post routine , the processor p z polls the cmos reset byte to determine its status . as the cmos reset byte was previously changed by the processor p 1 in step 218 to value 0ah , reflecting a vector on reset status , the processor p z in step 228 is directed to the reset vector memory location 40 : 67 . this location contains the vector which was placed there earlier by the processor p 1 in step 216 , and this vector is used in step 230 to direct the processor p z to its alternate initialization code , preferably located in the rom 50 but alternatively located in ram 52 after being loaded by the processor p 1 . this initialization code generally includes the processor p z executing any specific reset code , testing its cache memory and performing other processor p z dependent features . after activating the processor p z in step 222 , the processor p 1 awaits the successful dispatch of the processor p z in step 224 by polling a semaphore bit which is preferably located in the ram 52 . a final step 232 in the initialization sequence performed by the processor p z involves the processor p z altering the semaphore bit to signal to the processor p 1 that the initialization sequence has been successfully completed . when step 232 is completed , the processor p z begins performing a software loop in step 234 , waiting until it is directed by the operating system to perform a task . when the processor p 1 receives notification by way of the changed semaphore bit that the processor p z has completed its initialization , the processor p 1 proceeds to step 236 where it restores the original value of the cmos reset byte from its temporary location . the processor p 1 then proceeds to step 238 where the original vector is returned to the reset vector memory location 40 : 67 and the initial state of address line a20 is restored . the processor p 1 then continues with its operation . referring again to fig1 the second design according to the present invention is similar in many respects to the first , but is tailored for a two processor system c ( fig1 ) incorporating one primary processor , referred to as the processor p 1 , and one secondary processor , referred to as the processor p 2 . the expansion of this design to incorporate multiple secondary processors , however , is also contemplated . this second design is also different from the first in that it utilizes an identity register located in the interprocessor logic 30 called the who - am - i register to differentiate between primary and secondary processors . the who - am - i register resides preferably in the system i / o port space and is used by software to determine whether the processor p 1 or the processor p 2 is currently active . the possible contents of this register include a value 00h to represent that the processor p 1 is currently active , a value f0h to represent that the processor p 2 is currently active , and a value ffh to represent that neither the processor p 1 nor the processor p 2 are active . referring now to fig3 the contents of the who - am - i register are determined by the hold acknowledge ( hlda ) outputs from the processor p 1 and the processor p 2 , the hdakp1 and hdakp2 signals , respectively . the hold acknowledge signal is generally asserted high when the respective processor is in a held or inactive state and is generally negated low when the respective processor is currently active . in the preferred embodiment if a processor p 1 or p 2 is reading the location it is active and the other processor must be inactive to allow the active processor access to the register , thus allowing the determination . the two hold acknowledge signals hdakp2 and hdakp1 are inverted by inverters 106 and 104 , respectively . the output of the inverter 104 and the hdakp2 signal are inputs to a two input and gate 108 , whose output is the p1on signal . the p1on signal is connected to the input of an inverter 116 , whose output provides the upper four bits of the who - am - i register . the output of the inverter 106 and the hdakp 1 signal are inputs to a two input and gate 110 , whose output is the p2on signal . the p1on and p2on signals are inputs to a two input nor gate 118 , whose output provides the lower four bits of the who - am - i register . therefore , by polling the status of the who - am - i register , the processor is able to determine whether it is the processor p 1 or the processor p 2 . the who - am - i register can be readily expanded to indicate the active status of a greater number of processors than the two utilized in the present invention . this expandability can be achieved by reducing the numbers of output bits driven for each processor and incorporating the respective hold acknowledge signals of each of the additional processors through the appropriate logic , allowing for up to 8 processors to be identified in each byte . referring now to fig4 the second design begins similarly to the first in that in step 252 the processor p 1 is allowed to begin a post , while in step 254 the processor p 2 is held inactive . at power on the processor p 1 generally has its reset bit toggled , allowing it to begin a post . the processor p 2 also has its reset bit toggled , but the sleep bit of the processor p 2 is set , and this has the utility of blocking any bus requests by the processor p 2 , thereby keeping the processor in a held state . early in the execution of the post sequence in step 252 , the processor p 1 is directed to the who - am - i register ( fig3 ), which informs it that it is in fact the processor p 1 , thereby allowing it to resume execution of the post program . during the remaining course of the post , the processor p 1 is directed by the post program to execute the following initialization procedure for the processor p 2 . in step 256 the processor p 1 initializes a processor available bit register , preferably located in the interprocessor logic 30 ( fig1 ) of the computer c , from configuration information contained in the cmos memory 54 . the processor available register contains a sequence of bits that serve as an indicator to the various processors as to what other processors are available to be given tasks to perform . in general , each secondary processor preferably has a representative availability bit in the processor available register that reflects whether or not that processor is available for dispatching . if the respective availability bit of a secondary processor is set , then that processor is available for dispatching , and if the respective availability bit of a secondary processor is cleared , then that processor is not available for dispatching and is assumed to be either currently dispatched or not present within the system . if the cmos memory 54 is found to be invalid during initialization , all of the availability bits in the processor available register are cleared . the processor available register is initialized in step 256 to reflect the present configuration of the system , this being which secondary processors , represented by the processor p 2 , coexist in this environment with the primary processor p 1 . the processor available register in the second design according to the present invention is configured to include two microprocessors , one primary processor p 1 and one secondary processor p 2 , but a configuration of the processor available register to incorporate a greater number of microprocessors than two is also contemplated . in step 258 , the processor p 1 proceeds with the initialization procedure by storing the current vector from the reset vector memory location 40 : 67 into a temporary location and replacing it with a new vector pointing to initialization code that the processor p 2 will execute when it is enabled . in step 260 , the processor p 1 activates the processor p 2 by clearing the sleep bit in its processor option register , enabling the processor p 2 to begin the post program in step 264 . after enabling the processor p 2 in step 260 , the processor p 1 begins polling the sleep bit associated with the processor p 2 . the sleep bit is used here as a handshake between the processor p 1 and the processor p 2 to indicate when the processor p 2 has finished its initialization procedure and has been placed on hold . preferably , if processor p 1 does not see the sleep bit set by the processor p 2 after a certain period of time , the processor p 1 sets the reset bit of the processor p 2 , effectively placing the processor p 2 in a held state , and then continues with the post . a different processor option register is preferably used for each additional secondary processor incorporated into the multiprocessing environment . the processor p 2 begins the post sequence in step 264 after the processor p 1 clears its sleep bit . the processor p 2 is directed in step 266 to the who - am - i register ( fig3 ) to determine its identity , just as the processor p 1 was in step 252 during its execution of the post program . the who - am - i register informs the processor p 2 that it is a secondary processor and directs it to vector off based on the value in the reset vector memory location 40 : 67 . this memory location contains the vector previously placed there by the processor p 1 in step 258 , and this vector points to the alternate initialization code which the processor p 2 executes in step 268 . the alternate initialization code is preferably located in the rom 50 but may be alternatively located in ram 52 after being loaded by the processor p 1 . this initialization code generally includes the processor p 2 executing any specific reset code , testing its cache memory , and programming its noncacheable address map , as well as any other processor p 2 dependent features . upon completion of its initialization code in step 268 , the processor p 2 places itself on hold in step 270 by setting the sleep bit in its own processor option register . the setting of the sleep bit places the processor p 2 in a hold state as soon as the bus 40 must be requested and serves as notification to the processor p 1 that the processor p 2 has finished its initialization procedure . completing step 270 , the processor p 2 performs a jump or branch instruction requiring that the value at the reset vector 40 : 67 be obtained . because this results in a bus request , the processor p 2 goes into a held state . when the processor p 1 receives this notification in step 272 , it resumes execution of the remainder of its post . upon completion of the post , the primary processor , processor p 1 , is running , and the operating system subsequently begins an allocation of various tasks to each secondary processor . the following allocation procedure will be discussed with reference to a computer system c incorporating a particular secondary processor referred to as the processor p 2 , but the incorporation of multiple secondary processors in the task allocation scheme is also contemplated . referring now to fig5 when the operating system has a task for the processor p 2 to perform , it directs the processor p 1 to perform the following dispatch procedure for the processor p 2 . the processor p 1 first checks the status of the respective availability bit of the processor p 2 in the processor available register in the interprocessor logic 30 in step 282 to determine if the processor p 2 is available for dispatching . this availability bit was initially set by the processor p 1 in step 256 ( fig4 ) according to the configuration information held in the cmos memory 54 and this bit is subsequently cleared whenever the processor p 2 is given a task to perform . if the availability bit of the processor p 2 is not set , then the operating system knows that either the processor p 2 has not yet finished the task that it was previously given or that the processor p 2 is not presently configured to the system . in either case , the processor p 2 is determined to be unavailable . if the availability bit of the processor p 2 is set , then the operating system commences with the allocation of the task in step 284 by placing a vector in memory location 40 : 67 pointing to software which generally includes the task that the operating system wishes the processor p 2 to execute . the processor p 1 saves the previous value from memory location 40 : 67 for later restoration . the processor p 1 then activates the processor p 2 in step 286 by clearing the sleep bit in the processor p 2 &# 39 ; s processor option register located in the interprocessor logic 30 in step 286 , causing the processor p 2 in step 290 to obtain the vector at memory location 40 : 67 to begin operation of the new task . an attempt to obtain the vector at memory location 40 : 67 was actually the last instruction executed by the processor p 2 in the post procedure in step 270 . this vector fetch is by definition a cache miss so that the processor p 2 must use the bus . however , the sleep bit was set in step 270 , disabling any bus request , so the vector fetch is pending , waiting for the sleep bit to be cleared . once the sleep bit is cleared , the processor p 2 can properly access the bus and obtain the vector at memory location 40 : 67 pointing to the task that it is to execute . the first instruction in this new task is step 292 which directs the processor p 2 to clear its respective availability bit in the available bit register to indicate to the operating system that it is no longer available for dispatching and that it has commenced with the task . after this , the processor p 2 begins executing the task in step 294 . the clearing of the availability bit by the processor p 2 serves as notification to the processor p 1 that the processor p 2 has begun execution of the task that the oprating system has given it . upon receiving this notification , in step 296 the processor p 1 restores the previous vector to the reset vector memory location 40 : 67 and then resumes the execution of its own code . when the processor p 2 has finished executing its task in step 294 , it sets the sleep bit in its processor option register in step 298 , blocking any further bus requests , and then attempts to obtain the reset vector at memory location 40 : 67 . in this way , operation of the processor p 2 is again held at the vector fetch operation as described previously in step 270 , and processor p 2 is available to receive a new task from the operating system . in certain cases , it may be necessary to reset the processor p 2 to a known state in order to make it available for further dispatching . in these cases , the processor p 1 performs the following reset - after - dispatch routine to reset the processor p 2 to a known state . referring now to fig6 in step 312 , the processor p 1 first places a vector in memory location 40 : 67 pointing to the reset code that the processor p 2 is to execute , saving the previous value in this memory location for later restoration . the processor p 1 then activates the processor p 2 from its hold or operating state in step 310 by toggling the processor p 2 &# 39 ; s reset bit in step 314 , forcing the processor p 2 to reset and request the system reset memory location , which is the beginning of the post program . the post sequence is started in step 318 . early in the course of the post , the processor p 2 is directed in step 320 to the who - am - i register ( fig3 ), which informs it that it is a secondary processor and directs it to the reset vector memory location 40 : 67 . this location contains the vector placed there previously by the processor p 1 in step 312 pointing to the reset code , which the processor p 2 executes in step 322 . this reset code is generally similar to the reset code that processor p 2 executes during its initialization in step 268 ( fig4 ) at power on and includes the setting of the processor to a known state . note , however , that the reset code that the processor p 2 executes in step 322 may not include the other procedures that the processor p 2 performed during its original initialization such as testing the cache and programming the noncacheable address map . when the processor p 2 has finished executing its reset code in step 322 , it notifies the processor p 1 by setting the sleep bit in its processor option register in step 324 . the processor p 2 also initiates a request to transfer control to the vector contained at memory address 40 : 67 in step 324 , but since its sleep bit is set , all bus accesses by the processor p 2 are blocked , and it is therefore essentially in a held state waiting for its sleep bit to be cleared . in this way , the processor p 2 is available for further dispatching in the manner described above in that the processor p 2 obtains directions to its new task from memory location 40 : 67 when its sleep bit is cleared . after resetting the processor p 2 in step 314 , the processor p 1 proceeds to poll the processor p 2 &# 39 ; s sleep bit in step 316 , waiting for the processor p 2 to indicate that the reset operation has been completed . when the processor p 1 sees that the sleep bit of the processor p 2 is set , it proceeds to step 326 where the processor p 1 sets the availability bit of the processor p 2 in the processor available register . this signifies that the processor p 2 is now available for dispatching . the processor p 1 then returns to the execution of its code in step 328 . when the operating system has another task for the processor p 2 to perform , it repeats the allocation cycle of fig5 and , in some instances , the reset - after - dispatch routine of fig6 as necessary . the foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof , and various changes in the procedures , components , and circuit elements , as well as in the details of the illustrated circuitry and method of operation may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention .
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object of the present invention are prostaglandin h 2 s donating derivatives of general formula ( i ): a is a residue of prostaglandins or their derivatives of formula ( ii ): b is —( ch 2 ) m — ch 3 , m is 1 - 5 ; or v 1 and v 2 , the same or different to each other , are zero or h ; the bond can be a single bond when v 1 and / or v 2 are h or a double bond ; y is zero ; —( c n ′ ) alkyl -, ˜( c n ′ ) alkyl - c —, ˜ o —( c n ′ ) alkyl - o —, ˜ ooc —( c n ′ ) alkyl - coo —; ˜ o —( c n ′ ) alkyl -, ˜ hn —( c n ′ ) alkyl -, ˜ ooc —( c n ′ ) alkyl -; ˜( c n ′ ) alkyl - o — co —( c n ″ ) alkyl -; ˜( c n ′ ) alkyl - co — o —( c n ″ ) alkyl - wherein ( c n ′ ) alkyl and ( c n ″ ) alkyl are straight or branched , and n ′ and n ″, the same or different to each other , are 0 - 10 ; w is a polysulfurated group containing 2 or more atoms of sulphur , selected from the group comprising an organic thiosulfonate moiety or a dithiole - thione derivative : more in particular , as a further preferred embodiment , w is an organic thiosulfonate moiety having formula ( iii ): wherein ˜ s — so 2 — r is linked to a - y ˜; r is a straight or branched alkyl , such as methyl , ethyl , propyl ; alkenyl , alkinyl ; alkylaryl , alkenylaryl , alkinylaryl ; arylalkyl , arylalkenyl , arylalkinyl ; or cycloalkyl , cycloalkenyl , cycloalkinyl ; or aromatic and / or heterocyclic ring , all substituted or unsubstituted ; or more in particular , as a further preferred embodiment , w is a dithiole - thione derivative having the following formula ( iv ): z is s ( sulphur ) and at least 1 z is c ═ s ( thione ) and t is : r2 is hydrogen ; — cooh ; alkyl , alkenyl , alkynyl ; aryl ; fluoro , chloro , bromo ; hydroxyl , alkyloxy , alkenyloxy , aryloxy , acyloxy ; amino , alkylamino , arylamino ; thio ; cyano ; nitro ; acyl ; amido ; and a 5 or 6 - membered aromatic or non - aromatic ring containing 0 , 1 , or 2 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen , oxygen , or sulphur ; as a further preferred embodiment of the compounds of general formula ( i ) of the present invention ( c n ) alkyl , ( c n ′ ) alkyl and ( c n ″ ) alkyl are ( ch 2 ) na , ( ch 2 ) na ′ , ( ch 2 ) na ″ respectively , wherein na , na ′ and na ″, the same or different to each other , are 1 - 10 , such as that more preferably y is selected from the group comprising —( ch 2 ) na ′ —, ˜( ch 2 ) na ′ — co —, ˜ o —( ch 2 ) na ′ — o —, ˜ ooc —( ch 2 ) na ′ — coo —; ˜ o —( ch 2 ) na ′ —, ˜ hn —( ch 2 ) na ′ —, ˜ ooc —( ch 2 ) na ′ —; ˜( ch 2 ) na ′ — o — co —( ch 2 ) na ″ —; ˜( ch 2 ) na ′ — co — o —( ch 2 ) na ″ — wherein na , na ′ and na ″, the same or different to each other , are 1 - 10 . a further preferred embodiment of the prostaglandin derivative compounds according to the present invention are the compounds of general formula ( i ) wherein the group — y — w is selected from the group comprising thiosulfonate moieties derived from the corresponding precursors having formula : s -( 2 - carboxyethyl ) methanthiosulfonate , s -( 2 - aminoethyl ) methanthiosulfonate and s -( 2 - hydroxyethyl ) methanthiosulfonate . a further preferred embodiment of the prostaglandin derivative compounds according to the present invention , are the compounds of general formula ( i ) wherein the polysulfurated group w is selected from the group comprising dithiole - thione derivatives of the corresponding precursors having formula : 5 -( p - hydroxyphenyl )- 3h - 1 , 2 - dithiol - 3 - thione , 1 , 3 - dithiol - 2 - thione - 5 - carboxylic acid , 3 - thioxo - 3h - 1 , 2 - dithiole - 5 - carboxylic acid , 3 - thioxo - 3h - 1 , 2 - dithiole - 4 - carboxylic acid . in the present invention the parent compound is considered in its original form or in a proper modification to allow the chemical manipulation with the moiety containing the polysulfurated group . the prostaglandin or its derivatives , such as the analogs bimatoprost , latanoprost , travoprost and unoprostone , and the moiety containing the polysulfurated group can be linked via different linking groups such as esters , amides , imides , sulfonamides , azo groups , carbamates , carbonates , anhydrides , acetals , thioacetals , etc . the polysulfurated group , i . e . the thiosulfonate moiety or dithiol - thionic derivative , can be also directly linked by an ionic bond to the prostaglandin as salt when y = 0 . bi - functional linkers ( y ), known to the expert in the field , ( such as ethyl , propyl , or butyl diols ; di - amines ; hydroxy amines ; etc .) can be optionally present when they are necessary to link the drug ( prostaglandin ) to the polysulfurated group . as a further object of the present invention are the preferred compounds according to general formula ( i ), such as : when the compounds include at least one asymmetric carbon atom , the products can be used in racemic mixture or in form of single enantiomer . it is a further object of the present invention the pharmaceutical acceptable salts of compounds of formula ( i ), such as for example salts with alkaline metals and alkaline earth metals , non - toxic amines and aminoacids , inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid , phosphoric acid , etc ., or organic acids such as fumaric acid , citric acid , tartaric acid , etc . salts of organic thiosulfonates such as , for example , s -( 2 - carboxyethyl ) methanthiosulfonate , s -( 2 - aminoethyl ) methanthiosulfonate with the different prostaglandin derivatives above - described , are also part of the present invention . salts of dithiolthiones such as , for example , 1 , 3 - dithiol - 2 - thione - 5 - carboxylic acid , 3 - thioxo - 3h - 1 , 2 - dithiole - 5 - carboxylic acid , 3 - thioxo - 3h - 1 , 2 - dithiole - 4 - carboxylic acid with the different prostaglandin derivatives above - described are also part of the present invention . according to the present invention it has been found that it is possible to link an organic polysulfurated group to a prostaglandin derivative for treating ocular diseases . the resulting compounds have good bioavailability , increased safety and maintain good efficacy . the main advantages of the compounds of the present invention are related to their biological activity by topical route . further object of the present invention are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of the above - said prostaglandin derivative compounds ( according to the present invention as for general formula ( i ) and the preferred compounds as described above ) including salts thereof , as an active ingredient , moreover , as a further object of the present invention , in combination with pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant ( s ) or carrier ( s ). it is a further object of the present invention the use of the prostaglandin derivative compounds as for general formula ( i ), and the preferred compounds as described above , as a medicament . a further object of the present invention is the use of compounds according to the present invention , as for general formula ( i ), and the preferred compounds as described above , for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition , and therefore the corresponding method , for preventing , treating or reducing ocular diseases also in combination with other ocular agents . the prostaglandins derivatives of the present invention can be also used , for example , for treating erectile dysfunction , cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disorders , disorders deriving from peptic ulcer and for inducing abortion . the compounds of the present invention can be administered in the form of any pharmaceutical formulation , the nature of which will depend upon the route of administration and the nature of the disease to be treated . these pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared by conventional methods , using compatible and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or vehicles . examples of such compositions include capsules , tablets , syrups , powders and granulates for the preparation of extemporaneous solutions , injectable preparations , rectal , nasal , ocular , vaginal etc . it is a further object of the present invention the process of the synthesis of prostaglandin derivative compounds , as for general formula ( i ), and preferred compounds as described above , said process comprising the reaction of a prostaglandin or its derivatives with a corresponding precursor of an organic thiosulfonate or of a dithiolthione , moiety w or y — w , or the reaction of a corresponding precursor of an organic thiosulfonate or of a dithiolthione , moiety w , with a prostaglandin or its derivative , eventually modified with y , being said w and y as defined above . the method for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension consists in contacting a compound of formula ( i ) with the eye in order to reduce the eye pressure . the composition contains 0 . 1 - 30 μg , and preferably 1 - 10 μg per application of the active substance . the prostaglandin derivative is mixed with an ophthalmologic compatible vehicle that comprises aqueous solutions , oil solutions , ointments . the vehicle may contain in addition preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride , surfactants like polysorbate 80 , liposomes , polymers such as cellulose derivatives , polyvinylpyrrolidone , hyaluronic acid that can be used to increase viscosity . it is also possible to use soluble or insoluble insert to administer the drug . it is a further object of the present invention the use of prostaglandin derivative compounds of general formula ( i ) and the preferred compounds as described above , for preventing , treating or reducing ocular diseases , also in combination with other ocular agents , as well as the method for preventing , treating or reducing ocular diseases , said method comprising the use of prostaglandin derivative compounds of general formula ( i ) and the preferred compounds as described above . the following non - limitative examples further describe the invention and enable a person ordinary skilled in the art to make and use the invention . to 280 mmol of sulphur , 40 mmol of anethole in 20 ml of dimethylacetamide are added . after heating at 145 ° c . for 6 hours , 2 . 5 g of anethole dithiolethione ( adt ) are obtained . the product , washed with ether , was crystallized by ethyl acetate : melting point 110 - 111 ° c . then 1 . 5 g of adt are mixed with 7 . 5 g of pyridine hcl and the mixture is heated for 25 minutes at 215 ° c . after cooling , 1n hcl in excess is added and the precipitate is filtered , washed and crystallized from ethanol . the obtained compound , 5 -( p - hydroxyphenyl )- 3h - 1 , 2 - dithiol - 3 - thione , melts at 191 - 192 ° c . 25 mg of the compound prepared in step 1 ( 0 . 11 mmol ) and catalytic amount of 4 - dimethylaminopyridine ( dmap ) are added to a solution of ( 11α , 13e , 15s )- 11 , 15 - dihydroxy - 9 - oxoprost - 13 - en - 1 - oic acid ( pge1 0 . 055 mmol ; 20 mg ) in 1 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ( thf ) stirring under nitrogen at a temperature of 0 ° c . after few minutes 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminoisopropyl )- 3 - ethyl - carbodiimide hydrochloride ( edac , 0 . 08 mmol ; 16 mg ) is added and the reaction is stirred at room temperature for 15 hours . after evaporation of thf , the residue is dissolved in chloroform and washed with water . the chloroformic solution is dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate , evaporated to dryness and the product is chromatographed on column of silica gel eluting with ethylacetate . the obtained product is red and after washing with ether , has a melting point of 101 - 105 ° c . 39 mg of the compound prepared in example 1 step 1 ( 0 . 17 mmol ) and catalytic amount of 4 dimethylaminopyridine ( dmap ) are added to a solution of ( 5z )- 7 -[( 1r , 2r , 3r , 5s )- 3 , 5 - dihydroxy - 2 -[( 3r )- 3 - hydroxy - 5 - phenylpentyl ] cyclopentyl ]- 5 - heptenoic acid ( latanoprost acid 0 . 087 mmol ; 34 mg ) in 1 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ( thf ) stirring under nitrogen at a temperature of 0 ° c . after few minutes 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminoisopropyl )- 3 - ethyl - carbodiimide hydrochloride ( edac , 0 . 13 mmol ; 25 mg ) is added and the reaction is stirred at room temperature for 15 hours . after evaporation of thf , the residue is dissolved in chloroform and washed with water . the chloroformic solution is dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate , evaporated to dryness and the product is chromatographed on column of silica gel with ethylacetate . after washing with ether the obtained red - coloured product , has a melting point of 91 . 1 - 92 . 2 ° c . a solution of ch 3 so 2 cl ( 5 . 9 g ) in ethanol ( 9 . 2 ml ) is added dropwise to a refrigerated (− 15 ° c .) solution of na 2 s ( 46 . 98 mmol ) in ethanol ( 34 . 5 ml ). the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 12 hours . after filtration and crystallization from ethanol , sodium methanthiosulfonate , as a white solid , is obtained . the sodium methanthiosulfonate ( 2 . 5 g ; 18 . 64 mmol ) is dissolved in 30 ml of ethanol and a solution of 2 - bromoethanol ( 2 . 6 ml ; 37 . 28 mmol ) in ethanol ( 6 ml ) is added dropwise . the solution is heated at 100 ° c . for 8 hours under nitrogen . the mixture is filtered , the solution is evaporated to dryness and the residue is dissolved in chcl 3 and extracted with water . the aqueous solution is evaporated to dryness , tetrahydrofuran ( thf ) is added to the residue and the obtained suspension is filtered . the thf solution is evaporated and methanethiosulfonic acid s -( 2 - hydroxyethyl ) ester , as an oily yellow product , is obtained . 22 mg of the compound prepared in step 1 ( 0 . 14 mmol ) and catalytic amount of 4 - dimethylaminopyridine ( dmap ) are added to a solution of ( 11α , 13e , 15s )- 11 , 15 - dihydroxy - 9 - oxoprost - 13 - en - 1 - oic acid ( pge1 0 . 07 mmol ; 25 mg ) in 1 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ( thf ) stirring under nitrogen at a temperature of 0 ° c . after few minutes 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminoisopropyl )- 3 - ethyl - carbodiimide hydrochloride ( edac , 0 . 10 mmol ; 19 . 4 mg ) is added and the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 15 hours . after evaporation of thf , the residue is dissolved in chloroform and washed with water . the chloroformic solution is dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate , evaporated to dryness and the product is chromatographed on column of silica gel eluting with a mixture of ethylacetate / cyclohexane ( 80 / 20 ). after washing with ether the obtained red - coloured product , has a melting point of 56 - 58 ° c . in the same manner as described in example 3 the ( 5z )- 7 -[( 1r , 2r , 3r , 5s )- 3 , 5 - dihydroxy - 2 -[( 3r )- 3 - hydroxy - 5 - phenylpentyl ] cyclopentyl ]- 5 - heptenoic acid 2 -( methylsulfonylthio ) ethyl ester is prepared . a solution of ch 3 so 2 cl ( 5 . 9 g ) in ethanol ( 9 . 2 ml ) is added dropwise to a refrigerated (− 15 ° c .) solution of na 2 s ( 46 . 98 mmol ) in ethanol ( 34 . 5 ml ). the reaction mixture is stirred at room temperature for 12 hours . after filtration and crystallization from ethanol , sodium methanthiosulfonate , as a white solid , is obtained . the sodium methanthiosulfonate ( 1 . 20 g ; 8 . 9 mmol ) is dissolved in 17 ml of ethanol and 2 - bromoethylamine hydrobromide ( 1 . 8 g ; 8 . 9 mmol ) is added . the solution is heated at 100 ° c . for 5 hours under nitrogen . at the end of the reaction the mixture is cooled at 0 ° c . filtered to remove nabr , and the solution is evaporated to obtain an oil that after treatment with ethanol crystallizes and gives a compound with a melting point of 112 . 0 - 112 . 8 ° c . 33 mg of the compound prepared in step 1 ( 0 . 14 mmol ) and catalytic amount of 4 - dimethylaminopyridine ( dmap ) are added to a solution of ( 11α , 13e , 15s )- 11 , 15 - dihydroxy - 9 - oxoprost - 13 - en - 1 - oic acid ( pge1 0 . 07 mmol ; 25 mg ) in ch 2 cl 2 stirring under nitrogen at a temperature of 0 ° c . after few minutes 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminoisopropyl )- 3 - ethyl - carbodiimide hydrochloride ( edac , 0 . 1 mmol ; 19 . 4 mg ) is added and the reaction is stirred at room temperature for 24 hours . after washing with water , 0 . 1 n hcl , water , nahco 3 in a separator funnel , the solution is dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate , filtered and evaporated to dryness . the product is then chromatographed on column of silica gel eluting with ethylacetate / methanol ( 99 . 5 : 0 . 5 ). the obtained product has the following nmr : 1h nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ6 . 00 ( m , 1h ); 5 . 70 - 5 . 45 ( m , 2h ); 4 . 10 - 3 . 95 ( m , 2h ); 3 . 60 - 3 . 45 ( m , 2h ); 3 . 30 ( s , 3h ); 3 . 25 ( t , 2h ); 2 . 75 - 2 . 60 ( m , 1h ); 2 . 40 - 1 . 10 ( m , 24h ); 0 . 9 - 0 . 70 ( m , 3h ). 42 mg of the compound prepared in example 5 step 1 ( 0 . 18 mmol ) and catalytic amount of 4 - dimethylaminopyridine ( dmap ) are added to a solution of ( 5z )- 7 -[( 1r , 2r , 3r , 5s )- 3 , 5 - dihydroxy - 2 -[( 3r )- 3 - hydroxy - 5 - phenylpentyl ] cyclopentyl ]- 5 - heptenoic acid ( latanoprost acid ) ( 0 . 09 mmol ; 35 mg ) in anhydrous thf , stirring under nitrogen at a temperature of 0 ° c . after few minutes 1 -( 3 - dimethylaminoisopropyl )- 3 - ethyl - carbodiimide hydrochloride ( edac , 0 . 14 mmol ; 26 mg ) is added and the reaction is stirred at room temperature for 24 hours . after evaporation of thf , the residue is dissolved in ch 2 cl 2 and the solution is washed first with water and then with 0 . 1 n hcl , water and finally with a sol . of nahco 3 . the organic solution is dried on anhydrous sodium sulphate , filtered and evaporated to dryness , to obtain a product which is chromatographed on a column of silica gel with ethylacetate . the obtained compound has the following 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ7 . 35 - 7 . 10 ( m , 5h ); 6 . 55 ( s , 1h ); 5 . 50 - 5 . 30 ( m , 2h ); 4 . 20 ( s , 1h ); 3 . 96 ( s , 1h ); 3 . 75 - 3 . 50 ( m , 3h ); 3 . 30 ( s , 3h ); 3 . 25 ( t , 2h ); 2 . 85 - 2 . 60 ( m , 2h ); 2 . 45 - 1 . 25 ( m , 18h ). in the same manner as described in example 6 the ( 5z , 9α , 11α , 13e , 15s )- 9 , 11 , 15 - trihydroxy - 17 - phenyl - 18 , 19 , 20 - trinorprosta - 5 , 13 - dienoic acid 2 -( methylsulfonylthio ) ethylamide is prepared . the method described by osborne n . n . et al . ( 2002 ) previously reported was used . briefly , two groups of 16 wistar rats ( 200 - 250 g ) received either 5 μl doses of topical test compound ( 2 % in 50 % polyethylene glycol - peg ) or 5 μl of vehicle bilaterally twice a day for 2 days . on the third day n - methyl - d - aspartate ( nmda ) ( 5 μl in sterile water ) was injected intra - vitreally into a single eye of each animal . the other eye was injected with sterile water . the animals were treated then with test compound or vehicle for 7 days . the thy - 1 antigen is associated with ganglion cells and intraocular injections of nmda cause a loss of thy - 1 mrna . the rats were then killed and the retinas removed for mrna analysis for thy - 1 antigen . results are expressed as % value to the thy - 1 mrna levels ( relative to rhodopsin ) of the treated groups , taking peg value as 100 . the method by osborne n . n . et al . ( 2002 ) previously reported was used . briefly , two groups of adult male new zealand albino rabbits weighing 3 - 3 . 5 kg were used in the experiments . iop was measured using a properly calibrated tonometer immediately after topical application of 1 drop of 0 . 4 % benoxinate hydrochloride . the animals received a topical application of 2 % of test compound or peg and measures taken 60 minutes after . results are expressed as % value to the iop mmhg values of the treatment groups , taking peg value as 100 . results that are reported in the table below ( table 1 ) show that the test compound markedly affects both intraocular pressure and thy - 1 mrna loss , indicating relevant intraocular hypotensive and neuroprotective properties .
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in fig1 and 2 , the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in fragmentary longitudinal section , in a dorsal / front view and in a lateral view , respectively . the hip joint prosthesis 1 comprises a shaft part 2 and a head part 3 , which are taken from a kit for modular hip joint prostheses in which essentially identically embodied head parts and shaft parts of various sizes are provided . the particular individual elements 2 , 3 selected can preferably be connected to one another by putting together their respective proximal or distal ends that have corresponding conical pegs 29 or recesses 30 . the requisite stability of the insert connection is assured by means ( not shown )-- preferably embodied as a tie rod . the respective shaft part 2 is embodied as a hollow shaft , and the axially extending longitudinal bore 5 on its proximal end portion is embodied as a threaded bore 5 . 1 . the tie rod ( not shown ) is passed through a cylindrical channel 4 in the head part 3 , located on the same axis as the longitudinal bore 5 in the shaft part 2 , and screwed into the threaded bore 5 . 1 of the shaft part 2 . the base 15 of the head part 3 has a longitudinal sectional profile , in a dorsal / frontal view , that widens in the proximal direction and is bounded on its lateral side by two straight lines 13 , 14 forming an obtuse angle and on its medial side by a concave arc region 12 . the distally located straight line 13 of the pair of straight lines 13 , 14 and the arc segment 12 continue in a respective straight line 10 , 11 , which bound the distally conically tapering longitudinal sectional profile of a proximal portion 2 . 1 of the flat 2 located below the insertion cone . it can be seen that in the connecting region of the side view , shown in fig2 the side lines merge without essentially changing pitch from the proximal portion 2 . 1 of the shaft part 2 to the head part 32 . in fact , this is true , independent of the relative angular orientation of the shaft part 2 and the head part 3 ; thus , the outer surface of the prosthesis appears without remarkable discontinuities , regardless of such angular orientation . in this way , first -- with a curved shaft part -- a left - side or right - side prosthesis is selectively created , without reducing the continuity of the shape contour . however , since intermediate positions can be attained without difficulty while at the same time preserving the optimal contour course , the seat of the prosthesis can be adapted very precisely to the individual conditions . this is also true for long shafts , which are available in various lengths as a substitute for a bone nail . thus with a minimum number of basic elements , it is possible to meet a maximum number of needs in entirely different cases . the straight lines 13 , 14 have different lengths and each has an inclination in the direction of the center axis of the head part 3 , with the shorter straight line 13 located on the distal end of the head part 3 . a value in the range from 6 to 10 is contemplated for the ratio of lengths of the straight lines 13 , 14 . as shown in fig2 the proximal end of the shaft part 2 , is embodied as a straight truncated cone 2 . 1 , tapering in the distal direction , which on its distal end changes over without shoulders into a shaft portion embodied essentially cylindrically , and having a continuous curvature in the frontal direction . this kind of shaping on the proximal shaft end advantageously assures a firm seat of the shaft part in the marrow space of the upper thigh bone . for the height of the truncated cone 2 . 1 , one - fourth to one - fifth of the effective length of the shaft part 2 ( that is , of the shaft portion to be introduced into the marrow space ) is favorable . the diameter of the proximal circular area of the truncated cone 2 . 1 is equivalent to the length of the long half - axis of the total elliptical cross - sectional area on the distal end of the head part 3 . however , it is greater than the length of the short half - axis of the aforementioned cross - sectional area . the resultant slight protrusion 17 of the shaft part 2 at the dividing point 18 creates additional anchoring of the shaft part 2 when the hip joint prosthesis 1 is implanted , which favorably counteracts loosening of the shaft in the event that a medically necessary replacement of the head part has to be performed . the opening 6 in the wall of the shaft part 2 forms the distal end of the longitudinal bore ( see reference numeral 5 of fig1 ) of the shaft of the hip joint prosthesis 1 . it is embodied as a longitudinal slot and serves on the one hand to allow the outflow of medication form a medication dispenser ( not shown ) positioned at the end of the longitudinal bore , and on the other hand to equalize pressure when the hip joint prosthesis 1 is introduced by its shaft part 2 into the prepared marrow space of an upper thigh bone . the through bore 7 on the distal end of the prosthesis shaft extends crosswise to the axis of the shaft part 2 . this bore is intended to receive a fixation means , such as a locking nail , and is adapted in its diameter to the possible dimensions of the nail . the use of additional fixation means advantageously increases the security against twisting and the axial load - bearing capacity of an implanted prosthesis . it will be appreciated that according to the invention , even extreme shaft lengths , for applications in which until now nails had to be employed , can be provided as shaft prostheses . in fig3 and 4 , a cross - sectional profile of the head part 3 ( section along the line a . . . a of fig1 ) and a cross - sectional profile of the shaft part 2 ( section along the line b . . . b of fig1 ), respectively , are shown . the ribs 8 , 9 extending axially , respectively on the broad sides of the head part 3 and on the periphery of the shaft part 2 , are bounded peripherally by circular arcs . the through bore in the elliptical cross - sectional profile of the head part 3 is shown at 4 , and the central longitudinal bore of the shaft part 2 is shown at 5 . the joint prosthesis 19 shown in cross section in fig5 is a further improvement of the joint prosthesis shown in fig1 ; the joint prosthesis 19 shown here has increased mechanical strength and reduced wear . the joint prosthesis 19 shown -- like the joint prosthesis shown already in fig1 -- especially comprises a head part 20 and a shaft part 21 connected to it by a cone connection . the mechanical connection of the head part 20 and shaft part 21 is accordingly accomplished nonpositively , in that a conical peg 22 formed onto the shaft part 21 is inserted into a conical bore 31 disposed in the head part 20 and with this bore forms a press fit . to brace the head part 20 and shaft part 21 against one another , a tie rod is used , which passes through a channel 23 in the head part 20 and screwed into a threaded bore 24 in the shaft part 21 . in such joint prostheses , the problem exists that upon a bending stress on the joint prosthesis , relatively high mechanical tensions occur at the edge of the mouth of the conical bore . the peak mechanical tensions at the edge of the mouth of the conical bore are due to the fact that upon a bending stress on the joint prosthesis 19 , the peg 22 and bore become offset from one another , which causes a decrease in the effective tension - absorbing contact area between the peg 22 and bore . in an extreme case , the peg 22 now touches the inner wall of the bore only unilaterally , respectively directly at the edge of the mouth and on the opposed side directly on the bottom of the bore . the reduction in the effective tension - absorbing contact area therefore creates relatively high mechanical tensions , particularly at the edge of the mouth of the bore . since the bending stress acting on the joint prosthesis 19 is not constant over time but instead is subject to fluctuations in amount and direction depending on the natural stress states of the joint prosthesis 19 , microscopic motions occur between the peg 22 and the bore . these microscopic motions , in combination with the local peak tensions occurring at the edge of the mouth of the bore , can cause abrasion of material and thus premature wear , which is also called fretting . to reduce these wear phenomena , the head part 20 -- in contrast to the joint prosthesis shown in fig1 -- therefore has a notch 25 , encompassing it on the outer wall near the lower end with regard to the longitudinal axis of the bore . as a result of this notch 25 , the wall thickness of the head part 20 is reduced , thus increasing the resilience of the peg receptacle in the face of an offset of the peg 22 . if the peg 22 is offset relative to the bore as the result of a bending stress on the joint prosthesis 19 , then the peg receptacle -- that is , the internal contour of the bore -- yields to the peg 22 and adapts to the altered position of the peg 22 . by this elastic adaptation of the peg receptacle , the effective tension - absorbing contact area between the bore and peg is reduced only insubstantially , even in the event of a bending stress on the joint prosthesis 19 , which leads to a reduction in the mechanical stress occurring at the edge of the mouth of the bore and reduces the wear on the joint prosthesis 19 . the cross - sectional view shown in fig6 of the head part 20 of the joint prosthesis shown in fig5 clearly shows the shape and disposition of the notch 25 in the head part 20 . the notch 25 initially has a depth that increases along the longitudinal axis of the head part 20 toward its end . on the one hand , it is thereby attained that the peg receptacle -- that is , the internal contour of the bore 26 -- adapts well to the altered position of the peg in the event of relatively slight bending stresses on the joint prosthesis and correspondingly slight offsets of the peg and bore 26 , and this , despite the offsetting of the peg and bore 26 , leads to a relatively large effective tension - absorbing contact area between the peg and bore 26 , and hence to a reduction in the mechanical stress . on the other hand , because of the resilience of the peg receptacle , which decreases toward the top along the longitudinal axis of the head part 20 , it is assured that the peg receptacle -- that is , the internal contour of the bore 26 -- yields only insubstantially , in response to major bending stresses of the joint prosthesis , which yielding is indispensable for a secure , largely play - free guidance of the peg . the peg receptacle is accordingly relatively soft in the face of relatively slight bending stresses , which leads to a reduction in the mechanical tensions at the edge of the mouth of the bore 26 , but becomes harder as the bending stress increases , which serves the purpose of secure guidance of the peg . the notch 25 on the one hand leads to a reduction in the mechanical tension at the edge of the mouth of the bore 26 . on the other hand , however , the notch 25 represents a mechanical weak point in the head part 20 , which involves the risk of crack formation and consequent mechanical failure of the joint prosthesis . to reduce this risk , the notch 25 has a smooth shape , without protruding or indented corners or edges . thus on its upper end , the notch 25 terminates smoothly in the outer wall of the head part 20 , without forming any kink or even a shoulder . as a result , the notch tensions that occur in the notch 25 , and hence the danger of crack formation , are reduced . fig6 also shows the course of the mechanical stress , occurring in the peg receptacle , along the longitudinal axis of the bore 26 . the dashed line , for comparison , shows the course of tension in the joint prosthesis shown in fig1 while the solid line shows the course of mechanical tension in the above - described joint prosthesis having the notch 25 . in the joint prosthesis of fig1 the course of the mechanical tension along the longitudinal axis of the bore ( not labeled in fig1 ) corresponding to bore 26 is very highly nonlinear . thus , the tension in the upper region of the bore 26 is relatively slight , while in the vicinity of the edge of the mouth it increases up to the value δ max , old . in the above - described joint prosthesis , the course of tension along the longitudinal axis of the bore 26 is conversely substantially more uniform , which advantageously results in a substantially lesser maximum tension δ max , new . the form of the notch 25 can be seen in more detail from fig7 which shows the detail i of fig6 . this illustration clearly shows that the notch 25 is asymmetrical and has a depth that increases toward the end of the peg . accordingly the notch 25 has two flanks 27 , 28 of different pitch ; the flank 27 toward the end of the peg extends relatively steeply and has only a slight length , while the flank 28 remote from the end of the peg extends relatively shallowly but is elongated and terminates at the peg wall . the invention is not limited in its realization to the preferred exemplary embodiment described above . on the contrary , a number of variants are conceivable , which make use of the provisions described , even in fundamentally different types of embodiments .
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referring now more specifically the drawings and to fig1 in particular , a strap securing device 20 in accordance with the present invention is shown installed on a strap 22 . as will become apparent from the following description in accordance with the drawings , strap securing device 20 can be used for securing portions of straps of various sizes in various installations . strap 22 is an elongate web of material , such as , for example , natural or synthetic cloth , flexible leather and the like commonly used on devices of various types , including equipment , clothing , backpacks , bags and other devices . fig1 illustrates strap 22 as being an end portion of a strap having a terminal end 24 . accordingly , strap securing device 20 is shown installed on the strap end for securing multiple layers of the strap folded thereon . however , it should be understood from the description to follow that strap securing device 20 can be installed on another portion of the strap , such as a portion being used , and not only on an unused terminal portion of the strap . further , in some applications and uses , a strap securing device of the present invention can be secured to or on an article in an appropriate position to receive and hold portions of a strap used on or with the article . strap securing device 20 includes a holder 30 and a retainer 32 connected to and operable with holder 30 for securing a free end portion of strap 22 relative to holder 30 . in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention , as illustrated in fig2 , holder 30 is plastic of suitable strength , rigidity and other performance characteristics for the environment and installation on which device 20 is used . however , holder 30 can be of other materials , such as metal . retainer 32 is a looped elastic or elastic - type stretchable cord 34 having a terminator 36 securing ends ( not shown ) of cord 34 . terminator 36 can be plastic or other material similar to holder 30 , or can be of other suitable material , such as metal . holder 30 extends from one side or edge of strap 22 to an opposite side or edge of strap 22 . holder 30 includes a base 40 supported on strap 22 , as will be described more fully hereinafter . at opposite ends of base 40 , a first end portion 42 and a second end portion 44 extend along and outwardly of opposite side edges of strap 22 . base 40 defines a first slot 46 and a second slot 48 spaced from each other in base 40 . slots and 46 and 48 are of sufficient length to receive the width of strap 22 so that strap 22 can be threaded through slots 46 and 48 , thereby securing device 20 on strap 22 . in the exemplary embodiment , entrance openings 50 , 52 extend between opposite side outer edges of base 40 and slots 46 , 48 , respectively . strap 22 can be inserted through entrance openings 50 , 52 into slots 46 , 48 at intermediate points along the length of strap 22 , and it is not necessary to attach device 20 by threading strap 22 via end 24 through slots 46 , 48 . accordingly , strap securing device 20 can be attached to strap 22 after terminal end 24 is folded over and sewn or otherwise terminated . even if terminal end 24 is thicker than the width of slots 46 , 48 , or is attached to an end buckle or other component , device 20 can be attached to strap 22 . moreover , entrance openings 50 , 52 allow removal and attachment of device 20 along intermediate portions of a strap secured on its opposite ends . thus , device 20 can be installed in the active or useful portion of the strap and have the unused portion secured thereby . entrance openings 50 , 52 also enable convenient removal of a broken device 20 and replacement with a new device 20 if necessary . the arrangement of slots 46 , 48 is such as to provide a sufficiently tortuous path that base 40 remains securely positioned along strap 22 after strap 22 has been placed in slots 46 , 48 and pulled taut . in the exemplary embodiment seen most clearly in fig2 , slots 46 , 48 are angularly disposed with respect to each other , being spaced farther from one another near first end 42 and closer to one another near second end 44 . an eyelet 54 is provided in base 40 near first and 42 . elastic cord 34 is secured to holder 30 by knotting , hitching or the like with a portion inserted through eyelet 54 . as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of the drawings , elastic cord 34 is passed through eyelet 54 and looped through itself . first end 42 further includes abutments 56 , 58 extending away from base 40 and spaced from one another to allow elastic cord 34 to pass there between . those skilled in the art should understand that other configurations also can be used . abutments 56 , 58 provide a side support for the folded and stacked lengths of strap 22 secured by device 20 . as seen most clearly in fig3 , second end portion 44 angles upwardly from base 40 to provide clearance for terminator 36 positioned there beneath when device 20 is in use . second end portion 44 forms a latch for engaging elastic cord 34 and specifically the distal end of elastic cord 34 , having terminator 36 thereon . in the exemplary embodiment , second end portion 44 is an angular , plate - like extension from base 40 and includes spaced , angularly inwardly extending elongated holes 60 , 62 for receiving opposed segments of looped elastic cord 34 . holes 60 , 62 open through the outer edge of second portion 44 so that cord 34 can be placed therein . in the exemplary configuration for holes 60 , 62 outer edges 64 , 66 thereof are substantially smooth , and inner edges 68 , 70 thereof are curved sharply to hold elastic cord 34 therein . thus , from the position illustrated in fig1 , elastic cord 34 can not be dislodged easily from holes 60 , 62 by pulling straight outwardly on terminator 36 . instead , to dislodge cord 34 , terminator 36 is rocked sideways , first in one direction and then in the opposite direction substantially parallel to strap 22 , to thereby dislodge first one side of elastic cord 34 from one of the holes 60 , 62 and then to dislodge the other side of elastic cord 34 from the other of holes 60 , 62 . an end surface 72 of second end portion 44 is curved , having an apex between holes 60 and 62 , and is shaped and angled to promote separation of the opposed segments of looped elastic cord 34 and to direct the separated opposed segments into holes 60 , 62 . a portion of base 40 between slots 46 and 48 can be provided with surface insignia or other surface configurations 74 providing increased friction against movement of strap 22 along base 40 . in the use of strap securing device 20 , holder 30 is attached at a desired location along strap 22 by inserting portions of strap 22 through entrance openings 50 , 52 and into slots 46 , 48 . a loose portion of strap 22 is fan folded over holder 30 , between abutments 54 , 56 and one side and the upwardly angled second end portion 44 on the opposite side . after strap 22 is appropriately stacked and positioned , elastic cord 34 is pulled from first end 42 toward second end 44 , over the stacked portion of strap 22 on base 40 . terminator 36 is pulled past end surface 72 of second end 44 , and elastic cord 34 is hooked to second end portion 44 in holes 60 , 62 . end surface 72 separates the opposed segments of elastic cord 34 as cord 34 is pulled there against . end surface 72 directs the opposed segments into holes 60 , 62 . the elasticity of cord 34 holds cord 34 securely in holes 60 , 62 . the inwardly directed force from cord 34 against the curved configuration of inner edges 68 , 70 of holes 60 , 62 holds cord 34 securely in holes 60 , 62 . elastic cord 34 holds the stacked portions of strap 22 securely against base 40 , between abutments 56 , 58 along one side and second end 44 on the opposite side . to free the secured portion of strap 22 , terminator 36 is pulled sideways in first one direction and then the opposite direction substantially parallel to cord 22 , to dislodge elastic cord 34 from holes 60 , 62 . smooth outer edges 64 , 66 allow elastic cord 34 to slide easily out of holes 60 , 62 when pulled sideways as described . however , the attachment of cord 34 to second end 44 is secure in that complete detachment requires pulling first in one direction and then in the other , opposite direction to free the opposite sides of cord 34 from holes 60 , 62 . if terminator 36 is inadvertently snagged or pulled in only one direction , cord 34 is not completely dislodged . strap securing device 20 is easy to install initially and easy to use both when securing portions of strap 22 and when freeing the secured portions if strap 22 is to be adjusted . the device is secure yet is not attached permanently to the strap and can be removed if desired . as can be seen most clearly in fig1 , with the understanding from the side view of fig3 , terminator 36 fits snuggly and smoothly beneath second end portion 44 even when device 20 is fitted against a relatively firm and flat surface . however , in some applications and uses of the present invention it may not be necessary to provide side support for the folded and stacked end of strap 22 , or to provide the nested position for terminator 36 . further , the device may be easily threaded by inserting an end through the device . fig4 - 9 illustrate substantially flat variations of the present invention . strap securing device 80 ( fig4 - 7 ) includes an elastic cord 34 having a terminator 36 , both as described previously herein , secured to a base 82 . base 82 is a substantially flat body having angular slots 84 , 86 , which may be interconnected at an end opening 88 as shown in fig7 , or may be separate and discrete from one another . device 80 is suitable for use in applications wherein a strap 90 can be threaded through slots 82 , 84 by first inserting an end of strap 90 therethrough . if slots 84 , 86 are connected to each other , strap 90 can be inserted through end opening 88 . elastic cord 34 is secured a through an eyelet 92 at one end of base 82 . holes 94 , 96 at an opposite end of base 82 function similarly to holes 60 , 62 described previously . use of device 80 is similar to that described previously with respect to device 20 . fig8 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention for a base 100 . base 100 has an eyelet 102 at one end thereof and holes 104 , 106 at an opposite end thereof . eyelet 102 is used similarly to eyelets 54 and 92 , and holes 104 , 106 are used similarly to holes 60 , 62 and 94 , 96 . device 100 is used with an elastic cord ( not show ) similar to the cords 34 described previously . an elevated tongue 110 is connected to base 100 at one end 112 and not connected at an opposite end 114 . in the exemplary embodiment shown in fig8 , base 100 defines an opening 116 beneath tongue 110 . base 100 also can be closed and spaced from the bottom of tongue 110 . a strap ( not shown ) is inserted beneath tongue 110 from unconnected end 114 of tongue 110 . device 100 is used in a manner similar to those described previously herein . fig9 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention similar to that shown in fig7 , but having a surface embellishment in the way of ridges 120 , 122 for engaging a strap lying there over . fig1 - 12 illustrate a still further embodiment of the present invention . a strap securing device 130 includes a holder 132 and a retainer 134 . a hinge 136 connects holder 132 and retainer 134 . holder 132 includes a base 138 having a tongue 140 beneath which a strap can be inserted . latches 142 , 144 extend outwardly from base 138 . retainer 134 includes a first arm 150 and a second arm 152 extending outwardly from hinge 136 . latch receivers 154 , 156 are provided on the ends of arms 150 , 152 respectively . latches 142 , 144 engage latch receivers 154 , 156 when the device 130 is closed . notched blades 158 160 are provided beneath arms 150 , 152 , respectively to engage a strap disposed there beneath . fig1 illustrates strap securing device 130 installed on a strap 170 . strap 170 is disposed beneath tongue 140 and on base 138 . in fig1 the closed and secured orientation is shown . strap 170 is folded and stacked on holder 132 , beneath arms 150 , 152 . latches 142 , 144 are received in and held by latch receivers 154 , 156 . variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention . it is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and / or drawings . all of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention . the embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention . the claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art . various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims .
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embodiments of this invention will now be described by referring to the attached drawings . the roll core releasing device , as shown in fig9 is used on a paper roll holding apparatus for a rotary press . when a paper roll on a core c has run out ( though a small amount of paper is still remaining on the core ), the core c which is held at its ends by core holding shafts 3 mounted at the ends of a pair of arms 2 of a spider 1 ( with 120 - degree central angles ) in the paper roll holding apparatus is released from the core holding shafts 3 onto a core receiver 5 which is mounted vertically movable on an automatic paper roll replacing apparatus 4 . first we will describe a core holder 40 mounted at the end of each of the core holding shafts 3 , a mechanism to amplify the force of engagement with the inner circumference of the hollow core . the core holder 40 has a structure as shown in fig1 . at the front end of the core holding shaft 3 , a front stopper 41 and a rear flange 42 are formed . an intermediate shaft portion 43 between the stopper 41 and the flange 42 has a sliding ring 44 mounted thereon . a compression spring 46 is interposed between the back of a flange 45 of the sliding ring 44 and the flange 42 of the core holding shaft 3 to urge the sliding ring 44 toward the front stopper 41 . the intermediate shaft portion 43 has a specified number ( say , four ) of axial grooves 48 whose bottom surfaces 47 are inclined downwardly toward the front . the sliding ring 44 has openings 49 cut therein corresponding to the grooves 48 . in the axial grooves 48 and the openings 49 there are installed sliding claws 50 which are slidable along the axial grooves 48 so that they have radial displacements . the sliding claws 50 are so formed that its inner surface 51 is in contact with the bottom surfaces 47 of the grooves 48 and that their outer surfaces 52 project from the outer circumferential surface of the sliding ring 44 . the sliding claws 50 are pressed inwardly by the sliding ring 44 through a compression spring 53 . the roll core releasing device are available in two types : one provided on the core receiver 5 as shown in fig1 and the other provided at the ends of the arms 2 of the spider 1 as shown in fig6 . as to the roll core releasing device mounted on the core receiver 5 , fig2 shows a first example of this type . in a space 7 enclosed by a housing 6 of the core receiver 5 , a bracket 8 is installed on which a bell crank lever 9 is mounted pivotable about an axis perpendicular to the core axis . the bell crank lever 9 has a core pushing member ( say , a rotatable roller ) at the free end and , at the other end , is connected to a driving means , i . e ., a hydraulic cylinder 12 which is pivotably mounted to a bracket 11 on the core receiver 5 , as with the bracket 8 , and which is operated in the direction of the core axis . fig3 shows a second example of the first type . of two links 13 , 13 &# 39 ; that are provided with the core pushing member 10 , the link 13 is pivotably connected at one end to a bracket 14 which is installed on the underside of the core receiver housing 6 . the other link 13 &# 39 ; is coupled at one end to the hydraulic cylinder 12 . in the above two examples , the hydraulic cylinder 12 are used as a driving means . this driving means may be replaced with a motor and the associated mechanism installed in the space 7 enclosed by the housing 6 of the core receiver 5 as shown in fig4 and 5 . in these examples , a nut member 17 is screwed over a threaded shaft 16 which is driven by a motor 15 about the axis of the core , and the end of the bell crank lever 9 or the end of a link 13 &# 39 ; may be pivotably connected to the nut member 17 . fig6 shows the roll core releasing device of a type that is mounted at the ends of the arms 2 of the spider 1 . generally , one of the opposed core holding shafts 3 is made retractable in the axial direction . in this type , the failure of the core to disengage from the core holding shafts 3 and fall when the core holding shaft has retracted and the distance between the two core holding shafts has exceeded the length of the core c occurs at the core holder 40 of the another core holding shaft 3 that is not retracted . therefore , the core releasing device is installed at the end of the arm 2 on the side of the core holding shaft 3 that is made retractable . where the core holding shaft 3 from which the core will fail to disengage is not predetermined , as when both of the opposed core holding shafts 3 are retracted in the axial direction , the core releasing device should be mounted at the ends of both opposed arms 2 . in this case it is preferable to provide a structure in which one of the core releasing device is activated that is mounted on the side of the core holding shaft from which the core has disengaged as a result of the retraction of the core holding shafts . however , both of the devices may be activated at the same time . fig7 shows a first example of the second type . on a bracket 18 mounted at the end of the arm 2 is rotatably held a shaft 19 which is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the core axis . the base end of a rotating lever 20 which has the core pushing member ( say , a rotatable roller ) 10 at the free end is securely fixed to the rotatable shaft 19 . the rotatable shaft 19 is connected with a driving means . that is , the rotatable shaft 19 is securely provided with a pinion 23 that is in mesh with a rack 22 which is mounted on the bracket 18 and connected with a hydraulic cylinder 21 . the hydraulic cylinder 21 is operated in the axial direction . the rack and pinion mechanism as a driving means in the above example may be replaced with the construction as shown in fig8 . in this construction a worm 25 mounted on the bracket 18 is turned by a motor 24 about the core axis and a worm wheel 26 in mesh with the worm 25 is secured to the rotatable shaft 19 . the core releasing device of a type that is mounted on the end of the arm 2 of the spider 1 is enclosed by a cover 27 secured to the bracket 18 . in both of the above two types of the roll core releasing devices , a core detector 28 is installed on the upper surface of the housing 6 of the core receiver 5 , as shown in fig1 and 6 , to identify whether the core c is on the core receiver housing 6 after the core holding shafts 3 are retracted during the core release operation . when the core c is detected on the core receiver housing 6 , the core releasing operation is disabled . in fig9 the paper rolls p are mounted on the arms 2 of the spider 1 . the core c is held by the core holding shafts 3 and held by the core holders 40 ( see fig1 ) at the ends of the core holding shafts 3 . the detail is explained in the following . the front end of the core holding shaft 3 is inserted into a hollow of the core c . the flange 45 of the sliding ring 44 is pushed by the end of the core c against the force of the compression spring 46 , so that the sliding ring 44 retracts together with the sliding claws 50 . as the sliding claws 50 retract , the inclined bottom surfaces 47 of the grooves 48 with which the inner surfaces 51 of the sliding claws 50 are in contact cause the sliding claws 50 to project radially outwardly against the force of the compression spring 53 , bringing the outer surfaces 52 of the claws 50 into pressing contact with the inner circumferential surface of the hollow core c . as a result the core c is firmly gripped . after the paper roll p fitted to the arms 2 has run out as a result of feeding at the feeding position a , the empty core c is replaced with a new paper roll p &# 39 ; on the truck tc of the automatic paper roll replacing apparatus 4 . at this time , the spider 1 is rotated counterclockwise on the drawing to bring the arms 2 to the replacing position b . at the same time , the traverser tv of the automatic paper roll replacing apparatus is moved to set the core receiver 5 to a position immediately below the core c -- which is at the position b -- and the core receiver 5 is then raised to the receiving position . in this condition , one or both of the opposed core holding shafts 3 on the arms 2 is retracted to increase the distance between them . as the core holder 40 at the end of the core holding shaft 3 comes out of the hollow core c , the flange 45 of the sliding ring 44 is pushed forward by the force of the compression spring 46 , carrying with it the sliding claws 50 . because its inner surfaces 51 follow the inclined bottom surfaces 47 of the grooves 48 , the sliding claws 50 retract radially inwardly , disengaging its outer surfaces 52 from the inner circumferential surface of the hollow core c , with the result that the core c is released from the core holder 40 . then when the distance between the opposed core holding shafts 3 exceeds the length of the core c , the core c is released from the core holding shafts 3 , falling onto the housing 6 of the core receiver 5 , at which time the normal release of the core c is detected by the core detector 28 . however , there are cases where the outer surfaces 52 of the sliding claws 50 in the core holder 40 do not disengage from the inner circumferential surface of the hollow core c which therefore does not come off the core holding shafts 3 because of the large pressing force of the sliding claws 50 of the core holder 40 against the inner circumferential surface of the hollow core c . that is , although the core holding shaft 3 is retracted , the core c does not fall onto the housing 6 of the core receiver 5 . in this case the core detector 28 does not detect the normal falling of the core c . when the core detector 28 fails to detect the presence of the core c , the core releasing device is activated . the action of the roll core releasing device of the type shown in fig1 will be explained . in the core releasing device of fig2 and 4 , as the piston rod is pushed forward by the hydraulic cylinder 12 or as the nut member 17 is moved to the right by the rotation of the threaded shaft 16 driven by the motor 15 , the bell crank lever 9 is rotated counterclockwise and the core pushing member 10 at the front end of the lever 9 pushes up the intermediate portion of the core c ( as indicated by a two - dot chain line ). as for the roll core releasing devices shown in fig3 and 5 , as the piston rod is retracted by the hydraulic cylinder 12 or as the nut member 17 is moved to the right by the rotation of the threaded shaft 16 driven by the motor 15 , the two links 13 , 13 &# 39 ; are folded causing the core pushing member 10 at the joint of the links to push up the intermediate portion of the core c ( indicated by a two - dot chain line ). the action of the roll core releasing device of the type shown in fig6 is explained . in the core releasing devices of fig7 and 8 , as the piston rod is retracted by the hydraulic cylinder 21 to move the rack 22 to the left and thereby rotate the pinion 23 or as the worm wheel 26 is rotated by the worm 25 driven by the motor 24 , the rotatable shaft 19 or the rotatable lever 20 is turned clockwise causing the core pushing member 10 at the front end of the lever 20 to push down the core c at a point near the end that has disengaged from the core holding shaft 3 . where the core releasing device is provided to both of the ends of the paired arms 2 , either the core releasing device on the side of the core holding shaft from which the core has disengaged is activated or the two devices on both sides are activated at the same time . in any of the aforementioned types of the core releasing devices , the push - up or push - down action of the core pushing member 10 against the core c causes the core c to rotate about the core holder 40 on the core holding shaft 3 with which it remains engaged , so that the outer surfaces 52 of the sliding claws 50 are reliably disengaged from the inner circumferential surface of the hollow core c . then , the core c comes off both of the opposed core holding shafts 3 and falls onto the housing 6 of the core receiver 5 , at which time the core detector 28 detects the normal release of the core c . if a roller is used for the core pushing member 10 , the core releasing action is not affected by the axial displacement component of the push member 10 . while the above embodiments represent the case where the devices is applied to the paper roll holding apparatus for a rotary press , it may also be used on other rolled object holding apparatus . with the core releasing device according to the invention , after the paper web rolled on the core has been fed and run out , the core can reliably be released from the rolled object holding apparatus such as a paper roll holding apparatus eben when the core is still firmly gripped by the core holding members of the rolled object holding apparatus . the devices thus permits an automatic replacement of rolled objects without the need for manual work when releasing the core from the core holding members . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .
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in the drawings the number 10 is used to denote an annular supporting disc to be mounted on a rotatable shaft in a defibrator or refiner for fibrous material , such as wood chips . this disc serves , in turn , as a support for the grinding plates which , in the version shown in fig1 - 3 are mounted in two concentric circles or rings . the plates are made of some extremely hard material such as nickel - chromium stainless steel . the grinding plates 12 forming the outer circle are provided with radial ribs 14 and transverse ridges 16 in the manner already familiar to the art , which together form the grinding surface for the material passing through the gap between the rotating disc and another disc of similar construction ( not shown ) working in conjunction with the first disc and either stationary or rotating in the opposite direction . the grinding plates 12 are mounted side by side with it , two sides 15 running parallel to the radius of the disc while the perforated edges 17 , 18 defining their inner and outer perimeters describe circular arcs . in combination with the plates in the opposite grinding disc , the inner ring of plates 19 forms a feed zone and , as in known practice , is provided with fins or wings 20 for ejecting feed material from the centre to the grinding area or gap between the discs . the supporting disc 10 is provided with fan - shaped or dovetail grooves 22 , the walls 24 , 26 of which diverge in the direction of the body of the disc . the edges 24 , 26 of these grooves have a corresponding wedge shape , in that the width of the grooves 22 progressively narrows in a radial direction towards the centre . the proportions of this wedge or cone may be in the region of 1 : 20 . similar wedge - shaped grooves 28 having inclined dovetailed walls 30 , 32 are provided in the supporting disc for the inner ring of plates 19 . as is particularly apparent in fig2 the back of each plate , that is the side opposite the ribbed surface 14 , is provided with a tongue or projection 34 , which is also fan - shaped or dovetailed to allow it to fit into a groove 22 . similarly , the tongues 34 are wedge - shaped and of the same size and proportion as their equivalent wedge - shaped grooves 22 . the plates 19 are provided with wedge - shaped tongues 35 ( fig3 ) fitting into the grooves 28 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 - 3 , the plates , 12 and 19 respectively , are mounted by introducing them into the wedge - shaped grooves , 22 and 28 respectively , from the outer circumference of the supporting disc , their tongues , 34 and 35 respectively , being forced or driven into position so as to achieve a rigid joint between plate and groove with no play between the two . in order to hold the grinding plates in position with even greater security , a ring 36 ( fig3 ) is mounted around the peripheral portion of grinding plates , which ring is secured to the supporting disc 10 by e . g . screw joints ( not shown ) and extending as far as an outer protrusion 38 on the plates . the latter are thereby radially secured even more firmly with a view to counteracting the effects of the centrifugal forces set up by the rotation of the grinding disc . the invention therefore provides that the area between plate and supporting disc uniting the two comprises a large part , e . g . more than 50 %, of the common surface , whereby operational stresses , arising chiefly as a result of centrifugal force , are distributed throughout the body of each plate instead of being concentrated to a few points only as was the case in the bolted joints used earlier . in spite of the fact that the plates are made of extremely hard material , in order to provide resistance to the heavy wear during the grinding operation , the plates can be made substantially thinner , and therefore lighter , than previously , due to the wedge - shaped joints , and this , too , is a contributing factor in further lessening the stresses arising specifically in the material of the plates . since the tongues 34 , 35 are fitted into the supporting disc , the tilting moment of the plates around the locking ring 36 under the action of centrifugal force is considerably reduced , for the centre of gravity of the plates is by this means moved closer in towards the surface of the supporting disc . the embodiment illustrated in fig4 and 5 differs from that discussed above in that the disc 10 is provided with only a single ring of grinding plates 40 which extend radially across the entire width of the disc 10 . each plate thus comprises an outer section having raised ribs 14 and ridges 16 , and an inner section provided with fins 20 for feeding the stock in towards the grinding area . in this version the cuneiform dovetail grooves 22 with their inclined walls 24 , 26 extend radially across the entire supporting disc 10 . as in the previous version , the distance between , the edges of the plates progressively lessens towards the centre and forms the shape of a wedge . once the tongues 34 of the plates have been driven into the grooves , the inclined area of contact between the dovetailed walls 24 , 26 will extend radially for practically the entire length of the plates . in the embodiment illustrated in fig6 the supporting disc 10 , as in the version discussed above , is fitted with a ring of plates indicated in the drawing by the broken lines designated 42 . these plates are introduced radially into the cuneiform dovetail grooves 22 of the supporting disc 10 from the inside , meaning that the mutual distance of the side walls 44 , 46 of the grooves grows progressively less with increasing radial distance from the centre of the disc . in order to allow a plate to be driven home from the inside while retaining a movement parallel to the side of the plate with which it is in contact , one wall 44 of each groove runs parallel to one edge 48 of the plates themselves , the wedge or fan shape being defined by the direction of the opposite wall ( 50 ) of the groove in relation to the other edge 46 of the plates . thus , each plate can be driven into position so that their sides will be parallel at their points of contact . this method can be used for all the plates except the final ring segment , which is fixed into position by constructing the disc 10 in more than one piece , here indicated by the numeral 52 . these parts are carried on a supporting disc 57 in one piece mounted on the shaft . in this version the plates are retained in position and are able to counteract the effects of centrifugal force thanks to the wedge shape of their dovetailed tongues , meaning that an outer locking ring 36 will not be necessary . finally , the embodiment illustrated in fig7 differs from the versions discussed previously in that the tongue 54 on the back of the plates 40 are round in section . these extend radially across the plates and their cross section grows progressively smaller , forming the shape of a cone towards one end , the direction of taper being dependent on whether the plates are designed to be introduced radially into the grooves provided in the disc 10 from the outside or the inside . the tongues are attached to the plates themselves by a narrow neck 56 . clearly , the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated and discussed here but can be varied extremely widely within the framework of the underlying idea . thus , it would be conceivable to provide the supporting disc with grooves running peripherally and of e . g . dovetail form , into which tongues of equivalent design may be introduced . each plate may have more than one cuneiform tongue , these having a combined effect and running radially and peripherally at some distance from one another . as is apparent in fig1 the supporting disc 10 has an annular zone 58 without grooves 22 , 28 which is of a depth and radial width sufficient to allow the inner ring of plates 19 , each with its tongue 35 , to be introduced radially into the wedge - shaped grooves 28 from the outside . the radial extent of the tongues 35 is thus slightly less than the width of this zone 58 of the ring . this is covered by those sections of the inner and outer rings of plates which face each other . the radial edges of the plates may be provided with ridges or shoulders 60 ( fig1 and 2 ) bearing against the supporting disc and therefore conveying the pressure caused by grinding to the disc at this point .
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preferred embodiments relate to a mounting mechanism for mounting or dismounting a device on a mounting surface , for example , the mounting surface of a rail , molded clip or the like . designers often are required to design mounting or retaining mechanisms while optimizing the overall combination of cost and reliability of the entire device . the mounting or retaining mechanism could be used to mount an electric meter for sensing electrical parameters from an electric circuit . referring now to the drawings , fig1 a and 1 b show perspective and top views respectively of a device 100 attached to a mounting surface such as rail 105 or a molded clip in the shape of the rail . in a preferred embodiment , the device 100 is an electric meter and includes a base 101 and a cover 102 , the base being attached to the rail 105 . the base 101 having terminals such as voltage connectors 106 107 108 109 110 and current connectors 120 121 122 123 124 125 inset into the base 101 . circuitry is included with the base that operates to sense at least one electrical power parameter . an exemplary device 100 is the type 6200 , manufactured by power measurement ltd . located in saanichton , b . c ., canada . in a preferred embodiment the rail is a din rail or similar type conforming to the european standards din en 50022 , “ specification for low voltage switchgear and control gear for industrial use . mounting rails . top hat rails 35 mm wide for snap - on mounting equipment ”. fig2 illustrates the back view of the base 101 attached to the din rail 105 . a retaining mechanism 210 aids in retaining the base to the din rail 105 . referring now to fig3 the retaining mechanism 210 is shown without the din rail in place . in the preferred embodiment the base is injection molded out of plastic , the retaining mechanism 210 being molded as an integral part of the base 101 . in an alternate embodiment the retaining mechanism 210 is manufactured separately from the base 101 and attached during the final assembly process . the base 101 also contains a depression 306 which is operable to receive and retain the din rail 105 ( not shown ) in place . in the preferred embodiment , the depression 306 also contains multiple retaining tabs 313 which aid in holding the din rail 105 in place . fig4 a and 4 b show detailed views of the retaining mechanism 210 in the preferred embodiment . as shown in these figures the retaining mechanism 210 is in the manufacturing position . the manufacturing position is the position the retaining mechanism is in when first released from the injection molding machine . the closed position , as shown in fig4 c , has the body 411 of the retaining mechanism 210 displaced away from the depression 306 into a position such that din rail may be securely fixed between the retaining mechanism 210 and the base 101 . the open position , as shown in fig4 d , has the body 411 of the retaining mechanism 210 displaced away from the depression 306 into a position such that the tapered surface 414 can pass over the din rail . the retaining mechanism 210 is displaced further away from the depression 306 in the open position than the closed position . how the retaining mechanism travels between the positions is described in more detail below . referring back to fig4 a , the retaining mechanism 210 is preferably a symmetrical part , thus allowing for even wear on the part . a symmetrical part also prohibits jamming by ensuring one - directional motion of the part . having a symmetrical part is not necessary but excessive wear and fractures may occur due to uneven loading at a particular point on the part if it is not symmetrical or uniform . it can be appreciated that the invention may function in a similar fashion with the retaining mechanism 210 either symmetrical or non - symmetrical . the retaining mechanism 210 comprises a body 411 connected to two flexible arms 416 a 416 b which extend outwardly from either side of the body 411 and terminate on the base 101 at connection point 428 a 428 b . in the preferred embodiment the flexible arms 416 a 416 b are “ u ” shaped in order to conserve space however it can be appreciated by those skilled in the art that an alternate geometry of arms , such as straight arms , can be utilized . further , in the preferred embodiment the body 411 slides along its longitudinal axis in a plane parallel to the top surface 404 , towards or away from the din rail depression 306 . hereafter , this sliding action will be described as moving vertically . the base 101 contains a body opening 430 which is slightly larger than the shape of the body 411 , and an arm opening 418 a 418 b which extends on either side of the flexible arms 416 a 416 b to the connection point 428 a 248 b . in an alternate embodiment the body opening 430 is not necessary , but is a result of the non - moving mold design as described earlier . similarly the size of the body opening is a result of the non - moving mold design as described earlier . the arm openings 418 a 418 b are also a result of the non - moving mold design described earlier . the retaining mechanism 210 has a slot 412 at one end , which is utilized to aid in moving the retaining mechanism 210 by the use of a screwdriver or other similar tool . in the preferred embodiment when the retaining mechanism is in the closed position , as shown in fig4 c , the slot 412 is aligned with a recess 403 on the base 101 , thereby allowing the mounting recess to be more easily accessible for movement when the device is mounted . the retaining mechanism 210 also has a tapered surface 414 which aids in the engagement and retaining of the retaining mechanism 210 to the din rail . further , the retaining mechanism includes a guidance projection 420 , e . g ., a wall that protrudes outwardly from the edge of the body 411 . in an alternate embodiment , several smaller projections may be used . the guidance projection 420 contains locating features 422 which are shaped as a one way “ snap ” feature , that allows the body 411 to move vertically to a certain point , but not return the body 411 to its original position . more specifically , the locating features 422 allow the retaining mechanism 210 to move in one direction from the manufacturing position to the closed position , but not move back to the manufacturing position . a complete description of how the retaining mechanism 210 travels between the positions will be described in more detail below . referring to fig4 c , the top surface 404 of the base 101 contains locating projections 406 a 406 b 408 a 408 b which are adapted to aid in restricting the movement of the body 411 when the retaining mechanism 210 is in the closed position . fig4 d , which shows the open position , also contains the same features . the two directions of movement that the locating projections 406 a 406 b 408 a 408 b limit are in a vertical direction , the restriction dependent on the position of the retaining mechanism 210 , and in a direction towards the top surface 404 . because the body opening 430 is created during the manufacturing process , the retaining mechanism 210 is prevented from moving in the normal direction of pressing into the body opening 430 when the device is either in the closed position or the open position , or in transition between the two positions . the guidance projection , in conjunction with the locating projections , further limit movement in a horizontal direction . in the manufacturing position ( fig4 a ) the locating features 422 are positioned vertically below their respective locating projections 406 a 406 b 408 a 408 b . in either the closed or open position ( fig4 c and 4 d ) the locating features 422 are positioned vertically above their respective locating projections 406 a 406 b 408 a 408 b . referring now to fig5 the base 101 of the device is attached to the din rail 105 . fig5 illustrates the retaining mechanism in the closed position . in the preferred embodiment the din rail 105 , or other compatible rail , is in a “ c ” shape geometry with flanges 506 507 extending outwardly from each edge . in a typical installation the face 504 of the din rail is attached to a wall or other mounting surface . the base 101 contains a retaining tab 513 ( 313 fig3 ) which retains the first flanges 507 of the din rail 105 . the retaining mechanism 210 also contains a second lip 515 which retains the second flange 506 of the din rail . in the preferred embodiment the device is engaged to the din rail by locating the first flange 507 of the din rail into the retaining tab 513 located on the base 101 . multiple retaining tabs may be utilized to increase the mechanical stability of the device while mounted on the din rail . in the preferred embodiment the retaining mechanism 210 is in the closed position prior to attaching the device to the din rail 105 . the base 101 is then pivoted towards the din rail 105 about the retaining tab 513 , the second flange 506 contacting the tapered surface 514 of the retaining mechanism and causing the retaining mechanism 210 to displace from the closed position to the open position , which is when the second flange 506 passes the tapered surface 514 . finally , the flex arms 416 a 416 b urge the retaining mechanism to retract to the closed position where it retains the second flange 506 of the din rail with the second lip 515 . to disengage the device from the din rail the retaining mechanism is moved to the open position so the second flange 506 can be released past the tip of the tapered surface 514 . once the device has been released the retaining mechanism 210 returns to the closed position , but is unable to return to the manufacturing position as the locating features 422 prevent this . it is to be understood that other changes and modifications to the embodiments described above will be apparent to those skilled in the art , and are contemplated . it is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting , and that it be understood that it is the following claims , including all equivalents , that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention .
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to facilitate a further comprehension of objectives , characteristics and advantages of the present invention , the following paragraphs bring out preferred embodiments in conjunction with accompanying drawings for detailed explanation . for ease of explanation , same or similar functions will be represented by the same element symbol . therefore , the same symbols in different embodiments do not necessarily mean that two elements are completely the same . the scope of the present invention is dependent on the limitations recited in the claims . fig2 is a diagram of a switching power supply 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention . switching power supply 80 is a flyback power converter converting energy inputted by the ac power source v ac into an output power source v out . all the same or similar elements represented by the same symbol in fig1 and fig2 are explained in the prior art , and therefore further description will be omitted here for brevity . unlike the conventional configuration shown in fig1 , thermistor 86 and resistor 88 in this embodiment are connected in series between the control terminal of power switch 72 and the electrical ground gnd ; the connecting point between thermistor 86 and resistor 88 is connected to pin “ enb ” of controller 74 a . when controller 74 a turns off power switch 72 with a low voltage , thermistor 86 is not powered ; when controller 74 a turns on power switch 72 with a high voltage , thermistor 86 is powered and thereby a divided voltage is generated at pin “ enb ”. thermistor 86 could be an ntc ( negative temperature coefficient ) resistor whose resistance falls when an ambient temperature rises . controller 74 a could be an integrated circuit chip . fig3 is a zoom - in diagram of partial circuits shown in fig2 . in fig3 , controller 74 a includes a driving circuit 96 a , an oscillator 92 a and a detecting circuit 94 a . driving circuit 96 a is connected to thermistor 86 via a pin “ gate ”. oscillator 92 a is connected to resistor 88 and thermistor 86 via pin “ enb ”. detecting circuit 94 a detects a current flowing through pin “ enb ”. when the ambient temperature is within a predetermined permitted range , the resistance of thermistor 86 is so large that it could be viewed as open - circuited . therefore , the driving signal , no matter whether a high voltage or a low voltage , provided by driving circuit 96 a to power switch 72 can be viewed as non - influential to resistor 88 . resistor 88 determines a charging / discharging current of oscillator 92 a so as to determine the oscillating frequency for providing a clock signal to driving circuit 96 a . at this time , detecting circuit 94 a determines that the current flowing through pin “ enb ” is a proper value and thus enables driving circuit 96 a to periodically control power switch 72 . when the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined permitted range , the resistance of thermistor 86 becomes relatively small . when driving circuit 96 a provides a high voltage to turn on power switch 72 , the voltage at pin “ enb ” becomes higher , leading to a relatively smaller current flowing through pin “ enb ”. when the current flowing through pin “ enb ” becomes smaller than a predetermined value , detecting circuit 94 a determines that an over - temperature event occurs , thus disabling the driving circuit 96 a to stop driving circuit 96 a from switching power switch 72 . detecting circuit 94 a can be designed to acquire a latching function . once an over - temperature event occurs , the output will be latched and will not be released even after driving circuit 96 a turning off the power switch 72 . detecting circuit 94 a could also be designed to detect a voltage at pin “ enb ”. when the voltage of pin “ enb ” is higher than a predetermined value , an occurrence of the over - temperature event is detected . in the embodiment of fig3 , pin “ enb ” is a multi - function pin , which not only has a function of over - temperature protection , but also has a function of setting the charging / discharging current in oscillator 92 a . thermistor 76 within the conventional switching power supply 60 in fig1 is powered by an input power source v in . input power source v in may offer hundreds of volts continuously . thus , a conducting path constructed by thermistor 76 and resistor 78 could consume a considerable amount of electric power . thermistor 86 within switching power supply 80 shown in fig2 and fig3 is powered by driving circuit 96 a . on one hand , the high driving voltage provided by driving circuit 96 a may be only tens of volts , and the amount of power consumed by the path formed by thermistor 86 and resistor 88 is relatively small ; on the other hand , the high driving voltage provided by driving circuit 96 a only exists when power switch 72 is turned on . when power switch 72 is turned off , thermistor 86 and resistor 88 almost consume no power at all . therefore , compared with the prior art in fig1 , switching power supply 80 in fig2 can save a great deal of electric power . fig4 is a diagram of a switching power supply 90 according to an embodiment of the present invention . switching power supply 90 is a flyback power converter which converts energy inputted by ac power source v ac into output power source v out which meets specification requirements . same or similar elements represented by the same symbol in fig2 and fig4 are explained above , and therefore further description will be omitted here for brevity . resistor 88 in fig2 is replaced by a capacitor 93 in fig4 . when controller 74 b turns off the power switch 72 with a low voltage , thermistor 86 is not powered ; when controller 74 b turns on power switch 72 with a high voltage , thermistor 86 is powered to change a voltage of pin “ enb ”. controller 74 b could be an integrated circuit chip . fig5 is a zoom - in diagram of partial circuits shown in fig4 . in fig5 , controller 74 b includes a driving circuit 96 b , an oscillator 92 b and a detecting circuit 94 b . driving circuit 96 b is connected to thermistor 86 via pin “ gate ”. oscillator 92 b is connected to capacitor 93 and thermistor 86 via pin “ enb ”. detecting circuit 94 b detects a current flowing through pin “ enb ”. when the ambient temperature is within a predetermined permitted range , the resistance of thermistor 86 is so large that it could be viewed as open - circuited . therefore , the driving signal , no matter whether a high voltage or a low voltage , provided by driving circuit 96 b to power switch 72 could be viewed as non - influential to capacitor 93 . capacitor 93 is charged / discharged by a charging / discharging current of oscillator 92 b so as to determine the oscillating frequency . in this way , a triangular wave is generated at one terminal of capacitor 93 and provided to driving circuit 96 b . at this time , detecting circuit 94 b determines that the voltage at pin “ enb ” is within a proper range and thus enables driving circuit 96 b to periodically control power switch 72 . when the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined permitted range , the resistance of thermistor 86 becomes relatively small . when driving circuit 96 b provides a high voltage to turn on power switch 72 , the voltage at pin “ enb ” becomes high . at this moment , detecting circuit 94 b determines that an over - temperature event occurs according to the voltage at pin “ enb ”, and thereby disabling and stopping driving circuit 96 b from switching power switch 72 . detecting circuit 94 b can be designed to acquire a latching function . once an over - temperature event occurs , the output will be latched and will not be released even the driving circuit 96 b turning off power switch 72 . similarly , thermistor 86 within switching power supply 90 in fig4 and fig5 is powered by driving circuit 96 b . on one hand , the high driving voltage provided by driving circuit 96 b is relatively lower ; on the other hand , the high driving voltage from driving circuit 96 b is not continuously provided . therefore , compared with the prior art design in fig1 , switching power supply 90 in fig4 can save a great deal of electric power . those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device and method may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention .
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the monohydrated crystalline form of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid , according to the invention , known hereinbelow as form c , has been defined by the indexing of its powder x - ray diffraction pattern diagram described hereinbelow . the analyses are carried out on a bruker d8 diffractometer having a copper - anticathode tube equipped with a front monochromator ( wavelength of the copper kα 1 line : 1 . 54060 å ). the arrangement is of bragg - brentano type , with a point scintillation detector . the angular range swept extends from 2 to 40 degrees 2θ with a step of 0 . 02 degrees 2θ . the counting time is 120 seconds per step . the indexing of the form c is carried out at a temperature ( t ) of 295 k from a high - resolution powder x - ray diffraction diagram . the unit cell is orthorhombic ( space group p2 1 2 1 2 1 , z = 4 ). the parameters are as follows : the asymmetric unit cell is composed of a molecule of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid and a molecule of water . the complete indexing of the lines of the powder x - ray diffraction diagram of form c of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio )- ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid at t = 295 k , in lattice spacing and in “ mean λ cu kα ” 2θ positions , gives the following result : form c of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid is a monohydrate form . it is stable at 25 ° c . and at the degree of ambient humidity . it is particularly stable between 50 % and 100 % humidity . at 97 % humidity , at 20 ° c ., examination by powder x - ray diffraction shows stability in the monohydrate form after 11 weeks . below 50 % humidity , a loss in mass of 3 . 7 % by weight is recorded between 25 ° c . and 75 ° c . ( 1 mole of water / mole of the acid ). this loss in mass corresponds to the dehydration of the form c to give another form of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid , hereinafter known as form b . form b is anhydrous , it is stable up to 30 % humidity , it exhibits melting beginning at 147 . 6 ° c .- 148 ° c ., and then changes to an anhydrous form , known hereinbelow as form a , which recrystallizes at about 153 ° c .- 155 ° c . thus , under another aspect of the present invention , form c can be used for the preparation of crystalline form a . forms b and a are defined , respectively , by the indexing of their powder x - ray diffraction pattern diagrams . according to the invention , monohydrated form c of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid can be obtained by crystallization from mixtures of water and water - miscible organic solvents , in particular according to the following methods : by evaporation at 20 ° c .- 25 ° c ., for a period of time ranging up to 7 to 9 days , of a saturated solution of the amorphous form of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ]- piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid in a methyl ethyl ketone / demineralized water ( 50 / 50 by volume ) mixture or in a methanol or ethanol / demineralized water ( 50 / 50 by volume ) mixture ; or by stirring a suspension of form a at a temperature of 20 ° c .- 25 ° c ., in tetrahydrofuran / demineralized water ( 50 / 50 by volume ), methyl ethyl ketone / demineralized water ( 80 / 20 by volume to 20 / 80 by volume ), acetonitrile / demineralized water ( 50 / 50 by volume to 20 / 80 by volume ) or ethanol or methanol / demineralized water ( 50 / 50 by volume ) mixtures , for 5 days to about 30 days . form a can be obtained in particular by crystallization of purified amorphous ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid from acetonitrile , by heating to the reflux temperature and then cooling to a temperature of 20 ° c .- 25 ° c ., over a period of time of at least one and one - half hours . the purified amorphous form of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid can be prepared beforehand by chiral hplc , as disclosed previously in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 403 , 610 . form c of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid is a pure monohydrate form . it exhibits the advantage of an improved degree of purity in comparison with the amorphous form of the acid and thus makes possible the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions not exhibiting an amount of impurities which are undesirable in nature or in degree . it can be used either for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions or as purified intermediate form for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition . form c is stable , as is shown by the tests carried out for the preparation of this crystalline form from methanol / water or ethanol / water ( 1 / 1 by volume ) mixtures , it proved to be stable after 30 days . the present invention also relates to the pharmaceutical compositions comprising monohydrated form c of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid according to the invention , in the pure state or optionally in combination with one and / or another of the other crystalline forms b or a , and / or in the form of a combination with one or more compatible and pharmaceutically acceptable diluents or adjuvants , or else the compositions prepared from the aforesaid form c . the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention can be used orally , parenterally , topically or rectally or as aerosols . tablets , pills , gelatin capsules , powders or granules can be used as solid compositions for oral administration . in these compositions , form c according to the invention is mixed with one or more inert diluents or adjuvants , such as sucrose , lactose or starch . these compositions can comprise substances other than diluents , for example a lubricant , such as magnesium stearate , or a coating intended for controlled release . form c can also be used for the preparation of liquid compositions for oral administration ; use may be made of pharmaceutically acceptable solutions , suspensions , emulsions , syrups and elixirs comprising inert diluents , such as water or liquid paraffin . these compositions can also comprise substances other than diluents , for example wetting , sweetening or flavoring agents . form c can also be used for the preparation of compositions for parenteral administration . these compositions can be emulsions or sterile solutions . use may be made , as solvent or vehicle , of water , propylene glycol , a polyethylene glycol , vegetable oils , in particular olive oil , or injectable organic esters , for example ethyl oleate . these compositions can also comprise adjuvants , in particular wetting , isotonizing , emulsifying , dispersing and stabilizing agents . sterilization can be carried out in several ways , for example using a bacteriological filter , by irradiation or by heating . compositions for parenteral administration can also be prepared in the form of sterile solid compositions which can be dissolved at the time of use in sterile water or any other injectable sterile medium . compositions for rectal administration include suppositories or rectal capsules which comprise , in addition to the active principle , excipients such as cocoa butter , semisynthetic glycerides or polyethylene glycols . compositions for topical administration can , for example , be creams , ointments , lotions or aerosols . compositions for inhalation can be in particular be aerosols . for use in the form of liquid aerosols , the compositions can be stable sterile solutions or solid compositions dissolved at the time of use in apyrogenic sterile water , in saline or any other pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle . for use in the form of dry aerosols intended to be directly inhaled , monohydrated form c of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ]- piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid is finely divided and combined with a water - soluble solid diluent or vehicle with a particle size of 30 μm to 80 μm , for example dextran , mannitol or lactose . as a whole , all these compositions exhibit the advantage of a high degree of purity of active principle . the following examples , given without implied limitation , illustrate the present invention . a suspension of approximately 460 mg of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid in 1 . 84 cm 3 of a water / methanol ( 50 / 50 ) mixture is brought to reflux until completely dissolved . the solution is cooled to approximately 20 ° c . the crystals which appear during cooling are filtered off and then dried at about 20 ° c . and normal pressure . monohydrated form c of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid ( 436 . 3 mg ) is obtained in the form of white crystals . a solution of ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( r , s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid in dichloromethane is chromatographed on a column with a length of 35 cm and a diameter of 8 cm packed with 1200 g of kromasil ® silica ( particle size of 10 μm ). a precolumn with a length of 10 cm and a diameter of 6 cm containing 250 g of merck silica ( particle size 15 - 25 μm ) is added to the system . elution is carried out using a dichloromethane / methanol / acetonitrile ( 60 / 20 / 20 by volume ) mixture . the flow rate is adjusted from 150 cm 3 / min to 180 cm 3 / min and detection is carried out in the ultraviolet at 280 nm . this operation , repeated three times , to treat a batch of 20 g , results in two diastereoisomers being obtained . the intermediate fractions are concentrated and reinjected into the column . the fractions corresponding to the first diastereoisomer ( diastereoisomer a ) are concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure ( 5 kpa ) at a temperature in the region of 40 ° c . the residue is crystallized by dissolving in 60 cm 3 of acetonitrile , bringing the solution to reflux for 5 minutes and then cooling to a temperature of 20 ° c . over 1 hour 30 minutes . the crystals are filtered off , and washed twice with 20 cm 3 of acetonitrile and then twice with 20 cm 3 of ethyl ether . after drying in an oven under reduced pressure ( 13 pa ) at a temperature in the region of 40 ° c ., ( 3r , 4r )- 4 -[ 3 -( s )- hydroxy - 3 -( 6 - methoxyquinolin - 4 - yl ) propyl ]- 1 -[ 2 -( 2 - thienylthio ) ethyl ] piperidine - 3 - carboxylic acid ( 5 . 38 g ), diastereoisomer a , is obtained in the form of white crystals ( form a ). optical rotation [ α ] d 20 =− 77 . 80 ( in dichloromethane at 0 . 5 %). the form a thus obtained can be converted to crystalline monohydrated form c under the conditions described above .
| 2 |
a mathematical model for the heel effect can be derived from the simplified one - dimensional model of the anode and bean geometry depicted in fig4 . in the coordinate system ( p , z ), with p along the anode - cathode axis and z along the vertical direction , the x - rays can be taught off to originate within the anode at point ω ( 0 , 0 ), at a distance d ave from the anode surface s . consider the ray r at an angle φ from the vertical within the plane ( ω , s ) that hits the recording device at point ( p , d is ) with d is the distance between the x - ray source and the recording device and the distance r traveled by r through the anode is given by r =| ξ − ω |=√{ square root over ( p r 2 + z r 2 )} ( 1 ) with ξ ( p r , z r ) the intersection of r with s which can be found by solving the system of equations : r ( p ) = d ave cos θ sin ( ϕ + θ ) = d ave 1 + ( p d is ) 2 tan θ + p d is ( 3 ) with μ the attenuation coefficient of the anode material and i o the radiation originating at ω . model ( 4 ) predicts that the heel effect behaves exponentially along the anode - cathode axis and assumes that it is constant perpendicular to this axis . this is justified by flat filed exposure experiments which show that the difference in intensity perpendicular to the anode - cathode axis is relatively small compared to the intensity differences along the anode - cathode axis . a typical hand radiograph , as shown in fig1 , consists of three regions : collimation area ( numeral 1 ), direct exposure area ( numeral 2 ) and diagnostic regions ( numeral 3 ). because the heel effect is largely reduced in the collimation area and directly measurable in the direct exposure area only , the image needs to be segmented to fit model ( 4 ) to the image intensity data . this is obtained by first extracting the collimation area and then searching the direct exposure area , the remaining areas being diagnostic regions . the boundaries of the collimation area have been round using the hough transform assuming that these are rectilinear edges as is the case for the majority of x - ray source - mounted collimation devices . to make this approach more robust , the contributions of each image point to the hough space accumulator are weighted by said point &# 39 ; s gradient magnitude and , for each point , only lines the direction of which is within 10 degrees from the normal the local gradient direction are considered . the 4 most salient points in hough space that represent a quadracon with inner angles between 80 and 100 degrees are selected as candidate boundaries of the collimation area . because not all 4 collimation shutter blades leave an imprint in the image and hence make the associated boundaries disappear in the image , candidate boundaries along which the image intensity differs from the intensity expected for the collimation region are rejected . to extract the background region b , a seed fill algorithm has been used that starts from the boundary of the collimation region as determined in the previous step . appropriate seed points for b are found by considering a small band along each of the collimator edges and retaining all pixels whose intensity is smaller than the mean of the band . this approach avoids choosing pixels that belong to the diagnostic region as candidate seed pixels . b is then grown by considering all neighboring pixels n i , i = 1 , . . . , 8 of each pixel p ∈ b and adding q i to b if the intensity difference between p and q i is smaller than some specified threshold . to fit the model ( 4 ) to the image data n ( x , y ) the direction γ has to be found of the anode - cathode axis and the parameters α =[ i 0 , μ , 6 , d is , d ave , p ω ] such that the model best fits the image data within the direct exposure area extracted thus far . p ω is a parameter introduced to map point ω where the x - ray originates to the correct image coordinates ( see fig4 ). for the case whereby the heel effect is modulated as a one - dimensional phenomenon , the distance p ω and the angle γ are the required parameters to map the coordinate system attached to the x - ray origin , ω to the image plane coordinate system , however , because the anode has the three - dimensional shape of a cone , the heel effect is a three dimensional phenomenon , in that at the intensity also slightly is reduced in a direction perpendicular to the ( p , z ) plane . to model the two - dimensional heel effect in the image plane , a third geometry parameter p ω1 is needed . parameters ( p ω , p ω1 , γ ) jointly define a coordinate system translation and rotation from the x - ray origin ω to an image plane origin , which is the center of the image e . g . in practice the heel effect inhomogeneity in , said perpendicular direction is only small with respect to the heel effect along the anode - cathode axis . assuming that γ is known , the average image profile p γ ( p ) along this direction in the direct exposure region b is given by p γ ( p )=[ n ( x , y )] ( x , y )∈ b | x , cos γ + y . sin γ = p with x and y the image coordinates as defined in fig3 and [.] the averaging operator . we can then find the optimal model parameters α * by fitting the expected profile m ( p , α ) to the measured profile . α * ( γ ) = arg min α p γ ( p ) - m ( p , α ) ( 5 ) the fitted one - dimensional model m ( p , α *( γ )) is then back projected perpendicular to the projection axis γ to obtain a reconstruction r ( x , y , γ , α *( γ )) for the whole image : r ( x , y , γ , α * ( γ ))= m ( x . cos γ + y . sin γ , α *( γ )) the direction of the anode - cathode axis γ is then determined such that this reconstruction best fits the actual image data within the direct exposure region using γ * = arg min γ n ( x , y ) - r ( x , y , γ , α * ( γ ) ) ( x , y ) ∈ b or ( 6 ) γ * = arg min γ n ( x , y ) r ( x , y , γ , α * ( γ ) ) - 1 ( x , y ) ∈ b ( 7 ) depending on whether we wish to use additive or multiplicative correction . the estimated heel effect is r ( x , y , γ *, α *( γ *)) and the corrected image is respectively n ^ ( x , y ) = n ( x , y ) - r ( x , y , γ * , α * ( γ * ) ) or ( 8 ) n ^ ( x , y ) = n ( x , y ) r ( x , y , γ * , α * ( γ * ) ) . ( 9 ) the optimal parameters α * and γ * are found by multidimensional downhill simplex search . it has been noticed that the anode - cathode axis in , our setup is almost always parallel to the image or collimation edges , this reduces the number of orientations which have to be evaluated in ( 6 - 7 ) and reduces computation time . after inhomogeneity correction of the image using ( 8 - 9 ), the direct exposure area b is up - dated by thresholding , using a threshold derived from the histogram of the corrected image intensities { circumflex over ( n )}. keeping the previously determined anode - cathode orientation γ , new values for the optimal model parameters α * are determined using ( 5 ) taking the newly selected direct exposure region into account . a number of iterations , typically three or four , have been performed between background segmentation and heel effect correction until convergence . in ideal circumstances , the image formation process or diagnostic digital x - ray images is usually well described by a multiplicative model yielding an intensity - uniform image u ( x , y ): where o ( x , y ) represents the object in the image . in diagnostic x - ray images , the most important contributing process of the object is the linear attenuation of the x - rays by the bone and soft tissue μ is the linear attenuation coefficient along the path between the origination x - ray at position ω and the recording device ζ . however , nonuniform illumination i = i ( x , y ), uneven sensitivity of the recording device and inhomogeneous sensitivity of the phosphors for readout , introduce unwanted intensity modulations in the acquired image n ( x , y ) described by function ƒ in the second and third embodiment the heel effect is again , examined as a very important source of nonuniform illumination . reference is made to fig2 - 4 which aid in explaining this effect . electrons originating from the cathode are attracted by the positively charged anode . for better heat dissipation , the anode rotates and is inclined by a small anode angle δ , which enlarges their area a actual that is bombarded by electrons while keeping the size of the focal spot a eff , from which rays are projected downward to the object , fairly small . as shown in the fig3 , the design makes the length of the path travelled by the x - rays through the anode larger on the anode side of the field ( t a ) than on the cathode side ( t c ). hence the incident x - ray intensity is smaller at the anode side of the recording device . a simple theoretical model is given by i ( x , y ) - i o ⅇ - μ d ave 1 + ( p d is ) 2 tan θ + p d is ( 11 ) with i o the radiation originating at ω , μ the linear attenuation coefficient of the anode , d ave the average distance traveled through the anode by the electrons , d is the distance between the x - ray source and the recording device and p the distance from the recording device to x - ray source projected onto the anode - cathode axis . although the second and third embodiment are explained with reference to the heel effect , other source of inhomogeneities may be envisaged such as the molding process of imaging plates and / or the characteristics of the read - out system . in some fabrication processes , the concentration of phosphors at the edge of the plate is lower than the concentration in the middle of the plate which may result in a non - uniform image . in read - out apparatuses comprising mirror deflection , the displacements of the mirror has to be very accurately implemented to achieve uniform activation of the phosphors for read - out . due to all these factors it is almost impossible to model the induced inhomogeneities correctly and more general image formation models are needed . the image formulation process is generally modeled with a function ƒ applied to an ideal intensity - uniform image u ( x , y ), resulting in the acquired image n ( x , y ). in digital x - ray images , the image degradation process dependency on the intensity values u ( x , y ) is relatively small compared to position dependent factors . hence , we can rewrite equation ( 10 ) as follows n ( x , y )= u ( x , y ) s m ( x , y )+ s a ( x , y ) where s m ( x , y ) and s a ( x , y ) represent the multiplicative and additive components of the image degradation process . to remove the image inhomogeneities , a corrected image û is searched which optimally estimates the true image u . if the estimates ŝ a and ŝ m of the actual formation components s a and s m are available , the corrected image û is given by the inverse of the image formation model . u ^ ( x , y ) = n ( x , y ) - s ^ a ( x , y ) s ^ m ( x , y ) = n ( x , y ) s ~ m ( x , y ) - s ~ a ( x , y ) s ~ m ( x , y ) = 1 s ^ m ( x , y ) and s ~ a ( x , y ) = s ^ a ( x , y ) s ^ m ( x , y ) . the problem of correcting the inhomogeneities is thus reformulated as the problem of estimating the additive and multiplicative components { tilde over ( s )} a and { tilde over ( s )} m . finding the optimal parameters of the components { tilde over ( s )} a and { tilde over ( s )} m involves defining a criterion which has to be optimized . in this section , two criterions are defined . one correction strategy ( second embodiment of the method according to the present invention ) is based on the assumption that the intensity values of the direct exposure area ( also referred to as background ) from the acquired image is gaussian distributed . in ideal circumstances , this assumption is true for the acquired image n ( x , y ). the likelihood that a pixel μ i of the corrected image belongs to the background is p ( u i | μ , σ ) = 1 2 πσ 2 exp ( - 1 2 ( u i - μ ) 2 σ 2 ) ( 12 ) where μ and σ 2 are the true mean and variance of the gaussian distribution of the background pixels . given an estimate { circumflex over ( b )} of the direct exposure area , we seek to maximize the likelihood π i ∈{ circumflex over ( b )} p ( u i | μ , σ ), which is equivalent to minimizing the log - likelihood u ^ * = arg min b ^ , u ^ - σ i ∈ b ^ log e p ( u i | μ , σ ) . ( 13 ) another embodiment ( third embodiment of the method of the present invention ) is based on the assumption that the information content of the acquired image is higher than the information content of the uniform image , due to the added complexity of the imposed inhomogeneities : i c ( n ( x , y ))= i c ( ƒ x , y u ( x , y )))& gt ; i c ( u ( x , y )) the information content i c can be directly expressed by the shannon - wiener entropy i c ( n ( x , y ) ) = h ( n ( x , y ) ) = - ∑ n p ( n ) log e p ( n ) ( 14 ) where p ( n ) is the probability than a , point in image n ( x , y ) has intensity value n . the optimal corrected image û * is thus given by u ^ * = arg min u ^ h ( u ^ ( x , y ) ) ( 15 ) because the heel effect is totally reduced in the collimation area and an estimate of the background { circumflex over ( b )} is needed to optimize equation ( 13 ), a segmentation algorithm is presented . in the next , implementation details of the correction models of the second and third embodiment of the method according to the present invention are given . the boundaries of the collimation area have been found using the hough transform , assuming that these are rectilinear edges as is the case for all hand radiographs in our database . to make this approach more robust , the contributions of each image point to the hough accumulator are weighted by its gradient magnitude and , for each point , only the lines whose direction is within 10 degrees of the normal to the local gradient direction are considered . the 4 most salient points in hough space that represent a quadragon with inner angles between 80 and 100 degrees are selected as candidate boundary of the collimation area . because not all 4 collimation boundaries are always present in the image , candidate boundaries along which the image intensity differ from the expected intensity values for the collimation region , are rejected . to extract the background region b , a seed fill algorithm is used that starts from the boundary of the collimation region as determined in the previous step . appropriate seed points for b are found by considering a small band along each of the collimator edges and retaining all pixels whose intensity is smaller than the mean of the band . this approach avoids choosing pixels that belong to the diagnostic region as candidate seed pixels . the background region is then grown by considering all neighboring pixels n i , i = 1 , . . . 8 of each pixel p ∈{ circumflex over ( b )} and adding q i to { circumflex over ( b )} if the intensity difference between p and q is smaller than some specified threshold . we simplify ( 13 ), by leaving out the multiplicative component { tilde over ( s )} m of the image degradation process u ^ * = arg min b ^ , u ^ - ∑ i ∈ b ^ log e p ( u i | μ , σ ) = arg min b ^ , u ^ - ∑ x , y ∈ b ^ log e p ( u ( x , y ) | μ , σ ) = arg min b ^ , u ^ - ∑ x , y ∈ b ^ log e p ( n ( x , y ) - s ~ a ( x , y ) | μ , σ ) ( 16 ) this equation is optimized by iteratively estimating the background { circumflex over ( b )} and finding parameters μ , σ and the components { tilde over ( s )} a after differentiation and substitution of p ( u i | μ , σ ) by the gaussian distribution ( 12 ). to find the solution for the multiplicative component , the same approach can be followed after logarithmic transforming the intensity values . the initial estimate for the background b is taken from the segmentation algorithm described higher . all other estimates for b are computed using a histogram , based threshold algorithm . the threshold is defined as the smallest value of ε satisfying ɛ * = min ɛ ⋂ i = 1 , 2 , 3 { ɛ & gt ; μ + σ | p β ( ɛ β ) & lt ; p β ( ɛ β + i ) } ɛ β = [ ɛ - min u ^ max u ^ - min u ^ ] · 255 ( 17 ) where p b ( n ) is the probability that a point in image û b has value n and μ , σ are the mean and variance of the corrected pixels belonging to the previous background estimate . the maximum likelihood estimates for the parameters μ and σ of 7 , can be found by minimization of − σ i log e p ( u i | μ , σ ). the egressions fir μ is given by the condition that ∂ ∂ μ ( - ∑ i log e p ( u i | μ , σ ) ) = 0 . μ = ∑ i ∈ b ^ u i n = ∑ i ∈ b ^ n ( x i , y i ) - s ~ a ( x i , y i ) n where x i , y i is the spatial position of pixel i and n is the number of background pixels . the same approach can be followed to derive the expression for σ : σ 2 = ∑ i ∈ b ^ ( u i - μ ) 2 n = ∑ i ∈ b ^ ( n ( x i , y i ) - μ s ~ a ( x i , y i ) ) 2 n suppose that the spatially smoothly varying component { tilde over ( s )} a can be modeled by a linear combination of k polynomial basis functions φ i ( x i , y i ) u i = n ( x i , y i ) - ∑ j = 1 , … , k c j ϕ j ( x i , y i ) the partial derivative for c j of ( 16 ) set to zero yields ∑ i ∈ b ^ [ n ( x i , y i ) - μ - ∑ j c j ϕ j ( x i , y i ) ] = 0 ∀ k . solving this equation for { c j } does not seem very tractable , but combining all equations for all k and introducing matrix notation simplifies the problem considerably c = [ c 1 c 2 ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ] = ar ( 18 ) where a represents the geometry of the image formation model , each of its rows evaluating one basis function φ k at all coordinates and r represents the residue image , i . e . the difference between the acquired image and the estimated background mean . in full matrix notation , the equation is c = [ ϕ 1 ( x 1 ) ϕ 1 ( x 1 ) ϕ 1 ( x 1 ) ⋯ ϕ 1 ( x 1 ) ϕ 1 ( x 1 ) ϕ 1 ( x 1 ) ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ] [ n 1 - μ n 2 - μ ⋯ ⋯ ⋯ ] where n i is the intensity value of the acquired image at pixel ( x i , y i ). equation ( 18 ) is a least squares fit to the residue image . as least squares fit are sensitive to outliers , only entries in r which satisfy | n i − μ |& lt ; 2 . 5 σ are included to solve ( 18 ). suppose than the image degradation components { tilde over ( s )} a and { tilde over ( s )} m can be modeled by a linear combination of k polynomial bass functions φ j m , a ( x , y ) s ~ m ( x i , y i ) = ∑ j = 1 , … , k m m j ϕ j m ( x i , y i ) s ~ a ( x i , y i ) = ∑ j = 1 , … , k m a j ϕ j a ( x i , y i ) { a * , m * } = arg min a , m { h ( n ( x , y ) s ~ m ( x , y ) - s ~ a ( x , y ) ) } ( 19 ) the optimal additive parameters α * and multiplicative parameters m * are found by powell &# 39 ; s multidimensional directional set method and brent &# 39 ; s one - dimensional optimization algorithm ( w . h . press , s . a . teukosky , w . t . vetterling , and b . p . flannery . numerical recipes in c . cambridge university press , 1992 .) the set of probabilities p ( n ) in ( 14 ) can be obtained by normalization of its histogram . in order to reduce the influence or random , effects induced by discretizing the histogram , we use partial intensity interpolation at histogram formation . when transforming the image , an integer intensity value g is transformed to a real value g ′, which in general lies between two integer values k and k + 1 . the histogram sentries h ( k ) and h ( k + 1 ) are updated by k + 1 − g ′ and g ′− k respectively , to obtain a smoother decline to the absolute minimum and to minimize the effects of local minima , the obtained histogram is blurred to : h ^ ( n ) = ∑ i = - t t h ( n + i ) ( t + 1 - i ) we have tested different image formation models which are summarized in , table 1 . the polynomial models are defined as ϕ v = c 0 + c 1 x + c 2 y + c 3 x 2 + c 4 xy + c 5 y 2 + … + c ( v + 2 ) ! 2 ! v ! y v model σ i , i = 1 , 2 are included for the maximal likelihood estimation , model σ 3 is the general image formation model while model σ 4 is derived from ( 2 ). model σ 5 is approximation of model σ 4 where the different model parameters are substituted with real values and higher orders are discarded where appropriate . model σ 6 is included for resemblance with model σ 2 . in a fourth embodiment according to the present invention , a statistical mixture model of the image is generated based on a plurality of k image regions . each of these regions or classes may physically correspond to e . g . bone , soft tissue and direct exposure area . in the assumption or a normal mixture model , each class is represented by three unknown parameters : the proportion n k of image pixels , the mean value μ k and the variance σ k 2 . ψ ={ π 1 , . . . , π k , μ 1 , . . . , μ k , σ 1 2 , . . . , σ k 2 } the subset of parameters pertaining to class k is denoted as the image intensity histogram , de - noting the probability distribution that a pixel i has intensity y i is therefore a gaussian mixture model f ( y i | ψ ) = ∑ k = 1 k π k f k ( y i | ψ k ) = ∑ k = 1 k π k 1 2 πσ k 2 exp ( - ( y i - μ k ) 2 2 σ k 2 ) i = 1 , … , n the classical analytical method to estimate the parameter ψ is to maximise the log - likelihood function for each of then parameters to estimate . the maximum likelihood estimates of each parameter can be solved from a system of equations which is non - linear in general and hence requires methods such as newton - raphson algorithm . the expectation - maximisation ( em ) algorithm estimates the parameters ψ by adding segmentation labels z i ( i represents pixel i and z 1 has a value k , k = 1 . . . k ), ( so called non - observable data ) to each of the grey values y i of the pixels ( so called observable data ). in each iteration of the em algorithm the expectation step ( e - step ) estimates a segmentation label k to each pixel i on the basis of parameter values ψ from the previous iteration and in the maximisation step ( m - step ) new parameter values ψ are computed on the basis of maximum likelihood , given the new segmentation labels associated with each of the newly assigned segmentation labels . in the context of the present invention two modifications have been added to the em algorithm to make it correcting for a bias field caused by global inhomogeneities in the imaging chain and to discard outliers due to local inhomogeneities . the global inhomogeneities in the image distort the assumed normal distribution of the pixel classes . every pixel segmentation class is modelled as a normal distribution of which a sum of spatially correlated continuous basis functions is subtracted . examples of such basis functions are orthogonal polynomials . other orthogonal continuous functions may be used as well . the coefficients of the basis polynomials are added to the parameter set ψ which must be estimated ψ = { π 1 , … , π k , μ 1 , … , μ k , σ 1 2 , … , σ k 2 , c } = { π 1 , … , π k , μ 1 , … , μ k , σ 1 2 , … , σ k 2 , c 1 , … , c r } with the probability distribution for the pixels belonging to segmentation class k f k ( y | ψ k c ) = 1 2 πσ k 2 exp [ - 1 2 σ k 2 ( y - μ k - ∑ r = t r c r φ r ) 2 ] k = 1 , … , k with φ r a n × 1 vector holding the polynomial function evaluation for the r - th basis polynomial at pixel location i ( i = 1 , . . . n ). a further correction to the basic em algorithm is to make it robust against outliers in the observed distribution of a segmentation class , caused by the presence of local defects ( dust , scratch , pixel drop out . . . ) in the recording member , said defects not being attributable to the global inhomogeneities . to this purpose each pixel class k is divided in a gaussian class ( which is distributed by the inhomogeneity and which is corrected by the bias function ) and a rejection class . this rejection class is assumed to have a uniform distribution with probability density δ k and contains a proportion ε ∈[ 0 , 1 ] of the pixels . the probability distribution of pixel class k is therefore the extended em algorithm is summarised by the following formulas valid for iteration m : for each pixel class k , k = 1 , . . . k and each pixel i , i = 1 , . . . n , compute p ik ( m + 1 ) = f k ( y | ψ k ( m ) ) π k ( m ) ∑ i = 1 k f i ( y i | ψ k ( m ) ) π i ( m ) λ k ( m + 1 ) = 1 2 πσ k 2 exp ( - 1 2 κ 2 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) = f k ( y i | ψ k ( m ) ) f i ( y i | ψ k ( m ) ) + λ k ( m + 1 ) ψ k ( m ) the set of statistical parameter describing class k at iteration m π k ( m ) the proportion of pixels in the image belonging to class k at iteration m ƒ k the probability density function of intensity of pixels of class k denoting the conditional probability that pixel i has gray value y i given parameters ψ k of class k p ik ( m + 1 ) the probability that pixel i belongs to class k at iteration m + 1 , these probabilities sum to 1 , i . e . ∑ k = 1 k p ik ( m + 1 ) = 1 . σ k 2 ( m ) the variance of intensity of pixels belonging to class k at iteration m , d k = ( y i - μ k ) σ k λ k ( m + 1 ) the probability of pixels of class k being outliers , the probability of pixels inside class k to belong to the non - rejected group ( i . e . not being an outlier ). because λ k ≠ 0 , this probability may be less than one , and hence ∑ k = 1 k p ik ( m + 1 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) ≤ 1 . at this stage , a segmentation of the image could be obtained by a hard classification , i . e . each pixel i is assigned class k for which p ik ( m + 1 ) is maximal , i . e . class pixel i = argmax k { p ik ( m + 1 ) } . in the sequel of the em algorithm , soft classification labels p ik ( m + 1 ) e [ 0 . . . 1 ] are used . for each class k = 1 . . . k and for each coefficient c r , r = 1 . . . r applied to the corresponding polynomial basis function , compute π k ( m + 1 ) = ∑ i = 1 n p ik ( m + 1 ) n μ k ( m + 1 ) = ∑ i = 1 n p ik ( m + 1 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) ( y i - ∑ r = 1 r c r ( m ) φ ir ) ∑ i = 1 n p ik ( m + 1 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) σ k 2 ( m + 1 ) = ∑ i = 1 n p ik ( m + 1 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) ( y i - μ k ( m + 1 ) - ∑ r = 1 r c r ( m ) φ ir ) ∑ i = 1 n p ik ( m + 1 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) c ( m + 1 ) = [ c 1 ( m + 1 ) c 2 ( m + 1 ) … c r ( m + 1 ) ] = ( a t w ( m + 1 ) a ) - 1 a t w ( m + 1 ) r ( m + 1 ) a = [ φ 11 φ 12 … φ 1 r φ 21 … … … … … φ n1 … … φ nr ] w ( m + 1 ) = [ w 1 ( m + 1 ) 0 … 0 0 w 2 ( m + 1 ) … … … 0 0 … 0 w n ( m + 1 ) ] , w i ( m + 1 ) = ∑ k = 1 k p ik ( m + 1 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) σ k 2 ( m + 1 ) r ( m + 1 ) = [ y 1 - y ~ 1 ( m + 1 ) y 2 - y ~ 2 ( m + 1 ) … y n - y ~ n ( m + 1 ) ] , y ~ i ( m + 1 ) = ∑ k = 1 k p ik ( m + 1 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) σ k 2 ( m + 1 ) μ k 2 ( m + 1 ) ∑ k = 1 k p ik ( m + 1 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) σ k 2 ( m + 1 ) μ k ( m + 1 ) denotes the mean intensity value of pixels belonging to class k at iteration ( m + 1 ), σ k 2 ( m + 1 ) denotes the variance of intensity value of pixels belonging to class k at iteration ( m + 1 ), after having corrected for the estimate of the bias field , c ( m + 1 ) is a vector containing coefficients c r , r = 1 . . . r applied to the corresponding polynomial basis function , a ( i , r )= φ ir is the evaluation of the m - th polynomial basis function at pixel location i ( matrix a thus represents the geometry of the bias field model ), w ( m + 1 ) is a diagonal matrix of weights w i ( m + 1 ) , i = 1 . . . n , with w i ( m + 1 ) the weight applied at pixel i in iteration ( m + 1 ). said weight is the sum of the inverse of variance overall classes k , k = 1 . . . k , each weighted with the probability of that class which is p ik ( m + 1 ) t ik ( m + 1 ) . r ( m + 1 ) is a residue image , the residue being the difference between the original image matrix y i , i = 1 . . . n and the corrected image matrix { tilde over ( y )} i ( m + 1 ) at iteration ( m + 1 ). the equations of the extended em algorithm reduce to the basic em algorithm when no bias correction is performed ( all c r = 0 ) or no outliers are taken into account ( all λ k = 0 and hence all t ik = 1 ). in order to start the iterations of the em algorithm , an initial estimate ψ ( 0 ) for the parameter set ψ is needed . this is achieved by assigning each pixel i , i = 1 . . . n , to one of the classes k = 1 . . . k on the basis of intensity histogram slicing . this assignment involves the computation of p ik ( 0 ) , which is a hard assignment of probability 1 to one of the k possible class probabilities at pixel i and putting all other probabilities no zero . furthermore , no outliers are assumed during initialization , i . e . t tk ( 0 ) = 1 for all i . therefore the m - step in which the values ψ are computed can be executed immediately after initialization . therefore the initialization on step for which the iteration value m = 0 does not present a true iteration step in the em algorithm . to slice the histogram into k distinct initial pixel classes k = 1 . . . k , prior art techniques are used . in the context of the present invention , the histogram is smoothed and approximated with a higher order polynomial , after which the two or three most important maxima are determined . the intensity thresholds separating intensities of different classes are then determined as the intensities corresponding to the minima between these different maxima .
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referring to the drawings and particularly to fig1 and 5 , one form of the wake tower of the invention is shown interconnected with a powerboat 30 of conventional construction having a bow portion 30 a and a stern portion 30 b . as best seen in fig5 , the powerboat also has first and second spaced - apart gunwales 32 and 34 respectively to which the wake tower is connected . in the present form of the invention the wake tower includes an upwardly extending first base member 36 connected to the first gunwale 32 and an upwardly extending second base member 38 connected to said second gunwale 34 . the base members 36 and 38 are of a curved configuration and are preferably cast from a lightweight metal such as aluminum . interconnected with the base members is a generally u - shaped , upwardly extending structural assembly generally designated by the numeral 40 . the structural assembly 40 includes a generally “ l ”- shaped structural member 42 having a first curved side 42 a and a cast aluminum first connector segment 44 . structural member 42 is connected to aluminum first connector segment 44 by any suitable means such as welding . in a manner presently to be described , connector segment 44 is , in turn , pivotally connected to first base member 36 . structural assembly 40 also includes a second generally “ l ”- shaped structural member 46 having a curved side 46 a and a second , cast aluminum connector segment 48 that is connected to second curved side 46 a by any suitable means such as welding . connector segment 48 is , in turn , pivotally connected second base member 38 . as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter , each of the sides of structural assembly 40 is first swaged into the desired configuration and then is strategically formed to create a curved , tapered portion having an oval shape . more particularly , as best seen in fig1 and 4 , each of the sides of the structural assembly 40 includes a lower portion 51 having a first width w and an upper portion 53 having a second width w - 1 that is substantially less than said first width w . structural assembly 40 further includes a bight portion 54 interconnecting upper portions 53 of the sides . as indicated in fig4 , bight portion 54 is generally circular in cross section . in the form of the invention shown in fig1 through 11 , the wake tower further includes a tow rope connector member 56 that is connected to and spans upper portions 53 of the sides 42 and 46 . connected to the connector member 56 is a conventional type of connector 58 to which the tow rope “ tr ” can be connected . turning next to fig6 and 8 , a portion of one side of the wake tower of the invention is there shown . it is to be understood that the other side of the wake tower is of a similar construction , but is not shown in the drawings in order to simplify the description . each of the base members is provided with a cavity 60 and each of the connector segments is provided with a pair of spaced - apart , downwardly extending ears 62 and 64 that are receivable within the base member cavities . as shown in fig6 , downwardly extending ear 62 has a bore 62 a formed therein and , similarly , downwardly extending ear 64 has a bore 64 a formed therein . receivable within bore 62 a is a pivot pin 66 about which side 46 and connector segment 48 can pivot in the manner shown in fig1 . as illustrated in fig9 and 10 , pivot pin 66 extends through aligned bores 69 formed in base member 38 . similarly , a locking pin 72 is receivable within bore 64 a formed in ear 64 . locking pin 72 extends through aligned bores 73 formed in base member 38 and , when in position within these openings in the manner shown in fig6 in 9 , prevents pivotal movement of side 46 and connector segment 48 about pivot pin 66 . as indicated by the phantom lines in fig7 , when the locking pin 72 is removed from the base member , the combination of side 46 and connector segment 48 is free to pivot about pivot pin 66 in the manner shown in fig1 . in accordance with one form of the method of making the wake tower illustrated in fig1 through 11 , the first and second base members 36 and 38 are cast in a conventional manner from a suitable lightweight castable material such as aluminum and are appropriately finished . this done , the base members are interconnected with the powerboat by a plurality of threaded connectors 76 in the manner shown in fig6 . the side members 42 a and 46 a are each formed individually by first heating a first length of tubing to an elevated , annealing temperature . this first length of tubing , which by way of example can be 6061 - t6 aluminum tubing that has a diameter of approximately 5 inches , a first end 80 a and a second end 80 b . in the manner illustrated in fig2 , the heated length of tubing is swaged in a conventional manner well known to those skilled in the art to form a first swaged tube 80 having a tapered swaged portion 82 having a first end 84 of first diameter d - 1 and a second end 86 of a second lesser diameter d - 2 and a uniform diameter portion 86 having a diameter d - 3 substantially equal to said second lesser diameter d - 2 . using an appropriate forming dye , the tapered swaged portion 82 of the swaged tube 82 is strategically formed to produce a tapered swaged portion 82 a and an elongated uniform diameter portion 86 a ( fig3 ). as illustrated in fig3 , swaged portion 82 a is generally oval - shaped in cross section and has a thickness “ e ”. swaged portion 82 a has a width w - 1 , while uniform diameter portion 86 a has a lesser width w - 2 . this swaging step is done in a conventional manner using conventional tooling that is of the character well understood by those skilled in the art . following the swaging step , the swaged first tube 80 is strategically bent into the desired shape to form a first bent tube that is generally “ l ”- shaped in configuration and generally corresponds to the shape of member 42 a . next , first connector segment 44 is cast in a conventional manner from a light weight castable material such aluminum and is connected by any suitable means such as welding to the bent tube formed by the swaging step to form a first wake tower subassembly 42 , which generally corresponds to one - half of the structural assembly 40 . following the forming of the first wake tower subassembly , a second length of aluminum tubing is swaged and formed in the identical manner described in the preceding paragraphs to produce a second side 46 a . this done , second connector segment 48 is suitably cast from a light weight metal such as aluminum and is interconnected as by welding with second side 46 a to form assembly 46 that generally corresponds to the second half of the structural assembly 40 . next , the elongated , uniform diameter portions of the first and second wake tower subassemblies 42 and 46 are interconnected at their ends as by welding to form the structural member 40 . after completion of the construction of the structural member 40 in the manner described in the preceding paragraphs , the structural member is pivotally interconnected with the base members 36 and 38 in the manner depicted in fig6 through 10 of the drawings to form the construction shown in fig1 and 3 . more particularly , the ears formed on each of the connector segments are inserted into the base cavities , the pivot pins 66 are inserted into bores 69 and 62 a and the locking pins are inserted into bores 73 and 64 a . with this construction , when it is desired to pivot the structural member into the forwardly stowed position in the manner illustrated in fig1 , locking pins 72 are removed from bores 73 and 64 a to permit the structural member to pivot about pivot pin 66 . turning next to fig1 through 27 a , an alternate form of the wake tower unit of the invention is shown and generally designated by the numeral 101 . this embodiment is similar in some respects to the embodiment shown in fig1 through 11 and like numerals are used in fig1 through 21 to identify like components . the main difference between this latest form of the invention and the earlier described form resides in the totally differently configured , unitary wake tower unit 101 . more particularly , in the wake tower unit of this latest form of the invention comprises a windshield component and a tower assembly that are integrally formed as a single , unitary structure . as before , and as illustrated in fig1 , wake tower apparatus 100 is specially designed to be interconnected with a powerboat 30 of conventional construction having a bow portion 30 a and a stern portion 30 b and first and second spaced - apart gunwales 32 and 34 respectively to which unit 100 is connected . in the present form of the invention the wake tower unit 101 comprises forwardly extending windshield portions 102 and 104 and a wake tower assembly generally designated by the numeral 106 . portion 102 comprises a curved frame 102 a and a substantially transparent windshield 102 b mounted within the curved frame . similarly , portion 104 comprises a curved frame 104 a and a substantially transparent windshield 104 b mounted within the curved frame . as indicated in fig1 , assembly 106 is uniquely integrally formed with the windshield portions 102 and 104 . wake tower assembly 106 is somewhat similar in construction to the embodiment of fig1 through 12 and here comprises an upwardly extending first base connector 110 that is pivotally connected to the first gunwale 32 of the sports boat by means of a plurality of spaced - apart pivot connector assemblies 114 and an upwardly extending second base connector 112 that is pivotally connected to the second gunwale 34 of the sports boat by means of a plurality of substantially identically constructed pivot connector assemblies 114 ( fig1 and 17 ). pivotally connected to the first and second base connectors is a novel wake tower structure 108 , the construction of which will presently be described . for reasons to be discussed in the paragraphs that follow , each of the base connectors is provided with an upper , generally vertical , slot - like cavity 116 and an elongated , lower cavity 117 that is generally semicircular in cross section ( see fig1 and 17 ). affixed to each gunwale of the sports boat and forming a part of the apparatus of the invention is an elongated pivot support rail 118 that is generally semicircular in cross section . first and second base connectors 110 and 112 , as well as part of the windshield portions of the wake tower unit , rest upon and are supported by support rails 118 . as illustrated in fig1 , 17 , 19 and 25 rails 118 are closely received within the lower cavities 117 formed in the support members . as best seen in fig1 , 17 and 19 , each of the pivot connector assemblies 114 comprises a threaded shaft 122 having first and second ends 122 a and 122 b and a generally spherical - shaped member 124 disposed intermediate ends 122 a and 122 b . generally spherical - shaped members 124 are closely received within cavities 126 formed in rails 118 . as indicated in fig1 , each of the rails 118 is also provided with spaced - apart bores 118 a that have a diameter greater than the diameter of the upper portion of threaded shafts 122 , which , as shown in fig1 and 19 , extend through bores 118 a . the lower portion of each of the threaded shafts 122 extends through spaced - apart bores 128 formed in the gunwales 32 and 34 , which bores have a diameter greater than the diameter of the lower portion of threaded shafts 122 ( see fig1 ). to secure the wake tower unit in position on the powerboat , the upper portion of each of the threaded shafts 122 is received within a threaded bore 131 formed in the base connectors 110 and 112 of the wake tower unit . similarly , threaded nuts 132 are threadably connected proximate the lower ends of the threaded shafts 122 which extend through the gunwales , and are appropriately cinched down against the lower surface of the gunwales in the manner shown in fig1 . to better secure the threaded shafts in position within the enlarged diameter bores 128 , semicircular - shaped shims 133 circumscribe the lower portions of the threaded shafts and are received within bores 128 in the manner best seen in fig2 and 26 . with the construction thus described , the wake tower unit can be laterally adjusted in a manner depicted in fig2 and 25 as may be required to permit precise centering of the wake tower unit as the tower structure 108 is moved from the upraised position shown in the solid lines in fig1 into the rearward , lowered position illustrated by the phantom lines in fig1 . more particularly , by holding the squared ends 122 b of threaded members 122 with an appropriate wrench “ w ” ( fig2 ) the nuts 132 can be loosened and the position of the wake tower unit can be laterally adjusted from the position shown by the phantom lines in fig2 to the position shown by the solid lines in fig2 . this lateral adjustment of the wake tower unit is possible because of the swivel - like interaction between the base connectors 110 and 112 and the support rails 118 and because of the clearance between the threaded members 122 and the enlarged diameter bores 118 a and 128 formed in members 118 and in the gunwales respectively . referring once again to fig1 of the drawings , it can be seen that the wake tower structure 108 comprises first and second side members 140 and 142 that are pivotally connected to first and second base connectors 110 and 112 respectively . wake tower structure 108 also includes a generally u - shaped bight portion 143 that is connected to and spans first and second side members 140 and 142 in the manner best seen in fig1 and 14 of the drawings . each of the first and second side members 140 and 142 includes a connector segment 145 having a pair of spaced - apart , downwardly extending ears 145 a and 145 b that are receivable within the upper cavities 116 of the base members ( see fig1 ). each connector segment is also provided with first and second spaced - apart bores 146 and 148 . the connector segment of first side 140 is received within the upper cavity 116 formed in first base connector 110 , while the connector segment of second side 142 is received within the upper cavity 116 formed in second base connector 112 . because of the similar manner in which the connector segments are connected to the first and second base connectors and to avoid duplication , only the manner of interconnection of the connector segment of the second side member 142 with the second base connector 112 will be described in the paragraphs that follow . interconnection of the connector segment of the first side member 140 with the first base connector 110 is accomplished in a substantially identical manner and will not be described in detail . it is also to be understood that in fig1 , 17 through 22 and 21 , only one side of the wake tower is shown . the other side of the wake tower , which is of a similar construction , is not shown in the drawings in order to avoid duplication . as illustrated in fig2 , a pivot pin 150 about which side member 142 can pivot in the manner shown in fig2 is received within bore 148 and extends through aligned bores 152 formed in base member 112 . similarly , a locking pin 154 is receivable within bore 146 and extends through aligned bores 156 formed in base member 112 ( fig1 ). when the locking pin is in position within these openings in the manner shown in fig2 , pivotal movement of side member 142 and connector segment 145 about pivot pin 152 is prevented . as indicated by the phantom lines in fig1 and the solid lines in fig2 , when the locking pin 146 is removed from the base member , the combination of side member 142 and connector segment 145 is free to pivot about pivot pin 152 . turning to fig2 and 27 a , for ease of manufacture , the tower structure 108 of this latest form of the apparatus uniquely comprises a plurality of interconnected bight segments 162 , 164 and 166 . bight segment 164 is hollow and is provided at its extremities with tongue receiving openings 164 a and 164 b . opening 164 a closely receives a tongue 162 a provided proximate one end of bight segment 162 , while opening 164 b closely receives a tongue 166 a provided proximate one end of bight segment 166 ( fig2 a ). in similar fashion , side 140 is provided at its upper extremity with a tongue receiving opening 168 which closely receives a tongue 162 b provided proximate the other end of bight segment 162 . similarly , side 142 is provided at its upper extremity with a tongue receiving opening 170 which closely receives a tongue 166 b provided proximate the other end of bight segment 166 . following the assembly of the tower 108 , the various tongues can be secured in place within their mating components by welding , adhesive bonding , or the like . having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes , those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions . such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention , as set forth in the following claims .
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present embodiments include wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network ( wdm - pon ) architectures capable of providing a large bandwidth and reduced costs . in one embodiment , video , voice and data services are simultaneously provided with a source - free optical network unit ( onu ). in a particularly useful embodiment , service has been provided with 2 . 5 gbit / s video signals , 10 gbit / s downstream signals , and 10 gbit / s upstream signals per channel . embodiments of the present invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment , an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment including both hardware and software elements . in a preferred embodiment , the present invention is implemented in hardware having software elements , which include but are not limited to firmware , resident software , microcode , etc . it is to be understood that the present embodiments are described in terms of a passive optical network ( pon ); however , other optical networks are contemplated and may benefit for the present teachings . while the figs . show illustrative optical hardware configurations , these configuration may be reconfigured or combined to provide functionality within the scope of the present principles . referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent the same or similar elements and initially to fig1 , an illustrative system 10 includes a transceiver ( transmitter / receiver ) 12 connected to an optical fiber 14 . the optical fiber 14 preferably connects a source - free optical network unit ( onu ) 16 to the transceiver 12 to permit two - way lightwave propagation through the fiber 14 between the transmitter / receiver 12 and the onu 16 . in accordance with the present principles , a carrier signal is generated for the transmission of data ( e . g ., downstream data ) to the onu 16 from the transceiver 12 . a sub - carrier signal is also generated to carry second data signals ( e . g ., video ) to the onu 16 from the transceiver 12 . in one embodiment , the sub - carrier carries the video signals at at least 2 . 5 gbit / s , and at least 10 gbit / s downstream signals are carried by the optical carrier , which are phase modulated signals . the carrier signal and sub - carrier ( s ) are preferably multiplexed using wavelength division multiplexing . the carrier and sub - carrier are transmitted through fiber 14 , which is preferably a single mode fiber ( smf ). the transmitted signal is received by the onu 16 , and the carrier and subcarrier are separated and the data is removed from each . the phase modulated downstream optical carrier is re - modulated by intensity modulated upstream signals , and returned through fiber 14 to the transmitter / receiver 12 . in this way , the carrier signal is reused for bidirectional transmission of data over a same fiber . the onu 16 does not need an independent light source ( hence is source - free ). referring to fig2 , an illustrative wdm - pon architecture 100 is shown in greater detail for an exemplary implementation in accordance with the present principles . architecture 100 includes a network architecture for providing a broadcasting video service , although other broadband services and data types may be employed . lightwaves 102 are input to a multiplexer 104 on channels ( e . g ., ch 1 - chn ). channels ch 1 - chn may each have their own laser source 102 or share a laser source depending on the design . laser source 102 may include a laser , a laser diode , a light emitting diode or any other suitable light source . the channels ch 1 - chn are preferably multiplexed by a multiplexer 104 . after multiplexing , all lightwaves are modulated by an external modulator 112 to generate sub - carrier multiplexing signals . modulator 112 includes a local oscillator 106 and a mixer 110 which mixes video or other data 108 with sub - carrier frequencies to modulate the light . fig2 shows optical subcarrier multiplexing modulation . when the lightwave carrier is modulated by a subcarrier multiplexing signal , there are subcarrier signals ( smaller peaks on opposite sides of the center carrier peak ) generated by the intensity modulator 112 , which enter an optical interleaver 114 . the signals are carried by the subcarrier , and the carrier will be able to carry less information or signal . in this way , the carrier the large center peak ) will be more easily re - modulated . optical carriers and sub - carriers are separated using the optical interleaver 114 . a demultiplexer 116 is employed to separate the carriers before a phase modulator ( s ) ( pm ) 120 driven by downstream data 121 modulates each optical carrier . phase modulation ( pm ) is a form of modulation that represents information as variations in the instantaneous phase of a carrier wave . unlike intensity modulation performed by , e . g ., intensity modulator 112 , the amplitude of the carrier does not change . suppose that the signal to be sent , the modulating signal with frequency ω m and phase φ m , is : m ( t )= m sin ( ω m t + φ m ), and the carrier onto which the signal is to be modulated is c ( t )= c sin ( ω c t + φ c ). then , the modulated signal is y ( t )= c sin ( ω c t + m ( t )+ φ c ), which shows how m ( t ) modulates the phase . it can also be viewed as a change of the frequency of the carrier signal . pm can thus be considered a special case of frequency modulation ( fm ) in which the carrier frequency modulation is given by the time derivative of the phase modulation . then , all downstream phase signals at different wavelengths are multiplexed by a multiplexer 118 , which may include an arrayed waveguide grating ( awg ), before the carriers are combined with the sub - carriers using a second optical interleaver 122 . arrayed waveguide grating ( awg ) 118 is employed as an optical multiplexer for wavelength division multiplexing ( wdm ). awg 118 device is capable of multiplexing a large number of wavelengths into a single optical fiber 128 , thereby increasing the transmission capacity the optical network . the downstream data 121 and video 108 signals are delivered to an onu 160 through an optical circulator 126 to an optical fiber 128 . in the onu 160 , an interleaver 130 is employed to separate the sub - carriers and phase modulated downstream signals . the sub - carriers at different wavelengths are demultiplexed by a demultiplexer 134 before a detector ( e . g ., a receiver ) 138 directly detects them with a low - pass filter . the phase modulated downstream signals , after being demultiplexed by demultiplexer 132 , are sent to two paths . one part is converted to intensity signals by a demodulator 144 before it is detected by a photodiode 142 to realize optical to electrical conversion . the other part is re - modulated by an intensity modulator 140 driven by upstream data 141 . the re - modulated signal is fed back to an optical circulator 136 and can be returned back over fiber 128 by demultiplexing the signal with multiplexer 132 and deinterleaving the signal with interleaver 130 . a centralized lightwave is realized in an optical line terminal ( olt ) 156 . the upstream data are sent back to the olt 156 by a same fiber 128 . in the olt 156 , the upstream data , at different wavelengths , are demultiplexed by demultiplexer 152 before they are optic - electrically converted for each channel using receivers 154 . advantageously , the carrier lightwave is reused by sending the carrier wave back to the olt 156 from the onu 160 . the onu therefore does not need an optical signal source , which would otherwise require power and introduce cost and complexity to the system . instead , the carrier lightwave is employed to carry video and downstream data in one direction and upstream data in the opposite direction . referring to fig3 , if different wavelengths need to carry different video signals 208 , architecture 200 may be employed to realize this function . similar to fig2 , only a transmitter configuration 202 needs to be changed . each lightwave is separately modulated by modulator 112 to generate sub - carrier modulation ( scm ) signals . then , an interleaver 114 separates the carrier and sub - carriers . a phase modulator 120 driven by the downstream data 121 modulates the separated carrier . then , another interleaver 122 combines the carrier and sub - carrier before all channels are multiplexed by multiplexer 218 . comparing the configurations of fig2 and fig3 , the transmitter of fig2 employs one high - speed intensity modulator ( im ) 112 and two interleavers ( il ) 114 and 122 , three multiplexers 104 , 116 and 118 , while fig3 employs n high - speed intensity modulators ( im ) 112 ( one for each video signal ), 2n inter - leavers ( 14 , 122 ) and one multiplexer 218 in the transmitter when the channel number is n . the transmitter in fig3 may be more expensive . referring to fig4 , an experimental setup 300 is illustratively shown for demonstration of the present principles . while fig4 and the description herein provide specific equipment , magnitudes and settings , this information is for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present invention . variations and combinations of the equipment , magnitudes and settings as described here can be modified depending of the design application and preferences of the implementer . 2 . 5 gbit / s video signals 308 generated from a pattern generator ( not shown ) with a pseudo - random bit sequence ( prbs ) word length of 2 31 − 1 were mixed with a 20 ghz sinusoidal wave 306 . the signals were mixed in a mixer 110 and used to drive an intensity modulator 112 , e . g ., a linbo 3 modulator , after amplification by an electrical amplifier 305 . the optical spectrum after the intensity modulator 112 is inserted in fig4 as inset ( i ). a carrier suppression ratio ( the ratio of the optical carrier to subcarrier at the first - order mode ) is 12 db as indicated in inset ( i ). an optical interleaver 114 with 50 / 25 ghz and two output ports to separate the optical carrier and the sub - carriers was employed . the optical spectra are shown in insets ( ii ) and ( iii ). the separated optical carrier was modulated by a phase modulator 120 driven at 10 gbitis electrical signals ( downstream phase signals 309 ) generated from another pattern generator ( not shown ) with a prbs word length of 2 31 − 1 . the optical spectrum after phase modulation is shown in inset ( iv ) of fig4 . then , the phase downstream signals were combined with the video signals using a 3 db optical coupler ( oc ) 310 . the optical spectrum of the combined the signals is shown in inset ( v ) of fig4 . here , the power levels of the video signals 308 and downstream phase signals 309 have to be chosen properly because the video signals 308 and downstream phase signals 309 have to be separated in an gnu 320 and there may be some linear cross - talk between the video and phase signals . we measured the receiver sensitivity of the video and phase modulated downstream signals with different ratios , which are defined as the power of phase downstream signals divided by the power of video signals . the measured results without transmission fiber are illustratively shown in fig5 . when the ratio is 5 db , the video and downstream signals have good receiver sensitivities . so , we set the power of the downstream signals to be 5 db larger than the video signals with two sidebands in this experiment . the combined signals were sent to the onu 320 after passing through one optical circulator 126 to a fiber 128 ( e . g ., over a single mode fiber , in this case , 20 km smf - 28 ), and another optical circulator 322 . to overcome the effect of the rayleigh reflection scattering , the total power for the video signals and downstream signals into the fiber was 6 dbm . in the onu 320 , one delay line mach - zehnder interferometer ( di - mz ) 310 with 44 ghz free spectral range ( fsr ) was employed to separate the phase downstream signals and video signals . a commercial 2 . 5 ghz receiver 138 directly detected the video signals with an apd receiver and 2 ghz low - pass filter . the separate optical spectrum is shown in fig4 as inset ( vi ). the power penalty caused by the transmission fiber was 0 . 4 db at a ber of 10 − 9 . the separated phase downstream signals were separated into two parts by a 3 db optical coupler 312 . one part was converted into the intensity signals by using a di - mz interferometer 144 with fsr of 20 ghz . for the 10 gbit / s downstream ( 309 ) and upstream ( 325 ) signals , we use pin receivers to detect these signals . the power penalty caused by the transmission fiber is negligible . the other part was re - modulated driven by another 10 gbit / s electrical signal with a prbs length of 2 31 − 1 . the optical spectrum after re - modulation is shown in inset ( vii ) of fig4 . an integrated semiconductor optical amplifier ( soa ) and electro - absorption modulator ( eam ) 140 was employed to amplify and modulate the signals . the pure gain of the integrated soa and eam is 4 db when the dc bias of the soa is 120 ma and eam dc bias is − 1 . 4 v . the upstream signals 325 were delivered back to olt 330 after passing through the circulator 126 , the fiber ( e . g ., 20 km smf - 28 ), and the second circulator 322 . the power penalty after transmission was negligible . the receiver sensitivity due to the intensity noise may be degraded a small amount . the pin receiver sensitivity at a ber of 10 − 9 is − 15 dbm . a novel wdm - pon configuration with centralized lightwaves in the olt is provided . illustrative embodiments provide sufficient bandwidth to provide services with at least 2 . 5 gbit / s video , 10 gbit / s downstream and 10 gbit / s upstream service . in one network embodiment , a sub - carrier carries the video signals at 2 . 5 gbit / s , and the 10 gbit / s downstream signals are carried by the optical carrier , which are phase modulated signals . the phase modulated downstream optical carrier is re - modulated by intensity modulated upstream signals . the power penalty for video signals after transmission was 0 . 4 db at a ber of 10 − 9 , while the power penalty is negligible for the downstream and upstream signals after transmission over 20 km smf - 28 . having described preferred embodiments of a wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network architecture with source - free optical network units ( which are intended to be illustrative and not limiting ), it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings . it is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as outlined by the appended claims . having thus described aspects of the invention , with the details and particularity required by the patent laws , what is claimed and desired protected by letters patent is set forth in the appended claims .
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in fig1 a box lock surgical clamp generally indicated at 12 comprises a pair of members 14 and 16 joined together by a box lock joint generally designated 18 . a jaw 20 on member 14 is arranged to cooperate with jaw 22 on member 16 . movement of the jaws toward and away from each other is controlled by manipulable rings 24 and 26 . latching means adapted to set the jaws in any desired one of a number of discrete positions comprise ratchet 28 and cooperating tooth 30 respectively on members 14 and 16 . member 14 has a bifurcated portion at the location of the joint whereby jaw 20 and ring 24 are connected by two separate elements 32 and 34 having between them a slot 36 . internally , slot 26 has substantially flat , parallel sides . a portion 38 of member 16 , machined to conform with the flat inner surfaces of slot 36 extends through the slot with jaw 22 and ring 26 on opposite sides of the bifurcated portion of member 14 . a hinge pin ( not shown in fig1 ) extends across the interior of the slot and through a hole in element 38 . the hinge pin allows the jaws to be controlled by the manipulation of rings 24 and 26 . as described thus far , the instrument is entirely conventional . in manufacture in accordance with conventional methods , forged members corresponding to members 14 and 16 of the finished product are joined by spreading apart the elements corresponding to elements 32 and 34 of member 14 , inserting member 16 between those elements , and bringing elements 32 and 34 back to their normal relationship . a hole is drilled through the elements corresponding to elements 34 , 38 and 32 , and a temporary pin is inserted to keep the parts in alignment during formation of the jaws and other necessary bending and machining operations . the temporary pin is then removed , and the members corresponding to members 32 and 34 are punched to a square configuration as shown in fig3 or to a multiple - point or &# 34 ; star &# 34 ; configuration as shown in fig5 . the elements of the instrument are then hardened , and the final hinge pin is inserted and swaged into place . following swaging , final finishing of the instrument takes place . fig2 , 4 and 5 illustrate two box lock joints in accordance with the prior art . in fig2 it will be noted that the pin 40 is held in place only by reason of the fact that the swaging step widens its ends to fill the square configuration of the holes in the outer elements of the joint . this is also the case in fig4 in which the ends of pin 42 are swaged to fill the six - pointed star configuration of the holes in the outer elements of the joint . in either case , the pin depends on its own integrity to hold it in place . should it break by reason of a material failure transverse to the longitudinal axis , the pin could fall into the patient during an operation . as previously stated , the box lock joint , as illustrated in fig2 , 4 and 5 is subject to breakage by reason of the stresses produced by the swaging operation . fig6 , 8 and 9 illustrate successive steps in the production of the fused box lock joint in accordance with the invention . as shown in fig6 a pin 44 having a head 46 is inserted into aligned holes in the elements of the box lock joint , the inner element being designated 48 , and the outer elements being designated 50 and 52 . the head 46 is larger in diameter than the hole in element 50 , and the pin is thus retained for the first fusing operation . fig7 illustrates the result of the first fusing operation . the head is transformed into a weld 54 which securely fastens pin 44 to element 50 of the joint . weld 54 has a 100 % depth of penetration in element 50 . this is not difficult to achieve , and optimum fusion time for a given size of instrument can be easily determined . when a 100 % depth is reached , there is a considerable time lag before the current tends to weld element 50 to element 48 . thus , there is considerable leeway in the range of fusion time which will produce a good weld with 100 % penetration depth . following the first fusion step , the instrument is turned upside down , and a second fusion step takes place which fuses the protruding end of pin 44 to element 52 , producing a weld 56 , as shown in fig8 which is similar to weld 54 . finally , the excess fused material is ground away , and the instrument is subjected to any necessary final finishing steps and polishing . the final operations produce smooth surfaces 58 and 60 , as shown in fig9 . the pin is invisible . except for the fact that the pin is invisible , the instrument made in accordance with the invention resembles conventional instruments . preferably , a special fixture , such as that shown in fig1 and 11 , is used for the drilling and fusion operations in accordance with the invention . the fixture comprises a base 62 on which are mounted specially shaped clamps including fixed clamps 64 and 66 and slidable clamps 68 and 70 . the clamps hold the elements of the instrument securely in a fixed position as shown for drilling of the aligned holes . base 62 , as shown in fig1 , is provided with a depression 72 for drilling and also in order to accommodate the protruding end of the pin . the base is mounted on gearing including gear 74 and pinion 76 for rotation of the base during fusion to insure a uniform weld . an electrode 78 is shown in fig1 and 11 in position just above the pin . by way of specific example , a debakey ring handle bulldog clamp having an overall length of about 5 inches and consisting of 410 stainless steel is assembled in accordance with the invention using a headed 0 . 075 inch diameter , 0 . 195 inch long pin , also of 410 stainless . the instrument is drilled to 0 . 078 inches . fusion takes place at 32 amperes for 12 seconds with the electrode centered above the pin and spaced 0 . 037 inches from the head of the pin . the base is rotated at 10 rpm so that it rotates through two complete revolutions during each fusing step . the foregoing produces a 100 % weld on each side of the box lock joint without fusing the elements of the box lock joint together . a debakey angled straight jaw peripheral vascular clamp having an overall length of 7 inches , a pin length of 0 . 230 inches and a pin diameter of 0 . 090 inches and otherwise similar to the above - mentioned bulldog clamp is assembled under the same conditions as listed above , except that the instrument is drilled to 0 . 093 inches and a current of 35 amperes is used . a 10 inch debakey tangential occlusion clamp having a pin length of 0 . 271 inches and a pin diameter of 0 . 093 inches , and otherwise similar to the above - mentioned clamps is assembled under the same conditions as the above - mentioned vascular clamp except that the fusion current is set at 38 amperes . heavier instruments are assembled by the use of a longer fusing time , or a heavier fusing current , or both , and smaller instruments are assembled using a shorter time or a lighter fusing current . the required conditions can be easily determined for any given instrument . furthermore , the nature of the process allows for the production of uniform 100 % welds with a large margin of error in fusing conditions . the process produces an exceptionally strong and reliable box lock joint . since no swaging of the pin takes place , the stresses which resulted in failures of prior art instruments are not set up . furthermore , since hardening takes place following fusion , any stresses which are present as a result of bending or machining or fusing steps are relieved in the process of hardening the instrument . in addition , since the hinge pin is secured by fusing to the outer elements of the box lock joint , it is prevented from falling out of the instrument even if it is broken in use .
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the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 illustrates a block diagram of a printer arrangement with three printers . at the left in fig1 , block 20 symbolizes a printing job that must be executed by the three printers 24 , 26 , 28 at the right in fig1 . the printers may be of any kind and do not have to be the same . the job is routed to print job scheduler 22 , that may be implemented in a pc . the print job scheduler 22 divides the printing job into partial jobs , preferably along existing divisions , such as copies , when the printing job specifies several copies to be made of one digital document . division may also be made at page level , especially when the printing job is a single copy of a digital document . furthermore , the print job scheduler 22 assigns the partial jobs to the various printers . commands thereto are routed along arrows 30 , whereas return - signalizations are routed along lines 32 . preferably , all connections are implemented by a digital network , such as a local area network , a wide area network or the internet , a corporate intranet , or the like . commands would include starting instants , number of sets to be printed , job identifiers , and the like . return - signalizations would include o . k , partial job ready , number of sets yet to be done , printing interrupts such as paper out or jamming , etc . by itself , persons skilled in the art would know to design schedulers , given the requirements as specified . the algorithm used by the scheduler could be logical , wherein a set of equations is evaluated through inserting various parameters . the result thereof is the assignment of the various partial jobs to the various printers . another preferred solution is by heuristics , wherein one or more tentative assignments are evaluated , and the best thereof is selected for effecting the assignment . if necessary , still further tentative assignments may be tried . fig2 illustrates a first printing assignment pattern . each block represents one printing set or copy on a time scale ( t ) as represented by arrow 43 . all partial jobs 40 , 41 , 42 start concurrently at left , at t = 0 . the three printers collectively execute a printing job of 18 sets , distributed into groups of 5 , 6 and 7 sets , respectively . at the right in fig2 , the partial jobs have staggered termination instants . if the operator &# 39 ; s effort at terminating a partial job equals the length of one block , the whole job will be finished after 8 block lengths . if all blocks would terminate at the same instant , the whole job will be finished after 6 ( printing )+ 3 ( operator activity )= 9 block lengths . thus , using the present invention , the same amount of work is done in less time . furthermore , the usage ratio of the printers could be raised as well . if a printer can be made to restart immediately after the operator service terminates , idle time would represent only 3 blocks , and the usage ratio would be 18 / 21 = 86 %. if the partial jobs have the same size , all blocks would terminate at the same instant , idle would represent 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 blocks , and the usage ratio would decline to 18 / 24 = 75 %. if the operator activity takes more time , such as 1½ blocks , the improvement would be even greater . if the operator activity takes less time , the improvement would be less . in the case of only a ½ block length user time , both schemes have equal overall ready delay . nevertheless , the printer use ratio for the present invention would still be better . of course , when only brief operator activity is required , a smaller staggering size could also be used , if feasible . if the required post - processing time were zero , the outcome of the algorithm would be all printers terminating at the same instant , as in the above - mentioned uk patent . the present invention can also be applied when a plurality of operators is present . the logic - based algorithm would then tend to be more complex , but still straightforward . the same applies if the post - processing time is a function of the size of the partial job , is non - uniform for the various operators , for the various partial facilities , or in the course of time . an example of the latter would be that during absence of the operator , such as during lunch time , post - service may be stalled , so that it would be advantageous to have as many printers as possible running through the whole of this absence . for such purposes , the period of non - availability would advantageously be made known to the scheduler , such as through a user interface . even in cases wherein the number of divisions ( sets ) is not such that neatly staggered partial jobs can be formed , such that , e . g ., two out of a plurality of three printers are assigned the same number of sets , there would still be some gain in total processing time and machine usage ratio . fig3 illustrates a second printing assignment pattern to show the improvement when the staggering of the partial jobs 44 , 45 is by two blocks , and where operator activity 46 requires a 5 / 4 block length of time . in this case , the operator has to wait a brief interval after the first partial job has been taken care of . fig4 illustrates a third printing assignment pattern . this case applies in situations where the printing job necessitates some initial effort by the operator before starting the partial jobs , such as loading of special print sheets or pre - printed inserts in the paper input trays of the devices . in this situation , the starting instants of the partial jobs 50 , 51 , 52 are also staggered by operator activity time intervals 53 , 54 . the dashed lines indicate operator readiness . the arrows indicate the sequence of the operator &# 39 ; s actions . if the operator needs 1 ( one ) block length of time 55 for post - processing as shown , the operator also has to wait a brief interval after the first partial job has been taken care of . in the above examples , jobs are split into partial jobs on a set level , i . e ., presuming a printing job contains a plurality of sets , sets are not broken by the division and each partial job contains an integer number of sets . obviously , jobs may also be split on a lower level , such as print sheets . for jobs having a single set , such a division is the only one possible . however , multi - set jobs may also be split on a sheet level , although extra care of the operator is required to correctly consolidate the partial job outputs . a further example of the above heuristic algorithm for calculating the “ estimated time ready ” accounts for present activity on earlier jobs will be described . with three printers , p 1 and p 2 idle , but p 3 still having to work for 10 minutes on a previous job ( plus five minutes post - processing ), a 60 minute job will be assigned as follows , while ignoring granularity effects . p 1 : 20 minutes partial job plus five minutes post - processing , ready after 25 minutes . p 2 : 25 minutes partial job plus five minutes post - processing , ready after 30 minutes . p 3 : 15 minutes previous job ( inclusive post - processing ), furthermore 15 minutes next partial job plus five minutes post - processing , ready after 35 minutes . a further example has an 18 minute job and a 2½ minute post - processing on each of three printers . two feasible solutions are as follows . according to a first solution , the printers are assigned 4 , 6 and 8 minutes of printing , respectively . then , ready times are : p 2 : 6½ + 2½ = 9 ( note : having to wait for ½ minute before post - processing can start ) according to the second solution , the printers are assigned 3 , 6 and 9 minutes of printing , respectively . then , ready times are : the second solution is more robust , inasmuch as each post - processing interval may now run out by ½ minute before an overall delay will be experienced . the following is an example for only two printers , a ten minute job and a 2½ minute post - processing . as a first solution , both printers are assigned 5 minutes of the job . then , ready times are as follows : as a second solution , the first printer is assigned 4 minutes of the job and the second printer is assigned 6 minutes of the job . then , ready times are as follows : finally , in a third solution , the first the printer is assigned 3 minutes of the job and the second printer is assigned 7 minutes of the job . then , ready times are as follows : fig5 illustrates a sample flowchart of an assignment process for use with an embodiment of the present invention . in block s 60 , the execution starts , and hardware and software facilities are assigned as far as relevant . in block s 62 , the job or jobs are selected from a task schedule . in block s 64 , available printers are selected . in block s 66 , the various post - processing times are determined , such as by looking up in a look - up table or by operator entry at the user interface of the job scheduler 22 . in block s 68 , the print job is split into partial jobs , which are then assigned through executing the process of the present invention . in block s 70 , the system checks if the number of printers that have been assigned to the job in question is not too large . for example , a relatively small job must not be processed on too many printers , because each separate printer would need its own post - processing , that could in fact extend overall processing . if the answer is positive in block s 70 , one or more printers are unselected in block s 72 . the system then reverts to block s 68 for a new division and assigning trial . if the printers have been properly “ unbalanced ” in block s 68 according to the present invention , the printers are started in block s 74 . in block s 76 , the assigning procedure terminates . if a particular printer has to stop before fulfilling its task , as is schematically represented in item s 78 , the process of fig5 may be entered at another point , for example , immediately at block s 68 . it should be noted that various simplifications have been used in fig5 . for example , no user dialog has been shown . fig6 illustrates a sample graphical user interface for the print job scheduler 22 shown in fig1 . in the first place ( but not shown for clarity ), a job queue may be displayed on the display screen of the job scheduler 22 . a particular job may be selected by the operator or automatically , and subsequently , various processing options may be chosen . one of these is load unbalancing , which opens the window as shown in fig6 . field 80 shows job details , such as the number of pages of the digital document to be printed and the number of copies to be made in total . if necessary , such as for a copying job , the operator must specify these quantities . in a more sophisticated embodiment , the operator must only specify the number of copies , while the number of pages is automatically determined upon scanning . in the latter case , the scheduler waits to calculate the assignment scheme until the number of sheets has been determined . field 82 indicates a post - processing time for the operator that may be a default value ready to be adjusted by operator entry . it should be noted that the post - processing time entered in field 82 is taken as a minimum post - processing time in the assignment calculation , since it may not be possible in many cases , and it may not be necessary , to calculate a scheme that precisely produces the entered value . the area 84 is used for the actual job division and assignment , showing a list 86 of all available printers , each preceded by a check box ( 88 ) for the operator to indicate an intended involvement of a respective printer in the printing job . it may be noted that the various printers are listed to have different printing speeds , such as “ printer 1 ” having a speed of 100 prints per minute . upon checking one or more printers through the check boxes 88 , the scheduler 22 will automatically calculate the optimum assignment according to the algorithm described in fig5 , and show the actual assignment . in this case , printers # 1 and # 2 with different capabilities will do the work . also , the number of copies ( field 90 ) and the expected finishing time ( field 92 ) are shown , so that the operator will know when to be present . if necessary , finishing will be signalled by an audio signal . thereupon , the start button 94 may be actuated . for various purposes , a cancel button 96 is shown as well . note that the user interface may contain various ( other ) high - level facilities . although not shown in fig6 , the user interface may also include a field for the operator to enter certain periods of operator non - availability , e . g . a lunch break . the scheduler may then take such periods into account by avoiding partial jobs to end in those periods . various other aspects of the present invention may also play a part : 1 . the time difference between print job endings may also be automatically determined by the scheduler 22 on the basis of the job data and the job division scheme ( possibly in an iterative process ). for instance , in case of the print job being divided into large partial jobs that need careful handling , the scheduler may automatically assign time differences that are relatively large . however , when the partial jobs are small , the time differences may be made smaller , since the operator may need less time to handle them . 2 . not all printers need to be identical . if local throughput of a particular printer is different , only the termination instants scheduling needs to be considered for the assigning . note that assigning the partial job that will end last to the fastest printer will speed - up overall throughput since this printer is most productive ( cf . fig6 , wherein printer 2 , the slowest one , is scheduled to finish after 8 : 17 minutes , whereas printer 1 , which is faster , runs 13 : 17 minutes ). more generally , in case of several printers all having different throughputs , the termination instants would be ordered in a series accordingloy , with the fastest printer ending last and the slowest printer ending first . 3 . upon unforeseen stopping of a particular printer , the scheduling for the other printers may be re - calculated in a dynamic manner for again attaining the best result . the converse applies when a particular printer comes up again after such interrupt , or when an additional printer is added to the pool . the invention being thus described , it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways . such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention , and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims .
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embodiments of the invention relate to methods of handling media streams on a network . a network device scans http responses to clients , the network device searching these responses for content - type fields identifying streams or content of interest . when such content is identified , the network device alerts other network devices and / or services to change the priority and / or quality of service ( qos ) for the session containing the stream . detection may be made by network switches , network controllers , or wireless access points . according to the present invention and as shown in fig1 , network device 200 receives streams from network 100 to client 300 . as is understood in the art , network device 200 is a purpose - built digital device containing a processor , a memory hierarchy , and input / output interfaces . such devices typically operate under the control of an operating system such as linux , running specific programs to provide for access point operation . a mips - class processor such as one from cavium or netlogic — rmi may be used . wired network interfaces typically are ieee 802 . 3 ethernet interfaces . wireless interfaces are typically ieee 802 . 11 wifi interfaces . the memory hierarchy of the device typically contains fast read - write memory for holding programs and data during device operation , and a hierarch of persistent memory such as rom , eprom , and flash for holding instructions and data needed for device startup , and a file system for device operation . client device 300 is also a digital device containing a processor , memory hierarchy , and input / output interfaces , including a wireless interface such as an ieee 802 . 11 wireless interface for communicating with network device 200 . typical client devices 300 include but are not limited to laptop and netbook computers , wireless phones , wireless music players , and the like . for clarity , fig1 does not show other typical network devices such as switches , routers , firewalls , and the like which are well understood by the art . according to the present invention , network device 200 examines http responses from network 100 to client 300 . it is understood that a single network device 200 may be examining multiple streams to multiple clients 300 . techniques known to the art such as deep packet inspection may be used . typically a program such as a browser on client device 300 sends an http get request to a service in network 100 . the response to client 300 is a http 200 response message . this message contains a content - type field identifying the container format being used . as is understood in the art , http response messages in the 200 range indicate success , and are herein referred to as http response messages , of which http 200 ok is one such message . according to the present invention , network device 200 examines http response messages to clients 300 for particular content - type fields indicating contents of interest . as an example , for video or multimedia streams , the content - type field contains a mime type indicating a video stream . video mime types include , but are not limited to video / mpeg , video / mp4 , video / ogg , video / quicktime , video / webm , video / x - ms - wmv , video / x - ms - asf , and others . in an aspect of the invention , when network device 200 encounters an http response message to a client identifying a session as a video or multimedia stream , network device 200 signals other devices and / or processes in the network that the session is a multimedia or video stream and should be given priority . in another aspect of the invention , the process of scanning http response messages to clients may also be performed in an access point ( ap ), switch , router , controller , or other network device . as an example , an ap may examine streams for its associated clients , and when the ap detects a content - type of interest , such as a multimedia stream , the ap may adjust the priority or qos of that session as transmitted to the client . in response to this identification , other network devices such as switches , routers , controllers , and / or wireless access points may give priority to the identified session . this may be done by altering the quality of service ( qos ) associated with the session , or by other approaches to give priority to the identified session . other content interest may also include audio streams . it should be understood that the process of scanning streams to clients may be performed on a stand - alone network device , or the process may be performed in other devices on the network such as switches , routers , controllers , or access points . in another aspect of the invention , the scanning of http response messages for content - type fields of interest may be performed on a per - user basis , or on the basis of per - user rules . in another aspect of the invention , the scanning of http response messages for content - type fields of interest may be used to lower the priority or qos applied to certain media types , or to drop certain types altogether . as an example , a lower qos may be applied to flash ( x - shockwave - flash ), or to block javascript . during certain periods of the day , or in certain locations , a lower priority or qos may be applied to video or multimedia streams to discourage their use . this process may be applied on all traffic , only to traffic for a selected group of clients , or on a per - user basis . clients may be grouped , for example , based on vlan , ssid , access point , address range , or other characteristics . the present invention may be realized in hardware , software , or a combination of hardware and software . a typical combination of hardware and software may be a network server or access point with a computer program that , when being loaded and executed , controls aspects of the host device such that it carries out the methods described herein . the present invention also may be embedded in nontransitory fashion in a computer program product , which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein , and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods . computer program in the present context means any expression , in any language , code or notation , of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following : a ) conversion to another language , code or notation ; b ) reproduction in a different material form . this invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof . accordingly , reference should be made to the following claims , rather than to the foregoing specification , as indicating the scope of the invention .
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fig1 is a block diagram illustration of a conventional network microprocessor 100 with functional units for performing network tasks . the microprocessor 100 includes functional units that can also attend to network tasks that have to be performed in connection with the data to be exchanged via a plurality of network nodes 10 . the network nodes 10 are connected via external data lines 11 , 12 to devices such as other microprocessors , sensors , transducers , and other data or signal sources ( not shown ), which exchange data to a microprocessor unit 13 , also referred to as a central processing unit ( cpu ). data communication traffic within the microprocessor 100 between the individual functional units is via a central bus 15 . in the interest of clarity and ease of illustration , essentially only the functional units for the pure network tasks are shown . a rom / ram 14 holds the fixed or modifiable programs for the cpu 13 , which are called by the cpu if required or start automatically during system startup . the microprocessor 100 also includes a module 5 , which symbolizes various functional units , such as for example error protection , an engine control program , and the like . the priority logic 16 schedules priorities for the individual functional units to prevent contention on the bus 15 . an external bus interface 17 permits the bus 15 to be accessed from outside . the other functional units of fig1 relate to functions in connection with the data exchange with the external network or the various external networks . the network nodes 10 illustrated in fig1 are divided into two groups : ( i ) a plurality of uart network nodes 10 . 1 , 10 . 2 , 10 . 3 , and ( ii ) a plurality of can network nodes 10 . 4 , 10 . 5 , 10 . 6 . nodes operating according to other network standards are not shown in fig1 ; they would have to be connected to the bus 15 in a similar manner . each of the can nodes 10 . 4 to 10 . 6 includes an associated dll ram 10 . 7 , 10 . 8 , 10 . 9 , respectively , which buffers the data received or to be output via the can node . the ram is typically configured as a fifo device . in the case of the uart nodes 10 . 1 to 10 . 3 , this optional buffer may be dispensed with since the data to be transferred generally have only two states , which can be stored by the respective uart node itself . the dll rams preceding the can nodes 10 . 4 to 10 . 6 contain the above - mentioned dll messages or at least part thereof , while the other part is stored in dll ram 20 . in addition to storing the dll messages , the ram may hold the higher layer ( hl ) messages in another memory area 21 . in fig1 , these two memory areas 20 , 21 are therefore shown together and connected to the central bus 15 by a single bus link . the ram area of the rom / ram block 14 and the other ram areas 20 , 21 may be contained in a common read - write memory , which is indicated by the dashed lines between blocks 14 and 21 . fig2 is a block diagram illustration of a first embodiment of a processor 200 that includes a master processor and a network coprocessor , and a two bus system . for the sake of clarity , functional units described in connection with fig1 are designated by the same reference number , and shall not be discussed again in the interest of brevity . the processor 200 includes two control or arithmetic units 13 , 40 . the first cpu 13 can be referred to as a “ master processor ”. the second cpu 40 can be referred to as a “ network coprocessor ” or “ coprocessor ”, and performs the network tasks . to prevent the network tasks from colliding with the tasks of the master processor 13 on the internal bus , the microprocessor 100 includes a second bus system 35 for the network tasks , which also has the network nodes 10 connected to it . the functional units of the master processor 13 that are associated with the network tasks are combined in a block 18 , which is connected to the first bus system 30 . also connected to the first bus system 30 is a two - port hl ram 21 . 1 , whose other port is connected to the second bus system 35 . a program ram 41 stores specific programs for the coprocessor 40 that are loaded from the master processor 13 into the coprocessor 40 via the first bus system 30 . the program ram 41 is also connected to the second bus system 35 to permit communication with the coprocessor 40 . a two - port function is not necessary , because simultaneous access from both bus systems 30 , 35 to the program ram 41 is avoidable . the dll ram 20 includes a first area 20 . 1 for the uart messages and a second area 20 . 2 for the can messages . a rom 42 is also connected to the second bus to facilitate fast booting of the coprocessor 40 during system startup , for example . fig3 illustrates an alternative embodiment network processor 300 . the network processor 300 is substantially similar to the network processor 200 ( fig2 ) with the principal exception that the hl ram 21 cannot be reached by the coprocessor 40 directly via the second bus system 35 , since the data path goes via the second bus system 35 and then via the first bus system 30 . the two bus systems are coupled via a direct memory access ( dma ) device 50 between the second and first bus systems 30 , 35 . the coprocessor 40 can retrieve messages from the hl ram 21 with high priority via the dma device 50 . during the retrieval the current functions of the master processor 13 are interrupted . such a microprocessor architecture will be advantageous if the contents of the hl ram 21 are continuously adapted by the master processor 13 , while retrievals by the coprocessor 40 are relatively rare , so that the interruptions of the main program can be considered to be insignificant . fig4 illustrates yet another alternative embodiment network processor 400 . the network processor 400 is substantially similar to the network processor 300 ( fig3 ), with the principal exception that this device works in the other direction ( i . e ., from the first bus system 30 to the second bus system 35 ). specifically , the hl ram 21 is connected to the second bus system 35 . if the master processor 13 wants to access or modify the messages in the hl ram 21 , it will access the hl ram 21 with high priority by direct memory access device 50 . 1 , and interrupts the respective network function of the coprocessor 40 . this architecture and location of the hl ram 21 is particularly advantageous if the master processor 13 has to access the hl ram 21 infrequently , while the coprocessor 40 has to frequently access the network nodes 10 . fig5 illustrates still another alternative embodiment network processor 500 . the network processor 500 is substantially similar to the network processor 400 ( fig4 ), with the principal exception that a third bus system 60 is provided , to which the network nodes 10 , the dll ram 20 , and the priority logic 55 are connected . the other functional units ( e . g ., coprocessor 40 , hl ram 21 , program ram 41 , direct memory access unit 50 . 1 , and the second input / output of dll ram 20 ) are connected to the second bus system 35 . the priority logic 55 is necessary because the coprocessor 40 is not directly connected to the third bus system 60 , and as a result cannot perform the contention control function in the event of simultaneous access by the network nodes 10 . one advantage of this arrangement is that the nodes 10 do not require separate dll rams 10 . 7 - 10 . 9 ( fig1 ), since the dll ram 20 is connected to the individual nodes 10 . 1 , 10 . 4 via the third bus system 60 . with this arrangement , multiple utilization of the individual dll ram areas is readily possible as several nodes 10 are interconnectable with a single dll message , since the messages are identical . one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that designations contained in the description should not be interpreted in a limiting sense . in addition , reference to roms and rams of course does not exclude other memory types , such as the increasing use of erasable memories ( e . g ., flash memories ) as read - write memories , because such memories do not lose the stored information when power is removed . for tasks in which a continuous supply of power is not ensured , such memories are desirable . such an application is found in automobiles , for example , since the battery has to be changed from time to time even in a battery - saving standby mode . operating data about the number of kilometers covered , services carried out , etcetera , must not be lost . the separation of the network functions from the processor tasks proper also permits secure storage of such data in protected memory areas of the master processor , whose contents are not readily accessible or even deliberately modifiable . although the present invention has been shown and described with respect to several preferred embodiments thereof , various changes , omissions and additions to the form and detail thereof , may be made therein , without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .
| 6 |
the present disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions including coenzyme q10 ( coq10 ) and methods of linking to endogenous lipid molecules to modulate molecular machinery that relates to an oncogenic state . the scope of the present disclosure relates to the fields of molecular medicine and oncology specific to gene modulation of the p53 pathway and bcl - 2 gene family . in accordance with the present disclosure and as used herein , the following terms are defined with the following meanings , unless explicitly stated otherwise . as used herein , “ a ”, “ an ,” and “ the ” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise . as used herein , a “ pharmaceutically acceptable ” component is one that is suitable for use with humans and / or animals without undue adverse side effects ( such as toxicity , irritation , and allergic response ) commensurate with a reasonable benefit / risk ratio . as used herein , the term “ safe and therapeutic effective amount ” refers to the quantity of a component which is sufficient to yield a desired therapeutic response without undue adverse side effects ( such as toxicity , irritation , or allergic response ) commensurate with a reasonable benefit / risk ratio when used in the manner of this disclosure . by “ therapeutically effective amount ” is meant an amount of a compound of the present disclosure effective to yield the desired therapeutic response . for example , accelerate wound healing , relief of pain and fatigue . the specific safe and effective amount or therapeutically effective amount will vary with such factors as the particular condition being treated , the physical condition of the patient , the type of mammal or animal being treated , the duration of the treatment , the nature of concurrent therapy ( if any ), and the specific formulations employed and the structure of the compounds or its derivatives . as used herein , a “ pharmaceutical salt ” include , but are not limited to , mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines ; alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids . suitable salts may be made using an organic or inorganic acid . such salts include chlorides , bromides , sulfates , nitrates , phosphates , sulfonates , formates , tartrates , maleates , malates , citrates , benzoates , salicylates , ascorbates , and the like . in embodiments , hydrochloride salt may be utilized . “ diagnostic ” or “ diagnosed ” means identifying the presence or nature of a pathologic condition . diagnostic methods differ in their sensitivity and specificity . the “ sensitivity ” of a diagnostic assay is the percentage of diseased individuals who test positive ( percent of “ true positives ”). diseased individuals not detected by the assay are “ false negatives .” subjects who are not diseased and who test negative in the assay , are termed “ true negatives .” the “ specificity ” of a diagnostic assay is 1 minus the false positive rate , where the “ false positive ” rate is defined as the proportion of those without the disease who test positive . while a particular diagnostic method may not provide a definitive diagnosis of a condition , it suffices if the method provides a positive indication that aids in diagnosis . the terms “ patient ” or “ individual ” are used interchangeably herein , and refers to a mammalian subject to be treated , with human patients being suitable in some embodiments . in some cases , the methods of the present disclosure find use in experimental animals , in veterinary application , and in the development of animal models for disease , including , but not limited to , rodents including mice , rats , and hamsters ; and primates . “ sample ” is used herein in its broadest sense . a sample including polynucleotides , polypeptides , peptides , antibodies and the like may include a bodily fluid ; a soluble fraction of a cell preparation , or media in which cells were grown ; a chromosome , an organelle , or membrane isolated or extracted from a cell ; genomic dna , rna , or cdna , polypeptides , or peptides in solution or bound to a substrate ; a cell ; a tissue ; a tissue print ; a fingerprint , skin or hair , and the like . “ treatment ” is an intervention performed with the intention of preventing the development or altering the pathology or symptoms of a disorder . accordingly , “ treatment ” refers to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic or preventative measures . those in need of treatment include those already with the disorder as well as those in which the disorder is to be prevented . as used herein , “ ameliorated ” or “ treatment ” refers to a symptom which is approaches a normalized value ( for example a value obtained in a healthy patient or individual ), e . g ., is less than 50 % different from a normalized value , in embodiments less than about 25 % different from a normalized value , in other embodiments is less than 10 % different from a normalized value , and in yet other embodiments the presence of a symptom is not significantly different from a normalized value as determined using routine statistical tests . as used herein , “ an ameliorated symptom ” or “ treated symptom ” refers to a symptom which is approaches a normalized value , e . g ., is less than 50 % different from a normalized value , in embodiments loss than about 25 % different from a normalized value , in other embodiments less than about 10 % different from a normalized value , and yet other embodiments the presence of a symptom is not significantly different from a normalized value as determined using routine statistical tests . subjects from many different species can be treated with the compositions of the present disclosure . a non - exhaustive exemplary list of such animals includes mammals such as mice , rats , rabbits , goats , sheep , pigs , horses , cattle , dogs , cats , and primates such as monkeys , apes , and human beings . those animal subjects known to suffer muscle fatigue , pain , wounds , and the like may be suitable for use in the present disclosure . in particular , human patients suffering from injuries , surgery , arthritis , muscle fatigue and the like are suitable animal subjects for use in the present disclosure . by adapting the methods taught herein to other methods known in medicine or veterinary science ( e . g ., adjusting doses of administered substances according to the weight of the subject animal ), the compositions utilized in the present disclosure can be readily optimized for use in other animals . in embodiments , the present disclosure provides coq10 compositions for the treatment and prevention of cancer . transdermal , oral intravenous , and other parenteral preparations of 2 , 3 - dimethoxy - 5 - methyl - 6 - decaprenyl - 1 , 4 - benzoquinone ( coenzyme q - 10 ) may include , inter alia , auxiliary agents , an effective amount of pulmonary surfactant , and / or in combination with liposomes . in embodiments , the compositions including coq10 may be administered topically . it may be desirable to present the active ingredient , e . g . coq10 , as a pharmaceutical formulation . exemplary compositions are described in detail in the examples which follow . the active ingredient may include , for topical administration , from 0 . 001 % to about 60 % w / w , by weight of the formulation in the final product , although it may include as much as 80 % w / w , in embodiments from about 0 . 001 % to about 60 % w / w of the formulation . the topical formulations of the present disclosure , include an active ingredient together with one or more acceptable carrier ( s ) thereof and optionally any other therapeutic ingredients ( s ). the carrier ( s ) must be “ acceptable ” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof . in some embodiments , the coq10 may be included in a composition such as the composition disclosed in u . s . patent application ser . no . 12 / 052 , 825 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein . the composition of the present disclosure can be administered to a patient either by themselves , or in pharmaceutical compositions where it is mixed with suitable carriers or excipient ( s ). in treating a patient exhibiting a disorder of interest , a therapeutically effective amount of an agent or agents such as these is administered . a therapeutically effective dose refers to that amount of the compound that results in amelioration of symptoms or a prolongation of survival in a patient . toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals , e . g ., for determining the ld 50 ( the dose lethal to 50 % of the population ) and the ed 50 ( the dose therapeutically effective in 50 % of the population ). the dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio ld 50 / ed 50 . compounds which exhibit large therapeutic indices may be desirable . the data obtained from these cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in human . the dosage of such compounds may be within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ed 50 with little or no toxicity . the dosage may vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized . for any compound used in the method of the present disclosure , the therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays . for example , a dose can be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating plasma concentration range that includes the ic 50 as determined in cell culture . such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans . levels in plasma may be measured , for example , by hplc . the exact formulation , route of administration and dosage can be chosen by the individual physician in view of the patient &# 39 ; s condition . ( see e . g . fingl et al ., in the pharmacological basis of therapeutics , 1975 , ch . 1 p . 1 ). it should be noted that the attending physician would know how to and when to terminate , interrupt , or adjust administration due to toxicity , or to organ dysfunctions . conversely , the attending physician would also know to adjust treatment to higher levels if the clinical response were not adequate ( precluding toxicity ). the magnitude of an administrated dose in the management of the oncogenic disorder of interest will vary with the severity of the condition to be treated and to the route of administration . the severity of the condition may , for example , be evaluated , in part , by standard prognostic evaluation methods . further , the dose and perhaps dose frequency , will also vary according to the age , body weight , and response of the individual patient . a program comparable to that discussed above for humans may be used in veterinary medicine . the compositions of the present disclosure can be applied to a patient by treatment modalities that are tailored to the patient , such as the type of injury , severity of the injury , location of the injury . for example , the percentage of the active composition can be modulated during the course of treatment again depending on severity , type of injury etc . coq10 the active ingredient , may include , from 0 . 001 % to about 60 % w / w , by weight of the formulation in the final product , although it may include as much as 80 % w / w , in embodiments from about 0 . 001 % to about 60 % w / w of the formulation . the compositions can be applied to a patient at least once a day . in other embodiments the pharmaceutical compositions can be applied , twice a day , three times a day or more . the times and compositions containing the active ingredients can easily be determined by a clinician . depending on the specific conditions being treated , such agents may be formulated and administered systemically or locally . techniques for formulation and administration may be found in remington &# 39 ; s pharmaceutical sciences , 18 th ed ., mack publishing co ., easton , pa . ( 1990 ). suitable routes may include oral , rectal , transdermal , vaginal , transmucosal , or intestinal administration ; parenteral delivery , including intramuscular , subcutaneous , intramedullary injections , as well as intrathecal , direct intraventricular , intravenous , intraperitoneal , intranasal , or intraocular injections , just to name a few . the compositions described above may be administered to a subject in any suitable formulation . in addition to treatment of cancer with topical formulations of coq10 , in other aspects of the present disclosure coq10 might be delivered by other methods . for example , coq10 might be formulated for parenteral delivery , e . g ., for subcutaneous , intravenous , intramuscular , or intratumoral injection . other methods of delivery , for example , liposomal delivery or diffusion from a device impregnated with the composition might be used . the compositions may be administered in a single bolus , multiple injections , or by continuous infusion ( for example , intravenously or by peritoneal dialysis ). for parenteral administration , the compositions may be formulated in a sterilized pyrogen - free form . compositions of the present disclosure can also be administered in vitro to a cell ( for example , to bcl - 2 production in a cell or in an in vitro culture ) by simply adding the composition to the fluid in which the cell is contained . depending on the specific conditions being treated , such agents may be formulated and administered systemically or locally . techniques for formulation and administration may be found in remington &# 39 ; s pharmaceutical sciences , 18 th ed ., mack publishing co ., easton , pa . ( 1990 ). suitable routes may include oral , rectal , transdermal , vaginal , transmucosal , or intestinal administration ; parenteral delivery , including intramuscular , subcutaneous , intramedullary injections , as well as intrathecal , direct intraventricular , intravenous , intraperitoneal , intranasal , or intraocular injections , just to name a few . for injection , the agents of the present disclosure may be formulated in aqueous solutions , for example , in physiologically compatible buffers such as hanks &# 39 ; solution , ringer &# 39 ; s solution , or physiological saline buffer . for such transmucosal administration , penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation . such penetrants are generally known in the art . use of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to formulate the compounds herein disclosed for the practice of the present disclosure into dosages suitable for systemic administration is within the scope of the present disclosure . with proper choice of carrier and suitable manufacturing practice , the compositions of the present disclosure , in particular , those formulated as solutions , may be administered parenterally , such as by intravenous injection . the compounds can be formulated readily using pharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art into dosages suitable for oral administration . such carriers enable the compounds of the present disclosure to be formulated as tablets , pills , capsules , liquids , gels , syrups , slurries , suspensions and the like , for oral ingestion by a patient to be treated . agents intended to be administered intracellularly may be administered using techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art . for example , such agents may be encapsulated into liposomes , then administered as described above . liposomes are spherical lipid bilayers with aqueous interiors . all molecules present in an aqueous solution at the time of liposome formation are incorporated into the aqueous interior . the liposomal contents are both protected from the external microenvironment and , because liposomes fuse with cell membranes , are efficiently delivered into the cell cytoplasm . additionally , due to their hydrophobicity , small organic molecules may be directly administered intracellularly . pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in the present disclosure include compositions wherein the active ingredients are contained in an effective amount to achieve its intended purpose . determination of the effective amounts is well within the capability of those skilled in the art , especially in light of the detailed disclosure provided herein . in addition to the active ingredients , these pharmaceutical compositions may contain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers including excipients and auxiliaries which facilitate processing of the active compounds into preparations which can be used pharmaceutically . the preparations formulated for oral administration may be in the form of tablets , dragees , capsules , or solutions . the pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be manufactured in a manner that is itself known , e . g ., by means of conventional mixing , dissolving , granulating , dragee - making , levitating , emulsifying , encapsulating , entrapping or lyophilizing processes . formulations suitable for topical administration include liquid or semi - liquid preparations suitable for penetration through the skin to the site of where treatment is required , such as liniments , lotions , creams , ointments or pastes , and drops suitable for administration to the eye , ear , or nose . drops according to the present disclosure may include sterile aqueous or oily solutions or suspensions and may be prepared by dissolving the active ingredient in a suitable aqueous solution of a bactericidal and / or fungicidal agent and / or any other suitable preservative , and in some embodiments including a surface active agent . the resulting solution may then be clarified and sterilized by filtration and transferred to the container by an aseptic technique . examples of bactericidal and fungicidal agents suitable for inclusion in the drops are phenylmercuric nitrate or acetate ( 0 . 002 %), benzalkonium chloride ( 0 . 01 %) and chlorhexidine acetate ( 0 . 01 %). suitable solvents for the preparation of an oily solution include glycerol , diluted alcohol and propylene glycol . lotions according to the present disclosure include those suitable for application to the skin or eye . an eye lotion may include a sterile aqueous solution optionally containing a bactericide and may be prepared by methods similar to those for the preparation of drops . lotions or liniments for application to the skin may also include an agent to hasten drying and to cool the skin , such as an alcohol or acetone , and / or a moisturizer such as glycerol or an oil such as castor oil or arachis oil . creams , ointments or pastes according to the present disclosure are semi - solid formulations of the active ingredient for external application . they may be made by mixing the active ingredient in finely - divided or powdered form , alone or in solution or suspension in an aqueous or non - aqueous fluid , with the aid of suitable machinery , with a greasy or non - greasy basis . the basis may include hydrocarbons such as hard , soft or liquid paraffin , glycerol , beeswax , a metallic soap ; a mucilage ; an oil of natural origin such as almond , corn , arachis , castor or olive oil ; wool fat or its derivatives , or a fatty acid such as stearic or oleic acid together with an alcohol such as propylene glycol or macrogels . the formulation may incorporate any suitable surface active agent such as an anionic , cationic or non - ionic surface active such as sorbitan esters or polyoxyethylene derivatives thereof . suspending agents such as natural gums , cellulose derivatives or inorganic materials such as silicaceous silicas , and other ingredients such as lanolin , may also be included . pharmaceutical formulations for parenteral administration include aqueous solutions of the active compounds in water - soluble form . additionally , suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared as appropriate oily injection suspensions . suitable lipophilic solvents or vehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil , or synthetic fatty acid esters , such as ethyl oleate or triglycerides , or liposomes . aqueous injection suspensions may contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension , such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose , sorbitol , or dextran . optionally , the suspension may also contain suitable stabilizers or agents which increase the solubility of the compounds to allow for the preparation of highly concentrated solutions . pharmaceutical preparations for oral use can be obtained by combining the active compounds with solid excipient , optionally grinding a resulting mixture , and processing the mixture of granules , after adding suitable auxiliaries , if desired , to obtain tablets or dragee cores . suitable excipients are , in particular , fillers such as sugars , including lactose , sucrose , mannitol , or sorbitol ; cellulose preparations such as , for example , maize starch , wheat starch , rice starch , potato starch , gelatin , gum tragacanth , methyl cellulose , hydroxypropylmethyl - cellulose , sodium carboxy - methylcellulose , and / or polyvinyl pyrrolidone ( pvp ). if desired , disintegrating agents may be added , such as the cross - linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone , agar , or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate . dragee cores are provided with suitable coating . for this purpose , concentrated sugar solutions may be used , which may optionally contain gum arabic , talc , polyvinyl pyrrolidone , carbopol gel , polyethylene glycol , and / or titanium dioxide , lacquer solutions , and suitable organic solvents or solvent mixtures . dyestuffs or pigments may be added to the tablets or dragee coatings for identification or to characterize different combinations of active compound doses . pharmaceutical preparations which can be used orally include push - fit capsules made of gelatin , as well as soft , sealed capsules made of gelatin and a plasticizer , such as glycerol or sorbitol . the push - fit capsules can contain the active ingredients in admixture with filler such as lactose , binders such as starches , and / or lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and , optionally , stabilizers . in soft capsules , the active compounds may be dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids , such as fatty oils , liquid paraffin , or liquid polyethylene glycols . in addition , stabilizers may be added . the composition can include a buffer system , if desired . buffer systems are chosen to maintain or buffer the ph of compositions within a desired range . the term “ buffer system ” or “ buffer ” as used herein refers to a solute agent or agents which , when in a water solution , stabilize such solution against a major change in ph ( or hydrogen ion concentration or activity ) when acids or bases are added thereto . solute agent or agents which are thus responsible for a resistance or change in ph from a starting buffered ph value in the range indicated above are well known . while there are countless suitable buffers , potassium phosphate monohydrate may be a suitable buffer . the final ph value of the pharmaceutical composition may vary within the physiological compatible range . the final ph value should not be irritating to human skin and may also be selected so that transdermal transport of the active compound , e . g . coq10 , may be facilitated . without violating this constraint , the ph may be selected to improve coq10 compound stability and to adjust consistency when required . in one embodiment , the ph value may be from about 3 to about 7 . 4 , in embodiments from about 3 . 2 to about 6 . 5 , in other embodiments from about 3 . 5 to about 6 . in some embodiments , the remaining component of a topical delivery vehicle may be water , in embodiments purified , e . g . deionized , water . such delivery vehicle compositions may contain water in an amount of from about 50 to about 95 percent , based on the total weight of the composition . the specific amount of water present is not critical , however , being adjustable to obtain the desired viscosity ( usually about 50 cps to about 10 , 000 cps ) and / or concentration of the other components . the topical delivery vehicle may have a viscosity of at least about 30 centipoises . other known transdermal skin penetration enhancers can also be used to facilitate delivery of coq10 . illustrative are sulfoxides such as dimethylsulfoxide ( dmso ) and the like ; cyclic amides such as 1 - dodecylazacycloheptane - 2 - one ( azone , a registered trademark of nelson research , inc .) and the like ; amides such as n , n - dimethyl acetamide ( dma ) n , n - diethyl toluamide , n , n - dimethyl formamide , n , n - dimethyl octamide , n , n - dimethyl decamide , and the like ; pyrrolidone derivatives such as n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone , 2 - pyrrolidone , 2 - pyrrolidone - 5 - carboxylic acid , n -( 2 - hydroxyethyl )- 2 - pyrrolidone or fatty acid esters thereof , 1 - lauryl - 4 - methoxycarbonyl - 2 - pyrrolidone , n - tallow alkylpyrrolidones , and the like ; polyols such as propylene glycol , ethylene glycol , polyethylene glycol , dipropylene glycol , glycerol , hexanetriol , and the like ; linear and branched fatty acids such as oleic , linoleic , lauric , valeric , heptanoic , caproic , myristic , isovaleric , neopentanoic , trimethyl hexanoic , isostearic , and the like ; alcohols such as ethanol , propenol , butanol , octanol , oleyl , stearyl , linoleyl , and the like ; anionic surfactants such as sodium laurate , sodium lauryl sulfate , and the like ; cationic surfactants such as benzalkonium chloride , dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride , cetyltrimethylammonium bromide , and the like ; non - ionic surfactants such as the propoxylated polyoxyethylene ethers , e . g ., poloxamer 231 , poloxamer 182 , poloxamer 184 , and the like , the ethoxylated fatty acids , e . g ., tween 20 , myrj 45 , and the like , the sorbitan derivatives , e . g ., tween 40 , tween 60 , tween 80 , span 60 , and the like , the ethoxylated alcohols , e . g ., polyoxyethylene ( 4 ) lauryl ether ( brij 30 ), polyoxyethylene ( 2 ) olcyl ether ( brij 93 ), and the like , lecithin and lecithin derivatives , and the like ; the terpenes such as d - limonene , α - pinene , β - carene , α - terpineol , carvol , carvone , menthone , limonene oxide , α - pinene oxide , eucalyptus oil , and the like . also suitable as skin penetration enhancers are organic acids and esters such as salicylic acid , methyl salicylate , citric acid , succinic acid , and the like . the compositions described above may be administered to a subject in an effective amount . an effective amount is an amount which is capable of producing a desirable result in a treated animal or cell . as is well known in the medical and veterinary arts , dosage for any one animal depends on many factors , including the particular animal &# 39 ; s size , body surface area , age , the particular composition to be administered , time and route of administration , general health , and other drugs being administered concurrently . it is expected that an appropriate dosage for topical administration of the compositions of the present disclosure would be from about 0 . 1 to about 2 . 5 mg coq10 / kg of body weight ( e . g ., from about 10 to about 500 mg for subjects ranging from about 110 to about 300 lbs . an effective amount for use with a cell in culture will also vary , but can be readily determined empirically ( for example , by adding varying concentrations to the cell and selecting the concentration that best produces the desired result ). it is expected that an appropriate concentration would be from about 1 to about 250 μm . ( 0087 ) materials utilized for the experiments to generate the data accompanying the present disclosure included the following : skmel - 28 ( htb - 72 ), pc - 3 ( crl - 1435 ), and skbr3 ( hbt - 30 ) were purchased from atcc . the cell lines were grown in dmem / f12 medium ( dulbecco &# 39 ; s modified eagle medium : nutrient mixture f - 12 , commercially available from invitrogen corporation ) and supplemented with 5 % bovine calf serum . the bcl - 2 ( cat #: 2872 ), bax ( cat #: 2774 ), bid ( cat #: 2002 ), p53 ( cat #: 9282 ), bcl - x1 ( cat #: 2762 ), caspase - 3 ( cat #: 9662 ), mcl - 1 ( cat #: 4572 ), bax ( cat #: 2772 ), anti - rabbit igg ( cat #: 7074 ), and anti - mouse igg ( cat #: 7076 ) antibodies were purchased from cell signaling technology ( boston , mass .). reagents and chemicals were purchased from sigma aldrich ( st louis , mo .). western blot gels and buffers were purchased from bio - rad ( hercules , calif .). protein expression protocol . ( generated the data found in figs . : 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 10 a - 10 d , 13 , 14 , 16 , 18 , 19 a , and 25 .) skmel - 28 , pc - 3 , and skbr3 cells were grown to 80 % confluency and subcultured in petri dishes . after 24 hours , the cells adhered to the plates and the medium was extracted . treatment medium was added to each plate . following the intended incubation time , the medium was removed and the cells were washed with cold phosphate buffered saline ( pbs ). the cells were scraped in cold pbs and collected in centrifuge tubes . cells were then pelleted and washed with cold pbs ( 3 times ). the pbs was removed , after which a lysis buffer was added and sonicated to disperse the protein structures . a sample buffer was added to each tube and the solutions were boiled for 5 minutes . using a bca ( bicinchoninic acid ) protein analysis kit , the concentration of protein was quantified for each sample . these values determined the loading volumes for each samples . the samples were loaded in a 4 % stacking and 12 % running tris - hcl gel western blot gels . after separation , the bands of protein were transferred to nitrocellulose paper using electrophoresis . the nitrocellulose paper was blocked overnight with 5 % milk solutions . the respective antibodies were added to each nitrocellulose paper containing the protein samples . after 24 hours the primary antibody was removed and the extraction paper was washed to remove any unbounded primary antibodies . depending on the type of the primary antibody , an anti - mouse or anti - rabbit secondary antibody was added to the protein extracts . after incubation , the antibodies were removed and the nitrocellulose papers were washed . a pico chemo - luminescent was added and the nitrocellulose paper was exposed to x - ray development film under dark room conditions . the film was developed to record the protein expression . graphical analysis for the western blot analysis ( generated the data found in fig1 , 15 , 17 , 19 a , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 26 .) the procedure for protein expression was used to obtain a photographic image of the protein expression . these imaged were scanned into image files for computer analysis . using imagej software developed by the u . s . national institutes of health ( nih ), the levels of protein expression were quantified . the expression was then calculated based on the level of expression of the actin , which was the loading control for the samples . the numerical values were statistically analyzed for statistical significance . skmel - 28 cells were grown in 5 % serum - supplemented dmem / f12 medium to 80 % confluency . the cells were trypsinized and pelleted using a centrifuge . the pellets were then resuspended in cold pbs . the subjects for this study were nude athymic mice . each subject received two injections of the cell suspension on the dorsal region of the mouse . after a visual assessment of the establishment of a tumor , treatment with a topical application would commence . after 30 days of treatment , the tumors were excised from the mice and placed in formalin . each tumor sample was embedded in paraffin and sliced using a microtome . the slides underwent an h & amp ; e or s - 100 stain . these samples were then analyzed by a pathologist to assess the vascular integrity of the tumor . the figures provide details regarding the synthesis of coq10 , and the interactions of endogenous proteins in a cancer state , including their expression in cancer states . the figures also depict the data obtained from the above experiments , and demonstrate the effects the administration of a compound such as coq10 , in varying concentrations and for varying periods of time , had on various types of cancer cells . briefly , in summary , the figures include the following : fig1 is a depiction of the metabolic synthesis of coq10 ; fig2 is a summary of the interactions of bax , p53 , and bcl - 2 in the induction of apoptosis ; fig3 shows bcl - 2 expression in melanoma cells and neonatal fibroblasts after treatment with 50 μm coq10 ; fig4 shows bcl - 2 expression in melanoma cells incubated with 50 μm and 100 μm coq10 for 24 hours ; fig5 shows bcl - 2 expression in melanoma cells treated in the presence and absence of coq10 using a 24 hour take away ( ta ) method . in ta experiments , melanoma cells were treated with coq10 for 6 , 12 , and 24 hours . after incubation the medium was replaced with normal culture medium for 24 hours . bcl - 2 expression was measured to assess the commitment to apoptosis ; fig6 shows bax expression in melanoma cells after 12 and 24 hours incubation with coq10 ( 50 μm and 100 μm ); fig7 shows bax expression in melanoma cells treated in the presence and absence of coq10 using 24 hr take away ( ta ) method . in ta experiments melanoma cells were treated with coq10 for 6 , 12 , and 24 hours . after incubation the medium was replaced with normal culture medium for 24 hours . bax expression was measured to assess the commitment to apoptosis ; fig8 shows bid expression in melanoma cells after 12 hours incubation with coq10 ; fig9 shows the histopathology analysis of human melanoma tumors induced in nude athymic mice . the treatment group received a topical application of coq10 for 30 days . analysis of the tumor pathology indicates a disruption in tumor vasculature ; fig1 a - 10 d show bcl - 2 expression in melanoma cells incubated with coq10 and / or vascular endothelial growth factor ( vegf ) for 24 hours ; fig1 shows p53 expression in melanoma cells incubated with 50 μm and 100 μm coq10 for 24 hours ; fig1 is a graph depicting p53 expression in melanoma cells incubated with 50 μm and 100 μm coq10 for 12 hours ; fig1 shows bcl - x1 expression in melanoma cells incubated with coq10 for 6 hours ; fig1 shows bcl - x1 expression in melanoma cells incubated with coq10 for 12 hours ; fig1 is a graph quantifying bcl - x1 expression in melanoma cells treated for 12 hours with coq10 ; fig1 shows caspase - 3 expression in melanoma cells treated for 12 hours with coq10 ; fig1 is a graph quantifying caspase - 3 expression in melanoma cells treated for 12 hours with coq10 ; fig1 shows mcl - 1 expression in melanoma cells treated with coenzyme q10 for 3 , 6 , 12 , and 24 hours ; fig1 a is a graph quantifying mcl - 1 expression in melanoma cells incubated with coq10 for 12 hours ; fig1 b is a graph quantifying mcl - 1 expression in melanoma cells incubated with coq10 for 24 hours ; fig2 is a graph quantifying bax expression in pc - 3 ( prostate cancer ) cells incubated for 4 hours with coq10 ; fig2 is a graph quantifying bcl - 2 expression in pc - 3 cells incubated for 4 hours with coq10 ; fig2 is a graph showing the time point comparison of bcl - 2 expression in pc - 3 cells treated with coq10 for 4 and 24 hours ; fig2 is a graph quantifying bcl - 2 expression in skbr - 3 ( breast cancer ) cells incubated for 4 hours with coq10 ; fig2 is a graph quantifying bax expression in skbr - 3 cells incubated for 8 hours with coq10 ; fig2 shows bax expression in skbr3 cells incubated with coq10 for 8 hours ; fig2 is a graph comparing bcl - 2 and bax expression after 24 hours treatment with coq10 . as noted above , compositions of the present disclosure may be utilized for the treatment of cancer . such compositions may include coq10 or its metabolites in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier . such a composition may effectuate cell contact of endogenous coenzyme q10 or its metabolites thereof in addition to , but not limited to , mevalonic acid and oleic acid to form an intracellular complex . in embodiments , such a composition may include from about 0 . 001 % to about 60 % ( w / w ) of coenzyme q10 . such compositions may be topical compositions which , in turn , may be gels , ointments , liquids , creams , salves , lotions , sprays , aerosols , mousses , foams , combinations thereof ; and the like . as also noted above , compositions of the present disclosure may be in a liquid form , capable of introduction into a subject by any means or route of administration within the purview of those skilled in the art . for example , compositions may be administered by routes of administration including , but not limited to , the lungs , intravenous , oral , transdermal , rectal , subcutaneous , transmucosal , buccal , sublingual , intratumoral , combinations thereof , and the like . in some embodiments , it may be desirable to nebulize or aerosolize the compositions for administration . methods for treating disease states with the compositions herein are also provided . such methods may include treating cancer . where utilized to treat cancer , the compositions may be in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that may be administered in a therapeutically effective amount to an area of oncogenesis as either a monotherapy , in combination with at least one other chemotherapeutic agent for a given indication , in combination with radiotherapy , following surgical intervention to radically remove a tumor , in combination with other alternative and / or complementary acceptable treatments for cancer , and the like . in embodiments , the present disclosure also provides a method claim for re - activating a mutated / inactivated p53 protein by administering to an area of oncogenesis in a patient a composition of the present disclosure . the present disclosure also provides methods for modulating proteins implicated in oncogenesis by administering to an area of oncogenesis in a patient a composition of the present disclosure . such proteins which may be modulated by compositions of the present disclosure include , but are not limited to : bcl - 2 protein ; bax protein ; bid protein ; bim protein ; bad protein ; bak protein ; mcl - 1 protein ; bcl - x1 protein ; bcl - xs protein ; bcl - w protein ; bik protein ; bok protein ; biml protein ; a1 protein ; hrk protein ; bik protein ; bnip3 protein ; blk protein ; noxa protein ; puma protein ; vegf protein ; fgf - 1 / fgf - 2 protein ; hif - α protein ; angiostatin protein ; tgf - β protein ; smad proteins ; cdk ( cyclin - dependent kinases ); the pi3k / akt complex . in other embodiments , compositions of the present disclosure may be utilized to regulate and / or restore a healthy apoptosis state in cancer cells . mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulation of apoptosis are implicated in many diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration . respiratory chain ( rc ) dysfunction may have a role in apoptosis , as demonstrated using mitochondrial dna mutations as genetic models . although some mutations eliminate the entire rc , others target specific complexes , resulting in either decreased or complete loss of electron flux , which leads to impaired respiration and adenosine triphosphate ( atp ) synthesis . despite these similarities , significant differences in responses to apoptotic stimuli emerge . cells lacking rc are protected against both mitochondrial - and endoplasmic reticulum ( er ) stress - induced apoptosis . cells with rc , but unable to generate electron flux , are protected against mitochondrial apoptosis , although they have increased sensitivity to er stress . finally , cells with a partial reduction in electron flux have increased apoptosis under both conditions . rc modulates apoptosis in a context - dependent manner independent of atp production and that apoptotic responses are the result of the interplay between mitochondrial functional state and environmental cues . the execution of apoptosis and communication between oncogenic factors may also be mediated by released factors such as cytochrome c , endo g , or aif through mitochondrial membrane pores which open upon membrane depolarization . cancer cells also generate excessive lactate in the presence of oxygen ( aerobic glycolysis ). it now appears that this phenomenon is the product of two factors : a return to the more glycolytic metabolism of the embryo and alterations in oxidative phosphorylation ( oxphos ) to increase mitochondrial reactive oxygen species ( ros ) production . alterations in the ras - pi3k - akt signal transduction pathway can result in induction of hexokinase ii and its attachment to mitochondrial porin redirecting mitochondrial atp to phosphorylate glucose and drive glycolysis . furthermore , partial inhibition of oxphos by mitochondrial gene mutations ( germ - line or somatic ) can reduce electron flux through the electron transport chain , increasing mitochondrial ros production . the increased ros mutagenizes nuclear proto - oncogenes ( initiation ) and drives nuclear replication ( promotion ), resulting in cancer . therefore , hexokinase ii and mitochondrial ros may be useful alternate targets for cancer therapeutics . metabolic flux as it relates to cancer is compromised in an oncogenic state and shifts towards a glycolytic state . a cancer cell &# 39 ; s survival is vitally dependent on glucose metabolism and low oxygen levels . more perplexing is that mitochondrial activity is significantly attenuated to the point of dormancy . oxidative phosphorylation usually associated with complex i - iv that accepts electrons from the citric acid cycle ( tca ) is essentially shut down . there is a marked increase in the amount of free radicals and lactate dehydrogenase activity . hence , the cancer cell is in state of : in embodiments , the effect coq10 may have on cancer cells may depend , in part , on the various states of metabolic and oxidative flux exhibited by the cancer cells . coq10 may be utilized to interrupt and / or interfere with the conversion of an oncogenic cell &# 39 ; s dependency of glycolysis and increased lactate utility . as it relates to a cancer state , this interference with the glycolytic and oxidative flux of the tumor microenvironment may influence apoptosis and angiogenesis in a manner which reduces the development of a cancer cell . in embodiments , the interaction of coenzyme q10 with glycolytic and oxidative flux factors may enhance the ability of coenzyme q10 to exert its restorative apoptotic effect in cancer while establishing viable drug targets for drug discovery and development . while the above disclosure has focused on coenzyme q10 and its metabolites , other compounds related to coq10 which may be administered instead of , or in combination with , coq10 include , but are not limited to , benzoquinones , isoprenoids , farnesols , farnesyl acetate , farnesyl pyrophosphate , l - phenylalanine , d - phenylalanine , dl - phenylalanine , l - tyrosine , d - tyrosine , dl - tyrosine , 4 - hydroxy - phenylpyruvate , 4 - hydroxy - phenyllactate , 4 - hydroxy - cinnamate , dipeptides and tripeptides of tyrosine or phenylalanine , 3 , 4 - dihydroxymandelate , 3 - methoxy - 4 - hydroxyphenylglycol , 3 - methoxy - 4 - hydroxymandelate , vanillic acid , phenylacetate , pyridoxine , s - adenosyl methionine , panthenol , mevalonic acid , isopentyl pyrophosphate , phenylbutyrate , 4 - hydroxy - benzoate , decaprenyl pyrophosphate , beta - hydroxybutyrate , 3 - hydroxy - 3 - methyl - glutarate , acetylcarnitine , acetoacetylcarnitine , acetylglycine , acotoacetylglycine , carnitine , acetic acid , pyruvic acid , 3 - hydroxy - 3 - methylglutarylcarnitine , all isomeric forms of serine , alanine , cysteine , glycine , threonine , hydroxyproline , lysine , isoleucine , and leucine , even carbon number c4 to c18 fatty acids ( butyric , caproic , caprylic , capric , lauric , myristic , palmitic , and stearic acids ) salts of carnitine and glycine , e . g ., palmitoylcarnitine and palmitoylglycine , and 4 - hydroxy - benzoate polyprenyltransferase , any salts of these compounds , as well as any combinations thereof , and the like . the figures are offered by way of illustration , not by way of limitation . while specific examples have been provided , the above description is illustrative and not restrictive . any one or more of the features of the previously described embodiments can be combined in any manner with one or more features of any other embodiments in the present disclosure . furthermore , many variations of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the specification . all publications and patent documents cited in this application are incorporated by reference in pertinent part for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent document were so individually denoted . by their citation of various references in this document , applicants do not admit any particular reference is “ prior art ” to their disclosure . it is to be understood that while the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the present disclosure , which is defined by the scope of the appended claims . other aspects , advantages , and modifications are within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents .
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a crosshandle baton assembly 10 according to the invention is shown in fig1 . the assembly includes an elongated club 11 which may be a conventional police baton as used in law - enforcement work . preferably , the club is about 24 inches in length and 11 / 4 inch in diameter , and is made of wood or a plastic material such as glass - filled polycarbonate plastic . as shown in fig2 the club has a conventional circular cross section , and includes a fluted handgrip portion 12 adjacent one end . a bore 13 extends diametrically through the club adjacent the inner end of handgrip portion 12 . a crosshandle for the baton assembly includes an elongated handle 15 having a cylindrical shank 16 . an end 17 of the shank is concave or saddle shaped to mate with the cylindrical outer surface of the club when the longitudinal axes of the handle and club are perpendicularly positioned as shown in fig2 . a handgrip portion 18 of the handle terminates in a shoulder 19 at the end of the shank . an enlarged knob 20 is formed at the end of the handgrip portion to resist any tendency of the handle to slip downwardly in the user &# 39 ; s hand during use of the baton assembly . preferably , a part of the handgrip portion immediately adjacent shoulder 19 includes axially extending depressions or flutes 22 to provide an improved grip for braking spinning motion of the baton assembly at the end of a sweeping stroke . the balance of handgrip portion 18 is formed with circumferentially extending grooves 23 to resist slippage of the handle within the user &# 39 ; s hand . an axially extending threaded opening 24 extends from end 17 into shank 16 . an unthreaded bore 25 extends diametrically through the shank and is spaced slightly from end 17 as best seen in fig2 . a hollow mounting saddle 28 makes a slip fit over shank 16 , and has a concave or saddle - shaped end 29 which continues the curvature of shank end 17 to fit smoothly against the outer surface of the club . an unthreaded bore 30 extends diametrically through the mounting saddle to be in alignment with bore 25 in the handgrip shank when the parts are assembled as shown in fig2 . the end of the mounting saddle which faces shoulder 19 includes a beveled surface 31 . a hollow rotatable sleeve 34 makes a slip fit over shank 16 of the handle . the outer surface of the sleeve is formed with circumferential grooves 35 for an improved gripping surface . the ends of the sleeve include beveled surfaces 36 . the parts are assembled by slipping rotatable sleeve 34 over handle shank 16 until the sleeve abuts shoulder 19 . mounting saddle 28 is then slipped over the end of the handle shank to abut the rotatable sleeve . the mounting saddle is rotated to position bore 30 in alignment with bore 25 in the shank , and a locking pin 38 is slipped into the aligned bores . pin 38 has a diametrically extending central clearance bore 39 therethrough . the assembled parts are then positioned against club 11 in the position shown in fig2 and a retaining bolt 41 is slipped through bore 13 in the club and threaded into opening 24 in the handle shank through clearance bore 39 in the locking pin . preferably , a recess 42 is formed in the club around bore 13 to receive the head of bolt 41 . the bolt is tightened to secure the handle and mounting saddle rigidly to the club . the length of rotatable sleeve 34 is selected to provide a slight axial clearance between the end of the mounting saddle and shoulder 19 of the handle . this clearance insures that the sleeve is freely rotatable on the handle shank after bolt 41 is tightened . as best seen in fig1 preferably both handgrip portion 18 and rotatable sleeve 34 are slightly tapered as they extend away from flutes 22 to provide a comfortable grip for the user &# 39 ; s hand . preferably , the handle , mounting saddle and rotatable sleeve are machined from a lightweight metal such as aluminum , and the outer surfaces of the parts are finished with a black - anodized treatment . metal is a preferred material for these parts to insure ruggedness and smooth rotation of sleeve 34 , but the parts may also be cast from plastic materials . if plastic is used , it is preferable to retain metal for the material of pin 38 , and to thread pin bore 39 to receive bolt 41 so a strong metal - to - metal connection is made . an overall length of about 6 inches ( measured from the centerline of club 11 ) is satisfactory for the crosshandle , and the largest outside diameters of the mounting saddle and the fluted and knob portions of the handle are preferably about 11 / 4 inches in diameter . the tapered portions of the handle handgrip portion and rotatable sleeve preferably reduce to a minimum diameter of about 1 inch , and sleeve 34 is about 11 / 2 inches long . in use , the crosshandle is gripped with the thumb and first and second fingers positioned around stationary handgrip portion 18 . the third and fourth fingers are positioned around rotatable sleeve 34 . when the baton assembly is moved in a sweeping motion , the grip on the stationary handgrip portion is relaxed , while the third and fourth fingers maintain a tight grip on rotatable sleeve 34 . this permits the club to spin with respect to the handle during the sweeping motion , adding substantially to the overall club velocity . the crosshandle , however , remains securely positioned in the user &# 39 ; s hand due to the firm grip which can be maintained on the rotatable sleeve . at the end of a sweeping motion of the club , the spinning motion is braked by tightening the grip on the stationary handgrip portion of the handle . the relaxation and tightening of the user &# 39 ; s grip on the stationary part of the handle is a skill which is readily acquired after a brief period of practice . beveled surfaces 36 at the ends of the rotatable sleeve , and the mating beveled surfaces on the handle and mounting saddle form a pair of v - shaped grooves at opposite ends of the rotatable sleeve to prevent pinching of the user &# 39 ; s fingers as the handle rotates with respect to the sleeve during a sweeping and spinning motion of the club . the crosshandle assembly can be added to any standard police baton , and is not restricted to any particular style of club . the only modification required to a standard baton is the forming of a recessed bore to receive bolt 41 . should cleaning be necessary , the crosshandle assembly is readily dismantled by releasing bolt 41 , and the bearing surfaces of the rotatable sleeve are then wiped clean . pin 38 assures that the parts will be reassembled in correct alignment , and also provides the proper slight axial clearance for the rotatable sleeve without regard to the extent of tightening of the retaining bolt . other types of retaining arrangements can be used for the rotatable sleeve , but the disclosed configuration is preferred because it is simple , reliable , and inexpensive to produce . there has been described an improved crosshandle baton which uses a rotatable sleeve to provide improved control and higher velocity during a sweeping and spinning motion of the baton . novices can learn use of the improved baton in a short period of time , and it is unnecessary to develop a calloused gripping hand to withstand the spinning motion of prior - art batons with non - rotatable crosshandles . the rotatable sleeve is a significant improvement over known designs in that training time is reduced , and the weapon performs more effectively during defensive maneuvers used by a police officer .
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turning now to the drawing and particularly , fig1 thereof , there is seen a block diagram of a system 10 that embodies the teachings of the present invention . system 10 includes a scanning section 11 , which is enclosed by the dotted line at the left side of fig1 illuminator 12 , which can be an led array , a laser , or the like , produces a light beam represented by outer defining rays 14 , 14 &# 39 ;. the beam strikes a target 16 on which are found visible indicia , such as one or two dimensional bar code or ocr characters . the light beam is reflected through optics 20 , the reflected beam being shown representatively as rays 18 , 18 &# 39 ;. the optics project an image of the indicia onto image sensor 22 , which is preferably realized as a ccd array or matrix . signals developed by the image sensor 22 responsive to light incident thereon are conducted through signal processing electronics 24 , and a suitably conditioned video signal 26 is presented to an enhanced microcomputer or microprocessor 30 . operation of the scanning section 11 is controlled by a trigger 28 , which can be a manual trigger , or an automatic trigger that responds to the presence of indicia . the trigger 28 is coupled to the microcomputer 30 via an i / o port section 32 . the microcomputer asserts an enable signal 34 responsive to the trigger 28 to turn on the illuminator 12 and the image sensor 22 . control signals 36 are provided for clock generators 38 that provide suitable enabling signals for the illuminator 12 , and clock signals 42 for the image sensor 22 as are required for the operation of a ccd device . the microcomputer is provided with a timer and dma controller 44 . the video signal is conducted through a bus interface 46 onto bus 49 , and then stored as data at an address in a ram 48 , the transfer mediated by the dma controller 44 . the stored data is representative of the optical pattern of the indicia on the target 16 . while dma access to the ram is preferred for rapidity of operation , other memory addressing techniques can be also used . other conventional provisions include a uart 52 and an auxiliary i / o port section 54 for connecting communications devices ( not shown ) to the scanner . representative of such devices are a keyboard when the scanner is employed in a wedge configuration , a telecommunications network , and other devices as may be required for a given application of the system . a rom 50 contains system programs , and may also contain a program for decoding the data stored in the ram 48 . of course the program could equivalently reside in ram 48 , and be loaded therein from a secondary memory storage ( not shown ), or via communications interface 56 . in this particular embodiment as shown , the decoder is integrated into the scanner , although it could also be external thereto . a typical scan cycle for a ccd scanner is shown in fig2 . during the time period of the scan ( 5 msec is used in the figure , although this can vary ) the cycle begins with illumination pulse 100 during which brief time period the target is illuminated . the target may contain bar code or any other indicia such as ocr which are amenable to scanning and decoding . during the illumination pulse 100 period , photosensors in the scanner obtain a linear image of the target which is then transferred via a transfer gate 105 to the charge coupled device . the ccd is clocked with pulses 110 to shift the image out to a ccd analog signal 115 . the ccd analog signal 115 is then transformed via the microprocessor to a digitized signal termed video out 120 in fig2 . video out 120 is a digitized representation of whatever high contrast elements were observed during the illumination period 100 . this could be the black regions of a bar code , for example . it can be seen that there is not regularity to either the size or the placement of the ` 1 ` and ` 0 ` segments of the video out 120 . the time between successive leading and trailing edges of the video out signal 120 is then timed using the microprocessor clock counts 125 as reference . next the information is then stored in memory 130 . scanning of indicia can take place under either of two generalized conditions with respect to the information load presented by the indicia . these are there being a light load of information or a heavy load thereof . the situation is set forth in fig3 . the prior art and the instant invention perform equally well under a light load . this can be seen by inspecting the representation of the timing of successive scans and decoding operations of prior art 135 and the instant invention 155 under a light information load . each decode of a previous scan &# 39 ; s information can be completed during a subsequent scan . however , under a heavy information load it can be seen that the prior art methods 140 did not allow sufficient time for decoding . thus , for the method illustrated , after scan1 141 is completed scan2 142 is initiated immediately before the decoding of scan1 143 . scan2 142 is completed while decode1 143 is still in progress and so scan3 144 is initiated . the decoding process falls further and further behind the scanning process until some point where memory is filled and information must be discarded . this contrasts with the heavy information load handling of the instant invention 160 . again scan1 161 obtains and stores information in memory . then scan2 162 is initiated immediately before the decoding of scan1 165 is begun . however when scan2 162 is terminated , the decode 163 is not yet completed . therefore the scanner is halted at 170 and only restarted at 171 to perform scan3 164 when the decode of scan1 163 is completed . of course immediately after scan3 164 is initiated , so is the decoding of scan2 165 . fig4 shows the steps used to accomplish this synchronization of scanning and decoding so that information does not have to be discarded from memory . the scanning process as a whole is initiated in step 200 by an act such as turning on the power to the scanner or depressing a button or other trigger to initiate the illumination . the first scan is then initiated in step 203 . this first scan is a special instance as it is the one time , under normal circumstances , that a scan will be initiated without a decoding operation being initiated as well . after this step 203 the succeeding steps are repeated from one cycle to the next . first a determination is made as to whether the present scan is complete 205 . this is accomplished via a signal from the scanner to the microprocessor informing the microprocessor that the scan is complete . the signal may either be initiated by the scanner or be a response to a query signal from the microprocessor . once the scan is complete , and the information garnered from the scan has been placed in ram memory , then in the preferred embodiment the last memory location containing information from the previous scan is marked in step 208 . this can be done using timing information with respect to the last scan . in this embodiment memory is handled as a circular queue ( with each region logically successive to both the prior and subsequent regions of memory ) so as to maximize the use of memory , as only the amount needed for each scan is used by it . however storage of the information can take place using two predetermined blocks of memory where each block is of sufficient size to accommodate the greatest possible information obtainable from a single scan . the information from the scan may have been transferred to memory by any of the techniques that are well known in the art such as , for example , direct memory access . a new scan is then initiated in step 209 and thereafter the microprocessor begins , in step 210 , decoding the results from the prior scan that are already completely stored in memory . a determination is then made under microprocessor control in step 212 as to whether the symbol decoding is successful . this query breaks into two parts : first has the decoding been completed and second has the last collection of information been decoded so as to obtain a valid symbol ? if the decoding is not complete then no new scan is initiated until such time as it is complete -- that is initiation of scanning will be prevented . if however the decoding is complete but does not yield a valid results , then the information will have to be discarded and the system will return to wait for the present scan to be completed . if , on the other hand , a valid decode has been accomplished , then a determination will be made in step 215 , again under microprocessor control , as to whether the entire group of scans has successfully decoded a complete symbol or informational grouping . if not , the system will wait for the completion of the current scan . if so , then in step 218 the completed group of scans comprising a message will be processed and / or output as directed by the microprocessor using the peripherals which are attached to the system . the process will then end in step 20 by either having the power disconnected or the button or trigger for illumination released . it can be seen that by practicing this invention information is decoded at a rate that keeps up with the scanning process so that no discarding of stored information due to memory constraints is ever necessary . while this invention has been explained with reference to the structure disclosed herein , it is not confined to the details set forth and this application is intended to cover any modifications and changes as may come within the scope of the following claims :
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the following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention . furthermore , there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description . fig1 shows a lower front corner of a windshield 1 of a motor vehicle body , a rear corner of an engine hood 2 following the windshield 1 and a part of an a - pillar 3 , in a perspective view , seen across the engine hood 2 . fig2 shows the same detail from a substantially opposite direction wherein in each case below the a - pillar panel 3 and the engine hood 2 a piece of a front fender 4 is still visible . gaps 5 , 6 extend in the view of fig2 between a front edge 10 of the a - pillar panel 3 and the engine hood 2 or between lower edges 11 from a - pillar panel 3 and engine hood 2 on the one hand and the fender 4 on the other hand . the gap 5 is filled out by a filler piece 7 that is injection - molded from plastic which , as is visible in fig1 , forms a side wall of a water box 8 at the foot of the windshield 1 and from there extends to a flange 9 of the a - pillar panel 3 , which rises substantially vertically and orientated in vehicle longitudinal direction on the edge of the windshield 1 . fig3 shows , in the same perspective as in fig1 , the lower edge of the windshield 1 and the a - pillar panel 3 adjoining thereon without the engine hood 2 and without the filler piece 7 . on the front edge 10 of the a - pillar panel 3 a flange 12 is angled into the vehicle interior . the flange 12 is provided with two openings 13 . fig4 shows the same detail of fig3 , however with filler body 7 mounted on the a - pillar panel 3 . the filler piece 7 includes a portion 14 in the form of a flat angle profile with a leg 15 butting up against the flange 12 and a leg 16 , which stands away obliquely from the flange 12 in order to bridge the gap 5 as far as to the rear edge of the engine hood 2 that is not shown in fig4 . fig5 shows a schematic cross section through the portion 14 that is mounted on the flange 12 and the rear edge of the engine hood 2 . the leg 16 engages , seen from the outside , as far as to behind the engine hood 2 thereby barring any insight to the engine compartment for as long as the hood 2 is in the closed position . fig4 shows two fastening feet 17 of the filler piece 7 , of which one is visible in section in fig5 . the fastening feet 17 each extend in extension of the leg 15 , and butting up flat against the flange 12 , each carry a fastening clip 18 . the fastening clips each have a stiff shank 19 emanating from the fastening foot 17 and two elastic wings 20 , which diverge arrow - like from the tip of the shank 19 in order to be pressed against one another when the fastening clip 18 is pushed into one of the openings 13 and by expanding again after passing the opening 13 , engage the filler piece 7 on the openings 13 of the flange 12 . molded to the upper end of the elongated portion 14 is a plate - shaped portion 21 in one piece which , as is evident by comparing fig4 and 3 , engages into a gap between the flange 9 and the windshield 1 . the plate - shaped portion 21 butts up against the flange 9 over a large area and is fastened to the same by gluing . a web 22 which stands away from a lower edge of the plate - shaped portion 21 engages below the windshield 1 . the fig6 - 8 show the filler piece 7 for illustration of its shape in various perspective views . the perspective of fig6 is similar to those of fig4 and clearly shows the plate - shaped portion 21 and the elongated portion 14 with the fastening feet 17 ; the fastening clips 18 are hidden behind the fastening feet in the perspective of fig6 . fig7 shows the filler piece 7 from a view direction which approximately corresponds to the arrow vii from fig6 . visible is the surface of the plate - shaped portion 14 which in the mounted state faces the flange 9 with a piece of double - sided adhesive tape 23 adhering thereon the adhesive tape 23 can be directly glued onto the portion 21 following the injection - molding of the filler piece 7 and be protected by cover paper , which is only removed immediately before the filler piece 7 is installed in the vehicle . a second web 24 extends parallel to web 22 on the opposite surface of the plate - shaped portion 14 . the two webs 22 , 24 can be embodied elastically and support the filler piece 7 on a surface of the supporting structure located below , for example the upper edge of a front wall extending between engine compartment and passenger cells . the view direction of fig7 is parallel to the plane of the leg 15 which for this reason is merely visible as a narrow strip ; clearly visible are the legs 16 and the fastening clips 18 , which in each case on opposite sides project from the leg 15 . fig8 shows the filler piece 7 seen from a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the leg 15 corresponding to the arrow viii in fig7 . in order to be able to keep the molds used for injection - molding the filler piece simple , it can be practical to provide a film or foil hinge on the filler piece 7 , which makes possible adapting its shape prior to the installation in the vehicle . fastening means for anchoring the filler piece on the vehicle should be provided on both sides of such a foil hinge , when for example such a foil hinge is provided along an edge 25 between the portions 14 and 21 , the one portion 14 can be fixed by way of engagement with the help of the fastening clips 18 , the other 21 through gluing by means of the adhesive tape 23 , and a secure seat of the entire filler piece 7 be ensured . while at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description , it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist . it should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples , and are not intended to limit the scope , applicability , or configuration of the invention in any way . rather , the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment , it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents .
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prior to the description of preferred embodiments , with reference to fig5 - 8 , a detailed explanation will first be given of the background to and the impact of strip - bending . the cross - sections shown in fig5 and 6 are hypothetical , unpublished cross - sections , but they are fairly similar to “ fiboloc ®” in fig4 a and “ uniclic ” in fig4 b . accordingly , fig5 and 6 do not represent the invention . parts which correspond to those in the previous figures are in most cases provided with the same reference numerals . the design , function , and material composition of the basic components of the boards in fig5 and 6 are essentially the same as in embodiments of the present invention and , consequently , where applicable , the following description of fig5 and 6 also applies to the subsequently described embodiments of the invention . in the embodiment shown , the floorboards 1 , 1 ′ in fig5 are rectangular with opposite long sides 4 a , 4 b and opposite short sides 5 a , 5 b . fig5 shows a vertical cross - section of a part of a long side 4 a of the board 1 , as well as a part of a long side 4 b of an adjoining board 1 ′. the body of the board 1 can be composed of a fibreboard body 30 , which supports a surface layer 32 on its front side and a balancing layer 34 on its rear side . a strip 6 formed from the body and the balancing layer of the floorboard and supporting a locking element 8 constitutes an extension of the lower tongue groove part 36 of the floorboard 1 . the strip 6 is formed with a locking element 8 , whose operative locking surface 10 cooperates with a locking groove 14 in the opposite joint edge 4 b of the adjoining board 1 ′ for horizontal locking of the boards 1 , 1 ′ transversely of the joint edge ( d 2 ). the locking element 8 has a relatively large height lh and a high locking angle a . the upper part of the locking element has a guiding part 9 which guides the floorboard to the correct position in connection with angling . the locking groove 14 has a larger width than the locking element 8 , as is evident from the figures . for the purpose of forming a vertical lock in the direction d 1 , the joint edge portion 4 a exhibits a laterally open tongue groove 36 and the opposite joint edge portion 4 b exhibits a tongue 38 which projects laterally from a joint plane f and which in the joined position is received in the tongue groove 36 . in the joined position according to fig5 , the two adjoining , upper joint edge surface portions 41 and 42 of the boards 1 , 1 ′ define this vertical joint plane f . the strip 6 has a horizontal extent w (= strip width ) which can be divided into : ( a ) an inner part with a horizontal extent d ( locking distance ) which is defined by the joint plane f and a vertical line through the lower part of the locking surface 10 , as well as ( b ) an outer part with a horizontal extent l ( the width of the locking element ). the tongue groove 36 has a horizontal tongue groove depth g measured from the joint plane f and inwards towards the board 1 to a vertical limiting plane which coincides with the bottom of the tongue groove 36 . the tongue groove depth g and the extent d of the locking distance together form a joint part within an area p consisting of components forming part of the vertical lock d 1 and the horizontal lock d 2 . fig6 shows an embodiment which is different from the embodiment in fig5 in that the tongue groove depth g is greater , and the strip width w , the height lh , and the locking angle a of the locking surface are all smaller . however , the size of the area p is the same in the embodiments in fig5 and 6 . reference is now made to fig7 and 8 , which show strip - bending in the embodiments in fig5 and 6 respectively . the relevant part of the curvature which may cause problems is the area p , since a curvature in the area p results in a change of position of the locking surface 10 . since the area p has the same horizontal extent in both embodiments , all else being equal , the strip - bending at the locking surface 10 will be of the same magnitude despite the fact that the strip length w is different . the large locking surface 10 and the large locking angle a in fig5 will not cause any major problems in fig7 , since the greater part of the locking surface 10 is still operative . the high locking angle a contributes only marginally to increased play between the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14 . in fig8 , however , the large tongue groove depth g as well as the small locking surface 10 and the low locking angle a 2 create major problems . the strength of the locking system is considerably reduced and the play between the locking element 8 and the locking groove 14 increases substantially and causes joint openings in connection with tensile stress . if the play of the boards is adapted to a sloping strip at the time of manufacture it may prove impossible to lay the boards if the strip 6 is flat or bent upwards . we have realised that the strip - bending is a result of the fact that the joint part p is unbalanced and that the shape changes in the balancing layer 34 and the fibreboard part 30 of the strip are not the same when the relative humidity changes . in addition , the bias of the balancing layer 34 contributes to bending the strip 6 backwards / downwards . the deciding factors of the strip - bending are the extent of the locking distance d and the tongue groove depth g . the appearance of the tongue groove 36 and the strip 6 also has some importance . a great deal of material in the joint portion p makes the tongue groove and the strip more rigid and counteracts strip - bending . fig9 - 11 show how a cost - efficient strip - lock system with a high quality joint can be designed according to the invention . fig9 shows a vertical cross - section of the whole board 1 seen from the short side , with the main portion of the board broken away . fig1 shows two such boards 1 , 1 ′ joined at the long sides 4 a , 4 b . fig1 shows how the long sides can be angled together in connection with laying and angled upward when being taken up . the short sides can be of the same shape . in connection with the manufacture of the strip - lock system , the balancing layer 34 has been milled off both in the entire area g under the tongue groove 36 and across the entire rear side of the strip 6 across the width w ( including the area l under the locking element 8 ). the modification according to the invention in the form of removal of the balancing layer 34 in the whole area p eliminates both the bias and the strip - bending resulting from moisture movement . in order to save on materials , in this embodiment the width w of the strip 6 has been reduced as much as possible to a value which is less than 1 . 3 times the floor thickness . the tongue groove depth g of the tongue groove 36 has also been limited as much as possible both to counteract undesirable strip - bending and to save on materials . in its lower part , the tongue groove 36 has been given an oblique part 45 in order to make the tongue groove 36 and the joint portion p more rigid . in order to counteract the effect of the strip - bending and to comply with the strength requirements , the locking surface has a minimum inclination of at least 45 degrees and the height of the locking element exceeds 0 . 1 times the floor thickness t . in order to make the locking - groove part of the joint system as stable as possible , the thickness sh of the strip in an area corresponding to at least half the locking distance d has been limited to a maximum of 0 . 25 times the floor thickness t . the height lh of the locking element has been limited to 0 . 2 times the floor thickness and this means that the locking groove 14 can be formed by removing a relatively small amount of material . in more basic embodiments of the invention , only the measure “ modification of balancing layer ” is used . fig1 shows an alternative embodiment for eliminating undesirable strip - bending . here , the balancing layer 34 has been completely removed within the area p ( including area g under the tongue groove ). however , under the locking element 8 in the area l the balancing layer is intact in the form of a remaining area 34 ′, which advantageously constitutes a support for the locking element 8 against the subfloor . since the remaining part 34 ′ of the balancing layer is located outside the locking surface 10 it only has a marginal , if any , negative impact on the change of position of the locking surface 10 in connection with strip - bending and thus changes in moisture content . within the scope of the invention there are a number of alternative ways of reducing strip - bending . for example , several grooves of different depths and widths can be formed in the balancing layer within the entire area p and l . such grooves could be completely or partially filled with materials which have properties that are different from those of the balancing layer 34 of the floorboard and which can contribute to changes in the properties of the strip 6 with respect to , for example , flexibility and tensile strength . filling materials with fairly similar properties can also be used when the objective is to essentially eliminate the bias of the balancing layer . complete or partial removal of the balancing layer p in the area p and refilling with suitable bonding agents , plastic materials , or the like can be a way of improving the properties of the strip 6 . fig1 shows an embodiment in which only part of the outer layer of the balancing layer has been removed across the entire area p . the remaining , thinner part of the balancing layer is designated 34 ″. the part 34 ′ has been left intact under the locking element 8 in the area l . the advantage of such an embodiment is that it may be possible to eliminate the major part of the strip - bending while a part ( 34 ″) of the balancing layer is kept as a reinforcing layer for the strip 6 . this embodiment is particularly suitable when the balancing layer 34 is composed of different layers with different properties . the outer layer can , for example , be made of melamine and decoration paper while the inner layer can be made of phenol and kraft paper . various plastic materials can also be used with various types of fibre reinforcement . partial removal of layers can , of course , be combined with one or more grooves of different depths and widths under the entire joint system p + l . the working from the rear side can also be adapted in order to increase the flexibility of the strip in connection with angling and snap action . fig1 shows an embodiment in which there are a plurality of grooves which are formed in the balancing layer within the first area . the depth and width of each groove may be different , as shown in fig1 . further , fig1 shows an embodiment in which a material 50 fills at least one of the plurality of grooves . such a material may be completely or partially fill a groove and may be , for example , a bonding agent or a plastic . two main principles for reducing or eliminating strip - bending have now been described namely : ( a ) modifying the balancing layer within the entire area p or parts thereof , and ( b ) modifying the joint geometry itself with a reduced tongue groove depth and a special design of the inner part of the tongue groove in combination . these two main principles are usable separately to reduce the strip - bending problem , but preferably in combination . according to the invention , these two basic principles can also be combined with further modifications of the joint geometry ( c ) which are characterised in that : the strip is made narrow preferably less than 1 . 3 times the floor thickness ; the inclination of the locking surface is at least 45 degrees ; the height of the locking element exceeds 0 . 1 times the floor thickness and is less than 0 . 2 times the floor thickness ; the strip is designed so that at least half the locking distance has a thickness which is less than 0 . 25 times the floor thickness . the above embodiments separately and in combination with each other and the above main principles contribute to the provision of a strip - lock system which can be manufactured at a low cost and which at the same affords a high quality joint with respect to laying properties , disassembly options , strength , joint opening , and stability over time and in different environments . several variants of the invention are possible . the joint system can be made in a number of different joint geometry where some or all of the above parameters are different , particularly when the purpose is to give precedence to a certain property over the others . applicant has considered and tested a large number of variants in the light of the above : “ smaller ” can be changed to “ larger ”, relationships can be changed , other radii and angles can be chosen , the joint system on the long side and the short side can be made different , two types of boards can be made where , for example , one type has a strip on both opposite sides while the other type has a locking groove on the corresponding sides , boards can be made with strip locks on one side and a traditional glued joint on the other , the strip - lock system can be designed with parameters which are generally intended to facilitate laying by positioning the floorboards and keeping them together until the glue hardens , and different materials can be sprayed on the joint system to provide impregnation against moisture , reinforcement , or moisture - proofing , etc . in addition , there can be mechanical devices , changes in the joint geometry and / or chemical additives such as glue which are aimed at preventing or impeding , for example , a certain type of laying ( angling or snap action ), displacement in the direction of the joint , or a certain way of taking up the floor , for example , upward angling or pulling along the joint edge .
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illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below . in the interest of clarity , not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification . it will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment , numerous implementation - specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers &# 39 ; specific goals , such as compliance with system - related and business - related constraints , which will vary from one implementation to another . moreover , it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time - consuming , but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure . turing to the drawings and , in particular , to fig1 a system 10 constructed according to certain teachings of this disclosure is illustrated . among other things , the illustrated system 10 actively controls the electric power supplied to an electromagnetic machine such that the negative consequences of torque irregularities that would otherwise be produced by the machine are reduced or eliminated . the system 10 includes an electromagnetic machine 12 and a drive 14 that provides electric power to the electromagnetic machine 12 . the machine 12 shown in fig1 may comprise , for example , a permanent magnet motor , a switched reluctance motor , or a hybrid motor ( permanent magnet and switched reluctance combination ). the machine 12 is of conventional construction that includes a rotating component ( a rotor 12 a ) and a stationary component ( a stator 12 b ). wound about the stator are a number of energizable phase windings 12 c which may be energized through the application of electric power to motor terminals 15 , 16 , 17 . the drive 14 is coupled to provide electric power to terminals 15 , 16 and 17 of the machine 12 . the drive 14 receives control inputs from a control system 13 , which is coupled to receive feedback from the machine 12 in terms of rotor position information 18 and energization feedback 19 . other feedback information may be provided to the controller 13 . while the drive 14 is illustrated in exemplary form as providing three power terminals to the machine 12 , it should be understood that more or fewer power terminals may be provided to accommodate motors or machines with greater than three phases , less than three phases or if various types of inverters ( e . g ., with neutral connections ) are used . the energization feedback 19 provides an indication of the operational characteristics of the machine 12 and may , for example , include feedback concerning the currents flowing in the stator windings and / or the voltages at the terminals 15 , 16 and 17 . the position and energization parameters may be detected through conventional detectors such as standard rotor position detectors and standard current / voltage sensors . alternative embodiments are envisioned in which the rotor position and feedback parameters are not detected directly but are calculated or estimated through known techniques . for example , embodiments are envisioned where only the terminal voltages are known or sensed along with the currents flowing through the stator windings of the machine 12 and the sensed current and voltage values are used to derive rotor position information . the control system 13 also receives input command signals 11 that correspond to a desired output parameter of machine 12 such as rotor speed , output torque , etc . as described in more detail below , the drive 14 controls the application of electric power to machine 12 in response to the control system 13 in such a manner that the difference between the input command signal 11 and the corresponding output of the machine 12 is minimized . in certain embodiments , the control system 13 also actively controls application of power to the machine 12 as a function of rotor position in such a manner to achieve a desired behavior of the machine 12 meeting one or more criteria in categories including , for example , torque ripple , cogging torque , angular sensitivity , harmonic content , etc . the use of the control system 13 to actively achieve desired machine behavior , as opposed to attempting to achieve such behavior through complex rotor or stator constructions , results in a better performing system in that , for example , conventional , low cost machines and machine construction techniques may be used . an electromagnetic machine system 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig2 . the machine system 100 includes a control system 13 , which may be implemented by an appropriately programmed digital controller , such as a digital signal processor ( dsp ), microcontroller or microprocessor . the control system 13 includes an input terminal 11 that receives , for example , a signal representing the torque demanded of the motor 12 . torque is a function of current and angle ; hence , for any particular rotor angle there is a set of appropriate currents that will produce the desired torque . based on the rotor angle and the required torque , appropriate current values are sent to the drive 14 , which in turn provides the necessary voltage to the motor 12 to meet the current demand . rotor position feedback 18 and energization feedback 19 , such as the motor terminal voltage and current , are provided to an estimator 30 . in accordance with mathematical “ good practice ,” the voltage and current values may be normalized — the measured values are divided by the maximum expected value . the estimator 30 calculates motor parameters such as angular speed and the time derivatives of the phase currents . these values are used to derive and update a first mathematical model that describes the electrical behavior of the motor 12 . the structure of the electrical model is such that it can accurately represent electrical machine characteristics such as resistance , back electromagnetic force (“ bemf ”), self and mutual inductance , cogging , etc ., depending on the type of machine 12 employed . the parameters calculated by the estimator 30 are passed to a torque model 32 of the motor 12 . the torque model 32 is developed by mathematically transforming the electrical model in an appropriate manner , dictated by the electromagnetic physics of the motor 12 , into a second model that describes the torque characteristics of the machine 12 . since the electrical model coefficients flow naturally into the torque model 32 , by constructing an accurate electrical model of the motor 12 , the torque characteristics of the motor 12 are also known . for example , the torque model may describe the torque produced for any combination of phase current and rotor position in the normal operating envelope of the machine . thus , using the values calculated by the estimator 30 , an estimate of motor torque can be calculated for any current - angle combination . the torque model 32 is interrogated by a solver 34 , which calculates the required currents , or solution curves , according to some desired motor behavior and the known behavior of the motor 12 ( as regards current and angle ). thus , the controller 36 provides the appropriate current for a given rotor angular position to achieve the desired output torque 40 or other output parameter , and further , to achieve the output parameter in accordance with the desired machine behavior . for example , the desired machine behavior may include the operating characteristics of the motor 12 meeting one or more criteria in categories including cogging torque , torque ripple , angular sensitivity of the solution to angular error and harmonic content of the solution curves . in the particular system 100 shown in fig2 the solver 34 output is stored explicitly as a lookup table accessible by the controller 36 . the torque demand 11 and rotor angle is applied to the lookup table to determine the appropriate phase current value to be applied to the phase windings via the driver 14 . in other embodiments , the output of the solver 34 is in an analytic form , derived by fitting a function to the calculated numerical values . since the electrical model used by the estimator 30 is algebraic in nature , the estimator 30 can be allowed to run for some time period operating upon not necessarily sequential data before a new set of parameter estimates are released in to the torque model 32 . at this point the solver 34 can then recalculate the necessary lookup tables 36 . once fully calculated , the new lookup tables can then replace those tables currently in use . many of these operations can be background tasked ; that is , they can occur as and when computational resources are available . this is one of the advantages of an algebraic motor model — it is not intricately wrapped up in the time variable . torque can be estimated via coenergy or field energy , though calculating torque via coenergy results in simpler expressions . thus , the estimate of output torque 40 can be calculated using only feedback available from the machine terminals — such as the terminal voltage and current and the rotor position — to estimate the parameters of resistance and flux linkage . the following disclosure is generally provided in terms of a three phase hybrid motor , though the model form can be generalized into different types of rotating machines having any number of phases by one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure . it is common in many applications to utilize what is known as a balanced three phase feed . in such systems , when a three - phase motor is used , the sum of the three phase currents will equal zero . hence , the αβ - frame of reference ( for ) can be used . if balanced feed is not used , it is necessary to use the abc - for . the αβ - for is considered first . the electrical model may have the form of a product of polynomial expressions in current and angle . typically , those for angle will involve trigonometric functions . the current polynomials may also be orthogonal and may be one of any number of suitable polynomial types . for more complex machines , an orthogonal model form may be appropriate . with the first model structure disclosed herein , it is assumed that flux linkage models are expressions that are products of polynomial terms involving phase currents and trigonometric polynomials of mechanical angle . models using orthogonal functions are discussed further later in this specification . generally , the following nomenclature is used in this disclosure : φ is the phase index , ranges over defined set of numbers { 1 , 2 , 3 , . . . } or equivalent letters { a , b , c , . . . } a , b , c are phase names , equivalent to 1 , 2 , 3 when numerically referenced p , p . . . q , q . . . r , r . . . n , n are summation indexes and maximum index values i α , i β , i c are variables representing αβ frame of reference currents i α , i β are maximum values of αβ - frame of reference currents encountered in the coenergy integral i a , i b , i c are variables representing abc - frame of reference currents i a , i b , i c are maximum values of abc - for currents encountered in the coenergy integral i f is the current flow associated with the fictious rotor circuit modelling the presence of a magnet r φα , r φβ , r φαβ are resistance values associated with phase φ ∫ f ( x ) dx is the integral of f ( x ) with respect to x ∂ ∂ x f ( x , y , … ) is the partial derivative of function f (.) with respect to x d 1 , . . . , d 6 are components of the coenergy integral , along defined path o ( x n ) is the remainder associated with n &# 39 ; th order and higher terms of the jacobian matrix f i ( x 1 , . . . , x m ) is the i &# 39 ; th function of variables x 1 , . . . , x m δx is delta x δx new is the new value of delta x , or change in x x new , x old are new and old values of x calculated during newton iterative process t tv is estimated torque , directly from the terminal variables t cog is torque which cannot be calculated directly using terminal variables i = ( i α ( θ ( 1 ) ) i α ( θ ( 2 ) ) ⋯ i α ( θ ( n ) ) i β ( θ ( 1 ) ) i β ( θ ( 2 ) ) ⋯ i β ( θ ( n ) ) ) is the vector of αβ frame of reference current values across the set of discrete angle values δi ( n ) is the calculated change in current vector at n &# 39 ; th interval φ tk =( 0 . . . 0 t ( θ ( k ), i α ( k ), i β ( k )) 0 . . . 0 ) is the k &# 39 ; th torque vector φ sk =( 0 . . . 0 s ( θ ( k ), i α ( k ), i β ( k )) 0 . . . 0 ) is the k &# 39 ; th sensitivity vector assuming that the model structure for each machine phase ( φ ) is identical , the general form of the flux model using the αβ - for is : λ φ = ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 1 ) such a model allows for a non - linear relationship between phase current and flux as well as mutual effects between any two or more phases . as noted above , for the purposes of the present disclosure it is assumed that model structure is invariant with respect to phase , although this need not be so . contiguous powers of polynomial current and angle harmonic need not be used , as is the case in equation ( 1 ). for example , consider the following : λ φ = ∑ p = p 1 p s i α p · ∑ q = q 1 q t i β q · ∑ r = r 1 r u i f r · ∑ n = n 1 n v ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 2 ) p =( p 1 , p 2 , . . . , p s .) r =( r 1 , r 2 , . . . , r u .) q =( q 1 , p 2 , . . . , q t .) n =( n 1 , n 2 , . . . , n v .) need not contain contiguous integers . in fact , most practical applications will have this form . relatively simple models of the form presented in equation ( 2 ) that are sufficiently accurate can be obtained . model structure can be allowed to vary between phases if so desired . this variation upon defining model structure has a significant impact upon the computational complexity of the associated algorithms . some model components will be present as a result of manufacturing variance and would not be suggested by a theoretical consideration of the motor design . further , model complexity can vary greatly between motors of different design . for example , a permanent magnet motor design with the express intent of reducing cogging , typically through the use of skew , may only require a very simple model to accurately predict torque . it is generally desirable to avoid models that are over or under determined . the abc - for currents can be transformed into αβ - for currents using the following transform : ( i α i β i 0 ) = ( 1 0 1 - 1 2 - 1 2 · 3 1 - 1 2 1 2 · 3 1 ) · ( i α i b i c ) ( 3 ) under the balanced feed assumption , the third phase current is zero . it is known that phase voltage ( v φ ) is defined by v φ = i φ · r φ + t λ φ ( 4 ) where r φ is the phase resistance . thus , using the αβ - for : v φ = r φ + i α · r φα + i β · r φβ + i α · i β · r φα β + t λ φ ( 5 ) it should be noted that there are more resistance terms in equation ( 5 ) then is necessary from the perspective of how electric circuits operate . such additional terms allow for the presence of test data offsets and the like to be directly compensated for ; otherwise the estimator will set redundant terms to zero . ω = t θ ( 6 ) t λ φ = ∑ p = 1 p ( pi α p - 1 · t i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 1 q ( qi β q - 1 · t i β ) · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 1 r ( ri f r - 1 · t i f ) · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 7 ) the imaginary rotor current ( i f ) is nominally constant and its time derivative is zero . hence , from equations ( 5 ) and ( 7 ): v φ = r φ + i α · r φα + i β · r φβ + i α · i β · r φαβ ⋯ + ∑ p = 1 p ( pi α p - 1 · t i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 1 q ( qi β q - 1 · t i β ) · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 8 ) in embodiments employing a switched reluctance machine , there is no imaginary rotor current state as there are no rotor magnets with which this state is associated , hence : i f ≡ 0 and t i f ≡ 0 ( 9 ) therefore , in the case of a switched reluctance machine , indexing variable ( r ) associated with the imaginary rotor phase may be removed from equation ( 8 ): v φ = r φ + i α · r φα + i β · r φβ + i α · i β · r φαβ ⋯ + ∑ p = 1 p ( pi α p - 1 · t i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 1 q ( qi β q - 1 · t i β ) · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 10 ) it would be a routine undertaking for one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure to apply a similar process of simplification to the specific case of an sr motor , for example . there are several techniques available for calculating the coefficients in the model given test data . as noted above , the electrical model is algebraic , which allows the use of any of a number of parameter estimation techniques , such as least squares methods or grammian matrix methods . least squares - based parameter estimators find the model coefficients that minimize the square of the difference between the observed data and the output from the model . recursive least square parameter estimators are used in particular embodiments of the invention . the recursive least squares parameter estimators are most suitable for actual production systems . they operate in such a manner that they can produce an improved estimate with each new sample of data . that is , they are not restricted in their operation to complete sets of test data . a further refinement of the recursive least squares parameter estimation technique involves the use of a “ forgetting factor ,” which operates in the following manner . as more and more data is captured , the effect that the old data has upon the calculation of the new data is reduced . in this way , only the most recent data will have a significant effect in the parameter estimation process . this forgetting factor operates over any appropriate time interval — for example , minutes , hours or days — depending on design considerations . many of the variables considered do not vary significantly over time . some , however , such as phase resistance , vary over time and with respect to other factors such as the machine temperature . this added refinement allows the control system to be tuned to any particular machine , and also allows adaptation to changes in that machine . this typically occurs as the machine ages . various data collection schemes may be used for parameter estimation . for example , one data collection technique requires constant phase current , which usually only occurs in controlled data collection situations . another involves varying current , typical of practical applications . v φ = r φ + i α · r φα + i β · r φβ + i α · i β · r φαβ ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 11 ) for notational convenience and to reflect the unobservability of the i f term , the following identities are defined as a result of considering the last two σ terms in equation ( 11 ): ∑ r = 0 r i f r · g φ pqrn = g φ pqn for all φ , p and q ( 12 ) ∑ r = 0 r i f r · h φ pqrn = h φ pqn for all φ , p and q ( 13 ) to retain consistency with equation ( 10 ) for the case in which phase current varies , the harmonic terms ( n ) in equation ( 11 ) are not collected into the h and g terms defined by equations ( 12 ) and ( 13 ). substituting equations ( 12 ) and ( 13 ) into equation ( 11 ) results in : v φ = r φ + i α · r φα + i β · r φβ + i α · i β · r φαβ ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 14 ) v φ ω = 1 ω · r φ + i α ω · r φα + i β ω · r φβ + i α · i β ω · r φαβ ⋯ + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g φ pqn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 15 ) using equation ( 14 ), the motor parameters can be estimated in the case of constant phase current . as noted above , practical motor applications involve varying current . equation ( 8 ) describes how the flux model coefficients , first presented in equation ( 1 ), propagate through three separate paths when calculating phase voltage in the variable current case . the first path , as previously encountered , passes through those expressions explicitly involving ω . the other two paths involve expressions with time derivatives of the currents . as before , ω is divided throughout and substitutions as indicated in equations ( 12 ) and ( 13 ) are made , yielding : v φ ω = 1 ω · r φ + i α ω · r φ α + i β ω · r φ β + i α · i β ω · r φ α β … + [ 1 ω · ( t i α ) ] · ∑ p = 1 p pi α p - 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + [ 1 ω · ( t i β ) ] · ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 1 q qi β q - 1 · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g φ pqn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) ) note that : 1 ω · ( t i ) = 1 ( t θ ) · t i = ( θ t ) · ( t i ) = θ i ( 16 ) v φ ω = 1 ω · r φ + i α ω · r φ α + i β ω · r φ β + i α · i β ω · r φ α β … + ( θ i α ) · ∑ p = 1 p pi α p - 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ( θ i β ) · ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 1 q qi β q - 1 · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g φ pqn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqn · sin ( n · θ ) ) the advantage of this re - formulation of equation ( 16 ) is that two possible sources of impulsive noise in the equation , and the problems they can cause with a parameter estimator , have been removed . if the driving current forms are assumed known , then their derivatives with respect to angle can be directly calculated . if the current forms are defined in an analytic form , such as from a bemf model , then a closed expression exists for the derivative else a numerical estimate can be obtained . in particular , if at the ( k − 1 ) and k intervals the angle and desired currents are θ ( k − 1 ), θ ( k ), i α ( k − 1 ) and i α ( k ) then : θ i α = i α ( k ) - i α ( k - 1 ) θ ( k ) - θ ( k - 1 ) this approach implicitly assumes the system exhibits good current following properties . since resistance and flux linkage can be estimated via the electrical model , a torque model relating current and angle to torque generated can be derived through a series of standard operations . very generally , these operations include integrating the flux linkage from zero current to the present value of current — coenergy , and differentiating this expression with respect to shaft angle . the result of these operations is an expression for torque . ω c = ∫ ∑ φ = 1 n φ λ φ i φ ( 17 ) where n is the number of stator phases . thus , for a three - phase switched reluctance motor , n φ = 3 ( for the a , b , and c stator phases ), while for a three phase pm motor n φ = 4 ( for the three stator phases and the imaginary f rotor phase ). torque is found via coenergy by : t = ∂ ∂ θ ω c ( 18 ) the relationship between the abc - for and the αβ for is given by : ( i α i β i 0 ) = ( 1 0 1 - 1 2 - 1 2 · 3 1 - 1 2 1 2 · 3 1 ) · ( i a i b i c ) the derivatives of the abc for currents are related to the αβ - for currents by : d λ a ( i α , i β , i f , θ ) = ∂ ∂ i α λ a · di α + ∂ ∂ i β λ a · di β + ∂ ∂ i f λ a · di f ( 19 ) d λ b ( i α , i β , i f , θ ) = ∂ ∂ i α λ b · di α + ∂ ∂ i β λ b · di β + ∂ ∂ i f λ b · di f ( 20 ) d λ c ( i α , i β , i f , θ ) = ∂ ∂ i α λ c · di α + ∂ ∂ i β λ c · di β + ∂ ∂ i f λ c · di f ( 21 ) d λ f ( i α , i β , i f , θ ) = ∂ ∂ i α λ f · di α + ∂ ∂ i β λ f · di β + ∂ ∂ i f λ f · di f ( 22 ) [ 0112 ] di b = - 1 2 · di α - 3 2 · di β ( 24 ) di c = - 1 2 · di α + 3 2 · di β ( 25 ) since a switched reluctance machine has no permanent magnets , in the case of a switched reluctance machine equation ( 26 ) is as follows : ω c = ∫ λ a i α - 1 2 · ∫ λ b i α - 3 2 · ∫ λ b i β - 1 2 · ∫ λ c i α + 3 2 · ∫ λ c i β + ∫ λ f i f ( 27 ) for convenience , the individual integral components of this expression are set equal to d 1 , d 2 , d 3 , d 4 , d 5 and d 6 , respectively : ω c = d 1 - 1 2 · d 2 - 3 2 · d 3 - 1 2 d 4 + 3 2 · d 5 + d 6 ( 28 ) for a switched reluctance machine , equations ( 27 ) and ( 28 ) therefore reduce to : ω c = ∫ λ a i α - 1 2 · ∫ λ b i α - 3 2 · ∫ λ b i β - 1 2 · ∫ λ c i α + 3 2 · ∫ λ c i β ( 29 ) ω c = d 1 - 1 2 · d 2 - 3 2 · d 3 - 1 2 d 4 + 3 2 · d 5 ( 30 ) next , an integral path is selected . to this end , an integral path consisting of three directed line segments ( dls ) is defined over which to evaluate the integral giving coenergy . for the purposes of this disclosure , the dummy variable of integration is ξ while phase current variables ( i a , i b , i c , i α , i β ) are in lower case . their associated final values , with respect to path integrals , are ( i a , i b , i c , i α , i β ). i f is the variable of integration , ranging from 0 to i f . i β is the variable of integration , ranging from 0 to i β i α is the variable of integration , ranging from 0 to i α [ 0133 ] fig3 illustrates an integration path defined as a sequence of directed line segments 51 , 52 , 53 . each of the integrals d 1 - d 6 are then evaluated over the selected path . evaluating d 1 :, this is identically zero over all but the third dls , hence : d 1 = ∫ 0 i α ∑ p = 0 p ξ p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g apqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h apqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ξ yielding : d 1 = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g apqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h apqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 31 ) this is also identically zero over all but the third directed line segment . d 2 = ∫ 0 i α ∑ p = 0 p ξ p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g bpqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h bpqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ξ yielding : d 2 = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g bpqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h bpqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 32 ) this is identically zero over all but the second directed line segment , where all terms other than those where p = 0 are zero : d 3 = ∫ 0 i β ∑ q = 0 q ξ q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g b0qrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h b0qrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ξ yielding : d 3 = ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g b0qrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h b0qrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 33 ) this is identically zero over all but the third directed fine segment , where all terms are zero except for those where p = q = 0 : d 4 = ∫ 0 i α [ ∑ p = 0 p ξ p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g cpqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h cpqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ] ξ yielding : d 4 = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g cpqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h cpqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 34 ) this is identically zero over all but the second directed line segment . d 5 = ∫ 0 i β ∑ q = 0 q ξ q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g c0qrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h c0qrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ξ yielding : d 5 = ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g c0qrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h c0qrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 35 ) this term is identically zero over all but the first directed line segment . d 6 = ∫ 0 i f [ ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) + h f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ] ξ yielding : d 6 = ∑ r = 0 r i f r r + 1 · ∑ n = 0 n ( g f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) + h f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 36 ) substituting for d 1 , i = 1 , . . . , 6 into equation ( 29 ): ω c = [ ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g apqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h apqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ] … + - 1 2 · [ ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g bpqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h bpqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ] … + - 3 2 · [ ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g b0qrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h b0qrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ] … + - 1 2 · [ ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g cpqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h cpqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ] … + 3 2 · [ ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g c0qrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h c0qrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ] … + ∑ r = 0 r i f r r + 1 · ∑ n = 0 n ( g f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) + h f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 37 ) t = [ ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g apqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h apqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + - 1 2 · [ ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g bpqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h bpqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + - 3 2 · [ ∑ q = 0 q i β p + 1 q + 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g b0qrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h b0qrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + - 1 2 · [ ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g cpqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h cpqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + 3 2 · [ ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g c0qrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h c0qrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + ∑ r = 0 r i f r r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) - h f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 38 ) using the identities introduced earlier in equations ( 12 ) and ( 13 ), equation ( 38 ) is rewritten : t = [ ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g apqn · cos ( n · θ ) - h apqn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + - 1 2 · [ ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g bpqn · cos ( n · θ ) - h bpqn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + - 3 2 · [ ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g b0qn · cos ( n · θ ) - h b0qn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + - 1 2 · [ ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g cpqn · cos ( n · θ ) - h cpqn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + 3 2 · [ ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g c0qn · cos ( n · θ ) - h c0qn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ] … + ∑ r = 0 r i f r r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) - h f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 38 ) the electrical model parameters naturally flow from the expression for flux linkage to that for torque . however , for motors employing permanent magnets , additional parameters appear as the electrical model is transformed into the torque model . physically , these parameters relate to how the magnets on the motor interact with themselves — cogging parameters . it is not mathematically obvious how changes in motor terminal current and voltage , as the motor spins , indicate or measure this behavior . in other words , the cogging parameters are unobservable solely via feedback from the motor terminals as the rotor turns . various methods in accordance with the present invention are available to deal with these unobservable parameters . for example , in one embodiment , the torque model terms with unobservable parameters are grouped together : t = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n 3 2 · n · [ ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ r = 0 r i f r r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) - h f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 39 ) for the particular case of a switched reluctance machine these parameters are simply not present ( no magnets in the motor construction ) and equation ( 39 ) reduces to : t = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · 3 2 · [ ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] ( 40 ) the triple and first double summation terms in equation ( 39 ) involve coefficients that are observable through the motor terminals while the second double summation groups those terms that are not observable . cogging torque is measured , directly or indirectly , to provide data used to derive an expression that can be substituted for the unknown grouped terms . for example , by spinning the motor on a test rig ( no current applied to the motor windings ) and measuring the cogging , a fourier series can be fitted directly to the test data and this known expression is substituted for the unknown grouped terms . consider equation ( 39 ) in the particular case when there no current is flowing in the stator phases : ∑ r = 0 r i f r r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n ( g f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) - h f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) ) since i f is nominally constant , the effect of cogging can be modeled by a trigonometric polynomial : ∑ n = 1 n ( p n · sin ( n · θ ) + q n · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 41 ) the p n and q n parameters are provided by the cogging torque measurement obtained from the unenergized motor . it is then assumed that equation ( 41 ) can replace the unobservable component of the expression for torque in equation ( 39 ), that is : ∑ r = 0 r i f r r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) - h f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) ) = ∑ n = 1 n ( p k · sin ( n · θ ) + q k · cos ( n · θ ) ) t = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( - 3 2 · g b0qn + 3 2 · g c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) + ( 3 2 · h b0qn - 3 2 · h c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ r = 1 n ( p k · sin ( n · θ ) + q k · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 42 ) other techniques in accordance with the invention use an indirect measurement of cogging torque . this generally involves three steps . first , during commissioning , the motor is spun at speed unloaded ( free shaft ) at one or more speeds . since there is no load applied to the motor shaft , the motor current is minimal . a simple linear voltage model ( for example , including only phase currents and bemf components — the α and β currents appear independent and to the first power only ) of the motor is fitted from the voltage , current and shaft sensor information . the linear model will predict the operation of the motor at light loads quite accurately . next , the torque model for the motor is derived as described previously from the linear voltage motor . the torque model will predict the output torque of the motor at light loads quite accurately . in an alternative method , during commissioning , the motor is spun at speed unenergized and the terminal voltage is measured . using this data , part of the complete motor model , the bemf component , can be fitted . using the same method as that for the complete model , a torque model can be created from this partial electrical model . the resultant model does not fully describe how the motor generates torque over the full current range , but for small values of current it is reasonably accurate . the motor is then controlled so that position is maintained . that is , the controller energizes the windings until the motor holds a demanded position , against the cogging torque ( it is assumed that no other load is applied — the motor is operating free shaft ). knowing a relatively accurate torque model for these low current ranges , the value of cogging torque at any particular angle can now be calculated . in this way , by repeating the above process over a full revolution , data can be collected concerning the cogging model . a fourier series , for example , can be fitted , a look - up table can be created , etc ., as previously and this is used in place of those terms in the torque model that involves unobservable parameters . for numerical reasons it is desirable that the αβ - for currents are normalized so that they lie in the closed interval [− 1 , 1 ]. this process is best understood by considering equation ( 1 ): λ φ = ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 1 ) assuming flux is directly measured and that measured currents are normalized using some scale factor i , then equation ( 1 ) becomes : λ φ = ∑ p = 0 p ( i α i ) p · ∑ q = 0 q ( i β i ) q · ∑ r = 0 r ( i f i ) r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 43 ) v φ = r φ + i α i · r φ α + i β i · r φ β + i α i · i β i · r φ α β … + ∑ p = 1 p [ p ( i α i ) p - 1 · t ( i α i ) ] · ∑ q = 0 q ( i β i ) q · ∑ r = 0 r ( i f i ) r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p ( i α i ) p · ∑ [ q q = 1 q ( i β i ) q - 1 · t ( i β i ) ] ∑ r = 0 r ( i f i ) r · ∑ n = 0 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p ( i α i ) p · ∑ q = 0 q ( i β i ) q · ∑ r = 0 r ( i f i ) r · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 44 ) correspond to the derivative of the normalized current . two further equations of interest referenced earlier are those relating flux to coenergy and coenergy to torque : ω c = ∫ ∑ φ = 1 n φ λ φ i φ ( 17 ) t = ∂ ∂ θ ω c ( 18 ) the integral in equation ( 17 ) is with respect to true current measurement . from this , if the torque equation is evaluated using normalized current then true torque value is obtained my multiplying by the scaling factor i . the torque model is used by the solver 34 to calculate appropriate currents for smooth torque with zero angle sensitivity . over a single revolution of the shaft , the torque levels calculated may be such as to reject some disturbance . further , as discussed above , errors in position measurement degrade performance , and the performance tends to rapidly deteriorate with errors in angular measurement . to achieve smooth torque with zero , or at least reduced sensitivity to angular measurement , a solution is derived that considers the change in torque with respect to angle , then minimizes this variance . first , a set of nonlinear equations are solved . for n functional relationships involving variables x i , i = 1 , . . . , n : f i ( x 1 , x 2 , . . . , x n )= 0 i = 1 , . . . , n ( 45 ) adopting vector notation and expanding the functions f i using the taylor series : f i ( x + δ x ) = f i ( x ) + ∑ j = 1 n ∂ ∂ x j f i · δ x j + o ( δ x 2 ) ( 46 ) j ij = ∂ ∂ x j f i ( 47 ) f ( x + δx )= f ( x )+ j · δx + o ( δ x 2 ) ( 48 ) in this particular case , the non - linear equations are for torque and zero sensitivity with respect to angle condition . in the problem under discussion , while the jacobian matrix will generally be small ( two by two or three by three ) there is little computational cost in calculating the inverse . however , there is significant overhead in calculating the individual elements of the jacobian . one way to reduce the cost of computing is to keep the jacobian constant for some number of iterations p & gt ; 1 . such a technique ( cyclic updating of the jacobian matrix ) offsets the reduction in computational cost with a deterioration in convergence rate for the solution . there are also multi - dimensional secant - type methods that avoid the explicit calculation of the jacobian through the use of multi - dimensional finite differencing . with the method described above , the initial guess to the solution has to be reasonably close because global convergence is not guaranteed . this typically is not problematical while searching for solutions for pm motors but may be so for switched reluctance motors . one possible solution is to examine the use of quasi - newton methods , which possess global convergence properties , possibly with a restart scheme . torque may be calculated via coenergy using equation ( 39 ), repeated as follows : t = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n 3 2 · n · [ ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ r = 0 r i f r r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) - h f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 39 ) 0 = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n 3 2 · n · [ ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] - t ( 51 ) the necessary partial derivatives or entries to the jacobian , with respect to i α and i β , can now be derived . ∂ ∂ i α t ( i α , i β , θ ) = ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] ( 52 ) ∂ ∂ i β t ( i α , i β , θ ) = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q qi β q - 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n 3 2 · n · [ ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] hence : ( 53 ) j 11 = ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] ( 54 ) j 11 = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q qi β q - 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n 3 2 · n · [ ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] ( 55 ) regarding zero angular sensitivity , sensitivity with respect to angle is given by : ∂ ∂ θ t = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · [ - ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · 3 2 · [ - ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) … + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) ] hence : ( 57 ) j 21 = ∂ ∂ i α ∂ ∂ θ t and : ( 58 ) j 22 = ∂ ∂ i β ∂ ∂ θ t ( 59 ) by changing the order of the partial derivatives , in equations ( 58 ) and ( 59 ): j 21 = ∂ ∂ θ j 11 ( 60 ) j 22 = ∂ ∂ θ j 12 ( 61 ) as noted above , cogging torque cannot be estimated using data available solely from the motor terminals . the cogging model discussed above can be incorporated directly into the solver 34 . recall that the observable and unobservable torque model terms were grouped together in equation ( 39 ). if total motor torque is separated into torque estimated via terminal variables ( t tv ) and cogging torque ( t cog ), then : ∂ ∂ θ t = ∂ ∂ θ t tv + ∂ ∂ θ t cog ( 63 ) considering t cog as solely a function of angle ( representing the angle dependant but current independent cogging ) in terms of a fourier series : ∂ ∂ i α t cog = ∂ ∂ i β t cog = 0 ( 64 ) ∂ ∂ i α ( ∂ ∂ θ t cog ) = ∂ ∂ i β ( ∂ ∂ θ t cog ) = 0 ( 65 ) from equations ( 64 ) and ( 65 ) it is seen that there is no effect upon the calculation of the jacobian matrix , see equation ( 39 ) and equations ( 51 ) to ( 61 ). the only effect is upon the calculation of true torque ( t ) and its partial derivative with respect to angle , or the sensitivity . recall equation ( 39 ): t = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n 3 2 · [ ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ r = 0 r i f r r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g f00rn · cos ( n · θ ) - h f00rn · sin ( n · θ ) ) if , as mentioned previously , t cog is treated as a function of mechanical angle via a fourier series : t cog ( θ ) = ∑ n = 1 n c ( a n · sin ( n · θ ) + b n · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 66 ) t = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n · [ ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n 3 2 · n · [ ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ n = 1 n c ( a n · sin ( n · θ ) + b n · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 67 ) true sensitivity is then the partial derivative with respect to angle of the expression for torque presented in equation ( 67 ), see equation ( 57 ): s a = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · [ - ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n 3 · n 2 2 · [ - ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ n = 1 n c n · ( a n · cos ( n · θ ) - b n · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 68 ) to this point it has been assumed that the smooth torque solution is achieved in a point by point manner . an alternative approach is to calculate the solution across the angle intervals in the interval ( 0 , 2π ) simultaneously . for convenience , the following nomenclature is introduced . suppose for a particular torque and sensitivity demand the solution is to be calculated at various angles : i = ( i α ( θ ( 1 ) ) i α ( θ ( 2 ) ) ⋯ i α ( θ ( n ) ) i β ( θ ( 1 ) ) i β ( θ ( 2 ) ) ⋯ i β ( θ ( n ) ) ) ( 69 ) the k th torque vector is a row vector defined by : φ tk =( 0 . . . 0 t ( θ ( k ), i α ( k ), i β ( k )) 0 . . . 0 ) φ sk =( 0 . . . 0 s ( θ ( k ), i α ( k ), i β ( k )) 0 . . . 0 ) a = ( φ t1 ⋯ φ tn ) b = ( φ s1 ⋯ φ sn ) finally , appropriate partial derivatives with respect to the currents are taken and the resultant matrices aggregated to form a 2n by 2n matrix : φ = ( ∂ ∂ i α a ∂ ∂ i β a ∂ ∂ i α b ∂ ∂ i β b ) ( 71 ) the desired torque and sensitivity at a particular angle θ ( k ) are given by : the 2n × 1 demand vector d of these values over the angle range is given by : d = ( t d ( θ ( 1 ) ) t d ( θ ( 2 ) ) ⋯ t d ( θ ( n ) ) s d ( θ ( 1 ) ) ⋯ s d ( θ ( 1 ) ) ) ( 72 ) and the actual values of torque and sensitivity resultant from any current combination ( i α , i β ) which constitute the iterated solution are given by the column vector : a = ( t ( θ ( 1 ) , i α ( 1 ) , i β ( 1 ) ) t ( θ ( 2 ) , i α ( 2 ) , i β ( 2 ) ) ⋯ t ( θ ( n ) , i α ( n ) , i β ( n ) ) s ( θ ( 1 ) , i α ( 1 ) , i β ( 1 ) ) ⋯ s ( θ ( n ) , i α ( n ) , i β ( n ) ) ) ( 73 ) starting from a reasonable guess , three to fifteen iterations is typically sufficient when dealing with a pm motor . as in the switched reluctance motor case previously , issues of convergence becomes critical . typical seed values for the pm motor are usually chosen to lie upon a sine wave generated with some harmonic appropriate to the machine in question . hence , in the unstacked version of the solver : in the stacked version this expression is replaced with sine feeds of the appropriate magnitude and harmonic , for example , five in a 12 - 10 pm motor . an alternative to approach to that outlined above is to view the problem as a constrained non - linear optimization task with respect to the alpha beta currents for each angle : [ 0205 ] ∂ ∂ θ t ( i α , i β , θ ( k ) ) = 0 t ( i α , i β , θ ( k ))= t demand such a problem is a particular case of that described in sensitivity of automatic control systems by rosenwasser and yusupov ( crc press , 1999 ). in some cases where cogging frequencies are high , the resultant current profiles may prove difficult to follow . of course , increasingly complex and expensive drives can provide better current profile following capabilities . in practice , a reasonable balance between cost and current following capabilities is required . one solution is the removal of the higher harmonic terms from all the sensitivity expressions presented throughout this disclosure . in particular , consider the expression presented in equation ( 71 ). if the higher harmonic terms are ignored , above n t , then : s a = ∑ p = 0 p i α p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · [ - ( g apqn - g bpqn 2 - g cpqn 2 ) · sin ( n · θ ) … + ( - h apqn + h bpqn 2 + h cpqn 2 ) · cos ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ q = 0 q i β q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n 3 · n 2 2 · [ - ( - g b0qn + g c0qn ) · sin ( n · θ ) + ( h b0qn - h c0qn ) · cos ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ n = 1 n t n · ( a n · cos ( n · θ ) - b n · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 75 ) typically the cut - off harmonic will be in the range 35 to 40 . this will result in smoother current profiles , which in the presence of error in angular precision , will introduce higher frequency torque ripple somewhat more quickly than would otherwise be the case . if balanced feed is not used , it is necessary to use the abc - for . as with the αβ - for discussion above , the following disclosure is generally provided in terms of a three phase hybrid motor , though the model form can be generalized into different types of rotating machines having any number of phases by one skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure . for notational convenience , the abc - stator phases are represented by “ 1 ,” “ 2 ” and “ 3 ” subscripts , while the single rotor phase is represented by a “ 4 ” subscript . the general form of the flux linkage model in the abc - for is given by : λ φ ( i 1 , i 2 , i 3 , i 4 , θ ) = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 76 ) v φ = i φ · r φ + t λ φ ( 4 ) t λ φ = ∑ p = 0 p p · i 1 p - 1 · ( t i 1 ) · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q qi 2 q - 1 · ( t i 2 ) · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r · r = 0 r i 3 r - 1 · ( t i 3 ) · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s si 4 s - 1 · ( t i 4 ) · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 77 ) v φ = i φ · r φ + ∑ p = 0 p p · i 1 p - 1 · ( t i 1 ) · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q q = 0 q i 2 q - 1 · ( t i 2 ) · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r · r = 0 r i 3 r - 1 · ( t i 3 ) · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s si 4 s - 1 · ( t i 4 ) · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 78 ) as noted herein above , in the particular case of a switched reluctance motor : t i f ≡ 0 ( 9 ) so in the case of a switched reluctance motor , equation ( 78 ) yields v φ = i φ · r φ + ∑ p = 0 p p · i 1 p - 1 · ( t i 1 ) · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q q = 0 q i 2 q - 1 · ( t i 2 ) · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r · r = 0 r i 3 r - 1 · ( t i 3 ) · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 79 ) recall from equations ( 17 ) and ( 18 ), coenergy and torque are found using the expressions : ω c = ∫ ∑ φ = 1 4 λ φ i c ( 17 ) t = ∂ ∂ θ ω c ( 18 ) any reasonable integral path can be selected ; in certain embodiments four directed line segments are used : variable of integration i 4 di 4 ≠ c i 1 , i 2 , i 3 , di 1 , di 2 , di 3 = c variable of integration i 1 di 1 ≠ c i 4 = i 4 i 2 , i 3 , di 2 , di 3 , di 4 = c variable of integration i 2 di 2 ≠ c i 4 = i 4 i 1 = i 1 i 3 , di 1 , di 3 , di 4 = c variable of integration i 3 di 3 ≠ c i 4 = i 4 i 1 = i 1 i 2 = i 2 di 1 , di 2 , di 4 = c this path is selected to minimize the number of unobservable parameters appearing in the final expression for torque . the integrals are then evaluated over the selected path . substituting equation ( 76 ) into equation ( 17 ): ω c = ∫ [ ∑ φ = 1 4 ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ] i c ( 80 ) ω c = ∑ φ = 1 4 f c ( 81 ) f φ = ∫ ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) i c ( 82 ) in the particular case of a switched reluctance machine ( no permanent magnets ) there is no associated stator phase : f φ = ∫ ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) i c φ = 1 , 2 , 3 . f 1 = ∫ ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 1 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 1 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) i 1 this is identically zero over all but the second dls , where : i 4 = i 4 i 1 , i 2 , i 3 = c di 2 , d 3 , d 4 = c f 1 = ∫ 0 i 1 ∑ p = 0 p ξ p · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 1 p00sn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 1 p00sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ξ yielding : f 1 = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 1 p00sn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 1 p00sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 83 ) f 2 = ∫ ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 2 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 2 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) i 2 this is identically zero along all but the third dls , where : f 2 = ∫ 0 i 2 ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q ξ q · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 2 pq0sn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 2 pq0sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ξ yielding : f 2 = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 2 pq0sn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 2 pq0sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 84 ) f 3 = ∫ ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 3 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) i 3 this is identically zero along all but the fourth dls , where : f 3 = ∫ 0 i 3 ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r ξ r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 3 pqsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ξ yielding : f 3 = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 3 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 85 ) f 4 = ∫ ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 4 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 4 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) i 4 this is identically zero along all but the first dls , where : f 4 = ∫ 0 i f ∑ s = 0 s ξ s · ∑ ( n = 1 n g 4000 sn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 4000 sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ξ yielding : f 4 = ∑ s = 0 s i f s + 1 s + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 4000 sn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 4000 sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 86 ) substituting equations ( 83 ) to ( 86 ) into equation ( 81 ) results in the expression : ω c = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 1 p00sn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 1 p00sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 2 pq0sn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 2 pq0sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 3 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ s = 0 s i f s + 1 s + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n ( g 4000 sn · sin ( n · θ ) + h 4000 sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 87 ) recalling equation ( 18 ) it is seen that , in the abc - for , torque is given by : t = ∑ p = 0 p i f p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 1 p00sn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 1 p00sn · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 2 pq0sn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0sn · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ s = 0 s i f s + 1 s + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 4000 sn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 4000 sn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 88 ) t = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 1 p00n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 1 p00n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i f q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 89 ) data collection schemes suitable for parameter estimation were addressed above , including exemplary constant phase current and varying phase current schemes . the varying current scheme , which is typical of practical applications , is considered below . recall equation ( 78 ): v φ = i φ · r φ + ∑ p = 1 p p · i 1 p - 1 · ( t i 1 ) · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqesn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q qi 2 q - 1 · ( t i 2 ) · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r r · i 3 r - 1 · ( t i 3 ) · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ω · n · ( g φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 78 ) v φ ω = i φ ω · r φ + [ 1 ω · ( t i 1 ) ] · ∑ p = 1 p p · i 1 p - 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + [ 1 ω · ( t i 2 ) ] · ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q qi 2 q - 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + [ 1 ω · ( t i 3 ) ] · ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r r · i 3 r - 1 · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g φ pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 90 ) the state variables assigned to the notional rotor phase are not observable via the motor terminals . hence , the nominally constant rotor current must be lumped in with those model parameters that are observable , as disclosed above with respect to the model formulated for the αβ - for . the following identities are defined : ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · g φ pqrsn = g φ pqrn for all p , q and r ( 91 ) ∑ s = 0 s i 4 s · h φ pqrsn = h φ pqrn for all p , q and r ( 92 ) using the identities provided by equations ( 91 ) and ( 92 ), equation ( 90 ) yields : v φ ω = i φ ω · r φ + [ 1 ω · ( t i 1 ) ] · ∑ p = 1 p p · i 1 p - 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + [ 1 ω · ( t i 1 ) ] · ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q qi 2 q - 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + [ 1 ω · ( t i 3 ) ] · ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r r · i 3 r - 1 · ∑ n = 1 n ( g φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + h φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - h φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 93 ) using the identities presented in equations ( 91 ) and ( 92 ), equation ( 89 ) is also re - written : t = ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 1 p00n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 1 p00n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 1 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ s = 0 s i f s + 1 s + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 4000 sn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 4000 sn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 94 ) t = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 1 p00n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 1 p00n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 95 ) not all model parameters from the voltage fit are present in the final expressions for torque as a result of the path selected in evaluating the integral . the approach implemented by the solver 34 to calculate the required currents to achieve desired motor behavior , such as smooth torque with angle sensitivity minimized , is similar in the abc - for as that disclosed above with regard to the αβ - for the main difference is that the jacobian is a three by three matrix with the third row elements being given by some constriction upon the values which the abc - for currents may take . for the purposes of the current disclosure , it will be assumed that any solution chosen will in some way minimize the sum of squares of the individual phase currents . suppose torque is calculated via coenergy using the torque model with abc - for set out in equation ( 88 ): t = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 1 p00n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 1 p00n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ s = 0 s i f s + 1 s + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 4000 sn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 4000 sn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 88 ) the necessary partial derivatives or entries to the jacobian , with respect to i 1 , i 2 and i 3 , can now be derived . ∂ ∂ i 1 t = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 1 p00n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 1 p00n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p p · i 1 p - 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p p · i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 96 ) ∂ ∂ i 2 t = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q q · i 2 q - 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 97 ) ∂ ∂ i 3 t = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 98 ) hence : j 11 = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 1 p00n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 1 p00n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 1 p p · i 1 p - 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 1 p p · i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 99 ) j 12 = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q q · i 2 q - 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 100 ) j 13 = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 3 pqrsn · cos ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) ( 101 ) as stated previously in equation ( 56 ), sensitivity with respect to angle is given by : ∂ ∂ θ t = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p + 1 p + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · ( - g 1 p00n · sin ( n · θ ) - h 1 p00n · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · ( - g 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · ( - g 3 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ s = 0 s i f s + 1 s + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( g 4000 sn · sin ( n · θ ) - h 4000 sn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 102 ) hence , the elements of the second row of the jacobian are given by the following expressions : j 21 = ∂ ∂ i 1 ∂ ∂ θ t ( 103 ) j 22 = ∂ ∂ i 2 ∂ ∂ θ t ( 104 ) j 23 = ∂ ∂ i 3 ∂ ∂ θ t ( 105 ) j 21 = ∂ ∂ θ j 11 ( 106 ) j 22 = ∂ ∂ θ j 12 ( 107 ) j 23 = ∂ ∂ θ j 13 ( 108 ) explicitly : j 21 = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · ( - g 1 p00n · sin ( n · θ ) - h 1 p00n · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p p · i 1 p - 1 · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q + 1 q + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · ( - g 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p p · i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · ( - g 3 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 109 ) j 22 = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · ( - g 2 pq0n · sin ( n · θ ) - h 2 pq0n · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q q · i 2 q - 1 · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r + 1 r + 1 · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · ( - g 3 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 110 ) j 23 = ∑ p = 0 p i 1 p · ∑ q = 0 q i 2 q · ∑ r = 0 r i 3 r · ∑ n = 1 n n 2 · ( - g 3 pqrsn · sin ( n · θ ) - h 3 pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) ( 111 ) the criterion used in selecting current can be to either balance the feed or minimize the sum of squares . in the case of the least squares sum , the following is minimized : i ss = ∑ k = 1 3 i k 2 ( 112 ) ∂ ∂ i k i ss = 2 · i k = c ( 113 ) the third row of the jacobian is then given by expressions of the form : j 3 k = ∂ 2 ∂ i k 2 i ss = 2 ( 114 ) cogging can be included into the solver 34 in the same way as described above in conjunction with the αβ - for smooth torque solver . moreover , in a manner similar to that disclosed with the αβ - for smooth torque solver , the solution may be calculated across the angle intervals in a given interval simultaneously , rather than in a point by point manner . for a particular torque and sensitivity demand , the solution is to be calculated at various angles : i =( i a ( θ ( 1 )) . . . i a ( θ ( n )) i b ( θ ( 1 )) . . . i b ( θ ( n )) i c ( θ ( 1 )) . . . i c ( θ ( n ))) t ( 115 ) φ tk =( 0 . . . 0 t ( θ ( k ), i a ( k ), i b ( k ), i c ( k )) 0 . . . 0 ) φ sk =( 0 . . . 0 s ( θ ( k ), i a ( k ), i b ( k ), i c ( k )) 0 . . . 0 ) φ ik =( 0 . . . 0 i ss ( i a ( k ), i b ( k ), i c ( k )) 0 . . . 0 ) a = ( φ t1 ⋯ φ tn ) b = ( φ s1 ⋯ φ sn ) c = ( φ i1 ⋯ φ in ) thus , appropriate partial derivatives with respect to the currents are taken and the resultant matrices aggregated to form a 3n by 3n matrix : φ = ( ∂ ∂ i a a ∂ ∂ i b a ∂ ∂ i c a ∂ ∂ i a a ∂ ∂ i b b ∂ ∂ i c c ∂ ∂ i a a ∂ ∂ i b b ∂ ∂ i c c ) ( 117 ) the desired torque , sensitivity and rate of change of the sum of squares at a particular angle θ ( k ) are given by : the demand vector d of these values over the angle range is given by : d = ( t d ( θ ( 1 ) ) t d ( θ ( 2 ) ) ⋯ t d ( θ ( n ) ) s d ( θ ( 1 ) ) s d ( θ ( 2 ) ) ⋯ s d ( θ ( n ) ) i ( θ ( 1 ) ) ⋯ i ( θ ( n ) ) ) ( 118 ) and the actual values of torque and sensitivity resultant from any current combination ( i a , i b , i c ) which constitute the iterated solution are given by the column vector : a = ( t d ( θ ( 1 ) , i a ( 1 ) , i b ( 1 ) , i c ( 1 ) ) t ( θ ( 2 ) , i a ( 2 ) , i b ( 2 ) , i c ( 2 ) ) ⋯ t ( θ ( n ) , i a ( n ) , i b ( n ) , i c ( n ) ) s ( θ ( 1 ) , i a ( 1 ) , i b ( 1 ) , i c ( 1 ) ) ⋯ s ( θ ( n ) , i a ( n ) , i b ( n ) , i c ( n ) ) ) ( 119 ) in one embodiment of the invention , a pm motor was used with a model fitted via the terminal variables as described herein . from this , smooth torque feeds were calculated for a variety of loads . fig4 illustrates the calculated current profiles for various torques , showing three phase currents generated for a smooth torque solution . fig5 shows a plot for a typical 12 - 10 pm motor , for which excluding noise and peaks ( the plot illustrates raw data ) ripple approaches 2 % of the mean or 0 . 8 % of the maximum rated torque for that motor ( 2 . 5 nm ). it has been assumed that the individual components of the electrical model and correspondingly the torque model comprise products of polynomials and trigonometric functions . in alternative embodiments , the polynomials are replaced with true orthogonal functions . these orthogonal functions are built up from polynomials in a recursive manner . in particular polynomials of the form : 1 2 , 3 2 · x , 5 8 · ( 3 x 2 - 1 ) , 7 8 · ( 5 · x 3 - 3 · x ) , 3 8 · 2 · ( 35 · x 4 + 3 - 30 · x 2 ) , 43659 128 · ( x 5 - 70 63 · x 3 + 15 63 · x ) there are a number of sound theoretical and practical reasons why models using true orthogonal functions are to be preferred . typically , more accurate models that have fewer terms can be derived . such a statement is true when the order of the current terms grows beyond 2 . the theoretical reason for this is well understood by those with an understanding of such mathematical structures . succinctly , model components that are orthogonal to one another do not interact in a detrimental manner . unnecessary model complexity is avoided and the result is that the torque estimate , achieved via the previously described transforms , are improved . the process necessary to derive the mathematical expressions necessary is essentially the same as those described previously . for the purposes of brevity , the critical mathematical expressions and notation are presented without unnecessary repetition of the associated derivations for the balanced feed case . λ φ ( i α , i β , θ ) = ∑ p = 0 p g p ( i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q g q ( i β ) · ∑ r = 0 r g r ( i f ) · ∑ n = 0 n ( a φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + b φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) t λ φ = ∑ p = 0 p f p ( i α ) · ( t i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q g q ( i β ) ∑ r = 0 r g r ( i f ) · ∑ n = 0 n ( a φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + b φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p g p ( i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q f q ( i β ) · ( t i β ) · ∑ r = 0 r g p ( i f ) · ∑ n = 0 n ( a φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + b φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p g p ( i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q g q ( i β ) · ∑ r = 0 r f r ( i β ) · ( t i f ) · ∑ n = 0 n ( a φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + b φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p g p ( i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q g q ( i β ) · ∑ r = 0 r g r ( i f ) · ∑ n = 1 n n · ω · ( a φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - b φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) where : x g p ( x ) = f p ( x ) v φ ω = r φ ω + i α ω · r φ α + i β ω · r φ β + i α · i β ω · r φ α β … + [ 1 ω · ( t i α ) ] · ∑ p = 0 p f p ( i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q g q ( i β ) · ∑ n = 0 n ( a φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + b φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + [ 1 ω · ( t i β ) ] · ∑ p = 0 p g p ( i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q f q ( i β ) · ∑ n = 0 n ( a φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) + b φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) ) … + ∑ p = 0 p g p ( i α ) · ∑ q = 0 q g q ( i β ) · ∑ n = 1 n n · ( a φ pqrn · cos ( n · θ ) - b φ pqrn · sin ( n · θ ) ) coenergy is derived in a similar manner as previously resulting in : ω c = ∑ p = 0 p ( h p ( i α ) - h p ( 0 ) ) · ∑ q = 0 q g q ( i β ) · ∑ n = 0 n [ ( a a pqrn - 1 2 · a b pqrn - 1 2 · a c pqrn ) · sin ( n · θ ) … + ( b a pqrn - 1 2 · b b pqrn - 1 2 · b c pqrn ) · cos ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ p = 0 p g p ( 0 ) · ∑ q = 0 q ( h q ( i β ) - h q ( 0 ) ) · ∑ n = 0 n [ ( - 3 2 · a b pqrn + 3 2 · a c pqrn ) · sin ( n · θ ) … + ( - 3 2 · a b pqrn + 3 2 · a c pqrn ) · cos ( n · θ ) ] t = ∑ p = 0 p ( h p ( i α ) - h p ( 0 ) ) · ∑ q = 0 q g q ( i β ) · ∑ n = 0 n n · [ ( a a pqrn - 1 2 · a b pqrn - 1 2 · a c pqrn ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + - ( b a pqrn - 1 2 · b b pqrn - 1 2 · b c pqrn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] … + ∑ p = 0 p g p ( 0 ) · ∑ q = 0 q ( h q ( i β ) - h q ( 0 ) ) · ∑ n = 0 n n · [ ( - 3 2 · a b pqrn + 3 2 · a c pqrn ) · cos ( n · θ ) … + ( - 3 2 · a b pqrn + 3 2 · a c pqrn ) · sin ( n · θ ) ] as previously , a solver can now be defined which will calculate the necessary current values to achieve the desired solution . one property and advantage associated with the use of model components which are truly orthonormal is that with just the most basic model present it is possible to calculate the parameters of other additional orthonormal model components in isolation from one another . that is , the model can be refined by the addition of a new orthonormal expression . the parameters for the model components estimated and the new model component can be either kept or discarded dependant upon the magnitude of the parameter associated with it . in this manner , many different model components can be sieved in a numerically efficient and elegant manner to determine whether they should be included in the model or not . more particularly , the model fitting process can be fully automated . starting from a very basic model ( the presence of resistance terms , non - angle varying inductance ) it is possible to automate the selection of model components . starting from a basic model as described above , the electrical model is extended by selecting one or more additional “ candidate ” basis functions . refiting the model results in a new set of model parameters . those parts of the model , or functions , with significant coefficients or parameters are kept while other parts are rejected . the test for significant a model component can be as simple as testing whether the absolute value of the coefficient is greater than some predefined percentage of the absolute value of the current biggest parameter . such a sieving process allows for the automatic building up of a model . it is the use of orthonormal basis functions which allows for this activity , due to their minimal interaction . if the “ standard ” polynomials are used then the sieving process becomes confused . the adaptive control schemes disclosed herein have several applications . for example , in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention , the control scheme is embedded into a speed control loop for use in a speed servo application . the particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only , as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein . for example , the electrical model which uses a product of polynomials and trigonometric functions can be written as a product of polynomials and complex exponentials : λ φ = ∑ p = 0 p i α p · ∑ q = 0 q i β q · ∑ r = 0 r i f r · ∑ n = - n n e φ pqrn · exp ( · n · θ ) furthermore , no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown , other than as described in the claims below . it is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention . accordingly , the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below .
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fig1 shows the selectable cartridge assembly . the cartridge consists of a cartridge head 10 , a dual - bed propellant chamber 20 , a primer 30 , and a tube 40 . a projectile 50 is positioned within the tube 40 thereby contacting the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 . the projectile 50 may take any form and shape required for the application . the projectile 50 is secured with a frangible cover 44 at one end of the tube 40 . the frangible cover 44 also provides an environmental seal for interior of the selectable cartridge . the tube 40 is constructed from plastics practiced by those skilled in the art . the frangible cover 44 is formed using conventional crimping techniques known to those in the art . fig2 shows one such embodiment , an eight - fold crimp . two propellant cavities lower 61 within the high - velocity bed 21 and one propellant cavity upper 60 within the low - velocity bed 22 are housed within the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 . fig4 through 7 show the location of the propellant charges within the propellant cavity upper 60 and propellant cavity lower 61 . charges may consist of any formulation required for the application . fig3 shows the cartridge head 10 . the cartridge head 10 consists of a rotation band 12 and base cap 14 . the rotation band 12 and base cap 14 consist of a metal . the preferred embodiments consist of brass , steel , and aluminum . the most preferred embodiment is brass . the base cap 14 contains a lower rotational flange 16 , a primer hole 18 at the opposite end to accommodate a primer 30 , and a rim 15 . the rim 15 is a circular flange at the end opposite the lower rotational flange 14 . it serves as a positive stop when the cartridge is inserted into the gun breach . the primer 30 is compression loaded into the primer hole 18 thereby attaching it to the base cap 14 so that both rotate as a single unit . the rotation band 12 contains an upper rotational flange 17 and an interlock channel 19 . the base cap 14 and rotation band 12 are assembled by compression loading the items such that the lower rotational flange 16 and upper rotational flange 17 engage . a rotation channel 11 is provided between base cap 14 and rotation band 12 along the exterior circumference of the cartridge head 10 adjacent to the lower rotational flange 16 and upper rotational flange 17 . this feature accommodates the flange 42 at the one end of the tube 40 . this arrangement allows the base cap 14 to rotate independently from the rotation band 12 . the interlock channel 19 consists of two narrow grooves along the inside of the rotation band 12 offset by 180 degrees . the interlock channels 19 accommodate the two interlock tabs 26 on the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 . this arrangement secures the rotation of the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 to the rotation band 12 . the rotation band 12 is of smaller diameter than the base cap 14 . the tube 40 is secured to the outside circumferential surface of the rotation band 12 . attachment is achieved by an adhesive , threading , or the direct molding of the tube 40 onto the rotation band 12 . the outer diameter of the tube 40 is no greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the base cap 14 . the flange 42 serves several functions : it further secures the tube 40 to the rotation band 12 ; it provides a gas seal thereby preventing leakage of combustion products from the cartridge ; it facilitates rotation by providing a sliding surface between the rotation band 12 and base cap 14 ; and it facilitates the assembly of the rotation band 12 and base cap 14 by providing a positive stop during the compression assembly of the cartridge head 10 . the rotational motion of the cartridge head 10 is secured by means of four rotation lock notches 13 on the base cap 14 and four rotation lock tabs 46 on the flange 42 of the tube 40 . fig8 shows one such pair of rotation lock notches 13 and rotation lock tabs 46 in the locked position . the rotation lock notches 13 and rotation lock tabs 46 are set at 90 degree intervals around the circumference of the cartridge head 10 . the depth of the rotation lock notch 13 and thickness of the rotation lock tab 46 is sufficient to prevent inadvertent rotation of the cartridge head 10 yet facilitate rotational motion where desired . the primer 30 contains a plurality of flash holes 32 which communicate the ignition train to one of two propellant beds . primer 30 construction is that practiced by those in the art . flash holes 32 are aligned along the length of the primer 30 forming two lines which are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis of the primer 30 . the flash holes 32 align with the location of one pair of rotation lock notches 13 and rotation lock tabs 46 . two views along the longitudinal axis of the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 are shown in fig1 and 4 . the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 consists of a single piece - plastic unit fabricated by methods known to those skilled in the art of machining , injection molding , and extruding . the preferred embodiments is comprised of polyethylene or polypropylene . the most preferred embodiment is polypropylene . critical features include a high - velocity bed 21 , a low - velocity bed 22 , a plurality of ignition covers 23 , a primer shroud 24 , a propellant bed bulkhead 25 , two interlock tabs 26 , an exterior wall 27 , a gas seal ring 28 , two ignition suppression bulkheads lower cavity 29 , and two ignition suppression bulkheads upper cavity 31 . the high - velocity bed 21 consists of two symmetric cavities divided by two ignition suppression bulkheads 29 . the ignition suppression bulkheads upper cavity 31 and the primer shroud 24 extend into the low - velocity bed 22 . both beds are further divided by the propellant bed bulkhead 25 of sufficient thickness to shield the non - initiated bed from that which is initiated . both beds are shielded from the primer 30 by the primer shroud 24 . the primer shroud 24 forms a sealed cavity along the longitudinal axis of the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 . the exterior wall 27 further shields the propellant cavity lower 61 and propellant cavity upper 60 in the adjacent beds from unintended ignition by either exposure to combustion products or heat flow from the gun breach during high cycle rates . the exterior wall 27 must be sufficiently flexible to facilitate its compression assembly into the cartridge head 10 and to allow its ejection from the gun barrel when the high - velocity bed 21 is ignited . the wall profile is such that it conforms to the interior of the cartridge head 10 . the lowermost end is angled to facilitate separation of the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 from the cartridge head 10 . the gas ring seal 28 is a circular flange at the uppermost end of the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 adjacent to the projectile 50 . this item provides a positive stop during compression assembly of the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 into the cartridge head 10 . its primary function is as a gas seal . during combustion of the propellant charge in the low - velocity bed 22 , the gas seal ring 28 compresses against the rotation band 12 thus shielding the high - velocity bed 21 . during combustion of the propellant charges in the high - velocity bed 21 , the gas seal ring 28 contacts the gun barrel so that combustion products do not reach the propellant charge in the low - velocity bed 22 . combustible covers 62 are glued or mechanically attached to both ends of the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 . combustible covers 62 are either kraft paper or thin metal foil . these covers further shield the propellant charge in one bed from the combustion products from another . additionally , they contain the propellant charge within the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 during assembly with the cartridge head 10 . the high - velocity bed 21 is of greater volume than the low - velocity bed 22 as required to achieve the desired launch velocities . the low - velocity bed 22 resides adjacent to the projectile 50 . the high - velocity bed 21 and ignition suppression bulkheads lower cavity 29 are offset at a 90 degree angle with respect to the low - velocity bed 22 and its ignition suppression bulkheads upper cavity 31 . in the high - velocity bed 21 , a plurality of ignition covers 23 lie along two lines offset by 180 degrees along the longitudinal length of the primer shroud 24 in a symmetric pattern . in the low - velocity bed 22 , two ignition covers 23 are offset by 180 degrees along the length of the primer shroud 24 . ignition covers 23 are formed by reducing the wall thickness of the primer shroud 24 such that ignition products from the primer 30 perforate the wall and ignite the propellant charge . fig1 , and 7 show the ignition covers 23 . the ignition covers 23 in the high - velocity bed 21 and low - velocity bed 22 are offset at a 90 degree angle . ignition covers 23 coincide with the location of flash holes 32 in the primer 30 . the above described arrangement of the high - velocity bed 21 , low - velocity bed 22 , ignition suppression bulkheads lower cavity 29 , ignition suppression bulkheads upper cavity 31 and ignition covers 23 facilitates the alignment of flash holes 32 with the ignition covers 23 in one propellant bed and the ignition suppression bulkheads of another bed at any given time . the result is the communication of the burn train in the primer 30 with the propellant charge in only one bed . velocity selection is accomplished by the mechanical rotation of the base cap 14 and rotation band 12 . rotation of the base cap 14 aligns the flash holes 32 along the primer 30 with the appropriate ignition cover 23 and propellant bed . a quarter turn changes the functional mode of the round . the round is subsequently chambered in the weapon . in the high - velocity mode , the flash holes 32 are rotated to align with the ignition covers 23 in the high - velocity bed 21 and the ignition suppression bulkheads upper cavity 31 in the low - velocity bed 22 . when the hammer on the weapon strikes the primer 30 , the powder in the primer 30 burns projecting combustion products from the flash holes 32 which perforate the ignition covers 23 along the primer shroud 24 thus igniting the propellant charges in the high - velocity bed 21 . the combustion products propel the dual - bed propellant chamber 20 and projectile 50 from the tube 40 after breaking the frangible cover 44 . the gas seal ring 28 travels along the gun barrel thereby insuring the efficient acceleration of the projectile 50 . the low - velocity bed 22 and propellant charge are ejected from the gun barrel without ignition . in the low - velocity mode , the flash holes 32 are rotated to align with the ignition covers 23 in the low - velocity bed 22 and the ignition suppression bulkheads lower cavity 29 in the high - velocity bed 21 . when the gun hammer strikes the primer 30 , the powder in the primer 30 burns projecting combustion products from the flash holes 32 which perforate the ignition covers 23 along the primer shroud 24 thus igniting the propellant charge in the low - velocity bed 22 . the combustion products propel the projectile 50 from the tube 40 after breaking the frangible cover 44 . the gas seal ring 28 is compressed into the rotation band 12 . the high - velocity bed 21 and its propellant charge remain intact within the cartridge head 10 . accordingly , it can be seen that the invention facilitates not only a dual level of response by law enforcement or military personnel against hostile threats but variable range inherent to velocity adjustment . in the realm of dual response , the invention enables the user to project a bullet or projectile with lethal effects where it would otherwise be non - lethal . the primary advantage of this invention is a fully mechanical selector mechanism which tailors the projectile velocity . also it is important to note that the cartridge design and function is compatible with existing weapons . the concept is ideally suited to a smoothbore , 12 - gauge shotgun . although the description above contains many specificities , these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention . various other embodiments and ramifications are possible . for example , the invention is suited to the launch of a incendiary projectile . in this application , both beds could contain equal amounts of propellant . the front bed would be ignited to launch the projectile such that its incendiary core burns . the back bed would be ignited to the launch the projectile in its inert condition . thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents , rather than by the examples given .
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having reference to fig1 a multisensor vehicle - mounted mine detector 1 or mvmmd is provided comprising leading sensors 2 , 3 , 4 , a remote - controlled detection vehicle ( rdv ), and a trailing sensor 6 . the three leading sweep sensors 2 , 3 , 4 are supported off of and lead the rdv 5 for sweeping a path . the leading sensors comprise a ground penetrating radar ( gpr ) 4 , a metal detection electromagnetic induction sensor ( emi ) 3 , and an infrared scanning camera 2 . the leading sensors 2 , 3 , 4 determine whether a detected object is a target of interest ( toi ). turning to fig1 - 4 , the trailing sensor 6 confirms whether a toi is a mine or not . various devices are known such as chemical sniffers and thermal neutron activation sensors . in the preferred embodiment a thermal neutron activation sensor ( tna ) 6 is towed behind the rdv 5 . the custom tna 6 is an inherently heavy sensor ( about 270 kgs ) and is supported in its own trailer 20 which distributes weight between the trailer 20 and the rdv 5 and thus and keeps the rdv ground pressure low . the trailer 20 is supported on two steerable wheels 21 , 22 which can be rotated about a vertical axis or pivot 23 to permit polar swinging action ( fig2 ). the trailer 20 is connected to the rear of rdv 5 with a hitch swivel 25 and a telescoping tongue 26 . the hitch swivel 25 permits both polar movement and up and down rotation . the tna 6 itself is further suspended within a frame 29 on a radial gantry 29 within the trailer 20 ( fig4 ). the frame 30 is vertically positionable in the trailer 20 for positioning the tna 6 as close to the ground as possible when sensing and for lifting the tna for providing clearance during positioning . individually , the leading sensors 2 , 3 , 4 alarm at disturbances in the ground . as shown in fig5 alarms from each of the leading sensors 2 , 3 , 4 are processed using data fusion for enhancing detection and identifying targets of interest ( toi ). a toi is tested by the tna 6 for possible confirmation as a mine at the option of an operator . the arrangement of three sensors 2 , 3 , 4 , for sensing while moving , and a trailing confirmation sensor 6 , for sensing while stationary , is an optimized arrangement . spacing and placement of the sensors minimizes overall length of the mvmmd 1 while still providing an operator with sufficient lead time ( minimum 3 . 5 meters ) between the closest leading sensor 4 and the confirming tna 6 for decision - making and for controlled deceleration of the mvmmd 1 . as discussed above , the ability to use tna technology in a stationary confirmation role lifts restrictions on the design of a tna apparatus , said prior art apparatus either having the luxury of long interrogation times or conversely being required to perform interrogation in a fraction of a second in a moving role . either restriction is too onerous to provide a practical tna sensor . conversely , having reference to fig6 a tna sensor 101 is provided . the tna sensor 101 can be placed accurately over a target of interest 102 ( like a mine ). accordingly , the tna sensor 101 can be strong enough to produce relatively short interrogation times , yet be made small , light ( about 270 kgs ) and at relatively low cost . in particular , a tna point confirmation sensor , model minescans , was manufactured for the department of national defence by science applications international corporation ( saic canada ), ottawa , ontario . the tna sensor 101 comprises a 100 μg neutron source 103 of isotopic californium ( 252 cf ) which emits energetic neutrons n which are slowed prior entering the ground 104 for reaction with nitrogen - 14 nuclei ( 14 n ). the 14 n combine with the slow neutrons to form an energetic 15 n isotope which decays , emitting a number of prompt gamma rays . the tna sensor 101 is associated with a ground proximity sensor ( not - shown ) so that the tna sensor 101 is not inadvertently lowered into contact with a potential mine 102 . for landmine detection , the most pertinent of these emissions of gamma rays is the highest energy transition at 10 . 835 mev . at this transition energy there will be virtually no competing reactions — save for a weak 10 . 611 mev transition from neutron capture in 30 si , common in most soils . detection of this energy transition permits use of poor - resolution high efficiency sodium iodide nal ( ti ) scintillation cameras or detectors 105 as opposed to high - resolution cryogenically - cooled detectors ( intrinsic ge which have a lower detection efficiency ). the gamma rays impinge one or more detectors 105 . as the gamma rays pass through the scintillation crystal — nal ( ti ) — they produce scintillation events — light . the events are detected by a photomultiplier tube 106 ( not shown in fig6 ). the signals produced by the photomultipliers 106 are combined into an output signal comprising serial pulses representing the scintillation events . the pulses are counted and are representative of the presence and concentration of 14 n . the strong source results in high returned gamma ray count rates . sophisticated electronics are necessary to deal with observed count rates at the detectors at about 200 , 000 cps or greater . both the nal ( ti ) crystal and photomultiplier tube 106 are commercially - available , such from teledyne - brown and hammamatsu respectively . the nal ( ti ) crystal and photomultiplier tube are preferably pre - qualified based upon their abilities to handle both the rates and high energies expected . the detectors 105 are ruggedly mounted in a frame . for a marginal increasing in capture efficiency , each detector 105 is angled downward and inwardly ( not shown ), roughly converging in the ground 102 below the source 103 . having reference to the schematic of fig7 the photomultiplier 106 monitors the nal ( ti ) crystal for a visible event . the photomultiplier produces a signal with a pulse representing each event . the signal passes through an amplifier 107 ( with a clipping delay ) and a filter 108 . the filter signal is delayed and then enters a fast linear gate 109 , controlled by a constant fraction discriminator ( cfd ) 110 for reducing deadtime ( where the processing electronics are unable to process one pulse before the next arrives ). the cfd 110 has a threshold set to approximately 5 mev . the combination of the linear gate 109 and cfd 110 lowers gamma ray pulse counting rates from about 200 , 000 to about 5 , 000 cps . the linear gate 109 is open for 160 ns for each accepted pulse . the counting rate while the gate 109 is open is still so high that adjacent low energy pulses can pile - up and pass the cfd 110 as a high energy pulse and be improperly counted as nitrogen - caused . this piled - up pulse must be identified and rejected . accordingly , a pile - up rejector circuit 111 is provided which utilizes a gated - integrator technique ( fig8 ) for rejecting pulses based upon shape distortion compared to “ normal ” pulses . both pre and post pile - up events are detected . the technique is capable of detecting distortion in pulses as closely spaced as 15 ns and rejecting them . more specifically , having reference to fig8 , the pile - up rejection circuit 111 accepts an amplified pulse signal which is fed as an input to a buffer 112 . the signal is delayed to compensate for a delay in a pulse analysis start signal from the cfd . the signal then enters an integrator 113 which determines two or more integrals of each examined pulse of the serial train of pulses . if the examined pulse is not of a normal shape ( i . e . not gaussian or other “ normal ” shape ) then the pulse is rejected . effectively , the gated integrator 113 integrates each pulse over time ; firstly ; for the whole pulse gi 1 ( between the beginning of the pulse to a time well past the pulse ) and secondly for about one half of the pulse gi 2 ( between well before the beginning of the pulse to the middle of the pulse ). a third integral gi 3 represents the integral from the middle of the pulse to a time well past the end of the pulse . comparison of the integrals of a portion of the pulse to the whole of the pulse is illustrative of distortion of the pulse . difference amplifier 114 performs the comparison of the different integrations . actually , the gate integrator performs one entire pulse integration and two portions are subdivided out of the overall integration to provide the pre and post integration portions gi 2 , gi 3 . a calibration is obtained for an actual pulse which has not piled - up . this can be achieved by obtaining data at low count rates where the pulses are not piled up . the integrals from the first integration gi 1 and second integration gi 2 are of opposite sign . summing of the two signals yields a differential s . weighted differences for the two integrals gi 1 , gi 2 can be applied and adjusted so that the weighted difference s 1 to an actual pulse will be zero for non - piled pulses . these adjustments to the weighting factors are made in the differential amplifier 114 . this establishes a threshold 115 against which the difference in the integrations can be compared . application of the differential amplifier and the weighting factors to a piled - up pulse yields an identifiable non - zero baseline s 2 which is distinguishable over threshold 115 . for an undistorted or non - piled - up pulse , the first integration ( whole pulse ) should be about twice the second integration ( ½ pulse for purely gaussian - shaped pulse ). thus , for a guassian - shaped pulse , the appropriate weighting factors would be about ½ : 1 to achieve a null difference signal . weighting factors would be adjusted at the differential amplifier for various other pulse shapes . non - zero differences are detected at the thresholds 115 . if the appropriate threshold is exceeded then the logic circuit is activated to reject the pulse . a non - zero difference between the first and second integrals are representative of pre - pile - up and between the first and third integrals are representative of post - pile - up . provision for inputs x , y , y 2 to the gated integrator and the difference amplifier permit the timing of the integration and the weighting to be adjusted . pulses p which are piled - up due to spacing as close as 15 ns can be detected and rejected r . referring again to fig7 an integrator 116 shapes an accepted pulse for analysis by a spectroscopy amplifier 117 . the spectroscopy amplifier 117 prepares the pulse for analysis by a pulse height analyzer 118 . conventional pulse pile - up rejectors ( built into the spectroscopy amplifier 118 ) are disabled . the pulse height analyzer 118 determines which pulses are representative of nitrogen and outputs the count results to a computer 119 . for accurate energy determination , the overall system is calibrated prior to use . an energy calibration is performed on known materials to obtain a spectrum having lots of counts in distinct energy peaks as near as possible to the energy region of interest , i . e . 8 . 5 - 11 mev . secondly , a “ background ” spectrum is acquired — i . e . an energy spectrum with the tna head sitting over an area known to be free of mines . knowing the background spectrum , the spectrum acquired for a target of interest is superimposed with the background and the difference compared against known pulse count rates for known nitrogen targets for establishing whether the target of interest is explosive or not . using a standard gaussian detection limit approach described by currie , l . a ., anal . chem ., 40 , no . 3 , 586 ( 1968 ) to low - level counting , the false alarm and mine detection probabilities are based upon the number of excess counts in the energy region of interest . under certain circumstances having large background fluctuations or abnormal structure in the background spectrum ( such as excessive silicon in the soil , for example ) the detection limit statistical approach can generate false positive indications of a mine . to improve upon the detection probability , a combined gauss - bayes statistical approach is employed as described by silvia , d . s ., los alamos science , 19 , 180 ( pb 1990 ) having reference to fig1 , 11 for confirmation of the choice of transition energy for identifying 14 n and the use of nal ( ti ) detectors , experiments were performed using a weak 252 cf source ( 1 × 10 6 n / s ) and a 2 ″× 2 ″ nal ( ti ) detector . an explosive simulant , containing 1 kg of nitrogen , was used . positive detection of nitrogen reduces to the detection of a statistically significant number of counts above background in the energy region 126 of interest — roughly 9 to 11 mev . a large number of counts were required to obtain sufficient statistics at the desired energy . the count time for this experiment ( about 8 hours ) was excessive and clearly indicated the need for a stronger 252 cf source and / or more efficient detectors in the final tna system . having reference to fig6 the choice of shielding materials was based upon two considerations : firstly for shielding of the high efficiency nal ( ti ) detectors 105 from direct neutron and gamma - ray emanating from the 252 cf source 103 ; and secondly as biological shielding for personnel . the combination of lead and libr shielding and polyethylene moderating material used was optimized using computer code mcnp4a , as described by briemeister , j . f . in “ mcnp — a general monte carlo n - particle transport code — version 4 ”, la - 12625 - m , 1993 . the final configuration of materials is as illustrated in fig6 . this shielding configuration lowered the count rate at the nal ( ti ) detectors to about 200 , 000 cps . this rate was a baseline for the electronics design ( fig7 ). the main contributor to these counts are gamma - rays from the 252 cf source 103 , however neutron capture gamma rays from a variety of sources , including the nal ( ti ) crystal itself , were found to contribute . the flask 120 holding the source is substantially polyethylene 121 . a lead shield 122 surrounds the source 103 with a source transfer tube 123 extending upwardly through the polyethylene 121 . a lead shielding sphere 124 is centered in the flask 120 and located in the source transfer tube 123 . a libr gel 125 surrounds the flask and absorbs neutrons to block their access to the nal ( ti ) detectors 105 . the measured radiation dose equivalent rates were 55 mrem / h neutron and 2 . 6 mrem / h gamma at the surface of the tna head , and 1 . 8 mrem / h neutron and 0 . 8 mrem / h gamma at 1 m from the surface . the system and electronics were calibrated by obtaining a “ background ” spectrum with the tna head sitting over an area known to be free of mines . as shown in fig1 , three peaks a , b , c , generated by neutron activation in aluminum within the head , were prominent enough to be used for calibration — the full energy peak from the 6 . 103 mev transition and the double and single escape peaks from the 7 . 726 mev transition at 6 . 704 mev and 7 . 215 mev , respectively . a linear extrapolation of this least squares fit , into the energy region of interest , was then performed . two traces are shown ; the top solid - line trace 130 representing the results based upon previous prior art pulse rejection technique of comparing pulse widths . the bottom dashed trace 131 represents the results based upon the gated integrator pulse pile - up rejection circuit 111 which demonstrates fewer pile - up pulses being counted as 10 . 8 mev nitrogen emission pulses . field trials of the tna sensor as a confirmatory sensor were held at specially prepared mine fields in southern alberta in winter conditions . ambient temperatures were between − 20 ° c . and & lt ; 30 ° c ., with winds up to 50 km / h and snow cover of over 30 cm . during the trials , four “ large ” mines ( m15 , tma3 , m21 and tma5a ) representing different masses of nitrogen , were buried at different depths and interrogated . additionally , different masses of “ small ” mines or c4 plastic explosive ( 34 % n by mass ) were surface - buried and interrogated . spectral results for different explosives are illustrated in fig1 and 13 . table 1 summarizes the experimentally determined count time for a 93 % detection probability . this count time was arrived at by an iterative solution to the statistical analysis techniques described above , based upon the experimentally measured background and net counting rates . several features should be noted . firstly , for the case of the largest anti - tank ( at ) mine ( m15 ) there is considerable structure below 9 mev . this is likely due to neutron capture in other elements in the m15 mine — and the large peak at about 7 . 1 mev may be the first escape from the prominent iron capture transition . this is supported by the fact that the m15 is encased in steel , while c4 and the other non - metallic mines are not . secondly there is an indication of structure in the background around 10 . 1 mev , which could be the first escape from the si - capture peak mentioned earlier ( the soil was quite sandy , and thus high in si - content ). silicon activation will eventually determine the final lower detection limit of the system . thirdly , from the table and the figures , the lower detection limit of the system as it stands right now is slightly under 100 g of nitrogen ( for reasonable count times of less than 5 minutes ). this means that the system is capable of detecting almost all at mines ( at depths down to 6 ″) and many larger anti - personnel ( ap ) mines — which would be surface buried . finally one notes that there is virtually no difference in the positive detection counting times for some of the mines examined here , despite their large differences in mass of n ( 500 g to 3 . 6 kg ). this is due to a convolution of the thermal neutron flux profile ( which drops rapidly with depth ) and the distribution of nitrogen within the mines ( for the physically larger m15 , there is far more nitrogen at greater depths than for c4 , for example ). experiments were also conducted to determine the radial field of view of the system as shown in table 2 . the field of view is quite constant out to a radius of about 25 cm , after which it begins to drop rapidly . at a radius of about 40 cm , detection is not possible ( this is physically outside of the 30 cm radius tna head ). the above serves to illustrate the importance of accurately locating the target of interest ( mine ) with the primary systems . in summary , the examples have validated use of a tna sensor for confirmatory detection of land mines having nitrogen masses of greater than about 100 g in a few minutes , over a radial area of about 2000 cm 2 ( about 25 cm radius ). this will enable almost all at and large ap mines to be positively detected . smaller surface buried ap mines ( containing less than 100 grams of nitrogen ) will have to be eliminated by such techniques as flailing , as is performed by a pre - clearance vehicle . further , the system has clearly shown the ability to perform in adverse weather conditions .
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as summarized above , this invention discloses means and methods for securing an all - terrain vehicle ( atv ) to a truck or trailer bed , so that the atv can be transported safely at high speeds on conventional roads or highways . all references herein to &# 34 ; high speeds &# 34 ; refer to speeds which equal or approach the maximum lawful speeds on conventional highways , such as about 50 to about 70 miles per hour ( about 80 to 110 kilometers per hour ). referring to the drawings , callout number 10 in fig1 refers to a &# 34 ; securing connector &# 34 ; assembly . such securing connectors , and the various components that are assembled to make these securing connectors , are commercially available , and can be purchased in automobile parts stores and in some hardware stores . for convenience , the discussion below will refer only to trailers . however , it should be understood that such comments are also generally applicable to trucks . securing connector 10 comprises a first eyehole flange 12 which is coupled to a threaded shaft 14 having a right - hand thread ( i . e ., when the shaft 14 is turned in the direction of the extended fingers on a right hand , the shaft will be driven in the direction of the outstretched right thumb , and will travel further into sleeve component 20 ). securing connector 10 also comprises a second eyehole flange 30 , which is coupled to a threaded shaft 32 having a left - hand thread . the sleeve component 20 is provided with accommodating internal threads at both ends . it is also provided with a means for rotating it with the aid of a wrench or other tool . in fig1 sleeve 20 is shown as a round cylinder , and the rotating means is shown as hole 22 , which passes through both opposed walls of the cylinder , so that a steel bar can be inserted through the holes and used to rotate the sleeve 20 . alternately , sleeve 20 can be provided with a wall portion which is square , hexagonal , or has any other desired non - circular shape , so that an open - end or adjustable wrench can be used to turn the sleeve . if the two eyehole flanges 12 and 30 are prevented from rotating , forcible rotation of the sleeve 20 will alter the length of the securing connector . rotation in one direction will pull both of the threaded shafts 14 and 32 into the sleeve 20 . this procedure will be used to tighten ( i . e ., shorten the length of ) the securing connector 10 , when an atv is being secured to a trailer for high - speed transport . conversely , rotation of the sleeve in the opposite direction will extend the two threaded shafts 14 and 32 , allowing the securing connector 10 to be removed from the tine pins when it is time to remove the atv from the trailer . in most cases , it will not be necessary to take extra steps to lock a securing connector at a specific level of tightness , after it has been tightened . they normally do not work loose quickly , and will stay sufficiently tight to provide adequate security and safety during most normal trips . however , if desired , a securing connector can be locked at a desirable level of tightness by any of several means , depending on the design of the sleeve . for example , if a hole is provided through both walls of a connector sleeve at a midpoint location , a clip can be inserted through the hole and attached to a short chain . the other end of the chain can be clipped to any suitable attachment point on the trailer , truckbed , or atv , to prevent the clip from being pulled away if the sleeve tries to rotate during travel . alternately , securing connectors are available with ratcheting mechanisms . such ratcheting mechanisms allow a sleeve to be tightened , but they require an additional step ( such as depressing a button , or moving a lever to a different position ) before a sleeve can be loosened . in one preferred embodiment , eyehole flange 12 contains an eyehole piece 16 which is mounted in a manner that allows it to rotate , or swivel , within the eyehole flange 12 . the eyehole piece 16 has a cylindrical orifice 18 passing through it , with a diameter slightly larger than the tine pins , to allow each eyehole piece 16 to be slid over a tine pin . in one possible embodiment , rotation of the eyehole piece can be unconstrained ; this type of eyehole piece would be made from a completely spherical ball , as shown in fig1 . in an alternate embodiment , the orifice 18 can be extended beyond the reach of the ball , by means of an extended sleeve - type device ; this type of eyehole piece would still be able to rotate a generous amount , but rotation would be constrained by the extended sleeve tips . the eyehole flange 30 at the opposite end of the connector device 10 also has a rotatable eyehole piece 34 , with an orifice 36 passing through it to hold a tine pin . this embodiment , with rotatable eyehole pieces 16 and 34 at both ends of a connector device 10 , is well - suited for minimizing abrasion and wear on the securing connectors and the tine pins . however , it should be recognized that various other clamps , hooks with spring - mounted closure devices , or other reversible connecting devices alternately can be used if desired , so long as they can interact properly with tine pins , closed eyelets , or other comparable attachment devices affixed to an atv and / or trailer or truckbed . for example , fig2 depicts an eyelet device 90 mounted on an atv , which interacts with a clamp - type hook 92 which has a threaded locking screw 94 passing through a threaded ear or lug component 96 on the shaft of hook 92 . the threaded shaft 98 of hook 92 interacts with the sleeve of a securing connector , in the manner previously described . such devices would likely cause higher levels of abrasion and wear ( compared to connectors with rotatable eyehole pieces ) on both the connector devices and on any securing eyelets or other devices mounted on an atv and a trailer or truckbed ; accordingly , they are not highly preferred , but can be used if desired . also , it should be recognized that while many common and inexpensive types of securing devices , such as hooks with spring - mounted closure devices , can provide adequate levels of tension on a connector device to pull an atv down toward the trailer or truck bed , they cannot provide a desirable level of protection against certain types of jarring and hammering forces that can occur during transport across a bumpy road . for example , if a wheel of a trailer carrying an atv hits a large pothole in a highway while travelling at high speed , the trailer bed will drop suddenly , as the wheel drops into the pothole . the atv will also drop , along with the trailer , pulled down by the tension on the connector pieces . however , an instant later , the trailer wheel will hit the far edge of the pothole , and the trailer bed will be jarred , possibly quite hard , in an upward direction . a securing connector ( such as a hook with a spring - mounted closure device ) that does not provide a rigid and secure attachment cannot prevent the atv from bouncing downward toward the trailer bed for an instant , while the atv suspension becomes even more compressed , losing the tension in the connecting device . an instant later , the atv will jerk back upward , hard , as the suspension springs of the atv try to force themselves back into a relaxed position . when this happens , the ascending atv will exert a &# 34 ; hammering &# 34 ; force on the attachment pins and the hook - type securing devices . in addition , this type of jerking motion can also cause any open - type hooks ( if attached to a chain , rope , bungee cord , etc .) to become unhooked , which poses a threat of complete loss of control over the atv , which might fall off of the trailer , severely damaging the atv and possibly causing a traffic accident . because of this factor , securing devices which provide rigid control of their length , and which equally resist both tension and compression , offer better protection than non - rigid devices ( such as hooks ) against the types of hammering forces that can be encountered on a highway with potholes or other uneven surfaces . preferred types of connectors ( which includes connectors with rotatable eyehole pieces at each end , as shown in fig1 ) will allow the larger and more heavy - duty suspension system of a trailer or truck to absorb and minimize the hammering - type shocks that might be encountered during transport . fig3 depicts a trailer tine pin assembly 40 that can be permanently affixed to a trailer or truckbed ( such as trailer 100 in fig4 ). this tine pin assembly 40 comprises a mounting plate 42 , which can be welded to a steel trailer component , and which can also be bolted to any suitable surface by means such as bolt holes 44 . pin support plate 46 is permanently affixed to mounting plate 42 , by means such as welding ( alternately , a plate assembly can be molded , forged , or formed by a hot bending process if desired ). a tine pin 48 is inserted through a hole in pin support plate 46 , and permanently affixed to the support plate 46 by means such as welding , preferably on both sides of the plate 46 . in general , smooth - surfaced tine pins should be used ; threaded pins are likely to become badly caked and coated with mud and dirt . tine pin 48 is provided with a plurality of spaced holes 50 along at least a portion of its length . this allows a retaining clip 52 to be inserted through one of the holes 50 , to ensure that the end of a securing connector 10 cannot slip off of a tine pin 48 while an atv is being transported . preferably , two tine pins should be mounted on an atv , preferably at or near the front and back ends of the atv , to provide good attachment points at opposing ends of the atv . the pins should be attached to semi - sheltered locations , so they will not create significant additional protrusions that might extend beyond the prior perimeter of the atv . suitable attachment points are available on any atv . for example , the front ends of most atv &# 39 ; s are provided with a so - called &# 34 ; front rack &# 34 ;, which is a lattice made of welded steel bars , that serves as a combination bumper and brush guard . a tine pin attachment plate can be securely attached to any such steel rack , using attachment means such as u - shaped bolts with threads on both ends . similarly , the back ends of most atv &# 39 ; s are ( or can be ) fitted with a trailer hitch , or at least a horizontal hitch plate , to allow the atv to be used as a towing vehicle in rough terrain . such front racks , trailer hitches , and various other structural components and attachments all offer good locations for mounting tine pin attachment plates to the front and rear of an atv . if desired , an owner or mechanic can drill two or more holes through a structural plate or other component , in order to provide additional flexibility for mounting a tine pin attachment plate in a suitable location on the front or back of an atv . since not all front racks or rear hitch plates will have exactly the same dimensions , a variety of tine pin attachment kits can be sold , if desired , to be retrofitted onto atv &# 39 ; s . each attachment kit can be designed and manufactured to fit one or more specific makes and models of atv &# 39 ; s . this would be comparable to buying any of several different types of headlight replacement bulbs , for various different makes and models of cars or trucks . in addition , if this method of securing atv &# 39 ; s for high - speed transport on highways is adopted by one or more manufacturers , front and rear tine pins can be provided by atv manufacturers either as standard equipment , or as an option which any purchaser can order . preferably , the tine pins should be attached to an atv at a location at each end which is above the axle of the atv , mounted on a component such as a front rack or a rear hitch plate . if the tine pins are attached at locations which are in effect , above the suspension system of the atv , two benefits can be provided . first , when the securing devices are tightened at both ends of the atv , the suspension springs of the atv will be compressed slightly . as the suspension springs resist this compression , they will exert a steady tension on the tightened securing devices . this can minimize repeated hammering - type shocks on the securing devices and the atv ; such low - level shocks , from irregularities in the road surface , will be absorbed and minimized by the suspension system of the trailer or truck . in addition , by exerting a pulling - down tension on the top structure of the atv , above the suspension , the risk of substantial swaying , rocking , and other lateral forces on the atv can be minimized . this can minimize the risk of a rollover during high crosswinds , sharp turns , and roads or other surfaces that slope steeply toward one side or the other . also , tine pins or other attachment devices designed to be affixed to a truckbed or trailer can be provided with means ( such as threaded ends , bayonet - type coupling devices , etc .) that will allow the attachment devices to be conveniently disconnected and removed , if they interfere with other desired uses of the truck or trailer . fig4 depicts a trailer 110 , with a platform 112 and an axle with a tire 114 mounted to each end of the axle . atv 100 is secured to trailer 110 by a front securing connector 10 and a rear securing connector ( not shown ). trailer 110 is a simplified depiction ; it does not show taillights , a front hitching device , or other components necessary for highway use . if desired , a wheel well 116 can be provided , and the bed component may be made of or covered by sheet metal , to reduce splattering of mud or water up from the highway onto the atv . this type of trailer can be towed behind any truck or automobile that has adequate power , using a conventional hitching device ( not shown ) welded to the front end of the trailer , which can be coupled during use to a trailer hitch mounted on the car or truck . if desired , the trailer can be provided with a ramp gate ( not shown ), attached to the rear end of the trailer bed 112 by means of hinges , so that the edge of the ramp gate can be lowered to the ground to provide an inclined ramp , to facilitate loading and unloading of the atv onto and off of the trailer . however , this is not essential , and boards can be used to provide such a ramp if desired . the trailer bed 112 can also be provided with guard railings around the periphery , if desired . alternately , the entire trailer can be enclosed with walls and a roof , if desired , to provide convenient closed storage for the atv , to protect the atv against the weather and reduce the risk of theft . accordingly , when the method of this invention is described in claim terminology , it comprises the following steps : a . rolling an all - terrain vehicle which has been provided with first and second rigid vehicular attachment components ( such as tine pins , as shown in fig3 and 4 ) at two opposed locations on the vehicle ( preferably at the front and back of the vehicle ; alternately , at the sides of the vehicle if desired ), onto a vehicular platform ( such as a truckbed , or a towable trailer ) which has been provided with at least two rigid platform attachment components ( such as tine pins ) at corresponding locations on the platform ; b . positioning the atv on the platform in a manner which places each vehicular attachment component in proximity to a platform attachment component ; c . coupling a first securing connector ( such as the turnbuckle device shown in fig1 ) having ( i ) a rigid shaft of adjustable length and ( ii ) first and second connecting components ( such as rotatable eyelets ) positioned at both opposed ends of the rigid shaft , to the first vehicular attachment component and to a proximately - positioned platform attachment component ; d . coupling a second securing connector having ( i ) a rigid shaft of adjustable length and ( ii ) first and second connecting components positioned at both opposed ends of the rigid shaft , to the second vehicular attachment component and to a proximately - positioned platform attachment component ; e . manipulating each of said first and second securing connectors in a manner which shortens its length , thereby exerting sustained tension on each of said first and second securing connectors , thereby pulling the atv in a downward direction in a manner which reduces motion of the atv relative to the platform when the platform is being towed , thereby allowing safe and secure transportation of the atv on the platform at a maximum lawful highway speed . this invention also discloses a kit , containing a total of four tine pins ( two will be mounted on the atv , and the other two will be mounted on the truck or trailer ), and two adjustable - length securing connectors , such as the devices shown in fig1 . a kit 200 is illustrated in fig5 containing four tine pin assemblies 40 and two connectors 10 . thus , there has been shown and described a new and useful means for securing an all - terrain vehicle on a trailer or truck , to allow high - speed transport of the atv across roads and highways . although this invention has been exemplified for purposes of illustration and description by reference to certain specific embodiments , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications , alterations , and equivalents of the illustrated examples are possible . any such changes which derive directly from the teachings herein , and which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention , are deemed to be covered by this invention , as claimed below .
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fig1 shows the recording equipment 1 which can be worn on the patient &# 39 ; s body and which is approximately the size of a wristwatch or pocket calculator . this equipment has , on its front side as shown in the drawing , three buttons 2 , 3 and 4 which are provided with the capital letters m , n and p . a display 5 is also provided which indicates the time since medication was taken and / or the clock time which can be selected via a button 7 . finally , a removable chip 8 is shown which , as recording medium , contains the recorded values . the equipment is operated as follows . the patient who is wearing the equipment on his body , or is carrying it with him , first takes the medication prescribed by the doctor and at the same time pushes the button m . this starts up a stopwatch , i . e . the time begins to run at zero and is optionally shown on the display 5 . if , after taking the medication , the patient now experiences a positive effect , he presses the p button 3 . the equipment acknowledges that the button has been pressed by emitting an acoustic signal ( beep ) or an optical signal from a light 6 , so that the patient receives confirmation of the entry he has made . if , after some time , the patient feels the effect is diminishing , he presses the n button 4 . he then takes his medication for the second time as instructed by his doctor , and once again presses the m button 2 , as a result of which the time is stored . the procedure described above is then repeated , i . e . pressing the p button when he experiences a positive effect and pressing the n button when he feels the effect diminishing . this is of course done in each case on the basis of the patient &# 39 ; s subjective feelings . the result of a single cycle of entries of this kind made by the patient is shown in the diagram according to fig2 . there , the positive effect of the medication is plotted on the ordinate over the time axis t , and only as a positive value of the order 1 . the start of the measurement cycle upon administration of the medication is marked by the point m 1 on the abscissa , i . e . the time axis . here , therefore , the effect of the medication is equal to 0 . after some time , the so - called latency period l , the patient first experiences a positive effect and he presses the p button , as a result of which the value f ( 1 )= 1 is recorded at the time t 1 . after a further time span , at the time t 2 , the patient feels the effect diminishing or completely disappearing and he presses the n button , as a result of which the value f ( 2 )= 0 is recorded . the next time on the time axis is m 2 , i . e . the time t 3 , at which the medication is taken a second time . m 2 is recorded by pressing the m button ; as can be seen , the effect of the medication is still zero at this time t 3 , so that a so - called void time f occurs , i . e . a time span t = t 3 - t 2 in which there is no effect of the medication . after the second administration of medication m 2 , there is once again a latency period l &# 39 ;, i . e . the time difference to the time t 4 , at which the patient once again experiences a positive effect and presses the p button 3 . this second latency period l &# 39 ; can be different than the first period l . the measurement cycle begun in this way can be continued as often as desired by repeated administration of the medication at the subsequent times m 3 , m 4 , . . . m i , with corresponding recording of the effect . the result is stored as a function according to the pattern in fig2 and can be removed as a recording medium , e . g . on the chip . it would also be possible to analyze the stored function directly on a pc via a pc adapter , e . g . by comparing the effect profiles on different days , or to print out the stored function . this data , i . e . the effect function , helps the doctor to adopt a corrected or optimum medication program for the patient , and this with the goal of eliminating the abovementioned void times f and subsequent repeated latency periods l &# 39 ;, i . e . the time spans in which there is no effect of the medication . fig3 shows a further illustrative embodiment of the invention , namely the recording equipment 10 in the form of a wristwatch with securing brackets 11 and 12 for a strap ( not shown ). the equipment 10 , which is thus of essentially circular design in its plan view , has in the first place the m button 13 and the other buttons 14 and 15 for inputting a positive and a negative effect , the button 14 showing a laughing face and the button 15 showing a sad face . moreover , a display 16 is provided for optionally displaying a running ( stopwatch ) time and the clock time , it being possible for the appropriate mode to be selected using the button 17 . the equipment 10 also has five optical devices 19 ( light - emitting diodes ) which represent a respective recorded value . five optical devices 21 ( light - emitting diodes ) are correspondingly provided on the left side of the circular equipment 10 for displaying the recorded negative effect . between these two groups of five 19 and 21 , a light arrangement 18 is provided for the zero setting , i . e . no effect . the equipment 10 also has a larger light arrangement 20 which is intended to signal an optimum for the patient &# 39 ; s state of health . finally , three further light arrangements 22 are provided for a so - called excess effect of the medication . the aforementioned groups of light arrangements are of different geometric designs and light up in different colors , e . g . group 19 and 20 in green , group 21 in blue and group 22 in yellow . finally , an acoustic or optical signal arrangement 23 is provided in the area of the &# 34 ; clock face &# 34 ; of the equipment 10 , which arrangement 23 emits acoustic or optical signals at the preprogrammed time for taking medication ( m 1 , m 2 , m 3 , etc .) in order to remind the patient to take the medication . the signal can also be generated by vibration . finally , the equipment has a connection point 24 for an adapter ( not shown ) via which the stored data can be transferred to a pc and can be displayed on its screen . the function recorded and stored using the equipment 10 according to fig3 is shown in the diagram in fig4 . both the positive effect and the negative effect after taking medication are plotted over the time axis t , with five values p1 to p5 being provided for the positive effect and five values n1 to n5 for the negative effect . above the value p5 there is a value opt , representing the optimum , i . e . the best the patient feels , and above this there are three further values for an excess effect of the medication u1 , u2 , and u3 . the diagram shown represents the variation in effect between the times at which medication was taken m1 and m2 and is recorded by pressing the buttons 13 ( m ), 14 for a positive effect and 15 for a negative effect . the measurement cycle begins at the time t 0 at which the patient presses the button m or 13 on first taking the medication . after the latency period l has elapsed , he experiences a first positive effect and presses the button 14 once at the time t 1 , as a result of which the value f ( 1 ), corresponding to the value p1 , is recorded on the positive ordinate . at the time t 2 the patient experiences an increasing positive effect which he assesses subjectively with the value p4 , and for this he has to press the button 14 three times in succession , which results in a jump from p1 to p4 to the value f ( 2 ). when the value p1 is recorded , the first light arrangement 19 lights up ( green ), and when the value p4 is recorded three further light arrangements 19 light up , that is to say altogether four light arrangements 19 are lit . at the time t 3 the patient experiences an optimum effect and presses the button 14 again , as a result of which he reaches the value p5 , and by pressing the button 14 one more time the value opt , i . e . the optimum , corresponding to f ( 3 ) is reached , and at the same time a larger light arrangement 20 lights up ( green ). the patient thus sees that the optimum effect of the medication has now been recorded . at the time t 4 he experiences an excess effect of the medication and therefore presses the button 14 once again , as a result of which the value f ( 4 ), corresponding to u1 , is recorded on the ordinate . when the value u1 is reached , i . e . recording of an excess effect , the further light arrangement 22 lights up ( yellow ), thus optically signalling the range of the excess effect . if the patient feels this excess effect diminishing , he can press the button 15 , as a result of which , if the latter is pressed once , the value opt ( optimum ) is once again reached . if the effect further diminishes , the patient can once again press the button 15 -- one unit is subtracted for each single actuation . in the case shown , by pressing the button 15 four times , he reaches the value p3 at the time t 5 , corresponding to f ( 5 ), and by pressing it again he reaches the value p2 at the time t 6 , corresponding to f ( 6 ). at the time t7 the patient experiences a greatly diminishing effect , dropping into the negative range . he therefore presses the button 15 four times and reaches the negative value f ( 7 ) corresponding to n2 . at the same time , two light arrangements 21 now light up ( blue ); five light - emitting diodes 21 ( blue ) are provided corresponding to the negative scale of values n1 to n5 . the next time t 8 corresponds to the planned time m2 for taking the second dose of the medication . in this case , therefore , there is still a negative effect of the medication which lasts until the time t 9 : only then does the patient experience a positive effect again , and he presses the button 14 with the laughing face three times and reaches the value f ( 9 ) which corresponds to the value p1 on the ordinate . the time span between t 8 and t 7 corresponds to the void time f in which there is no positive effect of the medication , and the time span between t 9 and t 8 is the second latency period l &# 39 ; after taking the second dose of medication . thereafter , the measurement cycle is continued as described above . the groups of light - emitting diodes 19 to 22 can each have different colors ( as indicated above ) or can light up in the same color but with different brightness or with a different contour ( if the patient is color - blind ). this diagram , which can be stored on a recording medium or can be transferred to a pc via an adapter , is used by the doctor as a basis for more accurately adapting the medication , i . e . on the one hand in terms of the choice of times m1 , m2 , m3 etc ., and also in terms of the dose of the medication . the latter can be adapted , for example , if an excess effect occurs -- in this case up to the value u1 over the time t u -- since in this case the dose of the medication was too strong . fig5 finally shows a further design of the invention , namely in the form of equipment 30 which has an enlarged display or a small screen 31 , a keyboard 33 , 34 and the already described buttons with capital letters m , p and n corresponding to reference numbers 35 , 36 , 37 . in addition , a time switch 32 with the capital letter t is provided which makes it possible to switch alternately between stopwatch and clock time . the buttons 34 with the numbers 1 , 2 , 3 through 0 correspond to side effects , e . g . headache , nausea , fever or tachycardia . thus , by using the keyboard , the patient is able to call up on screen the side effect which occurs after he takes the medication and to record the time at which it occurred . in addition to entering side effects , it is also possible to select on the equipment specific symptoms which are intended to be influenced by the medication , e . g . tremor ( trembling of body parts ), muscle mobility , anxiety or agitation , to assess these and to record the time at which they occurred . in this way , different effect profiles can be stored in parallel . finally , the program of this equipment 30 makes it possible to record the effect of combinations of medication , that is to say several medications taken concurrently . fig6 shows a further embodiment of the equipment according to the invention with expanded mode for superposed recording of additional events and symptoms of the disease and their assessment . the equipment 40 , like equipment 1 and 10 , has three buttons which correspond to the buttons m , n and p or 13 , 14 and 15 , i . e . the button 41 with the letter m is intended for entering the time at which the medication is taken , the button 42 with the laughing face is intended for entering a positive effect or assessment and the button 43 with the sad face is intended for entering a negative effect or assessment . a button 44 with the letter w is also provided by means of which certain events and symptoms of certain diseases can be called up on a two - line display 45 and displayed . for example , various main terms such as tremor , mobility , headache , nausea or anxiety can be called up and displayed in the top line 46 of the display 45 by actuating the button 44 ( w ). a possible assessment of the corresponding event then appears in the bottom line 47 . by actuating the button 42 or 43 , an assessment can then be made in different stages , e . g . for headaches : ______________________________________no headache ( 0 ) very slight headache ( 1 ) mild headache ( 2 ) moderate headache ( 3 ) severe headache ( 4 ) very severe headache ( 5 ) ______________________________________ such an assessment is not made in response to a request , but when the patient feels it necessary . the event and its assessment are thus superposed on the recording of the abovementioned effect of the medication according to fig2 and fig4 . the doctor is thus provided with additional information which allows him to make an accurate assessment of the effect of the medication . for visual confirmation of the individual entries made using the buttons 41 , 42 , 43 and 44 , these are each assigned colored lights 48 , 49 , 50 and 51 which light up when an entry is made , namely in yellow ( 48 ), green ( 49 ), red ( 50 ) and blue ( 51 ). the equipment 40 also has a small speaker 52 via which certain entries receive an audible spoken confirmation , e . g . via the speaker the equipment 40 &# 34 ; says &# 34 ; the following words or phrases : &# 34 ; administration of medication recorded &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; effect of medication now : slight improvement &# 34 ;. a push switch 53 is also arranged on the equipment 40 and is used to switch the speaker 52 on and off . a key switch 55 which can be operated by the patient can be connected to the equipment 40 via a cable 54 and connection socket 56 , and entries can be made using this key switch 55 in addition to the buttons 42 and 43 . this key switch 55 represents , as it were , a remote control for the equipment 40 in some cases : for example , by pressing the key switch 55 , it is possible to record additional and sudden events along with their clock time , without the patient having to take the equipment 40 , which he carries with him , out of his pocket . this is particularly advantageous for patients with parkinson &# 39 ; s disease in the so - called off - phase , because the patient is at that time severely restricted in his movements . also in the case of anxiety attacks or other sudden and critical changes in the state of health , e . g . absences in epileptics , the immediate activation of the key switch 55 permits immediate recording of this event . the key switch 55 , however , can also be used as an alternative to the input buttons 42 and 43 , in other words for entering a positive or negative effect of the medication . for this purpose , a code can be used which is easily understood by the patient : e . g . a short press on the key switch 55 would mean that there was no effect of the medication , and a long press on the key switch 55 would mean that there was a positive effect . this remote entry via the key switch 55 can then be confirmed acoustically via the speaker 52 of the equipment 40 , so that the patient knows what has been recorded . alternatively , confirmation by means of vibration is also possible . finally , the equipment 40 also has an attachment 57 for diverse sensors or measurement equipment via which physically measurable data from the patient are recorded . here , by way of example , a measurement sensor 59 , shown diagrammatically , is connected via a cable 58 and is used to measure the patient &# 39 ; s heart rate . alternatively , or in addition to this , further measurement sensors can be connected , for example for measuring the blood pressure , blood oxygen or blood sugar levels , tremor , muscle tone ( muscular tension ) and skin temperature or skin moisture . these objectively measurable values can be measured and recorded automatically , without the assistance of the patient , and can be stored on the abovementioned recording medium and output . in this respect it is possible , with this combination of equipment 40 , for the subjective state of health after medication and the objectively determined physiological values to be recorded and stored in parallel . this represents a considerable therapeutic aid to the doctor and an improvement to the patient &# 39 ; s medication . the drawing does not show a combination of the above - described equipment with a medication dispenser containing the prescribed medication in a quantity suitable for a defined period . at the preset times m 1 , m 2 , m 3 etc . which are stored in the equipment , the medication dispenser opens and supplies the prescribed dose of medication , i . e . the patient can then remove the medication . at the same time , the above - described signal or alarm arrangement can activate and thus remind the patient to take the medication . the medication to be taken at this time can be displayed , e . g . : as has already been mentioned above , the equipment according to the invention is not only intended for use where a patient is being treated with medication by a doctor , but can also be used , for example , in pharmaceutical research when new active substances , remedies , drugs or the like are being tested and evaluated for their effect on the human body .
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in one aspect , an instrument comprising a suture passer 100 is described . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the suture passer 100 comprises a body 110 having a tunnel 115 , an articulating arm 120 , 190 connected to the body 110 proximally to a first end of the body 110 , and a fore end 130 distal to the first end of the body 110 . in some embodiments , the suture passer 100 , further comprises suture channels 184 , 185 through which sutures are threaded to load the suture passer 100 . in some embodiments , the suture passer 100 is an arthroscopic instrument . the suture passer 100 may be used to grasp tissue and pass a sliding , locking suture in a single grasp of the tissue . the suture passer 100 grasps tissue 180 between the body 110 and the articulating arm 120 . the suture passer 100 then passes a suture loop 140 through the tissue 180 . this may be done by loading the suture 140 in a u fashion . a needle passes through the tunnel 115 then penetrates the tissue 180 passing through the suture loop 140 . a second needle or a pass of the same needle passes through a channel within articulating arm 120 and is directed through the suture loop 140 and capturing the other end of the suture . this pulls one end of the suture back in a retrograde fashion through the first loop 140 creating a locking stitch . the suture has one end outside the body 110 and the other end loaded on the other side of the suture passer 100 . this allows for it to be passed through the suture loop 140 , ultimately forming a locking stitch . one end of the suture is passed below the tissue 180 and one end is passed above the tissue 180 . when the bottom suture is pulled longitudinally it pulls the suture loop 140 down perpendicular to the tissue 180 resulting in bringing it downward . when the top suture is pulled it brings the tissue 180 laterally or in line with the sutures . in one embodiment , the articulating arm 120 is connected to the body 110 by a joint or a hinge , such that the articulating arm 120 may move relative to the body 110 in a tweezer - like fashion . in other embodiments , the suture passer 100 will grasp tissue , thus allowing for a loop of a single suture ( or multiple sutures ) to be placed from an inferior aspect of the tissue to a superior aspect of the tissue . a needle or grasping agent will then reach through this loop and pull the other end of the suture back through this suture loop . this will create a locking stitch with one end on the superior and one end on the inferior aspect of the tissue . this is accomplished by a needle driving the loop of suture through the tissue . this needle passes through a channel in the inferior arm of the suture passer . the second needle or grasping agent penetration runs parallel to the first but on the other side of the tissue . this needle may be have passage through the superior arm of the suture passer . this allows it to be on the other side of the tissue as the first arm or inferior arm and on the same side as the suture loop . thus , going through the loop and pulling back the other end of suture . the result is a locking stitch with suture limbs on both sides of the tissue . while conventional suture anchors known to those of skill in the art may be used to secure sutures required for tissue repair using the suture passer 100 described above , in another aspect , a suture anchor 300 comprising an anchor 310 , and a plug 320 is described herein and is illustrated in fig3 - 8 . such suture anchors 300 may be used with the suture passers 100 , described above , or the suture anchors 300 may be used in any suturing application known to those of skill in the art . suture anchors 300 embodied herein , allow for one or more points of fixation of a tissue to be anchored by a single anchor position . as described below , the suture anchors embodied herein are capable allowing the tensioning of a tissue with a suture to be adjustable and re - tensionable . referring to fig3 - 8 , the anchor 310 comprises a wall having an outer surface 311 , an inner surface 312 , that may or may not have threads to secure the plug 320 , a first end 313 , and a second end 314 . in the either case of the inner surface 312 , having or not having threads , it is a friction fit between the plug 320 and the inner surface 312 that secures the plug 320 into the suture anchor 300 . in some cases , a diameter of the first end 313 is larger than a diameter of the second end 314 , while in other embodiments , the first end 313 and the second end 314 have the same diameter . the plug 320 comprises an outer wall 321 having threads 325 such that when a suture ( s ) 330 is draped into the anchor 310 and the plug 320 is inserted into the anchor 310 , the plug 320 secures the suture ( s ) 330 via a friction fit between the plug 320 and the inner surface 312 of the wall 311 . fig5 - 8 further illustrate the suture anchor 300 secured in a humerus 510 and with sutures 530 anchored in the suture anchor 300 . anchor 310 may be secured in any bone via a screw mechanism on the outer surface 311 of the wall , or via a cementing of the anchor 310 to the bone , as is known to those of skill in the art . the anchor 310 may also have a means for driving the screw mechanism into bone . for example , the anchor 310 may have a hex - head , slot , phillips - type head , or other shaped head that may be mated to a driver for screwing the anchor 310 into bone . cementing of the anchor 310 to the bone may be accomplished using a variety of bone cements known to those of skill in the art . for example , curable polymers such as polymethylmethacrylate may be used . such suture anchors 300 allow for tightening , adjustment , or re - tensioning of a suture by loosening and / or removal of the plug 320 from anchor 310 , adjusting or re - tensioning of the suture , and tightening and / or re - insertion of the plug 320 into the anchor 310 . such suture anchors 300 also allow for securing of the suture without the tying of knots or replacement of sutures when re - tensioning is required . suture anchors 300 may be used for the fixation of soft tissue to bone , or of bone to bone . suture anchors 300 and plugs 320 may be made from a variety of materials known to those of skill in the art . for example , for the suture anchors 300 the material is typically a rigid material such as a metal , a polymer , or a ceramic . biocompatible metals include , but are not limited to stainless steel , titanium , tantalum , aluminum , chromium , molybdenum , cobalt , silver , and gold , or alloys of such metals that are known to those of skill in the art . biocompatible polymers include , but are not limited to , high - density polyethylenes , polyurethanes , or blends of such polymers , as are known to those of skill in the art . biocompatible polymers also include absorbable materials such as polylactic acid , polyglycolic acid , or mixtures thereof . biocompatible ceramics include , but are not limited to alumina , silica , silicon carbide , silicon nitride , zirconia , and mixtures of any two or more thereof . the plugs 320 may likewise be prepared from similar metals , polymers , and ceramics , however in some embodiments , the plugs 320 are prepared from materials that may be compressed . in such embodiments , the plug material is capable of being compressed from an uncompressed state to a compressed state , prior to or during insertion of the plug 320 into the suture anchor 300 . such compression allows for the material to recoil from the compressed state to the uncompressed state and thereby increasing the friction fit between the plug 320 and the suture anchor 300 . such materials that may be compressed include , but are not limited to , polyethylenes , silicones , polyesters , polyurethanes , polylactic acid , polyglycolic acid , or mixtures of any two or more thereof . the anchor 300 may be used to secure sutures tensioning tissue without tissue to bone direct contact . examples of such uses of suture tensioning without tissue to bone contact include , but are not limited to , pelvic surgery , bladder suspension surgery , brow lift or face lift surgery , hand surgery and the like . suture anchors 1000 are also embodied herein , and allow for one or more points of fixation of a tissue to be anchored by a single anchor position . as described below , the suture anchors embodied herein are capable allowing the tensioning of a tissue with a suture to be adjustable , and re - tensionable . referring to fig1 - 13 , the anchor 1000 comprises an anchor body 1010 and a plug 1020 . the anchor body 1010 has a central region , or well , that is bored out to accept the anchor plug 1020 . the well is surrounded by a wall having an outer surface 1017 , an inner surface 1018 , and a top surface 1016 . the well also has a bottom inner surface ( i . e . the bottom of the well ), and a bottom outer surface ( i . e . the bottom of the anchor body 1010 ). the inner surface 1018 of the anchor body 1010 may have threads 1015 to accept corresponding threads 1023 on the anchor plug 1020 . the top edge of the inner surface 1018 of the wall , proximal to the top surface 1016 , may have a bevel 1015 . the outer surface 1017 of the wall may have rungs or ridges 1014 for securing the plug 1020 in bone or other tissue . the rungs or ridges 1014 provide anchoring ability to the anchor body 1010 and the suture anchor 1000 as a whole to prevent either from readily pulling out of the bone or other tissue when tensioning a suture , or over the time of implantation in a subject . alternatively , the bored central region of the anchor body 1010 may not be threaded , but is a smooth bore that can accept an anchor plug via a friction fit . the anchor body 1010 may accommodate sutures that are draped into the anchor body 1010 , and a friction fit anchor plug is then inserted , or the anchor body 1010 may accommodate sutures that are threaded through a transverse bore 1012 in the anchor body 1010 , to be secured in place by an anchor plug 1020 . the transverse bore 1012 in the anchor body 1010 is capable of receiving one or more sutures to be secured by the suture anchor 1000 . the transverse bore 1012 is configured proximally to the bottom of the well , such that a suture may be secured between the bottom of the well and a bottom face 1026 of the anchor plug 1020 . grooves 1013 are provided that extend from the transverse bore 1012 to a top surface 1016 of the anchor body 1010 , to allow for movement of a suture through the anchor body 1010 when the anchor body 1010 is in place in a bone . therefore , once the anchor body 1010 is driven into a bone or other tissue , with a suture threaded through the transverse bore 1012 , the suture is movable in the grooves 1013 . the suture may be moved to the desired tension or secured in the suture anchor 1000 by engaging the anchor plug 1020 in the anchor body 1010 and driving the anchor plug 1020 until the plug engages the suture , thereby preventing movement of the suture . the suture is secured between a bottom face 1026 of the anchor plug 1020 and the bottom of the well that is formed in the anchor body 1010 . the anchor plug 1020 may have a head 1024 , a threaded post 1023 for engaging the threaded inner surface 1018 of the anchor body 1010 , and a bottom face 1026 that is distal to the head 1024 . the anchor plug 1020 may also have a bevel 1025 that is complementary to the bevel 1015 of the inner surface 1018 . when the anchor plug 1020 is fully engaged in the anchor body 1010 , the bevel 1025 is configured to engage the bevel 1015 of the inner surface 1018 . the anchor plug 1020 may also be configured to be engaged by a complementary driving device such that the anchor plug 1020 may be tightened or loosened in the anchor body 1010 . the head 1024 of the anchor plug 1020 is typically shaped or has a recessed area to accommodate engagement with a driving device . for example , the anchor plug 1020 may have a hexagonal drive 1021 , as shown in fig1 and 11 , or it may have a slotted drive , a philips drive , a square drive , a star drive , a nut drive , or other mechanism that is known to those of skill in the art for engaging a complementary drive device . the anchor plug 1020 may be configured such that the top of the head 1024 of the anchor plug 1020 is flush with the top surface 1016 of the anchor body 1010 , recessed in the anchor body 1010 , or above the anchor body 1010 , when the anchor plug 1020 is fully engaged in the anchor body 1010 . such suture anchors 1000 allow for tightening , adjustment , or re - tensioning of a suture by tightening , loosening , re - tightening , and / or removing the anchor plug 1020 from anchor body 1010 . such suture anchors 1000 also allow for securing of the suture without the tying of knots or replacement of sutures when re - tensioning is required . suture anchors 1000 may be used for the fixation of soft tissue to bone , or of bone to bone . suture anchors 1000 and plugs 1020 may be made from a variety of materials known to those of skill in the art . for example , for the suture anchors 1000 the material is typically a rigid material such as a metal , a polymer , or a ceramic . biocompatible metals include , but are not limited to stainless steel , titanium , tantalum , aluminum , chromium , molybdenum , cobalt , silver , and gold , or alloys of such metals that are known to those of skill in the art . biocompatible polymers include , but are not limited to , high - density polyethylenes , polyurethanes , or blends of such polymers , as are known to those of skill in the art . biocompatible polymers also include absorbable materials such as polylactic acid , polyglycolic acid , or mixtures thereof . biocompatible ceramics include , but are not limited to alumina , silica , silicon carbide , silicon nitride , zirconia , and mixtures of any two or more thereof . the plugs 1020 may likewise be prepared from similar metals , polymers , and ceramics , however in some embodiments , the anchor plugs are prepared from materials that may be compressed . in such embodiments , the plug material is capable of being compressed from an uncompressed state to a compressed state , prior to or during insertion of the plug into the anchor body 1010 . such compression allows for the material to recoil from the compressed state to the uncompressed state and thereby increasing the friction fit between the plug and the anchor body 1010 . such materials that may be compressed include , but are not limited to , polyethylenes , silicones , polyesters , polyurethanes , polylactic acid , polyglycolic acid , or mixtures of any two or more thereof . the anchor 1000 may be used to secure sutures tensioning tissue without direct contact of tissue to bone . examples of such uses of suture tensioning without tissue to bone contact include , but are not limited to , pelvic surgery , bladder suspension surgery , brow lift or face lift surgery , hand surgery and the like . methods of using suture anchors 300 , 1000 are also provided . for example , referring to fig5 - 8 and 10 - 13 , suture anchor 1000 is capable of adjustably retaining a suture . in a typical procedure , a nest , or hole , is drilled into a bone . the anchor body 1010 , is then placed at the top of the nest and inserted such that the transverse bore 1012 is not obscured in the bone . the suture is then threaded through a tissue to be secured , and the ends of the suture are threaded through the transverse bore 1012 . the anchor body 1010 may then be fully or partially driven into the nest , such that the suture is guided by the grooves 1013 and is freely moving through the grooves 1013 and transverse bore 1012 . the anchor plug 1020 may then be engaged in the anchor body 1010 and driven into the anchor body 1010 until sutures are nearly engaged . the tension of the suture may then be set by the surgeon , or other medical professional , and the anchor plug 1020 fully engaged to secure the sutures within the suture anchor 1000 . to re - adjust the tension of the suture , the anchor plug 1020 may be driven in a reverse direction to loosen the anchor plug 1020 , thereby allowing for free movement of the suture and the process of tensioning the suture may be repeated . referring now to fig9 , in another aspect , a cannula 900 comprising at least one chamber 910 , 920 , an air passage 930 having a valve 940 , and at least one inflatable donut 950 is described . the cannula 900 has a distal end 970 and a proximal end 980 . the inflatable donut 950 is located at , or near the distal end 970 of the cannula 900 . the cannula may be used in both arthroscopic and endoscopic surgery . the cannula may be used to facilitate the passage of surgical items such as but not limited to instruments , sutures , and implants , into and out of a subject . the cannula 900 may be at least a single chambered passageway or the cannula 900 may be divided into multiple chambers , such as two chambers 910 , 920 as illustrated in fig9 , or more than two chambers , depending upon the intended use of the cannula for a given procedure or procedures . in some embodiments , a flexible diaphragm is used to divide cannula 900 into multiple chambers 910 , 920 . in some such embodiments , the flexible diaphragm extends the entire length of the cannula 900 . the donut 950 is an inflatable donut that , when inflated , has a larger diameter than a diameter of the cannula 900 . cannula 900 may also comprise a second donut 960 , that may be rigid or inflatable . the second donut 960 may be located at or near the proximal end 980 . in one aspect , the cannula 900 is inserted through the skin of a subject and the donut 950 is inflated via the air passage 930 . in one embodiment , inflation of donut 950 is via a pump connected to the valve 940 , and subsequent filling of the air chamber 930 and donut 950 with air from the pump . in another embodiment , inflation of donut 950 is via insertion of an air - filled syringe through the valve 940 , and subsequent filling of the air chamber 930 and donut 950 with air from the syringe . the valve 940 may comprise rubber ( s ), silicone ( s ), or other materials known to those of skill in the art to be useful for the insertion and removal of syringes or other devices that may be used for inflation of donut 950 . other methods of inflating the donut 950 will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art . inflation of donut 950 prevents inadvertent removal of the cannula from the subject during surgical procedures . the presence of inflatable donut 950 allows for less trauma to an insertion point in the skin of a subject by allowing for a cannula 900 of small diameter to be inserted , but then the larger diameter donut 950 prevents removal . in embodiments where the second donut 960 is present , the second donut 960 prevents the inadvertent full insertion of the cannula into a subject beyond the surface of the skin of the subject . as noted above , because the second donut 960 does not pass through the skin of a subject , the second donut may be made of a rigid material or the second donut 960 may be inflatable . the second donut 960 may be integrally formed with cannula 900 or it may be formed separately and attached to cannula 900 . in embodiments , where both the first donut 950 and the second donut 960 are inflatable , the donuts 950 , 960 may be simultaneously inflatable in a “ dumbbell ” formation allowing for the inflation both within , via the first donut 950 , and external , 960 , to the body together . generally , cannulas are used to enter areas within the body such as the shoulder , knee or abdomen . cannulas are also used as a channel to introduce surgical implements such as surgical instruments , suture anchors , or sutures . the cannulas embodied herein allow for separate chambers which allow multiple instruments or items to be entered into the joint but partitioned from one another . another feature is an expandable , inflatable device on the end of the cannula which prevents expulsion of the cannula from the cavity as intracavitary pressure increases . the inflatable device , i . e . inflatable donut , locks the cannula in place . in another aspect , methods for using instruments described herein , are provided . for example in some embodiments , methods are disclosed for using the suture passer 100 , suture anchor 300 , and cannula 900 are described . the embodied methods allow for tissue repair . in some embodiments , the methods provided allow for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair , by attempting to recreate the true native footprint of the rotator cuff of a subject . in some embodiments , such methods comprise preparing the rotator cuff bed , boring a tunnel 510 ( fig5 - 8 ), or hole , through a portion of bone such as a humerus 520 , passing a suture 530 through the tunnel 510 , suturing the tissue using a suture passer 100 , and anchoring the sutures 530 in the suture anchor 300 , thereby securing the rotator cuff muscles to the bone in some embodiments of the methods , the suture passer 100 descends through one chamber 950 , 960 of the cannula 900 , grasping tissue . the suture passer 100 passes a locking stitch as described above , followed by removal of the suture passer 100 , with the sutures remaining in the chamber 950 , 960 of the cannula 900 . the other chamber 950 , 960 of the cannula 900 has a humerus drill inserted . a small hole is bored in a greater tuberosity . one limb of a suture is then passed through the bone . a suture anchor 300 is then placed into the greater tuberosity . sutures may be placed through the suture anchor 300 either before or after insertion . if not previously completed , the suture anchor 300 is then fixated in the bone . the sutures are then tensioned thus tensioning the tissue . the plug 320 of the suture anchor 300 is then engaged in the anchor 310 and locked into position , thus securing the sutures . this step can be repeated to alter the tension of the sutures and therefore re - tensioning the sutures and tissue . for the purposes of this disclosure and unless otherwise specified , “ a ” or “ an ” means “ one or more .” one skilled in the art will readily realize that all ranges discussed can and do necessarily also describe all subranges therein for all purposes , and that all such subranges also form part and parcel of this invention . any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves , thirds , quarters , fifths , tenths , etc . as a non - limiting example , each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third , middle third and upper third , etc . while some embodiments have been illustrated and described , it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the invention in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims .
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referring to fig1 through 3 there is shown a first embodiment cable end fitting assembly 20 that is attachable to bracket 22 . bracket 22 may be integrally formed to a member attached to a vehicle . an injection molded swivel tube 23 is attachable to cable end fitting assembly 20 prior to or during the installation of cable end fitting assembly 20 into bracket 22 . swivel tube 23 may be included in assembly with cable end fitting assembly 20 as it is shipped to the site of its installation , or it may be assembled to cable end fitting assembly 20 at the installation site . a cable wire ( not shown ) is included in assembly with cable end fitting assembly 20 and extends from the end of fitting assembly 20 and through swivel tube 23 . bracket 22 includes an open - ended slot 24 formed in an edge 26 of a plate or flange , with slot 24 defined by opposite sides 28 extending from edge 26 and joined along semi - circular bottom 30 of slot 24 . bracket 22 includes upset or projection 32 located below slot bottom 30 that includes upwardly facing ramped surface 34 and opposite , downwardly facing retaining shoulder surface 36 . retaining shoulder surface 36 extends perpendicularly from planar surface 38 of bracket 22 . cable end fitting assembly 20 is preferably a two - part device including retainer clip member 40 and cable end fitting housing assembly member 42 . retainer clip member 40 and housing assembly member 42 are subassembled prior to shipping to the assembly site , and cable end fitting assembly 20 has a shipped or installing state 44 in which cable end fitting assembly 20 and bracket 22 are in either a separated or a partially assembled but unlocked relationship 46 . with fitting assembly 20 in a shipped or installing state 44 and having unlocked relationship 46 with bracket 22 , fitting members 40 and 42 are stabilized in a first position relative to each other . cable end fitting assembly 20 also has an installed state 48 in which it and bracket 22 have a locked relationship 50 . with fitting assembly 20 in an installed state 48 and having locked relationship 50 with bracket 22 , fitting members 40 and 42 are retained in a second position relative to each other . cable end fitting assembly 20 has a longitudinal axis a that in the shipped or installing state 44 is designated as axis a s , and swivel tube 23 , once inserted into cable end fitting housing assembly 42 , has a longitudinal axis b that is substantially aligned with axis a . in the shipped or installing state 44 of cable end fitting assembly 20 , axis b of inserted swivel tube 23 is designated as axis b s . in the installed state 48 , axes a and b are respectively designated axis a i and axis b i . retainer clip member 40 includes first flange 52 which , in the installed state 48 , superposes bracket surface 38 about the periphery of slot 24 , and opposite second flange 54 which , in the installed state , superposes the opposite surface ( not shown ) of bracket 22 about the periphery of slot 24 . between first and second flanges 52 , 54 , retainer clip member 40 has groove 56 that extends between opposite ends 58 thereof , and in the installed state 48 ends 58 are disposed adjacent to edges 26 on opposite sides of slot 24 . first flange 52 includes aperture 60 that is partially defined by bottom edge 62 that corresponds to the shape , length , and thickness relative to its projection height from surface 38 , of retaining shoulder surface 36 of upset or projection 32 . retainer clip member 40 further includes axially extending walls 64 disposed on each lateral side of longitudinal axis a , each axially extending wall 64 including an axially extending slot or void 66 that is open at one end and defined by an upper edge 68 and a substantially parallel lower edge 70 . axially extending walls 64 each also define a lower edge 72 that is substantially parallel with slot edges 68 and 70 , and is located on the side of slot 66 opposite the top of retainer clip member 40 . retainer clip member 40 defines a u - shaped channel 74 open at the top and including opposed interior walls 76 . adjacent interior walls 76 , first flange 52 of retainer clip 40 has axially facing surfaces 78 that face the same direction as bracket planar surface 38 . cable end fitting housing assembly member 42 has bore 80 centered about axis a through which coaxially extends cable conduit or sheath 81 . the end of conduit or sheath 81 is fixed relative to cable end fitting housing assembly 42 , with the cable wire ( not shown ) extending through and moveable relative to conduit or sheath 81 and swivel tube 23 generally in the directions of axes a and b . housing assembly member 42 has an outer circumferential groove 82 which is slidably received in u - shaped channel 74 of retainer clip member 40 , with groove 82 defined on one axial side by circular flange 84 of member 42 and on the opposite axial side by its planar portions 86 . planar portions 86 are slidably superposed over axially facing surfaces 78 of retainer clip member 40 . planar portions 86 each have extending therefrom an axially extending wall 88 . walls 88 are joined at the lower , central portion of housing member 42 to define rigid , planar retaining surface 90 that extends downwardly from axis a and faces towards bracket surface 38 and flange 52 . rigid retaining surface 90 is selectively positioned in overlapping relationship relative to flexible flange 52 and over aperture 60 and prevents flange 52 from being elastically deformed such that it is separated from bracket surface 38 . that is to say , with cable end fitting assembly 20 in its installed state 48 and having a locked relationship 50 with bracket 22 , in which upset 32 is disposed within aperture 60 , flange 52 is sandwiched between bracket surface 38 and the superposed retaining surface 90 and is prevented from being elastically deformed away from bracket surface 38 such that retaining shoulder surface 36 of upset 32 and bottom edge 62 of aperture 60 are taken out of interfacing superposition with each other . the superposition of retainer shoulder surface 36 and bottom edge 62 of aperture 60 prevents cable end fitting assembly 20 in its installed state 48 from being dislodged from slot 24 , thereby locking cable end fitting assembly 20 to bracket 22 . relative movement of housing member 42 and clip member 40 toward their first position would be opposed by abutting engagement between upset shoulder surface 36 and interfacingly superposed flange aperture edge 62 . integrally formed with axially extending walls 88 of housing member 42 are axially extending fingers 92 , each provided with downwardly facing ramped surface 94 and upwardly facing retaining shoulder surface 96 . in the shipped or installing state 44 , fingers 92 are disposed in slots or voids 66 of axially extending walls 64 of retainer clip member 40 . with retainer clip member 40 seated into slot 24 with upset 32 disposed within aperture 60 , movement of cable end fitting housing assembly member 42 is continued vertically by pushing it laterally relative to axis a and further into u - shaped channel 74 . the force exerted in effecting this continued movement elastically deforms one or both of each axially extending wall 64 and 88 such that lower edge 70 of each slot 66 is brought into sliding engagement with the respective ramp surface 94 of each finger 92 , and finger 92 proceeds with the remainder of housing member 42 vertically past the portion of the axially extending wall 64 located immediately below slot 66 to its bottom edge 72 . with fitting assembly 20 now in installed state 48 , upwardly facing retainer shoulder surface 96 of each finger 92 is in superposed or abutting engagement with an edge 72 , thereby locking cable end fitting housing assembly member 42 relative to retainer clip member 40 . as can be seen from a comparison of fig2 and 3 , during installation of cable end fitting assembly 20 , and moving between an unlocked relationship 46 between it and bracket 22 and their locked relationship 50 , axes a and b are displaced downwardly further into slot 24 and u - shaped channel 74 along with cable end fitting housing assembly member 42 . during assembly , with the end fitting assembly 20 in its shipped or installing state 44 , groove 56 is aligned with the slot 24 of the bracket 22 and the fitting assembly 20 pushed vertically in a direction lateral to axis a , into slot 24 and toward slot bottom 30 . during this vertical movement , the groove 56 of retaining clip 40 engages the sides 28 of slot 24 and the bottommost edge of flange 52 approaches the ramped surface 34 of upset 32 . as a user continues to push the end fitting assembly 20 vertically into slot 24 the retention clip member 40 becomes seated in slot 24 , with upset 32 captured within aperture 60 , and housing assembly member 42 then continues its sliding movement vertically from the first position to the second position wherein its retaining surface 90 is superpositioned over flange 52 and aperture 60 of the retention clip member 40 , to prevent the flange 52 from deflecting away from bracket surface 38 and aperture bottom edge 62 from moving out of interfacing position with shoulder surface 36 of upset 32 . during the downward slide of retaining surface 90 over flange 52 , the fingers 92 and axially extending walls 88 are deflected by the load applied to move the end fitting housing assembly member 42 into clip member 40 . specifically , the ramped surfaces 94 on the fingers 92 allow the fingers 92 to be automatically deflected inward . once in the second position retaining shoulder surfaces 96 of fingers 92 are interfacing superposed over lower edges 72 of walls 64 . thus , with retention clip member 40 and fitting housing member 42 in their first position , as fitting assembly 20 is inserted into slot 24 , flange 52 is elastically deflected over the upset 32 until aperture bottom edge 62 is moved past upset shoulder surface 36 , at which point flange 52 returns to its relaxed state abutting surface 38 and upset 32 is captured within aperture 60 . then retention clip member 40 and fitting housing member 42 are relatively moved out of their first position and towards their second position , with retaining surface 90 moving downwardly over flange 52 to oppose deflection of flange 52 away from surface 38 . the retaining clip member 40 requires only a low insertion effort to secure the upset 32 within the aperture 60 of flange 52 , but provides a strong retention coupling of the retaining clip member 40 with the upset 32 . the load required to deflect the fingers 92 and move the fitting assembly members 40 , 42 to their second position is greater than the load required to deflect the flange 52 and move its edge 62 past surface 36 of the upset 32 , thereby ensuring that the end fitting assembly 20 , once in installed state 48 , will not be inadvertently dislodged from the bracket 22 . to separate the end fitting assembly 20 from the bracket 22 , the fingers 92 of the fitting housing member 42 are squeezed toward each other to allow the fitting housing member 42 to be moved from the second position to the first position . subsequently , the retention clip member 40 can then be separated from the bracket 22 by deflecting the flange 52 over the upset 32 and removing the retention clip 40 from the bracket 22 . thus , subsequent to initial installation of the end fitting assembly 20 , fingers 92 function to facilitate serviceability of the end fitting assembly 20 . referring now to fig4 through 13 , there is shown a second embodiment cable end fitting assembly 120 . relative to second embodiment fitting assembly 120 and the above - described first embodiment fitting assembly 20 , substantially identical elements are identically numbered , and elements of fitting assembly 120 that correspond in structure and / or function to elements of fitting assembly 20 are identified by adding a prefix “ 1 ” ( i . e ., adding 100 ) to the respective element numeral of fitting assembly 20 . additionally , multiple elements of fitting assembly 120 that correspond in structure and / or function to elements of fitting assembly 20 may also include suffixes “ a ” and “ b ”. the structure and function of identical or corresponding elements between the first and second embodiment fitting assemblies 20 , 120 and their relationships to bracket 22 are as described above except as described below or as evident from the accompanying drawings . fig4 and 5 show cross - sectional side views of fitting assembly 120 attached to bracket 22 that are taken 90 ° apart about axes a i and b i . cable end fitting assembly 120 includes retainer clip member 140 and cable end fitting housing assembly member 142 . fitting assembly 120 has a shipped or installing state 144 in which it has an unlocked relationship 146 with bracket 22 . fitting assembly 120 also has an installed state 148 in which it has a locked relationship 150 with bracket 22 . retention clip member 140 includes first flange 152 and second flange 154 between which is u - shaped groove 156 having ends 158 . flange 152 includes an aperture or void 160 defined between a bottom edge 162 and a top edge 163 . retention clip member 140 includes slot or void 166 b near each end 158 of its groove 156 , with each slot 166 b defined between an upper edge 168 b and a lower edge 170 b . retaining clip member 140 defines a u - shaped channel 174 having interior walls 176 , and has axially facing surfaces 178 . fitting member 142 has a bore 80 into which is coaxially disposed cable conduit 81 , and an external circumferential groove 182 defined at its opposite axial ends by circular flange 184 and planar portions 186 , the latter defining rigid retaining surface 190 that is in superposed sliding engagement with retaining clip member flange 152 . referring to fig8 through 10 , retainer clip locker element 100 of fitting housing assembly member 142 includes a pair of fingers 192 a that extend into circumferential groove 182 from circular flange 184 . fingers 192 a are received in slots 166 a formed in flange 154 of retainer clip member 140 . the engagement of fingers 192 a and slots 166 a stabilize fitting assembly 120 in its shipped or installing state 144 . in shipped or installing state 144 , the ends of integrally formed fingers 192 b extending upwardly from retainer clip locker element 100 project above surfaces 168 b that define slots 166 b near groove ends 158 of retainer clip member 140 . as discussed above with respect to first embodiment fitting assembly 20 , second embodiment fitting assembly 120 is vertically inserted into slot 24 of bracket 22 through movement that is substantially lateral to axes a and b . retainer clip member 140 is pushed into a seated position in slot 24 , through the deflection of flange 152 by sliding engagement with upset ramped surface 34 , and in its seated position projection 32 is received within aperture or void 160 , such that aperture bottom edge 162 and upset retaining shoulder surface 36 are interfacingly superposed . in moving fitting assembly 120 from the installing state 144 to installed state 148 , fitting housing member 142 is pushed in a direction lateral to axes a and b further into u - shaped channel 174 of retainer clip member 140 , such that ramped surface 194 of each finger 192 b is in sliding engagement with the topmost edge of each interior wall 176 of the retainer clip 140 , the fingers 192 b deflected inwardly towards each other until the retaining shoulder surfaces 196 of fingers 192 b are moved past surfaces 168 b of slots 1661 , at which point fingers 192 b move outwardly away from each other and relax , and surfaces 196 are brought into superposed relationship with surfaces 168 b of slots 166 b , which locks fitting members 140 , 142 in their second position . simultaneously , rigid retaining surface 190 is brought into superposed abutting relationship with flexible flange 152 and overlappingly covers aperture 160 . thus , flange 152 is sandwiched between bracket surface 38 and retaining surface 190 , preventing its elastic deformation away from surface 38 and maintaining the interfacingly superposed relationship between upset shoulder surface 36 and the aperture bottom edge 162 , thus completing entry to the installed state 148 establishing the locked relationship 150 between fitting assembly 120 and bracket 22 . in moving cable end fitting housing assembly 142 relative to retainer clip 140 when transitioning from the shipped or installing state 144 to the installed state 148 , fingers 192 a that are disposed within slots 166 a , as shown in fig1 , are deformed such that they are pulled out of slots 166 a and taken out of their interfitting engagement . referring again to fig4 through 6 , the exterior configuration of housing assembly member 142 of second embodiment cable end fitting assembly 120 is formed by retainer clip locker member 100 and shell 102 , into which member 100 is inserted and interlocked . the axial end of cable conduit 81 is provided with a conduit overmolding 104 that is fixed to the end of conduit 81 and positioned between a pair of identical damper members 106 which may be formed of a suitable vulcanized rubber such as , for example , epdm 45 sh a or nbr 70 sh a . each damper 106 is provided with a circumferential groove 108 on its interior surface that defines , in the damper 106 which surrounds conduit 81 , bore 80 . groove 108 is configured to receive the tapered , radially extending terminal end 110 of swivel tube 23 , which is inserted into the respective damper bore during assembly of the swivel tube to fitting assembly 120 . as noted above , the wire ( not shown ) of the cable assembly that extends through its cable conduit 81 also extends through swivel tube 23 . referring now to fig1 through 17 , there is shown a third embodiment cable end fitting assembly 220 . relative to third embodiment fitting assembly 220 , and one or both of the above - described first embodiment fitting assembly 20 and second embodiment fitting assembly 120 , substantially identical elements are identically numbered , and elements of fitting assembly 220 that correspond in structure and / or function to elements of fitting assembly 20 are identified by adding a prefix “ 2 ” ( i . e ., adding 200 ) to respective elements of first embodiment fitting assembly 20 , or substituting prefix “ 2 ” for the prefix “ 1 ” of ( or adding 100 to ) the respective element numeral of fitting assembly 120 . additionally , multiple elements of fitting assembly 220 that correspond in structure and / or function to elements of fitting assemblies 20 , 120 may also include or omit suffixes “ a ” and “ b ”. the structure and function of identical or corresponding elements between the second and third embodiment fitting assemblies 120 and 220 and their relationships to bracket 22 are as described above except as described below or as evident from the accompanying drawings . cable end fitting assembly 220 includes retainer clip member 240 and cable end fitting housing assembly member 242 . fitting assembly 220 has a shipped or installing state 244 in which it has an unlocked relationship 246 with bracket 22 . fitting assembly 220 also has an installed state 248 in which it has a locked relationship 250 with bracket 22 . retention clip member 240 includes first flange 252 and second flange 254 between which is u - shaped groove 256 having ends 258 . flange 252 includes an aperture or void 260 defined between a bottom edge 262 and a top edge 263 . retention clip member 240 includes slot or void 266 near each end 258 of its groove 256 , with each slot 266 defined between an upper edge 268 and a lower edge 270 . retaining clip member 240 defines a u - shaped channel 274 having interior walls 276 , and has axially facing surfaces 278 . fitting member 242 has a bore 80 into which is coaxially disposed cable conduit 81 , and an external circumferential groove 282 defined at its opposite axial ends by circular flange 284 and planar portions 286 , the latter defining rigid retaining surface 290 that is in superposed sliding engagement with retaining clip member flange 252 . the engagement of finger 192 a and aperture 260 stabilizes fitting assembly 220 in its shipped or installing state 244 . in shipped or installing state 244 , the ends of integrally formed fingers 292 b extending upwardly from retainer clip locker element 200 project above surfaces 268 that define slots 266 near groove ends 258 of retainer clip member 240 . as discussed above with respect to first and second embodiment fitting assemblies 20 and 120 , third embodiment fitting assembly 220 is vertically inserted into slot 24 of bracket 22 through movement that is substantially lateral to axes a and b . retainer clip member 240 is pushed into a seated position in slot 24 , through the deflection of flange 252 by sliding engagement with upset ramped surface 34 , and in its seated position projection 32 is received within aperture or void 260 , such that aperture bottom edge 262 and upset retaining shoulder surface 36 are interfacingly superposed . in moving fitting assembly 220 from the installing state 244 to installed state 248 , fitting housing member 242 is pushed in a direction lateral to axes a and b further into u - shaped channel 274 of retainer clip member 240 , such that ramped surface 294 b of each finger 292 b is in sliding engagement with the topmost edge of each interior wall 276 of the retainer clip 240 , the fingers 292 b deflected inwardly towards each other until the retaining shoulder surfaces 296 b of fingers 292 b are moved past surfaces 268 of slots 266 , at which point fingers 292 b move outwardly away from each other and relax , and surfaces 296 b are brought into superposed relationship with surfaces 268 of slots 266 , which locks fitting members 240 , 242 in their second position . simultaneously , rigid retaining surface 290 is brought into superposed abutting relationship with flexible flange 252 and overlappingly covers aperture 260 . thus , flange 252 is sandwiched between bracket surface 38 and retaining surface 290 , preventing its elastic deformation away from surface 38 and maintaining the interfacingly superposed relationship between upset shoulder surface 36 and the aperture bottom edge 262 , thus completing entry to the installed state 248 establishing the locked relationship 250 between fitting assembly 220 and bracket 22 . referring to fig1 , the exterior configuration of housing assembly member 242 of third embodiment cable end fitting assembly 220 is formed by retainer clip locker member 200 and shell 102 of second embodiment housing member 142 , into which member 200 is inserted and interlocked . internally , third embodiment housing member 242 is structurally and functionally identical to second embodiment housing member 142 , includes the same components , and has swivel tube 23 is inserted therein . referring to fig1 , housing member 242 includes finger 292 a that depends from planar portion 286 and defines at its terminal end a hook formed by ramped surface 294 a and retaining shoulder surface 296 a facing substantially opposite directions . in the shipped or installing state 244 , retainer shoulder surface 296 a is in interfacing superposition with aperture upper edge 263 , and in the first position relative to retainer clip member 240 , housing member 242 is thus prevented from moving in a direction away from the second position , and out of u - shaped channel 274 , by the abutting engagement between retainer shoulder surface 296 a and aperture upper edge 263 . the oblique contact between aperture lower edge 262 and ramped surface 294 a of finger 292 a , and the above - discussed engagement between ramped surfaces 294 b of fingers 292 b and the topmost edges of retention clip member interior surfaces 276 , oppose the relative movement of fitting members 240 , 242 from their first position toward the second position . thus , fitting assembly 220 is stabilized in the first position in the shipped or installing state 244 , in which fitting assembly 220 and bracket 22 have an unlocked relationship 246 , at least until retainer clip member 240 is moved into its seated position within slot 24 . in moving retainer clip member 240 into its seated position , wherein upset 32 is captured within aperture 260 , upset 32 tends to deflect finger 292 out of cooperative engagement with aperture edges 262 , 263 as best seen in fig1 . as fitting housing member 242 is pushed further into channel 274 in relatively moving fitting members 240 , 242 toward the second position , finger 292 a is pushed downwardly past the bottommost edge of flange 252 and into a position disposed below and out of operative engagement with retaining clip member 240 . as described above , during movement from the installing state 244 to the installed state 248 , wherein fitting members 240 and 242 respectively have unlocked and locked relationships 246 , 250 with bracket 22 , ramp surface 294 b of each finger 292 b are in sliding engagement with the respective upper edge of retainer clip member interior wall 276 , and the end of each finger 292 b is received in its respective slot 266 . each retaining shoulder surface 296 b is thus brought into superposition with an upper slot edge 268 , which locks the fitting members 240 , 242 in the second position , and establishes a locked relationship between fitting assembly 220 and bracket 22 . as to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention , the same should be apparent from the above description . accordingly , no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided . with respect to the above description then , it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention , to include variations in size , materials , shape , form , function and manner of operation , assembly and use , are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art , and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention . therefore , the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention . further , since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art , it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described , and accordingly , all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to , falling within the scope of the invention . while the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention . in addition , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof . therefore , it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as contemplated for carrying out this invention , but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims .
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the stackable reinforced bin shown in fig1 is comprised of five primary double - wall rotationally molded plastic components . the double - wall sections are hollow and have a void in between the walls optionally filled with a foam material , defined as an expandable cellular plastic . this method of molding the components offers a lower mold cost and the structures by being double - wall provide added strength . a linear low density polyethylene resin is used to mold the sections of the bin because of it &# 39 ; s flexibility and resilience to impact and is less likely to fracture and crack than other types of materials . however , any type of resin suitable to rotational molding process could be used for other applications . the pallet - base 40 , and two identical vertical end - panels 41 , and two identical vertical side - panels 42 form the enclosure bin . although the pallet - base 40 is shown in fig1 as a two - way forklift entry from either end of the bin it is possible to also have the same configuration on the side so as to provide four - way forklift entry which is not illustrated . the internal supporting reinforcing structure shown in fig8 provides substantially increased strength to the structure of the primary components and is composed of two bottom end rods with threaded ends 47 preferably metal however a strong plastic material could be substituted , four vertical corner posts 80 which are tubular but could be solid preferably plastic however could be metal for added strength , two top horizontal side rods with loop - ends 52 preferably made of metal which are molded into the top side - panel 42 , and two top horizontal end bars 81 preferably made of plastic but could be made of metal with two horizontal end rods 47 preferably made of metal but could be made of plastic that are inserted into the end bars 81 and have threaded ends . each side - panel 42 have a plurality of bottom male extensions and the pallet - base 40 has a number of female receptacles . the bottom male extensions engage within the female receptacles in the pallet - base 40 and each side - panel 42 includes a segmented horizontal end extension on opposite ends . these side - panels have segmented extensions on opposed ends engaging with said end - panel segmented horizontal extensions , and the end - panel and side - panel corner extensions each having at one opening on top and one opening on bottom , which concentrically match in perpendicularity . the end - panels 41 and the side - panels 42 have a series of molded - in vent slots , typically 48 & amp ; 49 shown in fig1 , & amp ; 3 respectively which not only provide ventilation for products placed in the bin that require air circulation such as produce , but also provide additional strengthening to the panels . the end - panel 41 and side - panel 42 vent slots show the center group of vent slots at 48 & amp ; 49 configured in the center of the panels so that the center of the wall is strengthened in the longitudinal direction to reduce the possibility of outward wall bowing due the outward force of the product loaded inside the bin . the top portion of the end panel wall 41 is thicker than the lower major portion of the wall as shown in fig1 & amp ; fig7 the purpose of the slope 51 on the inside of the end - panel 42 at the top as shown in fig1 is to provide the transition to the narrower section below . in order for the inside wall of side - panel 42 to blend in with this transition on the top inside corner of the sidewall 42 at 51 is configured to blend in with this slope . the pallet - base 40 shown in fig2 is provided with inward stepped sections on the bottom of the legs , on the full length of the left outer leg 56 , the ends of the center leg 57 and the full length of the right leg 58 , to provide positive stacking inter - lock where this recessed section on the bottom fits into the top of a bin when one bin is stacked on top of the another bin . the top of the side - panel 42 shown in fig3 has a molded - in metal rod with loop ends 52 to provide substantial strength to the top side wall and increase the rigidity along the top to reduce the flexibility in of the plastic wall in this area . plastic by itself is not as rigid as metal or wood . the loop end 77 of side rod 52 shows the preferred configuration of the loop which must accommodate the diameter of the top end bar 81 . fig1 a straight form & amp ; fig1 b alternate with fig1 b being the preferred shape show the top view of the loop end side bar 52 which could be either straight or bent at an angle as shown . referring to fig1 through fig1 , end - panel 41 has a first means for securing the bottom end of the end - panel 41 to the end of the pallet - base 40 with a plurality of horizontal tongues 71 on the end of the pallet - base which engage with a first set of corresponding horizontal grooves 82 on the bottom inside wall of the end - panel 41 . the end - panel 41 has a second means for securing end - panel 41 to the pallet - base 40 with a second set of horizontal grooves 72 on the outside of end - panel 41 bottom end directly opposite the first set of grooves 82 . the end - panel is fully secured to the pallet - base 40 with the insertion of an end rod 47 alternately through each pallet - base 40 leg end openings 84 shown in fig1 through 18 concentrically matched with the second set of horizontal grooves 72 . fastening means attached to opposed ends to the threaded end rod 47 secure the rod . each end - panel 41 has a plurality of corner extensions , which engage the side - panel 42 segmented horizontal end extensions on opposing ends . the end - panel 41 corner end extensions have at least one opening top and bottom that concentrically match in perpendicularity . each side - panel 42 and end - panel 41 have means for holding together a corner point . the corner point consists side - panel 42 extensions and end - panel 41 extensions that inter - mesh . openings in the horizontal end extensions of the side - panel 42 and end - panel 41 corner extensions inter - mesh vertically and concentrically . an alternate top configuration to the preferred embodiment shown in fig2 is illustrated in fig3 which consists of the end - panel 41 c horizontal top end having a cut out on opposite sides of the end - panel 41 c area in a center portion thereof forming a stacking land 98 for the pallet - base 40 center leg underside end . this cutout permits stacking a bin on top of another bin thereby exposing the top end bar 81 horizontally on opposite sides of the end - panel 41 c top center 98 thus reducing possible damage to the forklift access bin to area of the end - panel 41 . the pallet - base 40 has a plurality of molded - in reinforcing recesses 60 on its underside as illustrated in fig4 . the recesses 60 are perpendicular to the pallet - base 40 bottom walls as shown in fig1 and are joined at the top of the underside of the pallet - base 40 top wall providing substantial reinforcing strength to the pallet - base 40 bottom surface to aid in the support of the load within . the pallet - base 40 shown in fig4 includes two horizontal channels 65 on an underside surface between the outer leg and center leg of said pallet - base 40 . the channels 65 are spaced and centered to provide distributed load support of the load within the bin . to further explain the function of the channels 65 , they are recessed within the profile of the pallet - base walls which strengthen and accommodate the support bars that ultimately support the load . the pallet - base 40 shown in the cross section view fig2 , has a plurality of openings 85 in the sidewalls of the underside legs with the pallet - base 40 , support bar 66 made of a metal tube having a predetermined length , is inserted into openings 85 and channels 65 . retaining means comprise a plurality of predetermined extensions 54 at the bottom outer of the side - panel 42 having a suitable size for engaging recesses 69 in the pallet - base 40 . the extensions 54 close off the support bar 66 insertion opening 69 within the pallet - base when the side - panel 42 is assembled to the pallet - base 40 . the pallet - base 40 has a plurality of reinforcing vertical gussets 62 & amp ; 67 on the leg walls to add additional to the load the pallet - base 40 to includes a plurality of receptacles 96 , depicted in fig2 & amp ; 27 which form an upper tapered conical structure to accommodate receiving the side - panel 42 bottom tapered extension 70 . female fastening means 88 are integrally connected to a corresponding vertically concentric downward oppositely tapered conical structure 96 on the underside of the pallet - base 40 outer legs . this arrangement accommodates insertion of male fastening means 92 from the underside of the pallet - base 40 . the combination of tapered inverted vertical concentric conical structures 96 provide substantial reinforcing strength . the bottom of the pallet - base 40 shown in fig4 has have means for ventilation consisting of a series of molded - in vent slots 50 to provide air circulation and added strength to the double - wall of the pallet - base 40 . the strength of the bottom double - wall pallet - base 40 is further increased by the addition of several recesses 60 which are shown as circular but could be any configuration and are further illustrated along line 12 — 12 in fig1 . the bottom of the pallet - base 40 shown in fig4 has two horizontal tubes support bars 66 inserted in the channels 65 and the outer legs and center leg to provide substantial added strength to the bottom center of the bin to minimize the possibility of sagging or downward deflection due to the product load within in the bin . in a stack of two or more bins the bottom bin is resting on the ground or floor surface and the load is distributed along the bottom of all three legs . however , when two or more bins are stacked one on top of the other the center section of the center leg is unsupported leading to the possibility of load sag which will impede the ability of a forklift to pick up the upper bins . the method of bin pre - assembly shown in fig6 is to move the two side - panels 42 toward the end - panels 41 until the corners are inter - meshed with one another . these panels are held in place by the four corner posts 80 shown in fig8 by inserting the posts through holes 86 in the top and bottom of each panel corner member as shown in fig2 and pallet - base 40 corner opening 68 , shown in fig1 , from the bottom upwardly . pin projections 73 on the top ends of the end - panels 41 engage with the holes or recesses 74 in the top end of the side - panels 42 . the pallet - base 40 is then moved upward to engage the end - panels 41 and side - panels 42 . the bottom end rods 47 are then inserted form either side into the hole 84 located in recess 55 of the pallet - base 40 in fig1 passing through the end of the left outer leg of pallet - base 40 then the bottom end rod 47 lays into the channel first groove 72 provided at the bottom of the end - panel then the bottom end rod 47 passes through the center leg end 40 and lays into the bottom second groove 72 of the end panel 41 and finally the bottom end rod 47 passes through the right outer leg of the pallet - base 40 which now secures the corner posts 80 from falling out fig1 and secures the end - panels 41 . pre - assembly fig7 shows an end view of the grooves 72 at the bottom of the end panel 41 . the three tabs 70 at the bottom of each side - panel 42 shown in fig7 engage into correspondingly contoured recesses 96 shown in fig2 on the top of the pallet - base 40 . the two tabs 54 at the bottom of the side - panel shown in fig7 engage with the recesses 69 to secure the support bars 66 shown on fig4 to prevent support bars 66 from coming out . an underside pallet - base 40 corner outer leg opening 68 in fig1 has a parallel key - slot access channel which enables insertion of an elongated long nose pliers to grab onto the bottom end of the corner post to extract the corner post to facilitate component replacement . the horizontal top end bar 81 is inserted into the molded - in hole 100 in the top corner of the side - panel 42 shown in fig2 and then passed through the holes in the top of the end - panel 41 and then finally through the molded - in hole 100 on the opposite side - panel 42 as shown in fig2 . the end rod 47 has end fastening means 79 disposed on each end to allow concealment of end fastening means within a profile of said side - panel . the horizontal top threaded end rod 47 is inserted into the full length of the top end bar 81 thereafter the fastening means , preferably , but not limited flat washers 78 and lock nuts 79 are attached to secure the top corners . this will be described in further detail . one end of the bottom plan view of the pallet base 40 is illustrated in fig1 without the end - panel 41 installed to show the horizontal bottom threaded end rod 47 inserted through the three pallet legs . convolutions 63 & amp ; 64 illustrated in fig1 & amp ; 17 respectively provide additional support to the end rod 47 . the front edge 71 of the pallet - base 40 between the outer legs and center leg is the tongue portion of the tongue and groove engagement illustrated in fig1 . the cross section elevation view of the strengthening recess 60 along line 12 — 12 is illustrated in fig1 . the exploded partial plan view of the left outer leg corner of pallet 40 along line 13 — 13 is illustrated in fig1 . end rod 47 inserted into the leg of pallet - base 40 shows where the corner post 80 is secured from coming out of the opening 68 . the threaded end of the end rod 47 extends into the recessed area 55 so that when the flat washer 78 and lock nut 79 , shown in fig1 , are installed they will not extend beyond the outer wall of pallet - base 40 surface . the indented step 56 of pallet 40 provides the positive stacking . the key slot in corner opening 68 will accommodate an elongated “ long - nose ” pliers to enable easy removal of the corner post 80 when it is necessary to replace either the end - panel 41 or side - panel 42 . a cross sectional elevation view of one end of the pallet - base 40 along the line of 14 — 14 in fig4 is illustrated in fig1 , described in detail earlier . means for supporting a load within the bin at the pallet - base when a bin is stacked on top of another consists of strengthening convolutions 63 , 64 & amp ; 68 that provide additional load support which is directed to the base of the pallet 40 . flat washers 78 and lock nuts 79 are installed in the recesses 55 to retain the end rod 47 in place . the end rod 47 rests inside the end - panel 41 channel 72 which is between the legs of pallet 40 to secure the end - panel 41 in place . the hole 84 shown in the partial elevation views of the pallet 40 leg ends in fig1 through fig1 accommodates the end rod 47 . a partial plan view of the pallet taken along line 19 — 19 in fig1 is illustrated in fig1 showing the end - panel 41 engaged with the pallet 40 end using the tongue & amp ; groove method . the pallet - base 40 has a set of horizontal tongues and the end - panels 41 have a first set of horizontal grooves which engage with the tongues , a second set of grooves opposite said first set of grooves allows the bottom end rod to pass horizontally through said second set of horizontal grooves securing the end - panel 41 to the pallet - base 40 . hole 83 shown in fig1 is drain hole to prevent moisture from being trapped in between the walls of the end - panel 41 . a cross sectional elevation view fig2 taken along line 20 — 20 of fig1 illustrates the center load support at the bottom of the pallet - base 40 . the support bar 66 inserted at either side of the pallet 40 through hole 85 in the recess 69 and is passed through all of the holes 85 until it is centered . the support bar 66 fits into the open channel 65 . the support bar 66 is substantially supported by the vertical convolutions 67 and 62 which distributes the load to the bottom of the pallet - base 40 . the elevation view fig2 is an exploded view of the pallet - base 40 side in fig3 which illustrates the recess 69 to accommodate the tab 54 on the side - panel 42 which secures the support bar 66 from coming out of either side . the exploded partial elevation view fig2 is a cross section illustration of the channel way 65 for the support bar 66 and the support gusset 67 . a number of vertical gussets , 63 , 64 , and 68 are located in vertical side walls of the pallet - base 40 legs under the openings 84 for insertion of the bottom end rod 47 thereby providing substantial reinforcement to the bottom end rod . the side - panel 42 corner members and the end - panel 41 end members are inter - meshed as shown in exploded partial elevation view along the line 23 — 23 of fig1 illustrated in fig2 which provides substantial stacking strength in four corners of the bin assembly in fig1 and the corner members are secured by the corner post 80 inserted from the bottom up through all of the holes 86 . a corner notch 46 is formed by the inter - meshed configuration of the outer vertical edge of the corners of end - panel 41 and side - panel 42 as illustrated in fig2 which provides a means for holding a tie - down rope in place to explain , in the process of field harvesting produce , two rows of 6 bins per row are placed on top of an over - the - road flat bed trailer and in order to secure the bins from sliding off the trailer in transit a rope is tied to the trailer front vertical rack , bought back horizontally to the rear of the trailer and then placed across the back of the load placed downward diagonally to the opposite end of the trailer on the rear and secure to the trailer frame , the same is done on the other side without the notches 46 to keep the tie - down rope in place the rope would slide down the corner and create an unsafe load for transporting . the tie - down ropes are horizontal on the side and diagonally cross one another in the rear of the load . fig2 illustrates a top plan view along line 24 — 24 of fig2 showing the corner post 80 inserted in hole 86 in the center of the corner member . the exploded isometric cross sectional view of fig2 , taken along the line 25 — 25 of fig1 illustrates the substantial strength of the combination of all parts coming together at one point . the top corner of the side - panel 42 illustrates the vertical corner post held in place by molded - in hole 101 of the side - panel 42 and contacting the bottom of the molded - in side rod 52 to provide substantial corner stacking strength . further , the horizontal top end bar 81 coming from the end - panel 41 is supported by the molded - in hole 100 and is substantially secured in place by the loop end of the side rod 52 . further , the top end rod 47 is locks the corner assembly by the placement of the flat washer 78 and lock nut 79 in the recess 53 . this arrangement provides the ultimate assurance the top corners of the bin will not be broken by the action of a forklift dragging the fork tines across the top of the bin while exiting after having placed a bin load on top of another bin . the bin load will add to the support of the bin in any attempt of the forklift operator to destroy the top corners of the bin even with the fork tines tilted downward short of the operator &# 39 ; s malicious attempt to cause damage . the pallet - base 40 has three conical female receptacles 96 on the top surface of each side with an access port 61 below as illustrated in cross sectional plan view of fig2 typically taken along the line of 26 — 26 in fig1 . the receptacle 96 on top accommodates the side - panel 42 bottom tab 70 . the tab 70 has a socket 93 as shown in fig2 taken along line 27 — 27 of fig2 to accommodate a tab weld nut 88 with a snug fit to keep it from falling out before the side - panel 42 is assembled . the vertical hole 94 in the bottom of the tab 70 is to allow the insertion of the bolt 92 to engage with the nut 88 . in the event the threads of the nut 88 become defective the nut 88 can be extracted by using a common punch placed into the knock - out port 95 and replace the nut 88 . the bottom of the pallet - base 40 has an access port 61 to enable the insertion of a flat washer 90 and a lock washer 91 over the bolt 92 to secure the side - panel 42 to the pallet - base 40 at three locations on each side . the conical receptacles 61 and 96 provide substantial load support to the bottom of the pallet - base 40 . now the complete bin assembly has been completely secured in all respects . if it becomes necessary to replace one end - panel 41 that has been damaged all that is needed is to remove the lock nut 79 and flat washer 78 on one end of the bottom end rod 72 , slide the rod 72 out , use a long - nose pliers inserted into the corner opening 68 on the under side of the pallet - base 40 , grab the corner post 80 and slide it out of each end of the end - panel 41 and remove the defective panel and install a new panel and replace all of the parts removed . to replace a side - panel 42 the same procedure would apply as previously described but it is only necessary to slide the end rods 47 just enough to extract the corner posts 80 then remove the three bolt 92 assemblies . also , the two top corner end rods 47 will have to be disengaged as well . the most vulnerable part of the bin to being damaged is the entry end so the end - panel 41 will most likely require frequent replacement . the top of the end - panel 41 has three top configuration options as shown in fig2 , 30 & amp ; 32 . the configuration shown in fig2 is the preferred form in that the top sections of end - panel 41 a on either side of the flat stacking land 98 are contoured 75 , shown in fig2 , to form the plastic wall closely over the top end bar 81 which not only offers a slight increase in space above the top horizontal surface to make it easier for the forklift to move the fork tines in and out between two stacked bins but it also provides less chance of the fork tine puncturing the plastic wall of the end panel 41 because the plastic wall will be supported by the close proximity of the end bar 81 should the operator err in attempting to move into the target area for loading or unloading . the mold will be made with removable sections to provide the other options in fig3 & amp ; 32 for applications that warrant either one of the two configurations . option 41 b shown in fig3 provides maximum cube utilization of the space in the bin . option 41 c shown in fig3 provides greater protection of the top of the end panel 41 having less plastic panel exposure to damage , however , it also reduces the capacity of the bin due to the open area above and below the end tube 81 which may not be a problem where the product to be loaded in the bin is large and would not fall through the openings and affect loss of capacity .
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fig1 - 3 show an ink jet printer 100 incorporating an exit tray 102 of the present invention . printer 100 further includes a housing 104 and a bottom frame member 106 . as shown in fig1 exit tray 102 is positioned in a retracted position when the printer 100 is not in use . as shown in fig2 exit tray 102 is positioned in an extended position to receive print media , such as one or more sheets of paper , during a printing operation . fig3 shows printer 100 of fig1 and 2 with bottom frame member 106 detached from housing 104 and exit tray 102 in the extended position . exit tray 102 includes a base 108 , a base extension 110 , a first sheet support member 112 , and a second sheet support member 114 . with reference to fig1 - 11 , the structure and function of exit tray 102 will be discussed in greater detail . referring now to fig3 base 108 is slideably coupled to bottom frame member 106 . bottom frame member 106 includes two l - shaped guides 146 , 148 which slideably engage two corresponding base l - shaped guides ( not shown ) of base 108 to form a translational joint . frame guides 146 , 148 extend from an upward - facing frame surface 150 and are located in a central , recessed portion 144 of bottom frame member 106 . base 108 slides in a generally horizontal plane relative to bottom frame member 106 . base 108 is slid into frame recessed portion 144 when exit tray 102 is in the retracted position and is extended from frame recessed portion 144 when exit tray 102 is in the extended position . alternative methods could be used to couple base 108 to bottom frame member 106 , such as for example , a roller - track assembly , so long as the coupling means allows base 108 to move along a linear axis in a plane generally parallel to the plane of bottom frame member 106 . as shown in fig4 base 108 further includes two l - shaped guide channels 156 , 158 which slideably receive corresponding l - shaped guides 160 , 162 of base extension 110 ( see fig5 ). base guide channels 156 , 158 are located within a transversely centered base recess portion 152 generally below an upper surface 154 of base 108 . base extension 110 is disposed generally within base recess 152 when exit tray 102 is in the retracted position and is extended outwardly from base recess 152 when exit tray 102 is in the extended position . alternative methods could be used to couple base extension 110 to base 108 , such as for example , a roller - track assembly , so long as the coupling means allows base extension 110 to move along a linear axis in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of base 108 . base 108 further includes in base recess portion 152 two detent members 164 , 166 to impede the initial extension of base extension 110 relative to base 108 . detent members 164 , 166 engage two detent grooves 168 , 170 in extension guide channels 160 , 162 . detent members 164 , 166 are shown as flexible cantilever arms which snap into detent grooves 168 , 170 when base extension 110 is disposed within base recess portion 152 . alternative structure could be employed to impede the initial movement of base extension 110 relative to base 108 , such as for example , a raised bump portion on base extension 110 which engages a recessed divot portion on base 108 . as shown in fig5 base extension 110 further includes a first pair of slotted apertures 186 , a second pair of slotted apertures 188 , a third pair of slotted apertures 190 and a fourth pair of slotted apertures 192 . the slotted aperture pairs are used to pivotally couple first sheet support member 112 and second sheet support member 114 to base extension 110 . referring to fig6 first sheet support member 112 includes two clip pairs 198 , 200 extending from a surface 202 in a region near a proximal end 210 . clips 198 , 200 engage the two clip receiving aperture pairs 186 , 188 formed in extension surface 180 of base extension 110 to form a rotational joint . clip 198 includes a left and a right , partially cylindrical members 199 , 201 whose cylindrical axes are aligned to each other . clip 200 includes a left and a right , partially cylindrical members 203 , 205 whose cylindrical axes are aligned to each other . the aligned cylindrical axes of clips 198 , 200 define a pivot axis ( p 1 ) of first sheet support member 112 . alternative methods could be adopted to pivotally couple first sheet support member 112 to base extension 110 , such as for example , a standard hinge . second sheet support member 114 has two clips ( not shown ) which engage the two clip receiving aperture pairs 190 , 192 formed in extension surface 180 of base extension 110 . the structure and function of the clips of second sheet support member 114 are identical to clips 198 , 200 of first sheet support member 112 . it should be noted that second sheet support member 114 is generally a mirror image of first sheet support member 112 . therefore , all structure and function disclosed herein for first sheet support member 112 should be understood to be applicable to the structure and function of second sheet support member 114 , unless otherwise stated . when exit tray 102 is in the retracted position ( see fig1 ), the upper surface 230 of first sheet support member 112 , the upper surface 232 of second sheet support member 114 and the upper surface 184 of a raised , central portion 182 of base extension 110 are generally co - planer . when exit tray 102 is in the extended position ( see fig2 ), a distal end 208 of first sheet support member 112 and a distal end 212 of second sheet support member 114 are raised upward relative to extension surface 184 and the proximal ends 210 , 214 of first and second sheet support members 112 , 114 , respectively . the proximal ends 210 , 214 of sheet support members 112 , 114 are pivotally coupled to base extension 110 as described above and remain adjacent to base extension 110 . referring to fig6 in one embodiment of the present invention , ( also referred to as the cam embodiment ), the upward movement of distal ends 208 , 212 of sheet support members 112 , 114 is caused because first sheet support member 112 and second sheet support member 114 each further include a downwardly extending cam member 204 which engages upper surface 154 of base 108 . cam member 204 includes a cam surface 206 . when exit tray 102 is in the retracted position , cam members 204 of sheet support members 112 , 114 are each disposed within a cam recess 172 , 174 , respectively , located in base 108 ( see fig4 ). each cam recess 172 , 174 has a tapered surface 176 , 178 , respectively , which extends downwardly from base upper surface 154 . when exit tray 102 is in the extended position , cam members 204 of first and second sheet support members 112 , 114 are disposed forward of cam recesses 172 , 174 and cam member surfaces 206 rest upon base upper surface 154 . referring to fig7 in another embodiment of the present invention ( also referred to as the spring embodiment ), cams 204 are replaced by downwardly extending leaf springs 226 . accordingly , the upward movement of distal ends 208 , 212 of first sheet support member 112 and second sheet support member 114 results from an upward force generated by leaf springs 226 . when exit tray 102 is in the retracted position , leaf springs 226 are compressed generally against sheet support members 112 , 114 and against base upper surface 154 . since leaf springs 226 flex , base cam recesses 172 , 174 are not required in base 108 . in the retracted position , a downwardly facing surface 228 of frame member 106 applies a downward force on the upper surfaces 230 , 232 of first and second sheet support members 112 , 114 . when exit tray 102 is in the extended position , first and second sheet support members 112 , 114 are forward of frame surface 228 and the compression of leaf springs 226 is relieved to thereby lift distal ends 208 , 212 of sheet support members 112 , 114 . the interaction between the various components in the embodiments of exit tray 102 will now be explained through a discussion of : ( a ) the relationship between the components in the retracted position , ( b ) as the components are moved from the retracted position to the extended position , ( c ) components in the extended position , and ( d ) as the components are moved from the extended position to the retracted position . when the cam embodiment of the present invention is in the retracted position ( see fig1 ); base 108 , base extension 110 , first sheet support member 112 and second sheet support member 114 are generally within the recessed portion 144 of bottom frame member 106 ( see fig3 ). base extension 110 , first sheet support member 112 and second sheet support member 114 are generally co - planar relative to each other and disposed generally above base 108 such that base extension detent grooves 168 , 170 ( see fig5 ) engage base detent members 164 , 166 ( see fig4 ), and such that cam members 204 are within base cam recesses 172 , 174 . the cam embodiment of exit tray 102 is moved from the retracted position ( see fig1 ) to the extended position ( see fig2 ) by the application of an outward force by a user on a grip surface 196 of a grip portion 194 of base extension 110 . initially base 108 , base extension 110 , sheet support members 112 , 114 all move outward together . this is because detent members 164 , 166 ( see fig4 ) have a larger force threshold than the translational joint between base 108 and bottom frame 106 . once base 108 is fully extended , the force threshold of detent members 164 , 166 is overcome and base extension 110 slides relatively outward or forward from base 108 . as base extension 110 slides outward relative to base 108 , cam surface 206 ( see fig6 ) of first sheet support member 112 travels up base cam surface 176 ( see fig2 ) thereby forcing first sheet support member 112 to rotate at clips 198 , 200 such that distal end 208 of right sheet support member 112 is raised relative to proximal end 210 . the distal end 212 of the second sheet support member 114 is raised relative to proximal end 214 by identical means . once the cam embodiment of exit tray 102 is in the extended position ( see fig2 ), cams 204 are forward of base cam recesses 172 , 174 and each cam surface 206 of cams 204 of sheet support members 112 , 114 rests on base upper surface 154 . base 108 may be held in the extended position , for example , by positioning detent members on bottom frame member 106 to engage base 108 . the cam embodiment of exit tray 102 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position by the application of an inward force by the user on grip 194 to force base extension 110 , first sheet support member 112 and second sheet support member 114 to slide inward relative to base 108 . as the sheet support members 112 , 114 slide inward , cam surfaces 206 of cams 204 slide back down tapered surfaces 176 , 178 and into base cam recesses 172 , 174 ( see fig2 ). as cam surfaces 206 slide down tapered surfaces 176 , 178 , distal ends 208 , 212 of sheet support members 112 , 114 rotate downward until they are generally co - planar with base extension 110 . once base extension 110 detent grooves 168 , 170 ( see fig5 ) engage base detent members 164 , 166 ( fig4 ), base extension 110 is fully retracted and first and second sheet support members 112 , 114 are generally co - planar with base extension 110 . base 108 then slides into the bottom frame recess portion 144 of bottom frame member 106 , and below downward - facing surface 228 of housing 104 . the spring embodiment of the present invention is substantially identical to the cam embodiment . the most important difference between the spring and cam embodiments is the replacement of cam members 204 ( see fig6 ) with leaf springs 226 ( see fig7 ). when the spring embodiment of exit tray 102 is in the retracted position , downward - facing surface 228 of frame member 106 applies a downward force on the upper surfaces 230 , 232 of first and second sheet support members 112 , 114 , thereby maintaining leaf springs 226 in a compressed state . in the spring embodiment , as exit tray 102 is moved from the retracted position toward the extended position , sheet support member upper surfaces 230 , 232 begin to clear frame surface 228 and the distal ends 208 , 212 of first and second sheet support members 112 , 114 rotate upward due to the upward force generated as leaf springs 226 are relieved from their compressed state . as exit tray 102 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position , a downward force is applied to the upper surfaces 230 , 232 of first and second sheet support members 112 , 114 so that upper surfaces 230 , 232 pass beneath frame surface 228 . this downward force can be achieved manually , for example , by the user applying the downward force . the downward force can also be applied by frame surface 228 by selecting a shape of support members 112 , 114 or frame surface 228 such that contact of the upper surfaces 230 , 232 with frame surface 228 occurs progressively from proximal ends 210 , 214 to distal ends 208 , 212 of sheet support members 112 , 114 as exit tray 102 is moved toward the retracted position . it is within the scope of the present invention to have shallow recesses in base 108 , generally similar to cam recesses 172 , 174 to accept leaf springs 226 to reduce the downward force to be applied to upper surfaces 230 , 232 when exit tray 102 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position . fig8 shows a diagrammatic side view of the operation of ink jet printer 100 with the cam embodiment of exit tray 102 . fig9 shows a diagrammatic side view of the operation of ink jet printer 100 with the spring embodiment of exit tray 102 . structural components common to fig8 and 9 are referred by corresponding reference numerals . unless otherwise indicated , the discussion that follows applies to both fig8 and 9 . a sheet of media 116 is transported from an input tray 118 to exit tray 102 by a series of rollers 120 , 122 , and 124 . as media 116 is being transported , it passes beneath a printhead assembly including a cartridge 126 and a carrier 128 . the cartridge 126 is removably secured to carrier 128 by a spring - loaded latch ( not shown ). carrier 128 is reciprocated back and forth along a guide rod 130 by a drive belt ( not shown ). the drive belt is driven by a motor that is controlled by an electronic control means . the bottom of carrier 128 contains a foot 132 which rides in a groove 134 of guide rail 136 . both guide rail 136 and guide rod 130 are secured to the side frames ( not shown ) of printer 100 . a nozzle plate 138 on the bottom of a downwardly extending portion 140 of cartridge 126 contains an array of nozzles ( not shown ) for ejecting ink droplets in a downward direction , toward media 116 . a trough 142 is provided to collect waste ink droplets . as media 116 passes beneath nozzle plate 138 , nozzle plate 138 along with the rest of the printhead assembly is reciprocated back and forth along guide rod 130 . ink is ejected from the nozzles in nozzle plate 138 at prescribed transverse locations , to form an image on media 116 . the transverse cross - section of media 116 is generally linear while it is being carried from input tray 118 to exit tray 102 . fig1 shows exit tray 102 in the extended position receiving a sheet of media 116 exiting printer 100 . as media 116 begins to exit printer 100 , the media bends downwardly until media 116 is supported at its right edge 220 by a region of surface 230 near distal end 208 of first sheet support member 112 and at its left edge 222 by a region of surface 232 near distal end 212 of second sheet support member 114 . as long as the trailing end of media 116 is supported within printer 100 , and supported at right and left edges 220 , 222 by sheet support members 112 , 114 , media 116 is held generally flat ( planar ), but with a slight undulation which increases in magnitude from the trailing end of media 116 to the front end of media 116 . once the trailing end of media 116 is released by printer 100 , media 116 assumes a generally concave shape along its transverse direction due to the support of right and left edges 220 , 222 and the downward force of gravity on the unsupported regions of media 116 . the central portion of media 116 rests on upper surface 184 of base extension 110 . the concave , transverse cross - section provides increased stiffness to media 116 along its longitudinal axis . because of the increased stiffness , media 116 can have a longer longitudinal extent than the extent of exit tray 102 in the extended position and still maintain a linear longitudinal cross - section . since the printed media is retained in exit tray 102 in a concave shape , use of exit tray 102 allows a longer ink drying time for a printed sheet then would be possible in a traditional flat exit tray . because ink is not usually printed immediately adjacent to left and right transverse edges 220 , 222 of media 116 , the printed portion 224 of media 116 resting in exit tray 102 is significantly lower than the non - printed edges 220 , 222 . thus , a subsequent sheet of media is carried at its transverse edges by first and second sheet support members 112 , 114 above the printed portion 224 of media 116 . until released by printer 100 , the transverse cross - section of the subsequent sheet of media is generally linear and , therefore , printed region 224 of media 116 is not contacted by the subsequent sheet until the subsequent sheet is released by printer 100 , thereby permitting an extended drying time for the printed portion 224 of media 116 . the exemplifications set forth herein illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention . although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments , those skilled in the art will recognize that variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the present invention as described and defined in the following claims .
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the circuits and processes disclosed in this patent are used in manufacturing to test and ensure proper operation of the integrated circuit products before sale . the circuits and processes disclosed in this patent can also be used after the sale of the integrated circuit products to test and ensure the continued proper operation of the integrated circuit products and possibly to develop and test software products associated with the integrated circuit products . fig6 a illustrates a preferred test architecture 601 for accessing the wrappers 307 - 308 of fig3 , according to the present disclosure . in the test architecture 601 , wrappers 307 - 309 have been positioned between an input linking circuitry 602 block and an output linking circuitry 603 block , such that the wrapper serial inputs ( si - 1 , si - 2 , si - 3 ) are output from the input linking circuitry 602 and the wrapper serial outputs ( so - 1 , so - 2 , so - 3 ) are input to the output linking circuitry 603 . the wrapper serial outputs ( so - 1 , so - 2 , so - 3 ) are also input to the input linking circuitry 602 . the input linking circuitry 602 receives a serial input si 604 and the output linking circuitry 603 outputs a serial output 605 . the control inputs ( ctl - 1 , ctl - 2 , ctl - 3 ) of wrappers 307 - 309 are commonly connected to test interface ctl bus 109 . the input and output linking circuitry 602 and 603 receive control inputs from a wrapper link bus 606 . the enable inputs ( enable - 1 , 2 , 3 ) of wrappers 307 - 309 are provided by an enable bus 607 . fig6 b and 6c illustrate example implementations of input linking circuitry 602 and output linking circuitry 603 , respectively . input linking circuitry 602 of fig6 b comprises multiplexers 608 - 610 which provide selectable connections between the serial inputs ( si - 1 , si - 2 , si - 3 ) of wrappers 307 - 309 and signals si 604 , so - 1 , so - 2 , and so - 3 . multiplexers 608 - 610 receive linking control ( selsi - 1 , selsi - 2 , selsi - 3 ) inputs from link bus 606 . the link control inputs 606 to multiplexer 610 enable the si - 3 serial input to wrapper 309 to be connected to si , si - 1 , or si - 2 . the link control inputs 606 to multiplexer 609 enable the si - 2 serial input to wrapper 308 to be connected to si , si - 1 , or si - 3 . the link control inputs 606 to multiplexer 608 enable the si - 1 serial input to wrapper 307 to be connected to si , si - 2 , or si - 3 . output linking circuitry 603 of fig6 c comprises multiplexer 611 which , in response to link control inputs from link bus 606 , allows connecting either the so - 1 output of wrapper 307 , the so - 2 output of wrapper 308 , or the so - 3 output of wrappers 309 to so 605 . fig7 illustrates the various wrapper arrangements 7001 - 7007 possible between the si 604 and so 605 of test architecture 601 . these wrapper arrangements are formed by inputting link controls to input and output circuitry 602 and 603 via link bus 606 , and by inputting enable controls to wrappers 307 - 308 via enable bus 607 . arrangement 7001 contains only wrapper 307 between si and so . arrangement 7002 contains wrappers 307 and 308 in series between si and so . arrangement 7003 contains wrappers 307 and 309 in series between si and so . arrangement 7004 contains wrappers 307 , 308 , and 309 in series between si and so . arrangement 7005 contains wrapper 308 between si and so . arrangement 7006 contains wrappers 308 and 309 in series between si and so . arrangement 7007 contains wrapper 309 between si and so . as can be seen in fig7 , the test architecture 601 allows for the wrapper arrangement 301 of fig3 as well as many different wrapper arrangements . the link 606 and enable 607 inputs to test architecture 601 may come from ic pads or from circuitry within the ic , such as an ieee 1149 . 1 test access port circuit . while ic pads or test access port circuits may provide the link and enable inputs , a preferred method of providing the link and enable inputs to the test architecture 601 is described in detail below . fig8 a illustrates circuitry for providing the link 606 and enable 607 control inputs to test architecture 601 , according to the present disclosure . the circuitry includes a link instruction register ( lir ) 801 in series with the test architecture 601 . the lir 801 has a serial input 802 connected to so 605 of the test architecture 601 , a serial output ( so ) 803 , control inputs connected to test interface control bus 109 , and control outputs 804 connected to the link 606 and enable 607 inputs of test architecture 601 . the lir 801 consists of 3 - bit instruction register ( ir ) 805 , a multiplexer 806 , and gating circuitry 807 . during instruction scan operations , the select signal 808 of control bus 109 is high to enable the gating circuitry 807 to pass the control signals 109 to the 3 - bit ir 805 and to connect the serial output of ir 805 to so 803 via multiplexer 806 . in the instruction scan mode , the 3 - bit ir 805 shifts instruction data when the test architecture shifts instruction data . thus , during instruction scan operations , the 3 - bit ir 805 becomes part of the instruction scan path between si 604 and so 803 . during data scan operations , the select signal 808 of control bus 109 is low to disable the gating circuitry 807 from passing control signals 109 to the 3 - bit ir 805 and to connect so 605 of test architecture 601 to so 803 via multiplexer 806 . in the data scan mode , the 3 - bit ir 805 is disabled and the lir simply forms a bypass connection between the so 605 of test architecture 601 and the so 803 of the lir . thus , during data scan operations , the lir is included in the data scan path between si 604 and so 803 , but it does not add to the bit length of the data scan path . also , since the control bus 109 is gated off during data scan operations , the data contained in the lir &# 39 ; s ir 805 cannot be changed during data scan operations . it should be noted that while the lir 801 has been shown inserted in the serial output path from the test architecture 601 ( i . e . lir input 802 connected to test architecture so output 605 ), it could be have been similarly inserted in the serial input path to the test architecture 601 as well ( i . e . lir output 803 connected to test architecture si input 604 ). thus the position of the lir 801 with respect to it being positioned at the beginning or ending of the serial path through the test architecture does not impact its ability to provide control of the link 606 and enable 607 bus inputs to the test architecture 601 . fig8 b illustrates that the circuitry of the 3 - bit ir 805 consists of a 3 - bit shift register 810 , a 3 - bit update register 811 , and decode logic 812 . during the shift step of an instruction scan operation , the 3 - bit shift register 810 shifts data from its serial input to its serial output . during the update step of an instruction scan operation the data shifted into the 3 - bit shift register 810 is transferred to the 3 - bit update register 811 . the 3 - bit update register outputs this data to decode logic 812 . the outputs of decode logic 812 respond to the data input from the 3 - bit update register to output link 606 and enable 607 control signals to test architecture 601 via bus 804 . reset signal 809 of control bus 109 is used to initialize shift register 810 and update register 811 , such that bus 804 may be set to a desired link and enable input state to test architecture 601 . while the examples of fig8 a and 8b use a 3 - bit ir , the ir could be of any bit length . the use of a 3 - bit ir will be seen to be sufficient in selecting the wrapper arrangements described in regard to fig9 below . fig9 illustrates the various wrapper arrangements 9001 - 9007 between si 604 and so 803 in response to different 3 - bit codes scanned into lir 801 . when the reset signal 809 is activated , the instruction registers 105 of wrappers 307 - 309 are initialized to a first instruction that selects the bypass registers 106 of the wrappers and enables normal operation of their associated cores . also in response to the reset signal 809 , lir 801 is initialized to contain all zeros , i . e . lir = 000 . as seen in arrangement 9001 , when the lir contains a 000 code following a reset or an instruction scan operation it outputs link 606 and enable 607 control to enable and connect wrapper 307 in the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . the other wrappers 308 - 309 are disabled and disconnected from the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . as seen in arrangement 9002 , when the lir contains a 001 code following an instruction scan operation it outputs link 606 and enable 607 control to enable and connect wrappers 307 and 308 in the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . wrapper 309 is disabled and disconnected from the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . as seen in arrangement 9003 , when the lir contains a 010 code following an instruction scan operation it outputs link 606 and enable 607 control to enable and connect wrappers 307 and 309 in the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . wrapper 308 is disabled and disconnected from the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . as seen in arrangement 9004 , when the lir contains a 011 code following an instruction scan operation it outputs link 606 and enable 607 control to enable and connect wrappers 307 - 309 in the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . as seen in arrangement 9005 , when the lir contains a 100 code following an instruction scan operation it outputs link 606 and enable 607 control to enable and connect wrapper 308 in the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . the other wrappers 307 and 309 are disabled and disconnected from the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . as seen in arrangement 9006 , when the lir contains a 101 code following an instruction scan operation it outputs link 606 and enable 607 control to enable and connect wrappers 308 and 309 in the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . wrapper 307 is disabled and disconnected from the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . as seen in arrangement 9007 , when the lir contains a 110 code following an instruction scan operation it outputs link 606 and enable 607 control to enable and connect wrapper 309 in the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . the other wrappers 307 and 308 are disabled and disconnected from the scan path between si 604 and so 803 . in all arrangements 9001 - 9007 , instruction scan operations shift data through the 3 - bit ir 805 of lir 801 , but data scan operations do not shift data through the 3 - bit ir 805 of lir 801 , as previously described . a current arrangement 9001 - 9007 will be maintained following an instruction scan operation as long as the 3 - bit lir code is not changed by the instruction scan operation . some advantages of using the lir 801 to control the link 606 and enable 607 inputs to the test architecture 601 are listed below . the lir 801 exists and operates within the scan path of each selected wrapper arrangement 9001 - 9007 . therefore no additional circuitry and / or interfaces ( for example no 1149 . 1 test access port and / or ic interface pads as mentioned in regard to fig7 ) are required to control the link 606 and enable 607 buses to switch between wrapper arrangements . the lir 801 provides the opportunity of switching between wrapper arrangements 9001 - 9007 following each instruction scan operation . thus the shifting in and updating of lir wrapper arrangement codes and wrapper test instructions may be performed during the same instruction scan operation . the lir 801 does not add bits to a selected wrapper arrangement 9001 - 9007 during data scan operations . by not adding to the bit length of a given wrapper arrangement , the test patterns applied to the wrapper arrangement do not have to be modified to accommodate the presence of the lir . for example , if a test pattern set existed for testing core 1 using the internal scan register 108 ( fig1 ) of wrapper 307 , arrangement 9001 could be selected via an instruction scan operation then the test patterns could be applied using data scan operations . since the lir does not add bits to the length of arrangement 9001 during data scan operations , the core 1 test pattern set can be applied without modification , enabling core 1 test pattern reuse fig1 illustrates an example of a core 4 1001 which has a wrapper 1002 . core 4 differs from the previously described cores 1 - 3 in that it contains an embedded core a 1003 having a wrapper 1004 and an embedded core b 1005 having a wrapper 1006 . access to wrapper 1002 is provided via si - 4 , so - 4 , ctl - 4 , and enable - 4 . access to wrapper 1004 is provided via si - a , so - a , ctl - a , and enable - a . access to wrapper 1006 is provided via si - b , so - b , ctl - b , and enable - b . fig1 illustrates the test architecture 1101 of the present disclosure being used to provide access to wrappers 1002 , 1004 , and 1006 of core 4 . the test architecture is similar to the test architecture 601 described in regard to fig6 with the exceptions that ; ( 1 ) wrapper 1002 has been substituted for wrapper 307 , ( 2 ) wrapper 1004 has been substituted for wrapper 308 , ( 3 ) and wrapper 1006 has been substituted for wrapper 309 . fig1 illustrates the wrapper arrangements 1201 - 1207 selectable via the link 606 and enable 607 buses of test architecture 1101 . the wrapper arrangements 1201 - 1207 are the same as wrapper arrangements 7001 - 7007 of fig7 with the exceptions that ; ( 1 ) wrapper 1002 has been substituted for wrapper 307 , ( 2 ) wrapper 1004 has been substituted for wrapper 308 , ( 3 ) and wrapper 1006 has been substituted for wrapper 309 . fig1 illustrate a test architecture 1301 of the present disclosure which contains wrapper 307 , wrapper 308 , and the test architecture 1101 of fig1 . test architecture 1301 is similar to the test architecture 601 of fig6 with the exception that test architecture 1101 has been substituted for the core 3 wrapper 309 . test architecture 1301 is serially connected to an n - bit lir 1302 which provides control input via bus 1303 to the link 606 and enable 607 buses of test architecture 1301 and to the link and enable buses 1306 of test architecture 1101 , as described previously in regard to the 3 - bit lir 810 of fig8 a . the n - bit lir 1302 is similar to the 3 - bit lir 810 except that its ir contains addition bits for decoding the additional link and enable - 4 , a , b signals 1306 required by test architecture 1101 . embedding test architecture 1101 within test architecture 1301 requires that the link and enable - 4 , a , b signals 1306 of test architecture 1101 be brought out of test architecture 1301 so they can be controlled by the n - bit lir via bus 1303 . thus the n - bit lir not only provides the link 606 and enable 607 signals for test architecture 1301 , but also the link 606 and enable signals 1306 for the embedded test architecture 1101 . fig1 illustrates in 1410 the n - bit lir 1302 controlled arrangements 1401 - 1407 of test architecture 1301 . as can be seen in 1410 , the n - bit lir can be loaded with codes to select ; ( 1 ) wrapper 307 between si 1304 and so 1305 ( arrangement 1401 ), ( 2 ) wrappers 307 and 308 between si and so ( arrangement 1402 ), ( 3 ) wrapper 307 and test architecture 1101 between si and so ( arrangement 1403 ), ( 4 ) wrappers 307 , 308 , and test architecture 1101 between si and so ( arrangement 1404 ), ( 5 ) wrapper 308 between si and so ( arrangement 1405 ), ( 6 ) wrapper 308 and test architecture 1101 between si and so ( arrangement 1406 ), and ( 7 ) test architecture 1101 between si and so ( arrangement 1407 ). fig1 further illustrates in 1420 that when test architecture 1101 is included in a test architecture 1301 arrangement between si 1304 and so 1305 , the n - bit lir provides control for selecting the particular arrangement between the 1101 test architectures si 1102 and so 1103 . as can be seen in 1420 , the n - bit lir can be loaded with codes to select ; ( 1 ) wrapper 1002 between si 1102 and so 1103 ( arrangement 1201 ), ( 2 ) wrappers 1002 and 1004 between si and so ( arrangement 1202 ), ( 3 ) wrapper 1002 and 1006 between si and so ( arrangement 1203 ), ( 4 ) wrappers 1002 , 1004 , and 1006 between si and so ( arrangement 1204 ), ( 5 ) wrapper 1004 between si and so ( arrangement 1205 ), ( 6 ) wrapper 1004 and 1006 between si and so ( arrangement 1206 ), and ( 7 ) wrapper 1006 between si and so ( arrangement 1207 ). fig1 - 14 have illustrated how one test architecture 1101 of the present disclosure may be embedded within another test architecture 1301 of the present disclosure and both test architectures accessed using a single lir . for simplification , only one test architecture 1101 was illustrated as being embedded in test architecture 1301 . however , it should be understood that a plurality of test architectures 1101 can be embedded in test architecture 1301 . for example , substituting a second test architecture 1101 for wrapper 308 and a third test architecture 1101 for wrapper 307 in fig1 would illustrate the embedding of three 1101 test architectures within test architecture 1301 . while only a single level of test architecture embedding was shown , i . e . test architecture 1101 embedded within test architecture 1301 , it is clear that the multiple levels of test architecture embedding is possible using the present disclosure . when multiple levels of test architecture embedding is performed , the number of control signals that must be output from the lir increases , as can be understood from the inspection of bus 1303 of fig1 . at some point the number of lir output control signals may reach a level that is unacceptable due to wire routing concerns within an ic . the following describes an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure that provides a solution to this lir output control signal wire routing problem . fig1 illustrates an alternate preferred test architecture 1501 according to the present disclosure that combines the core 4 test architecture 1101 of fig1 with a lir 1502 . lir 1502 is similar to lir 801 of fig8 a with the exception that gating circuitry 1503 replaces gating circuitry 807 . gating circuitry 1503 provides , in addition to the select signal from control bus 109 , an additional input for a test architecture enable ( taena ) signal 1504 . the taena signal 1504 is similar to the select signal 808 in that it operates to ; ( 1 ) enable gating circuitry 1503 to pass control bus signals 109 to the 3 - bit ir during instruction scan operations , or ( 2 ) disable gating circuitry 1503 from passing control bus signals 109 to the 3 - bit ir during instruction scan operations . thus the only time the 3 - bit ir receives control bus 109 signals is when taena 1504 and select 808 are both set to enable gating circuitry 1503 to pass control bus 109 signals to the 3 - bit ir . fig1 illustrates a test architecture 1601 of the present disclosure which contains wrapper 307 , wrapper 308 , and the test architecture 1501 of fig1 . test architecture 1601 is similar to the test architecture 1301 of fig1 with the exception that test architecture 1501 has been substituted for test architecture 1101 . test architecture 1601 is serially connected to an n - bit lir 1602 which provides control input via bus 1603 to the link 606 and enable 607 buses of test architecture 1601 and the taena signal 1504 to test architecture 1501 . the n - bit lir 1602 is similar to the n - bit lir 1302 except that it contains a reduced number of bits and control signal outputs , since it does not need to decode all the link and enable - 4 , a , b signals that were required by the embedded test architecture 1101 of test architecture 1301 . embedding test architecture 1501 within test architecture 1601 only requires that the taena signal 1504 be brought out of test architecture 1601 so it can be controlled by the n - bit lir via bus 1603 . fig1 illustrates in 1710 the n - bit lir 1602 controlled arrangements 1701 - 1707 of test architecture 1601 . as can be seen in 1710 , the n - bit lir can be loaded with codes to select ; ( 1 ) wrapper 307 between si 1612 and so 1613 ( arrangement 1701 ), ( 2 ) wrappers 307 and 308 between si and so ( arrangement 1702 ), ( 3 ) wrapper 307 and test architecture 1501 between si and so ( arrangement 1703 ), ( 4 ) wrappers 307 , 308 , and test architecture 1501 between si and so ( arrangement 1704 ), ( 5 ) wrapper 308 between si and so ( arrangement 1705 ), ( 6 ) wrapper 308 and test architecture 1501 between si and so ( arrangement 1706 ), and ( 7 ) test architecture 1501 between si and so ( arrangement 1707 ). fig1 further illustrates in 1720 that when test architecture 1501 is included in a test architecture 1601 arrangement between si 1612 and so 1613 by appropriate setting of the taena signal 1504 , the 3 - bit lir 1502 of test architecture 1501 is included in the arrangement and made accessible during instruction scan operations . the 3 - bit lir of test architecture 1501 can be scanned to select any particular arrangement between the 1501 test architectures si 1505 and so 1506 . as can be seen in 1720 , the 3 - bit lir 1502 can be loaded with codes to select ; ( 1 ) wrapper 1002 between si 1505 and so 1506 ( arrangement 1501 ), ( 2 ) wrappers 1002 and 1004 between si and so ( arrangement 1502 ), ( 3 ) wrapper 1002 and 1006 between si and so ( arrangement 1503 ), ( 4 ) wrappers 1002 , 1004 , and 1006 between si and so ( arrangement 1504 ), ( 5 ) wrapper 1004 between si and so ( arrangement 1505 ), ( 6 ) wrappers 1004 and 1006 between si and so ( arrangement 1506 ), and ( 7 ) wrapper 1006 between si and so ( arrangement 1507 ). it should be clear from fig1 that when test architecture 1501 is included in an arrangement 1710 of test architecture 1601 , two lirs will be scanned in series during instructions scan operations , lir 1602 and lir 1502 . also it should be clear that since lir 1502 provides within the test architecture 1501 all the control signals required to select the test architecture 1501 arrangements 1720 , via bus 804 of fig1 , the wire routing problem mentioned in regard to fig1 is significantly reduced . the only control signal lir 1602 needs to provide to include test architecture 1501 in an arrangement 1710 is the taena signal 1504 . once included , the lir 1502 of test architecture 1501 becomes enabled and can be scanned to provide all the additional signals required for selecting arrangements 1720 within test architecture 1501 . the advantage test architecture 1501 has over test architecture 1101 is that when test architectures 1501 is embedded within another test architecture 1601 , only the taena 1504 signal of test architecture 1501 is required to be brought out of the other test architecture 1601 to be accessed by a lir 1602 connected to the other test architecture 1601 . this can be compared to test architecture 1301 of fig1 where it was required to bring out the link & amp ; enable - 4 , a , b signals of test architecture 1101 to be connected to lir 1302 . as described earlier in regard to test architecture 1101 and 1301 of fig1 , multiple test architectures 1501 could have been shown embedded within test architecture 1610 , by simply substituting a second and third test architecture 1501 for wrappers 308 and 307 respectively . the process of making the taena signal of an embedded test architecture , like 1501 , externally available at the i / o boundary of a next higher level test architecture , like 1601 , forms the basis of a framework that can be used to access any hierarchically positioned test architecture within an ic . the following provides an example of this hierarchical test architecture access framework and the process for selecting embedded test architectures contained therein . fig1 illustrates a test architecture 1801 containing wrapper 307 , wrapper 308 , and the test architecture 1610 of fig1 . test architecture 1610 is similar to test architecture 1501 in that it combines a lir 1602 with test architecture 1601 , as test architecture 1501 combined the lir 1502 with test architecture 1101 . test architecture 1610 has a taena signal 1611 , as test architecture 1501 has a taena signal 1504 . test architecture 1610 is associated with a core 5 , as test architecture 1501 is associated with a core 4 . the lir 1802 is connected to the taena 1611 signal of test architecture 1601 via bus 1803 , as lir 1602 is connected to taena 1504 signal of test architecture 1601 via bus 1603 . the process steps of accessing test architecture 1101 embedded within test architecture 1501 , which is further embedded within test architecture 1610 , which is still further embedded within test architecture 1810 , is as follows . the process steps below are assumed to start at a point where only wrapper 307 and lir 1802 of fig1 are in the serial path between si 1812 and so 1813 of fig1 , similar to arrangement 9001 shown in fig9 . step 1 perform a first instruction scan operation to load lir 1802 with a code that sets taena 1611 , via bus 1803 , to a state that enables test architecture 1610 . following this instruction scan operation , test architecture 1610 and lir 1802 are in the serial path between si 1812 and so 1813 . step 2 perform a second instruction scan operation to load lir 1802 with a code that maintains taena 1611 at a state enabling test architecture 1610 , and to load lir 1602 of test architecture 1610 with a code that sets taena 1504 to a state that enables test architecture 1501 . following this instruction scan operation , test architecture 1501 , lir 1602 , and lir 1802 are in the serial path between si 1812 and so 1813 . step 3 perform a third instruction scan operation to load lir 1802 and lir 1602 with codes that maintain taena 1611 and taena 1504 at states enabling test architectures 1610 and 1501 , and to load lir 1502 of test architecture 1501 with a code that selects a desired arrangement 1201 - 1207 of test architecture 1101 . following this instruction scan operation , the selected arrangement 1201 - 1207 of test architecture 1101 , lir 1502 , lir 1602 , and lir 1802 are in the serial path between si 1812 and so 1813 . step 4 perform subsequent instruction and / or data scan operations to the selected arrangement 1201 - 1207 of test architecture 1101 as required to perform a desired test or other operation via the si 1812 and so 1813 terminals of the test architecture 1810 of fig1 . during subsequent instruction scan operations , the codes loaded into lirs 1502 , 1602 , and 1802 should maintain access to the currently selected arrangement of test architecture 1101 , unless a new arrangement is needed . since , as previously mentioned in regard to fig8 a , data scan operations cannot change existing lir codes , the access to test architecture 1101 , setup by steps 1 - 3 above , is not effected during subsequent data scan operations . at some point in accessing embedded test architectures using data scan operations , the accumulation of the lir bypass paths , i . e . the direct connection path coupling the lir input 802 to the lir output 803 via multiplexer 806 of fig8 a , may become to long for data to propagate at a desired data scan clock rate . in some cases therefore , it may be necessary to add a resynchronization flip - flop in the serial path between test architectures , such that during data scan operations the data may be re - timed as it passes between serially connected test architectures . a logical point to insert such a resynchronization flip - flop would be in the lir bypass path described above . placing it elsewhere would force instruction scan operations to unnecessarily have to pass through the resynchronization flip - flop . fig1 illustrates an lir 1901 containing a resynchronization register / flip - flop 1904 in the bypass path of the lir . lir 1901 is simply lir 801 adapted to include flip - flop 1904 in the bypass path between lir input 802 and lir output 803 and circuitry 1902 and 1903 to enable the flip flop 1904 to receive control bus 109 input during data scan operations . during data scan operations the select signal will be low to select the registered bypass path through multiplexer 806 to so 803 . inverter 1902 inverts the select signal so that during data scan operations and gating circuit 1903 passes bus 109 to flip flop 1904 . in response to the clock signal of bus 109 , flip - flop 1904 moves data from si 802 to so 803 . use of lir 1901 with a registered bypass path between input 802 and output 803 eliminates the above - described concern of using lirs with direct connection bypass paths between input 802 and output 803 . fig2 illustrates a serial configuration 2001 of test architectures 2006 - 2008 . the test architectures 2006 - 2008 are connected in a serial path between si 2004 and so 2005 . the serial path includes a lir 2002 that provides the link and enable control bus 2003 to the test architectures . each test architecture and the lir receive control input from control bus 109 . a taena 2009 signal is shown being input to the lir 2002 to indicate that the serial configuration 2001 of test architectures 2007 - 2008 may itself be a test architecture according to the present disclosure , being enabled and disabled by taena 2009 as previously described in regard to fig1 , 16 , and 18 . if serial configuration 2001 is viewed as a test architecture 2001 , it could be embedded within another test architecture as test architectures 1501 and 1610 were embedded within other test architectures 1610 and 1810 , respectively . the following description assumes the serial configuration ( or test architecture ) 2001 is enabled by taena 2009 . during instruction or data scan operations data flows through the selected arrangement of each test architecture 2006 - 2008 and through the lir from si 2004 to so 2005 . if testing or other operation , such as emulation , is to be performed on only one of the test architectures , say on test architecture 2007 , the selected arrangements of other test architectures 2006 and 2008 must be serially traversed during the application of the test or other operation . the following description illustrates a modification to the test architectures 2006 - 2008 that prevents having to traverse arrangements within test architectures that are not involved in a test or other operation . this modification will be described as it would be applied if test architectures 2006 - 2008 are of the type 601 shown in fig6 a . to illustrate that test architectures 2006 - 2008 are of type 601 , the sis and sos of test architectures 2006 - 2008 are each labeled as si 604 and so 605 . in fig2 , a group of arrangements 2101 - 2108 for the modified test architectures 601 are shown . in comparing the group of arrangements of fig2 to that of fig7 , it is seen that arrangements 2101 - 2107 of fig2 are identical to the arrangements 7001 - 7007 of fig7 . the difference between the fig7 and 21 arrangements is that a new wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 has been added in the arrangements of fig2 . this new wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 provides for directly connecting the si 604 input and so 605 output of modified test architectures 601 , such that all wrappers 307 - 309 contained within the modified test architectures 601 may be disabled and disconnected ( bypassed ) from the serial path between so 604 and so 605 . fig2 illustrates how the output linking circuitry 603 of fig6 c is modified to allow for the new wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 . the modification involves replacing the three input multiplexer 611 of fig6 c with the four input multiplexer 2201 of fig2 and connecting the si 604 input of test architecture 601 to the fourth input of multiplexer 2201 . in addition to this modification of the output linking circuitry 603 , bypass codes for each of the test architectures 2006 - 2008 need to be added to the lir 2002 to enable selecting the wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 of fig2 in each of the test architectures 2006 - 2008 . the following description of a bypass code for test architecture 2006 is given . when the lir 2002 contains a bypass code for test architecture 2006 , it will output control on bus 2003 to input selso 2202 control to multiplexer 2201 to form the wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 between the si 604 input and so 605 output of test architecture 2006 . also when lir 2002 contains the bypass code it will disable the wrappers 307 - 309 of test architecture 2006 from responding to control bus 109 by setting their enable - 1 , 2 , 3 inputs low via bus 2003 . while test architecture 2006 is controlled to the wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 , data passes directly from its si 604 input to so 605 output during instruction and data scan operations occurring in the serial test architecture configuration 2001 of fig2 . if test architectures 2006 and 2008 are controlled to the above described wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 of fig2 while test architecture 2007 is controlled to say the 2105 arrangement of fig2 , i . e . core 2 wrapper 308 is selected , then testing or other operations can occur on the wrapper of core 2 in test architecture 2007 without having to traverse wrapper arrangements in the leading 2006 and trailing 2008 test architectures of fig2 . thus more efficient serial access is provided to the wrapper of core 2 of test architecture 2007 using the wrapper bypass arrangements 2108 in test architectures 2006 and 2008 . this increase in serial access efficiency would be even more pronounced if the example of fig2 had shown a multiplicity of serially connected test architectures preceding and following the target test architecture 2007 . while the modification to include a wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 has been described as it would apply to the type 601 test architecture of fig6 a , it is a general modification that can be applied to any of the test architectures described herein . for example , test architecture 1301 of fig1 , test architecture 1501 of fig1 , test architecture 1610 of fig1 , and test architecture 1810 of fig1 could all be modified to include the wrapper bypass arrangement described above . in test architectures that contain an embedded lir , i . e . test architectures 1501 , 1610 , and 1810 , the embedded lir would include the above described wrapper bypass codes required to select the wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 of the test architecture . including the wrapper bypass arrangement in all the above - mentioned test architectures would serve to improve the serial access efficiency when the test architectures are placed into a serial configuration 2001 as shown in fig2 . in test architectures that contain an embedded lir ( i . e . 1501 , 1610 , 1810 ), it is preferable to use the lir 1901 of fig1 as opposed to lir 801 of fig8 a , since lir 1901 allows registering the data transfers during data scan operations . by registering data scan operation transfers , any number of serially connected test architectures may be placed in the wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 and operated without having to reduce the data scan clock frequency , as described in regard to fig1 . in test architectures that do not contain an embedded lir ( i . e . 601 ), it may be necessary to insert a data resynchronization circuit ( drc ) at points along the serial path connecting multiple test architectures to maintain a desired scan clock rate through the serial path when multiple test architectures are placed in the wrapper bypass arrangement 2108 . for example , fig2 illustrates the serial connection 2301 of the multiple test architectures 2006 - 2008 of fig2 being connected together serially through drc &# 39 ; s 2302 - 2304 . taena 2313 is shown simply to indicate that serial configuration 2301 , like serial configuration 2001 , may be viewed as an embedded test architecture . as seen in fig2 , drc 2302 exists between so 605 of test architecture 2006 and the si 604 of test architecture 2007 , drc 2303 exists between so 605 of test architecture 2007 and si 604 of test architecture 2008 , and drc 2304 exists between so 605 of test architecture 2008 and the si 802 of lir 2305 . the drcs 2302 - 2304 are connected to the clock 2306 signal of control bus 109 , to allow them to operate during both instruction and data scan operations . the drcs 2302 - 2304 are also connected to bypass select signals 2307 - 2309 , respectively , from lir output control bus 2312 . the bypass select signals are signals added to the lir output control bus 2312 when drcs are used . there is one unique bypass select signal 2307 - 2308 for each drc 2302 - 2304 to allow separate control of each drc . fig2 illustrates an example drc circuit . the drc contains a flip - flop ( ff ) 2403 and a multiplexer 2402 . the drc has a si 2404 that is input to the multiplexer and ff . the output of the ff is input to the multiplexer . the multiplexer has a control input 2407 and a so 2405 . the ff has a clock input 2406 . the control inputs 2407 of drc 2302 - 2304 of fig2 are connected to the bypass select signals 2307 - 2309 respectively . the clock inputs 2406 of drcs 2302 - 2304 of fig2 are connected to control bus 109 clock signal 2306 . the sis 2404 of drcs 2302 - 2304 of fig2 are connected to the sos 605 of test architectures 2006 - 2007 respectively . the sos 2405 of drcs 2302 - 2304 of fig2 are connected to the si 604 of test architecture 2007 , the si 604 of test architecture 2008 , and si 802 of lir 2305 respectively . if lir 2305 is loaded with a bypass code for test architecture 2006 , the bypass select signal 2307 will be set cause drc 2302 to place ff 2406 between the so output of test architecture 2006 and si input of test architecture 2007 . for all other codes , bypass select will be set to cause drc 2302 to directly connect the so output of test architecture 2006 to the si input of test architecture 2007 via multiplexer 2402 . if lir 2305 is loaded with a bypass code for test architecture 2007 , the bypass select signal 2308 will be set cause drc 2303 to place a ff 2406 between the so output of test architecture 2007 and si input of test architecture 2008 . for all other codes , bypass select will be set to cause drc 2303 to directly connect the so output of test architecture 2007 to the si input of test architecture 2008 via multiplexer 2402 . if lir 2305 is loaded with a bypass code for test architecture 2008 , the bypass select signal 2309 will be set cause drc 2304 to place a ff 2406 between the so output of test architecture 2008 and si input of lir 2305 . for all other codes , bypass select will be set to cause drc 2304 to directly connect the so output of test architecture 2008 to the si input of lir 2305 via multiplexer 2402 . as can be seen from the above description of fig2 and 24 , when a test architecture is placed in the wrapper bypass arrangement , the drc associated with the so output of the test architecture is set to insert ff 2406 between its si 2404 and so 2405 . during instruction and data scan operations , this inserted ff 2406 registers the data output from the test architecture in the wrapper bypass arrangement to the si input of the next serially connected test architecture . also as can be seen from the above description of fig2 and 24 , when a test architecture is not placed in the wrapper bypass arrangement , the drc associated with the so output of the test architecture is set to form a direct path between its si 2404 and so 2405 . during instruction and data scan operations , this direct path simply passes the data from the so output of the leading test architecture to the si input of the trailing test architecture . directly connecting the so output of a test architecture not in the wrapper bypass arrangement is fine since all other selectable arrangement will include registration in the form of one of the data registers 106 - 108 described in regard to fig1 . while insertion of drc ffs 2406 and / or lir ffs 1904 in the serial path of series connected test architectures , such as fig2 , takes away from the test pattern reuse advantage 3 stated earlier in regard to fig8 and 9 , it offers the advantage of being able to operate serially connected test architectures at high clock frequencies . thus while test patterns may need to be modified when ff 2406 / 1904 bit positions are inserted in the path between serially connected test architectures , the inserted bit positions facilitate high speed clocking of the data through serially connected test architectures . while drcs in fig2 and 24 have been described as they would be used to register or pass serial test / emulation data between test architecture circuits 2007 - 2008 , it should be understood that the drcs could also be used to register or pass functional data between functional circuits as well . for example , circuits 2006 - 2007 could represent functional circuits in an ic or on a board , such as microprocessors , digital signal processors , memories , mixed signal circuits ( a / d , d / a ), or any other type of circuits that are connectable via their inputs and outputs to communicate data . using drcs , the data communicated between functional circuits could selectively be communicated in either a registered or non - registered form , as described above in regard to fig2 and 24 . although the present disclosure has been described in accordance to the embodiments shown in the figures , one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize there could be variations to these embodiments and those variations should be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure . accordingly , modifications may be made by one ordinarily skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims .
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in the following description , various specific details aimed at providing a fuller understanding of the embodiments are explained . the embodiments may be implemented without one or more of the specific details or using other methods , components , materials , etc . in other cases , known structures , materials or operations are not shown or described in detail so that various aspects of the embodiment may be understood more clearly . the reference to “ an embodiment ” in the context of this description indicates that a particular configuration , structure or feature described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment . therefore , phrases such as “ in one embodiment ”, which may occur at various points in this description , do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment . moreover , particular forms , structures or features may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments . the most common reference signs are provided solely for the sake of convenience and therefore do not define the scope of protection or ambit of the embodiments . in the figures , a device which allows a lighting source 12 to be mounted on a substrate s is denoted as a whole by 10 . in various embodiments , the substrate s may be constituted , for example , by a heat sink ( such as that shown in fig2 ) or , in general , by a support for a lighting device of which the lighting source 12 constitutes the active member . in various embodiments , the lighting source 12 has a planar general shape and is thus like a board or card ( for example a printed circuit board — pcb — for example with a rectangular shape ) including an active led module 12 a which defines the light emitting surface of said lighting source 12 . lighting sources of this type (“ light engine ”) are known in the art , for example in the solution known as chip - on - board ( cob ). in various embodiments , the device 10 may include a frame 14 , for example made of plastic material or metallic material , for example with good heat dissipation properties , implemented in such a way as to make it possible to mount the lighting source 12 by sandwiching it between the frame 14 and the substrate s . in various embodiments , the frame 14 may be fixed on the substrate s by means of fixing formations which , in various embodiments , may include ( see in particular fig5 ): a screw or rivet 18 a capable of extending from the frame 14 to engage a corresponding opening h ( for example a threaded hole ) provided on the surface of the substrate s , and a bushing 18 b fitted on the screw or rivet 18 a and acting as a guide member for a resilient member 18 c , which can be constituted , in various embodiments , by a helical spring fitted around the bushing 18 b . whichever the specific embodiment adopted ( for example , the spring 18 c could be fitted directly on the screw or rivet 18 a , or could be substituted by an equivalent resilient member , such as an elastic sleeve ), the fixing formations described make it possible for the frame 14 to be mounted on the substrate s with the possibility to regulate the force with which the frame 14 is urged toward said substrate s , thus the force with which the frame 14 urges the lighting source 12 sandwiched between the frame 14 and the substrate s against the substrate s . this result can be obtained by regulating and / or appropriately selecting the features of resilience of the resilient member , such as the spring 18 c . in various embodiments , it is moreover possible to select the thickness or height of the frame 14 such that , when it is fixed on the substrate s , the frame 14 remains at a distance from the surface of the substrate s , so that it does not make contact with the surface of the substrate s . this solution is advantageous for achieving uniform distribution of the force exerted ( according to the methods described in more detail hereinbelow ) on the lighting source 12 to make it rest on the substrate s . as can be seen more clearly in the view in fig4 ( which corresponds substantially to a view of the frame 14 observed “ from underneath ”), in various embodiments the surface or face of the frame 14 intended to be turned toward the lighting source 12 , thus toward the substrate s , may have at least one of the following features : the aforementioned surface is provided with elastic pins 14 b ( returned or formed as one piece , for example in the case in which the frame 14 is made of molded material ) which constitute elastic formations able to urge the lighting source 12 toward the substrate s , resting on said substrate , and / or the aforementioned surface of the frame 14 has in general a ribbed or finned aspect so as to promote the heat dissipation effect for the heat generated by the lighting source 12 during operation thereof . in various embodiments , the lighting source 12 may be provided with a connector 28 for the electrical connection ( power supply and possibly control and detection signals ) of the lighting source 12 . the frame 14 may then have a window 14 a such that , with the frame 14 fixed on the substrate s , the connector 28 is left exposed so as to allow the connection thereof to a power supply / control line of the lighting source 12 ( not explicitly shown in the drawings ). in various embodiments , the frame 14 has an opening 140 which , in a manner of speaking , surrounds or borders the active portion 12 a of the lighting source 12 . in various embodiments , the opening 140 may be delimited by a divergent wall 140 a which opens up like the tiers of a stadium from the lying position intended to be taken by the light emitting surface 12 a of the lighting source 12 . in various embodiments , the frame 14 may possibly be provided with spring - like fins intended to cooperate with the periphery of the lighting source 12 so as to retain the lighting source 12 on the frame 14 even when it has not ( yet ) been fixed on the substrate s . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments , it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . the scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced .
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a mems sensor device 10 is shown in fig1 in an exploded view to include two sub - assemblies 12 and 14 . an upper or membrane sub - assembly 12 includes a sio 2 membrane 16 , which may have a thickness of about 2 μm . a much thicker upper handle layer 18 surrounds the perimeter of the sio 2 membrane 16 . the upper handle layer 18 may be formed of single crystal silicon ( scs ) and may have a thickness of about 400 μm in a vertical dimension . the lower or comb drive sub - assembly 14 includes a lower handle layer 20 , which may also be formed of scs and be of similar dimension as the upper handle layer 18 . an outside perimeter of a conductive scs layer 22 is supported on the lower handle layer 20 . the conductive scs layer 22 is etched or otherwise fabricated by conventional silicon - on - insulator ( soi ) technology to form a comb drive 24 . the comb drive 24 is comprised of a stator having stator plates and a rotor having rotor plates ( see fig4 ). a lower view of the mems sensor device 10 is shown in fig2 to reveal a stub 26 situated at a central location of the membrane 16 and extending toward the comb drive 24 . fig3 a and fig3 b are sectional views of the sub - assemblies 12 , 14 of the embodiment of fig1 . fig3 a shows the two sub - assemblies 12 , 14 apart , while fig3 b shows the two sub - assemblies 12 , 14 joined . the effect of the joining of the two sub - assemblies 12 , 14 can be seen by comparing fig3 a and 3 b . in both fig3 a and 3 b , the section is taken through a rotor plate parallel to the stator plates . in fig3 a a stator portion 28 of the comb drive 24 is visible in the region of the lower handle layer 20 supporting the comb drive 24 while a movable rotor portion 30 of the comb drive 24 is visible above the lower opening provided by the handle layer 20 . as shown in fig3 b , when the two sub - assemblies 12 and 14 are joined , the stub 26 on membrane 16 contacts the movable rotor portion 30 of the comb drive 24 causing a downward displacement of the rotor portion 30 in relation to the stator portion 28 . the two sub - assemblies 12 and 14 are retained together by a sio 2 junction around the perimeter of the two sub - assemblies . when joined , the resistance to displacement provided by the flexure of supporting portions ( not shown ) of the rotor portion 30 can at least partially offset the downward force provided by the stub 26 and supporting membrane 16 so that the supporting membrane 16 can become upwardly bowed as shown . fig4 is a schematic orthogonal sectional view of the comb drive sub - assembly 14 , the section being taken perpendicularly to the sectional view provided by fig3 a and 3 b through both the stator portions 28 and rotor portions 30 . upon assembly of the two sub - assemblies 12 and 14 , the rotor portions 30 are displaced downward relative to the stator portions 28 . further displacement of the rotor portions 30 relative to the stator portions 28 can occur as a result of a displacement of the membrane 16 due to gas pressure or other forces . the displacement of the rotor portions 30 , which can result from the displacement of the membrane 16 , can cover a range of distances shown in three images on the graph shown in fig5 . as the rotor portion 30 and stator portion 28 are initially formed , they appear as in image a in fig5 . when the rotor portion 30 and stator portion 28 are displaced relative to each other they appear , more or less , as shown in image b in fig5 . as the rotor portion 30 and stator portion 28 become fully displaced relative to each other they may achieve a relative position as shown in image c in fig5 . the graph in fig5 shows the capacitance , measured in picofarads , of the parallel plates forming the comb drive 24 in the various positions of relative displacement . the greatest capacitance is , of course , exhibited when the parallel plates of the comb drive 24 have their maximum confronting area to each other as in image a , while the least capacitance is exhibited when the parallel plates of the comb drive 24 have a minimum confronting area to each other as in image c . it is important to note that over a significant range of relative displacement , the change in capacitance is linearly related to the extent of relative displacement . a mems sensor device 10 of the present disclosure uses the stub 26 on membrane 16 dimensioned to cause an initial displacement of the rotor portions 30 relative to the stator portions 28 . the dimension is selected such that any further relative displacement of the two portions of the comb drive is in the linear portion of the capacitance / displacement curve . fig6 is a schematic orthogonal view of a mems device 110 having features similar to the device 10 shown in fig1 - 4 , and including an alignment feature that ensures correct assembly of the device 110 . the mems device 110 shown in fig6 includes membrane sub - assembly 112 having a membrane 116 , with a stub 126 centrally position on the lower surface of the membrane 116 , surrounded by a much thicker upper handle layer 118 . the comb drive sub - assembly 114 includes a lower handle layer 120 in the same general manner as shown in fig1 - 4 . the perimeter portion of the two sub - assemblies 112 and 114 provide a bonding area 21 to physically secure the two sub - assemblies 112 and 114 to each other . an alignment feature comprises at least one trench or ditch 132 provided in the perimeter bonding area of one of the sub - assemblies 112 and 114 . a corresponding dimple or post feature 134 is provided in the perimeter bonding area of the other one of the sub - assemblies 112 and 114 . the trench 132 and dimple 134 can each include a shape characteristic so as to provide a unique alignment relation between the two sub - assemblies 112 and 114 . additionally , the vertical dimension of the trenches 132 and dimples 134 can be sufficient to provide a tactile sensory input to an assembler assuring correct relative alignment of the two sub - assemblies 112 and 114 . fig7 a and 7 b are schematic sectional views similar to fig3 a and fig3 b , respectively of the mems device 110 shown in fig6 during assembly . an alternative embodiment of a mems device 810 shown in fig8 - 10 includes a membrane sub - assembly 812 having a membrane 816 , with a stub 826 centrally positioned on the lower surface of the membrane 816 , surrounded by a much thicker upper handle layer 818 . a comb drive sub - assembly 814 includes a lower handle layer 820 . the perimeter portion of the two sub - assemblies 812 and 814 provide a bonding area to physically secure the sub - assemblies to each other . a comb drive 824 includes a stator portion 828 and a movable rotor portion 830 , both of which are confined within a generally circular perimeter formed by the perimeter portion of the comb drive 824 . plates forming the two portions of the comb drive 824 are shown in plan view in fig1 . the plates comprise arcuate elements positioned at spaced distances from a common center 836 , which is also the contact point of the stub 826 . one end of each of the arcuate elements is coupled to a radially extending portion of either the stator portion 828 or the movable rotor portion 830 of the comb drive 824 . the circular comb drive configuration shown in fig8 - 10 is resistant to in - plane translation and insensitive to incidental comb drive rotation during assembly . fig1 is a schematic sectional view of a mems device 1110 , which can be of any of the previously illustrated embodiments , included in packaging 1138 defining a gas pressure port 1140 opposing a mems membrane 1116 . although shown opposing the mems membrane 116 , the port 1140 need not oppose the mems membrane 116 in all embodiments . the packaging 1138 preferably defines a fluid impervious environment for the mems device 1110 , except for the port 1140 . the material characteristics of the packaging 1138 can be chosen based on the expected environment for the device 1110 . fig1 illustrates in block form an experimental assembly 1242 for evaluating the performance of a mems device , such as mems device 10 of fig1 , in relation to gas pressure . the experimental assembly 1242 includes a micro probe station 1244 designed to receive the mems device in a controlled environmental chamber 1246 . the environmental chamber 1246 can be coupled to a vacuum pump , not shown , for reducing the gas pressure experienced by the mems device . a pressure sensor 1248 can be coupled to the environmental chamber 1246 to measure the pressure within the environmental chamber 1246 . an output of the pressure sensor 1248 can be coupled to a pressure controller 1250 , which is in turn coupled to a gas flow / pressure regulator 1252 . the gas flow / pressure regulator 1252 can be coupled to a source of gas , such as a nitrogen container , not shown . the gas flow / pressure regulator 1252 can , in response to signals provided by the pressure controller 1250 , admit a flow of a desired gas to exert pressure on the membrane of the mems device being evaluated within the controlled environmental chamber 1246 . the mechanical performance determined from the measured electrical characteristics of the mems device 1210 can be tracked by suitable metering equipment 1254 , such as an hp ™ model 4284 lcr meter . in one example of the electro micro - metrology method , width can be measured in terms of changes in capacitance , w ( δc ); and the uncertainty in width can be measured by multiplying the uncertainty in capacitance by the sensitivity in width to capacitance , ∂ c ×(∂ w /∂ δc ). while the sensitivity is typically large , ˜ 10 8 m / f , the uncertainty in capacitance is ˜ 10 − 18 f or smaller . hence , the uncertainty in width is on the order of an angstrom . a comb drive microstructure can be fabricated to intentionally include two unequal gap - stops , gap 1 and gap 2 . the two intentionally unequal gaps provide a structure that allows one to eliminate from consideration unknown geometric and material properties . by measuring the change in capacitance required to close the two gaps with an applied voltage , one can obtain the structure &# 39 ; s geometry , electrostatic force , and system stiffness as follows . the measured change in capacitance required to traverse each gap , δc 1 , and δc 2 , may be respectively expressed as : δc 1 = 2nβεh gap 1 / g = 2nβεh ( gap 1 , layout + δgap )/ g , and δc 2 = 2nβεh gap 2 / g = 2nβεh ( gap 2 , layout + δgap )/ g , where n is the number of comb fingers in the comb drive microstructure , ε is the unknown permittivity of the medium , h is the unknown layer thickness of the microstructure , g is the unknown gap distance between comb fingers , β is the unknown electrostatic fringing field factor , and δgap is the unknown difference in gap - stop size between the intended design layout and actual fabrication . a layout parameter n is chosen such that gap 1 , layout ≠ gap 2 , layout = n gap 1 , layout . taking the ratio δc 1 / δc 2 of the above expressions yields δgap = gap 1 , layout ( n δc 1 / δc 2 − 1 )/( δc 1 / δc 2 − 1 ). for isotropic fabrication processes within close proximity , δgap is locally consistent and provides a measure for all planar geometries of the structure . that is , fabricated gaps are gap layout + δgap , flexure widths are width layout − δgap , flexure lengths are length + δgap , etc . another unique attribute of the electro micro - metrology method is the ability to directly quantify the uncertainty of measurement . the uncertainties in the measured capacitance ∂ c and voltage ∂ v , i . e . order of readout resolution due to an accumulation of noise sources , yield corresponding uncertainties in mechanical properties . that is , by replacing all instances of capacitance and voltage with δc ±∂ c and ∂ v ±∂ v in the above expressions , multivariate taylor expansions about the electrical uncertainties yield mechanical uncertainties as the first order terms of the form x i ( δc )∂ c for uncertainty in displacement , f 1 ( δc , v )∂ c ± f 2 ( δc , v )∂ v for the uncertainty in force , and k 1 ( δc , v )∂ c ± k 2 ( δc , v )∂ v for uncertainty in stiffness . additionally , the electro micro - metrology method can also be used to effectively select the system stiffness for a mems device to be a particular amount of n / m . the change in capacitance can be used to measure the fabricated geometry , the comb drive force , mechanical stiffness , and displacement . specifically , the electro micro - metrology comb drive force is given by f e = ½ψv 2 , the stiffness is given by km = ½ψ 2 v 2 / δc , and the displacement x = δc / ψ , where ψ = δc gap / gap , which is the comb drive constant . the electro micro - metrology method can be used for an autonomous self - calibrated temperature sensor 1300 having a linear response curve . in this application , changes in electrical capacitance are used to sense thermally - induced vibrations or static deformations . a resonator 1302 shown in fig1 can incorporate a fixed - fixed active or passive resonator 1302 for measuring planar oscillation frequencies . the fixed - fixed oscillator experiences a change in resonance frequency due to thermal expansion . the change in resonance frequency is significant due to the fixed - fixed configuration . after system mass and stiffness are determined by the electro micro - metrology method , measurement of resonant frequency is used to determine temperature by the change in stiffness due to thermal expansion of the fixed - fixed oscillator . this resonator 1302 may be driven actively by applying a suitable oscillating voltage for large displacement amplitudes , or the resonator 1302 may be driven passively due to thermally - induced vibrations at the expense of much smaller amplitudes . the resonator 1400 shown in fig1 incorporates a “ chevron ” electro - thermal actuator for measuring planar deflections . static thermal expansion of the chevron actuator is used to deflect the differential comb drive . the chevron actuator consists of one or more angled flexures to create a preferential magnified deflection . more flexures can be used to increase stiffness and to reduce thermal noise . such an electro micro - metrology based approach allows the performance and design space to be pushed to achieve maximum thermal sensitivity . that is , capacitance is the most precise mode of measurement to date . for example , a change in capacitance on the order of zeptofarads ( 10 − 12 f ) correlates to a comb drive displacement on the order of 10 − 13 m . it is well known that the relationship between stiffness and temperature is given by : ( ½ ) k ( x 2 )=( ½ ) k b t , where k is the stiffness , x is the amplitude of vibration , k b is boltzmann &# 39 ; s constant , and t is the temperature . however , unlike the previous efforts of others , by using electro micro - metrology methods one is able to determine accurate and precise measurements of stiffness and displacement , which can be used to measure the absolute temperature t . the electro micro - metrology methods render the use of any external reference temperature standard unnecessary .
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the present disclosure is directed to an ecu configured to limit operation of a vehicle under certain predefined operating conditions . the present disclosure can be used with vehicles or with other equipment such as appliances , heavy machinery , or any other suitable equipment . for purposes of explanation , however , the present disclosure will reference vehicles for conciseness and to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure . the ecu can monitor a vehicle parameter , such as engine operation time , fuel consumption , speed , or distance traveled , and if the parameter exceeds a certain limit , the vehicle is permitted to operate only in a limited capacity . the ecu will continue to limit the operation of the vehicle until an unlocking code is entered . for example , a vehicle can be operated by a dealer and by potential customers for a certain time ( e . g ., 5 engine hours ) before the ecu initiates operation limits . after reaching the prescribed parameter limit , the ecu limits operation of the vehicle to within certain prescribed parameters , such as by limiting the engine speed ( rpm ) or the ground speed of the vehicle , or any other suitable parameter . fig1 is a schematic illustration of an ecu system 10 according to embodiments of the present disclosure . the system 10 can include a vehicle 12 , an ecu 14 , a remote component 16 , and a registration component 18 . the vehicle 12 can be any suitable vehicle , such as a recreational off - road vehicle (“ rov ”), a snowmobile , a motorcycle , an automobile , or any other equipment . the ecu 14 can comprise a vehicle monitoring component 14 a and a limiter 14 b . the ecu 14 can be part of the main ecu of the vehicle or can be built directly into a gauge of the vehicle . the ecu 14 , for purposes of this invention , can be anything with a processor to control or influence a vehicle parameter , such as fuel use , rpm , etc . the ecu may be coupled with the main control unit of the vehicle or may be separate . the vehicle monitoring component 14 a can be operably coupled to systems of the vehicle 12 , such as the fuel injection system , the exhaust system , the electronic system , the drive train , the internal instruments of the vehicle , or any other suitable vehicle system . the vehicle monitoring component 14 a can monitor vehicle parameters of these vehicle systems using any suitable sensing mechanism . the vehicle monitoring component 14 a can monitor a multitude of measurable vehicle parameters , such as a location of the vehicle , fuel consumption , fuel type used , exhaust parameters , power output , speed , acceleration , identity of a driver or passenger , a load on the vehicle , distance traveled , or terrain type . the limiter 14 b can be operably coupled to the vehicle monitoring component 14 a to send and / or receive instructions to / from the vehicle monitoring component 14 a . the limiter 14 b can also be coupled to vehicle systems in a manner that permits the limiter 14 b to influence the vehicle systems . for example , the limiter 14 b can be coupled to an electronic fuel injection system of the vehicle 10 to limit fuel injection parameters to limit the vehicle 10 as needed . the limiter 14 b can be coupled to any suitable vehicle system , such as the fuel system , the exhaust system , engine parameters ( e . g ., speed , position , or rpm of various components ), or any other suitable vehicle system . the limiter 14 b can limit operation of the vehicle 10 to within a prescribed limit according to the vehicle monitoring component 14 a . for example , the limiter 14 b can prevent the engine from starting , limit rpms of the engine , limit the top speed of the vehicle , limit load on the engine , limit the distance the vehicle is permitted to travel , limit the power or torque output of the vehicle , limit the fuel consumed by the vehicle , or any other suitable vehicle operation limit . the remote component 16 can communicate with the ecu 14 to direct the ecu 14 to place limits on the vehicle 12 or to withdraw the limits . the remote component 16 can be an electronic unit that can plug into the vehicle 12 or into the ecu 14 directly to operate the ecu 14 , such as a diagnostic tool or another suitable electronic device . in some embodiments , the remote component 16 can communicate with the ecu 14 ( or a selected component thereof ) wirelessly using a controller area network (“ can ”), wi - fi , bluetooth ™ or another suitable wireless communication protocol . the remote component 16 can communicate with a registration component 18 to record information regarding the status of the vehicle 10 and of the ecu 14 . in an example , the registration component 18 can be a server or another computing unit that can store registration information for the vehicle 12 . the registration component 18 can store registration information such as purchaser name , address , financing , contact information , etc . the remote component 16 can be operated by a dealership where the vehicle 12 is sold . the ecu 14 can be programmed to permit the vehicle 12 to operate without limitations for an initial period , such as 5 engine hours , or 50 miles , or any other suitable initial period . this permits the dealer to demonstrate the vehicle 12 to customers without limitation . after the initial period , however , the ecu 14 will trigger the operation limits to encourage the dealer and / or purchaser to register the vehicle 12 with the registration component 18 . in some embodiments , the ecu 14 can delay the limits until a current trip is over to avoid causing the vehicle to become stranded . for example , if the limiter is configured to prevent the vehicle 12 from operating at all , the ecu 14 can be programmed with a grace period so that if a purchaser is out on a test ride , the vehicle 12 will not simply shut down immediately . rather , the vehicle 12 can display a warning that the time has passed , and that the vehicle 12 should now return to the dealership or be properly registered . after a certain time , however , the limitations can escalate to prevent a user from skirting the protections of the ecu 14 by simply running the vehicle 12 indefinitely . the limiter 14 b can institute a series of limits that can escalate in intensity as the engine time is progressively exceeded by greater and greater margins . for example , the limiter 14 b may first issue a notification only , with no actual limit placed on the operation of the vehicle . then , if the vehicle 12 is not registered and the ecu 14 is not properly deactivated , the limiter 14 b can limit the rpms slightly . if still more time passes without the ecu 14 being properly deactivated , the limiter 14 b can more severely limit the vehicle 12 . each vehicle 12 can have a unique identifier that can be sent to the registration component 18 . in response , the registration component 18 can deliver an unlock code to the remote component 16 . once registration is complete , the unlocking code can be entered into the ecu 14 to remove the vehicle limitations . in some embodiment , the registration component 18 can be a web server that can be accessed through a standard web browser that can receive the vehicle identification credentials and can respond with an unlocking code for the ecu 14 . a diagnostic tool can be used to remove the vehicle limitations . the system 10 therefore encourages proper registration of the vehicle 10 to prevent warranty fraud and theft . fig2 illustrates a keypad 20 on a gauge of a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure . the keypad 20 can include a first button 22 , a second button 24 , and an electronic display 26 . in some embodiments , the display 26 can show an error code when the limiter is engaged . the error code can be verbose and spell out in prose that the vehicle has a limiter that has been engaged because the vehicle has not been registered properly . or , the display 26 can show a numeric code that is correlated with a message describing the limiter and the circumstances that is included with documentation such as an owner &# 39 ; s manual . the buttons 22 , 24 can be used to input the unlock code . virtually any other type of input mechanism or user interface can be used to input the unlock code to the vehicle . fig3 is a flow chart of a method 300 of selectively limiting a vehicle according to embodiments of the present invention . the method begins at step 310 , after which the method includes monitoring engine time 320 . this can be achieved with a vehicle monitoring component 14 a as described above . in other embodiments , this step can include monitoring any other suitable parameter including those listed elsewhere herein . at step 330 , the method includes checking whether or not the engine time has exceeded a predetermined threshold . the threshold can be any arbitrary time period , such as 5 engine hours , 10 engine hours , etc . the threshold can be an absolute time threshold independent of engine status . the check in this step relates to the parameter monitored in step 320 . in other embodiments in which the parameter monitored at step 320 is something other than engine time , the check at step 330 can check for that parameter . for example , if the parameter of step 320 is to monitor fuel consumption , then the check in step 330 can be whether or not the fuel consumption has exceeded a predetermined threshold limit . if the check at step 330 is affirmative , control passes back to step 320 to continue monitoring . in other embodiments , the method can cease after this step if a one - time check is desired . if the check is negative , meaning that the engine time threshold has been exceeded , the method includes limiting the vehicle at step 340 . the limit placed on the vehicle can be any suitable limit including those described elsewhere herein , such as a vehicle speed limit , engine operation limit , travel distance limit , fuel consumption limit , or any other suitable limit . in some embodiments the method can include multiple checks similar to the check at step 330 . each check can have a corresponding threshold and a similarly corresponding limit to impose . these checks and limits can be executed independently , or in series . for example , two independent checks can be performed on fuel consumption and engine time . these parameters may be related , but are generally independent . the limit imposed by exceeding either of these thresholds can be the same limit , or can be separate independent limits . for example , the limit imposed by exceeding the engine time limit may be preventing the engine to run , and the limit imposed by exceeding the fuel consumption limit may be something different , such as a speed limit . the severity of the limit imposed can be increased as each threshold is exceeded . in some embodiments , for example , for each monitored parameter in which a prescribed threshold is exceeded , the speed of the vehicle can be limited to a greater degree , such as 60 mph for the first threshold , 50 mph for the second , 40 for the third , and so on . the method can further include a periodic check of whether or not an unlock code has been received at step 350 . if the unlock code has not been received , the limits continue at step 340 . when the unlock code is received , the limits can be removed at step 360 . there may be multiple unlock codes for each vehicle , each of which can unlock all or part of the limits placed on the vehicle . while the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described , as noted above , many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . accordingly , the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiments . instead , the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow .
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fig1 shows in block diagram form , the apparatus of a preferred embodiment of the invention . such apparatus comprises a the host processor 10 which handles input signals representing one or more selected parameters ( such as notes being played ) from a keyboard port 16 , front panel port 18 , and / or the musical instrument digital interface ( midi ) link 20 , and creates a list of notes . the apparatus then processes these notes using information contained in an internal sound modelling rom 12 ( which may be supplemented by one or more external complementary rom ( s ) 30 of the same type ), to produce the list of partials required to produce the sounds requested by the player . these partials are then allocated from an available pool of 240 . amplitude envelopes are also produced by the host processor 10 according to the list of envelope segments also contained in rom 22 ( or 30 ). durations for each segment are timed by an event timer module 24 and attack / decay rates are handled automatically by the engine 14 , for the duration of each note . by judicious use of this automatic envelope generation feature , host processor 10 overhead can be minimized . at the end of the note , all partials are returned to the pool . the host processor 10 directly controls three memory arrays . these are the program rom 26 , the sound modelling rom 22 , and scratchpad ram 28 which provide for multiply , typically 7 - 8 basic voices ( e . g ., a grand piano , rhodes , b3 , and other instruments ). the additional sound modelling rom ( s ) 30 can be added in interchangeable modules , allowing additional voices for the instrument . scratchpad ram 28 is divided up into two parts : a nonvolatile ram ( battery backup ) for storing keyboard and panel setups , and a scratchpad ram which may also have battery backup . resident rom 26 typically comprises sixty four kbytes of stored data for sound modelling use , to support the installed voices , and thirty two k - bytes for program use . all peripherals are memory mapped . functionally , the operating software of the apparatus has five basic tasks to address . first , it must service requests for notes to be played , whether received from the keyboard 16 or the midi link 20 . secondly , it must assemble ( from the currently selected sound model resident in the host processor &# 39 ; s sound moddeling rom ) a list of partials and their associated amplitude envelopes necessary to create that note . third , it must allocate these partials from the engine &# 39 ; s 14 free pool of 240 , diverting partials from other notes whose decays have nearly finished if need be . this is accomplished by writing the appropriate data in the partial descriptors maintained in the engine parameter store . fourth , it must then maintain the envelopes for all current partials by updating the attack / decay values in real time , as required by the currently selected notes . it is aided in this task by the event timer 14 , allowing it to set up an interrupt for the host processor 10 for some future time . finally , it provides for self - test functions . data flows are over a data bus 44 with appropriate buffers ( e . g . 44b , interface chip 42 , or other interface equipment ) sample data line 184 , read / write address line 46 . the engine 14 constitutes a dedicated high - speed digital additive synthesizer , which automates the processes of sine - wave generation , scaling , and envelope generation , allowing high performance with minimal host processor intervention and minimum cost . the engine is made up of two partial control ( pcc ) vlsi chips 32 , 33 one data path vlsi chip ( dpc ) 36 and a 16 - bit linear digital to analog converter ( dac ) 38 ( typically a burr - brown pcm 53jpv 16 - bit dac ) and its associated analog filter circuitry 40 -- specifically an anti - alias or anti - image filter comprising typically a ninth order low pass filter . the engine produces a 16 - bit sound sample once overy 51 . 2 , us , for an overall sample rate of 19 . 53125 khz . this allows , approximately , an 8 . 4 khz output bandwidth after anti - image filtering . the engine produces each sample by summing up the values of 240 partials , each of which is a separate sampled sine wave of arbitrarily programmable frequency , magnitude , and relative phase . the four coefficients required to control each of these partials are stored in the logical engine parameter store , which is mapped into ram arrays contained in the two ppcs by the interface chip ( ifc ) 42 . wave generation is handled by stepping a pointer through a rom containing a single quarter - cycle of a sine wave . this pointer is maintained automatically for each partial by pcc 32 which will hereafter be referred to as the phase pcc . it contains ram arrays which accomodate the 240 16 - bit phase pointers and the 240 16 - bit frequency control values . each partial &# 39 ; s phase pointer is incremented by the frequency control value once per sample cycle , and the resulting new pointer is handled to the dpc for processing . a pointer is used to facilitate a table look up in the dpc as noted below . thus , the larger the frequency constant , the fewer cycles required to step through the sine wave rom and the higher the resultant frequency . amplitude envelope generation is handled by pcc # 2 , i . e . item 34 , also referred to as the amplitude pcc . the amplitude pcc 34 contains ram arrays for the 240 current amplitude values and the 240 attack / decay increments . values for the current amplitude of each partial are derived in a similar manner to that used for the phase pointers , and handed to the dpc for processing . the dpc 36 takes in the phase and amplitude values , and performs the sine wave lookup and scaling functions on each partial . it also accumulates the final output sample , and provides stable data to the dac 38 for conversion via its sample bus . fig2 shows a pcc chip in detail . each pcc 32 , 34 has as input the bidirectional engine data bus 44 , the buffered host processor address bus 46 ( see fig1 ), and the interface control signals 48 ( including interface handshaking and global synch ) and address bus 48a . the master / slave pin 45 allows the pcc to be tailored for the different jobs when master phase pcc and when slave amplitude pcc . each contains two times 240 ( i . e . 480 ) 16 - bit words of ram ( 58 , 60 ) address multiplexing 54 and decoding logic 56 , a 16 - bit adder 66 , a programmable arithmetic clipper network 68 at the adder &# 39 ; s output and control logic 62 . they also contain a partial ( sync address counter ) section 52 , used to maintain synchronization between both pccs and the dpc . when in the master mode the pcc functions as the wave generator by enabling the ram 58 to contain the frequency data , and ram 60 to contain the phase data . correspondingly in the slave mode ram 58 contains the attack / decay , and ram 60 the amplitude information . the arithmetic clipper is allowed to wrap around when overflowing or underflowing during wave generation since wave generation is cyclical containing positive and negative values . however , during amplitude generation the clipper 68 is constrained to stop at its maximum count ( ffff in hex notation ) and at its minimum count ( 0000 in hex notation ) the dpc 38 is responsible for taking in the phase and amplitude information generated for each partial by the pccs , performing the sine wave lookup and scaling required , accumulating the final sixteen - bit sample , and presenting it to the dac 38 . it inputs the data from pcc 32 and pcc 34 bus and a sync signal from pcc 32 which synchronizes the engine 14 , and produces a data result containing all the audio information desired by the player . due to the nature of the processing that it performs , it is a highly pipelined configuration . normally , the process of scaling a given partial value by an amplitude value requires a multiplication . however , due to the cost and complexity of performing a fast sixteen bit by sixteen bit multiplication these operations occur in the log - base two domain . here , the multiply becomes an add , followed by a lookup in an antilog table . the data provided by the amplitude pcc 34 is also in the log - base two domain , which yields piecewise - exponential envelopes . this is preferable , as the human hearing mechanism is logarithmic in nature . fig3 shows the dpc 36 in detail . phase data is input via the engine data bus 100 and latched in the phase data latch 104 . since the phase data , as noted above , as in the log - base two conversion is accomplished by a look up table for the log in logsine rom 108 . the phase data is used as a pointer or address . the amplitude data also is input via the engine data bus 100 and latched in the amplitude data latch 102 . after the log - base two conversion is complete the amplitude value and the phase value , both in log - base two form are input to the adder 119 . the added logarithms represent the linear multiplication of amplitude and waveform discussed previously . since the dpc is a pipelined design it is required that the amplitude and waveform information are added in synchronism , requiring that the clocking delays in the path from the amplitude data latch 102 and the phase data latch 104 be equal . between the amplitude data latch 102 and the adder 119 there are three clock delay latches 112 . there are three clock delay latch equivalents from the phase latch 104 to the adder 119 through the log sine generator 108 . in the log sine generator ( shown in fig4 ), storage locations are reduced by exploiting the symmetry of a sine wave . the sine wave portion from 0 ° to 180 ° is identical to the portion from 180 ° to 360 ° bit for the sign . hence , the most significant bits of the sixteen - bit output from the phase data latch 104 are sent directly to the scaling shift comparator 132 , shown in fig6 to control the sign of the resulting waveform . for the purposes of this description the most significant bit ( msb ) is bit 15 and the least significant bit is 0 . the msb travels through eight clock delay latches 122 , 146 ( shown in fig9 ), to maintain synchronism with the other conversions . the sine wave symmetry from 0 ° to 180 ° is also exploited to reduce storage required . here the sine wave from 0 ° to 90 ° is a mirror image of the portion from 90 ° to 180 °. the result is that only 1 / 4 of the sine wave need be stored . the values stored are calculated by dividing the 0 °- 90 ° range into , typically , 4096 parts and storing in the rom the sine function at each interval &# 39 ; s center . fig5 illustrates this process . starting at 0 ° the sine 0 °= 0 , as the sine wave is traversed from 0 ° to 90 ° the values v 1 , v 2 and 1 are generated for the phase angles x 1 , x 2 , 3 and 90 °, respectively . now as the sine wave is traversed from 90 ° to x 3 , x 4 , and finally 180 ° bit 14 through the or array 107 causes in effect the sine wave to be traversed from 90 ° back to 0 ° and the values v 2 , v 1 and 0 , are generated for the phase angles x 3 , x 4 , and 0 , which are the correct values due to the mirror image summetry of the sine wave from 0 ° to 90 ° and 90 ° to 180 °. the msb , bit 15 , of the data from the phase data latch 104 , provides the negative sign as the sine wave is traversed from 180 ° to 360 ° and bit 14 controls the generation from 180 ° to 270 °, and then bit 14 reverses the generation from 270 ° to 360 °. the result is that only 1 / 4 of sine wave is stored in rom . fig4 shows in detail the log sine generator 108 . only fifteen bits are input to an exclusive or array 107 . bit &# 34 ; 14 &# 34 ;, called the quadrature bit since it determines which quadrant 0 ° to 90 ° or 90 + to 180 ° is being used to generate the log sine wave . the operation of the or array 107 and bit 14 is to reverse the order of the access to the stored values in the rom 110 and the difference rom 114 . the actual values for the sine wave stored in two read only memories , log sine rom 110 and difference rom 114 . both these rom &# 39 ; s are addressed by the most significant eight bits from the or - array 104 , so each has 256 locations . the log sine rom 110 contains values , each fifteen bits , representing 256 positions of a sine wave from 0 ° to 90 °. the difference rom 114 contains values , each eight bits , representing the difference between successive values from the log sine rom 110 . the value from the difference rom 114 is multiplied by the bits &# 34 ; 2 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 3 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 4 &# 34 ;, and &# 34 ; 5 &# 34 ; from the or - array 107 by the parallel multiplier 116 producing a twelve bit product . the effect is to scale the difference value by the least significant bits from the or - array 107 , thereby generating an interpolation between values in the log sine rom 110 . this scaled difference value output from the parallel multiplier 116 is delayed by the clock delay latch 117 to synchronize it with the delay of the data through the clock delay latch 109 and the log sine rom 110 . the scaled difference is then added to the value from the log sine rom by adder 118 resulting in a sixteen bit value which is delayed by the clock delay latch 121 , again for synchronization , and is added to the amplitude data by adder 119 . the effect of the configuration shown in fig4 provides values for producing a sine wave with a resolution approaching that achieved by a single 4096 word by sixteen bit rom . the clip network 120 causes overflow to be clamped at fff in hex notation if overflow occurs . the inverse log function is formed similarly to the formation of the log sine shown in fig5 . the sixteen - bit value from the clip network 120 is delayed by the clock delay latch 121 and input to the inverse log rom 125 . fig6 details the inverse log rom 125 . the most significant 4 bits &# 34 ; 12 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 13 &# 34 ;, &# 34 ; 14 &# 34 ; and &# 34 ; 15 &# 34 ; are delayed and input to a scaling shifter 132 causing a possible 16 bit shift to a larger value depending upon the contents of the 4 most significant bits . the delayed sign bit , the msb for the phase data latch 104 , in fig3 is input to the scaling shifter 132 changing the sign of the resulting output from the scaling shifter . the operation of the inverse log rom 124 , difference rom 126 , and parallel multiplier 128 , adder 130 and the clock delay latches are identical to that described previously in the log sine rom 108 in fig4 . referring back to fig3 and to fig7 , 8a , 8b and 9 , the sum of all the possible 240 scaled partials , that is partials including amplitude envelopes , occurs at adder 134 and the accumulator 138 and is latched in the sample register 136 . signals from the bus interface logic 106 control proper operation within the dpc ensuring proper synchronization and prevention of spurious values from being entered into the sample register 136 . the sum of the scaled partials is 24 bits wide , however , the 4 msb &# 39 ; s are used in intermediate summing but , essentially , are in final output , and only twenty bits are input to the clipper 140 . the clipper 140 outputs the sixteen most significant of the 20 bits and clamps the maximum value to ffff in hex notation and the minimum value to 0000 in hex notation when over and underflow occurs . the four msb &# 39 ; s from the scaled partials from adder 134 , are logically used by clipper 140 to determine overflow and underflow and to cause the clipper 140 to clamp its output . the loss of the four msb &# 39 ; s during very loud passages is not a problem but the loss of the four lsb &# 39 ; s during very quiet passages in the present invention uses a technique of oversampling in conjunction with a modulo - sum dither to lower quantization noise . the four lsb &# 39 ; s output from the sample register 136 is input to adder 142 , the adder 142 output is accumulated at four times the rate that sample sums are accumulated in the modulo - sum dither ( msd ) accumulator 144 . carry out 143 controls a one bit dac component 172 of dac system 38 ( fig8 ) implemented as a transistor and resistor whose output carries the average energy in the four lsb &# 39 ; s of the original sample and this energy is summed with the output of the 16 bit dac component 170 of dac system 38 in the analog domain , by analog adder 171 and sample and hold circuit 176 . the analog signal is processed by an anti - aliasing filter producing a signal for use , for example , by an audio amplifier driving speakers . characterization of a note being played includes not only a list of partials and an amplitude envelope , but a frequency or pitch envelope . &# 34 ; pitch &# 34 ; denotes frequency on a logarithmic scale ( corresponding to human perception ). as an aid to the software &# 39 ; s computation of frequencies ( corresponding to pitches ) the pitch processor hardware diagrammed in fig8 a is provided . the software must operate in the domain of logarithmically spaced pitches . the hardware comprises a log - to - linear converter for converting logarithmic pitch to linear frequency . fig8 a shows the handling of the conversion pursuant to the formula for f below and referring to the fig8 b showing of a pitch value . ten bits ( p2 ) are latched by digital latch 206 from the cpu bus as determined from the sound moddeling rom 22 , and simultaneously four bits ( p1 ) are loaded into a four bit counter 202 . p2 is a base 2 - log mantissa controlling table look up and p1 is an integer base 2 - log characteristic corresponding to a bit shift right . where p is relative pitch in units of 1 / 2048 octave on a scale where zero is d9 and increasing values correspond to decreasing frequency and where f and fo are in the engine &# 39 ; s units of frequency ( 5 × 10 6 / 2 24 , i . e ., approximately 0 . 29 hz per unit ), fo being 9397 . 273 hz corresponding to 31532 of engine units . the control logic guides the look up of the 10 bit mantissa from register 206 into the rom 208 yielding a 16 bit frequency result on the pitch processor bus 216 . this result is put on the bus 8 bits at a time loading sequentially into 8 bit shift registers 212 and 214 . once this is done the control object guides the bit shift right of the two registers , together , according to the count held in counter 202 . the shifted number is retained in the shift register for later reads by the cpu on the cpu buss through buffer 215 . the dpc also has a duplicate of the sync counters contained in the pcc &# 39 ; s and is able track of &# 34 ; dummy &# 34 ; partials by monitoring the global sync signal . this prevents spurious 1 / 10 transactions from being interpreted as valid partial data . the one - bit modulo sum dither dac is driven by modulo - sum dither logic imbedded in the dpc . this logic takes the unused four lsbs of the output sample and sends it to the modulo - sum accumulator , a four - bit accumulator operating at four times the sample clock rate . ( see fig3 - 6 ). when the accumulators &# 39 ; carry out is set , corresponding to one lsb at the main dac , the one - bit dac is turned on . this causes the energy represented by the four lsbs to make its way into the final output . this has the effect of decreasing the noise present in the audible portion of the spectrum while increasing it in the 20 - 40 khz range , where it will be easily taken care of by the anti - imaging filter . referring now to fig1 there is shown an embodiment of the invention comprising at 300 , input means such as a keyboard , musical instrument digital interface or the like ; at 302 a host processor incorporating a motorola 68000 chip and related program rom , ram , timers and rom for installed sounds ( see fig1 ) an interconnection device between the 16 bit bus and the 8 bit bus ; at 304 , 306 , 308 , 310 , memory devices for , respectively , providing stored information of sine wave partials &# 39 ; phase ( 304 ), frequency ( 306 ), log of amplitude ( 308 ) and log of attack / decay rate data ( 310 ) in stored addresses corresponding ( for 304 and 306 ) to eventual , log - sin , look - up table usage at rom 322 . the data output of 304 and 306 are added at 312 , of 308 and 310 at 314 . the output of 312 , processed via log - sin noise rom 322 , and 314 is added at 316 to provide a sum for inverse log , at rom 324 . a combinatorial logic unit is provided at 326 to control the address complementing unit ( folder ) 327 which comprements addresses for second and fourth quadrants of sine wave cycles but does no complementing for noise partials . the adding is done by summing gate arrays 312 ( a ) and 314 ( b ) and that sum is processed via similar gate array adders 316 ( c ) and 318 ( d ) to a digtial analog converter ( dac ) 320 . the adders ( b ) ( c ) are clipped at over / under range and modulo sum dither is applied to the end product ( out of ( d ) analogously to the system described above for the fig1 - 10 embodiment ; d &# 39 ; s output modification involves 1 &# 39 ; s complements adding . the form of clipping at ( b ) is sticking at max / min values while underflow is used at ( c ). the added sine wave partials converted to an analog output of the dac is processed via conventional per se sample / hold ( s / h ), filter ( fltr ), buffer ( bf ) equipment to headphone or other terminals ( tl ) and amplifier ( amp ) and / or speaker ( spkr ) components . the logarithmic information is stored in a base - 2 log convention to match oscillator frequency , sound range and computational needs . while the above structure comprises the sound system for numerous voices , piano range is significantly provided with 32 kilobytes of stored information , compared to multi - megabyte order of magnitude storage for other synthesizers . piano - like random noise is imposed by a noise rom 322 comprising two interleafed spectral sets of random noise ; each set may be associated , selectively , with a particular partial . the noise spectra are originally obtained as random number sets . fourier transforms are obtained , modified to match or nearly match desired noise spectra . then inverses of such modified transforms are derived to provide time domain information at 223 . fig1 - 14 show the truncation or other structuring of 16 bit words using or ignoring specific end bits to leave a ( 10 to 16 bit ) core of information used . bit 15 is taken for sign information before ( a ) and bit 14 of the same word is taken for quadrant selection , the remaining 14 bits going to the log - sin rom 322 . a clipped output amplitude level to the dac 320 is established by a combined dither and clip hardware / software including the adder 318 and accumulator elements x1 , x2 thereof , a 2 : 1 mux unit 330 , holding register 330 - 1 , and the modulo sum dither unit ( msd ), as described above in connection with fig7 above . a baseline digital offset of minus ( hexadecimal ) 0801 from mid - range is used to avoid operation at the non linear cross - over point of the dac . a pitch processing unit 332 , as described above enables the user &# 39 ; s input via input means 300 and cpu 302 to call desired pitch information i . e ., determining linear frequency increments ( eventually to be fed to frequency processing ram 306 from cpu 302 ). it will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments , improvements , details , and uses can be made consistent with the letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure and within the scope of this patent , which is limited only by the following claims , construed in accordance with the patent law , including the doctrine of equivalents .
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fig1 illustrates a conventional modern upwind wind turbine 2 according to the so - called “ danish concept ” with a tower 4 , a nacelle 6 and a rotor with a substantially horizontal rotor shaft . the rotor includes a hub 8 and three blades 10 extending radially from the hub 8 , each having a blade root 16 nearest the hub 8 and a blade tip 14 furthest from the hub 8 . fig2 illustrates a conventional wind turbine blade 20 , which conventionally is manufactured either in one piece or in two pieces , where each of the two pieces has the same length in the longitudinal direction l as a wind turbine blade assembled by the two pieces . fig3 illustrates a manufacturing line 30 with a first work station 31 and a second work station 32 , a first mould 40 is located at the first work station 31 and a second mould 50 is located at the second work station 32 . the first mould 40 comprises a first mould part 41 comprising a first mould cavity 42 , the first mould cavity 42 corresponds to the envelope of the lower side of a wind turbine blade , e . g . the suction side of the blade , and a second mould part 43 having a second mould cavity 44 corresponding to the envelope of the upper side of a wind turbine blade , e . g . the pressure side of the blade . the second mould correspondingly comprises a first mould part 51 comprising a first mould cavity 52 , the first mould cavity 52 corresponds to the envelope of the lower side of a wind turbine blade , e . g . the suction side of the blade , and a second mould part 53 having a second mould cavity 54 corresponding to the envelope of the upper side of a wind turbine blade , e . g . the pressure side of the blade . a rail means 34 is extending from the first work station 31 to the second work station 32 . the rail means 34 has a length that at least equals the length of the first mould 40 , the second mould 50 and a longitudinal distance between the first mould 40 and the second mould 50 . hereby , a gantry means 35 movable mounted on the rail means 34 can sweep the first mould 40 in the first work station 31 and the second mould 50 in the second work station 32 and can furthermore move from the first work station 31 to the second work station 32 . the gantry means is preferably used for arranging fibre reinforcement material in the first 41 and second mould part 43 of the first mould 40 at the first work station 31 whereafter the gantry means 35 is moved to the second work station 32 , where the gantry means 35 is used for arranging fibre reinforcement material in the first 51 and second mould part 53 of the second mould 50 . the arranging of fibre reinforcement material in the separate mould parts 51 , 53 of the second mould 50 is identical or at least substantially similar to the arranging of fibre reinforcement material in the separate mould parts 41 , 43 of the first mould 40 , as the same gantry means 35 is used , however , differences may occur if the first mould 40 and the second 50 has different design and / or geometry . the way of arranging fibre reinforcement material is however described solely for the first mould 40 in the following , but the procedure is similar or even identical for the second mould 50 . the arranging of fibre reinforcement material in each of the separate mould parts 41 , 43 can be carried out manually or in automated way , the gantry means 35 can either be shared by the separate mould parts 41 , 43 or separate gantries means for each separate mould part 41 , 43 can be used . the mould cavities 42 , 44 of the separate mould parts 41 , 43 are normally coated with a gelcoat or the like before the fibre reinforcement material is arranged . the fibre reinforcement material may comprise fibres in many forms such as tows , mats , prepregs and preforms . the fibres may be of any material , but is preferably made of glass and / or carbon . alternatively plant fibres or metallic fibres , such as steel fibres , may be utilised . after the gantry means 35 has arranged fibre reinforcement material in the separate mould parts 41 , 43 of the first mould 40 , the first mould 40 is prepared for infusion of a curable matrix material , e . g . a liquid resin . typically , a rtm or vartm process is used , and the separate mould parts 41 , 43 is each prepared by arranging resin inlet channels on top of the fibre reinforcement material in each of the separate mould parts 41 , 43 . subsequently , each separate mould part 41 , 43 is covered and sealed by an air tight vacuum bag , thus creating a mould cavity . thereby , a vacuum can be created between the mould part 41 , 43 and the vacuum bag , so that the curable matrix material can be drawn into the mould cavity and impregnating the fibre reinforcement material via the resin inlet channels . typically , the matrix material is infused from the root area . the above described regarding supplying curable matrix material also applies for the second mould 50 after fibre reinforcement material has been arranged . fig4 illustrates a manufacturing line 30 similar to that depicted in fig3 . however , the manufacturing line 30 has been extended with a third work station 33 following the second work station 32 . a third mould 60 is located at the third work station 33 and the third mould 60 comprises a first mould part 61 comprising a first mould cavity 62 , the first mould cavity 62 corresponds to the envelope of the lower side of a wind turbine blade , e . g . the suction side of the blade , and a second mould part 63 having a second mould cavity 64 corresponding to the envelope of the upper side of a wind turbine blade , e . g . the pressure side of the blade . furthermore the rail means 34 has been extended from the second work station 32 to the third work station 33 , so that the gantry means 35 also is movable from the second work station 32 to the third work station 33 and along the entire longitudinal length of the third mould 60 . fig4 illustrates the manufacturing line 30 at three different points in time while performing the method according to the invention and the method having reached a steady state , e . g . when a continuous manufacturing of wind turbine blades is established . at a first point in time , the gantry means 35 is operating in the first work station 31 where the gantry means 35 is used for arranging fibre reinforcement material in the separate mould parts 41 , 43 of the first mould 40 . at the same point in time , curable matrix material is supplied to the third mould 60 located at the third work station 33 , while the separate mould parts 51 , 53 of the second mould 50 at the second work station 32 is assembled , so a closed second mould assembly 56 is formed . at a second point in time , occurring after the first point in time , the gantry means 35 has moved to the second work station 32 , where the closed second mould assembly 56 has been opened and the manufactured wind turbine blade removed , so that the separate mould parts 51 , 53 of the second mould 50 is ready for receiving new fibre reinforcement material arranged by the gantry means 35 . at the same point in time , curable matrix material is supplied to the first mould 40 at the first work station 31 , which at the first point in time had fibre reinforcement material arranged . furthermore , at the same point in time , the separate mould parts 61 , 63 of the third mould 60 at the third work station 33 is assembled , so a closed third mould assembly 66 is formed . at a third point in time , occurring after the second point in time , the gantry means 35 has moved to the third work station 33 , where the closed third mould assembly 66 has been opened and the manufactured wind turbine blade removed , so that the separate mould parts 61 , 63 of the third mould 60 is ready for receiving new fibre reinforcement material arranged by the gantry means 35 . at the same point in time , curable matrix material is supplied to the second mould 50 at the second work station 32 , which at the second point in time had fibre reinforcement material arranged . furthermore , at the same point in time , the separate mould parts 41 , 43 of the first mould 40 at the first work station 31 is assembled , so a closed first mould assembly 46 is formed . hereafter the gantry means 35 can be moved back to the first work station 31 , where the above described procedure can be repeated , after opening the closed first mould assembly 46 , so that the separate mould parts 41 , 43 of the first mould 40 is ready for receiving new fibre reinforcement material arranged by the gantry means 35 . fig5 illustrates the manufacturing line 30 as shown in fig4 but with a first 71 , a second 72 and a third web production station 73 for supplying web 75 for insertion into the wind turbine blades . the web production stations 71 , 72 , 73 are preferably juxtaposed to the manufacturing line 30 such that each of the web production stations 71 , 72 , 73 can supply at least one of the work stations 31 , 32 , 33 with web . the manufacturing line 30 can also comprise a finalisation line arranged in longitudinal extension of the manufacturing line 30 , where the finalisation line can comprise a number of finishing stations comprising a quality inspection station , a cut and trim station , a finish station and a painting station , where the cut and trim station and the painting station can be automated . the finalisation line is preferably placed in the same production hall as the manufacturing line , thus separate air cleaning facilities are required for some of the finishing stations to maintain a clean and acceptable working environment in the production hall . a crane means can be used for transporting the manufactured wind turbine blades 45 from each of the number of moulds to the finalisation line as illustrated by a transport arrow 80 . fig6 shows a manufacturing line 30 with a first work station , a second work station , a third work station , a first mould 50 , a second mould 40 , a third mould 60 in a space - saving baffled / staggered alignment . the moulds 40 , 50 , 60 are substantially parallel to each other and offset with respect to each other in a longitudinal direction 100 . the moulds 40 , 50 , 60 are thus parallely translated / shifted with respect to each other in a direction 101 at an angle α with respect to the longitudinal direction 100 of the moulds 40 , 50 , 60 . thereby the second mould 50 is arranged in extension of the first mould 40 and the third mould 60 is arranged in extension of the second mould 50 such that the moulds 40 , 50 , 60 form an elongated and aligned manufacturing line 30 . the angle α between the longitudinal axis 100 and the direction 101 of parallel translation / shift is advantageously less than 30 degrees , alternatively less than 20 degrees , alternatively in the range between 15 degrees and 5 degrees . gantry means 35 are provided on rails 34 and may be moved on these rails 34 in a direction substantially parallel to the direction 101 of parallel translation / shift between the moulds 40 , 50 , 60 . the method and the manufacturing line 30 can also be performed where the moulds 40 , 50 , 60 are closed , so the form closed mould assemblies 46 , 56 , 66 , before supplying curable matrix material , such that an integral wind turbine blade is formed , e . g . without a seam . the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment . however , the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment , and alterations and modifications can be carried out without deviating from the scope of the invention . 45 wind turbine blade ( shaped from the first mould 40 )
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referring to fig1 the operation of the focusing means is based on the split image principle . this focusing means comprises two lenses 1 and 2 , a fixed mirror 3 behind the lens 1 , a pivotable mirror 4 behind the lens 2 , a set of gears 5 , 5a which can pivot the mirror 4 , an electric motor 6 which can transmit torque to the gear 5 ( the operative connection between the output element of the motor 6 and the gear 5 is indicated by the broken line 6a ), a split image prism 7 , a collector lens 8 and a slotted diaphragm or mask 9 . as shown in fig2 the mask 9 comprises two elongated parallel slots 10 and 11 which are disposed above each other . the upper slot 10 is located at the level of a first photosensitive monitoring device or receiver 12 which comprises a battery of four aligned photosensitive signal generating elements or cells 13 , 14 , 15 and 16 . the lower slot 11 is located at the level of a second photosensitive monitoring device or receiver 17 which comprises a battery of four aligned photosensitive signal generating elements or cells 18 , 19 , 20 and 21 . the cells 13 to 16 are respectively connected with the first inputs of stages 22 , 23 , 24 and 25 of an analog shift register 112 , preferably a so - called charged coupled device ( ccd ). the cells 18 to 21 are respectively connected with the first inputs of stages 26 , 27 , 28 and 29 of a second shift register 117 which is preferably identical with the shift register 112 . the stages of the shift registers 112 and 117 further comprise second inputs which receive signal transporting pulses from a pulse generator 30 . the shift registers 112 , 117 constitute a digital signal processing unit of the monitoring means which further includes the devices 12 , 17 and the pulse generator 30 , the latter serving to transport signals through the processing unit 112 , 117 . the output a1 of the shift register 112 is connected with the input of an amplifier 31 and the output of the amplifier 31 is connected with a schmitt trigger 32 . the output b1 of the schmitt trigger 32 is connected with one plate of a capacitor 33 . the other plate of the capacitor 33 is connected with a resistor 34 which is further connected to the negative pole of an energy source 56 ; the elements 33 and 34 constitute a differentiating circuit . the other plate of the capacitor 33 is further connected with a rectifier 35 via contact c1 . the rectifier 35 transmits positive pulses to a contact d1 which is connected with the tap of a voltage divider including resistors 36 and 37 . such tap ( and hence the contact d1 ) is connected with the base of a transistor 38 whose emitter circuit contains a resistor 39 . the resistances of the resistors 36 and 37 are selected in such a way that the transistor 38 blocks in the absence of signals at the contact d1 . the emitter of the transistor 38 is connected with a rectifier 40 which is in circuit with a resistor 41 . the output a2 of the second shift register 117 is connected with a series of electrical and electronic components which are identical with the just described components 31 to 40 and include an amplifier 42 ( corresponding to 31 ), a schmitt trigger 43 ( corresponding to 32 ) having an output b2 , a capacitor 44 , a resistor 45 , a rectifier 46 , a voltage divider 47 , 48 , a transistor 49 , a resistor 50 and a rectifier 51 . the contacts c2 , d2 respectively correspond to similarly referenced contacts c1 , d1 in the connection between the shift register 112 and the rectifier 40 . the rectifier 51 is connected with the resistor 41 , the same as the rectifier 40 . the rectifiers 40 and 51 are further connected to the control electrode of a thyristor 52 whose cathode circuit includes a resistor 52 &# 39 ; and whose anode circuit includes a resistor 53 . the anode of the thyristor 52 is connected with the base of a switching transistor 54 . the winding of the motor 6 is installed in the collector circuit of the transistor 54 and the emitter circuit of this transistor contains a resistor 55 . the circuit which is shown in the upper half of fig1 further includes the energy source 56 in series with a master switch 57 . the motor 6 can move the picture taking lens 58 in the directions indicated by arrows a and b . the transmission between the output element of the motor 6 and the barrel of the picture taking lens 58 is shown by broken lines , as at 6b . the length of each light measuring cycle is determined by the characteristics of the pulse generator 30 ( namely , by the length of intervals between successive pulses transmitted to the stages of the shift registers 112 , 117 ) and by the number of signal generating elements in the monitoring devices 12 , 17 ( i . e ., by the number of stages in each shift register ). the output a2 of the shift register 117 is also connected with an amplifier 59 whose output is connected with a further amplifier 60 . the output of the amplifier 60 is connected with a pulse shaper 61 which transmits a square signal during each transition from an interval of pause between successive measurements of scene brightness to the next measuring cycle and vice versa . the output of the pulse shaper 61 is connected with a differentiating circuit including a capacitor 62 and a resistor 63 . the differentiating circuit 62 , 63 transmits signals to a diode 64 which transmits positive pulses to a resistor 65 connected with the negative pole of the energy source 56 . furthermore , the diode 64 transmits positive pulses to the base of a transistor 66 whose collector is connected with the control electrode of a field effect transistor 67 and with a resistor 68 . the output of the amplifier 59 is further connected with a semiconductor here shown as a diode 69 in series with a resistor 70 which is connected with one plate of an integrating capacitor 71 . the differentiating circuit 62 , 63 is further connected with a diode 72 which transmits negative pulses to an inverter 73 . the output of the inverter 73 is connected with a resistor 74 and with the base of a transistor 75 whose collector circuit contains a resistor 76 . the emitter of the transistor 75 is connected with the control electrode of a further field effect transistor 77 which can connect the integrating capacitor 71 with a signal storing capacitor 78 . the capacitor 78 is connected with the input of an impedance reversing circuit 79 whose output is connected with the non - inverting input of an operational amplifier 80 . the inverting input of the amplifier 80 is connected with the tap of a voltage divider including the resistors 181 and 182 . the output of the operational amplifier 80 is connected with the control circuit 81 of a stepping motor 84 . the control circuit 81 includes a digital converter 82 and a regulating circuit 83 for the stepping motor 84 . the motor 84 can adjust a diaphragm 86 of the exposure control means by way of a mechanical transmission 85 ( indicated by broken lines ). the regulating circuit 83 includes a pulse generator ( not specifically shown ). the distribution of light which impinges upon the cells 13 to 16 and 18 to 21 of the receivers 12 and 17 depends on the nature of the subject to be photographed . the two images 87 , 88 ( see fig2 ) which are transmitted by prism 7 and optical element 8 via slots 10 , 11 of the mask 9 are assumed to be shifted with respect to each other . each pulse which is transmitted by the pulse generator 30 results in transport of signals ( transmitted by cells 13 - 16 and 18 - 21 to the stages 22 - 25 and 26 - 29 of the respective shift registers 112 and 117 ) toward the outputs a1 , a2 of the respective shift registers . thus , each combination of four simultaneously transmitted signals leaves the respective shift register in response to transmission of four successive pulses from the pulse generator 30 . the shift registers 112 , 117 are thereupon automatically reset so that their stages can receive fresh sets of four signals each , and such signals begin to advance toward the outputs a1 , a2 of the shift registers in response to transmission of the fifth , sixth , etc . pulses . if the camera is properly focused upon the subject , the images 87 and 88 overlap each other and the rectifiers 40 and 51 are blocked simultaneously . consequently , the control electrode of the thyristor 52 receives positive voltage via resistor 41 so that the thyristor 52 becomes conductive and the winding of the motor 6 is deenergized . in other words , the motor 6 is arrested in that position in which the images 87 and 88 overlap , i . e ., the image of the subject is sharply focused in the film plane . the integrating capacitor 71 integrates each set of four signals . during the intervals between successive measurements , the diode 69 prevents or blocks discharge of integrated voltage . the positive pulse which is generated during the initial stage of each measuring cycle renders the transistor 66 conductive for a short interval of time whereby the field effect transistor 67 becomes conductive , also for a short interval of time , and the integrating capacitor 71 discharges . this insures that the capacitor 71 is discharged prior to start of each measuring cycle . the negative pulse which is generated during the last stage of each measuring cycle is transmitted to the inverter 73 via diode 72 and appears as a negative signal at the base of the transistor 75 . thus , the transistor 75 blocks for a short interval of time and the normally blocking field effect transistor 77 becomes conductive , also for a short interval of time . this enables the integrating capacitor 71 to discharge into the signal storing capacitor 78 ( which is either discharged or ready to accept a charge ). such signal voltage is stored in the capacitor 78 during an entire cycle and is thereupon transmitted to the operational amplifier 80 via impedance reversing circuit 79 . in the absence of equilibrium , the motor 84 is started to adjust the diaphragm 86 via transmission 85 . if the capacitor 78 is used in a still camera to determine the exposure time ( in a manner not specifically shown in the drawing ), the pulse generator 30 is preferably energized only during the measuring cycle prior to the making of an exposure , especially if the intensity of scene light is measured via objective . for example , the pulse generator 30 can be deenergized by a mirror 90 which is located in the path of incoming scene light and is moved to permit such light to reach the foremost unexposed film frame . the movement of the mirror 90 can be used to deenergize the pulse generator 30 . the latter is started again when the mirror 90 returns to the normal position in which it extends across the path of incoming scene light . fig1 shows a mechanical connection 91 between the mirror 90 and a switch 92 in the conductor means between the input f of the pulse generator 30 and the energy source 56 . the switch 92 opens when the mirror 90 permits scene light to reach the foremost unexposed film frame . if the light intensity is not measured via picture taking lens 58 , the pulse generator 30 can remain operative during the making of exposures . an advantage of the monitoring means ( 12 - 30 ) including the receivers 12 and 17 is that such monitoring means performs two important functions , namely , the signals which are generated by the cells 13 - 16 and 18 - 21 are transmitted ( via elements 31 - 55 ) to the control circuit of the motor 6 of the automatic focusing means 1 - 11 , and the signals which are generated by the cells 18 - 21 are transmitted ( via elements 59 - 80 ) to the control circuit 81 for the motor 84 of the exposure control means 81 - 86 . another advantage of the improved combination of monitoring means , focusing means , exposure control means and the two signal transmitting means is that , since the monitoring means which transmits signals for automatic adjustment of focusing means constitutes a photosensitive receiver of the exposure control means , one can resort to the so - called spot measurement . in other words , the brightness of the most important part of the scene to be imaged ( i . e ., of that part which is automatically focused in the film plane ) determines the setting of exposure control means . thus , the brightness of the most important part of the scene is the standard or norm which determines the aperture size and / or the exposure time during imaging of the respective scene onto the foremost unexposed film frame . it is often desirable to provide the photographic apparatus with second monitoring means ( shown at 130 in fig3 ) which evaluates the brightness of the entire scene . the output of such second monitoring means is connected with a signal comparing device 131 which also receives signals from the output or outputs a1 , a2 of the illustrated first monitoring means 12 - 30 . this enables the photographer to decide whether the adjustment of focusing means and / or exposure control means should be effected as a result of evaluation of a part of or the entire subject or scene . the extent or intensity of evaluation of the spot field and of the remaining or entire part of the scene can be regulated in dependency on the sensitivity of the first and / or second monitoring means . without further analysis , the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist 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 my contribution to the art and , therefore , such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims .
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in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments , reference is made to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments in which the invention may be practiced . it should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention . the drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed . on the contrary , the intention is to cover all modifications , equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims . headings herein are not intended to limit the subject matter in any way . the process or processes described herein may be implemented by logic in the form of instructions executing on a computer system ( also referred to as a “ data processing system ”), or entirely in the form of hardware , or in an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements . application specific integrated circuitry is another example of hardware . turning now to the drawings in greater detail , it will be seen that in fig1 there is shown a chip 110 , according to the prior art . regarding the use of the term “ instance ” herein , it is helpful to understand the following context . an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to hierarchical chip 110 designs . generally speaking , hierarchical designs include a hierarchy of entities , such as chip 110 , unit 120 , macro 130 , and leaf cell 140 entities , where the chip 110 is often at the highest level in the hierarchy . the entities are placable objects and , in turn , may contain placeable objects . an embodiment of the present invention is also applicable to flat designs in which all placeable objects are at a common level or in which there is no hierarchy . in this context , “ macros placed at the chip level ,” for example , refers to macros that are all at the same level in the hierarchy , where that level is the same as the level of the chip entity . a buffer is an example of a placeable object . a buffer is often times a leaf cell , such as leaf cell 140 in the illustrated instance . a buffer master may be selected from a library and numerous instances placed in the chip in various locations . accordingly , each instance of the buffer is assigned a unique instance name . likewise , numerous instances of other entities can also be placed and given respective instance names . as previously described , n / c &# 39 ; s may arise , for example , because some of the buffer instances are connected and driving things , while others aren &# 39 ; t . regarding the use of the term “ phase ” herein , this refers to a feature in an embodiment of ic chip 110 of the present invention , wherein data is produced and propagated in different timing phases . that is , the placeable objects are clocked and propagation time from latch to latch is governed by the clock cycle time . each data propagation from latch point a to latch point b has to be less than the clock period . “ phase ” indicates what frequency data is timed at and in which context it &# 39 ; s used . timing analysis involves comparing data propagation time and clock pulse width to determine slack , which indicates propagation time that is either less than or greater than the clock frequency . it is an objective of timing analysts to check all the propagation delays to make sure they fell within the cycle time . if they don &# 39 ; t , adjustments are made . a net 156 , as the term is used herein , includes a connection between an output pin 152 and input pin 154 , i . e ., a physical wire . referring now to fig2 and 3 , after initialization , an overall process 300 and structure are shown in fig3 , in which a process 310 receives a conventional unit comprehensive report 210 of fig2 , which is well - known in the art and has been generated from a conventional unit timing run . comprehensive report 210 contains detailed information about arrival times , slews , and slacks for every instance / pin / phase combination in chip 110 design . comprehensive report 210 can be generated for an entire hierarchy , or for any particular level of hierarchy of chip 110 ( fig1 ). a compsum report 220 is produced by reformatting of a full comprehensive report 210 . key things to note are that in compsum report 220 instance and macro names are now listed on respective lines 214 with the pin name , net name , and timing information . header 212 information that used to show the macro and instance full comprehensive report 210 is removed , i . e ., relocated , in compsum report 220 . that is , conventional full comprehensive report 210 includes lines 214 for respective nets , where lines 214 include corresponding pin names , net names , and timing information , and includes headers 212 indicating macros and instances for groups of lines . process 310 reformats full comprehensive report 210 to produce compsum report 220 , which includes removing macro and instances from group headers 212 and setting them out on respectively corresponding net / pin lines 214 . in addition , process 310 inserts the keyword “ none ” in compsum report 220 on lines 214 corresponding to pins having no associated phase listed . that is process 310 includes subprocess 320 logic for automatically detecting a pin that may be floating or tied to power by detecting that there is no associated phase listed for the pin in comprehensive report 220 . responsively , subprocess logic 320 sets out the keyword “ none ” in compsum report 220 on the lines corresponding to that pin . alternatively , subprocess logic 320 sets out the keyword “ none ” in compsum report 220 for pins that are floating , “ none_h ” for pins tied high , and “ none_l ” for pins that are tied low . in this manner , the n / c indication for this pin in comprehensive report 210 is supplemented in compsum report 220 . sometimes multiple phases get propagated to macro outputs in timing runs . for example , a macro output that is driven by a latch “ data_out ” pin may assert valid data for both a data phase ( m @ l ) and a scan phase (“ b @ l ”). a latch that receives this data from the macro output may not have a valid setup test for the b @ l phase . consequently , the timing analysis run will properly calculate a valid slack for the m @ l phase , for which the receiving latch does have a valid setup test , but the timing run will designate an n / c state for the b @ l phase . this lack of valid setup test and resulting n / c indication is generally due to chip 110 having a predetermined , known logic feature , according to which the state of the receiving latch has no significance during the b @ l phase . in an embodiment of the present invention , this situation is recognized by process 310 . that is , subprocess logic 330 of process 310 detects at least one valid phase for an instance / pin combination . responsive to detecting that valid data is asserted during one phase on a pin for an instance , the subprocess logic 330 “ filters out ” any n / c &# 39 ; s on other phases for that instance / pin combination . that is , logic 330 generates a filtered compsum report having no n / c indication lines for an instance / pin combination , which may be stored in memory . in an alternative , this filtered compsum report may be conveyed to a user , such as by displaying , printing , or as a data structure stored on a portable , computer readable storage media . according to an embodiment of the present invention , a user is responsible for creating a waiver file 340 specifying instance / macro / pin / phase combinations that are expected and can be waived . ( this may also include a plurality of users respectively creating waiver files 340 .) process 350 includes logic for processing waiver file or files 340 . in an embodiment , the format of waiver file 340 includes the following : “#” denotes the start of a comment line . “& lt ; instance_name & gt ; & lt ; macro_name & gt ; & lt ; pin_name & gt ; & lt ; phase & gt ;” denotes an instance / macro / pin / phase combination that is expected and can be waived . that is , process 350 recognizes a line in waiver file 340 with these parameters as a designation of waiver of the specified n / c . “ net & lt ; net_name & gt ; & lt ; phase & gt ;” denotes waiver of all n / c &# 39 ; s associated with the specified net_name and phase . that is , process 350 recognizes a line in waiver file 340 as a designation of waiver of the set of specified n / c &# 39 ; s . a ‘*’ character denotes a wildcard . bus notation is also supported , for example , data_in ( 0 : 63 ). that is , process xxx recognizes the meaning of this terminology in waiver file 340 . process 350 supports basic wildcarding and bus notation . wildcards permit granularity to waive categories of instances . for example , if a numerous instances of a buffer are included as spares in chip 110 , where each one is given a name according to a predetermined format “ sparebuffer_ [ instance number ], the terminology “ sparebuffer_ *” can be used to waive all instances of these buffers . n / c waiver process 350 reads in user &# 39 ; s waiver file 340 and applies it to compsum report 220 and responsively generates output files 360 . to initiate this , process 350 receives arguments 345 , including a first argument specifying compsum report 220 , a second argument specifying waiver file or files 340 , and a third argument specifying a prefix to put on names of output files 360 . process 350 may also receive two optional arguments , a unit prefix for filtering , which will be discussed later , and a user specified directory for output files 360 , which is self - explanatory . process 350 reads these arguments 345 from a file , verifync . pl , in which they are set out as follows : process 350 , which may execute in the form of a script , reads the full compsum report 220 given by the user in the & lt ; compsum & gt ; argument and automatically runs filtering process 350 code , createncfile . pl . process 350 responsively creates the following four output files 350 : & lt ; file_prefix & gt ;. nc . waived — list of pins that were waived from & lt ; compsum & gt ;. preceding each line is the pattern that matched for debug purposes . & lt ; file_prefix & gt ;, nc . ignored — list of nets that were ignored either because they did not match & lt ; unit_prefix & gt ; or were the dcdc phases . (“ dcdc ” refers to a net that doesn &# 39 ; t switch , and is , therefore , insignificant for timing analysis purposes . over time it has a relatively constant value , such as a gating signal for which the designer doesn &# 39 ; t care about arrival time . ac is something that &# 39 ; s switching , dc is constant over time . a lot of times dc is tied off . generally all “ dc &# 39 ; s ” are ignored for timing analysis .) & lt ; file_prefix & gt ;, nc . unconnects — list of any nets left over after all waivers have been applied . whatever appears in this list either needs to be fixed in vhdl , have a physical design change , or needs to have a waiver written for it . & lt ; file_prefix & gt ;. verifync . sum — summary information including a count of each line that matched each waiver in the waiver file . as previously mentioned , the user can specify a unit prefix by optional argument (− p & lt ; unit_prefix & gt ;).— if this is specified , process 350 will only check instances that match this prefix . in a sense , including this argument yields the opposite of a waiver file 340 by indicating which instances to check instead of which instances not to check . this is especially helpful for units that are flat at the chip 110 level . for example , on chip 110 , if there &# 39 ; s a flat unit lx having all macro instance names with an “ lx ” prefix , a unit timing coordinator for the unit lx may wish to evaluate a timing run comprehensive report 210 for which he / she doesn &# 39 ; t care about any other macros besides those in unit lx . in this case , the timing coordinator may initiate execution of process 350 by a command that includes a “− p lx ” argument when process 350 has completed its processing of waiver file ( s ) 340 and comprehensive report 220 , it will have eliminated some n / c &# 39 ; s and some will remain and will be listed in the “ unconnects ” file , as described herein above . process 370 may then be used to automatically sort the remaining n / c &# 39 ; s listed in the “ unconnects ” file thereby producing a sorted directory 380 that lists all reports of n / c &# 39 ; s . in an embodiment of the invention , process 370 sorts the remaining n / c by macro , in order to facilitate dividing the remaining n / c &# 39 ; s into respective subreports ( or portions of a report ) setting out respective macros n / c &# 39 ; s , and wherein process 370 presents the subreports or portions to teams or individuals who are responsible for respective ones of the macros . in structuring the format of waiver files 340 , special considerations were made for handling unit hierarchy so that waiver files 340 don &# 39 ; t have to be redundant or duplicated . that is , any waiver file 340 can specify inclusion of another existing waiver file 340 , thereby effectively including the other existing waiver file 340 , by utilizing the following waiver file incorporation statement : this statement will cause process 350 to include the waiver file that is given by filename , and will cause process 350 to append prefix to the front of each line given in that file . consider the following example , in which the chip 110 , which may be considered a parent entity , contains the following child entities below it in the entity hierarchy : each instance of l 2 c has a respective child entity called l 2 a 4 instances of lq named lq 0 c , lq 1 e , lq 0 o , and lq 1 o in one instance , for example , waiver file 340 for chip 110 includes the following lines : in this instance , process 350 responsively incorporates all the waiver files 340 for all the entities of chip 110 . in another instance , for example , waiver file 340 for l 2 c includes the following lines : in this instance , process 350 responsively incorporates only the waiver files 340 for the entities of entity l 2 c . a big advantage of this implementation is that unit timing coordinators can run waiver process 350 for their own units 120 on their own unit timing compsum reports 220 . then , when the chip timing coordinator runs the waiver process 350 for the entire chip 110 , he / she can simply specify inclusion of all the child unit 120 waiver files 340 instead of copying each one of them into the chip timing coordinator &# 39 ; s own waiver file 340 . a chip 110 level timing coordinator also has the ability to check only top level n / c &# 39 ; s by writing a top level only comprehensive report 210 instead of a full hierarchical report . it is an advantageous feature of an embodiment of the present invention that if the chip timing coordinator checks only the top level entity by running process 350 with a waiver file 340 that specifies waivers of all nets below those of the top level entity or entities , and each unit timer checks his / her own box unit in similar fashion , i . e ., by running process 350 on respective compsum reports 220 with respective waiver files 340 that specify waivers of all nets below those of the respective unit entities , then when process 350 checks the full chip 110 in a run on a fully hierarchical compsum report 220 , it follows that if the individual checks produced clean results in which there are no unexpected n / c &# 39 ; s , the full chip 110 check should be clean as well . in other words , according to an embodiment of the invention the chip timing coordinator checks only placeable objects , i . e ., instances , that exist flat at the chip 110 level ( which could be other units and flat macros ), but has no visibility into deeper levels of hierarchy . nevertheless , if each unit timing coordinator has run a timing analysis achieving clean results on their own respective units ( at the level below the chip entity ), this achieves the same clean result as if the chip timing coordinator had run waiver process 300 with a full hierarchical compsum report . the present invention , aspects of which are shown in the above fig &# 39 ; s , may be distributed in the form of instructions , which may include data structures and may be referred to as a “ computer program ,” “ program ” “ program code ,” “ software ,” “ computer software ,” “ resident software ,” “ firmware ,” “ microcode ,” etc . stored on a computer - readable storage medium , such instructions and storage medium may be referred to as a “ computer program product ,” “ program product ,” etc . the computer program product maybe accessible from a computer - readable storage medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system . the present invention applies equally regardless of the particular type of media actually used to carry out the distribution . the instructions are read from the computer - readable storage medium by an electronic , magnetic , optical , electromagnetic or infrared signal . examples of a computer - readable storage medium include a semiconductor or solid state memory , magnetic tape , a removable computer diskette , a random access memory ( ram ), a read - only memory ( rom ), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk . current examples of optical disks include compact disk — read only memory ( cd - rom ), compact disk — read / write ( cd - r / w ) and dvd . the instructions may also be distributed by digital and analog communications links , referred to as “ transmission media .” a data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code includes at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus . the memory elements can include local memory employed during actual execution of the program code , bulk storage , and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at least some program code in order to reduce the number of times code must be retrieved from bulk storage during execution . input / output or i / o devices ( including but not limited to keyboards , displays , pointing devices , etc .) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening i / o controllers . network adapters may also be coupled to the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled to other data processing systems or remote printers or storage devices through intervening private or public networks . modems , cable modem and ethernet cards are just a few of the currently available types of network adapters . referring now to fig4 , a computer system 410 is illustrated , which may take a variety of forms , including a personal computer system , mainframe computer system , workstation , server , etc . that is , it should be understood that the term “ computer system ” is intended to encompass any device having a processor that executes instructions from a memory medium . in the illustrated system embodiment , system 410 includes one or more processors 415 , a keyboard 433 , a pointing device 430 , and tangible , computer - readable storage media , including volatile memory 427 , and nonvolatile memory 429 , eg ., rom , hard disk , floppy disk , cd - rom , and dvd , and display device 437 . memory 429 of system 410 stores computer programs ( also known as “ software programs ”), wherein programs include instructions that are executable by one or more processors 415 to implement various embodiments of a method in accordance with the present invention . memory 429 of system 410 also has data stored thereon that provides circuit structures , logical entity properties including physical locations , etc . programs include instructions for implementing processes described herein above , as well as other processes . those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardware in fig4 may vary depending on the implementation . for example , other peripheral devices may be used in addition to or in place of the hardware depicted in fig4 . the depicted example is not meant to imply architectural limitations with respect to the present invention . various embodiments of system 410 implement one or more software programs and data in various ways , including procedure - based techniques , component - based techniques , and / or object - oriented techniques , among others . specific examples include xml , c , c ++ objects , java and commercial class libraries . the terms “ circuitry ” and “ memory ” and the like are used herein . it should be understood that these terms refer to circuitry that is part of the design for an integrated circuit chip 110 of fig1 . the chip design is created in a graphical computer programming language , and stored in a computer storage medium ( such as a disk , tape , physical hard drive , or virtual hard drive such as in a storage access network ). if the designer does not fabricate chips or the photolithographic masks used to fabricate chips , the designer transmits the resulting design by physical means ( e , g ., by providing a copy of the storage medium storing the design ) or electronically ( e . g ., through the internet ) to such entities , directly or indirectly . the stored design is then converted into the appropriate format ( e . g ., gdsii ) for the fabrication of photolithographic masks , which typically include multiple copies of the chip design in question that are to be formed on a wafer . the photolithographic masks are utilized to define areas of the wafer ( and / or the layers thereon ) to be etched or otherwise processed . the resulting integrated circuit chips can be distributed by the fabricator in raw wafer form ( that is , as a single wafer that has multiple unpackaged chips ), as a bare die , or in a packaged form . in the latter case the chip is mounted in a single chip package ( such as a plastic carrier , with leads that are affixed to a motherboard or other higher level carrier ) or in a multichip package ( such as a ceramic carrier that has either or both surface interconnections or buried interconnections ). in any case the chip is then integrated with other chips , discrete circuit elements , and / or other signal processing devices as part of either ( a ) an intermediate product , such as a motherboard , or ( b ) an end product . the end product can be any product that includes integrated circuit chips , ranging from toys and other low - end applications to advanced computer products having a display , a keyboard or other input device , and a central processor . to reiterate , the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention , the practical application , and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention . various other embodiments having various modifications may be suited to a particular use contemplated , but may be within the scope of the present invention . unless clearly and explicitly stated , the claims that follow are not intended to imply any particular sequence of actions . the inclusion of labels , such as a ), b ), c ) etc ., for portions of the claims does not , by itself , imply any particular sequence , but rather is merely to facilitate reference to the portions . the capabilities of the present invention can be implemented in software , firmware , hardware or some combination thereof . for example , processes described herein are implemented as perl scripts in an embodiment of the invention . to repeat , one or more aspects of the present invention can be included in an article of manufacture ( e . g ., one or more computer program products ) having , for instance , computer usable media . the media has embodied therein , for instance , computer readable program code means for providing and facilitating the capabilities of the present invention . the article of manufacture can be included as a part of a computer system or sold separately . additionally , at least one program storage device readable by a machine , tangibly embodying at least one program of instructions executable by the machine to perform the capabilities of the present invention can be provided . the flow diagrams depicted herein are just examples . there may be many variations to these diagrams or the steps ( or operations ) described therein without departing from the spirit of the invention . for instance , the steps may be performed in a differing order , or steps may be added , deleted or modified . all of these variations are considered a part of the claimed invention . herein the terms “ present ” and “ convey ” are used , or variants thereof . it should be understood that these terms refer to delivering information to a user in a useful format , which may include displaying the information to the user on a computer system display , or printing information for the user . in some cases it may be useful to present information to a user as a data structure stored on a portable , computer readable storage media . while the preferred embodiment to the invention has been described , it will be understood that those skilled in the art , both now and in the future , may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow . these claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described .
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fig1 shows a data processing circuit , comprising a processor 10 , a cache circuit 12 , a communication circuit 14 , a memory circuit 16 , an optional detachment detector 17 and an interface 18 for a detachable device . by way of example a device 19 is shown attached to interface 18 . by “ detachable ” it is meant that device 19 is can be functionally detached in any way during operation , for example by means of physical detachment , or movement out of reception range of a wirelessly communicating device , but also when power supply to the device is cut off or the operating mode of the device is changed so that it is no longer able to receive write back data from the cache memory etc . processor 10 is coupled to communication circuit 14 via cache circuit 12 . via communication circuit 14 , the processor 10 and cache circuit 12 are coupled to memory circuit 16 and interface 18 . cache circuit 12 comprises a cache memory 120 , a cache control circuit 122 and a set of registers 124 . cache memory 120 has ports coupled to processor 10 and communication circuit 14 . cache control circuit 122 is coupled to cache memory 120 , communication circuit 14 and the set of registers 124 . detachment detector 17 is optional . when used , it has an input coupled to interface 18 . by way of example , detachment detector 17 is shown with an output directly coupled to cache control circuit 122 . detachment detector 17 is configured to detect the onset of detachment and generate a signal indicating imminent detachment . in operation processor 10 executes a task which involves accessing data addressed by addresses in its memory space . the task may be performed under control of a task specific computer program for example . the addresses map to storage locations in memory circuit 16 and detachable device 19 , when it is attached to interface 18 . in way that is known per se , cache circuit 12 caches data for at least part of these addresses . when processor 10 reads from an address and data for that address is stored in cache memory 120 , cache circuit 12 returns the data from cache memory 120 to processor 10 . if the data for an address is not stored in cache memory 120 , cache memory 120 alerts cache control circuit 122 , which issues the address , or part of it , to memory circuit 16 or detachable device 19 via communication circuit 14 , to retrieve data for the address for supply to processor 10 . cache control circuit 122 controls cache memory 120 to store the returned data in association with the address . such storage in association with an address is also known per se . in an embodiment , a cache line with data for a plurality of addresses is stored in association with an address tag to identify part of the address of the data in the in the cache line . in other embodiments address tags for individual addresses may be stored . part of the address may be implicit in the place where the data is stored in cache memory 120 . if necessary , cache control circuit 122 “ evicts ” ( invalidates ) old data in cache memory 120 to make room for storing the newly retrieved data . set of registers 124 contains first registers for keeping information that identifies a range of addresses associated with detachable device 19 and at least one register for keeping information identifying a cache line used for addresses in that range that is stored in cache memory 120 . when cache control circuit 122 causes a cache line to be stored in cache memory 120 , cache control circuit 122 compares an address used to address a cache line ( or data therein ) via communication circuit 14 with the range of addresses associated with detachable device 19 , based on the information in the registers in set of registers 124 . if cache control circuit 122 detects that the address used for the cache line lies within that range , cache control circuit 122 causes an identification of the cache line to be stored in a second register from set of registers 124 . upon receiving a request ( flush command ) from detachable device 19 , or optionally upon receiving the imminent detachment signal from detachment detector 17 , cache control circuit 122 accesses the second register from set of registers 124 to determine whether cache memory 120 contains a cache line with an address in the range defined for detachable device 19 . if so , cache control circuit 122 selectively causes this cache line to be written back . instead of supplying a signals from detachment detector 17 directly to cache control circuit 122 , the signals may be provided to processor 10 , or any other circuit ( not shown ), to trigger generation of a flush command . in an embodiment , detachment detector 17 may be configured to detect detachment after detachment has taken place . in this case processor 10 may be configured to respond to a signal from detachment detector 17 by testing whether set of registers 124 indicates that written data for at least one address in detachable device 19 is in cache memory 120 and if so to issue a prompt to reattach detachable device before performing write back . in an embodiment cache control circuit 122 may also invalidate these written back cache lines in response to the flush command indicated by the request or the signal from detachment detector 17 . this prevents further use of the cached data . alternatively , cache control circuit 122 may leave the data valid , to enable processor to complete a current task using this data . in this case , cache control circuit 122 may respond to the flush command by blocking subsequent writing for these cache lines . the identification of the cache line in the second register may take the form of an address or address part . in this case cache control circuit 122 may select the location in cache memory 120 that stores the cache line by comparing an address tag from the second register with address tags for locations in the cache memory . in an n - way set associative memory , this may comprise using the address or address part from the second register to identify the set that stores the cache line and comparison of part of the address with tags for different ways to identify the way that stores the cache line . alternatively , the second register may contain a direct cache memory address , for example identifying a set and a way directly . if the second register is capable of storing information for only one cache line , special measures may be needed when it is possible that more than one cache line in the range for detachable device 19 is present in the cache . in an embodiment , cache control circuit 122 may record in set of registers 124 whether more than more than one such cache line is in cache memory 120 . if so , in this embodiment cache control circuit 122 may switch to testing all cache lines in cache memory 120 for data in the range for detachable device 19 and writing back all these cache lines . in another embodiment , a plurality of registers in set of registers 124 may be used to represent respective addresses of cache lines in the range of detachable device 19 that are in cache memory 120 . in this embodiment cache control circuit 122 use these registers to select cache lines for all of these addresses . if the number of available registers is smaller than the number of cache lines with addresses in the range of the detachable device , cache control circuit 122 may write back all cache lines with addresses in the range of the detachable device . in another embodiment , cache control circuit 122 may use two second registers from set of registers 124 to represent lower and upper addresses of the cache lines from that range in cache memory 120 . in this embodiment cache control circuit 122 may write back all cache lines for addresses from the lower address to the upper address . cache control circuit 122 updates the content of these registers dependent on the addresses of cache lines that are loaded into cache . cache control circuit 122 may compare these addresses of loaded caches lines both with the range of addresses allocated to detachable device 19 and with the range represented by the second registers . cache control circuit 122 expands the latter range to include the address of a newly the loaded caches line , if that address is within the range of addresses allocated to detachable device 19 , but outside the range represented by the second registers . set of registers 124 , may be implemented using separate registers , or by means of an auxiliary memory wherein the registers are respective memory locations . cache control circuit 122 may be a programmable circuit , with a program memory with a fixed program to perform the functions as described . alternatively , dedicated circuits may be provided in cache control circuit 122 to perform these functions . fig2 shows an embodiment of the data processing circuit with a plurality of processors 20 ( two shown by way of example , but more may be used ), each with its own cache circuit 22 coupled between the processor 20 and the communication circuit 14 . herein one common set of registers 24 is provided for all of the cache circuits 22 , to define the address range associated with detachable device 19 . in cache circuits 22 respective sets of registers 26 are provided for storing information about the cache lines for addresses within this range in respective cache circuits 22 . in this embodiment , the cache control circuits 122 of the cache circuits 22 use the common set of registers 24 to compare with the address of cache lines that are newly stored in their cache memories 120 , in order to decide whether to write information about those cache lines to their respective set of registers 26 . upon receiving the flush command the common set of registers 24 may be used to control write back from all cache circuits 22 . a common control module may be provided to control write back from all cache circuits . the common control module may be implemented as a detachment detector ( not shown ), or other flush command generator , coupled to the interface for the detachable circuit and to the cache control circuits 122 of the cache circuits 22 each of the processors 20 . alternatively a detachment detector , or other flush command generator , coupled to one of the processors 20 may be used , that processor comprising a software flush control module to respond to a detachment signal by issuing flush commands to all cache circuits . any other location of the flush control module may used . in an alternative embodiment , copies of the information that defines the address range associated with detachable device 19 may be stored in each of the respective sets of registers 26 for use by cache control circuits 122 . other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention , from a study of the drawings , the disclosure , and the appended claims . in the claims , the word “ comprising ” does not exclude other elements or steps , and the indefinite article “ a ” or “ an ” does not exclude a plurality . a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims . the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage . a computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium , such as an optical storage medium or a solid - state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware , but may also be distributed in other forms , such as via the internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems . any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope .
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referring initially to fig1 and 3 , the present invention will be generally described . fig1 depicts the power system disclosed in previously mentioned u . s . pat . no . 3 , 936 , 727 while fig3 shows a portion thereof which in accordance with the present invention , further includes means in simplified block diagram form for increasing the stability of the power system under varying load conditions . as shown in fig3 each line current output signal i 1 , i 2 , i 3 is respectively derived from current transformers ( not shown in fig3 ) and lines 15 , 16 and 17 of fig1 and is respectively passed through separate light load or no load stabilizing networks a , b and c which form part of the regulating loop . the outputs of the stabilizing networks are then directed into a current angle sensor 70 . each of the separate stabilizing networks a , b and c performs the function of adding a signal representative of a small in phase or real component of line current to the actual line current output signals i 1 , i 2 , i 3 whenever the real or in phase component of the line current is less than a predetermined level . in the present invention , the magnitude of the added signal is of a value such that the sum , i . e ., i 1 + added signal , is substantially equal to , or greater than , the minimum signal necessary for stable power system operation , i . e ., stable regulating loop operation . the predetermined level is defined as the minimum real line current component necessary for stable regulating loop operation . it is to be noted that , for purposes of clarity , only one current angle sensor 70 with three outputs is shown in fig3 . in practice , for a three phase system , three such current angle sensors would be provided , each having a single output . a single exemplary network a suitable for use in the system of the present invention is shown in more detail in fig4 . it is to be understood that the other networks ( b , c ) are substantially the same . each network includes the following : a first summation device 100 ; a zero cross detector 102 ; a pulse amplifier 104 ; a gate 106 ; sampling , storing , resetting means 108 ; a rectifier 110 ; a second summation and bias device 112 ; an on - off gate 114 ; a variable gain signal amplifier 116 ; and a third summation device 118 . it is to be noted that each of the network elements hereinbefore mentioned are conventional and do not by themselves form any part of this invention . the function of network a will now be described more particularly with reference to fig4 and the signal waveforms illustrated in fig5 a - 5n . in this description , although only the condition of a single phase ( line 15 of fig1 ) and the operation of network a will be discussed , it is to be understood that the discussion is also applicable to the other two phases ( lines 16 and 17 ) and the corresponding networks ( b , c ). referring now to fig4 the summation device 100 receives as its inputs voltage signals v &# 39 ; 3b and v &# 39 ; 2b which are representative of line to neutral voltages at the critical bus and are derived from the critical bus voltage protector 60 of fig1 & amp ; 3 . as shown in fig4 input v &# 39 ; 3b is inverted and then inputs v &# 39 ; 2b and - v &# 39 ; 3b are summed . the summed signal v &# 39 ; 2b - v &# 39 ; 3b , or simply v 23 , is then directed to the zero cross detector 102 . the zero cross detector 102 produces an output signal which is in the form of a short duration pulse when v 23 crosses through zero magnitude . the pulse amplifier 104 receives the output signal of the zero cross detector 102 , when present , and increases its magnitude so as to simplify signal processing . the gate 106 receives the output signal of the pulse amplifier 104 and actuates component 108 . component 108 samples and stores the rectified current signal i 1 from component 110 at the appropriate instant which corresponds to the previously mentioned zero crossing of v 23 . note that , as shown in fig5 a , in conventional three phase power systems , the zero crossing of v 2 = v 3 or v 23 corresponds in time to the maximum position of v 1 . therefore , the gated signals ( fig5 b ) from the zero cross detector 102 of fig4 correspond in time to the maximum v 1 value . more importantly , it is known that the reactive component of a current ( i 1 ) is zero at 90 ° after zero crossing of the voltage signal ( v 1 ) associated therewith ( at maximum voltage value ). therefore , a measurement of the current i 1 at this point in time is a measurement of the real component only of the current i 1 . for example , as shown in fig5 b through 5e , a measurement of the current i 1 at this point in time reveals a real or in phase component of the current i 1 which , for purposes of illustration , lags the voltage v 1 by 75 °). more particularly , a branch of current signal i 1 is rectified by rectifier 110 of fig4 resulting in the signal waveform shown in fig5 d . another branch of current signal i 1 is directed to summation device 118 . the real component of the rectified current signal i 1 at the instant determined previously by gate 106 is sampled and stored by component 108 of fig4 resulting in a signal waveform ( fig5 e ) which is unidirectional and proportional to the real component of current i 1 . the magnitude of this signal waveform ( fig5 e ) remains constant until it is reset by the component 108 . resetting occurs upon the next sampling event which is initiated by gate 106 . the magnitude of the sampled and stored signal which is proportional to the real component of current i 1 is then compared with a value provided by the adjustable bias 112 of fig4 ( see waveforms of fig5 e , 5f , 5g ). the adjustable bias 112 produces a signal value which is unidirectional and constant . whenever the bias signal value at component 112 is greater than the magnitude of the real component signal of the sampled and stored real component of current i 1 , as shown in fig5 g , gate 114 is actuated . this causes an additional in phase current signal i 1sig ( fig5 h ) to be directed into summation device 118 . the additional in phase signal i 1sig is combined with the actual current signal i 1 by the summation device 118 of fig4 and the combination directed to the current angle sensor 70 . the additional current signal i 1sig of fig5 h is derived through the gain adjustment of component 116 from the projected line to neutral voltage v &# 39 ; 1b . the additional current signal i 1sig is proportional to , and in phase with , the voltage signal v &# 39 ; 1b or simply v 1 , which is directed through the gain amplifier 116 ( see waveforms of fig5 i , 5j ). note that fig5 h and 5j depict the same additional current signal i 1sig . the process in which i 1sig and i 1 are combined by the summation device 118 of fig4 is shown in fig5 j - 5l for a second illustrative case in whic the current i 1 lags the voltage v &# 39 ; 1b or simply v 1 , by 90 °. the current angle sensor 70 receives the combined signal ( i 1 + i 1sig ) and then develops an output signal which is directed to the reactive converter . note that the additional process provided by summation device 118 of fig4 and shown in fig5 j - 5m for the second illustrative case results in a situation in which the resultant signal ( i 1sig + i 1 ) received by the current angle sensor 70 causes the current angle sensor to measure a current phase angle much smaller than the actual 90 °. note also , in connection with fig5 m , 5n , that the waveforms of fig5 m , 5n are provided in a manner similar to the waveforms of fig2 b , 2c . referring now to fig6 and 7 , the present invention can be more completely appreciated . fig6 and 7 are similar to fig2 but show the prior art operation of the current angle sensor 70 under no load or light load conditions . as mentioned earlier , under these conditions , the current angle sensor 70 produces an output which results in a situation in which the regulated phase angle swings rapidly back and forth through zero to + 90 ° ( fig6 ) and to - 90 ° ( fig7 ). however , in the present invention , under the same conditions , i . e ., the second illustrative case , the added signal i 1sig functions to cause the current angle sensor to measure an angle , and produce an output therefrom , which corresponds to a value much smaller than the actual 90 °. this can be observed by comparing the magnitude of the output of the current angle sensor 70 under no load conditions in the prior art system ( fig6 and 7 ) with the corresponding output in the system of the present invention ( fig5 n ). the lowered magnitude of the current angle sensor output under the same no load conditions in the present invention dampens the oscillations which would otherwise occur between + 90 ° and - 90 °. thus , in the present invention , a real or in phase current signal i sig is added to the actual line current signal i which is employed with the current angle sensor of previously mentioned u . s . pat . no . 3 , 936 , 727 . adding the signal i sig at no load or very light load load conditions causes the apparent phase angle , as viewed from the output of the current angle sensor 70 , to respond smoothly to an adjustment of the inductive current ( compensating current i c ) from the reactive converter . in the present invention , the gain of the regulating loop is limited to an adjustable ( gain ) limit , and the region of this gain lowering is adjustable by the bias value ( s ) chosen . this technique is particularly useful in three phase power systems . in such a case , each of the remaining line current signals i 2 , i 3 at the critical area can be modified as hereinbefore described . in this connection , as mentioned earlier , such as system will typically include tree current angle sensors and the associated circuitry described more completely in previously mentioned u . s . pat . no . 3 , 936 , 727 . to obtain a preferred control system for a particular application , it may be helpful to refer to fig8 and to set forth several guidelines . fig8 is a graph which shows the line current phase angle ( θ ) at the critical bus as a function of the compensating current ( i c ) from the reactive converter for several different load currents ( i l ). the graph includes the case of no real load current ( i r = 0 ) as well as various real load current values with one unit of - 90 ° lag load current ( i x ). in fig8 the loop gain of the supervisory regulating loop is proportional to the slope of the characteristic ( δθ / δi c ). it can be observed that , under zero or near zero real current ( i r ) conditions , a high loop gain condition undesirably causes the phase angle ( θ ) to swing through zero very rapidly with only a small adjustment of the compensator current ( i c ) from the reactive converter . that is , under these conditions , the gain of the supervisory control loop approaches infinity . as the real component ( i r ) of load current ( i l ) is made less than about 10 % of the rated compensator current ( i c ), the loop gain [( δθ / δi c )] increases rapidly . thus , in a preferred control system , to engender stability and involve suitable dynamic response of the regulating system , the regulating or supervisory loop gain is reduced by adding a signal representative of the appropriate in phase current , as previously described , whenever the real component ( i r ) of load current ( i l ) is less than about 10 % of the rated compensator current ( i c ). adjustment of the bias value of fig4 to obtain the situation where the appropriate signal is added whenever the real component ( i r ) of load current is less than about 10 % of the rated compensator current ( i c ) can be achieved as follows : scaling associated with signal i 1 , the mechanism of the rectifier 110 and the sampling , storing resetting means 108 of fig4 define the relative magnitude of i 1 rectified real . by a similar scaling , rectifying , sampling , storing , resetting process for the determination of the reactive component of compensator current ( i c ), a relative magnitude of rated compensator current ( i c ) rectified reactive is determined . the bias is then set at 10 % of this value so as to actuate the previously described regulating loop stabilizing mechanism for load conditions involving less than 10 % real relative current . although the power system of the present invention has been hereinbefore illustrated with a particular light load or no load stabilizing network ( s ), other means may be substituted therefor . one such technique is to provide means which continuously adds an in phase current signal to the current angle sensor while the power system is energized . this rather crude approach will engender stability at no load or light load conditions at zero phae angle regulation . however , this technique will engender error in the phase angle measurements and regulation at other than zero phase angle regulation even when the supervisory regulating loop would otherwise be stable . this error in phase angle regulation at other than zero phase angle regulation is present in the previously described preferred regulating system only when the system would otherwise be unstable . the advantage of the preferred system over the more crude approach can be appreciated by noting that , in a typical application including an arc furnace , conditions are such that the regulating loop , if not corrected , will tend to be unstable about 5 % to 10 % of its operating time . thus , in the preferred system , there is a trade off of non - zero phase angle regulation capability for stability only during 5 % to 10 % of operating time . also , although the light load or no load stabilizing means of the present invention has been described with regard to a particular power regulation system , i . e ., the system disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 936 , 727 , it is also applicable to other systems . for example , it is generally applicable to power regulating systems involving the control of the current angle or power factor in the event that no - load or light real load component conditions may occur . while i have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention by way of illustration , many modifications will occur to those skilled in the art and i therefore wish to have it understood that i intend in the appended claims to cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention .
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fig1 - 4 illustrate a distraction device ( distractor ) 100 according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention . the distraction device 100 is compatible with minimally invasive procedures , where the patella is not reflected ( or reduced ) and the knee joint is not opened completely . the distraction device 100 has a flat / planar base 110 which is configured and intended to rest or sit on a plateau cut that is made in a bone as part of the implant surgery . for purposes of illustration only , the distraction device 100 will be described as being used in a knee implant operation and thus fig1 shows a femur bone 10 and tibia bone 20 ; however , the potential applications of the distraction device 100 extend and go beyond the knee implant surgery and thus , the following description of the application of the distraction device 100 in knee implant surgery is merely exemplary and not limiting of the present invention . in the case where the distraction device 100 is used in knee implant surgery , the base 110 thereof rests on a tibial plateau cut that is made near the end of the tibia 20 . the base 110 is configured so that it is adjustable to accommodate a range of knee sizes . more particularly , the base 110 is in the form of a plate and more specifically , the base 110 is informed of two base plates , namely , a first plate 120 ( internal plate ) and a second plate 130 ( external plate ). the first and second plates 120 , 130 are adjustable relative to one another and in particular , the first and second plates 120 , 130 are pivotably connected to one another by a pivot joint 140 . in order for the first and second plates 120 , 130 to lie in the same plane and be pivotally connected , the first plate 120 has a main portion 122 and a raised portion 124 that is connected to the main portion 122 by means of a ramp 126 . as illustrated in fig2 , when the lower surface of the main portion 122 rests on the ground , the portion 124 is elevated relative to the ground such that a space 125 is formed under the lower surface of the raised portion 124 . similarly , the second plate 130 has a main portion 132 and a raised portion 134 that is connected to the main portion 132 by means of a ramp 136 . as illustrated in fig2 , when the lower surface of the main portion 132 rests on the ground , the portion 134 is elevated relative to the ground such that a space 135 is formed under the lower surface of the raised portion 124 . the first and second plates 120 , 130 are pivotally connected at the raised portions 124 , 134 and as shown in fig2 , one raised portion ( e . g ., portion 124 ) overlies the other raised portion ( e . g ., portion 134 ). the pivot joint 140 extends through both of the raised portions 124 , 134 and permits the two plates 120 , 130 to pivot at the raised portions 124 , 134 thereof . the raised portion 124 of the first plate 120 has an opening 128 formed therethrough proximate the pivot joint 140 . similarly , the raised portion 134 includes an opening or slot 138 proximate the pivot joint 140 . a u - shaped piece ( not shown ) can be inserted into opening 128 and slot 138 . by turning a nut ( not shown ) or the like that is part of a threaded post of the u - shaped piece that traverses the slot 138 , the size and arrangement of the base 110 , and in particular , the relative positions of the first and second plates 120 , 130 can be locked into a fixed position . since the portions 124 , 134 are raised relative to the main portions 122 , 132 , respectively , receiving an object ( e . g ., the u - shaped piece ) through the opening 128 and slot 138 does not interfere with the main portions 122 , 132 resting on the planar cut since it can be received in the space 125 , 135 . the lower surfaces of the first and second base plates 120 , 130 can be rough or can have protrusions , such as spikes , so as to prevent the distraction device 100 from sliding around on the tibial plateau cut . in addition , openings can also be included so that the surgeon can fix the distraction device 100 to the tibial bone ( at tibial cut ) by means of pins or screws that are received through openings formed through the first and second plates 120 , 130 . the distraction device 100 includes two upper femoral plateaus , namely , a first upper femoral plateau member 150 ( internal ) and a second upper femoral plateau member 160 ( external ). the first upper femoral plateau member 150 is configured and intended to support the internal ( medial ) condyle 12 of the femur 10 , while the second upper femoral plateau member 160 is configured and intended to support the external ( lateral ) condyle 14 of the femur 10 . as described above in more detail and based on the pivoting action between the plates 120 , 130 , the distance of separation between each plateau members 150 , 160 is adjustable . more specifically , the optimal distance of separation between the plateau members 150 , 160 can be automatically computed from the femoral bone model , by for example , calculating the distance between the most posterior or most distal points on the femoral condyles 12 , 14 . an average of these two distances can be selected so that the distraction device 100 fits the femur 10 when the knee is in both flexion and in extension . markings can be incorporated onto the distraction device 100 , for example , on the base 110 ( plates 120 , 130 ) to indicate the separation distance so that the surgeon can adjust the tibial base distance to the appropriate value as determined by various techniques . alternatively , a caliper system or similar tool can be used to measure the distance between the plateau members 150 , 160 . alternatively , pair of holes can be made in the base plates 120 , 130 of the distraction device 100 corresponding to predefined discrete distance that correspond to various sizes of a knee implant . the surgeon can then easily insert a peg or the like into the proper holes in order to replicate a particular size of the implant that corresponds to the planned implant size . an upper surface of each of the first and second femoral plateau members 150 , 160 is constructed to support and complement the respective condyle and can be convex in form in both the sagittal and frontal planes to better fit with the femoral condyles 12 , 14 , respectively . thus , they can be spherical or they can have different curvatures in the different planes to simulate different levels of constraints . the first and second upper femoral plateau members 150 , 160 are coupled to the first and second base plates 120 , 130 , respectively , by means of a linkage mechanism 200 that ensures that each of the plateau members 150 , 160 remains parallel to the respective lower base plate 120 , 130 throughout the course of the distraction motion ( i . e ., the range of motion of a distraction operation ). the linkage mechanism 200 is formed of a plurality of link pairs 210 , 220 connected to each other and coupled to one of the femoral plateau members 150 , 160 and the respective base plate 120 , 130 by pins or the like 230 . as shown , the link 210 is connected at one end to one of the femoral plateau members 150 , 160 and is connected at its other end to one end of the other link 220 . the pins 230 permit pivoting of the links 210 , 220 with respect to each other and with respect to the femoral plateau plates 150 , 160 and the base plates 120 , 130 . the links 210 , 220 are arranged at angles to each other such that when one pair of links 210 , 220 hinges or pivots open , all other link pairs 210 , 220 open at an equal angle , thereby constraining the first and second upper femoral plateau members 150 , 160 to remain parallel to the first and second lower base plates 120 , 130 . in one exemplary embodiment , at least three linkage mechanisms 200 for each of the first and second femoral plateau members 150 , 160 and the respective base plate 120 , 130 are chosen to optimize the stability , strength and size of the linkage mechanism 200 . however , it will be appreciated that each mechanism 200 can have more or less than three pairs of links 210 , 220 . thus , two or four pairs of links 210 , 220 can be used . it will also be appreciated that instead of having link pairs defined by parts 210 , 220 that are coupled to and between the first and second femoral plateau members 150 , 160 and the respective base plate 120 , 130 , there can be more than two links in each set . in other words , link triplets defined by three link members pivotally attached to one another and to the first and second femoral plateau members 150 , 160 and the respective base plate 120 , 130 can be provided or link quadruplet defined by four link members can be employed instead of the illustrated link pairs 210 , 220 . the illustrated linkage mechanism 200 has been designed such that it has a low profile height on the order of about 5 mm when fully retracted as illustrated in fig2 , and a considerably higher height of about 15 mm or 20 mm when fully extended . if additional heights are required beyond the maximum height range , spacer blocks can be fastened onto the first and second upper femoral plateau members to augment the maximum achievable height . the fastening mechanism that is incorporated into the distraction device 100 can be any number of different types , including but not limited to , a quick - clip or snap type mechanism , or a peg and hole type mechanism , or a sliding dove tail joint arrangement , etc . in addition , in the case where the above mentioned spacer blocks are used , these blocks can have similar surfaces to those of the first and second femoral plateau members 150 , 160 and are constructed to mate in a complementary manner with the condyles 12 , 14 of the femur 10 . alternatively , the spacer blocks can have different shaped surfaces , such as flat planes so that they can fit the femur 10 after the distal femoral and posterior femoral cuts are made . by measuring the gap spaces between the femur 10 and tibia 20 , the physician can determine if the required distraction height is greater than the maximum height achievable by the distraction device 100 . the system can also advise the surgeon as to which height of spacer block to use in order to sufficiently augment the distraction height , while keeping the distraction device &# 39 ; s dynamic range of motion or workspace in a suitable location . the height of each of the first and second upper femoral plateau members 150 , 160 is preferably independently controlled by a controller or some other type of mechanism . there are any number of different techniques that can be used to control the movement of the first and second upper femoral plateau members 150 , 160 relative to the first and second base plates 120 , 130 . for example , the height can be controlled by a hydraulic system . since the height of the distraction device 100 can be readily changed , the portion of the device 100 that is inserted into the joint can remain as small as possible , and require only a minimum opening of the joint . fig4 illustrates one exemplary means 300 for controlling the height of the first and second upper femoral plateau members 150 , 160 relative to the first and second base plates 120 , 130 . the illustrated means 300 is a fluid based system and includes a first fluid holding member that is expandable ( first pouch ) 310 that is intended to be associated with one of the linkage mechanisms 200 and a second fluid holding member that is expandable ( second pouch ) 320 that is intended to be associated with another linkage mechanism 200 . more specifically , the first pouch 310 is constructed to surround one linkage mechanism 200 and receive and hold a fluid ( e . g ., water ) and the second pouch 320 is constructed to surround another linkage mechanism 200 . the first pouch 310 is thus a flexible member that has a hollow interior 310 that is constructed to accommodate the linkage mechanisms 200 which in the illustrated embodiments is defined by three pairs of links pairs . each of the first and second pouches 310 , 320 has an upper part 312 and an opposing lower part 314 , with the upper part 312 being coupled to a first intermediate plate 330 , while the lower part 314 is coupled to a second intermediate plate 340 . the intermediate plates 330 , 340 can have any number of different sizes and shapes so long as they are complementary to the other parts and perform the function of providing a mounting surface or substrate that permits the linkage mechanism 200 to be mounted between the base 110 and the upper femoral plateau members 150 , 160 . in the illustrated embodiment , the intermediate plates 330 , 340 are in the form of disks or the like . in fact , the linkage pairs defined by parts 210 , 220 are disposed between the two intermediate plates 330 , 340 , with the part 210 being attached to the first intermediate plate 330 and the part 220 being attached to the second intermediate plate 340 . the upper part 312 of the first pouch 310 can be coupled to the first intermediate plate 330 with fastening means 332 ( such as screws or the like ) and the lower part 314 can be coupled to the second intermediate plate 340 with fastening means 332 , with the plates 330 , 340 being attached to the first upper femoral plateau member 150 and the base plate 120 . similarly , the upper part 312 of the second pouch 320 can be coupled to the first intermediate plate 330 with fastening means 332 ( such as screws or the like ) and the lower part 314 can be coupled to the second intermediate plate 340 with fastening means 332 , with the plates 330 , 340 being attached to the second upper femoral plateau member 160 and the base plate 130 . the attachment of the first and second pouches 310 , 320 to the intermediate plates 330 , 340 forms a tight waterproof seal . openings 350 formed in the linkage mechanisms 200 prevent hole bosses 352 from interfering and impinging upon the links 210 , 220 through the course of the range of distractor motion . in other words , as the distraction device 100 moves over its range of motion ( up and down ) the screw bosses 352 will likewise move ; however , the openings 350 are formed in the links 210 , 220 to permit reception of the screw bosses 352 and therefore , permit smooth movement of the device 100 . the pouches 310 , 320 can be made out of a medical grade plastic or pvc or any other suitable material . preferably , the pouches 310 , 320 are made from a material that is the least extensible as possible so that the distraction height does not change significantly when loads are applied . the material should be bendable to accommodate changes in the shape as the plateau height is increased or decreased , but should also resist expanding or stretching like a balloon when the fluid pressure increases . in other words , if the fluid volume in the pouches 310 , 320 is held constant , the distraction height should also remain constant even if the loads are applied since the pouches 310 , 320 do not expand under the applied pressure . the pouches 310 , 320 can be manufactured as two separate discs and joined together around the linkage mechanisms 200 with a seam to reduce manufacturing costs . preferably , the seam is made using a high frequency welding machine so as to be strong and resist rupturing . in one embodiment , the pouches 310 , 320 are fluid operated with fluid being supplied by means of conduits ( tubes ) 360 that can extend from the pouches 310 , 320 to transmit the fluid . the conduits 360 can be flexible so as not to interfere with the patella and the tissues surrounding the joint as the knee joint is flexed and distracted . the fluid can be sterile water , saline solution , mineral oil , or any other appropriate fluid . a purge system can be incorporated to remove any bubbles in the system . the height of each of the first and second upper femoral plateau members 150 , 160 is independently controlled by a controller or the like . the controller can include one or more motors or the like that are operated to control the amount of fluid in each pouch 310 , 320 and the height of the respective first and second upper femoral plateau members 150 , 160 . operation of the motors results in fluid traveling through the conduits 360 into the pouches 310 , 320 and this causes the fluid pressure to increase in the pouch 310 , 320 . apposing forces are applied to the intermediate plates 330 , 340 resulting in an increase in height of the upper femoral plateau plate 150 , 160 relative to the base plates 120 , 130 ( first and second degrees of freedom ( dof )). this in turn causes the position of the femur 10 to change relative to the tibia 20 in the knee joint . it will be appreciated that any number of different types of controllers , actuators , devices , etc ., can be used to cause a controlled change in the distraction device 100 . while exemplary drawings and specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated , it is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments discussed . thus , the embodiments shall be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive , and it should be understood that variations may be made in those embodiments by workers skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims that follow , and equivalents thereof . in addition , the features of the different claims set forth below may be combined in various ways in further accordance with the present invention .
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the apparatus of fig1 comprises an arbitrary number of cameras 1 , 2 connected to a video mixer 3 . each camera comprises an image sensor 4 which transmits an input video image stream formed of consecutive video images to mixer 3 via a cable 5 , a control unit 6 having a plurality of keys for setting an operating mode of the camera 1 , 2 and a viewfinder 7 in which the image stream from the image sensor 4 of the camera is displayed . the control units 6 and the viewfinders 7 of the cameras 1 , 2 are connected to the video mixer 3 by said cables 5 , too , thus enabling the control units 6 to transmit control instructions to the mixer 3 or receive control instructions from it and enabling the viewfinder 7 to play back image information it receives from the mixer 3 . primarily , the mixer 3 is a switch for selecting one of the input video image streams from the cameras 1 , 2 and outputting it as an output video image stream , e . g . to a recording device or to an antenna , not shown , for being broadcast . the mixer 3 is adapted to switch over the output video image stream continuously from a first one of the input streams originating e . g . from camera 1 to a second one of the input streams originating e . g . from camera 2 by dividing the image area into first and second regions and extracting each pixel of the first region of an output image from an image of the first input stream and each pixel belonging to the second region from an image of the second input stream . by continuously increasing the size of the second region at the expense of the first one , the output image stream , which initially was identical to the first input stream , gradually becomes identical to the second one . this kind of switchover is also known in the art as a “ wipe ”. control means for triggering a wipe and for setting its parameters such as duration , the starting point of the second region and its way of growing may be provided at the video mixer 3 , where they can be handled by a mixer operator . according to the invention , such control means are provided in the control units 6 of the video cameras 1 , 2 , in addition to or instead of those at the mixer 3 . by transmitting wipe parameters and , eventually , a wipe command from the control unit 6 to the video mixer 3 , a mixer operator can be dispensed with . fig2 is an outline of the communication between the cameras 1 , 2 and the video mixer 3 during a wipe . it is assumed that initially , the video image stream output by mixer 3 originates from camera 1 , symbolized in fig2 by a broad arrow 8 extending from a line representing camera 1 to a line representing mixer 3 , the width of which arrow 8 is representative of the time interval in which the output of mixer 3 is derived from camera 1 . at an arbitrary instant of this time interval , the video mixer 3 receives a wipe test request 9 from one of the cameras connected to it . it will be assumed in the following that the request originates from camera 1 , but it is understood that any other camera might submit the request , too . the request defines the target camera of the wipe , i . e . the camera whose image stream will be output from mixer 3 once the wipe has been carried out , the duration of the wipe , the initial location of the second region and its type of growth . the mixer 3 communicates the request to the cameras concerned by messages 10 , which also specify the parameters of the wipe . based on these parameters , each camera 1 , 2 calculates how the border between first and second image regions will move if the wipe is actually carried out and displays the moving border in its viewfinder 7 , superimposed upon the view which is currently being taken by the camera . thus , a cameraperson who handles camera 1 and caused it to transmit the wipe test request 9 can estimate the effects the wipe would have on the view which is currently being taken by camera 1 and may eventually select a view which is better suited . similarly , the cameraperson handling target camera 2 can tell from the border displayed in his viewfinder that his camera is a target of a switch request and that the view he is shooting will eventually soon be on the air . when the cameraperson of camera 1 is satisfied with the wipe test , he / she may cause the camera 1 to send a wipe command 11 to the mixer 3 . the mixer 3 forwards the wipe command 11 to camera 2 . by sending and receiving the wipe command 11 , the cameras 1 , 2 are enabled to receive the output image stream 12 from the video mixer 3 , which will be displayed in the viewfinders 7 of the cameras 1 , 2 during the switchover . when the switchover is complete , only the video image stream from camera 2 , represented by broad arrow 13 , is output by video mixer 3 . fig3 is a series of schematic representations of what is seen in the viewfinders 7 of cameras 1 , 2 during the procedure of fig2 , according to a first embodiment of the invention . in each section of the fig ., the left image corresponds to camera 1 , and the right image corresponds to camera 2 . a thick outline drawn around an image frame indicates that the corresponding camera provides or contributes to the output image stream at the instant concerned . the squares of different sizes shown in the image frames of fig3 must not be construed as objects seen by the cameras , but merely as patterns which indicate the origin of the particular image region shown : if the region is filled by small squares , it originates from camera 1 , if it is filled with large squares , it originates from camera 2 . section a ) of fig3 corresponds to an instant in time before a wipe test request is transmitted . as can be recognized based on the above explanations , camera 1 is the only source of the output image stream , and each viewfinder 7 displays the scene which is being shot by the camera to which it belongs . section b ) corresponds to an instant in time shortly after a wipe test request has been notified to the cameras 1 , 2 by the message 10 . the request specifies that the second region 16 will be a square which starts to grow from the upper right corner of the viewfinder screen . in each viewfinder , the border 14 between first and second regions 15 , 16 is shown superimposed onto the scene which is observed by the camera to which the viewfinder belongs , the scene remaining visible in first and second image regions 15 , 16 . in stage c ) the second image regions 16 have grown larger in both viewfinders . by watching the second region 16 grow , the camerapeople at cameras 1 , 2 can tell how the wipe will affect the views they are shooting and whether it is appropriate to change the view in order to make the wipe look good in the output image stream . when the border 14 has moved across the entire viewfinder screen in stage d , the viewfinders look the same as in stage a again . when a cameraperson decides to carry out a wipe from camera 1 to camera 2 and sends the wipe command 11 , the output image stream begins to be downloaded to cameras 1 , 2 , so that in a first instant of the wipe , shown in section e ), the viewfinder of camera 2 displays the scene taken by camera 1 . the viewfinder of camera 1 also displays the output image stream , but since in stage e ), the output image stream is provided by camera 1 alone , the scene which is shown in the viewfinder is the same as before . subsequently , the border 14 between a first image region 15 displaying the view of camera 1 and the second image region 16 displaying the view of camera 2 propagates across the screens of both viewfinders , as shown in sections f ), g ). when the wipe is finished , in stage h ), the mixer 3 ceases to transmit the output image stream to the two viewfinders 7 , and these display again the scenes viewed by their respective cameras . fig4 shows a series of viewfinder screenshots from cameras 1 , 2 according to an alternative embodiment of the method . the initial situation , shown in section a ) of fig4 , is the same as in section a ) of fig3 . when the video mixer 3 receives a wipe test request from camera 1 which is currently providing the output video stream of the mixer 3 or from camera 2 which would provide the output video stream when the wipe has been carried out , the image shown in the viewfinder of camera 2 is modified , as indicated by hatching in section b ). the modification can be of any type that affects the entire area of the image , e . g . the image may become darker , it may turn from colour to black and white , or the like . subsequently , as shown in stages c ) and d ), the image area is split into first and second regions 15 , 16 , the second region 16 expanding continuously all over the viewfinder until it occupies the entire image area in stage e ). in the viewfinder of camera 1 , the second image region is modified in the same way as was the entire viewfinder image of camera 2 in stage b , whereas in the viewfinder of camera 2 , the second image region 16 is displayed normally again . in this way , it is evident for the camerapersons at any time which one of the two regions 15 , 16 that they can see in their viewfinder will be present in the output image stream during the wipe . nevertheless , they can still see the entire field of view of their camera during the wipe test . when a wipe is actually started in stage f ) of fig4 , the viewfinders 7 of the cameras 1 , 2 begin to receive the output image stream from mixer 3 . camera 1 , initially being the only source of the output image stream , displays it normally , whereas camera 2 applies to it the same modification as during the wipe test . again , the image area in the viewfinders is divided into first and second regions , and the second region , now carrying image information from camera 2 , expands continuously , as shown in stages g ) and h ), until it fills the entire viewfinder screen . when this happens , the wipe is finished , camera 2 has become the only source of the output image stream , mixer 3 ceases to feed back the output image stream to the viewfinders 7 , and these display the field of view of their respective cameras again , as shown in stage i ). fig5 illustrates a third embodiment of the switchover method . the initial situation , show in section a ), is the same as in fig3 and 4 . when a wipe test is carried out , in the viewfinder of camera 1 , a border 14 between first and second image regions 15 , 16 , propagates from the upper right corner across the entire viewfinder screen , as shown in sections b ) and c ). in the viewfinder of camera 2 , however , the border 14 propagates in the opposite direction , starting from the lower left corner . in this way , the camera person who operates camera 1 can tell that if a wipe is carried out with the parameters set for the wipe test , the view taken by camera 1 will gradually be superseded by the view from camera 2 in the output image stream , starting at the upper right corner , whereas the cameraperson operating camera 2 can see that the lower left corner of the view taken by camera 2 will be the first to appear in the output image stream during the wipe . after the wipe test , as shown in section d ), the screens of both viewfinders appear the same as at the beginning , in section a ). as in the case of fig3 , when the wipe is started , the output image stream is fed back to both viewfinders , as shown in section e ). as can be seen in sections f ), g ), the view taken by camera 2 gradually moves across the screen , i . e . objects viewed by camera 2 move across the screen , whereas those viewed by camera 1 remain stationary . when the images from camera 1 have been superseded completely by those from camera 2 in the output image stream , the wipe is finished , and the view finders revert to normal operation , as shown in section h ).
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an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the duplexed data memory system will be described below . [ 0036 ] fig1 of the accompanying drawings is a block diagram showing a duplexed data memory system according to an embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig1 this duplexed data memory system comprises an original system composed of a main memory unit 1 , a original channel unit 2 , an original disk control unit 3 serving as an external memory control unit and an original disk unit 4 serving as an external memory unit and a subsystem composed of a main memory unit 5 , a subchannel unit 6 , a subdisk control unit 7 and a subdisk unit 8 similarly to this original system . the original channel unit 2 and the original disk control unit 3 ; and the subchannel unit 6 and the subdisk control unit 7 are connected together by interface cables 9 and 10 . also , the original disk control unit 3 and the subdisk control unit 7 are connected by an interface cable 11 . incidentally , the main memory unit 1 and the original channel unit 2 are connected to a part of a host unit ( not shown ) or the host unit . [ 0038 ] fig2 shows the internal arrangements of the original disk control unit 3 and the subdisk control unit 7 . as shown in fig2 the original disk control unit 3 includes a channel command analyzing section 30 , a subdisk control unit command issuing section 31 , a subdisk control unit command analyzing section 32 , a state management table 33 for managing the state of a duplexing forming disk unit and an access information management table 34 for registering access places of original and sub - disk units obtained during the duplexing is interrupted . similarly , the sub - side disk control unit 7 includes a channel command analyzing section 36 , an original disk control unit command issuing section 37 , an original disk control unit command analyzing section 38 , a state management table 39 for memorizing the same information as that of the state management table 33 of the original disk control unit and an access information table 40 for memorizing access places of the subdisk unit obtained during the duplexing is interrupted . as disk units used as original and sub - disk units , there are generally used magnetic disks , and any disk units may be used so long as they may be used as recording media such as a magnetic tape and a dvd . [ 0042 ] fig3 shows contents registered on the state management tables 33 , 39 and their abbreviations . a state 1 shows the state in which the duplexed data memory system shown in fig1 is used in the duplexing circumstances and data of the original system and the subsystem are coincident with each other . a state 2 shows the state in which the duplexed data memory system shown in fig1 is interrupted in use under the duplexing circumstances and data of the original system is updated . further , a state 3 shows the state in which the duplexed data memory system shown in fig1 is interrupted in use under the duplexed data circumstances and the write access is made on the subsystem . the processing operation in the embodiment of the present invention will be described in accordance with the flowcharts of fig4 to 7 . in fig4 to 7 , “ state 1 ”, “ state 2 ” and “ state 3 ” shown as the states registered on the state management table are those shown in fig3 . the present invention shown in fig1 to 3 will be described in detail with reference to fig4 to 7 . [ 0046 ] fig4 a shows a flow of processing executed in the sub - disk control unit 7 until the state management table 39 is set and the access information management table 40 is set since the access occurs in the sub - disk unit 7 . in fig4 a , if the command received at the channel command analyzing section 36 of the sub - disk unit 7 is the access to duplexed data ( step 100 ) and is also the write access ( step 110 ), then the state management table 39 is checked . then , the state is the duplexing (“ state 1 ”) ( step 120 ), then a command of the requested write access is rejected ( step 130 ). if the state is the duplexing interruption (“ state 2 ”) ( step 140 ), then the duplexing interruption write access state (“ state 3 ”) is registered on the state management table 39 ( step 150 ), and such state is reported to the original disk control unit 3 ( step 160 ) by a dedicated command . also in the original disk control unit 3 , the received state is similarly registered on the state management table 33 . with respect to the registration processing { circle over ( 1 )} of access information on the sub - disk unit 8 in fig4 a , as shown in fig4 b , write access place information may be registered on the access information management table 40 ( step 170 ). alternatively , as shown in fig4 c , the access information may be reported to the original disk control unit 3 by a dedicated command ( step 180 ). when the access information registration processing shown in fig4 b is realized , after the access to the backup data was ended , the disk control unit for controlling original data collectively reads out update place information of backup data from the disk control unit which controls the backup data . on the other hand , when the access information registration processing shown in fig4 c is realized , after the access to the backup data was ended , the disk control unit for controlling backup data collectively reports update place information of backup data to the disk control unit which controls original data . in any cases , the original disk control unit 3 merges received access information to access information relative to the original disk unit 3 , and registers merged access information on the access information management table 34 . then , fig5 shows a flow of a processing executed in the sub - disk control unit 7 until the access information is reported to the original disk control unit 3 since the access to the sub - disk unit 8 was ended . in fig5 a , if a command received at the channel command analyzing section 36 of the sub - disk control unit 7 is an access end command relative to the sub - disk unit 8 which is placed in the duplexed data state ( step 300 ), then the end of the access is reported to the positive disk control unit 3 by a dedicated command from the positive disk control unit command issuing section 37 ( step 310 ). then , if the write access of the duplexing interruption is carried out with reference to the state management table 39 ( step 320 ), then a processing { circle over ( 2 )} in which the access information is reported to the original disk control unit 3 is realized by a method of fig5 b or fig5 c . when this processing { circle over ( 2 )} is realized by the method shown in fig5 b , the access information read request from the original disk control unit 3 is awaited ( step 330 ). then , after such request is received , the access information is reported to the original disk control unit 3 by a dedicated command ( step 340 ), and the contents of the access information management table 40 are cleared ( step 350 ). on the other hand , when the processing { circle over ( 2 )} is realized by the method shown in fig5 c , the access information is reported to the original disk control unit 3 by a dedicated command ( step 360 ), and the contents of the access information management table 40 are cleared ( step 370 ). thereafter , the duplexing interruption information is registered on the state management table 39 ( step 380 ). [ 0058 ] fig6 shows a flow of a processing executed by the original disk control unit 3 until the access information of the sub - disk unit 8 is obtained after the access end report to the sub - disk unit 8 was received . in fig6 a , after the access end report was received at the sub - disk control unit command analyzing section 32 of the original disk control unit 3 ( step 400 ), the state management table 33 is checked . if the write access of the duplexing interruption is carried out ( step 410 ), then an access information registration processing { circle over ( 3 )} may be realized by either method shown in fig6 b or fig6 c . if the processing shown in fig6 b is executed , then the access information read command is issued to the sub - disk control unit 7 by a dedicated command ( step 420 ), and the read - out information is merged to the access information relative to the original disk unit 4 and then registered on the access information management table 34 ( step 430 ). if the processing shown in fig6 c is executed , then the report of the access information from the sub - disk control unit 7 is awaited ( step 440 ), and the received information is merged to the access information relative to the original disk unit 4 and then registered on the access information management table 34 ( step 450 ). thereafter , the sub - side write access information of the duplexing interruption is registered on the state management table 33 ( step 460 ). further , fig7 shows a flow of a processing executed in the original disk control unit 3 when the duplexing is resumed from the interruption in the embodiment . a command in which information indicating whether data of the original disk unit 4 obtained after the duplexing is resumed is used as data of the original disk unit 4 obtained in the duplexing interruption ( original data is used ) or as data of the sub - disk unit 8 ( sub - data is used ) is added to a conventional duplexing resume command is prepared as a new duplexing resume command . in fig7 a , if it is determined by the channel command analyzing section 30 of the original disk control unit 3 that the command from the original channel unit 2 is the duplexing resume command ( step 600 ), then the state management table 33 is checked . then , if such command is placed in other states than the duplexing interruption state ( step 610 ), then the command is rejected ( step 620 ). if the state is the duplexing interruption state and the added information of the duplexing resume command represents original data use ( step 630 ), then the access information management table 34 is checked , and the write command relative to the access place is issued to the sub - disk unit 8 ( step 640 ). if the added information of the duplexing resume command does not represent the original data use ( i . e . represent sub - data use ) ( step 630 ), then the access information management table 34 is checked , a read command relative to the access place is issued to the sub - disk control unit 7 ( step 680 ), and the data thus obtained is written in the original disk unit 4 ( step 690 ). following the steps 640 and 690 , as shown in fig7 b , duplexing information is registered on the state management table 33 ( step 650 ), and contents of the access information management table 34 are cleared ( step 660 ). also in the sub - disk control unit 7 , after the writing of received data is ended at the step 640 , or when data was reported at the step 680 , duplexing information is registered on the state management table 39 . as described above , the sub - disk control unit 7 memorizes information of update place in response to the access to the backup data . after the access was ended , the original disk control unit 3 reads out such information from the sub - disk control unit 7 . alternatively , after the access was ended , the sub - disk control unit 7 reports such information to the original disk control unit 3 so that each time the access occurs in the backup data , the update place obtained by the accessing of the sub - disk unit 8 is reported to the original disk control unit 3 . as described above , according to the multiplexed data memory system of the present invention , under the circumstances comprising the original system for executing the business and the sub - system holding its backup data , resources may be effectively utilized by accessing the read and write from and on the backup data . also , the multiplexing of data may be efficiently reorganized by copying only the update place data from the original system disk unit to the sub - system disk unit or copying only the update place data from the sub - system disk unit to the original system disk unit after the access was ended . having described a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications could be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims .
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referring to the drawings the apparatus and technique is directed to plastically deforming ( embossing or debossing ) the circumferential wall of an aluminium container 1 at a predetermined position relative to a preprinted decorative design on the external container wall . where the embossing deformation is intended to coincide with the printed decorative design , this is referred to in the art as registered embossing . in the embodiment shown in the drawings , a design 50 comprising a series of three axially spaced arc grooves is to be embossed at 180 degree opposed locations on the container wall ( see fig1 a ). for aesthetic reasons it is important that the location at which the design 50 is embossed is coordinated with the printed design on the container 1 wall . coordination of the container 1 axial orientation with the tooling to effect deformation is therefore crucial . referring to fig5 to 7 the forming apparatus 2 comprises a vertically orientated rotary table 3 operated to rotate ( about a horizontal axis ) in an indexed fashion to successively rotationally advanced locations . spaced around the periphery of table 3 are a series of container holding stations comprising clamping chucks 4 . containers are delivered in sequence to the table in random axial orientations , each being received in a respective chuck 4 , securely clamped about the container base 5 . a vertically orientated forming table 6 faces the rotary table 3 and carries a series of deformation tools at spaced tooling stations 7 . following successive rotary index movements of rotary table 3 , table 6 is advanced from a retracted position ( fig5 ) to an advanced position ( fig8 ). in moving to the advanced position the respective tools at tooling stations 7 perform forming operations on the container circumferential walls proximate their respective open ends 8 . successive tooling stations 7 perform successive degrees of deformation in the process . this process is well known and used in the prior art and is frequently known as necking . necked designs of various neck / shoulder profiles such as that shown in fig3 can be produced . necking apparatus typically operates at speeds of up to 200 containers per minute giving a typical working time duration at each forming station in the order of 0 . 3 seconds . in this time , it is required that the tooling table 6 moves axially to the advanced position , the tooling at a respective station contacts a respective container and deforms one stage in the necking process , and the tooling table 6 is retracted . in accordance with the invention , in addition to the necking / shoulder - forming tooling at stations 7 , the tooling table carries embossing tooling 10 at an embossing station 9 . the embossing tooling ( shown most clearly in fig1 to 16 ) comprises inner forming tool parts 11 a , 11 b of respective arms 11 of an expandable internal tool mandrel 15 . tool parts 11 a , 11 b carry respective female embossing formations 12 . the embossing tooling 10 also includes a respective outer tool arrangement including respective arms 13 carrying tooling parts 13 a , 13 b having complementary male embossing formations 14 . in moving to the table 7 advanced position the respective internal tool parts 11 a , 11 b are positioned internally of the container spaced adjacently the container 1 wall ; the respective external tool parts 13 a , 13 b are positioned externally of the container spaced adjacently the container 1 wall . the internal mandrel 15 is expandable to move the tooling parts 11 a , 11 b to a relatively spaced apart position in which they abut the internal wall of the container 1 ( see fig1 ) from the collapsed position shown in fig1 ( tools 11 a , 11 b spaced from the internal wall of the container 1 ). an elongate actuator rod 16 is movable in a longitudinal direction to effect expansion and contraction of the mandrel 15 and consequent movement apart and toward one another of the tool parts 11 a , 11 b . a the cam head portion 17 of the actuator rod 16 effects expansion of the mandrel 15 as the actuator rod 16 moves in the direction of arrow a . the cam head portion 17 acts against sloping wedge surfaces 65 of the tool parts 11 a , 11 b to cause expansion ( moving apart ) of the tool parts 11 a , 11 b . the resilience of arms 11 biases the mandrel 15 to the closed position as the rod 16 moves in the direction of arrow b . outer tool arms 13 are movable toward and away from one another under the influence of closing cam arms 20 of actuator 21 acting on a cam shoulder 13 c of respective arms 13 . movement of actuator 21 in the direction of arrow d causes the external tooling parts 13 a to be drawn toward one another . movement of actuator 21 in the direction of arrow e causes the external tool parts 13 a to relatively separate . arms 13 and 11 of the outer tool arrangement and the inner mandrel are retained by cam support ring 22 . the arms 11 , 13 resiliently flex relative to the support ring 22 as the actuators 21 , 16 operate . as an alternative to the cam / wedge actuation arrangement , other actuators may be used such as hydraulic / pneumatic , electromagnetic ( e . g . solenoid actuators ) electrical ( servo / stepping ) motors . the operation of the embossing tooling is such that the internal mandrel 15 is operable to expand and contract independently of the operation of the external tool parts 13 a . the internal mandrel 15 ( comprising arms 11 ) and the external tooling ( comprising arms 13 ) connected at cam support ring 22 , are rotatable relative to table 6 , in unison about the axis of mandrel 15 . bearings 25 are provided for this purpose . a servo - motor ( or stepping motor ) 26 is connected via appropriate gearing to effect controlled rotation of the tooling 10 relative to table 6 in a manner that will be explained in detail later . with the tooling 10 in the position shown in fig1 , the mandrel 15 is expanded by moving actuator rod 16 in the direction of arrow a causing the internal tooling parts 11 a to lie against the internal circumferential wall of cylinder 1 , adopting the configuration shown in fig1 , 12 a . next actuator 21 moves in the direction of arrow d causing cam arms 20 to act on cam shoulder 13 c and flexing arms 13 toward one another . in so doing the external tooling parts 13 a engage the cylindrical wall of container 1 , projections 14 deforming the material of the container 1 wall into respective complementary receiving formations 12 on the internal tooling parts 11 a . the deforming tooling parts 11 a , 13 a , can be hard , tool steel components or formed of other materials . in certain embodiments one or other of the tooling parts may comprise a conformable material such as plastics , polymeric material or the like . an important feature is that the internal tooling parts 11 a support the non deforming parts of the container wall during deformation to form the embossed pattern 50 . at this stage in the procedure , the situation is as shown in fig1 , 13 a . the configuration and arrangement of the cam arms 20 , cam shoulders 13 c of the external embossing tooling and the sloping ( or wedge ) cam surface of internal tooling parts 11 a ( cooperating with the cam head 17 of rod 16 ) provide that the embossing force characteristics of the arrangement can be controlled to ensure even embossing over the entire area of the embossed pattern 50 . the external cam force action on the outer tool parts 13 a is rearward of the embossing formations 14 ; the internal cam force action on the inner tool parts 11 a is forward of the embossing formations 12 . the forces balance out to provide a final embossed pattern of consistent depth formations over the entire zone of the embossed pattern 50 . next actuator 21 returns to its start position ( arrow e ) permitting the arms 13 of the external tooling to flex outwardly to their normal position . in so doing tooling parts 13 a disengage from embossing engagement with the container 1 external surface . at this stage in the procedure , the situation is as shown in fig1 , 14 a . the next stage in the procedure is for the internal mandrel to collapse moving tooling parts 11 a out of abutment with the internal wall of the cylinder 1 . at this stage in the procedure , the situation is as shown in fig1 , 15 a . finally the tooling table 6 is retracted away from the rotatable table 3 withdrawing the tooling 10 from the container . at this stage in the procedure , the situation is as shown in fig1 , 16 a . in the embodiment described , the movement of the tools to effect embossing is translational only . it is however feasible to utilise rotational external / internal embossing tooling as is known generally in the prior art . the rotary table is then indexed rotationally moving the embossed container to adjacent with the next tooling station 7 , and bringing a fresh container into alignment with the embossing tooling 10 at station 9 . the embossing stages described correspond to stages 106 to 112 in the flow diagram of fig1 . prior to the approachment of the embossing tooling 10 to a container 1 clamped at table 3 ( fig1 and stage 106 of fig1 ) it is important that the container 1 and tooling 10 are accurately rotationally oriented to ensure that the embossed pattern 50 is accurately positioned with respect to the printed design on the exterior of the container . according to the present invention this is conveniently achieved by reviewing the position of a respective container 1 whilst already securely clamped in a chuck 4 of the rotary table 3 , and rotationally reorientating the embossing tooling 10 to the required position . this technique is particularly convenient and advantageous because a rotational drive of one arrangement ( the embossing tooling 10 ) only is required . chucks 4 can be fixed relative to the table 3 and receive containers in random axial rotational orientations . moving parts for the apparatus are therefore minimised in number , and reliability of the apparatus is optimised . the open ends 8 of undeformed containers 1 approaching the apparatus 2 have margins 30 printed with a coded marking band 31 comprising a series of spaced code blocks or strings 32 ( shown most clearly in fig4 ). each code block / string 32 comprises a column of six data point zones coloured dark or light according to a predetermined sequence . with the container 1 clamped in random orientation in a respective chuck 4 a charge coupled device ( ccd ) camera 60 views a portion of the code in its field of view . the data corresponding to the viewed code is compared with the data stored in a memory ( of controller 70 ) for the coded band and the position of the can relative to a datum position is ascertained . the degree of rotational realignment required for the embossing tooling 10 to conform to the datum for the respective container is stored in the memory of main apparatus controller 70 . when the respective container 10 is indexed to face the embossing tooling 10 the controller instigates rotational repositioning of the tooling 10 to ensure that embossing occurs at the correct zone on the circumferential surface of the container 1 . the controller 70 when assessing the angular position of the tooling relative to the angular position to be embossed on the container utilises a decision making routine to decide whether clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the tooling 10 provides the shortest route to the datum position , and initiates the required sense of rotation of servo - motor 26 accordingly . this is an important feature of the system in enabling rotation of the tooling to be effected in a short enough time - frame to be accommodated within the indexing interval of the rotating table 3 . the coding block 32 system is in effect a binary code and provides that the ccd camera device can accurately and clearly read the code and determine the position of the container relative to the tooling 10 datum by viewing a small proportion of the code only ( for example two adjacent blocks 32 can have a large number of unique coded configurations ). the coding blocks 32 are made up of vertical data point strings ( perpendicular to the direction of extent of the coding band 31 ) in each of which there are dark and light data point zones ( squares ). each vertical block 32 contains six data point zones . this arrangement has benefits over a conventional bar code arrangement , particularly in an industrial environment where there may be variation in light intensity , mechanical vibrations and like . as can be seen in fig4 , because the tooling 10 in the exemplary embodiment is arranged to emboss the same pattern at 180 degree spacing , the coding band 31 includes a coding block pattern that repeats over 180 degree spans . the position determination system and control of rotation of the tooling 10 are represented in blocks 102 to 105 of the flow diagram of fig1 . the coding band 31 can be conveniently printed contemporaneously with the printing of the design on the exterior of the container . forming of the neck to produce , for example a valve seat 39 ( fig3 ) obscures the coding band from view in the finished product . as an alternative to the optical , panoramic visual sensing of the coding band 31 , a less preferred technique could be to use an alternative visual mark , or a physical mark ( e . g . a deformation in the container wall ) to be physically sensed . referring to fig1 , the technique is particularly switched to forming aesthetically pleasing embossed formations 50 of a greater height / depth dimension ( d ) ( typically in the range 0 . 3 mm to 1 . 2 mm ) than has been possible with prior art techniques . additionally , this is possible with containers of greater wall thickness ( t ) than have been successfully embossed in the past . prior art techniques have been successful in embossing aluminium material containers of wall thickness 0 . 075 mm to 0 . 15 mm . the present technique is capable of embossing aluminium containers of wall thickness above 0 . 15 mm , for example even in the range 0 . 25 mm to 0 . 8 mm . the technique is therefore capable of producing embossed containers for pressurised aerosol dispensed consumer products which has not been possible with prior art techniques . embossed monobloc seamless aluminium material containers are particularly preferred for such pressurised aerosol dispensed products ( typically having a delicate internal anti - corrosive coating or layer protecting the container material from the consumer product ). the present invention enables such containers to be embossed ( particularly registered embossed ). as an alternative to the technique described above in which the embossing tooling is rotated to conform to the datum situation , immediately prior to the container being placed in the chuck 4 and secured , the position of the container may be optically viewed to determine its orientation relative to the datum situation . if the orientation of the container 1 differs from the desired datum pre - set situation programmed into the system , then the container is rotated automatically about its longitudinal axis to bring the container 1 into the pre - set datum position . with the container in the required datum position , the container is inserted automatically into the clamp 4 of the holding station , and clamped securely . in this way the relative circumferential position of the printed design on the container wall , and the position of the tooling is coordinated . there is , thereafter , no requirement to adjust the relative position of the container and tooling . this technique is however less preferred than the technique primarily described herein in which the embossing tooling 10 is re - orientated . the invention has primarily been described with respect to embossing aluminium containers of relatively thin wall thicknesses ( typically substantially in the range 0 . 25 mm to 0 . 8 mm . it will however be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the essence of the invention will be applicable to embossing thin walled containers / bodies of other material such as steel , steel tinplate , lacquered plasticised metallic container materials an other non - ferrous or non - metallic materials .
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in fig1 , a transmission unit is denoted generally by 10 . fig1 shows a side view of a bicycle frame 12 which has a transmission housing 14 in which the transmission unit 10 is held . the transmission unit 10 is only indicated schematically in this illustration and is formed as a compact unit which is preferably arranged in a transmission cage ( not illustrated here ). the transmission unit 10 is described here by way of example for the use in a bicycle , but the use in other vehicles which are operated by muscle force is also possible . in addition , it is also conceivable to use the transmission unit 10 for vehicles in which muscle force is used in combination with a drive machine for driving the vehicle . the transmission unit 10 and the transmission housing 14 form , together with foot pedals 16 and 16 ′, a multi - gearspeed transmission 18 . fig2 shows an exploded illustration of the multi - gearspeed transmission 18 . identical components are provided with identical reference symbols , and in this respect reference is therefore made to the description relating to fig1 . the multi - gearspeed transmission 18 has a transmission housing 20 which is formed by a housing casing 22 and two housing covers 24 , 26 , which close off the housing casing 22 at its axial ends . the multi - gearspeed transmission 18 also has a chainwheel 28 , which transmits , by means of a chain ( not illustrated ), a torque , which is stepped up or stepped down by means of the transmission unit 10 , to a rear wheel ( not illustrated ) of the bicycle . the foot pedals 16 , 16 ′ can be connected to an input shaft 30 of the transmission unit 10 and form the torque input for the multi - gearspeed transmission 18 . the chainwheel 28 is connected to an output shaft 32 of the transmission unit 10 and forms the output of the multi - gearspeed transmission 18 . the input shaft 30 and the output shaft 32 are arranged coaxially with respect to one another . a transmission cage 34 is preferably arranged in the transmission housing 20 . the transmission cage 34 serves to hold a plurality of transmission shafts , bearings , shifting means , gearwheels and feed lines as well as other components of the multi - gearspeed transmission 18 . the transmission cage 20 preferably has two bearing plates 36 , 38 which can be connected to one another by means of a multiplicity of pins 40 . the bearing plates have bearings on which shafts are rotatably mounted . gearwheels of the transmission unit 10 are mounted on the shafts . alternatively , the pins 40 and the shafts of the transmission unit 10 can be mounted on the housing covers 24 , 26 , and it is therefore possible to dispense with separate bearing plates 36 , 38 in order to safe weight and space . fig3 shows a circuit diagram of the transmission unit 10 . the transmission unit 10 has the input shaft 30 and the output shaft 32 . the input shaft 30 is formed as a through shaft . the output shaft 32 is formed as a hollow shaft . the input shaft 30 and the output shaft 32 are arranged coaxially with respect to one another . the output shaft 32 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the chainwheel 28 which forms an output element of the transmission unit 10 . the transmission unit 10 has a first partial transmission 42 and a second partial transmission 44 . a multiplicity of driving gears 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 are mounted on the input shaft 30 . the first partial transmission 42 has a countershaft 52 . driven gears 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 are mounted on the countershaft 52 . the driven gears 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 are formed as idler gears . the driven gears 53 to 58 can be connected to the countershaft 52 by means of shifting means ( not illustrated ). the driven gears 53 to 58 and the driving gears 46 to 51 form gear pairs which have different transmission ratios , and by selective connection of the driven gears 53 to 58 to the countershaft 52 it is therefore possible to implement different gear stages . the second partial transmission 44 has an input shaft 60 . driving gears 62 , 63 , 64 are mounted on the input shaft 60 . the driving gears 62 , 63 , 64 are formed as idler gears . the driving gears 62 , 63 , 64 can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the input shaft 60 by means of shifting means . the driven gears 66 , 67 , 68 are mounted on the output shaft 32 . the driven gears 66 , 67 , 68 are in meshing engagement with the driving gears 62 , 63 , 64 . by means of the driven gears 66 , 67 , 68 and driving gears 62 , 63 , 64 which mesh with one another , gear pairs are formed which have different transmission ratios . the driving gears 62 , 63 , 64 can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the input shaft 60 by means of shifting means ( not illustrated ), as a result of which different selectable gear stages of the second partial transmission 44 are formed . the countershaft 52 of the first partial transmission 42 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the input shaft of the second partial transmission 44 . the countershaft 52 is preferably formed in one piece with the input shaft 60 . by virtue of the fact that the first partial transmission 42 is connected to the second partial transmission 44 , the possible gear stages which can be implemented in the first partial transmission 42 are multiplied by the gear stages of the second partial transmission 44 . as a result , eighteen gearspeeds can be implemented by means of the transmission unit 10 which is illustrated in fig3 . furthermore , it is conceivable that the input shaft 30 can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the output shaft 32 by means of a clutch ( not illustrated ). as a result , a further gearspeed could be implemented as a direct gearspeed . in fig4 a shifting device for rotating a rotatable shifting pin is denoted generally by 70 . the shifting device 70 serves to connect in a rotationally fixed fashion idler gears ( not illustrated ), mounted on a shaft 72 , to the shaft 72 by means of shifting means ( not illustrated ). the shifting device 70 has a shifting pin 74 which is mounted so as to be rotatable in a coaxial fashion in the shaft 72 which is formed as a hollow shaft . the shifting pin 74 is formed in such a way that specific shifting means are activated in a specific rotational position in relation to the shaft 72 , with the result that at least one of the idler gears is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft 72 at least in one rotational direction . the shifting device 70 which is illustrated in fig4 serves generally either to maintain the rotational position of the shifting pin 74 in relation to the rotating shaft 72 , in order to maintain the engaged gear stage , or serves to change the rotational position in a targeted fashion in order to change the gear stage . the shaft 72 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a driving gear 76 . the driving gear 76 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a driven gear 78 which is mounted on a secondary shaft 80 . the driving gear 76 and the driven gear 78 form a first transmission gear 82 . the shifting device 70 also has a variable - ratio epicyclic transmission 84 or a summing gear mechanism 84 , which is preferably formed as a planetary gear mechanism 84 . the planetary gear mechanism 84 has a sun gear 86 , planetary gears 88 and a ring gear 90 . the sun gear 86 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the driven gear 78 of the epicyclic transmission 82 . the planetary gears 88 are mounted by means of a planetary carrier 92 . the planetary gears 88 mesh with an internal toothing of the ring gear 90 and with an external toothing of the sun gear 86 . the ring gear is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a ring gear shaft 93 . the ring gear shaft 93 is connected to a tension disk 94 . the planetary carrier 92 is rotatably mounted and connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to an output shaft 96 . the secondary shaft 80 and the output shaft 96 are arranged coaxially with respect to one another . the sun gear 86 and the ring gear 90 are arranged coaxially with respect to the secondary shaft 80 . the secondary shaft 80 is arranged offset in parallel with the shaft 72 . the ring gear shaft 93 is arranged coaxially with respect to the secondary shaft 80 . the ring gear shaft 93 can alternatively also be arranged offset in parallel with the secondary shaft 80 and can mesh with an external toothing of the ring gear 90 . the output shaft 96 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shifting pin 74 via a second transmission gear 98 . the epicyclic transmission 98 has a constant gear set , which is formed by a driving gear 100 and a driven gear 102 . the driving gear 100 is mounted in a rotationally fixed fashion on the output shaft 96 , and the driven gear 102 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shifting pin 74 . the transmission ratio of the first transmission gear 82 , of the planetary gear mechanism 84 and of the second transmission gear 98 is selected such that an overall transmission ratio of these three partial transmissions which are connected in series of one is obtained if the ring gear is secured or held in relation to the transmission housing . in such a state , the shifting pin 74 rotates at the same rotational speed as the shaft 72 by virtue of the selected transmission ratio . accordingly , the shifting pin 74 does not carry out any relative rotation with respect to the shaft 72 . a set shifted state is therefore maintained by virtue of the particular embodiment of the shifting pin 74 and of the shifting means . if the ring gear 90 is rotated , this rotation of the ring gear is transmitted as a rotation of the shifting pin 74 in relation to the shaft 72 . depending on the rotational direction of the ring gear 90 , the shifting pin 74 is rotated at a rotational speed which is faster or slower than the shaft 72 . if the ring gear 90 is secured again in relation to the transmission housing , the shifting pin 74 rotates at the same rotational speed as the shaft 72 . as a result , a rotation of the ring gear 90 through a specific rotational angle can bring about a rotation of the shifting pin 74 through a specific rotational angle in relation to the shaft 72 . the ring gear 90 is connected to the tension disk 94 via the ring gear shaft 93 . the tension disk 94 is preferably connected to a bowden cable ( not illustrated ) and transmits a pulling movement of the bowden cable into a rotational movement of the ring gear shaft 93 . as a result of actuation of the bowden cable , the shifting pin 74 can rotate in relation to the shaft 72 in order to bring about a specific rotational position of the shifting pin in relation to the shaft 72 . the transmission gears 82 , 98 can alternatively also be formed as chains , belts or toothed belts . the tension disk 94 is preferably pre - loaded with a spring or a return spring ( not illustrated ). the spring is formed in such a way that when shifting in the direction of low gearspeeds it is tensioned . when shifting up , the ring gear is actuated by the spring and / or rotated . as a result , shifting up without application of force is possible . in the case of shifting down , the spring is tensioned by the force which is transmitted via the bowden cable . alternatively , the tension disk 94 can also be formed without a spring . the shifting movement is then carried out by means of two bowden cables . in this context , a first of the bowden cables rotates the ring gear in a first direction , and a second of the bowden cables rotates the ring gear in the second direction , in order to shift up or shift down . fig5 is a circuit diagram of a shifting device according to the principle of the shifting device 70 in fig4 . the shifting device in fig5 is generally denoted by 104 . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , only the differences being explained here . in principle , the shifting device 104 is identical to the shifting device 70 from fig4 , wherein the shifting device 104 is configured to rotate two rotatable shifting pins in the shaft 72 independently of one another . shifting pins 74 ′ and 74 ″ are arranged in the shaft 72 . the shaft 72 is connected via the first transmission gear 82 to a secondary shaft 80 . the secondary shaft 80 is connected to the shifting pin 74 ′ via a planetary gear mechanism 84 and a second transmission gear 98 ′, wherein the functional principle is identical to that of the shifting device 70 from fig4 . in contrast to the shifting device 70 , the secondary shaft 80 is additionally connected to a planetary gear mechanism 84 ″. the planetary gear mechanism 84 ″ is preferably identical to the planetary gear mechanism 84 ′. the planetary gear mechanism 84 ″ is connected to the shifting pin 74 ″ via a second transmission gear 98 ″. as in the shifting device 70 , the transmission ratios from the shaft 72 to the shifting pin 74 ′ and to the shifting pin 74 ″ are just one , provided that corresponding ring gears 90 ′ and 90 ″ are secured in relation to the transmission housing . the ring gears 90 ′, 90 ″ can each be actuated by means of a tension disk 94 ′, 94 ″ via ring gear shafts 93 ′, 93 ″. the two rotatable shifting pins 74 ′, 74 ″ can be rotated in relation to the shaft 72 by means of the shifting device 104 , and shifting means ( not illustrated ) can therefore be activated independently of one another . the shifting device 104 can be used , for example , to connect the idler gears of the partial transmissions 42 and 44 in fig3 in a rotationally fixed fashion independently of one another to the corresponding shafts in order to form two partial transmissions which are connected in series . in fig6 , a circuit diagram of a transmission unit with three partial transmissions which are connected in series is illustrated and is denoted generally by 110 . the transmission unit 110 is to a certain extent identical to the transmission unit 10 from fig3 . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , with only the differences being explained here . the input shaft 30 forms the input shaft of a first partial transmission 112 . the first partial transmission 112 is essentially identical to the first partial transmission 42 from fig3 , with the first partial transmission 112 only having three different gear sets . the countershaft 52 of the first partial transmission 112 is connected to an epicyclic transmission or a planetary gear mechanism 114 . the countershaft 52 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to an input shaft 116 of the planetary gear mechanism 114 . the countershaft 52 is more preferably formed in one piece with the input shaft 116 . an output shaft 118 of the planetary gear mechanism 114 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the input shaft 60 of the second partial transmission 44 . the output shaft 118 is preferably formed in one piece with the input shaft 60 . the planetary gear mechanism 114 has a first clutch 120 by means of which the input shaft 116 can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the output shaft 118 . the clutch 120 is preferably formed as a freewheel . the planetary gear mechanism has a sun gear 122 . the sun gear 122 can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the transmission housing 40 by means of a second clutch 124 . the planetary gear mechanism 114 also has planetary gears 126 which are mounted so as to be rotatable by means of a planetary carrier 128 . the planetary carrier 128 can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the input shaft 116 . in addition , the planetary gear mechanism 114 has a ring gear 130 which can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the output shaft 118 . three different transmission ratios can be set between the input shaft 116 and the output shaft 118 of the planetary gear mechanism 114 , and three gear stages can therefore be implemented . the first gear stage is formed by closing the first clutch 120 , and opening the second clutch 124 . as a result , the input shaft 116 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the output shaft 118 . the first transmission ratio is consequently equal to 1 . the second gear stage is formed by opening the first clutch 120 and closing the second clutch 124 . as a result , the sun gear 122 is held tight and the rotating planetary carrier 128 drives the ring gear 130 which is connected to the output shaft 118 . the second transmission ratio is consequently a step - up transmission ratio . the third gear stage is formed in that the second clutch 124 is closed and the sun gear is therefore held tight . in addition , the input shaft 116 is connected to the ring gear 130 by means of a further clutch . in addition , the planetary carrier 128 is connected to the output shaft 118 , and the planetary carrier 128 therefore forms the output of the planetary gear mechanism 114 . as a result , in each case three shiftable gear stages are formed by the partial transmissions 112 and 44 and by the planetary gear mechanism 114 , and eighteen gear stages can be implemented by virtue of the fact that the three partial transmissions 112 , 114 , 44 are connected in series . the partial transmissions 112 , 44 are preferably shifted by means of the shifting device 104 in fig5 , wherein at least one of the shifting pins 74 ′, 74 ″ has shifting means which actuates at least one of the clutches 120 , 124 . of course , in the case of the transmission unit 110 in fig6 , the input shaft 30 can also be connected to the output shaft 32 by a clutch in order to form a gearspeed , which is the nineteenth in this case . in order to increase the number of gearspeeds it is also conceivable to embody the planetary gear mechanism 114 as a multi - stage planetary gear mechanism . fig7 shows a perspective illustration of the transmission unit 10 . the transmission unit corresponds to the circuit diagram according to fig3 , with identical elements being denoted by identical reference numbers and only the differences being explained here . the countershaft 52 of the first partial transmission 42 is formed in one piece with the input shaft 60 of the second partial transmission 44 . the driven gears 53 to 58 and the driving gears 62 to 64 are formed as idler gears and can be shifted by means of the shifting pins 74 ′ and 74 ″. in addition , the driving gear 76 is mounted on the shaft 52 or 60 in order to drive the shifting pins 74 ′ and 74 ″ via the shifting device 104 ( not illustrated ). in fig8 a shiftable idler gear with internal toothing is illustrated and is denoted generally by 132 . the idler gear 132 has an external toothing 134 and an internal toothing 136 . the external toothing 134 is formed on the outer circumferential face . the internal toothing is formed on an inner circumferential face of the idler gear 132 . the internal toothing 136 has sliding portions 138 and engagement portions 140 . the sliding portions 138 are faces which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the idler gear 132 . the engagement portions 140 are formed between the sliding portions 138 , at an angle with respect to the sliding portions 138 . the external toothing 134 serves to mesh with other gearwheels . the internal toothing 136 serves to mount the idler gear 132 on a shaft and to connect it in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft by means of shifting means . in this context , the sliding portions 138 serve to mount the idler gear 132 on the shaft and to slide on the shaft . the engagement portions 140 serve to ensure that shifting means ( which are not illustrated and which will be explained in more detail below ) can be placed in engagement with the idler gear 132 and to connect the idler gear 132 in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft . in fig9 a freewheel body for connecting the idler gear 132 in a rotationally fixed fashion to a corresponding shaft is illustrated and denoted generally by 142 . the freewheel body 142 has an actuation portion 144 which is formed on an underside of the freewheel body 142 . the freewheel body 142 has a bearing portion 146 on each of its two lateral sections . the freewheel body 142 has an engagement portion 148 . the engagement portion 148 is formed at an end of the freewheel body 142 lying opposite the actuation portion 144 . the bearing sections 146 are formed on opposite sides of the freewheel body 142 , specifically between the actuation portion 144 and the engagement portion 148 . the bearing portions 146 serve to mount the freewheel body 142 on a shaft in such a way that it can rotate or pivot about a rotational axis 150 . in this context , the freewheel body 142 is attached to or mounted on the shaft in such a way that the actuation portion 144 points toward the inside of the shaft . in addition , the freewheel body 142 is prestressed by means of a spring element in such a way that in the unloaded state the actuation portion 144 is pivoted in the inward direction and the engagement section 148 is pivoted radially outward . the actuation portion 144 serves to be pressed radially outward by means of the shifting pin 74 in order to pivot the engagement portion 148 radially inward about the rotational axis 150 . if the engagement portion 148 is pivoted radially outward and protrudes with respect to the shaft , said engagement portion 148 can be placed in engagement with the engagement portion 140 of the internal toothing 136 of the idler gear 132 in one rotational direction of the idler gear 132 , and the idler gear can therefore be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft in the rotational direction . the freewheel body 142 also has a sliding portion 152 . the sliding portion 152 serves to pivot the freewheel body 142 radially inward if the idler gear is rotated in relation to the shaft in a direction which is opposed to the rotational direction , thereby serving as a freewheel . the actuation portion 144 can have one or more grooves running perpendicular with respect to the rotational axis 150 or in the rotational direction of the shaft , in order to permit selective actuation . this is explained in more detail below . fig1 shows a shaft for mounting shiftable idler gears 132 and a shifting pin for shifting the freewheel bodies 142 , in an exploded illustration . the shaft is generally denoted by 154 and the shifting pin by 156 . the shaft 154 is designed as a hollow shaft to hold the shifting pin 156 . the shaft 154 has bearing portions 158 . through holes 160 are formed in the region of the bearing portions 158 . the shaft 154 has a first group 161 of bearing portions 158 which are formed axially one next to the other . in addition , the shaft 154 has a second group 163 of bearing portions 158 which are formed axially one next to the other . the first group 161 of the bearing portions 158 is arranged offset with respect to the second group 163 of bearing portions 158 in the circumferential direction . in each case two of the bearing portions 158 are arranged on opposite sides of the shaft 154 . the bearing portions 158 are formed in such a way that they can each hold one of the freewheel bodies 142 . the through holes 160 serve to allow the actuation portion 144 to pivot through the through holes 160 and to be actuated by the shifting pin 156 . the bearing portions 158 are formed in the shaft 154 in such a way that in a pivoted - in state the freewheel bodies 142 do not protrude with respect to the circumferential face of the shaft 154 . in this pivoted - in state , the circumferential face of the shaft 154 and the sliding section 152 of the freewheel bodies 142 essentially form a plane . a pin hole 162 , through which a guide pin can be led , is also formed in the shaft 154 . the shifting pin 156 has actuation portions 164 which are formed over the circumference of the shifting pin 156 . the actuation portions 164 are formed as recesses . the shifting pin 156 further has a circumferential groove 166 . the groove 166 has two circumferential sections which are axially offset and are connected to one another by an oblique section 167 . the actuation portions 164 are arranged axially offset and distributed over the circumference . the actuation portions 164 are arranged in part next to one another in the axial direction . the actuation portions 164 are arranged on opposite sides of the shifting pin 156 , specifically in a way corresponding to the bearing portions 158 in the shaft 154 . the shifting pin 156 is formed in such a way that , depending on the rotational position of the shifting pin in the shaft 154 , the actuation portions 164 are positioned on one of the through holes 160 . as a result , the actuation portion 144 of the freewheel bodies 142 can pivot into the actuation portion 164 and therefore move the engagement section 148 into engagement with the internal toothing 136 . the shifting pin 156 serves to actuate the freewheel bodies 142 of the first group 161 of bearing portions 158 . in the inserted state of the shifting pin 156 , the groove 166 is arranged in the region of the pin hole 162 , with the result that the groove 166 can hold a pin ( not illustrated ) which is led through the pin hole 162 . as a result , the shifting pin 156 is moved into different axial positions depending on the rotational position in the shaft 154 . this axial displacement of the shifting pin 156 serves to enlarge the useable rotational range of the shifting pin . the axial displacement has the effect that due to the axial position of some of the actuation portions 164 in relation to the actuation portions 144 , said actuation portions 164 cannot activate the freewheel bodies 142 . this means , conversely , that specific actuation portions 144 can be activated by specific freewheel bodies 142 in the second axial position . consequently , as a result of the axial displacement of the shifting pin 156 , some of the actuation portions 164 are not arranged under the actuation portions 144 and consequently cannot activate the freewheel bodies 142 . as a result , when there are shifting pawls lying opposite one another an additional useable rotational range of 180 ° is produced for further shiftable gearwheels . it is also conceivable to enlarge the useable rotational range of the shifting pin 156 further by even further axial displacement . a further possible way of extending the useable rotational range of the shifting pin is to have a different configuration of the actuation portions 144 . by virtue of an asymmetrical configuration of the actuation portions 144 and corresponding actuation portions 164 , only specific freewheel bodies 142 are actuated or only specific actuation portions 144 are pivoted into specific actuation sections 164 of the shifting pin 156 . as a result , the useable rotational range of the shifting pin 156 can be extended from 180 ° to 360 ° even when there are freewheel bodies lying opposite one another . for example , the actuation portions 144 of the freewheel pawls 142 can have one or more grooves running in the rotational direction of the shaft 154 , with the result that actuation portions 144 which are configured in such a way can only pivot into correspondingly configured actuation portions 164 . in this context , selective actuation can be made possible by means of the number and the position of such grooves . fig1 illustrates the shaft 154 with the inserted shifting pin 156 and the freewheel bodies 142 . identical elements are provided with identical reference numbers , with only the differences being presented here . the shifting pin 156 is positioned in the shaft 154 in such a way that two of the freewheel bodies 142 are pivoted out , with just one being visible . in addition , a second shifting pin ( which is not illustrated or cannot be seen ) which actuates the second group 163 of freewheel bodies is inserted into the shaft 154 . this shifting pin is arranged in the shaft 154 in such a way that two freewheel bodies 142 of the second group 163 are pivoted out , with the result that the engagement section 148 can be placed in engagement with the engagement section 140 of the internal toothing 136 of the idler gear 132 . through selected rotational positions of the two shifting pins 156 , two idler gears 132 can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft 154 , with the result that one of the eighteen possible gear stages is shifted . fig1 a to 12f show radial sectional views through adjacent idler gears 132 , during three phases of a gear change . fig1 a shows a first of the idler gears 132 whose internal toothing 136 is in engagement with the two assigned freewheel bodies 142 . the shifting pin 156 is in a rotational position in relation to the shaft 154 , with the result that the actuation portions 164 of the shifting pin 156 are arranged in the region of the actuation portions 144 of the freewheel bodies 142 , and the freewheel body 142 can therefore pivot outward . the second of the idler gears 132 , which is assigned to a next highest gear stage , specifically of the second gearspeed , is shown in fig1 b . the freewheel bodies 142 are pivoted in radially in the inward direction , and are consequently not in engagement with the internal toothing 136 of the idler gear 132 . in the rotational position of the shifting pin 156 , the actuation portions 164 , which are assigned to the second gearspeed , are not arranged under the actuation portions 144 of the freewheel bodies 142 , with the result that the actuation portions 144 are pressed outward . if the shifting pin 156 is rotated , as indicated by an arrow 168 , the actuation portion 164 remains underneath the freewheel body 142 , which is assigned to the first of the idler gears 132 and therefore to the first gearspeed , as is illustrated in fig1 c , and the freewheel bodies 142 of the first gearspeed therefore remain pivoted out toward the outside . fig1 d illustrates the second of the idler gears 132 in this rotational position of the shifting pin 156 which is assigned to the second gearspeed . in this rotational position of the shifting pin 156 , the actuation portion 164 , which is assigned to the second gearspeed , is arranged radially underneath the actuation portion 144 of the second gearspeed , with the result that the actuation portion 144 can pivot in the radially inward direction and the engagement section 148 can therefore pivot out in the radially outward direction . as a result , the engagement section 148 can be placed in engagement with the internal toothing 136 of the idler gear 132 . the freewheel bodies 142 are each assigned a spring which prestresses the corresponding freewheel body 142 in such a way that the actuation portion 144 is pressed against the shifting pin 156 . as a result , the engagement section 148 pivots out if one of the actuation portion 164 is rotated under the shifting pawl 142 . since the higher gearspeed has a relatively low transmission ratio , the freewheel pawls 142 of the higher gearspeed engage in the internal toothing 136 and drive the shaft 154 with a rotational speed which is higher than the rotational speed of the idler gear 132 of the relatively low gearspeed . in this so - called intermediate state , the idler gear 132 of the relatively low gearspeed is therefore rotated in relation to the shaft 154 in the opposite direction . as a result , the sliding portion 138 of the idler gear 132 presses against the sliding portion 152 of the freewheel body 142 , with the result that the freewheel body 142 is pivoted out in the inward direction and the first of the idler gears 132 slides on the shaft 154 . the idler gear 132 of the relatively low gearspeed , that is to say of the first gearspeed , freewheels in the intermediate state . fig1 e and 12f illustrate the state in which the second gearspeed is completely engaged . for this purpose , the shifting pin 156 has been rotated onward in the direction of the arrow 168 , with the result that the freewheel bodies 142 of the first gearspeed are pivoted in by the shifting pin 156 , as is shown in fig1 e . fig1 f shows that the freewheel bodies 142 of the second gearspeed continue to be in engagement with the internal toothing 136 because the actuation portions 164 of the second gearspeed are arranged radially underneath the actuation portions 144 of the freewheel bodies 142 . switching under load is possible by means of the intermediate state in which the freewheel bodies 142 of two subsequent gearspeeds are pivoted out radially . in addition an idling state is avoided . when shifting into a low gearspeed occurs , the sliding section 138 of the internal toothing 136 of the relatively low gearspeed firstly slides over the freewheel bodies 142 in the intermediate state . the relatively high gearspeed initially remains engaged . the freewheel bodies 142 are then pivoted in or disengaged only when the load which is transmitted to the shaft 154 via the idler gear 132 is removed . in addition , the shifting pin 156 must then be rotated onward with the result that the actuation portion 144 is pressed outward . the relatively low gearspeed is then engaged immediately because this gearspeed was already in the intermediate state or in the freewheeling state . this avoids an idling state . fig1 illustrates a shifting pin 156 with actuation portions 164 lying precisely opposite one another . alternatively it is also conceivable for the actuation portions 164 to be arranged in relation to one another in such a way that only one of the shifting pawls is placed in engagement with the internal toothing 136 . this is implemented by virtue of the fact that the shifting pawls 142 on the shaft 154 are not arranged precisely opposite one another . as a result , the rotational angle of the idler gear 132 can be reduced in size until the actuation portion 148 latches into the internal toothing 136 . fig1 shows the shaft 154 and the shifting device 104 in a perspective exploded illustration . the illustration in fig1 corresponds to the circuit diagram in fig5 . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , with only the difference being explained here . the tension disk 94 ′ is connected to the ring gear 90 ′ via the ring gear shaft 93 ′. the ring gear shaft 93 ′ is formed as a hollow shaft in order to accommodate the output shaft 96 ′. the ring gear 90 ′ is rotated by the tension disk 94 ′ in order to rotate the shifting pin 156 in relation to the shaft 154 . the ring gear 90 ″ has , in addition to the internal toothing 136 , an external toothing 170 . the external toothing 170 serves to connect the ring gear 90 ″ to the tension disk 94 ″ ( not illustrated here ) via the ring gear shaft 93 ″ ( not illustrated ). fig1 shows a perspective illustration of the shaft 154 and of the shifting device 104 from fig1 in the assembled state . identical elements are provided with identical reference numbers , with only the differences being presented here . the external toothing 170 of the ring gear 90 ″ is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the ring gear shaft 93 ″ which is connected to the tension disk 94 ″. the ring gear shaft 93 ″ is arranged offset in parallel with the ring gear shaft 93 ′. the ring gear shaft 93 ″ is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a gearwheel 95 which meshes with the external toothing 170 . the driven gears 102 ′, 102 ″ are each connected via a deflection gearwheel 172 ′, 172 ″ to the driven gears 102 ′, 102 ″. the deflection gearwheels 172 ′, 172 ″ serve to reverse the rotational direction of the shifting pin 157 . in order to permit a plurality of shiftable partial transmissions , for example partial transmissions 42 and 44 , to be controlled with just one shifting cable or the like , it is possible to control a plurality of partial transmissions in a combined fashion . for this purpose , for example the shifting pin 74 ′ can be formed in such a way that after the shifting pin 74 ′ rotates onward beyond the last or highest gearspeed of this partial transmission , the first gearspeed follows again . in addition , in order to solve this problem it would be necessary to make available a mechanism which , when the shifting pin 74 ′ rotates onward beyond the highest gearspeed , rotates the shifting pin 74 ″ by one shift position into the next highest gearspeed . this can be implemented by virtue of the fact that the ring gear shafts 93 ′, 93 ″ of the planetary gear mechanisms 84 ′, 84 ″ are shifted together . for example , the two ring gears 90 ′, 90 ″ can therefore be connected together . for example , the transmission unit 10 can be shifted from the sixth gearspeed into the seventh gearspeed by virtue of the fact that the shifting pin 74 ′, which is assigned to the partial transmission 42 , is rotated onward after one rotation through 360 °, in order to shift the partial transmission 44 from the sixth gearspeed into the first gearspeed again . the planetary gear mechanism 84 ″, which is assigned to the partial transmission 44 , is configured in such a way that when further rotation occurs after the sixth gearspeed in partial transmission 42 , the second gearspeed is engaged after the first gearspeed in partial transmission 44 . as a result of the fact that the first gearspeed follows the sixth gearspeed in the partial transmission 42 and at the same time the second gearspeed follows the first gearspeed in the partial transmission 44 , the transmission unit can therefore be shifted from the sixth gearspeed into the seventh gearspeed . the tension disk 94 is preferably connected to a shift lever via a cable pull . the tension disk is preferably prestressed with a spring with respect to the ring gear 90 . the tension disk 94 and the ring gear 90 preferably have stops in order to prestress the tension disk 94 and the ring gear 90 one against the other with a defined spring force . the spring is relaxed as a result of the rotation of the ring gear 90 , as a result of which the shifting pin 74 rotates and a gear change is carried out . if a gear change is carried out into a low gearspeed , the shift lever is firstly actuated , as a result of which the tension disk 94 is prestressed with respect to the ring gear 90 without the load of the transmission being reduced . since under load the engagement sections 148 engage in the internal toothing 136 and latch in this position as a result of the transmitting torque , the shifting pin 156 cannot be rotated . as soon as the loading of the transmission drops , that is to say the rotational force is reduced , the shifting pin 74 can disengage the shifting pawl 142 and the internal toothing 136 owing to the spring prestress of the ring gear 90 . in this context , the oscillating pedaling force profile which is typical during cycling can be used since the pedaling force which is applied to the foot pedals 16 , 16 ′ is greatly reduced in the vertical position of the foot pedals 16 , 16 ′. in such a position of the foot pedals 16 , 16 ′, a prestressed or preselected low gearspeed can be completely engaged . in general it is advantageous to configure the employed gearwheels in accordance with the torque to be transmitted or in accordance with their transmission ratio . in this context , gearwheels which have to transmit large tangential forces or large torques should be correspondingly wider , that is to say should be made thicker in the axial direction . in contrast , it is appropriate to embody gearwheels which have a small transmission ratio with a relatively short width since said gearwheels have to transmit relatively small tangential forces or relatively small torques . as a result , the installation space in the transmission housing can be optimized . in addition it is preferred for the shifting means which are formed by the freewheel pawls and the shifting pin to be configured in accordance with the tangential forces and the expected torques . in this context it is also conceivable to adapt the number of freewheel pawls 142 to the torques to be transmitted . if the transmission unit 10 is additionally formed with the planetary gear mechanism 114 , as is illustrated in fig6 , the actuation of the partial transmission 112 has to be combined with the actuation of the planetary gear mechanism 114 . the shifting pin 74 then controls the clutch 120 of the planetary gear mechanism 114 . the ring gear 90 of the planetary gear mechanism 84 from fig4 or fig5 then additionally controls a shifting fork which actuates the clutch 124 of the planetary gear mechanism 114 . the method of functioning of this shifting control is explained in more detail below . fig1 shows an exploded illustration of a shifting pin for actuating a clutch of the planetary gear mechanism 114 . this embodiment of the shifting pin is denoted generally by 174 . the shifting pin 174 has the actuation portions 164 . the shifting pin 174 can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion at an axial end to the driven gear 102 . at an axial end of the shifting pin which lies opposite , a groove 176 is formed in the shifting pin 174 . the groove 176 has two portions running in the circumferential direction , which portions are offset axially with respect to one another . the two circumferentially running portions are connected by an oblique section 178 . fig1 illustrates a spring 180 and an input element 182 of the clutch 120 . the input element 182 is assigned a pin 184 which can be introduced into a drill hole 186 in the input element 182 . in the inserted state , the spring 180 is plugged onto the shifting pin 174 , and the pin 184 is introduced into the drill hole 186 , with the result that the pin 184 engages in the groove 176 . the input element 182 is axially pre - loaded with respect to the shifting pin 174 by the spring 180 . if the shifting pin 174 is rotated in relation to the input element 182 with the result that the pin 184 slides along the oblique section 178 of the groove 176 , the input element 182 is moved in the axial direction by a spring force of the spring 180 and is placed in engagement with an output element ( not illustrated ) of the clutch 120 . the clutch 120 of the planetary gear mechanism 114 can therefore be actuated by rotation of the shifting pin 174 . fig1 is an exploded illustration of the planetary gear mechanism 84 with a shifting fork for actuating the clutch 124 . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , with only the differences being illustrated here . the ring gear shaft 93 has a groove 188 which has two portions running in the circumferential direction . the portions which run in the circumferential direction are offset axially with respect to one another and connect by an oblique section 190 . in addition , the shifting device from fig1 has a shifting fork 192 which has a sleeve section 194 and a fork section 196 . the sleeve section 194 has a drill hole 198 through which a pin 200 can be inserted . in addition , the shifting device has a spring 202 which is arranged between the driven gear 78 and the shifting fork 192 . in the assembled state , the sleeve section 194 is mounted in the region of the groove 188 , with the result that the pin 200 which is guided through the drill hole 198 engages in the groove 188 . the pin 202 is supported on a retaining ring 203 and pre - loads the shifting fork 192 axially . as a result , the pin 200 bears , in the groove 188 , against an edge on which the oblique section 190 is formed . if a gearspeed is shifted by means of this shifting device , the ring gear shaft 93 is rotated through a specific rotational angle , as described above . if the rotation of the ring gear shaft 93 is formed in such a way that the pin 200 slides over the oblique section , the shifting fork is displaced axially depending on the rotational direction of the ring gear shaft 93 . as a result of this axial displacement , the clutch 124 is actuated , as is explained in more detail below . fig1 illustrates the shifting device according to fig1 in the assembled state with the shaft 52 and parts of the planetary gear mechanism 114 . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , with only the differences being explained here . the ring gear shaft 93 has a gearwheel section 204 . the gearwheel section 204 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a driving gearwheel 205 of the tension disk 94 . a defined rotation can be transmitted to the ring gear shaft 93 through the tension disk 94 and a gearwheel pair formed by the gearwheel section 204 and the driving gearwheel 205 . if the pin 200 slides over the oblique section 190 during this rotation , the shifting fork 192 ( not illustrated in fig1 ) is moved in the axial direction . as a result , the clutch 124 can be actuated . fig1 is a schematic illustration of a side view of the transmission unit 110 with a shifting device . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , with only the differences being presented here . as described above , the shifting fork 192 can be displaced axially by rotating the ring gear shaft 93 . the fork section 196 is connected to the input element 182 of the clutch 124 . if the fork section 196 is displaced in the axial direction , specifically in the direction of an arrow 205 , the input element 182 is placed in engagement with an output element 206 of the clutch 124 . the clutch 124 can therefore be actuated by actuating the tension disk 94 . as a result of the fact that the rotation of the shifting pin 174 is connected directly to the rotation of the ring gear shaft 93 , it is possible for the clutch 124 to be actuated when the assigned partial transmission is shifted onward from the highest gearspeed into the first gearspeed . in fig1 , a schematic sectional view of the transmission unit 110 is illustrated as a section through the input shaft 30 and the countershaft 52 . fig2 a - c are schematic illustrations of a hydraulic system of hydraulic cylinders which are connected in series . the hydraulic system has a first hydraulic cylinder 208 and a second hydraulic cylinder 210 . a hydraulic piston 212 , 214 is arranged in an axially moveable fashion in each of the hydraulic cylinders 208 , 210 . the hydraulic cylinders 208 , 210 each have a main opening 216 , 218 and each have two secondary openings 220 , 222 , 224 , 226 . the secondary opening 220 is connected to the secondary opening 226 via a duct 228 . the secondary opening 222 of the first hydraulic cylinder 208 is connected to the secondary opening 224 in the hydraulic cylinder 210 via a duct 230 . the secondary openings 220 , 222 , 224 , 226 are each arranged opposite the main openings 216 , 218 . if hydraulic pressure is applied to the first hydraulic cylinder 208 through the main opening 216 , the hydraulic piston 212 moves in the direction of the secondary openings 220 , 222 . as a result , hydraulic fluid is conducted through the secondary opening 222 and the duct 230 through the secondary opening 224 into the hydraulic cylinder 210 . since the secondary opening 224 is arranged underneath the hydraulic piston 214 , the hydraulic fluid is forced into the hydraulic cylinder 210 without a force being applied to the hydraulic piston 214 . the hydraulic fluid leaves the hydraulic cylinder 210 through the main opening 218 . in fig2 b , the hydraulic piston 212 has arrived at one end of the hydraulic cylinder 208 . in this position , the secondary opening 222 is closed off and the secondary opening 220 is opened , with the result that hydraulic fluid can be forced from the hydraulic cylinder 208 and through the duct 228 . the hydraulic pressure acts , in this position , on the hydraulic piston 214 through the secondary opening 226 . this application of pressure moves the hydraulic piston 214 in the direction of the main opening 218 . this is illustrated in fig2 c . if hydraulic pressure is then applied to the second hydraulic cylinder 210 through the main opening 218 , the hydraulic piston 214 firstly moves in the direction of the secondary opening 226 . the hydraulic fluid is conducted through the duct 228 and into the hydraulic cylinder 208 , and is directed out of the hydraulic cylinder 208 though the main opening 216 . if the hydraulic piston 214 has arrived at the end of the hydraulic cylinder 210 , hydraulic pressure is applied to the hydraulic piston 212 through the duct 230 and the hydraulic piston 212 is moved in the direction of the main opening 216 . two hydraulic pistons can be moved one after the other through this series connection of two hydraulic cylinders . fig2 illustrates the principle of a double - acting cylinder . fig2 shows a hydraulic cylinder 232 which has an opening 234 and an opening 236 . the openings 234 , 236 are arranged on opposite sides of the hydraulic cylinder 232 . an axially moveable hydraulic piston 238 is located between the openings 234 , 236 . if hydraulic pressure is applied to the hydraulic cylinder 232 through the opening 234 , the hydraulic piston 238 moves in the direction of the opening 236 . hydraulic oil is discharged from the hydraulic cylinder 232 through the opening 236 . in order to move the hydraulic piston 238 in an opposite direction , specifically in the direction of the opening 234 , hydraulic pressure is applied to the hydraulic cylinder 232 through the opening 236 . as a result , the hydraulic piston 238 moves in the direction of the opening 234 , through which hydraulic oil is discharged from the hydraulic cylinder 232 . fig2 is an exploded illustration of a shifting pin with a hydraulic drive system . the shifting pin is generally denoted by 240 . the hydraulic system is generally denoted by 242 . the shifting pin 240 has the groove 166 into which the pin 184 can engage . a radial drill hole 244 , which is provided for accommodating a spring 246 and a ball 248 , is formed in the shifting pin 240 . the drill hole 244 forms a latching device together with the spring 246 and the ball 248 . the actuation sections 164 are formed in the shifting pin 240 . the hydraulic drive system 242 has a hydraulic master 250 , a hydraulic slave 252 and an actuator 254 or a vane positioner 254 . the hydraulic master 250 has two hydraulic connections 256 , 257 . the hydraulic connections are provided for being connected to hydraulic hoses and for supplying the hydraulic drive system 242 with hydraulic pressure . the hydraulic slave has a separating disk 258 . two rotationally symmetrical connecting elements 260 , 262 are formed on a side of the separating disk 258 facing the hydraulic master 250 . the connecting elements 260 , 262 each have a groove 264 , 266 which is formed in the circumferential direction . on the side of the separating disk 258 lying opposite the connecting elements 260 , 262 , a cylindrical section 268 is formed with two slave vanes 270 , 272 which protrude radially . the actuator has a cylindrical section 274 on which two actuator vanes 276 , 278 , which protrude in the axial direction , are formed . in addition , the actuator 254 has a connecting section 280 . the connecting section 280 has a hexagonal profile . fig2 illustrates the shifting pin 240 , the shaft 154 and the hydraulic drive system 242 in an axial sectional view . in this illustration , the shifting pin 240 is mounted in the shaft 154 . the hydraulic connections 256 , 257 are connected to one hydraulic duct 281 , 282 each . the hydraulic ducts 281 , 282 are connected to the grooves 264 , 266 . the grooves 264 , 266 are connected to axial ducts 284 , 286 which are formed in the axial direction in the hydraulic slave . the axial ducts 284 , 286 are connected to radial ducts 288 , 290 which are formed in the cylindrical section 268 . the radial ducts 288 , 290 are positioned in the circumferential direction in the cylindrical section 268 in such a way that they are partially formed in the slave vanes 270 , 272 . a bearing pin 292 of the hydraulic slave is rotatably mounted in the actuator 254 . the separating disk 258 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft 154 . the connecting section 280 is mounted in a rotationally fixed fashion in a receptacle section of the shifting pin 240 . the hydraulic master 250 is secured to the transmission housing ( not illustrated ) and / or connected thereto . the hydraulic slave 252 is mounted so as to be rotatable in relation to the hydraulic master 250 . the actuator 254 is mounted so as to be rotatable in relation to the hydraulic slave 252 . by virtue of the fact that the hydraulic ducts 281 , 282 are connected to the circumferential grooves 262 , 264 , hydraulic pressure can always be applied to the hydraulic slave 252 irrespective of the rotational position in relation to the hydraulic master 250 . the hydraulic pressure is fed to openings in the region of the slave vanes through the axial ducts 284 , 286 and the radial ducts 288 , 290 . fig2 is a perspective illustration in an assembly drawing of the hydraulic drive system 242 . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , with only the special features being explained here . in the assembled state of the hydraulic drive system 242 which is illustrated in fig2 , a hydraulic chamber 296 is formed between the cylindrical section 274 , the separating disk 258 , the slave vane 270 and the actuator vane 278 . on the opposite side of the slave vane 270 , a further hydraulic chamber 298 is formed . likewise , two further hydraulic chambers 296 ′, 298 ′ are formed on opposite sides of the actuator vanes 278 , 276 . the radial ducts 288 , 290 are formed as cylindrical grooves on two sides of the slave vanes 270 , 272 . formed adjacent to the slave vanes 270 , 272 are openings 300 , 302 , into which openings 300 , 302 the radial ducts 288 , 290 lead . if a hydraulic pressure is built up by the hydraulic connection 257 , the hydraulic fluid passes through the opening 300 into the hydraulic chamber 296 . the hydraulic pressure applies a force to the actuator vane 278 and moves it in the circumferential direction . as a result , the actuator 254 is rotated and therefore the shifting pin which is connected to the actuator 254 also rotates . since the separating disk 258 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft 154 , the shifting pin 240 is therefore rotated in relation to the shaft 154 . if a hydraulic pressure is fed through the hydraulic connection 256 , hydraulic fluid passes through the axial duct 284 and the radial duct 288 to the opening 302 and into the hydraulic chamber 298 . the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber 298 moves the actuator vane 276 and therefore rotates the shifting pin 240 in an opposite direction . the functional principle of the hydraulic drive system 242 will be explained in more detail below . fig2 illustrates a section along the line b - b from fig2 . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , with only the differences or special features being described here . the hydraulic chambers 296 , 296 ′ 298 , 298 ′ are formed between the shaft 154 and the cylindrical section 168 . the hydraulic chambers 296 , 298 ′ are connected to the hydraulic connection 257 via the radial ducts 290 and the axial duct 286 . if hydraulic pressure is applied to the hydraulic connection 257 , a hydraulic pressure is built up in the hydraulic chambers 296 , 298 ′ and the actuator vanes 276 , 278 are rotated in the clockwise direction . the actuator vanes 276 , 278 are correspondingly rotated in the counter - clockwise direction if a hydraulic pressure is applied to the hydraulic connection 256 . the hydraulic chambers 298 , 298 ′, 296 , 296 ′ which are illustrated in fig2 consequently operate according to the principle of a double - acting cylinder . it is also conceivable for the actuator vanes 276 , 278 to be moveable independently of one another . the hydraulic chambers 298 , 298 ′ are connected in series with the hydraulic chambers 296 , 296 ′ in this alternative embodiment , with the result that a hydraulic system is implemented such as is explained schematically in fig2 a to 20 c . as a result , the shifting pin 240 could be rotated through a rotational angle which is twice as large . the ducts 228 , 230 are arranged here in the hydraulic slave 252 in such a way that the ducts 228 , 230 are opened precisely when one of the actuator vanes 276 , 278 has reached a stop . this ensures that the hydraulic chambers 296 , 296 ′, 298 , 298 ′ are filled and respectively emptied sequentially . fig2 illustrates a section through the hydraulic drive system 242 along the line c - c . fig2 illustrates a section along the line a - a from fig2 . fig2 shows the latching device which is formed by the ball 248 , the spring 246 and drill holes 304 . the drill holes are formed at different circumferential positions in the shaft 154 . the spring 246 applies a force to the ball 248 . the ball is pressed by this force into the drill hole 304 or partially into the drill hole 304 , and thereby forms a latching connection . this latching connection causes the shifting pin 240 to latch in at predefined rotational positions in relation to the shaft 154 . a predetermined torque must advantageously be applied to the shifting pin 240 in order to release the latching device and rotate the shifting pin 240 in relation to the shaft 154 . the relative rotational position is thereby defined and fixed . in one alternative embodiment , the spring 246 and the ball 248 are arranged in a radial drill hole which is formed in the shaft 154 . in this context , drill holes , with which the ball 240 forms a latching connection , are formed at different circumferential positions in the shifting pin 240 . alternatively , the freewheel bodies can also be activated magnetically . for this purpose , the actuation sections 164 can be provided with permanent magnets . alternatively , the shifting pin 156 can be activated by means of electromagnetic actuators . fig2 illustrates the transmission housing 20 in an exploded illustration . the transmission cage 34 is provided for accommodating and mounting the transmission unit 10 , 110 . the transmission cage 34 is formed by the pins 40 which are connected to the bearing plate 36 and to the housing cover 26 . the housing cover 26 advantageously forms both a termination of the housing casing 22 and the bearing plate 36 for the transmission cage 34 . the bearing plate 36 can preferably also be formed in one piece with the housing cover 24 , with the result that a further saving in weight is achieved . in an alternative embodiment , the transmission units 10 , 110 can also be shifted with an axially displaceable shifting pin . the shifting pawls 142 are , in this alternative embodiment , of similar or identical design to the shifting device 70 , 104 with rotatable shifting pin 156 . the axially displaceable shifting pin has recesses with oblique sections , wherein the recesses are arranged under the actuation sections 144 , with the result that the prestressed shifting pawls 142 pivot out . the engagement of the shifting pawls 142 in the internal toothing 136 takes place as in the rotatable shifting pin 156 . the oblique sections of the recesses serve to allow the actuation sections 144 of the shifting pawls 142 to slide more easily out of the recess and therefore permit the engagement section 148 to be pivoted radially inward . as in the case of the rotatable shifting pin 156 , the recesses are arranged on the shifting pin in such a way that two gearspeeds are engaged simultaneously , and the so - called intermediate state is therefore set when shifting from one gearspeed into the other gearspeed occurs . as a result , shifting under load is also possible in this embodiment . the axially displaceable shifting pin can be activated by a shifting cable . the stationary or non - rotating shifting cable is decoupled from the rotating shifting pin by means of a sliding bearing or roller bearing . alternatively , the shifting cable can be connected to a rotating disk which is connected to the shifting pin via a groove guide . in this context , a pin engages in the obliquely running groove which is formed in the rotating disk . the shifting cable is connected to the rotating disk . the disk is rotated by the shifting cable and the rotational movement of the disk is converted into an axial movement of the shifting pin through the pin which is guided in the groove . alternatively , the pin can be secured to the disk and the groove can be formed in the shifting pin . fig2 shows a circuit diagram of a shifting device with two rotatable shifting pins . the shifting device which is illustrated in fig2 is an alternative embodiment to the shifting device 104 illustrated in fig4 and is generally denoted by 310 . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , with only the differences being explained here . the driving gear 76 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a driven gear 312 . the driven gear 312 is connected to two planetary gear mechanisms 311 ′, 311 ″. the driving gear 76 forms , together with the driven gear 312 , an epicyclic transmission 313 . the driven gear 312 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion onto the planetary carriers 92 ′, 92 ″ of the planetary gear mechanisms 311 ′ and 311 ″. planetary gear sets are mounted on the planetary carriers 92 ′, 92 ″. the planetary gear sets are each formed by a first planetary gear 314 and a second planetary gear 316 . the first planetary gear 314 is connected in each case in a rotationally fixed fashion to the second planetary gear 316 . a first sun gear 318 is arranged coaxially with respect to the planetary carrier 92 and meshes with the first planetary gears 314 . the first sun gear 318 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the output shaft 96 which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion into the driving gear 100 of the epicyclic transmission 98 . a second sun gear 320 , which meshes with the second planetary gears 316 , is mounted coaxially with respect to the sun gear 318 . the second sun gear 320 is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the ring gear shaft 93 which is connected to the tension disk 94 . the first sun gear 318 and the first planetary gears 314 form a first transmission ratio which differs from a second transmission ratio of the second sun gear 320 with the second planetary gears 316 . the rotation of the shaft 72 is transmitted to the driven gear 312 via the driving gear 76 . the driven gear 312 drives the planetary gear mechanisms 311 ′, 311 ″. in this context , the planetary carrier 92 , on which the planetary gear sets are mounted , is driven . the planetary gear mechanisms 311 ′, 311 ″ are formed as stepped planetary gear mechanisms . the first sun gear 318 meshes with the first planetary gears 314 and forms the output of the planetary gear mechanisms 311 ′, 311 ″. if the tension disk 94 is not activated and the second sun gear 320 is therefore at rest , the rotation of the shaft 72 is transmitted to the shifting pins 74 ′, 74 ″ via the epicyclic transmission 313 , the planetary gear mechanisms 311 ′, 311 ″ and the second epicyclic transmissions 98 ′, 98 ″. in this state , the transmission ratio is just one , with the result that the shifting pins 74 ′, 74 ″ rotate synchronously with the shaft 72 or with the same rotational speed as the shaft 72 . the second sun gear 320 serves as a further driving gear of the planetary gear mechanisms 311 ′, 311 ″. a rotation of the sun gear 320 is consequently added to the rotation of the driven gear 312 , with the result that a rotation of the tension disk 94 can be transmitted to the shifting pin 74 . the method of functioning of the shifting device 310 is consequently identical to the method of functioning of the shifting device 104 from fig5 . fig3 illustrates an exploded illustration of the shifting device 310 . identical elements are denoted by identical reference numbers , with only the differences or the special features being presented here . the driven gear 312 and the planetary carriers 92 ′, 92 ″ are formed as a gearwheel with bearing holes and bearing pins . the driving gear 312 is mounted so as to be rotatable by means of a ball bearing on a bearing shaft 322 . the planets are formed from the planetary gears 314 and 316 which have different diameters and / or numbers of teeth . the first sun gear 318 ′ is formed as an external toothing on the output shaft 96 ′ which is formed as a hollow shaft . the second sun gear 320 ′ is formed as an external toothing on the ring gear shaft 93 ′ which is formed as a hollow shaft . the output shaft can be connected to the driving gear 100 ′ of the epicyclic transmission 98 ′. the ring gear shaft 93 ′ is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the tension disk 94 ′. the bearing shaft 322 , the output shaft 96 ′ and the ring gear shaft 93 ′ are formed in such a way that they can be arranged or mounted coaxially one in the other . the first sun gear 318 ″ is formed as an external toothing of the output shaft 96 ″. the output shaft 96 ″ can be connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the driving gear 100 ″. the second sun gear 320 ″ is formed as an external toothing and is connected to a gearwheel 324 ″, wherein the second sun gear 320 ″ and the gearwheel 324 ″ are preferably formed in one piece . the gearwheel 324 ″ meshes with the gearwheel 95 from fig1 , which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the ring gear shaft 93 ″. alternatively , the ring gear shaft 93 ″ can be connected to a further gearwheel 95 ″ from fig2 . the gearwheel 95 ″ then meshes with a gearwheel 324 ″, which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the tension disk 94 ″. as a result , both tension disks 94 ′, 94 ″ can be arranged coaxially on one side of the transmission unit . as a result of this arrangement illustrated in fig3 , two stepped planetary gear mechanisms which serve to rotate the shifting pins 74 ′, 74 ″ are formed .
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the invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors . it is the applicant &# 39 ; s intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed . to acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the invention , a preferred embodiment that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein . the exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied . as such , the embodiments described herein are illustrative , and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts , and may be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention . although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments , it should be understood that the detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical , if not impossible . numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented , using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent , which would still fall within the scope of the claims . to the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning , that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader , and it is not intended that such claim term be limited , by implication or otherwise , to that single meaning . now referring to fig1 a and 1b , perspective views of a wire rope protection sleeve 2 are provided . also provided is a wire rope 4 that has first and second ends with thimble eyes 6 positioned at each end . the thimble eyes 6 are loops that allow the wire rope 4 to be selectively interconnected to different equipment , for example , lifting equipment for oil and gas operations . it will be appreciated that other components , or no components at all , may be located at the ends of the wire rope 4 . for example , end of the wire rope 4 may not comprise any additional components and the other end of the wire rope 4 may comprise a wire rope clip . the protection sleeve 2 is configured to selectively assemble and disassemble around the wire rope 4 to prevent metal : metal contact between the wire rope 4 and components with sensitive metal compositions such as some casings and tubulars . in the embodiment shown in fig1 a and 1b , the protection sleeve 2 has a body 8 substantially extending along the length of the wire rope 4 . a flap 12 is disposed at either end of the body 8 of the protection sleeve 2 . in some embodiments , the flaps 12 correspond to the thimble eyes 6 of the wire rope 4 . it will be appreciated that the particular number and orientation of the flaps 12 may depend on the type of wire rope 4 . for instance , in some embodiments , the protection sleeve 2 has only one flap 12 to correspond to one thimble eye 6 on the wire rope 4 . fasteners are provided that allow the protection sleeve 2 to selectively interconnect upon itself to assemble around the wire rope 4 . the body 8 of the protection sleeve 2 has a body fastener 10 extending along one side of the sleeve 2 and between two ends of the sleeve 2 . when the protection sleeve 2 is assembled and the body 8 of the sleeve 2 is wrapped around the wire rope 4 , the body fastener 10 selectively interconnects to the sleeve 2 itself . similarly , the flaps 12 each have flap fasteners 14 running along one side of the flaps 12 and between two ends of the flaps 12 . the flap fasteners 14 wrap around the thimble eyes 6 and selectively interconnect to the sleeve 2 itself . fig2 a and 2b are perspective views of the protection sleeve 2 in an assembled state . the fasteners along the body and the flaps of the protection sleeve 2 have been selectively interconnected to the protection sleeve 2 itself . the fasteners may be typical hook and loop fasteners . however , the fasteners may be any type of fastener that provides a selective interconnection , including , but not limited to , buttons , zippers , clamps , clips , latches , pins , retaining rings , screws , snap fasteners , and threaded fasteners . in addition , the fasteners may be disposed in a variety of locations on the protection sleeve 2 and in a variety of sizes and orientations . in some embodiments , the fasteners are positioned on the inner surface of the protection sleeve 2 , as shown in fig1 a and 1b . the fasteners then selectively interconnect to the outer surface of the protection sleeve 2 , as shown in fig2 a and 2b . in other embodiments , the fastener comprises two components such as hook and loop fasteners . one component is positioned on the inner surface of the protection sleeve 2 , and the corresponding component is positioned on the outer surface of the protection sleeve 2 . thus , when the protection sleeve 2 is assembled , the two components of the fastener combine to form a selective interconnection . once in an assembled state , the protection sleeve 2 prevents metal : metal contact between the wire rope 4 and any other metal apparatus , including drillpipe , casings , tubulars , etc . it will be appreciated that while selective interconnections are discussed with respect to the protection sleeve 2 , other embodiments may utilize permanent interconnections such as adhesives . it will further be appreciated that other embodiments may provide a protection sleeve 2 with no interconnections , wherein the protection sleeve 2 is installed by sliding the body 8 over wire rope 4 . the invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors . it is the applicant &# 39 ; s intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed . the phrases “ at least one ”, “ one or more ”, and “ and / or ”, as used herein , are open - ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation . for example , each of the expressions “ at least one of a , b , and c ”, “ at least one of a , b , or c ”, “ one or more of a , b , and c ”, “ one or more of a , b , or c ,” and “ a , b , and / or c ” means a alone , b alone , c alone , a and b together , a and c together , b and c together , or a , b , and c together . unless otherwise indicated , all numbers expressing quantities , dimensions , conditions , and so forth used in the specification , drawings , and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “ about .” the term “ a ” or “ an ” entity , as used herein , refers to one or more of that entity . as such , the terms “ a ” ( or “ an ”), “ one or more ” and “ at least one ” can be used interchangeably herein . the use of “ including ,” “ comprising ,” or “ having ,” and variations thereof , is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items . accordingly , the terms “ including ,” “ comprising ,” or “ having ” and variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein . it shall be understood that the term “ means ” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 u . s . c ., section 112 ( f ). accordingly , a claim incorporating the term “ means ” shall cover all structures , materials , or acts set forth herein , and all of the equivalents thereof . further , the structures , materials , or acts , and the equivalents thereof , shall include all those described in the summary of the invention , brief description of the drawings , detailed description , abstract , and claims themselves . the foregoing description of the invention has been presented for illustration and description purposes . however , the description is not intended to limit the invention to only the forms disclosed herein . in the foregoing detailed description for example , various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure . this method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim . rather , as the following claims reflect , inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment . thus , the following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description , with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention . consequently , variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings and skill and knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope of the invention . the embodiments described herein above are further intended to explain best modes of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such a manner , or include other embodiments with various modifications as required by the particular application ( s ) or use ( s ) of the invention . thus , it is intended that the claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art .
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in the figures , identical reference numerals designate identical or functionally equivalent components , unless otherwise noted . as shown in fig1 , a thermoforming machine 1 according to the present embodiment comprises a frame 2 for carrying the various components of the thermoforming machine 1 . preferably the thermoforming machine 1 comprises an upper plate 3 , to which predetermined form sections for forming the material to be thermoformed are mounted . the upper plate 3 is adjustable in elevation through an associated drive motor and associated ball screw spindles 4 , preferably vertical to the frame 2 . furthermore , when required , the upper plate 3 can be additionally supported horizontally and adjustable relative to the frame 2 through suitable drives and adjustment elements . for example , four ball screw spindles 4 are provided , which are disposed in a rectangular pattern relative to the upper plate 3 , allowing a smooth elevation adjustment of the upper plate 3 . as furthermore shown in fig1 , the thermoforming machine 1 additionally preferably comprises several hydraulic cylinders 5 , which are fastened to the upper plate 3 . in the hydraulic cylinders 4 , e . g . predetermined and well known distance measuring devices can be integrated for detecting the adjustment distance . the respective piston rods 6 of the hydraulic cylinders 5 protrude downward , below the upper plate 3 , in an extended state of the thermoforming machine 1 , which is illustrated in fig1 in an exemplary manner . furthermore , the thermoforming machine 1 with reference to fig1 comprises a lower plate 7 , to which predetermined form sections are mounted , analogous to the upper plate 3 , which correspond to the form sections of the upper plate 3 for forming the material to be thermoformed . the lower plate 7 is preferably also vertically adjustable relative to the frame 2 , according to the present embodiment via an associated drive and associated ball screw spindles 8 , so that the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 7 are adjustable relative to each other , and towards each other , depending on the respective form sections that are used , or depending on the formed piece to be manufactured . at the lower plate 7 , preferably several clamping cylinders 9 are fastened , so that an opposing clamping cylinder 9 is associated in a suitable manner to each piston rod 6 or to each hydraulic cylinder 5 of the upper plate . thus during an adjustment of the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 7 towards each other through the above - described drives and adjustment elements , each piston rod 6 of a hydraulic cylinder 5 can be inserted accordingly into an associated clamping cylinder 9 , and connected to it through friction locking , wherein such coupling will be described subsequently with reference to fig2 in more detail . similar to the upper plate 3 , the lower plate 7 can also preferably be moved through associated drives and adjustment elements , relative to the frame 2 in a horizontal manner , in order to perform a desired thermoforming process in connection with the accordingly aligned upper plate 3 . it is also conceivable that only one of the plates 3 , 7 is supported horizontally adjustable . according to the present embodiment , the thermoforming machine 1 has a heating mechanism , which has , e . g ., two upper heating devices 10 , 11 , which are also vertically adjustable , relative to the frame 2 , through suitable drives and adjustment elements , according to the thermoforming process to be performed respectively . below the upper heater devices 10 , 11 , preferably two lower heater devices 12 , 13 are provided , which are also vertically adjustable through suitable drives and adjustment elements relative to the frame 2 . the upper heating devices 10 , 11 , and the lower heating devices 12 , 13 are provided for heating the material to be thermoformed before the thermoforming process . subsequently a thermoforming process through the exemplary thermoforming machine 1 of the present embodiment is described in more detail with reference to the fig1 and 2 . the state of the thermoforming machine 1 illustrated in fig1 shows the state of the machine before the thermoforming process . before the beginning of the thermoforming process , the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 7 are moved towards each other through the drives and adjustment elements described above , for example , the upper plate 3 is moved downwards in the direction of the lower plate 7 , and / or the lower plate 7 is moved upwards in the direction of the upper plate 3 . due to this relative motion of the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 7 , the piston rods 6 of the hydraulic cylinders 5 of the upper plate 3 are inserted into the respective associated clamping cylinders 9 of the lower plate 7 , accordingly disposed below the hydraulic cylinders 5 , as illustrated in fig2 in a schematic partial view . the left half of fig2 thus illustrates the clamping cylinder 9 in a disengaged state l , and the right half of fig2 shows the clamping cylinder in a clamped state k . each clamping cylinder 9 can continuously clamp an associated piston rod 6 without changing its position , and , furthermore , each clamping cylinder 9 can bear axial forces in both directions . the clamping cylinders 9 are activated or deactivated through force loading , in particular through hydraulic force loading . it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art , that a pneumatic force loading is also possible . the clamping cylinders 9 preferably comprise a respective clamping bushing 14 with an outer cone and a clamping sleeve 15 with an inner cone , as illustrated in fig2 . the clamping bushing 14 is preferably guided in a housing 16 of the clamping cylinder 9 , and is compressed in axial direction for clamping the associated piston rod 6 via the clamping bushing 14 . the required clamping force is accomplished , e . g ., through the said hydraulic pressure loading . in fig2 , the reference symbol k designates a clamping force for clamping the clamping sleeve 15 via the clamping bushing 14 for clamping the inserted piston rod 6 . similarly , the reference symbol l in fig2 designates a force for disengaging the clamping , so that the inserted piston rod 6 can slide in the clamping cylinder 9 without friction . through such a coupling of the piston rods 6 with the respectively associated clamping cylinders 9 , a friction locked connection between the piston rods 6 and the respectively associated clamping cylinders 9 , or between the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 7 is assured . for performing the thermoforming process , after performing the said friction locked connection , the hydraulic cylinders 5 of the upper plate 3 are driven , so that a pulling force of a predetermined size is imparted to the lower plate 7 , comprising the clamping cylinders 9 . thus the lower plate 7 is pulled against the upper plate 3 for delivering the required forming force for thermoforming the heated material through the provided form sections of the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 7 with a predetermined pulling force . due to the above described friction locked connection between the piston rods 6 and the associated clamping cylinders 9 , a sliding motion of the inserted piston rods 6 relative to the associated clamping cylinders 9 advantageously occurs when a predetermined maximum value of the pulling force is exceeded . through this sliding out of the piston rods 6 from the associated clamping cylinders 9 , when a predetermined pulling force is exceeded , damages to the particular components are avoided , contrary to an , e . g ., form - fit connection between the respective components . after a successfully completed thermoforming process , the pulling force imparted upon the lower plate 7 is disengaged through the respective drives of the hydraulic cylinders 5 , the upper plate 3 and the lower plate 7 are moved apart from each other through the respective drives and adjustment elements , and the thermoformed piece is removed . though the present invention was described in the above with reference to preferred embodiments , it is not limited to them , but can be modified in many ways . for example , pneumatic cylinders can also be used instead of hydraulic cylinders , which assure the respective pulling forces . also , the number and placement of the piston cylinders on the upper plate , as well as of the associated clamping cylinders on the lower plate , can be modified as appropriate , and shall be preferably selected such that a smooth relative motion of the upper and the lower plates is possible relative to each other . furthermore , also different clamping mechanisms , than the ones shown in fig2 are conceivable for providing a friction locked coupling .
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referring to fig1 an affixation and release arrangement 10 is illustrated . the specifically depicted embodiment is an affixation between a first component such as a mill 12 and a second component such as a whipstock 14 but it is to be appreciated that the concept hereof can be extended to other affixations that require separation . referring directly to the figures , the mill 12 defines a chamber 16 therein . a piston 18 is disposed in pressure communication with the chamber 16 such that a change in pressure in the chamber will cause a change in position of the piston 18 . in one embodiment , the arrangement is configured to cause the piston 18 to move upon a pressure increase in the chamber 16 . in the illustrated embodiment , this is affected by configuring the piston 18 with a differential area end to end . hence upon increased pressure , the piston will move . addressing specifically the differential area of the piston 18 , it is noted that in the illustration , the portion of the piston 18 that for convenience is referred to here as piston head 20 , on the right side of drawing fig1 is of a dimension that is larger than that of a portion of the piston 18 , referred to herein for convenience as piston tail 22 . piston head 20 and piston tail 22 are accommodated laterally in the mill 12 in bores 24 and 26 that are sized to promote fluid pressure sealability with the piston head 20 and piston tail 22 , respectively . sealing is enhanced by the provision of seals 28 and 30 at each of piston head 20 and piston tail 22 . in one embodiment the seals 28 and 30 are o - rings . in the condition of piston 18 as described it will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that increasing fluid pressure in chamber 16 will cause the piston 18 to move toward the end thereof that is of greater area . in the configuration described above this is toward piston head 20 . this also corresponds to the right side of the figure as illustrated . in order to prevent the piston from moving too far in either direction the illustrated embodiment is configured with stops 32 and 34 . these are in one embodiment as illustrated with stop 32 being a snap ring received in a groove 36 and stop 32 being a piece of the piston 18 itself . it will be understood however that these can be reversed or the stop function otherwise accomplished . in the specifically illustrated embodiment the construction is related to ease of manufacture of the arrangement 10 since in this configuration the entire piston 18 is insertable through the bore 24 and then the snap ring 32 may be engaged with the groove 36 through chamber 16 . because in the setting of the illustrated embodiment there is no reason that reengagement would be desired , there is no reason to include a biasing member to urge the piston 18 in a direction opposite that of the direction of movement under increased chamber fluid pressure . it will be appreciated however , that in other embodiments utilizing the same concept as the embodiment illustrated might benefit from a biasing member and hence in such an arrangement a biasing member such as a spring would be located to act in a direction opposite the direction of fluid pressure movement such as in compression between the ring 32 and the chamber wall directly to the right of the ring 32 in the figure , for example , or might be located to act in a same direction as the direction of fluid pressure movement such as between the stop 34 and the chamber wall directly to the left of the stop 34 in the figure , for example . the whipstock 14 , for run in , is secured to the mill 12 by a fastener 38 that is in affixed relationship with the piston 18 . in one embodiment , the affixed relationship is a threaded or press fit relationship at interface 40 ( illustrated in fig1 with the thread as top and the press fit as bottom to be illustrative of the two differing embodiments ). in some embodiments the threaded engagement , press fit engagement or the fastener itself may be overcome solely by the pressure based movement of the piston resulting in release of the mill 12 from the whipstock 14 . in other embodiments however , it is contemplated that a parting configuration be provided in the fastener . such parting configurations may present as a groove 43 in the fastener ( shown as the bottom only to provide illustration of differing embodiments ) to reduce tensile capacity thereof , a heat - treated area for the same purpose , or other similar treatments that will reduce strength of the fastener . in some embodiments the reduction is strength of the fastener will be concentrated in a reduction in tensile strength while substantially preserving shear and / or bending strength . in each case , the parting configuration is configured to cause parting of the fastener 38 below a surface 42 of the whipstock face to ensure that the fastener will not itself present an impediment to mill 12 advancement . with the fastener 38 secured to the piston 18 , through an uphole end of whipstock 14 , the whipstock 14 is affixed to the mill 12 and remains that way until the arrangement is actuated by increasing fluid pressure in chamber 16 . fluid pressure can be increased in a number of ways such as by pump or by heaters or by energetic compounds ( particularly if the chamber 16 is configured as an enclosed space ), etc . and the pressure can be locally generated or remote as desired . in use , the arrangement is run into the hole in the condition illustrated in fig1 and located by suitable means . once the whipstock is at final destination and orientation the pressure is increased in chamber 16 whereby the piston 18 is moved to the right of the drawing figure and the fastener 38 parts , which is illustrated in fig2 . once the arrangement 10 has achieved the condition illustrated in fig2 , the mill 12 is free to move relative to the whipstock 14 . because there is no remaining bolt or lug to be milled off the whipstock 14 , there is far less eccentric cut experienced by the mill when advancing to its primary objective . the life of the mill is therefore extended and the job it can do enhanced since it has not experienced a difficult eccentric cut , as has traditionally been the case . in an alternate embodiment , referring to fig3 , the piston 118 is configured differently . the piston 118 itself extends through the whipstock 14 and is secured at an opposite surface 44 to the face surface 42 . in the specifically illustrated embodiment , a securement 48 is secured in a groove 50 of the piston 118 . this ring 48 may be a snap ring , an e clip , etc . further the securement 48 may be a roll pin or other similar structure ( schematically represented by fig4 ). in this embodiment , upon the application of fluid pressure within chamber 16 , piston 118 is urged as it was in the previously described embodiment but instead of parting the fastener as shown in fig2 , the securement 48 is disengaged from the piston 118 . disengagement may be by shear , deformation , etc . as long as it is no longer in a position to hold the piston in place and thereby allows the fluid pressure to move the piston 118 in a direction that will disengage the piston itself from the whipstock ( to the right in the figure ). in this embodiment , there is no component of the securement left in the whipstock and hence no concern that such component might come loose and interfere with a well operation . while preferred embodiments have been shown and described , various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . accordingly , it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation .
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fig1 illustrates the characteristics of an nvram cell which change over time , where the erase time is shown , as a function of the number of erase operations . devices having an nvram array periodically erase the nvram array . erasure of the nvram array represents a condition where the charge in the floating gate of each stacked gate constituting each cell is removed . the removal of the charge occurs by applying pulses to a common source connection of each of the nvram cells which removes the charge from each of the floating gates , thereby lowering the threshold voltage for each nvram cell . as is known in the art , the erasure of an nvram cell is detected when the voltage threshold vt of the floating gate transistor drops below a given threshold value . over time , more pulses applied to the common source connection are needed to remove the charge in the floating gate , and the time to erase an nvram cell may be represented by the number of pulses needed to achieve a reduction in device threshold voltage vt . fig1 illustrates the time for erasure as a function of the number of erasures over the life of a nvram cell for a normal nvram cell , and the erasure time for a cell exhibiting an imminent failure . the nvram cell exhibiting an imminent failure takes a longer time to erase , and has an increased erase acceleration factor , i . e ., a change in slope of the erasure time versus erasure count function . the erasure time as well as the erase acceleration may be used as a threshold for detecting imminent failure . the current embodiment of the invention selects as an erase acceleration threshold which is equal to the slope shown in fig1 . if the erase acceleration increases beyond that illustrated in the dotted line of fig1 an imminent failure is predicted . alternatively , the time for erasure may be used as a threshold function for identifying an imminent failure of an nvram cell of the nvram array . in order to carry out the invention in accordance with the preferred embodiment , both the erase acceleration and total erase time for the entire array , rather than on an individual cell basis are used as alternative thresholds for identifying the time to replace the nvram array . fig2 illustrates the basic system architecture of a system which stores and retrieves data from an nvram array having a detection circuit which identifies the imminent failure of the nvram array . data are transferred between the nvram array 18 and the system bus 11 . conventional i / o data buffers 12 store the data transfer in both a read operation , wherein data is transferred from the nvram array 18 to the bus 11 , and a write operation in which data is transferred from the bus 11 for storage in nvram array 18 . address decoders 13 provide the address locations in the nvram array 18 for storing the data temporarily located in i / o data buffers 12 . read / write control logic circuit 14 , operating under control of the system bus , will enable the nvram 18 to either read data from it , or write data to it . the nvram array 18 erase time or “ endurance ” is constantly monitored with the circuit 19 . since the programming voltage applied to the nvram array can influence the erase time , it is assumed that the voltage will be maintained substantially constant . a control signal on line 21 from the read / write control logic 14 represents the erasure time for the entire nvram array 18 which is coincident with an address on line 22 corresponding to a global address for the cells of the nvram array 18 . together control signals 21 , 22 indicate the erasure process for all of the cells of the array 18 . a system clock input is provided to the erase acceleration detection circuit 19 . the system clock may be used as a timing signal which measures the length of the erasure interval on line 21 , from which the erasure acceleration may be determined . alternatively , an on board oscillator may be provided as a source of timing signals . when either of these quantities , either erase time or erase time acceleration , exceeds preestablished levels , a flag is posted for alerting the user that the nvram array has reached the end of its useful life and should be replaced . the detection circuit 19 is shown more completely in fig3 . the process of monitoring the erase time begins when an erase function is initiated by the read / write control logic which occurs by applying pulses to the source connection of each nvram cell . the threshold value for each of the nvram cells is determined following each pulse . when all cells have attained a voltage threshold below the reference threshold , the erasure of all of the cells is thereby verified . the control logic 30 of fig3 receives a pulse , indicating the beginning of the erase function , as well as an erase complete pulse indicating that the voltage threshold for each nvram cell is below reference , indicating the entire array is erased . the interval of time between the beginning of an erase function and the completion of the erase function is measured with counter 32 . counter 32 is reset when the erase function begins and accumulates clock pulses from the system clock . the erase complete indication disables counting by the erase time counter 32 , providing a count representing the time for erasure . the count obtained from the erasure time for the nvram array is stored in an erase time storage register 31 through buffer 34 . a subtractor circuit 36 subtracts the current time for erasure from a previous time of erasure stored in the array erase time storage register 31 . storage register 31 may be a small nvram array . the result represents an erase time acceleration , representing the slope of the erase time versus total number of erasures of fig1 . the resulting erase time acceleration figure is compared in comparator 39 with a maximum erase time acceleration ( delta ) stored in register 40 . registers 40 and 41 may for instance be hard wired or fuse - programmed . in the event that the erase acceleration or slope of the erase time function exceeds the delta , a failure is posted by comparator 39 . as an additional measure of the nvram susceptibility to failure , the total erase time is compared in comparator 38 with a maximum erase time in register 41 . in the event the erase time exceeds the maximum , a flag is posted indicating the end of useful life of the nvram array . the foregoing logic circuit is implemented with the nvram array so that the characteristics of the nvram array may be monitored every time an erase function is executed . in this way , normal use of the nvram device provides a constant indication of its life expectancy , which is continuously updated and used to generate a replacement flag . fig4 is a more detailed description of the process executed by the apparatus of fig3 . referring now to fig4 the process begins with step 50 when the nvram array is undergoing an erase operation . the erase time counter is started in 51 . once the erase operation is completed as determined in step 52 , the erase time counter is inhibited in step 54 from accumulating any further system clock pulses . the maximum erase time is then recovered from register 41 in step 55 and used as a reference erase time . decision block 57 determines whether the maximum erase time has been exceeded . if so , a flag is set indicating that the nvram array has reached the end of its useful life . if the erase time is still below the maximum erasure time , the delta , or erase acceleration factor of the erase time is determined in step 58 as the difference between the currently computed erase time and a previously computed erase time . a comparison is made in step 59 whether a maximum erase acceleration has been exceeded . if it has , this results in a flag being set to indicate that the nvram array has reached the end of its useful life . decision block 60 determines whether a new erase time is greater than the previous erase time . if it is it becomes a new reference value stored in register 31 . the process ends in step 61 , until such time as the nvram array is subject to a subsequent erase function . thus , the foregoing embodiment provides for a determination of the end of useful life for the nvram array , by continuously monitoring the array &# 39 ; s erase function characteristics . while slope and time for erasure are in accordance with the preferred embodiment the two characteristics monitored , those skilled in the art will recognize other characteristics which may be continuously monitored to obtain an indication of the end of the nvram array useful life . the foregoing description of the invention illustrates and describes the present invention . additionally , the disclosure shows and describes only the preferred embodiments of the invention , but as aforementioned , it is to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations , modifications , and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein , commensurate with the above teachings , and / or the skill or knowledge of the relevant art . the embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such , or other , embodiments and with the various modifications required by the particular applications or uses of the invention . accordingly , the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein . also , it is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments .
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in fig1 a transmitter 10 includes an encoder 12 for receiving video from a suitable source and processing it in any of a variety of ways , including the one specified in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 285 , 276 by developing motion vectors and discrete cosign transform coefficients for the difference signals . the data is supplied to a variable length encoder 14 in which the data is compressed and formatted in the form of codewords of variable length . the output of variable length encoder 14 is at a fixed video frame rate resulting in a variable data rate which , in accordance with the preferred embodiment , averages about 17 megabits per second . the variable rate data is applied to a compressed data ( cd ) buffer 16 which outputs data at a fixed data rate of 17 megabits per second . the data is transmitted by any suitable means , e . g . over the air or by cable , to a receiver 11 which includes a compressed data buffer ( cd ) 18 , a variable length decoder ( vld ) 20 , an uncompressed data buffer ( ud ) 22 and a selector 24 . the uncompressed data buffer 22 is shown in a dashed line block to simplify the operational description of the processing system . the receiver requirements can best be understood by considering that selector 24 must provide pixel data in parallel form ( at an assumed 8 bits per pixel ), at a rate of about 75 megabytes per second . this 75 megabytes per second rate is referred to as the pixel clock ( pclock ). to achieve this rate , selector 24 requests data as needed ( in parallel form ) from vld 20 via its request ( req ) line . the selector adds or fills in 0 &# 39 ; s for omitted coefficients in the transmitted blocks of data . it therefore doesn &# 39 ; t request as much data from vld 20 for a block that has omitted coefficients . the result is a relatively low data rate between vld 20 and selector 24 when processing that block . for blocks of data with no coefficients dropped , selector 24 must receive all coefficients at the pclock rate . to supply selector 24 with data at the pclock rate , vld 20 must request data from cd buffer 18 at the rate of one variable length codeword per pclock . for example , assume a time period in which all incoming variable length codewords are of maximum 8 bit length . because vld 20 receives data serially , the data rate is 8 × pclock between cd buffer 18 and vld 20 . this is a very high rate ( 8 × 75 mhz ) at which to read data out of conventional memory . hence , the cd buffer 18 in the receiver is placed before vld 20 to keep the buffer size reasonable . ( buffering after vld 20 would require a buffer of much larger size .) a circuit modification that helps to reduce the buffer size includes another buffer ud 22 in the dashed line box . since worst case situations ( no significant compression of data ) will persist for relatively short and infrequent time periods , ud 22 provides data to selector 24 at the pclock rate while reading data from vld 20 at a somewhat lesser rate . the result is that the rate at which data is read from cd buffer 18 is somewhat reduced . however , ud buffer 22 , which stores expanded data , would need to be very large to effect a significant reduction in the data rate from cd buffer 18 . the problem remains in that the high data rate between the cd buffer and the vld requires the use of a very expensive high speed memory for the compressed data buffer . the invention claimed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 424 , 733 , above significantly reduces the reading speed requirement for the compressed data buffer by splitting the data among a number of buffers that operate in parallel . referring to fig2 compressed data and data segment sync signals are applied to a first separator ds1 . the data segment sync signals mark the boundaries between each of the fixed length data segments . ds1 separates the data segment header from the block data in the data segments and sends the block data to a compressed data output . ds1 determines the starting points in the compressed data stream for some of the blocks , i . e . the first block beginning , if any , in a data segment from the data segment header information . specifically , a pointer in the data segment header points to the first block beginning in the data segment . this information is used to create a partial block boundary marker signal for synchronization of the subsequent circuitry . the compressed data and partial block boundary marker signals are applied to a second data separator ds2 . ds2 includes means for finding the separation points between each of the individual variable length codewords in the compressed data stream . such means may conveniently take the form of separate variable length decoders that are dedicated primarily to the task of finding these codeword boundaries . a partial block boundary marker signal from ds1 identifies a known , fixed number of following codewords as selector data for the block . a variable length decoder decodes the data counting this known , fixed number of codewords to identify the boundary in the compressed data stream between the selector data and the coefficient data . the compressed selector data is sent to the compressed selector data output of ds2 and the subsequent coefficient data is sent to the compressed data output of ds2 . the portion of the decoded selector data that identifies the number of coefficient codewords in the block is saved and used to control the vld which decodes the identified number of coefficient codewords before the next block ( and the new selector data ) is encountered . ds2 stops routing the compressed data stream to the compressed data output and switches back to the compressed selector data output at that point . the remainder of the decoded selector data and all of the decoded coefficient data is discarded in ds2 . ds2 also generates a group boundary marker signal that denotes the boundaries between groups ( i . e . an integral number of codewords ) in the compressed coefficient data stream at the compressed data output . the integral number is determined according to an algorithm to be discussed . in the event of errors in the received data , the variable length decoders in ds2 will be quickly resynchronized by the partial block boundary marker signal from ds1 . the compressed data and group boundary marker signals are applied to a demultiplexer and grouper 30 for demultiplexing and assembling the codewords into groups ( determined by the algorithm ) consisting of an integral number of codewords , the boundaries between the groups being determined by the group boundary marker signal . the compressed selector data signal from ds2 is supplied , along with a data clock signal , to a compressed data buffer 34 . the clock signal is supplied to the wr ( write ) terminal of a cd buffer 34 , while the data signal is applied to its i ( input ) terminal . the output terminal o of buffer 34 supplies the compressed selector data to a selector data variable length decoder 39 . vld 39 controls the rate of transmission of data from buffer 34 by means of a request line which is coupled to the r ( read ) terminal of buffer 34 . the partial block boundary marker signal supplied from ds1 to ds2 is present for only the first - occurring block beginning in a data segment as described above . ds2 also develops a complete block boundary marker signal that identifies each block boundary when the separation points between the end of the compressed coefficient data and the beginning of the compressed selector data , as described above , are determined . an auxiliary buffer 35 is operated in parallel with buffer 34 for maintaining synchronism between the data ( as it is processed ) and the complete block boundary marker signals . this arrangement for processing the marker signals constitutes the subject of the present invention and results in a significant reduction in the required size of the auxiliary buffer . an input bit counter 32 and an output bit counter 37 flank the auxiliary buffer 35 . the data clock signal is applied to input bit counter 32 . the count value of input bit counter 32 is supplied to the data input of the auxiliary buffer 35 . the reset terminal of input bit counter 32 and the write terminal of auxiliary buffer 35 are supplied with the complete block boundary marker signal from ds2 . the output of auxiliary buffer 35 is applied via a parallel load bus to output bit counter 37 which is stepped by the request signal from vld 39 . the count value of output bit counter 37 is supplied to an &# 34 ; all zero &# 34 ; detector 38 which develops a reset signal for vld 39 , for counter 37 and a lead signal for auxiliary buffer 35 . the selector data is applied to a selector / multiplexer 41 for controlling operation thereof . vld 39 also generates a complete block boundary marker signal for selector / multiplexer 41 . as indicated , the buffers 34 and 35 are of the first - in , first - out ( fifo ) type that are well known in the art . returning to ds2 , demultiplexer and grouper 30 accepts the incoming serial data and the group boundary marker signal from ds2 and apportions the data into groups , each consisting of an integral number of codewords , among a plurality of parallelly connected compressed data buffers 50 - 57 . the dashed line joining the buffers 50 - 57 indicates that buffers , corresponding to output terminals 1 - 6 of the demultiplexer and grouper 30 , are omitted . it will be understood that the output terminals 0 - 7 are arbitrary in number and that each output terminal has the same processing structure , i . e . buffers and variable length decoders , connected thereto . it will therefore suffice to describe operations for one output , it being understood that data at the other outputs is processed in an identical manner . the data from terminal o is applied to the input terminal of cd buffer 50 . the data clock signal is applied to the wr terminal of cd buffer 50 and to an input bit counter 40 . an auxiliary buffer 60 , an output bit counter 70 and a zero detector 80 are connected in a manner similar to the connection of auxiliary counter 35 , output bit counter 37 and zero detector 38 described above . a variable length decoder 90 receives the serial data from cd buffer 50 , decodes it , and applies the decoded data in a parallel format to an uncompressed data buffer 100 . the output of uncompressed buffer 100 is supplied to the selector and multiplexer 41 , which also includes means for uncompressing the compressed data . it will be noted that the vld by its nature converts compressed data to a fixed length output and broadly performs some expansion . in practice , the variable length encoded codewords are decoded to a fixed 8 bit length . this is distinct from the uncompressing of the compressed data that occurs after the vld . a similar arrangement of elements coupled to output terminal 7 of demultiplexer and grouper 30 , i . e . cd buffer 57 , auxiliary buffer 67 , bit counters 47 and 77 , vld 97 and uncompressed buffer 107 function in the same way to develop a parallel output of a block of data , which is assembled into a single serial stream by selector / multiplexer 41 . the parallel buffer arrangement will now be discussed . as mentioned , the incoming data is formatted such that the boundaries between codewords can be determined in the decoding process . since the uncompressed data can reach extremely high rates , the plurality of parallel buffers 50 - 57 is employed to operate on sequential portions of the data stream . since the required speed for each buffer is effectively divided by the number of buffers , relatively low cost fifo memories may therefore be used for the buffers . with the codewords being of variable length , the grouping of the codewords to load the parallel buffers substantially equally is very important . the sizes or bit lengths of the codeword groups are determined with an algorithm based upon selecting a nominal group bit length equal to the maximum codeword size and adding successive codewords until the nominal size is reached or exceeded . when this occurs , the nominal bit length is subtracted from the actual number of totalled bits and compared with another total developed from the difference between the totalled number of bits minus the last - added codeword . the codeword arrangement that provides the smallest difference is selected as the group and demultiplexer 30 supplies that group of data to buffer 50 and switches to its next output for the next group of data . the process proceeds in a cyclical manner with each of the outputs of demultiplexer and grouper 30 receiving a group of data for its associated buffer . with the arrangement , the loading of the buffers is substantially equalized so that no one buffer is loaded significantly faster or more fully than any other buffer . this contributes greatly to system economy and enables the smaller size buffers to process the information . it will be appreciated that the number of buffers need not be eight , but any number can be employed with equal effect . that invention is the subject matter of the u . s . pat . no . 5 , 424 , 733 . the subject matter of the present invention is the provision of the input and output bit counters to enable the use of an auxiliary buffer of a significantly smaller size than the cd buffer while preserving synchronism between the data that is being supplied to the cd buffer and the complete block boundary marker signal . counter 40 , for example , counts up the bits written into cd buffer 50 until it is reset by the complete block boundary marker signal . this signal is a pulse in which the trailing edge acts as a reset signal . the count total of counter 40 is transferred ( as a parallel n bit word ) to the auxiliary buffer 60 when its wr input is activated by leading edge of the complete block boundary marker signal . both cd buffer 50 and auxiliary buffer 60 are of the fifo variety , and as the data is serially transferred to buffer 50 , the n bit word , representing the number of bits in the block of data , is clocked along . the block of data supplied to buffer 50 may comprise a number of groups totalling many hundreds of bits in length whereas the corresponding word in auxiliary buffer 60 is only a few ( n ) bits long . when vld 90 requests data from buffer 50 , the parallel data in auxiliary buffer 60 is loaded into the output counter 70 and the counter begins to count down in response to signals on the request line . when the counter counts down to all zeros , the zero detector 80 generates a reset signal , which is applied to vld 90 , counter 70 and auxiliary buffer 60 . thus the synchronization of the compressed data and the block boundary marker signal is maintained without requiring a duplicate size buffer for handling the boundary signal . n is readily determined by letting x equal the maximum number of expected coefficient bits in a block . since there are eight parallel paths and the x bits are approximately equally distributed to each of the parallel paths ( cd buffers ), any given buffer will hold a maximum of x / 8 bits . since the binary representation of n is log 2 ( x / 8 ), the input and output bit counters must be n bits wide . as mentioned previously , selector vld 39 reads data out of cd buffer 34 and provides decoded selector data to the selector / multiplexer 41 . in response to the reset signal from zero detector 38 which corresponds to the block boundary points , vld 39 sends a new complete block boundary marker signal ( corresponding to the original block boundary marker signal ) to the selector / multiplexer 41 . the parallel vld &# 39 ; s ( 90 - 97 ) read data out of their corresponding cd buffers ( 50 - 57 ), decode the data and output it in parallel form to their corresponding ud buffers ( 100 - 107 ). vld &# 39 ; s 90 - 97 also keep track of codeword groups generated according to the previously described grouping algorithm and produce group boundary signals ( bits ) which are passed to the ud buffers along with the decoded codewords . the codeword data and group boundary signals pass through the ud buffers and are available to the selector / multiplexer 41 . the selector / multiplexer 41 outputs expanded coefficient data at the pclock rate . in response to the reset ( complete block boundary marker signal ) from selector vld 39 , selector / multiplexer 41 reads the selector data for the current block of data from selector vld 39 . this information indicates which coefficients have been omitted from the block of data and the total number of coefficients in the block . thus , the number of coefficients to be read from the parallel coefficient ud buffers is determined and the point at which selector data must be read for the next block of data from selector vld 39 is ascertained . the selector / multiplexer fills in o &# 39 ; s for the omitted coefficients . to maintain proper ordering of the data at the output of the selector / multiplexer , data must be read from the parallel ud buffers a group of codewords at a time . this grouping is determined by the previously described group boundary marker signals . what has been described is a novel data processing system for decoding variable length encoded compressed data while maintaining synchronization that minimizes the need for fifo memories . it is recognized that numerous changes in the described embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from its true spirit and scope . the invention is to be limited only as defined in the claims .
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the preferred embodiment of the invention in fig1 and 9 includes a tank 10 for containing cleaning liquid ( not illustrated ) therein , a nozzle 12 for delivering the liquid and a dispensing system 14 for valving the liquid from the tank to the nozzle . the tank 10 , the nozzle 12 and the dispensing system 14 are connectable to a tubular wand section 16 which in turn is connectable to an upper , separate tubular wand section 18 . in operation , liquid is selectively and controllably dispensed from the tank 10 to a surface to be cleaned ( not illustrated ) to dissolve or lift off dirt and the like from the surface . suction is then drawn from a below described suction source 130 , through the tube 124 , wand sections 16 and 18 , and then through the nozzle 12 so that the liquid , along with the dirt and the like , is drawn up through the nozzle 12 and out through the wand sections 16 and 18 . except as otherwise indicated , the various parts of the preferred embodiment of the system are formed of molded , relatively rigid plastic . referring to fig1 and 2 , the tank 10 is a total enclosure defined by an upper wall 20 away from the nozzle 12 , an opposite lower wall 22 at the bottom of the tank , a back wall 24 which is at the side toward the user and a front wall 26 , which has the nozzle 12 and wand section 16 in front of it . the walls 20 - 26 enclose the tank . a recess 28 is defined in the tank front wall 26 toward the lower wall 22 for receiving and guiding vertical shifting of the below described pinch slide 52 . a ledge 30 defines the top of that recess . a filler cap 32 is accessibly placed near the top of the tank , through which the tank 10 may be filled with liquid . the suction nozzle 12 is preferably molded of clear plastic , permitting observation of the liquid being sucked through the nozzle . the nozzle has a front cover 34 facing the front of the attachment and a rear wall 36 at the front of the waterfall 96 . an outlet fitting 38 at the top of the nozzle connects it to the wand section 16 . the lower end of the lower wand section 16 is retained in the outlet fitting 38 of the nozzle 12 by means of a spring biased button detent 39 . a suction inlet 40 at the bottom of the nozzle 12 is to be placed at the carpet or surface to be suctioned . from its front side 141 to its rear side 142 , the suction inlet is narrow all across the nozzle 12 , to minimize the cross - section of the nozzle pressed against the carpet , as discussed further below . the cross - section of the nozzle 12 generally narrows in lateral side to side width and increases in front to back height from the suction inlet 40 to the outlet fitting 38 . the liquid dispensing system 14 includes an outlet fitting 42 located at the lower wall 22 of the tank 10 . a connecting member 44 is spin - welded to the outlet fitting 42 . the inlet end 46 of a flexible , resilient , preferably elastomeric rubber or plastic tube 48 is pushed over and retained on the connecting member 44 . the opposite outlet end 50 of the tube 48 is held below the inlet end 46 and is maintained open so that cleaning liquid can flow under the force of gravity from the tank 10 through the connecting member 44 , through the flexible tube 48 and then out past the open outlet end 50 . the dispensing system 14 further includes a tube pinch slide 52 which serves as an on - off valve for flow through the tube 48 . the slide 52 includes a pinch tip 54 which is movable toward and away from a shelf 56 that is molded in the dispenser wall 96 and the shelf projects beneath the pinch tip 54 . the flexible tube 48 passes between the tip 54 and the shelf 56 . the slide 52 is biased down toward the shelf 56 by a compression spring 58 . the compression spring 58 and a portion of the slide 52 are located within the recess 28 and between the tank 10 and the nozzle 12 . the spring 58 is compressed between the ledge 30 of the tank 10 and the rear end 60 of the slide 52 . thus , the slide 52 is biased toward the shelf 56 so as to pinch the flexible tube 48 between the tip 54 and the shelf 56 . when the flexible tube 48 is pinched , cleaning liquid cannot flow through the tube and is retained within the tank 10 . a lower extension 62 extends up from the slide 52 . the extension 62 is used for pulling the slide 52 away from the shelf 56 to open the tube 48 which permits dispensing of the liquid . the extension 62 is relatively thin front to back and wide laterally so as to slide in front of the tank 10 and to the rear of the nozzle 12 . details of the extension 62 are not provided here . generally , there are means 70 at the wand section 18 enabling a user to pull on the extension 62 and raise the slide 52 . details of this means 70 are found in the above noted u . s . application pat . no . 07 / 282 , 103 . when the means 70 is pulled upwardly manually , it pulls up the extension 62 which in turn raises the slide 52 away from the nozzle 12 to open the flexible tube 48 . when the means 70 is released , the compression spring 58 urges the slide 52 toward the shelf 56 to pinch closed the flexible tube 48 . the lower outlet end 50 of the flexible tube 48 is received on a prong 93 projecting from the front side of a cross - shaped initial flow divider 94 . the divider 94 initially dispenses the liquid flow as it exits the tube 48 . after the liquid falls off the divider , it cascades and flows across a waterfall arrangement 96 shown in fig3 . that arrangement is located to the rear of the nozzle , and the rear wall of the waterfall arrangement is typically inclined downward and forward , so that the liquid runs down the rear wall . the waterfall arrangement 96 includes a first plurality of inclined shelves 95 which move the initially divided liquid laterally outward , through the openings 97 , over the inclined further dividing shelves 98 , onto the surface 99 and through the openings 100 over and through which the cleaning liquid cascades downwardly toward outlets 102 in a progressively wider pattern . thus , the waterfall arrangement 96 serves to evenly spread the cleaning liquid across the full width of the waterfall arrangement which delivers liquid through all of the outlets 102 and those outlets extend over the full width of the suction inlet 40 of the nozzle 12 . the outlets 102 are in a row ( fig3 ) and together define the dispenser outlet with a front side 143 that is toward or closer to the rear side 142 of the suction inlet and a rear side 144 that is further away from the rear side 142 of the suction inlet . the present invention is directed toward assuring that liquid which has been dispensed through outlets 102 across the entire width of the nozzle be delivered onto the carpet or surface being cleaned , and is not instead suctioned up before wetting that carpet or surface . directly beneath in the drip path of liquid from the outlets 102 , and slightly forward of the outlets 102 to be between the rear side 142 and the front side 143 , the outlets 102 and extending laterally across the nozzle , a liquid transfer surface 110 is defined in the bottom wall 112 of nozzle . the surface 110 is preferably in the form of a continuous rib across the bottom wall 112 . the rib 110 extends toward the carpet or other surface 120 being cleaned so that in the normal orientation of the unit with respect to the carpet , as shown in fig2 the free edge 114 of the rib 110 contacts and presses into the carpet 120 while the outlets 102 and the front and rear sides 143 and 144 of the outlets are upraised off the carpet . cleaning liquid , carpet shampoo , or the like exits the outlets 102 , either drips straight down or migrates along the wall 112 and then along the surface or rib 110 to the carpet . the carpet fibers attract the liquid by capillary action , like a wick , and spread the cleaning solution before it is suctioned through the suction inlet 40 . the edge 114 of surface or rib 110 contacts the carpet or surface 120 far enough from the inlet 40 that the carpet will receive liquid before it is suctioned . yet , the surface or rib 110 , and particularly its edge 114 , is near enough to the suction inlet 40 that the cross - sectional area of the surface of the nozzle in contact with the carpet , and particularly its front to rear width , is minimized to enable the suction nozzle to press into the carpet , both under its own weight and by user pressure , to improve suctioning from the carpet pile . after the cleaning liquid is dispensed through the openings 102 and onto the surface 120 to be cleaned , the liquid and collected dirt is then sucked through the suction inlet 40 from the surface to be cleaned . as shown in fig5 the upper wand section 18 , which is hand held , is connected through a flexible hose 124 into the tank 126 of a conventional wet / dry pickup , tank type electric vacuum or suction cleaner 130 . a vacuum is drawn in the hose and wand section and suction nozzle 12 by a conventional blow motor 132 seated atop the tank which sucks air and liquid through the hose . the collected liquid falls into the tank 126 while the air is exhausted out of the outlet 134 . although the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof , many variations and modifications may become apparent to those skilled in the art . it is preferred , therefore , that the invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein , but only by the appended claims .
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in the drawings , the same elements or corresponding elements in the different embodiments have been given the same reference number . in fig1 is schematically illustrated an industrial robot . an industrial robot 1 comprises a control system , a manipulator , and electric motor units configured to attend to the movements of the manipulator . each motor unit comprises an electric motor , a brake , a gearbox and other gearing as necessary in order to form a transmission system for the transmission of movement to a movable part of the robot . the illustrated robot is a conventional six - axis industrial robot 1 . however , it is apparent that the invention is not limited to such a robot , but may be used also in robots with more or less axes , and for other types of kinematic solutions such as parallel kinematic robots or scara robots . the illustrated robot has a stand 3 that is rotatably mounted on a base 2 , about a first axis of rotation a . in the stand 3 , a first robot arm 4 is rotatably journalled for rotation about a second axis of rotation b . the industrial robot further comprises a second robot arm 5 , which is rotatably journalled in the outer end of the first robot arm , for rotation about a third axis of rotation c . the second robot arm is also rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation d which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the second robot arm 5 . a wrist unit 6 is arranged at the outer end of the second robot arm 5 , and said wrist unit comprises a tilt part 7 which is rotatably journalled in the wrist unit 6 for rotation about a fifth axis of rotation e . a turn disc 8 , on which an end effector or tool may be mounted , is arranged on the tilt part for rotation about a sixth axis of rotation f . the manipulator is connected to a control system 1 a . in order to drive the connected parts in rotation about the respective axes a , b , c , d , e , f , a transmission system 9 is provided for each movable robot part , of which some of the motors 10 can be seen in fig1 . fig2 illustrates parts of an industrial robot provided with a transmission system 9 according to the present invention . the robot parts are a base 2 and a stand 3 , and in the stand is arranged a gearbox 12 connected to an electric motor 10 . the transmission system comprising the electric motor 10 and the gearbox 12 transmits a rotational movement to a first robot arm 4 about the axis of rotation b , as seen in fig1 . the gearbox is filled with a lubricant , in most cases oil . a gearbox 12 is in most cases provided with three holes in the gearbox wall 13 in which so called oilplugs are inserted . there is one oilplug and hole for inspection , there is one oilplug and hole for filling oil or other lubricant into the gearbox , and there is one oilplug and hole for draining oil from the gearbox . these holes may be used for the installation of a moisture absorbing device according to the present invention . alternatively , a separate hole may be made in the wall of the gearbox for the installation of a moisture absorbing device according to the present invention . all of these possible holes that may be used for a moisture absorbing device have been given the reference number 14 , irrespective of if they are already existing holes or separate holes made for this particular purpose . however , in most cases it is preferable that the hole is located underneath the normal surface of the lubricant . in the following examples of embodiments illustrated in fig3 - 6 , the interior of the gearbox is designated by 15 and the wall of the gearbox is designated by 14 . a first embodiment of a moisture absorbing device 20 is shown in fig3 . a hole 14 is provided in the gearbox wall 13 , and in this hole a plug 22 is inserted , thereby plugging the hole . the plug is designed with a part comprising a moisture absorbing device 20 , which is thus integrated in the gearbox . the part of the plug comprising the moisture absorbing device is located externally of the gearbox . the moisture absorbing device comprises a hollow part 24 in the interior of the plug , which hollow part is located externally of the gearbox when the plug is inserted in the hole 14 . in this hollow part 24 there is arranged a moisture absorbing body 26 of a moisture absorbing material 27 . since also the part of the plug that extends through the hole 14 is hollow , there is free communication between the interior 15 of the gearbox and the interior of the plug with the moisture absorbing material 27 , and the moisture absorbing material can consequently absorb moisture contained inside the gearbox . the moisture absorbing material can absorb moisture from the air in the gearbox , or even liquid moisture ( water ), and it can absorb moisture contained in the oil in the gearbox . this is made possible by choosing a moisture absorbing material that has a higher affinity to water than the affinity of the oil to water , thus preventing that the oil absorbs the moisture / water . the moisture absorbing material may also be chosen to have a higher affinity to water than to the oil , in order to prevent that the moisture absorbing material absorbs oil instead of moisture / water . it is intended to encompass both materials with chemical affinity and materials with physical affinity . examples of suitable materials are absorbing polymers , e . g . so called super absorbent polymers such as starch - acrylonitrile copolymers , cross - linked acrylic homo - polymers , cross - linked polyacrylate / polyacrylamide copolymers ; molecular sieves such as silica gel , zeolites — microporous aluminosilicates ; minerals such as calcium sulphate , calcium chloride , magnesium sulphate ; clays such as montmorillonite clay . the moisture absorbing material may also be chemically compatible with the used lubricant , i . e . the lubricant may not be chemically affected by the moisture absorbing material , e . g . due to chemical reactions with the material or catalysed by the material . materials with a combined chemical and physical affinity may also be used , e . g . materials having physical affinity in the form of hollows , and where the hollows also have a chemical affinity , in line with the above discussion regarding affinity . examples of such materials are zeolites , e . g . molecular sieve 3 a , sodium / potassium aluminosilicate . in fig4 is shown a second embodiment of a moisture absorbing device 30 . this device resembles the device according to the first embodiment in that it comprises a hollow part 34 in the interior of the plug 32 , which hollow part is located externally of the gearbox when the plug is inserted in the hole 14 . in this hollow part 24 there is arranged a moisture absorbing body 36 of a moisture absorbing material 37 . there is free communication between the interior 15 of the gearbox and the interior of the plug with the moisture absorbing material 37 . in this embodiment the moisture absorbing body 36 is illustrated as smaller than in the first embodiment , and there is a certain amount of free space between the body 36 and the inner wall of the hollow part 34 . this allows for the moisture absorbing material 37 to expand / change volume inside the hollow part 34 , during absorption of moisture . the moisture absorbing material may be any one suitable chosen from the above mentioned examples of materials , or any other suitable expanding material . the expansion of the material may be used as an indicator of how much moisture the device has absorbed . if required , and depending on the material used , the moisture absorbing material may be contained within a moisture / water permeable film or shell 38 , or similar as illustrated in fig4 . this will prevent that the material spreads into the interior of the gearbox . this shell should be of an expandable or elastic material in order to accommodate an expansion of the volume of the moisture absorbing material . it should also be compatible with the used lubricant , in the same way as the moisture absorbing material as described above . examples of possible moisture / water permeable shell materials are polyethylene film , polyester , laminates , etc . in fig5 is illustrated a third embodiment of a moisture absorbing device according to the present invention . in this embodiment , the part of the plug 42 that forms the moisture absorbing device 40 is located in the interior 15 of the gearbox . as in the previous embodiments , the device comprises a moisture absorbing body 46 comprising a moisture absorbing material 47 . the moisture absorbing material 47 is contained in a water permeable film or shell 48 , which keeps the moisture absorbing material in place and attached to the plug 42 , while at the same time it does not prevent the material from absorbing moisture . the function corresponds to what has been described above and examples of materials are the same as given above . in fig6 is illustrated a fourth embodiment of a moisture absorbing device 50 according to the present invention . this device is integrated in an oilplug 52 , which may be e . g . an inspection oilplug inserted in an inspection hole in the gearbox . the moisture absorbing body 56 with its moisture absorbing material 58 is completely contained within the plug , by means of being placed in a hollow portion 54 provided within the plug , with an opening facing the interior 15 of the gearbox . this plug is primarily designed to be utilizable as a regular oilplug . it may be desirable to be able to obtain information about the status of the moisture absorbing material in an easily accessible manner . it has already been described in connection with fig4 how the moisture absorbing material can be of a kind that changes volume depending on the degree of moisture absorption . alternatively , the absorbing material may be chosen to have other physical properties that are adapted to change depending on the amount of absorbed moisture . another example is a moisture absorbing material of a kind that changes colour depending on the amount of absorbed moisture . this change of volume or colour can for example be visually checked in order to determine if the device has absorbed so much moisture that it is now time to replace it with a new device . the visual check can be made by removing the plug with the moisture absorbing device . in fig1 is illustrated another alternative . the external wall of the hollow part 24 of the plug 22 is provided with a transparent portion 21 through which the absorbing material 27 can be visually inspected . another example of a possible changing physical property is electrical resistance . according to another alternative , illustrated in fig5 , the moisture absorbing device may comprise a sensor device 45 adapted to emit a signal , reflecting the status of absorbed moisture in the moisture absorbing device , to an indicator device which indicates the status of absorbed moisture . the indicator device may for example be a lamp or a device giving a sound signal . alternatively , the sensor device may emit a signal to a control system 1 a . this control system may be a robot controller , a remote service , a remote control device or any other type of control system or device regularly used in connection with industrial robots . the signal may be emitted via any suitable means , wireless or not . examples of possible sensors are sensors using electrical resistance to measure moisture level . naturally , the different types of status indicators , volume change , colour change , sensors emitting signals to different systems , may be applied in any one of the described embodiments of the moisture absorbing device . in all of the illustrated embodiments , the plug with the moisture absorbing device may be removable in order to be able to replace the moisture absorbing device / plug with a new one , whenever desired or necessary . the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples , but may be modified in many ways that would be apparent to the skilled person , within the scope of the appended claims .
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the first to tenth embodiments of the present invention have some parts in common , so will be collectively described as follows . the filter medium a capable of purifying and restoring contaminated or polluted water , which is constitutionally important in the present invention , is greatly different from a conventional filter medium b capable of purifying and restoring contaminated or polluted water in terms of the production process , the operation , and the effects . an earthenware core 3 ( clay ) that forms the conventional filter medium b is obtained by a first step of calcining predetermined amounts of a clay and a porcelain clay at a predetermined high temperature for a predetermined period of time to form an earthenware material , and a second step of applying a liquid glaze 4 to a surface region 3 a of the resulting product , followed by calcination at a predetermined high temperature for a predetermined period of time . as a result , the earthenware core 3 ( clay ) is calcined in such a state that the liquid glaze 4 is only attached to the surface region 3 a thereof and does not sufficiently penetrate into the inner region . therefore , when the filter medium b breaks due to an external shock or the like , because the inside thereof is not impregnated with the liquid glaze , its functions to purify and restore contaminated or polluted water are not exhibited sufficiently . further , when the filter medium b is pulverized and used as a powder , because the inside thereof is not impregnated with the liquid glaze , its functions to purify and restore contaminated or polluted water are remarkably decreased . in contrast , the filter medium a of the present invention is greatly different from the conventional filter medium b in terms of the production process . the process will be specifically described hereinafter . that is , in order to form the filter medium a of the present invention , it is necessary to produce a liquid glaze previously . main components of the liquid glaze of the present invention are natural ores ( e . g ., volcanic rock , basalt , granite ). such natural ores contain large amounts of various elements , have a fine continuous porous structure together with electrostatic energy , have hydrophilicity , are capable of various ion generation and oxidation reduction , and are also capable of rendering a harmful substance harmless . in addition , molecules of silicon , aluminum , iron , and the like and formed into colloids ( small particles ), and this promotes purification and activation of water , providing a functions to indirectly inhibit the growth of harmful microbes . further , according to fluorescent x - ray analysis , it was detected that components of natural ores for use in the production of the liquid glaze of the present invention are elements such as si , al , fe , ca , k , na , ti , p , s , mn , cr , sr , cl , rb , zr , ni , y , zn , ga , and as . the natural stone mentioned above contains moisture from the time of its production in the form of a layer or at the time of crystallization . in order for electrostatic energy to efficiently radiate outside , it is necessary to perform a primary treatment of calcination to about 800 ° c . or more in a high - temperature oven , thereby removing moisture - containing crystals . therefore , the natural ore is pulverized and calcined at a temperature based on the comprehensive reconstruction temperature to remove the moisture content , and then further finely pulverized into a powder . based on a glaze for ceramics ( sro , tio 2 , coo , feo , fe 2 o 3 , etc .) ( commercially available ), 90 to 95 wt % of a natural ore mineral component and 5 to 10 wt % of a glaze component or 80 to 95 wt % of a mineral component and 5 to 20 wt % of a glaze component are added thereto . a predetermined amount of water is then added , and the mixture is kneaded and aged . as a result , a liquid glaze is formed . the above is a liquid glaze used in the present invention . next , the formation of the filter medium a that manages the purification of contaminated water will be described . the formation of a clay material p , the first step of the present invention , is performed by kneading a slag s , which is a slag generated in a garbage incineration plant , a sludge slag generated in a sewage disposal plant , a slag discharged from an iron - making / refining plant , coal fly ash generated during thermal power generation , or a slag generated during the process of slag formation from livestock excreta incineration ash , with a porcelain clay for ceramics and a clay for ceramics . the clay material p is formed by kneading the mixture in the following ratio : 20 to 25 wt % of the finely pulverized slag s , 40 to 45 wt % of the porcelain clay , and 40 to 45 wt % of the clay . in the present invention , the size of the clay material p is not limited in terms of shape , and it may be in the form of a bar , a rectangle , etc . such a material is manually torn to pieces with a diameter of about 10 to 15 mm . the clay material p is dried and calcined in a high - temperature kiln k at a temperature near 800 ° c . for 12 to 15 hours to give a biscuit clay material . then , the above - obtained liquid glaze is applied to the entire surface of the thus - obtained biscuit clay material in a liquid glaze impregnation bath r , whereby the liquid glaze penetrates into the inner region . the amount of penetration is about 10 times larger than the amount of a conventional earthenware clay material 3 . then , drying is further performed . the dried biscuit clay material impregnated with the liquid glaze is melted and calcined again in a high - temperature kiln k at a high temperature of about 1200 to 1300 ° c . for 12 to 15 hours , whereby a vitreous filter medium a is formed . as a result , the slag s , which is a harmful substance , is enclosed in a vitreous inner region 2 and is prevented from eluting outside . further , the filter medium a is used directly or in a pulverized form for the purification of contaminated or polluted water . even when the filter medium a of the present invention is used in a finely pulverized form as mentioned above , because a considerable amount of the glaze penetrates thoroughly inside the filter medium after the formation of the biscuit clay material p , the fine powder can also sufficiently exhibit the functions to purify and restore contaminated or polluted water . next , the filter medium a obtained as above is installed underwater in contaminated water and thereby purifying contaminated water as follows . the following describes the mechanism ( fig2 ). the eco - resource filter medium a of the present invention , which is a filter medium processed from a slag , works as follows . when the surface region 1 of the filter medium a is brought into contact with contaminated water as shown in fig2 , contaminated water undergoes a catalytic reaction with , and processed object components are highly decomposed or broken down . as a result , harmful substances are neutralized , and offensive odors are removed , normalizing polluted water . the reasons therefor are as follows . as described regarding the components of natural ores , because the whole filter medium a is a vitrified solid matter containing a liquid glaze made of a natural ore as a main component , such a filter medium a has a mechanism equal to or higher than that of the natural ore . further , although other methods than the decomposition method utilizing a catalytic reaction of the filter medium a according to the present invention are disadvantageous for their low processing capacity and slow speed , the system of the filter medium a of the present invention is advantageous for its high processing capacity and high speed . the reasons therefor are as follows . a glaze is applied to the filter medium a in the form of a solid matter , and the glaze penetrates into the whole solid matter , which is then calcined ( melted ) at a high temperature to cause vitrification . as a result , the component 5 of the glaze is provided with specific infrared energy . when the surface of such a filter medium a receives a specific light wave , the component of the glaze functions to absorb the light wave . also , in the filter medium a of the present invention , there is a light wave absorption wavelength peculiar to contaminated water , and the wavelength absorbed by normal water is different from that by polluted water . when the wavelength absorbed by water agrees with the light wave wavelength , resonance is caused , whereby the electrostatic energy of the filter medium a transfers to water ( deflection angle / stretching vibration ). this results in a catalytic reaction , thereby causing decomposition and breakdown . this action is equally exhibited on fresh water and seawater . further , the presence of an infrared electrostatic energy wavelength in the completed filter medium a has been proved by the analysis “ infrared spectral emissivity test ” ( fig2 ). further , this electrostatic energy is infinite , so unless the filter medium a disappears , the energy continues to be exerted and water continues to receive the same . in the cases of other “ adhesion / adsorption ” processes , due to clogging , close maintenance and management is required . in contrast , the “ decomposition / breakdown ” process of the filter medium a of the present invention has a long life and does not require maintenance , and , therefore , it is featured by its capability of being used as installed underwater in the entire water area . an object of the filter medium a of the present invention is the purification of contaminated water . in addition to this , in recent years , due to an increase in sea temperature , seawater damage in the ocean has been expanding , causing increasing damage to the fishing industry . it has been revealed that the increase in sea temperature is not only because of global warming , and that the contamination of water area also causes such a sea temperature increase . that is , a contaminated water area abnormally absorbs solar heat , and thus the incidence of plankton increases . it has been also revealed that damage on the fishing industry , such as one by echizen jellyfish , occurs particularly in the contaminated ocean area . the purification of the contaminated water area has been an important subject , so the activity of the filter medium a of the present invention is expected . as the purification filter medium a of the present invention is used with an increased frequency , slags for use in the present invention find wider applications . also , with a shift in the application of slag from the conventional land civil engineering works to water civil engineering works , the utility value of slags is increased . this can be a change to invent a new business “ water civil engineering works ”. when the filter medium a is used as enclosed generally in a basket 6 , a net , or the like , in such a state that the filter medium a can contact contaminated water , the enclosed filter medium a is used as installed underwater in a water area or hung in a sewage pipe such as a drainage . when used as above , the filter medium a purifies contaminated water and at the same time remove an offensive odor . further , as in the eighth embodiment , the filter medium a is kneaded with sand and hydrated concrete to form a concrete molded article 8 , and the surface of the concrete molded article is treated by a technique such as washing away or scraping off so that the filter medium a is exposed and can contact contaminated water further , the molded article 8 is not used only for the purification of the ocean . by successively using such molded articles in a water area route of the entire water area flowing into the ocean from the upstream to the downstream , the inflow of contaminants into the ocean can be prevented . in addition , by purifying the entire water area , the ocean g can be revived to the original state , that is , the normal state . accordingly , this is expected to stop the increase in seawater damage and promote the growth of seaweeds . the filter medium a of the present invention may also be used not only for water area purification but also as a material for reviving the erosion of a coastal sand hill 33 as described in the sixth embodiment ( fig2 ). in recent years , sand hill erosion is caused by an increase in seawater . all over the country , about 160 ha ( about 34 times bigger than tokyo dome ) of the region along the ocean has been eroded every year . it has been revealed that although wave - dissipating blocks are not effective in preventing erosion , when the beach is graveled , sea sand h naturally collect in gaps between gravels , and the sand is recovered in the beach in about two months . therefore , the filter medium a of the present invention may be pulverized into the shape of gravels with a size of φ10 to 20 or the formed filter medium a may be pulverized to a gravel - like size , and used for graveling , whereby the filter medium a can be utilized as a beach - graveling / nourishing material . also , the surface of the filter medium a of the present invention may be subjected to polishing 35 by the above mentioned technique such as washing out or scraping off , thereby allowing an application with a road pavement material such as an interlocking block 9 or an exterior tile 10 . further , when the filter medium a of the present invention is used as a pavement material , such a filter medium a is expected to remove contaminated water on the road surface and prevent the inflow of the contaminated water into a river or the like . also , the filter medium a absorbs solar heat by a color treatment on the raw material , and thus is expected to reduce the heat island effects in a metropolis . further , the livestock excreta combustion slag according to the fifth embodiment may be further pulverized into granules , mixed in the soil 11 of an existing field with a spade , and used as a soil - reviving material . the soil 11 has lost its function due to agricultural chemicals , acid rain , etc . although attempts have been made to recover the soil using compost 12 by organic farming , etc ., in the case where the soil itself is spoiled by agricultural chemicals , etc ., recovery is not possible only by compost . the granular filter medium 13 of the present invention may be mixed with an existing field soil 14 and compost 12 , and then mixed in a soil 11 using a spade to give a mixed soil 16 . the spectrum of the filter medium 13 due to rainfall or sprinkling corresponds to the spectrum of contaminated water , promoting the humification and maturation of the compost 12 , and also , earthworms and microorganisms grow owing to fermentation . this thus is expected to be effective in reviving the soil spoiled by agricultural chemicals or the like into the original soil . it is also possible to finely pulverize the granular filter medium 13 of the present invention and mix with water , and sprinkle the mixture using a sprinkler or the like , so as to improve and enrich the soil . the reference numeral 17 is an agricultural product planted in a mixed soil 16 . in the filtration of livestock urine of according to the tenth embodiment , the filter medium a of the present invention is enclosed in a filter basket 18 , urine is penetrated and filtered therethrough from the top twice or three times . as a result , the offensive odor of urine can be removed . the reference numeral 19 is a filter pit , 20 is a urine guide pipe , 21 is a filtered liquid storing portion , and 22 is a drain pipe . as a result of the measurement of a bod value that indicates the degree of contamination , it was shown that the oxygen amount required for aerobic bacteria to perform oxidative degradation of organic substances in the urine was greatly reduced as compared with raw water . this is thus effective in preventing contamination of a river or the like by the direct discharge of livestock urine and also in solving the problems of offensive odors which have been bothering livestock breeders and residents . with respect to examples of the present invention , the following describes the specific details with reference to the drawings . in fig7 , as mentioned above , the filter medium a of the present invention is placed in a basket 6 , and is hung or installed underwater in a u - shaped slot 23 or the like that is used as an existing sewage drainage ditch , whereby the filter medium a purifies contaminated water and remove an offensive odor . this thus is advantageous in that the outflow of contaminated water can be prevented , and the living environment can be protected from malodor pollution . the reference numeral 24 is a lid portion of the drainage u - shaped slot 23 . the following describes an underwater raft c for the purification of a brackish water area shown in fig8 . the underwater raft c is used as installed underwater in a brackish water area where fresh water mixes with seawater . the configuration is as follows . a hydrated concrete 25 , a slag filter medium a of the present invention , and a pulverized fine powder of a filter medium are kneaded and solidified to give a raft material 25 . then , a surface region of the raft material 25 is processed by scraping off 34 or the like to expose the filter medium a . such exposure allows contact with brackish water , thereby effecting purification in the brackish water area . a brackish water area is an important place where fish and shellfish spawn . however , there is no place for spawning due to the contamination of the water area , and this also is a cause of a decrease in the number of fish and shellfish . accordingly , the raft c provides a spawning site , and fish and shellfish spawn in the purified area using the spaces in the raft c . further , according to the present invention , as shown in fig8 and 9 , a concrete kneaded / shaped frame - like molded article 26 is formed from the filter medium a , and the surface region 27 of the molded article 26 is scraped off . the resulting product may be constructed into a fish reef 28 by accumulation as shown in fig9 and 10 or into as a seabed mosaic fish reef 29 of a as shown in fig1 , and installed underwater on the seabed . as a result , the ocean area can be purified , and seaweeds adhere and grow thereon , allowing fish and shellfish to spawn as above . further , upon the underwater installation , such products may be arranged to draw a mosaic of ryugu - jo ( undersea palace of the god of the sea ) or the like . as a result , while purifying and reviving the ocean , they can serve as a tool for sending messages regarding the purification of sea pollution . the present invention may be used for achieving the underwater installation for in the entire water area including fresh water , seawater , and brackish water areas as follows . that is , a slag filter medium a of the present invention , a pulverized fine powder of a filter medium capable of purifying and restoring contaminated or polluted water , and hydrated concrete are kneaded and shaped to give an artificial coral body d . then , the filter medium a of the present invention is placed in the artificial coral body d , and used as installed underwater on the seabed or the like . therefore , purification and revival of the water area can be achieved , promoting the growth of corals and seaweeds including kelp . it is also possible to previously plant coral or seaweed seedlings on edges of the artificial coral body d and install such a coral body d underwater . upon underwater installation , when used in a river , such coral bodies d may be arranged like natural stones , while when used in a lake , a pond , the ocean , or the like , they may be used in a pile to serve as a fish reef . further , as shown in fig1 and 14 , the filter medium a of the present invention is used as a concrete container case e . the container case e is used as installed underwater in the ocean , a lake , a pond , or the like . the container case e is used as follows . the filter medium a of the present invention and a humus soil mass are alternately enclosed in a concrete case e with a lid , which is made of hydrated concrete and a pulverized fine powder of the filter medium a capable of purifying and restoring contaminated or polluted water , and used as installed underwater . as a result of such underwater installation , while purifying and reviving the water area , nutritive substances can be supplied to the water area at the same time . therefore , this is effective in the implantation and growth of corals and seaweeds and also in providing spawning sites for fish and shellfish . the filter medium a of the present invention can also be applied as a case f utilizing a discarded automobile tire and used as installed underwater installation in the ocean , a lake , a pond , or the like as shown in fig1 and 16 . the tire case f is configured to include a discarded tire 30 having an opening 31 , together with a lid 32 made of a punching metal , a wire mesh , or the like on the opening 31 . before covering with the lid 32 , the slag filter medium a of the present invention is enclosed therein , followed by fixing with a bolt . the tire case f is thus formed . further , a plant fiber material , such as a hemp material , as a base material may be sprayed to the surface of the tire 30 and dried , followed by underwater installation of such a case f . as a result , seaweeds and algae are implanted therein , and the case f can serve as a spawning site for fish and shellfish while performing purification and revival . it is also possible to spray chopped pieces of seaweeds and algae to the base material in advance , and install the case underwater after they develop roots . the reference character s is a finely pulverized slag , and r is a liquid glaze impregnation bath .
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with reference to fig1 a conventional rotary regenerative preheater is generally designated by the numerical identifier 10 . the air preheater 10 has a rotor 12 rotatably mounted in a housing 14 . the rotor 12 is formed of diaphragms or partitions 16 extending radially from a rotor post 18 to the outer periphery of the rotor 12 . the partitions 16 define compartments 20 therebetween for containing heat exchange element assemblies 22 . the housing 14 defines a flue gas inlet duct 24 and a flue gas outlet duct 26 for the flow of heated flue gases through the air preheater 10 . the housing 14 further defines an air inlet duct 28 and an air outlet duct 30 for the flow of combustion air through the preheater 10 . sector plates 32 extend across the housing 14 to divide the air preheater 10 into an air sector and a flue gas sector . the arrows of fig1 indicate the direction of a flue gas stream 34 and an air stream 36 through the rotor 12 . the hot flue gas stream 34 entering through the flue gas inlet duct 24 transfers heat to the heat transfer element assemblies 22 mounted in the compartments 20 . the heated heat transfer element assemblies 22 are then rotated to the air sector of the air preheater 10 . the stored heat of the heat transfer element assemblies 22 is then transferred to the combustion air stream 36 entering through the air inlet duct 28 . the cold flue gas stream 34 exits the preheater 10 through the flue gas outlet duct 26 , and the heated air stream 36 exits the preheater 10 through the air outlet duct 30 . fig2 illustrates a typical heat transfer element assembly or basket 22 showing a general representation of heat transfer plates 38 stacked in the assembly 22 . [ 0021 ] fig3 depicts a first embodiment of the invention showing portions of three stacked heat transfer plates 38 . all of the heat transfer plates 38 are basically identical , composed of thin sheet metal capable of being rolled or stamped to the desired configuration . this is advantageous in that only one type of plate 38 needs to be manufactured . each plate 38 has a series of notches 40 , 42 at spaced intervals which extend longitudinally and parallel to the direction of the flow of the airstream 36 and the gas stream 34 through the rotor 12 of the air preheater 10 . these notches 40 , 42 maintain adjacent plates 38 , 38 ′ a predetermined distance d apart and form the flow passages or channels 44 between the adjacent plates 38 , 38 ′. each notch 40 , 42 comprises one lobe 46 projecting outwardly from a first surface 48 of the plate 38 , 38 ′ on one side and another lobe 50 projecting outwardly from the second surface 52 of the plate 38 , 38 ′ on the other side . each lobe 46 , 50 is essentially in the form of a u - shaped groove with the apexes of the grooves directed outwardly from the plate 38 , 38 ′ in opposite directions . [ 0022 ] fig4 is an exploded view of the assembly 22 of fig3 . as is more readily apparent in this view , each heat transfer plate 38 , 38 ′ has alternating short and tall notches 40 , 42 , where each tall notch 42 has substantially the same height ht and each short notch 40 has substantially the same height hs and where ht & gt ; hs . the pitch 58 of the notches , i . e ., the distance between adjacent tall and short notches 42 , 40 , is substantially equal for all short / tall notch pairs such that the lobes 46 , 50 of the tall notches 42 nest within the lobes 46 , 50 of the short notches 40 of an adjacent plate 38 , 38 ′ with the outer surface of the crest 60 of each tall notch 42 engaging the inner surface of the crest 60 of the short notch 40 . the width wt of the tall notches 42 is substantially equal to the width ws of the short notches 40 , with the greater slope of the tall notches 42 facilitating insertion of tall notches 42 into the short notches 40 . in a preferred embodiment ht = 0 . 690 inches , hs = 0 . 322 inches , wt = 0 . 350 inches , and ws = 0 . 350 inches . the heat transfer surface 62 intermediate the notches 40 , 42 of a plate 38 is held at a distance d from the heat transfer surface 62 of the adjacent plate 38 ′ which is substantially equal to difference in height of the notches 40 , 42 , that is d = ht − hs . the ratio of ht to hs can be adjusted so the frontal area of each air flow opening is equalized for uniform air flow through the element . the heat transfer surface 62 between the notches may have protuberances to cause air turbulence in the spaces between the heat transfer sheets . [ 0024 ] fig5 depicts a second embodiment of the invention showing portions of three stacked heat transfer plates 64 , 66 . in this embodiment , the assembly 22 ′ is comprised of two types of heat transfer plates 64 , 66 , with all of the plates of the first type 64 being substantially identical and all of the plates of the second type 66 being substantially identical . all of the heat transfer plates 64 , 66 are composed of thin sheet metal capable of being rolled or stamped to the desired configuration . each plate 64 , 66 has a series of notches 68 , 70 , respectively , at spaced intervals which extend longitudinally and parallel to the direction of the flow of the heat exchange fluid through the rotor 12 of the air preheater 10 . each notch 68 , 70 comprises one lobe 72 projecting outwardly from a first surface 74 of the plate 64 , 66 on one side and another lobe 76 projecting outwardly from the second surface 78 of the plate 64 , 66 on the other side . each lobe 72 , 76 is essentially in the form of a u - shaped groove with the apexes of the grooves directed outwardly from the plate 64 , 66 in opposite directions . each plate of the first type 64 has alternating tall notches 68 and each plate of the second type 66 has alternating short notches 70 , where each tall notch 68 has substantially the same height ht ′ and each short notch 70 has substantially the same height hs ′ and where ht ′& gt ; hs ′. the pitch of the notches 68 , 70 , i . e ., the distance between adjacent notches 68 , 70 , is substantially equal and is substantially the same for each type of plate 64 , 66 . as is apparent from fig5 the lobes 72 , 76 of the tall notches 68 nest within the lobes 72 , 76 of the short notches 70 of an adjacent plate with the outer surface of the crest of each tall notch 68 engaging the inner surface of the crest of the short notch 70 . the width wt ′ of the tall notches 68 is substantially equal to the width ws ′ of the short notches 70 , with the greater slope of the tall notches 68 facilitating insertion of tall notches 68 into the short notches 70 . in a preferred embodiment ht ′= 0 . 690 inches , hs ′= 0 . 322 inches , wt ′= 0 . 350 inches , and ws ′= 0 . 350 inches . the heat transfer surface 80 intermediate the tall notches 68 is held at a distance d ′ from the heat transfer surface 82 intermediate the short notches 70 which is substantially equal to difference in height of the notches , that is d ′= ht ′− hs ′. the ratio of ht ′ to hs ′ can be adjusted so the frontal area of each air flow opening is equalized for uniform air flow through the element . the heat transfer surface 80 , 82 between the notches 68 , 70 may have protuberances to cause air turbulence in the spaces between the heat transfer plates 64 , 66 . the nesting of the tall notches 42 , 68 in the short notches 40 , 70 form closed channels 44 , 84 that facilitate cleaning of the heat transfer surface 62 , 80 , 82 . the closed channel 44 , 84 contains the energy of the sootblower or water washing jet , allowing maximum cleaning action from the energy and preventing the dissipation of energy allowed by conventional heat transfer assemblies . it should be appreciated that the interlocking heat transfer surface design provides for longer life by preventing the relative motion between the two plates of heat transfer surface thus preventing the wearing and ultimate loosening of the heat transfer surfaces . the interlocking design also facilitates cleaning . this assembly 22 , 22 ′ is especially suited , but not exclusively , to horizontal shaft air preheaters 10 where the heat transfer plates 38 , 64 , 66 of the assembly 22 , 22 ′ are coated with enamel to prevent corrosion . the interlocking notches form a rigid block of heat transfer material that will not shift during the rotation of the rotor . the heat transfer plates 38 are easily trimmed to assure proper nesting and to form the proper overall shape for the basket . while preferred embodiments have been shown and described , various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . accordingly , it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation .
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please refer to fig2 which is a diagram of a footpad 40 acting as a boarding device according to the present invention . the footpad 40 is mounted on a car having a door frame ( not shown ), and the foot pad 40 is positioned under the door frame of the car for assisting the person to get into the car . as shown in fig2 the footpad 40 comprises a step board 42 and a light emitting device 44 . the step board 42 has a flat upper surface 46 , and a lower surface 48 . the upper surface 46 comprises a step area 50 near its center portion for a user to step on . the lower surface 48 comprises a recess 52 positioned under the step area 50 , for placement of the light emitting device 44 . the recess 52 is a through hole from the lower surface 48 to the upper surface 46 . above the light emitting device 44 is a transparent plate 54 fixed at the upper surface 46 of the step board 42 and covered above the recess 52 . the transparent plate 54 is used to protect the light emitting device 44 from damage resulting from the foot of the driver or other sources . as shown in fig2 the light emitting device 44 comprises a circuit board 56 and a plurality of light emitting diodes ( led ) 58 installed on the circuit board 56 for emitting the light . the footpad 40 further comprises a control circuitry 60 electrically connected to the light emitting device 44 for controlling the light emitting device 44 . the control circuitry 60 can be installed in the recess 52 , on the circuit board 56 , or any other place . when the driver opens a door ( not shown ) of a vehicle ( not shown ) to which the footpad 40 is connected , the control circuitry 60 controls the light emitting device 44 to turn on and shine light upward through the recess 52 to illuminate the step area 50 of the footpad 40 . due to the illumination , the driver can readily spot a location of the footpad 40 , and conveniently board the vehicle . upon closing the door , the light emitting device 44 turns off . though in this example , the control circuitry 60 controls the light emitting device 44 to turn on and turn off according to a state of openness of the door , it should be obvious to one skilled in the art that the control circuitry 60 could be programmed to respond in various ways to various conditions . some possible conditions and responses are presence of heat indicating an approaching passenger causing the light emitting device 44 to turn on , or presence of sufficient light causing the light emitting device 44 not to turn on . for a case where the light emitting device 44 is a plurality of light emitting devices arranged in a grid , even more options are available . upon receiving a signal from an electronic key opener , the control circuitry 60 may cause the light emitting device grid to display a message , such as “ welcome ” or “ please step on me ,” depending on a preference of the user . please refer to fig3 which illustrates a second embodiment footpad 70 of the present invention . in this second embodiment , a light emitting device 72 is set under a protrusion 74 of an upper surface 76 of a step board 78 . the protrusion 74 is used to protect the light emitting device 72 from being directly stepped by a person . the footpad 70 further comprises an angled reflective surface 80 in a recess 84 . light ( as indicated by the dashed line 82 ) is emitted from the light emitting device 72 , and reflects off of the angled reflective surface 80 to shine at the driver , indicating the position of the footpad 70 . please refer to fig4 which is a diagram of yet a third embodiment footpad 90 of the present invention . the footpad 90 includes a vertical flange 92 installed at one side of an upper surface 94 . the vertical flange 92 comprises a recess 96 on its vertical side 98 wherein a light emitting device 100 is installed in the recess 96 and protected by the vertical flange 92 from being touched by the person &# 39 ; s foot . a step area 102 of the footpad 90 comprises a plurality of small protrusions 104 for reflecting the light . again , as indicated by the dashed lines , light is emitted from the light emitting device 100 , and reflects now off of the plurality of small protrusions 104 to indicate the position of the footpad 90 . the present invention boarding device , in using the light emitting device , improves visibility of the step area of the footpad , thereby reducing the risk of injury for the driver , and saving precious seconds when boarding the vehicle . in addition , although the step board of the boarding device according the present invention is illustrated as a footpad in above embodiments , it can also be an accelerator pedal , a brake pedal or a clutch pedal of a motor vehicle . a person skilled in the art can easily apply this technique to the pedals after reading above disclosure . those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations of the device may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention . accordingly , the above disclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and bounds of the appended claims .
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referring to fig1 of the drawings , there is shown a fluid treatment apparatus comprising a watertight chamber 11 sealed at both ends and having an inlet port 12 and an outlet port 13 . the chamber can be split in two for maintenance via flanges 17 and water tight seal 19 . positioned on and around the base of the chamber is a layer of granulated media 15 . outside the chamber and attached to the base of the chamber , which is formed to act like a diaphragm , is a vibrator 14 . preferably , the vibrator is an ultrasonic vibrator , which when activated vigorously vibrates the layer of granulated media . placed in front of the outlet port is a mesh 16 , which retains the media inside the chamber . referring to fig1 of the drawings , assuming that the ultra sonic vibrator 14 is ‘ on ’ and the layer of granulated media 15 is vibrating . the liquid to be treated flows into the chamber via inlet port 12 through the vibrating media 15 , through the retaining mesh 16 and out of the chamber 11 via the outlet port 13 . any parasites such as cryptosporidium and giardia are killed when passing through the vibrating media due to mechanical abrasion , collisions and the micro - grinding effect . the continuous vibration keeps the media clean and free from debris build up with particulate either being ground up and passed through the system or if hard granulated , adding to the media . the continuous vibration also keeps the pressure drop across the system at a minimum by maintaining the media loose packed . in drinking water chlorine does not affect the system therefor the chlorine residual can be maintained in the water ready to protect the mains . the system is modular in construction with several units able to be manifolded in parallel to increase the system throughput . in a second embodiment shown in fig2 a cylindrical watertight chamber 11 sealed at both ends have an inlet port 12 and an outlet port 13 . the chamber can be split in two for maintenance via flanges 111 and water tight seal 112 . passing through one end of the chamber 11 via seal 18 is a shaft 15 , which runs through the chamber , parallel to the walls of the chamber . fixed to the shaft 15 is a plurality of perforated disks 16 , each disk having flexible seal 17 , attached to their periphery . part or all of the space between each perforated disk is filled with a layer of granulated media 19 which is maintained in place by the disk 16 , flexible seal 17 and the wall of the chamber 11 . on the outside of the chamber , fixed to the shaft 15 , is a vibrator 110 . preferably the vibrator is an ultrasonic vibrator , which when activated vigorously vibrates the layers of granulated media between the disks 16 via shaft 15 . the invention will now be described in detail with the aid of fig2 . assuming that the ultra sonic vibrator 14 is ‘ on ’; the shaft 15 vibrates causing the layers of granulated media 19 to vibrate . the liquid to be treated flows into the chamber via inlet port 12 , through each of the perforated disks of vibrating media 16 , and out of the chamber 11 via the outlet port 13 . the flexible seals 17 make a watertight seal to the wall of the chamber so the liquid cannot bypass the media 19 . any parasites , such as cryptosporidium and giardia are killed when passing through the disks of vibrating media due to mechanical abrasion , collisions and the micro grinding effect previously described in embodiment 1 . in a third embodiment shown in fig3 a cylindrical watertight chamber 11 sealed at both ends has an inlet port 12 and an outlet port 13 . the chamber can be split in two for maintenance via flanges 19 and water tight seal 110 . the chamber is supported at both ends by rubber mounts 17 , which allows the cylindrical chamber some movement . partially filling the chamber is a column of granulated media 15 , on top of which is placed a layer of large particle size media 18 . outside the chamber and attached to the wall of the chamber is a vibrator 14 . preferably the vibrator is an ultrasonic vibrator , which when activated vigorously vibrates the column of granulated media in the direction across the diameter of the chamber . placed in front of the outlet and inlet ports are meshes 16 & amp ; 111 , which together with the large size media 18 retains the granulated media inside the chamber . the invention will now be described in detail with the aid of fig3 . assuming that the ultra sonic vibrator 14 is ‘ on ’ and the column of granulated media 15 is vibrating . the liquid to be treated flows into the chamber via inlet port 12 , through mesh 111 , through the column of vibrating media 15 , through the retaining mesh 16 and out of the chamber 11 via the outlet port 13 . any parasites , such as cryptosporidium and giardia , are killed when passing through the vibrating media due to mechanical abrasion , collisions and the micro grinding effect previously described in embodiment 1 . in some circumstances it is desirable to have a disposable cartridge type system . for instance , a system suitable for domestic applications would need this facility . in a fourth embodiment shown in fig4 a cylindrical watertight disposable cartridge 11 has an inlet port 12 and an outlet port 13 . the cartridge 11 fixes onto the ‘ l ’ shaped mounting plate 16 via mounting 114 and the spring - loaded connector 19 and support block 115 . the plate 16 is resiliently mounted in a stationary position via resilient mounts 113 . the cartridge is sealed to the inlet and outlet ports 12 & amp ; 13 in a watertight manner by ‘ o ’ ring seals 17 & amp ; 110 . partially filling the cartridge and supported by mesh 111 & amp ; 112 , is a column of granulated media 15 . attached to the “ l ” shaped plate 16 is a vibrator 14 . preferably the vibrator is an ultrasonic vibrator , which when activated vigorously vibrates the plate and hence the column of granulated media , in the direction across the diameter of the cartridge . the outlet port mesh 111 retains the granulated media inside the cartridge . this embodiment will now be described in detail with the aid of fig4 . assuming that the ultrasonic vibrator 14 is ‘ on ’ and the cartridge 11 of granulated media 15 is vibrating via the vibrating ‘ l ’ shaped plate 16 . the liquid to be treated flows into the cartridge 11 via inlet port 12 , through the retaining mesh 111 , through the column of vibrating media 15 , through the retaining mesh 112 and out of the chamber 11 via the outlet port 13 . any parasites , such as cryptosporidium and giardia are killed when passing through the vibrating media due to mechanical abrasion , collisions and the micro - grinding effect previously described in the first embodiment . in alternative embodiments , the vibratory devices 14 , 110 may be replaced by agitators . while the preferred embodiment of the invention have been shown and described , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention , the scope of which is defined by the appended claims .
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referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating the present invention , fig1 shows a container 10 provided with a tear band 14 , or with a thread 15 having a plurality of woolen hairs , which is attached by an adhesive 16 to the bottom surface of a sealing tape 13 . the band 14 or thread 15 on the bottom surface of the sealing tape 13 is positioned between adjacent portions of the adhesive 16 ( fig4 ). the band 14 is disposed within spaced perforated punch lines 18 ( fig1 ), whereas the thread 15 is located below a single perforated punch line 18 &# 39 ; ( fig7 ). the exposed adhesive portions 16 are disposed substantially parallel to each other and to the band 14 or thread 15 . in the form of the invention shown in fig2 and 4 , one adhesive portion of the sealing tape 13 is tightly attached to one outside closing flap 11 of the container . the other adhesive portion is releasably covered by a cellophane tape 17 . after the cellophane tape 17 is removed , and the sealing tape 13 is attached to the other outside closing flap 12 , the container 10 is tightly sealed . the container 10 can be made of paper , plastic , or the like . the band 14 or thread 15 can be made of any type of material which is sufficiently strong to cut paper or plastic products . suitable materials for the band 14 or thread 15 include cotton , synthetic fiber , aluminum , stainless steel or the like . in another embodiment of the invention , shown in fig5 and 7 , the opening device of the present invention can be used in the form of a continuous length of sealing tape 23 which can be used to seal packages of various type &# 39 ; s . thus the sealing tape 23 , which contains a dry or wet adhesive 16 on one side , is provided with a tear band 14 or thread 15 . the band 14 or thread 15 is adhesively attached to the adhesive side of the tape . the band 14 is disposed within perforated punch lines 18 ( fig5 and 6 ), or the thread 15 is under a perforated punch line 18 &# 39 ; ( fig7 ). the sealing tape , which can be stored in a roll 19 , can be merely unwound and used to seal packages by wetting the adhesive 16 , if necessary , and attaching it to the package . when it is later desired to open the package , the band 14 or thread 15 is freed - up at the free end of the tape 13 and pulled away from the package to tear the sealing tape and thereby open the package . the tear band 14 or thread 15 can be made of plastic , aluminum , stainless steel , or the like . the sealing tape 13 is made of paper , plastic , cloth , or the like . in the modified form of the invention shown in fig8 a sealing tape structure is provided which includes a thin , tape 30 of a tearable material , which may be paper , cloth , plastic or the like . in the center portion of the tape , there are adhesively bonded a central tear band 31 and spaced - apart guide strips 32 , 33 arranged on either side , closely adjacent to the side edges of the tear band . the bottom surfaces of the guide strips are coated with adhesive at 35 . the bottom surface of the tear band remains free of adhesive . as indicated in fig8 the sealing tape structure is applied to a container 36 which , in the illustration , is a plastic bag , for example . the sealing tape is adhesively bonded or heat bonded to a pair of closing flaps 37 , 38 , with the tear band 31 located in the region of the gap 39 between the two flaps and serving to close and seal the bag . in the illustration of fig8 the tear band 31 bridges the gap 39 . it will be understood , however , that the functioning of the invention is the same , even if the gap 39 is of greater width than the tear band 31 , or even in cases where the flaps 37 , 38 overlap . typically , the sealing tape structure is coextensive with the length of the closing flaps 37 , 38 . in order to open the container 36 , the tear band 31 is gripped at one end and torn upwardly , to rupture the tearable tape 30 . because the tape 30 is bonded to the respective spaced - apart guide strips 32 , 33 , a neat , clean tear strip opening is provided along the inner edges of the respective guide strips , as the tear band 31 is progressively removed . the modifications of fig9 and 10 are somewhat similar to the modification of fig8 except that : the sealing tape structure includes a pair of spaced - apart guide strips 40 , 41 which are significantly narrower than the tear band 42 , which is straddled by the guide strips . in the modification of fig8 for example , the tear band and guide strips may have a width of , say , 3 / 8 - 1 / 2 inch . in the modifications of fig9 and 10 , the tear band 42 may have a width of , for example , 3 / 8 - 1 / 2 inch , while the respective guide strips 40 , 41 are a fraction of that width , say about 1 / 16 of an inch , it being understood that the dimensions given are for illustrative purposes only . the sealing tape structure of fig9 and 10 includes a tearable sealing tape 43 which overlies the tear band 42 and the guide strips 40 , 41 and is adhesively bonded to all of them . the sealing tape 43 is wider than the collection width of the strips 40 - 42 and is adhesively secured to closing flaps 44 , 45 of a container 46 by means of adhesive areas 47 , 48 which extend over the edge margins of the tape 43 , from the outer edge extremities of the tape up to the respective guide strips 40 , 41 . in the modification of fig9 the bottom surfaces of the guide strips 40 , 41 are also coated with adhesive , at 49 , 50 , while the bottom surface of the tear band 42 remains free of adhesive . the functioning of the modification of fig9 is similar to that of fig8 . in appropriate cases , the narrow guide strips 40 , 41 may be formed of a strong thread or string . the tear line of the tearable strip 43 will in each case be along the axis of the lines &# 34 ; t &# 34 ;. the modification of fig1 conforms substantially to that of fig9 except that , in the case of the fig1 modification , there is no adhesive over the bottom surface areas 51 , 52 of the respective guide strips 40 , 41 . this version is somewhat more economical to manufacture in that adhesive 53 may be applied across the entire bottom surface of the tearable carrier tape 43 , and the tear band 42 and guide strips 40 , 41 are adhered to the tearable tape by way of such adhesive . the structure is applied to the closed flaps 44 , 45 of the container in the same manner as in fig9 . when the container is opened , by tearing back the tear band 42 to rupture the tearable tape 43 , the tear line will follow along the inside surfaces of the guide strips 40 , 41 , as indicated by the lines &# 34 ; t &# 34 ; in fig1 . even though the guide strips 40 , 41 are not adhesively bonded to the container flaps , the narrowness of the guide strips , in conjunction with the fact that the tearable tape is adhesively bonded up to points 54 , closely adjacent the outside edges of the guide strips , enables the guide strips to function in a manner to effectively confine the tearing of the tape 43 and provide a neat , clean tear opening . the modification of fig1 illustrates a tape structure which includes a section of tearable tape 110 which has been provided with continuous , spaced - apart , longitudinally extending grooves 111 , 112 in its center portion . a tear band 116 is bonded to the tearable center portion 115 , along the full length of the tape structure 110 . the outer marginal portions 113 , 114 of the tape structure are coated with adhesive at 117 , 118 , extending from the outer edge extremities up to a point adjacent to but not including the bottom surface 119 of the tear band 116 . in the illustration of fig1 , the tear tape structure is applied to closure flaps 120 , 121 of a container 122 , with the tear band 116 bridging over the gap 123 between the closed flaps . when the tear band 116 is gripped at one end and pulled outwardly , the central section 115 of the tearable tape is severed along the well defined grooves 111 , 112 to provide a neat , clean opening . the grooves 111 , 112 may be formed by rolling and / or heating , for example . it will be understood , of course , that in all of the various modifications illustrated in cross section , the various elements are of generally continuous construction , with the tear tape structures being formed in continuous length and typically prepared in large rolls for application at the time of manufacture or at the time of closing of the containers , as the case may be . likewise , the elements shown in cross section are of generally constant cross section throughout their length . the elements utilized in the capacity of tear band are , of course , of a material suitably strong for the purpose . this may include varieties of plastic and other synthetic materials , fiberglass reinforced tape , reinforced paper , metal foils , and the like . specific materials suitable for the purpose are easily identified by those skilled in the art , depending upon the particular circumstances , such as the construction and tear resistance of the container wall , if opening a continuous wall , or strength of the sealing tape , where closing a pair of container closure flaps , for example . elements used in forming the guide strips may in general be of the same character as for the tear band materials , although the guide strips typically need not be as strong as the tear band . it will be further understood that the specific forms of the invention herein illustrated and described are intended to be representative only , as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure . accordingly , reference should be made to the following appending claims in determining the full scope of the invention .
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the data backup system that is shown in fig1 comprises a pc 1 which is provided with a video interfaced card 2 , which in turn is connected to a video cassette recorder ( vcr ) 3 . data from the pc passes through the interface 2 to the vcr 3 , where it is recorded on tape ( or other recording medium ). data replayed from the tape passes from the vcr 3 to the interface 2 , and from there into the pc 1 . the interface 2 is shown in more detail in fig2 . at one end , it connects with a pc interface 101 , which makes all of the necessary connections to the pc 1 . connected to the pc interface 101 are a switch block 202 , a timing circuit 203 , a sync separator 204 , a sync generator 205 and a buffer and serial / parallel converter 206 . a data coder / decoder 207 is connected to the timing circuit 203 , the sync separator 204 and the buffer and serial / parallel converter 206 . a mixer 208 is connected to receive signals from the sync generator 205 and the data coder / decoder 207 , and to supply a video out signal to the video recorder 3 . the sync separator 204 is arranged to receive a video in signal from the video recorder 3 . the block diagram of fig3 illustrates functions that are performed by the pc , in co - operation with the video interface 2 . briefly , under the control of a program , the specification of the pc is assessed in step 102 , and the results of the assessment are used in a timing step 103 . alternatively , the user can directly set the timing parameters via the computer keyboard . data from a disk 104 of the pc is subject to error correction coding in step 105 . the error correction coding step is programmable to enable different error rates to be accommodated . programming is controlled by a step 107 or by user set parameters . after a data rate adjustment step 106 , data is fed to the vcr 3 , via the pc interface 101 and the video interface 2 . the data is read back from the vcr 3 , and the data and error rates are assessed in step 107 or by user entered parameters , in response to which the data rate is adjusted in step 106 . data received from the vcr 3 via the video interface 2 and pc interface 101 is fed to the disk 104 , after an error detection and correction step 108 . both error correction and error detection can be carried out with reference to respective look up tables 109 , 110 . in summary , the rate of transfer of data between the pc and the vcr via the video interface 2 can be set in accordance with the characteristics of both the pc and the vcr , to achieve the maximum acceptable transfer rate , the characteristics being determined in the steps as mentioned above . the video recorder / player can be readily characterised by recording a test pattern that incorporates data transfer utilising data lines set to different transfer rates and differing error correction codes . during playback , the lines that pass framing and error correction processes will define suitable operating parameters . examples of the sync generator 205 and buffer and serial / parallel converter 206 of the video interface card are shown in more detail in fig4 and 5 . the above described pc backup interface card 2 and associated software allow the pc to be interfaced to a domestic video recorder equipped with , for example , a scart interface . the pc backup system enables the contents of any or all files on the personal computer hard disk 104 to be stored on and retrieved from a standard video tape . two pc i / o ports are utilized for the transfer of data ( port a ) and the control / status of interface card registers ( port b ). the interface card 2 has the form of a standard pc expansion card . the pc backup interface card 2 is electrically and physically compatible with the pc isa standard for peripheral expansion cards . connection to the video signal is via a scart type connector on the rear edge of the expansion card accessed through an aperture in a metal end plate . video impedance and drive preferably conforms to scart standard en50 - 049 ( bs 6552 : 1984 ), with 75 ohm termination ( also known as ‘ peri - tel ’ or ‘ euroconnector ’). in the switch block 202 , jumpers j 2 - j 6 change the i / o port address , and this avoids conflict with other expansion cards . thirty two selectable address blocks are available from 300h to 31fh , selected in increments of two . in use of the illustrated back up system , data from the pc is superimposed on a standard video signal , so that the data bits appear on that portion of the video signal where luminance information would normally appear . the rate at which the data is transferred depends upon the rate at which both the pc and the vcr can transmit and store data within acceptable error limits , and the system is adapted to adjust the rate of data transfer in accordance with those characteristics , as mentioned above . in the illustrated embodiment of the invention , the number of bits to be stored in each line of video signal may be selected as either 40 or 88 . a control bit in port b sets the number of bits per line to 40 or 88 , by selecting a pc bus 14 . 31818 mhz clock or dividing it by two . data rate at 40 bits per line is 625 kbit / sec and at 88 bits per line is 1 . 378 mbit / sec . the time required to transfer 200 mbyte of un - coded data is 19 . 39 minutes or 38 . 78 minutes ( 19 . 39 × 2 ) for error correction coded data assuming no compression . the time for interleaved , error coded and compressed data is also 38 . 78 minutes ( 19 . 39 × 2 × 2 / 2 ). to reduce the effects of drop out on video recording tape , the data may be recorded on the tape in interleaved blocks . this is illustrated diagrammatically in fig6 . as may be seen , data blocks n and n + 1 are recorded sequentially on the tape , and then repeated . they are then followed by data blocks n + 2 and n + 3 , which are likewise repeated . in the example illustrated in fig7 the disk 104 of the pc 1 writes to a memory buffer 120 for 40 msec periods , during each of which it fills the buffer with 44 kb of data . this represents a disk i / o rate of 1 . 1 mb / sec . the tape i / o rate is 8 times slower than the disk i / o rate . therefore , between each disk read operation , a write operation from the memory buffer 120 to the tape is carried out , during which 8 frames of data are written , each comprising 500 lines of 88 bits . this takes 320 msec . the memory buffer 120 may comprise part of the internal ram of the pc 1 , and each data write operation to each line of the video signal may be by direct memory access ( dma ) transfer . in between each disk read operation of 40 msec , the pc has a period of 320 msec in which it may be employed on other tasks . the pc preferably interleaves software processes consisting of disk i / o , data processing and interface communication . preferably , the data coder / decoder 207 of the video interface 2 decodes file identification data from the pc 1 , and encodes it in standard video form to occupy some of the lines of each frame . in this way , when the data is being either written to or read from the tape , a visual display 301 of the file identification data may appear on a monitor 302 ( or other display means ) associated with the vcr 3 , as illustrated in fig8 . referring to fig9 and 10 , the interface card 2 is required to generate and detect line sync pulses , each pulse being characterized by a signal level of 0 volts and of 4 . 7 μs duration +/− 0 . 1 μs . an eight - bit clock preamble sequence is used to synchronize the sampling clock of an nrz decoder during playback . during the back porch period , the pc software will write to port a d 0 - d 7 the clock preamble data byte . immediately following the back porch period , the eight bit preamble is output in serial form to the video output . a shift register loaded from the internal data buffer could be utilized but , regardless of the method used , the data register must be free to accept a new data byte during serial output . the signal voltage should rise to 1 . 0 volts for a data 1 and fall to 0 . 3 volts for a data 0 . each bit interval should be either 0 . 558 μsec or 1 . 117 μs depending on the setting of the associated control bit in port b . during the clock preamble period , the pc software writes a data byte to port a d 0 - d 7 . immediately following the clock preamble , this data is output in serial form , loaded from the internal data buffer . signal voltages and bit timing will remain at 0 . 3 - 1 . 0 volts ( logic 0 & amp ; logic 1 ) and either 0 . 558 μsec or 1 . 117 μs depending on the setting of the associated control bit in port b . during serial output of the first data byte , a second data byte will be written to port a by the pc software . this process will continue for either 40 or 88 bits of data depending on the position of the associated control bit in port b . following the last byte of data for each line there will be a period of at least 1 . 55 μs where the video signal level will be held at 0 . 3 volts ( the so - called front porch period ). after each byte has been loaded into the shift register , a status flag is set on port b d 2 , indicating to the pc software that the interface is ready to receive a new data byte . the period between data transfer of each data byte from the pc to the interface card will therefore be 4 . 47 μs or 8 . 94 μs ( 0 . 558 × 8 or 1 . 117 × 8 ). a larger buffer would allow the pc software to send a whole line of video data each time ( 40 or 88 bits ), enabling the software to be engaged in other functions when not sending data . this would be of particular advantage if achieved at zero or little incremental cost ; if a microcontroller implementation is utilized , internal ram could be used as the data buffer . referring now to fig1 , after 312 . 5 lines of video , a series of frame sync pulses are required . these pulses consist of five narrow pulses of 2 . 3 μsec , followed by five broad pulses of 27 . 3 μsec , followed by another five narrow pulses of 2 . 3 μsec . when the last pulse has been generated , the pc software initiates a line sync pulse , after which a normal video line follows . the timing tolerance for narrow and broad pulses is +/− 0 . 1 μsec . at the end of video line 310 the pc software initiates a frame sync pulse by writing a ‘ 1 ’ to port b d 2 . this causes the interface card to generate the series of frame sync pulses . similarly for the second frame sync , half way through lines 623 , the pc software initiates a frame sync by writing a second ‘ 1 ’ to port b d 2 . one possible scheme that can generate the correct timing for the back porch , line sync and frame sync series is illustrated in fig4 . line syncs take 67 periods of the pc bus 14 . 3 mhz clock , narrow pulses 33 periods and broad pulses 319 periods , as illustrated in fig1 . two counters and two decoders generate the necessary timing . a signal on ‘ sync ’ or ‘ frame ’ generates either a single line sync pulse or the series of fifteen frame pulses . in addition , the circuit can also be used to time the back porch period . the two counters could utilize some of the registers that are needed for the nrz decoder and bit counter . alternative schemes could be used that require the pc software to participate in the frame sync process , but present day pcs are unlikely to be able to generate timing with accuracy better than +/− 2 . 5 μsec . in the example illustrated in fig1 , sync decoding of the frame sync is accomplished by the pc software ; no additional hardware is required . the pc software simply times the period that a pulse stays low , in order to determine the sync type . referring to fig1 , the composite video signal consists of both video and line and frame sync information . video ( luminance ) information is represented by signals that range between 0 . 3 and 1 . 0 volts . sync information is coded as pulses of below 0 . 3 volts . a simple level detector and single pole low pass rc filter are capable of detecting the falling edge of the start of the sync pulse . as this condition can only legitimately occur during a sync interval it is not necessary to time the received sync period . a simple filter will remove any high frequency noise that may otherwise cause the signal to spuriously pulse low . the status of the sync level detector is available at port b d 0 . the pc software polls the status of this port , waiting for the start of the line sync interval . immediately after the pc software has polled an active sync status , it writes to port b d 1 , setting the internal clock preamble register . when set , the preamble register requires the interface card to look for the clock preamble sequence . data is one bit quantised by a second level detector circuit , set at 0 . 6 volts ; again a simple rc filter is sufficient to remove any high frequency noise . the level detector preferably utilizes positive feedback to provide some degree of hysteresis around the 0 . 6 volt threshold . the output of the data level detector is shifted into an 8 bit shift register ( possibly the same register used to generate serial video data ), and a decoder connected to the shift register detects whether the clock preamble has been received . on receipt of the clock preamble , the preamble register should be reset , indicating that the next eight bits are valid data . a single clock preamble is used for each line of video data . the preamble also serves to synchronize the data sampling interval of the nrz decoder , ready for the first byte of data . as shown in fig1 and 16 , the nrz decoder consists of an xor gate , a delay stage and a 3 - bit resettable counter . the clock for the shift register is derived from the rising edge of the last output of the counter . each data edge is detected ( by an xor gate and a delay stage ) and used to reset the counter . the counter is clocked at 14 . 31818 mhz ( pc bus ) or 7 . 15909 mhz ( pc bus divide by 2 ) depending on the setting of the control bit in port b . the size of this counter is selected to ensure that the shift register will sample the data level detector half way through each bit interval . the counter is capable of continuing to correctly time half way through a data interval even if a series of edgeless data is received ( all 1 &# 39 ; s or all 0 &# 39 ; s ), as the counter will normally cycle back to a count of zero at the time that a data edge would normally be detected . after eight bits have been received they are transferred to a buffer ( size & gt ;= 1 byte ) and the status of port b d 1 is forced high to indicate to the pc software that it should read the buffer . this process continues until all of the data for the current line has been decoded and transferred ( 40 or 88 bits ) in a preferred option , data transfer between the interface card and the pc could be accomplished under control of the pc dma ( direct memory access ) controller . this technique would free the pc microprocessor to deal more efficiently with disk i / o and error correction . however , this technique does require additional logic to generate and interpret control signals drq and dack , as illustrated in fig1 . the pc software still generates a sync initiation signal , writing a data ‘ 1 ’ to the control port ( port b d 0 ). however data transfer is controlled by the interface card generating a dma request ( drq ), initially for the clock preamble and subsequently for data . on receiving the drq , the dma controller takes control of the pc bus , generates a dack signal and places data from the pc memory onto the bus . on receiving the dack signal , the interface card cancels the drq signal . transfer of data from the pc bus to the data buffer is initiated on the rising edge of pc bus signal iow . as with the software polled technique , this data is loaded into a shift register for serial output . after loading the shift register from the data register , a new drq signal is initiated . this is used by the dma controller to place another data byte onto the pc bus . this byte is then loaded into the interface data buffer for subsequent loading into the shift register . this process continues until all of the data for one line of video has been transferred . the pc software re - initializes the dma controller for transfer of a new line of video data and sets up the pc counter / timer for generating the correct timing interval ( 64 μs ) between subsequent lines of video . the pc software then re - initiates a line sync signal ( port b d 0 ). reading the interface card and transferring data to the pc memory requires a similar sequence of events . the pc software looks for a line sync signal on port b d 0 , the pc software then writes to port b d 1 , setting the internal clock preamble register . on receipt of the clock preamble , the preamble register is reset indicating that the next eight bits are valid data . this data is shifted into a shift register and , after eight bits have been received , the data byte is transferred to the data register . on transfer , the interface card generates a drq signal , and the dma controller takes control of the pc bus and generates a dack signal . on receipt of the dack signal , the interface card cancels the drq signal and while the ior signal is low , places the data byte onto the pc bus . on the rising edge of the ior signal the dma controller transfers the data byte to pc memory . this process is repeated for the whole line of video data . the pc software then re - initializes the dma controller and waits for the sync active signal ( port b d 0 ) for the next line of video data . preferably , the interface is configured to accept multiple frames of video data from the dma controller by configuring the interface 2 to initiate its own line sync and data preamble using timer circuit 203 . any of the designated bit positions for control and status bits may be changed to suit the particular implementation , but preferably these signals should be present in the same status byte . an important feature of the preferred embodiments of the invention is that each physical line or group of physical lines that form a logical line of data preferably comprises a preamble word to identify the beginning of a new line , and a beginning and end marker to indicate a line count . fig1 illustrates one example of code sequences that implement such a feature . the interface 2 knows to expect a certain number of bits between the beginning and end markers of each line . should any bits be missing , the data is replaced with a string of zeros . the string of zeros indicates to the error correction system where the error occurs , and this can then be corrected by standard error correction techniques ( eg reed - solomon ) to restore the missing data . by operating in this way , the back up system can tolerate a certain loss of data if the pc 1 and interface 2 do not operate at the same speed . this means that the system can operate at the maximum possible speed at which a modest loss of data can be tolerated , which is sufficiently low as to be capable of correction by error correction techniques . although in the above example the interface is described in terms of a standard pc expansion card , it is to be appreciated that it may be provided in any other convenient manner . for example , it may be in the form of a “ dongle ” on a printer port of the pc 1 . the reader &# 39 ; s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification , and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference . all of the features disclosed in this specification ( including any accompanying claims , abstract and drawings ), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed , may be combined in any combination , except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive . each feature disclosed in this specification ( including any accompanying claims , abstract and drawings ), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same , equivalent or similar purpose , unless expressly stated otherwise . thus , unless expressly stated otherwise , each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features . the invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment ( s ). the invention extends to any novel one , or any novel combination , of the features disclosed in this specification ( including any accompanying claims , abstract and drawings ), or to any novel one , or any novel combination , of the steps of any method or process so disclosed .
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in the drawings , broad arrows represent busses for conveying multiple - bit parallel digital signals . line arrows represent connections for conveying analog signals or single - bit digital signals . depending on the processing speed of the devices used , compensating delays may be required in certain of the signal paths . one skilled in the art of digital video signal processing circuit design would know where such delays would be needed in a particular system . the video signal processing circuitry shown in fig1 includes apparatus to perform a picture zoom function which allows video images to be magnified in real time using 128 magnification factors between one - to - one and two - to - one . using a magnification factor of two - to - one , a portion of the original image occupying one - quarter of the display screen may be enlarged to occupy the entire screen . the following is a brief description of the various structural elements shown in fig1 . this is followed by a more detailed description which refers to fig2 - 10 . digital sampled data composite video signals provided by an analog - to - digital converter ( adc ) 14 are loaded into data storage elements of a field memory 16 that are addressed by write address values provided by a write address generator 20 . the memory 16 provides previously stored , sampled data composite video signals from data storage elements addressed by read address values provided by a read address generator 22 . the read address generator 22 is controlled by a vertical position signal vpos provided by viewer controls 24 . the signal vpos conditions the memory 16 to provide only those lines of samples that lie within the portion of the image that is to be magnified . the sampled data composite video signal provided by the memory 16 is applied to luminance / chrominance separation circuitry 27 . the circuitry 27 separates a luminance signal component y , and a combed chrominance signal component , c , from the sampled data composite video signal . the luminance signal , y , is expanded in the vertical direction by luminance signal vertical interpolation circuitry 28 using vertical interpolation factors zrl . the factors zrl are developed by the read address generator 22 from a magnification factor or zoom ratio , zr , provided via the viewer controls 24 . the vertically expanded luminance signal , provided by the interpolation circuitry 28 , is applied to hanging dot correction circuitry 29 , the output signal , y , of which is expanded in the horizontal direction by luminance signal horizontal interpolation circuitry 30 . the circuitry 30 interpolates only those samples occurring after a specified horizontal position , hpos , provided via the viewer controls 24 , to expand the lines of samples consistent with the zoom ratio zr . the combed chrominance signal c provided by the separation circuitry 27 is expanded vertically by chrominance signal vertical interpolation circuitry 32 , which also separates the chrominance signal into two quadrature phase related color difference signals , for example , i and q . the vertically expanded color difference signals , i &# 39 ; and q &# 39 ;, provided by the circuitry 32 are expanded horizontally by color difference signal horizontal interpolation circuitry 34 . the signals i &# 34 ; and q &# 34 ; provided by the circuitry 34 and the signal y &# 34 ; provided by the luminance signal horizontal interpolation circuitry 30 may , for example , be applied to conventional color difference and luminance signal processing circuitry ( not shown ) to produce a magnified image . the following is a more detailed description of the video signal processing circuitry shown in fig1 . a source of composite video signal 10 , which may , for example , be the tuner , if amplifier and video detectcr of a conventional color television receiver , provides a composite video signal to the adc 14 and to sync separator and clock generator circuitry 12 . the circuitry 12 , which may be of conventional design , processes the composite video signals to produce a horizontal synchronization signal , hs , and a vertical synchronization signal , vs . in addition , the sync separator and clock generator 12 includes circuitry ( not shown ) which delays the signal vs by 128 horizontal line periods to produce a delayed vertical synchronization signal , dvs . the vertical deflection circuitry ( not shown ) of the video signal processing system which includes this circuitry , is responsive to the signal dvs for producing the magnified display . the circuitry 12 may also include a conventional burst - locked phase locked loop ( not shown ) which develops a clock signal , ck , having a frequency 4f c , which is four times the frequency , f c , of the color subcarrier component of the composite video signal . the adc 14 , which may , for example , be a conventional flash - type adc , samples and digitizes the composite video signals applied to its input port at instants determined by the 4f c clock signal ck . the signal vin provided by the adc 14 is applied to the input port of the field memory 16 . externally , the field memory 16 appears to be a dual - port memory able to accept and provide continuous streams of eight - bit pixel values at a 4f c rate . the address values applied to the address input bus , addressa , of the memory 16 may be time division multiplexed to store a first stream of pixel data at one sequence of address values and simultaneously retrieve a second stream of pixel data using another sequence of address values . the field memory 16 is responsive to control signals provided by memory sequencing circuitry 18 as set forth below . fig2 is a block diagram of circuitry suitable for use as the field memory 16 . this is a pipelined and interleaved memory system . pixel data values ( i . e ., samples provided by the adc 14 ) are stored either in memory cell array 218 or memory cell array 220 . each of the memory cell arrays 218 and 220 may include , for example , four 32k × 8 bit random access memory ( ram ) integrated circuits ( ic &# 39 ; s ) such as the hm65256ap manufactured by hitachi . the memory ic &# 39 ; s in each of the memory cell arrays 218 and 220 are configured to have mutually interconnected address and control input terminals but separate data input terminals . the combination of the 4 ic &# 39 ; s appears as a memory cell array having 32 , 768 addressable blocks where each block includes four data storage elements for holding , respectively , four eight - bit pixel values . in order to maintain continuous input and output data streams , the data read and data write operations to the memory cell arrays 218 and 220 are interleaved ; while data is being written into the memory cell array 218 data is being read from the memory cell array 220 and vice - versa . in general , this interleaving is achieved by dividing the field memory into two sections , a and b . the address and control signals applied to section b are delayed by four periods of the clock signal ck relative to the corresponding address and control signals applied to section a . consequently , while a read operation , using a first address value is in progress in section b of the memory , a write operation using a second address value may be in progress in section a . four clock periods later , a write operation using a third address value is performed on section a of the memory while the read operation using the second address value is performed on section b of the memory . in the system shown in fig2 the input buffer 212 , memory cell array 218 and output buffer 230 are in section a and the input buffer 214 , memory cell array 220 and output buffer 232 are in section b . the structure and operation of the field memory circuitry shown in fig2 is described using the timing diagrams shown in fig3 which illustrate the operation of the memory sequencing circuitry 18 . in the example shown in fig3 the memory cell arrays 218 and 220 contain pixel data in blocks having addresses adr1 and adr1 + 1 . four pixel values of a block of data to be written into the memory cell arrays 218 and 220 have been applied to the shift register 210 at time t 0 , and the buffer registers 230 and 232 contain a block of pixel data read from the memory cell arrays 218 and 220 using the address value adr1 - 1 . the first operation is a memory read using address adr1 . at time t o , the memory sequencing circuitry 18 pulses the signal ldo to transfer the block of pixel data held in the buffer registers 230 and 232 , in parallel , into the output shift register 236 . these pixel values are provided sequentially by the shift register 236 synchronous with the negative going edges of eight successive pulses of the signal ck . also at time t 0 , the address value adr1 is applied to the addressa input port of the field memory 16 . one - half of one period of the clock signal ck following time t 0 , the chip enable signal cea , provided by the memory sequencing circuitry 18 , is brought low , enabling the memory cell array 218 . one clock period after time t 0 , the signal ola , provided by the circuitry 18 is brought low , gating the input port of the buffer register 230 onto the bus dataa . at a time one and one - half periods of the signal ck after time t 0 , the memory sequencing circuitry 18 brings the output enable signal oea low . this step in the memory read operation , enables the memory cell array 218 to apply the contents of the block of pixel data having the address adr1 to the bus dataa . three clock periods after t 0 , the memory sequencing circuitry 18 brings the signal ola high to latch the pixel data applied to the bus dataa into the buffer register 230 . three and one - half clock cycles after time t 0 , the memory cell array 218 is disabled by bringing the signal cea high and the memory read operation is complete . the address signal addressb , chip enable signal ceb , output enable signal oeb and output buffer load signal olb are generated by delaying the corresponding signals addressa , cea , oea and ola by four periods of the clock signal ck in the respective delay elements 222 , 228 , 226 and 234 . consequently , the memory read operation which read four pixel values from memory cell array 218 between times t 0 and t 1 is repeated on the memory cell array 220 between times t 1 and t 2 . at time t 2 , the eight pixel values , having the address adr1 , four from the memory cell array 218 and four from the memory cell array 220 , are in the respective buffer registers 230 and 232 . at time t 2 , the signal ldo is pulsed by the circuitry 18 to transfer these eight pixel values , in parallel , to the shift register 236 . the shift register 236 provides these pixel values sequentially for eight periods of the signal ck following time t 2 . a memory write operation using memory cell array 218 begins at time t 1 . the eighth input pixel value is shifted into the input shift register 21 immediately to the time t 1 . at time t 1 , the memory sequencing circuitry 18 pulses the signal ldi to transfer the eight pixel values held in the shift register 210 into the buffer registers 212 and 214 . at time t 1 , the memory sequencing circuitry begins to write the four pixel values held in the register 212 into the memory cell array 218 . the address value adr2 , to be used to store these four pixel values , is applied to the address input port addressa of the field memory 16 at line t 1 . also at time t 1 , the memory sequencing circuitry 18 changes the input buffer enable signal ibea and the write enable signal wea to be logic zero . these signals respectively gate the values held in the input buffer 212 onto the bus dataa and enable the memory cell array 218 to load the values on the bus dataa into the addressed block . one - half of one period of the signal ck after time t 1 , the signal cea is changed to logic zero by the circuitry 18 , enabling the memory cell array 218 and , so , enabling the write operation to occur . at the time tw 0 , the four pixel values held in the input buffer register 212 have stabilized in the block of the memory cell array 218 which has the address adr2 . one period of the clock signal ck after time t 1 , the circuitry 18 changes the signals ibea and wea to have values of logic one ending the memory write operation . three and one - half clock periods after time t 1 , the circuitry 18 changes the chip enable signal cea to a logic one , ending the memory write cycle . the signals ibeb and web are generated by delaying the corresponding signals ibea and wea by four periods of the signal ck in the respective delay elements 216 and 224 . these signals , combined with the delayed address signal addressb and delayed chip enable signal ceb cause the memory write operation using the address value adr2 to be repeated on the memory cell array 220 between time t 2 and time t 3 . during this write operation , the four pixel values held in the buffer register 214 are transferred to the block of pixel storage cells in the memory cell array 220 that has the address value adr2 . coincident with this second write operation using the memory cell array 220 , a memory read operation is performed , using the memory cell array 218 . during the time interval between time t 2 and time t 3 , four pixel values from a block of storage cells having the address adr1 + 1 are read from the cell array 218 and loaded into the output buffer 230 . this read operation is identical to the read operation performed between time t 0 and time t 1 and is not described in detail . in the time interval between times t 3 and t 4 , a memory write operation , using an address value adr2 + 1 , writes the four pixel values , applied to the field memory 16 between times t 2 and t 3 , into the memory cell array 218 . also between time t 3 and time t 4 , four pixel values are read from the memory cell array 220 at the address adr1 + 1 and are transferred to the output buffer register 232 . these memory write and memory read operations are performed in the same manner as those described above and are not described in detail herein . the memory sequencing circuitry 18 is responsive to the clock signal ck to generate the signals ibea , wea , oea , cea , ola , ldo and ldi . the circuitry 18 is reset at the beginning of each horizontal line of samples by the horizontal synchronization signal hs , provided by the sync separator and clock generator circuitry 12 . this ensures that the first sample in any given line is stored in the field memory 16 on a block boundary . one skilled in the art of digital signal processing circuit design will be readily able to build suitable memory sequencing circuitry 18 from the description set forth above in reference to fig1 and 3 . accordingly , the memory sequencing circuitry 18 is not described in detail herein . the address values applied to the field memory 16 have two parts , a line address , the eight most significant bits ( msb &# 39 ; s ), and a pixel block address , the seven least significant bits ( lsb &# 39 ; s ). the line address values correspond to the 256 lines of video samples which may be written to or read from the memory 16 during one field interval . the pixel block address values correspond to the positions of successive blocks of eight pixel values on a horizontal line of the video image . the combination of a line address value and a pixel block address value points to a particular block of pixel storage cells in the field memory 16 . the pixel block address signal , padr , and a line address signal , wladr , that is used to write data into the field memory 16 , are generated by the write address generator 20 . the generator 20 may include , for example , two counters ( not shown ). the first counter is reset by the vertical synchronization signal , vs , and incremented by the horizontal synchronization signal , hs . the count value provided by this first counter is the write - line address signal wladr . the second counter is reset by the signal hs and incremented by a signal ck / 8 having a frequency that is one - eighth the frequency of the signal ck . the signal ck / 8 is generated by the memory sequencing circuitry 18 and may correspond for example , to the signal ldo shown in fig3 . this second counter produces the pixel block address signal which is used both for reading data from and writing data into the field memory 16 . the write - line address signal wladr and a read line address signal rladr , provided by the read address generator 22 , are applied to respective first and second input ports of a multiplexer 26 . the multiplexer 26 is controlled by a signal ck / 4 , having a frequency that is one - fourth of the frequency of the signal ck . the signal ck / 4 is provided by the memory sequencing circuitry 18 and is shown in the timing diagrams of fig3 . the eight - bit signal provided by the multiplexer 26 forms the eight msb &# 39 ; s of the address signal , addressa , applied to the field memory 16 . the pixel block address signal , padr , forms the seven lsb &# 39 ; s of the signal addressa . in the present embodiment of the invention , the pixel block address portion of the signal addressa changes every eight periods of the clock signal ck to address successive blocks of pixel values in a horizontal line . the line address portion of the signal addressa changes every four periods of the signal ck , alternating between a line address value to be used to write data into the memory 16 and a line address value to be used to read data from the memory 16 . fig4 is a block diagram of circuitry suitable for use as the read address generator 22 . the generator 22 is responsive to the zoom ratio signal , znr , and vertical position signal , vpos , provided via the viewer controls 24 , and to the horizontal synchronization signal , hs , and delayed vertical synchronization signal , dvs , to provide the line address signal rladr used for the memory read operations . the read address generator 22 also provides a signal zrl which contains the scale factors used by the vertical interpolation circuitry 28 and 32 , a recirculate signal , recir , used by the luminance / chrominance separation circuitry 27 , and a chrominance signal inversion signal , cinv , used by the chrominance signal vertical interpolation circuitry 32 as set forth below . in order to understand the function of the circuitry shown in fig4 it is helpful to first understand how successive lines of samples of the original video image are interpolated to obtain lines of samples representing the magnified image . the interpolation method used in this embodiment of the invention divides the space between any two successive lines in the original image into 525 potential interstitial line locations . the magnification factor used in this embodiment ranges from approximately 1 to 2 , in steps of 1 / 256 ( i . e . from 256 / 255 to 256 / 128 ). this relatively fine granularity in the magnification factor is desirable to produce the illusion of a continuous zoom when the magnification factor is changed . the fine granularity is more important for the spatial correctness of the entire image than for the proper interpolation of an individual line of samples or of an individual sample . it has been determined that the 255 potential interstitial line locations between any two successive lines may be grouped together into a smaller number of locations , for the purpose of interpolating an individual line of samples without seriously affecting the performance of the system . in the present embodiment of the invention , for example , the interval between two successive lines of samples is divided into nine potential interpolation positions . fig1 a through 10d are timing diagrams which illustrate how a line of samples is interpolated from a pair of successive lines to produce samples of the magnified image . fig1 a illustrates that the interval between successive lines of samples may be divided into 256 parts . fig1 b shows these 256 parts grouped together into nine interpolation positions . fig1 c is an example of how interpolation is performed using a factor of 256 / 144 ( i . e . 1 . 78 ). the position of individual lines of samples within the interpolation zones of fig1 b are determined by repeatedly adding the value 144 to the value held by a modulo 256 accumulator . the first addition produces a value of 144 , placing the first interpolated sample in a zone where 5 / 8 of the line of samples , l 1 , and 3 / 8 of the prior line of samples , l 0 , are summed to develop the interpolated line of samples , z 1 . adding 144 to the accumulator again yields a value of 32 ( 288 modulo 256 ). using fig1 b and 10c , the line of samples , z 2 , is formed by adding 1 / 8 of each sample in the line l 2 to 7 / 8 of the corresponding sample in the line of samples l 1 . the lines of samples z 3 through z 8 are formed by repeatedly adding 144 to the accumulated value , modulo 256 and then using the relationship illustrated by the fig1 b and 10c to determine which interpolation factors are to be used . fig1 d illustrates how the picture is magnified in the vertical direction when the interpolated lines of samples z 0 through z 5 are displayed with the same timing as the orginal lines of samples . referring to fig4 the zoom ratio value , e r , provided by the viewer controls 24 which in this embodiment of the invention may have a value between 128 and 255 , is applied to one input port of an adder 410 . the adder 410 sums the value zr with the value held by an eight - bit register 412 . the register 412 may include , for example , eight data type flip - flops configured as a parallel - input - parallel - output register . the register 412 is clocked by the horizontal synchronization signal , hs , to store the eight - bit value provided by the adder 410 once per horizontal line period . the register 412 is reset by the delayed vertical synchronization signal , dvs . the adder 410 and register 412 form a modulo 256 accumulator . as set forth above , the output value provided by the accumulator is the position of the interpolated line from among the 256 potential horizontal line positions between any two successive lines of the original image . the output values of the accumulator are illustrated in fig1 c . in the example illustrated in fig4 only the four msb &# 39 ; s of the value provided by the register 412 are used in determining the proportions of the respective lines contributing toward the interpolated values . using only the four msb &# 39 ; s effectively divides the value provided by register 412 by 16 , thus , the range of values available are reduced from 0 - 255 to the range 0 - 15 . the number represented by the four msb &# 39 ; s is the numerator r of the fraction r / 16 which corresponds to the proportion of the contribution of the current line to the interpolated value . the four msb &# 39 ; s are coupled to the four inverters 414 , 416 , 418 and 420 which produce the one &# 39 ; s complement of the value of the four msb &# 39 ; s . the one &# 39 ; s complement is equal to ( 15 - r ) and is the numerator of the fraction ( 15 - r )/ 16 which corresponds to the proportion of the contribution of the previous line to the interpolated value . the four msb &# 39 ; s of the value provided by the register 412 and the complemented four msb &# 39 ; s are concatenated as lsb &# 39 ; s and msb &# 39 ; s respectively to produce values that are applied to a delay element 422 . the delay element 422 is a synchronizing delay used to align the interpolation scale factors , zrl , to the read line address signal , rladr , and recirculate signal , recir . the values represented by the four lsb &# 39 ; s of the signal provided by the delay element 422 are added to a value of one , provided by a digital value source 426 in an adder 424 . adding a one to the lsb &# 39 ; s and dividing by two ( right - shifting and truncating the sum ) produces the value r &# 39 ; which corresponds to the integer part of the eight - bit value provided by register 412 divided by thirty two , i . e . an integer value in the range 0 - 8 . the value r &# 39 ; is the numerator of the fraction r &# 39 ;/ 8 and , thus , is equal to 8k v where k v is the desired proportion of the contribution of the current line . the four msb &# 39 ; s of the signal provided by the delay element 422 ( the ones - complement values ) are added to a value of one provided by a digital value source 430 in an adder 428 . the signal provided by the adder 428 is divided by two in the divider 434 to produce a signal 8 ( 1 - k ) v which represents the second vertical interpolation factor , multiplied by eight . the signal 8 ( 1 - k ) v is used by the vertical interpolation circuitry 28 and 32 to develop the interpolated lines of samples which represent the magnified image . the signal 8k v is the four lsb &# 39 ; s , and the signal 8 ( 1 - k ) v is the four msb &# 39 ; s of the signal zrl . fig1 b illustrates how the factors 8k v and 8 ( 1 - k ) v are mapped onto the 256 interstitial line positions between successive lines of samples . a signal , msb 0 , representing the most significant bit of the value provided by the adder 410 and a signal msb 1 , representing the inverted most significant bit of the value provided by the register 412 are combined in a nand gate 436 to produce a signal , which , when delayed by one horizontal line period by the delay element 438 , becomes the recirculate signal recir . the signal provided by the nand gate 436 has a logic zero value only when the most significant bit of the value provided by the register 412 is a zero and the most significant bit of the value provided by the adder 410 is a one . these values indicate that two successive interpolated lines of samples are to be interpolated from the same two lines of samples from the orginal image . aternatively , the singal recir may be obtained by inverting an overflow output signal ( not shown ) provided by the adder 410 and delaying this inverted signal by two periods of the horizontal line synchronizing signal , hs . the signal recir is applied to the clock input port of a toggle - type flip - flop 439 . the flip - flop 439 , which may be , for example , a conventional j - k flip - flop having a value of logic one applied to both its j and k input terminals , changes its output state from a logic one to a logic zero and vice - versa each time a pulse is applied to its clock input terminal , clk . the flip - flop 439 is reset to have a logic zero output state by the delayed vertical synchronization signal dvs . the signal cinv changes state each time that two successive lines of interpolated signal are developed from one pair of lines of the original signal . the signal cinv controls the inversion of the chrominance samples developed by the chrominance signal vertical interpolation circuitry described below . this signal enables the chrominance signals developed by the circuitry 32 to be properly demodulated into the i and q color difference signals by conventional chrominance signal demodulation circuitry . the signal recir is applied to the luminance / chrominance separation circuitry 27 and to one input terminal of an and gate 442 . another input terminal of the and gate 442 is coupled to receive the horizontal synchronization signal hs . the signal provided by the and gate 442 is applied to the clock input terminal of a counter 444 which produces the signal rladr . the counter 444 increments its value once per horizontal line period unless the lines of samples used to generate the next interpolated line are the same as those that were used to generate the prior interpolated line . the counter 444 is cleared by the delayed vertical sync signal , dvs . the vertical position value vpos is loaded as an initial value into the counter 444 by a delayed version of the signal dvs provided by the delay element 446 . the counter 444 is cleared and preset by the signal dvs to ensure that the lines of samples read from the field memory 16 during one field interval are all from the same field of the input video signal . for example , when a magnification factor of 256 / 128 ( 2 ) is used , memory write operations occur at twice the rate of the memory read operations . in the present embodiment of the invention , the field memory 16 holds 256 lines of samples . in this example , the image to be expanded occupies a portion of the lower one - half of the original image . since the memory read operation is synchronized to the dvs , the first line to be expanded , line number 128 of the original signal , is read from the memory one horizontal line period after it was written into the memory . if the signal dvs were delayed by less than 128 horizontal line periods relative to the signal vs , the lines of samples displayed at the top of this expanded image would be from the previous field relative to the lines of samples displayed at the bottom of the image . conversely , if the signal dvs were delayed by more than 128 horizontal line periods and a portion of the top half of the original image were magnified by a factor of 2 , the lines of samples displayed at the bottom of the expanded image would be from the subsequent field relative to the lines of samples displayed at the top of the image . displaying samples from a single field is desirable to avoid a &# 34 ; tearing &# 34 ; of the image which may occur because of interfield motion . the recirculate signal recir generated by the read address generator 22 is applied to the luminance / chrominance separation circuitry 27 . fig5 is a block diagram of exemplary luminance / chrominance separation circuitry . the lines of samples of the video signal , vout , provided by the field memory 16 are applied to one input port of a multiplexer 510 , the output port of which is coupled to a one horizontal line period ( 1h ) delay element 512 . the output signal provided by the 1h delay element 512 is applied to a second input port of the multiplexer 510 . the control input terminal of the multiplexer 510 is coupled to receive the signal recir . when the signal recir is a logic one , the multiplexer 510 is conditioned to pass the signal vout to the 1h delay element 512 . when the signal recir is a logic zero , however , the multiplexer 510 is conditioned to recirculate the samples provided by the 1h delay element 512 back to the input terminal of the delay element . the remainder of the circuitry shown in fig5 implements a conventional 1h comb filter . corresponding samples from a delayed line of samples and from an undelayed line of samples are summed in an adder 514 to provide a luminance signal , y . the delayed samples are subtracted from the undelayed samples to produce a comb filtered chrominance signal , c , which includes chrominance signal components and relatively low frequency vertical detail signal components . the signal recir conditions the comb filter to use samples from the same pair of lines to erate the signals y and c when two successive lines of the expanded video signal are to be interpolated from one pair of lines of the original video signal . the luminance signal , y , provided by the luminance / chrominance separation circuitry 27 is applied to the luminance signal vertical interpolator 28 . fig6 is a block diagram of circuitry suitable for use as the interpolator 28 . in fig6 the luminance signal y is applied to a delay element 610 . the delay element 610 compensates the luminance signal y for processing delays through the chrominance signal vertical interpolator circuitry 32 ( described below ) that develops the vertical detail signal , vdet . an adder 612 and a subtracter 618 respectively add the vertical detail signal , vdet , to and subtract the signal vdet from the luminance signal provided by the delay element 610 . the signals developed by the adder 612 and subtracter 618 approximate the luminance signal components of two successive lines of the original video signal . the samples produced by the adder 612 , which approximate the luminance samples from a current line of video signal , are multiplied , in a multiplier 614 , by the interpolation scale factor 8k v provided by the read address generator 22 via the bus zrl . the output signals of the multiplier 614 are applied to one input port of an adder 616 . the luminance signal provided by the subtracter 618 , which approximates luminance samples from the previous line of video signal , is scaled by the interpolation scale factor 8 ( 1 - k ) in a multiplier 620 . the output signal of the multiplier 620 is applied to a second input port of the adder 616 . the output signal of the adder 616 is divided by 8 in the circuitry 622 to produce the vertically interpolated luminance signal . referring to fig1 the signal developed by the luminance signal vertical interpolation circuitry 28 is applied to hanging dot correction circuitry 29 . the circuitry 29 which may , for example , be the same as that described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 636 , 842 entitled &# 34 ; comb filter ` hanging dot ` eliminator &# 34 ;, which is hereby incorporated by reference , removes spurious chrominance signal components from the vertically interpolated luminance signal based on the magnitude of the vertical detail signal vdet . the circuitry 29 is described in the above referenced patent and , so , is not described herein . the signal y &# 39 ; provided by the hanging dot correction circuitry 29 is applied to the luminance horizontal interpolation circuitry 30 . the circuitry 30 interpolates samples for insertion between pairs of successive samples in each line of the signal y &# 39 ; to develop the signal y &# 34 ; which is expanded both vertically and horizontally relative to the video signal provided by source 10 . fig7 is a block diagram showing circuitry suitable for use as the luminance signal horizontal interpolator 30 . the circuitry shown in fig7 is divided into two parts . the circuitry which processes the signal y &# 39 ; to produce the signal y &# 34 ; is inside the dashed - line box , identified by the reference number 710 . signal horizontal interpolation circuitry 34 as set forth below in reference to fig9 . in fig7 the vertically interpolated luminance signal , y &# 39 ;, is applied to the input port of a demultiplexer 712 . the demultiplexer 712 applies the lines of samples of the signal y &# 39 ; alternately to 1h random access memories 714 and 716 . the signal controlling the demultiplexer 712 is generated by halving the frequency of the horizontal synchronization signal , hs , in the frequency dividing circuitry 732 . the output ports of the memories 714 and 716 are coupled to respective first and second input ports of a multiplexer 718 . the multiplexer 718 is controlled by the signal generated by the frequency divider 732 to provide samples from memory 714 when the demultiplexer 712 is conditioned to apply samples to the memory 716 and to provide samples from memory 716 when the demultiplexer 712 is conditioned to apply samples to the memory 714 . the samples provided by the multiplexer 718 are applied to a delay element 720 which is controlled by a gated clock signal provided by an and gate 764 as set forth below . the delay element 720 provides samples to a multiplier 724 and to a delay element 722 . the delay element 722 is also clocked by the gated clock signal provided by the and gate 764 . the samples provided by the delay element 722 are applied to a multiplier 726 . the multipliers 724 and 726 , which may , for example , be conventional 8 - bit × 8 - bit multipliers , scale the sample values provided by the respective delay elements 720 and 722 by interpolation factors 8k h and 8 ( 1 - k ) h provided by dividing circuits 776 and 774 , respectively . the scaled samples provided by the multiplying circuits 724 and 726 are summed in an adder 728 and divided by eight in sample value dividing circuitry 730 to produce samples representing the interpolated signal y &# 34 ;. the circuitry that controls the interpolating circuitry 710 also develops the address values used to access the memories 714 and 716 and the interpolation scale factors used by the multipliers 724 and 726 . each of the 1 h memories 714 and 716 is a random access memory . address values used to access the memory 714 are provided by a multiplexer 736 while address values used to access the memory 716 are provided by the multiplexer 734 . each of the multiplexers 734 and 736 are coupled to receive read address values at respective first input ports from a read address counter 738 and to receive write address values at respective second input ports from a write address counter 740 . the multiplexers 734 and 736 are conditioned by the signal provided by the frequency divider 732 to apply the write address values to the memory 714 or 716 , whichever one is coupled to receive video samples from the demultiplexer 712 , and to apply read address values to the other one of the memories 714 and 716 . the write address counter 740 may be , for example , a ten - bit counter which is clocked by the 4f c signal ck and which is reset by the horizontal synchronization signal , hs . the read address counter 738 may also be a ten - bit counter which is clocked by a gated version of the signal ck provided by an and gate 744 as set forth below . the counter 738 , used in this embodiment of the invention , is a presettable counter . the horizontal position value , hpos , provided via the viewer controls 24 is applied to the counter 738 as the preset value . this value is loaded into the counter 738 coincident with a pulse of the horizontal synchronization signal , hs , delayed by one period of the signal ck via the delay element 742 . the gated clock signal provided by the and gate 744 is the logical and of the clock signal ck and a signal adhold provided by a nand gate 746 . the signal adhold inhibits the read address counter 738 from incrementing when two successive interpolated samples are to be developed from a single pair of sample values of the signal y &# 39 ;. the circuitry which generates the signal adhold also generates the horizontal interpolation scale factors used to develop the signal y &# 34 ;. as a first step in developing these factors , the zoom ratio signal , zr , is applied to one input port of an adder 758 . the output port of the adder 758 is coupled to the input port of an eight - bit register 756 which is clocked by the signal ck . the output port of the register 756 is coupled to a second input port the adder 758 . the register 756 , which may , for example , include eight data - type flip - flops arranged as a parallel - input , parallel - output register , and the adder 758 form a modulo 256 accumulator . the four msb &# 39 ; s of the value provided by the register 256 are applied to the input port msb &# 39 ; s of a delay element 760 both directly and via the respective inverters 748 , 750 , 752 and 754 . the signal applied to the delay element 760 is an eight - bit signal . the four - bits provided by the inverters 748 through 754 are the four of this eight - bit signal and the four - bits provided by register 756 directly form the four lsb &# 39 ; s of the signal . the signal hmsb 0 , the most significant bit of the signal provided by the register 756 , and the signal hmsb 1 , the most significant bit of the signal provided by the delay element 760 , are applied to the nand gate 746 to generate the signal adhold . the signal adhold has a value of logic zero only when the signal hmsb 0 and hmsb 1 are both logic one . this occurs when the most significant bit of the value provided by the register 756 is a logic zero during one period of the signal ck and is a logic one during the next successive period of the signal ck . in this instance , two successive samples of the interpolated signal y &# 34 ; are developed from one pair of samples of the signal y &# 39 ;. alternatively , the signal adhold may be generated by inverting an overflow output signal ( not shown ) of the adder 758 and delaying this inverted output signal by two periods of the signal ck . in addition to selectively disabling the clock input signal to the read address counter 738 , the signal adhold is delayed by one period of the signal ck , via the delay element 762 , and applied to the input terminal of the and gate 764 . another input terminal of the and gate 764 is coupled to receive the clock signal ck . the signal provided by the and gate 764 cycles successive samples of the signal y &# 39 ; through the delay elements 720 and 722 for use by the interpolating multipliers 724 and 726 . when the same two values of the signal y &# 39 ; are used to develop two samples of the signal y &# 34 ;, the clock signal applied to the delay elements 720 and 722 is disabled for one period of the signal ck . the samples provided by the delay elements 720 and 722 are processed by the multipliers 724 and 726 as set forth above . to develop the horizontal interpolation scale factors , the values represented by the four lsb &# 39 ; s of the signal provided by the delay elements 760 are added , in an adder 770 , to a value of one supplied by a digital value source 772 . the signal developed by the adder 770 is applied to a divider 776 which divides it by two to produce the horizontal interpolation factor 8k h . this factor is applied to the interpolating multiplier 724 . similarly , the values represented by the four msb &# 39 ; s of the signal provided by the delay element 760 are added , in an adder 766 , to a value of one provided by a digital value source 768 . the values developed by the adder 766 are divided by two in the dividing circuitry 774 to produce the horizontal interpolation factor 8 ( 1 - k ) h . this factor is applied to the interpolating multiplier 726 . the operation of the interpolating multipliers 724 and 726 is set forth above . referring to fig1 the samples of the signal c provided by the luminance / chrominance separation circuitry 27 are applied to the chrominance vertical interpolator 32 . fig8 is a block diagram of circuitry suitable for use as the interpolator 32 . in fig8 the sampled data combed chrominance signal , c , provided by the separation circuitry 27 is applied to a vertical detail low - pass filter 810 . the filter 810 , which may , for example , have a frequency characteristic pass band from 0 h2 to 2 mhz passes the relatively low frequency luminance vertical detail components of the signal c to the substantial exclusion of any chrominance signal components . the filter 810 provides the vertical detail signal , vdet , which is used by the luminance signal vertical interpolation circuitry 28 as set forth above . the signal vdet is subtracted from the signal c * by the subtracter 812 to produce samples representing the chrominance band signal components of the comb filtered chrominance singal c . the signals developed by the substracter 812 are appled to selective chrominace singal inverting circuitry 813 . the circuitry 813 is controllled by the chrominance inversion signal , cinv , deeloped by the read address generator 22 as set forth above . the circuitry 813 acts to preserve the phase relationship between the clock signal ck and the i and q phases of the vertically interpolated chrominance signal when successive lines of interpolated samples are derived from one pair of lines of the signal c . the phase corrected chrominace samples provided by the inverting circuitry 813 are applied to a chrominance signal demodulator 814 . the demodulator 814 , which may be of conventional design , processes these samples to develop the two color difference signals i and q . the signal i is applied to a 1h delay element 816 and to a multiplier 818 . the 1h delayed i signal provided by the delay element 816 is applied to a multiplier 820 . the multiplexers 818 and 820 , which may be , for example , conventional 8 × 8 bit multipliers , scale the respective undelayed and delayed i signal sample values by the spective interpolation scale factors 8k v and 8 ( 1 - k ) v provided by the read address generator circuitry 22 as set forth above . the scaled samples provided by the multipliers 818 and 820 are summed in an adder 822 . the signal provided by the adder 822 is divided by eight in the dividing circuitry 824 to produce vertically interpolated lines of samples of a signal i &# 39 ; for application to the color difference signal horizontal interpolation circuitry 34 . the q color difference signals provided by the chrominance signal demodulator 814 are applied to circuitry which includes a 1h delay element 826 , interpolating multipliers 828 and 830 , an adder 832 and a sample value divider 834 . this circuitry develops the vertically interpolated color difference signal , q &# 39 ;. the q signal the i signal vertical interpolation circuitry performs identically to vertical interpolation circuitry described above ; consequently , it is not described in detail . using the chrominance signal vertical interpolation circuitry shown in fig8 samples of a color difference signal from one line of the input video signal , for example , samples of the signal i , may be simultaneously provided to both of the interpolating multipliers 818 and 820 . in this instance , which occurs for the second of two lines of samples interpolated from the same pair of lines of the input signal , the i &# 39 ; output signal of the interpolator 32 is the uninterpolated i signal . due to the relatively low sensitivity of the eye to changes in color , artifacts resulting from the use of these uninterpolated samples are not objectionable . moreover , because of the low sensitivity of the eye to changes in color , it is contemplated that the chrominance signal vertical interpolator circuitry 32 may be reduced to the vertical detail filter 810 , subtracter 812 , chrominance signal inverter 813 and chrominance signal demodulator 814 ; completely eliminating the 1h delay elements 816 and 826 , the multipliers 818 , 820 , 826 and 828 , the adders 822 and 832 and the sample value dividing circuits 824 and 834 , without seriously impairing the quality of the reproduced image . the vertically interpolated i and q color difference signals provided by the circuits 32 are applied to color difference signal horizontal interpolation circuitry 34 . fig9 is a block diagram showing circuitry suitable for use as the horizontal interpolation circuitry 34 . the circuitry 950 used to develop the interpolated q color difference signal is identical to the circuitry used to develop the interpolated i color difference signal and , so , the circuitry 950 is shown as a single block . the circuitry , 910 , used to develop the interpolated i color difference signal is , itself , identical to the circuitry 710 used to develop the horizontally interpolated luminance signals , accordingly , the circuitry 910 and the circuitry 950 are not described in detail . the horizontally and vertically interpolated color difference signals , i &# 34 ; and q &# 34 ;, provided by the respective circuits 910 and 950 may be applied , for example , to conventional color difference signal processing circuit ( not shown ) and combined with the signal y &# 34 ; to produce a magnified image .
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aqueous glycol - free heat transfer fluids provide efficient and cost effective heat transfer . the water - based heat transfer fluids are generally stable and nontoxic during operation of the heat exchanger . however , the aqueous heat transfer fluids come in contact with different parts of the heat exchanger , and may cause corrosion . therefore , a corrosion inhibitor or a composition of corrosion inhibitors is needed . advantageously , the corrosion inhibitor or the composition of corrosion inhibitors comprises only a small weight percentage of the glycol - free heat transfer fluids so that the deposit after a long operation can be minimized . the aqueous heat transfer fluids of the present invention may include sodium molybdate . sodium molybdate ( na 2 moo 4 ) is a member of molybdate . molybdate is a compound containing an oxoanion with molybdenum in its highest oxidation state of 6 . molybdenum can form a very large range of oxoanions . molybdate is thought to create a protective monomolecular film over internal surfaces of closed circulation in the heat exchanger as the aqueous glycol - free heat transfer fluid circulates . the film is an anodic coating which inhibits corrosive attack on the metal parts . the aqueous heat transfer fluids of the present invention may further include sebacic acid . sebacic acid ( hooc )( ch 2 ) 8 ( cooh ) is a naturally occurring member of dicarboxylic acid . organic acids , including mono - or dicarboxylic acids , have also been used as corrosion inhibitors , for example in automobile antifreeze / coolant formulations . the mono - or dicarboxylic acids are generally used in high concentrations , for example , u . s . pat . no . 4 , 946 , 616 describes a coolant composition including 2 - 5 . 5 % ( w / w ) of at least two c 7 - 14 dicarboxylic acids . the aqueous heat transfer fluids of the present invention may further include benzotriazole ( c 6 h 5 n 3 ). benzotriazole is mainly used as a corrosion inhibitor for copper and its alloys by preventing undesirable surface reactions . a passive layer with a complex between copper and benzotriazole is formed when copper is immersed in a solution containing benzotriazole . the passive layer is insoluble in aqueous solutions . the aqueous heat transfer fluids of the present invention may further include morpholine . morpholine is an organic chemical compound having the chemical formula o ( ch 2 ch 2 ) 2 nh . morpholine may be used for ph adjustment and corrosion protection . morpholine decomposes reasonably slowly in the absence of oxygen at high temperatures and pressures . the aqueous heat transfer fluids of the present invention may further include sodium nitrite . sodium nitrite is an effective corrosion inhibitor and is used as an additive in the closed loop cooling systems . alternatively , the heat transfer fluids of the present invention may contain sodium nitrite instead of sodium molybdate . numerous experiments were performed as the effectiveness of a corrosion inhibitor or a composition of corrosion inhibitors depends on fluid composition , quantity of water , and flow regime . in the following , some embodiments are described . the experimental setup includes an 800 ml glass beaker filled with 600 ml solution of heat transfer fluid containing corrosion inhibitors . the balance fluid in solution was deionized water . the formulations ( cci - 0 , cci - 1 , cci - 2 , cci - 3 , cci - 3 - 2 , cci - 3 - 3 , cci - 3 - 4 and cci - 4 - 2 ) added in the test were 2 . 4 ml , the dilution factor is therefore 1 : 250 . coupons were taken from can and tube side of the heater . the can side of the heat exchanger 110 , as shown in fig1 , is exposed to liquid phase of the heat transfer fluid , while the tube side 104 of heat exchanger is exposed to vapour phase of the heat transfer fluid . the can and tube coupons represent the exposure of heater metal to liquid and vapour phase , respectively . a flame arrestor was also placed in a solution to observe the effects on copper . the can side coupon was placed in liquid and the tube side coupon was held just above the liquid level to represent the vapour phase of the heater . the beaker was placed on a hot plate and a temperature around 80 - 90 ° c . was maintained to avoid any boiling . the top of the beaker was covered with a plastic wrap to minimize the loss of fluid due to evaporation . unless otherwise specified , all tests were conducted for 7 days . following formulations are prepared to test glycol - containing ( propylene glycol , pg ) and glycol - free compositions : test 1 : a heat transfer fluid including 10 % ( w / w ) propylene glycol , 0 . 08 % ( w / w ) triethanolamine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 * 2h 2 o_and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested . result : tube coupon was corroded , indicating that triethanolamine was not protecting the vapor phase . triethanolamine was replaced with morpholine in formulation . morpholine was further added to adjust the ph of the solution to 9 . 0 - 10 . 0 . test 2 : a heat transfer fluid including 10 % ( w / w ) propylene glycol , including 0 . 41 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 . 2h 2 o_and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 28 days . test 3 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 . 2h 2 o_and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid were tested for 28 days . test 4 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 0013 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 * 2h 2 o_and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 28 days . test 5 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 . 2h 2 o_and 0 . 002 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 28 days . test 6 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 . 2h 2 o_and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 28 days . test 7 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) nano 2 and 0 . 004 ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 28 days and 56 days , respectively . result : insignificant corrosion on tube coupon was observed , solution was slightly hazy . test 8 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 002 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 035 % ( w / w ) nano 2 and 0 . 002 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 28 days . result : slight corrosion on tube coupon was observed , solution was slightly hazy . test 9 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 006 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 . 2h 2 o_ , and 0 . 006 % ( w / w ) nano 2 and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid were tested for 28 days . result : insignificant corrosion on tube coupon was observed , solution was slightly hazy . test 10 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 * 2h 2 o , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , was tested for 28 days . result : slight corrosion on tube coupon was observed , solution was slightly hazy . test 11 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 * 2h 2 o_and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 56 days . test 12 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid , including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) nano 2 and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 56 days . test 13 : a glycol - free heat transfer fluid , including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 006 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 . 2h 2 o , 0 . 006 % ( w / w ) na 2 no 2 and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 56 days . result : increased corrosion was observed when comparing to tests 11 and 12 . test 14 : a heat transfer fluid with 10 % ( w / w ) propylene glycol , including 0 . 33 % ( w / w ) morpholine , 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) benzotriazole , 0 . 012 % ( w / w ) na 2 moo 4 . 2h 2 o_and 0 . 004 % ( w / w ) sebacic acid was tested for 56 days . tests 11 - 13 indicate that glycol - free heat transfer fluid containing na 2 moo 4 . 2h 2 o and / or nano 2 produced the best results for water based heat transfer fluid . test 15 : the long term performance of the aqueous glycol - free heat transfer fluid was tested in an explosion - proof heater under elevated ambient conditions for 3 to 6 months . the compositions used are as follows : 800 mg / l ( 0 . 08 ( w / w ) %) morpholine , 40 mg / l ( 0 . 004 ( w / w ) %) benzotriazole , 120 - 192 mg / l ( 0 . 012 - 0 . 0192 ( w / w ) %) na 2 moo 4 . 2h 2 o , 40 mg / l ( 0 . 004 ( w / w ) %) sebacic acid , and 2 . 5 ml / l ( 0 . 25 ( v / v ) %) morpholine to adjust ph between 9 and 10 . the aqueous glycol - free heat transfer fluid performed very well . no visible sign of corrosion was observed . inductively coupled plasma ( icp ) analysis indicates molybdenum deposition on steel , forming a protective layer and a very low rate of corrosion . based on 4 . 5 l of the aqueous glycol - free heat transfer fluids used in tests 6 and 11 , after evaporation the amount of solids remains at 0 . 33 to 0 . 5 g . by comparison , 57 g - 90 g solids remain after evaporation of 4 . 5 l of 2 % di - potassium phosphate ( k 2 hpo 4 ). this result shows that the solids were about 100 - 200 times less than prior art glycol based heat transfer fluid with di - potassium phosphate as an inhibitor . the amount remaining as solids clearly indicates that the aqueous glycol - free heat transfer fluids of the present invention reduces the risk of obstructing the pressure relieve valve . furthermore , due to faster formation of vapour phase , the aqueous glycol - free heat transfer fluids provide faster start - up of the electric heater , and will eliminate any possible fire hazard due to the absence of glycol and its decomposition products . the heat transfer fluid of the present invention can also be used both under vacuum and no vacuum . heaters and heat exchangers are initially under vacuum , however , in field condition vacuum may be lost . corrosion inhibitors are more in need when vacuum is lost . while the patent disclosure is described in conjunction with the specific embodiments , it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the patent disclosure to the described embodiments . on the contrary , it is intended to cover alternatives , modifications , and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the patent disclosure as defined by the appended claims . in the above description , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present patent disclosure . the present patent disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details . in other instances , well - known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present patent disclosure . the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the patent disclosure . as used herein , the singular forms “ a ”, “ an ” and “ the ” are intended to include the plural forms as well , unless the context clearly indicates otherwise . it will be further understood that the terms “ comprises ” or “ comprising ”, or both 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 .
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the following examples will further illustrate the present invention , however these examples are merely illustrative purposes , and should not be construed as limiting embodiment of the present invention . relevant studies of nat2 , cyp2e1 , and gstm1 snps - and anti - tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity in taiwan analysis of the correlation between snp and tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity based on the genotype test results obtained from more than 300 patients with tuberculosis and clinical data , we further identified 7 nat2 snps which showed significant correlation with tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity by using 2 × 2 and 2 × 3 chi square test , which 2 additional snps that showed significant correlation . the result indicated if the tb patients carry any one of the 7 nat2 snps , their risk of developing tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity was 1 . 8 - fold to 10 . 3 fold higher than those do not carry any of the 7 snps . these nat2 snps are rs1779931 ( homozygous , odd ratio = 10 . 294 , p = 0 . 009 ), rs1799930 ( heterozygous + homozygous , odd ratio = 1 . 824 , p = 0 . 042 ), rs11996129 ( heterozygous + homozygous , odd ratio = 1 . 897 , p = 0 . 030 ), rs1961456 ( homozygous , odd ratio = 3 . 333 , p = 0 . 004 ), rs1112005 ( heterozygous + homozygous , odd ratio = 1 . 824 , p = 0 . 042 ), rs1041983 ( homozygous , odd ratio = 2 . 175 , p = 0 . 047 ) and rs2087852 ( hetero + homozygous , odd ratio = 2 . 076 , p = 0 . 014 ). the correlation between cyp2e1 snp and anti - tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity or gstm1 snp and anti - tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity are not significant ( table 1 and table 2 ). the heterozygous alleles shown in the table are not in order . for example , there is no difference between the ga and ag genotype of rs1799931 and both are presented in ga , same for other snps . the heterozygous alleles shown in the table are not in order . for example , there is no difference between the ga and ag genotype of rs1799931 and both are presented in ga , same for other snps . evaluation of the effects of the nat2 haplotypes on hepatic side effects by multi - point methods perform multi - points analysis on the 7 high - risk nat2 haplotypes to further evaluate the effect of the combinations on high hepatic side effects . we tried to conduct statistical test on 2 to 4 snps haplotypes and have identified at least 8 kind of combinations will significantly increase the risk of hepatotoxicity induced by anti - tb drug , the highest odds ratio up to 4 . 1 fold ( p & lt ; 0 . 001 ) ( see table 3 ). among combination between two nat2 snps , patients who carry any two or more points variability of rs1961456 or rs1799931 ( both are heterozygous or at least one is homozygous , or both ) can be defined as the high - risk group of tb - induced hepatotoxicity , which account for about 26 % of the proportion of all patients ; in the high - risk group the ratio of patients who developed hepatotoxical side effect was 36 % ( 29 out of 81 cases developed hepatotoxicity ), which is 3 - fold of the low - risk population prevalence of ratio of 12 %, was significantly higher and the risk of these patients was 4 . 1 - fold of the low - risk group ( p & lt ; 0 . 001 ). the two snp combination also has a significant impact for rs1961456 and rs1041983 , and the ratio of their high - risk group was 20 % and the incidence of hepatotoxicity for the high - and low - risk group was 35 % and 14 %, respectively , and the odd ratio of the high - risk group for developing hepatotoxicity was 3 . 26 fold of the low - risk group ( p & lt ; 0 . 001 ). with a high - risk portfolio rs1961456 and rs2087852 , the proportion of high risk group was 12 %, the incidence of hepatotoxicity for the high - and low - risk group was 37 % and 16 %, respectively , and its odd ratio was 3 . 17 fold of the low - risk group ( p & lt ; 0 . 001 ). among the arrangement of three nat2 snp , we found the high - risk group carrying rs1961456 , rs1799931 and rs2087852 had the highest odds ratio ( odds ratio = 3 . 938 , p & lt ; 0 . 001 ). the proportion in the high - risk group was 27 %. the incidence of hepatotoxicity for the high - and low - risk group was 35 % and 12 %, respectively . followed combination of rs1961456 , rs1799931 and rs1041983 , and the percentage of the number of patients in the high - risk group of this combination was 29 %, the incidence of hepatotoxicity for the high - and low - risk group was 34 % and 12 %, respectively , and the odd ratios of developing hepatotoxicity for the high - risk group was 3 . 84 fold of the low - risk group ( p & lt ; 0 . 001 ). among the arrangement of 4 nat2 snps , the combination of rs1961456 * rs1799931 * rs2087852 * rs1041983 was most representative the proportion of high - risk group was 29 %, the incidence of hepatotoxicity for the high - and low - risk group was 33 % and 12 %, respectively , and the odd ratio of developing hepatotoxicity for the high - risk group was 3 . 692 fold of the low - risk group ( p & lt ; 0 . 001 ). though theoretically 37 combinations may be generated based on different arrangements of the 7 nat2 high - risk snp haplotypes , linkage disequilibrium ( ld ) between the haplotypes may significantly reduce and affect the number of combinations . moreover , from the results , the combination of 4 snps ( rs1961456 * rs1799931 * rs2087852 * rs1041983 ) or 3 snps ( rs1961456 * rs1799931 * rs1041983 ) both showed the highest estimated number of patients in the high - risk group ( both were above 29 % of the total number of patients ) and the highest number of cases that developed hepatotoxicity ( 30 high - risk cases out of the total 56 cases ), but the combination of rs1961456 * rs1799931 showed the most significant difference in the incidence between the high - and low - risk groups ( 12 % vs . 36 %, odd ratio = 4 . 131 ), in addition , only gene polymorphisms of two loci are required , which offers competitive advantages in clinical application or development of rapid test chip or reagents , suggesting combinations of these two snps are the best representations for predicting the risk of antitb drug - induced hepatotoxicity and also practicable . validation of the risk of hepatotoxical side effect in tb patients with the combinations of high - risk haplotypes in a prospective trial based on the aforementioned research results , we performed clinical follow - ups in a prospective trial and enrolled newly diagnosed tb patients and those patients who just started or re - started the treatment , the number of tb patients enrolled were 61 and the gene analysis of 59 patients had been completed . however , only 55 patients were analyzed after exclusion of those who had hepatitis b or who were hepatitis c carriers or who had more than half of the total snp no call number , among which 4 cases were determined to have tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity . after haplotype analysis , the subjects can be divided into the high - risk group and the low - risk group and the number of each haplotype as well as the number of patients who developed hepatotoxicity are shown in table 4 . based on the results obtained by far , the combination of snp rs1961456 * rs1799931 is quite representative in predicting tb - drug induced hepatotoxicity for the high - risk tb patients . after haplotype analysis , 16 cases of the high - risk group of rs1961456 * rs1799931 were found among the subjects who were subjected to analysis , accounting for 30 % of the total enrolled number of subjects and among which 4 cases were determined to be the patients with tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity , 3 cases were in the high - risk group of rs1961456 * rs1799931 and the incidence of hepatotoxicity for the high - risk group was 18 . 8 % ( 3 / 13 ), which is significantly higher than 2 . 7 % ( 1 / 37 ) of the low - risk group ; its risk ratio was 8 . 31 fold ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ) of the low - risk group . the results of this prospective trial confirmed the results of past retrospective analysis and indicated if the tb patients carry the combination of high - risk rs1961456 * rs1799931 haplotypes , their risk of developing hepatotoxicity increased significantly , 8 . 3 fold higher than the low - risk group and the ratio of patients developing hepatotoxicity increased from 2 . 7 % for the low - risk group to 18 . 8 %. according to the analyses conducted in the past , the number of tb patients who belong to this high - risk group is roughly 30 % of the total number of patients . in addition to the combination of rs1961456 * rs1799931 , from the results of this prospective trial , we also found the high - risk combinations of rs1799931 * rs2087852 or rs1799931 * rs11996129 will significantly increase the risk of hepatotoxicity for more than 10 fold ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ), which is a combination that was not found in the past analysis . among which , 14 cases carry the high - risk haplotype of rs1799931 * rs2087852 , accounting for 27 % of the total enrolled subjects and 3 cases developed hepatotoxicity , the incidence was 21 . 4 % ( 3 / 14 ), which is significantly higher than 2 . 6 % ( 1 / 38 ) of the low - risk group . 13 cases carry the high - risk haplotype of rs1799931 * rs11996129 , accounting for 26 % of the total enrolled subjects and 3 cases developed hepatotoxicity , the incidence was 23 . 1 % ( 3 / 13 ) which is also significantly higher than 2 . 7 % ( 1 / 37 ). this result indicates the combination of rs1799931 and rs2087852 or rs1799931 and rs11996129 are associated with the incidence of hepatotoxicity . however , the statistical analysis of the 400 + cases collected in the past failed to confirm such correlation , indicating the variation of the results may be higher due to lower number of enrolled subjects and lower incidence of hepatotoxicity . in the future , increased number of enrolled subjects will be helpful for validating the prediction capability of this combination . nevertheless , based on the obtained results , patients who carry the high - risk haplotypes of rs1961456 * rs1799931 have a higher risk of developing hepatotoxicity when receiving the first - line anti - tb drug treatment such as isoniazid and detection of this nat2 haplotype during the treatment process will help the clinicians monitor the treatment progress of patients , reduce poor obedience or discontinued use of medications caused by side effects , and improve the control rate for tb . evaluation of the effect of hepatotoxical side effect in patients carry high - risk haplotype by quantitative indicators serum aminotransferases variation of the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase ( ast ) and alanine aminotransferase ( alt ) in the tb patients before and after drug administration were further assessed and we found a total of 4 kinds of snps , combination of high - risk groups , significant increase of the serum aminotransferase concentrations in these patients were observed and said increase is significantly different when compared with the low - risk group : rs1961456 * rs1799931 , rs1799931 * rs2087852 , rs1799931 * rs1041983 and rs1799931 * rs11996129 . among them , the mean of peak values of the changes in the serum alt in the patients who carry the high - risk haplotype of rs1961456 * rs1799931 was significantly higher than the low - risk group ( 43 . 7 ± 23 vs . 29 ± 18 , p & lt ; 0 . 05 ); as for the high - risk group that carry rs1799931 * rs1041983 or rs1799931 * rs11996129 the mean of peak values of the changes in the serum ast in the patients was significantly higher than the low - risk group . the means of peak values of the changes in the serum alt and ast in the patients who carry the high - risk haplotype of rs1799931 * rs2087852 were significantly higher than the low - risk group . these statistical results and the changes in the serum alt and ast levels of the patients who developed hepatotoxicity may due to skewed distribution , but previous studies have suggested that variations of the nat2 haplotypes may be used as a substitution indicator for the activity of metabolic enzymes . different enzymatic activities of the high - risk group may affect the development of hepatotoxicity through changing drug metabolism . in addition , alt ( alanine aminotransferase ) is more specific when used for evaluation liver injury than ast . therefore , tb patients who carry the high - risk haplotype of rs1961456 * rs1799931 or rs1799931 * rs2087852 showed a more significant increase in the alt level when compared with the low - risk group and hepatotoxicity was more common in this group of patients . the analysis of the allele frequency of 5 snps of xanthine oxidase of 205 subjects were completed . some genotype analyses of the samples were not obtained due to poor dna quality , among which the allele frequency of rs1884725 and 2295475 and the distribution of wild - type / mutant allele was 66 . 3 / 33 . 6 and 41 . 5 / 58 . 5 percent , respectively ; genotype distribution was 66 . 3 % and 41 . 5 % for wildtype , 30 . 2 % and 44 . 4 % for heterozygous mutant , and 3 . 4 % and 14 . 1 % for homozygous mutant ; for rs17011368 , the distribution of wild - type / mutant allele was 92 . 2 / 7 . 8 percent , genotype distribution was 92 . 2 % for wildtype and 7 . 8 % for heterozygous mutant . no homozygote genotype was found in the samples ; in addition , for the analysis of allele frequency of rs566352 and rs72549369 , only the wildtype genotypes were found in these samples and no mutant genotype ( table 4 ) was identified . for the test on different genotypes of xanthine oxidase and pza drug - induced hepatotoxicity , analyses of the gene samples from 119 tb patients and the results of 5 snps of xo were obtained . the 3 snp variation , rs1884725 , rs2295475 and rs17011368 , the odds ratio of snp to pza drug - induced hepatotoxicity and snp rs2295475 to pza drug - induced hepatotoxicity ( odds ratio ) was 11 . 335 ( p = 0 . 000 ) and 14 . 883 ( p = 0 . 000 ), respectively ( table 5 ). the heterozygous alleles shown in the table are not in order . for example , there is no difference between the ga and ag genotype of rs1799931 and both are presented in ga , same for other snps . the number of enrolled tb patients was increased to more than 400 cases and their genotype test results as well as clinical data were used for analysis . in the analysis of the correlation between snp and tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity , we found the results are consistent with past analysis ( see table 6 for details ). the heterozygous alleles shown in the table are not in order . for example , there is no difference between the ga and ag genotype of rs1799931 and both are presented in ga , same for other snps . based on the examples 1 - 6 mentioned above , we further analyzed any two or three snp genotype combinations of the three metabolic enzymes nat2 , cyp2e1 and xanthine oxidase to identify the best haplotype combination for predicting the risk of hepatotoxicity . see table 7 and table 8 for the results . twenty - one healthy subjects were enrolled and a single dose of a known substrate of nat2 , isoniazid ( inh ), was given orally and blood samples were collected at 0 . 25 , 0 . 5 , 0 . 75 , 1 , 1 . 5 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 12 and 24 hours after administration to measure the concentration of the metabolite of inh , acetyl isoniazid ( ainh ), in the blood after nat2 metabolism and the ratio of blood ainh level to inh level of each subject was used to calculate the in vivo metabolic activity of nat2 for representation of the possible pharmacological effect ( s ) of the drug . the results ( table 9 ) suggest that the high - and low - risk grouping of the multiple genotype combinations is correlated to the pharmacological effect ( s ) of nat2 . this finding demonstrates the haplotype combinations disclosed in this invention , which not only can be used for predicting anti - tb drug - induced hepatotoxicity but also can be applied for reasonable prediction of the relationship between other drugs that are related to the pharmacological effect ( s ) of the haplotype combination of the enzymes and diseases . for example , drugs that are metabolized by nat2 : sulfamethazine , sulphonamides , hydralazine , aminoglutethimide , aminosalicylate sodium , p - anisidine , 2 - aminofluorene , sulfadiazine , sulfasalazine , procainamide , dapsone , nitrazepam , hydralazine , zonisamide and isoniazid ; drugs that are metabolized by xanthine oxidase : azathioprine , mercaptopurine , theophylline , pyrazinamide and so on ; drugs that are metabolized by cyp2e1 : halothane , enflurane , isoflurane , paracetamol , dapsone , theophylline , ethanol , chlorzoxazone , toluene , isoniazid and so on . in addition to the correlation with hepatotoxicity , 124 subjects were enrolled and the concentration of uric acid in their urine samples were analyzed . we further found the correlation between xo snp and metabolism of uric acid in vivo . subjects who have xo snp rs1884725 as ga or aa genotype and / or rs2295475 as ga or aa genotype showed higher in vivo uric acid concentration . this result can be further applied in prediction of the risk of the diseases relating to metabolism of uric acid , such as gout and prediction of the incidence of high uric acid and its related diseases after administration of the drugs that are known to affect the concentration of uric acid . the representations of the heterozygous alleles are not in order , for example , the ga and ag genotypes of rs1799931 are both represented in ag , same for other snps . the snp genotype of the target gene used in the method for screening the risk of drug - induced toxicity disclosed in the aforementioned examples can be tested by known industry methods ; the methods for analysis , detection , measurement , identification and / or confirmation of the snp genotype of the target gene are well - known in the industry , including but not limited to , at least one of the following methods : restriction fragment length polymorphism ( rflp ), tetra - primer arms - pcr , pcr molecular beacons , snp microarrays , temperature gradient gel electrophoresis and denaturing high performance liquid chromatography . the foregoing detailed description of the invention and the specific examples are provided herein for the purpose of illustration only , and the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments shown . it should be understood that any changes or modifications within the spirit of the invention shall be included in the scope of present invention .
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the anchor shown in the drawings is comprised of two closed bodies 1 and 2 which are fastened to each other in two or more places . these bodies are preferably cylindrical but may also be of a different shape provided the requirement is fulfilled that it can withstand the external water pressure at the depth at which it is used . the bodies 1 and 2 are manufactured from prestressed concrete , reinforced or not , or from other material of sufficient strength and weight . each body is subdivided into three compartments by entirely or partly closed partition walls 3 . these compartments are marked with a1 , b1 and c1 for body 1 and with a2 , b2 and c2 for body 2 . the anchor &# 39 ; s own weight is about 90 % of the weight of the water displaced when it is entirely submerged , so that the anchor may be towed afloat to the working area . the two bodies are afloat side by side so that a stable vessel is realized ( fig2 ). all compartments or a certain number of them are supplied with means 4 to fill them with water at the desired moment or with any other material suitable for ballast , such as sand , gravel , fluid concrete , etc . one of the connecting constructions 5 of the bodies 1 and 2 of the anchor may be utilized to fasten an anchor cable or anchor chain 6 to the anchor . moreover , at the exterior of the anchor , means 7 are provided in order to moor , to tow , etc . the floating anchor as well as to control the anchor while sinking by means of a non - shown floating lifting device and other vessels . ( a ) if a soil examination should prove that the bottom consists of stiff layers , such as sand and rock , or that the bottom is covered with a soft layer having relatively little depth , such as mud , the anchor is placed flatly upon the bottom of the ocean ( fig3 ). ( b ) if a soil examination should prove that a thick soft layer , such as mud , is present , the anchor is sunk into this layer perpendicularly , i . e . with the center line upright ( fig4 ). the determination of the distance from the lower end of the anchor to the fastening point of the anchor cable is dependent on the dimensions and weight of the anchor and on the mechanical properties of the soil on the bottom . since the fastening point will disappear deep down into the bottom , it will be necessary to fasten the anchor cable 6 beforehand to one of the connecting constructions 5 or to another point . the sinking of the anchor takes place as follows : ( a ) for a final position as in fig3 see fig5 . a . 1 . both ends of body 1 of the floating anchor are connected with the lifting cables 8 of a floating crane . a . 2 . by means of the floating crane , the cables 8 are stressed . a . 3 . water is allowed to flow into body 2 , for instance into compartment b2 , until the floating power of the anchor becomes negative . when the maximum lifting power of the crane amounts to for instance 25 tons , the negative floating power should remain under this value . body 2 is now below body 1 . a . 4 . from the floating crane , the anchor is paid out until body 2 reaches the bottom of the ocean . a . 6 . the floating crane is shifted in a direction away from the structure to be moored so that the lifting cables 8 will make an angle with the vertical and body 1 will no longer be perpendicularly above body 2 . a . 7 . water is allowed to flow into compartment b1 , as a result of which the tilting motion of the anchor is intensified while the lifting cables are further eased off . a . 8 . the anchor is lying as shown in fig3 so that the connection with the crane may be disconnected , after which the bodies 1 and 2 are entirely filled with water and / or other ballasting material until the required anchor weight is obtained . by the action mentioned at sub a . 6 the anchor cable 6 is made to lie across body 2 . ( b ) for a final position as in fig4 see fig6 . b . 1 . an end of each of the bodies 1 and 2 of the floating anchor is connected with the hook of a floating crane by means of lifting cables 8 of equal length . b . 2 . by means of the crane , the lifting cables 8 are stressed . b . 3 . into compartments a1 and a2 about equal quantities of water are allowed to flow , as a result of which the anchor will assume an upright position and the floating power of the anchor will become negative . when , for instance , the maximum lifting power of the crane amounts to 25 tons , the negative floating power should remain under that value . if an equal quantity of water is allowed to flow into the compartments a1 and a2 , the anchor will be suspended in a precisely vertical position . b . 4 . from the floating crane the anchor is paid out until it touches the soft layer on the bottom and then sinks therein . b . 5 . simultaneously with a slow easing off of the lifting cables 8 so as to prevent the crane from becoming overloaded , the compartments a1 and a2 are filled entirely , then b1 and b2 and , finally c1 and c2 . due to the increasing weight and the anchor &# 39 ; s centre of gravity , which centre is low at first , the anchor will sink perpendicularly into the soft layer . when the bodies 1 and 2 do not possess partition walls 3 , it is possible to raise one end of the anchor somewhat by means of the lifting device , as a result of which the ballast water let in will gather near the lower end of the anchor and the anchor will likewise assume a vertical position . at what depth the anchor will sink into the bottom , dependent on the properties of that bottom and on weight and dimensions of the anchor ; at what distance from the lower end the anchor cable 6 should be fastened so as to provide the maximum anchoring force ; and to what extent this anchoring force may be increased without causing the anchor to be displaced . according to the invention , the required ballast density for the anchor is dependent on the anchoring force to be provided , on the mechanical properties of the soil layer in or upon which the anchor is situated , as well as on the weight and dimensions of the anchor . when the anchor is applied in a horizontal position according to fig3 it may be useful , with bottoms having certain characteristics , for the bodies 1 and 2 to be supplied with projections 9 at their lower side for the purpose of increasing the friction force between the bottom and the anchor . these projections are shown in the drawing in fig2 and 3 . with both applications , the partition walls 3 need not be entirely closed . it is possible , for instance , that the partition walls do not fully continue at the upper end as seen in a lying position of the anchor . in that case , too , it will be possible to realize an inclined or vertical position . once the anchor is vertically afloat , the ballast water will remain at the bottom . besides , not fully closed partition walls have the advantage that it will not be necessary for all compartments to have their own ballasting connection 4 . also , ballasting with heavier materials , such as sand , gravel and fluid concrete , will be easier if these materials can flow from one compartment into the other . once the anchor has been placed upon or in the bottom , the partition walls no longer have a function .
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a copying machine which employs a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to fig1 to 7 . fig1 shows the main part of a two - color copying machine incorporating the developing device of this embodiment . reference numeral 1 denotes a photosensitive drum as an image carrier which is disposed substantially at the center of the copying machine housing and which can be rotated clockwise . the photosensitive drum 1 has a diameter of 78 mm . a charging device 2 , an exposure device 3 , a two - color developing device 4 ( to be described later ), a transfer device 5 , a separating device 6 , a cleaning device 7 and an afterimage erasing device 8 are sequentially arranged around the photosensitive drum 1 along the rotational direction thereof . a sheet p automatically fed from a paper feed cassette ( not shown ) or a manually fed sheet p is guided by a paper convey path 10 to an exhaust tray ( not shown ) through an image transfer section 9 formed between the drum 1 and the device 5 . the path 10 is formed at the lower portion of the housing . a pair of aligning rollers 11 are located at an upstream side of the section 9 in the path 10 , and a fixing device ( not shown ) and a pair of exhaust rollers are located at the downstream side thereof . the drum 1 is rotated by a drive mechanism ( not shown ) in synchronism with a document table ( not shown ) in the direction of the arrow ( clockwise in fig1 ). the drum 1 is uniformly charged by the device 2 , and an image of a document placed on the document table is exposed by the device 3 and is formed on the drum 1 . a latent image corresponding to the document image is thus formed on the drum 1 . the latent image on the drum 1 is developed by the device 4 , and a visible image opposes the device 5 . on the other hand , the automatically or manually fed sheet p is fed by the rollers 11 to the section 9 through the path 10 . the visible image formed on the drum 1 is transferred by the device 5 onto the sheet p . the image transferred sheet is separated by an ac corona charge of the device 6 from the drum 1 . the separated sheet is fed to the fixing device through the path 10 . the visible image is melted and fixed on the sheet p . the resultant sheet is exhausted by the pair of exhaust rollers onto the exhaust tray . on the other hand , residual toner left on the drum 1 after the visible image is transferred onto the sheet p is cleaned by the device 7 . after cleaning , the surface potential of the drum 1 is lowered by the device 8 below a predetermined level . the copying machine is thus ready for the next copying cycle . the developing device 4 has a first developing roller 20 as a first developing member and a second developing roller 21 as a second developing member . the developing rollers 20 and 21 are selectively driven to develop the latent image with a black or red toner . the developing device 4 is divided into a first developing unit 22 including the roller 20 and a second developing unit 23 including the roller 21 . the upper unit 22 uses a red developing agent da which is not frequently used . the lower unit 23 uses a black developing agent db which is frequently used . the developing agents da and db respectively comprise two - component developing agents each consisting of a toner and a carrier . as shown in fig2 and 3 , the unit 22 using the agent da is mainly divided into a first developing mechanism 24 and a first development agent stirring mechanism 25 . the unit 22 comprises : the roller 20 , a first doctor blade 27 arranged at a sliding contact portion between a developing agent magnetic brush da &# 39 ; formed on the surface of the roller 20 and the drum 1 , i . e ., at the upstream of a developing position 26 , so as to adjust the thickness of the brush da &# 39 ;; a scraper 29 arranged at the downstream of the position 26 to scrap the brush da &# 39 ; on the surface of the roller 20 and to guide the scraped developing agent to a developing agent hopper 28 ; stirring members 30 arranged in the hopper 28 ; and a casing 31 for housing the above - mentioned members of the unit 22 . the roller 20 comprises a first magnetic roll 32 and a first sleeve 33 fitted around the roll 32 to be rotatable clockwise . the roll 32 has five magnetic poles 34a to 34e . the poles 34a , 34c and 34e are north poles , and the poles 34b and 34d are south poles , respectively . the poles 34a to 34e are arranged at equal angular intervals of about 50 to 70 degrees . the pole 34c opposing the position 26 has a magnetic force of 700 to 1 , 000 gauss , and the remaining poles 34a , 34b , 34d and 34e have a magnetic force of 300 to 600 gauss . in the unit 22 , the sleeve 33 is rotated clockwise by a first driving mechanism 35a , i . e ., in the so - called &# 34 ; against &# 34 ; mode . the brush da &# 39 ; held on the surface of the sleeve 33 is rotated in a direction opposite to that of the drum 1 and is in sliding contact with the drum 1 , so that the latent image formed on the drum 1 is developed . in this manner , since the first rotational sleeve 33 is rotated in the &# 34 ; against &# 34 ; mode , the diameter of the roller 20 can be decreased , and a space from the position 26 to the section 9 can be minimized . as a result , a compact copying machine can be obtained . since the diameter of the drum 1 is 78 mm in this embodiment , the distance between the position 26 and the section 9 is only about 122 mm along the drum circumference . in order to increase the distance between the position 26 and the section 9 , the sizes of the devices 2 and 7 must be further decreased but there are limits . based on the above assumptions , the present inventors found that a compact copying machine could be obtained when the diameter of the roller 20 was 40 mm or less . they also found that the heights of the units 22 and 23 were required to be 120 mm or less when the drum diameter was 78 mm . in other words , the units 22 and 23 must have a low profile . for this purpose , a low - profile &# 34 ; against &# 34 ; mode developing device , available at low cost and having a small number of poles , is normally used . in this particular , the unit 22 as the upper developing unit has an opening facing downward , so that the agent da leaks when the unit 22 is operated in the &# 34 ; with &# 34 ; mode wherein the agent da flows downward . it is advantageous that the unit 22 be operated in the &# 34 ; against &# 34 ; mode . in the unit 22 , the brush da &# 39 ; on the sleeve 33 will not be removed by a developing agent removal mechanism 35 . the mechanism 35 comprises the first drive mechanism 35a , as shown in fig3 . the mechanism 35a serving as the mechanism 35 causes the sleeve 33 to rotate counterclockwise ( in a direction opposite to that during development ). in this manner , the mechanism 35 is simple and low cost . the sleeve 33 is rotated in the reverse direction at the end of copying , so that the agent da is fed in the reverse direction . the agent da on the sleeve 33 is therefore stored between the blade 27 and the scraper 29 , as shown in fig3 . when the pole unit comprises 5 poles , the developing agent da can be effectively fed or stopped as far as the first pole ( feed pole ) 34a is separated from the fifth pole ( feed pole ) 34e . therefore , the number of poles is preferably 5 or less . a thin elastic member ( not shown ) of myler ( tradename ) is mounted on the scraper 29 such that its distal end is in contact with the sleeve 33 . the feed prevention effect for the agent da is improved by the thin elastic member . reverse rotation of the sleeve 33 , that is , removal of the brush da &# 39 ; is performed in accidental stoppage of the copying machine as well as upon completion of development ( i . e ., the end of copying ). assume that the power switch is accidentally turned off or the sheet is jammed . when the power switch is turned on again or the sheet is removed , the optical system of the device 3 restores the initial state . at the same time , the sleeve 33 is rotated in the reverse direction . in this manner , when the &# 34 ; copy enable &# 34 ; state , i . e ., the ready state is set , the agent da is not present at least near the position 26 on the sleeve 33 . when the sleeve 33 comprises a compact sleeve which has a diameter of about 40 mm or less , the rotational direction of the sleeve 33 is reversed as described above . for this purpose , however , the roll 32 can be rotated by a drive source such as a solenoid so that the pole 34a opposes the blade 27 of a nonmagnetic member . as shown in fig4 and 5 , the unit 23 using the black developing agent db is mainly divided into a second developing mechanism 36 and a second developing agent stirring mechanism 37 . the unit 23 comprises : the second developing roller 21 , a second doctor blade 39 arranged at a sliding contact portion between a developing agent magnetic brush db &# 39 ; formed on the surface of the roller 21 and the drum 1 , i . e ., at the upstream of a developing position 38 so as to adjust the thickness of the brush db &# 39 ;; a guide 41 for guiding the agent db removed by the blade 39 to a developing agent hopper 40 ; a developing agent stirring member 42 arranged in the hopper 40 ; and a casing 43 for housing the above - mentioned components of the unit 23 . the roller 21 comprises a second magnetic roll 44 and a second rotational sleeve 45 fitted around the roll 44 and rotated counterclockwise . in the unit 23 , the roller 21 has a larger diameter than that of the roller 20 to achieve high - speed development . at the same time , the sleeve 45 is rotated by a second driving mechanism 35b counterclockwise , i . e ., in the &# 34 ; with &# 34 ; mode . the brush db &# 39 ; held on the surface of the roller 20 is rotated to follow the rotational direction of the drum 1 and is brought into sliding contact with the latent image on the drum . a long development time can be guaranteed , and at the same time , a latent image of top quality can be developed . the roll 44 has six magnetic poles 45a to 45f , one more than for the roller 20 . the poles 45b , 45d and 45f are north poles , and the poles 45a , 45c and 45e are south poles . the poles 45a to 45f are arranged at equal angular intervals of about 50 to 60 degree . the pole 45d opposing the position 38 has a magnetic force of 800 to 1 , 000 gauss , and the poles 45a , 45b , 45c , 45e and 45f have a magnetic force of 400 to 600 gauss . in the unit 23 , the brush db &# 39 ; formed on the sleeve 45 is removed by a developing agent removal mechanism 46 . as shown in fig4 and 5 , the mechanism 46 comprises a blade 47 of an elastic member such as urethane rubber and a blade moving mechanism 48 for horizontally moving the blade 47 . the mechanism 46 causes the blade 47 to abut against the surface of the sleeve 45 to prevent the agent db from being fed to the position 38 . the mechanism 48 is arranged such that a rack 51 mounted on a slider 50 integral with a blade holder 49 is meshed with a pinion 53 driven by a motor 52 . when the motor 52 is rotated in the forward or reverse direction , the slider 50 is moved forward or backward . the blade 47 is brought into contact with the surface of the sleeve 45 , as shown in fig5 and separated therefrom , as shown in fig4 . the contact position of the blade 47 with respect to the sleeve 45 is located between the preset position of the blade 39 and the preset position of the pole 45b for the following reason . in order to effectively remove the brush db &# 39 ;, the best contact position of the blade 47 is a position opposite to the pole 45b . however , when the distance between the blades 47 and 39 is increased , the amount of agent db stored therebetween is increased . for this reason , the agent db stored between the blades 47 and 39 is scraped upon one revolution of the drum 1 during the next copying operation , thereby contaminating the inside of the housing . therefore , the optimal contact position of the blade 47 is a position subjected to effective scraping , i . e ., the position between the blade 39 and the pole 45b . reference numerals 55 and 56 denote position sensors for detecting forward and backward positions of the slider 50 , respectively . the motor 52 is stopped in response to detection signals from the position detectors 55 and 56 . the blade 47 is brought into rolling contact with the sleeve 45 immediately before the sleeve 45 is stopped . thereafter , the sleeve 45 is rotated by half of one revolution . the blade 47 is separated from the sleeve 45 , as shown in fig4 . therefore , the agent db is removed from at least the developing position of the sleeve 45 . contact operation of the blade 47 , i . e ., the operation for removing the brush db is performed in accidental stoppage of the copying machine as well as upon completion of development ( the end of copying ) in the same manner as in the unit 22 . assume that the power switch is accidentally turned off or paper jam occurs . when the copying machine is powered again or the sheet is removed , the optical system of the device 3 restores the initial state . at the same time , the blade 47 is brought into contact with the sleeve 45 . in the copy enable state , i . e ., the ready state , the agent db is not present near the position 38 on the sleeve 45 . the units 22 and 23 are selectively operated in response to a control signal from a color designation unit ( not shown ). when red is designated , only the brush da &# 39 ; is formed on the sleeve 33 of the unit 22 , as shown in fig6 . however , when the black is designated , only the brush db &# 39 ; is formed on the sleeve 45 of the unit 23 . when a control signal is generated to operate the unit 22 , the sleeve 33 of the roller 20 is rotated clockwise , as shown in fig6 so that the brush da &# 39 ; is formed on the surface of the sleeve 33 . the latent image formed on the drum 1 in advance is developed with the red developing agent da . when development is completed , the mechanism 35 is operated . more specifically , the sleeve 33 is rotated in the reverse direction , and the agent da is removed from at least the position 26 . the copying machine is then ready for the next copying cycle . in this case , the brush db &# 39 ; is not formed on the sleeve 45 of the unit 23 . no failure occurs when either of the colors of the unit 22 and 23 is specified next . when a control signal is generated to designate the unit 23 , the sleeve 45 of the roller 21 is rotated counterclockwise , as shown in fig7 . the brush db &# 39 ; is formed on the surface of the sleeve 45 . the latent image formed on the drum 1 rotated at a higher speed than that during development by the unit 22 is developed with the black developing agent db , thereby preparing for high - speed copying . when development of the latent image is completed , the mechanism 46 is operated . more specifically , the blade 47 is brought into tight contact with the surface of the sleeve 45 to remove the agent db from at least the position 38 of the sleeve 45 . the copying machine is thus ready for the next copying cycle . in this case , the brush da &# 39 ; is not formed on the sleeve 33 of the unit 22 . no failure occurs when either of the colors of the units 22 and 23 is specified next . the processing speed is increased in the black copy mode , and is decreased in the red copy mode , thereby improving image quality of the black copy operation which is frequently performed . according to this embodiment , when a4 size sheets are fed such that the long sides thereof are first fed , the peripheral speed of the drum 1 is 223 mm / s , i . e ., 35 sheets / minute during development by the unit 23 . however , when red copying is performed and a4 size sheets are fed such that the long sides thereof are first fed , the peripheral speed of the drum 1 is 136 mm / s , i . e ., 25 sheets / minute during development by the unit 22 . the diameter ( 38 mm ) of the roller 20 is smaller than that ( 50 mm ) of the roller 21 . in this manner , when a developing time is sufficiently guaranteed , high - quality color ( red ) image can be obtained . furthermore , black images can be copied at a high speed . in the above embodiment , the operation of the mechanism 46 for bringing the blade 47 into contact with or separating it from the sleeve 45 is performed such that the driving force of the motor 52 is transmitted through a power transmission system including the rack 51 and the pinion 53 . however , the power transmission system and associated components are not limited to the above arrangement , but can be extended to a system for transmitting movement of a solenoid through a link mechanism or the like . in the above embodiment , the unit 22 is used as a red developing unit , and the unit 23 is used as a black developing unit . however , colors are not limited to red and black , but can be extended to other colors . in the above embodiment , the unit 22 is operated in the &# 34 ; against &# 34 ; mode wherein the brush da &# 39 ; is brought into slidable contact with the latent image in a direction opposite to the flow of the image of the drum 1 . the unit 23 is operated in the &# 34 ; with &# 34 ; mode wherein the brush da &# 39 ; held on the surface of the unit 23 is brought into slidable contact with the latent image so as to follow the latent image . however , the present invention is not limited to the arrangement described above . the units 22 and 23 may be operated in the &# 34 ; with &# 34 ; mode . as another embodiment shown in fig8 a &# 34 ; with &# 34 ; mode developing roller 21 is arranged at the upstream side along the rotational direction of the drum 1 . an &# 34 ; against &# 34 ; mode developing roller 20 may be located at the downstream side of the roller 21 . it is essential that one of the rollers which is frequently used be operated in the &# 34 ; with &# 34 ; mode , and the development of a color frequently used be performed at high speed . various changes and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention . according to the present invention as described above , one of the first and second developing members is rotated in the same direction as that of the image carrier . while one developing member performs development , the developing agent is removed from at least the developing position on the surface of the other developing member . a developing unit can be provided wherein a high - quality developing operation without a mixture of colors can be simply performed and high - speed development can be performed with a simple and inexpensive structure .
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fig1 is a circuit block diagram of a first embodiment of a tracking control circuit in accordance with the present invention . two magnetic heads 2 and 3 in a magnetic tape transporting mechanism shown in fig1 scan a magnetic tape 4 . the magnetic head 2 or 3 moves in the direction of arrow e on the magnetic tape 4 which is transported in the direction of arrow d as shown in fig1 . a reproduced signal s 1 of the magnetic heads 2 and 3 are inputted into an amplifier 31 through an input terminal 30 . the reproduced signal s 1 is composed of both the output signals of the magnetic heads 2 and 3 which are connected into one signal in a time sequence . fig2 ( a ) shows the reproduced signal s 1 . a signal a is reproduced by the magnetic head 2 and a signal b is reproduced by the magnetic head 3 . the output of the amplifier 31 is applied to a low - pass filter 32 and a band - pass filter 39 . the low - pass filter 32 allows to pass only early pilot signals p a , p b and p c and later pilot signals p d , p e and p f of the atf signal as shown in fig1 , and digitalized signals of data and a synchronizing signal s of the atf signal are eliminated . referring to fig1 , when the magnetic head 2 moves in the direction of arrow e on a central track t 2 , first , the pilot signal p a is detected . second , the pilot signal p b is detected , and third , the pilot signal p c is detected . the pilot signals p b and p c are detected by effect of crosstalk . a reproduced pilot signal s 2 in fig1 is composed of the reproduced signals of the pilot signals p a , p b and p c , and the waveform thereof is shown in fig1 ( a ), 13 ( b ) or 13 ( c ). referring to fig1 the reproduced pilot signal s 2 is applied to an envelope detector 33 , and an envelope of the reproduced pilot signal s 2 is detected . fig2 ( b ) shows the reproduced pilot signal s 2 . referring to fig2 ( b ), letters a , f , i and j designate reproduced pilot signals of own track of each magnetic head 2 or 3 . on the other hand , letters b , c , d , e , g , h , k and l designate pilot signals reproduced from the pilot signals of neighboring tracks which are detected by crosstalk . the reproduced pilot signals a , b , c , g , h and i are reproduced by the early pilot signals of tracks , and the reproduced pilot signals d , e , f , j , k and l are reproduced by the later pilot signals of the tracks . the output of the envelope detector 33 is applied to a first sample hold circuit 34 , a third sample hold circuit 42 and an adder 35 . the band - pass filter 39 allows to pass only the reproduced synchronizing signal s s of the synchronizing signal s . the synchronizing signal s s is applied to a zero - cross comparator 40 , and a zero - cross time is detected . the output of the zero - cross comparator 40 is applied to a synchronizing signal generator 41 , and synchronizing signals sp 1 , sp 2 and sp 3 which serve as timing signals are generated on the basis of the zero - cross time of the synchronizing signal s s . the synchronizing signal sp 1 is generated during the period of reproduction of the pilot signal p b due to crosstalk as shown in fig2 ( c ) and fig1 ( a ), and is applied to the first sample - hold circuit 34 . thus a level p 1 of the reproduced signal of the pilot signal p b is held in the first sample - hold circuit 34 . the output of the first sample - hold circuit 34 is applied to a positive input of an adder 35 . on the other hand , the output of the envelope detector 33 is applied to a negative input of the adder 35 . in the adder 35 , a difference between the value of the level p 1 and the output value of the envelope detector 33 is detected and is held in synchronism with the synchronizing signal sp 2 which is supplied from the synchronizing signal generator 41 with a second sample hold circuit 36 . the synchronizing signal sp 2 is generated during the period of reproduction of the pilot signal p c as shown in fig2 ( d ) and fig1 ( a ). consequently , the difference between the value of the level p 1 and the value of the level p 2 of the reproduced signal of the pilot signal p c is held in the second sample - hold circuit 36 of fig1 . the difference ( p 1 - p 2 ) is designated by &# 34 ; signal s 3 &# 34 ;, and is applied to an automatic gain control circuit 37 ( hereinafter abbreviated as agc circuit ). the level of the signal s 3 is controlled at the agc circuit 37 on the basis of a signal s 6 which is elucidated hereinafter . fig2 ( f ) is a time chart of the signal s 3 . a representation &# 34 ; b - c &# 34 ; represents the difference ( p 1 - p 2 ) between reproduced signals of the pilot signals p b and p c , and a representation &# 34 ; d - e &# 34 ; represents the difference ( p 1 - p 2 ) between reproduced signals of the pilot signals p d and p e , for example . the output of the envelope detector 33 is also applied to the third sample hold circuit 42 which is controlled by the synchronizing signal sp 3 . the synchronizing signal sp 3 is generated during the period reproducing the pilot signal p a of own track of the magnetic head 2 as shown in fig2 ( e ) and fig1 ( a ). consequently , the level of the output signal s 4 of the third sample hold circuit 42 is equal to the level p 3 of the reproduced signal of the pilot signal p a . then the signal s 4 is applied to a negative input of an adder 44 . the time chart of the signal s 4 is shown in fig2 ( g ). on the other hand , the signal s 4 is also applied to a delay circuit 43 which is controlled by the synchronizing signal sp 3 . the delay circuit 43 causes the signal 4 to delay by a time period between consecutive two reproduced pilot signals . a delayed signal s 5 , as shown in fig2 ( h ), is output from the delay circuit 43 . in the track t 2 in fig1 , for example , the delay time is equal to a time period between the pilot signals p a and p f . moreover , when reproduction is proceeded across the tracks t 2 and t 3 , the delay time is equal to a time period between the pilot signals p f and p b . the signal s 5 is applied to a positive input of the adder 44 . consequently , a difference between the level of the reproduced signal of the pilot signal p a and the level of the reproduced signal of the pilot signal p f in the track t 2 is obtained . the signal representing the difference between the two values is designated as &# 34 ; s 6 &# 34 ; in fig2 ( i ). the signal s 6 is applied to the agc circuit 37 , and the level of the signal s 3 is controlled by the signal s 6 and is output from an output terminal 38 . the output of the agc circuit 37 is a tracking error signal which is applicable to the servo control system in a manner that will be familiar to one skilled in the art . in operation of the above - mentioned tracking control circuit , as shown in fig2 ( f ), during the time period in which the signal s 3 of the tracking error signal is issued on the basis of the difference of representation &# 34 ; g - h &# 34 ;, the agc circuit 37 is controlled by the signal s 6 which is issued on the basis of the difference of representation &# 34 ; f - i &# 34 ; shown in fig2 ( i ). the representation &# 34 ; f - i &# 34 ; represents a difference between a reproduced signal level of the signal &# 34 ; f &# 34 ; of own track of the magnetic head 2 and a reproduced signal level of the signal &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; of own track of the magnetic head 3 as shown in fig2 ( b ) and 2 ( i ). according to the first embodiment of the present invention , for example in fig2 ( a ), when a recorded level of the signal a is lower than that of the signal b due to nonuniformity in the recording process of the magnetic tape , the reproduced signal levels of the signals g , h and f are lower than the reproduced signal levels of the signals d , e and i , respectively , and thus the difference &# 34 ; f - i &# 34 ; becomes a negative value . the agc circuit 37 is made to increase its gain by applying a negative control signal . thus , the gain of the agc circuit 37 is increased by applying the negative signal of the difference &# 34 ; f - i &# 34 ;, and the output level of the agc circuit 37 which is represented by the difference &# 34 ; g - h &# 34 ; ( tracking error signal ) increases . as mentioned above , according to the first embodiment of the present invention , fluctuation of the level of the tracking error signal due to ununiformity of the recorded level of the respective tracks is prevented , and hence , a preferable tracking error signal is output in both the normal track mode and the wide track mode . as shown in fig3 ( normal track mode ) or fig4 ( wide track mode ), the improved characteristic of level of the tracking error signal in dotted line meets an ideal characteristic in solid line in the range of deflected angle from + 120 ° to - 120 °. thus , stable servo control is realized without requiring any change of the gain of the tracking servo system . fig5 is a circuit block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig5 arrangement and operation of the respective circuits with the exception of adders 45 and 46 are identical with that of the first embodiment . the output of the envelope detector 33 is inputted into the adder 45 which is controlled by the synchronizing signals sp 1 and sp 2 . the output of the adder 45 is applied to the positive input of the adder 46 , and the output of the delay circuit 43 is applied to the other positive input thereof . the output of the adder 46 is applied to the agc circuit 37 . the adder 45 holds the output of the envelope detector 33 in synchronism with the synchronizing signals sp 1 and sp 2 , and calculates a sum of levels p 1 and p 2 . then a signal s 7 having the level of the sum is created as shown in fig6 ( g ). the signal s 7 is added to the signal s 5 of the output of the delay circuit 43 with the adder 46 , and a resultant signal s 8 is created as shown in fig6 ( j ). the signal s 8 is applied to the agc circuit 37 to be controlled the gain . according to the second embodiment , the tracking error signal s 3 is controlled by a sum of the level of the reproduced signal of the later pilot signal of a track detected during previous reproducing period , and the levels of the signals of the early pilot signals of both neighboring tracks of the next successive track which is presently in reproduction . namely , the tracking error signal s 3 represented by the difference &# 34 ; g - h &# 34 ; is controlled on the basis of the signal s 8 represented by the sum &# 34 ; f + g + h &# 34 ;. the agc circuit 37 in this embodiment is made to vary its gain in inverse proportion to a level of a control signal applied thereto . therefore the level of the tracking error signal s 3 is inversely proportional to the level of the sum &# 34 ; f + g + h &# 34 ;. for example , when the recorded level of the signal a is lower than that of the signal b , the level of the sum &# 34 ; f + g + h &# 34 ; is lowered . consequently , the gain of the agc circuit 37 increases , and the level of the tracking error signal s 3 increases . fig7 is a circuit block diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention . in the embodiment , an agc circuit 47 is placed between the amplifier 31 and the low pass filter 32 , and the output of the second sample hold circuit 36 is the tracking error signal . the output of the delay circuit 43 is applied to the agc circuit 47 , and remaining circuit is identical with that of the first embodiment . in the embodiment , as shown in fig8 ( g ) and 8 ( h ), the signal s 4 based on a later pilot signal is delayed by the delay circuit 43 , and a control signal s 5 is created . the control signal s 5 is applied to the agc circuit 47 during reproduction of the subsequent track . according to the third embodiment , therefore , the signal s 5 controls the agc circuit 47 in a direction to lessen a difference between the respective reproduced levels of neighboring two tracks . fig9 is a circuit block diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention . in the fourth embodiment , in a manner similar to that illustrated in fig1 the agc circuit 37 receives the output of the second sample - hold circuit 36 , and is controlled by the output of the delay circuit 43 . difference of the fourth embodiment with respect to he first embodiment shown by fig1 is that the control signal s 5 is directly inputted to the agc circuit 37 from the delay circuit 43 . furthermore , since a reproduced signal due to crosstalk of pilot signals of neighboring tracks is not included in the control signal s 5 which is applied to the agc circuit , even if the level of the tracking error signal s 3 varies due to unstable contact between the head chip and the tape surface , serious variation of the level of the tracking error signal can be prevented . in the fourth embodiment , in a similar manner of the third embodiment , since the tracking error signal created depending on crosstalk of pilot signals of the neighboring tracks is controlled by a reproduced signal of the own track of the head , a serious variation of the tracking error signal is prevented . moreover , the third and fourth embodiment is simplified in configuration in comparison with the first or second embodiment . although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity , it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been changed in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed .
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referring now to fig1 a sonar system 10 includes a sensor array 12 provided from a plurality of sensors 13 a - 13 i . those of ordinary skill will appreciate that although the sensor array 12 is here shown as a linear array provided from nine sensors , the inventive concepts explained herein below apply equally well to sensor arrays having fewer or greater than nine sensors and having array shapes which are different than linear . the sensors 13 a - 13 i are physically coupled by a first cable or line 14 . a second cable 15 couples the sensor array 12 to a tow vehicle which pulls the sensor array through a medium . in one embodiment , the sensor array 12 is provided as a sonar array 12 and the sensors 13 a - 13 i are each provided as hydrophones . in this case , the sonar array is disposed in a body of water and the tow vehicle 16 corresponds to a ship . it should be appreciated that other sensors such as particle velocity sensors may also be used . it should be further understood that the present invention finds use in a variety of applications including but not limited to ground - roll cancellation in near surface seismology and vibration cancellation in microphone arrays . it should also be appreciated that other sensors such as particle velocity sensors may also be used . in operation , when the vehicle 16 tows the sensor array 12 through the medium , hydrodynamic flow over the array leads to vortex shedding which induces mechanical vibrations , herein referred to as non - acoustic self noise . the vibrations propagate as transverse and longitudinal modes in the array 12 , much like a vibrating string with fixed boundary conditions . the vibrations produce local accelerations at each sensor 13 a - 13 i . the acoustic response induced by this phenomenon can be several orders of magnitude stronger that that of acoustic signals propagating through the medium thereby dominating the equipment used by a sonar analyst to identify contacts . signals from the sensor array 12 are provided via an electrical signal path to a digital beam former circuit 18 . in one embodiment , the electrical signal path is included as part of cables 14 and 15 . the digital beamformer 18 receives the signals fed thereto from the sensor array 12 and forms one or more beams 19 a - 19 d through which signals of interest are received . the beams are formed using conventional or adaptive techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art . although four beams are here shown , those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that beamformer 18 can form fewer or greater than four beams and that the beams can point in any desired direction and not just in the directions shown in fig1 . the signal from the sensor array 12 is fed to both an acoustic signal processing path 20 and a noise signal processing path 22 . each of the paths 20 , 22 constitutes a different weighted combination of measurements . noise signal path 22 isolates the source of non - acoustic self - noise while acoustic path 20 receives the signal of interest which includes the non - acoustic self - noise signal . it should be appreciated that in accordance with the present invention it has been recognized that the phase speed of the noise signal propagates at a speed which is different than the phase speed of the signal of interest . thus , when computing the appropriate weights for each of the acoustic and noise signal paths , the phase speed of the respective signals are utilized in the computations , in particular for the computation of complex weighting coefficients w i and v i in fig1 . the signals from paths 20 , 22 are fed to the input of a combiner circuit 24 . combiner circuit 24 combines the signals from each of the paths 20 , 22 and provides an output signal corresponding to the signal of interest with the non - acoustic self - noise signal removed therefrom . the output signal is then fed to a processing circuit 26 for further processing , such as noise spectrum equalization , filtering , or display mapping . an input / output ( i / o ) interface 28 coupled to the processing circuit 26 provides information to a user . the i / o interface may include for example , a lofargram display used by a sonar analyst to classify signatures . referring now to fig2 a signal detection system 30 includes a sensor array 12 , which may be of one of the types described above in conjunction with fig1 coupled to an acoustic signal path 32 and a noise processing signal path 34 . the acoustic signal processing path is provided from a plurality of channels 321 - 32 n . each of the channels 32 a - 32 n apply a predetermined weighting to signals fed thereto to form beams . the noise signal path 34 includes a first channel 34 a and may optionally include channels 34 b - 34 m . in the case where the noise path 34 includes the single channel 34 a , the noise channel 34 a isolates the noise source in the same manner described above in conjunction with fig1 . the isolated noise is then removed from the signal provided at the output of the acoustic signal processing path via combiner circuit 36 as also described above in conjunction with fig1 . in the case where the noise path 34 includes multiple channels 34 a - 34 m , the noise channels 34 a - 34 m isolate the noise source in the same manner as outlined above for channel 34 a except than channels 34 b - m would have weighting coefficients corresponding to different non - acoustic phase speeds . referring now to fig3 an adaptive sidelobe canceller 40 includes an element time series 41 coupled to both a primary signal path 42 and a reference signal path 43 . the element time series 41 may be provided for example as a plurality of signal detecting devices such as sensors 13 a - 13 i ( fig1 ) which comprise a sensor array such as sensor array 12 described above in conjunction with fig1 . the element time series 41 provides identical signals to both the primary and reference signal paths 42 , 43 . the primary signal path 42 includes a conventional or adaptive beamformer 44 which receives a signal from the element time series 41 at a first port and forms a particular one of a plurality of possible beams via appropriate weighting of the signals fed thereto . in accordance with the present invention , the appropriate weighting is computed utilizing a value c pa which represents the speed at which the acoustic signal of interest travels in the medium in which the element time series 41 is disposed . the second end of the primaery signal path 42 is coupled to a first input port 48 a of a combiner circuit 48 . the secondary signal path 43 includes a conventional or adaptive beamformer ( cbf ) 50 which receives a signal from the element time series 41 and forms a particular one of a plurality of possible beams via appropriate weighting of the signals fed thereto . in accordance with the present invention , the appropriate weighting is computed utilizing a value c pn which represents the speed at which the non - acoustic self - noise signal of interest travels in the medium in which the element time series 41 is disposed . in one particular embodiment , the time element series 41 are disposed in water and the c pa parameter is provided having a value typically of about 1478 m / s while the c pn parameter is provided having a value typically less than 1478 m / s . as mentioned above the values of c pa and c pn are used to compute the weights used in the beamformer circuits 44 , 50 respectively . an output of the beamformer circuit is coupled to an input of a low pass filter 54 and an output of the low pass filter 54 is coupled to an input of an adaptive filter 56 . the low pass filter 54 is provided having a pass band characteristic which attenuates signals having a frequency characteristic which is high relative to desired signals of interest . the lpf is aimed at filtering any spatially aliased artifacts than may result from beamforming into non - acoustic space . the output of the adaptive filter 56 is coupled to a second input 48 b of the combiner circuit 48 . the summing circuit 48 subtracts or otherwise combines the signals fed to the two inputs 48 a , 48 b and provides an output signal at an output port 48 c . the signal at output port 48 c thus corresponds to an acoustic signal having a substantial portion of the non - acoustic self - noise removed therefrom . the adaptive filter output may also be fed back into the beamformer circuit 50 in such a way as to modify the weights which isolate the non - acoustic noise reference in response to changing environmental conditions , e . g . via feedback signal path 58 . referring briefly to fig4 one key to the present invention lies in the formation of the secondary signal path 43 ( a . k . a . the interference reference signal path ) by steering a beam to non - acoustic κ - ω space to make available a signal - free interference reference . in particular , the k - ω plot of fig4 shows an acoustic cone 60 defined by sides 60 a , 60 b . the acoustic cone is the locus of points to which water - borne signals are confined on a “ k - w ” plot . a candidate reference beam 62 is disposed to left of side 60 b , or to right of side 60 a , of the acoustic cone 60 . in this particular example , the illustrated acoustic cone 60 and candidate reference beam 62 are for a short aperture array . as can be seen in fig4 the reference beam 62 is disposed outside of the cone 60 . in this manner , non - acoustic self - induced noise is received via the beam 62 while the signal of interest is received in the cone 60 . referring again to fig3 the adaptive filter 56 may be implemented in a conventional manner such as with a tapped delay line having filter weights updated via a least - mean - square ( lms ) processing technique . the number of delay line taps is a function of the interference bandwidth and the sample rate of the time series . the adaptivity coefficient , μ , is inversely related to the sum of the power in the filter taps . in a preferred embodiment , these parameters were empirically tuned to balance the misadjustment level , or ratio of excess mean - squared - error to minimum mean - squared - error against the convergence time . filter weights may also be updated using any number of well - known techniques including but not limited to recursive least squares ( rls ) or adaptive wiener filtering . in the formation of an interference reference , the potential for a signal of interest to contaminate the reference channel is clearly of concern . in the case of a reference beam steered to non - acoustic space , as shown in fig4 this potential can be quantified by considering the phase speed dependence of the array beam pattern . fig5 is a plot of a beam pattern versus phase speed for a frequency within the bandwidth of the cable strum interference . at this frequency , acoustic signals propagating at 1478 m / s in the water column will contribute to the non - acoustic reference via the first sidelobe at − 13 db . this level of rejection is generally sufficient to prevent signal of interest ( soi ) cancellation of most quiet targets . well - known adaptive techniques can also be used to further improve the sidelobe response of the non - acoustic reference beam and minimize the leakage of soi into the reference channel . when an array is subject to hydrodynamic flow with a component normal to its axis , a wake is formed . when the velocity of the flow increases beyond a certain threshold , eddies , or vortices , begin to form and separate from the wake . eventually these vortices shed from the wake in an asymmetric fashion . this asymmetric shedding imparts an oscillatory lift force locally on the array which , depending on the properties of the array such as tension and density , can excite transverse vibrations which propagate along the array axis . the frequency of vortex shedding in hydrodynamic flow is related to properties of the flow and the array via the empirically determined strouhal relation : f s = sv d , v is the velocity of flow normal to the array axis ; and it should be noted that s is equal to 0 . 21 in the laminar flow regime characteristic of most towed array environments ,. note that the normal component of velocity of flow can vary with time in response to platform motion and local inhomogeneities in the turbulent medium . the transfer function to which the strouhal excitation is applied is governed by the wave equation subject to the boundary conditions of the array under tow . for example , assuming fixed boundary conditions for the array , the preferred frequencies of vibration or modes of the array corresponding to the solution of the wave equation is given by : f n = n 2 l t m c , m c is mass per unit length of the cable ; and cable strum due to vortex shedding is strongly excited when the strouhal excitation frequency is closely aligned with a resonant mode of the cable transfer function . the decomposition of an array snapshot into its constituent acoustic and non - acoustic components is accomplished using a wavenumber - frequency , or k - ω , transform . the k - ω transform is a two - dimensional fast fourier transform ( fft ) in space and time . maximum unambiguous wavenumber resolvable is equal to π / d , where d is the sensor spacing . resolution in wavenumber is governed by the aperture length , l . for non - dispersive propagation , frequency and wavenumber are linearly related via k ( f ) = 2 π f c p , referring now to fig6 and 7 , a pair of k - ω plots for two towed arrays are shown . the arrays differ in a number of ways including aperture length , number of hydrophones , spatial sampling interval , cross - section , and the degree of mechanical vibration isolation employed . the k - ω plot associated with the first array ( fig6 ) exhibits much superior resolution relative to that of the second , due to its greater length and number and density of hydrophones . in both fig6 and 7 , the water - borne acoustic cone is delineated by the innermost pair of black lines . these lines intersect at coordinates ( k , ω ) equal to ( 0 , 0 ). for non - dispersive propagation , wavenumber and frequency are linearly related via the phase speed of the wavefront . thus , signals propagating in the water column at or near 1478 m / s , the nominal speed of sound in water , are constrained to lie along lines within the water - borne acoustic cone . higher wavenumber modes associated with vibrations , or non - acoustic signals , propagating at lower phase speeds fall outside the acoustic cone . fig6 clearly depicts two discrete vibrational modes with phase speeds of 15 m / s and 700 m / s , respectively , occurring in the long aperture array at the onset of a turn . it should be noted that there is good separation between these modes and the acoustic cone . there is some sidelobe penetration ( as indicated by the yellow “ stripes ” in fig6 ) into the acoustic cone of energy from these modes , but it is relatively weak . fig7 on the other hand , depicts a much different situation for the short aperture array . a vibrational mode is observed to reside just outside the acoustic cone , ( as indicated by the yellow “ stripes ” in fig7 ) at a phase speed of approximately 1000 m / s . the poor separation means significant mainlobe leakage of the non - acoustic interference into forward endfire , in addition to the usual sidelobe leakage which typically penetrates all of bearing space . mainlobe and sidelobe leakage of mechanical vibrations into the water - borne acoustic cone is the principal mechanism whereby non - acoustic noise impacts noise levels in beamformed towed array data . referring now to fig8 a plot of the coherence between primary and reference channels for an eight minute snapshot of data from the short aperture array . coherence is defined as the normalized cross - spectrum which can be computed as : c xy ( f ) = p xy ( f ) p xx ( f ) 1 / 2 p yy ( f ) 1 / 2 c xy ( f ) corresponds to normalized cross spectrum between channels x and y c xy ( f ) corresponds to cross spectrum between channels x and y where x is the acoustic channel of interest and y is the reference channel . for interference cancellation to be supported , there must be significant coherence between the interference as sampled by the reference channel and the manifestation of the interference in the primary , in this case the forward endfire acoustic beam . curve 70 in fig8 shows that coherence is nearly perfect over the bandwidth of the cable strum , 0 to fs / 4 . after fs / 4 , the coherence degenerates as shown in fig8 . an additional measure of expected cancellation performance is represented by the cancellation ratio , cr , which is a function of the coherence spectrum given by , cr ( f ) = 1 1 - c xy ( f ) 2 the cancellation ratio ( cr ) supported by the coherence spectrum illustrated as curve 72 in fig8 ranges from 15 to 30 db over the bandwidth of the cable strum interference ( i . e . 0 to fs / 4 ). fig8 a depicts a time slice of the power spectrum for the short aperture array data corresponding to fig8 . the power spectrum density ( psd ) of the forward endfire acoustic beam is plotted both before ( curve 76 ) and after ( curve 78 ) the adaptive strum cancellation technique . as can be seen in fig8 a , over the portion of the spectrum where the cancellation ratio predicted a 15 - 30 db reduction in the cable strum noise floor , the psd noise floor after strum cancellation is in fact decreased by a corresponding magnitude . it can also be seen that a narrowband signal at frequency 3 fs / 64 , detectable in the post - cancellation psd , was completely buried in the self - noise floor prior to applying the adaptive sidelobe canceller technique . having described preferred embodiments of the invention , it will now become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments incorporating their concepts may also be used . it is felt therefore that these embodiments should not be limited to disclosed embodiments but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims . all publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety .
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fig1 is a schematic view showing the pixel arrangement of an embodiment of an lcd device of the present invention . as fig1 shows , the lcd device comprises a source line , a plurality of gate lines and a sub - pixel 1 . the sub - pixel 1 is arranged on the n - th row and comprises first to fourth semiconductor switches tft 1 to tft 4 and first to fourth pixel electrodes 11 to 14 . the first semiconductor switch tft 1 is electrically connected to the n - th gate line , the source line and the first pixel electrode 11 . the n - th gate line enables the source line and the first pixel electrode 11 by switching on the first semiconductor switch tft 1 . the second semiconductor switch tft 2 is electrically connected to the n + 1 - th gate line , the first pixel electrode 11 and the second pixel electrode 12 . the n + 1 - th gate line enables the first pixel electrode 11 and the second pixel electrode 12 by switching on the second semiconductor switch tft 2 . the third semiconductor switch tft 3 is electrically connected to the n - th gate line , the first pixel electrode 11 and the third pixel electrode 13 . the n - th gate line enables the first pixel electrode 11 and the third pixel electrode 13 by switching on the third semiconductor switch tft 3 . the fourth semiconductor switch tft 4 is electrically connected to the n - th gate line , the second pixel electrode 12 and the fourth pixel electrode 14 . the n - th gate line enables the second pixel electrode 12 and the fourth pixel electrode 14 by switching on the fourth semiconductor switch tft 4 . in this embodiment , the first to fourth semiconductor switches tft 1 to tft 4 are n - type tfts . the first semiconductor switch tft 1 has a source terminal connected to the source line , a drain terminal connected to the first pixel electrode 11 , and a gate terminal connected to the n - th gate line . the second semiconductor switch tft 2 has a source terminal connected to the drain terminal of the first semiconductor switch tft 1 , a drain terminal connected to the second pixel electrode 12 , and a gate terminal connected to the n + 1 - th gate line . the third semiconductor switch tft 3 has a source terminal connected to the first pixel electrode 11 , a drain terminal connected to the third pixel electrode 13 , and a gate terminal connected to the n - th gate line . the fourth semiconductor switch tft 4 has a source terminal connected to the second pixel electrode 12 , a drain terminal connected to the fourth pixel electrode 14 , and a gate terminal connected to the n - th gate line . moreover , the first to fourth semiconductor switches tft 1 to tft 4 are not limited to n - type tfts ; they can be p - type tfts as well . fig2 is a timing diagram showing a method for driving an lcd device of the present invention . first , during the data - writing period of the n - th row , the source line is provided with a first voltage level v 1 ( n ) and a second voltage level v 2 ( n ) sequentially . in detail , the n - th gate line and the n + 1 - th gate line of the next row control the first to fourth semiconductor switches tft 1 to tft 4 and switch all of them on ; thus , the source line provides with the first voltage level v 1 ( n ) to the first to fourth pixel electrodes 11 to 14 . since the n - th gate line switches on the first semiconductor switch tft 1 , the third semiconductor switch tft 3 and the fourth semiconductor switch tft 4 only , the voltage level of the pixel electrodes 12 and 14 are set at the first voltage level v 1 ( n ). the source line , then , provides with the second voltage level v 2 ( n ) to the other pixel electrodes 11 and 13 . in addition , during the data - writing period of the n - th row , the first voltage level v 1 ( n ) may be given to the first semiconductor switch tft 1 and the third semiconductor switch tft 3 of a pixel on the next row . then , the first voltage level v 1 ( n ) is provided for the pixel electrodes 11 and 13 , and the correct data of the next row will be written into them accordingly . next , during the data - writing period of the n + 1 - th row , the n + 1 - th gate line controls the second semiconductor switch tft 2 of the n - th row and switches it on , enabling the first pixel electrode 11 , which is provided with the first voltage level v 1 ( n ), and the second pixel electrode 12 , which is provided with the second voltage level v 2 ( n ). therefore , during the data - writing period of the n + 1 - th row , the first pixel electrode 11 and the second pixel electrode 12 of the n - th row is provided with a third voltage level v 3 ( n ), which is between the first voltage level v 1 ( n ) and the second voltage level v 2 ( n ). as a result , a pixel structure will comprise pixel electrodes of three different voltage levels . similarly , since the steps with respect to the n - th gate line and the sub - pixel of the n - th row can be applied to those of the n + 1 - th row , the correct data will be written into the pixel electrodes 11 and 13 of the n + 1 - th row . with an lcd device of the present invention , a sub - pixel can comprise pixel electrodes of three different voltage levels without the configuration of additional gate lines or source lines . as a result , aperture ratio of the lcd device is not reduced , and the image quality is enhanced . furthermore , by using the third and fourth pixel electrodes in the transmissive mode , and the first and second pixel electrodes in the reflective mode , the issue of white washout relating to the off - axis viewing angle can be addressed . besides , the disadvantage of issues of white saturation and black saturation of the image can be avoided . the lcd device of the present invention may also be used in a portable electronic device such as mobile phone , digital camera , pda , automotive display , aircraft display , digital photo frame or portable dvd player .
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every second humans have 10 9 - 10 11 bits of stimulus data entering the brain through the senses but the conscious mind can only hold 16 bits per second ( erlangen school kupfmuller &# 39 ; s diagram ) therefore humanity experiences less than 1 millionth of the stimulus they receive . presenting information below conscious threshold has been proven to impact the unconscious such that new or altered urges are generated . in the preferred embodiment the term stereograph is used to describe a lenticular substrate with a pattern on the underside printed using interleaving techniques to present a different image or “ frame ” depending on the viewing orientation . the present invention is not limited to this construction and other stereograph like apparatus may also be employed to achieve the same end . for example 3d glasses may be employed instead of the lenticular substrate . a video image might replace the printed pattern . similarly the actual position of the consumer could be sensed and an image changed accordingly , using electronics . using lenticular substrate creates that ability to have images move as successive frames are viewed . this allows images words etc to be moved and grown in specific ways which have a particular effect on human behaviour . it also allows for the colour or an image to change or for images to morph into each other where appropriate to create particular emotions etc . this also allows below conscious threshold images to be generated through altering opacity levels and through minimum frame exposure . altering the opacity level ( brightness , contrast , colour , or density ) may allow an image to be adequately inconspicuous such that the viewer is unlikely to consciously perceive or notice the image but will subconsciously take the information in . similarity with minimum frame exposure images ( only allowing an image to be viewable from a very small viewing orientation ) moving subjects will only subconsciously perceive or notice the images or information and are not consciously affected . these images are able to successively change or sequence with other images to build a particular pattern . the unconscious patterns that the present invention builds also can have specific effects on the way in which the above threshold information eg . brands are responded to this occurs not only in use but also later when only viewing the brand in a supermarket shelf . the above threshold and below threshold information work together to enforce unconscious patterns . lenticular substrate also allows for a significantly larger volume of information to be laid in below threshold verses an equivalent size piece of printed material . in the case of teaching new behaviours and or information the larger the amount of information that can be presented in the minimum possible time will have the greatest impact on memory and subsequent behaviour . also due to the fact that for example 24 separate frames can be viewed in less than a second , it takes very little time for a consumer to have had a large number of exposures to a very large amount of information in a short space of time . ( average time in front of a fixture in a super market is 15 - 20 seconds ). the speed at which information in the present invention is transmitted 1 ) keeps the information from being consciously seen and 2 ) matches the optimal way the brain actually learns which is at very high speeds . minimum frame exposure will allow information to be given to the unconscious without the possibility of any conscious veto effect . optical means such as the stereograph can present a varying number of frames ie between 15 - 45 , therefore specific minimum frame exposure information can be placed in 2 - 5 non continuous frames only . this may alternatively be specified by a range of an angular visibility arc and may vary dependent on the nature of the use of the stereograph . where there are situations where a rapid walk passed the stereograph normally occurs , the arc can be larger . in any event when the stereograph is viewed at a normal range of speeds the conscious mind will not be aware of the information presented in the non - continuous frames . it preferably ties back to the timing of the awareness in the conscious and subconscious mind . although generally herein illustrated are sequences of images which are in preference viewed in a motion of a person from left to right of the stereograph , the sequences of images may be reversed where predominately a person will walk from right to left . indeed it may be possible for a stereograph to be utilised which will allow for images to be visually changed to a person as a person walks towards or away from the stereograph . the information presented in the minimum frame exposures for optimum effect will in the preferred embodiment be at a brightness ( alternatively opacity , contrast , density or colour ) that would be at the threshold of an “ average ” persons ability to consciously perceive the information if the material was held stationary a exactly the correct angle . with the use of stereograph means placed in a visible location to a person minimum frame exposure can be achieved . in particular if a stereograph of a kind described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 113 , 213 ( the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference ) is utilised which allows for a significant number of frames to be viewed from different viewing angles ( or perhaps also different proximities ) in respect of the stereo , a minimum frame exposure can be incorporated in the stereograph in average movement speeds of consumers in its vicinity and different techniques can be incorporated . obviously it will be appreciated that where a person is perfectly still in respect of the stereograph that person will be able to view the image prescribed for minimum frame exposure for any length of time . however a consumer may not be aware of the existence of the image of the minimum frame exposure and it will not register for this person to attempt to consciously view this image ( s ). [ 0141 ] fig1 illustrates a plan view of a stereograph and illustrates graphically five different frames which are viewable from different viewing angles in respect of the major surface from which the stereo effect is presented from . in order to enhance the specific urges in a consumer several different techniques or a combination of techniques can be employed . the first of such techniques is herein referred to as priming . exposure of information ( e . g . brand and / or product ) below conscious awareness to a person can at a later date when this information is shown at a conscious level create a familiarity and therefore enhances the likeability of the information . showing information below the conscious awareness before showing the data at a conscious level is referred to as priming . normally a person perceiving a familiar object is not aware that what is perceived is as much as an expression of memory as it is of perception . with reference to the present invention the priming effect can be created by laying into 1 - 2 frames of the stereograph ( and therefore in respect of a common movement of a consumer in the vicinity of the device being below conscious awareness ) of information such as brand or product . consequently showing the brand or product at a conscious level in perhaps another medium such at t . v . or advertising will enhance the likeability of the product by the consumer . this is particularly so since a person when first presented with new information will in the conscious mind make a decision whether to veto or accept any urge relating to such information . the registration of a brand or product in the subconscious mind is hence likely to reduce any vetoing that might occur by the consumer . the frames are arranged to enhance the priming effect of the present invention , the brand graphic is shown in the under exposure frames and hence is not normally consciously visible to the viewer . the frame may show the brand or product to register with the viewer in a subconscious state . a second aspect in the way that the present invention may be utilised to enhance specific urges in a consumers mind is what is hereinafter referred to as liking . this aspect will provide information such as a brand , being presented so that a maximum number of exposures can be generated , in such a way that a brain recognises each exposure to the information as a new exposure and / or maximise the liking effect . with reference to fig2 which illustrates a sequence of frames in respect of different viewing angles relative to the stereograph , the frames illustrating b show the brand whereas the frames intermediate thereof are minimum frame exposures providing an intermission of information between the frames showing the image . as a person moves relative to the stereograph an image / no image / image / no image sequence occurs wherein the “ no image ” is at a minimum frame exposure and is hence normally not consciously being perceived as an intermittent presentation of information in terms of enhancing the memory of a person of particular information , the present invention can be employed to provide a technique herein referred to as arousal . in respect of this technique , the limbric brain dictates what information will be moved from short term to long term memory and emotional arousal is the key to triggering the limbric system to move information from the short to long term memory . the stereograph can be utilised by placing arousal images at regular intervals either as a separate frame or laid under the information . this will aid information being taken to shift to the long term memory . such information may for example be a brand message . with reference to fig3 and 3a examples of separate frame sequences are shown wherein i is information and a is an arousal image at below the visible threshold . it is expected that a heightened ability to absorb information will result . arousal images are for example images that are likely to elicit an emotional response , even at an unconscious level . such may for example include beautiful nature scenes . other images will be apparent to a person skilled in the art of advertising . a second aspect of enhancing memory may include the adaptation of the stereograph to provide a technique herein referred to as involvement . the technique of active involvement in learning data can be more effective than simple rope learning . testing learning is a very effective way of creating involvement particularly if the time between testing and learning is short . the stereograph of the present invention can be adapted to provide the techniques of learning by involvement by offering information forward , then testing it , then giving the answer and hence creating involvement at an unconscious level . with reference to fig4 frames of a stereograph are shown wherein for example frame 1 is the frame providing information , frame 2 is asking a question , and frame 3 provides the answer . the stereograph can incorporate many frames this sequence can be repeated several times . for example frame 5 , 6 is the next sequence following on from frames 1 , 2 , 3 and the minimum frame exposure of frame 4 . the sequencing of frames 1 - 4 in a stereograph effectively generates a learn / test / learn / test sequence . the wording as shown in the frames are preferably of low intensity and in an unconscious location . a location may for example be provided in a lower corner of the frame and in fact being distracted therefrom another kind of image such as an arousal image . the wording is preferably provided in the same place in each frame that is appears in . a low brightness ( colour / contrast ) configuration and below threshold exposure is preferably utilised for such wording . the stereograph can also include a technique which is herein referred to as mind map integration . although mind maps are known , in the form of the present invention the stereograph will provide preferably in a outer most frame ( left or right most ), an image of a mind map which may include a sequence of symbols or markers that repeat themselves in the other frames preferably in the corners of images which are presented in the over exposed frames ). by placing a mind map in one frame ( frame 1 in fig1 ) below the threshold exposure with specific symbols which act as mark view , the subsequent images that are visible and with the presence of the symbols in these subsequent images will enhance association and therefore memory . the specific symbols from the mind map could be laid into the subsequent frames to signal to the unconscious mind where in the sequence the person is viewing so allowing context to be created . the stereograph can also be adapted for a technique herein referred to as linking . for a brain to quickly and optimally be effected by this technique there must be very little time ( preferably less than half a second ) between the emotional response and the created cause ( i . e . the brand ). this may hence be achieved by the apparatus of the present invention through the use of images that arouse an emotional response being shown at below threshold and then showing at threshold information ( the brand ) so that an emotional response is linked to seeing the brand . preferably and importantly the brand when it is presented above the threshold exposure it is placed exactly where the “ emotional response ” image was placed in the frame earlier . with reference to fig5 such frames are for example shown where a is an arousal image and b is a brand related image and i is information . in a further aspect the present invention can be adapted to present different frames at different viewing directions wherein information is provided in different locations of the image . the average right handed human uses eye accessing cues to access different types of data . for example a person will on average look upwardly and to their right for thoughts relating to visual construction . with reference to fig6 further regions are illustrated in respect of a persons eyes , to illustrate different physical sight directions of a person when particularly thought processes are occurring . by presenting information below threshold exposure in the regions of the stereograph there may be an increased likelihood that the suggestions would be acted on as information is presented in a manor in which people habitually process data . with reference to fig7 and from a perspective of a person looking at the stereograph there was shown the types of information on the stereograph . stereograph which will allow a frame to change from the viewing direction of a person , as a person walks directly towards it do exist . therefore a person walling towards the stereograph can be presented with different information in different frames in different locations which correspond to a particular buying strategy that a person normally adopts in making a decision to purchase . as every human makes conscious decisions by processing information in a particular manner and sequence , if information is presented to the person in the manner in which they make such decisions then the likelihood of a person buying or liking a product should be increased . the buying strategy for the majority of the population may go ( and with reference to fig8 ) like this . . . visual external ( ve )— see packaging — internal dialogue ( id )— i need some ‘ brand ’ kinesthetic ( k )— it feels right purchase . the material would present by frame the buying strategy . using the techniques of nlp ‘ strategy elicitation ’ an individual buying strategy ( or any other strategy ) could be elicited and then the sequence i . e . ve - id - k laid into the material , with a brand focus . this would be delivered below threshold and because of the frame by frame delivery system would match a particular individual buying strategy i . e . ve first id second . . . strategy elicitation could also be ‘ averaged ’ so as to present information to large groups of people to match the average strategy for buying , liking , loving etc . [ 0152 ] fig8 shows reference to these particular buying strategies and location of information within the frames . the stereograph of the present invention can also be utilised to provide what is herein referred to as anchoring . whenever a person is in an intense state where the body and mind are strongly involved together and a specific stimulus is consciously and simultaneously provided at such a peak state , the stimulus and the state become neurologically linked . in order not to dilute the effect of anchoring , it will be desirable for an unmistakable and very distinctive signal to be provided to the brain at the time of such a peak experience . for example when a person smiles the peak experience is happiness . however smiling is not unique response to being happy but can also be in response to other sensations . therefore it is not an unmistakable and unique signal for such an experience . the use of a stereograph had the ability to deliver a unique and perfectly repeatable stimulus at both a conscious and unconscious level . using the technology whenever a subject either imagined or experienced a state that they would like to be able to automatically access again , at the peak of the experience they would view and move the technology so providing unique , perfectly repeatable stimulus . because of the minimum frame expose capacity the specific stimulus could be presented and many times in the very short space of peak experience . with reference to fig9 this can for example be achieved by providing an arousal image first and then a second image ( which may be a brand image ). the stereograph can hence provide an arousal image immediately followed by an anchoring point . the stereograph with appropriate imaging may also be adopted for what is herein referred to a perceive - conceive conditioning . humans can only perceive , or literally see , what they can conceive of . humans must have neuronal firing in their brains , whether it be in the part of the reason that the problem is not solved is the imagined state or actual perceptual state , for humans to register an object as a reality . with many human ‘ problems ’ i . e . obesity , e person can not conceive of being a ‘ normal ’ weight therefore they will not consciously perceive and therefore act on the necessary actions to reduce the problem . the technology of the present invention can present information in such a way that perception of another alternative can be generated in the persons neurology . the process involves morphing from the state or situation now to the wanted state , this leads the mind from present to desired state . for maximum impact the actual facial features of the person could be total obscured in the present state and with every frame towards the desired state the facial features could become clearer until in the last frame the facial features were totally clear . note it is important to use a mirror reflection image of the features as people mostly only see themselves in the mirror so like and relate to this representation of themselves better . generic facial features can be use , for both actual and generic faces the expression must move from fear - unhappiness through to ecstatic joy . in respect of the present invention certain types of imagery to enhance the brain sensitivity to a particular information should be utilised . hans jenny who has based on the work of the eighteenth century german physicist ernest chlandi , has pioneered a way of working with a ‘ tonoscope ’ that transforms sounds uttered into a microphone into their visual representation on a video screen . sentences can be captured on the ‘ tonoscope ’ as well as individual words or sounds , these images can then be place sequentially into the technology of the present invention to potentially produce the same effect as if the words or sound had been actually said . this creates the opportunity for this technology to generate a state of synesthesia ( stimulating one sensory response via another sense in a crossover effect in this example auditory information is presented in a visual medium with visual information ). this is possible because the brain does not in reality see hear of taste any thing , all that is generated is initially electrical impulses whether these impulses come from the auditory ‘ i love you ’ or the tonoscope representation of these words is irrelevant . the tonoscope representation is actually more likely to be effective description will not be consciously seen as a word or series of words so there will be no veto effect therefore it will be delivered directly to the unconscious . brand x is good ( tonoscope ( tonoscope ( tonoscope representation representation representation of the above words .) of the above words ) of the above words ) particular words that have an arousal effect on the limbic system can also be put into frames to create interest and to link to the main feature of the frame in a minimum frame exposure level or at a conscious level . for maximum effectiveness the tonality of the spoken world the loudness the number of people saying the word the sex of the people saying the word would be calculated based on the desired effect . for example if the objective was to build excitement from frame 1 and have it crescendo in frame 24 the tonoscope image would be of 1 person saying for example victory , as the frames moved on the loudness and number of people saying victory would increase ( this would impact the shape of the pattern and the brightness of the lines ) people in a further aspect , the device also allows at least 2 different pictures to be observed in a continuum from full to mixed distinction depending on the amount of lateral movement of the eyes including the position of the person with respect to the device , the visual information designed using the basic submodalities of pain and pleasure so that the behaviour that is wanted is framed in terms of pleasure and the behaviour not wanted is framed in terms of pain . as the eyes move laterally one picture fades into the other so programming the unconscious . every new exposure increases the richness of the link and the likelihood of a particular stimulus i . e . seeing a particular brand , producing a higher propensity to act in a particular way i . e . purchase . away toward colour black & amp ; white colour brightness dim bright proximity farther away close clarity fuzzy clear size small large positive negative a baby snakes a happy face radiation symbol a flower red light symbol number 1 stop sign knights jail cell or bars shield the word “ tax ” sun . the word “ toxic ” a road sign implying danger skull and cross bones . as well as providing movement suggestion to customers within the vicinity of the device , the device in combination with suggestion movement or separately , provides for neuro associated conditioning . the preferred means of presenting the images is that of stereograph of a kind having a refraction structure wherein from one direction or region one image is visible and from the other direction or region the other of said images is visible , and as a result of movement of a customer in relation to such a fixed image presenting means or by of the movement of the image presenting means itself ( by for example a mechanical or electromechanical or electrical device ) results in the presentation of different , alternating images to the customer in the vicinity of the means . it is known from associative conditioning theory that subjecting a person to changing images of a kind as herein suggested results in appropriate and desirable conditioning of a persons brain . with reference to fig1 the stereograph 1 is preferably secured to a structure , which for example is a supermarket or the like shelving arrangement so that it is visible to a person in its vicinity from at least two regions . the stereograph 1 is of a type that allows at least two different pictures to be observed . the pictures may be viewed or observed from at least two different regions and indeed the present invention is not limited to where such regions are entirely distinct or are in partial overlap . where such are in for example a partial overlap a mix of said at least two pictures may be visible in a continuum from part of the at least two regions . when the eyes of a person are in a first of said regions , a first of said image is visible and when said the eyes of a person are in the other of said regions , a different picture is visible . intermediate of the regions or when said regions are considered an overlap , a mixed continuum of said images is visible . the stereograph is preferably of a kind which has a diffraction structure which through lateral or pivoted motion in respect of a viewers eyes , allows for at least two different pictures to be presented in a continuum . when a diffraction type structure is used , the two images are incorporated in the same object and presented from the same regions of said object but a mere rotation allows for a different perspective of the object to be viewed . it may however be that the stereograph has a first region which is substantially blank when viewed from one direction but illustrates an image when viewed from another direction , and they have a second region which is vise versa . [ 0168 ] fig1 illustrates a plan view of an arrangement of the present invention wherein said stereograph is located from a structure such as a supermarket shelf arrangement and illustrates the at least two regions from which one or the other of said images of said stereograph is visible . the images which are presented are of a kind which are likely to induce movement in a desired direction . this is achieved by positioning the stereograph to present an image visible to a person in a region or towards a region where the movement of the person is desired to be towards , and presents an image representing pain or displeasure visible in a region or towards a direction in which it is undesirable for the person to be in or to move towards . as the human mind would prefer to move towards a state of pleasure and away from pain , the apparatus and method of the present invention will stimulate the mind and will subconsciously persuade a person who is in the vicinity of the stereograph of the present invention to move towards or in a certain direction or away from anther direction . with the presence of products which are desired to be sold , within a region where the positive image of the stereograph is visible , it is suggested that increase sales of such products are induced to occur . the arrangement of the stereograph such that the positive images or image presented therefrom is visible from such regions , should enhance sales . in those regions where the negative images are visible , the invention will more frequently and / or rapidly result in people moving away from such regions . such regions may be areas in a shop or supermarket which serve no sale inducing purposes , such as the trolley storage area , with reference to fig1 , the stereograph may be such that there is an overlap in the regions of the where a positive image is visible and a negative image is visible . fig3 illustrates how in an increasing clarity or visibility , a negative or a positive image becomes visible as a person moves left in respect of the stereograph , and vice versa for the negative image . it is therefore to be appreciated that there may a region , in diminished visibility , both types of images are visible . with the movement one way or the other , a positive or negative image becomes clearer . the stereograph of the present invention may be associated to any suitable structure with in a supermarket or shop or the like and although we have shown herein it being attached to a shelf , it may be attached to products , walls , flooring or the like . other locations to for the purposes of the techniques such as linking , liking , mind - map integration , priming , and enhancement , are also possible . such may be in any suitable location where the target market will see the stereograph . such may be by providing stereograph in shop windows , as mailouts , perhaps with magnetic backing to encourage their use as fridge magnets , as car stickers , mouse pads etc . as long as the images are visible ( whether consciously or not ) by a person in its vicinity . it will be appreciated that through out the desciption and claims , where movement of the subject is used to achieve an effect the effect can equally be achieved by moving the sterograph . lenticular substrate due to the number of frames that it presents a viewer has the ability to flash information , which will be perceived below conscious threshold , in a specific manner in relation to above consicous threshold imagery ie the image of a brand . the below threshold flashing maybe used to allow a very strong pavlovian pattern to be built . pavlovian response ( pavlovian conditioning , based on the work of nobel prize - winning physiologist ivan pavlov ) is the learning of an associatoin between two previously unrelated stimuli as a result of proximity in space and time . this is generally called classical conditional markerting . the present has the ability to flash information ie symbols / words in a below consious threshold manner close to or under a brand which exists at or above consious threshold so that the subconscious creates a strong emotional reaction . this is emotionally linked to the brand all in a very short space of time all by passing any conscious mind moderation . the more often a pavlovian pattern can be observed the stronger the pattern becomes the present invention can effectively encode multiple times in a very short space of time . the building of a pavlovian pattern in this way will build a very strong poetzle effect where by when a consumer otherwise sees the brand it will be likely to trigger the emotions generated by the present invention and then attaced to the brand . the more sensory systems that information can be presented in the more likely it is to be retained in long term memory . this phenomenon is often called multi - sensory - encoding . encoding using below conscious threshold methodologies are more effective than the presentation of the same information above conscious threshold . using the lenticular substrate with minimum exposure frames and appropriate opacities , ( contrast , colour , or brightness ) information can be encoded in different representational systems and within mulitple aspects of the same representational system . for example in print the only representational system involved is sight as touching the page does not give any specific information about the product , the page is unlikely to smell or to have any ability to communicate any specific sound . the device however has the ability to encode very deeply into the visual representational system as any image can move successively change colour and shape and also have depth to them based on the fact that a lenticular lens has the ability to make images look 3 dimensional ie . give the impression of depth . as described in the foregoing the present invention also has the ability to present visual information in a way that may fire the auditory cortex as well so increasing the number of representational systems that the device can encode information in . in order to verify the general propositions in the foregoing an confidential experiment was commissioned . subjects were one 25 year old male ( s1 ) and one 21 year old female ( s2 ). both were normal subjects with no known neurological abnormalities . electrical geodesics inc . 128 - channel ag / agcl electrode nets were used . eeg was recorded continuously ( 250 hz sampling rate ; 0 . 1 - 100 hz analogue bandpass ) with electrical geodesics inc . amplifiers ( 200 mω input impedance ). recordings were carried out in an electrically - shielded ( faraday room for attenuation of electrical interference . eeg signal cables left the shielded room via a cable port , and were digitise in the adjoining control room with a national instruments pci - 1200 12 bit analogue - to - digital conversion card controlled by acquisition software running on a power macintosh 9600 / 200 computer . electrode impedances were below 40 kω . eeg was acquired using a common vertex ( cz ) reference , and then re - referenced to the average reference in off - line analyses . subjects were continuously monitored by a closed - circuit video camera . static and dynamic visual displays were presented in a custom - made holder which allowed for manual rotation of the photographs in the vertical direction . subjects viewed the photographs at a distance of 57 cm . a colour video camera was placed behind the subjects and fixed on the visual displays . video output was directed to a monitor in the experimental control room . video output was mixed with the clock counter output of the eeg analogue - to - digital conversion card and recorded with a video cassette recorder . at the beginning of an experimental session , the clock counter on the video display was initialised . this counter initialisation simultaneously resulted in a ttl trigger pulse being sent to the eeg acquisition machine . thus synchronization was achieved in subsequent analyses by aligning the start of the clock on the video display with the trigger pulse on the eeg recording . fast fourier transforms ( ffts ) were performed on data from selected analysis intervals . ffts allows the eeg to be decomposed into functionally distinct frequency bands . three major frequency bands are of interest in the waking human eeg ( different frequency bands are associated with various stages of sleep ): theta band ( 3 - 7 hz ): characteristic of waking eeg . experimentally associated spatial navigation and memory retrieval processes ; alpha band ( 8 - 12 hz ): characteristic of relaxed wakefulness . amplitude increases dramatically when eyes are closed . beta band ( 13 - 30 hz ): characteristic of alertness and behavioural arousal . associated with active processing of information . beta - band activity is of most functional relevance for the purposes of the present project , and the remaining analyses will focus on the effect of experimental variables on this measure of brain activation . fft amplitude spectra for the two subjects indicated s1 exhibits higher alpha band activity and lower beta band activity than s2 . idiosyncratic differences in eeg profiles are stable and reliable reflections of individual differences in brain organization and function . an amplitude peak at 50 hz ( particularly evident in s1 ) is the result of alternating current fields generated by electrical devices in the environment . this electrical “ noise ” is evident in only 1 or 2 channels in each subject , resulting from less - than - perfect contact between the scalp and the electrode . initial viewing of the static picture results in activation over the central region of the head ( rather lateralised to the left ), and over the frontal region ( distinctly lateralised to the right ). in comparison , viewing of the dynamic picture ( i . e . the present invention with relative movement ) results in increased activation in both of these regions . subsequent viewing of the static picture shows that this increased activation is maintained , and even increased in the frontal region , in comparison to initial viewing . this was replicated in subsequent iterations where the second viewing of the static picture results in increased activation of central and frontal in comparison to both the first static viewing and the dynamic viewing . s2 as with s1 , had activation occuring in frontal regions , but also in posterior regions ( overlying the occipital , or visual areas of the brain ). activations are not seen in central regions in this subject . again in comparison to initial viewing of the static stimulus , the dynamic stimulus ( ie . the present invention with movement ) results in slightly increased activation of frontal regions . a similar region is activated with subsequent viewing of the static picture , with additional activation of the occipital region . in comparison to initial viewing of a static picture , the present inventon resulted in increased brain activation on subsequent viewing of the static picture . this pattern of results was replicated within a subject and between subjects . the probability of obtaining this pattern of results by chance is 1 / 216 . the static / dynamic / static stimulus sequence produced the same pattern of brain activation ( low / medium / high ) when the dynamic stimulus was presented for 5 s , 20 s or 40 s .
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while fatty acids are known to promote transport of cosmetic preparations into the epidermis , nonpolar lipophilic compounds are nevertheless more compatible with the lipid constituents of the skin . consequently , it is a strategy of the present invention to utilize carriers as transport vehicles to facilitate deposition of cla and other bioactive substances at the target sites . one aspect of this strategy is to blend cla with highly hydrophobic derivatives of cla . the alkylene portion of the molecule will be highly miscible with the hydrophobic carrier . thus , mixtures of conjugated linoleic acid and the linoleyl - linoleate esters have particular efficacy . an additional benefit is the action of nonspecific esterases in the tissues releases cla from the ester carrier . by adjusting the ph and salt content of the preparation , the action of the esterases can be controlled to give a time delay effect , so that new cla is constantly being made available between cosmetic applications . it is essential for the practice of the invention to compound the cosmetic preparations from purified or partially purified cla , rather than use an unfractionated seed oil source . while safflower , sunflower , and corn oil are important dietary sources of cla , it is desirable to provide an enriched source in a cosmetic . native refined seed oils have a relatively high proportion of other unsaturated fatty acids . gamma - linoleic acid , in particular , and oleic and linolenic acids to a lesser extent , will be expected to compete metabolically with cla for incorporation into cellular lipids . in general , cla prepared by high temperature alkaline refining is an acceptable source of cla even though it will contain a mixture of the eight possible isomers of conjugated linoleic acid . it is believed that the cis9 , trans11 - linoleic acid , and to some lesser extent trans10 , cis12 - linoleic acid , possess most of the biological activity , but this has not yet been proven conclusively . once the biologically active isomers have been conclusively identified , and it is possible to preferentially synthesize or isolate those isomers independently of the less active or inactive forms , a corresponding adjustment in percentage composition can readily be made . in the cosmetic formulations , reference will be made to cla , with the expectation that this term encompasses at least a threshold level of one or more of the active isomers without regard to the presence of isomers of lesser or no activity . the esters of the present invention are synthesized according to standard chemistries . typically the cla acid and saturated or unsaturated alcohols are mixed in an excess of a solvent diluent in a reflux reactor fitted with a condenser . dry heat is applied to the reactor to institute a reflux action . the reaction is continued for up to several hours until all the water of esterification is condensed off . alternatively , esterification may be carried out with a catalyst and / or an immobilized lipase . catalytic esterification is carried out under stirring and vacuum at 150 °- 180 ° c . for 1 - 5 hours . if lipase is used , the reaction temperature is 40 °- 60 ° c . the reaction is complete when no more water can be removed by a vacuum of 2 molar . solvent is removed by rotary evaporation . the linoleyl - linoleate compounds appear as heavy oils with virtually no solubility in water . the semi - saturated esters are wax - like , particularly those formed from the higher molecular weight saturated alcohols . those having good compounding properties include conjugated linoleyl - stearate ester , linoleyl - palmitate ester , and linoleyl - myristate ester . a very satisfactory carrier for free cla is a linoleyl - stearate softened with linoleyl - linoleate emulsion stabilized with a polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol as primary stabilizer , and a nonionic surfactant as a secondary stabilizer . a number of contemporary emulsion systems are described in knowlton and pearce , handbook of cosmetic science and technologysupra , p . 95 . this mixture forms a good base carrier delivery system and provides a highly enriched source of cla both temporally , and as a time release preparation . the lipophilic phase is finished out by addition of any of the following : cetyl alcohol , stearic acid , steareth - 2 , steareth - 21 , laureth - 7 and peg - stearate . an aqueous compatible humectant phase may be glycerine wetted with enough water to form the emulsion . the cla containing cosmetic preparations may incorporate other active ingredients which perform either a different or a complementary function . ingredients of different function , e . g . antibiotics , anti - inflammatories , astringents , disinfectants , etc . may be of any type where no chemical or physiological incompatibility occurs . in some instances the formula may need to be altered to ensure the activity of the ingredient . for example , one of the organic iodine sanitizer compounds is active only at a ph above 8 . clearly the formulation cannot , in this instance , be compounded with chitosan in the aqueous phase , because of its insolubility at neutral or basic ph . a greater challenge is to create multifunction product cosmetics where the combined functions are complementary . since the incorporation of cla reduces the incidence of carcinogen - induced skin carcinoma , and uv light enhances carcinoma incidence , combination of transportable cla as a chemoprotectant with sunscreen agents and antioxidants provides a multifunctional product with beneficial attributes . for the effect of cla on carcinogen induced carcinogenesis , see clement , et al ., cancer supplement , 74 : 1050 ( 1994 ) and belury , nutrition and cancer , p . 148 london : 1996 ). other benefits of cla are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 585 , 400 ( attenuating allergic responses ), u . s . pat . no . 5 , 554 , 646 ( reducing body fat ), and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 428 , 072 ( increasing feed conversion in animals ). compounding cla in cosmetics with sunscreen agents may involve both organic and inorganic chemicals which trap or neutralize photons of harmful wavelength . some emulsion formulas adaptable to the present cosmetic preparations are disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 543 , 136 , 5 , 573 , 755 , and 5 , 607 , 664 . in some instances , more than one sunscreen chemical can be incorporated simultaneously , to achieve synergistic results , as taught in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 658 , 555 . antioxidant preparations have been disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 652 , 263 incorporating retinoid compounds . u . s . pat . no . 5 , 574 , 063 discloses the use of ascorbate fatty acid esters in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin maladies . in one aspect of the present invention , a cla ascorbate ester is included in the cosmetic preparation in combination with a sunscreen . upon cleavage , the ascorbic acid acts as a free radical scavenger , and the cla is incorporated into nascent keratocytes . a suitable carrier incorporates linoleyl - linoleate to ensure compatibility of the ingredients in an oil based cosmetic not containing waxes or waxy derivatives of saturated long chain fatty acids . a suitable mono - substituted linoleyl ascorbate is synthesized from 5 , 6 - benzylidene - l - ascorbic acid prepared by conventional methods . an n - oxysuccinimidyl ester of conjugated linoleic or retinoic acid may be prepared by reaction of di - n - oxysuccinimidyl carbonate ( dsc ) with conjugated linoleic or retinoic acid respectively , in chloroform in the presence of triethlamine . 5 , 6 - benzylidene - l - ascorbic acid is allowed to react with n - oxysuccinimidyl linoleate or retinoate in n , n - dimethylformamide in the presence of a catalytic base such as pyridine or triethylamine . if a molar ratio of activated linoleate ester to ascorbic acid is from 1 . 1 to 1 . 5 is used , the product consists mainly of the 2 - o - linoleate ester . the final product may be isolated on silica gel . fractions containing the desired product are combined and concentrated under vacuum . the product is dissolved in minimal volume of methanol , palladium on carbon is added in a catalytic amount , and the slurry is hydrogenated to remove the benzylidene protective group . the methanol is removed under vacuum , and the final product may be purified on silica gel . ## str1 ## this protocol can be used to create the ascorbyl - retinoate molecule as well , which is useful in positioning both retinoic and ascorbic acids in a molar 1 : 1 ratio at the same skin loci . the ascorbyl - retinoate ester is fat soluble and cla ester carriers are particularly effective as delivery systems to the epidermis . carriers are also of great benefit that not only act as efficient delivery vehicles for the active ingredients to the viable regions of the epidermis / dermis , but also those that promote uniform spreading of the product onto the skin surface . compounds that promote film forming are especially useful in this application . one of the newer film forming compounds currently under investigation in cosmetics is chitosan , a form of deacetylated natural chitin . once the acetyl group is removed to expose the amino group , the primary amine can be derivatized in a great variety of ways . u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 879 , 376 and 4 , 528 , 283 disclose several chitosan derivatives and their use in cosmetics . u . s . pat . no . 4 , 822 , 598 discloses a class of quaternary derivatives of chitosan useful in cosmetic preparations . in the cosmetic preparations of the present invention , it is desirable to utilize chitosan representing a spectrum of deacetylation ranging from 35 to 90 percent , and mixtures of chitosans of varying deacetylation . the choice of the combination depends on the degree of hydophobicity desired in the final mix . under conventional conditions of controlled deacetylation , chitosan may be prepared containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains capable of molecularly linking the lipid soluble cla containing fraction and the humectant hydrophilic fraction in a single flowable film . this helps to stabilize the emulsion , to prevent phase separation and uneven spreading . the term &# 34 ; cosmetically effective amount &# 34 ; means that amount of cla or cla ester or other derivative which achieves a desirable effect such as a chemiprotective effect or aids in making the skin more supple , pliant , and facilitates restoring or retaining moisture . since the amount of any ingredient required to achieve such an effect will vary from one formulation to another depending on the other ingredients present , a cosmetically effective amount will frequently need to be established empirically . the following formulations are intended , without limitation , to provide some guide to formulating the classes of cosmetics set forth . ingredients are sometimes expressed as ranges of percent . reduction or increase in the presence of one ingredient , will necessarily correspondingly reduce or increase the proportion of one or more of the other ingredients . ______________________________________illustrative formula i . skin cleaner and hand lotion . ______________________________________part a . oleophilic lanolin 2 . 0 - 3 . 5 stearic acid 4 . 0 - 6 . 0 petrolatum 10 . 0 - 15 . 0 ( conjugated ) linoleyl - 2 . 0 - 5 . 0 ( conjugated ) linoleate ester cla ( 60 %) 4 . 0 - 9 . 0 water balance part b . hydrophilic glycerin 4 . 0 - 7 . 0 triethanolamine 0 . 5 - 2 . 0 water balance 100 . 0 % ______________________________________ the oleophilic and hydrophilic fractions are separately mixed , and then combined in a standard emulsification procedure , as described in &# 34 ; emulsifiers &# 34 ;, in the handbook of cosmetic science and technology , supra . ______________________________________illustrative formula ii . sunscreen lotion______________________________________capric / caprylic triglyceride 12 . 0 mineral oil 66 . 0 peg dilaurate 6 . 0 cla ( 70 %) 11 . 0 linoleyl - linoleate ester 3 . 0 retinoyl - ascorbate ester 1 . 0 stearyl parabenzoic acid 0 . 5 titanium dioxide 0 . 5 100 . 0 % ______________________________________ ______________________________________illustrative formula iii . heavy lotion . ______________________________________part a . oleophilic stearic acid 4 . 0 - 6 . 0 linoleyl - stearate ester 2 . 0 - 5 . 0 linoleyl - linoleate ester 2 . 0 - 5 . 0 cla ( 70 %) 6 . 0 - 8 . 0 cetyl alcohol 1 . 0 - 3 . 0 glyercyl monostearate 0 . 5 - 1 . 5 ascorbyl - linoleate ester 3 . 0 - 4 . 0 lanolin 7 . 0 - 10 . 0 part b . hydrophilic glycerin 3 . 0 - 5 . 0 xanthum gum 0 . 5 - 1 . 0 triethanolamine 1 . 5 - 3 . 0 water balance 100 . 0 % ______________________________________ ______________________________________illustrative formula iv . all purpose cream . ______________________________________part a . oleophilic fraction . glyceryl monohydroxystearate 2 . 0 cla ( 70 %) 6 . 5 linoleyl - linoleate ester 3 . 0 mineral oil 10 . 0 cetyl octanoate 8 . 0 ascorbyl - retinoate ester 1 . 0 part b . glycerin 3 . 0 triethanolamine 2 . 0 carbomer 941 surfactant 6 . 0 chitosan 58 - 65 % deacetylated 2 . 5 water ( ph adjusted to 5 . 5 ) 59 . 0 100 . 0 % ______________________________________
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the following disclosure describes several methods and systems for a fully geared single input adaptive continuously variable transmission . several features of methods and systems in accordance with example embodiments are set forth and described in the figures . it will be appreciated that methods and systems in accordance with other example embodiments can include additional procedures or features different than those shown in the figures . example embodiments are described herein . however , it will be understood that these examples are for the purpose of illustrating the principles , and that the invention is not so limited . additionally , methods and systems in accordance with several example embodiments may not include all of the features shown in these figures . throughout the figures , identical reference numbers refer to similar or identical components or procedures . unless the context requires otherwise , throughout the specification and claims which follow , the word “ comprise ” and variations thereof , such as , “ comprises ” and “ comprising ” are to be construed in an open , inclusive sense that is as “ including , but not limited to .” reference throughout this specification to “ one example ” or “ an example embodiment ,” “ one embodiment ,” “ an embodiment ” or various combinations or variations of these terms means that a particular feature , structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure . thus , the appearances of the phrases “ in one embodiment ” or “ in an embodiment ” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment . furthermore , the particular features , structures , or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments . generally , as used herein , the following terms have the following meanings when used within the context of continuously variable transmission apparatus and systems : “ cc ” means the direction of clockwise rotation when viewed from the right side of the figures . inversely , rotation in the opposite direction or counterclockwise is defined as “ ccw ”. lack of rotation in either clockwise or counterclockwise is denoted as “ neg ”. “ operably linked ” is understood as a connection , either physical , mechanical or electronic , between two components of the device , or a component of the device and a gear , linkage , remote sensor , data collector , controller , computer , or the like such that the components operate together as desired . as used herein , “ plurality ” is understood to mean more than one . for example , a plurality refers to at least two , three , four , five , ten , 25 , 50 , 75 , 100 , or more . referring now to fig1 an example embodiment of a fully geared single input adaptive continuously variable transmission is schematically shown . a continuously variable transmission comprises at least three compound planetary gear sets , pgs - 1 , pgs - 2 and pgs - 3 unified by a common combination gear 14 . combination gear 14 is operably connected to pgs - 1 , pgs - 2 and pgs - 3 and the combination gear 14 acts as a sun gear ( sg / combination gear ) for pgs - 1 , a ring gear ( rg / combination gear ) for pgs - 2 , and a planet carrier ( pc / combination gear ) for pgs - 3 . an input shaft 1 is operably connected to pgs - 1 planet carrier ( pc ) 2 and pgs - 3 ring gear ( rg ) 8 . a first planetary gear set pgs - 1 is a differential that includes a first planet carrier ( pc ) 2 including a first ring gear ( rg ) 3 and a first sun gear ( sg ) 4 . the first ring gear ( rg ) 3 meshes with a first idler gear 5 . the first sun gear ( sg ) 4 meshes with a second idler gear 6 , which meshes with a third idler gear 7 . a first bearing 25 encompasses a portion of a first support arm 30 which is , in turn , connected to a stator at a first end . at a second end support arm 30 is connected to second idler gear 6 . support arm 30 has a second arm 31 connected to the third idler gear 7 . in one useful example embodiment the first rg 3 and the first sg 4 comprise bevel gears having of the same size . a second planetary gear set pgs - 2 includes a first planet gear 11 coupled to a shaft 32 which runs through a second bearing 27 , connected to a second planet carrier pc 10 , and is rigidly connected to a second planet gear 12 . a fourth idler gear 13 meshes to the second planet gear 12 and a second sun gear 15 . the first planet gear 11 is meshed with the combination gear 14 . first and second planet gears 11 , 12 rotate together to provide a gear reduction since the first planet gear 11 is larger than the second planet gear 12 . a one - way clutch 9 is attached to the planet carrier pgs - 2 10 . when engaged to ground pc 10 , the one - way clutch 9 allows free - spin in one direction and prevents rotation in the opposite direction . in one example the clutch may advantageously comprise a one - way bearing clutch . a third planetary gear set pgs - 3 is a differential that includes a third ring gear ( rg ) 8 coupled to an output shaft 16 . the output shaft 16 is also coupled to the second sun gear pgs - 3 ( sg ) 15 . the third ring gear pgs - 3 ( rg ) 8 also meshes with the combination gear 14 . in one useful example embodiment the second rg 8 is a bevel gear . these types of components are well known in the art such that a more elaborate description is not believed necessary for those skilled in the art . referring now to fig2 an example embodiment of a fully geared single input adaptive continuously variable transmission is schematically shown . a continuously variable transmission comprises at least three compound planetary gear sets , pgs - 1a , pgs - 2 and pgs - 3a unified by a common combination gear 14 , which connects to all of the at least three compound planetary gear sets . the transmission is constructed substantially similar to the transmission of fig1 , but is different in the following respects . planetary gear set pgs - 1a includes planet carrier ( pc ) 2 a including a first ring gear ( rg ) 3 a and a first sun gear ( sg ) 4 a which are aligned in parallel . a first bearing 25 encompasses a portion of a first support arm 30 a which is , in turn , connected to a ground at a first end . at a second end support arm 30 a is connected to second idler gear 6 and the third idler gear 7 . in another departure from the transmission of fig1 , planetary gear set 3 pgs - 3 includes a ring gear 8 a . operation is substantially as described below . in a departure from the configuration shown in fig1 , the third ring gear 8 a which meshes with sun gear 15 a is larger ( i . e . has more gear teeth ) than the sun gear 15 a . the continuously variable transmission can be used in any piece of equipment in which speed changes and output force varies . fabrication of the cvt would be best accomplished through standard transmission assembly techniques since the cvt is fully geared , positive displacement , with no friction components . for this example motor vehicles will be used for describing the transmission operation . also , for convenience , the direction of clockwise rotation when viewed from the right side of the figures , is taken as the direction of the input shaft “ cc ”. inversely , rotation in the opposite direction or counterclockwise is defined as “ ccw ”. lack of rotation in either clockwise or counterclockwise is denoted as “ neg ”. referring again to fig1 , in operation , the input shaft 1 rotates when power is inputted from an engine ( not shown ). the input shaft 1 rotates pc 2 and rg 8 at the same time and at the same rotational velocity . output shaft 16 rotates in the opposite direction from the input shaft 1 . depending upon the difference in the rotational velocity between the input shaft 1 and output shaft 16 , the combination gear 14 will either spin clockwise ( cc ), counter clockwise ( ccw ), or neg . the rotational velocity and direction of rotation of combination gear 14 will determine the power split at pgs - 2 , and determines whether more or less power goes to either the pc 10 or pgs - 2 rg / combination gear 14 . assuming , for example that the cvt here is used in a vehicle with wheels , if more power is supplied than is required for a vehicle to maintain its current velocity , then there will be excess torque applied at the wheels causing the vehicle to accelerate . the rotational speed and direction of the combination gear will adjust with the acceleration allowing the vehicle to go faster , but while transmitting less torque as speed increase until equilibrium is reached between the input power and vehicle speed . pc 10 is connected to a one - way clutch 9 which only allows rotation in the ccw direction . without the one way clutch 9 the internal gears of the transmission would free - spin and no torque would be transferred from the input shaft 1 to the output shaft 16 . referring now to fig3 operational principles of an example of an embodiment of a fully geared single input adaptive continuously variable transmission is illustrated . w 5 = w 1 *( e /( 1 + e ))+ w 6 *( 1 /( 1 + e )) equation 1 w 4 = w 5 *( 1 /( 1 + d ))+ w 6 *( d /( 1 + d )) equation 2 w 5 *( 1 / c )= w 1 *( 1 + a )+ w 4 *( 1 / b ) a w 5 *( 1 / c )= w 1 *( 1 + a )+[ w 5 *( 1 /( 1 + d ))+ w 6 *( d /( 1 + d ))]*( a / b ) w 5 *( 1 / c )= w 1 *( 1 + a )+ w 5 *( a /( b + bd ))+ w 6 *( ad /( b + bd )) w 5 *( 1 / c )− w 5 *( a /( b + bd ))= w 1 *( 1 + a )+ w 6 *( ad /( b + bd )) w 5 *[(− ac + b + bd )/( bc + bcd )]= w 1 *( 1 + a )+ w 6 *( ad /( b + bd )) w 5 =[ w 1 *( 1 + a )+ w 6 *( ad /( b + bd ))]/[(− ac + b + bd )/( bc + bcd )] w 5 = w 1 *( 1 + a )*[( bc + bcd )/(− ac + b + bd )]+ w 6 *( ad /( b + bd ))*[( bc + bcd )/(− ac + b + bd )] w 5 = w 1 *( e /( 1 + e ))+ w 6 *( 1 /( 1 + e )) equation 1 ( 1 /( 1 + e ))=( ad /( b + bd )))*[( bc + bcd )/(− ac + b + bd )] equation 6 e *( 1 /( 1 + e ))=( 1 + a )*[( bc + bcd )/(− ac + b + bd )] equation 7 for the example , planetary gear sets pgs - 1 and pgs - 3 are differentials and therefore their gear ratios are 1 and the following gear ratios for b , c , and d can be used for the example and the gear train will not bind . should pgs - 1 and pgs - 3 not be differentials as in fig2 , then the gear ratios will be different than what is illustrated in this example to prevent binding . the table below illustrates some an example of useful gear ratios . the invention has been described herein in considerable detail in order to comply with the patent statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with the information needed to apply the novel principles of the present invention , and to construct and use such exemplary and specialized components as are required . however , it is to be understood that the invention may be carried out by specifically different equipment , and devices , and that various modifications , both as to the equipment details and operating procedures , may be accomplished without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention .
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this invention is unique in that a novel device operates in consonance with physiological factors that are dynamic rather than morphological . thus , the circular musculature of the cervix can be stretched by pressure exerted on the walls of the cervical canal . such &# 34 ; cervical dilation &# 34 ; is undesirable for a seal - off . the novel device utilizes a conduit of increasingly larger diameter which dilates the canal but minimally , while the canal &# 39 ; s dilation is to an extent prevented , compressing the circumference of the cervix , which results from the vacuum by forcing the cervix into a conical cup . in the drawing figures and specification , the reference characters used in the four embodiments are the same for similar elements , except for the use of the superscripts , 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 corresponding respectively to the first , second , third , and fourth embodiments . as shown in the figures , a hysterography device constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention includes , preferably , conduit cc which is formed along the longitudinal axis of the device , which serves as the aids , rigid or flexible leading handle h , at the top of which is cup c , designed to fit the cervix . cup c is cylindrical in its distal portion but , over radius , becomes progressively more conical towards its base cb . the cup is made preferably from a pliable material , to allow its best adaptation to the cervix . base cb is flat or recessed , and placed over the outlet co ( of conduit cv ) through which vacuum generated by a negative pressure device is applied . this results in suction which forces the cervical mucosa against the edge of the cup , and or the cervix into the cup . concentrically and centrally placed into cup c along the axis provided by conduit cc is cone cn whose proximal , straight part is designed to penetrate into the introitus of the cervical canal . the diameter of the cone is then gradually or stepwise increased to provide the primary seal within the canal . as the inner cone cn is pressed into the cervical canal , its increasingly greater diameter produces the secondary seal - off . thus , the more vacuum is applied , the more the peripheral mucosa is rolled against and pressed against the inner wall of cup c , thus providing the secondary seal . finally , the perpendicular part d of the cone , while being forced against the frontal mucosa of the cervix , acts as a third sealing surface . the cone can be produced either as one piece , or constructed from several components , with the cup either affixed to the handle h ( fig1 a , 1b , 3a , and 3b ) or to a collar cr 2 , cr 4 surrounding the handle h ( fig2 a , 4b , 4c , 4d , 4e and 4f ). while a version of the hysterograph with the cup affixed to handle h and thus providing a fixed longitudinal relation between the tip of the conduit and the cup is useful predominantly for diagnostic purposes , a version employing a movable cup is useful when an anatomical irregularity is encountered for interventional procedures , such as selective or sub - selective catheterization . such procedures involve manipulations , often resulting in dilation of the cervical canal . when this happens , deeper penetration of the conduit cc into the canal is necessary to provide a seal - off , without which a post - procedural diagnostic radiography could not be carried out . this can be accomplished in a &# 34 ; movable cup &# 34 ; version of the with cone cn 2 and cn 4 , shown in the second and fourth embodiments of this invention , by sliding the collar such as cr 2 or cr 4 , and thus the affixed cup , away from the tip of conduit cc . in the fourth embodiment , cone cn 4 may by moved as much as 5 . 5 cm in a direction away from cup c 4 . a seal between the collar cr and handle h is provided by a seal - fit of the diameters ; to increase the seal , a silicone or other physiologically inert lubricant can be utilized . conveniently , cups of several sizes can be interchangeable on the same instrument . central conduit cc is contained in the handle h and provides a passage through which a catheter , a coaxial catheter system , or fiberoptic device can be inserted , or through which contrast media can be injected . as set forth in the incorporated may 1987 radiology article above , one specific selection for such coaxial catheter system may comprise a first , outer catheter x having a second catheter y therein , and further having a third catheter z inside the second catheter ( see fig4 b , 5a , 5b and 5c ). a wire guide w , such as a cope - type guide wire with a flexible tip , may be located inside the third catheter . various catheters and guide wires may be used as set forth , for example a 5 - f polyethylene torcon catheter , a 3 - f teflon catheter and a cope - type wire guide , 0 . 018 and 0 . 025 inches ( 0 . 046 and 0 . 064 cm ) in diameter , offered by cook incorporated of bloomington , ind . guide wires made of a mandrel of 0 . 035 inch ( 0 . 089 cm ) llt - type wire onto which an 8 cm long , 0 . 018 or 0 . 025 inch wire is soldered , also offered by cook incorporated may be used . the tip of such guide wire may be soft and flexible platinum or other suitable material . a set of suitable catheters and guide wires offered by cook incorporated of bloomington , ind . has been developed for this invention . the set includes : 1 ) for catheter x , a 9 . 0 french radiopaque teflon catheter which is 31 . 5 cm long and has a check - flo valve ; 2 ) for catheter y , a 5 . 5 french radiopaque braided polyethylene torque control catheter which is 50 cm long with a 3 cm non - braided tip ; 3 ) for catheter z , a 3 . 0 french radiopaque teflon catheter which is 65 cm long ; and 4 ) for the guide wire w , both a cope mandrel wire guide having a 0 . 38 mm diameter and a 90 cm length and made of stainless steel with a platinum tip , and a curved safe - t - j wire guide with a 0 . 89 mm diameter and a 90 cm length with a 1 . 5 mm safe - t - j tip and being made of stainless steel . the set also includes a tuohy - borst adapter for the hysterograph . at the distal end of conduit cc , a standard luer lock ll a is provided to afford attachment of standard syringes and / or catheter collars . the handle h is rigid or flexible and made from a plastic tube containing one or two lumina , one for cc and one for vacuum . alternatively , the vacuum line can be an independent tube . if desired , the device conveniently consists of one or several parts , and the cup can be manufactured from suitable see - through plastic materials to allow viewing of the insertion of the conus . the device can be machined and assembled from commercially available components , or molded and produced entirely or in part by standard plastic extrusion methods . suitable plastic materials include polycarbonate , polyacrylic resins , clear polyethylene , polyvinyl chloride , carbon fiber , fiberglass , and other organic and inorganic polymeric or monomeric compositions . the devices , intended to fit a wide range of cervical sizes , are easily manufactured and conveniently sterilized and packaged ready for one - time use or repeated use . the devices can be constructed to have a range of dimensions , as follows : ______________________________________ approximate approximate range value indimension of values one embodiment______________________________________overall length 220 to 300 mm 240 mm or 260 mmof device ( dl ) outside diameter 25 to 40 mm 33 mmof cup c ( do ) inside diameter 21 to 36 mm 25 mm or 30 mmof cup c ( di ) length of cup c 25 to 35 mm 26 mm or 27 mmdiameter of 2 to 5 mm 2 . 6 mmconduit ( at the tip ) length of cone cn 20 to 40 mm 20 mm or 35 mmoutside diameter 15 to 25 mm 20 mmof base cbof cone cnoutside diameter 3 to 6 mm 4 mmof tip ct of conecnoutside diameter 6 to 12 mm 7 mmof handle h ( may be oval ) length of 5 to 17 mm 15 mmcollar crdiameter of to seal - fit the outercollar cr surface of handle h______________________________________ various structural differences between the various illustrated embodiments are shown . for example , the cups of the first and second embodiments , c 1 and c 2 , have more curved or generally parabolic shape as compared to the cups with generally straight side walls of the third and fourth embodiments , c 3 and c 4 . accordingly , these cups , c 3 and c 4 , have a generally straight profiled side wall defining a frustum of a cone . furthermore , the shape and arrangement of the various perpendicular parts d varies between embodiments . for example , part d 3 is formed as part of an elongated conical saddle s 3 around nose cn 3 . part d 4 is affixed to cup c 4 , independent of cone cn 4 and of handle h 4 , so that upon movement of cup c 4 with respect to cone cn 4 , part d 4 will remain a constant spacing with respect to cup c 4 . part d 4 and the base of the cup define an annular space as 4 therebetween . this annular space is in front of the opening co 4 and serves to more evenly distribute the suction action of the vacuum around the inner circumference of the cup c 4 . similar annular spaces , as 1 , as 2 , and as 3 , in the other embodiments perform similar functions . also , note that in fig4 a , conduit cv 4 has been removed , showing the stainless steel cannula which partially defines opening co 4 . fig4 d shows an end view of the invention with the flexible handle h 4 and the flexible collar cr 4 flexed somewhat about the longitudinal axis of the handle . fig4 f shows an exploded detail view of one construction used to couple flexible , plastic collar cr 4 with cup c 4 . collar cr 4 is inserted through a hole cut in the base of cup c 4 , with handle h 4 positioned therein . ultrasonic welding is used to connect parts together . for example , in the fourth embodiment , fitting f 4 , bushing bu 4 , part pd 4 and part d 4 ( see fig4 f ) are ultrasonically welded together , helping to form the assembly connecting collar cr 4 , cup c 4 and perpendicular part d 4 together . gasket g 4 provides a fluid seal around handle h 4 . the various parts to be assembled together are preferably glued by suitable adhesives , such as loctite 401 , vc - 1 or the like . for example , in the third embodiment , fitting f 3 and perpendicular part d 3 are glued to handle h 3 with such adhesives . fluid tight seals around the cup may be provided by a sealant such as silicone ge rtv # 118 or similar sealants . also , it is preferable to remove , by cutting or abrasion , any sharp bead which may exist on the inside diameter of the cup , such as cup c 3 , near the outer lip thereof to provide for a better seal with the patient &# 39 ; s cervix . fig5 a , 5b , and 5c illustrate a method of this invention being performed on a patient . the patient &# 39 ; s vagina 21 , uterus 23 , and fallopian tube 25 is shown . fallopian tube 25 , as illustrated , is blocked by obstruction 27 . the device illustrated is the fourth embodiment of this invention having cup c 4 , handle h 4 , collar cr 4 , perpendicular part d 4 , and soft , plastic vacuum conduit cv 4 as previously described . the cup is preferably a soft or pliable plastic to better adapt to the cervix for sealing . the handle and the surrounding collar when used are preferably flexible plastic to allow bending for greater manipulation and control during use of the present invention . fig5 a illustrates the hysterography device seated on the patient &# 39 ; s cervix with handle h 4 and collar cr 4 positioned transvaginally . cup c 4 is suction seated due to the vacuum applied by vacuum device v connected to conduit cv 4 with luer lock ll 4b . vacuum device v may be , for example , a hand vacuum pump such as one offered by mityvac ; neward enterprises , cucamonga , calif . and disclosed in the july 1988 issue of radiographics , volume 8 , number 4 , pages 621 - 640 . cone cn 4 is shown recessed in cup c 4 . the coaxial catheters , catheter x , catheter y , and catheter z are shown in position to be inserted into conduit cc 4 . fig5 b illustrates cone cn 4 being moved away from cup c 4 and up into the cervical canal of the patient for the purposes of a more complete seal . movement of the cone cn 4 is accomplished by moving handle h 4 upward with respect to collar cr 4 . note that the collar , in the preferred embodiment , is affixed to the cup with , for example , adhesive ; and likewise , the cone is affixed to the handle with , for example , adhesive . fig5 b also illustrates catheters x , y , and z inserted in the conduit in handle h 4 , and into the uterus 23 . catheter z is inserted into fallopian tube 25 at its distal end , and is attached to a source of contrast media cm at its proximal end . contrast media is injected into the fallopian tube 25 to allow fluoroscopic examination thereof , including diagnosis of obstruction 27 . cup c 4 and cone cn 4 provide a seal with the cervix to contain the contrast media . fig5 c illustrates catheter z being detached from contrast media source cm , and having guide wire w inserted in the lumen of catheter z . the guide wire w is advanced in the lumen , out of the distal end of catheter z , and into the fallopian tube 25 . guide wire w is advanced against obstruction 27 with a poking action , working through the obstruction to open it . thus treatment of the obstruction , potentially causing infertility , is accomplished . thereafter , contrast media may be again injected , as set forth in the description accompanying fig5 b , to determine the extent of opening of the obstruction . as earlier described , the introduction of a fiberoptic device through the lumens of the catheters in conduit cc 4 may be done for direct visual inspection in the uterine cavity . the timing and sequence of injection of contrast media , advancing of guide wires , and introduction of fiberoptic devices may vary from case to case depending on the diagnosis and treatment required . all publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference . although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding , it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims .
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exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings . it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and may be embodied in different ways , and that the embodiments are given to provide complete disclosure of the invention and to provide thorough understanding of the invention to those skilled in the art . the scope of the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and equivalents thereof . like components will be denoted by like reference numerals throughout the specification . further , the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity . it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “ installed in or connected to ” another element , it can be directly disposed on the other element , it can be separated a predetermined interval from the other element , or a third element may also be present therebetween to fix or connect it to the other element . fig1 is a perspective view of a medical monitor including an antimicrobial case according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention , and fig2 is a perspective view of the disassembled medical monitor including the antimicrobial case according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention . as shown in fig1 and 2 , the medical monitor 100 according to the embodiment includes a liquid crystal display ( lcd ) panel 110 , a backlight unit 120 disposed behind the lcd panel 110 , a drive circuit unit 130 disposed behind the backlight unit 120 , a front case 140 having an opening 142 to expose the lcd panel 110 , and a rear case 150 coupled to the front case 140 and covering the lcd panel 110 , the backlight unit 120 and the drive circuit unit 130 . further , the lcd panel 110 is protected by a reinforced glass 180 . this configuration is general for an lcd monitor and a detailed description thereof will thus be omitted herein . in the present embodiment , antimicrobial functions are imparted to a monitor case among components of the medical monitor , which is exposed to the outside and comes into direct contact with medical workers and patients . the monitor case includes the front case 140 and the rear case 150 . in the present embodiment , antimicrobial properties are imparted both to the front case 140 and to the rear case 150 , thereby providing antimicrobial properties to the entire outside of the monitor touched by patients and medical workers . hereinafter , the front case 140 and the rear case 150 are collectively referred to as a case . the antimicrobial case for a medical monitor according to the present embodiment is manufactured by mixing a plastic resin with a small amount of zinc phosphate glass powder , thereby preventing growth of microorganisms such as bacteria or the like on the surface thereof . the zinc phosphate glass powder is a white powder and may have a true specific gravity of 2 . 45 to 2 . 55 , a bulk specific gravity of 0 . 78 to 0 . 82 , an average particle size 3 to 5 μm , and a maximum particle diameter of 10 to 20 μm . the zinc phosphate glass powder is a single product and provides material safety . that is , exposure of zinc phosphate glass powder to the eye does not cause any harm . further , the zinc phosphate glass powder does not cause any harm to the skin and can be washed off with water . if the zinc phosphate glass powder has too a large particle size , the glass powder functions as a crack point , thereby reducing durability and deteriorating the quality of the case surface . it is desirable that the plastic resin have formability , strength , durability , and thermal resistance . examples of the plastic resin may include , without being limited to , an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ( abs ) resin , a polypropylene ( pp ) resin , a polycarbonate ( pc ) resin , and the like . the abs copolymer resin is a styrene resin comprised of styrene , acrylonitrile and butadiene . the abs copolymer resin generally has easy processability , high impact resistance and excellent thermal resistance . the abs copolymer resin has a heat resistance of 93 ° c . and an impact resistance of 4 . 5 as compared with polyethylene having a heat resistance of 80 ° c . and an impact resistance of 0 . 8 . the abs copolymer resin is generally prepared by mixing or blending a copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene and a copolymer of styrene and butadiene , so that a copolymer resin having properties of these copolymers is obtained . since different combinations of components of the copolymers cause a delicate change in product performance , combinations of the copolymer components may be changed depending on purposes . pp resin is produced along with ethylene when naphtha is decomposed in a petrochemical plant . the pp resin has an isotactic structure , in which methyl groups are regularly oriented in the same direction . the pp resin has a melting point of 165 ° c . and can be successively used at 110 ° under a load . the pp resin has a density of 0 . 9 to 0 . 91 and crystallinity , which is high but is decreased to 70 % or less after molding . pc resin is also referred to as polyester carbonate . an available thermoplastic resin is polycarbonate from bisphenol - a . pc resin is an engineering plastic which is transparent , non - toxic and self - extinguishable , has excellent mechanical properties , such as excellent impact resistance , and a good balance between thermal resistance , cold resistance and electrical properties . pc resin is prepared industrially by solvent polymerization through interfacial polycondensation of bisphenol - a and phosgene or by melt polymerization through transesterification of bisphenol - a and diphenyl carbonate . pc resin has a molecular weight of 20 , 000 or more . the antimicrobial case of the medical monitor according to the embodiment includes 99 . 4 to 99 . 8 % by weight ( wt %) of one plastic resin selected from the abs copolymer resin , the pp resin and the pc resin and 0 . 2 to 0 . 4 wt % of the zinc phosphate glass powder represented by formula 1 . the case is manufactured by adding the zinc phosphate glass powder to a molten plastic resin and thoroughly stirring the mixture to uniformly disperse the zinc phosphate glass powder in the resin , followed by injection molding . here , the term “ molten ” does not refer to a complete liquid state , but means a state in which the resin has fluidity to mix with the powder and to be subjected to injection molding . the zinc phosphate glass powder is used to impart antimicrobial properties to the plastic resin and is added in an amount suitable to provide antimicrobial effects without affecting mechanical properties . when the amount of zinc phosphate glass powder is below 0 . 2 wt % based on the total weight of plastic resin , antimicrobial effects are not exhibited . when the amount of zinc phosphate glass powder exceeds 0 . 4 wt % based on the total weight of plastic resin , mechanical properties can be changed , since the zinc phosphate glass powder functions as a defect in the case , decreasing strength and durability . further , since excessive addition of the zinc phosphate glass powder brings about cost increase , it is desirable that the zinc phosphate glass powder be added in a proper amount to impart antimicrobial properties to the case of the medical monitor . samples were prepared using a pure abs copolymer resin in comparative example and using a mixture of an abs copolymer resin and 0 . 4 wt % of a zinc phosphate glass powder represented by formula 1 in example , and quantitative analysis was performed using jis z 2801 on the samples to measure bacteriostatic activity . in example , 0 . 4 wt % of the zinc phosphate glass powder represented by formula 1 was added to 99 . 6 wt % of molten abs copolymer resin and thoroughly stirred by an agitator , followed by injection molding to prepare a sample . the samples of comparative example and example were inoculated with escherichia coli nbrc 3972 and left at 35 ° c .± 1 ° c . and at a relative humidity of 90 % for 24 hours , followed by measurement of the number of bacteria . the inoculated number of escherichia coli nbrc 3972 was 2 . 3 × 10 5 / ml and the inoculated amount thereof was 0 . 4 ml . in comparative example , the number of bacteria ( a ) increased to 2 . 2 × 10 7 / ml . in example , the number of bacteria ( b ) decreased to 6 . 6 × 10 3 / ml . based on the standards , a material having an antimicrobial index of 2 . 0 or greater is deemed to have bacteriostatic activity . accordingly , the zinc phosphate glass powder - added abs copolymer resin is identified as having bacteriostatic activity against escherichia coli nbrc 3972 . in a conventional monitor case having no antimicrobial properties , bacteria attached to the surface of the case may multiply , causing infections in patients and medical workers since the monitor case is used near the patients and medical workers . according to the present invention , antimicrobial properties are imparted to medical monitors , thereby providing a safe and sanitary medical environment . as described above , according to the embodiments of the invention , antimicrobial properties are imparted to a monitor case to prevent multiplication of bacteria on the surface of the monitor which is used near medical workers and patients , thereby providing a sanitary medical environment . although some embodiments have been described herein , it should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are given by way of illustration only , and that various modifications , variations , and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . therefore , the scope of the invention should be limited only by the accompanying claims and equivalents thereof .
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fig1 a , 1 b , 2 , 3 a , and 3 b show an exemplary package 10 for retail sales of cellular telephones or similar high value objects or devices , such as computers , tablet computers , or collectible items . fig1 a shows the package 10 ( without any outer sleeve 95 ) positioned to be suspended by its hanger loop 11 from a hook in a retail sales display ( not shown ). fig1 b shows the package 10 in an opaque or transparent outer sleeve 95 , for example made of printed cardboard , bearing one or more service plans 93 and one or more brands 96 where the term brands is intended to be broadly understood to include not only conventional trademarks that indicate manufacturer , but also other identifying information such as language version . the sleeve 95 may include one or more product windows 97 cut from the outer sleeve 95 to expose areas of the package 10 or its contents . the sleeve 95 or the package 10 may bear one or more product identifiers 98 or other information about the product , such as serial numbers , radio frequency identification tags , bar codes , or universal product codes (“ upc ”) which may be visible through an product identification window 99 in the outer sleeve 95 . the package 10 may be made from a transparent or an opaque material such as a thermoformable plastic . however , if the package is at least partially made from a transparent material , then the product identifier 98 can be placed inside the package 10 , and yet remain visible through the product identification window 99 . this construction can deter or prevent a method of retail theft called “ upc switching ” in which a upc code for a less expensive product is affixed to a more expensive product in order to purchase the expensive product at a fraudulent price . the package 10 may have a hanger loop 11 for retail display , and is preferably at least partially sealed to protect its contents along a periphery 12 . the periphery 12 may terminate in a flange 13 . the package 10 has a front or frontispiece 14 ( best shown in fig1 ) and a rear , back , or posterior 15 ( best shown in fig3 a & amp ; 3b ). assuming for naming purposes that the package 10 is positioned in the orientation shown in fig1 , the package 10 has a top 16 , a right side 17 , a bottom 18 , and a left side 19 . as perhaps best shown in the exploded views of fig5 & amp ; 6 , the exemplary package 10 may comprise four pieces : an outer shell face 20 , an inner shell face 40 , an inner shell back 50 , and an outer shell back 60 . these components of the exemplary package 10 can each be made of any transparent or opaque sheet materials , for example using a thermoformable plastic and a vacuum thermoforming process . as perhaps best shown in the cross - section of fig4 , the front compartment 80 is formed between the outer shell face 20 and the inner shell face 40 , and may have front compartment contents 90 , for example an electronic product like a cellular phone , e - book reader , tablet computer , or any collectible item , toy , or similar device or object . the central compartment 82 is formed between the inner shell face 40 and the inner shell back 50 , and may have central compartment contents 92 , for example hardware accessories like a charger , power supply , carrying case , wrist loop , cables , or spare batteries . the rear compartment 84 is formed between the inner shell back 50 and the outer shell back 60 , and may have rear compartment contents 94 , for example printed or electronic media like a user &# 39 ; s manual , welcome kit , audio or video media or other data , coupon , promotional item , service agreement , software , required disclosures , product identification card bearing a product identifier 98 such as an upc code , or other content . as perhaps best shown in fig7 a - 7c , the outer shell face 20 has an exterior face 21 and an interior face 22 . the exterior face 21 may have a protrusion 23 shaped to fit or hold a product 90 for display , for example a cell phone . the protrusion 23 can be placed in a recess 24 to frame the displayed product 90 . the forward surface of the protrusion 23 can be flush with the front surface 25 of the exterior face 21 of the outer shell face 20 . the outer shell face 20 may include a perforation 26 partially or completely encircling the protrusion 23 or recess 24 , to facilitate easy removal of the displayed product 90 . the outer shell face 20 has a periphery that may include a rim 27 and a sealing wall 28 with one or more indentations 29 , adapted for mating with complementary structures on the outer shell back 60 . the indentations 29 shown in the exterior view of fig7 a correspond to bumps 30 in the interior view of fig7 b . the periphery of the outer shell face 20 terminates in a peripheral flange 31 that includes a top edge 32 , a right edge 33 , a bottom edge 34 , and a left edge 35 . as shown in fig8 a - 8c , the inner shell face 40 has an exterior face 41 and an interior face 42 . the exterior face 41 may have a recess 43 shaped and dimensioned to receive the recess 24 of the outer shell face 20 when the outer shell face 20 is nested together with the inner shell face 40 as shown in the cross - sectional view of fig4 . the inner shell face 40 includes a front surface 44 surrounding the recess 43 , and a top side wall 45 , a right side wall 46 , a bottom side wall 47 , and a left side wall 48 , all terminating in a peripheral edge 49 . as shown in fig9 a - 9e , the inner shell back 50 has an exterior face 51 and an interior face 52 , and includes a top side wall 53 , a ( lateral ) right side wall 54 , a bottom side wall 55 , and a ( lateral ) left side wall 56 , all terminating in a peripheral edge 159 . importantly , the left side wall 56 meets the exterior face 51 at a rounded corner 57 ( best shown in fig9 b , 9 c , & amp ; 9 e ). in contrast , the right side wall 54 meets the exterior face 51 at a relatively sharp corner 58 ( best shown in fig9 a , 9 d , & amp ; 9 e ). guide rails 59 pare preferably provided , for example as raised protrusions along the upper and lower ends of the inner shell back 50 . it is not required that the rounded corner and aperture appear on the left side , or that the sharp corner appear on the right side . each of these features could appear on different or multiple sides . as perhaps best shown in fig1 a - 10e , the outer shell back 60 has an exterior face 61 and an interior face 62 . the outer shell back 60 includes a central cavity 63 surrounded by a top side wall 64 , a ( lateral ) right side wall 65 , a bottom side wall 66 , and a ( lateral ) left side wall 67 . the periphery of the outer shell back 60 is formed to mate with complementary structures on the periphery of the outer shell face 20 , and includes a rim 68 , a sealing wall 69 with one or more indentations 70 , and terminates in a peripheral flange 71 extending to a peripheral edge 179 . as shown in fig1 e in a spread - apart position , the outer shell back 60 has an aperture 72 . as perhaps best shown in fig1 b , the aperture 72 can be formed as a flap 73 and a slot 74 , with the slot 74 formed as a vertical cut 75 and a hinge cut 76 . fig1 shows an alternative outer shell face 220 for the package of fig1 , where the perforations 226 are located closer to the periphery of the outer shell face 220 , providing easy - open access to the entire contents of the package . fig1 - 15 provide views of an exemplary retail phone package 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention . as perhaps best shown in the exploded view of fig1 , the second package 110 may comprise four pieces : an outer shell face 120 , an inner shell face 140 , an inner shell back 150 , and an outer shell back 160 made of thermoformed plastic . the outer shell face 120 has an exterior face 121 and an interior face 122 ( not shown ), with a protrusion 123 shaped and adapted to fit or hold a product framed in a recess 124 on the front surface 125 . the outer shell face may include a perforation 126 adjacent to the rim 127 , sealing wall 128 , and peripheral flange 131 . the sealing wall 128 includes one or more indentations 129 which form bumps 130 on the inside surface of the sealing wall 128 for mating with complementary structures on the outer shell back 160 . the outer shell face has a top edge 132 , a right edge 133 , a bottom edge 134 , and a left edge 135 . the inner shell face 140 has an exterior face 141 and an interior face 142 ( not shown ), with a recess 143 shaped and positioned to receive the recess 124 in the outer shell face 120 . the inner shell face 140 includes a front surface 144 , a top side wall 145 , a right side wall 146 , a bottom side wall 147 , and a left side wall 148 , all terminating in a peripheral edge 149 . the inner shell back 150 has an exterior face 151 , and an interior face 152 , with a top side wall 153 , a right side wall 154 , a bottom side wall 155 , and a left side wall 156 , all terminating in a peripheral edge 259 and peripheral flange 171 . the inner shell back 150 may also include a book receptacle 157 , for example to hold a book or other media , and an identification area 158 for placement of product identifiers 198 or other information about the product , such as serial numbers , radio frequency identification tags , bar codes , or a upc on either the interior face 152 or exterior face 151 . the inner shell back 150 may include indentations 170 that extend into a deep mating channel 173 . the inner shell back 150 may also include a notch 172 , as perhaps best shown in fig1 . the outer shell back 160 has an exterior face 161 , and an interior face 162 , with a ridge 163 configured and positioned to mate with the notch 172 of the inner shell back 150 . the outer shell back 160 includes a top side wall 164 , a right side wall 165 , a bottom side wall 166 , and a left side wall 167 , each terminating in a rim 168 , sealing wall 169 , peripheral flange 271 , and peripheral edge 279 . as shown in fig1 , the outer shell back 160 can be positioned for mating with the partially assembled package 196 comprising the outer shell face 120 , inner shell face 140 , and inner shell back 150 ( with package contents , if any ), to form the finished package 110 ( minus the outer sleeve 195 ). fig1 shows the finished package 110 comprising the components of fig1 , with the outer sleeve 195 in place . the outer sleeve 195 may include a upc or identifier window 199 . similar to the first package 10 , the second package 110 may have a hanger loop 111 for retail display , and may be sealed to protect its contents along an at least partially sealed periphery 112 with a flange 113 . the second package 110 has a front or frontispiece 114 , a rear , back , or posterior 115 , a top 116 , a right side 117 , a bottom 118 , and a left side 119 . as perhaps best shown in the cross - section of fig1 , the second package 110 may also include three compartments : a front compartment 180 between the outer shell face 120 and the inner shell face 140 , a central compartment 182 between the inner shell face 140 and the inner shell back 50 , and a rear compartment 184 between the inner shell back 150 and the outer shell back 160 . the package 110 may contain a product 190 in the front compartment 180 , accessories 192 in the central compartment 182 , and documentation or other rear compartment contents 194 in the rear compartment 184 . in the package 110 , both the outer shell face 120 and the outer shell back 160 have perforations 126 for easy - open . as perhaps best shown in fig1 , the second package 110 may include ears 191 , for example on the upper and lower ends of the right and left side edges , extending through slots 193 in the outer sleeve 195 , to help keep the sleeve 195 in place . while the exemplary packages 10 and 110 each comprise four separate pieces ( outer shell face , inner shell face , inner shell back , outer shell back ), this is not required and a different number of separate pieces could be used . for example , the outer shell face and outer shell back could be joined by a hinge into a unitary “ clamshell ”. the inner shell face and inner shell back , or some other combination of pieces , could similarly be joined . while the exemplary package 10 includes three compartments ( front compartment 80 , central compartment 82 , rear compartment 84 ), this is not required and a greater or fewer number of compartments could be used . for example , a compartment could be divided to form a different number of compartments for particular applications . the package as a whole or the individual compartments could be different sizes and / or shapes . instead of four separate pieces to form a package with three separate compartments , three separate pieces could be used to form a package with two separate compartments or greater number of pieces could be used to form a package with more compartments . the components of the packages 10 and 110 are preferably made using thermoforming methods , from a suitable thermoformable material , such as a thermoformable plastic such as oriented polystyrene ( ops ), talc - filled polypropylene ( tfpp ), polypropylene ( pp ), high impact polystyrene ( hips ), polyethylene terepthalate ( pet ), amorphous pet ( apet ), crystalline polyethylene ( cpet ) polystyrene copolymer blends , styrene block copolymer blends , and the like . the material is not necessarily homogeneous , but may be , for example , a laminate , co - extruded material , or multilayer material . in an appropriate case , one or more of these components could also be made of different formable , molded , or folded materials , for example metal , foil , or a cardboard or paper sheet material that is or could be recycled instead of , or in combination with , thermoformable plastic . the component pieces forming the package 10 may be made of different materials . for example , the outer shell face 20 and outer shell back 60 may be made of transparent material to allow viewing of the contents of the front compartment 80 and the rear compartment 84 . the inner shell face 40 and inner shell back 50 may be made of opaque material to obscure the contents of the central compartment 82 . while the packages 10 and 110 have been described in context of consumer electronic sales , this is not required and the packages could be used for other purposes . for example , a package according to the invention could be used for food products , with the front and / or central compartments holding non - perishable or perishable food items , and the rear compartment holding a different food or other meal - related materials . the rear compartment could also hold a removable hot or cold pack , either passive or chemically activated . it is understood that the invention is not confined to the embodiments set forth herein as illustrative , but embraces all such forms thereof that come within the scope of the following claims .
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the method of this invention involves contacting the boron halide impurity present in a chlorosilane solution with a molar excess of an organosiloxane , bringing about a reaction between the impurity and the siloxane to yield compounds of greater stability than the chlorosilane , and then removing the chlorosilane , leaving the siloxane - bound impurities behind to be analyzed . this method is very effective for assaying boron contaminates , especially from solutions of trichlorosilane . the boron concentration in a solution of trichlorosilane can be accurately measured by the method of the present invention at levels of 0 - 5 parts per billion . the siloxane compounds suitable for the purposes herein are any organosiloxanes which will react with the boron impurity present in the chlorosilane solution to form impurity - siloxane compounds ( e . g ., borosiloxane ) allowing removal of the silane and further analysis of the complexed boron . these siloxanes include alkyl , aryl , halogenated alkyl , halogenated aryl or hydrogen substituted alkyl or aryl cyclotrisiloxanes and cyclotetrasiloxanes such as hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane , octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane , polydimethylsiloxane fluids , dimethylmethyl hydrogen siloxane copolymers and other cyclic siloxane monomers . cyclotrisiloxanes , alkyl cyclotrisiloxanes , halogenated alkyl cyclotrisiloxanes are preferred ; hexamethyl cyclotrisiloxane is most preferred . the siloxanes are added to the chlorosilane sample to be analyzed in an amount which will ensure reaction of the siloxanes with the boron impurities . best results are obtained if this amount is a large molar excess to ensure that all of the impurity present in the sample is effectively bound by the siloxane . the amount of siloxane required of course will vary based on the purity of the sample , but for relatively pure samples ( boron content & lt ; 5 ppb ), 1 part siloxane per 100 of chlorosilane in the sample has produced good experimental results . however , any amount which effectively binds substantially all of the boron impurity present is contemplated . also to ensure complete binding of all the boron present , the sample is first treated with chlorine to convert any boranes present , such as b 2 h 6 , to the less volatile halide form , bcl 3 . after the siloxane is mixed with the sample , the chlorosilane can be drawn off so as not to affect subsequent analysis of the siloxane - complexed boron . this is best accomplished by evaporation in an inert , anhydrous environment , such as under dry , purified nitrogen . because chlorosilanes such as trichlorosilane and silicon tetrachloride are fuming liquids at room temperature and decompose on contact with water , the dry , inert purge prevents side reactions which could affect the analytical results . the siloxane residue remaining after elimination of the chlorosilane contains substantially all the boron which was originally present in the sample . the residue may be developed at this point for quantitative spectrophotometric analysis . for the purposes of this invention , &# 34 ; spectrophotometric analysis &# 34 ; refers to any means of detecting the presence or quantity in a sample of a particular chemical system by observing the chemical system &# 39 ; s characteristic absorptivity for radiant energy , including visible light , infra - red radiation , ultraviolet radiation , etc . &# 34 ; colorimetric analysis &# 34 ; refers to spectrophotometric analyses which involve the observation of a system &# 39 ; s absorption for radiation in the visible spectrum ( 400 - 750 nm ). samples prepared according to the present invention are suitably analyzed by a variety of spectrophotometric techniques , including but not limited to fourier transformation infra - red analysis , spark source mass spectrophotometry , and colorimetric spectrophotometry . in the latter method , which is preferred herein , the siloxane residue may be developed with a colorimetric reagent and the boron then quantitatively assayed by spectrophotometer . any reagent which forms a colored complex with boron suitable for spectrophotometric analysis , and is not inhibited by the presence of the siloxane , may be employed in the present invention . good results have been observed using the quinalizarin - concentrated sulfuric acid reagent in the aforementioned haas et al . article . it is prepared by dissolving 1 part by weight quinalizarin in 368 parts concentrated sulfuric acid ( sp . gr . 1 . 84 ). this reagent is stable for approximately 3 days , and unnecessary exposure to light and air should be avoided . in preparing a siloxane residue for boron assay , the entire residue is dissolved in a measured quantity of the quinalizarin - sulfuric acid reagent . in the presence of boron , the colored complex will develop and spectrophotometric analysis at 630 nm , using water as a reference , will indicate boron level when compared against a calibration plot . the calibration curve , prepared by analyzing reference solutions of bcl 3 added gravimetrically to hyperpure chlorosilane , has been found to be linear from about 0 up to 5 parts per billion by weight , making the analytical method of this invention especially accurate for extremely pure samples of chlorosilane . in order that those skilled in the art may better understand how to practice the present invention , the following examples are offered by way of illustration and not by way of limitation . to generate a calibration curve , reference solutions of boron trichloride in hyperpure trichlorosilane ( tcs ) are prepared at concentrations of 0 . 1 ppbw to 3 . 0 ppbw in increments of 0 . 2 ppbw . 100 . 0 grams tcs reference samples are each added to a reaction vessel and 1 . 0 gram of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane mixed in . dry purified nitrogen is passed over the solution surface to slowly purge the vessel of tcs , leaving a solid siloxane residue . 10 . 0 ml . of freshly prepared quinalizarin - sulfuric acid reagent ( 1 pbw quinalizarin per 368 pbw concentrated sulfuric acid ) are added to the vessel , generating a colored solution which is spectrophotometrically analyzed at 630 nm in a 1 cm cell referenced with water . the absorbance of each reference solution at 630 nm is plotted to produce a calibration curve . a sample of tcs is analyzed for the presence of boron by adding 100 . 0 grams of the tcs to a vessel , bubbling chlorine gas through the sample for approximately 2 min ., adding 1 . 0 gram hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane to the solution , and purging the volatile tcs slowly with dry purified nitrogen . the residue is dissolved in 10 . 0 ml . of the quinalizarin - sulfuric acid reagent , and the resulting colored solution analyzed as above at 630 nm . comparison of the absorbance observed for the sample with the calibration plot is an indication of the level of boron present in the sample . obviously , modifications and variations in the present invention are possible in light of the foregoing disclosure . it is understood , however , that any incidental changes made in the particular embodiments of the invention as disclosed are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims .
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the present invention as described here embodies a topple resistant modular and mobile signage assembly . the signage assembly can be for outside and inside use . the signage assembly as presented here is for an outside application . this signage assembly as presented on fig1 exhibits an electrically illuminated display module 25 . sign module 25 is coupled to base module 19 , by means of column attachment 23 . the brick fascia panels 20 , along with the painted top panel section 21 a , 21 b , 21 c create an illusion of permanence . fig2 a represents the top view of the structural frame to the base module assembly , fig2 b represents an elevation view of the structural frame to the base module . as indicated in fig2 a / 2 b there is a boxed sub - assembly consisting of eight posts 26 the perimeter of the box is connected together by means of standard structural shapes . post members 26 are connected at the top portion by angle shaped side and end members 28 . post members 26 are connected at the mid portion by channel or rectangular box section shaped member 29 . post members 26 are connected at the bottom portion by a smaller section of angle or flat stock shaped member 27 . all of the before mentioned post 26 and shaped members 27 , 28 , 29 can be of a metal construction . the internal structural sub - assembly of the base module as indicated fig2 a , has a top cross bracing 32 which is of a standard structural shape such as an angle , channel or box section so as to accommodate the required strength , this cross bracing 32 is connected to perimeter angle shaped member 28 and 33 . also , cross brace 41 is located between central pairs of posts 26 , 26 . component 33 is of standard structural shape such as an angle , channel or box section that in turn connected to the end perimeter angle shaped members 28 . all structural components are of a metal construction . all structural joint connections will be provided by threaded bolt and nut fasteners and when appropriate joint connections will be of a welded connection . a plurality of height adjustment and leveling devices 36 , 39 as shown on drawing ( s ) fig2 a / 2 b , fig5 are attached to horizontal structural members 29 . the height adjustment devices are normal to and are in bearing contact with an earthen surface 40 . fig5 illustrates a claw - leveling device attachment 39 attached to a height adjustment device 36 . height adjustment device 36 , has a cylinder shaped arrangement and is connected to 29 by means of u - bolt fastener sub - assembly 36 a . there are a total of four , height adjustment and leveling devices , as indicated in fig2 a / 2 b . height adjustment device 36 is a commercially procured screw jack that is actuated by a handle 35 . the turning of handle 35 induces the threaded mechanism internal to 36 to push or pull a separately male threaded shaft extension located at the end opposite to the handled end . this push and or pulling action provides the means to raise and lower the attached frame . this male threaded extension , is attached to a female threaded receptacle of a swivel joint 38 . swivel joint 38 is a commercially procured device and has two female threaded receptacles one of which as previously indicated is connected to 36 , the other receptacle is attached to a male threaded connection of a claw leveling foot 39 . claw leveling foot 39 is of a cast metal fabrication and has formed spikes integral to the casting . this spike arrangement can be pushed into the ground 40 by the transfer of load from the signage assembly and into the claw - leveling device . the function of claw foot 39 as indicated , is to become embedded into the surface of earthen ground 40 . the spiked configuration once embedded will resist lateral movement , thereby reinforcing the position of the signage assembly against destabilizing forces such as wind . this mechanism adds to the resistance to topple in that rotation is resisted . this swivel joint connection 38 is able to cause the claw foot 39 to conform to different angles of contact with the ground 40 . the earthen contact surface 40 to the bearing contact surface of 39 will be of sufficient area so as to properly transfer its proportioned load . this contact area will be sized according to the soil bearing requirements of the particular location so as to distribute the load properly to the soil - bearing plane . the raising and lowering mechanism 36 coupled with the conformity characteristics of the swivel joint 38 and claw foot 39 , create a stable terrain adhering , yet adaptable positioning capability for the signage assembly fig2 b along with fig4 indicates the location of the claw leveling assemblies and the wheel assemblies 30 , 31 , 35 , 37 . there will be at least three wheel sub - assemblies provided internal to a base module 19 . the wheel sub - assemblies will provide the mobility of the over all module signage assembly . the arrangement as shown on fig2 b and fig4 indicates a preferred arrangement but does not represent the only arrangement available . in that a total of three wheels are shown , more wheels may be required to provide better load distribution and transfer for soil bearing requirements . two wheel sub - assemblies 30 , 31 are indicated in fig4 . a leaf spring axle sub - assembly 30 and a wheel 31 are attached to a structural shaped member 29 . leaf spring axle sub - assembly 30 and a wheel 31 are commercially procured . this attachment of leaf spring axle sub - assembly 30 onto a structural shaped member 29 , may be of a welded or bolted construction . leaf spring sub - assembly 30 is of a metal construction and wheel 31 is of a rubber construction , which may or may not be inflatable . the wheel assembly 37 , 31 is a wheeled assembly that offers adjustability of height of the base module with respect to the wheel contacted ground 31 / 40 . this provides a flexibility in the control of the height frame at one end relative to the surface of the ground . this would be used to compensate for any interference of pitch that might arise from loading or unloading the assembly onto a ramp . this wheel height adjustable assembly 37 is similar to construction and function to the height adjustment device 36 . assembly 37 is a commercially procured device that is attached to a structural shaped member 34 of the module base assembly . wheel assembly 37 is positioned through structural shaped member 34 and is permanently fixed by means of a locking collar 37 a onto both sides of structural shaped member 34 as indicated on fig2 b . wheel assembly 37 is positioned through structural shaped member 34 and is permanently fixed by means of a locking collar 37 a . the outside body of assembly 37 is cylindrical in shape and can have a machined groove connection so as to accommodate a seated connection for locking collar 37 a . locking collar 37 a would be of a split collar configuration that would be connected into position within the machined grove seat . locking collar 37 a could have a sufficient inside diameter so as to allow the body of the mechanism to slide through for proper positioning and welding . this height adjustable wheel assembly 37 would be of similar mechanism of the claw leveling mechanism 36 , in that it would be adjustable by turning handle 35 . structural shaped member 34 is of a square box tubular configuration . the ends are supported at a connection to structural shape 29 . structural shaped member 34 is also supported at the center of the span by structural shape 41 . this reinforces the support for the load transfer requirements of the height adjustable wheel assembly 37 and load bearing requirement as transferred from 23 , as indicated in fig1 and fig1 . fig6 is a section elevation indicating the removable panel sections 21 a , 21 b , 21 c , and 42 while sections 21 d , 21 e , 21 f are seen in fig3 . fascia support panel 42 is located onto the proper position with base module post 26 by means of a keyed connection as indicated on fig9 . fig9 is representative of a section taken on fig6 . in addition to the connection of the fascia support panel 42 is the connection of the fascia 20 onto the fascia support panel 42 . this is accomplished by a riveted connection 49 . the fascia 20 could be of a fiberglass construction or other comparable material . the fascia support panel 42 is of a metal construction or other comparable material . fig6 indicates that panel 42 can be positioned so as to permit pivoting top panel 21 a , b , c to be swung in on top of the panel 42 . in the possibility that people would sit on top of 21 a , b , c a positioning and support reinforcement is provided by a complementary arrangement of metal formed seats 45 . the metal formed seats 45 would be of a mating triangular seat conformation as shown . there may be any number of shapes other than the triangular seated conformation . the metal formed seats 45 may be of any complimenting arrangement so as to provide positive placement and added support to the mating panel components 21 a , b , c . fig7 is the solar powered pivoting top panel . fig3 represents the contrast in appearance of the solar powered base module &# 39 ; s top pivot panels 21 d , e , f . it should also be noted that the brick fascia could be provided with both solar powered and non - solar powered signage assemblies . this would reinforce the visual effect of permanence . fig7 indicates the same method of capture of the fascia support panel 42 in that both sets of pivot panels 21 a , b , c and 21 d , e , f have the capacity to be locked in place . there are two metal locking tabs 44 that are located in parallel at the indicated location with panel 42 . here as indicated , pivot panels 21 a , b , c , d , e , f are inserted into position in compliment to pivot bar 53 and panel 42 . the pivot panel 21 a , b , c , d , e , f can thereby be swung in over fascia support panel 42 having the respective metal formed seats 45 connect . a single metal tab 43 is located onto pivot panel 21 a , b , c , d , e , f so as to knife into place between the two locking tabs located on fascia support panel 42 . once this knifed meshing of tab 43 into tab position with 44 is established , a padlock 50 can be assigned to the junction . a set of drill through holes will be machined onto the respective metal tabs to accommodate the bar stock diameter of padlock 50 . the capture mechanism as just described will hold both panels 21 and 42 in place once padlock 50 is locked . fig7 is a working elevation view of the pivot panel for the solar powered unit . a solar panel 47 is held into position by support structural shape 54 . support shape 54 is connected to support seats 45 by means of a welded connection . the solar paneled base module a presented with fig3 contains a top layer of electrical power generating solar cell panels . the arrangement in fig7 provides an ease of changing solar cells in that the cell plates can be slide in and out of the capture as created by structural shape 54 . fig7 also indicates two insulated wire conductor connections 47 a , 47 b . this representation of the battery 51 is only applicable to the solar powered unit as designated with fig3 . as indicated with fig8 a socket connection is made for wiring coming in 47 a , 47 b from the solar cell by means of 47 c and 51 c . two insulated wire conductors 51 a , 51 b lead to a power storage battery 51 as indicated on fig6 ,. in addinion there is a provision for two insulated wire conductors 51 d , 51 e leaving the battery . this wiring is connected to a socket 51 f , which is in turn connected to socket connection 57 c . this establishes power supply to the display junction box 57 by means of two insulated wire conductors 57 a , 57 b . fig8 is thereby representative of the wiring harness arrangement for the wired powered conductors 47 a , 47 b , 51 a , 51 b , 51 e , 51 f , 57 a , 57 b . the socket connectors 47 c / 51 c , 51 f / 57 c are of a watertight construction . the socket connectors are commercially procured and maybe of a male / female configuration and would have a plastic weatherproof , housing construction . the insulated wire conductors are constructed of a copper wire gage suitable for service requirements of the designed load demand . the copper wire of the wire conductors are to be encased in a protective dielectric material suitable to provide the protection that would be required as per design requirements . fig6 also indicates the relative location of the power storage battery as seated in a framed arrangement 52 . 52 , a structural shape of an aluminum construction or comparable material . the framed arrangement 52 is positioned internal to the base module unit and is assigned to structural shape 29 . this connection may be or a welded construction of a threaded fastener group . this battery containment as indicated 51 / 52 can be easily accessed . access is accomplished by removing the required 21 d , e , f / 42 panels and by removing the support access plates 22 a , b , c . the access plates 22 a , b , c are shown in support of the pivot panel 21 a , b , c , d , e , f reference fig6 and are shown in plan view on fig1 . the interchangeability of panels as indicated here adds to the modularity of the design . in that not only can base units be changed while keeping the same display module unit , the panel sections can be changed without moving any of the module sub - assemblies . fig1 also indicates access slots 22 d located on the access panels 22 a and 22 c . these slots provide access to adjustment handle 35 that provide the change in elevation of the module signage assembly as dictated by the requirements of the installed location . the access panels 22 a , 22 b , 22 c as shown in section elevation fig6 can be of a wooden construction and coated with a water repellent varnish . the access panels could also be of a plastic construction . fig6 also indicates the fascia 20 connected to the fascia support panel 42 . indicated is a fascia build out support component 20 a . the fascia support panel 42 is of a aluminum construction or comparable material . as indicated earlier the fascia 20 along with the fascia support component 20 a could be of a fiberglass material or plastic . the fascia support component is a formed rigid component that is configured to attach to and support the fascia panel 20 , as indicated . fig6 indicates a build out fabrication of the fascia panel near the surface of the ground . this build out is used to create an added visual texture such as the vertical soldiering of bricks to the above display of brick rows . the build out may or may not be used . with either case there will be a termination of the fascia 20 or fascia support member 20 a into a bent section 42 a near to the surface of the ground . the fascia support member 20 a can be connected to the fascia 20 by means of a riveted connection . fig1 indicates the connection of the display unit module 25 to the base unit module 19 by means of a connection of display module columns 23 to structural shape tube member 34 . the fastening and removal capability is provided by the fabricated seating arrangement as indicated on fig1 . a base plate 23 a is connected to the column by means of a welded construction . the base plate 23 a will have through holes . the structural shape tube member 34 will have weldment assembly 34 a that will be comprised of a set of two structural angle positioned to grip and track onto the structural shape tube member 34 while providing a bearing plate to receive the column base plate 23 a . the bearing plate along with the connecting angle legs will have through holes to complement to the base plate 23 a . a fastener group 23 b will thereby join the display module columns with the base module unit , to where the display unit can slide into the final position . the sliding function will be provided by the connected weldment 34 a . once final position has been attained weldinent 34 a will be welded onto structural tube 34 , thereby locking the display module unit to the base module unit 19 . fig1 also indicates the use of fluorescent lighting tubes 58 that are connected to the internal body of the display unit module 25 . as indicated before the display unit module is of a translucent plastic construction . the lighting tubes provide light that projects outward to highlight a message outline as scribed on the exterior of the display unit module 25 . the lighting tubes can also provide the luminescence to illuminate color filtered messages as connected to the display unit module 25 . as seen in fig1 , a plurality of precut and positioned characters 61 are appropriately mounted on the display module to provide whatever message is desired by the user . commercially procured track and fixtures position the lighting tubes 58 . the power supply can be introduced into the display unit module 25 either by an outside power source or by the solar power supply as previously described . in either case power will be brought in at socket connection 57 c . socket connection 57 c would be commercially procured and maybe of a male / female configuration and would have a , plastic weatherproof housing construction . socket connection 57 c is connected to insulated wire conductors 57 a , 57 b . insulated wire conductors 57 a , 57 b are thereby fed into a breaker junction box 57 . breaker junction box 57 and all related wiring is obscured from view by display module skirt 24 . the display unit module 25 is captured in a position with its center of gravity in close proximity to the center of gravity of the base unit module 19 . this fact in conjunction with the wide area displacement of the base module creates an inherent geometry . the inherent geometry of the signage assembly 19 / 25 along with the load distributing characteristics of the base module unit 19 provide resistance to toppling greater than other mobile sign currently available . the inter - changeable capability of the display unit module 25 and the base unit module 19 give the signage system an adaptability not found with any other permanent signage systems . illustrating the “ solar option ” a display module in connection with the solar panel , arrayed base module is shown on fig3 which may be utilized for power for the lighted display this “ solar option ” would be exercised as a means to conserve commercially procured power or to supply power to locations where power supply is not readily available .
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