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aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to dispensing of toner material through a telescopic drop tube with a flexible auger that expands and contracts to the sizes and orientation needed . the disclosed embodiments include a supplier and receptacle housing for receiving a material . a variable length component couples the respective housings so as to transport and deliver the material . a motor driven flexible auger positioned in the variable length component is used to transport the material when the variable length component is not vertically oriented . the disclosed embodiments further include a transfer component , telescopic drop tube with rotatable member , and a gear assembly to dispense a material from a supplier to receptacle housing . the telescopic drop tube can expand and contract to a desired length so as to couple supply housing to receptacle housing . the rotatable member is a motor driven flexible auger that transports the material when the telescopic drop tube is not vertically oriented . the rotation of the flexible auger is through the gear assembly . the disclosed embodiment further includes an auger disposed in the transfer component for transporting the material when the component is not in a vertical position . the disclosed embodiments further include a toner transport apparatus for a printing system comprising a toner container , a developer housing , a dispenser , a variable length component , and gear train assembly . the variable length component can be extended away from the toner container to meet design constraints . the dispenser through the gear train assembly provides different orientations resulting in developer housing placement flexibility . the term “ variable length component ”, in the disclosed embodiments , refers to a telescopic component that is extensible or compressible by the sliding of overlapping sections . a “ variable length component ” may also refer to an accordion tube , malleable tube , or the like that is extensible or compressible to a range of lengths . fig1 is a perspective view of a variable length component in a dispenser unit 100 in accordance to possible embodiment . in particular , dispenser unit 100 comprises a variable length component 110 , a gear assembly such as pivot mechanism 145 , an entry port 140 for receiving developer material or toner form a container , and an exit port 130 for delivering the dispensed develop material . the variable length component 110 comprises substantially cylindrical members that move relative to each other . a pivot mechanism 145 such as a gear train and bevel gear set provide the variable length component 110 with rotation 150 defined relative to entry port 140 . the length of the variable length component 110 may be adjusted to compensate for differences in dimensions and positioning of the housings relative to each other . the variable length component defines a predetermined length 125 and a predetermined angle 120 relative to entry port 140 and exit port 130 . the predetermined angle 120 and predetermined length 125 affect the dispensing key elements outlined above . for example , when variable length component 110 is in a non - vertical position , predetermined angle 120 is greater than zero degrees , a rotatable member is needed to transport the toner and to prevent built up on the inside of the variable length component 110 . predetermined length 125 illustrates a scenario where the variable length component is contracted inward or when the variable length component is not extended to its maximum length . in operation , the length of variable length component 110 can be extended 160 to achieve a desired length . likewise , the variable length component 110 could be rotated 150 , oriented or pivoted to a desired angle 120 with the toner container or supplier housing 105 and with the receptacle or developer housing 115 tethered to each end . in a printing apparatus , such as a printer or copier , and a plurality of developer units . the overall function of a developer unit is to apply marking material , such as toner , onto suitably charged areas forming a latent image on an image receptor such as photoreceptor generally found in a printing system ( not shown ), in a manner generally known in the art . in various types of printers , there may be multiple such developer units , such as one for each primary color or other purpose . however , those skilled in the art would appreciate that the marking material may be in any color , such as cyan , red , magenta and yellow . if more than one color is processed in the exemplary printing system , a developer for each color may be provided in a universal developer housing . the main elements of a developer unit are a toner container or supplier housing 105 , which functions generally to hold a supply of developer material , a dispenser unit 100 , which can variously mix and transports the marking material , and receptacle or developer housing 115 , which in this embodiment form to apply developer material to a media to form a latent image . other types of features for development of latent images , such as donor rolls , paddles , scavengeless - evelopment electrodes , commutators , and the like , are known in the art and could be used in conjunction with the to be described tone transport apparatus . refilling each developer housing 115 from the associated supplier housing or toner container 105 can include a distribution mechanism , dispenser unit , flexible tube , or toner transport tube or pipe there between having , for example , an auger or spiral member including a spring rotatable within the tube for transporting the toner from each supplier housing to the respective developer housing . each supplier housing is thus in fluid communication with the respective developer housing . the developer material or toner may then be dispensed into the developer housing 115 during an initial tone up and then during all printing to maintain the proper toner concentration ( tc ). the quantity , level , or toner concentration may be detected by a tc sensor ( not shown ). the concentration amount of the toner supplied to developer housing 115 may be controlled to adjust the concentration . such amount may be determined by the toner concentration detected by the tc sensor to reach a predetermined concentration level based on time interval , specific model type of the printing machine , specific color , and the like , and may be controlled by small increments manually or automatically using a toner dispense motor ( not shown ). the effective length , size , and orientation of dispenser unit 100 are key elements . these elements must be selected with regard to concentration and intended running speed , in pages per minute , of the printing system . typically , but not necessarily , operating a developer unit in accordance with a desired running speed involves rotating one or more of the various rotating members within the developer unit ( augers , magnetic rolls , paddles , etc .) at predetermined feed rates or speeds . however , it should be noted that the use of a rotating member to transport the toner is only needed in non - vertical scenarios . additionally , rotating a rotatable member such as auger at a particular rotational velocity will affect the amount of marking material in the respective housings . therefore , the length , orientation , and other attributes will have an effect on the overall performance of the developer unit 100 when it is run at a given speed . fig2 is a perspective view of a dispenser 200 having a variable length component using an accordion tube in accordance to a possible embodiment . in particular , dispenser unit 200 comprises a variable length component 110 , a gear assembly 145 , an entry port 140 for receiving a material form a container , and an exit port for delivering the dispensed material . the variable length component 110 and the receptacle 115 may be secured by an appropriate engagement method , securing device , or bond . communication between the entry port and the exit port is provided by an accordion tube 210 that extends into receptacle 115 . fig3 is a perspective view of a dispensing apparatus 300 having transfer component , gear assembly illustrated in fig4 , and telescopic drop tube in accordance to a possible embodiment . in particular , the dispensing apparatus comprises an entry port 310 , an exit port 350 , a dispenser or telescopic drop tube 340 , a variable length component 110 , and a gear assembly 360 . gear train assembly 360 connects the telescopic drop tube 340 and variable length component 110 . a material is introduced into variable length component 110 in a direction 330 away from entry port 310 or in a direction 330 towards gear assembly 360 and exit port 350 . a rotating member having a plurality of apertures therein or an auger made from a helical spring can be mounted in either telescopic drop tube 330 or variable length component 110 to transport and deliver the material to its destination . a flexible auger is used when telescopic capabilities and transportation of material is needed for a particular job . a motor rotates 315 the helical spring or member to advance the toner particles through the tube so that toner particles are dispensed from the apertures therein . actuation of the motor can be controlled by a cpu ( not shown ) or a suitably programmed computer ( not shown ). a gear train assembly 360 is a gear train and bevel gear set that enable transmission of power into a rotating member and also rotation 370 of the dispenser about gear train assembly 360 . telescopic drop tube 340 and variable length component 110 could both have telescopic capabilities and both could be equipped with a rotatable member such as auger for transporting the material . the tube would utilize a telescopic tube that can be extended or contracted to variety of fixed ranges to achieve a desired length . the wider of the tubes such as telescopic drop tube 340 would be at the bottom to prevent the build up of material at gear train assembly 360 where the two tubes meet . the tube would contain a flexible auger that expands and contracts corresponding with the length of the tube . the auger is required for non - vertical drop tubes , so that toner material does not build up on the inside of the tubes . rotating coupling mechanism such as gear train assembly 360 would have to be used at the connection between telescopic drop tube 340 and the transfer tube such as variable length component 110 , so that the connection of the drop tube would work regardless of the angles . fig4 is an illustration of gear train assembly 360 in accordance to a possible embodiment . gear train assembly 360 shows an example of a gear construction to which the rotative driving of the rotatable member such as a flexible auger is inputted , reference numeral 410 and 412 designates a first set of gears facing a first axis . reference numeral 414 denotes a second gear facing a second axis . the first set of gears 410 and the second gear 414 work together to generate power and speed to an attached device such as a rotatable member . the gears in the first axis ( 410 , 412 ) are parallel to each other , the gears on the end portions of telescopic drop tube 340 and telescopic component 110 transmit drive from the rotatable member within the tubes . the use of a helical gear or a bevel gear or the like as one of the gears as shown makes it possible to directly bring the gears into meshing engagement . the first gear 410 interposes a gear between the top gear and the bottom gear to thereby construct a gear train , and provide a bevel gear in the gear train to thereby change the inclination of the rotary central shaft . in operation a rotation from a driving member such as a motor at one end of telescopic component 110 causes the top gear of the first gear to rotate in the direction shown by arrow 370 . the rotation of the top gear is translated to the other gears so that second gear 414 rotates and the generated motion is used to rotate the rotatable member . fig5 is a perspective view of a flexible auger 500 in accordance with a possible embodiment . flexible auger 500 has a plurality of blades 510 attached at each end of the telescoping core or variable length component . the flexible auger is disposed within the dispenser unit as shown in fig1 . the rotational core size of the flexible auger is varied to maintain a uniform constant cross sectional filling factor within the dispenser unit . preferably the core is round and the root diameter is varied in a fashion so as to compensate for the volume of developer material that has been picked up at an entry port and used for development at point beyond the exit port . as a general rule the volume discharged by the flexible auger is a function of the diameter ( d ) of the rotational core , flexible auger pitch ( p ), and flexible auger rotational period t ). the pitch of the flexible auger is a variable component that changes with the length . flexible auger 500 expands and contrasts in proportion to length adjustment of the tubing where the flexible auger is disposed within . an expansion and contrasting of the flexible auger causes the pitch to varied . the motor rate or the rotational period needs to be adjusted to maintain a constant flow to compensate for pitch variability . in a first position 505 the flexible auger has a first length 550 and the blades of the flexible auger are a first pitch 520 . in a second position 507 the flexible auger is expanded by an incremental length 540 . the expanded length 560 causes the blades of the flexible auger to a second pitch . although the illustrated embodiments disclose a monochrome xerographic printer where a toner image is transferred from a photoreceptor directly to a print sheet , a “ charge receptor ” can also be an intermediate member or belt that accumulates a set of primary - color toner images from a set of photoreceptors in a color printing apparatus . thus , transfer stations such as generally described and indicated as in the figures can be used to transfer toner images from such an intermediate member to a print sheet . as used herein , the term “ printing apparatus ” may refer to a developer unit installable in a printer ; to a customer - replaceable unit installable in a printer , including or not including a photoreceptor 10 or a developer supply ; to a printer itself ; or to a printing module in a larger , multi - engine printer . it will be appreciated that various of the above - disclosed and other features and functions , or alternatives thereof , may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications . also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives , modifications , variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims .
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fig1 shows a diagrammatic elevation of the system 10 . a wind diverter 20 sits on top of the vertical , cylindrical wind channel 30 . the wind channel 30 , in turn , rests on top of , and is directly connected to , the fresh water storage tank 40 extending below the surface of the ocean . with continued reference to fig1 , the wind diverter 20 consists of a hollow , curved elbow 21 . an automatic directional vane 26 is attached to the top rear of elbow 21 . horizontal doors 23 and vertical doors 24 attach to the horizontal inlet 65 . air turning vanes 22 are attached to the inside of elbow 21 and extend from the horizontal inlet 65 to the top of a square to round transition 27 . the bottom , round portion of the transition 27 attaches to a short length of cylinder 28 . installed in this cylinder 28 is a bird screen 29 that covers the entirety of the inside of cylinder 28 . this cylinder 28 rests on and is captured by bearings 25 . speaking with reference to fig1 , the curved elbow 21 performs the essential task of diverting wind from the horizontal to the vertical plane . the directional vane 26 operates much like a weather vane by automatically pointing the inlet 65 of the elbow 21 into the wind . the vane 26 attaches at the top rear of the elbow 21 and is large enough and extends far enough to provide the torque necessary from ambient breeze to turn the wind diverter 20 . the horizontal doors 23 and the vertical doors 24 open up to an optimal angle to concentrate air into the elbow 21 without losing efficiency to turbulence and frictional forces . to facilitate this task the doors are as large as practical . the vertical doors 24 are as wide as the inlet 65 . one door will overlap the other when the doors are closed to protect the system from high wind . the horizontal doors are half the vertical dimension of the inlet 65 . this allows them to close without overlapping and be a sufficient length for the outer edges to line up with the outer edges of the vertical doors 24 when both sets of doors are optimally positioned to gather and concentrate wind into the wind diverter 20 . the doors will be hydraulically or pneumatically activated and can be used to throttle wind by partial closing should wind velocity become too high for safe and proper operation of the system 10 . operation of the doors can be automatically controlled by wind sensing and satellite weather data or manually controlled by a human maintenance / operator . turning vanes 22 stabilize the wind as it enters the wind diverter 20 and makes it more laminar as it exits . the turning vanes 22 are curved sheets of material attached to the inside of the curved elbow 21 . they divide the area of the inlet 65 into separate horizontal equal areas . their geometry is such that they smoothly transition these inlet areas to smaller but equal areas at the wind diverter outlet 67 . turning vanes are commonly used in commercial ducting elbows to combat friction and turbulence . between the doors gathering wind and the inlet 65 being larger than the outlet 67 the ambient wind speed is increased before it flows out of the curved elbow 21 and into the rectangular to round transition 27 . the transition 27 has an optimal apex angle to , once again , cut down on frictional forces and turbulence of the air . it transitions down to the same circular size as the upper opening in the vertical wind channel 30 . a short stub column 28 is attached to the circular bottom of the transition 27 . this cylindrical stub column 28 is the same size and shape as the vertical wind channel 30 . bearings 25 are to be placed between the stub column 28 and the channel 30 . these bearings 25 allow the wind diverter 20 to rotate 360 degrees in relation to the wind channel 30 . the bearings 25 are so configured as to capture the wind diverter 20 and keep it from being blown off in a high wind . the bearings 25 will also be designed so as to provide reduced friction bearing surfaces for both downward and uplift loads coming from the wind diverter 20 . a bird screen 29 is installed in the stub cylinder does two things . obviously it keeps birds , bats , and debris from entering the system . it also causes a pressure build - up on top of the screen 29 that evens out the flow from the vertical outlet 67 of the wind diverter 20 into the top of the wind channel 30 . continuing with reference to fig1 , the vertical wind channel 30 is housed by a cylindrical casing plate 31 that extends downward almost to sea level . a gas - to - liquid heat exchanger 50 is installed in the upper portion of the channel 30 . an upper dow inlet header 61 is continuously connected to a lower dow outlet 62 by a number of parallel heat exchanger circuits 63 . the inlet header is fed by the dow inlet piping 51 . the outlet header 62 feeds dow to a downcomer pipe 34 and through a seawater energy reclamation turbine / generator 47 and turbine outlet piping 73 . aligned with the bottom elements of the heat exchanger 50 are channels 36 for collecting condensate from the exchanger . this condensate is introduced into a fresh water collection tank 33 that serves as a temporary storage before it goes into a fresh water collection drain 35 that routes the fresh water through a fresh water energy reclamation turbine / generator 46 . at the bottom of the wind channel 30 is a wind turbine 37 vertically mounted with its axis aligned with the center of the channel 30 . the turbine 37 is attached to a shaft 38 attached to a gearbox / generator 39 . below the turbine 37 are wind outlets 75 spaced symmetrically around the base of the vertical channel 30 . with reference to fig1 , as air leaves the wind diverter 20 it enters the top of the vertical wind channel 30 and the inlet of the gas - to - liquid heat exchanger 50 . the gas - to - liquid heat exchanger 50 allows heat to flow from the ambient air to the cold seawater . the heat exchanger 50 is constructed to offer the least resistance to airflow while transferring as much heat as possible . moisture in the air condenses out on the surfaces of the exchanger 50 . beads of moisture join to form rivulets and run down the fins and pipe to the bottom - most point and drip off . this moisture drips into channels or guttering 36 for collecting water . these channels 36 are designed to offer little air resistance while maximizing capacity for collecting water . their open tops will be in exactly the right place and just wide enough to receive the dripping water . they will be slanted to direct the water into the fresh water collection tank 33 . the gutters will be no wider than the small bore pipe but will get deeper as they approach the wall of the vertical air channel 30 to handle more water . penetrations in the cylindrical casing plate 31 allow the water to enter a fresh water collection tank 33 attached to the outside of casing plate 31 . from the collection tank 33 water goes into the fresh water collection drain 35 . this drain conducts the fresh water through a fresh water energy reclamation turbine / generator 46 producing electricity to be conducted away from the turbine by conductive cables 56 . cold ocean water is introduced into the heat exchanger 50 through the heat exchanger inlet piping 51 that extends between the dow inlet pump 59 and the heat exchanger upper liquid inlet header 61 . it travels multiple parallel passes 63 through the heat exchanger 50 . individual passes will consist of a vertical run of small bore piping so as not to block the air flow . in addition to small - bore piping , fins will be attached to the pipe . these fins will be axial to the pipe , forming vertical paths offering little wind resistance . the fins absorb heat from air passing over them and conduct it to the wall of the pipe where it is transferred to the cold seawater . as the air gets cooler in these channels it becomes denser and falls faster . alternately , passes may consist of plate exchangers where the path for the liquid is formed in a plate and welded to another plate , usually flat . the sectional profile these plates present to the air path are only slightly wider than the channel allowing liquid to pass between the plates . the plate provides a similar heat transfer surface as the fins in the previously described pass involving pipes and fins . likewise , air between these plate exchanger passes becomes cooler , denser , and falls faster as it travels downward through the heat exchanger 50 . the cold seawater flows from the multiple passes 63 into the lower liquid outlet header 62 and into a dow return piping 34 which routes the water through a seawater energy reclamation turbine / generator 47 . this generator creates electricity conducted elsewhere by electrical cables 57 . from the turbine / generator the cold seawater is allowed to mix with ocean surface water where it can enrich the water with nutrients and cool it for oxygen retention . this conditioned ocean surface water can then be used in various forms of aquaculture . alternately , the used seawater can be piped back to the depths of the ocean . once through the heat exchanger 50 , cooled air keeps accelerating until it reaches a horizontally mounted wind turbine 37 in the base of the wind channel 30 . this wind turbine 37 fills most of the area of the channel at this point . the space between the tips of the turbine blade and the inside wall of the cylindrical casing plate 31 will be minimal to keep air from going around the blade tips and bypassing the turbine 37 . the horizontal mounting of the turbine will allow bearings to be used that will be more efficient and last longer than those used in a typical vertically installed wind turbine . the blades of this turbine 37 will not have to endure the same stresses as blades of a vertical wind turbine . the constant loading and unloading of gravitational loads on the blades will be gone as well as intermittent and unbalanced wind loads from support tower interference . as a result , this turbine will be able to operate at the higher normal wind speeds system 10 will generate . the turbine 37 is connected via a shaft 38 to a gearbox / generator 39 . this generates electricity distributed to shore by conducting cables 55 . the generator / gearbox will be housed in an aerodynamic shape to cause as little wind turbulence as possible . as it passes through the turbine , air will exit the vertical channel 30 through symmetrically spaced wind outlets 75 around the base of the channel 30 . description of the water storage tank 40 for system 10 below and securely affixed to the vertical wind channel 30 is the water storage tank 40 . still speaking towards fig1 , a portion of this tank 40 is above sea level but much of it extends below the surface of the ocean to provide stability for the system 10 and storage space for fresh water produced by the system . it is cylindrical in shape and can be the same or a different diameter than the cylindrical casing plate 31 but is structurally integral with the casing plate 31 . at the very top of the water storage tank 40 is the service deck 71 . this deck provides a mounting and access area for the turbine 37 and generator 39 as well as the hydropower reclamation pumps 46 , 47 and the dow inlet pump 59 . it forms the roof of the water storage tank 40 . how far down the water storage tank 40 extends into the ocean is a function of what is needed to stabilize the system 10 and store fresh water . the bottom 41 is sealed from seawater intrusion by ordinary metal fabrication techniques . at the bottom of the tank 40 is the fresh water outlet pump 42 that takes in water through the fresh water tank outlet 44 . the pump 42 is situated inside the fresh water pump access chamber 77 and pumps the fresh water into a pipe 45 that takes the fresh water to shore . ideally , this pipe 45 and the electrical conducting cables 55 would be efficiently combined to save space and installation costs . attached to the bottom of the storage tank are anchoring cables 53 . these attach to seabed anchors 54 . these anchor cables and anchors will be symmetric about the system 10 and sufficient in quantity to keep the system stable and anchored even during high wind and waves . this arrangement is typical for many spar - type offshore platforms . the buoyancy of the water storage tank 40 keeps a positive load on the anchor cables 53 and provides stability to the system 10 . with regards to fig1 , fresh water enters the fresh water storage tank 40 through the inlet pipe 43 . when there is sufficient water in the tank , it is pumped to shore to be used for domestic use or for agriculture . alternatively , it could be lightered to a tanker and shipped anywhere . there will be stairwells or ladder wells 49 to access various levels of the tank for maintenance and to access the fresh water outlet pump 42 at the bottom of the water storage tank . this pump 42 is shown located at the bottom of the water storage tank but may be located at the top of the tank or on the service deck 71 . in addition to stair wells or ladder wells 49 there will be enough air - filled cavities due to structure , servicing , and maintenance requirements to give the water storage tank 40 enough buoyancy to support the service deck 71 , vertical wind channel 30 , and the wind diverter 20 and provide for a safe , stable system 10 . the pipe 45 taking water from the tank to shore will be placed on or under the ocean floor for security of the system . with the most toxic thing it will carry being distilled water ( which could be deadly for some ocean creatures but would quickly dilute to an ambient salinity ) the pipe may be suspended partially submerged at elevations safe from fishing nets . this is a less expensive way to install the piping 45 to shore . fig2 a and 2 b show the rotating wind diverter 20 in more detail with fig2 a showing the doors 23 and 24 open for collecting wind and fig2 b showing the doors closed for protection against high wind . fig2 a and 2 b also show the distribution of several bearings 25 about the bottom periphery of the stub cylinder 28 to take the load of the wind diverter 20 and allow it to rotate . fig3 shows the system 100 as an onshore installation . locating close to the shore line takes advantage of heightened wind activity typical of such a location and gives wider options for material and logistics in construction . this system 100 has a cold ocean water or dow suction pipe 52 that extends from shore to the closest access to such cold water as to provide efficient functioning of the system 100 . this system 100 functions much the same as system 10 in that the fresh water is collected by the same guttering / channels 36 , but the water then feeds through a freshwater collection pipe 112 directly into a reservoir 111 that stores the water for further distribution inland . this reservoir 111 also builds up hydraulic energy to be tapped by a channel or sluice 113 that feeds the water through a turbine / generator 115 . conducting cables 117 carry this electricity to an appropriate device for combining it with electricity from the wind turbine generator 39 and the seawater energy reclamation turbine / generator 47 to produce uniform electrical power that is fed to the grid for distribution . fig4 is a diagrammatic plan view of a system 10 being deployed in multiple locations offshore . the water is pumped from each individual system &# 39 ; s storage to the next until it is received by a system 10 directly connected to a reservoir 111 onshore . electrical energy is gathered in a similar manner to be conveyed to the onshore electrical grid . fig5 shows an independent , ocean - going system 200 where additional infrastructure 220 in the form of several levels or decks has been installed . these levels or decks 220 would rest on and connect multiple spars or flotation jackets 231 that would support said decks . also , penstocks 240 for aquaculture are installed below the embodiment to take advantage of nutrient rich dow . another advantage of dow for aquaculture is the temperature allows for a higher level of oxygen and limits development of unwanted microorganisms . the penstocks 240 would employ netting 245 in vertical 241 and horizontal 243 locations to divide the area into pens . shelving 261 or suspended baskets 265 would be used to support the growth of a variety of mollusks . the first level 223 would house processing facilities for the aquaculture and any other industrial machinery or facilities such as deep ocean mining equipment . this level would also be used to install heat exchangers that would further extract moisture from the ambient air being forced through the system increasing the system &# 39 ; s ability to produce fresh water . the second level 225 would be a communal area ; cafeteria , schools , gym , recreation , shops . the third level 227 would be living area . decks would be added to each level for outdoor activity or gardening . alternatively , the first , second , third , any combination or all of the levels could be a server farm utilizing the cool , relatively dry air to keep the machines cool and working properly . the number of levels should not be limited to three and could be as many as structural design criteria allow . the embodiment shown in fig5 also employs a means for locomotion 235 , being a propeller powered by electricity . these would be located on the bottoms of each support jacket or spar 231 . the dow suction pipe 252 for this embodiment would come from the bottom of the fresh water storage tank 40 to prevent fouling the penstocks 240 . the end of the suction pipe 252 would also employ a propulsion and guidance system 237 to keep the end at depth in the dow or cold ocean water while the system 200 is being moved . a further embodiment of the system 300 is shown in fig6 . in this embodiment the vertical channel 30 and diverter 20 of system 100 is installed in multiple locations in an ocean - going vessel 327 . the cylindrical power column 30 extends through the deck 341 and connects with a common plenum with an inlet 311 near the bow of the vessel 327 and an outlet 313 at the stern . electrical power generated by the multiple systems 100 would power a propeller or propellers that would move the ship 327 forward . the water produced would be transported to a towed barge 350 shown in fig7 via a towing cable / pipe / electrical conductor 331 . this barge 350 consists of three cylindrical tanks ; 353 , 355 , and 357 . they are connected and held stable by struts 355 . water would be stored in the bottom tanks 355 and 357 . excess electrical energy would be used to perform hydrolysis on fresh water or seawater to form hydrogen to be stored in the upper tank 353 . not only can this embodiment 300 haul cargo without the expense of fuel , water and hydrogen can be sold at ports of call . also , the hydrogen could be used to fuel an alternate propulsion system should electrical power not be available for any reason . this type of cargo vessel 300 would be a faster method of shipping cargo without fuel costs than the proposed resurrection of sailing ships . it could also be used as emergency sources of water and electricity for coastal cities in emergency situations such as the aftermath of hurricanes or earthquakes . fig8 shows another embodiment 400 with a simpler wind diverter 80 and a contraction cone 83 installed in the vertical cylinder 30 . the wind diverter 80 is a smaller , simpler device without doors . ambient air is directed into the top of the cylinder 30 . before ambient air reaches the turbine blade 37 it passes through a contraction cone 83 . this is similar a mechanism used in wind tunnels to concentrate air without the air becoming turbulent . this allows the turbine 37 to be smaller but operate at a higher speed . this cuts costs for the turbine blade and simplifies the gearbox portion of the gearbox / generator 39 . this embodiment also shows underwater living levels 90 beneath the water storage portion of the vertical cylinder . these levels 90 are connected with the surface by stairs , ladder , or elevator and can be used for leisure as a resort destination or for scientific endeavors or a combination of the two .
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as used above and throughout the description of the invention , the following terms , unless otherwise indicated , shall be defined as follows : as used herein the term “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ” refers to a straight or branched , monovalent , saturated aliphatic chain of 1 to 4 carbon atoms and includes , but is not limited to , methyl , ethyl , propyl , isopropyl , butyl , isobutyl , and t - butyl . the term “( c 1 - c 4 ) alkyl ” includes within its definition the term “( c 1 - c 3 ) alkyl ”. as used herein , the term “ halo ” refers to a chlorine , bromine , or fluorine atom , unless otherwise specified herein . as used herein , the term “ ph ” refers to a phenyl group . as used herein the term “— o —( c 1 - c 3 ) alkyl ” refers to a straight or branched , monovalent , saturated aliphatic chain having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms attached to an oxygen atom . typical “— o —( c 1 - c 3 ) alkyl ” groups include methoxy , ethoxy , propoxy , isopropoxy , and the like . as used herein , the term “ fluorosubstituted ( c 1 - c 3 ) alkyl ” refers to a straight or branched , monovalent , saturated aliphatic chain having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms wherein 1 to 7 hydrogen ( s ) have been replaced with a fluorine atom and includes , but is not limited to (— cf 3 ), (— cf 2 cf 3 ), (— chf 2 ), (— cf 2 ch 3 ) and (— ch 2 cf 3 ). “ agonist ( s )” shall refer to those compounds which stimulate the functional response of a receptor . “ neutral antagonist ( s )” shall refer to those compounds which do not alter the basal activity of a receptor but block the functional activity of agonists and inverse agonists by returning the functional response to that of the basal state . “ inverse agonist ( s )” shall refer to those compounds which possess negative intrinsic activity by reversing the constitutive activity of the receptor . inverse agonists act to inhibit or reverse the activity of agonists . “ obesity ” refers to the condition of having a high amount of body fat . a person is considered obese if he or she has a body mass index ( bmi ) of 30 kg / m 2 or greater . a person with bmi = 27 - 30 is generally considered overweight . conventionally , those persons with normal weight have a bmi of 19 . 9 to 25 . 9 . the obesity may be due to any cause , whether genetic or environmental . examples of disorders that may result in obesity or be the cause of obesity include overeating , decreased physical activity and pathological conditions showing reduced metabolic activity . “ pharmaceutically acceptable salts ” and “ salts ” refer to the relatively non - toxic , inorganic and organic acid addition salts , and base addition salts , of compounds of the present invention . see , for example s . m . berge , et al ., “ pharmaceutical salts ,” j . pharm . sci ., 66 , 1 - 19 ( 1977 ). “ pharmaceutical composition ” and “ composition ” are intended to encompass a product comprising the active ingredient , preferably present in pharmaceutically effective amounts , and the inert ingredient ( s ) ( pharmaceutically acceptable excipients ) that make up the carrier , as well as any product which results , directly or indirectly from combination , complexation or aggregation of any two or more of the ingredients , or from dissociation of one or more of the ingredients , or from other types of reactions or interactions of one or more of the ingredients . accordingly , the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention encompass any composition made by admixing a compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), ( ib ), ( ic ), ( id ), ( ie ) or ( if ) and any pharmaceutically acceptable excipients . “ prevention ” ( of obesity ) refers to preventing obesity from occurring if the treatment is administered prior to the onset of the obese condition . moreover , if treatment is commenced in already obese subjects , such treatment is expected to prevent , or to prevent the progression of , the medical sequelae of obesity ( e . g ., arteriosclerosis , type ii diabetes , polycystic ovarian disease , cardiovascular diseases , osteoarthritis , dermatological disorders , hypertension , insulin resistance , hypercholesterolemia , hypertriglyceridemia , and cholelithiasis ). “ solvate ” means a physical association of a compound with one or more solvent molecules . this physical association includes hydrogen bonding . in certain instances the solvate will be capable of isolation , for example when one or more solvent molecules are incorporated in the crystal lattice of the crystalline solid . “ solvate ” encompasses both solution - phase and isolable solvates . exemplary solvates include hydrates , ethanolates , methanolates , and the like . “ treating ,” as used herein , unless otherwise indicated , means reversing , alleviating , inhibiting the progress of , or preventing the disorder or condition to which such term applies , or one or more symptoms of such disorder or condition . the term “ treatment ” as used herein , unless otherwise indicated , refers to the act of treating as “ treating ” is defined immediately above . “ mtbe ,” as used herein , unless otherwise indicated , means methyl tert - butyl ether . “ psig ,” as used herein , unless otherwise indicated , means pounds per square inch gauge . “ naotbu ” and “ kotbu ,” as used herein , unless otherwise indicated , means sodium tert - butoxide and potassium tert - butoxide respectively . for the therapeutic utility taught herein , the salt of the claimed compounds must be pharmaceutically acceptable . for further details on pharmaceutically acceptable salts , see journal of pharmaceutical science , 66 , 1 ( 1977 ). it will be understood that the compounds of the present invention described below may exist as distinct crystal forms prepared by crystallization under controlled conditions . in scheme i , a compound of formula ( ii ) may be prepared by the method described by andreichikov and coworkers ( andreichikov , et al . zhurnal organicheskoi khimii 22 ( 10 ), 2208 - 13 ( 1986 )), in which a mixture of an amine of formula ( 1 ) and an aldehyde of formula ( 2 ) is treated with an ester of pyruvic acid ( 3 ), where q 1 is a c 1 - 3 alkyl group , in a suitable solvent . suitable solvents include glacial acetic acid , dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , benzene , and toluene . this reaction may also be performed in the presence of solvent mixtures containing these solvents . suitable esters of pyruvic acid include ethyl pyruvate . the reaction may proceed at temperatures between room temperature and the boiling point of the solvent or solvent mixture . in some cases , the product ( ii ) may precipitate during the course of the reaction or upon addition of a solvent in which the product is not highly soluble . these solvents include diethylether , heptane , mtbe , acetone , water , toluene , and pentane and mixtures thereof . if a precipitate is formed , the compound of formula ( ii ) may be isolated by filtration and vacuum drying . alternatively , the compound may be isolated by concentration of the reaction and chromatography of the residue or by aqueous workup and concentration and chromatography of the organic extracts . in scheme ii , a compound of formula ( iii ) may be prepared by treatment of a compound of formula ( ii ) with water , optionally in the presence of an acid or a mixture of acids . this reaction may also optionally be performed in the presence of additional solvents such as tetrahydrofuran , methanol , acetic acid and toluene . suitable acids include hydrochloric acid , sulfuric acid , acetic acid and trifluoroacetic acid . suitable reaction conditions include treatment of a compound of formula ( ii ) with acetic acid , water and trifluoroacetic acid at about ambient temperature for around 1 hour or treatment of a compound of formula ( ii ) in a mixture of acetic acid and hydrochloric acid at around room temperature for about 22 hours . also , the compound of formula ( iii ) can be prepared by hydrolysis with acetic acid at around 80 ° c . for about 8 hours . also , the compound of formula ( iii ) can be prepared by hydrolysis with mixing with dowex 50 - 2x200 ion exchange resin in aqueous methanol at about ambient temperature for around 5 hours . also , the compound of formula ( iii ) can be prepared by hydrolysis with trifluoroacetic acid in a biphasic mixture with the solvents toluene and water for around 1 hour at about room temperature . it is often advantageous to perform this reaction in the presence of at least one equivalent of 2 , 5 - dimethoxytetrahydrofuran . once the compound of formula ( iii ) has formed , it can be isolated by pouring into water and extraction with organic solvents such as dichloromethane , diethylether , ethyl acetate , isopropyl acetate and toluene . the extract may be dried over a desiccant such as sodium sulfate and concentrated to provide the product as a crude mixture . it is often advantageous to use this compound directly in the next reaction rather than to purify it further . in some cases , pouring the reaction onto ice / water allows precipitation and isolation of the compound of formula ( iii ) through filtration . in scheme iii , a compound of formula ( iv ) may be prepared by treatment of a solution of a compound of formula ( iii ) with a compound of formula ( 4 ). suitable solvents include dichloromethane , tetrahydrofuran , or toluene and may be performed at temperatures ranging from room temperature to around 80 ° c . this reaction may be promoted by removal of water as it is formed by treatment with a dehydrating agent such as na 2 so 4 or mgso 4 or 4a molecular sieves or azeotropic removal of water . this reaction may also be performed in the presence of a catalyst such as p - toluenesulfonic acid , acetic acid or other acidic compound . the compound of formula ( iv ) can be isolated , if desired , by methods known in the art such as by precipitation with a solvent such as isopropyl acetate or by silica gel chromatography . in scheme iv , a compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), and ( ib ) may be formed by treatment of a compound of formula ( iv ) under suitable reducing conditions . suitable reducing conditions include treatment with nacnbh 3 in the presence of acetic acid with an optional solvent such as dichloromethane at around room temperature for about 30 minutes to about 12 hours , treatment with nabh 4 in an alcoholic solvent , treatment with na ( oac ) 3 bh in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid in a suitable solvent such a toluene at room temperature for about 23 hours , and hydrogenation conditions in which a solution of compound of formula ( iv ) is treated with a suitable metal catalyst under a hydrogen atmosphere . suitable solvents include methanol , ethanol , ethyl acetate and tetrahydrofuran . suitable metal catalysts include palladium on carbon and platinum oxide . compound of formula ( iv ) is dissolved in ethanol and methanol mixture and subjected to a hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of a suitable catalyst such as pd / c at around room temperature for about 24 hours . the reaction is filtered and concentrated in vacuo to obtain the compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), or ( ib ). the compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), or ( ib ) can be isolated by means such as aqueous workup or precipitation of the product . further purification may be performed by use of such techniques as scx - 2 ion exchange chromatography , silica gel chromatography , supercritical fluid chromatography , reverse phase chromatography and crystallization . purification may also be performed by treatment of mixtures containing a compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), or ( ib ) with an acid to provide the salt of compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), or ( ib ) which may then be purified by crystallization to provide the purified salt of the compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), or ( ib ). preferred salts include those formed by addition with hydrochloric acid and p - toluenesulfonic acid . in the synthesis of a compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), or ( ib ), either of the intermediates of formula ( iii ) or formula ( iv ) may be used directly in subsequent reactions without purification of the crude intermediates . single enantiomers of compounds of formula ( i ), ( ia ), or ( ib ) are generally preferred over the corresponding racemates . these enantiomers may be prepared by resolution of a compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), or ( ib ) using techniques such as preparative chromatography employing a chiral stationary phase . the enantiomers may also be prepared by resolution which comprises formation of a salt of the racemic mixture with an optically active acid and purification of the desired diastereomeric salt . the desired diastereomeric salt may be purified by crystallization . alternatively , any of the intermediates of formula ( ii ), ( iii ), or ( iv ) may be resolved to provide substantially a single enantiomer which may then be converted using the methods described above to provide a compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), or ( ib ) in its enantiomerically purified form such as compounds of formula ( ic ), ( id ), ( ie ) or ( if ). the intermediates of formula ( ii ), ( iii ), or ( iv ) may be prepared by resolution of compounds of the corresponding racemic compound using techniques such as preparative chromatography employing a chiral stationary phase . an alternative and often preferred method for the preparation of purified enantiomers of compounds of formula ( iii ) is outlined in scheme v . a racemic compound of formula ( iii ) is reacted with a compound of formula ( 5 ), in which q 2 is hydrogen , halogen , or a ( c 1 - c 3 ) alkoxy group , to form a diastereomeric mixture of compounds of formula ( xivc ), ( xivd ), or ( xive ) and ( vb ). preferred compounds of formula ( 5 ) include r - alpha - methylbenzylamine , s - alpha - methylbenzylamine , r - 4 - chloro - alpha - methylbenzylamine , s - 4 - chloro - alpha - methylbenzylamine , r - 4 - methoxy - alpha - methylbenzylamine , and s - 4 - methoxy - alpha - methylbenzylamine . this condensation may be performed by combining a compound of formula ( iii ) and compound ( 5 ) an inert solvent such as methylene chloride , tetrahydrofuran , or toluene and optionally heating from room temperature to around 80 ° c . to until the completion of the reaction . this reaction may be promoted by removal of water as it is formed by treatment with a dehydrating agent such as na 2 so 4 or mgso 4 or 4a molecular sieves or azeotropic removal of water . this reaction may also be performed in the presence of a catalyst such as p - toluenesulfonic acid , acetic acid or other acidic compound . the diastereomers of formula ( xivc ), ( xivd ), or ( xive ) and ( vb ) are then separated using techniques such as silica gel chromatography or crystallization from inert solvents such as isopropanol or mixtures of solvents . the desired diastereomer ( designated ( xivc ), ( xivd ), or ( xive ) in scheme v ) is then hydrolyzed to form the purified enantiomer of formula ( iiia ). suitable hydrolysis conditions include treating a solution of the desired diastereomer in acetic acid with aqueous hydrochloric acid . in some instances , the crude ( iiia ) may contain substantial amounts of the dimer of formula ( vi ). in scheme v , the racemic compound of formula ( iii ) may be crude product resulting from the process outlined in scheme ii . in addition , the purified enantiomer of formula ( iiia ) may be used directly from the hydrolysis reaction , without further purification , in the process outlined in scheme iii . in scheme v , the ( r )- enantiomer of compound ( 5 ) was chosen to exemplify the process . one skilled in the art will recognize that the ( s )- enantiomer of compound ( 5 ) may also be used in this process . the choice of whether to use the ( r )- or ( s )- enantiomer may be made depending on which will yield the desired diastereomer that is more readily isolated . in scheme vi , the compound of formula ( ivb ) may also be formed by treatment of compound of formula ( vi ) with compound ( 4 ) under the same conditions as described for the reaction of compound ( iiia ) with ( 4 ). in some cases , heating the reaction in a microwave reactor may be advantageous . in scheme vii , the compound of formula ( vii ) may be prepared as described . a compound of structure ( 6 ) is coupled to a compound ( 1 ) with agents such as tbtu , edci or hobt and an optional catalysts such as dmap and an appropriate solvent such as dimethylformamide and triethylamine at around room temperature for about 18 hours . aqueous acidic work - up , concentration and silica gel chromatography or trituration with solvents such as hexane gives the compound of structure ( 7 ). the ketone group of compound ( 7 ) is converted to the alcohol group of compound ( 8 ) with a reducing agent such as sodium borohydride in solvent mixtures such as water , methanol , ethanol , and dme at about room temperature to 0 ° c . an alternative and often preferred method , compound ( 7 ) may undergo chiral reduction to form compound ( 8 ) in which one of the enantiomers is enriched . methods for chiral reduction of ketones are known in the art ( see , for instance , singh , synthesis 605 ( 1992 ); wallbaum and martens , tetrahedron : asymmetry 3 , 1475 ( 1992 ); matteoli , beghetto , and scrivanti , j . molecular catalysis a : chemical 140 , 131 ( 1999 ); heiser , broger , and crameri , tetrahedron : asymmetry 2 , 51 ( 1991 )). suitable chiral reducing conditions include treatment under hydrogenation conditions using a chiral catalyst such as ( r - tol - binap ) rucl 2 , and reduction mediated by a chiral oxazaborolidine catalyst ( also known as cbs reduction ; corey , bakshi , and shibata , j . amer . chem . soc . 109 , 5551 ( 1987 )). the reaction is performed in a parr vessel under hydrogenation atmosphere in a suitable solvent such as methanol at around 80 ° c . for about 24 hours . compound ( 8 ) is isolated by acidic aqueous work up and concentration . in the following step , the lactam compound of formula ( vii ) is produced via cyclization of compound ( 8 ) in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran and with the addition of tosyl chloride by treatment drop - wise with a solution of a base such as kot - bu at about − 40 ° c . the reaction is warmed to room temperature and aqueous ammonium chloride is added and concentrated . the residue is dissolved in an appropriate solvent such as ethyl acetate , washed with brine and dried . work - up and purification by methods known in the art such as silica gel chromatography affords compound of formula ( vii ). alternatively , compound ( 8 ) is subjected to cyclization conditions such as n - butyllithium at around − 78 ° c . in an appropriate solvent such as tetrahydrofuran for about 30 minutes . p - toluenesulfonyl chloride is added . after approximately an additional 18 hours and by methods known in the art such as chiral chromatography , compound ( vii ) is isolated . in scheme viii , a compound of formula ( viii ), in which g is hydrogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , c 1 - 4 haloalkyl , or phenyl , optionally substituted with c 1 - 3 alkyl or halo , is prepared by treatment of a compound of formula ( vii ) with a compound of formula gcooq 3 , in which q 3 is c 1 - 4 alkyl , under basic conditions such as sodium hydride , in a solvent such as toluene at approximately room temperature followed by silica gel chromatography . compound ( ix ) is then formed by treatment of compound ( viii ) with a compound of formula q 4 so 2 n 3 , in which q 4 is phenyl , optionally substituted with c 1 - 3 alkyl , c 1 - 3 alkoxy , halo , or nhco c 1 - 3 alkyl . the reaction may be performed in a solvent such as acetonitrile and stirred for approximately 30 minutes . work - up and purification by methods known in the art such as silica gel chromatography affords compound of formula ( ix ). in scheme ix , a compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ), and ( ib ) may be prepared by treatment of a solution of a diazolactam of formula ( ix ) with compound ( 4 ) in an inert solvent with a suitable catalyst . suitable catalysts include rh 2 ( oac ) 4 . the compound of formula ( ix ) and compound ( 4 ) are dissolved in toluene under a nitrogen atmosphere and heated to around 45 ° c . the catalyst , rh 2 ( oac ) 4 , is added and the reaction is continued to be stirred at around 45 ° c . for about 30 minutes . concentrating the reaction mixture provides the crude compound of formula ( i ), ( ia ) or ( ib ) which is isolated by methods known in the art such as scx - 2 ion exchange , silica gel chromatography , and supercritical fluid chromatography . in scheme x , the compound ( 4 ) is prepared by treatment of a compound ( 9 ), in which r 10 is hydrogen , c 1 - 4 alkyl , or c 1 - 4 alkyl - c ( o )—, with acetonitrile in the presence of acid to provide a compound of formula ( 10 ). suitable acids include sulfuric acid and trifluoroacetic acid . after combining the above , the reaction is heated to around 45 ° c . for about 28 hours . the reaction is cooled to about 0 ° c . and quenched with aqueous sodium hydroxide . compound ( 10 ) is isolated by precipitation with ethanol and water . compound ( 10 ) is heated in a solution of aqueous hydrochloric acid to around 90 ° c . for about 20 hours . the reaction is quenched with ice and sodium hydroxide . the compound ( 4 ) is isolated after several washes with methyl t - butyl ether and tetrahydrofuran and precipitation with heptane . in scheme xi , compound ( 4 ) is prepared from a compound of formula ( 11 ). anhydrous cerium ( iii ) chloride is prepared by heating cerium ( iii ) chloride heptahydrate to about 140 ° c . under vacuum and then suspended in an appropriate solvent such as tetrahydrofuran at room temperature . the reaction is cooled to − 78 ° c . and methyllithium is added dropwise . compound ( 11 ) in tetrahydrofuran is added dropwise to the solution . the reaction is stirred at around − 78 ° c . for about 30 minutes to 4 hours and warmed around 20 ° c . after about 1 to 20 hours , the reaction is cooled to around − 78 ° c . and aqueous ammonia is added . the reaction is warmed around 20 ° c . for about 1 hour . the compound ( 4 ) is isolated by methods known in the art such as silica gel chromatography . conditions for hplc methods referred to throughout the preparations and examples : gradient : 5 - 100 % acetonitrile / methanol ( 50 / 50 ) w / 0 . 2 % ammonium formate in 7 . 0 minutes then held at 100 % for 1 . 0 minute column temperature : 50 ° c .+/− 10 ° c . gradient : 5 - 100 % acetonitrile / methanol ( 50 / 50 ) w / 0 . 2 % ammonium formate in 3 . 5 minutes then held at 100 % for 0 . 5 minutes column temperature : 50 ° c .+/− 10 ° c . lc column : phenomenex gemini c 18 2 . 0 × 50 mm 3 . 0 μm gradient : 5 - 100 % acn acn w / 0 . 1 % formic acid in 7 . 0 min . then held at 100 % for 1 . 0 min . gradient : 50 - 90 % acetonitrile w / 0 . 03 m phosphate buffer ( phosphate buffer = 5 . 52 g nah 2 po 4 and 1 . 4 ml h 3 po 4 in 2 l milli - q h 2 o ) in 15 minutes . column temperature : 40 ° c . stir 3 -( trifluoromethoxy ) benzaldehyde ( 15 . 0 g , 78 . 6 mmol ), 4 - fluoroaniline ( 22 . 4 ml , 236 mmol ) and ethyl pyruvate ( 8 . 65 ml , 78 . 6 mmol ) in glacial acetic acid ( 60 ml ) at ambient temperature for 72 hours . filter the precipitate and wash with a 3 : 1 heptane / mtbe mixture . dry under vacuum to afford the titled compound ( 20 . 9 g , 60 %) as an off - white powder : ms ( m / z ): 445 ( m − 1 ). yield 81 % ms ( m / z ): 559 ( m − 1 ) dilute reaction with 3 : 1 heptane / mtbe to aid in filtering . isolate additional product from filtrate by trituration with dcm - meoh . isolate additional product from second filtrate by silica gel chromatography . yield 57 % lcms : 5 . 68 min . ( method 3 ); esms m / z 519 . 2 ( m + 1 ), 517 . 2 ( m − 1 ). yield 50 % ms ( m / z ): 479 ( m + 1 ) no dilution prior to filtering . wash filter cake with heptane . yield 87 % ms ( m / z ): 461 ( m + 1 ) dilute with 3 : 1 heptane / mtbe to aid in filtering . yield 38 % ms ( m / z ): 411 ( m + 1 ) isolate additional product from filtrate by silica gel chromatography and crystallization . yield 29 % ms ( m / z ): 577 ( m − 1 ) reaction time : 18 hours yield 33 % ms ( m / z ): 509 ( m − 1 ) reaction time : 5 days yield 56 % ms ( m / z ): 564 . 8 ( m − 1 ) wash precipitate with 2 : 1 heptane / mtbe . yield 64 . 9 % ms ( m / z ): 527 ( m − 1 ) wash precipitate with hexanes . yield 62 . 7 % ms ( m / z ): 529 ( m − 1 ) wash precipitate with hexanes . yield 67 % ms ( m / z ): 543 ( m + 1 ), 541 ( m − 1 ) reaction time : 24 hours use 2 . 5 equivalents of the 4 -( difluoromethoxy ) aniline . concentrate reaction and purify by silica gel chromatography ( 5 - 20 % etoac - hexanes ). yield 37 % ms ( m / z ): 459 ( m + 1 ), 457 ( m − 1 ) reaction time : 24 hours used 2 . 5 equivalents of the 4 -( difluoromethoxy ) aniline . wash precipitate with 4 : 1 heptane / mtbe . stir a mixture of 3 - methylbenzaldehyde ( 1 . 68 ml , 14 . 21 mmol ), ethyl pyruvate ( 1 . 42 ml , 12 . 93 mmol ), acetic acid ( 1 . 85 ml , 32 . 30 mmol ) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran ( 3 . 15 ml , 38 . 75 mmol ), under an atmosphere of nitrogen . add 4 -( trifluoromethoxy ) aniline ( 3 . 84 ml , 28 . 42 mmol ) dropwise over 2 min . heat the yellow solution to 80 ° c . for 12 h . cool to ambient temperature and filter the yellow precipitate and wash with 10 % acetone / water ( 50 ml ). dry the yellow solid under vacuum at 40 ° c . to afford the title compound ( 4 . 18 g , 64 %). ms ( m / z ): 509 . 1 ( m + 1 ). combine benzaldehyde ( 50 . 0 g , 472 mmol ), ethyl pyruvate ( 55 . 3 g , 476 mmol ) and acetic acid ( 350 ml ) at ambient temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere and stir for ˜ 10 to 15 minutes . add 4 -( trifluoromethoxy ) aniline ( 183 . 8 g , 1038 mmol ) dropwise over a period of ˜ 1 h while maintaining the temperature at ˜ 35 ° c . stir the resulting mixture at ambient temperature overnight (˜ 16 h ). add isopropyl alcohol ( 350 ml ) and water ( 350 ml ). stir the resulting mixture at ambient temperature of 15 min . filter and rinse the solid with 1 : 1 isopropyl alcohol : water ( 2 × 150 ml ). dry in a vacuum oven at 40 ° c . overnight to yield the title compound as a yellow solid ( 191 . 4 g , 82 % yield ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 500 mhz ): δ8 . 43 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 74 ( dt , 2h , j = 9 . 0 hz , 2 . 8 hz ) 7 . 37 ( dt , 2h , j = 9 . 5 hz , 2 . 2 hz ), 7 . 32 ( d , 2h , j = 9 . 0 hz ), 7 . 30 - 7 . 25 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 22 - 7 . 19 ( m , 3h ), 6 . 43 ( d , 1h , j = 3 hz ), 6 . 08 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 5 hz ); ms ( m / z ): 493 ( m − 1 ). stir 3 -( trifluoromethoxy )- benzaldehyde ( 25 . 0 g , 132 mmol ) and ethyl pyruvate ( 15 . 3 g , 132 mmol ) in glacial acetic acid ( 125 ml ) at ambient temperature for 10 minutes . add 4 -( trifluoromethyl ) aniline ( 46 . 7 g , 290 mmol ) drop - wise over 15 minutes with continued stirring , warm the solution to 30 ° c ., and stir 22 - 24 h . cool the solution to 26 ° c ., add iso - propyl alcohol ( 125 ml ) and water ( 125 ml ). stir the solution at room temperature for 15 minutes , filter the precipitate and wash with a 1 : 1 mixture of iso - propyl alcohol - water ( 100 ml × 2 ). dry under vacuum at 40 ° c . to afford the titled compound ( 60 . 46 g , 84 %) as a white powder : hplc ( method 4 ) retention time : 10 . 9 minutes . ms ( m / z ): 545 . 1 ( m − 1 ). 1 h nmr ( 500 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 8 . 76 ( s , 1 h ), 7 . 86 ( d , 2 h , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 7 . 70 ( d , 2 h , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 7 . 56 ( d , 2 h , j = 9 . 0 hz ), 7 . 47 ( d , 2 h , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 7 . 44 - 7 . 41 ( m , 1 h ), 7 . 37 ( s , 1 h ), 7 . 29 ( d , 1 h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 7 . 22 ( d , 1 h , j = 8 . 0 hz ), 6 . 66 ( d , 1 h , j = 3 . 0 hz ), 6 . 29 ( d , 1 h , j = 2 . 5 hz ). mix (±)- 1 -( 4 - isopropyl - phenyl )- 3 -( 4 - isopropyl - phenylamino )- 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 2 . 0 g , 4 . 04 mmol ), glacial acetic acid ( 30 ml ) and hydrochloric acid ( 20 ml ). stir the reaction mixture at ambient temperature for 1 hour . pour onto ice / water , filter the precipitate , wash with water , and dry under vacuum to afford a yellow solid . take the yellow solid and repeat above procedure to afford the titled compound ( 0 . 9 g , 59 %). ms ( m / z ): 378 ( m + 1 ). dissolve (±)- 1 -( 4 - bromo - phenyl )- 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidine - 2 , 3 - dione ( 14 . 6 g , 35 . 2 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 35 ml ). add ( r )-(+)- α - methylbenzylamine ( 6 . 8 ml , 52 . 8 mmol ) and stir overnight at ambient temperature . concentrate the reaction mixture under reduced pressure and purify by silica gel chromatography ( ethyl acetate - hexane ) to yield ( s )- 1 -( 4 - bromo - phenyl )- 3 -(( r )- 1 - phenyl - ethylamino )- 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one - eluting first ( 6 . 6 g , 36 %): ms ( m / z ): 517 . 0 ( m + 1 ). rp hplc : tr = 5 . 53 min ( method 3 ) and eluting second ( r )- 1 -( 4 - bromo - phenyl )- 3 -(( r )- 1 - phenyl - ethylamino )- 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 5 . 8 g , 32 %): ms ( m / z ): 517 . 0 ( m + 1 ). rp hplc : tr = 5 . 44 min . ( method 3 ) 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 7 . 45 ( dd , 4h , j = 18 . 5 , 9 . 2 hz ), 7 . 33 ( d , 2h , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 7 . 28 - 7 . 19 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 15 - 7 . 05 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 15 - 7 . 05 ( m , 2h ), 6 . 99 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 9 hz ), 6 . 90 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 89 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 5 . 85 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 2 hz ), 5 . 14 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 6 hz ), 4 . 35 - 4 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 43 ( d , 3h , j = 7 . 0 hz ). prepare the following compound essentially by the method of preparation 28 , 31 and 32 . cool the reaction mixture to room temperature and add isopropyl acetate ( 40 ml ) and toluene ( 160 ml ) in a single portion . wash the mixture with water ( 3 ×) and then ph 7 buffer ( 2 ×). separate layers and observe that the aqueous layer is ph = 7 . wash the organic layer with water ( 1 ×) and brine ( 1 ×). observe that the organic layer contains the titled compound . lc - ms esi m / z : 416 ( m - h ). mix ethanol ( 120 ml ), glacial acetic acid ( 15 ml ), water ( 3 . 0 ml , 164 . 7 mmol ), trifluoroacetic acid ( 6 . 2 ml , 82 . 4 mmol ), (±)- 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 3 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenylamino )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 30 . 0 g , 54 . 9 mmol ), and 2 , 5 - dimethoxy - tetrahydrofuran ( 10 . 7 ml , 82 . 4 mmol ). warm the solution to 50 ° c . and stir the reaction mixture for 15 - 18 hours . discontinue heating the solution , add water ( 35 ml ), and cool the reaction mixture to − 19 ° c . filter the slurry and wash the solid with a 1 : 4 mixture of water - methanol ( 20 ml ). transfer the filtrate to a separatory funnel and wash with 6 % brine ( 280 ml ), then add 6 % brine ( 100 ml ), methanol ( 40 ml ), diethyl ether ( 100 ml ), and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution ( 43 ml ) to the organic phase . separate the layers , add methanol ( 60 ml ) to the organic phase , and concentrate the solution to approximately 1 volume containing (±)- 3 - hydroxy - 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one . add ( r )-(+)- α - methyl benzylamine ( 45 . 0 ml , 349 . 8 mmol ) to the organic layer described in preparation 34 or 35 , containing (±)- 3 - hydroxy - 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one . stir the solution at ambient temperature for 72 hours . concentrate the reaction mixture and purify by silica gel chromatography ( 5 - 15 % etoac - hexane ) to yield ( s )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 3 -(( r )- 1 - phenyl - ethylamino )- 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 32 . 4 g , 37 %) as a tan foam and ( r )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 3 -(( r )- 1 - phenyl - ethylamino )- 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 26 . 0 g , 29 %) as a pale orange oil . 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 7 . 74 ( d , 2h , j = 8 . 8hz ), 7 . 62 ( d , 2h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 39 - 7 . 34 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 28 ( dd , 2h , j = 7 . 7 , 7 . 1 hz ), 7 . 21 - 7 . 14 ( m , 4h ), 6 . 04 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 5 hz ), 5 . 91 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 6 hz ), 5 . 21 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 6 hz ), 4 . 31 - 4 . 23 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 42 ( d , 3h , j = 7 . 0 hz ). ms ( m / z ): 507 ( m + 1 ). 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 7 . 76 ( d , 2h , j = 8 . 8hz ), 7 . 62 ( d , 2h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 34 ( d , 2h , j = 7 . 0 hz ), 7 . 28 - 7 . 20 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 14 - 7 . 06 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 02 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 9 hz ), 6 . 96 ( s , 1h ), 5 . 96 - 5 . 92 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 19 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 6 hz ), 4 . 36 - 4 . 27 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 44 ( d , 3h , j = 7 . 0 hz ). ms ( m / z ): 507 ( m + 1 ). prepare the following compounds essentially by the method of preparation ( 34 or 35 ) and 36 and 37 . combine (±) - 5 - phenyl - 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxyphenyl )- 3 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxyphenylamino )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 100 g , 202 mmol ), 2 , 5 - dimethoxytetrahydrofuran 932 . 4 g , 244 mmol ), toluene ( 400 ml ), water ( 150 ml ), acetic acid ( 50 ml ) and trifluoroacetic acid ( 23 . 5 g , 203 mmol ) under a nitrogen atmosphere . stir for 3 h while maintaining the temperature between 35 ° c . and 45 ° c . cool to ambient temperature and transfer to a separatory funnel with toluene ( 100 ml ). separate the phases and wash the organic phase with water ( 2 × 500 ml ). transfer the organic phase to a separate flask with toluene ( 100 ml ). add ( r )-(+)- α - methyl benzylamine ( 29 . 4 g , 243 mmol ). stir at ambient temperature until the reaction is complete (˜ 18 h ). concentrate the solution under reduced pressure ( 40 ° c . to 46 ° c . at ˜ 26 mm hg ) to a total volume of 250 ml . add isopropyl alcohol ( 500 ml ). concentrate the resulting solution under reduced pressure ( 30 ° c . to 39 ° c . at ˜ 26 mm hg ) to a total volume of 250 ml . add isopropyl alcohol ( 250 ml ). cool the solution to 0 ° c . to − 5 ° c . and seed with the title compound . cool to − 12 ° c . stir for 1 . 5 h , filter , and rinse the solid with cold isopropyl alcohol ( 100 ml ). dry on the filter to afford 46 . 5 g of a tan solid . slurry a portion of this solid ( 42 . 0 g ) in heptane ( 300 ml ) at ambient temperature for 2 h . filter and rinse the solid with heptane ( 2 × 30 ml ). dry the solid to yield the title compound as a light tan solid ( 26 . 0 g , 32 % yield ). 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 500 mhz ): δ7 . 50 ( dt , 2h , j = 8 . 5 hz , 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 34 - 7 . 28 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 22 - 7 . 17 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 09 ( d , 2h , j = 8 . 5 hz ), 7 . 00 ( dd , 2h , j = 7 . 3 hz , 1 . 8 hz ), 5 . 41 ( d , 1h , j = 3 . 0 hz ), 5 . 05 ( d , 1h , j = 3 . 0 hz ), 4 . 65 ( br s , 1h ), 4 . 34 ( q , 1h , j = 6 . 7 hz ), 1 . 55 ( d , 3h , j = 6 . 7 hz ); ms ( m / z ): 439 ( m + 1 ). charge thf ( 20 ml , 5 vols ) to a flask containing (±)- 5 -( 3 - methyl - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 3 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenylamino )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 4 . 18 g , 8 . 22 mmol ). add acetic acid ( 1 . 88 ml , 32 . 89 mmol ,) to the above clear solution to afford a yellow solution . add 2 , 5 - dimethoxytetrahydrofuran ( 1 . 28 ml , 9 . 87 mmol ,), then add water ( 0 . 2 ml , 9 . 87 mmol ). add tfa ( 1 . 25 ml , 16 . 44 mmol ,) to the reaction mixture and observe a slight exotherm ( 23 to 30 ° c .). heat the reaction mixture to 40 ° c . for 22 hours . pour the brown solution into water ( 50 ml ) and extract with ethyl acetate ( 50 ml × 2 ). wash the organic phase with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution ( 20 ml × 2 ), brine ( 50 ml ), dry over magnesium sulfate and evaporate to afford the titled compound . ms ( m / z ): 350 . 1 ( m + 1 ). charge toluene ( 20 ml ) to a flask containing (±)- 5 - m - tolyl - 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidine - 2 , 3 - dione ( 4 . 13 g ; 11 . 82 mmol ). add 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamine ( 4 . 83 g , 23 . 65 mmol ) to the above solution in an atmosphere of n 2 . heat the reaction mixture to 80 ° c . for 24 hours . cool to ambient temperature and evaporate in vacuo . dissolve in meoh ( 90 ml ) and pass through an scx - 2 ion exchange resin cartridge . evaporate the meoh wash to give the crude product . purify on an scx - 2 ion exchange resin cartridge ( eluent with methanol ) and then by chromatography on a silica gel column eluting with iso - hexane / ethyl acetate ( 80 : 20 ) to afford the titled compound ( 2 . 54 g , 58 %). ms ( m / z ): 536 . 1 ( m + 1 ). add water ( 550 ml ) and trifluoroacetic acid ( 142 ml , 1 . 8 mol ) to a stirred slurry of ( r )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 3 -(( r )-( 1 - phenyl - ethylamino )- 5 - phenyl - 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 275 g , 621 mmol ) in 1 . 37 l of toluene . stir the resulting biphasic mixture for 3 . 5 h at ambient temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere . transfer the mixture into reactor equipped with a bottom valve by cannula and dilute with water ( 2 . 0 l ) and toluene ( 2 . 0 l ). discard the aqueous layer , and wash the organic phase with 1n hcl ( 1 l ). transfer the organic layer into a new flask and charge with acetic acid ( 200 ml ), and 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamine ( 191 g , 939 mmol ). stir the mixture for 2 hours at ambient temperature and then heat to 40 ° c . for 96 h . add mtbe ( 2 . 0 l ) and wash with water ( 2 . 0 l ). discard the aqueous layer and wash the organic phase with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate ( 2 . 0 l ). dry the mtbe phase with magnesium sulfate , filter and concentrate to an oil under reduced pressure ( 10 torr , 30 ° c .). dilute the oil with 1 . 0 l of 15 % mtbe / hexanes and stir the resulting slurry for 1 hour at ambient temperature . isolate the solid by vacuum filtration , rinsing the solid with 200 ml of 15 % mtbe / hexanes ( 200 ml ). dry the solid under reduced pressure to obtain ( 5r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 - phenyl - 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pryrrol - 2 - one as a white solid ( 326 g , 88 %). 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 8 . 78 ( 1 h , d , j = 4 hz ), 8 . 05 ( 1 h , dd , j = 4 , 8 hz ,), 7 . 80 ( 1 h , d , j = 8 hz ), 7 . 63 ( 2 h , m ), 7 . 26 ( 2 h , m ), 7 . 08 - 7 . 18 ( 5 h , m ,), 7 . 02 ( 2 h , m ), 5 . 72 ( 2 h , m ), 4 . 77 ( 1 h , m ), 1 . 65 ( 3 h , s ), 1 . 62 ( 3h , s ); ms ( m / z ): 522 . 0 ( m + 1 ). dry cerium ( iii ) chloride heptahydrate ( 22 . 4 g , 30 . 1 mmol ) at 140 ° c . under vacuum overnight . cool to ambient temperature and add thf ( 120 ml ). stir the mixture for 30 min . to 2 hours . cool the mixture to − 78 ° c . and add methyllithium ( 1 . 6 m in et 2 o ; 38 ml , 30 mmol ) dropwise . stir the reaction mixture at − 78 ° c . for 30 min . to 1 hour and then add a solution of 2 - chloropyridine - 5 - carbonitrile 2 . 77 g , 20 . 0 mmol ) in thf ( 20 ml ). stir 30 min . to 4 hours at − 78 ° c ., allow the reaction mixture to warm to 20 ° c . for 1 hour . cool the reaction mixture to − 78 ° c . and add aqueous ammonia ( 38 ml ). allow the reaction mixture to warm to 20 ° c . for 1 hour . decant the supernatant and wash the solid residue with dichloromethane . concentrate in vacuo the combined organic layers . transfer the resultant residue to a column of silica gel ( 330 g ) and elute ( 0 - 10 % [ 1 m ammonia in methanol ]/ dichloromethane ) to yield 2 . 21 g ( 64 . 8 %) of the titled compound as a yellow oil . ms ( m / z ): 171 . 0 ( m + 1 ). 1 h nmr indicated pure desired product . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 ): δ = 8 . 53 ( d , j = 2 . 4 hz , 1 h ), 7 . 82 ( dd , j = 8 . 4 , 2 . 4 hz , 1 h ), 7 . 26 ( dd , j = 8 . 4 , 0 . 8 hz , 1 h ), 1 . 87 ( s , 2 h ), 1 . 50 ( s , 6 h ) ppm . add a solution of dimethyl sulfoxide ( 0 . 82 ml , 11 . 5 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 2 ml ) over a period of 5 minutes to a solution of oxalyl chloride ( 0 . 46 ml , 5 . 28 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 10 ml ) cooled to − 78 ° c . stir 10 minutes then add a solution of ( 3 - trifluoromethylsulfanyl - phenyl )- methanol ( 1 . 00 g , 4 . 80 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 4 ml ). stir 15 minutes then add triethylamine ( 3 . 35 ml , 24 . 0 mmol ). slowly warm to ambient temperature , add water and separate the organic layer . extract the aqueous layer with dichloromethane . dry ( sodium sulfate ) the combined organic layers , filter , and concentrate in vacuo . purify by silica gel chromatography ( 10 % ethyl acetate / hexane ) to afford the titled compound as a yellow liquid ( 896 mg , 91 %). 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso ) δ 7 . 74 ( dd , j = 7 . 6 , 7 . 6 , 1h ), 8 . 01 ( d , j = 7 . 9 , 1h ), 8 . 09 ( d , j = 7 . 5 , 1h ), 8 . 12 ( s , 1h ), 10 . 03 ( s , 1h ). deoxygenate a mixture of 2 - bromo - 5 - cyanopyridine ( 1 . 83 g , 10 . 0 mmol ), cyclopropylboronic acid ( 1 . 1 g , 13 mmol ), palladium ( ii ) acetate ( 0 . 11 g , 0 . 49 mmol ), and potassium phosphate ( 7 . 4 g , 35 mmol ) in toluene ( 40 . 00 ml ) and water ( 2 ml ) by bubbling nitrogen through the mixture . add tricyclohexylphosphine ( 1 . 0 ml , 1 . 0 mmol , 1 m in toluene ). heat the reaction mixture at 100 ° c . for 14 hours and allow the reaction mixture to cool . decant the supernatant and wash the leftover sludge with dichloromethane . concentrate the combined organics in vacuo . purify by silica gel chromatography ( 0 - 5 % ethyl acetate / hexane ) to afford the titled compound as a white crystalline solid ( 774 mg , 47 %). 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , cdcl 3 ) δ 1 . 08 ( m , 4h ), 2 . 05 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 23 ( dd , j = 8 . 2 , 1 . 0 hz , 1h ), 7 . 73 ( dd , j = 8 . 0 , 2 . 4 hz , 1h ), 8 . 66 ( d , j = 1 . 2 hz , 1h ). prepare the titled compound , via the procedure described in the german patent entitled “ preparation of 6 -( haloalkyl )- 3 - pyridinecarboxylic acids ”. mueller , peter . ( bayer a .- g ., germany ). eur . pat . appl . ( 2003 ), 13 pp . ep 1340747 a1 20030903 . 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 500 mhz ): δ 9 . 19 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 53 ( dd , 1h , j = 1 . 5 , 8 . 5 ), 8 . 04 ( d , 1h , j = 8 ), 4 . 38 ( q , 2h , j = 7 ), 1 . 34 ( t , 3h , j = 7 ). cool the contents of an inerted reaction vessel containing technical grade 6 - trifluoromethyl - nicotinic acid ethyl ester ( 45 . 6 moles ; 10 . 00 kg ) and tert - butyl methyl ether ( 71 . 6 l ; 53 . 0 kg ) to 10 - 15 ° c ., and add the solution into a separate inerted reaction vessel cooled to 5 - 12 ° c . containing 3 m methylmagnesium chloride ( 136 . 8 moles ; 45 . 6 l ; 46 . 2 kg ) and tetrahydrofuran ( 76 . 5 l ; 68 . 0 kg ). observe a moderate exotherm during the addition , and maintain the internal reaction temperature between 15 - 25 ° c . confirm that the starting ester is completely consumed by hplc , and cool the reactor contents to 0 - 3 ° c . add the contents from the reaction vessel slowly to a separate reactor cooled to 0 - 5 ° c . containing hydrochloric acid ( 203 moles ; 16 . 67 l ; 20 . 0 kg ) and water ( 81 . 0 l , 81 . 0 kg ), and observe gas evolution . separate the layers and extract the aqueous phase once with tert - butyl methyl ether ( 59 . 5 l ; 44 . 0 kg ). combine the organic layers and wash with a 20 % sodium chloride solution ( 189 . 3 moles ; 46 . 5 l ; 55 . 3 kg ). filter the organic solution , concentrate to approximately 1 volume , and dilute with acetonitrile ( 31 . 8 l ; 25 . 0 kg ). concentrate the solution to approximately 1 volume to provide the titled compound as a technical grade oil ( 7 . 9 kg ; 84 . 4 %, based on hplc ) in acetonitrile . use the crude material as a solution in acetonitrile without further purification . a pure sample of the product can be obtained by following the procedure given below . purification ( optional ): charge the titled compound ( 1 . 81 kg , 8 . 82 moles ) to a 22 - l separatory funnel with methyl t - butyl ether ( 3 l , 2 . 2 kg ), water ( 500 ml ) and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate ( 500 ml ) and stir for 10 min . separate the bright yellow aqueous layer and transfer the organic phase to a 22 - l flask . add magnesium sulfate ( 200 g , 1 . 66 moles ) to the flask , stir 10 min . then filter . concentrate the filtrate to an oil and co - evaporate twice with acetonitrile ( 2 × 3 l ) to afford the titled compound as an oil weighing 1 . 64 kg ( 90 . 6 %). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 500 mhz ): δ 8 . 85 ( d , 1 h , j = 2 . 5 hz ), 8 . 10 ( dd , 1 h , j = 2 , 8 hz ), 7 . 81 ( d , 1 h , j = 8 hz ), 5 . 42 ( s , 1 h ), 1 . 47 ( s , 6 h ). add acetonitrile ( 67 . 4 l ; 53 . 0 kg ) to a reaction vessel containing 2 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- propan - 2 - ol ( 52 moles ; 12 . 8 kg ) and cool to 0 - 5 ° c . add concentrated sulfuric acid ( 372 moles ; 19 . 8 l ; 36 . 5 kg ) slowly , maintaining the internal reaction temperature between 0 - 15 ° c . heat the solution to 25 - 30 ° c . for 24 hours , and observe the completion of the reaction by hplc . cool the mixture to 0 ° c . while stirring and add water ( 95 . 0 l ; 95 . 0 kg ). add a solution of aqueous ammonia ( 57 . 5 kg ) to adjust the solution ph to 8 . 0 - 9 . 0 , and then add tert - butyl methyl ether ( 81 . 1 l ; 60 . 0 kg ). separate the lower aqueous layer , concentrate the organic layer to approximately 3 volumes , and cool the contents of the reaction to − 5 - 0 ° c . filter the resultant solids and dry under vacuum until constant weight and collect ( 13 . 4 kg ; 87 . 3 %, based on hplc ) of the titled compound as a pale yellow solid in 81 . 8 % purity . 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 500 mhz ): δ 8 . 68 ( d , 1 h , j = 2 hz ), 8 . 30 ( s , 1 h ), 7 . 92 ( dd , 1 h , j = 2 . 5 , 8 . 5 hz ), 7 . 79 ( d , 1 h , j = 5 . 8 hz ), 1 . 82 ( s , 3 h ), 1 . 56 ( s , 6 h ). heat a mixture of n -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethyl ]- acetamide ( 93 . 5 moles , 19 . 1 kg ), concentrated hydrochloric acid ( 805 . 9 moles ; 66 . 2 l ; 79 . 4 kg ), and water ( 79 . 4 l ; 79 . 4 kg ) to 95 - 100 ° c . with stirring under nitrogen for 24 hours . cool the reaction mixture to 20 - 35 ° c . and observe completion of the reaction by hplc . cool the reaction vessel to 10 - 20 ° c . and add tert - butyl methyl ether ( 105 . 4 l ; 78 . 0 kg ). separate the phases , and discard the organic layer . add 15 % sodium hydroxide ( 910 . 9 moles ; 205 l ; 242 . 9 kg ) to the aqueous phase and observe a ph of 9 . 5 - 10 . 5 . extract the aqueous layer with ethyl acetate ( 3 × 89 ml ; 3 × 80 . 0 kg ), combine the organic layers , and discard the aqueous phase . concentrate the solution to approximately 2 volumes , add tert - butyl methyl ether ( 174 l ; 129 . 1 kg ), and concentrate the solution to approximately 2 volumes . dilute the reaction vessel with n - heptane ( 168 l ; 115 . 0 kg ), concentrate the solution to approximately 2 volumes , and dilute with additional n - heptane ( 30 l , 20 . 7 kg ). cool the contents of the reaction mixture to 0 - 5 ° c . and stir the mixture for 2 hours at 0 - 5 ° c . filter and dry the resultant solids under vacuum at 35 - 45 ° c . to afford the titled compound ( 14 . 19 kg ; 74 . 3 %, based on hplc ) as a 97 . 9 % pure tan powder . add a solution of 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamine ( 280 g , 1 . 37 moles ) in methyl t - butyl ether ( 1 . 4 l ) to a solution of p - toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate ( 212 . 5 g , 1 . 23 moles ) in tetrahydrofuran ( 980 ml ). observe a ph of 2 . 0 and an exotherm to 28 ° c . cool to 18 ° c . and filter solids . rinse filter cake with methyl t - butyl ether ( 1 . 4 l ). vacuum dry the filter cake at ambient temperature and collect 408 g ( 79 %) of the titled compound as a white solid . 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 500 mhz ): δ 8 . 94 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 5 ), 8 . 53 ( br s , 3h ), 8 . 2 ( dd , 1h , j = 5 . 5 , 8 ), 8 . 02 ( d , 1h , j = 8 ), 7 . 46 ( d , 2h , j = 8 ), 7 . 10 ( d , 2h , j = 7 . 5 ), 2 . 27 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 68 ( s , 6h ). weigh into 5 - l 3 - neck flask 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamine ; compound with toluene - 4 - sulfonic acid ( 990 g , 2 . 63 moles ). add methyl t - butyl ether ( 2 . 48 l ) to form a suspension that is cooled by an ice - bath . add a 5 m solution of sodium hydroxide ( 578 . 64 ml , 2 . 89 moles ) to afford a biphasic mixture at ph 12 . 2 . separate the phases and extract the organic phase with water ( 125 ml ). remove the organic phase and concentrate under reduced pressure to afford a residue ( 200 g ). extract the aqueous phase with a mixture of methyl t - butyl ether ( 990 ml ) and tetrahydrofuran ( 1 . 32 l ). separate the organic phase and concentrate under reduced pressure to afford another residue ( 200 g ). observe that the aqueous phase is ph 10 . 1 and add 5n naoh ( 157 . 8 ml , 0 . 789 mol ) to give ph 13 . extract the aqueous phase with dichloromethane ( 1 . 32 l ). separate the phases and concentrate the organic phase to a third residue . combine the three residues of amine , suspend in heptane ( 1 l ) with mixing , and concentrate the suspension to afford 427 g ( 79 . 5 %) of the purified titled compound as a white crystalline solid . 1 h nmr ( cdcl 3 , 500 mhz ): δ 8 . 91 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 5 ), 8 . 05 ( dd , 1h , j = 2 , 8 ), 7 . 64 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 5 ), 1 . 68 ( br s , 2h ), 1 . 55 ( s , 6h ). add a 1 m solution of diisobutylaluminum hydride in toluene ( 76 mmol ) dropwise to a solution of m - ethylbenzonitrile ( 38 mmol ) in toluene ( 50 ml ) under nitrogen in a dry ice - acetone bath . stir for 30 minutes then add acetic acid ( 20 ml ) dropwise followed by water ( 100 ml ). stir the reaction for 2 hours . separate the layers and extract the aqueous with toluene . dry the combined organic layers over sodium sulfate , and evaporate to give the title compound ( 4 . 5 g , 88 % yield ). 1 hnmr ( 400 . 43 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 9 . 97 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 69 - 7 . 66 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 46 - 7 . 40 ( m , 2h ), 2 . 71 ( q , j = 7 . 6 hz , 2h ), 1 . 25 ( t , j = 7 . 5 hz , 3h ). dissolve ethyl 3 - acetylbenzoate ( 5 . 2 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 13 ml ) in a polypropylene tube . add ( bis ( 2 - methoxyethyl ) amino sulfur trifluoride ( deoxofluor ) ( 10 . 4 mmol ) and ethanol ( 15 ul ). purge with nitrogen , seal the tube , and heat at 60 ° c . for 18 hours . add additional deoxofluor ( 10 . 4 mmol ) and heat for an additional 24 hours . pour the cooled reaction into 5 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate , extract with dichloromethane , dry the combined organic extracts over sodium sulfate , filter and evaporate . purify over silica ( 40 g ) eluting with 1 : 1 dichloromethane : hexane collecting the first eluting material . evaporate to give the title compound as a clear colorless liquid in 68 % yield . 1 hnmr ( 400 . 43 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 8 . 15 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 08 ( d , j = 7 . 9 hz , 1h ), 7 . 67 ( d , j = 7 . 9 hz , 1h ), 7 . 48 ( t , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 4 . 37 ( q , j = 7 . 2 hz , 2h ), 1 . 96 - 1 . 87 ( m , 3h ), 1 . 38 ( t , j = 7 . 0 hz , 3h ). add a solution of 3 -( 1 , 1 - difluoro - ethyl )- benzoic acid ethyl ester ( 3 . 57 mmol ) in thf ( 5 ml ) dropwise to a 1m solution of lithium aluminum hydride in thf ( 4 . 3 ml ) at room temperature . stir for 20 minutes then add ice followed by a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and ice ( approximately 1 : 1 v : v ). extract with ethyl ether , dry the organic extracts over sodium sulfate , filter , and evaporate to give the title compound in 97 % yield . gcms mw 172 ( m ). 1 h nmr ( 400 . 43 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 7 . 49 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 41 - 7 . 39 ( m , 3h ), 4 . 70 ( s , 2h ), 1 . 94 - 1 . 85 ( m , 3h ). add a solution of [ 3 -( 1 , 1 - difluoro - ethyl )- phenyl ]- methanol ( 3 . 47 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 10 . 5 ml ) dropwise to a suspension of 3 , 3 , 3 - triacetoxy - 3 - iodophthalide ( 3 . 64 mmol ) in dichloromethane ( 10 . 5 ml ) at room temperature . stir for 30 minutes . add diethyl ether ( 10 ml ) and 5 % aqueous sodium bicarbonate ( 10 ml ) containing sodium thiosulfate ( 3 g ). mix well for 20 minutes . separate the layers , and extract the aqueous with ethyl ether . combine the organic layers , wash with brine , dry over sodium sulfate , filter , and evaporate to give a yellow solid . purify over silica ( 40 g ) eluting with 0 to 50 % dichloromethane in hexanes . evaporate until most solvent is removed being careful not to drive off the volatile product . dry additionally by blowing a nitrogen stream over the product to give the title compound in 70 % yield . 1 hnmr ( 400 . 43 mhz , cdcl 3 ): δ 10 . 03 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 00 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 92 ( d , j = 7 . 5 hz , 1h ), 7 . 75 ( d , j = 7 . 0 hz , 1h ), 7 . 59 ( t , j = 7 . 7 hz , 1h ), 1 . 98 - 1 . 89 ( m , 3h ). irradiate ( 200 c , ˜ 6 w [ 150 w max . ], ˜ 25 psi ) a solution of 3 - cyanophenol ( 9 . 5 g , 80 mmol ), cyclopropyl bromide ( 8 . 0 ml ; 100 mmol ), and 1 , 8 - diazabicyclo [ 5 . 4 . 0 ] undec - 7 - ene ( 18 ml , 120 mmol ) divided equally into five 10 - ml tubes for 15 min . with stirring and cooling . after cooling , take the dark reaction mixtures together in water ( 200 ml ) and extracted with ether ( 200 ml ). wash the organic layer with 0 . 2 m aq naoh ( 40 ml , salted ), 0 . 2 m aq hcl ( 100 ml , salted ), and water ( 100 ml , salted ). dry the organic layer ( na 2 so 4 ) and rotary evaporate ( 30 ° c .) yielding 3 - cyclopropoxybenzonitrile ( 4 . 56 g , 28 . 65 mmol , 36 % yield ) as a dark brown liquid . gcms : 4 . 20 min . ; eims m / z 159 . add diisobutylaluminum hydride ( 1 . 0 m in dichloromethane ; 47 ml , 47 mmol ) over a period of 5 min . to a solution of 3 - cyclopropoxybenzonitrile ( 6 . 45 g , 39 . 3 mmol ) in anhydrous dichloromethane ( 200 ml ) cooled in an isopropanol / dry ice bath (− 78 ° c .). remove the bath and allow the reaction solution to warm . after 1 hour ( 18 ° c . ), dilute the reaction solution with ether ( 20 ml ) and cool to 5 ° c . in an ice bath . add water ( 2 ml ), followed by 5 m naoh ( 2 ml ), and then more water ( 5 ml ). remove the ice bath and stir the reaction mixture at 20 ° c . for 15 min . add anhydrous mgso 4 and stir the reaction mixture for 15 min . filter the mixture through diatomaceous earth and rotary evaporate ( 30 ° c .) the filtrate giving crude 3 - cyclopropoxybenzaldehyde ( 6 . 33 g , 39 mmol , 99 % yield ) as an orange - yellow oil . gcms : eims m / z 162 . stir 4 -( 3 - fluoro - phenyl )- 4 - oxo - butyric acid [ c . a . 69797 - 46 - 2 ] ( j . med . chem . ( 1983 ) 26 381 ) ( 1 . 96 g , 10 mmol ), 4 - trifluoromethoxyaniline ( 1 . 77 g , 10 mmol ) and o -( 1h - benzotriazol - 1 - yl )- n , n , n ′, n ′- tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate ( tbtu ) ( 3 . 5 g , 11 mmol ) in dimethylformamide ( 30 ml ). add triethylamine ( 2 . 02 g , 20 mmol ). stir at room temperature for 48 hours . pour into dilute aqueous hcl ( 250 ml ) and extract into ethyl acetate . wash the organic phase three times with water , dry over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , evaporate and purify on a silica gel column ( dichloromethane - ethyl acetate ) to give the titled compound ( 3 . 13 g , 88 % yield ) ms ( m / z ): 356 ( m + 1 ). stir 4 -( 3 - fluoro - phenyl )- n -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 4 - oxo - butyramide ( 3 . 0 g , 8 . 5 mmol ) in ethanol ( 70 ml ) at room temperature . add sodium borohydride ( 650 mg , 17 . 2 mmol ) portionwise and stir at room temperature until tlc indicates that no starting material remains . add acetone to quench excess borohydride , concentrate the reaction mixture under reduced pressure , redissolve in ethyl acetate and wash with brine . dry over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , evaporate under reduced pressure to give the titled compound ( 2 . 0 g , 67 % yield ) ms ( m / z ): 358 ( m + 1 ). stir 4 -( 3 - fluoro - phenyl )- n -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 4 - hydroxy - butyramide ( 2 . 45 g , 6 . 86 mmol ) and p - toluenesulfonyl chloride ( 1 . 63 g , 8 . 60 mmol ) in dry tetrahydrofuran ( 30 ml ) under nitrogen . cool to − 40 ° c . and slowly add potassium t - butoxide ( 1m in tetrahydrofuran ) ( 17 . 2 ml , 17 . 2 mmol ). allow to warm slowly to room temperature and stir for 2 hours . add aqueous nh 4 cl solution and extract with ethyl acetate , wash with brine and dry over anhydrous magnesium sulfate . evaporate and purify on a silica gel column ( dichloromethane - ethyl acetate ) to give (±)- 5 -( 3 - fluoro - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 1 . 9 g , 82 % yield ) ms ( m / z ): 340 ( m + 1 ). perform supercritical fluid chromatography ( sfc ) analysis on a berger minigram system configured with 6 - way column and solvent switching . perform sfc purification on a berger multigram ii system . equip both systems with a knauer variable wavelength uv detector supplied by mettler - toledo autochem ( leicester , uk ). deliver liquid co 2 to the laboratory by a berger gds - 3000 system supplied also by mettler - toledo autochem . separate the racemic mixture by supercritical fluid chromatography on an adh column eluting with 30 % methanol / propan - 2 - amine in supercritical carbon dioxide to give the two enantiomers . add ( r )- 5 -( 3 - fluoro - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 0 . 89 g , 2 . 63 mmol ) to a suspension of sodium hydride ( 0 . 61 g , 15 . 36 mmol ) in dry toluene ( 40 ml ) and stir at room temperature under nitrogen . add methanol ( 0 . 29 ml , approx . 16 mmol ) followed by methyl p - chlorobenzoate ( 1 . 2 g , 7 . 0 mmol ). heat under reflux overnight . cool , add aqueous nh 4 cl solution , extract with ethyl acetate . collect the organic phase , dry over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , evaporate and purify on a silica gel column ( isohexane - ethyl acetate ) to give the titled compound ( 1 . 1 g , 88 % yield ) ms ( m / z ): 478 ( m + 1 ). dissolve sodium azide ( 2 . 6 g , 40 mmol ) and tetrabutylammonium bromide ( 260 mg , 0 . 8 mmol ) in 2n sodium hydroxide solution ( 50 ml ), add isohexane ( 50 ml ) and stir while cooling in an ice - water bath . add trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride ( 2 . 0 ml , approx 12 mmol ) dropwise , stir for 10 minutes with cooling . dissolve ( 5r )-( 3 -( 4 - chlorobenzoyl - 5 -( 3 - fluoro - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 1 . 1 g , 2 . 3 mmol ) in acetonitrile ( 30 ml ), add to the reaction mixture and stir vigorously for 30 minutes . dilute the reaction mixture with ethyl acetate ( 150 ml ) and wash with brine . collect the organic phase , dry over anhydrous magnesium sulfate , evaporate and purify on a silica gel column ( isohexane - ethyl acetate ) to give the titled compound ( 590 mg , 70 % yield ) ms ( m / z ): 366 ( m + 1 ). dissolve (±)- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -( m - tolyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoro methoxy - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 2 . 19 g ; 4 . 09 mmol ) in acetic acid ( 15 ml ) and add sodium cyanoborohydride ( 0 . 77 g , 12 . 27 mmol ). stir for 12 hours at ambient temperature . pour into ice / water ( 50 ml ) and extract with ethyl acetate ( 50 ml × 2 ). wash the organic phase with saturated sodium bicarbonate ( 20 ml × 3 ), brine ( 20 ml ), dry over magnesium sulfate and evaporate in vacuo to an oil . purify on an scx - 2 ion exchange resin cartridge ( eluent methanol followed 2m nh 3 in methanol ) and then by chromatography on a silica gel column ( eluent ethyl acetate / iso - hexane ) to give the titled compound as a racemic mixture ( 1 . 60 g , 73 %). ms ( m / z ): 538 . 2 ( m + 1 ). perform supercritical fluid chromatography ( sfc ) analysis on a berger minigram system configured with 6 - way column and solvent switching . perform sfc purification on a berger multigram ii system . equip both systems with a knauer variable wavelength uv detector ( mettler - toledo autochem ( leicester , uk )). liquid co 2 is delivered to the laboratory by a berger gds - 3000 system supplied also by mettler - toledo autochem . separate the racemic mixture by supercritical fluid chromatography on an adh column eluted with 30 % methanol / propan - 2 - amine in supercritical carbon dioxide to give ( 3r , 5r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -( m - tolyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 0 . 62 g , 47 . 6 %), eluted with 10 % isopropyl alcohol / propan - 2 - amine in supercritical carbon dioxide , retention time 0 . 65 min ., ms ( m / z ): 538 . 2 ( m + 1 ). prepare p - toluene sulfonic salt with p - toluene sulfonic acid ( 219 mg , 1 eq ) in isopropyl alcohol and filter the crystals . 1 h nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , meod ): δ 9 . 08 ( d , j = 2 . 0 hz , 1h ), 8 . 41 ( dd , j = 2 . 2 , 8 . 6 hz , 1h ), 7 . 94 ( d , j = 8 . 3 hz , 1h ), 7 . 72 ( d , j = 8 . 3 hz , 2h ), 7 . 41 - 7 . 37 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 23 - 7 . 05 ( m , 8h ), 5 . 21 ( dd , j = 6 . 1 , 9 . 3 hz , 1h ), 4 . 36 ( dd , j = 8 . 6 , 11 . 5 hz , 1h ), 2 . 83 - 2 . 76 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 38 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 26 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 22 - 2 . 11 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 01 ( d , j = 1 . 5 hz , 6h ), and elute ( 3s , 5s )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -( m - tolyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 0 . 58 g , 45 . 1 %), with 10 % isopropyl alcohol / propan - 2 - amine in supercritical carbon dioxide , retention time 1 . 03 min ., ms ( m / z ): 538 . 2 ( m + 1 ), prepare p - toluene sulfonic salt with p - toluene sulfonic acid ( 205 mg , eq ) in isopropyl alcohol and filter the crystals . 1 h nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , meod ): δ 9 . 08 ( d , j = 2 . 2 hz , 1h ), 8 . 40 ( dd , j = 2 . 2 , 8 . 3 hz , 1h ), 7 . 95 ( d , j = 8 . 3 hz , 1h ), 7 . 72 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 2h ), 7 . 40 - 7 . 37 ( m , 2h ), 7 . 23 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 2h ), 7 . 18 - 7 . 14 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 09 - 7 . 02 ( m , 3h ), 5 . 21 ( dd , j = 6 . 1 , 9 . 3 hz , 1h ), 4 . 35 ( dd , j = 8 . 6 , 11 . 2 hz , 1h ), 2 . 84 - 2 . 77 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 38 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 26 ( s , 3h ), 2 . 22 - 2 . 10 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 01 ( d , j = 1 . 7 hz , 6h ). prepare the following compounds essentially by the method of example 1 and example 2 . add trifluoroacetic acid ( 3 . 5 ml , 46 . 1 mmol ) dropwise to a biphasic mixture of ( r )- 3 -(( r )- 1 - phenyl - ethylamino )- 5 -[ 3 -( 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoro - ethoxy )- phenyl ]- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 4 . 8 g , 9 . 22 mmol ) in toluene ( 24 ml ) and water ( 9 . 6 ml ). stir at ambient temperature for 60 min . observe significant formation of ( r )- 5 -[ 3 -( 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoro - ethoxy )- phenyl ]- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- pyrrolidine - 2 , 3 - dione ( lc ms 77 %, ret . time = 4 . 08 min ., method 3 , ms ( m / z ): 416 ( m − 1 ). separate the aqueous layer and wash the toluene layer with water , ph 7 buffer and saturated sodium chloride solution . add acetic acid ( 4 . 23 ml , 73 . 8 mmol ) and 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamine ( 3 . 77 g , 18 . 4 mmol ) to the toluene solution containing ( r )- 5 -[ 3 -( 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoro - ethoxy )- phenyl ]- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- pyrrolidine - 2 , 3 - dione . heat to 55 ° c . for 18 hours . observe significant formation of ( r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -[ 3 -( 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoro - ethoxy )- phenyl ]- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( lc ms 100 %, ret . time = 5 . 26 min ., method 3 , ms ( m / z ): 604 ( m + 1 ). dilute reaction mixture with ethyl acetate and wash with water and saturated sodium chloride solution , dry over sodium sulfate , filter and concentrate to dryness . dissolve the crude ( r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -[ 3 -( 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoro - ethoxy )- phenyl ]- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one in acetic acid ( 46 ml ) and add sodium cyanoborohydride ( 1 . 16 g . 18 . 4 mmol ). stir 15 min . at ambient temperature . concentrate under reduced pressure . dissolve the residue in ethyl acetate and wash with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and saturated sodium chloride solution , dry over sodium sulfate , filter and concentrate under reduced pressure . purify the residue by silica gel chromatography ( 5 - 50 % ethyl acetate - hexane ) and purify again by silica gel chromatography ( 0 - 1 % methanol - dichloromethane ) to obtain ( 3r , 5r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -[ 3 -( 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoro - ethoxy )- phenyl ]- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 2 . 36 g , 42 %) as a clear colorless oil . ms ( m / z ): 606 ( m + 1 ). 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 400 mhz ): δ8 . 98 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 2 hz ), 8 . 26 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 , 2 . 2 hz ), 7 . 82 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 58 ( d , 2h , j = 8 . 8 hz ), 7 . 52 ( d , 2h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 20 ( dd , 1h , j = 7 . 4 , 7 . 4 hz ), 6 . 97 ( dd , 1h , j = 2 . 0 , 2 . 0 hz ), 6 . 89 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 9 hz ), 6 . 84 ( dd , 1h , j = 7 . 9 , 2 . 2 hz ), 5 . 17 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 7 , 6 . 2 hz ), 4 . 72 - 4 . 61 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 48 - 3 . 41 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 88 ( d , 1h , j = 4 . 8 hz ), 2 . 71 - 2 . 63 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 68 ( dd , 1h , j = 22 . 0 , 10 . 5 hz ), 1 . 51 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 47 ( s , 3h ). salt formation : tosylate — add one equivalent p - toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate and crystallize from methanol - isopropanol . yield 82 %, ms ( m / z ): 606 . use thf in place of toluene during the hydrolysis step . remove thf under reduced pressure and replace with toluene and continue extractive work up . yield 41 %. 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 400 mhz ): δ 8 . 98 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 2 hz ), 8 . 26 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 , 2 . 2hz ), 7 . 82 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 9hz ), 1 h nmr ( dmso - d 6 , 400 mhz ): δ 8 . 98 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 2 hz ), 8 . 26 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 , 2 . 2hz ), 7 . 82 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 9hz ), 7 . 14 ( m , 1h ), 5 . 26 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 7 , 6 . 6hz ), 3 . 48 - 3 . 42 ( m , 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 8 . 97 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 26 ( d , j = 7 . 6 , 7 . 6hz ), 7 . 27 - 7 . 17 ( m , 6h ), 7 . 12 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 9 6 . 4hz ), 3 . 40 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 2 , 9 . 2hz ), 2 . 89 ( s , 1h ), 2 . 73 - 2 . 65 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 64 ( dd , 1h , j = 22 . 0 , 10 . 5hz ), 1 . 50 ( s , 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 8 . 98 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 26 ( d , j = 8 . 8hz ), 7 . 49 ( d , 2h , j = 8 . 3hz ), 7 . 34 ( dd , 1h , j = 7 . 8 , 7 . 8hz ), 7 . 24 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 9hz ), 7 . 14 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 06 ( d , j = 9 . 7 , 6 . 6hz ), 3 . 48 - 3 . 40 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 91 ( d , 1h , j = 4 . 8 hz ), 2 . 76 - 2 . 68 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 67 ( ddd , 1h , j = 11 . 0 , 11 . 0 , 11 . 0 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 8 . 97 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 25 ( d , j = 7 . 9 , 7 . 9hz ), 7 . 27 ( s , 4h ), 7 . 22 ( d , 1h , j = 7 . 9hz ), 7 . 12 ( s , 1h ), 7 . 06 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 3hz ), 6 . 72 ( dd , 1h , j = 51 . 4 , ( ddd , 1h , j = 11 . 0 , 11 . 0 , 11 . 0 hz ), 1 . 49 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 45 ( s , 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 8 . 97 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 25 ( d , j = 16 . 3 , 9 . 2hz ), 7 . 18 ( dd , 1h , j = 7 . 9 , 7 . 8hz ), 6 . 93 ( s , 1h ), 6 . 88 - 6 . 81 ( m , 2h ), 5 . 08 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 4 , 6 . 4hz ), 4 . 71 - 4 . 60 ( m , 2h ), 3 . 43 - 3 . 36 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 84 ( d , 1h , j = 4 . 0 hz ), 2 . 67 - 2 . 58 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 65 ( ddd , 1h , j = 10 . 8 , 10 . 8 , 10 . 8 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 8 . 97 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 2 hz ), 8 . 25 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 4 , 1 . 8hz ), 7 . 81 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 37 ( d , 2h , j = 9 . 2hz ), 7 . 25 - 7 . 12 ( m , 7h ), 5 . 12 ( dd , 1h , j = 9 . 7 , 6 . 6hz ), 3 . 44 - 3 . 37 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 88 ( d , 1h , j = 4 . 0 hz ), 2 . 65 ( ddd , 1h , j = 13 . 3 , 6 . 9 , 5 . 2hz ), 1 . 63 ( ddd , 1h , 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 8 . 93 ( d , 1h , j = 2 . 2 hz ), 8 . 20 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 1 , 2 . 0 hz ), 7 . 78 ( d , 1h , j = 8 . 4 hz ), 7 . 62 ( d , 2h , j = 9 . 2hz ), 7 . 29 - 7 . 21 ( m , 4h ), 7 . 18 - 7 . 10 ( m , 3h ), 5 . 45 ( dd , 1h , j = 8 . 6 , 2 . 0 hz ), 3 . 53 - 3 . 46 ( m , ( ddd , 1h , j = 12 . 7 , 8 . 1 , 2 . 1hz ), 1 . 46 ( s , 3h ), 1 . 42 ( s , 3h ). 1 h nmr ( 400 . 43 mhz , meod ): δ 9 . 03 ( d , j = 2 . 6hz , 7 . 12 ( m , 7h ), 5 . 21 ( dd , j = 6 . 2 , 9 . 2hz , 1h ), 4 . 29 ( dd , j = 1 h nmr ( 400 . 43 mhz , meod ): δ 9 . 03 ( d , j = 2 . 6hz , 7 . 12 ( m , 7h ), 5 . 21 ( dd , j = 6 . 2 , 9 . 2hz , 1h ), 4 . 29 ( dd , j = yield 31 % use 0 . 3 equivalents of hoac and 3 equivalents of amine in enamine formation ( second step ). lc - ms esi m / z : 590 ( m + h ) + , retention time 4 . 73 min , yield 39 % use 0 . 3 equivalents of hoac in enamine formation ( second step ). lc - ms esi m / z : 506 ( m + h ) + , retention time 4 . 16 min , add trifluoroacetic acid ( 83 . 5 ml , 1 . 10 mol ) and sodium triacetoxyborohydride ( 175 g , 828 mmol ) to a slurry of 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]-( r )- 5 - phenyl - 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pryrrol - 2 - one ( 288 g , 552 mmol ) in toluene ( 2 . 80 l ) under a nitrogen atmosphere . stir for 45 min , and add acetic acid ( 200 ml ). after stirring 3 h , add trifluoroacetic acid ( 100 ml ) and sodium triacetoxyborohydride ( 56 g , 265 mmol ). after stirring for 24 hours at ambient temperature , heat the slurry to 35 ° c . after 2 hours , cool the mixture to ambient temperature and transfer by cannula into water ( 3 . 0 l ). dilute with mtbe ( 2 . 0 l ), agitate the biphasic mixture , and discard the aqueous phase . wash the organic layer with water ( 2 . 0 l ) and saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution ( 2 . 0 l ). concentrate the organic layer to an oil under reduced pressure ( 10 torr , 30 ° c . ), and dissolve in isopropyl alcohol ( 2 . 0 l ). to the resulting solution , charge para - toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate ( 100 . 7 g , 518 mmol ) and water ( 200 ml ). heat the slurry to 65 ° c . then slowly cool to ambient temperature and stir for 12 hours . filter the slurry and wash the precipitate with isopropyl acetate ( 250 ml ). dry the white solid on a nitrogen press for 5 hours to give ( 3r , 5r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 - phenyl - 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one tosylate ( 298 g , 82 %): 1 h nmr ( 400 mhz , dmso - d 6 ) δ 10 . 10 ( 1h , br ), 9 . 08 ( 1h , d , j = 4 hz ), 8 . 39 ( 1h , dd , j = 4 , 8 hz ), 8 . 04 ( 1h , d , j = 8 hz ), 7 . 49 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 38 ( 2h , m ), 7 . 21 - 7 . 28 ( 7h , m ), 7 . 10 ( 2h , m ), 5 . 21 ( 1h , dd , j = 4 , 8 hz ), 4 . 27 ( 1h , br s ), 2 . 69 ( 1h , m ), 2 . 26 ( 3h , s ), 2 . 02 ( 1h , m ), 1 . 85 ( 6h , m ); ms ( m / z ): 524 . 2 ( m + 1 ). add trifluoroacetic acid ( 1 . 5 ml , 20 mmol ) to a mixture of ( r )- 3 -(( r )- 1 - phenyl - ethylamino )- 5 -( 3 - cyclopropoxy - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 1 . 92 g , 4 . 01 mmol ) in toluene ( 10 ml ) and water ( 4 ml ). stir at ambient temperature for 60 min . observe significant formation of ( r )- 5 -( 3 - cyclopropoxy - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- pyrrolidine - 2 , 3 - dione . lcms , ret . time = 4 . 14 min ., method 3 , ms ( m / z ): 376 . 0 ( m +), 374 . 0 ( m − 1 ). add a solution of 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamine ( 1 . 2 g , 5 . 9 mmol ) in toluene ( 10 ml ) to the reaction solution . then add acetic acid ( 1 . 9 ml , 33 mmol ). heat at 50 ° c . for 14 hours . concentrate under reduced pressure . purify the residue by silica gel chromatography ( 0 - 10 % ethyl acetate - hexane ) to obtain ( r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -( 3 - cyclopropoxy - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one as a tan foam . lcms , ret . time = 5 . 40 min ., method 3 , ms ( m / z ): 562 . 0 ( m +), 560 . 0 ( m − 1 ). dissolve ( r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -( 3 - cyclopropoxy - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- 1 , 5 - dihydro - pyrrol - 2 - one ( 1 . 09 g , 1 . 94 mmol ) in acetic acid ( 20 ml ) and add sodium cyanoborohydride ( 240 mg . 3 . 8 mmol ). stir 1 hour at ambient temperature . concentrate under reduced pressure . dissolve the residue in dichloromethane and wash with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution , dry over sodium sulfate , filter and concentrate under reduced pressure . purify the residue by silica gel chromatography ( 0 - 15 % ethyl acetate - hexane ) to obtain ( 3r , 5r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -( 3 - cyclopropoxy - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethyl - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 645 mg , 59 %) as a white foam . lcms , ret . time = 5 . 04 min , method 3 ms ( m / z ): 564 . 0 ( m + 1 ). dissolve ( 5r )- 3 - diazo - 5 -( 3 - fluoro - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 295 mg , 0 . 81 mmol ) and 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - chloro - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamine ( 0 . 6 g 3 . 5 mmol ) in dry toluene ( 8 ml ). stir under nitrogen and heat to 45 ° c . add rhodium acetate dimer dihydrate ( 40 mg , 0 . 09 mmol ). stir at 45 ° c . for 30 minutes then concentrate the reaction mixture under reduced pressure . purify on an scx - 2 ion exchange resin cartridge ( eluent methanol followed 2m nh 3 in methanol ) and then by chromatography on a silica gel column ( eluent dichloromethane / methanol ) to give the titled compound as a diastereomer mixture ( 330 mg , 80 %). perform supercritical fluid chromatography ( sfc ) analysis on a berger minigram system configured with 6 - way column and solvent switching . perform sfc purification on a berger multigram ii system . equip both systems with a knauer variable wavelength uv detector supplied by mettler - toledo autochem ( leicester , uk ). deliver liquid co 2 to the laboratory by a berger gds - 3000 system supplied also by mettler - toledo autochem . separate the diastereomer mixture by supercritical fluid chromatography on an adh column eluting with 25 % methanol / propan - 2 - amine in supercritical carbon dioxide . prepare the tartrate salt with tartaric acid ( 1 eq ) in methanol and isolate the salt by evaporation of the solvent to give example 56 and example 57 . 1 h nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , meod ): δ8 . 58 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 10 ( d , j = 8 . 3 hz , 1h ), 7 . 45 - 7 . 39 ( m , 3h ), 7 . 31 - 7 . 26 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 16 ( d , j = 8 . 3 hz , 2h ), 7 . 08 ( d , j = 7 . 8 hz , 1h ), 7 . 01 ( d , j = 9 . 8 hz , 1h ), 6 . 94 ( t , j = 8 . 3 hz , 1h ), 5 . 16 ( t , j = 7 . 6 hz , 1h ), 4 . 54 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 59 ( t , j = 9 . 3 hz , 1h ), 2 . 85 - 2 . 65 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 81 ( q , j = 10 . 9 hz , 1h ), 1 . 60 ( s , 6h ). yield 63 %, retention time 0 . 71 min . tartrate salt . 1 h nmr ( 400 . 13 mhz , meod ): δ8 . 55 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 55 ( s , 1h ), 8 . 06 ( d , j = 8 . 1 hz , 1h ), 7 . 65 ( d , j = 7 . 8 hz , 2h ), 7 . 42 ( d , j = 8 . 3 hz , 1h ), 7 . 34 - 7 . 30 ( m , 1h ), 7 . 22 ( d , j = 8 . 3 hz , 2h ), 6 . 99 - 6 . 92 ( m , 3h ), 5 . 42 ( d , j = 9 . 0 hz , 1h ), 4 . 54 ( s , 2h ), 3 . 62 ( t , j = 8 . 9 hz , 1h ), 2 . 49 - 2 . 41 ( m , 1h ), 2 . 19 - 2 . 14 ( m , 1h ), 1 . 55 ( s , 6h ). prepare the following compounds essentially by the method of example 55 , 56 and 57 . dissolve ( 3r , 5r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 1 -( 4 - bromo - phenyl )- 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 1 . 25 mmoles ; 750 mg ), cyclopropylboronic acid ( 1 . 62 mmoles ; 139 mg ), tribasic potassium phosphate n - hydrate ( 4 . 36 mmoles ; 925 mg ), and tricyclohexylphosphine ( 124 . 51 μmoles ; 34 mg ) in toluene ( 5 ml ) and water ( 275 μl ) and degas the solution for 5 minutes then place under a nitrogen atmosphere . add pd ( oac ) 2 ( 62 μmoles ; 14 mg ) and heat the mixture at 90 ° c . overnight . dilute with ethyl acetate ( 50 ml ) and filter through celite . wash the filtrate with water , 1n hcl , saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate , brine , dry over anhydrous sodium sulfate , filter , and concentrate in vacuo to a brown residue . purify the residue by flash chromatography on silica with gradient 0 -& gt ; 50 % ethyl acetate in hexane to afford the title compound ( 3r , 5r )- 3 -[ 1 - methyl - 1 -( 6 - trifluoromethyl - pyridin - 3 - yl )- ethylamino ]- 5 -( 3 - trifluoromethoxy - phenyl )- 1 -( 4 - cyclopropyl - phenyl )- pyrrolidin - 2 - one ( 1 . 13 mmoles ; 639 . 00 mg ; 91 . 07 % yield ). lc / ms m / z 564 . 2 ( m + 1 ), tr = 4 . 87 min ( method 3 ). test exemplified compounds . measure gtp - γ 35 s binding in a 96 well format using a modified antibody capture technique previously described ( delapp et al . 1999 ). briefly incubate , cho or sf9 cell membranes expressing cb 1 or cb 2 , respectively ( applied cell sciences , gaithersburg , md . ; perkinelmer life sciences , boston , mass . ); prepare as previously described ( delapp et al ., 1999 ), exemplified compounds and 500 μm gtp - γ - 35 s ( perkinelmer life sciences , boston , mass .) for 30 minutes ( incubate all at room temperature ) in gtp - binding assay buffer ( 20 mm hepes , 100 mm nacl , 5 mm mgcl 2 , ph 7 . 4 ). perform antagonist dose responses in the presence of a saturating dose of full agonist ( methanandamide ). add a mixture containing 0 . 27 % nonidet p40 detergent ( roche , indianapolis , ind . ), anti - gi antibody ( final dilution of 1 : 300 ; covance , princeton , n . j . ), and 1 . 25 mg anti - rabbit antibody scintillation proximity assay beads ( ge healthcare , piscataway , n . j .) and seal the plates and incubate for an additional 3 hours . centrifuge the plates at 700 × g for 10 minutes using a beckman gs - 6r centrifuge and count for 1 minute per well using a wallac microbeta trilux scintillation counter ( perkinelmer , boston , mass .). to analyze data , first subtract background from all wells . determine percent agonist efficacy by normalizing agonist / inverse agonist dose response data to a full agonist ( methanandamide ) response . calculating antagonist percent inhibition data by normalizing to results generated with a saturating concentration of methanandamide . analyze the data using a 4 - parameter logistic reduced fit with activity base and xlfit3 ( idbs , emeryville , calif .). determine k b values using a modification of the cheng - prusoff relationship : k b = ic50 /( 1 +[ agonist ]/ ec50 ) where ic50 is determined from a four parameter fit of displacement curves , [ agonist ]= ec50 of full agonist , and ec50 is determined from a four parameter fit of a full agonist concentration response curve ( cheng and prusoff 1973 ). calculate mean k b values as a mean of at least three independent determinations ± standard error of the mean ( sem ). table 15 summarizes the antagonist / inverse agonist properties of example 49 in cho cells expressing human or rat cb 1 receptors or sf9 cells expressing human cb 2 receptors . the data indicate that example 49 is a potent cb 1 antagonist / inverse agonist at both rat and human receptors with low antagonism of human cb 2 receptors . example 49 ( table 16 ) is an inverse agonist at the human cb 1 receptor as evidenced by agonist efficacy less than zero which indicates that the compound decreased basal constitutive activity of the cb 1 receptor in vitro . the exemplified compounds ( table 17 ) exhibit potent human and rat cb 1 antagonism / inverse agonism with only low affinity antagonism / inverse agonism of the human cb 2 receptor . exemplified compounds of this invention are potent cb 1 antagonist / inverse agonist at both rat and human receptors with low antagonism of human cb 2 receptors . exemplified compounds of this invention are inverse agonist at the human cb 1 receptor as evidenced by agonist efficacy less than zero which indicates that the compound decreased basal constitutive activity of the cb 1 receptor in vitro . delapp n w , mckinzie j h , sawyer b d , vandergriff a , falcone j , mcclure d and felder c c ( 1999 ). determination of [ 35 s ] guanosine - 5 ′- o -( 3 - thio ) triphosphate binding mediated by cholinergic muscarinic receptors in membranes from chinese hamster ovary cells and rat striatum using an anti - g protein scintillation proximity assay . j pharmacol exp ther 289 : 946 - 955 . cheng y c and prusoff w h . 1973 . relationship between the inhibition constant ( ki ) and the concentration of inhibitor which causes 50 percent inhibition ( i50 ) of an enzymatic reaction . biochem pharmacol 22 : 3099 - 3108 . receive nih male swiss mice ( harlan sprague - dawley , weigh 20 - 25 g ) 7 - 10 days prior to testing . house 12 mice / cage . test animals that weigh 25 - 30 g . on the day of test , bring animals to the testing room at least 1 hr prior to dosing , when doing starts , 6 - 8 min . intervals between each dosing with mouse receiving either vehicle or exemplified compounds by p . o ., and then put it into a clean cage afterwards ( 4 mice / cage ). depending on pretreatment time , start the test accordingly . mice fst : place nih - swiss mice in clear plastic cylinders ( diameter : 10 cm ; height : 25 cm ) filled to 6 cm with 22 - 25 ° c . water for six min . record the duration of immobility during the last 4 min . of the six - minute trial . a mouse is regarded as immobile when floating motionless or making only those movements necessary to keep its head above the water . copy the data - immobility ( second ) into jmp data sheet , and analyze by anova - dunnett &# 39 ; s test . record the minimum effective dose ( med ) as the lowest dose of compound at which statistically significant decrease in immobility time is observed versus a vehicle control . methods for accessing bioavailabilty are well appreciated in the art . one such reference is medicinal research reviews vol 21 no . 5 382 - 396 ( 2001 ). the exemplified compounds in table 17 have the following biological data .
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as shown in fig1 , a conventional wheelbarrow 2 includes handles 4 , a container 8 disposed above the handles , legs 12 mounted below the handles and wheel 16 connected to the handles via an axle assembly 18 . when in a resting position , wheel 16 and legs 12 form a tripedal support for container 8 . to transport wheelbarrow 2 , operator 20 grasps grips 22 of handles 4 and lifts them to a convenient height , causing the wheelbarrow to pivot around the rotational axis of axle assembly 18 so that legs 12 rise off the ground . wheel 16 is free to rotate , allowing operator 20 to push wheelbarrow 2 to the desired destination . operator 20 discharges the contents of container 8 by rotating handles 4 , for example by lowering the left handle and raising the right handle , causing wheelbarrow 2 to rotate with respect to the point where wheel 16 contacts the ground ( not shown ). referring to fig2 , the illustrated lifting apparatus comprises a strap 32 of fabric webbing threaded through rectangular passage 43 in a length of flexible tubular padding 44 . padding 44 may be composed of a resilient foam material . each end of strap 32 is threaded through an adjustable locking buckle 40 , an eye 39 of a hook 36 , and back through the buckle . buckle 40 is a conventional buckle that includes a releasable locking mechanism . referring to fig4 , the locking mechanism of illustrated buckle 40 comprises toothed barrel 45 and a toothed cam 46 . toothed cam 46 is pivotable , relative to the barrel , between an engaged position , for allowing strap 32 to move relative to the buckle in only a tightening , or shortening , direction , and a released position , for allowing the strap to move both in the tightening direction and in a loosening , or lengthening , direction . pulling strap 32 in the loosening direction when cam 46 is in the engaged position jams the strap between barrel 45 and the cam , preventing movement of the strap . a lever 47 assists in moving cam 46 to the released position . a spring ( not shown ) holds cam 46 in the engaged position unless operator 20 depresses the lever 47 . referring again to fig1 the lifting apparatus assists operator 20 by transferring the load to be supported by the operator from operator &# 39 ; s hands 24 to operator &# 39 ; s shoulders and back 28 . to use the lifting apparatus , operator 20 would pre - adjust the effective length of strap 32 , i . e . the distance between hooks 36 , using adjustable locking buckles 40 . in use the appropriate effective length will vary by situation , but it can be estimated by placing strap 32 around the back of the operator &# 39 ; s neck , with padding 44 centered approximately on the spine . the free ends of strap 32 should then be hanging in front of operator &# 39 ; s arms 24 . each end should be adjusted so hooks 36 hang slightly below the operator &# 39 ; s fingertips when the arms are at the sides . to engage wheelbarrow 2 with the apparatus , the operator stands between handles 4 and places strap 32 on the operator &# 39 ; s neck with padding 44 centered on the spine . if hooks 36 can reach handles 4 while the operator is standing upright , the effective length of strap 32 is too great and must be reduced . after ensuring the effective length of strap 32 is properly adjusted , the operator bends or squats down in order to lower hooks 36 and temporarily engage them with handles 4 while maintaining slack in the strap . it will be appreciated that once the effective length of strap 32 has been adjusted for the particular operator and the particular wheelbarrow , it will not generally be necessary to change the adjustment . when hooks 36 are engaged with handles 4 , operator 20 begins to stand , taking hold of grips 22 to aid in balancing wheelbarrow 2 . when strap 32 becomes taut legs 12 of wheelbarrow 2 lift off the ground and a significant portion of the weight of the wheelbarrow will be transferred through the strap to operator &# 39 ; s shoulders and back 28 . padding 44 on strap 32 distributes the load across a greater surface area of operator &# 39 ; s shoulders and back 28 for the operator &# 39 ; s comfort . when lifting the wheelbarrow , the operator preferably will lift by straightening at the knees and hips , keeping the back as upright as possible so as to reduce the possibility of injury . by transferring the weight of wheelbarrow 2 to the operator &# 39 ; s shoulders and back through strap 32 , the operator uses the strongest muscles to lift the wheelbarrow and is better able to use hands and arms to aid in balancing and maneuvering the wheelbarrow . thus the lifting apparatus can enable the operator to lift heavier loads . discharging the contents of wheelbarrow 2 is performed in the conventional manner described above . when operator 20 raises one handle above the other strap 32 will move through passage 43 of padding 44 while the padding remains in place on the neck of the operator . hooks 36 may be sized to fit snugly on wheelbarrow handles 22 so that they remain on handles 22 when operator 20 releases tension on strap 32 . alternatively , the ends of hooks 36 may be designed so that their ends extend partially over the tops of handles 22 so that they remain on the handles when operator 20 releases tension on strap 32 . in a second embodiment of the invention , strap 32 is attached to handles 4 by means of rings 38 , as shown in fig3 . instead of applying the hooks from below , the operator will thread handles 4 through rings 38 . the hooks 36 or rings 38 allow the operator to easily slip the lifting mechanism off handles 4 . in a third embodiment of the invention , the hook or ring is omitted and the handle is threaded through loop 52 formed in strap 32 by locking cam buckle 40 , as shown in fig4 . fig4 also illustrates additional padding 49 in central region 50 of padding 44 to provide additional protection to the operator &# 39 ; s neck . the illustrated embodiments of the invention are compatible with a wheelbarrow of similar design to the conventional wheelbarrow described above . the illustrated embodiments of the invention do not interfere with the operation of other conventional wheelbarrow accessories and safety devices , such as the “ wheelbarrow braking system ” described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 690 , 191 and the “ wheelbarrow disk brake assembly ” described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 443 , 267 or the various versions of the motorized wheelbarrows such as the “ motorized wheelbarrow ” described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 878 , 827 and the “ motorized wheelbarrow ” described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 465 , 801 . although inexpensive to manufacture , a lifting apparatus in accordance with the invention thus allows an operator to easily lift , control and maneuver even very heavily loaded wheelbarrows and helps reduce operator fatigue . it will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to the particular embodiments that have been described and illustrated , and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereof . unless the context indicates otherwise , a reference in a claim to the number of instances of an element , be it a reference to one instance or more than one instance , requires at least the stated number of instances of the element but is not intended to exclude from the scope of the claim a structure or method having more instances of that element than stated .
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exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a two - stage positioning technique . in accordance with an exemplary positioning system , a coarse position estimate may be computed within a coarse area of interest , and a fine position estimate may be is computed within a fine area of interest . within the coarse area of interest , a mobile positioning unit may use a narrow band communication technique to estimate the coarse position of the mobile positioning unit . within the fine area of interest , the positioning unit may use a wide band communication technique to estimate the fine position of the positioning unit . in embodiments , the fine positioning within the fine area of interest may be computed using both narrow band and wide band communications to obtain a more accurate estimate of the positioning unit compared to using narrow band communications alone . in embodiments , the positioning unit may be disposed within a vehicle such as a railway vehicle . the positioning unit may be used to control a braking system of the vehicle to stop the movement of the vehicle at a point of interest with sub - meter accuracy . fig1 is a block diagram of a positioning system , according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention . as shown in fig1 , the positioning system 100 may include a vehicle 102 equipped with a positioning unit 104 . the vehicle 102 may include a rail - way vehicle such as a locomotive , an automobile , a marine vessel , or any other suitable type of vehicle . further , it will be appreciated that embodiments are not limited to determining the position of a vehicle . for example , the positioning unit 104 may be disposed within other types of mobile devices , such as mobile phones , for example . the positioning unit 104 may be configured to estimate the position of the vehicle 102 in relation to a point of interest 106 . the point of interest 106 may be a geographical location that is relevant in some way to the vehicle 102 . for example , the point of interest 106 may coincide with the location of a loading dock or a passenger platform . the area within the vicinity of the point of interest 106 may be divided into a coarse area of interest 108 and a fine area of interest 110 . the coarse area of interest 108 defines an area within which the positioning unit 104 will compute an estimated coarse position of the vehicle 102 . the fine area of interest 110 defines an area within which the positioning unit 104 will compute an estimated fine position vehicle 102 . to determine the position of the vehicle 102 , the positioning unit 104 may communicate with radio responsive devices disposed in the vicinity of the point of interest 106 . as used herein , the term radio responsive device may be used to refer to active reflectors , passive reflectors , and wireless communication devices . an active reflector refers to a radio communication device that can receive , generate , and transmit radio signals using , for example , analog circuits . examples of active reflectors include transponders , repeaters , and the like . a passive reflector refers to a radio reflective device such as a piece of metal . a wireless communication device refers to communication devices that can receive digital signals , process the data contained in the signals , and generate and transmit new digital signals that contain additional data . examples of wireless communication devices include wireless routers , and the like . as used herein , the term “ communicate ” and variations thereof are used in relation to active reflectors , passive reflectors , and wireless communication devices . in other words , “ communicating ” with a radio responsive device includes sending an outbound signal to the radio responsive device and receiving a corresponding inbound signal from the radio responsive device , regardless of whether the inbound signal is generated by an active reflector or wireless communication device , or reflected from a passive reflector . fig1 shows two radio responsive devices referred herein as a coarse positioning device 112 and a fine positioning device 114 . both the coarse positioning device 112 and the fine positioning device 114 may be disposed at fixed positions about the point of interest 106 . the positions of the devices 112 and 114 are known values . for example , coordinates describing the positions of the devices 112 and 114 in relation to the point of interest 106 may be stored to the positioning unit 104 , programmed into the logic of the positioning unit 104 , or otherwise accessible by positioning unit 104 . to compute an estimated position of the vehicle 102 , the positioning unit 104 determines a position of the vehicle 102 in relation to either the coarse positioning device 112 or the fine positioning device 114 or both . the position of the vehicle 102 in relation to the point of interest 106 can then be determined based on the known position of the coarse positioning device 112 or the fine positioning device 114 in relation to the point of interest 106 . in embodiments , the positioning unit 104 determines the position of the vehicle 102 by determining a distance between the vehicle 102 and the radio responsive devices . for example , the positioning unit 104 may transmit an outgoing signal from the vehicle 102 to one of the radio responsive devices , receive a return signal from one of the radio responsive devices , and compute a time - of - flight of the signals . the time - of - flight refers to an amount of time elapsed between the transmission of the outbound signal and the receipt of the inbound signal . the time - of - flight can be used to compute a distance measurement . in embodiments wherein the vehicle 102 is a railway vehicle , the path of the railway may provide another set of data that can be used to determine the position of the vehicle 102 based on the distance measurement . in this way , a single distance measurement may be used to determine the position of the vehicle 102 . data describing the path of the railway may be stored to the positioning unit 104 , programmed into the logic of the positioning unit 104 , or otherwise accessible by positioning unit 104 . as described below in relation to fig2 , the position of the vehicle 102 may also be computed using two or more distance measurements based on signals received from two or more radio responsive devices . as noted above , the positioning unit 104 computes a coarse position within the coarse are of interest 108 and a fine position within a fine area of interest 110 . the coarse position is computed based on communications with the coarse positioning device 112 , which may be an active or passive reflector or a wireless communication device . to compute the coarse position , the positioning unit 104 communicates with the coarse positioning device 112 using a narrow - band signal . for example , the bandwidth of the narrow - band signal may be approximately 5 to 40 megahertz . the extent of the coarse area of interest 108 corresponds to the distance at which signals can be communicated between the positioning unit 104 and the coarse positioning device 112 . the fine position is computed based on communications with the fine positioning device 114 , which may be an active or passive reflectors or a wireless communication device . to compute the fine position , the positioning unit 104 communicates with the fine positioning device 114 using a wide - band signal that has a bandwidth greater than the narrow - band signal that is used to communicate with coarse positioning device 112 . for example , the bandwidth of the wide - band signal may be approximately 500 megahertz to 2 gigahertz . the extent of the fine area of interest 108 corresponds to the distance at which signals can be communicated between the positioning unit 104 and the fine positioning device 112 . as indicated by the extent of the coarse area of interest 108 , the narrow - band signal used during coarse positioning enables a greater communication range compared to the wide - band signal . for example , the coarse area of interest 108 may extend approximately 1 kilometer around the coarse positioning device 112 , whereas the fine area of interest 110 may extend approximately 50 meters around the fine positioning device 114 . however , the wide - band signal used during fine positioning enables the computation of a more precise vehicle position compared to the narrow - band signal . for example , the use of the wide - band signal may enable the computation of position estimates with a precision of less than a meter , whereas the narrow - band signal may enable the computation of position estimates with a precision of a few meters . in embodiments , the coarse positioning device 112 is a wireless communication device that communicates with the positioning unit 104 using an ieee 802 . 11 standard protocol , such as wifi . the positioning unit 104 may periodically transmit outbound signals to be received by the coarse positioning device 112 in an attempt to establish a communication link with the coarse positioning device 112 . when the vehicle 102 is within the coarse area of interest 108 , the outbound signals can be received by the coarse positioning device 112 . in response to the outbound signal , the coarse positioning device 112 may generate and transmit a corresponding inbound signal back to the positioning unit 104 at the same frequency as the outbound signal . the inbound signal may transmit one or more data packets to the positioning device 112 . each inbound data packet may include an identifier that identifies the particular coarse positioning device 112 sending the data packet . the positioning unit 104 may then compute a coarse estimate of the vehicle position based on the round - trip time - of - flight of the outbound and inbound signals . the positioning unit 104 may continue to periodically send outbound signals to the coarse positioning device 112 in order to periodically re - compute the vehicle position as the vehicle 102 moves through the coarse area of interest 108 . additionally , when the vehicle 102 enters the coarse area of interest 108 , the positioning unit 104 may begin periodically transmitting outbound signals to be received by the fine positioning device 114 in an attempt to establish communications with the fine positioning device 114 . the positioning unit 104 may communicate with the fine positioning device 114 by transmitting ultra - wideband ( uwb ) pulses to the fine positioning device 114 . in embodiments , the fine positioning device 114 is a passive reflector , which reflects the outbound pulses back to the positioning unit 104 . in embodiments , the fine positioning device 114 is an active reflector , which , in response to receiving the outbound pulses , generates and transmits a corresponding inbound signal back to the positioning unit 104 at the same frequency as the outbound signal . in embodiments , the signal generated by the active reflector may be amplitude modulated or phase modulated the create a unique signature that identifies the fine positioning device 114 generating the signal . in embodiments , the fine positioning device 114 is a wireless communication device that communicates with the positioning unit 104 using an standard uwb protocol , such as iso / iec 26907 and ieee 802 . 15 . 4a , among others . the inbound uwb signals generated by the fine positioning device 114 may include one or more data packets , each of which includes an identifier that identifies the particular fine positioning device 114 sending the data packet . the vehicle 102 is within the fine area of interest 110 when the inbound signals generated or reflected by the fine positioning device 114 can be detected by the positioning unit 102 . upon the receipt of the inbound signals , e . g ., uwb pulses , the positioning unit 104 can compute a fine estimate of the vehicle position based on the round - trip time - of - flight of the outbound and inbound signals . the positioning unit 104 may continue to periodically send outbound signals to the fine positioning device 114 in order to periodically re - compute the vehicle position as the vehicle 102 moves through the fine area of interest 110 . as described further below in reference to fig2 , an exemplary positioning system may include any suitable number of coarse positioning devices 112 and any suitable number of fine positioning devices 114 . fig2 is a block diagram of a positioning system , according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention . as in the positioning system 100 described in reference to fig1 , the positioning system 200 may include a vehicle 102 equipped with a positioning unit 104 that computes an estimate of the vehicle position based on communications with a number of radio responsive devices disposed at fixed positions about a point of interest 106 . the exemplary positioning system 200 shown in of fig2 includes a set of four coarse positioning devices 112 and a set of four fine positioning devices 114 . other exemplary embodiments of a positioning system may include one , two , three , five , or more coarse positioning devices 112 and one , two , three , five , or more fine positioning devices 114 . as used herein , the term “ set ” as in the phrase “ set of radio responsive devices ” is used to refer to one or more . furthermore , embodiments are not limited to positioning systems that include an equal number of coarse positioning devices 112 and fine positioning devices 114 . as described above in relation to fig1 , the positioning unit 104 may determine the position of the vehicle 102 by transmitting radio signals to the radio responsive devices , receiving return signals from the radio responsive devices , measuring the time - of - flight , and computing a corresponding distance based on the time - of - flight measurements . in the embodiment shown in fig2 , the positioning unit 104 may compute a plurality of distance measurements for each level of positioning . for example , a distance measurement may be computed for each of the coarse positioning devices 112 and each of the fine positioning devices 114 . the plurality of distance measurements can be used to compute a more precise position of the vehicle , for example , using trilateration . to trilateration , each distance measurement corresponds with the radius of a circle centered at the corresponding radio responsive device from which the signal was received . the intersection of the circles provides the vehicle location . three signals may be used to determine a specific point in two - dimensional space . four signals may be used to determine a specific point in three dimensional space . as an example , when the vehicle 102 is within the coarse area of interest 108 , the outbound signals sent by the positioning unit 104 can be received by each of the coarse positioning devices 112 . in an embodiment wherein the coarse positioning devices 112 are wireless communication devices , the coarse positioning devices 112 may generate and transmit a corresponding inbound signal back to the positioning unit 104 upon receiving the outbound signal from the positioning unit 104 . to enable the positioning unit 104 to associate each inbound signal with the proper coarse positioning device 112 , each coarse positioning device 112 may add a unique identifier to the return signal that it generates , as described above . the positioning unit 104 may then compute the distance between the vehicle 102 and each of the coarse positioning devices 112 , based on the round - trip time - of - flight of the outbound signal and the plurality of inbound , signals . the coarse estimate of the vehicle position may then be computed based , for example , on trilateration of the computed distances . in a similar fashion , the fine estimate of the vehicle position may be computed using the signals received from the plurality of fine positioning devices 114 . in embodiments wherein each of the fine positioning devices is an active reflector , each fine positioning device 114 may use a different level of amplitude modulate or phase modulate for the signal that it generates , which enables the positioning unit 104 to associate each inbound signal with the proper fine positioning device 114 . fig3 is block diagram of a vehicle that includes a positioning unit , in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention . as shown in fig3 , the positioning unit 104 may include a processor 300 and a memory 302 comprising a non - transitory , computer - readable medium . the memory 302 may include volatile memory such as random access memory ( ram ) used during the execution of various operating programs , including operating programs used in embodiments of the present invention . the memory 302 can also include a storage system for the long - term storage of operating programs and data , including the operating programs and data used in embodiments of the present invention . for example , the memory 302 can include a hard disk drive , an optical drive , a universal serial bus ( usb ) drive , solid state memory , and the like . in embodiments , the processor 300 and the memory 302 may be implemented as an application specific , integrated circuit ( asic ). in embodiments , the positioning unit 104 may be implemented on a general - purpose computing device , for example , laptop computer , a smart phone , and the like . the positioning unit 104 may include two physical layers or phys , referred to herein as phy a 304 and phy b 306 . each phy 304 and 306 is communicatively coupled to the processor 300 and enables the positioning unit 104 to communicate with the radio responsive positioning devices 112 and 114 ( fig1 and 2 ). as an example , phy a 304 may be used to communicate with the coarse positioning devices 112 and phy b 306 may be used to communicate with the fine positioning devices 114 . each of phy a 304 and phy b 306 may include one or more transceivers , amplifiers , signal processors , and any other circuitry which may be used to enable the positioning unit 104 to transmit and receive radio signals . phy a 304 and phy b 306 may each be operatively coupled to a corresponding antenna 308 , which may be disposed in or on the vehicle 102 . in an embodiment , phy a 304 and phy b 306 may be coupled to the same antenna 308 . phy a 304 may be used to acquire information used for computing a coarse estimate of the vehicle position while the vehicle 102 is in the coarse area of interest 108 . phy b 306 may be used to acquire information used for computing a fine estimate of the vehicle position while the vehicle 102 is in the fine area of interest 110 . in an embodiment , phy a 304 communicates with the coarse positioning devices 112 using a first bandwidth , and phy b 306 communicates with the fine positioning devices 114 using a second bandwidth larger than the first bandwidth . for example , the first bandwidth may be approximately 5 to 40 megahertz and the second bandwidth may approximately 500 megahertz to 2 gigahertz . further , phy a 304 may communicate with the coarse positioning devices 112 using an ieee 802 . 11 protocol such as wifi . pry b 306 may communicate with the fine positioning devices 114 by transmitting ultra - wideband ( uwb ) pulses and receiving corresponding echoes from the fine positioning devices 114 . in embodiments , the positioning unit 104 may be communicatively coupled to a central control unit 310 of the vehicle 102 . the position estimates computed by the positioning unit 104 may be output to the central control unit 310 . the central control unit 310 may use the position estimate for a variety of purposes . in an embodiment , the position estimate may be communicated to a person such as a vehicle operator through a user interface . in an embodiment , the central control unit 310 may be operatively coupled to a braking system of the vehicle 102 . in such embodiments , the central control unit 310 may compute a braking signal based , at least in part , on the position estimate received from the positioning unit 104 . the braking signal may determine a degree of braking to be applied to the vehicle 102 may be computed based , for example , on the speed of the vehicle 102 and the distance of the vehicle 102 from the point of interest 106 . the braking signal may be sent from the central control unit 310 to the braking system 312 to engage the brakes of the vehicle 102 until the vehicle 102 is stopped at the point of interest 106 . within the coarse area of interest 108 , the braking signal may be based on the coarse position estimate provided by the positioning unit 104 . within the fine area of interest 110 , the braking signal may be based on the fine position estimate provided by the positioning unit 104 . further , the positioning unit 104 may be configured to automatically switch between outputting a coarse position estimate and outputting a fine position estimate based , at least in part , on whether the vehicle 102 is within the coarse area of interest 108 or the fine area of interest 110 . for example , when the positioning unit 104 is able to establish communications through phy b 306 , the positioning unit 104 may automatically switch from outputting a coarse position estimate to outputting a fine position estimate . in some embodiments , when the vehicle 102 is within the fine area of interest 110 , the positioning unit 104 may compute both a fine position estimate and a coarse position estimate , in which case both phy a 304 and phy b 306 may be operating simultaneously to obtain information for computing the vehicle position . in other embodiments , when the vehicle 102 is within the fine area of interest 110 , the positioning unit 104 may compute only a fine position estimate , in which case only phy a 304 may be operating . fig4 is a block diagram of a method of determining a position , in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention . the method 400 may be performed by the positioning unit 104 and is described herein with reference also to fig1 - 3 . the method 400 may begin at block 402 , wherein the vehicle 102 is approaching the coarse area of interest 108 . during this time , the vehicle 102 continues to attempt to establish communications with the set of coarse positioning devices 112 even though the vehicle 102 may be outside the radio range of the coarse positioning devices 112 . upon entering the coarse area of interest 108 , the process flow may advance to block 404 . at block 404 , the positioning unit establishes communications with one or more of the coarse positioning devices 112 . this indicates that the vehicle 102 is within the coarse area of interest 108 . based on the information received from the coarse positioning devices 112 , the coarse estimate of the vehicle position may be computed as described above . for example , the vehicle position may be determined by measuring the time - of - flight of the signals sent to and received from the coarse positioning devices 112 . the position of the vehicle 102 may be tracked as the vehicle 102 moves through the coarse area of interest 108 by periodically transmitting signals to and receiving signals from the coarse positioning devices 112 . as described in relation to fig3 , communications with the coarse positioning devices 112 may be accomplished using a dedicated physical layer , for example , phy a 304 , which uses a narrow - band signal . while tracking the position of the vehicle 102 through the coarse area of interest , the positioning unit 104 may output the coarse estimate of the vehicle position to the central control unit 310 . the central control unit 310 may begin engaging the braking system 312 of the vehicle 102 based on the coarse position of the vehicle as described above . at block 406 , after entering the coarse area of interest , the positioning unit 104 may also begin attempting to communicate with the fine positioning devices 114 . upon entering the fine area of interest 110 , the process flow may advance to block 408 . at block 408 , the positioning unit 104 establishes communications with one or more of the fine positioning devices 114 , which indicates that the vehicle 102 is within the fine area of interest 110 . for example , the positioning unit 104 may detect echoes reflected from the fine positioning devices 114 or receive data packets generated by the fine positioning devices 114 . when the positioning unit 104 is able to detect the signals transmitted by or reflected from the fine positioning devices 114 , the fine estimate of the vehicle position may be computed as described above . for example , the vehicle position may be determined by measuring the time - of - flight of the signals sent to and received from the fine positioning devices 114 . the position of the vehicle 102 may be tracked as the vehicle 102 moves through the fine area of interest 110 by periodically transmitting signals to and receiving signals from the fine positioning devices 114 . as described in relation to fig3 , communications with the fine positioning devices 112 may be accomplished using a dedicated physical layer , for example , phy b 306 , which uses ultra - wideband pulses . while tracking the position of the vehicle 102 through the fine area of interest 110 , the positioning unit 104 may output the fine estimate of the vehicle position to the central control unit 310 . in embodiments , the positioning unit 104 may automatically stop outputting a coarse position estimate and begin outputting a fine position estimate upon entering the fine area of interest 106 . in embodiments , the positioning unit may output both a coarse position estimate and a fine position estimate . within the fine area of interest 110 , the engagement of the braking system 312 of the vehicle 102 may be based on the fine position estimate as described above . eventually , the central control unit 310 may cause the vehicle 102 to stop within the vicinity of the point of interest 106 , for example , within 1 meter of the point of interest 106 . when the vehicle 102 starts moving away from the point of interest 106 , the process flow described above may be performed in the reverse order . in other words , a fine position estimate may be computed while the vehicle 102 is in the fine area of interest 110 until the signals from the fine positioning devices 114 can no longer be detected . once the vehicle 102 leaves the fine area of interest , the positioning unit may automatically switch to computing a coarse position estimate . the positioning unit 104 may track the vehicle position through the coarse area of interest 108 until the positioning unit 104 is out of radio range of the coarse positioning devices 112 . it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative , and not restrictive . for example , the above - described embodiments ( and / or aspects thereof ) may be used in combination with each other . in addition , many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope . the dimensions , values , and types of materials described herein are intended to illustrate embodiments of the invention , but are by no means and are exemplary in nature . other embodiments may be apparent upon reviewing the above description . the scope of the invention , therefore , should be determined with reference to the appended claims , alone : with the fall scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled . in the appended claims , any usage of the terms “ including ” and “ in which ” are indicated the plain - english equivalents of the respective terms “ comprising ” and “ wherein .” moreover , in the following claims , the terms “ first ,” “ second ,” “ third ,” “ upper ,” “ lower ,” “ bottom ,” “ top ,” “ up ,” “ down ,” etc , are used merely as labels , and are not intended to impose numerical or positional requirements on their objects . further , the limitations of the following claims are not written in means - plus - function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 u . s . c . § 112 , sixth paragraph , unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “ means for ” followed by a statement of function void of further structure . as used herein , an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “ a ” or “ an ” should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps , unless such exclusion is explicitly stated . furthermore , references to “ one embodiment ” of the invention are not to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features . moreover , unless explicitly stated to the contrary , embodiments “ comprising ,” “ including ,” or “ having ” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property . certain changes may be made in the above - described apparatus , without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved . accordingly , it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention .
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the amide derivatives ( i ) of the present invention have an excellent juvenile hormone - like activity against insect pests . they exhibit various actions such as metamorphosis inhibition , embryogenesis inhibition and sterilization and are thus efficacious as growth regulators , chemosterilants , ovicides or reproduction inhibitory agents on various insect pests such as agricultural , forestal , hygienic and stored grain insect pests . they are also efficacious against insect pests having an increased resistance to commercial insecticides . in the formula ( i ) which represents the amide derivatives of the present invention , examples of the halogen atom represented by r 2 , r 3 , r 4 are fluorine , chlorine and bromine . examples of the c 1 - c 3 alkyl group represented by r 3 and r 4 are methyl , ethyl , n - propyl and isopropyl . examples of the c 1 - c 3 haloalkyl group represented by r 4 is trifluoromethyl , difluoromethyl , 2 - fluoroethyl , 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethyl , 2 - chloroethyl , 3 - fluoropropyl , 2 - fluoropropyl , 3 - chloropropyl and 3 - bromopropyl , etc . examples of the c 1 - c 3 alkoxy group represented by r 4 is methoxy , ethoxy , n - propoxy and isopropoxy . examples of the c 1 - c 3 haloalkoxy group represented by r 4 is trifluoromethoxy , difluoromethyl , bromodifluoromethoxy , 2 - fluoroethoxy , 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethoxy , 3 - fluoropropoxy , 2 - fluoropropoxy , 2 - chloroethoxy , 3 - chloropropoxy , 3 - bromopropoxy and 1 , 1 , 2 , 2 - tetrafluoroethoxy , etc . examples of the c 3 - c 8 alkyl group represented by r 5 is n - propyl , n - butyl , n - pentyl , n - hexyl , n - heptyl , n - octyl , isopropyl , sec - butyl , isobutyl , 2 - pentyl , 2 - methylbutyl , 3 - methylbutyl , 2 - ethylpropyl , 3 - methyl - 2 - butyl , neo - pentyl , 2 - methyl - 2 - butyl , 2 - hexyl , 2 - methylpentyl , 3 - methylpentyl , 4 - methylpentyl , 2 - ethylbutyl , 3 - hexyl , 3 - methyl - 2 - pentyl , 4 - methyl - 2 - pentyl , 2 , 3 - dimethylbutyl , 3 , 3 - dimethylbutyl , 2 , 2 - dimethylbutyl , 2 - methyl - 2 - pentyl , 3 - methyl - 3 - pentyl , 2 - methyl - 3 - pentyl and 3 , 3 - dimethyl - 2 - butyl , butyl , etc . examples of the c 3 - c 8 haloalkyl group represented by r 5 is 3 - fluoropropyl , 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 3 - pentafluoropropyl , 3 - chloro - 2 - butyl , 3 - chloropropyl , 2 - chloropropyl , 2 , 3 - dichloropropyl , 1 , 3 - dichloro - 2 - propyl , 3 - bromopropyl , 2 - bromopropyl , 1 - bromo - 2 - propyl , 2 , 3 - dibromopropyl , 4 - fluorobutyl , 4 , 4 , 4 - trifluorobutyl , 3 , 3 , 4 , 4 , 4 - pentafluoro - 2 - butyl , 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 4 , 4 , 4 - heptafluorobutyl , 4 - chlorobutyl , 3 - chlorobutyl , 2 , 3 , 4 - trichlorobutyl , 4 - bromobutyl , 3 - bromobutyl , 5 - fluoropentyl , 5 - chloropentyl , 5 - bromopentyl , 6 - fluorohexyl , 6 - chlorohexyl , 6 - bromohexyl , 7 - chloroheptyl and 8 - chlorooctyl , etc . examples of the c 3 - c 8 alkenyl group represented by r 5 is allyl , 2 - methylallyl , 1 - methyl - 2 - propenyl , 1 , 1 - dimethyl - 2 - propenyl , 2 - butenyl , 3 - butenyl , 2 - ethyl - 2 - butenyl , 2 - methyl - 2 - butenyl , 2 - methyl - 3 - butenyl , 2 - pentenyl , 2 - hexenyl , 5 - hexenyl , 2 - ethyl - 2 - pentenyl , 2 - heptenyl and 2 - octenyl , etc . examples of the c 3 - c 8 haloalkenyl group represented by r 5 is 2 , 3 - dichloroallyl , 2 , 3 - dibromoallyl , 2 - chloro - 2 - propenyl , 3 - chloro - 2 - propenyl , 2 - bromo - 2 - propenyl , 2 - chloromethyl - 2 - propenyl , 2 - chloro - 3 - butenyl , 3 - chloro - 2 - butenyl , 4 - chloro - 2 - butenyl , 4 - bromo - 2 - butenyl and 2 - chloro - 2 - octenyl , etc . examples of the c 3 - c 8 alkynyl group represented by r 5 is 2 - propynyl , 1 - methyl - 2 - propynyl , 1 - ethyl - 2 - propynyl , 1 - propyl - 2 - propynyl , 2 - butynyl , 1 - ethyl - 2 - butynyl , 1 - propyl - 2 - butynyl , 2 - pentynyl , 4 - methyl - 2 - pentynyl , 2 - methyl - 2 - pentynyl , 2 - hexynyl , 3 - hexynyl , 2 - heptynyl and 2 - octynyl , etc . examples of the c 3 - c 8 haloalkynyl group represented by r 5 is 1 - chloro - 2 - propynyl , 1 - bromo - 2 - propynyl , 1 - chloro - 2 - butynyl , 1 - chloro - 2 - pentynyl , 1 - chloro - 2 - hexynyl and 1 - chloro - 2 - octyl , etc . examples of the alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms represented by r 5 is 2 - methoxyethyl , 2 - ethoxyethyl , ethoxymethyl , isopropoxymethyl , n - propoxymethyl , isobutoxymethyl , 2 - isopropoxyethyl , 2 - methoxypropyl , 2 - methoxybutyl , 2 - ethoxypropyl , 2 - ethoxybutyl , 2 - methoxy - 2 - methylpropyl , 2 - ethoxy - 2 - methylpropyl , 2 - butoxyethyl and 2 - hexyloxyethyl , etc . examples of the halogenated alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 8 carbon atoms represented by r 5 is 2 -( 1 , 1 , 2 , 2 - tetrafluoroethoxy ) ethyl , 2 -( 2 , 2 , 2 - trifluoroethoxy ) ethyl and 2 - difluoromethoxymethyl , etc . examples of the c 3 - c 8 cycloalkyl group represented by r 5 is cyclopropyl , cyclobutyl , 1 - methylcyclopropyl , cyclopentyl , cyclohexyl , 4 - methylcyclohexyl , 4 - ethylcyclohexyl , 2 - methylcyclohexyl and 1 - methylcyclohexyl , etc . examples of the c 3 - c 8 halocycloalkyl group represented by r 5 is 1 - chlorocyclopropyl , 2 , 2 - difluorocyclopropyl , 2 , 2 - dichlorocyclopropyl , 3 - chlorocyclohexyl , 4 - 4 - chlorocyclohexyl and 1 - chlorocyclohexyl , etc . examples of the cycloalkylalkyl group having 4 to 9 carbon atoms represented by r 5 is cyclopropylmethyl , cyclobutylmethyl , cyclopentylmethyl , cyclohexylmethyl , 2 - cyclopropylethyl , 2 - cyclohexylethyl , 3 - cyclohexylpropyl and 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 - tetramethylcyclopropylmethyl , etc . examples of the halogenated cycloalkylalkyl group having 4 to 9 carbon atoms represented by r 5 is dichlorocyclopropylmethyl and 2 , 2 - dichloro - 3 , 3 - dimethylcyclopropylmethyl etc . among the amide derivatives ( i ), preferred are those wherein r 1 is a group of the formula : -- y -- c 6 h . sub . ( 5 - m ) ( r 4 ) m or a group of the formula : -- z -- r 5 ; r 2 is , the same or different , a hydrogen atom , a fluorine atom or a chlorine atom ; r 3 is a halogen atom ; r 4 is , the same or different , a hydrogen atom , a halogen atom or a methyl group ; r 5 is a c 3 - c 6 alkyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms ; w is an oxygen atom ; x is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom ; y is an oxygen atom or a methylene atom ; z is an oxygen atom or a single bond when r 5 is c 3 - c 6 alkyl group , or a single bond when r 5 is an alkoxyalkyl having 3 to 6 carbon atoms , n is an integer of 1 ; m is an integer of 1 or 2 . more preferred are those wherein r 1 is a group of the formula : -- y -- c 6 h . sub . ( 5 - m ) ( r 4 ) m or a group of the formula : -- z -- r 5 ; r 2 is a hydrogen atom ; r 3 is a chlorine atom ; r 4 is , the same or different , a hydrogen atom , a fluorine atom , a chlorine atom or a methyl group ; r 5 is a c 3 - c 6 alkyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms ; w is an oxygen atom ; x is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom ; y is an oxygen atom or a methylene group ; z is an oxygen atom or a single bond when r 5 is a c 3 - c 6 alkyl group , or a single bond when r 5 is an alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms ; n is an integer of 1 ; m is an integer of 1 or 2 . most preferred are those wherein r 1 is a group of the formula : -- y -- c 6 h . sub . ( 5 - m ) ( r 4 ) m or a group of the formula : -- z -- r 5 ; r 2 is a hydrogen atom ; r 3 is a chlorine atom ; r 4 is , the same or different , a hydrogen atom , a fluorine atom , a chlorine atom or a methyl group ; r 5 is a c 3 - c 6 alkyl group or an alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms ; w is an oxygen atom ; x is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom ; y is an oxygen atom or a methylene group ; z is an oxygen or a single bond when r 5 is a c 3 - c 6 alkyl group , or single bond when r 5 is an alkoxyalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms ; n is an integer of 1 ; m is an integer of 1 or 2 . the amide derivetives ( i ) of the present invention can be produced by various processes , among which typical examples are shown below . the amide derivative ( i ) is produced by reacting an amine compound of the formula : ## str3 ## wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , w , x and n are each as defined above with an acid halide of the formula : ## str4 ## wherein l is a halogen atom and x is as defined above . the reaction may be carried out usually in an inert solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature of from about - 20 ° c . to the boiling point of the solvent , preferably from about - 5 ° c . to the boiling point of the solvent . the molar proportion of the amine compound ( ii ) and the acid halide ( iii ) to be used for the reaction is not limitative but is preferred to be nearly equal . examples of the inert solvent are aliphatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . hexane , heptane , ligroin , petroleum ether ), aromatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . benzene , toluene , xylene ), halogenated hydrocarbons ( e . g . chloroform , carbon tetrachloride , 1 , 2 - dichloroethane , chlorobenzene , 1 , 2 - dichlorobenzene ), ethers , ( e . g . diethyl ether , diisopropyl ether , dioxane , tetrahydrofuran , ethylene glycol dimethyl ether ), ketons ( e . g . acetone , methyl ethyl ketone , methyl isobutyl ketone , isophorone , cyclohexanone ), esters ( e . g . ethyl acetate , butyl acetate ), nitro compounds ( e . g . nitrobenzene ), nitriles ( e . g . acetonitrile , isobutylonitrile ), tertiary amines ( e . g . pyridine , triethylamine , n , n - diethylaniline , tributylamine , n - methylmorpholine ), acid amines ( e . g . formamide , n , n - dimethylformamide , n , n - dimethylacetoamide ), sulfur compounds ( e . g . dimethyl sulfoxide , sulfolane ), water and mixtures thereof . examples of the base are organic bases ( e . g . pyridine , triethylamine , n , n - diethylaniline ), alkali metal hydroxides ( e . g . sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide ), alkali metal carbonates ( e . g . sodium carbonate , potassium carbonate , sodium hydrogencarbonate , calcium carbonate ), alkali metal hydrides ( e . g . sodium hydride ), alkali metal alkoxide ( e . g . sodium methoxide , sodium ethoxide ). when necessary or desired , an ammonium salt such as triethylbenzylammonium chloride and tetrabutylammonium bromide may be added to the reaction system as a catalyst . after completion of the reaction , post - treatment may follow in a per se conventional manner such as extraction with an organic solvent and concentration . when necessary or desired , the product may further be purified by chromatography , distillation , recrystallization , etc . the amide derivative ( i ) wherein x is a sulfur atom is produced by reacting an amide compound of the formula : ## str5 ## wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , w and n are each as defined above with phosphorus pentoxide or a lawesson &# 39 ; s reagent . the reaction may be carried out usually in an inert solvent in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature of from about 0 ° c . to the boiling point of the inert solvent , preferably from about a room temperature to the boiling point of the inert solvent . the molar proportion of the amide compound ( iv ) and phosphorus pentoxide or a lawesson &# 39 ; s reagent is not limitative but is preferred to be nearly equal . the lawesson &# 39 ; s reagent described above means a compound having the formula : ( ch 3 oc 6 h 4 pss ) 2 . examples of the inert solvent are aromatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . benzene , toluene , xylene ), aliphatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . hexane , heptane ), pyridines ( e . g . pyridine , picoline ) and mixtures thereof . after completion of the reaction , post - treatment may follow in a per se conventional manner such as extraction with an organic solvent and concentration . when necessary or desired , the product may further be purified by chromatography , distillation , recrystallization , etc . among the starting compounds in the above processes , the acid halide ( iii ) is a known compound and available on the commercial market . the amine compound ( ii ) is obtainable from appropriate commercial products by a conventional procedure as shown below . ## str6 ## wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , w and n are each as defined above and e is a halogen atom . the two kinds of methods ( i ) and ( ii ) in the above processes can be used properly according to r 1 of the ( thio ) phenol compound ( v ). examples of the halogen atom represented by e are , the same or different , chlorine , bromine and iodine . the amine compound ( ii ) is produced by reducing the ethyl halide compound of the formula : ## str7 ## wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , w , n and e are each defined above . futhermore , the ethyl halide compound ( vii ) is produced by reacting the ( thio ) phenol compound of the formula : ## str8 ## wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , w and n are each as defined above with the halide compound of the formula : the reaction of the ( thio ) phenol compound ( v ) and the halide compound ( vi ) to give the ethyl halide compound ( vii ) may be carried out usually in an inert solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature of from about 0 ° c . to the boiling point of the solvent , preferably from about a room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent . the molar proportion of the ( thio ) phenol compound ( v ) and the halide compound ( vi ) to be used for the reaction is not limitative but is ordinary to be from about 1 : 1 to 1 : 10 . the amount of the base to the ( thio ) phenol compound ( v ) is also limitative but it is preferably to be from about one to two equivalents . moreover , the amine compound ( ii ) is produced by amination of the ethyl halide compound ( vii ) such as a method of reacting hydrazine with a phthalimide derivative obtained by reacting the ethyl halide compound ( vii ) with phthalimide . the reaction of the ethyl halide compound ( vii ) and phthalimide to give the phthalimide derivative may be carried out usually in an inert solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature of from about 0 ° c . to the boiling temperature . the molar proportion of the ethyl halide compound ( vii ) and phthalimide to be used for the reaction is not limitative but is ordinary to be from about 1 : 1 to 1 : 5 . examples of the inert solvent are alcohols ( e . g . methanol , ethanol ), aliphatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . hexane , heptane ), aromatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . benzene , toluene , xylene ), ethers ( e . g . diethyl ether , diisopropyl ether , dioxane , tetrahydrofuran ), ketons ( e . g . acetone , methyl ethyl ketone , methyl isobutyl ketone ), nitriles ( e . g . acetonitrile , isobutylonitrile ), acid amines ( e . g . formamide , n , n - dimethylformamide , n , n - dimethylacetoamide ), sulfur compounds ( e . g . dimethyl sulfoxide , sulfolane ), nitromethane , water and mixtures thereof . the reaction of the phthalimide derivative and hydrazine to give the amine compound ( ii ) may be carried out usually in an inert solvent at a temperature of from about 0 ° c . to the boiling temperature . the molar proportion of the phthalimide derivative and hydrazine ( or its hydrate ) to be used for the reaction is not limitative but is ordinary to be from about 1 : 1 to 1 : 10 . examples of the inert solvent are alcohols ( e . g . methanol , ethanol ), aliphatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . hexane , heptane ), aromatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . benzene , toluene , xylene ), ethers ( e . g . diethyl ether , diisopropyl ether , dioxane , tetrahydrofuran ), acid amines ( e . g . formamide , n , n - dimethylformamide , n , n - dimethylacetoamide ), nitromethane , water and mixtures thereof . the phthalimide derivative can be used with or without its purification in the above reaction . the amine compound ( ii ) is produced by reducing the nitrile compound of the formula : ## str9 ## wherein r 1 , r 2 , r 3 , w and n are each defined above . futhermore , the nitrile compound ( viii ) is produced by reacting the ( thio ) phenol compound ( v ) with chloroacetonitrile . the reaction from the ( thio ) phenol compound ( v ) and chloroacetonitrile to the nitrile compound ( viii ) may be carried out usually in an inert solvent in the presence of base at a temperature of from about 0 ° c . to the boiling point of the solvent , preferably from about a room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent . the molar proportion of the ( thio ) phenol compound ( v ) and chloroacetonitrile to be used for the reaction is not limitative but is ordinary to be from about 1 : 1 to 1 : 5 . the amount of the base to the ( thio ) phenol compound ( v ) is also not limitative but it is preferably to be from about one to five equivalents . moreover , the amine compound ( ii ) is produced by reducing the nitrile compound ( viii ) in the presence of a reducing reagent . examples of the reducing reagent are boron hydride , aluminum hydride , lithium aluminum hydride , raney nickel - hydrogen , palladium - hydrogen , platinum oxide - hydrogen , rhodium - alumina - hydrogen , etc . the reaction conditions such as the solvent , the temperature and molar propertion of starting materials , etc . may vary within broad ranges depending upon the kind of the reducing reagent , but can be readily determined by a conventional manner . examples of the amide derivatives ( i ) of the present invention are shown in table 1 and table 2 . the amide derivatives ( i ) of the present invention have some asymmetric carbon atoms and can form optical isomers . those optical isomers and their mixtures fall within the scope of the present invention . table 1______________________________________ ## str10 ## substituted position ( r . sup . 2 ). sub . n r . sup . 3 ( r . sup . 4 ). sub . m y of y w x______________________________________h cl h o 4 o oh cl 2 - f o 4 o oh cl 3 - f o 4 o oh cl 4 - f o 4 o oh cl 2 , 4 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl 3 - cl o 4 o oh cl 4 - cl o 4 o oh cl 3 - br o 4 o oh cl 3 , 5 - cl . sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl 3 - ch . sub . 3 o 4 o oh cl 3 - c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o oh cl 3 - n - c . sub . 3 h . sub . 7 o 4 o oh cl 3 - n - c . sub . 4 h . sub . 9 o 4 o oh cl 3 - iso - c . sub . 3 h . sub . 7 o 4 o oh cl 3 - cf . sub . 3 o 4 o oh cl 3 - cf . sub . 2 h o 4 o oh cl 3 - c . sub . 2 f . sub . 5 o 4 o oh cl h o 4 o oh cl 3 - f o 4 o oh cl 4 - f o 4 o oh cl 2 , 4 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl 3 , 5 - f o 4 o oh cl 3 - ch . sub . 3 o 4 o oh cl 3 - cl o 4 o oh cl h o 4 o oh cl 3 - f o 4 o oh cl 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl 3 - cl o 4 o oh cl 3 - cl o 4 o oh cl 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl 3 - cl o 4 o oh cl h o 4 o o5 - f cl h o 4 o o5 - cl cl 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o o5 - ch . sub . 3 cl 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o o6 - f cl 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o o6 - cl cl h o 4 o oh cl h o 5 o oh cl 3 - f o 5 o oh cl 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 5 o oh cl 2 , 4 - f . sub . 2 o 5 o oh cl 3 - cl o 5 o oh cl 3 - ch . sub . 3 o 5 o o4 - cl cl h o 5 o oh cl h s 5 o oh cl h o 5 o sh cl 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 5 o sh f h o 4 o oh f 3 - f o 4 o oh f 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o oh f 3 - ch . sub . 3 o 4 o oh f 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 5 o oh f 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o sh ch . sub . 3 h o 4 o oh ch . sub . 3 3 - f o 4 o oh ch . sub . 3 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o oh ch . sub . 3 3 - cl o 4 o oh ch . sub . 3 3 - ch . sub . 3 o 4 o oh ch . sub . 3 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 4 o sh ch . sub . 3 h s 4 o oh ch . sub . 3 3 , 5 - f . sub . 2 o 5 o oh c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 h o 4 o oh iso - c . sub . 3 h . sub . 7 h o 4 o oh cl h ch . sub . 2 4 o o5 - cl cl h ch . sub . 2 4 o o5 - ch . sub . 3 cl h ch . sub . 2 4 o o5 - f cl h ch . sub . 2 4 o oh cl h ch . sub . 2 4 o sh cl h ch . sub . 2 5 o oh cl h ch . sub . 2 5 o sh cl h nh 4 o oh f h ch . sub . 2 4 o oh ch . sub . 3 h ch . sub . 2 4 o oh br h ch . sub . 2 4 o o______________________________________ table 2__________________________________________________________________________ ## str11 ## substituted position ( r . sup . 2 ). sub . nr . sup . 3 r . sup . 5 z of z w x__________________________________________________________________________h cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o oh br ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o oh f ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o oh ch . sub . 3 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o oh c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o oh isoc . sub . 3 h . sub . 7 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o o5 - cl cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o o5 - f cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o o5 - ch . sub . 3cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o oh cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o sh cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 s oh cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 s sh cl ch ( c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o oh cl ch ( c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o sh cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 5 o oh cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 5 o sh cl ch . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 o 4 o oh ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 c ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 3 o 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 ccl ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 ccl ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 o 4 o sh cl ch . sub . 2 ccl ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 chc ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 c ( ch . sub . 3 ) ch . sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 4 o sh cl ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 4 s oh cl ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 4 s s5 - cl cl ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 4 o o5 - f cl ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 5 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 5 o sh cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 )( n - c . sub . 3 h . sub . 7 ) o 4 o oh cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 )( n - c . sub . 4 h . sub . 9 ) o 4 o oh cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 )( n - c . sub . 3 h . sub . 7 ) o 4 o sh ch . sub . 3 ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 4 o oh f ch . sub . 2 och . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ). sub . 2 -- 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- 4 o s5 - cl cl ch . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 ch ( c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- 4 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 ch ( c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- 4 o sh cl ch . sub . 2 ch ( c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 -- 5 o oh cl ch . sub . 2 ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 4 o o4 - cl cl ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 5 o o4 - f f ch ( ch . sub . 3 ) c . sub . 2 h . sub . 5 o 5 o oh cl cyclo - c . sub . 6 h . sub . 11 o 4 o oh cl cyclo - c . sub . 6 h . sub . 10 ( 4 - ch . sub . 3 ) o 4 o oh cl cyclo - c . sub . 6 h . sub . 10 ( 2 - cl ) o 4 o oh cl cyclo - c . sub . 6 h . sub . 11 -- 4 o oh cl cyclo - c . sub . 3 h . sub . 5 ch . sub . 2 o 4 o oh cl cyclo - c . sub . 3 h . sub . 5 ch . sub . 2 -- 4 o oh cl cyclo - c . sub . 6 h . sub . 11 ch . sub . 2 -- 4 o oh cl cyclo - c . sub . 3 h . sub . 4 ( 1 - ch . sub . 3 ) ch . sub . 2 o 4 o o__________________________________________________________________________ examples of the insect pests against which the amide derivatives ( i ) of the present invention exhibit controlling effects are as shown below . planthoppers such as brown planthopper ( nilaparvata lugens ), white - backed rice planthopper ( sogatella furcifera ) and small brown planthopper ( laodelphax striatellus ); leafhoppers such as green rice leafhopper ( nephotettix cincticeps ), nephotettix virescense , nephotettix nigropictus , zig - zag rice leafhopper ( recilia dorsalis ), tea green leafhopper ( empoasca onukii ) and grape leafhopper ( arboridia apicalis ); aphids such as cotton aphid ( aphis gossypii ) and green peach aphid ( myzus persicae ); bugs ; whiteflies ( aleyrodidae ) such as sweet potato whitefly ( bemisia tabaci ) and greenhouse whitefly ( trialeurodes vaporariorum ); scales ; mealy bugs ; lace bugs ( tingidae ); psyllids ( psyllidae ), etc . pyralid moths ( pyralidae ) such as rice stem borer ( chilo suppressalis ), rice leafroller ( cnaphalocrocis medinalis ) and indian meal moth ( plodia interpunctella ); noctuidae such as tobacco curworm ( spodoptera litura ), rice armyworm ( pseudaletia separate ), cabbage armyworm ( mamestra brassicae ) and beet semi - looper ( autographa nigrisigna ); agrothis spp . such as turnip cutworm ( agrothis segetum ) and black cutworm ( agrothis ipsilon ); heliothis spp . ; pieridae such as common cabbageworm ( pieris rapae crucivora ); tortricid moths ( tortricidae ) such as adoxophyes spp . and grapholita spp . ; carposinidae such as lyonetiid moths ( lyonetiidae ), leafblotch miners ( gracillariidae ), gelechiid moths ( gelechiidae ) and tussock moths ( lymantriidae ); diamondback moth ( plutella xylostella ), clothes moths ( tineidae ), casemaking clothes moth ( tinea translucens ) and webbing clothes moth ( tineola bisselliella ), etc . mosquitos ( calicidae ) such as common mosquito ( culex pipiens pallens ) and culex tritaeniorhynchus ; aedes spp . such as aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus ; anopheles spp . such as anopheles sinensis ; midges ( chironomidae ); muscidae such as housefly ( musca domestica ) and false stablefly ( muscina stabulans ); calliphoridae ; sarcophagidae ; lesser housefly ( fannia canicularis ); anthomyiid flies ( anthomyiidae ) such as seedcorn maggot ( delia platura ) and onion maggot ( delia antique ); fruit flies ( tephritidae ); shore flies ( ephydridae ); small fruit flies ( drosophilidae ); moth flies ( psychodidae ); black flies ( simuliidae ); tabanidae ; stable flies ( stomoxyidae ); etc . leaf beetles ( chrysomelidae ) such as cucurbit beetle ( aulacophora femoralis ), striped flea beetles ( phyllotrata striolata ), western corn rootworm ( diabrotica virgifora ) and southern corn root worm ( diabrotica undecimpunctata ); scarabs ( scarabaeidae ) such as cupreous chafer ( anomala cuprea ) and soybeen beetle ( anomala rufocuprea ); weevils ( cureulionidae ) such as maize weevil ( sitophilus zeamais ), rice water weevil ( lissorhoptrus oryzophilus ) and adzuki bean weevil ( callosobruchys chineneis ), etc . ; darkling beetles ( tenebrionidae ) such as yellow mealworm ( tenebrio moliter ) and red flour beetles ( tribolium castaneum ); anobiidae ; coccinellidae such as twenty - eight - spotted ladybirds ( epilachna vigintioctopunctata ); powderpost beetles ( lyctidae ); false powderpost beetles ( bostrychidae ); cerambysidae , etc . blattellidae such as german cockroach ( blattella germanica ); blattidae such as smokybrown cockroach ( periplaneta fuliginosa ), american cockroach ( periplaneta americana ), brown cockroach ( periplaneta brunnea ) and oriental cockroach ( blatta orientalis ), etc . thrips such as thrips palmi , yellow tea thrips ( scirtothrips dorsalis ) and flower thrips ( thrips hawaiiensis ), etc . ants ( formicidae ); sawflies ( tenthredinidae ) such as cabbage sawfly ( athalia rosae ruficornis ), etc . among the insect pests as above exemplified , the amide derivatives ( i ) are particularly effective in controlling those belonging to hemiptera and also exhibit a remarkable controlling effect on planthoppers and leafhoppers in a field of rice plant or aphids . the amide derivatives ( i ) may be used alone as insecticides or in mixtures with other insecticides and / or acaricides to enhance or expand their insecticidal or pesticidal use . examples of the other insecticides and / or acaricide include organophosphorus compounds ( e . g . fenitrothion ( o , o - dimethyl o -( 3 - methyl - 4 - nitrophenyl ) phosphorothioate ), fenthion ( o , o - dimethyl o -[ 3 - methyl - 4 -( methylthio ) phenyl ] phosphorothioate ), diazinon ( o , o - diethyl - o -( 2 - isopropyl - 6 - methyl - pyrimidin - 4 - yl ) phosphorothioate ), chlorpyrifos ( o , o - diethyl - o -( 3 , 5 , 6 - trichloro - 2 - pyridyl ) phosphorothioate ), acephate ( o , s - dimethyl acetylphosphoramidothioate ), methidathion ( s - 2 , 3 - dihydro - 5 - methoxy - 2 - oxo - 1 , 3 , 4 - thiadiazol - 3 - ylmethyl o , o - dimethylphosphorodithioate ), disulfoton ( o , o - diethyl s - 2 - ethylthioethyl phosphorothioate ), ddvp ( 2 , 2 - dichlorovinyldimethylphosphate ), sulprofos ( o - ethyl o - 4 -( methylthio ) phenyl s - propyl phosphorodithioate ), cyanophos ( o - 4 - cyanophenyl o , o - dimethyl phosphorothioate ), dioxabenzofos ( 2 - methoxy - 4h - 1 , 3 , 2 - benzodioxaphosphinine - 2 - sulphide ), dimethoate ( o , o - diethyl - s -( n - methylcarbamoylmethyl ) dithiophosphate ), phenthoate ( ethyl 2 - dimethoxyphosphinothioylthio ( phenyl ) acetate ), malathion ( diethyl ( dimethoxyphosphinothioylthio ) succinate ), trichlorfon ( dimethyl 2 , 2 , 2 - trichloro - 1 - hydroxyethylphosphonate ), azinphos - methyl ( s - 3 , 4 - dihydro - 4 - oxo - 1 , 2 , 3 - benzotriazin - 3 - ylmethyl o , o - dimethylphosphoro - dithioate ) and monocrotophos ( dimethyl ( e )- 1 - methyl - 2 -( methylcarbamoyl ) vinyl phosphate ), etc . ); carbamate derivatives ( e . g . bpmc ( 2 - sec - butylphenyl methylcarbamate ), benfuracarb ( ethyl n -[ 2 , 3 - dihydro - 2 , 2 - dimethylbenzofuran - 7 - yloxycarbonyl ( methyl ) aminothio ]- n - isopropyl - beta - alaninate ), propoxur ( 2 - isopropoxyphenyl n - methylcarbamate ), carbosulfan ( 2 , 3 - dihydro - 2 , 2 - dimethyl - 7 - benzo [ b ] furanyl n - methylcarbamate ), carbaryl ( 1 - naphthyl - n - methylcarbamate ), methomyl ( s - methyl - n -[( methylcarbamoyl ) oxy ] thioacetimidate ), ethiofencarb ( 2 -( ethylthiomethyl ) phenyl methylcarbamate ), aldicarb ( 2 - methyl - 2 -( methylthio ) propionaldehyde o - methylcarbamoyloxime ) and oxamyl ( n , n - dimethyl - 2 - methylcarbamoyloxyimino - 2 -( methylthio ) acetamide ), etc . ); pyrethroides ( e . g . ethofenprop ( 2 -( 4 - ethoxyphenyl - 2 - methylpropyl - 3 - phenoxybenzylether ), fenvalerate (( rs )- alpha - cyano - 3 - phenoxybenzyl ( rs )- 2 -( 4 - chlorophenyl )- 3 - methylbutyrate ), esfenvalerate (( s )- alpha - cyano - 3 - phenoxybenzyl ( s )- 2 -( 4 - chlorophenyl )- 3 - methylbutyrate ), fenpropathrin (( rs )- alpha - cyano - 3 - phenoxybenzyl 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 - tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxylate ), cypermethrin (( rs )- alpha - cyano - 3 - phenoxybenzyl ( 1rs , 3rs )( 1rs , 3rs )- 3 -( 2 , 2 - dichlorovinyl )- 2 , 2 - dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate ), permethrin ( 3 - phenoxybenzyl ( 1rs , 3rs )( 1rs , 3rs )- 3 -( 2 , 2 - dichlorovinyl )- 2 , 2 - dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate ), cyhalothrin (( r , s )- alpha - cyano - 3 - phenoxybenzyl ( z )-( 1rs , 3rs )- 3 -( 2 - chloro - 3 , 3 , 3 - trifluoropropenyl )- 2 , 2 - dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate ), deltamethrin (( s )- alpha - cyano - m - phenoxybenzyl ( 1r , 3r )- 3 -( 2 , 2 - dibromovinyl )- 2 - dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate ) and cycloprothrin (( rs )- alpha - cyano - 3 - phenoxybenzyl ( rs )- 2 , 2 - dichloro - 1 -( 4 - ethoxyphenyl ) cyclopropanecarboxylate ), etc . ); thiadiazine derivatives ( e . g . buprofezin ( 2 - tert - butylimino - 3 - isopropyl - 5 - phenyl - 1 , 3 , 5 - triadiazin - 4 - one ), etc . ); nitroimidazolidine derivatives ( e . g . imidacloprid ( 1 -( 6 - chloro - 3 - pyridylmethyl )- n - nitro - imidazolidin - 2 - ylideneamine ), etc . ); nereistoxin derivatives ( e . g . cartap ( s , s &# 39 ;-( 2 - dimethylaminotrimethylene ) bis ( thiocarbamate ), thiocyclam ( n , n - dimethyl - 1 , 2 , 3 - trithian - 5 - ylamine ) and bensultap ( s , s &# 39 ;- 2 - dimethylaminotrimethylene di -( benzenethiosulphonate ), etc . ); halogenated hydrocarbons ( e . g . endosulfan ( 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 10 - hexachloro - 1 , 5 , 5a , 6 , 9 , 9a - hexahydro - 6 , 9 - methano - 2 , 4 , 3 - benzodioxathiepin - 3 - oxide ) and gamma - bhc ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 - hexachlorocyclohexane ), etc . ); benzoylphenylurea derivatives ( e . g . chlorfluazuron ( 1 -[ 3 , 5 - dichloro - 4 -( 3 - chloro - 5 - trifluoromethylpyridin - 2 - yloxy ) phehyl ]- 3 -( 2 , 6 - difluorobenzoyl ) urea ), teflubenzuron ( 1 -( 3 , 5 - dichloro - 2 , 4 - difluorophenyl )- 3 -( 2 , 6 - difluorobenzoyl ) urea ) and flufenoxuron ( 1 -[ 4 -( 2 - chloro - 4 - trifluoromethylphenoxy )- 2 - fluorophenyl ]- 3 -( 2 , 6 - difluorobenzoyl ) urea , etc . ); formamidine derivatives ( e . g . amitraz ( n , n &# 39 ;-[( methylimino ) dimethylidyne ]- di - 2 , 4 - xylidine ) and chlordimeform ( n &# 39 ;-( 4 - chloro - 2 - methylphenyl )- n , n - dimethylmethanimidamide ), etc .). on the practical use of the amide derivatives ( i ) as insecticides , they may be employed as such but are normally mixed with appropriate additives such as solid carriers , liquid carriers , gaseous carriers , feed , etc . to formulate their compositions . when desired or necessary , surfactants and other adjuvants may be further incorporated therein . the compositions may be prepared into any conventional forms such as oil sprays , emulsifiable concentrates , wettable powders , flowable concentrates ( e . g . water - based suspension formulations , water - based emulsion formulations ), granules , dusts , aerosals , heating smoking formulations ( e . g . self - burning - type smoking formulations , chemical reaction - type smoking formulations , porous ceramic plate - type smoking formulations ), ulv formulations , poison baits , etc . the composition of the present invention contains generally the amide derivative ( s ) ( i ) as the active ingredient in an amount of from about 0 . 001 % to 95 % by weight based on the composition . examples of the solid carrier usable for making the composition are fine powders or granules of clays ( e . g . kaolin clay , diatomaceous earth , synthetic hydrated silica , bentonite , fubasami clay , terra alba ), talc , ceramics , other inorganic minerals ( e . g . sericite , quartz , sulfur , activated carbon , calcium carbonate , hydrated silica ), chemical fertilizers ( e . g . ammonium sulfate , ammonium phosphate , ammonium nitrate , urea , ammonium chloride ), etc . examples of the liquid carrier include water , alcohols ( e . g . methanol , ethanol ), ketones ( e . g . acetone , methyl ethyl ketone ), aromatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . benzene , toluene , xylene , ethylbenzene , methylnaphthalene ), aliphatic hydrocarbons ( e . g . hexane , cyclohexane , kerosene , gas oil ), esters ( e . g . ethyl acetate , butyl acetate ), nitriles ( e . g . acetonitriles , isobutyronitrile ), ethers ( e . g . diisopropyl ether , dioxane ), acid amides ( e . g . n , n - dimethylformamide , n , n - dimethylacetamide ), halogenated hydrocarbons ( e . g . dichloromethane , trichloroethane , carbon tetrachloride ), dimethylsulfoxide , vegetable oils ( e . g . soybean oil , cotton seed oil ), etc . examples of the gaseous carrier , i . e . a propellant , include freon gas , butane gas , lpg ( liquefied petroleum gas ), dimethyl ether , carbon dioxide , etc . examples of the surfactant are alkylsulfates , alkylsulfonates , alkylarylsulfonates , alkyl aryl ethers and polyoxyethylene derivatives thereof , polyethylene glycol ethers , polyvalent alcohol esters , sugar alcohol derivatives , etc . examples of the adjuvants such as binders and dispersing agents are casein , gelatin , polysaccharides ( e . g . starch powders , gum arabic , cellulose derivatives , alginic acid ), lignin derivatives , bentonite , sugars , synthetic water - soluble high molecular weight substances ( e . g . polyacrylic alcohol , polyvinylpyrrolidone , polyacrylic acid ), etc . examples of the stabilizer include pap ( acidic isopropyl phosphate ), bht ( 2 , 6 - di - tert - butyl - 4 - methylphenol ), bha ( mixture of 2 - tert - butyl - 4 - methoxyphenol and 3 - tert - butyl - 4 - methoxyphenol ), vegetable oils , mineral oils , surfactants , fatty acids or esters thereof , etc . the base material for self - burning - type smoking formulations may include , for example , burning heat - generating agents such as nitrates , nitrites , guanidine salts , potassium chlorate , nitrocellulose , ethyl cellulose and wood powders , pyrolysis - promoting agents such as alkali metal salts , alkaline earth metal salts , dichromates and chromates , oxygen - supplying agents such as potassium nitrate , burning - supporting agents such as melamine and wheat starch , extenders such as diatomaceous earth , binders such as synthetic pastes , etc . the base material for chemical reation - type smoking formulations can include , for example , heat - generating agents such as alkali metal sulfides , alkali metal polysulfides , alkali metal hydrosulfides , hydrated salts of alkali metals and calcium oxide , catalyzing agents such as carbonaceous substances , iron carbide and activated clay , organic foaming agents such as azodicarbonamide , benzenesulfonyl hydrazides , dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine , polystyrene and polyurethane , fillers such as natural fiber pieces and synthetic fiber pieces , etc . the base material for poison baits may contain feed components such as crop powders , essential vegetable oil , sugars and crystalline cellulose , antioxidants such as dibutylhydroxyrtolune and nordihydroguaiaretic acid , preservatives such as dehydroacetic acid , feeding error preventing agnets such as red paper powders , incentive flavors such as cheese flavor and onion flavor , etc . flowable concentrates ( water - based suspension or emulsion formulations ) are generally obtained by dispersing about 1 to 75 parts by weight of the amide derivative ( i ) as the active ingredient finely and uniformly into water containing about 0 . 5 to 15 parts by weight of a dipersing agent , about 0 . 1 to 10 parts by weight of a suspending agent ( e . g . protective colloids , compounds giving a thixotropic property ) and optionally about 0 to 10 parts by weight of an auxiliary agent ( s ) such as a defoaming agent , an anti - corrosive agent , a stabilizing agent , a spreading agents , penetration auxiliaries , antifreezing agent , an anti - bacterial agent , an antimolding agent and the like . the use of an oil , into which the active ingredient is hardly soluble , in place of water affords oil - based suspension formulations . examples of the protective colloids as above mentioned are gelatin , casein , gums , cellulose ethers , polyvinyl alcohol , etc . examples of the compounds giving a thixotropic property are bentonite , aluminum magnesium silicate , xanthane gum , polyacrylic acid , etc . the composition of the present invention thus obtained may be used as such or after diluting with water . it may be also used in a mixture with any other active component or composition chosen from insecticides , nematocides , acaricides , fungicides , bacteriocides , herbicides , plant growth regulators , synergistic agents , fertilizers , soil conditioners , animal feed , etc . alternatively , the composition of the invention may be applied separately but simultaneously with said other active component or composition . for the purpose of controlling insect pests in the agricultural field , the amide derivative ( i ) according to the present invention may be applied to the insect pests or the locus where the insect pests propagate generally in an amount of about 0 . 001 g to 500 g , and preferably about 0 . 1 g to 500 g per 10 ares . when the amide derivative ( i ) is applied in a form of emulsifiable concentrate , wettable powder , flowable concentrate or the like after dilution with water , its concentration may be from about 0 . 0001 to 1000 ppm . granules , dusts , etc . may be used as such , i . e . without water dilution . when the amide derivative ( i ) is used for household or public hygiene , it may be used in the form of emulsifiable concentrate , wettable powder , flowable concentrate or the like with water dilution , etc . in this case , the concentration of the active ingredient may be from about 0 . 0001 to 10 , 000 ppm . in case of oils , aerosol , fumigants , ulv formulations , poison baits , etc ., they may be applied as such . however , the doses and concentrations may vary within broad ranges depending upon the composition , the application time , the place applied , the application method , the kind of insect pests , the condition of damage , etc . and may be increased or decreased , irrespective of the general ranges set forth above . practical and presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be hereinafter explained in more detail referring to production examples , formulation examples and test examples . these examples , however , should not be construed to be limitative . in the following production examples , % is by weight unless otherwise indicated . to a mixture of 200 g ( 0 . 667 mol ) of 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 , 5 - difluorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethylamine , 81 g ( 0 . 80 mol ) of triethylamine and 8 liter of toluene , there was added dropwise a solution of 70 g ( 0 . 67 mol ) of cyclopropane carbonylchloride in 2 liter of toluene with stirring at a temperature of from 5 ° c . to 10 ° c . after 2 hours , the reaction mixture was stirred at a room temperature for 15 hours . after the reaction was completed , the resultant mixture was washed twice with water , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue was subjected to silica gel chromatography to give 163 g of n -{ 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 , 5 - difluorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane carboxyamide as a white crystal ( m . p . 89 °- 90 ° c .). to a mixture of 230 g ( 0 , 667 mol ) of 2 -[ 2 - bromo - 4 -( 3 , 5 - difluorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethylamine , 81 g ( 0 . 80 mol ) of triethylamine and 8 liter of toluene , there is added dropwise a solution of 70 g ( 0 . 67 mol ) of cyclopropane carbonyl chloride in 2 liter of toluene with stirring at a temperature of from 5 ° c . to 10 ° c . after 2 hours , the reaction mixture is stirred at a room temperature for 15 hours . after the reaction is completed , the resultant mixture is washed twice with water , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue is subjected to silica gel chromatography to give n -{ 2 -[ 2 - bromo - 4 -( 3 , 5 - difluorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane carboxyamide . to a mixture of 185 g ( 0 . 667 mol ) of 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 - tolyloxy ) phenoxy ] ethylamine , 81 g ( 0 . 80 mol ) of triethylamine and 8 liter of toluene , there is added dropwise a solution of 70 g ( 0 . 67 mol ) of cyclopropane carbonyl chloride in 2 liter of toluene with stirring at a temperature of from 5 ° c . to 10 ° c . after 2 hours , the reaction mixture is stirred at a room temperature for 15 hours . after the reaction is completed , the resultant mixture is washed twice with water , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue is subjected to silica gel chromatography to give n -{ 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 - tolyloxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane carboxyamide . to a mixture of 162 g ( 0 . 667 mol ) of 2 -( 2 - chloro - 4 - propoxymethylphenoxy ) ethylamine , 81 g ( 0 . 80 mol ) of triethylamine and 8 liter of toluene , there is added dropwise a solution of 70 g ( 0 . 67 mol ) of cyclopropane carbonyl chloride in 2 liter of toluene with stirring at a temperature of from 5 ° c . to 10 ° c . after 2 hours , the reaction mixture is stirred at a room temperature for 15 hours . after the reaction is completed , the resultant mixture is washed twice with water , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue is subjected to silica gel chromatography to give n -[ 2 -( 2 - chloro - 4 - propoxymethylphenoxy ) ethyl ]- cyclopropane carboxyamide . to a mixture of 181 g ( 0 . 667 mol ) of 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 2 - methylbutoxymethyl ) phenoxy ] ethylamine , 81 g ( 0 . 80 mol ) of triethylamine and 8 liter of toluene , there is added dropwise a solution of 70 g ( 0 . 67 mol ) of cyclopropane carbonyl chloride in 2 liter of toluene with stirring at a temperature of from 5 ° c . to 10 ° c . after 2 hours , the reaction mixture is stirred at a room temperature for 15 hours . after the reaction is completed , the resultant mixture is washed twice with water , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue is subjected to silica gel chromatography to give n -{ 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 2 - methylbutoxymethyl ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane carboxyamide . in the same procedure with the same molar proportion of materials as production example 1 , n - 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 1 - methylpropoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl - cyclopropane carboxyamide is obtained by using 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 1 - methylpropoxy ) phenoxy ] ethylamine instead of 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 , 5 - difluorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethylamine . in the same way , n -{ 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 4 - trifluoromethylphenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane carboxyamide , n -{ 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 1 - methyethoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane carboxyamide , n -[ 2 -( 2 - chloro - 4 - heptylphenoxy ) ethyl ]- cyclopropane carboxyamide , n -[ 2 -( 2 - chloro - 4 - cyclohexyloxyphenyl ) ethyl ]- cyclopropane carboxyamide or n -{ 2 -[ 2 , 5 - dichloro - 4 -( 3 , 5 - difluorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane carboxyamide is obtained by using 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 4 - trifluoromethylphenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethylamine , 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 1 - methylethoxy ) phenoxy ] ethylamine , 2 -( 2 - chloro - 4 - heptylphenoxy ) ethylamine , 2 -( 2 - chloro - 4 - cyclohexyloxyphenoxy ) ethylamine or 2 -[ 2 , 5 - dichloro - 4 -( 3 , 5 - difluorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethylamine . a mixture of 500 mg ( 1 . 52 mmol ) of n -[ 2 -( 4 - benzyl - 2 - chlorophenoxy ) ethyl ]- cyclopropane carboxyamide , 614 mg ( 1 . 52 mmol ) of a lawesson &# 39 ; s reagent and 20 ml of anhydrous toluene was refluxed by heating with stirring . after 20 minutes , the reaction mixture was cooled and concentrated under reduced pressure . the residue was subjected to silica gel chromatography to give 487 mg of n -[ 2 -( 4 - benzyl - 2 - chlorophenoxy ) ethyl ]- cyclopropane thiocarboxyamide as a colorless oily substance n d 23 . 6 1 . 6041 ). after one week , the oily substance caked as a white solid ( m . p . 90 °- 92 ° c .). in the same procedure with the same molar proportion of materials as production example 7 , n -{ 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 , 5 - difluorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane thiocarboxyamide is obtained by using n -{ 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 , 5 - difluorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane carboxyamide instead of n -[ 2 -( 4 - benzyl - 2 - chlorophenoxy ) ethyl ]- cyclopropane carboxyamide . in the same way , n -{ 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 - chlorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane thiocarboxyamide is obtained by using n -{ 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 - chlorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethyl }- cyclopropane carboxyamide . the compound numbers of the amide derivatives ( i ) are shown below . some examples of the amide derivatives ( i ) as produced in the same manner as above are also included . a mixture of 14 . 99 g of 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 - chlorophenoxy ) phenol , 4 . 44 g of chloro acetonitrile and 8 . 94 g of potassium carbonate in 150 ml dimethylformamide was stirred at a temperature of 70 ° to 80 ° c . in an oil bath for 5 hours . the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature , poured into water and extracted twice with 100 ml of ethyl acetate . the extracts were conbined together , washed twice with 200 ml of water , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 14 . 0 g of [ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 - chlorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] acetonitrile as a crude product . a solution of 14 . 0 g of the crude product as above obtained in 200 ml of tetrahydrofuran was kept at 0 ° c ., and 200 ml of borane - tetrahydrofuran complex ( 1 . 0m tetrahydrofuran solution ) were dropwise added thereto with stirring at a temperature of 0 ° to 5 ° c . the resultant mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight and then poured into 300 ml of water , followed by removal of tetrahydrofuran by distillation under reduced pressure . the reaction product was salted out and extracted three times with 100 ml of ethyl acetate . the extracts were combined together , washed with 200 ml each of a 5 % aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid , water and a 10 % aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide , dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 11 . 4 g of 2 -[ 2 - chloro - 4 -( 3 - chlorophenoxy ) phenoxy ] ethylamine . yield : 65 %. n d 24 . 3 : 1 . 5842 . in formulation examples as set forth below , parts and % are all by weight . the compound numbers correspond to those in production examples . to a solution of 10 parts of each of compounds nos . 1 to 23 in 35 parts of xylene and 35 parts of dimethylformamide , 14 parts of polyoxyethylene styrylphenyl ether and 6 parts of calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate are added , and the resultant mixture is thoroughly mixed while stirring to give an emulsifiable concentrate containing the active ingredient in 10 %. twenty parts of each of compounds nos . 1 to 23 are added to a mixture of 4 parts of sodium laurylsulfate , 2 parts of calcium ligninsulfonate , 20 parts of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica and 54 parts of diatomaceous earth , and the resultant mixture is stirred in a mixer to give a wettable powder containing the active ingredient in 20 %. five parts of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate , 30 parts of bentonite and 60 parts of clay are added to 5 parts of each of compound no . 14 and the resultant mixture is pulverized and kneaded with a suitable amount of water . the mixture is granulated in a granulator and air - dried to give granules containing the active ingredient in 5 %. five parts of fine powder of synthetic hydrated silica , 5 parts of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate , 30 parts of bentonite and 55 parts of clay are added to 5 parts of each of compound nos . 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 13 and 15 and the resultant mixture is pulverized and kneaded with a suitable amount of water . the mixture is granulated in a granulator and air - dried to give granules containing the active ingredient in 5 %. to a mixture of 1 part of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica , 1 part of an aggregating agent (&# 34 ; driless b &# 34 ; manufactured by sankyo co ., ltd .) and 7 . 7 parts of clay , 0 . 3 part of each of compound no . 14 is added , and the resultant mixture is well pestled in a mortar and further stirred in a mixer . to the thus obtained mixture , there are added 90 parts of cut clay , followed by mixing to give dusts containing the active ingredient in 0 . 3 %. a mixture of 0 . 3 part of each of compound nos . 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 13 and 15 and 0 . 03 part of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica is stirred well in a mixer and pulverized by the aid of a centrifugal pulverizer to the resultant mixture , 0 . 97 part of fine powers of synthetic hydrated silica , 1 part of &# 34 ; driless b &# 34 ; and 7 . 7 parts of clay are added , and the resulting mixture is pestled in a mortar and stirred in a mixer . ninety parts of cut clay are added thereto , and further mixing is effected in a sack to give dusts containing the active ingredient in 0 . 3 %. a mixture of 0 . 3 part of each of compound no . 14 , 2 parts of fenitrothion ( o , o - dimethyl o -( 3 - methyl - 4 - nitrophenyl ) phosphorothioate as an organo - phosphorus insecticide , 3 parts of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica , 1 part of &# 34 ; driless b &# 34 ; and 3 . 7 parts of clay are pestled in a mortar and stirred in a mixer . then , 90 parts of cut clay are added thereto , and the resultant mixture is further mixed in a sack to give dusts . a mixture of 0 . 3 part of each of compound nos . 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 13 and 15 and 0 . 03 part of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica is stirred in a mixer and pulverized by a centrifugal pulverizer . after addition of 2 parts of fenitrothion , 2 . 97 parts of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica , 1 part of &# 34 ; driless b &# 34 ; and 3 . 7 parts of clay thereto , the resultant mixture is pestled in a mortar and stirred in a mixer . then , 90 parts of cut clay are added thereto , and the resultant mixture is further mixed in a sack to give dusts . a mixture of 0 . 3 part of each of compound no . 14 , 2 parts of bpmc ( o - sec - butylphenyl n - methylcarbamate ) as a carbamate insecticide , 3 parts of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica , 1 part of &# 34 ; driless b &# 34 ; and 3 . 7 parts of clay are pestled in a mortar and stirred in a mixer . then , 90 parts of cut clay are added thereto , and the resultant mixture is further mixed in a sack to give dusts . a mixture of 0 . 3 part of each of compound nos . 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 13 and 15 and 0 . 03 part of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica is stirred in a mixer and pulverized by a centrifugal pulverizer . after addition of 2 parts of bpmc , 2 . 97 parts of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica , 1 part of &# 34 ; driless b &# 34 ; and 3 . 7 parts of clay thereto , the resultant mixture is pestled in a mortar and stirred in a mixer . then , 90 parts of cut clay are added thereto , and the resultant mixture is further mixed in a sack to give dusts . to a solution of 1 part of each of compound nos . 1 to 23 in an appropriate amount of acetone , 5 parts of fine powders of synthetic hydrated silica , 0 . 3 part of pap ( acidic isopropyl phosphate ) and 93 . 7 parts of clay are added , and the resultant mixture is stirred in a mixer , followed by evaporation of acetone to give dusts containing the active ingredient in 1 %. to 40 parts of an aqueous solution containing 2 parts of polyvinyl alcohol , 10 parts of each of compound no . 14 are added , and the resultant mixture is stirred in a mixer . to the thus obtained dispersion , 40 parts of an aqueous solution containing 0 . 05 part of xanthane gum and 0 . 1 part of aluminum magnesium silicate are added , followed by addition of 10 parts of propylene glycol . the mixture is gently stirred to give a flowable concentrate containing the active ingredient in 10 %. to 28 . 5 parts of an aqueous solution containing 2 parts of polyvinyl alcohol , 20 parts of each of compound nos . 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 13 and 15 and 1 . 5 parts of sorbitan trioleate are added , and the resultant mixture is finely pulverrized by the aid a sand grinder to give particles of less than 3 microns in average particle size . to the resultant mixture , 40 parts of an aqueous solution containing 0 . 05 part of xanthane gum and 0 . 1 part of aluminum magnesium silicate are added , followed by addition of 10 parts of propylene glycol . the mixture is gently stirred to give a flowable concentrate containing the active ingredient in 20 %. into a mixture of 5 parts of xylene and 5 parts of trichloroethane , 0 . 1 part of each of compound nos . 1 to 23 is dissolved , and the resultant solution is mixed with 89 . 9 parts of deodorized kerosene to give an oil spray containing the active ingredient in 0 . 1 %. a solution of 0 . 1 part of each of compound nos . 1 to 23 , 0 . 2 part of tetramethrin ( 2 , 2 - dimethyl - 3 -( 2 - methyl - 1 - propenyl ) cyclopropanecarboxylic acid ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 - hexahydro - 1 , 3 - dioxo - 2h - isoindol - 2 - yl ) methyl ester ) and 0 . 1 part of d - phenothrin ( 2 , 2 - dimethyl - 3 -( 2 - methyl - 1 - propenyl ) cyclopropanecarboxylic acid ( 3 - phenoxyphenyl ) methyl ester ) in a mixture of 10 parts of trichloroethane and 59 . 6 parts of deodorized kerosene is filled in an aerosol container . after provision of a valve , 30 parts of a propellant ( liquefied petroleum gas ) is filled through the valve under compression to give an oil - based aerosol . a solution of 0 . 2 part of each of compound nos . 1 to 23 , 0 . 2 part of d - allethrin (( 2 , 2 - dimethyl - 3 -( 2 - methyl - 1 - propenyl ) cyclopropanecarboxylic acid 2 - methyl - 4 - oxo - 3 -( 2 - propenyl )- 2 - cyclopenten - 2 - yl ester ), 0 . 2 part of d - phenothrin , 5 parts of xylene , 3 . 4 parts of deodorized kerosene and 1 part of an emulsifier (&# 34 ; atmos 300 &# 34 ;®, atlas chemical co ., ltd .) in 50 parts of distilled water is filled in an aerosol container . after provision of a valve , 40 parts of a propellant ( liquefied petroleum gas ) is filled through the valve under compression to give a water - based aerosol . each of compound nos . 1 to 23 ( 100 mg ) is dissolved in an appropriate amount of acetone , and the resultant solution is impregnated with a porous ceramic plate ( 4 . 0 × 4 . 0 × 1 . 2 cm ) to give a fumigant . the following test examples show some of test results which support the controlling effect of the amide derivatives ( i ) on insect pests . the compound numbers correspond to those as shown in production examples . the compounds used for comparison are as follows : ______________________________________com - poundsymbol chemical structure remarks______________________________________ ## str12 ## compound disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 859 , 706______________________________________ an emulsifiable concentrate prepared according to formulation example 1 was diluted with water to make a predetermined concentration . the dilution was sprayed onto rice plants cultivated in polyethylene cups at a rate of 20 ml / 2 pots on a turning table . after air - drying , the plants were infested with about ten 3rd instar nymphs of brown rice planthopper ( nilaparvata lugens ). after 10 days , the number of normal adults was counted to obtain an emergence inhibitory rate . the results are shown in table 3 . table 3______________________________________compound no . concentration ( ppm ) inhibitory rate (%) ______________________________________ 1 5 100 0 . 05 100 3 5 100 0 . 05 100 4 5 100 0 . 05 100 5 5 100 0 . 05 100 6 5 100 0 . 05 100 7 5 100 8 5 100 0 . 05 10010 5 100 0 . 05 10011 5 100 0 . 05 10012 5 100 0 . 05 10013 5 100 0 . 05 10014 5 100 0 . 05 10015 5 100 5 10016 0 . 5 100a 5 0______________________________________ an emulsifiable concentrate prepared according to formulation example 1 was diluted with water to make a predetermined concentration . the dilution was sprayed onto potted cotton plants ( in a stage of 8 - 9 days after sowing ) infested with 1st instar nymphs of cotton aphids ( aphis gossypil ) at a rate of 30 ml / 2 pots on a turning table . before spraying and one week after spraying , the humber of nymphs and aduts was counted , and a reproduction inhibitory index was expressed by the following equation : ## equ1 ## wherein the judgement of activity is based on the following standard : a : less than 1 ( excellent effect ) as a result , compound no . 1 showed a as the reproduction inhibitory index at a concentration of 10 ppm .
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a fastener in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in fig1 and designated generally by reference numeral 10 . in this embodiment , the fastener 10 comprises a clinch fastener having a tapered frusto - conical head 11 with a bottom surface 15 , an undercut 13 , and a barrel - shaped shank 17 . the bottom surface 15 functions as a displacer of material in the receiving ( lower ) panel 34 . the undercut 13 extends from the bottom surface 15 and receives the displaced material of the lower panel 34 . the barrel - shaped shank 17 has a tapered , distal end for guiding the fastener into the receiving hole in a metal panel . the bottom displacer surface 15 is oriented substantially perpendicular to a central vertical axis “ a ”. fig2 shows a punch 20 and die 22 for making a receiving hole in a metal panel 24 in which the fastener 10 is inserted . the punch 20 is typically ground to size and the die must have a clearance aperture 25 for the punch 20 and slug to pass through . the profile of the hole in the panel 24 after punching has an upper straight wall portion 23 , and a lower , tapered tear - out portion 26 having a larger diameter 26 than the upper portion . the “ upper ” and “ lower ” portions are described with reference to the orientation of the panel shown in fig2 ; however , fig3 and 5 , the panel is shown inverted ( compared to fig2 ) and the straight wall portion is located in the lower portion of the hole and the tapered portion is located in the upper portion of the hole . fig3 shows an enlarged section of two panels 32 , 34 that are connected using the fastener 10 described above and installed in accordance with an assembly method of the invention . in this embodiment , the head 11 of the fastener 10 has a shape that generally complements the shape of the hole in the upper panel 32 . the head 11 of the fastener 10 is dimensioned to be installed flush with the top surface 30 of the top panel 32 . the tapered head 11 maintains the mechanical ability to captivate the upper panel 32 to the fastener 10 in the upward direction . in the assembly shown in fig3 , the bottom panel 34 is composed of softer material than the fastener 10 , which permits the use of a clinch undercut 13 . the displacer surface 15 pushes metal from the bottom panel 34 into the undercut 13 located just above the shank , which holds the fastener 10 to the bottom panel 34 . in a preferred embodiment , the top panel 32 has nearly the same hardness as the fastener 10 . the locking taper feature of the fastener 10 is illustrated in fig4 a and 4b , which show both the installation and static condition of the fastener 10 as described in fig1 and 3 . fig4 a and 4b illustrate and describe the forces and scheme necessary to determine the minimal tapering required for self - locking . the orthogonal force of the uniformly distributed taper “ fn ” is modeled at the midline of the conical section at “ dm ”. quite simply , the locking taper will retain the tapered portion of the fastener in the top panel when the vertical component of the friction force exceeds the vertical component of the normal force and the installation force is removed or is zero . the friction force acts in the direction opposite the direction the fastener is being pushed . when the installation force is removed , the vertical component of the normal force acts to push the fastener out of the top panel . the friction force holds the fastener in place in the opposite direction . referring to the static diagrams of fig4 a and 4b , the theoretical force needed to extract the tapered connector “ fe ” may be calculated as follows : understanding that the coefficient of friction “ μ ”= tan ( ψ ) where ψ is an implicit sliding angle the angle for locking can be defined in terms of the coefficient of friction as this locking taper force ( fe ) was calculated using a conservative coefficient of friction for lubricated metal on metal of 0 . 06 . in another preferred embodiment , the locking taper force ( fe ), dimensions of the tapered hole , and dimensions of the tapered head are calculated by taking into account “ galling ”, which is another contributing locking mechanism between the mating sheets . galling is a form of wear between sliding surfaces . for the fastener and assembly shown in fig1 - 5 , the sliding surface is the interface between the tapered head 11 of the fastener 10 and the punched hole in the harder panel 24 . in the presence of a high force compressing the surfaces together , galling occurs as material from both surfaces is pulled with the contacting surface . galling is caused by a combination of friction and adhesion between the surfaces , followed by a tearing of the crystalline structure of the materials involved . the galling surfaces deposit material on the mating surface , effectively creating a friction or cold weld . common materials that are prone to galling are titanium , stainless steel , and aluminum . an assembly of two mating panels and a method of assembling the panels in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention are illustrated in fig5 a - d . referring to fig5 a , the fastener 10 is initially positioned in the hole in the top panel 32 in the orientation shown therein with the tapered surfaces properly aligned . next , as seen in fig2 , a press tool 53 forces the fastener 10 downwardly into the top panel 32 from the tapered side of the hole while the bottom panel 34 is supported by an anvil 54 . then , as seen in fig5 c and 5d , when the fastener 10 is pressed by the tool 53 against the anvil 54 with sufficient force , material from both panels flow slightly to form a uniform boundary between the two panels , which creates a very tight fit at high pressure between the fastener 10 and panels 32 , 34 . in this configuration , the fastener 10 can only be removed in the reverse direction of its installation . furthermore , the tapered fastener head 11 is locked in the top panel 32 by the above - described locking taper force or galling or both . fig5 a shows a profile of a punched hole , which has a first portion with straight walls , and a second portion which is conical and faces upward . as installation of the fastener progresses , fig5 b and 5c show how the interface between the fastener and the hard top panel become unified in a common geometry . pressure has made the top panel flow slightly to the fully conical shape , perfectly mated to the fastener 10 . the tapered head locking fastener exhibits high forces between the mating tapered surface , as well as high friction during installation . in one exemplary embodiment of the invention , when a stainless steel fastener is pressed into a hard stainless steel top panel , galling occurs and aids in the retention of the fastener . the same can be said of any other combination of metals prone to galling . fig5 d shows the fully - installed fastener clinched into the softer bottom panel 54 resulting in the attachment of the two panels . the foregoing is to be considered illustrative only of the principles and possible embodiments 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 . accordingly , suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to , all falling within the scope of the invention which shall be determined only by the following claims and their legal equivalents .
| 5 |
in order to combat the magnetic noise in dynamoelectric machines for use in more modern applications where the noise is problematic for consumer satisfaction , component interaction , etc . the present inventor has departed from the conventional wisdom of the full pitch and fractional pitch stator cores . the reasoning behind the departure is a recognition that the tangential force , caused by cogging torque of rotor poles as they pass each stator core tooth is additive with the radial force , caused by torque ripple . the reason these two forces are additive , and therefore combine to form a large force creating magnetic noise , is that for a full pitch winding , they both exhibit the same order of frequency , that is the number of poles times the number of phases and for a typical fractional pitch winding , they both exhibit an order of frequency which is a multiple of the number of phases . to minimize magnetic noise the number of slots in a stator core should be as taught herein , whereby the order of frequency of the tangential force and the order of frequency of the radial force will be as far removed from one another as practicable and preferably both not a multiple of the number of phases . in other words , noise can be reduced if it is ensured through careful selection of the number of poles , phases and slots to interact such that an order of frequency of a tangential force of the resulting alternator is different than any multiple of the number of phases of the alternator and different than an order of frequency of a radial force of the alternator . the above is achievable in a dynamoelectric machine by selecting a stator core slot configuration defined by : where p = number of poles ph = number of phases n = any one of a set of whole numbers inclusive from 1 through the number of phases − 1 and m = a whole integer greater than or equal to 0 . as can be seen by the formula , the number of slots can never be equal to the number of phases times the number of poles or even a multiple of the number of phases times the number of poles . a stator is defined has having an unusual number of slots when the number of slots is not equal to , or a multiple of , the number of phases times the number of poles . for example , a stator having 3 phases and 12 poles is defined as having an unusual number of slots when the number of slots is not equal to 36 , 72 , 108 , etc . the typical automotive alternator has three phases or six phases . one example of a stator core configured as taught herein is one in which m = 0 and 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 or 89 slots are utilized with a rotor having 14 poles and the machine including six phases . it will be recognized that such a number of slots does not agree with either a full pitch system or a fractional pitch system . furthermore , it is desirable to have m = 0 so that the number of slots is minimized to reduce winding complexity and to maintain stator slot fill factors ( fewer partially filled slots )— this is especially true when the number of slots is already large . the number of slots can be large if the number of phases is large , such as when ph = 6 for a dual winding ( wye or delta ) commonly known to those skilled in the art . the number of slots can also be large when a design common to those skilled in the art is utilized wherein the number of slots equals two times the number of phases times the number of poles — in this case the invention art results in a stator having a number of slots greater than two times the number of phases times the number of poles . altering the number of slots in a stator core from the conventional number brings with it certain difficulties regarding installation of windings in the stator . this is because the winding pattern will not begin and end in adjacent slots . for this reason , it is taught herein that particular slots are to be skipped in the winding process . skipping slots roughly diametrically opposed from one another provides improved spatial balancing of applicable electromagnetic forces . because of the skipped slots , industry standard type conductors are not used . rather conductors having a unique pattern of endloops and slot segments are utilized . due to the unique pattern of endloops , a hairpin type winding would require numerous shapes of hairpins and therefore , it is desirable , but not necessary , to form the conductor from one continuous conductor as can be seen in fig1 . referring to fig1 , one embodiment of a conductor 10 is illustrated . this particular embodiment is configured for an 86 slot stator core . it will be appreciated that there are “ normal ” endloops 12 interconnected by slot segments 14 and two skip - endloops 16 . although not shown in fig1 , the continuous conductor will be inserted into a stator core such that the slot segments 14 are disposed in the core slots . skip - endloops 16 are intended to enable a slot segment 14 adjacent the skip - endloop 16 to be received in a slot different than the one in which it would have landed had the skip - endloop been a standard endloop . stated another way , skip - endloops 16 position adjacent slot segments into slots that are farther away from one another than “ normal ” endloops 12 . the term adjacent slot segments , utilized herein , refers to two slot segments , which are attached to the same endloop . such conductors allow for irregular slot counts to be wound without winding overlap issues . as noted , the fig1 embodiment of conductor 10 is intended for an 86 - slot stator core to be operable with a 14 pole rotor and 6 phases . it will be appreciated that such a machine should bear 84 slots if full pitch or a multiple of six slots if fractional pitch . typically , the number of “ normal ” endloops 12 greatly outnumbers the amount of skip - endloops 16 . this is true because the number of skip - endloops 16 is proportional to the number of additional slots (( m × ph )+ n ) over the standard number of slots ( number of poles × number of phases ) and as previously mentioned ; it is desirable to minimize the number of slots . therefore a conductor exhibits ( from left to right ) a series of at least two consecutive “ normal ” endloops 12 before having a skip - endloop 16 . while the specific conductor of fig1 is designated for use with an 86 slot stator core , it should be appreciated that machines with 14 poles and 6 phases are not limited to 86 slots to obtain the benefit of the invention . rather , a 14 pole , 6 phase machine is to possess 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , or 89 slots with m = 0 or 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , or 95 slots with m = 1 and so forth . any of these number of slots for a 14 pole , 6 phase machine will achieve the desired reduction in magnetic noise . referring to fig2 a and 2b and still using the 86 slot example , two winding passes are illustrated , one in each figure . note that in each figure , there is included a broken line section . this section is intended to represent a duplication of the bending pattern of the conductor illustrated on the left side of the figure . in each case , the bend pattern illustrated is repeated three more times in the broken line section to complete one full length conductor ( the same is true for the conductors shown in fig7 a and 7b , treated hereunder ). for simplicity , the winding is also shown in fig2 a , 2b , 7 a , 7 b and 11 to be in a linear state as if they were separated from the core and rolled out flat . six phases are evidenced by the six conductors illustrated in each figure . the first pass p 1 ( fig2 a ), bears conductors having a form identical to that shown in fig1 hereof . the second pass p 2 ( fig2 b ) bears a slightly different configuration but which includes identical numerals . it is to be appreciated that the term “ skip ” is provided on the drawings with lead arrows to indicate where a stator slot exists but is not to be populated by a slot segment 14 during that particular pass . in the embodiment depicted in fig2 a and 2b , slot 43 and 86 are skipped in the first pass p 1 and slot 37 and 80 are skipped in the second pass p 2 . additional winding passes will repeat the fig2 a and fig2 b patterns in alternating manner . the schematic view of this winding pattern of fig2 a and 2b can be seen in fig3 after the completion of eight passes . illustrated in fig3 , as a partial cross sectional representation of a stator core , is a configuration wound as in fig2 a / 2 b and where slot 37 and 43 of the stator core are populated by only 4 slot segments each and therefore slots 37 and 43 ( as well as slots 80 and 86 not shown in fig3 ) are populated by fewer slot segments than the rest of the slots , after eight passes . the resulting winding of fig2 a and 2b conductors is further illustrated schematically in fig4 so that the step of each phase of conductors radially inwardly at the end of each pass can be visualized . it is to be understood that p 1 - p 8 are passes . further , in order to make fig1 a and 10b ( discussed hereinafter ) clear , each lead on each conductor ( each conductor will have two leads ) is labeled separately . for example , leads a 1 and a 7 extend from each end of a single conductor . similarly , a 6 and a 12 extend from each end of a single conductor . the same is true for the leads marked with a b prefix . referring to fig5 , and in conjunction with the above disclosure , it will be apparent how the leads and therefore the conductors are received into slots in the stator core . relatedly , fig6 is a partial cross sectional view of an alternate wind pattern wherein the wind pattern of fig2 a is repeated twice followed by the wind pattern of fig2 b repeated twice , with this pattern repeated until the completion of eight passes . in this embodiment slot 37 and 43 have only 4 slot segments each and the slot segments are grouped in pairs within these slots . the desirability of this pattern is that the slot segments are disposed in the slots 37 and 43 in pairs such that the typical stator varnishing operation would bond the pairs together , creating a more rigid assembly of slot segments in less - populated slots 37 and 43 . as shown in the relative position on the drawing sheet of fig2 a and 2b , the second pass may be shifted from the first pass by ph slots , such that the conductors of a particular phase of the second pass are shifted from the conductors of the same phase of the first pass . in another alternate embodiment , referring to fig7 a ( again having 86 slots ), the first pass is similar to that illustrated in fig2 a except that the skip endloops 16 are positioned to cause the conductor to skip slot 37 and slot 80 . in the first pass p 1 , all conductors skip slots 37 and 80 . the illustration of fig7 b differs from that of fig7 a . fig7 b presents a distinct second phase p 2 conductor from that of fig7 a in that the skip endloops 16 are positioned to cause it to populate slot 37 as opposed to slot 38 and slot 80 as opposed to slot 81 . in the second pass p 2 , all conductors skip slots 38 and 81 . in this embodiment , as in the fig2 a / 2 b embodiment , first and second passes may alternate or two first passes and two second passes may alternate or any other similar alternating pattern . the desirability of this pattern is ease of manufacturing because only the first phase is disposed in different slots depending on the pass . referring to fig8 , another embodiment is schematically illustrated wherein the winding pattern of fig7 a / 7 b are employed where four spaced slot segments are illustrated in slots 37 and 38 , after eight passes . referring to fig9 yet another alternate winding pattern is illustrated that uses a pattern that is the same for each pass . the pattern for example could be like that of fig7 a . such arrangements will leave two slots , as for example 37 and 80 , empty . the desirability of this pattern is ease of manufacturing because all of the conductors of each phase have the same shape ( the conductors are the same except shifted one slot from another ). to ensure clarity in the understanding of the disclosure herein by one less familiar with alternators , reference is made to fig1 wherein a schematic cross - section view of a prior art alternator is illustrated . the alternator 100 includes a pulley 102 connected to a rotor shaft 104 upon which a pair of pole pieces 106 and 108 are rotationally supported . pole pieces 106 , 108 are configured to present a plurality of pole fingers 110 , 112 ( two visible ) circumferentially around the shaft 104 . rotor core windings 114 are positioned between fingers 110 / 112 . the alternator 100 further includes a stator core 116 having a number of slots , the number being of full or fractional pitch , as explained above ( not shown ) and stator core windings 118 therein . the noted alternator components are supported in position by a front end frame 120 and a rear end frame 122 . portions of the rotor and associated rotating poles create an induced current in the stator core windings , which current is usable as generated electrical energy . referring to fig1 , a cascade style winding pattern is illustrated . while the illustrated style is itself known in the art , it is not know in combination with the stator core slot configuration taught herein . in view of the unconventionality of the foregoing teaching regarding the configuration and windings of a stator core , it is prudent to include schematic wiring diagrams to ensure complete understanding by a reader . with reference to fig1 a and 12b , a dual wye and a 3 - phase distributed wye diagram are illustrated . in fig1 a , each leg of the wye is connected in parallel , for example , a 2 and b 2 are connected to each other and also to a diode pair 130 as shown . connections are likewise for each other pair of diode end leads of each conductor . in addition , each leg of the wye is connected at the neutral point 132 or 134 respectively . as can be seen in fig1 a , one wye winding is shifted by approximately 30 degrees with respect to the other wye winding . returning to fig1 b , the 3 - phase wye uses a single neutral point 136 and only three diode pairs 138 . additional conductor lead connections are connected in parallel at each node 140 , 142 and 144 as illustrated . as can be seen in fig1 b , each phase is comprised of two portions wherein one portion is shifted approximately 30 degrees from the other portion .
| 8 |
the preferred and alternative exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a channel - context compression algorithm that operates through a hardware engine in a processor having 16 - bit data words . however , the algorithm will operate effectively for processors using 32 - bit or other sizes of data words . the exemplary encoder is an adaptive packing operation . referring to fig1 , input to the encoder is divided into blocks 10 of four 16 - bit words 12 illustrated as samples s 1 through s 4 . the blocks 10 may contain any reasonable number of words as samples , such as six , eight , or ten words . these words 12 are treated as twos - complement integers . each block 14 is examined to find the word with the maximum number of significant bits . this number of significant bits is called the packing width and each word in the block can be represented with this number of bits . for example , if the word s 1 ( 18 ) has the largest magnitude in block ( 16 ) of − 100 , then block b n 16 is assigned a packing width p n = 8 bits for each of the words s 1 through s 4 . the p n least significant bits of the four words s 1 through s 4 ( 12 ) in block b n ( 16 ) are then packed into a block of 4 * p n bits . there is no loss of information in this packing operation . fig1 also shows a prefix header h 20 that is added to the beginning of the packed block 16 to represent the change in packing width from the previous block b n − 1 ( 22 ). in the example this change is defined as p n - p n − 1 . this difference is encoded as a variable - length sequence using between one and seven bits . the packing size for each block b 1 to b n + 1 must be known in order to determine how to unpack each block . representing the difference in packing size between blocks 10 occupies fewer bits in a processor memory as compared to using a set number of bits each time , for example four bits for the change in size between each block b 1 through b n + 1 . to form the prefix header 20 , the packing width difference is computed modulo sixteen and then encoded as follows : 0 is encoded as the single bit 0 ; 1 or 15 are encoded as the 3 bits 11 ×, where x = 1 for 1 and x = 0 for 15 ; 2 and 14 are encoded as the 4 bits 101 ×, where x = 1 for 2 and x = 0 for 14 ; 3 through 13 are encoded as the 7 bits 100xxxx where xxxx directly gives the numbers 3 through 13 . the codes 100xxxx where xxxx represents 0 - 2 or 14 - 15 are not valid codes ; however , the 6 - bit code 100000 is used as a last block marker . the compressed output consists of the prefix header 20 followed by the packed block 12 . these bits are packed into 16 bit words , from most significant bit to least significant bit . when a word is full , packing continues with the most significant bit of the next word . the last block 22 has a longer prefix to identify the end of the packed data . the prefix for block 22 consists of the 6 - bit last block marker 100000 , followed by 2 bits giving the number of words in the last block , 00 for one word , 01 for two words , 10 for 3 words and 11 for 4 words , followed by the normal block prefix . after this last block 22 is packed , any remaining bits in the last output word can be ignored . this last block prefix is not necessary if the number of input words is known to the decoder ahead of time . in a worst case expansion of data over a large number of input words , all 16 - bits are required to represent each block . in this case , the four 16 - bit words 12 in each block 10 are placed , unchanged , into the output stream with an additional 0 bit representing no change from the previous block &# 39 ; s packing width . thus the worst - case expansion is one bit for every sixty - four bits . other scenarios are possible giving the same expansion . for instance , blocks can alternate between 15 - bit packing widths and 16 - bit packing widths . in this case , every block has a 3 - bit prefix representing a packing width delta of plus or minus one . therefore , for every two input blocks there will be 3 + 4 * 15 + 3 + 4 * 16 bits = 130 bits , which is again is one bit for every 64 bits expansion averaged over 2 blocks . the maximum expansion over the long run is always one bit for every 64 bits even though one of the blocks has a 3 - bits for 64 - bits expansion . alternating between 13 - bit and 16 - bit packing widths , with 7 - bit prefixes again results in 7 + 4 * 13 + 7 + 4 * 16 bits = 130 bits over 2 blocks . fig2 is a graphical illustration of channel context memory contents for a typical voice over ip application . in this case the input signal is a noise signal encoded with pulse code modulation ( pcm ) that has been sampled at 8000 samples per second . there are 4428 16 - bit words channel context memory contents , including taps from an echo canceller , that are graphed over time on axis 26 . the words are graphed as two &# 39 ; s complement numbers in 16 - bit format from − 32768 to 32767 on axis 28 . the preferred compression algorithm may be applied to a processor containing numerous such channels to pack thousands of context memory data words into a smaller memory area , thereby significantly decreasing total die area and decreasing chip costs . if the exemplary compression algorithm is used in a voice over internet protocol ( voip ) application , where available mips ( million instructions per second ) is not the limiting factor , this compression technique can increase the number of channels per processor chip . available mips can be increased by increasing the clock rate , or adding more cores in a multi - core chip design . even in situations where available mips is the limiting factor , this compression technique can be used to reduce the amount of on - chip memory required resulting in a smaller die size and accompanying lower cost per channel . a small power reduction will also result from a lower static power from the smaller memory . fig3 is a functional illustration of data movement within processor 30 by the hardware engine between shared ram ( random access memory ) 32 and local memory 34 . the compressed context for a channel would be expanded by hardware compression / expansion engine 35 and moved 36 from shared ram 32 to local memory 34 prior to processing data in a channel . when processing for that channel is complete , the channel context would be compressed by hardware compression / expansion engine 35 and moved 38 from local memory 34 back into shared ram 32 . the compression algorithm allows for the design of a simple compression / expansion hardware engine , which compresses / expands data and moves it simultaneously . the hardware compression / expansion engine performs an expansion function with a source and destination address . when the expansion function is completed the channel is processed and then the engine also performs a compression function with a source and destination address . if compression is performed with a hardware engine , then most of the context will be processed . however , if compression is performed in software , the best tradeoff between mips and memory might be to process only those portions of the context that consistently compress well . if an application contains constants or other data for each channel that does not change or rarely changes , then after that data is uncompressed in a write operation to local memory , it is not necessary for the hardware engine to re - compress and write the constant data back into shared memory . as stated previously , the compressed contexts for all of the channels will be stored in some pool of shared memory . the size of each compressed context will vary , and the final size is not known until the compression actually occurs . a fixed - size buffer could be allocated ahead of time for each channel , but memory will be wasted if that buffer is too large . an additional data movement step is required , implemented either in hardware or software , for handling the spillover case , where a compressed context is larger than that fixed size . alternatively , memory could be allocated from a global pool of smaller fixed size blocks that are chained together . in this solution , there must be a pointer word for every memory block . larger block sizes will use fewer pointers , however this will result in more wasted memory in the last block of a compressed context . another disadvantage of this method that the hardware compressor will have to be more complex to handle the chained block method . as a minimum , the hardware will have to handle the chaining of blocks as contexts are expanded or compressed . in addition , the hardware engine may require allocation techniques to allocate and free blocks of memory in realtime . in the preferred exemplary embodiment , a combination of hardware and software is used to handle compressed contexts efficiently , but without too much hardware complexity . a global pool of fixed - size memory blocks is used . the context handler engine is able to read from , and write to , pre - allocated chained blocks of memory but would not handle allocation and freeing of memory itself . initially , each compressed context is stored in the minimum number of memory blocks necessary . when a channel number n − 1 begins processing , software sets up the context handler engine to expand the channel context for channel n from the pool storage into local memory 34 . when channel n − 1 finishes processing , the software increases the compressed context storage area for channel n − 1 to a size large enough to handle the worst case by allocating new blocks . software will then set up the context handler engine to write out the compressed context for channel n − 1 . after the compression operation is complete , the context handler engine will store the number of blocks actually used to write out this context . meanwhile channel n will run and upon processing completion , the software will use the information in that register to free up any blocks of storage not used by the compressed context from channel n − 1 . software then increases the compressed context storage area for channel n , and the cycle continues . with this method , there is always room to store any channels &# 39 ; context with no spillover problem and extra memory is only needed for one channel at a time . if the memory required by all of the compressed contexts exceeds the amount that was anticipated , the processor implements an emergency graceful degradation algorithm to ensure all channels keep running . reducing the length of an echo canceller &# 39 ; s delay line rom 128 ms to 64 ms or reducing the length of a jitter buffer are examples from a voice over ip application where memory could be recovered in an emergency . fig4 illustrates a functional bock diagram of an exemplary hardware compression engine 40 . the exemplary compression engine is assumed to be a 2 - port device with a read port to access uncompressed words and a write port to write out compressed words . words are read from source memory 42 into a 64 - bit input register 44 , four words at a time . packed words are written out from a 64 - bit output register ( or ) 45 . four words are processed in parallel to speed up processing . however , where processing speed is not an issue , a lower complexity serial approach may be implemented . the exemplary compression algorithm is executed in eight steps , which could be pipelined so that four input words are processed each clock . there is a 64 - bit input register ( ir ) 44 , a 71 - bit packed block register ( pbr ) 46 and a 64 - bit output register ( or ) 45 . n r , the number of valid bits in the or 45 , is initialized to 0 . b , the packing width of the previous block , is set to some default value . in the encoder 40 , four words are read from the source memory 42 into the 64 - bit input register ( ir ) 44 . the number of significant bits , b new , in the largest - magnitude word is found . delta b = b new − b is computed , b is set to b new , and the block prefix 20 , with length l p , is generated from delta b . the four words in the ir 44 are packed with the packing logic array 52 and gen b logic 54 and interleaved by multiplexers ( mux ) 58 and 56 into the 4 * b bits , bits 0 :( 4 * b − 1 ) of the pbr 46 . the pbr 46 is then left shifted by 71 − 4 * b − l p bits . the block prefix 20 is placed into the l p msbs ( most significant bits ) of the pbr 46 . the new packed l p + 4 * b bits in the pbr 46 can be as any as 71 bits . the or 44 and the pbr 46 , concatenated together in barrel shifter 50 as one 135 - bit register , is shifted left by n 1 = min ( 64 − n r , l p + 4 * b ) bits . n r is then updated as n r = n r + n 1 . if n r = 64 , then the or 44 is written out to four words in the destination memory 48 and the or 45 and the pbr 46 , concatenated together in barrel shifter 50 as one 135 - bit register , is shifted left by n 2 = min ( 64 , l p + 4 * b − n 1 ) bits . n r is updated as n r = n 2 . if , once again n r = 64 , the or 45 is written out to four words in the destination memory 48 and the or 45 and the pbr 46 , concatenated together in barrel shifter 50 as one 135 - bit register , is shifted left by n 3 = l p + 4 * b − n 1 − n 2 bits . n r is then updated as n r = n 3 . fig5 illustrates an exemplary hardware expansion engine 60 used in the preferred embodiment . the exemplary expansion engine is a 2 - port device with a read port to access compressed words and a write port to write out uncompressed words . packed words are read from source memory 42 and interleaved through mux 62 into a 64 - bit input register 62 , four words at a time . unpacked words are written out from a 64 - bit output register 68 . four words are processed in parallel to speed up processing . however , where processing speed is not an issue , a lower complexity serial approach may be implemented . the exemplary algorithm executes decoder 60 in eight steps , which could be pipelined so that four output words are processed each clock . to start the processing , sixty - four bits are read from the source memory 42 into the 64 - bit input residue register ( irr ) 70 and the next sixty - four bits are read from the source memory 42 and interleaved through 2 : 1 mux 62 into the 64 - bit input register ( ir ) 64 . the number of valid bits in the ir 64 , n 1 , is set to sixty - four and b , the packing width of the previous block , is set to some default value . the next block prefix 20 is determined from the seven msbs of the irr 70 using the gen b logic 74 . b is modified by delta b of the block prefix 20 to obtain the number of significant bits in the successive block and l p is set to the length of the prefix . the irr 70 and the ir 64 , concatenated together as one 128 - bit register in barrel shifter 72 , are shifted left by n new = max ( n 1 , l p ) bits . n 1 is then updated as n 1 = n 1 − nnew . if n 1 = 0 , then sixty - four bits are read from the source memory 42 into the ir 64 , the irr 70 and ir 64 , concatenated together as one 128 - bit register in barrel shifter 72 , is shifted left by lp − n new bits and n 1 is updated as n 1 = 64 + n new − l p . the 4 * b msbs of the irr 70 are unpacked by the unpacking logic array using gen b logic 74 and unpack logic 76 into the 64 - bit output register ( or ) 68 . the 64 - bit or 68 is written out to four words in the destination memory 48 . the irr 70 and ir 64 , concatenated together as one 128 - bit register in barrel shifter 72 , is next shifted left by n new = max ( n 1 , 4 * b ) bits . n 1 is then updated n 1 = n 1 − n new . if n 1 = 0 , sixty four bits are read from the source memory 42 into the ir 64 , the irr 70 and ir 64 , concatenated together as one 128 - bit register in barrel shifter 72 , is shifted left by 4 * b − n new bits and n 1 is then updated as n 1 = 64 + n new − 4 * b . fig6 illustrates the graph of fig2 combined with a graph 72 of the compression ratio ( e . g ., packing lengths ) for each of the blocks of four words . in graph 72 , a zero compression line 74 is placed along the 35 , 000 mark of axis 28 and a one compression line 76 is placed along the 45 , 000 mark of axis 28 . graph 72 illustrates compressed bits divided by uncompressed bits and shows a comparison of compression to the uncompressed words of fig2 along axis 26 . expansion of compressed data occurs where the graphed line in 72 rises above the one line 76 . in graph 72 , the 4428 words on axis 26 are compressed to 2796 words , a savings of 63 %. as observed in fig6 , the regions from approximately 400 to 1000 and 1500 to 2500 compress very well . the regions from approximately 1000 to 1300 and 3700 to 4000 are examples of regions that do not compress well . however , most regions do provide compression and any expansion is minimal . therefore , the more memory that is compressed by the exemplary algorithm , the more memory that is saved in the process . because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught , and because many modifications may be made in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law , it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense .
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the advantage of using double capacitors will be set forth herein in relation to an advantageous embodiment of the invention . here the advantages of the teaching according to the invention can be particularly clearly verified . if the efficiency is identified as the ratio of the delivered to the stored energy , it will be seen that the residual energy in the case of the parallel - serial connection only ever constitutes a quarter of that which is still stored on the individual capacitor . in the example with a tilt of 50 % the efficiency is 75 % in the case of the individual capacitor , whereas it is 93 . 75 % in the case of the two partial capacitors . the lower initial energy ( 80 %) is afforded by the lower residual energy ( 6 . 25 %) of the two partial capacitors . the individual capacitor needs 1 . 25 times the energy in order to achieve the same effect . heretofore the approach by way of the degree of utilization ( tilt ) in the calculation in equation ( 11 ) gave a relative ratio between c 1 and c 2 . if we ask which specific time constant rc 1 is concealed behind a 50 % tilt , attention is directed to table 1 at the end of this detailed description . specified therein for a tilt of 50 % is an rc 1 of between 6 . 4 and 6 . 6 ms , on average 6 . 5 ms , which with a defibrillation impedance of 50ω gives a preferred capacitance for the capacitor c 1 of 130 μf . the individual capacitor of the dual combination in accordance with equation ( 12 ) then has a capacitance of : in accordance with the invention therefore when settling for a time constant on the basis of a look - up table ( table 1 ) it is possible to determine the corresponding value for the pulse duration , tilt and efficiency for the individual capacitor . the partial capacitor corresponding thereto can then be ascertained with equation ( 11 ), for the parallel - serial use . this and the parameters resulting therefrom are summarized in table 1 from which it is possible to select the respective combination insofar as either the partial capacitor with an assumed load is predetermined , or a degree of efficiency which permits a large capacitor with at the same time a low voltage . in the foregoing example of the energy calculation for a 50 % tilt , it is possible to see that the levels of energy delivered are the same for both circuitry versions . that is due to the fact that the initial voltage and the mean voltage are equal for both versions . for a tilt of less than 50 %, the series connection of the partial capacitors during the residual discharge means that a higher voltage is produced than during the first phase so that the overall mean value of the voltage is higher with two capacitors . as it is not the delivered energy but the time integral in relation to voltage that is the crucial parameter in terms of defibrillation , the initial voltage can be reduced when using the double capacitors to the amount by which the voltage mean values increase . for tilts of greater than 50 %, the initial voltage in the case of the two - capacitor system will have to be set at a correspondingly higher level . the reduction in the capacitance of the two - capacitor system together with the increase in the mean voltage mean that the normalized stored energy ( nse2 ) of a two - capacitor system above an rc - value which governs the 50 % tilt extends markedly more shallowly than the curve for the one - capacitor system ( see fig1 ). the curve for the normalized stored energy ( nse1 ) of the one - capacitor system corresponds to the curve which is shown as fig8 in reference 4 from the background of the art , but which was there given with a normalized time constant . the normalized stored energy of the two - capacitor system ( nse2 ) is afforded by multiplication from the reduced capacitance ( 2c 2 / c 1 ), the mean voltage altered by voltage doubling ( mv1 / mv2 ) and the nse1 value of the one - capacitor system curve . the former simply arises out of equation ( 11 b ) by forming the ratio of 2c 2 to c 1 , and multiplying it by the square of the ratio of the mean values of the voltages ( mv1 : mv2 ) 2 and the corresponding value of nse1 ( see table 1 ). an example will illustrate this operating procedure . with a time constant rc 1 of 20 ms the tilt − 0 . 340 ( see table 1 ), and the normalized mean value of the voltage nmv1 = 0 . 818 , which also applies in regard to parallel discharge of the two c 2 - capacitors . the mean value of serial discharge is 0 . 72 ( this follows from discharge to half the value ) multiplied by double the exponential final value of ( 1 − tilt ) corresponding to 0 . 66 , that is to say 0 . 72 · 1 . 32 = 0 . 95 . that gives an overall weighted mean value nmv2 of ( 5 . 87 ms · 0 . 818 + 2 . 45 ms · 0 . 95 ): 8 . 32 ms = 0 . 857 ( duration of the parallel discharge = 5 . 87 ms , and that of the serial discharge = 2 . 45 ms , the overall duration = 8 . 32 ms ) which is 1 . 048 times higher than the mean value in the case of one - capacitor discharge . the initial voltage can be correspondingly lowered , which corresponds to a reduction in the stored energy to 0 . 911 . with equation ( 11 b ) and by analogy with ( 12 / 13 ), it is possible to calculate f or rc 1 = 20 ms an energy ratio e2 : e1 of 0 . 706 , which results in an overall reduction of 0 . 911 0 . 706 = 0 . 643 , or , to put that another way : the normalized stored energy of the one - capacitor system nse1 of 2 . 591 is reduced in the case of the two - capacitor system to an nse2 of 0 . 911 · 0 . 705 · 2 . 591 = 1 . 666 . for comparison : with a tilt of 50 % nse1 = 1 . 46 and nse2 = 1 . 17 ( see table 1 ). on the assumption that with a 50 % tilt with an rc 2 of 2 . 6 ms 10 j is required for defibrillation , the one - capacitor system with rc 1 of 6 . 5 ms would correspondingly require 12 . 5 j for the same effect . a two - capacitor system with a tilt of 34 % and an rc 2 of 7 . 06 ms would rise to 14 . 2 j and finally the one - capacitor system with rc 1 of 20 ms would rise to 22 . 1 j . the calculation once more demonstrates the finding that the pure energy information says nothing about the effectiveness thereof . in comparison with the example with a time constant of 20 ms , with an rc 1 of 10 ms the energy is reduced to only 0 . 966 (= 0 . 984 2 ) by virtue of the excessive increase in voltage , while as stated , with a 50 % tilt , there is no longer any difference as the mean voltage value is equal for both discharges . it follows therefrom that the new method fits in well in particular with the implementation of defibrillators with large capacitors and a correspondingly low voltage . investigations of three works ( references 5 - 7 ) in which the tilt was experimentally researched with a very low level of energy input showed that the energy with optimized tilt can actually be reduced to about 70 % in comparison with a tilt of 80 % ( in an experiment of 88 %). if consideration is further given to the reduction due to the two - capacitor system of for example 80 % for a 50 % tilt , then the highest mark of 30 j which was earlier established is reduced by the described two - capacitor systems to 0 . 8 · 0 . 7 · 30 j = 17 j with the same effectiveness . the maximum energy required would therefore fall still further if the capacitors were selected to be still smaller than the above - calculated 52 μf with a tilt of 50 %, which however involves increased voltages . thus for example a capacitor of 104 μf ( 2 · 52 μf ) requires just on 570 v in order to be charged up to the 17 j corresponding to the 30 j at an 80 % tilt value . therefore table 1 with the parameters nse1 and nse2 represents the required input in order to be able to effect defibrillation with the predetermined parameter ( this is generally the capacitor ) in comparison with the theoretically lowest delivered energy nde with an rc 1 of 2 . 36 ms ( in an 8 - digit calculation that value is to be unambiguously defined ). the input for nse1 or nse2 which can be read off as a function of the time constant rc 1 could also be interpreted as a reciprocal value which then can be interpreted as efficiency η in relation to the theoretical optimum . a horizontal line in graph 1 , that is to say a predetermined level of efficiency , demonstrates the possibility in relation to larger capacitors for the two - capacitor system or conversely it also shows that under some circumstances a one - capacitor system can be more worthwhile than a two - capacitor system beyond an rc 1 of 20 ms . a vertical line clearly shows the lower degree of input ( or higher efficiency ) if the two - capacitor system were embodied instead of the one - capacitor system . the time constant rc 2 associated with the vertical line rc 1 can be read off in table 1 . the depicted two - capacitor system always reduces its residual voltage u2 ( residue ) to half the value of the corresponding one - capacitor system u1 ( residue ). that means however that the new system can only supply half the voltage for a bi - phase pulse . in accordance with the current school of thought this is deemed to be detrimental as the second phase is attributed with a crucial action which in our view it does not enjoy . nonetheless discharge of the residual voltage of the two - capacitor system is advantageous , preferably if that again happens in parallel . that would counteract in particular “ over - stimulation in the proximity of the cardiac electrode ” ( reference 4 ). how the delivered energy nde1 of the one - capacitor system increases as a reference value with an increasing time constant ( lower curve ), how the stored energy nse1 of the one - capacitor system increases over - proportionally with the time constant ( upper curve ), how the stored energy of the two - capacitor system nse2 ( curve in the middle ) remains markedly below that of the one - capacitor system nse1 , particularly when large time constants are involved , and how far away we are from the theoretical minimum nde1 at rc 1 = 2 . 36 ms . while nse1 or nse2 represent the input which must be provided in relation to the theoretical minimum with a one - capacitor system or a two - capacitor system , the reciprocal η = 1 / nse1 and η 2 = 1 / nse2 corresponds to the efficiency in which both electrical and also physiological optimization is expressed and which relates to the theoretical minimum of the delivered energy nde1 with an rc 1 of 2 . 36 ms . [ 0085 ] fig2 is a representation of the discharge calculated with equation ( 12 ) at 50 % tilt for rc 1 and rc 2 . the rc 1 curve ends at t / rc = 0 . 9 ( in reality at 4 . 5 ms ) at a normalized voltage of 0 . 5 , while the exponential curvature can scarcely be perceived . that is also expressed in the mean normalized voltage nmv1 which at 0 . 721 is only slightly lower than the linear mean value at 0 . 75 . “ mean value ” means that the wedge part of the discharge curve above the mean value line is equal in terms of surface area to that beneath the discharge curve . more specifically , in the total of three discharge curves with rc 1 , 2 · rc 2 and ½ · rc 2 it will be apparent , which has been theoretically worked out with formula ( 7 ), that the mean value of the voltage depends only on the tilt and not on the time constant . in all three discharges the wedge compensation effect is very beautifully demonstrated by the one line at 0 . 721 . that affords the same normalized voltage for both discharge curves and thus the same physiological effectiveness . [ 0086 ] fig3 predetermines an rc 1 discharge at 70 % ( tilt then 30 %, rc 1 = 27 . 5 ms ). the curve ends at an t / rc of 0 . 94 ( in actual fact at 9 . 8 ms ). at 0 . 625 ( 6 . 6 ms in reality ) the discharge is terminated with 2 · rc 2 and voltage doubling to the normalized value of 1 . 4 begins . after 2 . 8 ms the discharge procedure with ½ · rc 1 has then occurred again at 0 . 7 , and the line nmv3 indicates the mean value which is 0 . 165 higher than that of the rc 1 curve . as a result the discharge with rc 2 and subsequent voltage doubling is physiologically more effective with the same initial voltage ( here 1 ). the effectiveness becomes the same if the initial voltage of the rc 2 curve is reduced to 94 % in relation to the rc 1 curve . in energy terms that denotes a reduction to 88 %. in this example however the efficiency 12 at 0 . 53 ( see table 1 ) is already very low , which again is already reached by an rc 1 discharge at approximately an rc 1 of 11 . 5 ms ( corresponding to a tilt of 41 %). it is not only possible to deduce that for each time constant rc 1 there is an individual optimum tilt , but also how great the chronaxie time is , which in the calculation forms the important value for normalization of the system of equations . with knowledge of the optimum tilt and the corresponding time constant it is possible to ascertain from table a of [ 4 ], at which tilt which normalized time constant v = rc / chronaxie occurs . the chronaxie in relation to defibrillation of implanted units is to be fixed approximately at : estimates show that this value may individually alter by ± 30 %, which however has a less than 20 % effect on the results or upon optimization . if there should be a chronaxie which is markedly different from 2 ms , for example due to other electrodes or other defibrillation modes , it is nonetheless possible to use the results in table 1 , it is only necessary to multiply all time values by the factor c : the time constant rc 1 in the first column arises out of multiplication of the value v in table a from reference 4 with the chronaxie in accordance with equation ( 16 ) of 2 ms . the pulse duration t1 in the second column is obtained like rc 1 from the value x in table a and chronaxie . the tilt was created in such a way that the first two columns in table a of ref . 4 were over - written with the new values for rc 1 and t1 . nmv1 is the mean value of the voltage as a function of rc 1 and during the pulse duration t1 . a calculation formula was already afforded with equation ( 3 ). in deriving that formula the expression t1 / rc 1 which occurs upon integration was replaced by the expression in [ u ( o ): u ( residue )]. the normalized mean voltage nmv1 in accordance with equation ( 7 ) is thereby dependent only on the tilt . the normalized delivered energy nde1 ( related to the minimum at rc 1 − 2 . 36 ms ) was obtained like tilt from table a of reference 4 . the efficiency eta from that table a was electrically defined as the ratio of delivered energy ( nde ) to stored energy ( nse ). the mode of operation of the method according to the invention is to be set forth in summarizing form once again hereinafter as follows : the normalized stored energy nse1 is defined by the quotient nde1 divided by eta . rc 2 is determined in accordance with equation ( 11 a ). t ( 2 ) ( time during the discharge of rc 2 ) is calculated from the combination of equations ( 5 ) and ( 8 ): t ( 3 ) ( time during the discharge of the series circuit to half the voltage value ) is determined in analogous fashion : nmv ( 2 ) is the mean voltage during the time t ( 2 ) corresponding to equation ( 7 ). nmv ( 3 ) is the mean voltage during t ( 3 ) which with the equations ( 5 ) and ( 7 ) having regard to discharge to half the value is calculated as follows : mv1 : mv2 is the quotient which characterizes the increase ( or reduction ) in voltage on the basis of the parallel - series circuit configuration . 2c 2 : c 1 indicates the reduction in the stored energy in the case of the two - capacitor system in comparison with the one - capacitor system . the reciprocal value of nse2 represents the efficiency η 2 which is related to the energy minimum nde1 at rc 1 = 2 . 36 ms . nse2 : nse1 is identical to the ratio of the efficiencies η 1 : η 2 and demonstrates the superiority of the two - capacitor system in particular in relation to a high rc 1 . ( in the same manner , as indicated previously , it is also possible to calculate systems with more than two capacitors ). accordingly the combination of theoretically well - founded pulse duration or tilt with the principle of voltage doubling by means of two capacitors affords a technical advance which can be used in various ways . measurement of the time constant during parallel or sequential discharge can thus be advantageously used to ascertain the corresponding tilt and to cause the pulse to cease when it is reached . that applies both in regard to the individual capacitors and also in regard to the serial connection thereof . it is thus best possible to do justice to any situation with an unknown defibrillation impedance . all calculations were based on the assumption that the chronaxie in the defibrillation procedure is 2 ms . if that value should be found to be incorrect , for example fluctuating by up to 30 %, the method of the invention would not be rendered ineffective as a result as as a consequence the tilt changes by less than 16 %. that affords the advantageous development of making the tilt which is so important in terms of the effectiveness of the method variable by up to 20 % by programming . the curve nse2 in fig1 demonstrates the input which is to be achieved with the two - capacitor system and which cannot be surpassed by any system known at the present day . the reciprocal of that value ( nse2 − 1 ) defines the efficiency η 2 which gives the defibrillator its name . this therefore means not one defibrillator but a family which is dimensioned in accordance with the equations ( 11 ) for the two - capacitor system and which is optimized in the inverse relationship to the equation ( 22 ): c 1 / 2c 2 = ratio of the capacitances of the one — and two - capacitor systems respectively , all values are set out in table 1 as a function of the time constant rc 1 for the range between 1 . 0 ms and 100 ms . for the comer points of a realistic range of between 2 . 5 ms and 20 ms the eta values read as follows : η 2 ( 2 . 5 ms )= 0 . 969 ( 3 % more energy necessary in comparison with the reference value nde1 ( 2 . 36 ms )), and η 2 ( 20 ms )= 0 . 60 , thus η 2 is higher by the factor of 1 . 56 than the reduction in input as shown in fig1 by virtue of two capacitors or the increase in efficiency ( as a reciprocal value of input ) η 2 is to be attributed exclusively to optimization of the pulse which in the case of a “ bi - phase ” pulse would correspond to the first phase . there is nothing against also discharging the residual voltage of the two - capacitor system as a second inverted phase , in which case that should preferably take place in the form of a parallel discharge . referring to fig4 an advantageous structural embodiment of the invention in the form of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator ( icd ) is shown in the form of a block circuit diagram . for operation thereof this embodiment thus also makes use of the method according to the invention . the block circuit diagram shows the co - operation in principle of the groups shown in the following figures . a defibrillator portion 1 produces the pulses which are to be delivered to the heart in a defibrillation phase and includes the energy source required for that purpose . the defibrillator portion 1 is connected to a control portion 2 containing the groups which establish the stimulation defibrillation times and determine the configuration in respect of time of the defibrillation pulses . a cardiac pacemaker portion 3 contains the usual functions of an implantable pacemaker and implements control in respect of time of the stimulation pulses which are necessary to maintain the normal cardiac activity in the bradycardia and tachycardia range . that also includes recognition of irregularities in cardiac activity from the intracardial electrocardiogram recorded by way of the implanted electrodes . the control portion 2 also has control over the pacemaker portion 3 so that in that way the functions thereof can also be remotely programmed and controlled in time - synchronized relationship with the behavior of the heart . the groups 1 through 3 are combined in a casing 4 which is represented symbolically by a broken line . the implanted portions which are disposed in the casing 4 are remotely controllable and remotely settable by a programming portion 5 from outside the body . in addition the configuration in respect of time of the cardiac events and the stimulation and defibrillation measures which are thereupon initiated is recorded in the control portion and if necessary can be transmitted by means of the programming portion to the exterior of the body and can there be evaluated by the doctor . [ 0121 ] fig5 shows in detail the functional components of the defibrillator portion 1 . in this case an energy source 11 which is in the form of a conventional battery serves as a power supply for this group . connected on the output side of the energy source 11 is a voltage transformer 12 which boosts the output voltage of the battery to a settable supply voltage u for charging up the subsequent capacitors c 1 and c 2 . the internal resistance of the voltage transformer 12 is such that charging - up of the capacitors c 1 and c 2 takes place in a suitably short period of time , after which in the situation requiring defibrillation it was activated by way of a suitable control line from the control portion 2 . the capacitors c 1 and c 2 can be connected by way of various switching elements s 11 through s 34 in various ways to the voltage transformer 12 on the one hand and the cardiac electrode 13 on the other hand , as is described in greater detail hereinafter . in this respect , activation of one or more of the switching elements s 11 through s 34 means that the switching element in question in switched into the conducting condition for a predetermined period of time . for the charging operation , the capacitors c 1 and c 2 are connected directly to the output of the voltage transformer 12 by activation of the switching elements s 11 and s 22 , so that the capacitors are charged up to their set initial voltage . in that case the charging operation is effected in a suitably short period of time according to the internal resistance of the voltage transformer . discharge of the energy stored in the capacitors c 1 and c 2 to the electrode 13 which is connected to the heart is effected either sequentially in respect of time by successive activation of the switching elements s 12 for c 1 and s 12 and s 24 for c 2 for two successive periods of time or by simultaneous activation of the corresponding switching elements in a single period of time . in this case , connection to the heart by way of the electrodes 13 is effected by activation of the switching elements s 31 and s 32 each in a first polarity . a further discharge configuration is afforded by a series connection of the capacitors c 1 and c 2 by activation of the switching elements s 22 and s 23 . in this case once again the switching elements s 31 and s 33 are activated for discharge in the first polarity . to reverse the discharge configurations for a possible residual discharge in the bi - phase mode of operation , the switching elements s 32 and s 34 are activated instead of the switching elements s 31 and s 33 . reference is now made to fig6 to describe the production of the controls signals , with the control portion 2 , which cause activation of the switching elements s 11 through s 34 for predetermined periods of time . the timer blocks shown in fig6 are respectively activated by a starting pulse by an input signal which is fed to the illustrated block from the left - hand side in the drawing . they respectively remain active for a predetermined period of time which is characteristic for the block and which can possibly be altered by way of external programming means ( programming portion 1 in fig1 ) and in that respect deliver a suitable control signal to the above - mentioned switching elements s 11 through s 34 of the defibrillator portion shown in fig5 . the signal connections in question leave the respective timer block upwardly in the drawing . after the expiry of the period of time which is characteristic of the respective timer block the timer blocks in question each output a control pulse which possibly serves for activation of a subsequent timer block . the corresponding signal paths leave the respective timer block towards the right in the drawing . when defibrillation is necessary , the timer block t 1 which determines the charging times of the capacitors c 1 and c 2 by means of control signals and the switching elements s 11 and s 22 is supplied with a suitable starting signal from a time control unit 21 which holds the supremacy in terms of time control . after charging is concluded that procedure is terminated by a suitable end signal to the timer block t 1 . the time duration of the charging procedure can possibly be set from the exterior , like also the charging voltage of the voltage transformer 12 in fig5 . the output signal of the timer block t 1 is fed to three and - gates 22 through 24 , to the further input of each of which passes a respective one of three control signals of the time control unit 21 , which select which of three subsequently connected timer blocks t 21 , t 22 or t 231 is activated by the output signal of the timer block t 1 . in this respect , the choice of the respective timer block determines which of three first discharge configurations is selected for the capacitors c 1 and c 2 . these are parallel discharge ( t 21 ), individual discharge ( t 22 ) and sequential discharge ( t 231 and t 232 ). in that way it is possible by means of the time control unit by virtue of external programming to establish which of the three first discharge configurations is adopted . in the case of the parallel discharge configuration being selected , the switching elements s 12 , s 22 , s 24 , s 31 and s 33 are activated by the time control unit t 21 . in contrast , in the case of the individual capacitor discharge configuration being selected , the switching elements s 12 , s 31 and s 33 are activated by the time control unit t 22 and , in the case of selection of the sequential discharge configuration , the switching elements s 12 , s 31 and s 33 are activated firstly — as in the above - mentioned case — by the time control unit t 231 . the control signals for termination of the signal output for the various timer blocks are produced by a control unit for discharge termination as indicated at 25 . that control unit determines the end of discharge of the capacitors c 1 and c 2 to provide for optimization in accordance with the invention of the discharge energy from the time constant arising in regard to discharge and the remaining residual discharge voltage which is ascertained in dependence thereon . ascertaining the discharge voltage in that way can be effected either by using a look - up table in the manner of table 1 in such a way that , after the time constant rc 1 has been ascertained the corresponding tilt value ( or that of the corresponding residual voltage ) is outputted , or that value is calculated on the basis of the specified relationships . to ascertain the appropriate operating parameters which are also used as an input parameter for the group 26 , the arrangement has a volt meter 26 which ascertains the current voltage at the electrodes 13 . the configuration of the voltage at the beginning of the discharge is taken — derived from the corresponding starting signal as the output signal of the time control block t 1 — with the beginning of the first phase of discharge of the capacitors c 1 and c 2 respectively , by means of a suitable group , to determine the time constant of the discharge procedure , which forms the product of the respective discharge capacitance and the resistance of the electrode 13 . the discharge voltage at which discharge is terminated depends on that time constant . that is effected with what is known as a look - up table in which the residual voltages at which the discharge is to be terminated in the respective phase are recorded in dependence on the ascertained time constant . that table is shown in greater detail as table 1 . when the voltage which is ascertained for the respective discharge configuration on the basis of the ascertained time constant is reached , a signal is delivered to the time control block which controls the discharge , that signal terminating the corresponding discharge time and possibly starting the next discharge phase by the appropriate control signal which indicates termination of the period of time in question . that is effected by activation of the subsequent time control block . in the case of sequential discharge , after discharge of the first capacitor c 1 to the ascertained discharge voltage , the second capacitor is discharged ( to the same discharge voltage ). for that purpose , the block t 232 is activated by the output signal of the block t 231 and activates the switching elements s 22 , s 24 , s 31 and s 33 . termination of that discharge phase again occurs when the predetermined discharge voltage is reached . in a corresponding fashion , a timer pulse starting a subsequent time control block is also supplied by the block t 232 . that is effected by the discharge voltage associated with the respectively ascertained time constant being ascertained from the control unit for the end of discharge as indicated at 25 , and being fed to the voltage comparator 28 through 30 associated with the respective discharge phase ( active time control block ). as soon as the current discharge voltage which is ascertained by the volt meter 26 reaches or falls below the value held in the respective voltage comparator , it delivers the control signal for terminating discharge in the respective phase . the output pulses of the time control blocks t 21 , t 22 and t 232 are combined together by way of an or - gate 31 . the output signal of that or - gate 31 serves for actuation of the subsequent time control blocks . in the normal case this is the time control block t 3 which triggers serial discharge of the two capacitors c 1 and c 2 by activation of the switching blocks s 22 , s 23 , s 31 and s 33 . that serial discharge can possibly also be omitted under certain circumstances . this is also established by the time constants determined with the group 27 . a selection block 32 determines the further discharge sequence by means of two and - gates 32 and 33 . in dependence on the output signal of the selection block which in turn is actuated by the control unit 25 for terminating discharge , the output signal of the or - gate 31 is passed either by way of the and - gate 33 to the time control block t 3 or by way of the and - gate 34 and a further or - gate 35 to the time control block t 4 . in the case of activation of the time control block t 3 the above - described serial discharge takes place while in the other situation parallel bi - phase residual discharge similarly takes by way of the time control block t 4 . in this respect the residual charge of the capacitors c 1 and c 2 is discharged after attainment of the respective end of the discharge procedure , at the threshold voltages in question , with a bi - phase voltage reversal . in this respect , the arrangement ascertains by way of the voltage comparator 30 when the output voltage at the electrodes has reached a residual voltage . that residual voltage is fixedly stored in the voltage comparator . in the other situation , more specifically when series discharge is skipped , activation of the time control block t 4 for activating bi - phase discharge is effected by way of the and - gate 34 on the basis of the corresponding output signal of the selection circuit 32 immediately after activation of one of the time control blocks t 21 , t 22 or t 232 . instead of the normalized residual voltage or the tilt , “ shut - down ” of the respective capacitor combination at the intended residual voltage can also be effected by means of a suitable time presetting which is respectively established starting from the initial voltage , on the basis of the ascertained time constant . the time control blocks shown in fig3 are then not each reset by an external control signal which marks the end of the respective period of time , but receive the remaining residual time ascertained as set forth hereinbefore , transmitted from the unit 25 . then , after expiry of the residual time , this being controlled by suitable timer means , delivery of the signal identifying the end of the respective period of time takes place for evaluation of the further control procedures towards the right in the drawing , as was described hereinbefore . the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and in particular it is not bound to a configuration in just hardware or just software terms as the primary consideration is the described functionality , more specifically the described behavior of the system as a reaction to the input conditions set forth . in this respect the structure of timing members used can also serve as a starting point for the design of a suitable flowchart as a basis for control software , in which respect the procedures which are reproduced in parallelized mode only have to be edited in the manner of a flowchart with the corresponding logical links for serial processing . it therefore also immaterial whether the system is used as an implantable or external system or also as part of a larger overall system . thus the described functionality can also serve for example as an operating procedure for a system of higher order , and in particular in regard to ascertaining the respective operating parameters it is possible to make use with the same degree of success both of the respectively specified calculation methods and also look - up tables in which the stored values are each looked up and read off .
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a process for producing aromatic hydrocarbons from a reaction gas containing methane according to selected embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in fig1 . as shown , the reaction gas is fed to a reactor 10 , in which the reaction gas may be heated under non - oxidative conditions to produce aromatic hydrocarbons and other products such as hydrogen . the reaction gas may be a natural gas . typical natural gases may include , e . g . 75 to 99 mol % of methane ( ch 4 ), 0 . 01 to 15 mol % of ethane ( c 2 h 6 ), 0 . 01 to 10 mol % of propane ( c 3 h 8 ), up to 0 . 30 mol % of carbon dioxide ( co 2 ), and other minor components . the reaction gas may also be any other synthesized or naturally existing gases or mixtures of gases that contain low carbon alkanes , or other low carbon aliphatic hydrocarbons , such as c 1 - c 4 hydrocarbons . the actual reactions occurring in reactor 10 may be complicated and may vary in different embodiments depending on various factors as can be understood by those skilled in the art . in many instances , the complete reaction mechanisms may not be completely understood . however , the overall reactions may include a reaction result that can be described as : in selected embodiments , ethane is also expected to be present in reactor 10 . ethane may be included in the input gases such as the reaction gas , or may be formed in reactor 10 . as such , the overall performance of the aromatization process can be enhanced by including in reactor 10 a combination of catalysts where a first catalyst is more active for catalyzing aromatization of methane and a second catalyst is more active for catalyzing aromatization of ethane . a catalyst is more active if it provides a higher yield of the desired product , or if it has a longer lifetime as an active catalyst for the desired reaction without re - activation , or both . the catalysts may be placed in a catalyst bed 12 as illustrated in fig2 ( not separately shown in fig1 ). as depicted in fig2 , catalyst bed 12 is in a conduit 14 in reactor 10 , in which the reaction gas passes through and the aromatization reactions take place . the space in conduit 14 where the reaction gas contacts the catalysts and reacts is referred to as the reaction zone . in selected embodiments , conduit 14 may be arranged vertically and the reaction gas may be flown downward as depicted in fig2 . other arrangements are also possible . at least two different types of catalysts are placed in catalyst bed 12 . as depicted in fig2 , a first catalyst 16 is placed upstream ( on top as depicted in fig2 ) in catalyst bed 12 , and a second catalyst 18 is placed downstream ( at the bottom as depicted in fig2 ) in catalyst bed 12 . in selected embodiments , catalyst 16 is a mo / mcm - 22 catalyst , and catalyst 18 is a mo / zsm - 5 catalyst . mcm - 22 and zsm - 5 are each well - known aluminosilicate zeolites , and those of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of such compounds , their physical structures , and techniques for producing such structures . other possible catalysts that can be used , their selection and preparation will be described further below . in different embodiments , the catalysts may also be arranged differently as discussed elsewhere herein . reactor 10 , catalyst bed 12 and conduit 14 may be designed and constructed according to any suitable conventional techniques with the exception of the catalysts in catalyst bed 12 and with any possible or necessary modification in view of , or to accommodate , the combination of catalysts described herein . for example , reactor 10 may be a continuous flow reactor , and catalyst bed 12 may a fixed catalyst bed . the sizes and shapes of reactor 10 , catalyst bed 12 and conduit 14 may be selected by those skilled in the art according to known techniques for designing gas phase reactors . the different components in the reactor may also be constructed using suitable materials known to those skilled in the art with the additional requirement that they be compatible with the combination of catalysts described herein some optional and necessary components of reactor 10 , and optional or necessary equipments and devices for operating reactor 10 , are not depicted in the figures , but these can be readily understood and provided by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure . during operation , the reaction gas is passed through catalyst bed 12 in conduit 14 at selected temperature , pressure and flow rate . the temperature , pressure , flow rate , and other operating conditions in conduit 14 , are selected and controlled to provide non - oxidative dehydroaromatization conditions . as will be understood by those skilled in the art , to avoid oxidative reactions , the reactants used for the production process should be non - oxidative , and the reaction gas should not contain or contact oxidative substances such as oxidative gases . in selected embodiments , the reaction temperature in the reaction zone may be about 650 ° c . and the pressure in conduit 14 may be about 0 . 1 mpa or about 1 atm . in some embodiments , the reaction temperature may be selected from the range of about 500 to about 900 ° c ., such as from about 600 to about 700 ° c . ; and the reaction pressure may be selected from the range of 0 . 1 to about 1 mpa , such as from about 0 . 1 to about 0 . 5 mpa . in selected embodiments , the space velocity of the reaction gas in conduit 14 may be about 10 h − 1 . in some embodiments , the space velocity of the reaction gas may be in the range of about 5 to about 15 h − 1 , such as from about 7 to about 12 h − 1 . the space velocity , reaction temperature , and reaction pressure can affect the reaction results and process performance , and thus may be selected to optimize certain aspects of the reaction process for a given application . as a result of the reactions that occur in reactor 10 , aromatic hydrocarbons and other products such as hydrogen gas are produced . possible aromatic hydrocarbons produced in reactor 10 include benzene , toluene , xylene , naphthalene , ethylbenzene , styrene , or mixtures thereof . in particular , the reaction conditions may be optimized to produce one or more of benzene , toluene , and xylene in selected embodiments . conveniently , when a combination of different catalysts as described herein is provided and present in reactor 10 , improved processing performance may be obtained , as compared to a process using only one of the catalysts . for example , it has been found that mo / zsm - 5 is very efficient for catalyzing ethane aromatization reaction . tests show that when only mo / zsm - 5 was used , 100 % ethane conversion could be obtained for a long time with stable benzene yield . however , the benzene yield decreased quickly when the catalyst was becoming deactivated . by comparison , mo / mcm - 22 has been found to be more efficient for methane aromatization reaction . when only mo / mcm - 22 was used , the benzene yield could be maintained at a relatively high level for a certain period of time , but this catalyst exhibited low activity for ethane aromatization reaction . tests have shown that when the combination of a mo / zsm - 5 catalyst and a mo / mcm - 22 catalyst was used for natural gas aromatization reaction , the conversion performance from both ethane and methane to benzene , toluene and xylene products could be improved or maximized , as compared to using any one of these catalysts . without being limited to any specific theory , it is believed that mo / mcm - 22 can efficiently convert methane to aromatics . during this conversion , some ethane may be produced . the produced or unreacted ( if present in the input reaction gas ) ethane can be efficiently converted to aromatics when it is in contact with mo / zsm - 5 . as a result , the overall performance of the process can be enhanced . test results indicated that both benzene yield and catalytic stability could be increased when both mo / zsm - 5 and mo / mcm - 22 were used . with an embodiment of the present invention , the benzene yield can be expected to increase by 30 % over a 150 h processing period , as compared to a conventional process for non - oxidative dehydroaromatization of methane using one type of catalyst . as can be understood , similar results or improvement could be expected if mo / mcm - 22 is replaced with another catalyst that is more efficient or active for catalyzing methane aromatization , and mo / zsm - 5 is replaced with another catalyst that is more efficient or active for catalyzing ethane aromatization . for example , other catalysts that have a zeolite structure with pore channel sizes similar to those of mcm - 22 or zsm - 5 may be suitable catalysts in selected embodiments . suitable catalysts may have different pore structures that are similar to those of mcm - 22 or zsm - 5 respectively . different pore structures may be selected based on their effects on catalytic activity . in some embodiments , the catalysts may have mo - loading of about 1 % to about 15 %, and si / 2a1 ratio of 25 to 45 . in view of the discussion above , the catalysts in catalyst bed 12 may be arranged to optimize the performance , such as by arranging the catalysts in a way that the reaction gas first comes into contact with catalyst 16 and then comes into contact with catalyst 18 . however , in some embodiments , improved performance could still be obtained if the reaction gas , such as natural gas , first comes into contact with catalyst 18 and then comes into contact with catalyst 16 . in selected embodiments , catalysts 16 and 18 may be pre - mixed and the mixture may be placed in catalyst bed 12 , without a separation section for each catalyst . in any of the aforementioned arrangements , the weight ratio of catalyst 16 and catalyst 18 may be about 1 : 1 , or may be of another value such as from 1 : 10 to 10 : 1 . the ratio may be selected to optimize certain aspects of the reaction performance or for other considerations for a given application . to activate the catalysts and improve performance , the catalysts may be subjected to pre - treatment before passing the reaction gas through conduit 14 . for example , in some embodiments , the catalysts may be heated in the presence of propane at a temperature of at least 300 ° c ., such as from 450 ° c . to 650 ° c ., or from 475 ° c . to 525 ° c . the pre - treatment may last from about 10 to 100 minutes , such as about 20 to 40 minutes . the catalysts may be prepared and pre - treated as described in wo 2009 / 091336 to liu et al ., published jul . 23 , 2009 , the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference . a mo / mcm - 22 catalyst may also be prepared as described in the examples below . the catalysts may be regenerated after deactivation , such as by an oxidation process to remove coke deposits . regeneration of deactivated catalysts may be useful and can reduce costs in some commercial applications . as now can be understood , in different embodiments each of catalysts 16 and 18 may be an aluminosilicate zeolite modified by a transition metal . the zeolite for the first catalyst ( catalyst 16 ) may be based on mcm - 22 zeolite . the zeolite for the second catalyst ( catalyst 18 ) may be based on zsm - 5 zeolite . it is noted that in the literature mcm - 22 is sometimes referred to as hmcm - 22 or h - mcm - 22 , and zsm - 5 is sometimes referred to as h - zsm - 5 or hzsm - 5 . the zeolite for the first catalyst may also be another zeolite that has an mww type framework , and the zeolite for the second catalyst may be another zeolite that has an mfi type framework . for example , the catalysts , aluminosilicates , zeolites and metal modifiers described in wo 2009 / 091336 may be suitable candidates for selection . particular combinations of the different components described therein may be selected and used depending on the particular application in particular , a suitable transition metal may be molybdenum . in some embodiments , molybdenum may provide better performance than other metals . in some embodiments , tungsten or rhenium may be used . other non - limiting examples of transition metals include , but are not limited to sc , ti , v , cr , mn , fe , co , ni cu , zn , y , zr , nb , tc , ru rh , pd , ag , cd , hf , ta , w , re , os , ir , pt , au , hg , a lanthanide , or an actinide . the loading of the metal in the zeolite may be selected to optimize production performance . for example , when mo is used , its loading may be from about 1 wt % to 15 %, such as about 3 wt % to about 12 wt %. one or both of the catalysts may have a si / 2al ratio of from 10 to 100 , such as 25 to 45 . in some embodiments , this ratio may be about 30 or about 35 . the ratio may be selected to provide the desired acidity . conventional techniques for preparation of different zeolites and catalysts , and for dehydroaromatization of methane and other alkanes , may be modified or adapted by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure for use in some embodiments of the present disclosure . some of such techniques are disclosed in the references listed in the background section , and in the following references : u . s . pat . no . 4 , 139 , 600 to rollman et al ., published feb . 13 , 1979 ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 954 , 325 to rubin et al . ; u . s . pat . no . 6 , 239 , 057 to ichikawa et al ., issued may 29 , 2001 ; u . s . pat . no . 6 , 552 , 243 to allison et al ., issued apr . 22 , 2003 ; and us 2011 / 0038789 to lai et al ., published feb . 17 , 2011 , the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference . it should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration purposes . various modifications to these embodiments are possible and may be apparent to those skilled in the art . some embodiments of the invention are further illustrated with the following non - limiting examples . for the following examples , mo / zsm - 5 and mo / mcm - 22 were prepared by impregnating zsm - 5 and mcm - 22 zeolites respectively , according to conventional impregnation techniques . zsm - 5 was obtained commercially from zeolyst , with si / 2al ratio of about 30 . mcm - 22 with si / 2al ratio of about 35 was prepared as follows . sodium hydroxide ( 0 . 18 g ), sodium aluminate anhydrous ( 0 . 20 g ), and distilled water ( 27 . 60 g ) were mixed in a mixture until dissolution . hexamethyleneimine ( hmi , 1 . 73 g ) was added to the mixture and the resulting mixture was stirred for about 10 min . ludox hs - 40 colloidal silica ( 5 . 25 g ) and mcm - 22 seed ( 0 . 04 g ) were added and the final mixture ( 35 ml ) was stirred for 4 h at room temperature . gel was formed from the mixture and was moved to an autoclave , and was heated in a parr - reactor ( oven ) at 150 ° c . ( 30 rpm ) for 14 days . the product was filtered and dispersed in water until the ph of the filtrate was no greater than 9 . the catalysts were pre - treated ( activated ) according to the processes described in wo 2009 / 091336 to liu et al ., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference . in the natural gas used , the main component was methane . the natural gas also contained small amounts of c 2 , c 3 , and c 4 hydrocarbons and co 2 , and trace amount of c 5 and c 6 hydrocarbons . natural gas was used as the reaction gas and was passed through a catalyst bed as illustrated in fig2 . mo / zsm - 5 was placed at the bottom of the catalyst bed ( i . e . downstream in the gas flow path ) and an equal amount of mo / mcm - 22 was placed on top of mo / zsm - 5 in the catalyst bed ( i . e . upstream in the gas flow path ). the reaction conditions were maintained at a temperature of about 650 ° c ., a pressure of about 0 . 1 mpa , and a flow rate of the natural gas of about 7 . 5 ml / min . no oxidative gases were included in the reaction gases to provide non - oxidative conditions . representative production results are shown in fig3 ( marked as “ example i ”). in this example , the reaction gas , catalysts used and reaction conditions were the same as in example i , except that in the catalyst bed , mo / zsm - 5 was placed on top ( upstream ) and mo / mcm - 22 was placed at the bottom ( downstream ). representative production results are shown in fig3 ( marked as “ example ii ”). in this example , the reaction gas , catalysts used and reaction conditions were the same as in example i , except that in the catalyst bed , mo / zsm - 5 and mo / mcm - 22 were mixed with one another . thus , the reaction gas came into contact with the two catalysts at about the same location in the flow path . representative production results are shown in fig3 ( marked as “ example iii ”). in this example , the reaction gas and reaction conditions were the same as in example i . however , only mo / zsm - 5 was placed in the catalyst bed and used as the catalyst . representative production results are shown in fig3 ( marked as “ example iv ”). in this example , the reaction gas and reaction conditions were the same as in example i . however , only mo / mcm - 22 was placed in the catalyst bed and used as the catalyst . representative production results are shown in fig3 ( marked as “ example v ”). as can be seen from fig3 , the benzene yield and catalyst life were both higher when a combination of mo / mcm - 22 and mo / zsm - 5 was used as the catalysts . example i ( mo / mcm - 22 upstream and mo / zsm - 5 downstream ) provided the highest benzene yield and catalytic life ( see data points represented by triangles in fig3 ). it was expected that at 650 ° c ., mo / mcm - 22 initially efficiently converted methane in the natural gas to benzene and ethane ; and the produced ethane and the unconverted ethane in the natural gas are then efficiently converted to benzene by the mo / zsm - 5 catalyst downstream . while performance was also improved in examples ii and iii as compared to examples iv and v , the improvement was not as pronounced as in example i . it will be understood that any range of values herein is intended to specifically include any intermediate value or sub - range within the given range , and all such intermediate values and sub - ranges are individually and specifically disclosed . it will also be understood that the word “ a ” or “ an ” is intended to mean “ one or more ” or “ at least one ”, and any singular form is intended to include plurals herein . it will be further understood that the term “ comprise ”, including any variation thereof , is intended to be open - ended and means “ include , but not limited to ,” unless otherwise specifically indicated to the contrary . when a list of items is given herein with an “ or ” before the last item , any one of the listed items or any suitable combination of two or more of the listed items may be selected and used . of course , the above described embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting . the described embodiments are susceptible to many modifications of form , arrangement of parts , details and order of operation . the invention , rather , is intended to encompass all such modification within its scope , as defined by the claims .
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any omega - aminonitrile may be used as a monomer for this invention . preferred are the omega - aminonitriles shown in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 568 , 736 i . e . those having the formula : where r is a divalent organic racial and r &# 39 ; is hydrogen or a univalent organic radical . preferred compounds are those where both r and r &# 39 ; are linear aliphatic radicals , and the compound has 6 to 12 carbon atoms . representative examples include , 6 - aminocapronitrile , 4 - aminomethylbenzonitrile , 12 - aminododecanenitrile , etc . suitable diamines include aliphatic diamines having 3 to 12 carbon atoms . hexamethylene diamine is preferred . suitable diacids include aliphatic and aromatic diacids . the aliphatic and the aromatic acids may contain 6 to 12 carbon atoms . adipic acid and terephthalic acids are preferred . the omega - aminonitrile is hydrolyzed during the process , but if the amount of omega - aminonitrile exceeds the amount necessary to make a copolyamide having more than 40 % by weight derived from the omega - aminonitrile , then there will be so many unhydrolyzed groups in the product that the molecular weight of the product is unsatisfactory , that is , the polymer will have a number average molecular weight of less than 9000 . in the reaction mixture , the diamine and the diacid should be present in approximately equal molar amounts in order to make a product with a satisfactory molecular weight . water should be present in the aqueous solution in the amount of at least 25 weight percent , but not more than about 50 weight percent . a . temperature . the final polymerization temperature is normally chosen based on the melting point of the polyamide . the final temperature is usually at least 10 ° c . higher than the melting point . temperatures above about 310 ° c . will lead to polymer degradation . to achieve a reasonable rate of increase in molecular weight , the final temperature is usually at least 260 to 270 ° c . at lower temperatures the rate of reaction is reduced so longer reaction times are required to make high molecular weight polymer . b . pressure . copolymers have been made with pressures between about 13 and 25 atmospheres , preferably in the range 15 - 21 atmospheres . at higher pressure poorer polymer color and molecular weight are observed . at lower pressures more unreacted aminonitrile is lost by vaporization from the reaction . 1 . a 300 cc stainless steel autoclave was charged with 100 grams of 51 . 5 % aqueous nylon 66 salt solution ( an equal molar mixture of adipic acid and hexamethylene diamine ) and 11 grams of 6 - aminocapronitrile . 2 . a regulator controlling the pressure in the system was set for 250 psig ; i . e . pressure will build up in the system to 250 psig and then vapor will be released through this regulator to control the pressure at this setting . 3 . the autoclave was closed and purged several times with 20 psig of nitrogen to purge air from the system . 4 . the contents of the autoclave were agitated and heated in 60 minutes to 250 ° c . heat was supplied by an electric band heater surrounding the autoclave . the temperature was controlled . 5 . after reaching 250 ° c ., the pressure in the system was reduced from 250 psig to atmospheric pressure over one hour by adjusting the pressure regulator . during the pressure reduction the temperature was increased to 275 ° c . 6 . the reaction continued while heating at 275 ° c . and one atmosphere pressure for 45 minutes . 7 . the heat and the agitation on the autoclave were turned off . the contents of the autoclave were cooled under an atmosphere of steam . 8 . after cooling , the polymer was removed in a block from the autoclave and crushed . the polymer was dried at 90 ° c . under vacuum . the relative viscosity ( rv ) of an 8 . 4 wt % polymer solution in 90 . 0 % formic acid was found to be 34 . inherent viscosities ( ivs ) were measured in sulfuric acid for the polymers that were insoluble in formic acid . ______________________________________copolymerization of 6 - aminocapronitrile % nylon 6 in molecularexample # salt final polymer rv weight * ______________________________________1 nylon 6t ** 40 % 1 . 0 *** 17 , 0002 nylon 66 10 % 44 15 , 6003 nylon 66 20 % 34 -- 4 nylon 66 25 % 29 -- 5 nylon 66 30 % 23 -- 6 nylon 66 40 % 17 9 , 200______________________________________ *( number average molecular weight determined by gel permeation chromatography ) ** hexamethylene diamine and terephthalic acid *** inherent viscosity ______________________________________copolymerization of 12 - aminododecanenitrile % nylon 12 in molecularexample # salt final polymer rv weight______________________________________7 nylon 66 20 % 16 -- ______________________________________
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fig1 schematically shows an exploded view of a mountable flush - mounted switch in the form of a door - opener switch as per one exemplary embodiment of the invention in front of a panel 50 on which it is intended to be mounted , and having a plug 40 for the electrical connection . the door - opener switch thus has three subassemblies , which have been given the reference signs 10 , 20 and 30 and which are described in the following text . fig2 shows an exploded view of the door - opener switch according to fig1 , with the individual elements that make up the subassemblies . fig3 , to which reference is also already made in this connection , shows finally a cross - sectional view of the door - opener switch in the assembled state , with fastening screws 21 , but without the panel 50 or the plug 40 . apart from opening doors , such a flush - mounted switch can also be used for a multiplicity of other switching functions , such as requesting light signals , elevators and other tasks , in which a large actuation surface is sensible and a visual response and high security against vandalism are desired . one of the three subassemblies mentioned comprises a central button 10 , which comprises an activation push cap 11 , which makes up and fills the entire round extent of the button 10 . in the center of the push cap 11 there is a depressed region 114 , in which a symbol insert 12 can be inserted . the push cap 11 is connected to a welding ring 13 , in particular by sonic welding via the seal 112 . a housing 14 projects downwardly out of the subassembly , and so the button 10 has a protruding flange region 15 . the flange region 15 protrudes over the cover 14 , as seen from the direction of use of the door - opener switch . its structure can be seen from fig3 and fig5 . the flange 15 is provided to be positioned on the fastening ring 20 , and has for this purpose a complementary configuration on its underside , said fastening ring 20 previously being fastened to , for example , a panel 50 during mounting of the door - opener switch . the panel 50 , which may be part of a door and is then usually aligned vertically , has a housing receptacle 51 , which may be a simple through - hole or blind hole , for receiving the cover 14 with a substantially precise fit , and a number of screw holes 52 . three screw holes 52 are provided here , corresponding to three screw openings 23 in the fastening ring 20 . the three countersunk screw openings 23 are provided at an angular spacing of 120 degrees to one another in orientation flanges 22 on the fastening ring . in principle , it would also be possible to make the material of the fastening ring 20 thicker in the radial direction , if there is only at least one orientation element which keeps the button 10 in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the fastening ring 20 . as can be seen in connection with fig2 , there are corresponding trapezoidal fastening recesses at the locations of the fastening orientation flanges 22 , so that the button 10 can be inserted in a rotationally fixed manner on the fastening ring 20 . to this extent , it is essential that the fastening ring 20 does not , seen radially , have a uniform internal configuration . this is achieved here by the receptacles 22 of the screw openings 23 . the orientation element can also be given by a non - round cover 14 , which is insertable into a then complementary receptacle 51 in the panel in precisely one or ( for example in the case of polygons ) in various positions . instead of a screw connection , the fastening ring 20 can also be designed for a rivet connection or it can in principle be attached by welding , soldering or adhesive bonding . what is essential is the alignment of the fastening ring 20 for aligning the symbol field 12 via the fastening recesses 64 of the button 10 . the fastening ring 20 has here three bayonet shoulders 24 , which protrude outwardly on the flanges 22 and do not make up the entire height of the fastening ring 20 . in other words , under the protruding bayonet shoulders 24 there is a lower rim 26 as far as the lower edge of the fastening ring 20 . as in the case of the fastening holes 23 themselves , there can also be different shapes and numbers of these bayonet shoulders 24 ; there do not have to be three bayonet shoulders 24 and they do not have to be at the same angular spacing ; what is essential is that it is possible to lock the button 10 by way of the support ring 30 which engages over said bayonet shoulders 24 and will be described further below . instead of the bayonet shoulders , it is possible also to provide a snap connection , so that the fastening ring 20 is snapped on and latches in place with a click . in the case of another solution , the fastening ring 20 can also be fastened by way of laterally and radially extending screws . the fastening ring 20 further has an outwardly directed locking tab 25 , which can be brought into engagement with a complementary tab which cannot be seen in the support ring 30 in fig1 . by rotation of the support ring 30 in a manner corresponding to the arrows indicated on the fastening ring 20 , the inner tab provided in the support ring 30 runs onto the inclined flank or ramp 27 of the locking tab 25 until it slides into the space , located behind the latter , in the receptacle and thus locks the support ring 30 with respect to the fastening ring 20 . advantageously , a lateral service opening 35 is provided in the support ring 30 , it being possible by way of said service opening 35 to push back the fastening ring 20 , the material of which is thin in the region of the locking tab 25 and partially the ramp 27 , so that the support ring 30 can then be rotated in the opposite direction to the arrows indicated on the fastening ring 20 and can thus be released . the support ring 30 itself has a cylindrical side wall 34 , on the outer side of which said service opening 35 is provided , specifically precisely next to the tab , which projects inwardly , counterclockwise as seen from above , and which , when the switch is assembled , comes to lie next to the run - on ramp 27 and the end , the tab 25 , thereof . on its top side , the support ring 30 is provided with an inwardly directed collar 31 , which is supported on a complementary shoulder 16 of the button 10 . the inner edge of the collar 31 projects to the outer rim of the push cap 11 , in particular in the unpressed state of the push cap 11 . provided on the lower edge of the side wall 34 of the support ring 30 are in this case three inwardly projecting bayonet shoulders 32 , which can be interlocked with the complementary shoulders 24 of the fastening ring 20 ; in other words , in the mounted state of the support ring 30 in which it is locked by the tab 25 , the inwardly projecting bayonet shoulders 32 are located precisely opposite the lower rim 26 underneath the bayonet shoulders 24 . the number and shape of these elements are therefore configured in a complementary manner . the elevations 33 serve to center the support ring 30 during mounting . provided on the underside of the cover 14 itself is the plug receptacle 142 , which can be seen in fig2 and into which the plug 40 can be plugged . the snap - action lug 43 secures the plug against undesired detachment and thus serves as a protection against falling off . in order to detach the plug connection , the lug 43 is raised and the plug withdrawn . the electrical contacts are in this case cast in the plug 40 . an o - ring 41 seals the contact point with respect to penetrating moisture . the plug 40 is then connected in a conventional manner to a cable 42 . in this way , it is possible to supply the door - opener switch as the abovementioned subassemblies without a pigtail , thereby increasing service - friendliness . fig2 shows in somewhat more detail an exploded view of the button 10 , before the latter is assembled . the central element of the button 10 is the housing 60 , which has towards the inside an opening , into which the cover 14 can be placed from below . advantageously , there is provided in this interior space a loudspeaker plate 61 which forms a bracket and onto which there can be placed a foam mat 62 , to which the loudspeaker 63 is applied . the loudspeaker 63 then projects through a loudspeaker opening 73 in the circuit board 70 . the housing 60 has , in the form illustrated in fig2 , the non - planar underside , which has three trapezoidal fastening recesses 64 , which are then provided for the orientable locking of the cover on the fastening ring 20 . the circuit board 70 having a large diameter , which approaches the size of the push cap 11 , has in this case three cutouts 75 , which are provided at an irregular angular spacing , at a radial spacing which corresponds to the housing diameter , the three complementary fastening latches 65 of the cover 60 , which fix the circuit board 70 in the housing 60 , projecting through said cutouts 75 . the angular spacings could also be provided at different spacings , in particular also equally at a spacing of 120 degrees . the circuit board 70 is otherwise preferably round having three trapezoidal recesses 74 on the circumference , said recesses 74 being complementary to the recesses 64 in the housing 60 . the electric circuit is applied in a conventional manner , preferably using smd technology , to the circuit board 70 , but is not illustrated here . in order to illuminate the door - opener switch , there is provided at least one light guide 72 , which can be plugged in particular onto the circuit board 70 . in the case of the exemplary embodiment illustrated , it comprises , in two concentric portions 76 and 77 , in each case three guide portions , which cover an angular portion of 120 degrees and are separated by led receptacles , which cannot be seen in fig2 , such that three leds are provided for the outer portion 77 and three leds are provided for the inner portion 76 , said leds activating the individual visual displays . the push cap 11 is preferably a translucent injection molded part , resembling for example smoked glass , in a soft spring element 112 , which is attached by one - component or two - component injection molding and after mounting is connected in a fixed manner via the welding ring 13 to the housing 60 . the one - component or two - component execution of the connected element of push cap 11 plus axial spring element 112 ensures a sealed connection . the push cap 11 has an outer raised circular ring 113 , which makes up a part of the outer actuating surface . this circular ring 113 is beveled on the inside and is adjoined by a depression 114 which has in this case three locking shoulders 115 , under which there is a free space . in this case , the elevations 131 on the circular ring 113 play a role in the orientation of the elements to be connected . provided in the center of the push cap 11 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment are four trapezoidal openings 11 , which are provided in particular for better transmission of the acoustic signal that can be generated by the loudspeaker 63 . these openings 111 are dispensed with for the variant without a loudspeaker ; however , they can also be dispensed with in a configuration with a loudspeaker or only three of them could be provided . in order to provide sealing with respect to the exterior space of the door - opener switch , a diaphragm film 121 is placed on the depression 114 and is attached to the latter for example by sonic welding or adhesive bonding . a planar symbol insert 12 having a symbol 122 , which is printed on or is present in an incorporated raised or sunken manner , is locked in the depression 114 via the locking shoulders 115 such that corresponding bayonet elements 123 are provided on the underside of the symbol insert 12 . in other words , the symbol insert 12 is placed on the depression 114 so that the bayonet shoulders 123 are arranged between the bayonet element 115 and subsequently the symbol insert 12 is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the button 10 and thus locked . provided as a receptacle 116 in the center of the depression 114 is an elevation , into which the switching mat 171 having a corresponding centered rubber element can be inserted from below . the switching mat 71 is illustrated in more detail in fig4 , which shows a view from below of the switching mat 71 of the door - opener switch . the material of the switching mat 71 is substantially flexible rubber . the switching mat 71 has a central switching mat elevation 171 , which fits precisely into the complementary opening in the push cap 11 , said opening being provided on the underside of the receptacle 116 . this switching mat elevation 171 merges at its edges into a flange which forms the basic surface area 172 of the switching mat 71 . provided to the side of this surface area 172 are two opposing lateral projections 174 , with in each case one fastening foot 175 being preferably integrally molded on each projection 174 on the side opposite the switching mat elevation 171 . these fastening feet 175 are provided to be inserted into corresponding openings on the circuit board 70 . provided on the circuit board is a central first contact and a second contact , which is arranged in a preferably circular manner around this first contact at a spacing having an isolating gap , wherein the switch is activated when the two contacts are connected . for this purpose , a central recess 176 has been provided in the switching mat 71 , said central recess 176 having a central electrically conductive metal plate 173 which forms the conductive switching surface . by way of a pressure at any point on the push cap 11 , the central switching mat elevation 171 is pressed down ; this causes the conductive switching surface 173 in the recess 176 to snap over and leads to the closing of the contact . as a result of the use according to the invention of the fastening ring 20 , it is possible to fasten the door - opener switch by means of the necessary screws 21 within the diameter of the push cap 11 and thus underneath the activation disk of the button 10 and thus under the button 10 . this makes it possible to construct a smaller switch in the case of an activation diameter of the same size or to achieve a larger activation surface in the case of a switch of the same size . on account of the arrangement of the smoked - glass push cap 11 , the activation surface thereof can be used directly also as a translucent surface . on account of the depression 114 in the push cap 11 having the insert 12 , it is possible to achieve better guidance for the user . although it is possible to activate the switch at any point on the push cap 11 , since activation takes place centrally via the switching mat 71 , the depression provides the user more simply with a haptic confirmation of his actuation . a problem with the switch according to this design is the pressure equalization , since , on account of the wide activation surface , even with a short switching path a considerable displacement of air takes place , and this air cannot escape in the now sealed switch . a housing which is known from the prior art and is closed off in a permeable manner by a foam material is possible for pressure equalization over a relatively long time , and thus in a door - opener switch for a mountain railroad train which travels through regions at various heights and is used there , but this element is not suitable for ensuring pressure equalization in the case of button activation , since in this case the equalization has to take place quickly , i . e . within a few milliseconds . therefore , according to fig5 , the pressure equalization means is integrated according to the invention in the cover 14 , since the air displaced by the movement of the push cap 11 during switching can expand and be distributed directly within the cover 14 and thus pressure equalization with respect to the outside is ensured . fig5 shows a view from below of the door - opener switch having the fastening ring 20 and the housing 14 . the support ring 30 is likewise already placed on the button 10 , and so the locking thereof is directly discernible . the tab 25 is present on a protruding bayonet shoulder 32 and can be released by pressure on the service opening 35 . the bayonet shoulders 32 on the circumference of the support ring 30 engage over the bayonet shoulders 24 of the fastening ring 20 , which are arranged in a complementary manner . during mounting on a panel 50 , the fastening screws would then project through the openings 23 into the panel . the light guide 72 consists of two rings 76 and 77 separated by a partially executed incision , the light guide 72 being interrupted in a known manner by radially provided incisions ; these provide what are known as hotspots at which the light supplied by the leds that emit to the sides can escape from the light guide 72 in the axial direction of the door - opener switch , in particular through the push cap 11 , and is clearly discernible to the user in a manner scattered by the smoked glass , regardless of the external light conditions . moreover , on account of the smoked - glass coloration of the push cap , the lighting contrast is increased , thereby improving the discernibility of the lighting in sunshine . in fig3 , the two inner 76 and outer 77 light guides can be seen , the location of an led being provided with the reference sign 78 . the pin strip 141 produces the electrical connection between the cover 14 and the circuit board 70 . fig6 shows a perspective view from above of the cover 14 of a door - opener switch according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention . identical features are provided in the drawings with identical reference signs . the upwardly open cover 14 has at its upper rim a circumferential connecting bead 143 , which is inserted into a complementary opening in the housing 60 and is attached for example by sonic welding . a latching connection is also possible . in fig7 , which shows a cross - sectional view through the assembled door - opener switch according to fig6 , this connection can be seen . six contact pins 144 , which are connected electrically to the circuit board 70 in a socket strip 79 fastened to the circuit board 70 , emerge from the pin strip 141 . a difference from the exemplary embodiment in fig1 resides in the pressure equalization diaphragm 145 , which is a silicone diaphragm . provided in the base 148 of the cover 14 is an inwardly directed hollow - cylindrical wall 147 , on the free end of which the circumferential clamping bead 146 of the pressure equalization diaphragm 145 is placed in a sealing manner . it is maintained that hollow - cylindrical does not imply a circular wall 147 . a hollow prism or an ellipse is also a hollow cylinder . the pressure equalization diaphragm 145 has a thin , elastic diaphragm wall , which can expand in particular between the hollow - cylindrical walls 147 of the cover 14 in the direction of a pressure equalization opening 150 which is located centrally between the walls 147 in the base 148 of the cover 14 . the function is in this case as follows . fig7 shows the rest position of the push cap 11 , in which the latter is spaced apart above the circuit board 70 so that there is a cavity 151 between the circuit board and the push cap and , of course , further air - containing spaces throughout housing 60 , which is sealed off by the cover 14 . pressure differences between the environment and this internal cavity 151 , which result when the switch is used at doors of mountain vehicles on account of the latter traveling over a period of several minutes up to an hour from a valley station to a mountain station , can be compensated by diffusion of air through the pressure equalization diaphragm 145 . it is somewhat different when the switch is actuated , said actuation taking place rapidly in fractions of a second and likewise displacing the air column . on account of the flat construction of the push cap with a large actuation surface , a certain quantity of air has to be displaced despite the short switching path . this quantity of air can now flow through openings in the circuit board 70 into the region of the pressure equalization diaphragm 145 and push out the latter downwardly in the direction of the pressure equalization opening 150 , since there is a direct connection to the environment via this opening 150 . in this case , the sealing of the switch remains ensured . the quantity of air displaced out of the no longer existing cavity 151 forms an air column in the then expanded diaphragm cavity 152 between the walls 147 of the cover 14 , held by the diaphragm wall 149 and secured by the small opening 150 , so that air can escape or flow in , but no physical damage to the diaphragm need be feared . the pressure equalization diaphragm 145 can also be called a diaphragm bellows . it may have a bellows - like wall ( not illustrated in the drawings ). particularly when no such bellows walls that slightly extend the cavity are present , an additional restoring force , which corresponds to the stretching of the diaphragm material , is also generated when a user releases the pressure on the push cap 11 again . fig7 shows yet further changes to the region of the push cap 11 in the exemplary embodiment with respect to fig1 . these changes can also be used on their own in an exemplary embodiment according to fig1 and the embodiment of fig1 can also be used only with a diaphragm 145 according to fig6 . instead of the circular axial spring element 112 , which is fastened to the push cap 11 preferably during the production process , and is then welded to the housing 60 by way of the welding ring 13 , it is also possible to provide a spring surface which is formed by the spring element 212 , is in the form of a circular ring in plan view , and has an inner bead 213 and an outer bead 214 . the outer bead 214 is clamped , in a similar manner to in fig1 , in a receptacle between the housing 60 and the welding ring 13 and the housing 60 and welding ring 13 are then preferably welded . the inner bead 213 is received in a receptacle in an additional ring 215 , with in this case , too , the additional welding ring 215 and the push cap 11 then preferably being welded .
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fig1 a and 1b show an example double - sided loop strap 100 having a front side 104 and a back side 102 , each of which features a field of upstanding , hook compatible loops 106 . note that the convention of “ front ” and “ back ” is used herein for discussion purposes only , and is not intended to carry any significant meaning that would affect the scope of the present disclosure . in this example , loop strap 100 is a multi - layer construction fashioned from a preform elongated strip of loop material 108 defining a pair of free longitudinal edges 110 ( see fig1 c ). edges 110 are folded over to form two inwardly facing arms 112 meeting edge - to - edge near a center area of the strip . as shown , strip 108 features a flexible base 114 bearing a field of upstanding loops 106 on one side . in particular , the loops extend from an outward surface of the base which is bounded by the free longitudinal edges . the structure and physical properties of strip 108 may vary in different implementations . for example , the strip can have a woven loop structure ( e . g ., having napped or un - napped loops ), a knitted loop structure and / or a non - woven loop structure . the materials used to manufacture strip 108 may also vary . for example , nylon , polyester , polypropylene , and / or aramid fibers can be used to manufacture the preform loop strip . though not exhaustive , the foregoing examples illustrate the numerous different types of hook compatible fabrics that can be used in conjunction with the present technique . in general , the structure and material of the strip are selected based on an intended application of the product . referring back to fig1 a and 1b , arms 112 are held in place against an inboard portion of flexible base 114 by an array of discrete bonded regions 118 . as shown , each of the bonded regions is surrounded by an unbonded area of loop material . bonded regions 118 can be formed , for example , using a heat staking process ( e . g ., ultrasonic heat staking ) to fuse the folded , overlapping layers of loop material together at various discrete points . in this particular example , a single patterned band or row of bonded regions 118 a extends along and overlaps the two longitudinal edges 110 to form a seam that holds strip 108 in a folded , two - layer configuration . an additional pattern of bonded regions 118 b extends broadly over the other portions of the folded strip 108 to secure arms 112 firmly in place against flexible base 114 . using patterned arrays of discrete bonded regions to secure the preform strip in a folded configuration can be advantageous in many different applications . in particular , this type of construction may provide more flexibility than a similar strap , for example , where adhesives or a sewn seam are used to secure the folded outboard portions of the strip in place . moreover , the present technique offers a substantial amount of air permeability so that the strap is “ breathable ” when in contact with a user &# 39 ; s skin . the outlining footprint of the bonded regions can vary between different implementations of the double - sided loop strap , so as to provide structurally different products . for example , the size of the bonded regions may differ from one application to the next . with other factors being equal , larger bonded regions will provide the strap more structural stability and bond strength than will smaller bonded regions . however , the stability and strength provided by the larger bonded regions comes at the cost of reduced flexibility , air permeability , and closure performance ( e . g ., shear , tensile , and peel strength ). in particular , the reduction in closure performance is a result of the reduced loop material available for hook engagement , as the loops are pressed down and fused in the bonded regions . similarly , the pattern density of the bonded regions can be a significant variable between different implementations . in particular , a denser pattern of bonded regions will tend to provide more dimensional stability and bond strength , while offering less flexibility , air permeability and closure performance . generally , the above - described physical properties will vary according to a ratio comparing the total area of bonded regions to the total unbonded area of the strap . that is , structural stability and bond strength will increase when the total area of the bonded regions increases relative to the total unbonded area . on the other hand , flexibility , air permeability , and closure performance will increase when the total unbonded area increases relative to the total area of the bonded regions . of course , various other properties of the loop strap may also be affected by the configuration of the bonded regions . referring again to fig1 a and 1b , bonded regions 118 b are provided in a precise geometrically regular pattern of uniform density , which provides substantially consistent and isotropic physical properties across strap 100 . in some examples , however , the pattern of bonded regions is purposefully irregular to provide different physical properties around specific areas of strap 100 , and / or to provide some directionality to these physical properties . fig2 a shows an example where bonded regions 118 b ′ are established in an irregular pattern . in particular , the pattern density of the bonded regions gradually increases from the center area of the strap in the direction of the outboard folds . in this embodiment , strap 100 ′ would be stronger and stiffer at the outboard areas and more flexible and breathable near the center . additionally , peel strength would be greater near the center of the strap than around the outboard areas , because there is more loop material available for hook engagement . fig2 b shows an example where bonded regions 118 b ″ are established in another irregular pattern , where the distance between the bonded regions is smaller in the widthwise direction of the strap than in the lengthwise direction . in this case , strap 100 ″ would be more flexible in the lengthwise direction and more rigid in the widthwise direction . as noted above , the row of bonded regions 118 a overlaps edges 110 to form a seam along the back side 102 of strap 100 . in the previous examples , bonded regions 118 a are generally circular and distributed at a constant interval along longitudinal edges 110 . fig3 shows an example where bonded regions 118 a ′″ are provided in different types of shapes , so as to form a visually distinguishable graphic . in this embodiment of strap 100 ′″, bonded regions 118 a ′″ are shaped as individual letters “ v ”, “ e ”, “ l ”, “ c ”, “ r ”, and “ 0 ”. numerous types of shapes can be used to form graphic images such as for logos , brand names , and the like . fig3 also provides an example where the bonded regions near the center area of the strap cover a greater area than the bonded regions near the outboard folds . this type of configuration would provide more bond strength and rigidity near the seam , the part of the strap offering the least structural integrity . fig4 a and 4b show another embodiment of a double - sided loop strap 200 . strap 200 is similar to strap 100 described above . for example , strap 200 is a two - layered construction presenting hook compatible loops 206 on both a front side 204 and a back side 202 of the strap . in this example , strap 200 is a composite structure fashioned from two separate preform strips of loop material 208 a and 208 b , each of which includes a flexible base 214 a , b bearing a field of upstanding loops 206 a , b extending from an outward surface bounded by free longitudinal edges 210 a , b . the strips are similar , but provide different types of loops , with loops 206 a being presenting less loft than loops 206 b . as shown , longitudinal edges 210 a of strip 208 a are folded over flexible base 214 a to meet the respective edges 210 b of strip 208 b . two similar sets of discrete bonded regions 218 a are provided to secure the respective edges 210 a and 210 b in place against an inboard portion of flexible base 214 a . as shown , each set of bonded regions 218 a provides a row of regions extending along and overlapping the respective edges 210 a and 210 b . similar to the previous examples , a pattern of bonded regions 218 b extends broadly over other portions of strips 208 a and 208 b to secure the strips in a tightly bound construction . fig5 a and 5b show yet another double - sided loop strap 300 having a front side 304 and a back side 302 , each of which presents a field of upstanding , hook compatible loops 306 facing outward therefrom . similar to the previous examples , loop strap 300 is a two - layer construction fashioned from a preform elongated strip of loop material 308 with free longitudinal edges 310 folded over to form two inwardly facing arms 312 . in particular , strip 308 includes a flexible base 314 bearing a field of upstanding loops 306 extending from an outward surface bounded by longitudinal edges 310 . in this example , a thin layer of resinous grip material 322 is deposited on an inboard portion of flexible base 314 , on the back side of the base opposite loops 306 ( see fig5 c ). longitudinal edges 310 are folded over the outer portions of the layer of grip material 322 , such that outer portions of the layer of grip material are sandwiched between the two layers of loop material , while the center portion remains exposed between edges 310 . as shown , the exposed surface of the grip material is recessed relative to the neighboring loop - bearing surface and bounded by the longitudinal edges . in various implementations , the exposed grip surface can have a lateral extent of between 10 and 90 percent of the overall width of the strap . in general , the loop strap will exhibit more gripping ability when a greater amount of the grip surface is exposed . the additional grip would come at a cost of closure performance , as less loop material is provided for engagement . various implementations and applications may necessitate different configurations of the strap with regards to the grip surface . for example , a strap designed for use on luggage may require nearly the entire surface to be grip material , and does not require breathability for comfort to the user . a strap utilized to secure a knee brace may need very little grip material in order to provide adequate security to the user , and will allow for more air movement through the strap , to enhance the user &# 39 ; s comfort . in this embodiment , the folded longitudinal edges can be secured in place using an appropriate adhesive , sewing or by heat staking , as discussed above . in some examples , the grip material itself serves as an adhesive , such that the folded edges are held in place against the base solely by adhesion from the grip material . grip material 322 can have any appropriate composition so as to provide a substantially non - slip surface . by “ non - slip ” surface , we refer to any surface designed to inhibit or prevent a smooth slipping or sliding motion by providing adequate surface friction . the grip material can provide a relatively high coefficient of friction ( e . g ., a dynamic coefficient of friction greater than about 0 . 3 ), and may be generally “ soft ” or “ skin friendly ” to the touch . for example , soft elastomers ( e . g ., styrenic block copolymers , such as styrene - isoprene - styrene , styrene isoprene / butadiene styrene , and styrene - butadiene - styrene ), rubbers ( e . g . flouroelastomers ) or silicones can be used . other suitable compositions can also be used . for example , various plastics with modified lower molecular weight constituents and thermoplastic elastomers ( e . g ., modified polypropylene or modified polyethylene ) can serve as a grip material . in some examples , the grip material is particularly well designed for skin contact , featuring a tack free , non - allergenic , and non - irritant composition . fig6 a and 6b show an additional example of loop strap 300 ′ where the layer of grip material 322 ′ provides a pattern of molded , upstanding treads 324 that provide additional surface friction for mitigating slip . in this example , the grip material includes three undulating treads extending lengthwise down the strip . of course , other appropriate configurations are also contemplated . for example , more or less treads can be provided ; the treads can extend widthwise across the strip ( as opposed to lengthwise , see fig8 ); the treads can be substantially straight ( as opposed to undulating ); and / or the height and thickness of the treads can vary . fig7 a and 7b show yet another example of loop strap 300 ″ where the deposited grip material 322 ″ includes a foaming agent ( e . g ., a heat activated foaming agent ). in these examples , the loop strap is generally constructed as described above with reference to fig5 a - 5c . after construction , the foaming agent is activated to expand the layer of grip material 322 ″, raising the exposed non - slip surface to be level with the neighboring loop material . in some examples , the non - slip surface is raised above the loop material . fig8 shows an example implementation of a double - sided loop strap 400 featuring an exposed non - slip surface having upstanding slip inhibiting treads 424 formed of an appropriate grip material 422 . in this case , the loop strap 400 is used in conjunction with a buckle 480 to form an adjustable cinch strap , such as may be used to support a medical or sports device on a user . the cinch strap is formed by threading a free - end 482 of loop strap 400 through buckle 480 , wrapping the loop strap around an object , re - threading the free - end back through the buckle , and folding the strap back on itself . in this example , free - end 482 provides a patch of loop compatible fasteners ( e . g ., hooks ) to engage the loop material on either side of the grip material 422 , thus securing the strap in place . as discussed above , the non - slip surface can be level or above the surrounding loop material . in this case , the upstanding treads 424 can be designed to engage one another when the strap is folded back on itself , impeding the ability of the strap to easily release back through the buckle , essentially creating a one - way cinch strap . if the grip connection between both elements is designed with appropriate strength for the application , the uni - directionality , coupled with the presence of the buckle , could even hold the strap in place , without the above mentioned loop compatible fasteners on the free - end of the strap . in some examples , the non - slip surface is recessed relative to the surrounding loop material . this configuration would render the loop strap more comfortable when pressed against a user &# 39 ; s skin and provide less interference with the buckle of the cinch strap . either of these above described configurations may prove useful in various applications . fig9 a and 9b show another example loop strap 500 having a front side 504 and a back side 502 , each of which presents a field of upstanding , hook compatible loops 506 . in particular , loop strap 500 is a two - layer construction fashioned from a preform elongated strip of loop material 508 including a flexible base bearing a field of loops 506 and defining free longitudinal edges 510 , which are folded over to form two inwardly facing arms 512 . each of arms 512 defines a patterned set of discrete apertures 526 that extend entirely through the flexible base . similar to the previous examples , a thin layer of grip material 522 is deposited on an inboard portion of the flexible base . however , in this case , longitudinal edges 510 are completely folded over the layer of grip material 522 to meet near a center portion of strip 508 , such that the layer of grip material is entirely sandwiched between the two layers of loop material . as shown , apertures 526 are aligned with the grip material 522 so as to leave various portions of the grip material surface exposed . the exposed surface of the grip material is recessed relative to the neighboring loop - bearing surface and bounded by the edges of the apertures . several of the foregoing examples ( shown in fig5 a - 9b ) provide double - sided loop straps that offer a substantially non - slip surface of grip material bounded by folded portions of a preform strip of loop material . the folded portions of the loop material effectively hide the edges of the deposited resinous grip material , which may be unsightly and rough because it can be difficult to produce a uniform resin edge . fig1 a shows an example apparatus 628 which is suitable for manufacturing a double - sided loop strap 600 , such as described above . apparatus 628 receives a preform strip of loop material 608 provided in the form of an elongated flexible substrate carrying a field of upstanding loops on one side . preform strip 608 is fed to a folding device 630 that folds the longitudinal edges of strip 608 inward to overlap an inboard portion of the flexible base . the folded , two - layer strip is introduced to a heat staking machine 632 that creates the prescribed patterns of bonded regions by fusing the two layers of material together at various discrete points . the resulting double - sided loop strap 600 is then spooled onto a final product roll 638 . the folding device and heat staking machine can be selected from a wide variety of conventional equipment . in the present example , heat staking machine 632 includes a patterned roller 634 having individual projections extending from its outer surface , and a horn 636 for facilitating the ultrasonic vibration with the folded strip 608 against the patterned roller . fig1 b - 10e show how apparatus 628 can be adapted for forming a non - slip surface on the double sided loop strap by depositing grip material on a back side of the preform strip of loop material prior to folding . in fig1 b , a resin applicator 640 is positioned upstream of folding device 630 . resin applicator 640 extrudes a solid layer of grip material onto the back of the loop surface prior to folding . the rollers 634 , 636 after the folding station can either be used to simply seal the folded product utilizing the grip material as the bonding agent or could be ultrasonic welders to bond the fold in place ( as described above ). in fig1 c , resin applicator 640 ′ extrudes multiple strands of grip material onto the back of the loop surface prior to folding . in fig1 d , a resin applicator 640 ″ is designed to extrude dots of grip material onto the back of the loop surface prior to folding . in fig1 e , a roll of film based grip material 642 is placed on the back of the loop surface prior to folding . in this example , the film of grip material includes an array of openings to improve breathability of the double - sided loop strap . the grip material , however , can also be a solid film or a film that includes micro perforations . while a number of examples have been described for illustration purposes , the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention , which is defined by the scope of the appended claims . there are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims . for example , modifications could include punching holes in the loop strip to further improve flexibility and breathability of the double - sided loop strap .
| 0 |
in one aspect of the present invention , there is provided a thermal curable dielectric material to produce a prepreg in a successive process in the following examples 4 - 1 to 4 - 7 . the process uses the dielectric material as a coating on a substrate which may be a fiberglass cloth . the apparatus for producing the prepreg includes a pasting tank wherein there are provided a plurality of rolls . the pasting tank is filled with the dielectric material . a roll of fiberglass cloth may enter the pasting tank and pass the plurality of rolls . the fiberglass cloth is sufficiently impregnated with the dielectric material , and then surplus dielectric material is removed by a metering roller . a heat treatment for curing the dielectric material and removing the solvent is required at 100 ° c . to 350 ° c . for 1 minute to 5 hours , preferably at 150 ° c . to 300 ° c . for 1 minute to 3 hours . the prepreg is obtained after the cured dielectric material is cooled down and the fiberglass cloth is wrapped . a double - sided copper - clad laminate is produced by providing several prepregs in a neat stack between two electrodeposited copper foils , conducting a hot pressing process under 40 to 900 psi , raising temperature from 80 ° c . to 200 ° c . in 30 minutes , and then hot pressing at 200 ° c . for 120 minutes , and then cooling down to room temperature in 30 minutes in a vacuum pressing machine . the prepreg includes a fiberglass cloth of electrical grade 2116 and the dielectric material . generally , a double - sided copper - clad laminate with a thickness of 1 . 0 mm is produced by providing 4 sheets of prepregs in a neat stack between two electrodeposited copper foils , with a thickness of 1 . 5 mm is produced by providing 7 sheets of prepregs , and with a thickness of 2 . 0 mm is produced by providing 10 sheets of prepregs . the dielectric material of the present invention may form a stable homogeneous solution in a solvent with a low boiling point . the properties of a copper - clad laminate with the dielectric material of the invention were determined including tg , heat decomposition temperature , heat decomposition time , solder heat resistance ( 288 ° c . ), thermal expansion coefficient , water absorption , thermal conductivity , dielectric constant , dielectric loss tangent and flammability according to ipc - tm - 650 test method manual . the determining results show the copper - clad laminate with the dielectric material of the invention has high tg , excellent dielectric properties such as dk and df , low water absorption , high thermal resistance and high thermal conductivity . the copper - clad laminate is suitable used as a substrate for electronic elements and ic package . tg , dk and df were compared with different ratio and amount of ppe . the tg level may be affected by the amount of ppe used . also , the amount of ppe may also have an effect on the dk and df value . when the amount of ppe is high , dk and df may be high . when the amount of ppe is low , dk and df may be low . typically , a low value for the dk and df is preferred . in addition , the thermal expansion coefficient may be raised when ppe is added , and bmi is added to balance the effect . in table 1 , part number sa9000 of ppe with chemical name of polyphenylene oxide ( ppo ) or polyphenylene ether ( ppe ) is produced by sabic co ., ltd . the coefficient of thermal expansion was measured with different species and amount of bmi resin . the more the amount of bmi resin is , the lower the coefficient of thermal expansion is . in the example , there are three kinds of comparison comprising three groups that a1 - a5 shows different amount of bmi with the same species , a6 - a8 shows the same amount of bmi with different species and a9 - a15 shows about the same total amount of bmi with more than two species . in table 2 , part numbers 2300 , 4000 , 5100 and tmh of bmi are produced by daiwakasei industry co ., ltd , in which part number 2300 has chemical name of phenyl methane maleimide , part number 4000 has chemical name of 2 , 2 ′- bis [ 4 -( 4 - maleimidophenoxy ) phenyl ] propane , part number 5100 has chemical name of 3 , 3 ′- dimethyl - 5 , 5 ′- diethyl - 4 , 4 ′- diphenylmethane bismaleimide and part number tmh has chemical name of 1 , 6 ′- bismaleimide -( 2 , 2 , 4 - trimethyl ) hexane . it can be found from group a1 - a5 that by increasing the amount of bmi resin , the thermal expansion coefficient would decrease . however , by increasing the amount of bmi resin , the water absorption would also increase . as to group a6 - a8 , different bmi resins may reduce the thermal expansion coefficient , but would also affect the water absorption . regarding group a9 - a15 , different combination of bmi resins may reduce the thermal expansion coefficient , and affect the water absorption also . in the invention , the object of addition of bmi to the dielectric material is to reduce the thermal expansion coefficient . however , the more the amount of bmi resin is , the higher the water absorption is . therefore , the polymer additives are added to reduce the water absorption . the water absorption was measured with different species and amount of polymer additives . polybutadiene ( pb ) and styrene - maleic anhydride ( sma ) were used as the polymer additives in the invention . it can be found from using the different amount of pb with the same species that by increasing the amount of pb , the water absorption would decrease . however , with the increasing amount of pb , the coefficient of thermal expansion would also increase . as to using different species of pb in combination with sma , it shows sma can reduce the water absorption and the coefficient of thermal expansion , but df may remain high . however , pb can be used to reduce df . in table 3 , part numbers ricon100 , ricon130ma8 , ricon150 and ricon257 of pb are produced by sartomer co ., ltd , in which part number ricon 100 has chemical name of butadiene styrene copolymer , part number ricon130ma8 has chemical name of butadiene adducted with maleic anhydride , part number ricon 150 has chemical name of polybutadiene resin and ricon 257 has chemical name of polybutadiene grafted with styrene and benzene in toluene solution . in table 3 , sma with s : m = 3 : 1 indicates that the ratio of styrene to maleic anhydride is 3 to 1 . generally , the ratios are about 1 : 1 ˜ 12 : 1 . the dielectric material of the invention may comprise at least one crosslinking agent with 40 - 80 parts by weight selected from the following groups consisting of triallyl cyanurate ( tac ), triallyl isocyanurate ( taic ) and 4 - tert - butylstyrene . the properties of a copper - clad laminate with the dielectric material of the invention were measured with different species of crosslinking agents . it can be found by using tac that tg and the coefficient of thermal expansion were poor , and water absorption , dk and df were of ordinary level . as to taic , all the properties of a copper - clad laminate with the dielectric material of the invention were of ordinary level . regarding 4 - tert - butylstyrene , the coefficient of thermal expansion , water absorption and df were excellent , but dk is low , if desired , the dielectric material of the invention may optionally comprise flame retardants . a halogen - containing flame retardant of decabromodiphenyl ethane with 7 - 15 phr based on the total weight of ppe , bmi , polymer additives and crosslinking agents may be added to the dielectric material of the invention . the dielectric material of the invention may comprise at least one flame retardant without halogen with 12 - 14 phr based on the total weight of ppe , bmi , polymer additives and crosslinking agents selected from the following groups consisting of phosphor - containing flame retardants and phosphates . the phosphor - containing flame retardants and phosphates are produced by albemarle co ., ltd . the phosphates are like tetrakis ( 2 , 6 - dimethylphenyl ) 1 , 3 - phenylene bisphosphate . the dielectric material of the invention may optionally comprise fillers . the suitable fillers such as fused silica and sphere - shaped silica may be used . the suitable amount of filler is 8 - 50 phr based on the total weight of ppe , bmi , polymer additives and crosslinking agents . it can be found from the fused silica and the sphere - shaped silica with the same amount that the sphere - shaped silica has lower dk and df than the fused silica . the dielectric material of the invention may optionally comprise catalysts including peroxides having 116 ° c .- 128 ° c . for a half life of 10 hours . the suitable amount of peroxide is 2 - 8 phr based on the total weight of ppe , bmi , polymer additives and crosslinking agents . the preferable catalyst is a peroxide having 119 ° c . for a half life of 10 hours . the dielectric material of the invention may comprise ppe , but not comprise epoxy resin . the desired values of dk and / or df cannot be obtained , if epoxy resin is added to the dielectric material of the invention . when reacting epoxy resin with the dielectric material of the invention , the open rings of the epoxy resin may produce excess oh groups , therefore causing the dk and df value to remain high and unable to decrease .
| 7 |
a chemical copper plating solution having the following composition as given below under ( a ) was placed in a plating tank 1 as shown in fig1 and subjected to chemical copper plating under the following plating conditions as given below under ( b ). the plating solution was circulated and stirred by a circulation pump 2 and a mixer 3 . the plating solution was sampled for analysis by a sampling pump 4 through a cooler 5 and a three - way electromagnetic valve 6 , and led to a ph detection cell 7 for the plating solution , the cell comprising a main electrode chamber 7 &# 39 ; and a reference electrode chamber 7 &# 34 ;, and a difference in potential was detected between a copper oxide electrode 8 , prepared by etching naked copper wire ( purity 99 . 9 %) with a diameter of 1 mm in 0 . 1 n nitric acid at a liquid temperature of 50 ° c . for 10 seconds and then oxidizing the etched copper wire in an aqueous 0 . 1 n caustic soda solution at a liquid temperature of 50 ° c . for 30 minutes and a silver - silver chloride electrode 9 as a reference electrode by means of a controller 10 . numeral 11 is a membrane . ______________________________________cuso . sub . 4 . 5h . sub . 2 o 13 gedta - 2na 40 gnaoh 12 g ( ph 12 . 3 ) 37 % formalin 3 mlk . sub . 2 s 0 . 0001 gpolyethyleneglycolstearylamine 0 . 1 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________plating temperature : 70 ° c . plating load : 500 cm . sup . 2 copper plateplating solution volume : 5 lplating rate : 3 . 0 μm / hr______________________________________ when the detected potential was smaller than the potential preset in the controller 10 as an absolute value , a signal was transmitted from the controller 10 to a makeup pump 12 to supply a makeup solution as given above under ( e ) to the plating tank 1 from a makeup solution tank 13 for adjusting ph of the plating solution , through a valve 14 , and the mixer 3 until the detected potential exceeded the preset potential . the sampled solution leaving the ph detection cell was thrown away . on the other hand , an aqueous saturated kcl solution was continuously supplied to the reference electrode chamber 7 &# 34 ; from a standard tank 15 as a standard solution for the reference electrode by the sampling pump 4 , as given above under ( c ) to obtain a stable potential from the silver - silver chloride electrode in the reference electrode chamber 7 &# 34 ;. the aqueous saturated kcl solution leaving the reference electrode chamber 7 &# 34 ; was also thrown away . furthermore , an aqueous 7 n nitric acid solution was supplied to the main electrode chamber 7 &# 39 ; from a washing solution tank 16 as a washing solution for the copper oxide electrode for about 10 seconds through the sampling pump 4 before conducting the automatic control of the plating solution , as given above under ( d ), by switching the three - way electromagnetic valve 6 . the plating solution could be thus automatically controlled for a continuation of 168 hours , where the sampling rate of the sampling pump 4 was 50 ml / l , the detection temperature of the sampled plating solution was about 25 ° c . owing to the cooler 5 , and the preset potential for the ph of the plating solution was - 0 . 260 v . a chemical treating solution as given below under ( a ) was used in metal pickling . the ph of chemical treating solution was continuously controlled to - 0 . 08 ( 1 . 2 n in hydrogen ion concentration ) in the same system as in fig1 in the same manner as in example 1 , except that a copper oxide electrode as given below under ( b ), a makeup solution for adjusting ph of the chemical treating solution as given below under ( d ), and a standard solution for reference electrode as given below under ( e ) were used , a titrating solution as given below ( c ) was added to the main electrode chamber 7 &# 39 ; of fig1 and the chemical treating solution adjusted to ph 11 or higher was led thereto . ( b ) copper oxide electrode prepared by etching naked copper wire ( purity 99 . 99 %) with a diameter of 1 mm in a 0 . 5 n hcl solution at a liquid temperature of 30 ° c . for 5 seconds and then oxidizing the etched copper wire in 0 . 5 n koh at liquid temperature of 30 ° c . for 15 minutes . ( d ) makeup solution for adjusting ph of the treating solution : 12 n hydrochloric acid a chemical treating solution as given below under ( a ) was used in alkali washing of metal . the ph of the chemical treating solution was kept continuously at 13 . 7 with a copper oxide electrode , a titrating solution , a makeup solution for adjusting ph of treating solution , and a standard solution for reference electrode as given below under ( b )-( e ) in the same manner as in example 1 in the same system as shown in fig1 . the similar results as in example 1 were obtained . ( b ) copper oxide electrode prepared by etching naked copper wire ( purity 99 . 9 %) with a diameter of 1 mm in a 0 . 5 n h 2 so 4 solution at a liquid temperature of 30 ° for 5 seconds and then oxidizing the etched copper wire in 0 . 5 n naoh at a liquid temperature of 30 ° c . for 15 minutes . ______________________________________12 n hydrochloric acid 37 . 5 mlkh . sub . 2 po . sub . 4 6 . 8 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ in chemical copper plating with the same chemical copper plating solution as in example 1 in the same manner as in example 1 , the ph and the concentration of formaldehyde were controlled . the ph control was carried out in the same manner as in example 1 , and control of formaldehyde was carried out with an automatic analyzing solution , a copper oxide electrode , a washing solution for the copper oxide electrode , and a makeup solution for adjusting the concentration of formaldehyde as given below under ( a )-( e ). ______________________________________na . sub . 2 so . sub . 3 100 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ( b ) copper oxide electrode prepared by etching naked copper wire ( purity : 99 . 99 %) with a diameter of 1 mm in 14 n nitric acid at a liquid temperature of 18 ° c . for one second , and then oxidizing the etched copper wire in 1 n caustic soda at 18 ° c . for 5 minutes . ( c ) electrode ( the same as used in the ph measurement ) copper oxide - electrode - calomel electrode ( using an aqueous saturated kcl solution ) ______________________________________37 % formalin 200 mlwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ the control system is given in fig2 . at first , the ph control of the chemical copper plating solution was carried out by means of members 1 - 18 in fig2 in the same manner as in example 1 , and the similar results as in example 1 were obtained . the sample solution leaving the ph detection cell 7 of fig2 was led to a mixter 19 together with an automatic analyzing solution for formaldehyde as given above under ( a ), sampled from a titrating solution tank 17 through a three - way electromagnetic valve 18 by the sampling pump 4 , and thoroughly mixed together , and then led to a main electrode chamber 20 &# 39 ; of a formaldehyde concentration detection cell 20 , where a difference in potential was detected between an copper oxide electrode 8 &# 39 ; and a silver - silver chloride electrode 8 by means of the controller 10 . numeral 11 &# 39 ; is a membrane . when the detected potential was smaller than the preset potential in the controller , a signal was transmitted to a makeup pump 21 to supply a makeup solution as given above under ( e ) from a makeup solution tank 22 for adjusting the concentration of formaldehyde to the plating tank 1 through a valve 23 and the mixer 3 until the detected potential exceeded the preset potential . on the other hand , an aqueous saturated kcl solution was continuously supplied to the reference electrode chamber 7 &# 34 ; from the standard solution tank 15 by the sampling pump 4 as the standard solution for the reference electrode to obtain a stable potential from the silver - silver chloride electrode 9 in the reference electrode chamber 7 &# 34 ;. the sampled solution of the plating solution leaving the formaldehyde concentration detection cell 20 and the aqueous saturated kcl solution leaving the reference electrode chamber 7 &# 34 ; were thrown away . furthermore , an aqueous 7 n nitric acid solution was supplied to the detection cells 7 and 20 from the washing solution tank 16 as a washing solution for the copper oxide electrode as given above under ( d ) through the sampling pump 4 for about 10 seconds before conducting the automatic control of the plating solution by switching the three - way valves 6 and 18 . according to the aforementioned automatic control system for the ph and the formaldehyde concentration of the plating solution , the plating solution could be automatically controlled for a continuation of 168 hours , where the sampling rate of the sampling pump 4 was 50 ml / l , the temperature of detected plating solution was about 25 ° c . owing to the cooler 5 , the preset potential for the ph of the plating solution was - 0 . 260 v , and the preset potential for the formalin concentration was - 0 . 300 v . under these conditions , the ph of the plating solution could be automatically controlled to 12 . 3 ± 0 . 07 and the formalin concentration to 3 ± 1 ml / l . in chemical copper plating with the same chemical copper plating solution as used in example 1 , in the same manner as in example 1 , the ph , the concentration of cupric ions , and the concentration of the complexing agent were controlled . the ph control was carried out in the same manner as in example 1 , and control of the concentration of cupric ions and the concentration of the complexing agent was carried out with automatic analyzing solutions , an electrode , a makeup solution for adjusting the copper concentration and a makeup solution for adjusting the complexing agent concentration as given below under ( a )-( e ). ______________________________________cuso . sub . 4 . 5h . sub . 2 o 14 . 107 ghcoona 64 g12 n hydrochloric acid 30 mlwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________ triethylenetetramine 100 ml12 n hydrochloric acid 164 mlwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________fe . sub . 2 ( so . sub . 4 ). sub . 3 ( nh . sub . 4 ). sub . 2 so . sub . 4 . 24h . sub . 2 o 50 . 260 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ( c ) electrode ( for measuring the concentrations of cupric ions and complexing agent ) ______________________________________cuso . sub . 4 . 5h . sub . 2 o 250 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________edta . 2na 100 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ control system is shown in fig3 . at first , the ph control was carried out by members 1 to 14 in fig3 and the similar results as in example 1 were obtained . the sampling solution leaving the ph detection cell 7 of fig3 was led to a mixer 25 together with an automatic analyzing solution for cupric ions as given above under ( a ), sampled from a titrating solution tank 24 by the sampling pump 4 , thoroughly mixed , and led to a main electrode chamber 26 &# 39 ; of a cupric ion concentration detection cell 26 , where a difference in potential was measured between a platinum electrode 27 and a silver - silver chloride electrode 9 &# 34 ; by means of the controller 10 . numeral 11 &# 39 ; is a membrane . when the detected potential was smaller than the preset potential in the controller , a signal was transmitted to a makeup pump 28 from the controller 10 to supply a makeup solution as given above under ( d ) to the plating tank 1 from a makeup solution tank 29 for adjusting the cupric ion concentration through a valve 30 and the mixer 3 until the detected potential exceeded the preset potential . on the other hand , an aqueous saturated kcl solution was continuously supplied to a reference electrode chamber 26 &# 34 ; from the reference electrode chamber 7 &# 34 ; of the ph detection cell 7 to obtain a stable potential from the silver - silver chloride electrode 9 &# 34 ; in the reference electrode chamber 26 &# 34 ;. the aqueous saturated kcl solution leaving the reference electrode chamber 26 &# 34 ; of the cupric ion concentration detection cell 26 was led to a reference electrode chamber 9 &# 34 ;&# 39 ; of a complexing agent concentration detection cell 35 , and then thrown away . the sampled solution leaving the cupric ion concentration detection cell 26 was led to a mixer 32 together with a triethylenetetramine solution as given above under ( b - 1 ), sampled from a titrating solution tank 31 by the sampling pump 4 , thoroughly mixed , then led to a mixer 34 together with an iron ion - containing solution as given above under ( b - 2 ), sampled from a titrating solution tank 33 by the sampling pump 4 , thoroughly mixed , and subjected to reaction . then , the resulting solution was led to the main electrode chamber 35 &# 39 ; of a complexing agent concentration detection cell 35 , where a difference in potential was detected between a platinum electrode 27 &# 39 ; and a silver - silver chloride electrode 9 &# 34 ; by means of the controller 10 . numeral 11 &# 39 ;&# 39 ;&# 39 ; is a membrane . when the detected potential was larger than the preset potential in the controller , a signal was transmitted to a makeup pump 36 to supply a makeup solution as given above under ( e ) to the plating tank 1 from a makeup tank 37 for adjusting the concentration of complexing agent through a valve 38 and the mixer 3 until the measured potential became smaller than the preset potential . the sampled solution leaving the main electrode chamber 27 &# 39 ; was thrown away . the concentration of cupric ions and the concentration of complexing agent could be thus automatically controlled for a continuation of 116 hours , where the sampling rate of the sampling pump 4 was 50 ml / l , the temperature of detected plating solution was about 25 ° c . owing to the cooler 5 , the preset potential for the ph of the plating solution was - 0 . 260 v , the preset potential for the concentration of cupric ions was 0 . 100 v , and the preset potential for the concentration of complexing agent was 0 . 150 v . under these conditions , the ph could be automatically controlled to 12 . 3 ± 0 . 04 , the concentration of cupric ions to 13 . 1 ± 0 . 53 g / l , and the concentration of complexing agent to 40 ± 0 . 7 g / l . automatic control of the same chemical plating solution as in example 1 was carried out in a system as shown in fig4 by measuring ph and the concentration of cupric ions in the same manner as in examples 1 and 5 , then by measuring the concentration of the reducing agent , and then by measuring the concentration of the complexing agent in the same manner as in example 5 . the ph control was carried out in the same manner as in example 1 , and control of the concentrations of cupric ions , the reducing agent and the complexing agent was carried out with automatic analyzing solutions , electrodes , and makeup solutions for adjusting the concentrations as given below under ( a ) to ( h ). ______________________________________cuso . sub . 4 . 5h . sub . 2 o 14 . 107 ghcoona 64 g12 n hydrochloric acid 30 mlwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________na . sub . 2 so . sub . 4 50 gedta - 2na 15 gnaoh 4 gna . sub . 2 so . sub . 3 4 . 593 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________ki 40 gi . sub . 2 5 . 076 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________ triethylenetetramine 100 ml12 n hydrochloric acid 164 mlwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________fe . sub . 2 ( so . sub . 4 ). sub . 3 ( nh . sub . 4 ). sub . 2 so . sub . 4 . 24h . sub . 2 o 25 . 130 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ( d ) electrodes for measuring the concentrations of cubric ions , reducing agent and complexing agent ______________________________________cuso . sub . 4 . 5h . sub . 2 o 250 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________37 % formalin 200 mlwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ______________________________________edta - 2na 100 gwater to make total volume 1 l______________________________________ ( h ) standard solution : 0 . 1 n hydrochloric acid - the control system isshown in fig4 . at first , the ph control and the control of the cupricion concentration and the complexing agent were carried out by members 1to 30 in fig4 in the same manner as in examples 1 and 5 . in the presentembodiment , the sampled solution leaving the cupric ion concentrationdetection cell 26 was devided into two streams , and one stream was led tothe main electrode chamber 7 &# 39 ; of the complexing agent detection cell 20 , whereas the other stream was led to a mixer 32 , after the flow rate wasadjusted by the sampling pump 4 , together with a sulfite ion - containingsolution as given above under ( b - 1 ), sampled from a titrating solutiontank 31 by the sampling pump 4 , thoroughly mixed , then led to a mixer 34together with an iodine - containing solution , as given above under ( b - 2 ), sampled from a titrating solution tank 33 by the sampling pump 4 , thoroughly mixed , and subjected to reaction . then , the stream was led toa main electrode chamber 35 &# 39 ; of a reducing agent detection cell 35 , wherea difference in potential was detected between a platinum electrode 27 &# 39 ; and a silver - silver chloride electrode 9 &# 39 ;&# 39 ;&# 39 ; by means of the controller10 . numeral 11 &# 39 ;&# 39 ;&# 39 ; is a membrane . when the detected potential was smallerthan the present potential in the controller , a signal was transmittedfrom the controller to a makeup pump 36 to supply a makeup solution , asgiven above under ( f ), to the plating tank 1 from a makeup tank 37 foradjusting the reducing agent through a valve 38 and the mixer 3 until thedetected potential exceeded the present potential . the sampled solutionleaving the main electrode chamber 35 &# 39 ; was thrown away . - on the otherhand , a standard solution , as given above under ( h ), leaving thereference electrode chamber 20 &# 39 ; of the complexing agent concentrationdetection cell 20 was led to a reference electrode chamber 9 &# 39 ;&# 39 ;&# 39 ; of thereducing agent concentration detection cell 35 to obtain a stablepotential from the silver - silver chloride electrode 9 &# 39 ;&# 39 ;&# 39 ; in the referenceelectrode chamber 35 &# 39 ;&# 39 ;, and then thrown away . the ph , the cupric ionconcentration , the reducing agent concentration and the complexing agentconcentration of the chemical copper plating solution could be thusautomatically controlled for a continuation of 100 hours , where thesampling rate of the sampling pump was 50 ml / l , the detection temperatureof sampling plating solution was about 25 ° c . owing to the cooler5 , the present potential for the ph of the plating solution was - 0 . 260 v , the present potential for the cupric ion concentration was 0 . 100 v , thepresent potential for the reducing agent concentration was 0 . 050 v , andthe present potential for the complexing agent concentration was 0 . 150 v . under these conditions , the ph could be automatically controlled to12 . 3 ± 0 . 04 , the cupric ion concentration to 13 ± 0 . 52 g / l , thereducing agent concentration to 3 ± 0 . 15 ml / l , and the complexing agentconcentration to 40 ± 0 . 8 g / l with high controlling exactness . - sincethe ph of the plating solution could be measured stably with goodexactness for a prolonged time by means of a copper oxide electrode , theph of the plating solution could be adjusted with good exactness in thepresent embodiment . as a result , a titration error due to a ph change wassmall in the titration for measuring the concentration of cupric ions , reducing agent and complexing agent , and these concentrations could beadjusted with improved exactness . furthermore , since a change in the phof the plating solution was small , no precipitation of the titratingsolutions took place in conduits , and thus the control system had animproved reliability . - in the present example , a non - soluble electrodesuch as electrodes of gold , tungsten , carbon , palladium , etc . can be usedin place of platinum as the main electrode for measuring theconcentration of the reducing agent with similar results .
| 2 |
the amphoteric substance used to treat the polyene resins is selected from the group consisting of silicated magnesium oxide , basic aluminum oxide , silica gel , magnesium oxide , magnesium hydroxide , calcium oxide , calcium hydroxide , barium oxide and barium hydroxide . the average particle size of the amphoteric substance is preferably in the range of about 2 microns to about 200 microns . a particularly preferred amphoteric agent is magnesol ® polysorb 30 / 40 hydrated silicated magnesium oxide , which has a particle size range of from about 2 to about 200 microns and an average particle size of 50 microns . contact time with the polyene resin will vary depending upon the temperature employed and the moisture content and viscosity of the resin . the time should be for sufficient time to reach a cl - content of less than 1 . 0 ppm , preferably to 0 . 5 ppm or less , or for sufficient time to improve the shelf life of a thiolene composition prepared by mixing the polyene with a polythiol after the amphoteric treating agent has been separated from the polyene . the treatment can also be used to reduce sodium and potassium levels below 1 ppm , suitably 0 . 5 or less . typical contact times will be between 1 hour and 3 days . treatment efficiency can be improved , lessening necessary contact time , if the polyene has a small moisture content , suitably , 0 . 01 %- 1 . 0 %. when a dry resin is used and moisture can readily be removed subsequent to treatment , e . g . by vacuum stripping , it may be desirable to add moisture to the treatment mixture . contact temperatures will also vary depending on viscosity of the polyene . effective ion removal can be obtained at temperatures between 0 ° c . and 100 ° c . provided that the polyene is sufficiently non - viscous at the temperature employed to allow for good agitation of the mixture . the amphoteric treating agent must be removed from the polyene resin prior to formulation into a curable composition , such as a thiol - ene composition . separation can be accomplished by filtration but in some cases where the amphoteric treating agent has a clay - like consistency addition of a filter aid such as celite ® to the treatment mixture prior to filtration is necessary for effective filtration . addition of the filter aid does not appear to influence the effectiveness of the amphoteric treating agent in removing ionic species or in improving shelf - life stability of thiolene compositions produced from the treated resin . the plural norbornene functional compounds useful in the invention are known from u . s . pat . no . 4 , 808 , 638 , incorporated herein by reference , and have recently also been described in jacobine et al , &# 34 ; photoinitiated cross - linking of norbornene resins with multifunctional thiols &# 34 ;, chapter 13 of radiation curing of polymeric materials , acs symposium series # 417 , american chemical society , 1990 , and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 167 , 882 , also incorporated herein by reference . particularly preferred norbornene compounds are norbornenemethyl norbomenecarboxylate and norbornene carboxylate esters of polyols such as 1 , 6 - hexanediol , trimethylolpropane , ethoxylated bisphenol a , poly ( tetramethyleneoxide ) and mixtures thereof . the polythiol component of the inventive compositions may be any compound having two or more thiol groups per molecule . suitable polythiols are described in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 661 , 744 at col . 8 , in 76 - col . 9 , in 46 ; in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 119 , 617 , col . 7 , ins 40 - 57 ; u . s . pat . no . 3 , 445 , 419 ; and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 289 , 867 . especially preferred are polythiols obtained by esterification of a polyol with an α or β - mercaptocarboxylic acid such as thioglycolic acid , or β - mercaptopropionie acid . particularly preferred polythiols are pentaerythritol tetramercaptoacetate and pentaerythritol tetrakis - β - mercaptopropionate ( petmp ). the ratio of the polyene to the polythiol component can be varied widely . generally it is preferred that the ratio of thiol to ene groups be between 0 . 7 : 1 and 1 . 3 : 1 , but ratios outside this range may occasionally be usefully employed without departing from the invention hereof . while a curable composition using norbornene functional compounds of the invention may include both difunctional norbornenyl compounds and difunctional thiol compounds , it will be understood that at least a portion of at least one of these components should contain more than two functional groups per molecule to produce a crosslinked product when cured . that is , the total of the average number of norbornene groups per molecule of norbornene functional compound and the average number of coreactive thiol groups per molecule of the thiol functional compound should be greater than 4 when a crosslinked cured product is desired . this total is referred to as the &# 34 ; total reactive functionality &# 34 ; of the composition . the initiator used in the curable thiol - ene formulations is suitably a free radical photoinitiator . examples of free radical photoinitiators include benzoin and substituted benzoin compounds , benzophenone , michler &# 39 ; s ketone , dialkoxybenzophenones , dialkoxyacetophenones , peroxyesters described in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 616 , 826 and 4 , 604 , 295 , etc . the photoinitiator is employed in an amount effective for initiating cure of the formulation upon irradiation with uv light , suitably 0 . 1 - 10 %, typically 0 . 5 - 5 %. the formulations also preferably include a stabilizer . preferred stabilizers are described in ep 428 , 342 . such stabilizers are non - acidic nitroso compounds , particularly n - nitrosoarylhydroxylamines and salts thereof . particularity suitable stabilizer compounds are the ammonium and aluminum salts of n - nitrosophenylhydroxylamine which may be usefully employed at levels between about 10 ppm and 2 %, preferably 10 - 5 , 000 ppm . as described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 208 , 281 , triiodide and other polyiodides are useful shelf - life stabilizers for thiol - ene formulations . the invention is illustrated by reference to the following non - limiting examples . dinorbornene resins were produced by dieis - alder cycloaddition of cyclopentadiene to ethoxylated bisphenol a . the same lot of acrylate starting material was used in both the control and the treated samples . resins were filtered at 50 ° c . through a course frit celite ® c bed after synthesis . the treated sample was mixed with 2 wt % magnesol ® polysorb 30 / 40 silicated magnesium oxide , stirred three hours at 45 ° c . and allowed to sit overnight . celite ® filter aid , 3 wt % was added , mixed for one hour at 45 ° c . and then the mixture filtered at 70 ° c . using a 1μ filter pad . the dinorbornene resins were then formulated into thiol - ene formulations using equivalent weights of pentaerythritol tetramercaptopropionate , 2 wt % darocure ® 1173 photoinitiator and 1000 ppm aluminum n - nitrosophenylhydroxylamine . samples of the formulations were then stored at room temperature and at 5 ° c . under nitrogen . viscosities of the formulations were taken at periodic intervals to ascertain their relative storage stability . results are given in table i . table i______________________________________ formulation viscositiesstorage interval ( cumulative change )( temperature ) example 1 control______________________________________ 0 7178 6864 7 days ( rt *) 7904 ( 10 %) 8024 ( 17 %) 28 days ( rt ) 8595 ( 20 %) 10441 ( 52 %) 90 days ( rt ) 8985 ( 25 %) 14728 ( 115 %) 180 days ( rt ) 10218 ( 42 %) 21627 ( 215 %) 180 days ( 5 ° c .) 7520 ( 5 %) 9809 ( 43 %) ______________________________________ * rt = room temperature ( approximately 21 ° c .). the procedure of example 1 was repeated using the same batch of norbornene resin for both control and treated samples . results are shown in table ii . table ii______________________________________ formulation viscositiesstorage interval ( cumulative change )( temperature ) example 2 control______________________________________ 0 7187 7204 7 days ( rt ) 8418 ( 17 %) 53520 ( 643 %) 28 days ( rt ) 9714 ( 36 %) 69865 ( 870 %) 90 days ( rt ) 14431 ( 101 %) 92660 ( 1186 %) 180 days ( rt ) 15302 ( 113 %) 104348 ( 1348 %) 180 days ( 5 ° c .) 8808 ( 23 %) 33213 ( 361 %) ______________________________________ analysis for selected ions in the norbornene resins used in this example gave the following results : untreated control : 11 . 8 ppm cl - ; & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm br - ; 6 . 4 ppm na + ; 1 . 5 ppm k + . treated resin : & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm cl - ; & lt ; 0 . 5 ppm br - ; & lt ; 1 ppm na + & lt ; 1 ppm k + . the treated norbornene resin used in example 2 was spiked with 7 . 2 ppm cl - , as nacl in a methanol solution using an equivalent weight of 18 - crown - 6 to assure transfer of the salt into the resin . the spiked resin was then formulated as per example ii . after 7 days , the viscosity of the formulation had increased 44 %, more than double the viscosity increase of the formulation made from the treated , unspiked resin . the procedure of example 2 was repeated except that the norbornene monomer used was hexanediol dinorbornene carboxylate and the viscosity was monitored for only seven days at room temperature . results are given in table iii . table iii______________________________________ formulation viscositiesstorage interval ( cumulative change )( temperature ) example 4 control______________________________________0 215 2107 days ( rt ) 330 ( 53 %) 917 ( 337 %) ______________________________________ treatment of triallyl - 1 , 3 , 5 - triazine - 2 , 4 , 6 ( 1h , 3h , 3h )- trione in the manner of example i gave a reduction of chloride content from 5 . 2 ppm to 0 . 2 ppm . the treatment did not affect storage stability of a thiol - ene formulation prepared from this resin but the reduction in chloride content was considered desirable for electrical insulating and corrosion resistance properties of the formulation . samples of the untreated dinorbornene resin used in example 2 were treated in the same manner as in that example except that the 2 wt % magnesol ® polysorb 30 / 40 and 3 wt % celite ® filter aid , respectively , were replaced with , 2 wt % basic aluminum oxide and 1 wt % celite ®; 2 wt % silica gel and 1 wt % celite ®; and 3 wt % magnesol ® polysorb 30 / 40 and no celite ®. hydrolyzable ion content was determined by ion chromatography on two trials for each sample and results are shown in table iv . table iv__________________________________________________________________________ potassiumsample treatment chloride ( ppm ) bromide ( ppm ) sodium ( ppm ) ( ppm ) __________________________________________________________________________none 9 . 8 none detected 7 . 5 1 . 7 11 . 7 none detected 9 . 3 2 . 02 wt % basic aluminum 0 . 1 none detected & lt ; 0 . 2 none detectedoxide and 1 wt % celite ® & lt ; 0 . 1 none detected & lt ; 0 . 2 none detected2 wt % silica gel and 1 0 . 1 none detected & lt ; 0 . 2 none detectedwt % celite ® 0 . 1 none detected & lt ; 0 . 2 none detected3 wt % magnesol ® & lt ; 0 . 1 none detected & lt ; 0 . 2 none detectedpolysorb 30 / 40 and no & lt ; 0 . 1 none detected & lt ; 0 . 2 none detectedcelite ® __________________________________________________________________________ estimated detection limits for bromide were 0 . 5 ppm and for potassium were 0 . 2 ppm .
| 2 |
a configuration of a dielectric filter according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below by referring to fig1 to 4 . in fig1 dielectric rods 1 and 2 are disposed orthogonally to each other and grooves 7 are provided at the intersection . a dielectric rod complex made up of such a plurality of dielectric rods combined is disposed in an outer conductive member 6 to form a dielectric resonator 10 . in fig1 there is also shown an external coupling element 5 . fig2 a shows an elevation and a right - hand side view of the external coupling element shown in fig1 which includes a first coupling portion 51 and a second coupling portion 52 . the first coupling portion 51 is connected to the central conductor of a signal input / output connector 4 at one end and the second coupling portion 52 is connected to the inner surface ( ground ) of the outer conductive member 6 at one end . the first coupling portion 51 and the second coupling portion 52 are continuous . the central conductor of the input / output connector 4 , the external coupling element 5 , and the outer conductive member 6 form a loop . since the first coupling portion 51 is disposed in parallel with the axial direction of the dielectric rod 1 and the second coupling portion 52 is disposed in parallel with the axial direction of the dielectric rod 2 , the first coupling portion 51 and the dielectric rod 1 are magnetically coupled and the second coupling portion 52 and the dielectric rod 2 are magnetically coupled . the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 is also coupled with the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 since the grooves 7 are formed at the intersection of the dielectric rod 1 and the dielectric rod 2 . the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 may be considered the first resonator in a multistage filter and the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 may be considered the second - stage resonator . on the other hand , the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 may also be the last resonator and in that case , the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 may be the resonator disposed one stage before . the conditions are the same in both cases . fig1 also shows instantaneous electric - field vectors at the same time generated in the external coupling element and the dielectric rods . when the electric - field vectors e1 and e2 generated in the dielectric rods 1 and 2 are in phase , the electric - field vectors eq1 and eq2 corresponding to the first coupling portion 51 and the second coupling portion 52 of the external coupling element 5 appear as shown in the figure and the sections are coupled with the corresponding dielectric rods in phase , respectively . fig2 b shows an elevation and a right - hand side view of another similar external coupling element , in which a step is formed between the portions 51 and 52 . in fig2 a and 2b , the outer conductive member or casing 6 is made from a metallic panel and the input / output connector 4 is mounted on the casing 6 . one end of the external coupling element 5 is soldered to the central conductor of the input / output connector 4 and the other end is soldered to the inner surface of the outer conductive member 6 . in the external coupling element shown in fig2 a , as the length l1 and the width w1 of the first coupling portion 51 and the height h1 from the outer conductive member 6 become larger , the coupling level with the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 shown in fig1 increases . as the length l2 of the second coupling portion 52 and the height h1 from the outer conductive member 6 become larger , the coupling level with the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 shown in fig1 increases . in this way , the coupling level between the external coupling element and the first ( or the last ) resonator and the coupling level between the external coupling element and the second ( or the stage immediately before the last stage ) resonator can be set independently . in the external coupling element shown in fig2 b , by forming a step between the portions 51 and 52 , the height h2 of the second coupling portion 52 is set lower than the height h1 of the first coupling portion 51 , so that the coupling level between the second coupling portion 52 and the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 shown in fig1 is set relatively low . in this way , the coupling level between the external coupling element and the first ( or the last ) resonator and the coupling level between the external coupling element and the second - stage ( or the stage immediately before the last stage ) resonator can be set independently , simply by changing h1 and / or h2 respectively . fig3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the dielectric filter shown in fig1 . when the coupling between the input / output coupling inductor generated by the external coupling element and the first ( or the last ) resonator is in phase with the coupling between the first ( or the last ) resonator and the second - stage ( or the stage immediately before the last stage ) resonator , the coupling between the input / output inductor and the second - stage ( or the stage immediately before the last stage ) resonator is also in phase due to the external coupling element configured as described above . with this configuration , an attenuation maximum is generated at the higher - frequency side of the transmission band as shown in fig4 . fig1 shows a single tm double - mode dielectric resonator . by arranging tm double - mode dielectric resonators having the same configuration and sequentially coupling specified resonators , a third - order or higher - order dielectric filter having three or more resonators can be configured . or , a dielectric filter including two resonators can be configured by providing , in addition to the input / output connector 4 and the external coupling element 5 , another external coupling element which couples with another input / output connector and with the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 in the configuration shown in fig1 . a configuration of a dielectric filter according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below by referring to fig5 to 7 . in fig5 dielectric rods 1 and 2 are disposed orthogonally to each other and grooves 7 are provided at the intersection , forming a dielectric rod complex , which is disposed in an outer conductive member 6 . in fig5 there is also shown an external coupling element 5 which includes a first coupling portion 51 and a second coupling portion 52 . the first coupling portion 51 is connected to the central conductor of a signal input / output connector 4 at one end and the second coupling portion 52 is connected to the inner surface ( ground ) of the outer conductive member 6 at one end . the first coupling portion 51 and the second coupling portion 52 are continuous . the central conductor of the input / output connector 4 , the external coupling element 5 , and the outer conductive member 6 form a loop . since the first coupling portion 51 is disposed in parallel with the axial direction of the dielectric rod 1 and the second coupling portion 52 is disposed in parallel with the axial direction of the dielectric rod 2 , the first coupling portion 51 and the dielectric rod 1 are magnetically coupled and the second coupling portion 52 and the dielectric rod 2 are magnetically coupled . the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 is coupled with the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 since the grooves 7 are formed at the intersection of the dielectric rod 1 and the dielectric rod 2 . the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 will be considered to be the first resonator and the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 will be considered the second - stage resonator . fig5 shows instantaneous electric - field vectors at the same time generated in the external coupling element and the dielectric rods . when the electric - field vectors e1 and e2 generated in the dielectric rods 1 and 2 are in phase , the electric - field vectors eq1 and eq2 corresponding to the first coupling portion 51 and the second coupling portion 52 of the external coupling element 5 appear as shown in the figure . the dielectric rod 1 is coupled with the first coupling portion 51 in phase and the dielectric rod 2 is coupled with the second coupling portion 52 in reverse phase . fig6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the dielectric filter shown in fig5 . when the coupling between the input / output coupling inductor generated by the external coupling element and the first resonator is in phase with the coupling between the first resonator and the next - stage resonator , the coupling between the input / output inductor and the next - stage ( the second - stage ) resonator is in reverse phase due to the external coupling element configured as described above . with this configuration , an attenuation maximum is generated at the lower - frequency side of the transmission band as shown in fig7 . in fig8 a , a second coupling portion 52 is provided near the central conductor of the input / output connector 4 and a first coupling portion 51 is connected to the inner surface of the outer conductor at one end . when this external coupling element 5 is substituted for the external coupling element shown in fig1 the same characteristics as those of the dielectric filter shown in the first embodiment are obtained . in fig8 b , instead of using a metallic plate , a rod - or wire - shaped metallic member is bent to form a first coupling portion 51 and a second coupling portion 52 . in fig8 c , a rod - or wire - shaped metallic member is used in the same way . one end of a first coupling portion 51 is connected to the central conductor of the input / output connector 4 , and one end of a second coupling portion 52 is connected to the inner surface of the outer conductor . in fig8 d and 8e , a first coupling portion 51 is connected to the central conductor of the input / output connector 4 at one end , and is connected to the inner surface of the outer conductor at the other end . in addition , a second coupling portion 52 protrudes from the first coupling portion 51 toward a side and is connected to the inner surface of the outer conductor at one end . in fig8 f , one end of a first coupling portion 51 is connected to the central conductor of the input / output connector 4 , and a second coupling portion 52 protruding from the other end of the first coupling portion 51 toward a side is connected to the inner surface of the outer conductor at one end . when such an external coupling element is used in the configuration shown in fig1 the first coupling portion 51 is coupled with the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 , and the second coupling portion 52 is coupled with the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 . in fig8 g , 8h , and 8i , one end of a first coupling portion 51 is connected to the central conductor of the input / output connector 4 and the other end is connected to the inner surface of the outer conductor . toward a side of the first coupling portion 51 , a second coupling portion 52 protrudes , and one end of the second coupling portion 52 is left open . fig9 a is a perspective view , fig9 b is an elevation and right - hand side view showing a fourth embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , the external coupling element 5 does not have a distinct first coupling portion and second coupling portion , as described above . rather , the whole loop formed by the external coupling element and the outer conductor is slanted . when this external coupling element is substituted for the external coupling element shown in fig1 the device is coupled with both the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 and the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 . the coupling levels between the external coupling element 5 and the two resonators change according to the slant angle θ shown in fig9 b of the external coupling element 5 . in other words , when angle θ decreases , the coupling level between the external coupling element and the first resonator ( dielectric rod 1 ) increases and the coupling level between the external coupling element and the next - stage resonator ( dielectric rod 2 ) decreases . in contrast , when angle θ increases , up to 90 degrees , the coupling level between the external coupling element and the first resonator decreases and the coupling level between the external coupling element and the next - stage resonator increases . as the length l1 , the width w1 , and the height h1 of the external coupling element become larger , the coupling level between the external coupling element and the first resonator and the coupling level between the external coupling element and the next - stage resonator become larger . in this configuration , the coupling level between the external coupling element and the first resonator and the coupling level between the external coupling element and the next - stage resonator cannot be independently specified . by taking these relationships into consideration , the dimensions of each section and the mounting angle need to be specified . fig1 shows a configuration of an external coupling element used for a dielectric filter according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention . a rod - or wire - shaped metallic member is used to form an external coupling element , instead of a metallic plate . the other configurations are the same as those used in fig9 a . therefore , also in this case , by specifying the slant angle θ , the length l1 , and the height h1 of the external coupling element 5 , the coupling level between the external coupling element and the first ( or the last ) resonator and the coupling level between the external coupling element and the next - stage ( or the stage immediately before the last ) resonator are specified . a configuration of a dielectric filter according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below by referring to fig1 and 12 . fig1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the main section of a dielectric filter . in the figure , there are shown dielectric rods 1 , 2 , and 3 disposed orthogonally to each other and grooves 7 provided at the intersections . a dielectric rod complex made up of such a plurality of dielectric rods is disposed in an outer conductive member 6 . in fig1 , there is also shown an external coupling element 5 which includes a first coupling portion 51 and a second coupling portion 52 . the first coupling portion 51 is connected to the central conductor of a signal input / output connector 4 at one end and the second coupling portion 52 is connected to the inner surface ( ground ) of the outer conductive member 6 at one end . the first coupling portion 51 and the second coupling portion 52 are continuous . the central conductor of the input / output connector 4 , the external coupling element 5 , and the outer conductive member 6 form a loop . since the first coupling portion 51 is disposed in parallel with the axial direction of the dielectric rod 1 and the second coupling portion 52 is disposed in parallel with the axial direction of the dielectric rod 2 , the first coupling portion 51 and the dielectric rod 1 are magnetically coupled and the second coupling portion 52 and the dielectric rod 2 are magnetically coupled . the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 3 is not coupled with the first coupling portion 51 or the second coupling portion 52 . the resonator made up of the dielectric rod is coupled with the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 since the grooves 7 are formed at the intersection of the dielectric rod 1 and the dielectric rod 2 . since the grooves 7 are also formed at the intersection of the dielectric rod 2 and the dielectric rod 3 , the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 3 is coupled with the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 . therefore , the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 1 serves as the first resonator , the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 2 serves as the second - stage resonator , and the resonator made up of the dielectric rod 3 serves as the third - stage resonator . fig1 shows instantaneous electric - field vectors at the same time generated in the external coupling element and the dielectric rods . when the electric - field vectors e1 and e2 generated in the dielectric rods 1 and 2 are in phase , the electric - field vectors eq1 and eq2 corresponding to the first coupling portion 51 and the second coupling portion 52 of the external coupling element 5 appear as shown in the figure and the sections are coupled with the dielectric rods 1 and 2 in phase . fig1 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the dielectric filter shown in fig1 . when the coupling between the input / output coupling inductor generated by the external coupling element and the first resonator is in phase with the coupling between the first resonator and the next - stage resonator , the coupling between the input / output inductor and the next - stage ( the second - stage ) resonator is also in phase due to the external coupling element configured as described above . with this configuration , an attenuation maximum is generated at the higher - frequency side of the transmission band as shown in fig4 . a configuration of an antenna duplexer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below by referring to fig1 to 19 . fig1 is a perspective view showing components of an antenna duplexer , other components not being shown in this view . in fig1 , there are shown casings 15a , 15b , 15c , and 15d which are connected to form a unit with cross - shaped dielectric rod complexes disposed inside and which have outer conductors formed at the outer surfaces . coupling windows 61a and 61b are formed at surfaces opposing each other of the cavities 15a and 15b . in the same way , coupling windows 61c and 61d are formed at surfaces opposing each other of the cavities 15c and 15d . four tm double - mode dielectric resonators 10a , 10b , 10c , and 10d are arranged in this way . as will be described later , metallic panels to which external coupling elements are mounted are placed at the upper and lower surfaces of the cavities 15a , 15b , 15c , and 15d and are soldered through grounding plates . fig1 is a plan view showing the components illustrated in fig1 . the relationship between dielectric rods and external coupling elements , which are shown in phantom in the figure . external coupling elements 5a and 5d and a coupling device 8 for connection to the antenna are mounted to the upper metallic panel . fig1 a and 15b are cross sections of an assembled antenna duplexer . fig1 a is a cross section taken on a line passing through the coupling device 8 for connection to the antenna , and fig1 b is a cross section taken on a line passing through the external coupling elements 5a , 5d . in fig1 a and 15b , there is shown an upper metallic panel 16 and a lower metallic panel 17 . an input / output connector 4bc serving as an antenna terminal , an input / output connector 4a serving as a tx - in terminal , and an input / output connector 4d serving as an rx - out terminal are mounted to the upper metallic panel 16 . at the inner surface of the upper metallic panel 16 , the coupling device 8 at the antenna side and the external coupling elements 5a and 5d are mounted . fig1 a is a plan view and fig1 b is a bottom view showing a configuration of the coupling device 8 . coupling loops 81 and 82 form loops together with the central conductor 41 of the input / output connector and the upper metallic panel 16 . the tip of the central conductor 41 of the input / output connector is threaded and the coupling loops 81 and 82 are secured to the tip with a nut 42 . as clearly understood from fig1 to 16b , the coupling loop 81 is magnetically coupled with the dielectric rod 1b of the dielectric resonator 10b , and the coupling loop 82 is magnetically coupled with the dielectric rod 1c of the dielectric resonator 10c . as shown in fig1 b , phase - adjustment electrodes 9 generate the specified capacitance with the upper metallic panel 16 to adjust the phases of the signals induced by the coupling loops 81 and 82 . fig1 a is an elevation , fig1 b is a left - hand side view , and fig1 c is a bottom view showing a configuration of the external coupling elements 5a and 5d shown in fig1 a and 15b . since the devices have substantially the same shapes , only one of them is shown in fig1 a - 17c . as shown , an external coupling element mainly includes a first coupling portion 51 and a second coupling portion 52 . one end of the first coupling portion 51 is connected and secured with a nut 42 to the central conductor of the input / output connector protruding from the upper metallic panel 16 , and one end of the second coupling portion 52 is soldered to the upper metallic panel 16 . by providing two of such external coupling elements 5a and 5d , the dielectric rod 1a of the dielectric resonator 10a and the first coupling portion 51a are magnetically coupled , and the dielectric rod 2a and the second coupling portion 52a are magnetically coupled , all of these elements being shown in fig1 . in addition , the dielectric rod 1d of the dielectric resonator 10d and the first coupling portion 51d are magnetically coupled , and the dielectric rod 2d and the second coupling portion 52d are magnetically coupled . as shown in fig1 , since a groove 7a is formed at the intersection of the dielectric rods 1a and 2a in the dielectric resonator 10a , when the instantaneous electric - field vectors in phase generated by the two resonators made up of the dielectric rods 1a and 2a are shown by hollow arrows in fig1 , the coupling between the first coupling portion 51a and the dielectric rod 1a is in phase and the coupling between the second coupling portion 52a and the dielectric rod 2a is in reverse phase as shown by the solid arrows . since a groove 7d is formed at the intersection of the dielectric rods 1d and 2d in the dielectric resonator 10d , when the instantaneous electric - field vectors in phase generated by the two resonators made up of the dielectric rods 1d and 2d are shown by hollow arrows in fig1 , the coupling between the first coupling portion 51d and the dielectric rod 1d is in phase and the coupling between the second coupling portion 52d and the dielectric rod 2d is in reverse phase as shown by the solid arrows . fig1 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the antenna duplexer . fig1 shows the characteristics of a transmission filter and a receiving filter . as shown in fig1 , since the coupling between the tx - in input / output coupling inductor and the second - stage resonator is in reverse phase , an attenuation maximum is generated at the lower - frequency side of the transmission band as shown in fig1 a . with this attenuation maximum , signal components in the receiving band are more steeply cut . since the coupling between the rx - out input / output coupling inductor and the resonator at the stage immediately before the last stage is in phase , an attenuation maximum is generated at the higher - frequency side of the transmission band as shown in fig1 b . with this attenuation maximum , transmission - signal components are steeply cut . fig2 a shows an equivalent circuit diagram of a dielectric filter according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention . in the above described embodiments , an external coupling element is provided which is magnetically coupled with both of the first and the next - stage resonators , or an external coupling element is provided which is magnetically coupled with both resonators disposed at the last stage and the stage immediately before the last stage . in fig2 a , there are a first external coupling element which is magnetically coupled with both of the first and the next - stage resonators , and a second external coupling element which is magnetically coupled with the resonators disposed at both the last stage and the stage immediately before the last stage . an external coupling element of the type shown in fig1 or fig5 is provided for the dielectric resonator including the first resonator and the dielectric resonator including the last resonator . fig2 a is an equivalent circuit diagram of the dielectric filter and fig2 b to 20e show the characteristics of the filter . when the coupling indicated in fig2 a by i and the coupling indicated by o are set to be in phase ( indicated by +), two attenuation maximums are generated at the higher - frequency side of the transmission band as shown in fig2 b . when the coupling indicated in fig2 a by i and the coupling indicated by o are set to be in reverse phase ( indicated by -), two attenuation maximums are generated at the lower - frequency side of the transmission band as shown in fig2 e . when the coupling i and the coupling o are respectively set to be + and -, or - and +, an attenuation maximum is generated at each of the lower - frequency side and the higher - frequency side of the transmission band as shown in fig2 c and 20d . although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof , many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art . the present invention is not limited by the specific disclosure herein .
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a vehicle vision system and / or driver assist system and / or object detection system and / or alert system operates to capture images exterior of the vehicle and may process the captured image data to display images and to detect objects at or near the vehicle and in the predicted path of the vehicle , such as to assist a driver of the vehicle in maneuvering the vehicle in a forward ( or rearward ) direction . front facing vehicular cameras include optical elements that constitute the camera . these elements are typically mounted in a vehicular camera housing , such as a windshield electronics module housing or the like , such as shown in fig1 and 2 ( and such as a housing that utilizes aspects of the vision systems described in u . s . pat . nos . 7 , 526 , 103 ; 7 , 480 , 149 ; 7 , 188 , 963 ; 6 , 824 , 281 ; 6 , 341 , 523 ; 6 , 250 , 148 ; 6 , 516 , 664 and / or 6 , 968 , 736 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties ). as can be seen with reference to fig1 and 2 , the housing may extend forward of the camera lens aperture and includes a stray light cone or shroud which serves to insulate the camera lens aperture from stray light that arises from reflections off the dashboard and / or windshield . such housings are typically relatively bulky compared to the optical elements of the camera and thus the housing may occupy a considerable amount of windshield real estate or space . it thus may be desirable to eliminate the housing , or at least minimize the extent of the camera housing , so as to free up space on the windshield . this would not only provide better aesthetics , but also increased visibility through the windshield for the driver of the vehicle . as shown in fig3 , the present invention proposes to eliminate the stray light cone or shroud and minimize the camera housing so that the housing only contains the optical elements of the camera and any necessary interfacing elements . at the very least , the present invention seeks to eliminate the stray light cone or shroud so that there is a minimum of the camera housing projecting forward of the camera lens aperture . instead of a stray light cone or shroud , the camera or vision system 10 of the present invention includes a camera 12 , with an angular filter 14 placed on or near the windshield 16 forward of the camera 12 and the camera lens aperture ( and not part of or incorporated in a camera housing of a windshield electronics module or the like ). the angular filter 14 comprises a transparent ( or substantially transparent or light transmitting ) or see - through film , which limits or substantially precludes reflection of light through an angular range corresponding to the stray light that would otherwise impinge the camera lens aperture . the angular filter 14 may comprise any suitable materials . for example , a suitable film material may be found on the likes of computer notebook screens and other types of display monitors and are commercially available from the 3m company and other suppliers . in some embodiments , the filter may be placed directly on the windshield , and in other embodiments ( and such as shown in fig3 ) the filter may be spaced apart from the windshield surface on a plane just below the camera lens aperture , in which case the filter may be mounted on a transparent substrate ( not shown ) or the like . optionally , the filter may be provided in the form of anti - reflective coating on the windshield , which acts to prevent reflections from the windshield . with the proposed structure , the designer of the camera system or vision system is afforded a great deal of design flexibility . in particular , and as can be seen with reference to fig3 , it will be appreciated that the printed circuit board 18 and other electronic components may be housed and disposed rearward of the camera optical elements and placed higher up on or along or near the windshield or even hidden all together under the vehicle roof liner . optionally , and as shown in fig3 , a flexible coupling 20 may also be provided between the small camera 12 and the printed circuit board 18 . with such a flexible coupling ( which electrically connects circuitry of the circuit board with circuitry of the camera to power and / or control the camera and to receive image data from the camera ), the present invention may provide a universal or substantially universal solution to many vehicles which may all have different windshield rake angles . for example , and as can be seen with reference to fig3 , the flexible coupling 20 may flex to allow the camera 12 to be arranged generally horizontally when the circuit board 18 is mounted along ( and generally parallel to ) the windshield 16 , such as , for example , along a windshield that has a rake angle of about 20 degrees , and the flexible coupling 20 may be adjusted or flexed to allow the camera 12 to be arranged generally horizontally when the circuit board 18 is mounted along a different windshield 16 ′, such as , for example , along a windshield that has a rake angle of about 40 degrees . the flexible electrical connector thus flexes to allow a viewing angle of the camera to be adjusted relative to a mounting angle of the circuit board , depending on the particular vehicle application of the camera system . thus , a common camera assembly or system 10 may be provided that may readily be adapted or configured for application to vehicles with different windshield angles ( with the flexible coupling or flex connection allowing for adjustment of the angular tilt or relative angles between the camera and lens axis and the circuit board ), without requiring additional mounting bracketry and the like to adapt the assembly to the particular vehicle . the camera or sensor may comprise any suitable camera or sensor . optionally , the camera may comprise a “ smart camera ” that includes the imaging sensor array and associated circuitry and image processing circuitry and electrical connectors and the like as part of a camera module , such as by utilizing aspects of the vision systems described in u . s . provisional application ser . no . 61 / 565 , 713 , filed dec . 1 , 2011 ; and / or ser . no . 61 / 563 , 965 , filed nov . 28 , 2011 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . the vehicle may include any type of sensor or sensors , such as imaging sensors or radar sensors or lidar sensors or ultrasonic sensors or the like . the imaging sensor or camera may capture image data for image processing and may comprise any suitable camera or sensing device , such as , for example , an array of a plurality of photosensor elements arranged in 640 columns and 480 rows ( a 640 × 480 imaging array ), with a respective lens focusing images onto respective portions of the array . the photosensor array may comprise a plurality of photosensor elements arranged in a photosensor array having rows and columns . the logic and control circuit of the imaging sensor may function in any known manner , such as in the manner described in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 550 , 677 ; 5 , 877 , 897 ; 6 , 498 , 620 ; 5 , 670 , 935 ; 5 , 796 , 094 and / or 6 , 396 , 397 , and / or u . s . provisional applications , ser . no . 61 / 615 , 410 , filed mar . 26 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 613 , 651 , filed 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 607 , 229 , filed mar . 6 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 605 , 409 , filed mar . 1 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 602 , 878 , filed feb . 24 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 602 , 876 , filed feb . 24 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 600 , 205 , filed feb . 17 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 588 , 833 , filed jan . 20 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 583 , 381 , filed jan . 5 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 579 , 682 , filed dec . 23 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 570 , 017 , filed dec . 13 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 568 , 791 , filed dec . 9 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 567 , 446 , filed dec . 6 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 559 , 970 , filed nov . 15 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 552 , 167 , filed oct . 27 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 540 , 256 , filed sep . 28 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 513 , 745 , filed aug . 1 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 511 , 738 , filed jul . 26 , 2011 ; and / or ser . no . 61 / 503 , 098 , filed jun . 30 , 2011 , which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . the system may communicate with other communication systems via any suitable means , such as by utilizing aspects of the systems described in pct application no . pct / us10 / 038477 , filed jun . 14 , 2010 , and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 13 / 202 , 005 , filed aug . 17 , 2011 , now u . s . pat . no . 9 , 126 , 525 , and / or u . s . provisional applications , ser . no . 61 / 567 , 150 , filed dec . 6 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 565 , 713 , filed dec . 1 , 2011 ; and / or ser . no . 61 / 537 , 279 , filed sep . 21 , 2011 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . the imaging device and control and image processor and any associated illumination source , if applicable , may comprise any suitable components , and may utilize aspects of the cameras and vision systems described in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 550 , 677 ; 5 , 877 , 897 ; 6 , 498 , 620 ; 5 , 670 , 935 ; 5 , 796 , 094 ; 6 , 396 , 397 ; 6 , 806 , 452 ; 6 , 690 , 268 ; 7 , 005 , 974 ; 7 , 937 , 667 ; 7 , 123 , 168 ; 7 , 004 , 606 ; 6 , 946 , 978 ; 7 , 038 , 577 ; 6 , 353 , 392 ; 6 , 320 , 176 ; 6 , 313 , 454 and 6 , 824 , 281 , and / or international publication no . wo 2010 / 099416 , published sep . 2 , 2010 , and / or pct application no . pct / us10 / 47256 , filed aug . 31 , 2010 , and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 12 / 508 , 840 , filed jul . 24 , 2009 , and published jan . 28 , 2010 as u . s . pat . publication no . us 2010 - 0020170 ; and / or u . s . provisional applications , ser . no . 61 / 511 , 738 , filed jul . 26 , 2011 ; and / or ser . no . 61 / 503 , 098 , filed jun . 30 , 2011 , which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . the camera or cameras may comprise any suitable cameras or imaging sensors or camera modules , and may utilize aspects of the cameras or sensors described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 12 / 091 , 359 , filed apr . 24 , 2008 ; and / or ser . no . 13 / 260 , 400 , filed sep . 26 , 2011 , and / or u . s . pat . nos . 7 , 965 , 336 and / or 7 , 480 , 149 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . the imaging array sensor may comprise any suitable sensor , and may utilize various imaging sensors or imaging array sensors or cameras or the like , such as a cmos imaging array sensor , a ccd sensor or other sensors or the like , such as the types described in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 550 , 677 ; 5 , 670 , 935 ; 5 , 760 , 962 ; 5 , 715 , 093 ; 5 , 877 , 897 ; 6 , 922 , 292 ; 6 , 757 , 109 ; 6 , 717 , 610 ; 6 , 590 , 719 ; 6 , 201 , 642 ; 6 , 498 , 620 ; 5 , 796 , 094 ; 6 , 097 , 023 ; 6 , 320 , 176 ; 6 , 559 , 435 ; 6 , 831 , 261 ; 6 , 806 , 452 ; 6 , 396 , 397 ; 6 , 822 , 563 ; 6 , 946 , 978 ; 7 , 339 , 149 ; 7 , 038 , 577 ; 7 , 004 , 606 and / or 7 , 720 , 580 , and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 534 , 632 , filed may 11 , 2005 , now u . s . pat . no . 7 , 965 , 336 ; and / or pct application no . pct / us2008 / 076022 , filed sep . 11 , 2008 and published mar . 19 , 2009 as international publication no . wo / 2009 / 036176 , and / or pct application no . pct / us2008 / 078700 , filed oct . 3 , 2008 and published apr . 9 , 2009 as international publication no . wo / 2009 / 046268 , which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . the camera module and circuit chip or board and imaging sensor may be implemented and operated in connection with various vehicular vision - based systems , and / or may be operable utilizing the principles of such other vehicular systems , such as a vehicle headlamp control system , such as the type disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 796 , 094 ; 6 , 097 , 023 ; 6 , 320 , 176 ; 6 , 559 , 435 ; 6 , 831 , 261 ; 7 , 004 , 606 ; 7 , 339 , 149 and / or 7 , 526 , 103 , which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties , a rain sensor , such as the types disclosed in commonly assigned u . s . pat . nos . 6 , 353 , 392 ; 6 , 313 , 454 ; 6 , 320 , 176 and / or 7 , 480 , 149 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties , a vehicle vision system , such as a forwardly , sidewardly or rearwardly directed vehicle vision system utilizing principles disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 550 , 677 ; 5 , 670 , 935 ; 5 , 760 , 962 ; 5 , 877 , 897 ; 5 , 949 , 331 ; 6 , 222 , 447 ; 6 , 302 , 545 ; 6 , 396 , 397 ; 6 , 498 , 620 ; 6 , 523 , 964 ; 6 , 611 , 202 ; 6 , 201 , 642 ; 6 , 690 , 268 ; 6 , 717 , 610 ; 6 , 757 , 109 ; 6 , 802 , 617 ; 6 , 806 , 452 ; 6 , 822 , 563 ; 6 , 891 , 563 ; 6 , 946 , 978 and / or 7 , 859 , 565 , which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties , a trailer hitching aid or tow check system , such as the type disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 005 , 974 , which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety , a reverse or sideward imaging system , such as for a lane change assistance system or lane departure warning system or for a blind spot or object detection system , such as imaging or detection systems of the types disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 7 , 720 , 580 ; 7 , 038 , 577 ; 5 , 929 , 786 and / or 5 , 786 , 772 , and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 11 / 239 , 980 , filed sep . 30 , 2005 , now u . s . pat . no . 7 , 881 , 496 , and / or u . s . provisional applications , ser . no . 60 / 628 , 709 , filed nov . 17 , 2004 ; ser . no . 60 / 614 , 644 , filed sep . 30 , 2004 ; ser . no . 60 / 618 , 686 , filed oct . 14 , 2004 ; ser . no . 60 / 638 , 687 , filed dec . 23 , 2004 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties , a video device for internal cabin surveillance and / or video telephone function , such as disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 760 , 962 ; 5 , 877 , 897 ; 6 , 690 , 268 and / or 7 , 370 , 983 , and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 538 , 724 , filed jun . 13 , 2005 and published mar . 9 , 2006 as u . s . publication no . us - 2006 - 0050018 - a1 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties , a traffic sign recognition system , a system for determining a distance to a leading or trailing vehicle or object , such as a system utilizing the principles disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 6 , 396 , 397 and / or 7 , 123 , 168 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties , and / or the like . optionally , the circuit board or chip may include circuitry for the imaging array sensor and or other electronic accessories or features , such as by utilizing compass - on - a - chip or ec driver - on - a - chip technology and aspects such as described in u . s . pat . no . 7 , 255 , 451 and / or u . s . pat . no . 7 , 480 , 149 ; and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 11 / 226 , 628 , filed sep . 14 , 2005 and published mar . 23 , 2006 as u . s . publication no . us - 2006 - 0061008 , and / or ser . no . 12 / 578 , 732 , filed oct . 14 , 2009 and published apr . 22 , 2010 as u . s . publication no . us - 2010 - 0097469 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . optionally , the vision system may include a display for displaying images captured by one or more of the imaging sensors for viewing by the driver of the vehicle while the driver is normally operating the vehicle . optionally , for example , the vision system may include a video display device disposed at or in the interior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle , such as by utilizing aspects of the video mirror display systems described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 690 , 268 and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 13 / 333 , 337 , filed dec . 21 , 2011 , now u . s . pat . no . 9 , 264 , 672 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . the video mirror display may comprise any suitable devices and systems and optionally may utilize aspects of the compass display systems described in u . s . pat . nos . 7 , 370 , 983 ; 7 , 329 , 013 ; 7 , 308 , 341 ; 7 , 289 , 037 ; 7 , 249 , 860 ; 7 , 004 , 593 ; 4 , 546 , 551 ; 5 , 699 , 044 ; 4 , 953 , 305 ; 5 , 576 , 687 ; 5 , 632 , 092 ; 5 , 677 , 851 ; 5 , 708 , 410 ; 5 , 737 , 226 ; 5 , 802 , 727 ; 5 , 878 , 370 ; 6 , 087 , 953 ; 6 , 173 , 508 ; 6 , 222 , 460 ; 6 , 513 , 252 and / or 6 , 642 , 851 , and / or european patent application , published oct . 11 , 2000 under publication no . ep 0 1043566 , and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 11 / 226 , 628 , filed sep . 14 , 2005 and published mar . 23 , 2006 as u . s . publication no . us - 2006 - 0061008 , which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . optionally , the video mirror display screen or device may be operable to display images captured by a rearward viewing camera of the vehicle during a reversing maneuver of the vehicle ( such as responsive to the vehicle gear actuator being placed in a reverse gear position or the like ) to assist the driver in backing up the vehicle , and optionally may be operable to display the compass heading or directional heading character or icon when the vehicle is not undertaking a reversing maneuver , such as when the vehicle is being driven in a forward direction along a road ( such as by utilizing aspects of the display system described in pct application no . pct / us2011 / 056295 , filed oct . 14 , 2011 and published apr . 19 , 2012 as international publication no . wo 2012 / 051500 , which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety ). optionally , the vision system ( utilizing a forward and / or rearward facing camera and other cameras disposed at the vehicle with exterior fields of view ) and / or the camera or cameras as part of a vehicle vision system comprising or utilizing a plurality of cameras ( such as utilizing a rearward facing camera and sidewardly facing cameras and a forwardly facing camera disposed at the vehicle ), may provide a display of a top - down view or birds - eye view of the vehicle or a surround view at the vehicle , such as by utilizing aspects of the vision systems described in pct application no . pct / us10 / 25545 , filed feb . 26 , 2010 and published on sep . 2 , 2010 as international publication no . wo 2010 / 099416 , and / or pct application no . pct / us10 / 47256 , filed aug . 31 , 2010 and published mar . 10 , 2011 as international publication no . wo 2011 / 028686 , and / or pct application no . pct / us11 / 62834 , filed dec . 1 , 2011 and published jun . 7 , 2012 as international publication no . wo 2012 - 075250 , and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 13 / 333 , 337 , filed dec . 21 , 2011 , now u . s . pat . no . 9 , 264 , 672 , and / or u . s . provisional applications , ser . no . 61 / 615 , 410 , filed mar . 26 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 588 , 833 , filed jan . 20 , 2012 ; ser . no . 61 / 570 , 017 , filed dec . 13 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 568 , 791 , filed dec . 9 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 559 , 970 , filed nov . 15 , 2011 ; ser . no . 61 / 540 , 256 , filed sep . 28 , 2011 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . optionally , the video mirror display may be disposed rearward of and behind the reflective element assembly and may comprise a display such as the types disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 530 , 240 ; 6 , 329 , 925 ; 7 , 855 , 755 ; 7 , 626 , 749 ; 7 , 581 , 859 ; 7 , 446 , 650 ; 7 , 370 , 983 ; 7 , 338 , 177 ; 7 , 274 , 501 ; 7 , 255 , 451 ; 7 , 195 , 381 ; 7 , 184 , 190 ; 5 , 668 , 663 ; 5 , 724 , 187 and / or 6 , 690 , 268 , and / or in u . s . patent application ser . no . 12 / 091 , 525 , filed apr . 25 , 2008 , now u . s . pat . no . 7 , 855 , 755 ; ser . no . 11 / 226 , 628 , filed sep . 14 , 2005 and published mar . 23 , 2006 as u . s . publication no . us - 2006 - 0061008 ; and / or ser . no . 10 / 538 , 724 , filed jun . 13 , 2005 and published mar . 9 , 2006 as u . s . publication no . us - 2006 - 0050018 , which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . the display is viewable through the reflective element when the display is activated to display information . the display element may be any type of display element , such as a vacuum fluorescent ( vf ) display element , a light emitting diode ( led ) display element , such as an organic light emitting diode ( oled ) or an inorganic light emitting diode , an electroluminescent ( el ) display element , a liquid crystal display ( lcd ) element , a video screen display element or backlit thin film transistor ( tft ) display element or the like , and may be operable to display various information ( as discrete characters , icons or the like , or in a multi - pixel manner ) to the driver of the vehicle , such as passenger side inflatable restraint ( psir ) information , tire pressure status , and / or the like . the mirror assembly and / or display may utilize aspects described in u . s . pat . nos . 7 , 184 , 190 ; 7 , 255 , 451 ; 7 , 446 , 924 and / or 7 , 338 , 177 , which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . the thicknesses and materials of the coatings on the substrates of the reflective element may be selected to provide a desired color or tint to the mirror reflective element , such as a blue colored reflector , such as is known in the art and such as described in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 910 , 854 ; 6 , 420 , 036 and / or 7 , 274 , 501 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . optionally , the display or displays and any associated user inputs may be associated with various accessories or systems , such as , for example , a tire pressure monitoring system or a passenger air bag status or a garage door opening system or a telematics system or any other accessory or system of the mirror assembly or of the vehicle or of an accessory module or console of the vehicle , such as an accessory module or console of the types described in u . s . pat . nos . 7 , 289 , 037 ; 6 , 877 , 888 ; 6 , 824 , 281 ; 6 , 690 , 268 ; 6 , 672 , 744 ; 6 , 386 , 742 and 6 , 124 , 886 , and / or u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 538 , 724 , filed jun . 13 , 2005 and published mar . 9 , 2006 as u . s . publication no . us - 2006 - 0050018 , which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties . changes and modifications to the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention , which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law .
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embodiments of the invention will now be described , by way of example , not limitation . it is to be understood that the invention is of broad utility and may be used in many different contexts . the example of a search process as described herein below can be modelled by a searcher presenting to a search system a query and receiving a response ( search results ) indicating the one or more “ hits ” found . a query can be in the form of a search query string comprising one or more tokens delimited by delimiters or parsing rules . in addition to varying a search based on variations of the search query string , context might be also taken into account . for example , the querier might have previously set constraints on the search , such as to return only age - appropriate hits , prior searches might be taken into account , and a querier identity ( such as the yahoo ! id currently associated with the web browser client submitting the search query string ) and settings set by the user . other contexts might be the time of day , the computer being used , the location of the computer ( e . g ., ip address , physical location , etc .). the response need not be limited to search results . for example , a searcher might transmit a query and receive a web page in response that includes sponsored search results , search results independent of sponsorship , directory listings , alternative corpus search results , advertisements , links and possibly other elements . one or more of such elements might be dependent on the query and / or search results , but some elements might be independent of the query and search results . for example , a searcher might enter a query string q and receive in response a web page containing some hits corresponding to q from one search database , hits corresponding to q from another search database , presentations corresponding to q , advertising corresponding to q , advertising that is independent of q , page elements that are independent of q ( such as a greeting specific to the user , page elements that always appear on each results page , etc .). when a query is received by a search system , the search system processes the search and returns one or more “ hits ”, where a “ hit ” is the atomic unit handled by the search system . likewise , a presentation system processes the search and returns one or more hits . the search system and presentation system can be the same system , different systems , distinct instances of similar systems using different corpuses , etc . for example , a querying system might include a search system that takes in a query and returns a set of hits that correspond to elements in a search corpus deemed to satisfy the query based on content of the query and those elements , and the querying system might also include a presentation system that takes in a query and returns a set of hits that correspond to presentations selected from a set of presentations ( such as a presentations database ) that are selected based on some presentation criteria or rules . one example of presentation criteria would have the presentations associated with elements of the query , possibly independent of the content of the presentation , such that a presentation is likely to be returned as part of the response when the query contains a particular term . the search system corpus can be free - form text , files , database records , web pages , data object or the like . where the search corpus is a structured database , the hits are records from the structured database . where the search system manages documents , such as text documents , image and text documents , image documents , html documents , pdf documents , or the like , the hits are documents . it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular atomic unit , but by way of example , much of this disclosure describes searching using the document as the atomic unit . in general terms , a query is sent to a query system , which applies the query and / or other contexts to one or more systems and receives responses of one or more hits ( or no hits , in some cases ), back from those systems and supplies that collection of responses ( or less than all of the responses if too many responses are provided ) to the querier as a response to the query . in some cases , the returned hits are a function of the content of those hits , but in other cases the returned hits might be independent of the content of those hits . as an example of the latter , advertisements might be returned because the system rules are that a particular advertisement is to be returned in response to particular query terms even if the advertisement does not contain the query term . of course , with targeted advertising , an advertiser will generally want to limit the presentation of a particular advertisement to users that have an interest in what is being advertised and that is often determined from the user &# 39 ; s intent for a search as evidenced by the query string presented . it should be understood that the search system need not provide all hits or only hits that match the query and that a presentation system need not provide all hits that match presentation rules . for example , the search system might limit the number of hits returned to some number , might apply other limitations to the query term , such as omitting hits that match the query , ignore duplicate hits , etc . the search system might also expand the search results to include hits that almost match the query , hits that are designated to be included in searches , such as special topic hits , advertising hits , etc . some expansion or contraction might be dependent on the size or content of the search results prior to such expansion or contraction . for example , the search engine might add hits that are close if no hits would otherwise be returned and might remove hits if too many hits would have been returned , such as by deleting common words from queries prior to completing the search results . a searcher can be a human user , such as a person typing in search terms into a browser window to query a search engine via the web , but can also be an automated process , such as a computer program capable of sending queries to search engines in the form expected by the search engine . for example , a computer program might generate queries and form http messages directed at a web server coupled to a search engine . in many of the examples shown herein , the search engine searches among a set of documents ( a corpus ) for hits that match the criteria defined by the query . it should be understood that the term “ document ” is generally used to refer to units of the corpus being searched . a document can be a document , such as a contract , a file , a story , a writing , or the like , but might also be a snippet of text , data that might be considered part of a document in other contexts , program code , image data , a stored file , or the like . therefore , the term need not be narrowly construed . referring now to the figures and using the above definitions , an exemplary search and presentation system will now be described . fig1 is a block diagram of a query system 100 according to embodiments of the present invention . using query system 100 , a querier issues a search request to a search server using a search client , such as a web browser client . as shown in fig1 , a human user 103 or a computer process 105 issues a query using search client 110 . the search query , typically in the form of a search query string , is sent to a search server 120 , which returns search results responsive to the search query to search client 110 along with zero or more presentations . in other variations , the search query and / or presentation come from one system and the results are routed to another system . search server 120 is shown coupled to a search engine 130 and a presentation server 132 , which is in turn coupled to a presentation details database ( pdd ) and a presentation manager 136 . the interconnections between various systems need not be described in detail , as such methods of interconnections can be accomplished using well - known techniques . search client 110 might be a personal computer running an http client , such as a web browser client , and communicating with an http server running at search server 120 , interconnected over a network such as the global internet . it should be understood that other embodiments also fall within the scope of the invention . for example , search client 110 might be implemented as a handheld device , a computer with no human user interface , a dedicated device , a kiosk , etc . also , the clients and servers need not use http , but might use a different protocol for making requests for pages and objects , for responding to those requests and for combining search results with other presentations . in operation , and as described in further detail below , search client 110 sends a search query string to search server 120 , possibly also including context data ( other query state ) such as a yahoo ! id of the yahoo ! user sending the request , location of the search client , etc . presentation server 132 might also use the context data to determine which presentations to return . fig2 illustrates elements of a search server in greater detail . as shown there , the search server includes a page constructor 200 , and storage for search results 210 , matching ads 212 , matching inserts 214 , sponsored links 216 and a query log 220 . from a received query , the search server obtains search results 210 , either by performing a search itself or by requesting results from another search engine . typically , a search is performed using an index to the corpus being searched , such as a keyword index . in that case , the search results 210 are the hits that are generated based on the index . elements 212 , 214 and 216 are , in this example , presentations returned by a presentation server . other page elements , such as globally used or static presentations might also be involved . page constructor 200 then generates a page from elements in storage 210 - 216 and sends the page as a response to the search query . a query log might be maintained of queries made and the results , as well as some indication of subsequent selections that the user makes from the results . for example , if a user issues a query q , receives a set of results r , and selects a link s associated with one of the results in the set of results r , the association of q with s can be stored in a query log . an example of a page 300 constructed by page constructor 200 is shown in fig3 . in this example , the search string was “ camera ”. page 300 includes information organized into different page layout areas 302 , 304 , 306 , 308 , 310 , 312 and 314 . the top of page 300 includes an indication of the search , a dialog box in which another search can be initiated , and clickable links for help , home page , etc . simple search results , such as search results from a web index for “ camera ”, are listed in layout area 308 . in this example , upon a search query using the query string “ camera ”, the search server populates storage 210 with web search results , and possibly other results . the presentation server , in response to the particular terms of the query string ( and possibly other state ), generates advertisements , inserts and sponsored links associated with the search terms . layout area 308 includes links that represent hits responsive to the search term and are preferably independent of who sponsors links . layout area 310 is provided for insertion of an advertisement determined by the presentation server . it should be understood that presentations are not limited to advertisements . in some cases , public interest announcements might be used as presentations . for example , if a user enters a search query “ skiing mountaintop resort tickets ” and there is currently an emergency alert for that resort , a weather advisory might be presented upon a match to those search terms . while non - advertisements such as those might be used as presentations , many of the examples herein will use advertisements as the type of presentation being selected and presented . layout area 312 and 214 provide additional matching inserts returned by the presentation server or are generated by the search server . in this example , layout area 312 contains links for executing alternative searches and layout area 314 contains links for other searches . while it is more typically the case that an advertiser pays for a keyword in layout area 310 ( e . g ., the advertiser gets its advertisement presented in layout area 314 in search results pages resulting from searches that use the keywords that the advertiser paid for ), an advertiser might also or instead pay for the right to have presented their message in other layout areas . for example , an interested search service might pay to be the alternative in layout area 314 for some search terms . this might be useful where the interested search service is topic - specific and the terms used are also topic - specific . thus , if a chemical compounds search system provides detailed searches into its chemical compounds database of interest to only a few searchers using search server 120 , then searches that use terms that would likely only be used by someone in that narrow field might result in a results page wherein the narrow interest search engine is presented in layout area 314 . layout area 302 displays matching inserts 214 . in this example , those matching inserts are “ inside yahoo !” links that relate to the search term . layout area 304 displays directory matches , which are matches from the yahoo ! directory , a hierarchical arrangement of topics and links associated with those topics at various levels in the hierarchy . layout area 306 displays sponsored matches , which are hits provided to the user based on sponsorship of particular keywords . fig4 illustrates aspects of the invention wherein search terms are canonicalized before being presented to a presentation processor . as shown there , a search server 400 comprises , among other elements not shown , a search processor 402 that couples to a search engine 404 , a presentation processor 406 that couples to a presentation server 408 , a canonicalizer 410 and rule bases 412 that are interfaced with plug - ins of canonicalizer 410 . other connections exist , but are not shown , such as connections to components that receive the presentations to be presented and the search results . canonicalizer 410 takes in a query string and outputs a reformed query string , wherein terms from the query string are replaced with their canonical forms . of course , for some query strings , if none of the terms of the query string met a canonicalization criteria , the reformed query string would be identical to the input query string . with canonicalization , distinct terms that convey identical user intent , or nearly identical user intent , can be matched such that identical or nearly identical user intent results in a common reformed query string , thereby simplifying and / or improving search results . in preferred embodiments , the input to a presentation processor is the same for different search strings that canonicalize to the same base canonicalization . canonicalization also allows for improved keyword - based presentation selection , so that one presentation that is to be shown when a searcher indicates a particular intent can be shown over distinct searches . for example , suppose a presentation p is targeted to searchers that intend to search for telephone calling rates . presentation p might be associated in a presentation database with the keywords “ telephone call rate ”. with canonicalization , “ phone ” is reformed to its canonical form “ telephone ” ( one word usage to another ), “ calling ” to its canonical form “ call ” ( suffix removal ) and “ rates ” to its canonical form “ rate ” ( plurals to singular ), and spelling errors can also be eliminated using canonical forms . thus , the query string “ fone calling rates ” would be reformed to “ telephone call rate ” and would result in presentation p being presented , regardless of the fact that none of the original query terms are directly associated with presentation p . matching is a process of checking two or more search phrases , words or portions of search phrases to determine if they canonically represent the same input despite being different strings . two approaches to matching might be done . in one approach , inputs are converted before any operations ( storing , filtering , forwarding , etc .) into a base canonical form . in that approach , matching is done by checking for an exact match between the canonical forms . in another approach , inputs are represented in their original form , but when two or more inputs are compared , they pass through a canonicalizer and the outputs of the canonicalizer are tested to find identity . a parallel canonicalization process might be done for search results , as well as for presentation decisions , but it might also not be done , or a different canonicalization process used . thus , the query might be canonicalized to one reformed search query string for application to a search engine and canonicalized to another reformed search query string for application to a presentation search engine . examples of canonicalization are described herein , but it should be understood that the invention is not limited to using just these canonicalizations or using all of these canonicalizations . these canonicalizations can be included or excluded on the fly through the use of plug - ins to a canonicalizer . each plug - in might have a rule base to indicate the rules for when two distinct words or strings are canonically equal . alternatively , the plug - ins might provide the canonical form for an input string . in that case , the equivalence of two distinct words or phrases can be determined by passing both through the canonicalizer and checking whether the canonical forms for both inputs are equal . examples of canonicalizations ( the underlying rules define what is canonical ) are shown in table 1 . search history canonicalization uses a history of user search patterns ( such as a log of millions of queries performed using yahoo ! search engines ) to identify patterns , such as common acronyms ( lol and “ laugh out loud ”), common spelling mistakes , and compound words such as “ online shopping ” and “ on line shopping ”). search results canonicalization is based on common search results being selected when shown in response to distinct queries . a decision as to when to canonicalize might be based on query logs , possibly including at least partial clickstreams . for example , suppose one large set of users searches using search string a and receives hits h 1 , h 2 , h 3 in response , while another large set of users searches using search string b and receives hits h 4 , h 5 , h 6 in response and there is some overlap of the set of hits between the two results . if it turns out that many users in both sets are selecting a common hit from the search results even though they received that hit using different search strings , then those two search strings might be flagged as being of the same base canonical form . thus , if the web page for “ northern europe pedalling tour guides ” shows up in search results for the search string “ danish biking ” and in search results for the search string “ scandinavian bicycling ” and searchers for both search strings frequently select the “ northern europe pedalling tour guides ” web page from either search string , the phrases “ danish biking ” and “ scandinavian bicycling ” might be canonicalized such that they reduce to the same base canonicalization . of course , for this example , using just word - based or term - based canonicalization , “ danish ” and “ scandinavian ” might canonicalize together and “ biking ” and “ bicycling ” might canonicalize together , yielding the same results anyway . canonicalizations can be applied in varying order or always in the same order for possibly greater consistency . canonicalizations might also have exceptions and customizations , which can be handled in the same way as other canonicalizations . for example , exceptions might be that “ colour ” can be canonical with “ color ” and “ telephone ” can be canonical with “ phone ”. exceptions or custom rules can be made to be applied exclusively without any other rules . this exception handling mechanism allows , for example , a product manager or producer to create a custom canonicalization , for example , for a different language . in addition to word - based canonicalization , term - based canonicalization can also be performed . these two can be used to gather and even recursively . for example , word - based canonicalization might canonicalize “ united states of america air force ” to “ united state of america air force ”, then term - based canonicalization might canonicalize it to “ usa air force ”, then “ usa af ” and then term - based canonicalization might further canonicalize the phrase to “ usaf ”. the rules and dictionaries , as needed , can be stored in an efficient data structure . a computer implementation for storing the rules and dictionaries for use by a web server or any number of web servers , or for use with any number of computer processes to share , can be used to achieve a highly scalable architecture , which can grow with traffic increases without requiring software and data redesign . one process for generating a dictionary is described here . in this example , a set of nouns are collected , such as from a standard dictionary file . a standard dictionary file is likely to have considerable “ noise ”, so some refinement should be done . first , compound words are be removed from the dictionary . then , an inflection process is used to convert singular nouns from the set of nouns to plural nouns . an invert mapping of the inflection process is done to convert plural nouns to singular nouns and check for cyclic mappings , wherein the output of the inverted mapping step is compared to the singular nouns input to the inflection process . singular nouns that do not pass the cyclic mapping check can be flagged , removed or processed specially . nouns that do not have corresponding plurals in the set of nouns are then removed ( e . g . actinomeris , baccharis , qatari , etc .). some plural forms can be mapped to multiple singular forms ( e . g ., bases -& gt ; basis or base ), so multiples are removed . many short nouns are abbreviations and their plural forms are real words with completely different meanings ( e . g ., wa is an abbreviation for washington state , and the apparent plural “ was ” is an unrelated word ). some singular forms are themselves plural forms , which have their singular forms ( e . g ., algaes -& gt ; algae -& gt ; alga ), so the various transitive mappings should be consolidated into one ( e . g ., algaes -& gt ; alga ). other types of conversions might also be included , such as changing dialects ( e . g ., british english “ colour ” to american english “ color ”, or vice versa ), popular short forms (“ telephone ” to “ phone ”) and singular nouns that have multiple plural forms (“ antennae ” and “ antennas ” are both plural forms of “ antenna ”). fig5 illustrates a presentation manager 500 that might be used to populate a pdd 506 and arbitrate bids from competing advertisers or other presenters for keyword allocation . in one aspect of the present invention , keyword and phrase canonicalization that occurs in canonicalizer 410 ( fig4 ) also occurs in a canonicalizer within the presentation manager . a prospective presenter might interact with presentation manager 500 using a presenter system 502 . in some implementations , the interaction is performed by a sales agent for the operator of the search and presentation system , but in other implementations , the bidding process can be “ self - serve ”, wherein prospective presenters interact directly with presentation manager 500 to select keywords and other criteria for a presentation campaign , identify which keywords are available and unavailable and under what conditions , pay for the presentation services , and provide the presentation or a reference to the presentation . once a bid is finalized , a closed bid 504 is stored in pdd 506 , providing the presentation server access to the particular campaign details . an example of a closed bid 510 is shown . the elements shown are a keyword , alternates , the winning bidder &# 39 ; s id , a campaign date range , and a pointer to a desired presentation . of course , bids might have fewer fields or more fields than shown . it is not necessary for closed bid 504 to contain payment details , if presentation manager 500 handles those details . in an example of usage of the system shown in fig5 , suppose a presenter decides to submit bids for a sponsored link to the presenter &# 39 ; s car dealership . the presenter might decide the present each time someone searches for “ car dealers ”. since the user intent is arguably the same for a search for “ car dealer ” and “ car dealers ”, the same presentation might be shown to each . rather than require the bidder to bid on each variation , the bidder can bid on the canonical form , or any variation that maps to a canonical form . if the canonical forms are determined on the fly , then the bidder has the advantage that later developed variations ( such as unexpected misspellings ) would also be include in the bid . the presenter might pick a date range for the campaign , a number of hits , number of clicks , or other limitation on the exposure . if that does not overlap with already promised and closed bids , it can be granted to the presenter . as part of the process , the presenter provides the presentation or a reference to a presentation . for example , the presenter might provide a banner advertisement image and associated click - through links , which could then be stored in pdd 506 . alternatively , the presenter might just provide a url that points to a server managed by the presenter , thus allowing the presenter to more closely monitor the number of presentations that are occurring . this self - service aspect of the presentation manager allows individual presenters to “ browse ” available campaigns and to choose among the available slots without requiring an intermediate sales step . however , in some cases , such as for complex campaigns and new users , a sales agent might intermediate to ensure that the presenter is able to get the most satisfactory campaign . some campaigns might be quite complex , such as a campaign to have a minimum of 10 , 000 page views on search results where “ car dealer ” or any of its variations that would canonicalize to “ car dealer ” appears in a search query between 8 am and 5 pm on a business day for searches within the yahoo ! business property , nonexclusive to other presenters using that same keyword , and exclusive of other presenters using that same keyword within the yahoo ! yellow pages property on weekends . canonicalization has a number of benefits . it allows a presenter to reach an intended target audience even if members of the audience enter variations of the purchased keyword . it also allows a presenter to preclude others from bidding and winning on variations of the presenter &# 39 ; s trademarks without the presenter having to separately bid on all the possible variations of the trademark . another advantage is that a presenter would not have to guess ahead of time which of several valid variations might be used the most . canonicalization of search phrases either increases the relevant information found or reduces the complexity of finding relevant information for users . in the ever - increasing web space , this process has become more and more critical . presentation manager 500 canonicalizes the bids , so that the presenter winning the bid for “ car dealers ” also gets to present for searches on “ car dealer ” ( singular vs . plural ), “ car , dealer ” ( punctuation canonicalization ) and “ car deeler ” ( spelling canonicalization ). fig6 shows a networked system in which a plurality of search clients can access a search system to apply queries to a corpus of documents . in this system , one or more ( but possibly thousands or more ) client systems 902 make requests via the internet 904 . the requests flow to servers 908 via an http server 906 , but it should be understood that multiple http servers might be present and other protocols might be used instead of , or in addition to , http . a server 908 sends the query to a query process 910 , which might be an instantiation of a software object in server 908 or elsewhere , or might include hardware components . the query processes 910 then parse the search query strings and obtain documents , references to documents , links , or other indications of hits , from one or more corpuses 912 . in generating results , query processes 910 might send their query terms to a presentation server that will return presentations to be included with the search results , such as advertisements , alerts , messages , notices , links and the like . in some embodiments , corpuses 912 are complete copies of the entire corpus , but in other embodiments , the corpuses 912 are subsets of the complete corpus . in the latter case , server 908 or server process 910 can determine , from the query and possibly other information , which corpus to use . note that in some cases , one query process 910 might access more than one corpus 912 , even for a single query . in fig6 , multiple instances of objects are differentiated by a parenthetical index , such as 902 ( 1 ) for a specific instance of a client system 902 . for various objects , the terminal index is some unspecified number , such as “ 602 ( n 1 )”. where the number of objects is not required to be the same , the terminal indices are indicated with distinct variables . thus , while exactly three servers 980 and three corpuses 912 are shown in fig6 , there are n 2 ( an indeterminate number ) servers and n 6 ( another indeterminate number ) corpuses 912 implied by fig6 , so a one - to - one correspondence of servers to corpuses is not required . unless otherwise specified , different terminal indices can have the same or different values ranging from one to numbers larger than one . the invention has now been described with reference to the preferred embodiments . alternatives and substitutions will now be apparent to persons of skill in the art . accordingly , it is not intended to limit the invention except as provided by the appended claims .
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referring to fig1 there is shown a schematic block diagram illustrating the main functionalities of the method and system of the invention . the shown processing system 1 receives an input video signal 6 represented by the components y ′ uv according to the known yuv model for representing a colour image , where the y component represents the luminance ( brightness ) of the individual pixels p of the image and u and v represent the chrominance ( colour ) components , mapping each representable colour into a two - dimensional uv - space . the shown embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention comprises an inference system 2 for carrying out the histogram and chrominance processing according to the invention . this system 2 provides output variables 9 , 10 , 11 and 12 relating to saturation , brilliance , contrast and gamma that by means of the display controlling system 3 , which also receives the original y ′ uv video signal 6 , provide the final output signal 8 to the display means 4 . according to a specific embodiment of the invention , the inference system ( or specifically the histogram processing means as will be described in detail below ) is furthermore provided with an output signal from an ambient light sensor that senses the intensity ( or other related quantity ) of the ambient light . histogram and chrominance processing can be viewed as an inference system , which affects various parameters via modifications of the incoming video signal . the modification is based on the properties of the incoming video signal and ( according to a specific embodiment of the invention ) an ambient light sensor . the resulting parameters may be based on both global properties ( the entire image field ) and local properties . with reference to fig2 , the inference system 2 consists basically of two consecutive modules 13 and 14 , with the main functionalities described below . the input is typically a component signal i . e . luminance and colour difference signals . this is generally denoted y ′ uv , with y ′ being the luminance component , and u , v the colour difference components . the first module is the histogram processing block 13 , by means of which a luminance transfer function t ( k ) and a chrominance scaling factor or chrominance gain g c 16 is determined . the second module is the chrominance processing block 14 , carrying out selective chroma adjustment ( global chroma adjustment is carried out in block 17 , cf . below ). the original input video signal ( y ′ uv ) in 6 results by the processing carried out in the modules 13 and 14 in the output signal ( y ′ uv ) out1 15 that after scaling of the chrominance components u and v by the chrominance gain g c as shown in the functional block 17 results in the final output video signal ( y ′ uv ) out2 18 . in the following a detailed description of the processing actually carried out in the functional blocks 13 and 14 will be given in the histogram processing , the black level is set according to a measure of the lowest level present in the image , and a function dependent on the average image level . the transfer function of the histogram processing block 2 is also modulated according to the input 5 of an ambient light sensor . if the ambient light intensity is high , the image dynamics are increased for the low image levels , and vice versa . in addition , the histogram processing block 2 provides a chrominance scaling value , the chrominance gain g c . the chrominance scaling is based on the ratio of a linear transfer function with offset , and the total transfer function derived by the processing . the global chrominance scale value is calculated at the average level of the unprocessed image , using only the black level offset . thus , as the processing is likely to increase / decrease the luminance at the average level , the chroma components are multiplied by the scale value to achieve a similar increase / decrease . this approximately preserves the saturation of the image . with reference to the flow charts shown in fig3 ( a ), ( b ) and ( c ) a more detailed description of the steps carried out in an embodiment of the invention will be given . initially a histogram ( ref , number 19 ) of luminance values of the incoming video signal y ′ uv ( reference number 6 of fig1 and 2 ) is formed . this is done by dividing the total range of the luminance signal into n non - overlapping subranges ( denoted bins ). the bins can have any distribution , and can be of equal size , or the sizes may grow e . g . exponentially . each sample ( or , if the signal is subsampled , less than that ) of the signal then adds to the count of the samples in the respective bin . this produces a histogram of luminance sample values , with an appropriate resolution . the histogram of luminance values of the image field is denoted as : h ( k )= n k , where k denotes the bin number , and n k denotes the number of samples in the field falling within the levels represented by bin k . in the following description ‘ histogram ’ denotes the normalised histogram ( ref . number 20 ): p ( k )= n k / n , where n is the total count of the histogram — i . e . p ( k ) is the percentage of counts that fall within bin k . the normalised histogram 20 is used for calculation of the average luminance level ( ref . number 21 ): where α ( k ) is the average level represented by bin k . the calculated average is used subsequently in the algorithm . the histogram p ( k ) is according to one specific embodiment of the invention in functional block 22 weighted by a power function k α such that : p 1 ( k )= p ( k ) k α , kε { 0 , . . . , n − 1 }, where α is a constant . subsequently p 1 ( k ) is normalised ( ref . number 23 ) such that it should be noted that weighting of the histogram p ( k ) by a power function k α is only one specific example of a weighting function that can be applied in the histogram processing according to the invention . generally the histogram p ( k ) can according to the invention be weighted by a weight function w ( k ) that can exhibit other and possibly more complicated functional relationships with the parameter k ( the bin number ) than the power function described above . the power function weighted luminance histogram is then clipped ( ref . number 24 ) by thresholding each bin at a particular maximum level such that : p 2 ( k )= min [ p 1 ( k ), c ( k )], kε { 0 , . . . , n − 1 } where c ( k ) is a function setting the clipping level for bin k . after these modifications a cumulative histogram is calculated ( ref . number 25 ): a second cumulative luminance histogram ( ref . number 26 ) is also formed from the un - modified histogram : the cumulative luminance histogram p c ( k ) is used ( ref . number 27 ) for detecting the luminance level , for which the cumulative proportion exceeds a small but fixed percentage of the sample counts . the level found from this , denoted bl 1 , is used as an offset for the signal , which by subtraction moves the lowest signal level ( occurring within some time period ) to the lowest valid signal level . additionally the offset is increased in relation to the average luminance of the image . this additional offset , bl 2 , is found ( ref . number 28 ) from a scaled power - function relation : bl 2 = c 1 y avg p where c 1 , β are constants . with reference to block 29 the total offset , bl , is the sum of the two offsets bl 1 , bl 2 , thresholded at a maximum offset b max as : bl = min [ bl 1 + bl 2 , b max ] the total offset value bl is temporally filtered ( ref . number 30 ) by a general finite impulse response filter , typically with a low - pass characteristic to avoid large fluctuations . referring to block 31 of fig3 ( b ) an additional step of the algorithm according to this embodiment of the invention partially establishes the transfer function of the histogram processing block 2 based on the ambient light level 5 . taking as reference an identity mapping : t ( k )= k , which is transformed by the total offset described above such that the transfer function is : t ( k )→ t ( k )= k − bl , the effect of the ambient light level is to transform this by a power function relation using two functions : which are weighted to produce a transfer function by the relation : { circumflex over ( t )} ( k )= τ t 1 ( k )+( 1 − τ ) t 2 ( k ), τε [ 0 , 1 ], kε { 0 , . . . , n − 1 } the parameter τ reflects the ambient light intensity , e . g . by having a linear relation with a particular light intensity range . using a β which does not deviate much from 1 , the relation for { circumflex over ( t )}( k ) can produce an approximately linear transfer function for some particular τ . if the ambient light intensity is high the t 1 ( k ) function will receive the largest weight , and vice versa . this has the effect of increasing the dynamics for the low signal levels at high ambient light intensity , and vice versa . this results in a mapping , which provides a better utilisation of the available dynamic range , in accordance with human contrast sensitivity . referring to block 32 after these transformations a weighted summation of p 3 ( k ) and { circumflex over ( t )}( k ) is formed as : t ( k )= s ( p 3 ( k )+ c 2 { circumflex over ( t )}( k )), where s is a scaling parameter , which normalises t ( k ) to utilise the maximum signal output range . the parameter c 2 controls the relative weighting of the two transfer functions , and thereby the weighting of histogram equalisation versus ambient light adaptation . the transfer function t ( k ) provides the desired input - output mapping . thus , t ( k ) represents the transfer function from the input signal y ′ uv ( reference numeral 6 ) to the output signal of the histogram processing block 13 in fig2 . since the luminance mapping is changed by this transfer function , a global chrominance gain , g c is calculated as : g c = t ( y avg )/ t ( y avg ) as shown in block 33 . thus , if at the average level , the luminance has increased , the chrominance signals will be multiplied by an equal factor and vice versa . the g c value is bounded within an interval of unity gain . if it falls outside this interval , it is set at the interval minimum / maximum . the global chrominance scaling effected by g c is applied after the chrominance processing described below in connection with fig3 ( c ). if the signal range has been quantized to a lower resolution for histogram processing , the resulting transfer function can be scaled to the proper range by using an interpolation method the subsequent chrominance processing 14 according to the invention is described below with reference to fig3 ( c ). the chrominance processing represents a selective chroma adjustment . the processing considers each individual pixel : p =( y p , u p , v p ). the pixel chrominance co - ordinates : p c =( u p , v p ) are used for calculating a local ( i . e . individual for each pixel ) chrominance gain . the chrominance components can be used as indices for e . g . a table 34 containing the gain values . alternatively the gain could be calculated from a mathematical function 35 . regardless of method , a function g ( u p , v p ) provides the local gain value for each individual pixel . the chrominance scaled pixel is then given by : p s =( y ′ p , g ( u p , v p ) u p , g ( u p v p ) v p ), forming the output 15 from the chrominance processing block 14 . referring again to fig2 after application of the global chrominance gain g c , derived by the above luminance histogram processing the output ( y , u , v ) co - ordinates of the pixel become : p s =( y ′ p , g c g ( u p , v p ) u p , g c g ( u p , v p ) v p ). the gain from the chrominance processing , i . e . g ( u p , v p ), will typically be greater than or equal to one , thus maintaining or increasing the saturation of the pixel . an illustrative example of such a gain function , where the gain is represented by the grey tone value , where black indicates unity gain and white indicates a gain value & gt ; 1 , is given in fig4 , where ( u , v )=( 0 , 0 ) is located at the centre . for this gain function , most of the ( u , v ) plane has a homogeneously decreasing gain as a function of ( u , v ) magnitude . a specific region 37 is set at unity gain , having a smooth transition to the surrounding gain values . in the figure , black indicates unity gain , and white indicates the maximum gain value in the table . having the gain dependent on the pixel co - ordinates in this way allows selective processing , such that e . g . pixels within a specific region of the ( u , v ) plane , will be unaltered . this is desirable in e . g . the ( u , v ) region representing typical skin colour . the magnitude of the scaling will in general depend on the magnitude of the ( u , v ) vector , in such a way that small magnitudes will receive a relatively large scaling and vice versa . referring again to fig1 , the four shown parameters : saturation 9 , brilliance 10 , contrast 11 and gamma 12 are related to various of the quantities determined as described above and shown in the flowchart in fig3 . thus , saturation 9 is primarily influenced by the chrominance gain g c which is the direct scaling of the chrominance components u p , v p resulting from the histogram processing . the chrominance processing furthermore influences the chrominance components u p , v p of the individual pixels by multiplication by a constant ( per pixel ) being typically larger than or equal to unity . this furthermore either maintains or increases the saturation 9 . brilliance 10 is primarily influenced by the total off - set bl that improves the black level . contrast 11 is primarily influenced by the quantity p 3 ( k ) being included in the expression t ( k )= s ( p 3 ( k )+ c 2 { circumflex over ( t )}( k )) in that utilisation of p 3 ( k ) alone would have provided approximate histogram equalisation . this would , however , lead to a rather drastic effect on the image , which is according to this embodiment of the invention counteracted by using the two transfer functions in the expression for t ( k ). the parameter gamma 12 is directly influenced by the second term in the above expression , i . e . c 2 { circumflex over ( t )}( k ), i . e . the transfer function formed based on the intensity of the surrounding light . the quantities t 1 ( k ) and t 2 ( k ) in { circumflex over ( t )}( k ) can reduce or increase , respectively , the gamma value of the system and the effect hereof is a change of the dynamics of the image . for the parameter saturation 9 the effect can thus be described for each individual pixel , in that the chrominance signal is changed relative to the luminance signal . for the remaining of the four parameters shown in fig1 , i . e . brilliance 10 , contrast 11 and gamma 12 , it is only relevant to regard the effect for the entire image , as the effect results from the signal values being stretched over the interval of these values in order to attain a new distribution of signal values . calculation of the global chrominance gain g c is in the following illustrated by a specific ( and simplified ) numerical example of histogram processing according to the invention . t ( k )= s ( p 3 ( k )+ c 2 { circumflex over ( t )} ( k )) in the following example , it will be assumed that the number of input levels have been quantizised into ten bins ( in an actual implementation this number will typically be larger ). it is furthermore assumed that the values of p 3 ( k ) and { circumflex over ( t )}( k ) for each bin number are as given in table 1 below : if it is furthermore assumed that c 2 = 8 the values for the sum of p 3 ( k ) and c 2 { circumflex over ( t )}( k ) given in table 2 below will be obtained : assuming furthermore that the final transfer function concerns an 8 - bit video signal ( 256 levels , all levels used as valid signal data ), the constant ( scale factor ) s is used for scaling the output appropriately , in this example yielding : s = 255 / 9 . the values of the total transfer function t ( k ) given in table 3 below are then obtained : for the data shown above , an interpolated mapping for 8 - bit signal input - output is given in fig5 . this mapping will add dynamics to the low signal levels , at the expense of decreased dynamics for the higher image levels . after interpolation t ( k ) is now defined for the desired input levels . in this example for kε { 0 , 1 , . . . , 255 }. assuming now that y avg = 140 , then t ( y avg )= t ( 140 )= 162 . t ( k ) is in this example an identity mapping minus the offset bl , i . e . t ( k )= k − bl . assuming that bl = 1 , t ( 140 )= 139 . the average luminance has thus been increased by the histogram processing method according to the invention and the chrominance components should be scaled accordingly by g c .
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the present invention identifies potential collision with traffic in sufficient time to allow the crew to take corrective action . the present invention also ensures that nuisance alerts or lost alerts are minimized . the present invention does not rely on the availability of map data for the airport . fig1 shows an exemplary system 20 located on an ownship ( e . g ., aircraft , airport ground vehicle ) 18 for providing a crew of the ownship ample early warning of a potential ground operations collision . the system 20 includes a processor 24 that is in signal communication with a data communication device 28 , memory 30 ( i . e ., database ), an output device 32 , a navigation / position device 34 ( e . g ., gps , ins , etc .) and an interface ( if ) device 36 . the processor 24 receives the following data from existing avionic systems on the ownship 18 : geographic position ( latitude and longitude from the positioning device 34 ); heading ( from the heading reference system 38 ( e . g ., gyro , compass , inertial navigation system ( ins )); speed ( from the positioning device 34 ); and wingspan information ( from the memory 30 ). the processor 24 receives the following data from other aircraft or vehicles ( the “ traffic ”): an example of the data communications device 28 includes an automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast ( ads - b ) data link system . the processor 24 also receives from the memory 30 , or some external source , some constant values , such as those previously defined in various publications ( e . g ., rtca do - 322 ). examples of constant values include : flight crew reaction time t r ( seconds )— time to alert notice and evaluation ; flight crew action time t a ( seconds )— time of decision making and starting a braking action ; aircraft “ standard ” deceleration a ( meters / second )— rate of deceleration while braking following an alert . using all or a portion of the received data , the processor 24 determines if a collision - alert condition exists . if a collision - alert condition is determined to exist , the processor 24 outputs an alert signal to the output device 32 . fig2 shows a first taxiing aircraft 50 that has determined that a potential collision condition exists with a second taxiing aircraft 54 . in response to the potential collision condition determination , the first taxiing aircraft 50 activates lights 40 ( e . g ., landing lights ) that provide illumination in the direction of the second taxiing aircraft 54 , thus alerting the second aircraft &# 39 ; s flight crew of an alert condition . fig3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary process 60 performed by the system 20 . first , at a decision block 64 , the processor 24 determines if the ownship is on the ground . if the ownship is a ground vehicle , then this condition is always true . if the ownship is an aircraft , then the processor 24 determines this condition to be true , based on an on - ground indicator ( e . g ., weight - on - wheels signal ) received from a databus via the if device 36 , ownship position and altitude information , airport / geographic information ( i . e ., altitude ), or some other criteria . after the ownship is determined to be on the ground , the processor 24 receives information from other proximate grounded vehicles at process 68 . then , the process 60 determines if the ownship is moving , see decision block 70 . if the ownship is determined to be moving , the process 60 determines if a potential collision condition exists , based on the received target information and the ownship information , see decision block 72 . if the potential collision condition does not exist , then the process 60 returns to decision block 64 after a delay ( block 74 ). if the potential collision condition exists , then , at a block 76 , a distance to the traffic , when the traffic will pass the ownship after an estimated ownship stopping position , is determined . next , at a decision block 80 , it is determined if the determined distance to the traffic is less than or equal to a predetermined safe - distance value . if the distance to traffic is not less than or equal to the predetermined safe - distance value , then the process 60 returns to decision block 64 . if the distance to traffic is less than or equal to the predetermined safe - distance value , then , at a block 82 , a potential collision alert condition exists and warning of the traffic is performed by illuminating an exterior light 40 of the ownship . the illuminated exterior light of the ownship provides a warning to the flight crew of the traffic that a collision threat exists . at a decision block 86 , after a delay the process 60 determines if the potential collision alert condition still exists . if the potential collision alert condition still exists , then at a block 88 , the illumination of the exterior light ( s ) is changed ( e . g ., steady to flashing ; slow flashing to fast flashing ). if the potential collision alert condition is determined to not exist after the delay , then at a block 90 , the exterior light ( s ) is extinguished . the exterior light is one designated exclusively for this purpose or is an existing light ( s ) of the ownship ( e . g . landing lights ). in one embodiment , the first time the exterior light ( s ) is illuminated , it is illuminated in a predefined pattern . an example of the predefined pattern includes steady on at various levels of intensity . another example of the predefined pattern includes flashing at a first rate . when the exterior light ( s ) illumination is changed , various aspects of the illuminating exterior light ( s ) are changed either separately or in combination . for example , the light intensity changes , the rate of flashing changes or if there are more than one landing light , then the lights alternately flash . if the potential collision alert condition still existed after the delay without adequate resolution , it would be assumed that a collision is more imminent . in this situation , the exterior light illumination is changed in order to impart a more immediate need to take action . increasing the flash rate or intensity of the exterior light ( s ) are exemplary ways of imparting a need to take action . in one embodiment , the outputted alerts include graphical highlighting of areas or traffic on a cockpit map display , are text messages presented on a display , or are aural messages provided to the crew via cockpit loudspeaker or headset . tactile alert systems may also be used . the solution of the potential traffic collision detection is built on the following conditions : ownship is aware about the traffic position ( e . g ., from traffic ads - b data or another source ); ownship is aware about the traffic heading ( e . g ., from traffic ads - b data or another source ); ownship is aware about the traffic speed ( e . g ., from traffic ads - b data or another source ); and ownship is aware about the traffic size category ( e . g ., from traffic ads - b data or another source ). wingspan of the traffic is determined according to information about the size category of the traffic aircraft , e . g ., from the traffic ads - b data and a database stored in the memory 30 . for each size category , the processor 24 uses the higher value of wingspan range stored in the memory 30 . the processor 24 uses the following constants when determining the full - stop location : flight crew reaction time ( t r ( sec )); flight crew action time ( t a ( sec )); and aircraft deceleration ( a (′ s 2 )). based on speed of the ownship ( os ) the braking distance ( d brake ) and time to full stop ( t stop ) are calculated from following formulas : where ( t s ) is time of ownship deceleration to full stop from ( v os ) ( actual speed of ownship ) without consideration of crew reaction or action time . equation ( 3 ) represents the assumption that , after alert triggering , the speed of ownship remains constant during the time period ( t r + t a ) and after this time ownship starts deceleration with deceleration rate ( a ) ( ownship decelerates until v os = 0 ). the processor 24 calculates “ safe distance ”. d safe , which represents minimum distance between ownship and traffic ( tr ), in which ownship and traffic shall pass each other . w span — tr — wingspan of the traffic ; w span — os — wingspan of the ownship ; ( retrieved from ownship parameters database ( the memory 30 )). the processor 24 recalculates the position of traffic ( x tr ; y tr ) to a “ local ” coordinate system relative to the position of ownship ( fig4 ). current position of ownship and traffic in the local coordinate system ( expressed in feet ) is as follows : os position ( x os ; y os ): ( 0 ; 0 ) tr position [ x tr ; y tr ]: ( x tr gps − x os gps ; y tr gps − y os gps ) the processor 24 evaluates whether the traffic represents a potential threat to ownship . evaluation is based the following values : the current distance between ownship and traffic is expressed as follows : d curr =√{ square root over (( x tr − x os ) 2 +( y tr − y os ) 2 )}{ square root over (( x tr − x os ) 2 +( y tr − y os ) 2 )} ( 5 ) calculation is running in the local coordinate system x os = y os = 0 ; thus , equation ( 5 ) is rewritten as : d curr =√{ square root over (( x tr 2 + y tr 2 )} ( 6 ) the distance between ownship and traffic is written as a function of time . in the local coordinate system the position of ownship and traffic in time ( t ) is written as follows : y os ( t ) = y os + v os · t · cos γ os = v os · t · sin γ os ( 7 ) where : os = 90 − ownship heading tr = 90 − traffic heading ( os and tr represent the angle of ownship and traffic heading measured in local coordinate system ). function of distance between the ownship and traffic is expressed as follows : d ( t ) =√{ square root over ( a · t 2 + b · t + c )} ( 10 ) where : a = v tr 2 − 2 ·( v tr · cos γ tr · v os · cos γ os + v tr · sin γ tr · v os · sin γ os )+ v os 2 b = 2 ·[ x tr ·( v tr · cos γ tr − v os · cos γ os )− y tr ·( v tr · sin γ tr − v os · sin γ os )] c = x tr 2 + y tr 2 equation ( 10 ) indicates parabolic running of function d ( t ) . as an example , fig5 shows running of the function d ( t ) in the interval t [− 5 , 30 ]. in this example , d ( t ) is depicted under the following conditions : ownship heading : 50 ° ownship speed : 30 knots traffic coordinates ( foot ): [ 755 . 6 ; − 101 . 99 ] traffic heading : 340 ° traffic speed : 30 knots from fig5 it is seen that , in a certain time , ownship and traffic will be at a minimum distance from each other ( d ( t ) reaches its minimum ). minimum of d ( t ) shows in distance and time when ownship and traffic will pass each other if both airplanes maintain constant actual speed and heading . if the traffic is about to collide with ownship , the minimum of d ( t ) will be less than “ safe distance ” ( d safe ). if first derivative of function d ( t ) is equal to zero , the time in which the distance between ownship and traffic will be minimum can be calculated . substituting t min to the equation ( 10 ) the minimum value of d ( t ) is obtained . the minimum value of d ( t ) is the distance in which ownship and traffic pass each other ( or “ collide ”). d min =√{ square root over ( a · t min 2 + b · t min + c )} ( 14 ) if d min is less than d safe , the traffic may represent a potential future threat . then , the processor 24 calculates the distance in which traffic will pass ownship after ownship stops ( d stop ), if an alert is triggered at the current time . calculation is done in the local coordinate system ( x os = y os = 0 ). using equation ( 3 ) the position of ownship in time is written as follows : in the same time , under the assumption of constant speed and heading of traffic , the traffic is determined to be at the following position : for the condition above , the distance by which traffic is predicted to pass the ownship can be obtained from equation ( 9 ). for this case equation ( 10 ) is expressed as follows and distance by which traffic will pass the stationary ownship is calculated : d * ( t ) =√{ square root over (( x * tr + v tr · t · cos γ tr ) 2 +( y * tr + v tr · t · sin γ tr ) 2 )}{ square root over (( x * tr + v tr · t · cos γ tr ) 2 +( y * tr + v tr · t · sin γ tr ) 2 )} d * ( t ) =√{ square root over ( a *· t 2 + b *· t + c * )} a *= v tr 2 b *= 2 · v tr ·( x * tr · cos γ tr − y * tr · sin γ tr ) c *= x * tr 2 + y * tr 2 d stop represents the expected distance by which traffic will pass the ownship if alert is triggered at present time and ownship is stopped under the assumption of equation ( 3 ). if the value of d stop is greater than the “ safe distance ” value ( equation ( 4 )), traffic is evaluated as “ safe ”. if the value of d stop is less than the “ safe distance ” value ( equation ( 4 )), traffic is evaluated as a threat and an alert is triggered . in one embodiment , the processor 24 continuously evaluates the distance between ownship and traffic and the predicted separation distance d stop between ownship and traffic if ownship stops . if this distance is equal to or less than the safe distance , the alert is triggered . fig4 shows an example of two aircraft on crossing taxiways . while the preferred embodiment of the invention has 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 embodiment . instead , the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow .
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the detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention , and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized . it is to be understood , however , that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention . with reference now to fig1 , a cross sectional view of the earth &# 39 ; s surface is shown . atmosphere 30 is shown with clouds 32 releasing precipitation 34 , falling towards the ground 50 . as is well understood , ground 50 is comprised of top soil layer 52 . underneath top soil layer 52 is clay layer 54 , and underneath that is sand lens 56 . aquifer 60 is a layer of water , and can exist in permeable rock , permeable mixtures of gravel , and / or sand , or fractured rock 58 . precipitation 34 falls on top soil layer 52 , and is gradually filtered of impurities by the varying layers of sand , soil , rocks , gravel , and clay as it moves through the same by gravitational force , eventually reaching aquifer 60 . in the context of the above natural features , the present invention will be described . referring now to fig2 , a first embodiment of the present inventive concrete paving system 100 is shown . situated above clay layer 54 is an aggregate leach field 82 comprised of sand and gravel particles . above aggregate leach field 82 is a pavement layer 80 , which by way of example only and not of limitation , is concrete composed of portland cement and an aggregate . pavement layer 80 may be reinforced with any reinforcement structures known in the art such as rebar , rods and so forth for increased strength . preferably , the reinforcement structure has the same coefficient of thermal expansion as the pavement material , for example , steel , where concrete is utilized , to prevent internal stresses in increased temperature environments . by way of example only and not of limitation , pavement layer 80 has reinforcement bars 90 . it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the pavement layer 80 need not be limited to architectural concrete , and asphalt and other pavement materials may be readily substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention . extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of pavement layer 80 are one or more surface drains 84 . due to the fact that non - porous concrete , that is , concrete having aggregate mixed into the cement , permits little water to seep through , surface drains 84 expedite the water flow into aggregate leach field 82 . typically , by way of example only and not of limitation , surface drains 84 are filled with rocks to prevent large debris such as leaves and trash from clogging the same . within aggregate leach field 82 are one or more leach lines 86 , which assist the transfer of fluids arriving through surface drains 84 . by way of example only , leach lines 86 are in direct fluid communication with surface drains 84 . leach lines 86 have a higher porosity than the surrounding leach field 82 to enable faster transmission of fluids . leach field 82 is also capable of absorbing water , and in fact , certain amounts are absorbed from leach lines 86 . additional water flowing from surface drains 84 is also absorbed into leach field 82 . in this fashion , water is distributed across the entire surface area of leach field 82 , resulting in greater replenishment of the aquifer . a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the leach field 82 acts as a filter by gradually removing particulates from precipitation , and resulting in cleaner water in the aquifer . as is well understood in the art , clay has a lower porosity as compared to an aggregate of , for example , sand , gravel , or soil . in order to expedite the transmission of water into the aquifer , aggregate drains 88 extend from aggregate leach field 82 , through clay layer 54 , and into sand lens 56 . therefore , a minimal amount of water is absorbed into the clay layer 54 , and the replenishment process is expedited . after the water flows from leach field 82 into sand lens 56 via aggregate drains 88 , it is dispersed throughout sand lens 56 , trickling through to the aquifers in the vicinity . the water in the aquifer is thus replenished through largely natural means , namely the filtration process involved in absorbing precipitation through aggregate leach field 82 and sand lens 56 , despite the existence of a non - porous material such as concrete overlying the ground surface in the form of pavement layer 80 . the aquifer replenishment system as described above is generally formed over previously undeveloped land , or any land that has been excavated to a clay layer 54 . thus , surfaces that have been previously paved by other means must first be removed so that the natural water absorption mechanisms of the earth are exposed . after this has been completed , aggregate drains 88 are drilled from the exposed clay surface 54 into sand lens 56 . after filling the aggregate drains 88 with aggregate , a generally planar aggregate leach field 82 is formed . contemporaneously , leach lines 86 are formed , and is encapsulated by the aggregate which constitutes leach field 82 . after leach field 82 is constructed , concrete reinforcements 90 are placed , and uncured concrete is poured to create pavement layer 80 . with respect to the formation of surface drains 84 , any conventionally known methods of creating generally cylindrical openings in concrete may be employed . for example , before pouring the uncured concrete , hollow cylinders may be placed and inserted slightly into leach field 82 to prevent the concrete from flowing into the opening . yet another example is pouring the concrete and forming a continuous layer , and drilling the concrete after curing to form surface drain 84 . it is to be understood that any method of forming surface drain 84 is contemplated as within the scope of the present invention . with reference to fig3 , a second embodiment of the aquifer replenishing system 200 is shown , including an elevated curb section 192 , a gutter section 196 , and a road pavement section 190 . road pavement section 190 is comprised of a pavement layer or pavement surface 195 , which by way of example only and not of limitation , is architectural concrete , asphalt concrete , or any other paving material known in the art , and is supported by base course 194 . base course 194 is generally comprised of larger grade aggregate , which is spread and compacted to provide a stable base . the aggregate used is typically ¾ inches in size , but can vary between ¾ inches and dust - size . in accordance with the present invention , gutter section 196 has a porous concrete gutter 184 in which the top surface thereof is in a substantially co - planar relationship with the top surface of pavement surface 195 . optionally , porous concrete gutter 184 is supported by base 185 which is composed of similar aggregate material as base course 194 . furthermore , extending from optional base 185 into aquifer 60 is a rock filled bore 188 . as a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize , a bore filled with rocks will improve the channeling of water due to its increased porosity as compared with ordinary soil . optional base 185 and porous concrete gutter 184 is laterally reinforced by cut off walls 183 and elevated curb section 192 . the cut off walls 183 are disposed on opposing sides of the porous concrete gutter 184 and the base 185 between the elevated curve section 192 and the pavement surface 195 . it is expressly contemplated that the cut off walls 183 may be pre - cast or cast in place . when precipitation falls upon road pavement section 190 , the water is channeled toward gutter section 196 . porous concrete gutter 184 permits the precipitation to trickle down to aquifer 60 . when optional base 185 and rock filled bore 188 is in place , there is an additional filter effect supplementing that of the porous concrete gutter 184 . a similar result can be materialized where the water drains from the upper surface of elevated curb section 192 , or precipitation directly falls upon porous concrete gutter 184 . please note a large surface drain may be used in lieu of the porous concrete gutter . this embodiment is particularly beneficial where retrofitting the gutter is a more desirable solution rather than re - paving the entire road surface . in a conventional road pavement as shown in fig4 , pavement surface 195 and base course 194 extend to abut elevated curb section 192 . in preparation for retrofitting gutter section 196 , a section of pavement surface 195 and base course 194 is excavated as shown in fig5 , leaving a hole 197 defined by the exposed surfaces of elevated curb section 192 , base course 194 , and pavement surface 195 . this is followed by the optional step of pouring and curing a cut - off wall 183 as illustrated in fig6 , which , as discussed above , serves to reinforce the gutter section 196 . one or more bores 188 are drilled down to aquifer 60 , and filled with rocks , as shown in fig7 . an optional base of aggregate 185 is formed above rock filled bore 188 , and compacted by any one of well recognized techniques in the art . finally , a volume of porous concrete mixture , that is , a concrete without sand or other aggregate material , is poured and cured , forming porous concrete gutter 184 . while recognizing the disadvantages of using porous concrete , namely , the reduced strength of the resultant structure , a person of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that gutter section 196 sustains less stress thereupon in normal use as compared to road pavement section 190 . the above description is given by way of example , and not limitation . given the above disclosure , one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein . further , the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone , or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein . thus , the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments .
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referring to fig1 of the drawings , 1 denotes an outfeed portion , in its entirety , of a unit 2 for overwrapping packets of cigarettes 3 in leaves or sheets 4 of transparent material , for example polypropylene . such packets 3 are rectangular and prismatic in shape , referable to a longitudinal axis denoted 5 , presenting two larger side faces 6 parallel one with another and with the longitudinal axis 5 , two smaller or flank faces 7 disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis 5 and at right angles to the larger faces 6 , and two end faces 8 disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis 5 . the outfeed portion 1 of the unit 2 includes a feed conveyor 9 ( part of which visible in fig1 ) set in rotation clockwise , as viewed in fig1 , about an axis denoted 10 , by which successive packets 3 are advanced with their axes 5 disposed parallel to the axis 10 of the conveyor , each enveloped in part by a sheet 4 of transparent material , toward a feed station 11 . also forming part of the outfeed portion 1 is a transfer wheel 12 set in rotation anticlockwise , as viewed in fig1 , about an axis 13 parallel to the axis 10 of the conveyor 9 , interposed between the feed station 11 and a release station 14 serving a substantially horizontal outfeed conveyor belt 15 of which one end is looped about a return pulley coinciding with the transfer wheel 12 . the sheets 4 are wrapped around the respective packets 3 by the conveyor 9 in conventional manner , not illustrated , so that each is formed into a tubular wrap 4 ′ ( see fig5 ) centered on an axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis 5 , that is , a wrap 4 ′ clinging to the four side faces 6 - 6 and 7 - 7 of the packet 3 and secured along one flank face 7 by a sealed seam 16 uniting two overlapped edges of the sheet 4 . the feed conveyor 9 is equipped peripherally with a plurality of assemblies 17 , equispaced one from another and pivotable about axes 18 disposed parallel to the axis 10 of rotation , each affording a holder 19 proportioned to accommodate a single packet 3 wrapped in a relative sheet 4 . the holder 19 is delimited by a back wall 20 designed to make contact with one flank 7 of the packet 3 , and two side walls 21 and 22 designed to engage the two larger side faces 6 of the packet . the front part of the holder 19 , opposite the back wall 20 , remains open . as discernible from fig3 , and for reasons that will become clear in due course , the holder 19 is proportioned in such a way that the two ends of the packet 3 project one on either hand , together with the two ends of the tubular wrap 4 ′. with reference to fig5 , each end of the tubular wrap 4 ′ comprises two appendages denoted 23 and 24 projecting from the two larger side faces 6 , an appendage 25 projecting from the flank face 7 offered to the back wall 20 , and an appendage 26 projecting from the flank face 7 along which the sealed seam 16 is applied . one portion 27 of the side wall denoted 21 ( which advances forwardmost in the direction of rotation of the conveyor 9 ) is mounted pivotably to a hinge pin 28 parallel with the axis 10 of the conveyor , coupled to actuator means ( not illustrated ), and capable thus of combining with the opposite side wall 22 to function as gripping means by which the packet 3 is retained internally of the holder 19 . as illustrated in fig1 and 2 , the transfer wheel 12 comprises a drum 29 mounted to a shaft 30 of which the axis coincides with the axis 13 of the wheel . the drum 29 is equipped at the right hand end , as viewed in fig2 , with a cylindrical flange 29 a centered on the axis 13 and carrying a number of shafts 31 centered on respective axes 31 ′ and extending toward the opposite end of the drum 29 . the shafts 31 are equispaced angularly around and parallel to the axis 13 of the wheel , and serve to carry respective gripper assemblies 32 each affording a holder 33 such as will accommodate a packet 3 disposed with its axis 5 parallel to the aforementioned axis 13 . each assembly 32 comprises two mutually parallel arms 34 anchored at respective ends to the opposite ends of a single shaft 31 . the free end presented by each arm 34 of the gripper assembly 32 serves to carry a respective shaft 35 of which the axis 35 a is disposed parallel to the axis 13 of the wheel 12 . the two shafts 35 are axially aligned one with another and carry the holder 33 between their respective ends . both sets of shafts 31 and 35 are coupled to actuator means ( not illustrated ) such as will cause the arms 34 to pivot on the respective axes 31 a relative to the drum 29 , and the holders 33 to rotate about the respective axes 35 a relative to the arms 34 , during the rotation of the transfer wheel 12 about its axis 13 . in the example illustrated , the single holder 33 comprises two l - shaped elements denoted 36 , each mounted to the end of a respective shaft 35 . the elements 36 in question present two first portions 36 a lying in a common plane , parallel to the axis 13 of the wheel and combining to establish a back wall 37 of the holder 33 such as will engage the flank face 7 of the packet 3 occupying the open front of the holder 19 afforded by each assembly 19 of the conveyor 9 . the elements 36 also present two portions 36 b normal to the first portions 36 a , disposed mutually parallel and separated by a distance substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of a single packet 3 , of which the free ends are fashioned with a rounded profile . the two parallel portions 36 b establish two further walls of the holder 33 , and more exactly two side walls 38 by which the two corresponding appendages 26 of the tubular wrap 4 ′ are folded at the moment when the packet 3 is directed into the holder 33 . as illustrated in fig6 , the step of folding each appendage 26 has the effect of forming two triangular folds 26 ′, doubled against the innermost surfaces of the adjoining appendages 23 and 24 . each shaft 35 of the gripper assembly 32 is ensheathed by a tubular element or sleeve 39 that carries gripping means 40 a comprising two jaws 40 and 41 of width substantially matching the width of the packet 3 , pivotable about respective axes 42 and 43 extending mutually parallel and transverse to the shaft axis 35 a . the gripping means 40 a in question constitute means 44 by which to pinch the packet 3 across the opposite endmost edges of the larger side faces 6 , and are capable of movement induced by actuator means ( not illustrated ) between an open position , illustrated in fig1 , and a closed position illustrated in fig1 and 3 . the jaws denoted 40 , uppermost as illustrated in fig3 , present a free gripping end of width substantially identical to that of the packet 3 and are equipped on the side farthest from the back wall 37 with a drag tooth 45 designed to engage one of the flank faces 7 of the packet 3 when released from the conveyor 9 to the transfer wheel 12 . as illustrated in fig4 , it will be seen that with the pinching means 44 in the closed position , the two fold - making longitudinal corner edges 46 of each side wall 38 engage substantially in contact with a gripping face 47 of the corresponding jaw 40 and 41 . consequently , as illustrated in fig6 and 8 , each edge 26 a of a relative folded appendage 26 , coinciding with one side of the relative triangular fold 26 ′ and overlapping part of the corresponding corner edge of a respective end face 8 , will be pinned between the corner edge 46 of the wall 38 and the face 47 of the jaw together with a part 48 of the edge of the appendage 23 or 24 projecting from the respective larger side face 6 of the packet 3 . as illustrated in fig1 and 4 , the unit 2 further comprises heating means denoted 49 , located along the two opposite longitudinal corner edges 46 of each fold - making side wall 38 and consisting , for example , in electrical resistance elements . similarly , the unit 2 comprises heating means 50 located on an area 47 ′ of the gripping face 47 presented by each jaw 40 and 41 , positioned to coincide with the aforementioned corner edges 46 . the outfeed conveyor belt 15 , which advances in the direction denoted f 1 , is equipped with slats 51 delimiting pockets 52 each designed to accommodate a relative packet 3 . 53 denotes a horizontal guide element positioned above the top branch of the belt 15 at a distance substantially equal to the depth of one packet 3 . 54 denotes one of two second fold - making side walls ( one only being visible in fig1 ) by which the two appendages 25 of the tubular wrap 4 ′ opposite to the appendages denoted 26 are flattened against the end faces 8 ( see fig8 ). 55 and 56 denote two helical fold - making elements by which the remaining appendages 23 and 24 of the tubular wrap 4 ′ extending on either side from the two larger faces 6 of the packet 3 are flattened against the end faces 8 , overlapping one another ( see fig8 and 9 ). 57 denotes one of two heat - seal devices , one only being visible in fig1 , by which the two appendages 23 and 24 are bonded one to another over a substantially central area of the end face 8 , excluding the aforementioned edges 26 a and 48 , to complete the ends 8 ′ of the overwrapping . in operation , each holder 19 of the conveyor 9 containing a single packet 3 approaches the entry to the feed station 11 , which extends through an arc of predetermined length , and draws alongside a holder 33 of the transfer wheel 12 , the two holders being substantially aligned at this juncture on an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis 5 of the packet 3 . during this step , the packet 3 will be actively restrained by the aforementioned gripping means 22 and 27 of the one holder 19 , whilst the gripping means 40 a of the other holder 33 are spread , thus allowing interpenetration of the two holders to the point at which the flank face 7 of the packet 3 presenting the sealed seam 16 registers against the back wall 37 , and the ends projecting from the first gripping means 22 and 27 are caused to locate between the jaws 40 and 41 of the second gripping means 40 a . at this point , the jaws 40 and 41 are caused by respective actuator means to close and the gripping means 22 and 27 are spread , allowing the teeth 45 to draw the packet 3 from the holder 19 at the exit end of the feed station 11 . restrained between the jaws 40 and 41 , with the transfer wheel 12 , the arms 34 and the holders 33 rotating anticlockwise ( as viewed in fig1 ), the packet 3 arrives at the release station 14 turned through an angle of some 180 ° from the position in which it had left the holder 19 of the conveyor 9 . on entering the release station 14 , accordingly , the packet 3 will assume a position in which the larger side face 6 engaging the bottom jaw 40 lies substantially in the same plane as that occupied by the top branch of the conveyor belt 15 . at this stage , the gripping means 40 a are spread , and the flank face 7 opposite to that presenting the sealed seam 16 on the tubular wrap 4 ′ is engaged by a slat 51 passing between the two pairs of jaws 40 and 41 , through the gap that separates the aforementioned portions 36 a of the two l - shaped elements denoted 36 . as the packet 3 advances along the belt 15 , the two projecting appendages 25 are flattened by the second fold - making side walls 54 against the respective end faces 8 , whereupon the remaining appendages 23 and 24 are flattened by the helical fold - making elements 55 and 56 likewise against the end faces 8 , one overlapping the other . finally , the two appendages 23 and 24 are secured one to another by the heat - seal devices 57 to complete the closure of the overwrapping 4 . it will be seen that the step of transferring the packet 3 from the feed conveyor 9 to the transfer wheel 12 , during which the respective holders 19 and 33 are caused to interlock , comprises the step of stabilizing the appendages denoted 26 . this stabilizing action , applied along respective lines denoted 58 in the drawings , is generated by the combined action of the aforementioned edges 26 a and 48 of stabilizing means afforded by the longitudinal corner edges 46 of each side wall 38 and the contact areas 47 ′ of the gripping faces 47 . the stabilizing means 46 and 47 ′ in question might operate applying compression alone , or with the aid of the aforementioned heating means 49 and 50 . either solution will ensure that the folded appendage 26 remains stably in place during the remainder of the transfer steps described above . to advantage , moreover , and as discernible from fig9 , the heat - seal 57 ′ applied to each pair of appendages 23 and 24 by the heat - seal devices 57 is located in an area of the relative end 8 ′ not occupied by the stabilization lines 58 . it will be seen from the foregoing that there is no need to equip the unit 2 with mechanisms serving specifically to retain the first appendages 26 in the position assumed following the folding steps . in effect , such mechanisms are replaced by the aforementioned stabilizing means 46 and 47 ′, which are one and the same as the means serving to fold the appendages 26 and remain active during the relative folding step and / or during the step of transferring the packets 3 from the feed station 11 to the release station 14 .
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the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which alternate embodiments of the invention are shown and described . it is to be understood that the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein . rather , these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may be thorough and complete , and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art . with reference initially to fig1 , one embodiment of the includes a golf swing training device 10 having an elongate shaft 12 with a proximal end portion 14 for holding the device by a user , an opposing distal end portion 16 , and an intermediate portion 18 therebetween . a grip 20 may be affixed at the proximal end portion 14 . a first coupling 22 is affixed to the shaft 12 generally within the proximal end portion 14 , but may be located as desired along the shaft length . a second coupling 24 is affixed the shaft 12 within the intermediate portion 18 , by way of example for the embodiment herein described . a stop 26 is attached to the shaft 12 at the distal end portion 16 , herein illustrated at an extreme end 28 of the shaft . the shaft 12 carries a first sliding element 30 for movement between the first coupling 22 and the second coupling 24 , and a second sliding element 32 for movement between the second coupling 24 and the stop 26 . the sliding elements 30 , 32 have sufficient weight for responding to centrifugal forces during the swinging of the shaft 12 by a user when holding the grip 20 in simulating a golf swing . with continued reference to fig1 , the first sliding element 30 is initially coupled to the first coupling 22 and the second sliding element 32 is coupled to the second coupling 24 prior to a swinging of the shaft in a training exercise . as will be further detailed later in this section , the first sliding element 30 is released from the first coupling 22 by a first centrifugal force generated by the swinging of the shaft 12 during a first swinging motion ( known in golfing as a backswing ). the first sliding element 30 accelerates toward the second coupling 24 and makes a first distinctive sound upon contact with a back surface 34 of the second coupling . the second sliding element 32 , initially coupled to the second coupling 24 , remains coupled during the backswing and is released during a second swinging motion ( known in golfing as a downswing ) by a second centrifugal force generated during the second swinging motion of the shaft 12 . the second sliding element 32 accelerates toward the stop 26 and makes a second distinctive sound when contacting the stop . for the embodiment of the device 10 , herein described with reference to fig1 , the shaft 12 comprises a circular cross section , and has a constant cross section along lengths of the shaft having the sliding element movements . with reference to fig2 , 2 a , and 3 , one embodiment of the grip 20 , herein described by way of example , includes a plurality of protrusions 36 that extend outwardly from a longitudinal axis 38 of the grip and are arranged for receiving multiple finger webs 40 biased against them in guiding a hand 42 of the user 44 , as illustrated with reference to fig4 - 6 , for gripping the shaft 12 proximal end portion 14 , earlier described with reference to fig1 . in one embodiment , the grip 20 may comprise three protrusions 46 for receiving the hand 42 that for a right - handed golfer will be the top hand on the shaft 12 positioned at a proximal portion 20 p of the grip , as illustrated by way of example with reference to fig7 . the three protrusions 46 extend from a first side 48 of the grip 20 for receiving three webs 40 between four fingers of the top hand . with reference again to fig2 , 2 a , and 3 , and to fig7 and 7a , another protrusion 52 for receiving a web 54 between fingers of the bottom hand 56 of the user 44 along a distal portion 20 d of the grip 20 . in one desired arrangement , and as illustrated with reference to fig8 , the longitudinal axis 38 of the grip 20 ( coincident with the axis of the shaft 12 ) and an a centerline 58 through a palm of the top hand 42 form approximately a forty five degree angle 60 . as further illustrated with reference again to fig5 , the protrusions 46 are aligned such that a line 47 extending through the protrusions along common points 46 a , 45 b , and 46 c on each of the protrusions 46 forms a non - zero angle 47 a with the longitudinal axis 38 . each protrusion 46 a , 46 b , 46 c of the protrusions 46 is thus offset from an adjacent one protrusion along a circumference of the grip 20 . with reference again to fig2 - 4 , a fourth protrusion 62 extends from a second side 64 radially offset from the first side 48 for receiving a thumb 66 of the top hand 42 , as illustrated with reference again to fig5 , by way of example . further , an indentation 68 is provided on the second side 64 for receiving a thumb of the bottom hand 56 . a second indentation 69 is also provided on the grip second side 64 for use by the thumb of the top hand 52 while the thumb is biased against the protrusion 62 . with reference again to fig1 , the couplings 22 , 24 and the sliding elements 30 , 32 may have various embodiments within teachings of the present invention . by way of example , and with reference to fig9 - 11 , the couplings 22 , 24 and the sliding elements 30 , 32 may be magnetically coupled with both being magnetized , one having a magnet and the other metallic , or the like . for the embodiment herein described by way of example , the sliding element comprises a plastic body 70 with a metallic ring 72 on a coupling side of the element . the sliding elements 30 , 32 may be modified in weight by adding ballast material to the plastic body , by way of example , or by selecting a desired weighted element . the couplings 22 , 24 are magnetized for the embodiment herein described . alternatively , and as will come to those of skill in the art now having the benefit of the teachings of the present invention , friction or latching connections 25 may be used , such as an adhesive or velcro , illustrated with reference again to fig1 . by way of example for the embodiment herein described for the gold training device 10 , a first coupling force between the first coupling 22 and the first sliding element 30 is less than a second coupling force between the second coupling 24 and the second sliding element 32 , thus less centrifugal force is required for releasing the first sliding element than for releasing the second sliding element . with continued reference to fig9 - 11 , for the embodiment herein described , the first and second sliding elements 30 , 32 comprise the body 70 having a bore 74 extending therethrough and dimensioned for sliding along the shaft 12 . it may be desirable to modify the friction between the first and second sliding elements 30 , 32 and the shaft 12 . one embodiment for modifying the frictional force may include having each sliding element 30 , 32 formed from two parts 70 a , 70 b and having the shaft 12 slidably received therebetween . by compressing the shaft 12 between the two parts 70 a , 70 b using connecting screws 76 , a desired sliding friction between the sliding elements and the shaft is achieved . as a result and by way of example when simulating a golfing swing , the releasing of the sliding elements and the sliding along the shaft may be modified to accommodate a desired circumstance or user characteristic . the coupling forces between the first coupling and the first sliding element and between the second coupling and the second sliding element may be preset for a desired swinging movement . yet further with regard to training a swing , and with reference again to fig1 , an alignment element 78 may be carried by the shaft 12 , which element may have a shape of a golf club head for the golf training device 10 herein described by way of example . in addition , a rod 80 may be carried within the shaft and longitudinally extendable from the proximal end portion 14 for viewing by the user during a swinging movement for identifying a swing plane therefor , desirable in one training exercise for a golf swing . by way of example , one method of use may include the training of a full golf swing . with reference now to fig1 and 13 , during one desired swing , two impact or percussion sounds will be heard . with reference to fig1 and to swing locations points a - f , the first sound is heard during the backswing at point e in the backswing as the first sliding element 30 contacts the second coupling 24 . in order for the user to hear the noise associated with the backswing ( the first sound ), the user will need to “ set ” the club properly . for the example herein described , the first sliding element 30 will begin to leave the first coupling 22 near swing point d . this may require a cocking of the wrists and a slight increase in tempo during the backswing , illustrated by way of example with reference to angles α and β for swing points d and e , respectively . with reference again to fig1 , the second impact sound is desirably heard at point j . this is created when a desired tempo is used . by way of example , imagine a cracking of a whip . this allows the second sliding element 32 to be released from the second coupling 24 , as illustrated at about point 1 , to slide down the shaft 12 and hit the stop 26 . typically , an un - cocking of the wrists as illustrated with angles β to α in the downswing will cause a desired release of the second sliding element 32 . the desired setting of the club going back and the desired releasing , or un - cocking , on the downswing provides a desirable maximum club head acceleration . as earlier described with reference to fig9 - 11 , not every golfer swings with the same speed or force . with this in mind , the first and second slidable elements 30 , 32 will be adjustable so that the beginner , as well as the seasoned professional will be allowed to train using the device 10 . by way of example for one embodiment herein describe , the first sliding element 30 may require less centrifugal force to allow it to break free from its starting position . the second sliding element 32 may be set to require significantly more centrifugal force to be applied during the downswing to allow it to break free and contact the stop 26 at the end of the shaft 12 . as illustrated with reference to fig1 , an alternate embodiment of the device 10 , identified as device 11 may include a tapered golf shaft 12 and the two sliding elements 30 , 32 to move freely after they have been released from their respective starting positions 82 , 84 . as above described with reference to fig1 , the stop 26 is carried at the shaft distal end 14 opposite the grip 20 . the stop 26 prevents the first and second sliding elements 30 , 32 from coming loose from the shaft 12 and provides a distinct sound at the time of the second impact portion of the swing creating the sound made during the downswing . the second sliding element 32 stops the first sliding element 30 when the user makes the desired backswing . the first sound is made when the first element 30 hits the second element 32 during the backswing . a release mechanism 86 ( a friction barrier by way of example ) described with reference to fig1 - 17 holds the first sliding element 30 in place during the completion of the backswing and releases both the first and second slidable elements for moving toward the stop 26 when sufficient force is applied during the downswing . as illustrated by way of example with reference to fig1 , one embodiment may include the sliding element 30 , 32 having the bore 74 forced into a taper of the tapered shaft 12 varying the frictional contact by pushing the element to a first , second , third indicator mark 88 made on the shaft . as illustrated with reference to fig1 , notches 90 and tabs 92 may be carried by the shaft 12 , whether tapered or not , and by the surface of the bore 74 , with a degree of releasing force countering a centrifugal force based on the number of notches engaged . yet further , a friction sleeve 94 may be employed for establishing a preset frictional contact 95 between the element 30 , 32 and the shaft 12 , as illustrated by way of example with reference to fig1 . as above described , during a desired swing , two impact or percussion sounds are heard . with reference to fig1 and 18 , the first sound is heard during the backswing at point e . as above described , in order for the user to hear the noise associated with the backswing ( the first sound ), the user will need to “ set ” the club properly . this may require a cocking of the wrists and a slight increase in tempo during the backswing , by way of example . the second impact sound is heard at point j as illustrated with reference to fig1 . the sliding elements 30 , 32 slide down the shaft 12 together and hit the stop 26 . this will be when the wrists un - cock in the downswing . the desired setting of the club going back and the desired releasing , or un - cocking , on the downswing permits achieving maximum club head acceleration . as above described , not every golfer swings with the same speed or force . therefore , frictional contact of the first and second sliding elements 30 , 32 with the shaft 12 may be adjustable so that the beginner , as well as the seasoned professional will be allowed to practice with this device . many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings . therefore , it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed , and that modifications and alternate embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims .
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the disposable protective garment of the applicant &# 39 ; s invention allows simplified manufacture by side to side orientation of the protective garments along a dispensing strip . the garments produced are then secured to the front of the user by a top adhesive strip and a bottom adhesive section . in reference to fig1 a user is shown removing a disposable protective garment 10 from dispensing box 30 . the strips of disposable protective garments are contained within dispensing box 30 on roll 36 . the back side of disposable garment 10 has a liquid impermeable laminate 20 covering the entire back side of the disposable protective garment 10 . the disposable garments may be separated from one another by tearing along perforation line 28 . this allows the user to tear off each individual disposable protective garment for individual use . on the reverse side of the disposable protective garment 10 is liquid absorbent material 22 . attached onto liquid impermeable laminate 20 are adhesive strips 14 , 16 . adhesive strip 14 is positioned at the top of the garment and runs along the side to side length of the garment . adhesive bottom strip 16 is shown as a shorter length of adhesive positioned near the bottom at the center of the side to side width of the garment . fig2 shows a schematic of the manufacturing process for producing disposable protective garments shown in fig1 . the process begins by unrolling a continuous sheet of liquid absorbent material 22 from master roll 100 . the continuous sheet of liquid absorbent material may be comprised of porous paper , non - woven cotton , or various multiple layered absorbent materials . as the continuous sheet is unrolled it is directed by rollers into printing system 110 . in printing system 110 the sheet of liquid absorbent material is rolled between first set of printing drums 112 and second set of printing drums 114 . these drums contact the sheet of liquid absorbent material 22 and are able to transfer printing to the sheet of absorbent material by thermal transfer printing , applied on - line ink transfer , or other known printing methods . it is also possible that an electrostatic printhead could be used in place of pairs of printing drums 112 , 114 . the printer applies decorative indicia in repetitive patterns onto one side of the sheet of liquid absorbent material . although the printing system is illustrated as occurring before the lamination , it is also possible to print after lamination has occurred . the material after passing through printing system 110 is transferred into lamination system 120 . in lamination system 120 the sheet is rolled between lamination drums 122 . as sheet of liquid absorbent material 22 is rolled between lamination drums 122 , an even coating of laminate is applied to one side of the sheet . this can be effected by unrolling laminate roll 126 onto lamination drum 122 . as laminate roll 126 unrolls , it is in contact with adhesive reservoir 124 such that the unrolling roll of laminate is coated with an adhesive . as the adhesive coated laminate comes in contact with sheet of liquid absorbent material 22 , the two sheets bond together such that one sheet is formed having a liquid absorbent material layer 22 and a liquid impermeable laminate layer 20 . although it is possible to use as a laminate material various plastic , rubberized or polymeric materials it is preferred to use a polyethylene film web that is 0 . 5 millimeter thick . the preferred adhesives used to bond the sheet of absorbent material 22 to the liquid impermeable layer 20 are water based . the laminated sheet then moves from lamination system 120 into drying tunnel 130 . in drying tunnel 130 heat is applied such that the water - based adhesive dries bonding the two layers 20 , 22 of the sheet together . the sheet is then rewound onto roll 50 . the laminated sheet then passes from drying tunnel 130 into processing system 140 . processing system 140 is further illustrated in fig3 and 3a . finally the roll is rewound onto product roll 150 . product roll 150 allows the system to maintain a dynamic tension such that the sheet is firmly held against the drums of the production system . product roll 150 can then be further processed into individual rolls which are packaged either individually in shrink - wrap or in dispensing boxes . the processing system 140 of fig2 is further illustrated in fig3 . in this system the laminate absorbent material is unrolled from roll 50 . this processing system performs the final steps in making the disposable garment . these steps include application of the adhesive strips onto the laminated sheet , as well as dicing and perforating the laminated sheet into individual strips of garments . in the processing system , rolls of adhesive tape 52 are unrolled and adhesive strip 14 is applied by pressure roller 53 onto the liquid impermeable laminate sheet 20 . the rolls of adhesive tape 52 unroll onto the length of sheet 20 . each of the rolls of adhesive tape 52 is spaced apart at discrete distances along the width of the sheet 20 . this separation distance is the top to bottom length of one strip of protective garments . in a similar manner , rolls of adhesive tape 54 are also positioned in a parallel orientation separated by a distance such that they dispense adhesive onto liquid impermeable laminate 20 . roll of adhesive tape 54 has a tape cut out 55 such that adhesive strip 16 is not continuously dispensed onto the liquid impermeable laminate 20 but instead is dispensed at regular intervals on liquid impermeable laminate 20 . alternatively a continuous strand of adhesive tape may be dispensed by roll of adhesive tape 54 such that the tape extends along the length of laminate sheet 20 . the positioning of roll of adhesive tape 52 and roll of adhesive tape 54 is such that the rolls of tape are separated by a length equal to the desired length of the garment . when the roll is subsequently cut , the tapes are positioned such that one length of adhesive extends across the top of each garment that is formed and the other adhesive strip is positioned on the bottom of the garment formed with both of the adhesives applied to the laminated back side of the garment . a number of adhesives are adaptable to the present invention . the preferred adhesive is a roll of double - sided tape with plastic release liner . one side of the tape adheres to liquid impermeable laminate 20 . the other side of the double - sided adhesive tape is covered by a plastic release liner . this liner may be subsequently removed exposing the sticky surface of the adhesive tape . the adhesive tape is selected such that it is adhesive to clothing without staining the clothing . alternative adhesives , such as removable pressure sensitive adhesives may also be used . this type of adhesive would be applied in the desired strip by a roller in contact with the adhesive reservoir . several sticky , removable pressure - sensitive adhesives are known . after the adhesive is applied , the sheet is next passed such that it presses against dye cut roller 60 . dye cut roller 60 has at regular intervals , dye cut blade 65 . dye cut blade 65 has an arc blade 64 and a straight edge blade 63 . the blades are positioned perpendicularly to the axis of rotation . dye cut roller 60 also has a perforating blade 62 positioned parallel to the axis of rotation . as dye cut roller rolls , it contacts the moving sheet of laminated material . arc blade 64 cuts this sheet such that arcs are formed in the sheet at regular intervals . blade straight edge 63 cuts the material such that the material sheet is divided into discrete widths each width being the width of a single strip of disposable protective garments . perforating blade 62 then makes a perforating cut 28 at regular intervals along the sheet . the dye cut blades result in the production of protective garments with a top scoop cut 25 and a bottom straight line cut 27 . a small arc of material is removed from the sheet in this production process . bottom straight line cut 27 separates the sheet of material into individual rolls of protective garments 32 , 33 , 34 . an alternative processing system is shown in fig3 a . again roll 50 unrolls the base sheet of material . adhesive tape rolls 52 again unroll tape 14 at regular intervals . tape 14 adheres to liquid impermeable laminate 20 when it is pressed onto this material by roller 53 . at the far edge of the sheet , edge roll of adhesive tape 56 has a tape arc cut out 57 which applies an arc of tape to the edge of the sheet . dye cut roller 60 has at regular intervals dye cut blade 65 . dye cut blade 65 has an arc blade 64 that at regular patterns cuts a scoop arc through the material along the length of the material as the material is drawn past the rotating blade . because the blade is positioned on a cylinder , the cylinder may be rotated such that the blade cuts a pattern at a regular interval into the material . dye cut blade 65 and roll of adhesive tape 52 are positioned such that the arc cut by dye cut blade 65 cuts through adhesive tape 14 . this leaves a small arc of adhesive tape 13 cut away from strip of adhesive tape 14 . the cut made by dye cut blade 65 also separates one disposable protective garment from another along the width of the sheet of laminated material . this again results in individual rolls of disposable protective garments 32 , 33 and 34 . fig3 b shows an individual disposable protective garment made by the process shown in fig3 a . the liquid impermeable laminate 20 is shown having running across the top an adhesive top strip 14 . an arc has been cut from adhesive top strip 14 . on the bottom of the garment is arc of adhesive tape 13 . fig3 a illustrates how using one roll of adhesive tape and a single dye cut both top and bottom adhesive strip can be added to the disposable protective garment further simplifying the production of the disposable protective garments . the blade which cuts through the strip of adhesive tape also separates the sheet of laminated material into individual strips of disposable protective garments 32 , 33 , 34 . fig4 illustrates the back side of disposable protective garment . liquid impermeable laminate 20 covers the entirety of the back side . extending across the top of the disposable protective garment from side to side is adhesive strip 14 . centrally located on the bottom of the back side of the disposable protective garment is adhesive bottom strip 16 . arrows 4 indicate a cross - sectional cut illustrated in fig5 . fig5 illustrates the cross - sectional cut of a section of the disposable protective garment including a cross section of the top adhesive strip 14 . as shown liquid absorbent material 22 has been laminated onto liquid impermeable laminate 20 . on top of liquid impermeable laminate 20 is adhesive top strip 14 . adhesive top strip 14 is composed of a plastic release liner 12 and a length of two - sided adhesive tape 15 positioned between plastic release liner 12 and liquid impermeable laminate 20 . plastic release liner 12 may be peeled away exposing an adhesive layer of two - sided adhesive tape 15 . because each side of two - sided adhesive tape 15 has adhesive properties , one side may adhere to liquid impermeable laminate 20 while the other side may adhere to the wearer of the disposable protective garment . the reverse side of the disposable protective garment shown in fig4 is seen in fig6 . this front side is comprised of liquid absorbent material 22 . printed onto liquid absorbent material 22 is printing 17 . this side of the garment would be visible when the garment is secured to the user by adhesive strip 14 , 16 .
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exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings in detail . the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts . detailed description of well - known functions and structures incorporated herein may be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention . fig1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , the wireless communication system of this embodiment includes a ue 10 , an enhanced node b ( enb ) 20 , an mme 30 , a serving gateway ( s - gw ) 40 , and a packet data network gateway ( p - gw ) 50 . the ue 10 may be fixed or mobile . the ue 10 can be a normal ue for performing normal communication function or a machine type communication ( mtc ) ue for performing mtc function . here , mtc technology can be applied to smart metering for automated communication between the power company server and electric meter reader and alarm system for automated communication between the security company server and an illegal intrusion alarm . the enb 20 manages a cell . at this time , the enb 20 is a macro enb , and the cell is a macro cell as a cell of a typical cellular system . here , the terms “ enb ” and “ cell ” can be interchangeably used in the same meaning . the enb 20 connects to the ue 10 through a radio channel and controls radio resource . for example , the enb generates and broadcasts system information necessary for control within the cell and allocates radio resource for transmitting / receiving packet data or control information to / from the ue 10 . the system information is capable of including carrier information ( plmn id ), enb cell global id ( ecgi ), and tracking area id ( tai ) of each cell . the enb is capable of collecting channel measurement result information for the serving and neighbor cells to make a handover decision and command handover . in order to achieve this , the enb 20 is provided with the control protocol such as radio resource control protocol related to the radio resource management . the mme 30 manages ue 10 in idle mode and selects the s - gw 40 and the p - gw 50 . the mme 30 is responsible for roaming and authentication functions . the mme 30 also processes bearer signals generated by the ue 10 . in order to achieve this , the mme 30 allocates identity information to the ue 10 and manages the connection with the ue 10 using the identity information . at this time , the mme 30 can be a normal mme for supporting the normal ues or a mtc mme for supporting the mtc ues . here , the mme 30 is cable of having a unique entity id which allows for identifying the normal mme and mtc mme . the mme 30 connects to the enb 20 through a radio channel and connects to the ue 10 via the enb 20 . here , the mme 30 connects to the enb via s1 - mme interface . at this time , the mme 30 communicates with the ue 10 using non access stratum ( nas ) message . the mme 30 supports a plurality of tracking areas and is connected with a plurality of enbs 20 providing respective tracking area information . that is , a plurality of enbs 20 providing the same tracking area information can be connected with the mme 30 . it is also possible for the plural enbs 20 proving different tracking area informations to connect to the respective mmes 30 . it is also possible for the plural enbs 20 supporting different tracking areas to be connect to the same mme 30 . the s - gw 40 connects to the enb 20 and the mme 30 through radio channels . here , the s - gw 40 connects to the enb 20 through s1 - u interface . the s - gw 320 is responsible for the ue mobility control function . that is , when the ue 10 performs handover between enbs or roams across 3gpp radio network networks , the s - gw 40 acts as a mobility anchor of the ue 10 . the p - gw 50 connects to the s - gw 40 through a radio channel . here , the p - gw 50 connects to the s - gw via s5 interface . the p - gw 50 connects to the internet protocol ( ip ) network 60 . the p - gw 50 is responsible for ip address allocation to the ue 10 and packet data - related functions . that is , the p - gw 50 delivers the packet data received through the ip network 60 to the ue 10 via the s - gw 40 and the enb 20 . when the ue moves between the 3gpp radio network and non - 3gpp radio network , the p - gw 50 acts as the mobility anchor of the ue 10 . the p - gw 50 also determines the bearer bandwidth for the ue 10 and performs packet data forward and routing function . the wireless communication system is capable of further including a home subscriber server ( hss ) ( not shown ). the hss stores the subscriber information per ue . when the ue 10 attempts attachment to the network , the hss provides the mme 30 with the information related to the ue 10 for use in controlling the ue 10 . once it has connected to the enb 20 of the wireless communication system , the ue 10 connects to the ip network 60 through a data path consisting of the enb 20 , the s - gw 40 , and the p - gw 50 so as to exchange packet data . the ue 10 is also capable of transmitting a nas request to the mme 30 via the enb 20 . the nas message is capable of including request including at least one of attach request , tracking area update request , or service request . upon receiving the nas request message , the enb 20 selects mme 30 according to the network node selection function ( nnsf ) and sends the nas request message to the selected mme 30 . this is because the enb 20 is capable of being connected to a plurality of mmes 30 individually through s1 - mme interface . in this embodiment , although the description is directed to the case where the ue 10 is an mtc ue , the enb 20 is connected to the respective normal mme and mtc mme , the present invention is not limited thereto . that is , although the normal ue is replaced by mtc ue implemented with a specific function and the mme is replaced by mtc mme implemented to support other type of ue , the present invention is applicable . fig2 is a signaling diagram illustrating a connection procedure in the wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig2 , the connection procedure between the mtc ue 11 and mtc mme 330 starts in such a way that the mtc ue 11 establishes an rrc connection with the enb 20 . when it attaches to the radio network initially or enters the cell supporting the tracking area information , the mtc ue 11 is capable of performing initial rrc connection to the enb 20 to establish the connections to the mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 . the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection request message at step 111 . since it is the initial connection to the enb 20 , the mtc ue 11 sends the ue id in the form of a random value through in the rrc connection request message . upon receipt of the rrc connection request message , the enb 20 sends the mtc ue 11 an rrc connection setup message at step 113 . upon receipt of the rrc connection setup message , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection setup complete message at step 115 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits the nas request message to the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection setup complete message . here , the mtc ue 11 is capable of transmitting the rrc connection request message or the rrc connection setup complete message with an mtc indicator for indicating that the ue is the mtc ue . the mtc ue 11 is also capable of inserting the entity id of the mme entity 30 , 31 , or 33 to which it has connected previously in the rrc connection setup complete message . once the connection has been established with the mtc ue 11 , the enb 20 selects one of a plurality of mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 117 . at this time , the enb 20 determines whether the rrc connection setup complete message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb selects the mme identified by the entity id . if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if it has no s1 - mme interface connection with the mme identified by the entity id , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . here , the enb 20 is capable of determining whether the rrc connection request message or the rrc connection setup complete message includes the mtc indicator . if no mtc indicator is included , the enb 20 selects the normal mme 31 . otherwise , if the mtc indicator is included , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 . once the mtc mme 33 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the mtc mme 33 an initial ue message for the mtc ue 11 at step 119 . at this time , the enb 20 transmits the rrc connection setup complete message in the nas request message . upon receipt of the initial ue request message , the mtc mme 33 sends the mtc ue 11 an initial ue response message at step 121 via the enb 20 . at this time , the mtc mme 33 generates the nas response message by processing the request data in the nas request message . the mtc mme 33 also transmits the nas response message in the nas message . the mtc mme 33 is capable of transmitting global unique temporary id ( guti ) as the identity information for the mtc ue 11 in the nas response message . here , the guti includes the information on the carrier supported by the enb 20 connected currently to the mtc mme 33 , mme group id of the mme 33 , entity id of the mtc mme 33 , and mme - temporary mobile subscriber id ( m - tmsi ) which the mtc mme 33 allocates to the mtc ue 11 ; and the sae temporary mobile subscriber id consists of the entity id and m - tmsi . meanwhile , the mtc ue 11 is capable of re - attempting rrc connection with the enb 20 . that is , when it transitions from the idle mode to the active mode or enters a cell supporting the tracking area information that has been identified already , the mtc ue 11 is capable of attempting rrc connection to the enb 20 for re - establishing the connection to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which it has connected . that is , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 the rrc connection request message at step 141 . since it is a retry for connection to the enb 20 , the mtc ue 11 includes the s - tmsi as the ue id in the rrc connection request message . upon receipt of the rrc connection request message , the enb 20 sends the mtc ue 11 the rrc connection setup message at step 143 . upon receipt of the rrc connection setup message , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 the rrc connection setup complete message at step 145 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits the nas request message for the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection setup complete message . once the mtc ue 11 has connected , the enb 20 selects one of the plural mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 147 . at this time , the enb 20 determines whether the rrc connection setup complete message includes the entity id . if the entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mme identified by the entity id . that is , the enb 20 checks the entity id with s - tmsi included in the rrc connection request message and selects the entity matched with the entity id . if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . in case that it has not s1 - mme interface connection with the mme identified by the entity id , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . once the mtc mme 33 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the mtc mme 33 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 149 . at this time , the enb 20 transmits the nas request message carried in the rrc connection complete message . upon receipt of the initial ue request message , the mtc mme 33 sends the mtc ue 11 an initial ue response message via the enb 20 at step 151 . at this time , the mtc mme 33 generates the nas response message by processing the request data in the nas request message . the mtc mme 33 transmits the nas message including the nas response message . the operation procedure between the mme 30 , 31 , and 33 and the enb 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described hereinafter . fig3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 of fig2 . referring to fig3 , if a nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 detects this at step 161 and determines whether to assign guto to the ue 10 or 11 at step 163 . that is , the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 determines whether the guti has been assigned to the ue 10 or 11 . if it is determined that the guti has not been assigned to the ue 10 or 11 at step 163 , the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 assigns a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 165 . the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 also sends the ue 10 or 11 the nas response message including the corresponding guti at step 167 . otherwise , if it is determined that the guto has been assigned to the ue 10 or 11 , the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 sends the ue 10 or 11 the nas response message via the enb 20 . fig4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the enb 20 of fig2 . referring to fig4 , the enb 20 of the present embodiment establishes an rrc connection with the ue 10 or 11 at step 181 . if a nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the enb 20 detects the message and selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 at step 185 . if an entity ie is received along with the nas request message , the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . if no entity id is received , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if an mtc indicator is received along with the nas request message , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 . otherwise , if no mtc indicator is received , the enb 20 selects the normal mme 31 . the enb 20 sends the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 the nas request message at step 187 . if the nas response message is received from the mme 30 , 31 , 33 , the enb 20 detects this at step 189 and delivers the nas response message to the ue 10 or 11 at step 191 . although the above description has been directed to the exemplary case where the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 for the mtc ue 11 in initial rrc connection with the mtc ue 11 in the first embodiment of the present invention , the present invention is not limited thereto . that is , when selecting an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily , although the enb 20 selects the normal mme 31 , the present invention can be implemented . such examples are described in the second to sixth embodiments of the present invention . fig5 is a signaling diagram illustrating a connection procedure in the wireless communication according to the second embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig5 , the connection establishment procedure between the mtc ue 11 and the mtc mme 33 according the present embodiment starts in such a way that the mtc ue 11 attempts to establish an rrc connection to the enb 20 . when it attempts initial attachment to the radio network or enters a cell supporting the tracking area information , the mtc ue 11 is capable of establishing the initial rrc connection to the enb 20 to connect to a new mme 30 , 31 , or 33 . the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection request message at step 211 . since it is the initial connection to the enb 20 , the mtc ue 11 transmits a random value of the ue id in the rrc connection request message . if the rrc connection request message is received , the enb 20 sends an rrc connection setup message to the mtc ue 11 at step 213 . in response to the rrc connection setup message , the ue 11 sends an rrc connection complete message to the enb 20 at step 215 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits an nas request message for the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection complete message . here , the mtc ue 11 is capable of inserting the entity id of the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which it has connected in the rrc connection complete message . if the mtc ue 11 has connected , the enb 20 selects one of a plurality of mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 217 . at this time , the enb 20 determines whether the rrc connection complete message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 identified by the entity id . otherwise , if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if there is no connection with the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 through the s1 - mme interface , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if the selected mme is the normal mme 31 , the enb 20 sends the normal mme 31 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 219 . at this time , the enb 20 transmits the nas request message carried in the rrc connection complete message . if the initial ue request message in received , the normal mme 31 checks that the nas request message is transmitted from the mtc ue 11 in the initial ue request message at step 221 . for example , the enb 20 delivers the mtc indicator received from the mtc ue 11 to the normal mme 31 such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . also , it is possible for the normal mme 31 to identify the mtc ue 11 based on the mtc indicator included in the subscriber information of the mtc ue 11 which is transmitted by the hss . also , it is possible for the normal mme 31 to identify the mtc ue 11 based on the random value selected in the range allowed for normal ue as ue id . next , the normal mme 31 sends a guti allocation request message to the mtc mme 33 at step 223 . that is , the normal mme 31 requests the mtc mme 33 for the guti of the mtc ue 11 . in response to the guti allocation request message , the mtc mme 33 sends the normal mme 31 a guti allocation response message at step 225 . that is , the mtc mme 33 provides the normal mme 331 with the guti as the identity information for the mtc ue 11 . here , the guti includes the information on the carrier supported by the enb 20 connected currently to the mtc mme 33 , mme group id of the mme 33 , entity id of the mtc mme 33 , and mme - temporary mobile subscriber id ( m - tmsi ) which the mtc mme 33 allocates to the mtc ue 11 ; and the s - tmsi consists of the entity id and m - tmsi . if the guti allocation response message is received , the normal mme 31 is capable of transmits ue context of the mtc ue 11 to the mtc mme 33 at step 227 . next , the normal mme 31 sends the mtc ue 11 an initial ue response message via the enb 20 at step 229 . at this time , the normal mme 31 generates the nas response message by processing the request data included in the nas request message . the normal mme 31 also includes the guti for the mtc ue 11 in the nas response message . meanwhile , the mtc ue 11 is capable of retries rrc connection to the enb 20 . that is , when it wakes up and transitions from the idle mode to the active mode or enters the cell supporting the tracking area information that has been identified already , the mtc ue 11 is capable of retrying rrc connection to the enb 20 for reconnection to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 . that is , the mtc ue 11 transmits the rrc connection request message to the enb 20 at step 241 . since it is the retry for connection , the mtc ue 11 transmits the rrc connection request message configured with the s - tmsi as the ue id . if the rrc connection request message is received , the enb 20 sends the mtc ue 11 the rrc connection setup message at step 243 . if the rrc connection setup message is received , the mtc ue 11 sends the rrc connection complete message to the enb 20 at step 245 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits the nas request message for the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection complete message . once the mtc ue 11 has connected , the enb 20 selects one of the plural mmes 30 , 31 , or 33 at step 247 . at this time , the enb 20 determines whether the rrc connection complete message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mme identified by the entity id . that is , the enb 20 checks the entity id based on the s - tmsi included in the rrc connection request message and selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched to the entity id . if not entity id is included , the enb selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if there is no connection with the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched to the entity id through s1 - mme interface , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . once the mtc mme 33 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the mtc mme 22 the initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 249 . here , the enb 20 transmits the nas request message in the rrc connection complete message . if the initial ue request message is received , the mtc mme 33 is capable of sending the normal mme 31 a ue context request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 251 . if the ue context request message is received , the normal mme 31 is capable of sending the mtc mme 33 a ue context response message including the ue context at step 253 . afterward , the mtc mme 33 sends the mtc ue 11 the initial ue response message via the enb 20 at step 255 . at this time , the mtc mme 33 generates the nas message by processing the request data included in the nas request message . the mtc mme 33 also transmits the nas response message in the nas message . descriptions are made of the operation procedures of the normal mme 31 and mtc mme 33 hereinafter . since the operation procedure of the enb 20 in the present embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment of the present invention , detailed description thereon is omitted herein . fig6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the normal mme 31 of fig5 . referring to fig6 , if an nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the normal mme 31 detects this at step 261 and determines whether to allocate guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 263 . that is , the normal mme 31 determines whether the ue 10 or 11 has been assigned the guti already . if it is determined to allocate guti at step 263 , the normal mme 31 determines whether the ue 10 or 11 is the mtc ue 11 at step 265 . if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is the mtc ue 11 at step 265 , the normal mme 31 sends the mtc mme 33 a guti allocation request message at step 267 . afterward , if a guti allocation response message is received from the mtc mme 33 , the normal mme 31 detects this at step 269 and sends the ue 10 or 11 a nas response message including the corresponding guti at step 271 . otherwise , if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is not the mtc ue 11 at step 265 , the normal mme 31 allocates a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 270 . next , the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 the nas response message including the guti at step 271 . if it is determined that there is no need to allocate guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 263 , the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 a nas response message via the enb 20 at step 275 . fig7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the mtc mme 33 of fig5 . referring to fig7 , if a guti allocation request message is received from the normal mme 31 , the mtc mme 33 detects this at step 281 and sends the normal mme 31 a guti allocation response message at step 283 . if no guti allocation request message is received but a nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the mtc mme 33 detects this at step 285 and sends the ue 10 or 11 the nas response message via the enb 20 at step 287 . although the description has been directed to the case where the normal mme 31 and mtc mme 33 communicate to each other directly in the second embodiment of the present invention , the present invention is not limited thereto . that is , even when the normal mme 31 and the mtc mme 33 are not communication directly , the present invention can be implemented . such an example is described in the third embodiment of the present invention hereinafter . fig8 is a signaling diagram illustrating a connection procedure in the wireless communication system according to the third embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig8 , the connection procedure between the mtc ue 11 and the mtc 33 according to the third embodiment starts in such a way that the normal mme 31 retains the list of gutis , i . e . mtc gutis , as the identity information that can be allocated by the mtc mme 33 at step 311 . at this time , the mtc mme 33 sends the list of the mtc gutis directly to the normal mme 31 such that the normal mme 31 stores the mtc guti list . the mtc mme 33 registers the mtc guti list with an operation and management ( o & amp ; m ) server ( not shown ) which provides the normal mme 31 with the mtc guti such that the normal mme 31 is capable of storing the list of the mtc gutis . here , the guti includes the information on the carrier supported by the enb 20 connected currently to the mtc mme 33 , mme group id of the mme 33 , entity id of the mtc mme 33 , and mme - temporary mobile subscriber id ( m - tmsi ) which the mtc mme 33 allocates to the mtc ue 11 ; and the s - tmsi consists of the entity id and m - tmsi . next , the mtc ue 11 attempts the rrc connection to the enb 20 . when it attempts initial attachment to the radio network or enters the cell supporting the tracking area information , the mtc ue 11 is capable of attempting the initial rrc connection to the enb 20 to establishing connection to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 . that is , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection request message at step 313 . since it is the initial attachment to the enb 20 , the mtc ue 11 sends a random value as the ue id in the rrc connection request message . if the rrc connection request message is received , the enb 20 sends the mtc ue 11 an rrc connection setup message at step 315 . in response to the rrc connection setup message , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection complete message at step 317 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits a nas request message for the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection complete message . here , the mtc ue 11 is capable of further including the entity id of the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which it has connected previously in the rrc connection complete message . once the mtc ue 11 has connected , the enb 20 selects one of the plural mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 319 . at this time , the enb 20 determines whether the rrc connection complete message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . otherwise , if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if it is not connected to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 match with the entity id through s1 - mme interface , the enb selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if the normal mme 31 is selected , the enb 20 sends the normal mme 31 an initial ue request message addressed to the mtc ue 11 at step 321 . at this time , the enb 20 transmits the nas request message carried in the rrc connection complete message . if the initial ue request message is received , the normal mme 31 checks that the nas message carried in the initial ue request message has been transmitted by the mtc mme 11 at step 323 . for example , the enb 20 transmits the mtc indicator received from the mtc ue 11 to the normal mme 31 such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . also , it is possible for the hss to transmit the mtc indicator in the subscriber information of the mtc ue 11 to the normal mme 31 such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . also , it is possible for the mtc ue 11 uses a random value selected in the range discriminated from that for the normal ue such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . the normal mme 31 determines the guti for the mtc ue 11 from the mtc guti list and marks the guti as being used at step 324 . the normal mme 31 is capable of transmitting the ue context of the mtc ue 11 to the mtc mme 33 at step 325 and then checking that the guti for the mtc ue 11 is not used from the mtc guti list at step 326 . next , the normal mme 31 sends the mtc ue 11 an initial ue response message via the enb 20 at step 327 . at this time , the normal mme 31 generates a nas response message by processing the request data in the nas request message . the normal mme 31 transmits the nas response message in the nas message . the normal mme 31 is also capable of transmitting the guti selected from the mtc guti list in the nas response message . the mtc ue 11 is capable of retrying the rrc connection to the enb 20 . after wake - up from the idle mode when it transitions from the idle mode to the active mode or enters the cell supporting the tracking area information that has been identified already , the mtc ue 11 is capable of retrying the rrc connection to the enb 20 to reestablish the connection to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which it has connected previously . that is , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection request message at step 341 . since it is the retry of the connection to the enb 20 , the mtc ue 11 transmits the rrc connection request message with the 5 - tmsi as the ue id . if the rrc connection request message is received , the enb 20 sends the mtc ue 11 an rrc connection setup message at step 343 . in response to the rrc connection setup message , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection complete message at step 345 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits the nas request message for the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection complete message . if the mtc ue 11 has connected , the enb 20 selects one of the plural mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 347 . at this time , the enb determines whether the rrc connection complete message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with entity id . that is , the enb 20 checks the entity id based on the s - tmsi included in the rrc connection request message and selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . also , if it has not connected to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id through s1 - mme interface , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . once the mtc mme 33 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the mtc mme 33 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 349 . here , the enb 20 transmits the nas request message carried in the rrc connection complete message . if the initial ue request message is received , the mtc mme 33 is capable of transmitting a ue context request message for the mtc ue 11 to the normal mme 31 at step 351 . if the ue context request message is received , the normal mme 31 sends the mtc mme 33 a ue context response message including the ue context at step 353 and marks the guti for the mtc ue 11 as not being used in the mtc guti list at step 354 . although not depicted , when the ue context request message is received , the normal mme 31 is capable of checking the guti for the mtc ue 11 as being not used in the mtc guti list and then transmits the ue context response message . afterward , the mtc mme 33 sends the mtc ue 11 an initial ue response message via the enb 20 at step 355 . at this time , the mtc mme 33 generates the nas response message by processing the request data in the nas request message . the mtc mme 33 transmits the nas response message in the nas message . a description is made of the operation procedure of the normal mme 31 according to this embodiment hereinafter . since the operation procedures of the enb 20 and the mtc mme 33 according to this embodiment are similar to those in the first embodiment , detailed descriptions thereon are omitted herein . fig9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the normal mme 31 of fig8 . referring to fig9 , the normal mme 31 retains the mtc guti list in the embodiment at step 361 . at this time , the normal mme 31 also stores a list of gutis that the normal mme 31 can allocate , i . e . normal guti list in addition to the mtc guti list . if a nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the normal mme 31 detects this and determines whether to allocate guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 363 . that is , the normal mme 31 determines whether it has allocated a guti to the ue 10 or 11 previously . if it is determined to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 365 , the normal mme 31 determines whether the ue 10 or 11 is an mtc ue 11 at step 367 . if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is the mtc ue 11 at step 367 , the normal mme 31 allocates an guti selected from the mtc guti list to the ue 10 or 11 . afterward , the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 a nas response message including the corresponding guti at step 371 . otherwise , if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is not the mtc ue 11 at step 367 , the normal mme 31 allocates the guti selected from the normal guti rest to the ues 10 or 11 at step 370 . next , the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 the nas response message including the corresponding guti at step 371 . if it is not necessary to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 365 , the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 the nas response message via the enb 20 at step 375 . although the description has been directed to the case where normal mme 31 delivers the guti allocated by the mtc mme 33 to the mtc ue 11 in the initial rrc connection between the mtc ue 11 and the enb 20 in the second and third embodiments , the present invention is not limited thereto . that is , the present invention can be implemented in such a way that the mtc mme 33 is capable of allocating and transmitting the guti for the mtc ue 11 . such an example is described hereinafter in the fourth embodiment of the present invention . fig1 is a signaling diagram illustrating a connection procedure in the wireless communication system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , the connection procedure between the mtc ue 11 and the mtc mme 33 according to the this embodiment starts in such a way that the mtc ue 11 attempts rrc connection to the enb 20 . at this time , when it tries initial attachment to the radio network or enters the cell supporting the tracking area information , the mtc ue 11 is capable of initial rrc connection to the enb 20 to establish the connection to a new mme 30 , 31 , or 33 . that is , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 the rrc connection request message at step 411 . since it is the initial attachment , the mtc ue 11 transmits a random value as the ue id in the rrc connection request message . if the rrc connection request message is received , the enb 20 sends the mtc ue 11 an rrc connection setup message at step 413 . if the rrc connection setup message is received , the mtc ue 11 sends an rrc connection complete message to the enb 20 at step 415 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits a nas request message for the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection complete message . here , the mtc ue 11 is capable of further including the entity id of the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which is has connected previously in the rrc connection complete message . once the mtc ue 11 has connected , the enb 20 selects one of a plurality of mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 417 . at this time , the enb 20 determines whether the rrc connection complete message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . also , if it has not connected to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id via s1 - mme interface , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . once the normal mme 31 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the normal mme 31 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 419 . at this time , the enb 20 transmits the nas request message carried in the rrc connection complete message . if the initial ue request message is received , the normal mme 31 determines whether the nas request message carried in the initial ue request message is transmitted by the mtc ue 11 at step 421 . for example , the enb 20 transmits the mtc indicator received from the mtc ue 11 to the normal mme 31 such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . also , it is possible for the hss to transmit the mtc indicator in the subscriber information of the mtc ue 11 such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . also , it is possible for the mtc ue 11 to use a random value selected in the range discriminated from that for the normal ue such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . next , the normal mme 31 sends the mtc mme 33 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 423 . here , the normal mme 31 is capable of transmitting the initial ue request message using the tunneling technique . if the initial ue request message is received , the mtc mme 33 is capable of transmitting to the normal mme 31 a ue context request message for the mtc ue 11 additionally at step 425 . if the ue context request message is received , the normal mme 31 is capable of transmitting a ue context response message including the ue context to the mtc mme 33 at step 427 . here , the mtc mme 33 and the mtc ue 11 are capable of perform nas communication via the enb 20 and the normal mme 31 at step 429 . that is , the mtc mme 33 and the mtc ue 11 are capable of generating and exchanging nas messages . here , the normal mme 31 is capable of exchanging the nas messages with the mtc mme 33 using the tunneling technique . next , the mtc mme 33 sends the normal mme 31 an initial ue response message at step 431 . at this time , the mtc mme 33 generates the nas response message by processing the request data in the nas request message . here , the mtc mme 33 is capable of transmitting the nas response message using the tunneling technique . the mtc mme 33 is capable of transmitting the guti allocated as identity information of the mtc ue 11 in the nas response message . afterward , if the initial ue response message is received , the normal mme 31 transmits the initial ue response message to the mtc ue 11 via the enb 20 at step 433 . meanwhile , the mtc ue 11 is capable of retrying rrc connection to the enb 20 . after wake - up from the idle mode , when it transitions from the idle mode to the active mode or enters the cell supporting the tracking area information which has been known already , the mtc ue 11 is capable of retrying the rrc connection to the enb 20 for reestablishing the connection to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which the mtc mme has connected previously . that is , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 the rrc connection request message at step 441 . since it is reconnection to the enb 20 , the mtc ue 11 transmits the rrc connection request message in which the ue id is set to the s - tmsi . if the rrc connection request message is received , the enb 20 sends the mtc ue 11 an rrc connection setup message at step 443 . if the rrc connection setup message is received , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection complete message at step 445 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits the nas request message for the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection complete message . once the mtc terminal 11 has connected , the enb 20 selects one of the plural mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 447 . at this time , the enb 20 determines whether the rrc connection complete includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . that is , the enb 20 checks the entity id from the s - tmsi of the rrc connection request message and selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . otherwise , if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . also , if it has not connected to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . once the mtc mme 33 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the mtc mme 33 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 449 . here , the enb 20 transmits the nas request message carried in the rrc connection complete message . if the initial ue request message is received , the mtc mme 33 sends the mtc ue 11 an initial ue response message via the enb 20 at step 451 . at this time , the mtc mme 33 generates the nas response message by processing the request data in the nas request message . the mtc mme 33 transmits the nas response message in the nas message . a description is made of the operation procedure of the normal mme 31 according to this embodiment hereinafter . since the operation procedures of the enb 20 and the mtc mme 33 according to this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment of the present invention , detailed descriptions thereon are omitted herein . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the normal mme 31 of fig1 . referring to fig1 , if an nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the normal mme 31 detects this at step 461 and determines whether to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 463 . that is , the normal mme 31 determines whether the ue 10 or 11 has been allocated a guti already . if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 has been allocated a guti already at step 463 , the normal mme 31 determines whether the ue 10 or 11 is the mtc ue 11 at step 465 . if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is the mtc ue 11 at step 465 , the normal mme 31 sends the mtc mme 33 a nas request message at step 467 . afterward , if an nas response message including the guti for the ue 10 or 11 is received , the normal mme 31 detects this at step 469 and delivers the nas response message including the corresponding guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 471 . otherwise , if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is not the mtc ue 11 at step 465 , the normal mme 31 allocates a guti for the ue 10 or 11 at step 470 . the normal mme 31 delivers the nas response message to the ue 10 or 11 at step 471 . at this time , the normal mme 31 transmits the nas response message including the corresponding guti . if it is determined that there is no need to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 463 , the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 the nas response message via the enb 20 . although the description is directed to the case , when the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 for the mtc ue 11 , the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 performs operation for allocating guti to the mtc 11 in the second to fourth embodiments of the present invention , the present invention is not limited thereto . that is , the present invention is capable of being implemented in such a way that , as well as the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 , the enb 20 performs the operation for allocation guti to the mtc ue 11 . such examples are described in the fifth and sixth embodiments of the present invention hereinafter . fig1 is a signaling diagram illustrating the connection procedure in the wireless communication system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , the connection procedure between the mtc ue 11 and the mtc mme 33 according to this embodiment starts in such a way that the mtc ue 11 attempts rrc connection to the enb 20 . when it attempts initial connection to the radio network or enters a cell supporting the tracking area information which has not been recognized , the mtc ue 11 is capable of attempting initial rrc connection to the enb 20 to establish the connection to a new mme 30 , 31 , or 33 . that is , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection request message at step 511 . since it is the attempt for initial attachment t 0 the enb 20 , the mtc ue 11 transmits the rrc connection request message including a random value set as the ue id . if the rrc connection request message is received , the enb 20 sends the mtc ue 11 an rrc connection setup message at step 513 . if the rrc connection setup message is received , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection complete message at step 515 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits the nas request message for the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection complete message . here , the mtc ue 11 is capable of transmitting the rrc connection complete message including the entity id of the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which it has connected previously . once the mtc ue 11 has connected , the enb 20 selects one of the plural mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 517 . at this time , the enb determines whether the rrc connection complete message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mme entity 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . also , if it has not connected to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id via s1 - mme interface , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if the normal mme 31 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the normal mme 31 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 519 . at this time , the enb 20 transmits the nas request message carried in the rrc connection complete message . here , the enb 20 is capable of storing the initial ue request message or the nas request message . if the initial ue request message is received , the normal mme 31 checks that the nas request message carried in the initial ue request message has been transmitted by the mtc ue 11 at step 521 . for example , the enb 20 is capable of transmitting the mtc indicator received from the mtc ue 11 to the normal mme 31 such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . also , it is possible for the hss to transmit the mtc indicator in the subscriber information of the mtc ue 11 such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . also , it is possible for the mtc ue 11 to use a random value selected in the range discriminated from that for the normal ue such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . next , if the mtc ue 11 has been identified , the normal mme 31 sends the enb 20 an mme reselection request ( ue redirect request ) message at step 523 . at this time , the normal mme 31 in capable of transmitting the mme reselection request message including the information on the mtc mme 33 , e . g . entity id . here , the normal mme 31 is capable of transmitting the nas request message of the mtc ue 11 in the mme reselection request message . next , if the mme reselection request message is received , the enb 20 selects one of the plural mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 525 . at this time , the enb selects the mtc mme 33 . herein , the enb 20 determines whether the mme reselection request message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 matched to the entity id . otherwise , if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mtc mme 33 arbitrarily . also , if it has not connected to the mme 33 matched with the entity id via s1 - mme interface , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 arbitrarily . next , if the mtc mme 33 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the mtc mme 33 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 527 . the mtc mme 33 sends the mtc ue 11 an initial ue response message via the enb 20 at step 529 . at this time , the mtc mme 33 generates the nas response message by processing the request data in the nas request message . the mtc mme 33 transmits the nas response message in the nas message . the mtc mme 33 is also capable of transmitting the nas response message including the guti allocated as the identity information of the mtc ue 11 . the mtc ue 11 is capable of retrying rrc connection to the enb 20 . that is , after wake - up from the idle mode , when it transitions from the idle mode to the active mode or enters a cell supporting the tracking area information which has not been recognized until then , the mtc ue 11 is capable of retrying rrc connection to the enb 20 to reestablish the connection to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which it has connected previously . next , the mtc ue 11 is capable of attempting connection to the mtc mme 33 via the enb 20 . since the connection procedure between the mtc ue 11 and the mtc mme 33 is similar to steps 441 to 451 of fig1 , detailed description thereon is omitted herein . descriptions are made of the operation procedures of the normal mme 31 and the enb 20 according to the present embodiment hereinafter . since the operation procedure of the mtc mme 33 according to this embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment of the present invention , detailed description thereon is omitted herein . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the normal mme 31 of fig1 . referring to fig1 , if the nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the normal mme 31 detects this at step 561 and determines whether to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 563 . that is , the normal mme 31 determines whether the ue 10 or 11 has been allocated a guti already . if it is determined to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 563 , the normal mme 31 determines whether the ue 10 or 11 is the mtc ue 11 at step 565 . if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is the mtc ue 11 , the normal mme 31 sends the enb an mme reselection request message at step 567 . otherwise , if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is not the mtc ue 11 at step 565 , the normal mme 31 allocates a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 569 . next , the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 a nas response message at step 571 . at this time , the normal mme 31 transmits the nas response message including the corresponding guti . if it is determined not to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 563 , the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 a nas response message via the enb 20 at step 573 . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the enb 20 of fig1 . referring to fig1 , the enb 20 tries to establish rrc connection with the ue 10 or 11 at step 581 . afterward , if a nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the enb 20 detects this at step 583 and selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 at step 585 . at this time , if an entity id is received in the nas request message , the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . if no entity id is received , the enb selects an mme entity 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if an mtc indicator is received in the nas request message , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 . if no mtc indicator is received , the enb 20 selects the normal mme 31 . the enb 20 delivers the nas request message to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 at step 587 . next , if an mme reselection request message is received from the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 , the enb 20 detects this at step 589 and reselects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 at step 591 . at this time , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 . at this time , if an entity id is received in the mme reselection request message , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 matched with the entity id . if no entity id is received , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 arbitrarily . the enb 20 delivers the nas request message to the reselected mme 30 , 31 , or 33 at step 593 . afterward , if a nas response message is received from the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 , the enb detects this at step 595 and delivers the nas response message to the ue 10 or 11 at step 597 . although the description is directed to the case where the enb 20 retransmits the nas request message in the fifth embodiment of the present invention , the present invention is not limited thereto . that is , the present invention can be implemented in such a way that the mtc ue 11 retransmits the nas request message . such an example is described in the sixth embodiment of the present invention of the present invention . fig1 is a signaling diagram illustrating a connection procedure in the wireless communication system according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention . referring to fig1 , the connection procedure between the mtc ue 11 and the mtc mme 33 starts in such a way that the mtc ue 11 attempts rrc connection to the enb 20 . at this time , when it attaches to the network initially or enters a cell supporting the tracking information which has not been recognized yet , the mtc ue 11 is capable of trying initial rrc connection to the enb 20 to establish a connection to a new mme 30 , 31 , or 33 . that is , the mtc ue 11 sends an rrc connection request message to the enb 20 at step 611 . since it is the initial connection attempt to the enb 20 , the mtc ue 11 transmits a random value as a ue id in the rrc connection request message . if the rrc connection request message is received , the enb 20 sends the mtc ue 11 an rrc connection setup message at step 613 . if the rrc connection setup message is received , the mtc ue 11 sends the enb 20 an rrc connection complete message at step 615 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 transmits a nas request message for the mtc mme 33 in the rrc connection complete message . here , the mtc ue 11 is capable of transmitting the entity id of the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which it has connected previously in the rrc connection complete message . next , if the mtc ue 11 has connected , the enb 20 selects one of a plurality of mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 617 . at this time , the enb 20 determines whether the rrc connection complete message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 31 arbitrarily . also , if it has not connected with the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id through s1 - mme interface , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . once the normal mme 31 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the normal mme 31 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 619 . at this time , the enb 20 delivers the nas request message carried in the rrc connection complete message . if the initial ue request message is received , the normal mme 31 checks that the nas request message carried in the initial ue request message has been transmitted by the mtc ue 11 . for example , the enb 20 transmits the mtc indicator received from the mtc ue 11 to the mme 31 such that the mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . also , it is possible for the hss to transmit the mtc indicator in the subscriber information of the mtc ue 11 to the normal mme 31 such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . also , it is possible for the mtc ue 11 to use a random value selected in the range discriminated from that for the normal ue as the ue id such that the normal mme 31 identifies the mtc ue 11 . next , if the mtc ue 11 has been identified , the normal mme 31 sends the enb 20 a mme reselection request message at step 623 . at this time , the normal mme 31 is capable of the information or the mtc mme 33 , i . e . entity id , in the mme reselection request message . afterward , the normal 31 delivers the nas retransmission request message to the mtc ue 11 at step 625 . at this time , the normal mme 31 is capable of the nas retransmission request message through nas communication via the enb 20 . if the nas retransmission request message is received , the mtc ue 11 retransmits the nas request for the mtc mme 33 at step 627 . at this time , the mtc ue 11 is capable of transmitting the nas request message through nas communication . next , if the retransmitted nas request message is received , the enb 20 selects one of the plural mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 at step 629 . at this time , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 . here , the enb 20 determines whether the mme reselection request message includes an entity id . if an entity id is included , the enb selects the mtc mme 33 matched with the entity id . otherwise , if no entity id is included , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 arbitrarily . also , if it has not connected to the mtc mme 33 matched with the entity id through the s1 - mme interface , the enb selects the mtc mme 33 arbitrarily . once the mtc mme 33 has been selected , the enb 20 sends the mtc mme 33 an initial ue request message for the mtc ue 11 at step 631 . the mtc mme 33 sends the mtc ue 11 an initial ue response message via the enb 20 at step 633 . at this time , the mtc mme 33 generates the nas response message by processing the request data in the nas request message . the mtc mme 33 transmits the nas response message in a nas message . the mtc mme 33 is also capable of transmitting the nas response message including a guti allocated as the identifier information of the mtc ue 11 . the mtc mme 11 is capable of retrying the rrc connection to the enb 20 . that is , when it wakes up , i . e . transitions from the idle mode to the active mode or enters the cell supporting the tracking area information which has been recognized previously , the mtc ue 11 is capable of retrying the rrc connection to the enb 20 to reestablish the connection to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 to which the mtc ue 11 has connected previously . the mtc ue 11 is capable of trying to connect to the mtc mme 33 via the enb 20 . since the connection procedure between the mtc ue 11 and the mtc mme 33 is similar to steps 441 to 451 of fig1 that has been described above , detailed description thereon is omitted herein . the operation procedures of the normal mme 31 and the enb 20 according to the present invention embodiment are described hereinafter . since the operation procedure of the mtc mme 33 according to the present embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment of the present invention , detailed description thereon is omitted herein . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the normal mme 31 of fig1 . referring to fig1 , if a nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the normal me 31 detects this at step 661 and determines whether to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 663 . that is , the normal mme 31 determines whether the ue 10 or 11 has been allocated a guti already . if it is determined to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 663 , the normal mme 31 determines whether the ue 10 or 11 is the mtc ue 11 at step 665 . if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is the mtc ue 11 at step 665 , the normal mme 31 sends the enb 20 an mme reselection request message at step 667 . next , the normal mme 31 sends the mtc ue 11 a nas retransmission request message via the enb 20 at step 669 . otherwise , if it is determined that the ue 10 or 11 is no the mtc ue 11 at step 665 , the normal mme 31 allocates a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 671 . the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 a nas response message at step 673 . at this time , the normal mme 31 transmits the nas response message including the corresponding guti . if it is determined that there is no need to allocate a guti to the ue 10 or 11 at step 663 , the normal mme 31 sends the ue 10 or 11 the nas response message via the enb 20 at step 675 . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating the operation procedure of the enb 20 of fig1 . referring to fig1 , the enb 20 establishes an rrc connection with the ue 10 or 11 at step 681 . if a nas request message is received from the ue 10 or 11 , the enb 20 detects this at step 683 and selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 at step 685 . at this time , if an entity id is received along with the nas request message , the enb 20 selects the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 matched with the entity id . if no entity id is received , the enb 20 selects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 arbitrarily . if an mtc indicator is received along with the nas request message , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 . if no mtc indicator is received , the enb 20 selects the normal mme 31 . the enb 20 delivers the nas request message to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 at step 687 . next , if an mme reselection request message is received from the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 , the enb 20 detects this at step 689 . afterward , if a nas retransmission request message is received from the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 , the enb 20 detects this at step 691 and delivers the nas retransmission request message to the mtc ue 11 at step 693 . if a nas request is received , the enb 20 detects this at step 695 and reselects an mme 30 , 31 , or 33 at step 697 . at this time , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 . here , if an entity id is received in the mme reselection request message , the enb 20 selects the mtc mme 33 . otherwise , if not entity id is received , the enb selects the mtc mme 33 arbitrarily . the enb 20 delivers the nas request message to the reselected entity 30 , 31 , or 33 . if a nas response message from the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 , the enb 20 detects this at step 701 and delivers the nas response message to the ue 10 or 11 at step 703 . according to the above - described embodiments , it is possible to connect the mtc ue 11 to the mtc mme 33 efficiently in the wireless communication system . that is , the mtc ue 11 can connect to the mme 33 efficiently through cooperation between enb 20 and normal mme 31 or normal mme 31 and mtc mme 33 . although the description is directed to the connection procedure between mtc ue 11 and the mtc mme 33 in the wireless communication system , the present invention is not limited thereto . that is , the present invention also can be implemented by connecting the normal ue to the normal mme 31 efficiently through cooperation between the enb 20 and the normal mme 31 or the normal mme 31 and mtc mme 33 . in the wireless communication system , it is possible for connecting the ue 10 or 11 to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 corresponding to the supplementary function efficiently . that is , the ue 10 or 11 is capable being connected to the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 efficiently through cooperation between the enb 20 and the mme 30 , 31 , or 33 or among the mmes 30 , 31 , and 33 supporting different supplementary functions . although the descriptions have been directed to the case where the connection between the ue and the mme is established in association with a specific supplementary function , the present invention is not limited thereto . that is , the present invention can be implemented in such a way that the connection between the ue and the mme is established according to the load status of the mme . for example , if the enb request for the identity information of a ue , the mme checks the current load status . at this time , the mme determines whether the current load is greater than a predetermined threshold value , i . e . whether overload occurs . if it is determined that the current load is not greater than the threshold value , i . e . no overload occurs , the mme is capable of allocating the identity information to the ue . otherwise , if it is determined that the current load is greater than the threshold value , i . e . overload occurs , the mme requests another mme for the identity information of the ue . that is , if overload occurs , the mme suspends the connection of the ue and request another mme for the identity information . in this way , the other mme is capable of allocating identity information to the ue . here , the mme is capable of transmitting the identity information to the ue via the other mme . furthermore , the ue is capable of trying connection to another mme using the corresponding identity information . according to the present invention , it is possible to connect a ue to an mme efficiently in the wireless communication system . that is , the ue is capable of being connected to an mme efficiently through cooperation between the enb and the mme or among the mmes . at this time , the mmes is capable of cooperating among each other according to the supportable supplementary function or load status . although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail hereinabove with specific terminology , this is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and not intended to be limiting of the invention . while particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described , it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention .
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the invention includes several large components which are assembled on the horse . these components are shown laid out flat in fig . 1 . main wrap 10 is sized to pass around a horse &# 39 ; s mid section . it is made of a flexible and elastic fabric material . it will stretch when placed under tension . each end features a rolling stay 18 , which is a semi - rigid bar ( made of material which is substantially more rigid that the elastic material of the main wrap ) slipped into a stitched pocket . these rolling stays allow a user to easily grasp an end of the main wrap at a single point . the device could function without the rolling stays , but would be more cumbersome to handle . their operation will be more fully described subsequently . each end of the main wrap also features a bridging strap 26 extending outward . these will be used to temporarily secure the main wrap to the horse while the other components are positioned . ventral window 22 is located in the middle of the main wrap . the window is flanked by a pair of window stays 20 . these are similar to the rolling stays , except that they maybe affixed permanently . mesh panel 24 covers the open portion of the ventral window . the main wrap is configured to be wrapped around the middle portion of a horse . turning briefly to fig . 11 , the reader will observe the main wrap installed on a horse . the wrap includes a large elastic panel having a dorsal region and a ventral region . the dorsal region is of course configured to fit over the dorsal region of the horse while the ventral region of the elastic panel is configured to fit over the ventral region of the horse . the dorsal region of the elastic panel is broken by a gap ( which is spanned by the two bridging straps 26 in the view ). the ventral region of the elastic panel includes the ventral window ( which can simply be an opening in the elastic panel or a second gap in the elastic panel bridged by two or more straps ). returning now to fig . 1 , the next major component is saddle bridge 12 , which attaches over the dorsal region of the horse in the position customarily occupied by a saddle . ventral window cover 14 attaches over the horse &# 39 ; s ventral region and covers ventral window 22 . saddle bridge 12 and ventral window cover 14 are preferably made of the same material as main wrap 10 . they are both flexible and elastic . the final major component is brace 16 . it is a series of straps joined together in the configuration shown . a pair of lower wings 90 is connected to a pair of upper wings 94 by sternal bridge 92 . the brace is also made of elastic and flexible material . fig . 17 shows all the components installed on a horse . by briefly studying this view , the reader may gain a helpful general understanding of where each component will ultimately be placed . main wrap 10 passes around the horse &# 39 ; s mid section . saddle bridge 12 spans the top and bridges the gap in the dorsal region of the elastic panel of the main wrap ( it is shown in a stretched state ). ventral window cover 14 passes around the horse &# 39 ; s ventral region . brace 16 passes around the two front legs . fig . 2 shows the main wrap , saddle bridge , and ventral window cover in a folded state so that the reader may understand the nature of the material employed to make them . main wrap 10 features inner surface 28 and outer surface 30 . inner surface 28 is smoothly textured . it will bear against the horse &# 39 ; s hide , so it is preferably comfortable to a horse . outer surface 30 is covered in fine velcro ® loop material . (“ velcro ”® is a trademark of velcro industries , b . v . of the netherlands . the trademark refers to mating pieces of fabric having hooks on one piece and loops on the other piece . when the two pieces are pressed together , the hooks mechanically interlock with the loops , thereby forming a relatively weak attachment between the two pieces ). those skilled in the art will know that some modem velcro ® loop fabrics are quite fine . the outer surface is preferably such a fine loop . ideally the loop structure will be tight enough to prevent the unwanted capture of lint , hairs , and dirt . both the inner and outer surfaces must be able to stretch significantly . since the characteristics of the inner and outer surfaces of the main wrap must be different , it is preferable to construct the main wrap as a laminate of two different materials — one for the inner surface and one for the outer surface . saddle bridge 12 and ventral window cover 14 are made the same way . the saddle bridge has inner surface 32 and outer surface 34 , while the ventral window cover has inner surface 36 and outer surface 38 . the outer surfaces of all three components are covered in velcro ® loop material . this loop material is designed to engage with various velcro ® hook patches in the present invention . as an example , the two bridging straps 26 on the main wrap contain velcro ® hook patches . if the two free ends of the main wrap are pulled toward one another ( forming the main wrap into a loop ), each bridging strap can be pressed against outer surface 30 on the opposite side of the gap to hold the main wrap in a loop . this will in fact be the procedure by which the main wrap is placed on the horse ( described in more detail subsequently ). the inner surfaces will not engage the velcro ® hook patches . thus , it is important to place the inner surfaces toward the horse and the outer surfaces away from the horse . color coding may be helpful to one installing the device . as an example , the inner surfaces can be white , while the outer surfaces can be blue . fig2 b shows the installation of the aforementioned rolling stays 18 in the main wrap . a stay pocket 97 is formed on each end of the main wrap . it is possible to slide a rolling stay 18 in and out of each stay pocket . the rolling stays are preferably semi - rigid . they can be made of a hard plastic , such as extruded abs , or even thin aluminum bars . an important feature of the main wrap is its ventral access window . fig . 3 shows this component in more detail . the main wrap is preferably made of two separate elastic panels which are broken by a second gap in the ventral region . this second gap is bridged by front strap 40 and rear strap 46 . as for the balance of the main wrap , the front and rear straps are made of elastic material . the two window stays 20 remain in place to prevent the middle portion of the window opening from bowing outward when tension is placed on the main wrap ( such as when it is stretched around a horse &# 39 ; s abdomen ). they are attached along the two lateral ventral edges ( first lateral ventral edge 21 and second lateral ventral edge 23 ) that define the gap in the main wrap . the reader will therefore note that the boundary of ventral window 22 is defined by a first lateral ventral edge ( proximate the first window stay ), front strap 40 , a second lateral ventral edge ( proximate the second window stay ), and rear strap 46 . mesh panel 24 covers the opening . it has a hook tab 42 at each of its four comers . when it is placed over the opening , the velcro ® hooks on the four hook tabs stick to the velcro ® loops covering outer surface 30 . the mesh panel is preferably made of a fine mesh material — as fine as or finer than window screen . a relatively coarse depiction for the mesh is shown in the view . this is intended to be merely representational of the mesh material . once the mesh panel is affixed , middle strap 44 is placed over the mesh panel to reinforce the opening . it has a hook tab 48 on each end . these also engage the velcro ® loops on outer surface 30 . the middle strap is preferably made of elastic material as well , so that it can be stretched snugly across the opening . fig . 4 shows how the mesh panel and middle strap can be opened . while both these pieces can be removed in their entirety , it is often convenient to detach only one side and roll them back as shown . this provides good access to opening 50 . fig . 5 shows inner surface 36 of ventral window cover 14 . a dart seam 52 is provided at both the anterior and posterior extremes of central portion 64 . this allows the panel to assume the contoured shape shown ( where the two side edges curve ). those skilled in the art will realize that the dart seams allows the ventral window cover to more accurately follow the convex shape of a horse &# 39 ; s chest and abdomen . the dart seams are created by laying out a flat pattern , then cutting out two vee - shaped darts , then sewing the sides of the darts together ( or otherwise bonding them together ). the result is a slightly concave surface ( when viewed from the perspective of fig5 ) that can curve in two planes . the two dart seams are preferably asymmetric , since the horse &# 39 ; s abdomen will be smaller than its chest . thus , it is important to put the device in the correct orientation . hence , it is helpful to provide the printed graphic (“ head ”) to help the user properly orient the device . each lateral side of the ventral window cover has three tabs — front tab 58 , middle tab 60 , and rear tab 62 . the outer extreme of each tab includes a hook panel 54 and a lanyard 56 . the hook panels are positioned to engage the velcro ® loops on outer surface 30 of main wrap 10 . the lanyards are used to pull the window cover taut before the velcro ® features are engaged . fig6 shows inner surface 32 of saddle bridge 12 . it also includes a pair of dart seams 68 at both the anterior and posterior extremes of central portion 66 . these allow the panel to be curved in two planes , as for the ventral window cover . however , given the physiology of the concave shape of a horse &# 39 ; s back , it is not so important to make the device asymmetric . thus , the two darts may be the same . each lateral side of the saddle bridge has three tabs — front tab 76 , middle tab 78 , and rear tab 80 . the outer extreme of each tab includes a hook panel 70 and a lanyard 72 . the hook panels are positioned to engage the velcro ® loops on outer surface 30 of main wrap 10 . the lanyards are used to pull the window cover taut before the velcro ® features are engaged . a loop panel 74 is also located proximate each of the six tabs . these are small patches of velcro ® loop material . they allow the six tabs to be folded in and temporarily attached in a folded state ( with each hook panel 70 being attached to a loop panel 74 ). fig . 7 shows the saddle bridge with the tabs in the folded and locked state . it will remain in this position until the tabs are pulled free . this folded state can be helpful in the installation process , which will be described shortly . fig . 8 shows more detail regarding brace 16 . all its components have an inner surface 84 and an outer surface 86 . outer surface 86 is covered in fine velcro ® loop material . four hook panels 88 are provided to attach the brace . these hook panels are completely detachable from the brace . this feature allows the user to trim the length of the upper and lower wings . if a wing is too long , the user pulls its hook panel 88 loose , then cuts it to the desired length . the user then presses the hook panel back against outer surface 86 . a portion of each hook panel should cover the end of a wing and a portion should be positioned to extend beyond the wing . the velcro ® hooks on this extended portion will be used to engage the velcro ® loops on the outer surface of the main wrap , the saddle bridge , and / or the ventral window cover . fig8 b shows the same brace with the angles defining the joints between the components being altered somewhat . such alterations may need to be made to accommodate varying equine physiology . however , the brace shown in fig8 b functions int he same manner as the brace shown in fig8 . having described the components in detail , the application of the device to a horse will be explained . the device will typically be installed after some type of abdominal surgery on the horse . fig9 shows two components ready for installation . saddle bridge 12 has been placed in the configuration shown in fig7 ( though it is inverted from the orientation of fig7 ). the two ends of main wrap 10 have been rolled into two rolls 96 flanking ventral window 22 , so that the main wrap is now compact and easy to handle . fig1 shows the horse , which will typically be held by an attendant using a halter around the horse &# 39 ; s head . two more people then stand beside the horse on opposite sides of the horse &# 39 ; s withers . the main wrap is passed under the horse &# 39 ; s abdomen , with inner surface 28 facing the horse . the ventral access window is centered over the horse &# 39 ; s abdomen . each roll 96 is then unrolled up the horse &# 39 ; s two sides . the rolling stays 18 help hold the rolls fairly rigid so that they are easy to manipulate . fig1 shows the main wrap after the two rolls 96 have been completely unrolled . the elastic panel comprising the main wrap has a gap in its dorsal region . the panel actually terminates in a first lateral dorsal edge 25 ( visible to the viewer in fig1 and also labeled in fig1 ) and a second lateral dorsal edge 27 on the other side of the horse ( also labeled in fig1 ). the two lateral dorsal edges are proximate the pockets used to house the two rolling stays . at this point , each of the two attendants flanking the horse pulls a bridging strap 26 over the horse &# 39 ; s back and presses the velcro ® hooks on the underside of each bridging strap against the velcro ® loop material on outer surface 30 . the gap in the dorsal region of the elastic panel is thereby temporarily secured . the bridging straps can be left in place while the users place the next component . fig1 shows saddle bridge 12 placed over the horse &# 39 ; s back and spanning the gap in the main wrap . because the six tabs on the saddle bridge are folded under and secured , it does not “ stick ” to anything . the user may therefore manipulate the saddle bridge and obtain the desired position . the saddle bridge is preferably used to tighten the main wrap in a controlled fashion . the tightening sequence will be dictated by the particular horse &# 39 ; s anatomy , and the user &# 39 ; s preferred approach ( the users will often be directed by a veterinarian ). thus , the following should be viewed as exemplary , rather than indicating the only method of application . the user will often want to secure the two middle tabs 78 , since these will tighten the main wrap around the horse &# 39 ; s largest circumference . one person on each side pulls the lanyard on the two middle tabs 78 to unfold the middle tabs and pull them outward . the two people then pull the lanyards out and down ( making sure that the hook panels 70 remain clear of the velcro ® loop material on the main wraps outer surface ) until the desired tension is reached ( the tabs will stretch considerably ). they then press the two middle tabs against the main wrap , whereupon the velcro ® interface will secure the two middle tabs . this action effectively tightens the middle of the main wrap around the largest circumference of the horse . next , the two people detach the two front tabs 76 and stretch and attach these tabs to secure the main wrap around the portion of the horse that is customarily occupied by a saddle girth . finally , the two people detach , adjust , and secure the two rear tabs 80 to secure the main wrap around the horse &# 39 ; s abdomen . fig1 shows the saddle bridge with all three sets of tabs attached to the main wrap . while it may be possible to create the desired profile of tension in the main wrap on initial installation , it may often be necessary to adjust the tabs through several iterations . this may easily be done by using a lanyard to pull a particular tab loose . the tension provided by that tab is then modified and the tab is reattached . the independent nature of the six tabs , in combination with the elastic nature of the material used , allows the assembly to accommodate many variations is equine anatomy . the reader will observe in fig1 that the three tabs facing the viewer have been independently adjusted to different lengths . at some point in the installation process ( generally after the saddle bridge has been installed ), it may be desirable to remove the two rolling stays 18 . the reader will recall from fig2 b that the two rolling stays may be pulled out of the two rolling stay pockets . fig1 shows this operation . the rolling stay pockets are located high enough that the rolling stays are free to slide out over the horse &# 39 ; s rump . they should then be stored for future use . fig1 shows the installation of the ventral window cover . it is passed under the horse &# 39 ; s abdomen and the three sets of tabs are then sequentially pulled taut and attached by pressing hook panels 54 ( see fig5 ) against the velcro ® loop material on the outer surface of the main wrap . like the saddle bridge , it may have to be iteratively tightened until the desired fit is achieved . finally , brace 16 should be installed . fig1 shows this step . sternal bridge 92 is passed between the horse &# 39 ; s front legs . the two lower wings 90 are then positioned over the lower chest , while the two upper wings 94 are posited over and beyond the shoulders . the wings are drawn taut and the four hook panels 88 are then pressed against the outer surface of the main wrap , saddle bridge , and or ventral window cover ( depending on the position desired ). fig1 shows the brace installed . the two upper wings 94 should pass over the point of the shoulder 100 , while the sternal bridge should lie below carotid notch 102 . in this location , the brace will be stabilized by the horse &# 39 ; s own anatomy . it prevents the main wrap from migrating rearward . with the installation complete , the horse is free to move about without fear of dislodging the wrap . thus , the horse need not be confined during the recuperation process . one of the invention &# 39 ; s main features is the inclusion of the ventral access window . this allows access to the horse &# 39 ; s ventral region while the bandage remains in place . fig1 and 19 show the access process . in fig1 , the three nearside tabs on the ventral window cover have been detached , allowing the window cover to drop open . the user next grasps hook tab 48 and pulls the near end of middle strap 44 loose . finally , the user grasps the near side of mesh panel 24 and pulls it free . fig1 shows the resulting configuration , with one side of the mesh panel and the middle strap dropped open . opening 50 then provides unfettered access to the horse &# 39 ; s abdomen . an old dressing can then be removed . sutures or staples can be inspected and cleaned . a new dressing 104 can then be slipped into position . the mesh panel , middle strap , and ventral window cover are then replaced in sequence . the ventral window cover can be retightened as desired . during this process , abdominal support is still provided by the balance of the main wrap . there is only a brief period where the wound site itself is unsupported . this period ends when the ventral window is closed . those skilled in the art will realize that the ventral window cover need not be completely removable from the rest of the main wrap . it could be stitched down one side , leaving the other side removable . however , providing a completely removable ventral window cover is the preferred embodiment . although the preceding description contains significant detail , it should not be viewed as limiting the invention but instead as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention . as an example , buckles and clasps could be substituted for the use of the velcro ® interfaces without altering the basis structure of the invention . these would certainly be less convenient , but they could be used in the same fashion . thus , the scope of the present invention should thus be defined by the following claims rather than any specific examples given .
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throughout the following description , specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention . however , the invention may be practiced without these particulars . in other instances , well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention . accordingly , the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative , rather than a restrictive , sense . fig1 shows a portion of the frame 10 of a typical wood - framed structure . frame 10 comprises wooden studs 11 covered on the exterior by sheathing 12 . frame 10 includes an aperture 13 surrounded by wooden framing members 14 for receiving a window unit 15 . window unit 15 includes a window frame 16 , which may be made from any suitable material , and a glass panel 18 . window unit 15 is illustrated as being four - sided . the invention may also be used with construction units having other shapes such as triangular , round , semi - circular , polygonal etc . window frame 16 includes a flange 20 which projects in a lateral direction around the periphery of window frame 16 . aperture 13 is smaller than the outer dimension of flange 20 and is dimensioned to receive window frame 16 while flange 20 bears against the exterior surface of sheathing 12 . this invention provides clips 30 . each clip 30 has an exterior end 32 adapted to engage window frame 16 and an interior end 34 adapted to be fastened to building frame 10 from the inside of building frame 10 . clips 30 are used by affixing one or more clips 30 to each side of window frame 16 . in the example shown in fig1 , two clips 30 are affixed to each side of window frame 16 . for larger window units , three or more clips 30 might be affixed to each side of window frame 16 . in most cases , two or more clips 30 will be affixed to each side of window frame 16 . in the illustrated embodiment of the invention clips 30 attach to flange 20 . fig2 shows a clip 30 in greater detail . clip 30 is formed from a strip of any suitable material , such as steel , strong plastic , or the like . the material of clip 30 is preferably resilient . in some embodiments , clip 30 may be coated with a coating layer ( not shown ) which is thermally non - conductive relative to the material of clip 30 . for example , such a coating layer may comprise rubber , plastic , vinyl , fiberglass or the like . such a coating layer may help to reduce or prevent condensation on the surface ( s ) of clip 30 . in some embodiments , a coating layer may be provided on the contact surface ( s ) of clip 30 . interior end 34 of clip 30 comprises one or more apertures 36 which can receive fasteners , such as screws or nails , to affix interior end 34 to building structure 10 . apertures 36 constitute one possible means for affixing interior end 34 to a building structure . exterior end 32 of clip 30 is bent to define a deep groove 38 . as shown in fig3 , groove 38 is deep enough to receive flange 20 of window frame 16 . the portions 39 a and 39 b of clip 30 on either side of groove 38 are preferably ( but not necessarily ) resiliently biased toward one another , so that clip 30 tends to grip flange 20 . inwardly - angled teeth 40 ( fig2 ) may optionally be provided on one or both sides of groove 38 . after flange 20 is received in groove 38 , teeth 40 bite into flange 20 and resist any forces which might tend to pull flange 20 out of groove 38 . an outer side 42 of groove 38 may be tapered so that it is easy to guide flange 20 into groove 38 . as flange 20 is introduced into side 42 of groove 38 , it tends to wedge portions 39 a and 39 b apart so that flange 20 is held securely in groove 38 . clip 30 is preferably ( but not necessarily ) bent at a location intermediate ends 32 and 34 . the bend defines a fulcrum 44 . as shown in fig3 , when end 34 is fastened to structure 10 , clip tends to pivot about fulcrum 44 so that end 32 is biased into even firmer engagement with flange 20 . clip 30 is preferably resiliently flexible . as end 34 is fastened to building structure 10 by fasteners , such as nails 46 , clip 30 is straightened . providing a bend in clip 30 also facilitates affixing clip 30 to building structure 10 with fasteners ( for example nails or screws ) which are angled in an inward direction . when such fasteners are tightened , clips 30 are drawn inwardly and pull window frame 16 firmly into the aperture . fig4 a , 4 b and 4 c illustrate a number of alternative configurations for interior end 34 . in each of fig4 a , 4 b and 4 c , end 34 includes a number of projections 48 which project from clip 30 and which may be driven into framing members 14 ( fig1 ) when clip 30 is affixed to a window frame 16 . in the illustrated embodiments , projections 48 are integral with the material of the body of clip 30 and are formed by bending flaps of the material of clip 30 . projections 48 may be triangular , as shown in fig4 a and 4b , or may have more elongated shapes , as shown in fig4 c , or may have other shapes . the embodiments of fig4 a and 4c comprise both apertures 36 and projections 48 . projections 48 may project at right angles to end 34 of clip 30 . in alternative embodiments , projections 48 capable of use for affixing end 34 to building structure 10 could comprise separate elements affixed to end 34 in any suitable manner . for example , suitable projections 48 could be spot - welded to end 34 . projections affixed to end 34 provide an alternative means for affixing end 34 to a building structure 10 . in the embodiment of fig4 c , projections 48 are located near the ends of flexible fingers 49 . projections 48 are not necessarily large enough to permanently affix ends 34 to a building structure 10 . in some embodiments , projections 48 may be used to temporarily hold ends 34 to the building structure until screws or nails are inserted through apertures 36 . fig5 a and 5b illustrate a clip 30 according to another embodiment of the invention . in the embodiment of fig5 a and 5b , clip 30 comprises a protuberance 33 which projects upwardly from a surface of middle portion 31 . when window unit 15 is mounted in a building aperture 23 using clips 30 of the type shown in fig5 a and 5b , protuberances 33 create a gap 37 between the uppermost edge 14 a of framing members 14 and a lower edge 16 a of window frame 16 . gap 37 extends between adjacent clips 30 on the same side of window unit 15 . gap 37 may be used to facilitate the exchange of gas and / or moisture between the exterior and interior of a building , and to facilitate the escape of gas and / or moisture from between the layers of a building wall . although fig5 b depicts clip 30 in use on a lower side of window unit 15 , it will be appreciated that clips incorporating protuberance 33 may be used to create gaps 37 on other sides of window unit 15 . protuberance 33 depicted in fig5 a and 5b represents one possible embodiment of a protuberance that will create a gap 37 between window frame 16 and framing members 14 . some alternative embodiments comprise a plurality of protuberances on each clip 30 . some alternative embodiments comprise one or more protuberances that project in the opposing direction from an opposite surface of middle portion 31 ( i . e . towards framing members 14 ). in other alternative embodiments , clip 30 comprises one or more protuberances which project in an interior direction from a surface of portion 39 b to provide a gap between window flange 20 ( and portion 39 b of clip 30 ) and the exterior surface of sheathing 12 . such a gap may communicate with gap 37 to facilitate the exchange of gas and / or moisture . in still other alternative embodiments , the relative thickness of middle portion 31 ( and / or portion 39 b ) of clip 30 are increased , so that clip 30 can act as a spacer to provide gaps between a window frame and adjacent structures . fig6 a and 6b are respectively cross - sectional and isometric views of a clip 130 according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention . clip 130 comprises a plurality of pieces , which include exterior piece 130 a , interior piece 130 b and thermal isolation coupling 137 . as shown in fig6 a and 6b , exterior piece 130 a preferably comprises exterior end 132 , including portions 139 a , 139 b which define deep groove 138 . interior piece 130 b preferably comprises interior end 134 and middle portion 131 . thermal isolation coupling 137 couples interior piece 130 b to exterior piece 130 a and provides thermal insulation therebetween . thermal isolation coupling 137 is fabricated from a material ( or materials ) that are thermally insulating relative to the material of exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b . for example , exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b may comprise steel or some other metallic alloy ., while thermal isolation coupling 137 may comprise rubber , plastic , vinyl , fiberglass or the like . thermal isolation of interior piece 130 b from exterior piece 130 a reduces the possibility of moisture condensing on interior piece 130 b due to cold temperatures experienced by exterior piece 130 a . in the illustrated embodiment ; thermal isolation coupling 137 comprises grooves 141 a , 141 b for respectively receiving the ends of exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b . preferably , thermal isolation coupling 137 is fabricated from a resilient material , such that when exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b are inserted into grooves 141 a , 141 b , the deformation of grooves 141 a , 141 b acts to hold the ends of exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b in - place ( i . e . to couple the ends of exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b to thermal isolation coupling 137 ). in alternative embodiments , adhesive , rivets and / or other suitable fasteners may be used to help couple the ends of exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b to thermal isolation coupling 137 . thermal isolation coupling 137 may be molded in place around the ends of pieces 130 a , 130 b . exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b may be coated with a coating layer ( not shown ) which is thermally non - conductive relative to the material of exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b . such a coating layer may also help reduce or prevent condensation on the surface ( s ) of exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b . it can be appreciated that the use of this invention can significantly simplify the installation of prefabricated construction units in a building , especially where one would need a ladder , scaffold , man lift or the like to reach the locations where - the construction units will be installed from the exterior of the building . a worker can affix clips 30 according to the invention to a construction unit and then , from inside the structure , orient the construction unit at an angle to the aperture in which the construction unit will be installed and pass the construction unit through the aperture to the outside of the structure . still working from inside the structure , the worker can then draw the construction unit into place in the aperture and fasten the construction unit in place by affixing interior ends 34 of clips 30 to the structure . if necessary , shims may be installed around the frame of the construction unit to properly align the construction unit in the aperture . a further advantage of the invention is realized in situations where a waterproofing membrane or the like is applied to the exterior of building frame 10 . prior art systems for securing construction units to building structures typically require the membrane to be punctured by nails or screws in the area adjacent to aperture 13 . in some cases building codes prohibit fastening the lower sides of construction units in ways which result in the membrane being punctured . sometimes windows are installed with no fasteners on their lower sides for this reason . the result can be that the lower sides of the windows can move , especially in windy weather . the use of clips 30 according to the invention allows the membrane to remain intact and still permits securing the lower side of window units and other construction units by way of one or more clips 30 . it can be appreciated that clips 30 having an exterior end 32 as described above can be affixed to a construction unit frame with minimal tools and without the need to drill holes in the frame or to modify the window or door frame in other respects . where a component ( e . g . a member , tab , fastener etc .) is referred to above , unless otherwise indicated , reference to that component ( including a reference to a “ means ”) should be interpreted as including as equivalents of that component any component which performs the function of the described component ( i . e ., that is functionally equivalent ), including components which are not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention . as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure , many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof . for example : while the above detailed description relates primarily to window units , it is to be understood that clips according to the invention may equally be used to secure other types of construction units , such as door units , vent units , sunlight units and the like , into appropriately sized apertures in a building frame . in some embodiments , a layer of deformable , elastomeric material ( not shown ) may be attached to one ( or both ) of the surfaces of middle portion 31 of clip 30 . such deformable , elastomeric layer ( s ) may make clip 30 more malleable , thereby facilitating installation of clip 30 and preventing clip 30 from accidentally damaging window unit 15 or frame 10 . such deformable , elastomeric layer ( s ) may also help to accommodate warpage in the shape of the edges of window unit 15 and / or framing members 14 . similar deformable , elastomeric layer ( s ) may be used with all of the above - discussed clip embodiments . in some embodiments , thermal isolation coupling 137 may have a different shape than the one depicted in fig6 a and 6b and may be coupled to exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b in a different manner than that depicted in fig6 a and 6b . fig7 a and 7b respectively depict cross - sectional views of window mounting clips according to still further embodiments of the invention . clip 130 of fig7 a comprises an exterior piece 130 a and an interior piece 130 b . pieces 130 a , 130 b are coupled to one another by a thermal isolation coupling 137 ′ that is t - shaped in cross section , with flanges 150 a , 150 b that extend over pieces 130 a , 130 b . thermal isolation coupling 137 ′ may be coupled to exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b using adhesive , rivets and / or other suitable fasteners ( not shown ). those skilled in the art will appreciate that t - shaped thermal isolation coupling 137 ′ may be inverted ( relative to pieces 130 a , 130 b ) such that flanges 150 a , 150 b extend under pieces 130 a , 130 b . in the embodiment of fig7 b , exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b are coupled together by a relatively flat - shaped thermal isolation coupling 137 ″. thermal isolation coupling 137 ″ comprises exterior and interior ends 152 a , 152 b , which extend respectively over pieces 130 a , 130 b . thermal isolation coupling 137 ″ may be coupled to pieces 130 a , 130 b using adhesive , rivets and / or other suitable fasteners ( not shown ). those skilled in the art will appreciate that flanges 152 a , 152 b of thermal isolation coupling 137 ″ may alternatively extend below pieces 130 a , 130 b or both above and below pieces 130 a , 130 b . thermal isolation couplings 137 ′, 137 ″ are preferably thermally non - conductive relative to the material of exterior and interior pieces 130 a , 130 b . accordingly , the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims .
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embodiments of the present invention allow a user ( e . g ., hunter , sports spectator , camper , hiker , bird watcher , and the like ) to use an all - terrain seat that is adjustable to fit any type of terrain . by individually adjusting the legs of the all - terrain seat , users are able to use the all - terrain seat on terrains of any incline . moreover , the all - terrain seat may be used near obstructions such as trees , buildings , and the like , so that a hunter or other user can sit in very close proximity to the obstruction . the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention makes reference to the accompanying figures , which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best mode . while these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention , it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . thus , the following detailed description is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation . for example , the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented . turning now to the figures , fig1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the all - terrain seat 100 of the present invention . the illustrated embodiment of all - terrain seat 100 includes a seat assembly 110 and leg members 120 , 130 , and 140 that support seat assembly 110 . each leg member comprises an upper and lower leg section . leg member 120 comprises upper leg section 125 and lower leg section 127 . leg member 130 comprises upper leg section 135 and lower leg section 137 . leg member 140 comprises upper leg section 145 and lower leg section 147 . the upper and lower leg sections are removably attached such that each lower leg section 127 , 137 , 147 is configured to slide into and traverse the inside of the respective upper leg section 125 , 135 , 145 . in this manner , the upper and lower sections for each leg member are individually adjustable . that is , the user may adjust only one , two , or all three leg members , depending on the incline and other characteristics of the surface . alternatively , in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention , the lower leg sections could be configured to traverse the outside of the respective leg section . in addition , leg caps 150 , 160 , and 170 may be attached to one end of lower leg sections 127 , 137 , 147 respectively , such that the leg caps make contact with the surface or terrain and may be used to further stabilize seat 100 . it will be appreciated that leg caps 150 , 160 , 170 distribute the load so that seat 100 may be used on any type of surface , including soft surfaces . in accordance with another aspect of the present invention , and with reference to fig1 and 3 , the adjustable leg sections of each leg member have push buttons 128 , that allow the leg sections to easily attach , detach , and adjust for height . thus , the legs may be individually adjusted so that the user can sit on any surface . at the touch of a push button , the legs may be detached and attached to seat assembly 110 for easy transport as illustrated in fig3 . in accordance with another aspect of this embodiment , seat assembly 110 also comprises a quiet ball bearing raceway that enables the seat assembly to swivel 360 degrees . in accordance with another aspect of this embodiment , the legs may be adjusted to at least 20 inches in height , and lightweight seat ( approximately 3 . 0 pounds ) 100 is capable of supporting an individual weighing more than 350 pounds . fig2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an all - terrain seat 200 of the present invention . the illustrated embodiment of all - terrain seat 200 includes a seat assembly 210 , channels 222 , 224 , 226 and leg members 220 , 230 , and 240 that support seat assembly 210 . each leg member comprises an upper and lower leg section . leg member 220 comprises upper leg section 225 and lower leg section 227 . leg member 230 comprises upper leg section 235 and lower leg section 237 . leg member 240 comprises upper leg section 245 and lower leg section 247 . seat assembly 210 has channels 222 , 224 , 226 that are approximately parallel and extend through the seat assembly . in this manner , leg members 220 , 230 , 240 may be stored in the channels for easy transport as described below . the upper and lower leg sections are removably attached such that each lower leg section 227 , 237 , 247 is configured to slide into and traverse the inside of the respective upper leg section 225 , 235 , 245 . in this manner , the upper and lower sections for each leg member are individually adjustable . that is , the user may adjust only one , two , or all three leg members , depending on the incline and other characteristics of the surface . alternatively , in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention , the lower leg sections could be configured to traverse the outside of the respective leg section . in addition , leg caps 250 , 260 , and 270 may be attached to one end of lower leg sections 227 , 237 , 247 respectively , such that the leg caps make contact with the surface or terrain and may be used to further stabilize seat 200 . it will be appreciated that leg caps 250 , 260 , 270 distribute the load so that seat 200 may be used on any type of surface , including soft surfaces . in accordance with another aspect of the present invention , and with reference to fig2 and 4 , the adjustable leg sections of each leg member have push buttons 228 , that allow the leg sections to easily attach , detach , and adjust for height . thus , the legs may be individually adjusted so that the user can sit on any surface . at the touch of a push button , the legs may be detached and slide into channels 222 , 224 , 226 on seat assembly 210 for easy transport . in accordance with another aspect of this embodiment , seat assembly 210 also comprises a quiet ball bearing raceway that enables the seat assembly to swivel 360 degrees . in accordance with another aspect of this embodiment , the legs may be adjusted from at least 16 . 5 inches to at least 23 . 5 inches in height , and seat 200 is capable of supporting an individual weighing more than 500 pounds . the seat is made from light weight , high impact strength plastic and thus the seat , in this embodiment , may weigh less than 5 pounds . in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention , and with reference to the accompanying figures , a “ spike seat ” model comprises a very lightweight adjustable leg seat that has individually adjustable legs that may extend up to 18 inches in height . the lower leg sections of this embodiment may optionally have spikes such that the seat can securely sit on various types of terrain . in accordance with one aspect of this embodiment , the seat weighs approximately three pounds due to the use of lightweight , high impact strength plastic . it will be appreciated that all - terrain seat 100 , 200 has , inter alia , the following advantages : individually adjustable legs — can be used on grass , in the woods , on the beach , and is designed for use on sloped or uneven surfaces . lightweight — made from high impact strength plastic . exceptionally portable — attaches to belt on waist , fit inside a backpack , or easily hand carried . oversized leg caps — distributes the load so the seat can be used on all surfaces . benefits , other advantages , and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments . however , the benefits , advantages , solutions to problems , and any element ( s ) that may cause any benefit , advantage , or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical , required , or essential features or elements of any or all the claims . as used herein , the terms “ comprises ”, “ comprising ”, or any other variation thereof , are intended to cover a non - exclusive inclusion , such that a process , method , article , or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process , method , article , or apparatus . further , no element described herein is required for the practice of the invention unless expressly described as “ essential ” or “ critical ”.
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with initial reference to fig1 and 2 , a dishwasher constructed in accordance with the present invention , is generally indicated at 2 . dishwasher 2 includes an outer support body 4 which is positioned below a kitchen countertop 6 along side a plurality of cabinets 8 . as shown , cabinets 8 include drawers 9 - 12 and a door 13 . as further shown , dishwasher 2 includes an upper washing unit or drawer 16 , as well as a lower washing unit or drawer 18 . as each washing unit 16 , 18 is similarly constructed , a detailed description will be made with respect to upper washing unit 16 with an understanding that lower washing unit 18 includes corresponding structure . upper washing unit 16 includes a front wall 20 , a rear wall 21 , a bottom wall 22 and opposing side walls 23 and 24 that collectively define an upper washing chamber 28 . a dishrack 30 is positioned within upper washing chamber 28 to support kitchenware , indicated generally at 31 , which may include plates , cups or the like . upper washing unit 16 is slidably supported within outer support body 4 through a pair of extensible drawer glides , one of which is indicated at 33 . finally , dishwasher 2 is shown to include a lid 37 that is selectively shiftable relative to washing chamber 28 as drawer 16 is moved into and out of outer support body 4 . dishwasher 2 selectively performs a washing operation in washing chamber 28 during which sprays or jets of washing fluid are directed onto kitchenware 31 by a lower wash arm 47 , as well as an upper washing mechanism 50 . in the embodiment shown , upper washing mechanism 50 is positioned at an upper portion of rear wall 21 . as best shown in fig2 and 3 , upper washing mechanism 50 includes a water delivery portion 56 having an inlet conduit 58 which directs a flow of washing fluid towards a spray bar 60 . in accordance with the invention , inlet conduit 58 includes a first end section 63 that extends to a second end section 64 through an intermediate section 65 . first end section 63 is preferably domed - shaped so as to receive an inlet nozzle 69 therein ( see fig4 ) as will be discussed more fully below . as further shown in fig3 , spray bar 60 includes a first end portion 90 that extends to a second end portion 91 through an intermediate portion 92 that defines a central trough 97 . first and second end portions 90 and 91 actually define support members in a manner that will be detailed more fully below . in any event , spray bar 60 is actually fluidly connected to second end section 64 of inlet conduit 58 so as to receive a flow of washing fluid from inlet nozzle 69 . the flow of washing fluid is directed outward from central trough 97 through a plurality of nozzles 104 - 111 . actually , trough 97 is divided into first and second lateral sections or zones 114 and 115 by a central support member 112 , with nozzles 104 - 107 being positioned in first lateral zone 114 and nozzles 108 - 111 being positioned in second lateral zone 115 . upper washing mechanism 50 also includes a paddlewheel member 119 rotatably supported within trough 97 of spray bar 60 . paddlewheel member 119 actually includes a first paddle support 121 having a first end section 122 that extends to a second end section 123 through an intermediate section 124 . first paddle support 121 is arranged within first lateral zone 114 of trough 97 . arranged alongside first paddle support 121 , in second lateral zone 115 , is a second paddle support 129 . in a manner similar to that described above , second paddle support 129 includes a first end section 130 , a second end section 131 and an intermediate section 132 . first and second paddle supports 121 and 129 are rotatably supported upon a central rod 135 that extends substantially the entire length of trough 97 . towards that end , central rod 135 includes first and second outer bearing elements 137 and 138 that are rotatably supported upon first and second end sections 90 and 91 of spray bar 60 , as well as a central bearing / support portion 139 that rests upon central support member 112 . in any case , as each paddle support 121 , 129 is substantially , identically constructed , a detailed description will be made with respect to first paddle support 121 with an understanding that second paddle support 129 is correspondingly constructed . first paddle support 121 includes a plurality of disk - shaped deflector members 145 - 147 positioned adjacent nozzles 104 , 106 and 107 respectively , as well as a paddle - shaped deflector member 150 positioned is adjacent to nozzle 105 . with this arrangement , a jet of washing fluid exiting nozzle 105 impacts paddle - shaped deflector member 150 causing first paddle support 121 to rotate about an axis defined by central rod 135 . as first paddle support 121 rotates , additional jets of washing fluid emanating from nozzles 104 , 106 and 107 impact disk - shaped deflector members 145 - 147 respectively , causing the jets of washing fluid to diverge into streams of washing fluid which are directed onto kitchenware supported upon dishrack 30 . as discussed above , washing fluid is introduced into upper washing mechanism 50 through inlet nozzle 69 illustrated in fig4 . in accordance with the invention , inlet nozzle 69 includes a main body portion 160 having a base section 162 , provided with a circular flange 163 , which extends through an intermediate section 164 to a tapered or nozzle section 165 . nozzle section 165 is provided with a plurality of openings , one of which is indicated at 167 , as well as a diffuser 169 . diffuser 169 includes an aperture 171 that receives a mechanical fastener 174 ( see fig3 ) which secures upper washing mechanism 50 to washing chamber 28 . in addition to mechanical fastener 174 , upper washing mechanism 50 is also retained against rear wall 21 by a mounting bracket 184 . in further accordance with the invention , mounting bracket 184 includes a main body 186 having a ring portion 188 from which extends an intermediate or planar portion 189 before terminating in a support portion 190 . support portion 190 includes first and second ear elements 192 and 193 , each provided with a corresponding tab element 196 , 197 that snap - fittingly engages inlet conduit 58 . as will be discussed more fully below , mounting bracket 184 is secured against rear wall 21 of washing chamber 28 through circular flange 163 of inlet nozzle 69 . as best shown in fig5 and 6 , inlet nozzle 69 is connected to and receives a flow of washing fluid through an inlet feed member 206 extending through rear wall 21 of washing chamber 28 . inlet feed member 206 includes a conduit portion 208 and a base portion 210 . conduit portion 208 includes a main body section 214 having a base section 215 from which extend an inlet nipple 216 and an outlet nipple 217 . main body section 214 also includes a flange 222 having a pair of mounting ears , one of which is indicated at 225 . as will be discussed more fully below , flange 222 acts as an interface between conduit portion 208 and base portion 210 . outlet nipple 217 includes a hollow interior portion 228 that leads into base section 215 and fluidly connects to inlet nipple 216 . outlet nipple 217 also includes a plurality of external threads 231 which , as best shown in fig6 , engage with inlet nozzle 69 . more specifically , outlet nipple 217 extends through rear wall 21 of washing chamber 28 and ring portion 188 of mounting bracket 184 . once in place , inlet nozzle 69 is secured to inlet feed member 206 through threads 231 , with circular flange 163 trapping mounting bracket 184 against rear wall 21 . finally , inlet nipple 217 is shown to include a pair of outer rings 235 and 236 which provide a positive engagement for a hose 238 that is secured through a clamp 239 ( see fig7 ). with this arrangement , inlet feed member 206 receives a flow of washing fluid from a pump ( not shown ) through inlet nipple 216 . the flow of washing fluid is thereafter is redirected outward through outlet nipple 217 into inlet nozzle 69 and into spray bar 60 . as stated above , conduit portion 208 is supported upon a base portion 210 through flange 222 . towards that end , base member 210 is provided with a main housing 245 that includes a mounting member 247 and a cover 248 . mounting member 247 is provided with a pair of supports 260 and 261 that align with mounting ears 225 . supports 260 and 261 are adapted to receive mechanical fasteners , one of which is shown at 265 , to secure conduit portion 208 to base portion 210 . mounting member 247 further includes a central opening 267 that leads into main housing 245 . a seal 269 extends about central opening 267 and engages with flange 222 of conduit portion 208 . in addition , cover 248 is pivotally connected to mounting member 247 through a hinge 270 and secured through a tab member 273 . actually , main housing 245 serves as an enclosure for electronic circuitry 280 ( see fig7 ) associated with a flow sensor 283 , such as a diaphragm positioned across central opening 267 . sensor 283 senses the flow of washing fluid through conduit portion 208 during an overall washing operation . reference will now be made to fig8 in describing an alternative embodiment of the present invention . as shown , an upper wash mechanism 350 includes a water delivery portion 356 having an inlet conduit 358 that is connected to a spray bar 360 . spray bar 360 includes a first end section 390 that extends to a second end section 391 through an intermediate section 392 . actually , arranged at intermediate section 392 is a “ t ” member 394 that directs a flow of washing fluid into a first lateral zone 360 and a second lateral zone 361 . each lateral zone 360 , 361 includes a plurality of nozzles 404 - 406 and 407 - 409 respectively . jets of washing fluid emanating from nozzles 404 - 409 impact upon a paddlewheel member 419 that is rotatably mounted to a pair of laterally spaced first and second support members 421 and 429 . actually , paddlewheel member 419 is provided with a pair of bearings , one of which is indicated at 438 , that provide smooth rotation as paddlewheel 419 is impacted and rotated by jets of washing fluid emanating from nozzles 404 - 409 . in addition , paddlewheel member 419 is provided with a slight twist or spiral which ensures continued exposure to the jets of washing fluid . thus , in accordance with the embodiment shown , paddlewheel member 419 constitutes an overall deflector member 445 that causes the jets of washing fluid to diverge into a plurality of streams which subsequently impact upon kitchenware supported upon dishrack 30 during an overall washing operation . at this point , it should be readily understood that the present invention provides for an efficient upper washing mechanism for directing water to an upper portion of a washing chamber in a drawer - type dishwasher . more particularly , mounting the upper washing mechanism to a wall of the wash chamber advantageously provides protection to various wash system components arranged within outer housing 4 . more specifically , the particular positioning of the upper washing mechanism ensures that any residual water remaining within the wash system drops directly into the washing chamber and not onto various components carried within outer housing 4 as would be the case with a wash arm mounted to , for example , lid 37 . in addition , the paddlewheel configuration establishes an extremely efficient and is effective washing fluid distribution arrangement that creates streams of washing fluid sprayed randomly about the washing chamber . in any case , although described with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention , it should be readily understood that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof . for instance , the overall shape , angular orientation , number and spacing of the deflector members can vary in accordance with the present invention . in general , the invention is only intended to be limited by the scope of the following claims .
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for purposes of the present invention , an antioxidant is a compound , component or mixture of compounds or components , some of which are capable of reacting with free radicals to inhibit free radical chain reactions . consequently , an antioxidant of the present invention has the effect of improving at least one chemical or physical characteristic of the oil upon exposure of the oil to elevated temperature , including , for example , the stability of the oil to oxidative degradation , inhibiting the formation of undesirable oxides and peroxides , inhibiting molecular weight reduction of the oil molecules , inhibiting formation of crosslinks in the oil that can lead to the presence of sludge , and inhibiting the formation of undesirable and / or unpleasant taste and odor bodies . such antioxidants include natural and synthetic food acids and herbs , for example citric acid and rosemary extract , as well as other compounds and components identified herein and elsewhere in the art as exhibiting at least one of the above characteristics . generally , useful herbs and herbal extracts include those such as turmeric , rosemary , oregano , sage , garlic , ginger , peppermint , purslane , bilberry , milk thistle , grape seed , green tea , maritime pine and st . john &# 39 ; s wort ( also known as hypericum ). a useful listing can be found on the internet at www . ars - grin . gov / duke / comprising phytochemical and ethnobotanical databases maintained by dr . j . duke , incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted . therefore , in the context of the present invention , the use of an antioxidant stabilizes or improves the stability of hot oil used for cooking or frying in the sense that such oil can be used for a longer period of time before the quality of the oil or food cooked therein becomes unacceptable due to color , taste and / or odor . at least some of the benefits of the present invention are achieved by the addition of an aqueous composition , that is by the addition of water as a component . although not wishing to be bound by theory , it is believed that the water of the composition , particularly in the form in which it is introduced according to the present invention , facilitates removal of volatile , odor forming species from used cooking oil , e . g ., physically by a process analogous to steam distillation , or otherwise . compositions of the present invention comprising ( a ) water , and ( b ) at least one antioxidant , preferably a food acid , can typically be prepared by dissolving or dispersing the antioxidant in water . in a preferred embodiment , antioxidant is present in an amount of from about 5 % to about 60 % by weight , preferably from about 10 % to about 40 % by weight . more preferably , the composition , prior to addition to the oil , forms a solution , dispersion or suspension . the composition , upon addition to the cooking oil preferably forms a solution with the oil ; alternatively , it forms a dispersion , a suspension or each of these conditions ( solution , dispersion , suspension ) can occur simultaneously to varying degrees . compositions of the present invention comprising ( a ) water , ( b ) at least one water - soluble or water - dispersible emulsifier , and ( c ) at least one antioxidant , preferably a food acid , can typically be prepared by dissolving or dispersing the emulsifier and antioxidant in water . in a preferred embodiment , the water - soluble or water - dispersible emulsifier is present in an amount of about 0 . 00001 wt . % to about 5 wt . %, preferably from about 0 . 0001 wt . % to about 2 wt . % and the antioxidant is present in an amount from about 5 wt . % to about 60 wt . %, preferably from about 10 wt . % to about 40 wt . %. in a preferred embodiment , the characteristics of the emulsifier include one or more of the following : non - ionic , non - toxic regarding its suitability for human consumption , and low or non - foaming . more preferably , the composition , prior to addition to the oil , forms a solution , dispersion or a suspension . the composition , upon addition to the cooking oil disperses as a dilute emulsion . forming an emulsion when the composition is introduced to the oil can be desirable since an emulsion enhances uniform dispersion of antioxidant ingredients and water throughout the cooking oil and prevents the coalescence of water droplets . this may aid in control of , or inhibit the rate of release of antioxidant composition . generally , the cooking oil is at a temperature in a range from about 300 ° f . to 385 ° f . when the composition is added to the oil , and typically from about 325 ° f . to about 360 ° f . water - soluble or water dispersible emulsifiers are generally known in the art . examples of water - soluble or water dispersible emulsifiers include , but are not limited to mono and diglycerides of fat forming fatty acids , carboxylic acids and fatty acids esters of glycerol . as used herein , “ food acid ” includes , but is not limited to citric acid , tartaric acid , malic acid , lactic acid , acetic acid , fumaric acid , ascorbic acid or vitamin c , isoascorbic acid , succinic acid , adipic acid , hydrochloric acid , and phosphoric acid , as well as glycerol esters of the above listed acids , ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and fatty acids as well as permutations , combinations and mixtures thereof . the composition optionally further comprises a food compatible agent , such as acetic acid and / or chelating agent that reduces the hardness of the water , as the use of hard water can be counterproductive to inhibiting degradation reactions in the cooking oil . alternatively , demineralized water , or water with reduced concentrations of minerals , can be used . compositions of the present invention preferably comprise at least one antioxidant selected from the group consisting of citric acid , ascorbic acid , ascorbyl palmitate and natural antioxidants derived from the turmeric or rosemary . advantages of the present invention are achieved by adding a minor concentration of a composition of the present invention , for example , ( a ) a composition comprising a minor concentration of at least one water soluble or water dispersible antioxidant which may be a food acid , water and , optionally , at least one water - soluble or water dispersible emulsifier , and ( b ) introducing the composition into a major concentration of a cooking oil . in a particularly preferred embodiment , the cooking oil is at a temperature in a range of from about 315 ° f . to about 360 ° f . the aqueous composition is preferably introduced into cooking oil without using either a solid mineral carrier or a liquid oil carrier . the mixture is more preferably introduced into the cooking oil at a slow , controlled rate over a period of time so as not to create a hazard by rapidly converting the liquid water to steam . this is achieved by controlling the rate of introduction of the aqueous composition to that comparable to the dehydration and migration of water from the surface of food cooking or frying in hot oil . all food contains water . generally , foods contain about 40 % to about 70 % water . supplementary water and antioxidants may be added by choice of an appropriate physical device for introduction of aqueous composition . the composition may be added as a fine spray or mist over the surface of the oil or by a single or multiple orifices so introduction of the composition causes an acceptable level of effervescence without splattering hazard . the aqueous composition may be added to the oil in a fine stream , preferably as a fog or mist of liquid droplets ; such droplets or stream are preferably aerated . when added in the form of droplets , the size of the droplets is typically about 0 . 1 mm diameter to about 3 . 0 mm diameter ; preferably from about 0 . 5 mm to about 2 . 5 mm . alternatively , a fine stream of the composition can be about 0 . 05 mm to about 6 mm in diameter ; preferably about 1 mm to about 2 mm . the aqueous composition can be introduced into or onto the surface of the oil using various application devices . for example , it is convenient to use containers such as plastic squeeze bottles that are equipped with covers or caps that are capable of generating a fine stream or mist when the bottle is squeezed . such containers are well known . alternatively , application containers can be hand held containers of the type that generate a fine mist or fog based on the use of a dip tube , spray nozzle and squeeze handle that draws the liquid from the container and forces it through the nozzle when the user squeezes or depresses the handle . furthermore , containers that utilize a pump dispenser can be employed as well as syringes equipped with a fine bore capillary , needle or tube . these and other convenient containers , devices and methods for dispensing a fine stream , mist or fog are similarly well known in the art and can be selected by the artisan based on such factors as cost and convenience . the applicator device , including nozzle configuration , is preferably selected so as to generate an aerated liquid stream and / or aerated liquid particles or droplets . such an applicator is available from delta manufacturing ( pa ). in circumstances where it may be desirable to limit the amount of air introduced into the oil , e . g ., a commercial frying operation conducted for extended periods at elevated temperature , inert gas such as nitrogen , carbon dioxide or mixtures thereof , can be used in place of or in combination with air . consequently , for purposes of the present invention , the term aeration should be understood to refer to the incorporation of small bubbles of a gas in a liquid droplet or stream where the gas can be air or an inert gas or mixtures thereof . preferably , the composition is applied as a conical shaped spray of appropriate size droplets deposited on the surface of the hot oil over a wide area , for example an oval or circular shape having a major diameter of from about 3 inches to about 9 inches . preferably , the area covered by the spray or mist is in a circular pattern about 5 inches in diameter or an oval pattern about 5 inches by about 9 inches . alternatively , the mist or fog is sprayed above the surface of the fryer so that it covers from about 15 % to about 70 % of the surface area of the fryer ; for example , from about 30 % to about 50 %. the specific area covered is not considered to be critical , provided that the composition reaches the surface of the oil and is carried into the overall oil composition . a further alternative embodiment or method of applying the composition to the oil , particularly preferred for use with large frying equipment , such as used by manufacturers of cooked food products , is illustrated in fig1 . in this embodiment , the composition may be introduced from a reservoir ( 5 ) containing the composition through strategically placed multiple orifices beneath ( 3 ) and / or above ( 6 ) the surface of the oil by use of a control valve ( 7 ) in order to introduce a stream or a “ fog ” or a mist of small droplets of about 0 . 1 mm diameter to about 3 . 0 mm diameter , for example , about 0 . 5 mm to about 2 . 5 mm diameter . preferably the composition is introduced below the surface of the oil as , for example , droplets having preferred sizes of from about 1 . 0 mm to about 1 . 5 mm diameter . the rate of addition of the composition can be controlled , for example , by the use of a metering pump ( 4 ). this is preferably accomplished at fixed intervals of time , for example , after the oil is at elevated or cooking temperature , after fixed intervals of cooking or as determined by periodic measurement of oil properties and / or visual observation of food appearance and internal temperature of the food ( cooking performance of the oil ). the rate of introduction may be varied by a review of the measured or observed properties of the oil and the food . the metering input of the composition may also be varied automatically by sensing key properties of the oil such as free fatty acids ( ffa ), peroxide or polar content . such time intervals are conveniently selected by those skilled in the field of cooking , and particularly in the field of preparing fried foods , after limited experimentation or experience using the methods taught herein . consequently , the amount of aqueous antioxidant composition comprising , for example , at least one food acid and / or at least one herbal extract and water can be added in an amount that compensates for the loss of or degradation of antioxidant that occurs over the selected time period or to adjust the quality of the cooking oil composition to a predetermined value of a test measurement carried out by an automated or manual test result . the composition of the present invention comprising at least one antioxidant , e . g ., food acid , and water , and , optionally , at least one emulsifier , can be prepared by mixing , such mixing optionally comprising processes such as solubilizing , dispersing or suspending , the recited components , and other optional , beneficial cooking oil additive ( s ) with one another . the mixing sequence is not critical and an appropriate operation can be determined with limited experimentation . emulsifiers are generally known in the art . for purposes of the present invention , emulsifiers include both oil - soluble and water - soluble or water - dispersible emulsifiers . in carrying out this aspect of the invention , the antioxidant , e . g ., food acid , additive in liquid or particulate form is dispersed or dissolved in the water or emulsifier / water mixture and the mixture is delivered to the hot cooking oil . examples of such emulsifiers include , but are not limited to mono and diglycerides of fat forming fatty acids and / or other food compatible acids , and ascorbyl palmitate . in a particularly preferred embodiment , the emulsifier is selected from the group consisting of water - soluble or water - dispersible and oil - soluble emulsifiers and the antioxidant additive is in a form selected from the group consisting of solid particulates , liquids , aqueous solutions and aqueous dispersions . the antioxidant additives include antioxidant food acids described above as well as other antioxidants such as glycerol ester of citric acid and fat forming fatty acids derived from sunflower oil or canola oil , ascorbic acid , ascorbyl palmitate , turmeric and rosemary extract . in a particularly preferred embodiment ascorbyl palmitate is used , alone or in combination with other antioxidants and / or emulsifiers , in order to take advantage of both its antioxidant and emulsifier characteristics . useful food additive materials also exhibiting both antioxidant and emulsifier characteristics include citric acid and fatty acid esters of glycerol ; sodium , potassium and calcium lactates ; sodium and potassium tartrates ; sodium , calcium and potassium citrates ; sodium , potassium , calcium , ammonium and magnesium phosphates ; and lecithin . consequently , such materials can be used alone in order to provide both antioxidant and emulsifier characteristics or they can be used in combination with other antioxidant and emulsifier materials already described in order to enhance the performance of the compositions . furthermore , such dual function materials can be used in combination or mixture with one another . the process of reducing the rate of oil degradation reactions or stabilizing the composition of hot cooking oil is preferably performed by controlling the rate of introduction of the solutions , dispersions , slurries or suspensions of the antioxidants and / or other beneficial food additive , e . g . water , food acid , or other antioxidant or emulsifier additives , aqueous or nonaqueous , into the hot cooking oil . the rate is preferably one that permits and enhances safe dispersion and diffusion , more preferably without the use of supplementary “ foreign ” carrier materials such as porous minerals or oil emulsions . in a preferred example , a water soluble antioxidant solution may be furnished as a safe “ concentrated additive solution ” to reduce shipping and packaging costs in contrast to a product using oil or porous mineral as a delivery carrier . when the compositions of the present invention are added to the cooking oil , antioxidant previously depleted from the cooking oil is replenished fully or partially by at least one added antioxidant . the compositions also can be added in order to supplement at any time the antioxidant present in the cooking oil . the compositions of the present invention can be effectively delivered to the hot cooking oil by various methods . such methods are applicable to restaurant fryers as well as factory process fryers . for example , the composition containing a food acid , antioxidant and other additive can be delivered to the hot cooking oil using a fine bore or narrow diameter pipe or line . various devices for delivering the composition of the present invention are illustrated in fig1 - 8 . devices for delivering a fine stream include , e . g ., the squeeze bottles of fig2 , 3 and 5 , each including a small diameter opening through which the composition is delivered . a hypodermic syringe as illustrated in fig6 , or small diameter tubing with an appropriate limiting discharge orifice , from which the composition can be delivered onto and / or under the surface of the oil . alternatively , other dispersion or delivery devices comprising a pump or trigger mechanism in combination with a fine orifice or spray nozzle may be used to introduce the compositions of the present invention into the hot oil , such as in the form of a spray or a fine stream , as small diameter droplets , a fog or a “ mist ” of the additive solution over the surface of hot oil ; see fig4 , 7 and 8 . referring to fig2 , 201 is a squeeze bottle , 202 the cap and 203 tip , including small diameter exit hole 204 from which the composition exits when it is extended up from the retracted position in the surface , as illustrated , to about a vertical or 90 ° position relative to the cap surface . referring to fig3 , 301 is a squeeze bottle , 302 a protrusion or tip that is integral with the bottle cap and 303 a small diameter opening from which the composition exits the bottle when the bottle is squeezed ; typically , the bottle cap includes a removable cover for the tip in order to seal it when the bottle is not in use . fig4 illustrates a pump - type dispenser bottle 401 wherein when the pump mechanism 402 is depressed , the liquid within the bottle is drawn up through a dip tube ( not shown ) connected to the pump mechanism and exits through a small diameter orifice 403 in the form of a fog , mist or as small droplets , depending on the diameter or configuration of the orifice . fig5 is a squeeze bottle 501 in which the cap 502 includes an integral cover 503 that , when open , reveals a protrusion 504 and small diameter exit orifice 505 . fig6 is a typical hypodermic syringe comprising a small diameter needle or extension 601 from which the composition exits when the plunger 602 is depressed within the body of the syringe 603 . if desired , the body of the syringe can be volumetrically calibrated to facilitate use of desired amount of the composition with each depression of the plunger . additionally , the syringe can be refilled from a supply of the composition . similarly , calibration and the ability to be refilled are characteristics that are common to each of the devices for adding the composition of the present invention to the hot oil . fig7 illustrates a squeeze - type spray device including a squeeze handle mechanism 702 in which a dip tube ( not shown ) is connected , typically press - fit , internally to the spray head mechanism within the bottle 701 . the composition exits the device through the small diameter opening 704 in the adjustable flow control cap 703 . the squeeze handle mechanism , including the dip tube , is separable from the bottle and typically is attached to it by a screw cap 705 . a universal dip tube and spray mechanism is illustrated in fig8 . the dip tube includes a filter 802 at the pickup end of the tube 801 ; the tube passes through a cap 803 that can be attached to the composition reservoir by , e . g ., a snap or screw fit . as in mechanisms of this type , when the handle 804 is squeezed , it creates a vacuum in the reservoir or bottle resulting in fluid being drawn up the dip tube from which it exits through the adjustable nozzle 805 at the orifice 806 . adjustment of the nozzle opening allows the composition to exit in the form of a fine mist or fog , as small droplets or in the form of a fine stream . an alternative sprayer illustrated in fig9 comprises a dip tube 901 , spray nozzle 902 and squeeze handle 903 arrangement similar to that in fig7 . as in the device illustrated in fig7 , the spray head mechanism is adjustable by rotating the nozzle clockwise or counterclockwise to obtain more or less of a fine stream . additionally , the device illustrated in fig9 also introduces aeration , the extent of which is adjustable by similar rotation of the spray head nozzle . still alternatively , the additive solution , dispersion or concentrate may be introduced continuously , intermittently or at fixed or regular intervals from a storage container where the introduction tube is fixed at a safe point in the fryer and the flow rate is set to meet the needs of the cooking demand during the day . for example , dispersion and diffusion of the aqueous food acid solution into hot cooking oil can take the form of a metering pump with volume and / or time control to introduce the fluid through a manifold containing orifices located beneath , and / or above , the surface of the oil . furthermore , sensors can be used to continuously monitor the technical condition of the oil , e . g ., according to polymerized triglycerides content , polar content , free fatty acid level or peroxide level . various tests to measure oil quality are disclosed in the article by c . gertz , et al ., in the european j . lipid sci . technol . cited hereinabove as well as in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 349 , 353 and 4 , 731 , 332 . commercial versions of the tests referred to in the latter patents are available from miroil division of oil process systems inc . ( allentown , pa .). these references , including descriptions of various test methods , are incorporated by reference to the extent permitted . an oil quality sensor to dispense and disperse the additive composition to the oil may activate the metering pump . the use of an emulsifier in the composition of the present invention further facilitates efficient dispersion of the composition upon contact with the hot cooking oil , such that the water present in the composition is effectively dispersed so that when it is converted to steam the water droplets are small enough to avoid dangerous splattering of the hot oil . for purposes of the present invention , it is preferred that the aqueous antioxidant food acid or additive should be used in hot cooking oil , e . g ., at or above about 250 ° f ., more preferably at or above about 275 ° f ., still more preferably , the oil temperature is about 300 ° f . to about 375 ° f ., still more preferably about 315 ° f . to about 360 ° f . if the oil is not sufficiently hot , the aqueous composition can sink to a “ cold zone ” at the bottom of the fryer and remain in the form of a warm water composition that is not hot enough to change the water to steam in order to facilitate dispersion and / or diffusion of the water in the aqueous composition and its constituent ingredients into the cooking oil . generally , cooking oils are triglycerides , i . e ., the esterification product of glycerol with three molecules of saturated , unsaturated , or a mix of saturated and unsaturated carboxylic acids . preferably , the cooking oils include vegetable derived , animal derived , and marine source derived fats and fatty oils that are liquids at the particular temperature that is necessary for the desired cooking effect . examples of vegetable oil include canola oil , coconut oil , comgerm oil , cotton seed oil , olive oil , palm oil , peanut oil , rapeseed oil , safflower oil , sesame seed oil , soy bean oil , sunflower oil or mixtures thereof . examples of animal derived oil include lard and tallow ( e . g ., beef , sheep fat ). cooking oil also includes any mixture of the vegetable derived , animal derived , and marine source derived fats . a test of the present invention was conducted in which an aqueous composition containing 20 wt . % antioxidant was sprayed into hot , used cooking oil that had degraded to the point of having an undesirable odor . immediately upon contact of the composition spray with the hot cooking oil a “ froth ” or boiling effect was observed , but undesirable splattering of the hot oil did not occur . the composition was added to the cooking oil from above the surface of the oil using a squeeze handle type spray device of the type illustrated in fig9 , thereby introducing the composition in the form of small diameter aerated droplets . after the oil became quiescent , the cooking odor previously present was no longer noticeable . the composition continued to be applied at approximately 6 hour intervals , thereby appreciably extending the useful life of the cooking oil . various publications , including research reports and the patents , are cited throughout the present application and the contents of these publications , as well as the documents cited in these publications are incorporated herein by reference to the extent permitted . furthermore , any range of numbers recited in the specification or paragraphs hereinafter describing various aspects of the invention , such as that representing a particular set of properties , units of measure , conditions , physical states or percentages , is intended to literally incorporate expressly herein by reference or otherwise , any number falling within such range , including any subset of numbers or ranges subsumed within any range so recited . the term “ about ” when used as a modifier for , or in conjunction with , a variable , is intended to convey that the numbers and ranges disclosed herein are flexible and that practice of the present invention by those skilled in the art using temperatures , concentrations , amounts , contents , carbon numbers , properties such as particle size , surface area , diameter , volume , bulk density , etc ., that are outside of the range or different from a single value , will achieve the desired result , namely , provide an additive and the ability to deliver it to hot oil in order to improve the stability and performance of the oil for frying foods at elevated temperature . although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments , it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention . it is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the summary of the invention or the appended claims .
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while the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms , there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated . it should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification , namely , “ detailed description of the invention ”, relates to a requirement of the united states patent office , and does not imply , nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein . all patents referred to herein , are hereby incorporated herein by reference , whether or not specifically do so within the text of this disclosure . in the present disclosure , the words “ a ” or “ an ” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural . conversely , any reference to plural items shall , where appropriate , include the singular . referring now to the figures and in particular to fig1 and 2 , there is shown a print head , for example , an ink jet print head having a positive air system 12 in accordance with the principles of the present invention . the positive air system 12 reduces the potential for dust and debris interfering with the print head jetting pattern and reduces the potential for dust and debris fouling the print head 10 . the system 12 effectively envelopes the environment e around the jetted fluid to prevent the ingress of dust and debris to the local environment e , and minimally , if at all , interferes with the pattern of the jetted fluid . in a very basic form , a printing system 14 includes a conveyor 16 along which boxes b or the like are conveyed past the print head 10 . the print head 10 jets a fluid , such as ink , onto the box b to , for example , provide a bar code , a description of the package contents , a mailing address , or the like . those skilled in the art will recognize the various arrangements by which a print head is mounted near a conveyor for such . the air system 12 , as shown in fig1 and 2 includes air knives or air curtains 18 , to define an enclosure 20 around the print head 10 . as illustrated , three air knives 18 are positioned such that , along with the conveyor 16 , they envelope the print head 10 . each air knife 18 is formed as a wall 19 having a plurality of orifices 22 , formed in a linear array 24 , through which air is exhausted or vented . as illustrated , one air knife 18 is positioned above the print head 10 ( air knife 18 a ), with the array 24 generally parallel to the direction d of conveyance of the box b . a pair of opposing knives 18 b , 18 c are positioned on either side of the print head 10 , with their respective arrays 24 generally perpendicular to the direction d of conveyance of the box b . an air supply 26 supplies clean , debris - free air to the air knives . referring now to fig3 there is shown a cross - sectional view of an exemplary air knife 18 . one of the novel features of the present positive air system 12 is the ability to maintain the “ cleanliness ” of the environment enveloping the print head ; that is , the area between the print head and the boundaries defined by the air knives 18 a , b , c , e . g ., the local environment e . the present positive air system 12 controls this environment , i . e ., maintains a positive pressure to reduce or eliminate the ingress of dust and debris , while at the same time , preventing interference with the fluid jetting patterns . an air path 28 is formed in each knife 18 that branches from a main or common branch 30 to each of the orifices 22 . the path 28 is configured such that the pressure drop ( or the ultimate pressure ) at each orifice 22 is equal to the pressure at each other orifice 22 . in this manner , there are no unaccounted for , or undetermined , air flow patterns . rather , by balancing the pressure drop , the air flow pattern is predictable so as to prevent interference with the fluid jet pattern . in a present air knife 18 , the primary branch 30 is divided into three secondary branches 32 . each of the secondary branches 32 is further divided into three tertiary branches 34 which in turn are divided into paired orifice feed branches 36 . each of the orifice feed branches 36 is about the same length as each other orifice feed branch 36 . as such , the pressure drop across each of the orifice feed branches 36 is about equal as well . however , the secondary 32 and tertiary branches 34 are not of equal length ; thus , the pressure drop could differ between branches ( that is among the secondary branches 32 or among the tertiary branches 34 ). in order to assure that the pressure drop across each of the branches 32 , 34 is about equal , a diverter 38 is positioned at about the branch 32 or 34 junctures . in this manner , the diverter directs or diverts air flow into the various branches 32 and 34 to effect an equal pressure drop ( and thus outlet pressure ) at each of the orifices 22 . in addition to the diverters 38 , a pin 40 can be positioned at the entrance to each of the shortest of the secondary 32 and tertiary 34 branches . the pin 40 further assists in balancing the pressure drops through the various branches to effect a balanced pressure at the orifices 22 . optionally , a restrictor such as that indicated at 42 , can be positioned at about each of the orifices 22 . the restrictor 42 is configured so as to assist in effecting an equal pressure drop ( e . g ., equal pressure at the orifices ), and to further limit the velocity and pressure of the air exiting the orifices . unlike known positive pressure systems which use relatively high air pressures , the present system 12 uses air at a pressure of about 1 psig to about 5 psig . it has been found that an air pressure of about 1 psig is advantageous over known high pressure systems in that the air pressure is sufficiently low so that there is little to no adverse effect on the jetted fluid . that is , the air does not move the jetted fluid from the path that the fluid would other traverse toward the media ( e . g ., box b ) onto which it is applied . an alternate embodiment of an air path 128 for an air knife 118 is shown in fig4 . in this embodiment , the air path 128 is formed different from that of the embodiment 28 in fig3 . the path 128 includes a main or primary branch 130 that divides into three secondary branches 132 . each of the three secondary branches 132 in turn divides into three tertiary branches 134 which in turn divide into three orifice feed branches 136 . again , pins 140 , diverters 138 and restrictors 142 can be used ( if desired ) to facilitate the balancing or equalizing or air pressure at each of the orifices 122 . additionally , a restriction 144 ( as a decrease in diameter or a restrictor ) can be formed at about the primary branch 130 to further facilitate pressure balancing . as seen in fig4 the orifices 122 a at about the edge of the knife 118 can be angled outward . in this manner ( because the knives 118 are angled outward and / or upward relative to the print head 10 , as best seen in fig1 - 13 ), any gaps in air flow that may otherwise occur at the “ corners ” where the upper and side knives meet , are “ filled ”. still other embodiments of the air knife or air curtain are shown in fig6 - 9 . in these embodiments , rather than a plurality of pathways , a relatively large , contained chamber 220 provides a pressurized air reservoir 223 . air is directed out of the reservoir 223 through a plurality of small orifice - like openings 222 in the body of the chamber 220 ( fig6 ), or through an elongated , narrow orifice - like slot 228 in the chamber 220 or in a cover plate 226 ( fig8 ) for the chamber 220 , overlying the reservoir 223 . in still another embodiment 318 as seen in fig9 a thin spacer plate 330 ( about { fraction ( 1 / 1000 )} inch or 1 mil ) having a notched or etched portion 332 is positioned between the chamber body 320 and the cover plate 326 . the notch 332 is open to the reservoir 323 so that air exits the reservoir 323 from between the chamber body 320 and the cover plate 326 through the an elongated orifice - like slot 322 that is defined by the notch 332 . this arrangement provides a continuous restricted flow path or continuous restriction , and as such , provides for a controlled flow ( and pressure ) along the length of the slot 322 . an exemplary cross - section of the air knife embodiments 218 , 318 is illustrated in fig7 . as can be seen , an entrance 234 , 334 to the reservoir 223 , 323 , formed in the chamber body 220 , 320 is relatively small ( thus defining a restriction ) compared to the size of the reservoir 223 , 323 . as such the pressure drop at any of the orifices 222 is about equal to the pressure drop at any of the other orifices 222 and , likewise , the pressure drop at any location along the elongated slot 228 , 322 is about equal to the pressure drop at any other location along the slot 228 , 322 . similar to the angled orifices 122 a of the embodiment 118 illustrated in fig4 the spacer plate 330 can have an angled edge ( as indicated at 333 ) to direct air outwardly , at an angle , to account for the angled orientation of the knives 318 . this prevents “ gaps ” at the corners or junctures of the upper and side knives 318 . in conjunction with the novel use of a low pressure system , as seen in fig1 , the present positive air system 12 uses angled curtains or knives 18 to facilitate directing the deflected air away ( indicated by the arrow at 44 in fig8 ) from the print head 10 . that is , rather than the orifices 22 , 122 , 222 ( or slots 228 , 322 ) directing air perpendicular to the box surface s onto which the indicia is printed , the orifices 22 , 122 , 222 ( or slots 228 , 322 ) direct the air at an angle relative to the surface s . in this manner , the air that deflects off of the surface s is directed away from the print head 10 , rather than toward the print head 10 . it has been observed that this arrangement blows the dust and debris away from the local environment e to maintain the print head 10 and environment e contaminant free . this arrangement also prevents the formation of eddy currents within the local environment e ( e . g ., immediately around the print head i 0 ), that could otherwise adversely impact the fluid droplet path . also as seen in fig1 - 13 , the positive air system 12 can include a supplemental box cleaner knife 46 positioned upstream of the print head 10 and its associated knives / curtains 18 , 118 , 218 , 318 . this supplemental knife 46 facilitates maintaining the local environment e contaminant - free by removing any dust or debris that may be present on the box b before the box b is presented at the print head 10 . an alternate embodiment of the positive air system 50 is illustrated in fig1 - 16 . in this embodiment , the print head 10 is disposed within an enclosure 52 that essentially forms a tunnel 54 . as such , the air flows through the tunnel 54 , including around the print head 10 , and out a forward end 56 of the tunnel , past the print head 10 . to prevent over - pressurization of the tunnel 54 , as when the box b moves passed the tunnel front 56 , a flapper valve 58 is positioned in one of the enclosure walls 60 that provides communication between the tunnel 54 and the outside environment . the flapper valve 58 is closed during normal operation , thus isolating all but the tunnel front 56 . when a box b passes in front of the tunnel 54 , moving passed the print head 10 , the flapper valve 58 opens to relieve any pressure increase in tunnel 54 . in this manner , the air that is supplied through the tunnel 54 does not adversely effect the operation of the print head 10 ( i . e ., effect the fluid droplet path ). again , air is supplied from a clean , debris - free air supply 62 . from the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention . it is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred . the disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims .
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a heat exchanger 1 according to the invention for an air conditioning unit of a motor vehicle , particularly for a low - consumption vehicle , with a plurality of flat tubes 2 which are arranged parallel to one another and through which a heat transfer medium flows and with rib sets 3 arranged between the flat tubes 2 , has electrically operated heating elements 4 as additional heating which can be connected as required . the flat tubes 2 are connected to a system 133 for circulating a first heat transfer medium through each of the flat tubes 2 , schematically depicted in fig1 . the heating elements 4 , consisting of a resistance wire 4 ′ and of an insulation layer 4 ″, are held by means of the holding elements 5 , in the first exemplary embodiment by means of a holding grid 6 which is soldered on a narrow side of each flat tube 2 . the holding grid 6 is produced from a metal sheet which is provided by means of a forming operation with beads 7 serving for subsequent soldering , in which case soldering may take place simultaneously with the soldering of the remaining heat exchanger , since the heating elements 4 cannot , as a rule , be exposed to the soldering operation . the mounting of the heating elements 4 is illustrated in detail in fig1 . the left part of fig1 shows the positioning of the heating element 4 on the holding element 5 soldered to the flat tube 2 , the forming of the holding element 5 is illustrated in the middle and the heating element 4 ready - fixed with the aid of the holding element 5 is illustrated on the right . in this case , the ends 8 of the holding grid 6 are crimped shut . the beads 7 on the one hand , serve for positioning the holding grid 6 and the heating elements 4 and , on the other hand , form a heat - conducting connection to the heat exchanger 1 , in order to utilize part of the rib surface of the latter for the transfer of heat to the air flowing through . depending on the electrical resistance , on - board voltage and desired electrical heating power , the individual heating elements 4 may be connected by means of a parallel and / or series connection in a way not illustrated in any more detail . for power regulation , a pulse - width modulation method is used , but other methods for power regulation are also possible . three very similar exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to fig2 to 4 . in these and all the following exemplary embodiments , elements not described in any more detail are identical to those of the first exemplary embodiment described above . according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig2 , heating elements 14 , consisting of a resistance wire 14 ′ and of an insulation layer 14 ″, are pressed directly into projecting rib sets 13 which are configured in such a way that they project sufficiently far beyond the flat tubes 12 , in the present case , conventional beaded tubes , so that they themselves form the holding elements 15 . if required , the heating elements 14 may additionally be surrounded by a metallic casing and be secured between the ribs , for example by means of adhesive bonding . in this case , the heating elements 14 have a sheet - like configuration such that their thicknesses correspond approximately to the thickness of the flat tubes 12 . at the same time , in the present instance , the heating elements 14 consist of two individual heating conductors , so that current inward and return routing is provided within a heating element 14 . in the other two exemplary embodiments illustrated in fig3 and 4 , there are provided for the heating elements 24 and 34 , special holding elements 25 and 35 which are themselves pressed into projecting rib sets 23 and 33 and , if appropriate , additionally secured . in these instances , too , the flat tubes 22 and 32 are conventional beaded tubes . alternatively , in a similar way to the first exemplary embodiment , the holding elements 25 and 35 may be soldered in at the same time as the manufacture of the heat exchanger without heating elements 24 and 34 and be provided with the heating elements 24 and 34 thereafter . according to the fifth exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig5 , for better thermal coupling of rib surfaces to the heating elements 44 , a folding strip 45 ′ consisting of a solder - plated aluminum strip is provided , which is pushed into the flat tubes 42 , which are again beaded tubes , before and after the bundling and before the soldering , is fixed and is also soldered . furthermore , the holding element 45 in the form of a holding grid 46 is tacked on to the bundled heat exchanger 41 in a similar way to fig1 , without the heating element 44 and insulation , by means of a wire connection or welding , and is also soldered . according to the first exemplary embodiment , the heating elements 44 are inserted and crimped in after soldering . in the present exemplary embodiment , only every second row of flat tubes 42 is equipped with heating elements 44 , but any other desired variants are also possible . fig6 to 8 show exemplary embodiments with modified flat tubes 52 , 62 and 72 , to which a heating element 54 , 64 and 74 is fastened by means of a holding element 55 , 65 and 75 . according to the sixth exemplary embodiment ( cf . fig6 ), the holding element 55 comprises a flat - designed end of the flat tube 52 , while , according to the seventh exemplary embodiment ( cf . fig7 ), the end of the flat tube 62 is of open design and receives the holding element 65 . according to the eighth exemplary embodiment ( fig8 ), the holding element 75 is mounted laterally on the flattened flat tube 72 , that side of the holding element 75 which is located opposite the common side being in alignment with the corresponding side of the flat tube 72 . according to the ninth exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig9 , the holding element 85 provided is a holding grid 86 and the heating element 84 provided is a heating grid 84 ′ which is illustrated , stretched out , in fig1 , fig1 illustrating at the top the length which corresponds essentially to the length of the heat exchanger 81 , that is to say to the tube length . for assembly , the holding grid 86 is bent in such a way that it can receive the correspondingly folded heating element 84 . for this purpose , said holding grid is pushed between two rib sets 83 , fixed in a known way , that is to say , for example , introduced before the soldering process and also soldered , and the heating element 84 is subsequently pushed or pressed into the open grooves . this is essentially a heat exchanger of conventional type of construction , in which the gilled corrugated rib is replaced by a deeper rib , with the result that the rib projects beyond the flat tube 82 in order to receive the holding grid 86 and the heating grid 84 ′ embedded in the latter . the holding grid may also be formed by individual u profiles which are not interconnected or by correspondingly pre - bent sheet metal strips . the heating grid is produced , for example , by stamping and subsequent forming from one piece , a combination of parallel - connected and series - connected regions being possible in the present instance ( cf . fig1 , in the present instance in each case three parallel - connected regions are connected in series ), but a straightforward parallel connection or a straightforward series connection is also possible . to avoid short circuits between the heating grid 84 ′ and the holding grid 86 , the heating grid 84 ′ is provided with an insulation layer 84 ″. this insulation layer 84 ″ is formed by an insulating lacquer . so that the width b of the current supply and current distributor strips of the heating grid of fig1 can be made narrower , it is possible to reinforce these with an attached electrically conductive bar . a heating grid with a busbar 99 according to this variant is illustrated in fig1 . in this case , the busbar 99 also increases the mechanical dimensional stability of the heating grid and makes it easier to push it into the u - shaped receptacles of the holding grid . according to a further tenth exemplary embodiment , a heating grid 104 ′ serving as a heating element 104 is designed in such a way that it can be pushed in directly on the air outflow side between rib sets 103 projecting on the end face beyond the coolant - carrying flat tubes , without the risk of damage to the insulation layer and of a short circuit possibly resulting from this . according to the exemplary embodiment , the insulation layer is formed by a teflon coating , but it may also be formed , for example , by correspondingly suitable lacquers , in particular stoving lacquers with sufficient temperature resistance , or the like . additional protection is afforded by a slight forming of the projecting ribs in the region of their corners , so that an introduction slope for the heating grid 104 ′ is obtained . forming may take place before the soldering of the heating body block or else thereafter , as illustrated in fig1 a . in this case , a special forming tool ( indicated at the top in fig1 a ) is introduced between the respective rib sets 103 in the introduction direction of the heating grid 104 ′, so that the corners of the individual ribs are formed and thereby sloped . after the forming operation , as illustrated in fig1 b , the correspondingly bent heating grid 104 ′ is introduced on the end face with respect to the flat tubes between the projecting rib sets 103 serving as a holding element 105 . in the present instance , a heating section of the heating grid 104 ′ is arranged between two adjacent rib sets in each case , but other variants are also possible , in which not every interspace between two rib sets receives a heating section of the heating grid . the individual heating sections of the heating grid 104 ′ are connected by means of connecting webs and auxiliary connecting webs , as is evident from fig1 . fig1 shows the heating grid 104 ′, there being provided between the individual heating sections , which run parallel to the flat tubes in the assembled state , connecting webs arranged on the end face and narrow auxiliary connecting webs which , in the assembled state , run beyond the end faces of the rib sets . the arrangement of the heating sections and connecting webs is meander - like , as also in the exemplary embodiment described above with reference to fig1 . fig1 shows a variant of the heating grid of fig1 , but in a stretched - out illustration , wider connecting webs being provided , which are folded round in order to double the material thickness , as indicated by arrows at the bottom of fig1 . it can also be seen from fig1 that , in the middle of the heating sections , a predetermined bending line is provided by means of perforations , which at the same time prevents the axial current flow and consequently the generation of heat in the region of the contact point with the narrow sides of the flat tubes . the width of the remaining material between the individual perforations is dimensioned such that a sufficient elastic force can be applied so that the flanks of the heating sections are pressed against the rib sets . alternatively , slots may also be provided , as illustrated in fig1 . if an additional holding grid is provided , pressing takes place against the latter . the heating grid according to the variant is stamped out from a heating conductor band material . by the doubling of material , tripling , etc . also being possible , the current density in this region can be lowered and therefore local heating at the connecting webs can be reduced , without an additional current conducting bar mounted at a later stage being necessary . the auxiliary connecting webs between the heating sections serve merely for improved handling during mounting and are severed after assembly has taken place . in the case of a holding grid without a current conducting function , the severance of the auxiliary connecting webs may be dispensed with . by a folding in , if appropriate even multiple folding in of edge zones , for example also sheet edge zones , the material thickness and therefore the current - conducting cross section is enlarged . the same may , of course , also be achieved correspondingly by a use of what are known as tailored blanks as base material for the stamped sheets , and in these the edge zones assigned to connecting webs are of thicker design . fig1 illustrates an eleventh embodiment , according to which a polymeric ptc plastic element , designated below as a cutout s , is interposed centrally in the heating section ( heating element 114 which is formed by a heating grid ) which runs in a meander - like manner in a web of a holding grid ( holding element 115 ) of u - shaped design . this cutout s serves for overheating protection and ensures that , at too high a temperature , no or only minimal current flows through the corresponding heating section and overheating is thereby prevented . for this purpose , the cutout element is designed in such a way that it likewise bears in a sheet - like manner against the flanks of the holding grid and consequently likewise discharges its lost heat to the latter . the holding grid and / or the heating grid are insulated relative to one another by means of a largely electrically non - conductive layer between them . the function of the holding grid is to absorb over a large area the heat discharged by the heating grid and to transfer the latter to the rib blocks adjacent thereto ( see fig1 ). for this purpose , the entire structure of the heating elements is divided into a plurality of and consequently higher - impedance parallel heating circuits which are protected individually by means of more cost - effective overheating cutouts based , for example , on polymeric ptc elements . thus , it is possible , inter alia , to prevent the electrical connecting bridges between individual heating sections from being overheated . various circuits are illustrated in fig1 a to 16 c . fig1 a shows a circuit in which all the webs of the heating grid are connected in parallel , each web being equipped with a series - connected overheating cutout . in this case , the individual webs must be of correspondingly high - impedance design , this preferably being achieved by means of the meander - shaped design , as illustrated in fig1 . by use of other circuits , as illustrated , for example , in fig1 b and 16 c , the current flowing in the heating sections can be adapted to the current carrying capacity of the overheating cutout by an adaptation of the resistance . intermediate cooling of the current bridges 131 by heat contact with the rib sets may take place in that , according to fig1 , the current bridges 131 are designed with an additional bead 130 as an intermediate cooling bead , said beads engaging into the free interspaces between the rib sets . in this case , however , heating sections of the heating grid are arranged only between every second rib set . it may be noted that the holding grid 115 is not illustrated in perspective in fig1 . alternatively to the illustration in fig1 , any other desired arrangements are possible , for example heating section , bead , bead , heating section . by the increase in the resistance by means of a meander structuring of the heating grid , the current flow through a section can be markedly reduced . this affords the possibility of keeping the loss heat occurring in the current bridges between the individual heating sections so low that the latter do not overheat , even without direct contact with the rib blocks . according to a twelfth exemplary embodiment illustrated in fig1 , a heating grid ( heating element 124 ) lies as a composite structure directly in a holding grid ( holding element 125 ). according to the present exemplary embodiment , this is possible due to the use of a composite structure consisting wholly of a plastic ptc structure and of an electrically conducting contact band . in this case , the current flow is routed from the inner electrode (+ pole ) through the polymeric ptc structure outward to the holding grid which at the same time constitutes the other electrode ( ground ). the entire heat exchanger is in this case at a potential of the voltage source , preferably at ground potential . to coordinate the resistance with the desired heating capacity , the specific resistance and also the area and thickness of the polymeric ptc material employed may be used and / or the resistance is adapted by means of circuitry measures . for this purpose , for example , the voltage may be supplied at first portions of middle electrodes . according to fig1 and 20 which illustrate a thirteenth exemplary embodiment , the current is in this case routed from the middle electrode to the holding grid and from there back to a second portion of the middle electrode . the holding grid is in this case at an intermediate potential and has to be insulated electrically from the heating body . advantageously , the polymeric ptc material consists of a film which is laid in a u - shaped manner around the middle electrode and under light pressure stresses just fills the space within the holding grid , or it is designed as an extruded profile . in this thirteenth exemplary embodiment with a middle electrode for contacting a polymeric ptc layer as a continuous heating element within a holding grid , a metallic heating conductor is dispensed with completely . as a result of the ptc characteristic , the heating structure itself is safe and requires no additional overheating protection . the heating grid and / or holding grid may be bent according to the cross sections illustrated in fig2 a to 21 f . the relatively angular u - profile illustrated in fig2 a and 21 b offers the largest contact surface and therefore the best heat transfer . the u - profile illustrated in fig2 c and 21 d and having a v - shaped design at the bottom offers tolerance compensation as a result of a resilient bearing contact of the flanks . the same also applies correspondingly to the u - profile illustrated in fig2 e and 21 f which is dented from below , in this case a longer bearing contact of the flanks and consequently better heat transfer being afforded . by virtue of the configuration according to fig2 a to 21 f , a planar bearing contact of the heating grid flanks against the flanks of the holding grid is ensured , even in the case of a slightly variable thickness of the electric insulating layer .
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fig1 shows the system architecture of an avatar network including devices of the present invention . the avatar network includes multiple video acquisition devices 3 ( only one is shown in the figure for simplification ), multiple remote computers 2 ( only one is shown in the figure for simplification ), a server 1 which is located in the internet and has a public ip address , and a communication network 4 . the communication network 4 may be the combination of the internet , wired lan and wireless lan . the video acquisition devices 3 are located in locales where content is provided , and the remote computers 2 are in front of remote users . the video acquisition devices 3 are connected with the server 1 through the communication network 4 including wireless lan and the internet . the remote computers 2 are connected with the server 1 through the communication network 4 including the wired lan and the internet . by the aid of the server 1 , according to the process described by fig2 , the remote computers 2 and the video acquisition devices 3 can be connected through the communication network 4 for transmitting video data and haptic data . the remote computers 2 may have the private ip address of lan , and are connected with the internet through routers which have public ip address . remote computers 2 are in front of users , and are equipped with joysticks 21 . users obtain the locale video information through the screen of remote computers 2 , and give haptic information through joysticks 21 according to the intention of users . the haptic information will affect the speed and the position of video acquisition devices 3 . the video information acquired by video acquisition devices 3 is changed due to the movement of video acquisition devices 3 . therefore , viewed from the locale content , the remote users interacts with the locale dynamically , and viewed from the users , video acquisition devices 3 can be regarded as avatars of users . as an avatar of a user , it is unnecessary for a video acquisition device 3 to have the public ip address . the video acquisition device 3 may have a private ip address of wireless lan , and be connected with the internet through wireless gateways . the video acquisition device 3 includes an video input unit 31 , a computing unit 32 for processing video data and haptic data , an electromechanical unit 33 for moving according to the haptic data , and a communication unit ( not shown ) for transmitting the video data and haptic data . the electromechanical unit 33 can be regarded as “ feet ” of the avatar . the electromechanical unit 33 includes wheels , a driving mechanism , a dc motor for driving the wheels and a stepper motor , a power electronic device for controlling the motor and a battery serving as a power source . for example , the power electronic device can receive pwm signals from the computing unit 32 , and determine the speed of the dc motor , and then control the speed of wheels according to the duty ratio of pwm signals . the pwm signals are generated according to the haptic data . the video input unit 31 can be regarded as “ eyes ” of the avatar . the video input unit 31 includes a ccd camera or a cmos camera , a video capture card and a pan unit . for example , the video capture card can be connected with the computing unit 32 through the pci bus . the computing unit 32 can send instructions related to video capture to the video capture card . the video input unit 31 can be equipped with multiple cameras , in order to acquire video information from a plurality of views or achieve three - dimensional effect . the computing unit 32 and the communication unit of the video acquisition device process and transmit video data and haptic data which are related to the “ feet ” or “ eyes ” of the avatar . they can be realized with the industrial computer and the wlan card . for example , the video frame information from the video input unit 31 can be compressed into a plurality of data packets less than 1 kb , and be sent to the remote computer 2 . data packets from the remote computer 2 containing haptic data are converted into pwm signals , and then are inputted into the electromechanical unit 33 of the video acquisition device 3 . fig2 shows a flowchart of the method according to the present invention . the flowchart illustrates the process of the method according the present invention . the whole process relates to the local video acquisition devices 3 , the remote computers 2 and the server 1 located in the internet , which are shown in fig1 . after a video acquisition device 3 is powered up , at least two udp channels between a video acquisition device 3 and a nearest router with a public ip address should be maintained . the first udp channel is used to transmit video data from the video acquisition device 3 to the remote computer 2 , and the second udp channel is used to transmit haptic data from the remote computer 2 to the video acquisition device 3 . additional udp channels can be used to transmit haptic data from the video acquisition device 3 to the remote computer 2 , or used to transmit audio data . to this end , in step 100 , the video acquisition devices send the data packet containing register signaling and avatar information ( such as nickname or id numbers of the video acquisition devices ) to register the video port number of the devices on the server 1 . if the video acquisition devices haven &# 39 ; t received the request signaling from remote computers 2 , the video acquisition devices 3 regularly repeat the registration . in order to maintain the first udp channel between the video acquisition devices 3 and the nearest routers with public ip address , the intervals between the registrations are less than or equal to 3 minutes . and the server 1 records the router &# 39 ; s ip address and video port number for the first udp channel . in step 200 , the video acquisition devices 3 send data packets containing the register signaling and avatar information , in order to register the haptic port number of the devices on the server 1 . if the video acquisition devices haven &# 39 ; t received the request signaling from remote computers , the video acquisition devices 3 regularly repeat the registration . in order to maintain the second udp channel between the video acquisition devices 3 and the nearest routers with public ip address , the interval between the registrations are less than or equal to 3 minutes . and the server 1 records the router &# 39 ; s ip address and port number for the second channel . the order of the step 100 and step 200 may be changed . after receiving data packets containing different kinds of register signaling , the server 1 sends data packets for confirmation to the video acquisition devices 3 respectively . after the registration , the server deems the video acquisition devices corresponding to the avatar information online . a user inputs an instruction for connecting avatar into remote computers , and the instruction contains parameters , such as avatar information and username ( if necessary , the instruction contains a password , and the username may be retrieved from a configuration file ). similarly , at least two udp channels between the remote computer 2 and the nearest router with a public ip address should be established . the first udp channel of the remote computer is used to transmit video data from the video acquisition device 3 to the remote computers 2 , and the second udp channel of the remote computers 2 is used to transmit haptic data from the remote computer 2 to the video acquisition device 3 . an additional udp channel of the remote computer 2 may be used to transmit haptic data from the video acquisition device 3 to the remote computer 2 , and may also be used to transmit audio data . in step 300 , the remote computer sends a data packet containing the register signaling and the username to register the video port number of the user on the server . the server records the router &# 39 ; s ip address and port number for the first udp channel of the remote computer . in step 400 , the remote computer sends the data packet containing the register signaling and the username , in order to register the haptic port number of the user on the server . the server records the router &# 39 ; s ip address and port number for the second udp channel of the remote computer . the order of the step 300 and step 400 can be changed . after receiving data packets containing different kinds of register signaling , the server sends data packets for confirmation to the remote computer respectively . after the registration , the server deems the user who corresponds to the username and is front of the remote computer online . after the remote computer 2 registers video port number and haptic port number on the server 1 , in step 500 , according to the video acquisition device &# 39 ; s information ( also called avatar information ) inputted by the user , the remote computer 2 sends a request signaling including the information about the video acquisition device to the server 1 . at this time , the server has recorded video port numbers , haptic port numbers and public ip addresses corresponding to multiple online video acquisition devices 3 . according to an avatar nickname or an id in the request signaling , the server searches the related record of the video acquisition device to be connected to the remote computer 2 . if necessary , the server 1 may check whether the user corresponding to the remote computer 2 has the permission to connect to the requested video acquisition device 3 . and the server 1 can also check whether the requested video acquisition device 3 is connected to another remote computer . if the requested video acquisition device is offline , or if it is connected to another remote computer , or if the user hasn &# 39 ; t the enough permission , the server 1 returns the request failure information , and the whole process ends . if the requested video acquisition device is online and is idle , and if the user has the permission to connect , then in step 600 , the server 1 returns a data packet for confirming the request , which contains a public ip address , video port number and haptic port number corresponding to the video acquisition device . in step 700 , according to the public ip address and port numbers corresponding to the video acquisition device , the server 1 forwards the user &# 39 ; s request signaling to the video acquisition device , and finds out the public address and port numbers corresponding to the remote computer 2 which sends the request , and notifies the video acquisition device of them . after the remote computer 2 and the video acquisition device have known their opposite &# 39 ; s address information , two channels between the remote computer 2 and the video acquisition device 3 should be established to transmit video data and haptic data respectively . to this end , the remote computer 2 sends test packets to the public ip address and video port number corresponding to the video acquisition device through its first udp channel , and sends test packets to the public ip address and haptic port number corresponding to the video acquisition device through its second udp channel . similarly , the video acquisition device 3 sends test packets to the ip address and video port number corresponding to the remote computer 2 through its first udp channel , and sends test packets to the ip address and haptic port number corresponding to the remote computer 2 through its second udp channel . the test packets may not arrive at the remote computer 2 or the video acquisition device 3 . but with the aid of the test packets , the first udp channel of the remote computer 2 , the first udp channel of the video acquisition device and the route of the internet are connected and form the first channel for transmitting video data . the second udp channel of the remote computer 2 , the second udp channel of the video acquisition device , and the route of the internet are connected and form the second channel for transmitting haptic data . for more details about establishing channels , please refer to the well - known p2p technology . in step 800 , the video acquisition device 3 confirms that it has received the request from the user by using the first channel , and waits for the acknowledgement from the remote computer . once receiving the confirmation , the video acquisition device 3 starts to transmit video data to the remote computer through the first channel , and waits for haptic data from the remote computer in the second channel . after receiving the confirmation through the first channel , the remote computer sends a data packet for acknowledging to the video acquisition device 3 in step 900 . and in step 1000 , the remote computer sends a data packet to the server , in order to confirm the established connection . thereafter , the remote computer waits for video data from the video acquisition device 3 in the first channel , and sends haptic data to the video acquisition device 3 through the second channel . the haptic data are a set of sample values of motion state . for example , the haptic data may be a set of sample values of tilt angle of a joystick , namely a set of sample values of given movement speed . the remote computer 2 processes the video data received from the first channel , and presents the processed video data to the user . the user determines the next motion state of the avatar ( namely the video acquisition device ) according to the video information , and generates haptic information with the joystick . the haptic information is transmitted to the video acquisition device 3 through the second channel . the video acquisition device 3 processes the received haptic information . then according to the user &# 39 ; s intention , the video acquisition device 3 “ moves ” as user &# 39 ; s avatar , and send video information which is “ seen ” by the avatar to the user through the first channel . when the user doesn &# 39 ; t want to continue to be connected with his avatar , the user inputs a disconnecting instruction : to the remote computer 2 . after receiving this instruction , the remote computer 2 stops receiving video data in the first channel . and it stops sending haptic data in the second channel . in step 1100 , the remote computer 2 sends a data packet containing a disconnecting signaling to the server 1 . after the server 1 receives this data packet , the flag of the video acquisition device 3 is set idle by the server 1 . if necessary , the server 1 calculates the duration of the connection between the user and the avatar , which is used to the subsequent processing such as billing . in addition , in step 1200 , the remote computer 2 sends a data packet containing a disconnecting signaling to the video acquisition device 3 . after receiving the data packet , the video acquisition device 3 stops sending video data in the first channel . and it stops receiving haptic data in the second channel and registers video port number and haptic port number on the server regularly . the server deems the video acquisition device 3 online . when the video acquisition device 3 is online and idle , with a remote computer having access to the internet , another user can transform the video acquisition device 3 into his avatar . 100 video acquisition devices register visual address information on the server 200 video acquisition devices register haptic address information on the server 300 the remote computer registers visual address information on the server 400 the remote computer registers haptic address information on the server 800 the video acquisition device confirms request signaling for computer 1200 the remote computer sends disconnecting signaling to the video acquisition device while the invention has been described above by reference to various embodiments , it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regards as illustrative rather than limiting . it should be understood that many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims .
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other characteristics and advantages of this invention shall become clear with the following description as well as with the sketches found in the appendix , designed to illustrate various possible configurations with no limitative intent . to simplify , we shall consider that the lines appearing on the cross - sections represent the cell material . in order to take into account the known descriptions arising out of the previous art , the spaces that are contained within these lines can be assumed to represent male mandrels or molds . the spaces which are outside the lines can be assumed to represent female molds . the dotted lines as well as the dots indicating the longitudinal axes do not represent any material . they are used to show the boundaries of the partially virtual envelopes , most often in the description relating to the cell body , or to locate the cell with respect to its longitudinal axis . when the description refers to a cell in its natural state , we mean a cell whose position and shape are identical to those of the cell still in the mold prior to its release . therefore , a cell can be in its natural state when the support is being assembled . in a completed support , a cell in its natural state shall be assumed filled with a fluid , the volume of which is equal to the volume of the male mandrel used to manufacture the cell , and not subjected to any external mechanical strain , except the ambient pressure . fig1 is a bird &# 39 ; s eye view of an upper sheet made of roughly identical expansible cells , such as those shown on fig6 , 9 , 10 and 11 . fig2 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state , in the shape of an eight branch star . fig3 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly circular and about octagonal , with eight randomly distributed crevices of various shapes and at least as many flat segments as there are crevices on the outer perimeter . fig4 a : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state with four branches ending at the four corners of a square , mostly derived from the previous art . fig4 b : detail of a rib of an expansible cell according to the previous art and the current invention . fig5 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly square , featuring four crevices on the sides of the square and at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter . fig6 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly square , featuring four diagonal crevices and at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter . fig7 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly square , featuring four diagonal crevices , the walls of these crevices being not parallel and the crevices being larger at the distal end of the cell or draft and featuring at least as many flat segments as there are crevices on the outer perimeter . fig8 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly octagonal , featuring eight crevices on the eight faces of the octagon and two concentric inner perimeters , and having at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig9 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly circular , featuring four crevices and having at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig1 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly square , featuring four diagonal crevices whose walls are not parallel , the crevices being larger towards the center of the cell or against draft , and having at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig1 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly circular , featuring four crevices with draft and at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig1 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state in the shape of a five branch star , each branch ending at the corners of a pentagon . fig1 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly pentagonal , featuring five crevices on the five sides of the pentagon and as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig1 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly pentagonal , featuring five crevices on the five sides of the pentagon , three sides being curved , continuous on three sections between four of the crevices , the two other sides being flat , and having at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig1 a : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly square , featuring five crevices , two crevices being located on the half diagonal lines of the square , at the end points of a given side , one crevice being located at the midpoint of the side opposite to the side between the two crevices on the half diagonal lines , the last two crevices being located on the outer envelope , roughly at the two - third point on the last two sides , between the first three crevices , and said cell featuring at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig1 b : detail of the rib of a cell exhibiting at least three sides . fig1 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly pentagonal , featuring ten crevices , five of which are on the sides of the pentagon , the five others being on the apexes of the pentagon , and two concentric inner perimeters , and featuring at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig1 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly circular , featuring five crevices and at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig1 : bird &# 39 ; s eye view of a support consisting of an upper sheet made of roughly identical expansible cells , such as those shown on fig6 , 9 , 10 and 11 , attached to a lower sheet . fig1 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly square , featuring five crevices , two crevices being located on the half diagonal lines of the square , at the end points of a given side , one crevice being located at the midpoint of the side opposite to the side between the two crevices on the half diagonal lines , the last two crevices being located on the outer envelope , roughly at the two - third point on the last two sides , between the first three crevices , these two crevices presenting each a concave wall and a convex wall , said cell featuring at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . fig2 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state with four branches , each branch ending at the corner of a square according to previous art and in which the ribs are as fine as possible . fig2 : cross section of the side walls of the body of a cell in its natural state whose external envelope is roughly square , featuring four crevices on the four sides of the square , these crevices being as narrow as possible , and featuring at least as many flat segments on the outer perimeter as there are crevices . this invention pertains to the design of mattresses , cushions , padding for medical use , reusable packaging for fragile items and dampening support . one creates a support or padding which consists of an upper sheet 1 , generally flexible and formed as needed , consisting of expansible cells 3 which can be interconnected and which can expand when filled with a fluid , characterized by the fact that the cross section of the body of a cell in its natural state is delimited by at least two partially virtual perimeters , inner 6 and outer 7 , which are concentric and inscribed on envelopes of various shapes , square 16 , pentagonal 19 , octagonal 17 , circular 18 , irregular 15 and 20 , where the slits , crevices or cracks are mostly created by more or less closely spaced side walls , which are parallel 4 or not , with draft 8 or against draft 9 , straight 21 , concave 10 , convex 11 or in the form of jagged lines 12 a and 12 b , which connect the outer perimeter 7 to the inner perimeter 6 . without any limitative intent , the use of a jagged line 14 to connect to a point 22 on the perimeter 7 to a point 23 of the center area 6 more or less near the axis 24 of the balloon or cell ( fig3 / fig2 / fig1 ) offers a definite advantage in that the part of the cell side wall connecting two points located on separate concentric perimeters 6 and 7 can be a definite straight line on its centripetal path if , between two other points 28 being the same as the first one located on the outer perimeter 7 at the junction or exit point from a crevice . all the points on the flat section 29 are further away from the center 24 of the cell than the other points which are not on the flat section 29 and form the envelope 7 on its path between two points 28 located at the junction of successive crevices 4 . one sees ( fig1 ) a shaped upper sheet 1 , made of inflated cells 3 . having cells rigidly attached to each other via sheet 1 offers all kinds of benefits to the fabrication process . the sheet 1 being assembled with sheet 2 ( fig1 ), it is nevertheless sometime possible to assemble a single cell or a cluster of interconnected cells originating from a sheet 1 on sheet 2 independently from the rest of the support . the perimeter of the cell being equal to the sum of the apparent lengths of the exterior on the sides of the concentric sheaths plus the lengths repeated as many times of the walls of the fissures connecting these concentric sheaths . the shape of the cells as described in the present invention is characterized by the fact that unlike the cells known in the prior art and which comprise branches in straight lines ( fig4 b ) the cells purpose of the present invention possess walls whose sides have a wider surface ( fig1 b ) and which show slits , clefts or fissures . as described in the prior art a cell 3 ( fig1 and fig1 ) comprises from apex to bottom along the longitudinal axis 24 an apex 25 in the shape of a dome or a cupola when the cell is filled with fluid and when the cell is in a resting state the walls on the exterior sheath generally rejoin gently the central point of that apex preferably situated along the longitudinal axis : a body 26 purpose of the invention , a base 27 of indifferent shape , uniform or not with the body in a resting state , one may for example have a cell body 26 in a square section ( fig6 ) and a base 27 in a round , octagonal or square section , of a greater or smaller size in height and width . the bottom of the fissures of a cell in a resting state generally rejoin gently the exterior wall 7 above the joined plane of sheets 1 and 2 so as to also allow for the expansion of the fissures at that level . according to the invention , fissures possess walls perceptibly more or less close , parallel or perceptibly 4 , concave 10 , convex 11 , broken 12 a and 12 b the walls of the fissures are not necessarily symmetrical in relation to the sagittal plane of the fissure ( fig3 ) and are not necessarily radiad ( fig1 ). according to the invention and the description of the fissures , the cell &# 39 ; s wings and branches are comprised and defined between two contiguous and successive fissures as we shall define them later ; they are at a minimum triangular in shape generally , but can also be quadrilateral ( fig5 ) or other , with an interior apex . one must note that graebe in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 005 , 236 and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 052 , 068 described shapes of cells with several wings uncommon and not defined outside notably of what results from his invention described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 541 , 136 and described again for parties in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 052 , 068 ; roux in his application fr 95 / 08972 described different forms one after another without being able to describe them as in the present invention in a global manner and the irrefutable differences in relation to the prior art . by comparison with the products known in the prior art , where the first ( fig2 ) is described as a star formed of eight branches 5 joined to a central virtual element 6 and contained in an exterior sheath 7 and the second ( fig4 a ) as a star with four branches ending at the four corners of a squared sheath , one sees that from the distal extremity of the branches to the proximal part the walls of the branches 5 are in a straight line 13 . the advantage of the present invention by comparison is in the replacement of these straight walls ( fig2 fig4 a , fig1 ), the straight line being the shortest path from one point to another , by longer cell walls for example in a jagged line 14 between points 22 and 23 located each on one of the concentric perimeters 7 and 6 , portions of the cell walls which follow in their centripetal path the path of the exterior sheath and shown in their distal path on at least a part of the exterior sheath 7 between the two points 28 and a flat part 29 ( fig4 b ) and in their proximal path slits or fissures 4 between two contiguous parts of proximal walls of said portions of the walls , fissures 4 with walls more or less perceptibly closer whose sagittal plan is here radial on the path of these jagged line 14 , in the proximity of the center 24 named proximal path , the sagittal plane of a fissure is the plane located generally at mid point between the posing walls of a fissure as we shall see further on this plane is not necessarily radial . one sees that according to the invention the gain in perimeter of the cell inflated with fluid is perceptibly from 10 % to 25 % in practice , and as much as 40 % in theory as we shall demonstrate further on , in the case of a cell presenting a section with four fissures on the lateral sides ( fig5 ) having wings with several sides in relation to a cell in the shape of a cross ( fig4 a ) having wings with two sides , just like a star with eight branches ( fig2 ) has a perimeter which is inferior to a cell with eight fissures ( fig3 ). the process is identical between a star with five branches ( fig1 ) in a relation to a pentagon with five fissures ( fig1 ). in theory considering that figs . ( 20 ) and ( 21 ) represent the section of cell bodies inscribed in squared sheaths of the same dimension as in examples pushed to the extreme in representations of figs . ( 4 a ) and ( 5 ) respectively where the wings are as thin as possible and the fissures the narrowest : knowing that “ d ” is the length of half of the diagonal of the square in the case of a cell meeting the criteria of fig . ( 20 ) the perimeter of the cell would be eight times “ d ”, in the case of a cell meeting the criteria of fig . ( 21 ) the perimeter would be equal to sixteen times “ d ”, which is divided by the square root of two if the square root of two is perceptibly equal to the fraction seven fifths , the theoretical perimeter of the cell ( fig2 ) would be approximately eleven and a half times “ d ”. consequently , the theoretical perimeter of the cell in fig . ( 21 ) is superior by about 40 % to that of the cell in fig . ( 20 ), more simply by comparing the wings or branches ( fig4 a ) in the prior art and the ones ( fig1 b ) according to the invention , the supplement in length according to the invention is perceptibly the difference between the lengths of the exterior side ( fig1 b ) and the thickness of the wing in the prior art ( fig4 b ), in the case where the thickness of the wing is very low or in the case of a wing is very low or in the case of a wing with parallel walls ( fig4 b ) the presence of a flat part 29 according to the invention on perimeter 7 concerning this wing indicative of the given advantage . graebe at first in his first patents and then in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 541 , 136 , followed by benguigui in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 553 , 220 described cells whose wings have parallel walls and also depression notably lateral in the case of cells with four branches all of them possessing , for graebe as well as for benguigui , an axis of symmetry and at least two planes of symmetry , the cell described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 541 , 136 ( fig4 a ) itself having four planes of symmetry . in all cases , the wings with parallel walls induce depression which can never themselves possess parallel walls , although already in request fr / 9508972 the disposition of the wings and of the fissures allows that the walls of a same fissure could be parallel for all the fissures of the cell . however , in the case of cells possessing very many wings or of a very small dimension , the practical need to smooth down the rough angles protruding notably at the level of the exterior perimeter 7 requires of one to specify the difference and the advantage of the present invention . according to the invention the space included between two points 28 and two fissures 4 in succession on the exterior perimeter 7 must imperatively include a flat part 29 ( fig4 b ) ( fig3 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 19 , 21 ). as an example for fig . ( 4 b ) which one considers the flat part 29 as a tangent or as a cord in relation to the exterior limit of the prior art between two points 28 does not create any problem in the framework of the present invention since whatever the shape of a cell may be one must take into account only its real sizes at the starting point either the sizes and volume empty in a resting state , it appears that for size outside all of a given cell according to the prior art and the dimensions outside all according to the invention , it is according to this latter invention that the volume contained in a cell in a resting state is the most important , according to the invention , all the points constituting a flat plane 29 on the tract of the exterior sheath 7 between two points 28 at the junction of two successive fissures 4 are further away from the center 24 than the other points of the sheath 7 between the points 28 not constituting of a straight line or flat part 29 . the accomplishment of the invention allows one to see during the expansion of a cell beyond its resting position and therefore by the increase in the perimeter of the cell to obtain a decrease in the density of the cells per surface unit of support while keeping an optimum efficiency — having consequently as an advantage a gain in matter , energy such that for the drying , polymerization , vulcanization , by a better venting of the upper sheet generally obtained by dipping of the mandrels or male molds in a dip of liquid matter : latex , polyvinyl - chloride or other , which will coat them with uniform matter , which could be a very important gain particularly when the support cells such as mattresses possess heights ranging from 10 to 40 centimeters and consequently : time for the production of the upper sheet and generally all of all of these advantages plus , for the assembly of the upper sheet in its form and of the lower sheet to obtain the finished product , by the presence of plane joints of a greater surface area , due to the larger spacing of the cells of the two contiguous rows due to the invention and consequently a better assembly of sheet 1 and 2 . according to a preferred example in realization , one sees ( fig1 ) a support made of an upper sheet where the cells 3 are placed and a lower sheet 2 , the flat base ( fig1 ) or shaped ( fig1 ) ( to be eventually laid itself on a foundation in place made of semi rigid polyurethane foam for example ) and made of the assembly of sheets 1 and 2 ; one can also as in some cases in the prior art make supports composed of two sheets of the shape 1 , the first one keeping the upper position ( fig1 ) and the second one being reversed so that the apexes 25 of its cells be down and base 27 at the apex , all of it presenting a symmetry in relation to the plane joint : one can also depending on the support remove cells of the sheet of shape 1 as to leave an empty space between the remaining cells or any other exploitable combination in cell height . the communication system between the cells being indifferent and known by the prior art . according to the preferred examples of the best mode of realization all of the sharp angles protruding and on the cells and therefore the shape of the molds used in their manufacture will be blunted or rounded off . the walls of the fissures can be parallel 4 , with draft 8 or counterdraft 9 , in a straight line 21 , concave 10 , convex 11 , or even jagged 12 a and 12 b . the distribution of the fissures between the concentric perimeters , with a minimum number of two , can be random , that is to say that a fissure with walls in the shape of a jagged line can be contiguous with a fissure with parallel walls . according to the best methods of realization the exterior virtual sheath 7 outside or irregular section shapes will possess in order of preference a square section 16 or rectangular , circular 18 , pentagonal 19 , octagonal 17 . the number of fissures is limited by their width at the level of the interior concentric perimeter , by the thickness of the wings at that level and by the length of the interior concentric perimeter . the greater the number of fissures , the more this allows to meet the objective of the density of cells per unit of surface of support , however for purposes of realization and manufacture of the supports or padding for medical use we can limit the number of fissures as described further on . in the extreme case where a cell would have very many wings , the difference between the prior art and the invention is demonstrated as follows . according to the invention the schematic shape of the wing of a male mandrel being used for the manufacture of cells by soaking far example , and consequently this cell wing in a resting state is the part between two successive or contiguous fissures , and often shown as a triangle ( fig3 ) ( fig6 ) ( fig7 ) ( fig9 ) ( fig1 ) ( fig1 ) ( fig1 a ) ( fig1 ) or by a shape perceptibly triangular whose apex is located on the side of the interior sheath and the base on the side of the exterior sheath . we say that according to the invention a cell &# 39 ; s wing in a resting state possesses at least three sides with at least two sides coming each from the walls of the two successive fissures and at least are side following the path of the exterior sheath , this third side possesses at least a flat part 29 on part of its path along the exterior sheath 7 . the cells meeting the description of figs . ( 6 )-( 7 )-( 9 )-( 10 )-( 11 ) would be more efficient by corner expansion according to the diagonals by avoiding support cavities at the intersection of the intercellular rows , offering therefore a most uniform surface of support ; these rows correspond to the assembly zones ( gluing , seam or other ) of the upper sheets 1 and lower ones 2 . the external virtual sheath 7 for supports against bedsores can have a transverse section of about ten to one hundred millimeters , the walls of the fissures can be about two to twenty millimeters apart , the thickness of the wall of a cell can vary from half to about two millimeters . one can have as a support against bedsores or a padding an even number of fissures between about four , eight , ten , the central longitudinal axis could be an axis of symmetry . one can have as a support against bedsores or a padding an odd number of fissures between at least three and approximately nine , the eventual plane of symmetry going by the central axis . one can note that it is absolutely not necessary to have symmetry in the cells for better efficiency of the support . as one can understand the invention can be adapted to all shapes of cells , of which we retain mainly and for the purpose of example , cells having a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in its resting state whose section of body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig3 ) of the walls , the irregular external sheath 7 perceptibly circular 15 for one half semi octagonal for the other possessing eight fissures of different shapes , one fissure between both halves made of a straight wall 21 and the other convex 10 and at the opposite in relation to the center 24 of a fissure 24 made of a straight wall 21 and one convex 11 these first two fissures presenting a counter draft , half - way between the first two fissures on the semi octagonal side of a fissure with straight walls 21 with draft , on the opposite side of fissure with straight walls 21 with counter draft , between the first fissure named and the fissure with the straight walls and draft a fissure with a straight wall 21 and the other one in an jagged line 12 a opposite a fissure with a straight wall and the other angled 12 b between the second fissure named and the fissure with straight walls and draft a fissure with straight walls 21 perceptibly parallel 4 and on the opposite a fissure with a straight wall 21 and the other concave 10 , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in s resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig1 ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 irregular perceptibly pentagonal 20 possessing five fissures 4 with walls perceptibly pentagonal 20 possessing five fissures 4 with walls perceptibly parallel on the five lateral sides of this pentagon , three sides being in the shape of a continuous are on three section located between four fissures , the two other sides being flat the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig6 ) of the walls , with external sheaths 7 perceptibly squared 16 possessing four fissures 4 with walls perceptibly parallel on the diagonals of that square , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig7 ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 perceptibly squared 16 possessing four fissures 8 on the diagonals of that square , the fissures having walls which are not parallel are under at the distal extremity of the fissure or draft , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig8 ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 perceptibly octagonal 17 possessing eight fissures 4 with walls perceptibly parallel on the eight lateral faces of this octagon and two internal concentric perimeters , each proximal extremity or bottom of successive fissures ending alternatively at the level or each internal concentric perimeter , the cell possessing one flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig9 ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 perceptibly circular 18 possessing four fissures 4 perceptibly parallel , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat part 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig1 ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 perceptibly squared 16 possessing four fissures 9 on the diagonals of that square , the fissures having walls which are not parallel are wider at the proximal extremity of the fissure or bottom or counter draft , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig1 ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 perceptibly circular 18 possessing four fissures 8 with draft , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig1 ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 perceptibly pentagonal 19 possessing five fissures 4 with walls perceptibly parallel on the five lateral sides of this pentagon at an equidistant of the extremities on each side , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig1 ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 irregular perceptibly pentagonal 20 possessing five fissures 4 with walls perceptibly pentagonal 20 possessing five fissures 4 with walls perceptibly parallel on the five lateral sides of this pentagon , three sides being in the shape of a continuous are on three section located between four fissures , the two other sides being flat the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig1 a ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 perceptibly squared 16 possessing five fissures 4 with perceptibly parallel walls two fissures of which are located at the level of the superior angles of that square , two other on the lateral sides of the square and at two thirds of these sides closer to the base of the square and the fifth one at the middle of the base of the square , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig1 ) of the walls , with external sheath 7 perceptibly pentagonal 19 possessing ten fissures 4 five of the fissures on the five lateral sides of this pentagon , the other five at the five apexes of this pentagon and two internal concentric perimeters , the bottom of the contiguous fissures ending at the level of each perimeter or internal sheath , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig1 ) of the walls with external sheath 7 perceptibly circular 18 possessing five fissures 4 with walls perceptibly parallel , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . the cell in a resting state whose section of the body 26 one sees in a transverse section ( fig1 ) of the walls with external sheath 7 perceptibly squared 16 possessing five fissures 4 with walls perceptibly parallel of which two fissures with straight walls are located at the level of the superior angles of that square , two other on the lateral sides of the squares and at the second third of the length of these sides closer to the base of the square , the bottom moving aside from the center of the cell in the direction of the bottom of the first two contiguous fissures each fissure possessing a concave wall 10 and the other one convex 11 parallel 4 and the fifth fissure with straight walls 4 at the middle of the base of the square , the cell possessing a flat part 29 between two fissures 4 , therefore at a minimum as many flat parts 29 as fissures 4 . according to the invention , the implementation of these supports can therefore apply to the realization of the mattress , pillows , padding against bedsores , but also such as a mattress involved in the comfort of an individual , pillows , back rest and as padding or protection for fragile items , the description of the advantage given by the invention is not restrictive of the process of obtaining the manufactured product with mandrels or male molds by soaking as preferred to female molds for reasons of finishing work of the surface of the molds , mold against mold by injection , mold for rotomolding , thermoforming or other processes . the fact remains , of course , that the present invention is not limited to the above - mentioned examples of realization described and represented thus but that it includes all of its variations .
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a detailed explanation of the embodiments of this invention is provided below with reference to the drawings . fig1 shows an embodiment of the present invention . inside the dotted line is located a pulse oximeter unit , any of a number of publicly known designs of which may be used in the present invention . sensor 1 is composed of an led which emits red light ( r - led ), an led which emits near - infrared light ( ir - led ), and a light receiving element , and is attached to the fingertip , etc . of the person being monitored . r - led and ir - led are driven by time - shared control signals from slave microcomputer 5 via led drive circuit 4 . light which passes through or reflects off of the patient &# 39 ; s fingertip , etc . is converted to an electrical signal via the light receiving element ( not shown in the drawings ), and is then input to analog signal processor 2 . the light is separated into signal components of the light from r - led and ir - led by r / ir diverter 13 shown in fig2 at analog signal processor 2 . each of these diverted signals is calculated in ac / dc unit 14 and ac / dc unit 15 according to a publicly - known method ( ac component of each signal )/( dc component of each signal ). the output from ac / dc unit 14 and ac / dc unit 15 undergoes a / d conversion at slave microcomputer 5 after passing through high - pass filter 16 and high - pass filter 17 , through which ac / dc signals ( pulse wave signals ) pass with each heartbeat . each signal undergoing a / d conversion at slave microcomputer 5 is input into master microcomputer 6 and shown on display unit 20 , and the patient &# 39 ; s arterial blood oxygen saturation level and pulse rate are calculated . the arterial blood oxygen saturation level and pulse rate calculated at master microcomputer 6 are output to external equipment via digital output unit 7 and analog output unit 8 , are shown on display unit 20 , and are stored along with the date and time in signal memory unit 12 . in addition , the output from high - pass filter 17 is output as an analog pulse wave signal . the above is part of a publicly - known oximeter , but it is acceptable if r - led and ir - led are not driven on a time - sharing basis , but are driven by a variable alternating frequency or variable alternating phase . a publicly - known circuit is used according to these methods in r / ir diverter 13 . the output pulse wave signal from ac / dc unit 15 is input into pulse wave base line analog signal processor 9 . pulse wave base line analog signal processor 9 comprises high - pass filter 18 and low - pass filter 19 for passing the change components of the pulse wave signal base line accompanying respiration . in these filters , the cut - off frequencies are variable and the cut - off frequencies are set by slave microcomputer 5 . the output from pulse wave base line analog signal processor 9 ( base line signal ) is output to external equipment via pulse wave base line analog output unit 10 , as well as to master microcomputer 6 after undergoing a / d conversion at slave microcomputer 5 . at microcomputer 6 , the a / d converted base line signals are shown on display unit 20 , and the signals &# 39 ; cycle ( or , breaths per minute ) and amplitude , as well as rise time and fall time , are calculated . during normal respiration , the base line signals appear as shown in fig3 ( a ), whereas when sleep obstructive apnea is present , as shown in fig3 ( b ), the amplitude is larger and the waveform is different from normal , in that the ratios t1 / t2 , t1 /( t1 + t2 ) and t2 /( t1 + t2 ) for rise time t1 and fall time t2 differ from those present during normal respiration . the method employed by microcomputer 6 to identify obstructive apnea will now be explained using the flow chart in fig4 . first , arterial blood oxygen saturation value s measured by the pulse oximeter is compared to a corresponding standard value s r ( which may be either a value set by the investigator or a fixed value ), and if s ≧ s r , respiration is deemed normal . where s & lt ; s r , arterial blood oxygen saturation has fallen , which means that apnea is occurring , and the steps below are then followed to a determine if it is central apnea or obstructive apnea . first , base line signal amplitude a is compared to corresponding standard amplitude a r ( which may be either a value set by the investigator or a fixed value ), and if a ≦ a r , it is determined that central apnea is occurring . where a & gt ; a r , the rise time / fall time ratio ( t1 / t2 ) is compared with corresponding standard value r ( which may be either a value set by the investigator or a fixed value ). if t1 / t2 ≦ r , central apnea is determined to exist , whereas if t1 / t2 & gt ; r , obstructive apnea is determined to exist . the use of both amplitude and the t1 / t2 ratio provides increased accuracy , but the two types of apnea may be distinguished using either one individually . master microcomputer 6 displays on display unit 20 either the cycle of the base line signal or the number of breaths per minute ( hereinafter ` breaths `), as well as amplitude and t1 / t2 , and , in addition to outputting this information via pulse wave base line digital information output unit 11 , stores it together with the date , time , arterial blood oxygen saturation level and pulse rate in signal memory unit 12 as described above . in addition , where it is determined that obstructive apnea exists , a signal which indicates this to be the case ( for example , the symbol ` h `) is stored in signal memory unit 12 . where it is determined that central apnea exists , a different signal which indicates this to be the case ( for example , the symbol ` c `) is stored in signal memory unit 12 . further , the system may be made to emit an alarm based on sound or light when central or obstructive apnea is determined based on the amplitude of the base line signal , t1 / t2 ratio and cycle ( or the number of breaths per minute ) and output by pulse wave base line digital output unit 11 . because the base line signal &# 39 ; s amplitude and t1 / t2 ratio increase during obstructive apnea , obstructive apnea may be detected even where the arterial blood oxygen saturation level is not known . one series of data stored in signal memory unit 12 comprises one file , and several files may be stored . stored files may be displayed on display unit 20 by pushing a file output display button ( not shown in the drawings ) and output all at once from digital output unit 7 and / or analog output unit 8 in a short period of time . the memory medium for signal memory unit 12 may consist of a removable memory card , a magnetic memory medium , a read - write optical disk , etc ., in which case the stored files may be removed from the device of this invention and read directly by a separate microcomputer . next , the setting of the cut - off frequency for the pulse wave base line analog signal processor is explained . fig5 shows one embodiment of pulse wave base line analog signal processor 9 . the cut - off frequencies of high - pass filter 18 are alternated by alternating among condensers ch1 to ch4 via switch sh . similarly , the cut - off frequencies of low - pass filter 19 are alternated by alternating among resistors rl1 to rl4 via switch sl . the cut - off frequencies among which high - pass filter 18 may be alternated are 0 . 125 hz ( position h1 ), 0 . 25 hz ( h2 ), 0 . 5 hz ( h3 ), and 1 hz ( h4 ), while those for low - path filter 19 are 0 . 5 hz ( position 11 ), 1 hz ( 12 ), 2 hz ( 13 ), and 4 hz ( 14 ). when the power switch is turned on , switch sh is in position hi and a cut - off frequency of 0 . 125 hz ( hereinafter fho ) is selected , while switch sl is in position i1 and a cutoff frequency of 4 hz ( hereinafter flo ) is selected . when the pulse rate is measured by the pulse oximeter unit , the position for switch sl corresponding to that rate is selected . in other words , the position of switch sl is selected so that flo is the smallest value satisfying the condition fp ≦ flo , where the pulse wave signal frequency calculated ( by master microcomputer 6 ) from the measured pulse rate is fp , and the signal to set this is output from master microcomputer 6 via slave microcomputer 5 . initially , where fho is selected , the cycle , etc . of the base line signal is calculated by master microcomputer 6 in the manner described above . when the cycle of the base line signal has been calculated , the frequency of the base line signal fpb is calculated by master microcomputer 6 . then the position of switch sh is selected so that the value of fho is the largest satisfying the equation fpb ≧ fho , and the signal to set this is output from master microcomputer 6 via slave microcomputer 5 . in the embodiment shown in fig5 four cut - off frequencies may be selected for high - pass filter 18 and low - pass filter 19 , but a larger number may be selected , and cut - off frequencies may be continuously set using a publicly - known method . in addition , one filter is being used in fig5 but the use of several filters is more effective in eliminating pulse wave signal components . furthermore , both a high - pass filter and a low - pass filter are used in fig5 but a single band - pass filter may also be used . moreover , fig5 uses a filter employing an analog circuit , but it may also be constructed as in fig6 using a digital filter 23 which carries out filtering via digital calculation using a publicly known method , after a / d conversion of the output from ac / dc unit 15 using a / d converter 22 . in this case , an extremely precise filter in which the setting of cut - off frequencies is simple may be obtained , and elimination of pulse wave signal components may be effectively carried out . in this embodiment , a photoelectric pulse wave signal obtained from the pulse oximeter &# 39 ; s sensor is used to measure the breaths based on the cycle of base line change component : instead , however , breaths may also be measured from the cycle of change components of the base line of a plethysmogram signal via publicly known impedance plethysmograpy , etc ., or by a publicly - known pressure pulse wave employing a pressure sensor or stress sensor , and moreover the type of apnea may be distinguished from the amplitude and waveform using a method similar to that of the above embodiment . in the respiration diagnosis appratus of this invention , by extracting changes in the base line of a pulse wave signal , central apnea and obstructive apnea may be easily distinguished . furthermore , the level of arterial blood oxygen saturation may be measured by means of a pulse wave signal . based on the measured arterial blood oxygen saturation level , apnea may be distinguished from normal respiration . the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof . the present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive , the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description , and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein .
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fig2 shows a transistor 10 , which is a trench mosfet , with vertical current flow . in detail , the transistor 10 comprises a semiconductor body 12 made , for example , of silicon and comprises a substrate 14 , of an n ++ type and an epitaxial layer 16 of an n type extending over the substrate . further , the semiconductor body 12 comprises a region 18 of a p type , which will be referred to in what follows as the top semiconductor region 18 . the top semiconductor region 18 extends over the epitaxial layer 16 , with which it is in direct contact . present on the top semiconductor region 18 , and in direct contact with the latter , is a source region 20 , of undoped conductive material , such as for example a metal material . as previously mentioned , the transistor 10 comprises a trench 22 , which in top plan view has an annular shape . in particular , the trench 22 extends through a bottom portion of the source region 20 , as well as through the top semiconductor region 18 and a top portion of the epitaxial layer 16 . consequently , the trench 22 does not extend within the substrate 14 ; further , the trench 22 surrounds an active region 24 . present within the trench 22 is a gate region 30 , which in top plan view thus has an annular shape . the gate region 30 is made of conductive material , such as for example polysilicon . further present within the trench 22 is an insulation region 32 , which is made of dielectric material and surrounds all sides of the gate region 30 . in particular , the insulation region 32 includes a first insulation subregion 36 , which overlies the gate region 30 and is made , for example , of deposited silicon oxide ( teos ), and a second insulation subregion 38 , which surrounds at the lateral sides and underneath the gate region 30 and is made , for example , of silicon oxide . in detail , the top semiconductor region 18 forms a body region 40 , which is arranged in the active region 24 ( and is thus surrounded by the trench 22 ), and a peripheral semiconductor region 19 , which is arranged on the outside of the trench 22 . the body region 24 and the peripheral semiconductor region 19 are thus separated from one another on account of interposition of the trench 22 . further , extending underneath the body region 40 is a portion of the epitaxial layer 16 . in greater detail , the semiconductor body 12 is delimited at the top and at the bottom , respectively , by a top surface s a and a bottom surface s b , which are formed , respectively , by the top semiconductor region 18 and by the substrate 14 . yet in greater detail , fig2 shows a first top portion 39 a of the second insulation subregion 38 , which is arranged laterally with respect to the gate region 30 , contacts the body region 40 and to a first approximation is oriented perpendicular to the top surface s a . the first top portion 39 a coats the inner lateral wall of the trench 22 and is delimited laterally by a first lateral surface s c1 and a second lateral surface s c2 , which contact , respectively , i ) the body region 40 and the source region 20 , and ii ) the gate region 30 . further , fig2 also shows a second top portion 39 b of the second insulation subregion 38 , which surrounds , at a distance , the aforementioned first top portion 39 a of the second insulation subregion 38 and is delimited laterally by a third lateral surface s 3 and a fourth lateral surface s c4 , which contact , respectively , i ) the peripheral semiconductor region 19 and the source region 20 , and ii ) the gate region 30 . in practice , the second top portion 39 b coats the outer lateral wall of the trench 22 . further , the second and fourth lateral surfaces s c2 , s c4 face the gate region 30 , whereas the first and third lateral surfaces s c1 , s 3 face the body region 40 and the peripheral semiconductor region 19 , respectively . this being said , assuming a reference system oriented perpendicular to the aforementioned surfaces s a and s b and directed from the bottom surface s b towards the top surface s a , the top surface s a extends to a height lower than the height of the portion of gate region 30 arranged in contact with the second lateral surface s c2 . in other words , if we denote by h 30 the maximum height of the portion of the gate region 30 in contact with the second lateral surface s c2 , the body region 40 , and in particular the portion of the body region 40 in contact with the first lateral surface s c1 , extends up to a corresponding maximum height , which is lower than the height h 30 . equivalently , the portion of source region 20 that contacts the body region 40 and the first lateral surface s c1 extends at the bottom up to a height lower than the height h 30 . in this connection , fig2 shows , purely by way of example , an embodiment in which the gate region 30 has a non - uniform height . in particular , the height of the gate region 30 decreases starting from the peripheral portions closest to the top semiconductor region 18 towards a central portion of the gate region 30 . in other words , in cross - sectional view the gate region 30 exhibits a cusp - shaped profile , with the cusp facing downwards , this cusp being arranged , in top plan view , approximately at the middle of the gate region 30 . however possible are embodiments in which the gate region 30 has , for example , a maximum height that is substantially uniform in a direction parallel to the top surface s a . in practice , a lateral overlap is created between the gate region 30 and the source region 20 . in use , the epitaxial layer 16 forms the drain of the transistor 10 , whereas the first top portion 39 a of the second insulation subregion 38 functions as gate oxide . consequently , when the gate region 30 is biased at a voltage higher than the threshold voltage of the transistor 10 , in the portion of the body region 40 arranged in contact with the first lateral surface s c1 the ( vertical ) conduction channel of the transistor 10 is formed . the lateral overlap between the gate region 30 and the source region 20 guarantees that the source is electrically coupled to the channel . for practical purposes , since the source region 20 is made of an undoped conductive material , in the transistor 10 no parasitic transistor of an npn type is present , and consequently latch - up may not occur . the transistor 10 may be obtained with the manufacturing process described in what follows . initially , as shown in fig3 , the semiconductor body 12 is provided , which comprises the substrate 14 , the epitaxial layer 16 , and a region 18 ′ that is to form the top semiconductor region 18 , which will be referred to in what follows as the preliminary top semiconductor region 18 ′. formed on the preliminary top semiconductor region 18 ′ is a layer 44 of dielectric material ( for example , silicon oxide or teos ), which will be referred to in what follows as the temporary layer 44 . for instance , the temporary layer 44 is formed by thermal oxidation or by chemical deposition . next , as shown in fig4 , a photolithographic process and a subsequent anisotropic etch are carried out in order to remove selectively a portion of the temporary layer 44 for forming a window 46 of an annular shape in the temporary layer 44 . next , as shown in fig5 , the window 46 is used in a subsequent etch , which enables selective removal of a portion of the preliminary top semiconductor region 18 ′ and an underlying portion of the epitaxial layer 16 , to form the trench 22 . this operation entails separation , within the preliminary top semiconductor region 18 ′, of a region 40 ′, which is to form the body region 40 , and a region 19 ′, which is to form the peripheral semiconductor region 19 , which will be referred to in what follows as the preliminary body region 40 ′ and the preliminary peripheral semiconductor region 19 ′, respectively . next , as shown in fig6 , the remaining portion of the temporary layer 44 is removed . next , as shown in fig7 , formed in a per se known manner is a layer 50 of dielectric material , which will be referred to in what follows as the thin dielectric layer 50 . for instance , the thin dielectric layer 50 is made of silicon oxide and is obtained by thermal oxidation , or else is made of teos oxide , formed by deposition . further , the thin dielectric layer 50 has a thickness of , for example , to 50 nm . in greater detail , the thin dielectric layer 50 extends on the preliminary top semiconductor region 18 ′, as well as within the trench 22 , for coating the bottom and the lateral walls of the latter . next , as shown in fig8 , formed on the thin dielectric layer 50 is a further dielectric layer 52 , which will be referred to in what follows as the thick dielectric layer 52 . the thick dielectric layer 52 is made , for example , of silicon nitride ( si 3 n 4 ) and has a thickness , for example , comprised between 70 nm and 100 nm . the presence of the thin dielectric layer 50 enables reduction of the mechanical stresses induced in the semiconductor body 12 during the subsequent steps of the manufacturing process . next , as shown in fig9 , selective removal is carried out ( for example , by an anisotropic chemical etch ) of portions of the thin dielectric layer 50 and of the thick dielectric layer 52 arranged on the preliminary body region 40 ′ and the preliminary peripheral semiconductor region 19 ′, thus outside the trench 22 , as well as portions of the thin dielectric layer 50 and of the thick dielectric layer 52 that coat the bottom of the trench 22 . in this connection , in what follows referred to , respectively , as the first lateral wall p 1 and second lateral wall p 2 of the trench 22 are the inner lateral wall and the outer lateral wall of the trench 22 , as well as the bottom wall p 3 of the trench 22 . following upon the operations described previously , the bottom wall p 3 of the trench 22 is exposed , whereas the first and second lateral walls p 1 , p 2 of the trench 22 are coated by a first coating layer 56 and a second coating layer 58 , respectively , which are formed by residual portions of the thin dielectric layer 50 ; in turn , the first and second coating layers 56 , 58 are coated , respectively , by a first spacer 60 and a second spacer 62 , which are formed by residual portions of the thick dielectric layer 52 . next , as shown in fig1 , a process of thermal oxidation is carried out , which entails oxidation of the exposed portions of semiconductor material , not coated either by the first spacer 60 or by the second spacer 62 . this operation entails formation , on the preliminary body region 40 ′, of a corresponding dielectric region , which will be referred to in what follows as the central dielectric region 66 . further , this operation entails formation , on the peripheral semiconductor region 19 , of a corresponding dielectric region 68 , which will be referred to in what follows as the peripheral dielectric region 68 ; for example , the central dielectric region 66 and the peripheral dielectric region 68 have a thickness comprised between 0 . 2 μm and 0 . 3 μm . in addition , this operation of oxidation entails formation , by the central dielectric region 66 and the peripheral dielectric region 68 , of corresponding projections that extend towards the trench 22 , as well as entailing curving in the direction of the trench 22 of the top portions and bottom portions of the first and second spacers 60 , 62 . in particular , the projections of the central dielectric region 66 and of the peripheral dielectric region 68 project towards the inside of the trench 22 with respect to the preliminary body region 40 ′. further , said operation of oxidation entails formation , on the bottom of the trench 22 , of a further dielectric region 70 , which will be referred to in what follows as the bottom dielectric region 70 . once again with reference to fig1 , here the central dielectric region 66 , the peripheral dielectric region 68 , the bottom dielectric region 70 , and the first and second coating layers 56 , 58 are shown in a distinct way , for reasons of clarity , even though they may be made of a same material and may thus form a single dielectric region , made , for example , of oxide . next , as shown in fig1 , an isotropic etch is made to remove the first and second spacers 60 , 62 . then , as shown in fig1 , a further etch is made ( for example , an isotropic chemical etch in a liquid or nebulized environment ) to remove the first and second coating layers 56 , 58 , which may have previously undergone contamination . albeit not shown , this operation entails a slight reduction of the thickness of the central dielectric region 66 , of the peripheral dielectric region 68 , and of the bottom dielectric region 70 . next , as shown in fig1 , a new oxidation process is carried out . in this way , on the first and second lateral walls p 1 , p 2 of the trench 22 a first oxide layer 72 and a second oxide layer 74 are formed , respectively , which will be referred to in what follows as the first and second oxide layers 72 , 74 . the first and second oxide layers 72 , 74 contact the bottom dielectric region 70 for forming the second insulation subregion 38 . in greater detail , albeit not shown , the oxidation process described with reference to fig1 entails also a slight increase in the thickness of the central dielectric region 66 , of the peripheral dielectric region 68 , and of the bottom dielectric region 70 . further , even though in fig1 the first and second oxide layers 72 , 74 are shown as distinct with respect to the central dielectric region 66 and the peripheral dielectric region 68 , they may be made of the same material of which the latter are made . once again with reference to fig1 , this shows how , thanks to the prior use of the first and second spacers 60 , 62 , it is possible to coat the bottom wall p 3 of the trench 22 with an insulating region ( in the case in point , the bottom dielectric region 70 ) having a thickness greater than the thickness of the first and second oxide layers 72 , 74 . in this way , insulation of the gate region 30 towards the drain region is improved , without this entailing an increase of the threshold voltage of the transistor 10 . next , as shown in fig1 , a conductive region 78 , made , for example , of polysilicon is formed . for instance , the conductive region 78 may be formed by successive deposition of layers . in detail , the conductive region 78 overlies the central dielectric region 66 and the peripheral dielectric region 68 . in addition , the conductive region 78 fills the trench 22 completely . in this connection , without this implying any loss of generality , the trench 22 has a depth that is , for example , twice the respective width . next , as shown in fig1 , an anisotropic etch is made , in order to reduce the thickness of the conductive region 78 so that the residual portion of conductive region 78 forms the gate region 30 . in other words , following upon this etch , just a portion of conductive region 78 remains , which occupies the trench 22 starting from the bottom up to a height lower than the maximum height of the semiconductor body 12 . for instance , the residual portion of the conductive region 78 has a maximum height 0 . 4 μm lower than the maximum height of the semiconductor body 12 . in greater detail , and without any loss of generality , etching of the conductive region 78 may be carried out by a homogeneous “ etch back ”, in which case the gate region 30 assumes the aforementioned cusp shape . next , as shown in fig1 , dielectric material ( for example , silicon oxide ) is deposited for forming a top dielectric region 80 , which is arranged on top of the central dielectric region 66 and of the peripheral dielectric region 68 . further , the top dielectric region 80 extends within a top portion of the trench 22 until it contacts the gate region 30 . next , as shown in fig1 , a new anisotropic etch is made in order to remove a top portion of the top dielectric region 80 , the central dielectric region 66 , and the peripheral dielectric region 68 for exposing the preliminary body region 40 ′ and the preliminary peripheral semiconductor region 19 ′. in addition , this etch entails removal of a portion of the top dielectric region 80 arranged inside the trench 22 . in this way , the residual portion of top dielectric region 80 forms the first insulation subregion 36 , the maximum height of which is , for example , 0 . 2 μm lower than the maximum height of the preliminary top semiconductor region 18 ′. next , as shown in fig1 , a new etch ( for example , a chemical etch of silicon in moist , liquid , or nebulized environment ) is made in order to reduce the thickness of the preliminary body region 40 ′ and of the preliminary peripheral semiconductor region 19 ′. the residual portions of the preliminary body region 40 ′ and of the preliminary peripheral semiconductor region 19 ′ form , respectively , the body region 40 and the peripheral semiconductor region 19 . next , in a way not shown , the source region 20 is formed for example by deposition of metal material . according to a variant of the manufacturing process previously described , following upon execution of the operations described with reference to fig1 , it is possible to carry out the operations shown in fig1 . in detail , formed , for example by deposition , on the body region 4 , the peripheral semiconductor region 19 , and the first insulation subregion 36 is a further layer 84 of silicon nitride , which will be referred to in what follows as the additional layer 84 . next , as shown in fig2 , portions of the additional layer 84 that extend over the first insulation subregion 36 , as well as over a central portion of the body region 40 , are selectively removed , for example with an anisotropic etch . the residual portions of the additional layer 84 form a third spacer 86 and a fourth spacer 86 , 88 . the third spacer 86 coats a top portion of the first lateral surface s c1 of the first top portion 39 a of the second insulation subregion 38 , until it contacts a peripheral portion of the body region 40 . a central portion of the body region 40 is , instead , in contact with a portion of the source region 20 , which is surrounded by the third spacer 86 . the fourth spacer 88 coats , instead , a top portion of the third lateral surface s c3 of the second top portion 39 b of the second insulation subregion 38 , until it contacts the peripheral semiconductor region 19 . in the case where the operations represented in fig2 are carried out , the transistor 10 assumes the shape shown in fig2 . further , the presence of the third and fourth spacers 86 , 88 enables improvement of the electrical insulation between the source region 20 and the gate region 30 . optionally , following upon the operations represented in fig2 , and prior to formation of the source region 20 , it is possible to carry out an ion implantation within the exposed portion of body region 40 , i . e ., within the portion of body region 40 not covered by the third spacer 86 . in this way , as shown in fig2 , an enriched region 90 of a p + type is formed , which extends within the body region 40 , starting from the top surface s a , without contacting the underlying epitaxial layer 16 . the enriched region 90 is laterally staggered with respect to the third spacer 86 . in the case where the operations represented in fig2 are carried out , the transistor 10 assumes the shape shown in fig2 . the presence of the enriched region 90 enables improvement of the electrical behavior of the diode formed by the body region 40 and by the underlying portion of epitaxial layer 16 , without affecting the channel of the transistor 10 . further possible are embodiments that are the same as corresponding embodiments described previously , but in which the substrate is of a p + type , instead of an n + type . in this case , the transistor , designated by 100 , is of an igbt type and the epitaxial layer 16 functions as so - called “ drift layer ”. an example of such embodiments is shown in fig2 , where the substrate is designated by 99 . in this connection , the substrate 99 functions as collector of the transistor 100 . albeit not shown , further possible are embodiments in which the substrate is of a p + type and which include the third and fourth spacers 86 , 88 as well as possibly the enriched region 90 . the electronic device described presents numerous advantages . in particular , thanks to the fact that the source region 20 is made of undoped conductive material , formation of the parasitic transistor of an npn type is prevented , and thus latch - up thereof is likewise prevented . in particular , in the case of a mosfet , there is just one diode , formed by the body region 40 and by the underlying portion of the epitaxial layer 16 . instead , in the case of an igbt , just the parasitic pnp transistor is present , which in any case does not give rise to latch - up , since it has an h fe parameter lower than one . finally , it is clear that modifications and variations may be made to the electronic device and to the manufacturing process described and illustrated herein , without thereby departing from the scope of the present disclosure . for instance , the types of doping may be reversed with respect to what has been described . as regards the trench 22 , it may have , in top plan view , an arbitrary shape , such as for example a circular or elliptical shape . some steps of the manufacturing process may be carried out in a different order with respect to what has been described . in addition , one or more regions of the transistor may be formed in a way different from what has been described . the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments . these and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above - detailed description . in general , in the following claims , the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims , but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled . accordingly , the claims are not limited by the disclosure .
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several embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings . in the following description , detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein have been omitted for conciseness and clarity . for simplicity and illustrative purposes , the principles of the present invention are described by referring mainly to exemplary embodiments thereof . in the following description , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention . those with skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the examples provided herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are a spin polarizer that in the general case , can contain a ferromagnetic - semiconductor ( fm - s ) junction ensuring a spin polarization of current , p j , near a boundary with a nonmagnetic semiconductor ( ns ) depending relatively weakly on the current . the spin polarizer can create spin polarization of electrons virtually to 100 %, inside some areas of the nonmagnetic semiconductor ( ns ) near the fm - s junction . this occurs when the electrons drift under the action of a strong enough electrical field from the ns into the fm even in the case when p j is relatively small ( p j can be even ˜ 5 %- 15 %). fig3 a illustrates a spin polarizer 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention . as will be discussed below , the device 300 can ensure spin polarization of electrons is equal virtually to 100 % inside some area of the nonmagnetic semiconductor ( ns ) near the fm - s junction . the spin polarizer 300 includes a nonmagnetic semiconductor ( ns ) layer 310 , a thin , highly doped degenerate semiconductor layer n +- s ′ 320 ,, above the semiconductor 310 and a ferromagnetic ( fm ) layer 330 above the semiconductor layer 320 . the spin polarizer 300 can also include electrodes 340 and 350 electrically connecting the ferromagnetic layer 330 and the ns layer 310 , respectively . the spin polarizer 300 thus formed is described as having an fm - n + - s ′ _ - n - s heterostructure with parameters adjusted to sufficiently meet the conditions discussed below . the fm layer 330 can be formed from various magnetic materials , preferably ni , fe and co , as well as various magnetic alloys , which can include one or a combination of fe , co , and ni . the ns layer 310 can be formed from various semiconductor materials including any one of si , gaas , znte , gasb , gap , ge , inas , cdse , inp , insb , cdte , cds , zns , znse , alp , alas , alsb , and also alloys of these materials . in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention , the semiconductor 310 can be formed from semiconductor materials with relatively large electron spin relaxation time , l s . these include , for example gaalas , inas , znse and zncdse among others . the ns layer 310 can be negatively doped . negative dopant metals that can be used include p , as , sb for si and ge , and ge , se , te , si , pb and sn for gaas . the high doped semiconductor , the n +- s ′ layer 320 , may be formed from various semiconductor materials having an energy bandgap narrower than that for the semiconductor 310 . for example , the n - dopant metals may be p , as , sb for si and ge , and ge , se , te , si , pb and sn for gaas . the thin degenerate semiconductor layer 320 may be used to increase tunneling transparency of the schottky barrier for electrons with energies e & gt ; f and to ensure a spin polarization of current near the fm - n +- s ′ junction weakly depending on the current . the parameters of the n +- s ′ layer 320 should be satisfied by certain conditions listed below . fig3 b illustrates an exemplary energy diagram of spin polarizer 300 along the line iii - iii of fig3 a in the case when the n - s region 310 is a degenerate nonmagnetic semiconductor . the device 300 can be used at an arbitrary temperature and can ensure spin polarization of electrons close to 100 % in an area of the nonmagnetic semiconductor near the boundary with the n ± s layer 320 . f is the fermi level ; δ and l d are the height and thickness of the schottky barrier of the fm - n +- s ′ junction , l is the thickness of the highly doped n ± s ′ layer 320 , δ 0 is a jump at the bottom of the conduction band , e c ( x ), at the boundary of the n ± s ′ layer 320 and the semiconductor 310 . fig3 c illustrates an exemplary energy diagram of spin polarizer 300 along the line iii - iii of fig3 a in the case when the n - s region 310 is a nondegenerate nonmagnetic semiconductor . the device 300 can advantageously be used at relatively high temperatures , including room temperatures , and may ensure spin polarization of electrons close to 100 % in the nonmagnetic semiconductor near the boundary with the n ± s layers 320 . f is the fermi level ; δ and l d are the height and thickness of the schottky barrier at the fm - n + s interface , 1 is the thickness of the highly doped n ± s ′ layer 320 , δ 0 is a jump at the bottom of the conduction band , e c ( x ), at the boundary of the n + - s ′ layer 320 and the semiconductor 310 . the fm - n ± s ′ junction shown in fig3 a - 3c at certain parameters presented below ensures a spin polarization of current , p jl , near the boundary between the n + - s ′ layer 320 and the semiconductor 310 , the point x = l , weakly depending on the current . these conditions ensure the 100 % spin polarization of electrons in some area of the semiconductor 310 near the boundary even for a relatively small value of p jl as will be described in further detail below . the currents of electrons with spin σ =↑, ↓ in ns are given by the following equations ( see , for example , ref &# 39 ; s [ 7 ][ 8 ][ 16 ], and [ 17 ]): where d , μ and τ s are the diffusion constant , mobility and spin - coherence lifetime of the electrons , respectively , and e the electric field . from conditions of continuity of the total current j ( x )= j { + j ↓ = const and quasineutrality n ( x )= n { + n ↓ = n s ( 4 ) δ n { ( x )= n { − n s / 2 =− δn ↓ ( x ) ( 6 ) where n s is total electron density in the semiconductor 310 . from equations ( 2 ) through ( 6 ), it follows that spin density in the semiconductor 310 , that is , for x ≧ l can be written as : δ n { ( x )= δ n { l exp [−( x − l )/ l ]= nl ( n s / 2 ) exp [−( x − l )/ l ] ( 7 ) l =( 1 / 2 ){[( l e ) 2 +( 2 l s ) 2 ] 1 / 2 −(±) l e }== l s {([( 1 +( j / 2 j s ) 2 ] 1 / 2 − j / 2 j s }, ( 8 ) l s √{ square root over ( dτ s )} and l e = μτ s | e |= l s | j |/ j s ( 9 ) are the diffusion and drift lengths of electron spin , respectively ; the index ± corresponds to the forward , j & gt ; 0 , and reverse bias voltage , j & lt ; 0 , respectively . here we introduce a typical current : and spin polarization of electrons in the semiconductor 310 ( for x ≧ l ) p n =( δ n { − δn ↓ )/ n s = p nl exp [−( x − l )/ l ], ( 11 ) p nl = p nl = p n ( l )=( δ n { l − δn ↓ l )/ n s = 2δ n { l / n s ( 12 ) is spin polarization of electrons at the boundary of the semiconductor 310 ( at the point x = l , fig1 ). from equations ( 2 ) and ( 7 ) the spin currents at the point x = l is j { l ,↓ l =( j / 2 )≅( j s / 2 ) ( l / l s ) p nl ( 13 ) from equation ( 13 ) it follows that the relationship between the spin polarization of current p ll =( j { l − j ↓ l )/( j { l + j θl )/=( j { l − j ↓ l )/ j ( 14 ) and the spin polarization of electrons , p nl , at the point x = 1 p nl =− p jl ( jl s )/( j s l ) ( 15 ) ( p jl is also called spin injection coefficient of the fm - n ± s ′ contact .) according to equation ( 8 ) l = l s at j & lt ;& lt ; j s therefore , as expected p nl l - j at p jl & gt ; 0 ( in certain cases p jl & lt ; 0 ). in the reversed - biased fm - s junctions , j & lt ; 0 , according to ( 15 ) the value of p jl = 2δn { l / n s & gt ; 0 ( δn ↓ l & gt ; 0 ), that is , the accumulation of electrons with spin σ ={ is realized in the semiconductor 310 near the boundary with the fm - s junction . at | j |& gt ; j s the spin penetration depth l ( 8 ) increases with current j and p nl → p jl at | j |& gt ;& gt ; j s . thus , the spin polarization of electrons in the semiconductor injected from fm can achieve spin polarization of current in the reversed - biased fm - s junction . another situation is realized in the forward - biased fm - s junctions , j & gt ; 0 , when electrons drift under the action of the electric field from the semiconductor into fm . here the value δn { l & lt ; 0 and δn ↓ l & gt ; 0 at p jl & gt ; 0 , that is , electrons with spin σ ={ are extracted from ns and electrons with spin σ =↓ are accumulated in the ns . the opposite situation is realized at p jl & lt ; 0 . at j & gt ; j s the spin penetration depth l ( equation ( 8 )) decreases with current j and according to equation ( 15 ) | p nl | rises to 1 ( 100 %) at : j = j t ≡ j s [| p jl /( 1 +| p jl |)] − 1 / 2 ( 16 ) l = l t ≡ l s [| p jl |/( 1 +| p jl |)] 1 / 2 ( 17 ) thus , spin polarization of electrons in the semiconductor near the forward - biased fm - s junction achieves 100 % even at relatively small spin polarization of current , p jl , in the fm - s junction . this is valid both for a degenerate semiconductor 310 , as shown in fig3 b , and for a nondegenerate semiconductor 310 , as shown in fig3 c . the value of p jl , determines the threshold current , j t , and spin penetration depth , l t , but it does not change the main result : the one requirement is a weak dependence of the spin polarization of current in the fm - s junction ( or spin injection coefficient ) p jl , on the current j . we note that when the current j & gt ; j t the value | p nl |= 2 | δn { l |/ n s =| 2n { l = n s |/ n s becomes formally more than 1 , that is , the density of electrons n { l or n ↓ l with spin σ =↓ or σ =↓ at the point x = l becomes more than the total electron density n s . this means that the condition of quasineutrality ( 4 ) is violated and a negative space charge arises near the boundary of the semiconductor with the fm - s junction , x = l in fig1 . this charge will decrease the ohmic field e = j / qμn s ( 5 ), and consequently the drift spin length l e = μτ s | e |. as a result the spin penetration depth l ( equation ( 8 )) stops decreasing with current j and the values of the spin density p nl and l are stabilized near | p nl = 1 and l = l t , respectively . thus , embodiments of the present invention provide fm - s junctions which have the spin polarization of p jl , weakly depending on the current j in the junctions . this requirement is valid , in particular , for the fm - n ± s ′ junction shown in fig3 a - 3c when the n ± s ′ layer 320 is a degenerate semiconductor and has the thickness , 1 , of the n ± s ′ layer 320 that satisfies the condition : wherein l s + =√{ square root over ( d + τ s + )}, d + and τ s + are the length of electron spin , diffusion constant , and the spin - coherence lifetime of the electrons in the n ± s ′ layer 320 , respectively ; l d is the width of the schottky depletion layer in the n - semiconductor 320 near the fm - n ± s ′ interface which is represented by the following equation : l d =( 2εε 0 δ / q 2 n d + ) 1 / 2 ( 20 ) wherein ε 0 is the permittivity of free space , ε is the relative permittivity of the n + - semiconductor 320 , q & gt ; 0 is the elementary charge , and n d + is the concentration of shallow donors in the highly doped n ± s ′ layer 320 . the part of the n ± s ′ layer 320 , corresponding to x such that l d & lt ; x & lt ; l , shown in fig3 b , should be a degenerate semiconductor which has the electron density n + = n d + . this means that n + = n d + should correspond to a case when the fermi level f & gt ; e co + in this part , as shown in fig3 b and 3c . this is realized when l & gt ; 3l d and the donor concentration n d + satisfies the condition 4πn d + a b 3 / 3 & gt ; 1 , where a b is the borh radius of the shallow donor . the donor concentration n d + in the n +- s ′ layer 320 has to be much more than a donor concentration n d in the n - semiconductor 310 which can be either a degenerate semiconductor , as shown in fig3 b , or a nondegenerate semiconductor , as shown in fig3 c . moreover , the following condition should be satisfied : where l 0i s given by eq . ( 1 ). more precise requirements for the parameters l d , l and n d + are presented below . because of the very high density of electrons in the fm metal 330 and the degenerate semiconductor layer 320 the tunneling current through the fm - n ± s ′ layer is determined by the well - known formula ( see , for example , ref .&# 39 ; s [ 18 ] and [ 19 ]): j σ0 = q h ∫ ⅆ e [ f ( e - f - ev ) - f ( e - f ) ] ∫ ⅆ 2 k 𝕀 ( 2 π ) 2 t σ ( 22 ) where k ii is the component of the wave vector k parallel to the fm - s interface , f ( e - f ) the fermi function , v is a bias voltage and t σ is the tunneling transmission probability of the fm - n +- s ′ junction . the value of t σ may be estimated in a semiclassical approximation ( wkb ) ( see , for example , ref .&# 39 ; s [ 14 ] and [ 15 ]) as follows : t σ = 16 α v α x v x v α x 2 + v tx 2 exp ( - ηκ l d ) ( 23 ) where ν σx is the x - component of velocity ν σ of electrons with the wave vector k and spin σ in a direction of current ; κ =( δ + f − e + e ii ) 3 / 2 [ δ ( δ − qv ) l 0 ] − 1 , ν xt = hκ / 2πm * is the “ tunneling ” velocity ; e ii = h 2 k ii 2 / 8π 2 m *; m * and ν x =[ 2 ( e − e c0 − qv − e ii )/ m *] 1 / 2 are an effective mass and x - component of the velocity of electrons in n + - semiconductor layer 320 ; α = 1 . 2 ( κl d ) 1 / 3 and η = 4 / 3 or α = 1 and η = 2 for the schottky barrier of triangular or rectangular shape , respectively . the real shape of the barrier is not significant . for definiteness we consider the case when the temperature k b t & lt ;& lt ; μ + s =( f − e c0 ). taking into account that the velocity ν x is real only at e & gt ; e c0 + qv + e ii and also a property of the fermi function at k b t & lt ;& lt ; μ + s one can find from equations ( 22 ) and ( 23 ) that the spin current at the fm - n +- s ′ interface , at the point x = 0 in fig1 , can be written at qv ≦ μ + s as : j σ0 = qn s + v μ α 0 t t ( v ) d σ [ 1 - ( 1 - qv / μ s + ) 5 / 2 ] , ( 24 ) t t ( v ) = exp [ - η l d ( δ - qv ) 1 / 2 l 0 δ 1 / 2 ] , ( 25 ) d σ = v μ v σ0 v t 0 2 + v σ0 2 , ( 26 ) wherein ν σ0 = ν σ ( f + qv ) and ν μ =( 3μ s + / m *) 1 / 2 are velocities of electrons with spin σ and the energies e = f + qv and μs + in fm and n +- s ′ layers 330 and 320 , respectively ; ν t0 =( 2 ( δ − qv )/ m *. from equations ( 24 )-( 26 ) it follows that the total current j = j { 0 + j ↓ 0 is equal to : j = j 0 d σ [ 1 −( 1 − qv / μ s + ) 5 / 2 ], ( 27 ) j 0 = dqn s + ν μ α 0 t t ( v ) ( 28 ) and the spin polarization of current , p j0 , at the fm - n +- s ′ interface is equal to : p j 0 = j ↑ 0 - j ↓ 0 j ↑ 0 + j ↓ 0 = ( v ↑ 0 - v ↓ 0 ) ( v t 0 2 - v ↑ 0 v ↓ 0 ) ( v ↑ 0 + v ↓ 0 ) ( v t 0 2 + v ↑ 0 v ↓ 0 ) ≡ p f ( 29 ) the expression for p j0 = p f coincides with that for spin polarization of current in usual tunneling fm - i - fm structures [ 18 , 19 ]. one can see that p j0 — = p f does not depend on the current . when the thickness of the n +- s ′ layer l & lt ;& lt ; l s + , where l s + =( d + τ s + ) 1 / 2 and τ s + are the length and relaxation time of electron spin in the n +- s ′ layer , but l & gt ; l d , spin currents in the n +- s ′ layer do not change practically , therefore we can put j σ0 = j σl and p j0 = p jl where p jl is the spin polarization of the current at the boundary between the n +- s ′ layer 320 and the n - s region 310 . by analogy with equation ( 13 ) the spin current in the n +- s ′ layer is equal to j { l ,↓ l =( j / 2 )≅( j s + / 2 ) p + nl , ( 30 ) wherein p + nl = 2δn + { l / n + s is the spin polarization of electrons in the n ± s ′ layer changing with the typical length l s + and the typical current is : where n + s is the electron density in the degenerated region of the n ± s ′ layer . therefore for arbitrary l the value of p jl = p f / cos h ( l / l s + ). thus , p ji ≅ p f when l & lt ;& lt ; l s + in the considered fm - n + - n - s heterostructure shown in fig3 a - 3c . p jl very weakly depends on the current , therefore according to equations ( 15 ) and ( 18 ) the spin polarization electrons in the forward - biased fm - n + - n - s heterostructure near in the n - s region p n0 = 1 ( 100 %) at the threshold current and spin penetration depth in the n - s region is determined by eqs . ( 16 ) and ( 17 ). eqs . ( 16 ) and ( 17 ) are valid when the thickness of the n ± s ′ layer l l s ( β + s / β s )[( 1 + p f )/ p f ), but l & gt ; 3l d . ( 32 ) the larger l is , the less p jl is , and the greater the threshold current j t ( equation ( 15 )) is . the conditions of the 100 % spin polarization electrons are j s + & gt ;& gt ; j 0 & gt ;& gt ; j s . taking into account equations ( 10 ), ( 28 ) and ( 31 ) these conditions can be written as : n s n s + ( d l s v μ ) & lt ; t t ( μ s + ) & lt ;& lt ; ( d + l s + v μ ) ( 33 ) n s + n s & gt ;& gt ; ( d l s + d + l s ) = ( d τ s + d + τ s ) 1 / 2 , ( 34 ) wherein the parameter t t ( μ s + ) is equal to t t ( μ s + ) = d 0 exp [ - η l d ( δ - μ s + ) 1 / 2 l 0 δ 1 / 2 ] . ( 35 ) the conditions of equations ( 19 ) and ( 33 )-( 35 ) can be rewritten as : 2 l 0 η ln ( l s + v μ d d + ) & lt ; l d & lt ; l 0 η ln ( n s + l s v μ d n s d ) ( 36 ) 3 l d & lt ; l ℵl s + ( 37 ) where l d is given by equation ( 20 ), that is , l d is determined by n s + = n d + . the condition of equations ( 33 )-( 36 ) determine the requirements of the electron densities n s = n d and n s + = n d + in the n +- s ′ layer 320 and the n - semiconductor 310 , the thickness id of the schottky depletion layer of fm - n +- s ′ junction , the thickness l of the n + - s ′ layer and also the value of a jump δ 0 of the bottom of the conduction band , e c ( x ), at the boundary of the n ± s ′ layer 320 and the semiconductor 310 , δ 0 =( e c0 − e c0 + ) both for the case of a degenerate semiconductor 310 as shown in fig3 b and for the case of a nondegenerate semiconductor 310 as shown in fig3 c . here eco and e c0 + are the bottom of the conduction band in the semiconductor 310 and the thin degenerate semiconductor n + - layer 320 near the semiconductor 310 . typical parameters for ni — gaas — gaalas heterosructure are n d + ≈ 10 18 - cm − 3 - 10 19 - cm − 3 , n d + ≈ 10 16 - cm − 3 - 10 17 - cm − 3 , δ ≈ 500 me v , μ s + ≈ 30 mev - 50 mev , l d ≈ 5 nm , l d ≈ 5 nm , l ≈ 1 nm , l x ≈ 300 nm , and δ 0 ≈ μ s + ). fig4 a illustrates a spin polarizer 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention . as shown , the spin polarizer 400 may include a nonmagnetic semiconductor 410 , a ferromagnetic 430 and two thin negative and positive highly doped degenerate nonmagnetic semiconductor layers , n + - s layer 420 and p + - s layer 415 . the layers 420 and 415 are situated between the ferromagnet 430 and negative doped semiconductor , n - s region 410 , and have the same energy bandgap as that of the n - s region 410 . these layers can be formed by heavily negative and positive doping of a portion of the semiconductor 410 . the spin polarizer 400 may also include electrodes 440 and 450 electrically connecting the ferromagnetic layer 430 and the semiconductor 410 , respectively . the spin polarizer 400 thus formed may be described as having a fm - n + - p + - n - s heterostructure with parameters adjusted to sufficiently meet the conditions described below . the ferromagnetic layer 430 may be formed from various magnetic materials , preferably ni , fe and co , as well as various magnetic alloys , which may include one or a combination of fe , co , ni . the semiconductor 410 may be formed from various nonmagnetic semiconductor materials including si , gaas , znte , gasb , gap , ge , inas , cdse , inp , insb , cdte , cds , zns , znse , alp , alas , alsb and also alloys of these materials . in general , it is preferred that the semiconductor 410 be formed from semiconductor materials with relatively large electron spin relaxation time , l s , for example gaalas , inas , znse and zncdse . the semiconductor 410 can be negatively doped . fig4 b illustrates an exemplary energy diagram of the spin polarizer shown in fig4 a along the line iv - iv in the case when the n - s region is a degenerate nonmagnetic semiconductor . the device 400 may be used at arbitrary temperature and may ensure spin polarization of electrons close to 100 % in an area of the nonmagnetic semiconductor near the boundary with the p + - s layer 415 . f is the fermi level ; δ and l d are the height and thickness of the schottky barrier of the fm - n + - s junction , l p is the total thickness of the highly doped p + - s layer 415 , 1 is the total thickness of the high doped n + - s layer 420 and the p + - s layer 415 , e c ( x ) is the bottom of the conduction band and e v ( x ) is the top of the valence band of the semiconductor 420 , 415 and 410 , e c0 and e c0 + are the bottoms of the conduction band in the n - s region 410 and the part of the n + - s layer 420 corresponding to a region of the degenerate semiconductor , where l d & lt ; x & lt ;( l − l p )). fig4 c illustrates an exemplary energy diagram of the spin polarizer shown in fig4 a along the line iv - iv in the case when the n - s region is a nondegenerate nonmagnetic semiconductor . the device 300 can be used at relatively high temperatures , including room temperatures , and can ensure spin polarization of electrons close to 100 % in an area of the nonmagnetic semiconductor near the boundary with the p + - s layer 415 . f is the fermi level ; δ and l d are the height and thickness of the schottky barrier of the fm - n + - s junction , l p is the total thickness of the highly doped p + x - s layer 415 , l is the total thickness of the highly doped n + - s layer 420 and the p + - s layer 415 , e c ( x ) is a bottom of the conduction band and e v ( x ) is a top of the valence band of the semiconductors 420 , 415 and 410 , e c0 and e c0 + , are the bottoms of the conduction band in the n - s region 410 and the part of the n + - s layer 420 corresponding to the degenerate semiconductor corresponding to l d & lt ; x & lt ;( l − l p ). a spin polarization close to 100 % in the fm - n + - p + - n - s heterostructure shown in fig4 can be achieved if the following condition is satisfied : n a l p 2 ≈ 2εε 0 ( e c0 − e c0 + )/ q 2 ( 39 ) wherein e c0 and e c0 + are the bottoms of the conduction band in the n - s region 410 and the part of the n + - s layer 420 corresponding to the degenerate semiconductor , where l d & lt ; x & lt ;( l − l p ), in fig4 b and 4c , respectively . for example , equations ( 38 ) and ( 39 ) may be satisfied if n d ranges between 10 18 cm − 3 and 10 19 cm − 3 , l p ≦ 30 nm , and e c0 and ( e c0 − e c0 + )≈ 50 mev . when the conditions of equations ( 38 ) and ( 39 ) are satisfied the region of the n + - s layer 420 and the p + - s layer 415 corresponding to l d & lt ; x & lt ; l is a degenerate semiconductor and the energy diagram of the fm - n + - p + - n - s heterostructure , spin polarizer , has the form shown in fig4 b or 4 c for the case when the n - s region 410 is a degenerate semiconductor or nondegenerate semiconductor , respectively . one can see that these energy diagrams coincide qualitatively with those shown in fig3 b and 3c . therefore , all results presented above for the fm - n + - s heterostructure shown in fig4 a - 4c are valid for the fm - n + - p + - n - s heterostructure , spin polarizer , shown in fig4 a - 4c . all of the above described structures and conditions are also valid for a negatively doped semiconductor . in this case the words electrons , donor and acceptor should be substituted for the words holes , acceptor and donor , respectively , and the n -, n + - and p - semiconductor regions should be substituted for p -, p + - and n - semiconductor regions . different spintronic devices based on ferromagnetic - semiconductor - ferromagnetic ( fm - s - fm ) structures have been suggested , including those using an electric field [ 5 , 6 ], external magnetic field [ 7 ], and a nanowire current [ 8 ] to control an electron spin . all of these devices are spin valves where one of fm - s junctions works as a spin injector and another one as a spin filter . the spin filter efficiently admits electrons with a certain spin projection and efficiently reflects electrons with the opposite spin . the spin polarizer and the fm - n + - n - s heterostructures shown in the fig3 and 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used as the spin filter and spin injector in all of these devices and also in semiconductor systems for quantum computing . one of possible variant of use of the spin polarizer and the fm - n + - n - s heterostructures is shown in fig5 . fig5 a illustrates an exemplary variant of a spin device according to an embodiment of the present invention based on a ferromagnetic - semiconductor fm - n + - n - n + - fm heterostructure containing a donor doped nonmagnetic semiconductor ( n - s ) layer localized between two ferromagnetic metal ( fm ) layers and also two thin layers of a heavily doped degenerate semiconductor ( n + - s layers ) between the n - s and fm layers . fig5 b illustrates an exemplary energy diagram of the spin devise shown in fig5 a in equilibrium ( broken curves ) and at a bias voltage v ( solid curves ) in the case when the n + - s layers have a narrower energy bandgap than that of the n - s region and the n - s region is a degenerate semiconductor ( for the nondegenerate n - s region e c0 & gt ; f ). here f is the fermi level in equilibrium , e c ( x ) is bottom of semiconductor conduction band , e c0 and e c0 + _ are the values of e c ( x ) in the n - s and n + - s layers , respectively ; w and l thickness of the n - s and n + - s layers , respectively ; δ and l d — are the height and thickness of the schottky barrier of the fm - n + - s junctions . one of the two fm - n + - s contacts is used as a spin injector and another as a spin filter . such fm - n + - n - n + - s heterostructures ensure spin polarization of electrons is equal substantially to 100 % inside the nonmagnetic semiconductor layer when its thickness , w , is less than l s and magnetizations , m 1 and m 2 have opposite direction , as it is shown in the fig5 a . this occurs even in these cases when spin polarization of the current in fm - n + - s contacts , p j , are relatively small ( p j can be even ˜ 5 %- 15 %). the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment . however , it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention in specific forms other than that of the exemplary embodiment described above . this may be done without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . the exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any way . the scope of the invention is given by the appended claims , rather than the preceding description , and all variations and equivalents that fall within the range of the claims are intended to be embraced therein .
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hereinafter , embodiments will be described with reference to drawings . however , the embodiments can be implemented with various modes . it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modes and details can be changed in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . thus , the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the following description of the embodiments . in this embodiment , a semiconductor memory device in fig1 a will be described . the semiconductor memory device in fig1 a includes a row driver 101 , a column driver 102 , a plurality of word lines 103 connected to the row driver 101 , a plurality of bit lines 104 ( indirectly ) connected to the column driver 102 , and memory cells 105 each provided at the intersection of the word line 103 and the bit line 104 . this structure is the same as that of the conventional dram in fig2 a and 2b . the semiconductor memory device in fig1 a further includes back gate transistors 108 each inserted between the column driver 102 and the bit line 104 . it can also be said that the back gate transistor 108 is inserted in the bit line 104 . it can also be said that a source of the back gate transistor 108 is connected to the column driver 102 , and a drain of the back gate transistor 108 is connected to the bit line 104 . it can also be said that the back gate transistor 108 is inserted between the column driver 102 and the memory cell 105 that is the closest to the column driver 102 . a gate of the back gate transistor 108 is connected to a bit line controlling line 112 , and a back gate of the back gate transistor 108 is connected to a back gate line 111 . the potential of the bit line controlling line 112 is set by a bit line controlling circuit 110 . the back gate line 111 is connected to one electrode of a capacitor 109 , and the potential thereof is held at an appropriate negative value regardless of whether or not an external power supply is provided . for that purpose , charge may be injected so that the potential of the capacitor 109 ( the back gate line 111 ) becomes appropriate , and then the back gate line 111 may be brought into a floating state . alternatively , with the back gate line 111 placed in a floating state , an electron beam with an energy of several tens of kilo electron volts or higher may be injected into part thereof . note that as illustrated in fig1 b , the back gate line 111 may be connected to a negative electrode of a battery 113 provided over a substrate where the semiconductor memory device is formed or in a package including the substrate . since the amount of current flowing through the back gate line 111 is significantly small , the capacity of the battery 113 can be extremely low . when the semiconductor memory device is powered by an external power supply and is determined to be usable , the bit line controlling circuit 110 supplies the bit line controlling line 112 with an appropriate potential to turn on the back gate transistor 108 . when interruption of power from the external power supply is detected , or termination of the use of the semiconductor memory device is detected even while the semiconductor memory device is powered by the external power supply , the bit line controlling circuit 110 sets the potential of the bit line controlling line 112 to 0 v or less to rapidly turn off the back gate transistor 108 . a semiconductor memory device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to fig3 . the semiconductor memory device in fig3 has sense amplifiers 114 inserted in bit lines 104 . the sense amplifier 114 is used to divide the bit line 104 into appropriate lengths to lower the bit line capacitance during read operation so that read accuracy can be increased . with the sense amplifier 114 inserted in the bit line 104 in this manner , when power from an external power supply is interrupted , for example , the charge in the bit line 104 flows out also through the sense amplifier 114 . as a result , when power from the external power supply is interrupted , the potential of the bit line 104 connected to the sense amplifier decreases to 0 v . therefore , it is necessary to prevent charge in the bit lines 104 from flowing out when power from the external power supply is interrupted , by providing the back gate transistors such that the sense amplifier 114 is sandwiched therebetween . the semiconductor memory device in fig3 includes a column driver 102 , a plurality of word lines 103 , a plurality of bit lines 104 , and memory cells 105 each provided at the intersection of the word line 103 and the bit line 104 . in addition , the sense amplifier 114 is inserted in the bit line 104 . like the semiconductor memory device described in embodiment 1 , the semiconductor memory device in fig3 further includes back gate transistors 108 _ 1 each inserted between the column driver 102 and the bit line 104 . a gate of the back gate transistor 108 _ 1 is connected to a bit line controlling line 112 _ 1 , and a back gate of the back gate transistor 108 _ 1 is connected to a back gate line 111 _ 1 . the potential of the back gate line 111 _ 1 is held at an appropriate negative value regardless of whether or not the external power supply power is provided . the semiconductor memory device in fig3 further includes back gate transistors 108 _ 2 and back gate transistors 108 _ 3 each provided between the sense amplifier 114 connected to the bit line 104 and the memory cell 105 that is the closest to the sense amplifier 114 . a gate of the back gate transistor 108 _ 2 is connected to a bit line controlling line 112 _ 2 , and a gate of the back gate transistor 108 _ 3 is connected to a bit line controlling line 112 _ 3 . a back gate of the back gate transistor 108 _ 2 is connected to a back gate line 111 _ 2 , and a back gate of the back gate transistor 108 _ 3 is connected to a back gate line 111 _ 3 . the potentials of the back gate line 111 _ 2 and the back gate line 111 _ 3 are each held at an appropriate negative value regardless of whether or not the external power supply power is provided . in such a semiconductor memory device , the potentials of the bit line controlling lines 112 _ 1 to 112 _ 3 change according to conditions in a manner similar to that in embodiment 1 . in other words , when the semiconductor memory device is powered by an external power supply and is usable , the bit line controlling lines 112 _ 1 to 112 _ 3 are supplied with such a potential that the back gate transistors 108 _ 1 to 108 _ 3 are turned on . in contrast , when power from the external power supply is interrupted or when the use of the semiconductor memory device is terminated even while the semiconductor memory device is powered by the external power supply , the bit line controlling lines 112 _ 1 to 112 _ 3 are supplied with such a potential that the back gate transistors 108 _ 1 to 108 _ 3 are turned off . for example , when power from the external power supply is interrupted , the potential of the bit line controlling lines 112 _ 1 to 112 _ 3 rapidly becomes 0 v or less to turn off the back gate transistors 108 _ 1 to 108 _ 3 . consequently , the bit line 104 is divided by the back gate transistors 108 _ 1 to 108 _ 3 . thus , even if the potential of portions of the bit line 104 connected to the column driver 102 and the sense amplifier 114 becomes 0 v , the potential of the other portions ( portions connected to the memory cells 105 ) can remain at an appropriate value (& gt ; 0 v ). on the other hand , because the potential of the word line 103 is 0 v , the cell transistor in the memory cell has sufficiently high resistance , and thus enables charge accumulated in the capacitor to be retained for a long period of time . a semiconductor memory device in fig4 a and 4b will be described . memory cells 117 in the semiconductor memory device in fig4 a and 4b have the same configuration as those described in patent document 4 . refer to patent document 4 for the operation and the like of the memory cells 117 . as illustrated in fig4 b , the memory cell 117 according to this embodiment includes a write transistor 118 , a read transistor 119 , and a capacitor 120 . a source of the write transistor 118 and a source of the read transistor 119 are connected to a bit line 104 . a gate of the write transistor 118 is connected to a write word line 115 . a drain of the write transistor 118 and a gate of the read transistor 119 are connected to one electrode of the capacitor 120 . the other electrode of the capacitor 120 is connected to a read word line 116 . the potentials of the write word lines 115 and the read word lines 116 are controlled by a row driver 101 . the potential of the bit line 104 is controlled by a column driver 102 . while there are such many differences between the memory cell 105 according to embodiment 1 or 2 and the memory cell 117 according to this embodiment , these memory cells are the same in that the source of the write transistor 118 ( which corresponds to the cell transistor 106 in the memory cell 105 in fig1 a ) is connected to the bit line 104 and the drain of the write transistor 118 is connected to one electrode of the capacitor 120 . in other words , for data retention , the write transistor 118 needs to exhibit high resistance in the off state . thus , in a manner similar to that in embodiments 1 and 2 , back gate transistors 108 each inserted between the column driver 102 and the bit line 104 are provided , which can achieve sufficiently high resistance even when power from an external power supply is interrupted ( see fig4 a ). a gate of the back gate transistor 108 is connected to a bit line controlling line 112 , and a back gate of the back gate transistor 108 is connected to a back gate line 111 . the potential of the back gate line 111 is held at an appropriate negative value regardless of whether or not the external power supply is provided . in such a semiconductor memory device , the potential of the bit line controlling line 112 changes according to conditions in a manner similar to that in embodiment 1 . in other words , when the semiconductor memory device is powered by the external power supply and is usable , the bit line controlling line 112 is supplied with such a potential that the back gate transistor 108 is turned on . in contrast , when power from the external power supply is interrupted or when the use of the semiconductor memory device is terminated even while the semiconductor memory device is powered by the external power supply , the bit line controlling line 112 is supplied with such a potential that the back gate transistor 108 is turned off . for example , when power from the external power supply is interrupted , the potential of the bit line controlling line 112 rapidly becomes 0 v or less to turn off the back gate transistor 108 . consequently , the potential of the bit line 104 can remain at an appropriate value (& gt ; 0 v ). on the other hand , because the potential of the write word line 115 is 0 v , the write transistor 118 in the memory cell 117 has sufficiently high resistance , and thus enables charge in the capacitor 120 to be retained for a long period of time . the memory cell 117 is characterized by being capable of amplifying a signal with the read transistor 119 and output the amplified signal to the bit line even if the capacitance of the capacitor 120 is low . however , the fact that the capacitance of the capacitor 120 is low means that it is difficult to retain data for a required time if the resistance of the write transistor 118 in the off state is not sufficiently high . therefore , keeping , during power interruption , the potential of the bit line 104 at an appropriate positive value with the back gate transistor 108 to increase the resistance of the write transistor 118 in the off state is particularly effective in this embodiment . a brief description is given of a process for manufacturing the semiconductor memory device illustrated in , for example , fig1 a and 1b or fig3 with reference to fig6 a to 6c , fig7 a and 7b , and fig8 . refer to known semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing techniques for the details . note that fig6 a to 6c , fig7 a and 7b , and fig8 illustrate the concepts of the manufacturing process and do not show specific cross sections . first , device isolation insulators 202 , n - type impurity regions 203 n , p - type impurity regions 203 p , an n - channel transistor gate 204 n , a p - channel transistor gate 204 p , a first interlayer insulator 205 , first contact plugs 206 a to 206 d , and the like are formed over a surface of a substrate 201 of a semiconductor or the like by known semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing techniques . the n - channel transistor or the p - channel transistor here may be used in a row driver , a column driver , a sense amplifier , or the like in a semiconductor memory device . next , first layer wirings 208 a to 208 d are formed so as to be embedded in a first embedment insulator 207 . these wirings are used in , for example , the row driver 101 or the column driver 102 in fig1 a and 1b , or the sense amplifier 114 . further , a second interlayer insulator 209 , a second contact plug 210 , a second embedment insulator 211 , second layer wirings 212 a to 212 c are formed . here , the second layer wiring 212 b corresponds to the back gate of the back gate transistor 108 or the back gate line 111 in fig1 a and 1b . note that one or more layers including another wiring may be additionally provided between a layer including the second layer wirings 212 a to 212 c and a layer including the first layer wirings 208 a to 208 d . further , a third interlayer insulator 213 , third contact plugs 214 a to 214 c , a third embedment insulator 215 , and third layer wirings 216 a to 216 e are formed . note that the first contact plug 206 a , the first layer wiring 208 a , the second contact plug 210 , the second layer wiring 212 a , the second layer wiring 212 c , the third contact plug 214 a , the third contact plug 214 b , the third layer wiring 216 a , and the third layer wiring 216 b serve as part of the bit line 104 in fig1 a and 1b . subsequently , an oxide semiconductor layer 217 a and an oxide semiconductor layer 217 b are formed , and a gate insulator 218 is formed so as to cover them . at this time , it is preferable that the physical thickness of the gate insulator 218 be two or more times that of the oxide semiconductor layer 217 a and the oxide semiconductor layer 217 b , because this enables the oxide semiconductor layer 217 a and the oxide semiconductor layer 217 b to be covered with the gate insulator 218 reliably , thereby preventing shorts between wirings . on the other hand , it is preferable that the effective thickness of the gate insulator ( e . g ., the equivalent oxide thickness ) be less than or equal to that of the oxide semiconductor layer 217 a and the oxide semiconductor layer 217 b . therefore , it is preferable that the gate insulator 218 be formed using a material whose dielectric constant is twice that of the oxide semiconductor layer 217 a and the oxide semiconductor layer 217 b . for example , the gate insulator 218 may be formed using a high dielectric constant material such as hafnium oxide , tantalum oxide , or zirconium oxide . materials such as barium oxide , strontium oxide , calcium oxide , and lithium oxide which form silicides on silicon semiconductor have been prevented from being used with silicon semiconductor , but may be used with an oxide semiconductor without problems . therefore , any of these materials can be used for the gate insulator 218 as long as it has high dielectric constant . then , fourth layer wirings 219 a to 219 d are formed . the fourth layer wiring 219 a here corresponds to the gate of the back gate transistor 108 or the bit line controlling line 112 in fig1 a . the fourth layer wirings 219 b to 219 d correspond to the word lines 103 in fig1 a . stacked capacitors are formed by known dram manufacturing techniques . specifically , a fourth interlayer insulator 220 , a fourth contact plug 221 a , and a fourth contact plug 22 lb are formed , and then a fifth interlayer insulator 222 , a capacitor electrode 223 a and a capacitor electrode 223 b are formed thereover . subsequently , a capacitor insulator 224 and a cell plate 225 are formed . thus , the semiconductor memory device can be manufactured . a brief description is given of a process for manufacturing the semiconductor memory device illustrated in fig4 a and 4b with reference to fig9 a to 9d and fig1 a to 10c . refer to known semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing techniques or patent document 2 for the details . note that fig9 a to 9d and fig1 a to 10c illustrate the concepts of the manufacturing process and do not show specific cross sections . first , a box layer 302 , an soi layer 303 a , and an soi layer 303 b are formed over a surface of a substrate 301 of a semiconductor or the like by known semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturing techniques . next , read gates 304 a and 304 b are formed , and an impurity is added to the soi layer 303 a and the soi layer 303 b by using these gates as a mask to form impurity regions 305 a to 305 d . here , the impurity region 305 a corresponds to the back gate of the back gate transistor 108 or the back gate line 111 in fig4 a . the read gates 304 a and 304 b correspond to the gates of the read transistors 119 in fig4 a and 4b . then , a first interlayer insulator 306 is formed and then is planarized to expose top surfaces of the read gates 304 a and 304 b . first layer wirings 307 a to 307 e and a first embedment insulator 308 are formed . subsequently , an oxide semiconductor layer 309 a and an oxide semiconductor layer 309 b are formed , and a gate insulator 310 is formed so as to cover them . then , second layer wirings 311 a to 311 e are formed . the second layer wiring 311 a here corresponds to the gate of the back gate transistor 108 or the bit line controlling line 112 in fig4 a . the second layer wirings 311 c and 311 d correspond to the write word lines 115 in fig4 a and 4b . the second layer wirings 311 b and 311 e correspond to the read word lines 116 in fig4 a and 4b . a second interlayer insulator 312 with a plane surface is formed . then , contact plugs 313 a , 313 b , and 313 c connected to the first layer wirings 307 a , 307 b , and 307 d are formed . third layer wirings 314 a and 314 b are formed . the third layer wirings 314 a and 314 b correspond to the bit line 104 in fig4 a . a third interlayer insulator 315 is formed . any other wirings , interlayer insulators , and the like may additionally be formed . through the aforementioned process , a semiconductor memory device including a back gate transistor 316 , a read transistor 317 , a write transistor 318 , and a capacitor 319 is formed . the back gate transistor 316 corresponds to the back gate transistor 108 in fig4 a . the read transistor 317 , the write transistor 318 , and the capacitor 319 form one memory cell . the read transistor 317 , the write transistor 318 , and the capacitor 319 correspond to the read transistor 119 , the write transistor 118 , and the capacitor 120 in fig4 b , respectively . note that fig1 c illustrates two memory cells ( a memory cell 320 a and a memory cell 320 b ). these memory cells are connected to the same bit line . this application is based on japanese patent application serial no . 2011 - 129685 filed with japan patent office on jun . 10 , 2011 , the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference .
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turning now to the drawings and , more particularly to fig1 and 2 , the basic structure of a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated . here , an under - pavement light armature is shown , for example , as it can be used on the runway 1 of an airport . the runway and associated ground support comprise the support base for the signal lamp of the present invention . the light armature has a housing 2 , which is cemented in a known manner into runway 1 . a round cover 3 is attached to the housing 2 . vehicles can run over this cover . as seen in fig2 the cover 3 includes two generally flat recessed segments 4 , which lie between two segments 5 that are raised by a few millimeters . also , more than two flat segments 4 or only one may be provided . a light processing assembly 6 , also discussed herein as optics , is arranged in approximately the middle of each recessed segment 4 . the structure will be discussed in greater detail below . a lamp 8 is disposed in approximately the center of the housing 2 , below cover 3 . the lamp 8 is arranged in a parabolic reflector 9 , so that its light will impinge on the light processing assembly 6 upward as an essentially “ parallel ”, i . e ., neither convergent nor divergent , light beam 10 . the light source consists of a lamp 8 and a reflector 9 . the reflector 9 , optionally , as well as the light source with lamp 8 , is appropriately removably attached onto a mounting plate 12 , which in turn supports each of the light processing assemblies 6 on the respective base 13 . the light source is arranged in a holder 14 and is connected to the power source through a plug connection 15 . the light source can also be mounted separately in the lower part . the signal light of the present invention is generally suitable for an essentially flush incorporation into traffic surfaces . the term “ essentially flush ” indicates that the projection above the traffic surface is on the order of a few millimeters . the present inventive signal light protrudes above the traffic surface by a maximum of 6 mm , has no recesses in which water could collect and is constructed so robustly that vehicles can drive over it . a first preferred embodiment of the light processing assembly 6 can be seen in fig3 . in general , light processing assembly 6 collects incoming parallel light beam 10 impinging on it from underneath , deflects it to the horizontal direction and emits it again as a substantially parallel , i . e . neither divergent or convergent , light beam . as seen in fig3 light processing assembly 6 consists of a prismatic transparent body , preferably made of borosilicate glass and is constructed so as to be essentially translational - symmetrical in the direction generally perpendicular to incoming light . borosilicate glass is preferred because of its resistance to temperature shock or temperature changes . as previously addressed , the light processing assembly 6 rests with its base 13 on a mounting plate 12 . toward the top , it is protected by a cover plate 20 , which is screwed into the cover 3 . the light processing assembly 6 is sealed with a hardenable putty 19 against cover 3 , so that the inside of the device is effectively sealed and at the same time can withstand thermal dilatations of the component parts , in addition to shock and vibrations . the housing includes a light emitting aperture 30 , at which the light outlet , or exit surface , 25 of the light processing assembly 6 is disposed . the light processing assembly 6 includes first and second arrangements for receiving and directing light either formed therein or operatively associated therewith , depending on the embodiment , with the first arrangement for receiving and directing light being disposed at a light inlet portion of the housing . the second arrangement for receiving and directing light is disposed a predetermined distance from the first arrangement for receiving and directing light within the light processing assembly 6 . with reference to the first preferred embodiment illustrated in fig3 the first arrangement for receiving and directing light is disposed at the entry region of the light processing assembly 6 and is formed by a approximately cylindrical lens surface 21 arched , or curved toward the outside , which deviates the entering light radiation 10 into a convergent light beam 22 , that is , converging toward the second arrangement for receiving and directing light . the convergent light beam 22 impinges on the second arrangement for receiving and directing light , namely , a mirror surface 23 of the light processing assembly 6 , which is formed by a mirrored surface area curved cylindrically toward the inside . the curvature of the mirror surface 23 is designed so that the convergent light beam 22 is deflected into a linearly extending light beam 24 , which has an elevation angle of approximately 5 °. the light beam 24 impinges essentially perpendicularly onto the exit surface 25 of light processing assembly 6 and leaves the signal light through the light emitting aperture 30 as light beam 18 . the light from the light source is intensified during its passage through the light processing assembly of the present invention . as a result of the focusing action of the curved lens surface 21 , the cross - sectional area of the light field is reduced upon passage through the light processing assembly so that its intensity , i . e . the radiation output per transparent cross - sectional unit area ( cm 2 ) is greater at the exit than at the entry and the entry area has a larger cross - sectional area than the exit area . this permits the light outlet 25 to be designed very small , so that the projection of the device above the pavement can remain small . the small size of the light outlet 25 also reduces the danger of damage , for example , during snow removal or cleaning work . in this connection , it is also advantageous that the light outlet 25 is flat and thus it is more difficult to damage functionally . preferably , the entry lens surface 21 and the light outlet 25 of light processing assembly 6 are provided with suitable coatings . a dichroic filter can be applied to the entry lens surface 21 , which reflects heat radiation in the infrared region or which allows only light of a certain wavelength region to be transmitted . for example , on the light outlet 25 , one can apply a dirt - repellant and / or scratch - resistant coating . alternatively , or in addition to this , a transparent protective plate can be arranged on the exit side of the light outlet 25 , which can also be designed so that it is optically effective . for example , it may have a fresnel structure . the design of the optics according to fig3 is preferred , because only one glass optical body is necessary . as a result of this , the manufacture and adjustment are simpler and reflection losses are smaller . however , several embodiments of the invention are possible . while six embodiments of the present invention are herein described and illustrated , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other versions of the present signal light are attainable without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . thus , for example , fig4 illustrates a second preferred embodiment in which the light processing assembly 6 is made of a prism portion 6 a and a plane convex cylindrical lens 6 b . the plane - convex cylindrical lens 6 b focuses the entering beam 10 in the same way as the curved entry surface 21 of the first embodiment . the deflection of the beam is done again with the aid of a cylindrical mirror 23 . fig5 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the light processing assembly with a prismatic body 6 c and a convex - concave collecting light processing assembly 6 d . here , the entering light beam 10 is collected by the cylindrical outward - arching entry surface 26 and again converted by the cylindrical inwardly arched surface 27 into a parallel light beam again . the “ arching ” curvature is taken with respect to the central portion of the light processing assembly 6 d . the prismatic body 6 c acts as a mirror prism to deflect the light beam without its divergence being changed . the fourth preferred embodiment according to fig6 is constructed essentially the same way . however , it shows that the surfaces 26 and 27 can be designed as fresnel lenses or cylindrical lens segments , respectively . in the same way , it is possible to use holographic lenses , especially when , instead of an incandescent lamp 8 , an essentially monochromatic semiconductor light source is used . fig7 shows the a fifth variant of the light processing assembly 6 in which it is assumed that the parallel light beam 10 runs essentially flat already from the light source so that , at most , a slight deflection is necessary and the mirror can be omitted . in this case , a convex - concave glass optical body can be used as the light processing assembly 6 , the cylindrical , outward curved entry surface 26 of which collects the light and the cylindrical inwardly curved exit surface of which again produces an essentially parallel light beam 18 with the desired inclination . in the practical examples discussed so far , it was assumed that the exiting light beam 18 is essentially linearly directed or parallel , that is , that its divergence is small , for example , ± 5 °. however , depending on the requirements , only the divergence in the vertical direction should be so small , while the horizontal divergence should be higher e . g ., in curves on a taxiway . a corresponding radiation field 18 is illustrated in fig8 . this radiation field is “ parallel ” that is , nondivergent , only in the vertical direction , while it has a large divergence in the horizontal direction . there are various possibilities for producing a radiation field 18 according to fig8 . thus , in the embodiment according to fig3 for example , the entry lens surface 21 can be designed to be convex or concave in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing or it can be provided with scattering ribs which run parallel to the plane of the drawing . however , the mirror surface 23 or the light outlet 25 may be designed for producing a divergent radiation field in the horizontal direction , again by using suitable curvature or scattering bodies . finally , the light source may be designed in such a way that already the entering light beam is divergent in one direction , i . e ., in the direction perpendicular to the plane of fig3 . by designing the entry lens surface 21 , 26 , so that it is concave , it can be achieved , in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of fig3 that the light beam 22 is convergent in both directions . as a result of this , a smaller mirror surface 23 and light outlet 25 is necessary . if the exiting light beam 18 should be linearly extending in both directions simultaneously , that is , should have small divergence in the horizontal and vertical direction , then , for example , the mirror surface 23 or the light outlet 25 can be provided with a corresponding curvature which compensates again the divergence of the light beam 24 in the horizontal direction . fig9 illustrates a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention using light diodes ( leds ) 31 as light source 8 . the leds are mounted to a common support 32 , e . g . a curved printed circuit board , and they are arranged in a cylindrically curved matrix . fig9 shows a cross section of this matrix , which matrix is extending perpendicular to the plane of the drawing . the axes of the leds all meet in a common line , i . e . the leds generate a cylindrically converging input light field 10 . light processing assembly 6 is a single prism having a flat input surface section 33 for receiving the light 10 from the leds . this light impinges on curved mirror 23 formed by a mirror surface section of light processing assembly 6 . the curvature of mirror 23 is such that the reflected light is substantially parallel in vertical direction , i . e . the light &# 39 ; s aperture in vertical direction is small . the reflected light exits through the flat exit surface section 25 and exit aperture 30 . preferably , leds of different colors are used . they can either be operated together to generate substantially white light , or they can be operated in blocks of differing colors to generate colored light , e . g . for signaling purposes . in the embodiments shown so far , the optics was embedded in a putty 21 . however , one can also consider equipping the optics with a suitable tight sleeve and replacement system so that , if necessary , it can be replaced simply . it will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of a broad utility and application . many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described , as well as many variations , modifications and equivalent arrangements , will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof , without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention . accordingly , while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment , it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention . the foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments , adaptations , variations , modifications and equivalent arrangements , the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof .
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whilst for connivance of explanation , the description focuses mainly in umd that is utilized by rescue forces in disaster areas , those versed in the art will readily appreciate that the umd of the invention is by no means bound by this application . accordingly , the umd of the invention may be utilized by an operator or operators in any area of interest . the und : a umd in accordance with the invention is adapted to function as a robot scout to reconnoiter a disaster area . as shown in fig1 ( a ) and 1 ( b ) , the basic structure of umd 10 is constituted by a toroidal duct 11 surrounding a rotor and propeller assembly 12 and a main center body 13 . centerbody 13 is supported within duct 11 by structured elements such as an array of struts 14 . this basic structure creates a ducted aerodynamic fan blowing an air stream through the duct which acts to propel the umd . the embodiment of the umd illustrated herein is highly compact and light weight . duct 11 has a diameter 0 . 4 meters . the gross take - off weight of the umd is 2 kg ( 2000 grams ). the primary structural material for the umd is kelvar which has a high strength - to - weight ratio . the invention can , of course , be embodied in other robot scout structures having different weights and dimensions . centerbody 13 houses the main engine , the energy source and the electronics compartment containing a computer unit . in the present embodiment , the main rotor engine is an electrical brushless dc motor having 200 watts output power . the energy source is constituted by a bank of lithium batteries . structure elements 14 fix the centerbody 13 to the duct 11 . the air mobility capability of the umd is based essentially on the concept of a ducted fan vtol air vehicle as described in the ebbert et . al . u . s . pat . no . 5 , 295 , 643 . a circular array of control vanes 15 mounted within toroidal duct 11 affords the aerodynamic means required to control the flight and attitude of the umd . in operation , when the driven propellers in the ducted fan rotate to blow an air stream in the downward vertical direction , this provides the umd with the necessary lift forces . to cause the umd to descend vertically toward the ground , the rotor speed is reduced . the legs of the umd are then outstretched to function as landing gear . upon landing at a disaster site or elsewhere , the legs function to maintain the robot erect and as a walking mechanism . when the umd is aloft , its flight direction is controlled by the four vanes 15 which intercept the air stream being blown out of the duct to produce a lateral force causing the umd to fly in the north , south , east or west direction depending on the angular position of the four vanes in the circular array shown in fig1 ( a ). to support the geo - navigation and flight control functions of the umd , several sensors are required for this purpose . these include ( see fig6 which shows the units in the electronics compartment ) the following : ( a ) three piezoelectric gyros 62 ( such as piezo gyro model hxm1010 , commercially available from heli - max which weighs only 13 grams ) actuation means for flight control include rotor - control 76 and control vane servo actuators 77 for the four vanes . the required set of sensors 17 as shown in fig1 ( a ) are assembled in a housing 16 mounted on the exterior of the toroidal duct . a communication unit 18 provided with an antenna 19 is mounted on the outer surface of the ducted fan 11 . low weight components are preferred for implementing communication unit 18 . for example fm receiver model tetra 301fm , commercially available from fma direct inc ., weighs only 14 grams and provides the onboard end of the uplink 68 ( see fig6 ). a video transmitter model tsg tx , commercially available from the security group which also weighs only 14 grams , provides the onboard end of the downlink 69 . communication unit 18 establishes a two - way wireless data link between umd 10 and remotely - located operating personnel . it also establishes a two - way wireless data link between umd 10 and other umds in order to coordinate a mission assigned to a group of umds . those versed in the art will readily appreciate that the invention is by no mean bound by the specific structure of the umd in accordance with fig1 ( a ) and 1 ( b ), and by the same token it is not bound by the system architecture , described with reference to fig6 . various approaches have heretofore been proposed to solve the problem of command and control of multiple unmanned mobile systems . in accordance with a preferred embodiment , a distributed - decentralized architecture is utilized , the details of which are disclosed in yavnai a ., “ distributed decentralized architecture for autonomous cooperative operation of multiple agent system ”, in proceedings of ieee symposium on autonomous underwater vehicle technology , jul . 19 - 20 , 1994 , cambridge , pp . 61 - 67 and guelman , m ., and yavnai , a ., u . s . pat . no . 5 , 340 , 056 , 1994 . the all - terrain ground mobility of the scouting device is achieved by using active multiple mechanical legs to support the umd and cause it to walk on the terrain of the disaster site . fig1 ( a ) illustrates a situation in which the legs are in a retracted state . fig1 ( b ) illustrates a situation where the legs are in an extended outstretched position . in the present embodiment four legs are provided which are similar to those shown in fig1 of u . s . pat . no . 5 , 842 , 533 to takeuchi . in the present embodiment , each leg has two links , namely , an upper link 21 and a lower link 20 . the kinematic arrangement of the leg &# 39 ; s joints and links of the present invention is similar to that shown in fig9 of the paynter , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 040 , 626 . upper link 21 is actuated by a double - actuator 22 mounted on the external surface of the duct 11 . an active joint 23 provides a relative one - degree - of - freedom controlled motion between upper link 21 and lower link 20 , each lower link 20 having a foot 24 . the legs also function as landing gear struts , preferably with energy absorbing capability . the legs are capable of compensating for ground irregularities , so that the main body of umd 10 is kept in a level state . a payload housing 25 is mounted on top of centerbody 13 above the rotor assembly . housing 25 has an optical window 26 to protect the internal electro - optical sensors and associated electronics . the main sensor housed in payload housing 25 is a video camera 70 such as a ccd video camera with resolution of 256 × 256 pixels , such as model sg - 2000 - cmos , commercially available from the security group , ( weighing 5 grams ). a light emitting unit is aligned with the video camera 70 line - of - sight to facilitate camera operation under low light conditions . an infra - red uncooled camera 71 ( see fig6 ) is also included as an option . payload housing 25 is capable of rotating 360 degrees around an axis which is aligned with the central axis of the centerbody 13 and with the axis of rotation of the rotor . this rotation is effected by a light weight dc servo motor 79 . a suitable motor for this purpose is dc servo model ls - 3 . 0 commercially available from wes - technik , germany ( weight 3 grams ). whilst in the example above the payload includes housing 25 equipped with window 26 for accommodating video camera 70 and possibly also ir camera 71 , by another embodiment other payload equipment may be employed in addition or in lieu of the specified video camera and ir camera , depending upon the designated mission ( s ) of the unm . turning now to fig2 umd 10 is capable of operating in several alternative modes . in a standing mode 30 , umd 10 is supported by the legs extended therefrom which support the weight of the umd and also compensate for ground irregularities in order to maintain umd &# 39 ; s main body in a level state . in a hovering mode 31 , umd 10 is capable of moving in one of three alternate directions : ( 1 ) vertical take - off 35 ; ( 2 ) vertical landing 34 ; and ( 3 ) hovering flight 36 . it is also capable of hovering above the same ground location in a keep - on - station mode . in cruise dash flying mode 32 , umd 10 then flies in direction 37 . in a walking mode 33 , umd 10 then walks on the ground or climbs stairs in the general direction 38 . in a ground mobility mode umd 10 can creep or otherwise move along the ground using the legs as supporting mechanisms . fig3 ( a ) and 3 ( b ) show umd 10 in an exemplary walking mode . fig3 ( a ) being a top view and fig3 ( b ) a side view . umd 10 is shown moving on an uneven terrain 27 in the general direction 28 . in the present embodiment , umd 10 has four legs , each leg being constituted by two interconnected links — the upper link 21 and the lower link 20 . the upper link 21 is actuated by a double - actuator 22 which is mounted on the external surface of the duct 11 . the double - actuator 22 provides two one - degrees - of - freedom controlled rotary motions around axes perpendicular to upper link 21 . in the present embodiment , each degree - of - freedom of the double - actuator 22 is provided by a light - weight ( several grams ) rotary dc servo brushless motor such as dc servo model ls - 3 . 0 , commercially available from wes - technik , germany ( weight 3 grams ). an active joint 23 provides a relative one - degree - of - freedom controlled rotary motion between upper link 21 and lower link 20 . the one - degree - of - freedom motion of the active joint 23 of the present embodiment is also provided by a light weight ( several grams ) rotary dc servo brushless motor such as the above noted dc servo model ls - 3 . 0 . all three degrees - of - freedom of each leg are rotary , and each one thereof is provided by a one - degree - of - freedom rotary actuator . the kinematic arrangement of the leg &# 39 ; s joints and links of the present invention is by one embodiment similar to that shown in fig9 u . s . pat . no . 5 , 040 , 626 to paynter . the double - actuator 22 provides the two rotary motions around axes which are analogous to axis 1 and axis 2 in fig9 of the paynter patent . actuator 23 provides the rotary motions around an axis which is analogous to axis 3 in the above - noted fig9 . the total number of active controlled degrees - of - freedom of the walking mechanism in the present embodiment is therefore twelve . each lower link 20 has a foot 24 . the foot can be either fixed to the lower link 20 , or can be linked to the lower link 20 via a pivot or via a passive elastic energy absorbing element such as a spring , or a combination thereof . the legs also function as landing gear struts , preferably with energy absorbing capability . the legs are capable of compensating for ground irregularities to keep the main body level . automatic control of legged locomotion is necessary in order to exploit the all - terrain mobility of the umd . it is particularly required in a disrupted terrain or environment , such as when ruined buildings are encountered by the umd . this capability raises relatively complex control problems . for example , in the present embodiment up to as many as twelve degrees - of - freedom must be controlled simultaneously . thus , the control system is called upon to issue as many as twelve coordinated commands to the actuators , ( e . g ., to dc servo motors ) simultaneously , in real time . some of the principles of controlling the multi - legged walking mechanisms in the present embodiment are based on techniques described in the following publications : a ) todd , d . j ., “ walking machines — an introduction to legged robots ”, kogan page ltd ., london u . k ., 1985 , pp . 91 - 150 ; b ) song , shin - min , et . al ., “ machines that walk ”, the mit press , cambridge , mass ., 1989 , pp . 23 - 164 ; c ) chen , chun - hung et . al ., “ motion planning of walking robots in environments with uncertainty ”, journal of robotic systems , john wiley & amp ; sons , inc ., volume 16 , no . 10 , pp . 527 - 545 , 1999 . the invention is , of course , not bound by these techniques . when umd 10 is walking in general direction 28 , a plurality of sensors are activated in order to determine its geographical location ; the geometrical features of the surrounding environment ; its position relative to other objects ; and any obstacles in its way . the plurality of sensors 17 which encompass a 360 degrees field of view satisfies these needs . also supporting these needs are the electro - optical sensors housed in payload housing 25 , these being directed forward through optical window 26 which is capable of rotating 360 degrees around its main axis . some of the sensing devices and techniques used in the present embodiment are disclosed in : a ) borenstein , j ., et . al ., “ mobile robot positioning — sensors and techniques ”, the journal of robotic systems , vol . 14 , no . 4 , 1997 , pp . 231 - 249 ; b ) borenstein , j ., et . al ., “ navigating mobile robots : sensors and techniques ”, a . k . peters ltd ., wellesley , mass ., 1995 ; c ) adams , martin david , “ sensor modeling , design and data processing for autonomous navigation ”, world scientific publishers , singapore , 1999 , pp . 153 - 208 . the invention is , of course , not bound by these techniques . it is known to use computer - controlled visual techniques for navigation and for obstacle detection and avoidance . some of the visual devices and techniques for this purpose include the present embodiment , and are described in : a ) movarec , hans p ., “ robot rover visual navigation ”, umi research press , ann arbor , mich ., 1981 , pp . 49 - 147 ; b ) robert , luc , et . al ., “ applications of non - metric vision to some visually guided robotic tasks ”, in aloimonos , yiannis , ed ., “ visual navigation — from biological systems to unmanned ground vehicles ”, lawrence erlbaum associates publishers , mahwah , n . j ., 1997 , pp . 89 - 134 ; c ) weng , j . j ., et . al .,“ visual navigation using fast content - based retrieval ”, in aloimonos , yiannis , ed ., “ visual navigation — from biological systems to unmanned ground vehicles ”, lawrence erlbaum associates publishers , mahwah , n . j ., 1997 , pp . 178 - 217 ; d ) dean , thomas , et . al ., “ planning and navigation in stochastic environments ”, in aloimonos , yiannis , ed ., “ visual navigation - from biological systems to unmanned ground vehicles ”, lawrence erlbaum associates publishers , mahwah , n . j ., 1997 , pp ., 251 - 274 . the invention is , of course , not bound by these techniques . path planning techniques employed in the present embodiment are based , e . g . on techniques described in the following references : a ) a system for obstacle avoidance and path planning disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 502 , 638 to takenaka b ) “ motion planning of walking robots in environments with uncertainty ”, chen et . al ., journal of robotic systems , john wiley & amp ; sons , inc ., volume 16 , no . 10 , pp . 527 - 545 , 1999 . the problem of indoor navigation falls into two categories ; namely navigating with an a - priori map or database ; and navigating without this map or database . where an a - priori map is available , the navigation function uses a - prior data about the building layout , by employing appropriate lfms — local feature maps ( see fig8 ( a ) and 8 ( b )). if an a - priori map is not available or if the object 54 to be visited has been damaged so that the a - priori map is no longer a true representation of the actual object , then a different navigation procedure is executed , the so - called “ navigating in a maze ”. a process called “ map building ” is then a part of the navigation process . in order to meet the requirements for a highly compact and light weight umd , use is made in the present embodiment of miniature light weight sensors . for example , a ccd camera with a resolution of 256 × 256 pixles is only 5 grams in weight . ( model sg - 2000 - cmos , commercially available from the security group ) also usable are acoustic sensors which weigh only 5 grams each , or infra - red led - based range finders which weigh only 5 grams each . scenario : referring now to fig4 illustrated therein is a typical , yet not exclusive , scenario of a umd executing a data gathering and situation - monitoring mission within a disaster site . an operator 40 is put in charge of operating umd 10 and of supervising its operation from a safe location , preferably in the vicinity of the disaster area . when arriving at the station from which to launch umd 10 on its scouting mission and to thereafter manage its operation , operator 40 then has the following series of pre - mission activities to undertake : a ) unpack umd 10 from its protective packaging ; b ) place umd 10 on an uncluttered surface for safe take - off and landing ; c ) press a key on the command and control portable unit keyboard in order to transmit an on command ( see oncmd 99 in fig7 ) so as to “ wake - up ” umd 10 and change its state from system non - active state 89 to system preparing state 90 . upon entering the state of system preparing 90 , a built - in - testing (“ bit ”) is automatically initiated ; d ) using the command and control portable unit 41 to edit a mission ; e ) press a key on the command and control portable unit keyboard in order to download the mission plan file to umd 10 via wireless data link 42 . when this pre - mission series of activities is completed , umd 10 is now ready for its mission . it is important that the pre - mission procedure be accelerated to enable a fast reaction to a disaster situation . thus , the mission edition activity , the most time consuming activity of all pre - mission activities , is designed to be as rapid and as simple as possible . the mission editing display is shown in fig5 . as previously mentioned , operator 40 uses a command and control portable unit 41 to edit a mission plan and to control operation of umd 10 while on its mission . a wireless communication unit 49 is connected to the command and control portable unit 42 , thereby establishing a two - way data link with umd 10 and with self - contained unattended sensor means 46 , if these are deployed by umd 10 . after a mission plan is edited and generated , it is transmitted and downloaded to umd 10 via wireless data link 42 . while in operation , operator 40 may transmit orders to umd 10 and receive data from it via data link 42 . as shown in fig4 umd 10 is travelling along the planned path 43 in the general direction 44 . and in a manner appropriate to the situation , umd 10 is moving in various alternate modes , as described in connection with fig2 . in the actual scenario illustrated in fig4 umd 10 is moving either outside or inside a burning building 45 . when umd 10 is walking or otherwise moving within this building , it then navigates its way either with or without an a - priori map . where an a - priori map is available and is applicable to the situation , the navigation function uses a - priori data about the building layout , by employing the appropriate lfms — local feature maps ( see fig8 ( a ) and 8 ( b )). when an a - priori map is not available or where the building 45 to be explored has been so damaged that an a - priori map is no longer applicable , a different navigation procedure is executed and a process called “ map building ” becomes a part of the navigation process . as may be appropriate to the circumstances , umd 10 can land vertically , stand for a while on a supporting surface , take - off vertically , and then hover over the site . this sequence of movements can be repeated when necessary . when umd 10 is gathering data and monitoring the situation , its sensors are then operative . the electro - optical sensor housed in payload housing 25 has a field - of - view 48 which is directed forward in the direction of movement or toward an area of interest . other sensors which constitute payload whose activation depends on the specific situation may include a microphone 72 , a smoke detector 73 and a gas detector 74 . it may also be desirable to include a seismograph to sense earth tremors . umd 10 , when landing vertically , can then deploy by using a device release actuator 80 , self - contained unattended sensor means 46 for further data gathering in the disaster area . sensor means 46 which may be situated on various supporting surfaces such as on the ground transmits data it gathers to communication unit 49 attached to the command and control portable unit 41 via a wireless data link 47 . shown in fig5 is an overhead view of display 50 of the command and control portable unit 41 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention . display 50 comprises a video display window 51 , as well as an alphanumeric display window 53 . when umd 10 is on the disaster site , a scene 52 sensed by the electro - optical video sensor , ( see video camera 70 in fig6 ) and transmitted from umd 10 via wireless rf data link 42 to the communication unit 49 , is displayed on video display window 51 . the largest area of the display is then used for the graphical symbolic representation of the main elements of the mission plan . by way of example , two objects 54 in the disaster site have to be monitored . operator 40 edits a mission plan consists by this embodiment of the following elements : a ) a mission starting and terminating location st 55 ; b ) a travelling route represented by an ordered series of way - points , wp 56 , connected by route segments 58 . in the example shown in fig5 there are seven way - points wp 56 designated wp 1 to wp 7 by the order they are planned to travel . each wp 56 represents a specific location ; c ) a series of ordered device deployment locations dd 57 . in fig5 there are two dd 57 points , dd 1 and dd 2 ; d ) a return segment 59 which connects the last way - point wp 7 to the terminal point 55 ; e ) an indoor travelling segment inside an object to be monitored , this segment being between wp 5 and wp 6 . in a situation where local feature maps - lfms , ( see fig8 b ), of the object 54 to be monitored , are available a - priori , these are linked to the mission plan and downloaded from the memory storage of the command and control portable unit 41 to umd 10 , along with the mission plan . for such situations , the command and control portable unit 41 has a data base of the lfms , ( see fig8 ( a ) and 8 ( b )) of objects in the disaster area . this data base is downloaded and stored in the command and control portable unit 41 before going to the disaster area . as shown in fig6 the functional architecture of the electronics unit is of the “ bus network topology ” type . computer unit 60 is connected to all of the associated elements via a local area network — lan 61 . computer unit 60 is provided with processing elements , memory elements , and i / o elements and whatever other elements are desirable to execute all of the required computations , such as : a ) flight control ; b ) navigation ; c ) sensor data processing ; d ) multi - legged control ; e ) path planning and obstacle avoidance . in umd 10 , a set of three piezoelectric gyros 62 are used to measure the angular rate about three perpendicular axes which together establish a right - handed orthonormal coordinate system . gps receiver 63 provides location and velocity navigational information , while a magnetometer 64 provides directional data with respect to the geomagnetic field which is in turn related to the geographic coordinate system and thus provides approximated azimuth information . a set of piezoelectric tilt sensors 65 serve to determine the attitude of the umd 10 with respect to the gravity vector . also provided are infra - red (“ ir ”) light emitting diodes (“ led ”)- based rangefinders 66 to effect short range distance measurements ( effective up to about 10 meters ) to surrounding objects . these measurements provide crucial data for positioning , navigating and obstacle avoidance when umd 10 is moving in its ground mobility mode . in the present embodiment , each rangefinder 66 weighs only 5 grams . a plurality of acoustic rangefinders 67 are also used for measuring distance to the surrounding objects . the addition of acoustic rangefinders 67 affords more comprehensive coverage than when using only ir - led rangefinders 66 . the two - way wireless data link of the robot scout is preferably a radio - frequency rf data link . it comprises a rf uplink 68 for communicating data to umd 10 , and an rf downlink 69 for communicating data , including video data , from the umd . a commercially - available receiver for this purpose may weigh as little as 12 grams for a range of over 2 kilometers . a commercially - available video transmitter may weigh as little as 14 grams for a range of over 4 kilometers , providing that a line - of - sight exists between the transmitter and receiver . a video camera 70 , preferably a ccd type , serves to provide : a ) a close - up viewing of the disaster site which can be displayed to remote operator 40 ; b ) a visual sensor for visual positioning , navigation and obstacle avoidance . similar arrangements are described in : a ) movarec , hans p ., “ robot rover visual navigation ”, umi research press , ann arbor , mich ., 1981 , pp . 49 - 147 ; b ) robert , luc , et . al ., “ applications of non - metric vision to some visually guided robotic tasks ”, in aloimonos , yiannis , ed ., “ visual navigation — from biological systems to unmanned ground vehicles ”, lawrence erlbaum associates publishers , mahwah , n . j ., 1997 , pp . 89 - 134 ; c ) weng , j . j ., et . al .,“ visual navigation using fast content - based retrieval ”, in aloimonos , yiannis , ed ., “ visual navigation - from biological systems to unmanned ground vehicles ”, lawrence erlbaum associates publishers , mahwah , n . j ., 1997 , pp . 178 - 217 ; d ) dean , thomas , et . al ., “ planning and navigation in stochastic environments ”, in aloimonos , yiannis , ed ., “ visual navigation — from biological systems to unmanned ground vehicles ”, lawrence erlbaum associates publishers , mahwah , n . j ., 1997 , pp ., 251 - 274 . the invention is , of course , not bound by these arrangements . in practice , flood lights may be added to the umd in order to provide acceptable light conditions for the camera , especially in indoor situations . an uncooled infra - red camera 71 may be used for poor light situations , as well as a hot spot detector . for situation monitoring missions , such as for finding missing people in ruined buildings use may be made of microphones 72 . acoustic signals received by the microphones 72 are conveyed to operator 40 at the remote station via the rf downlink 69 . a smoke detector 73 provides means to detect sources of smoke and smoke - generating situations . a gas detector 74 serves to detect gas contamination , especially in areas of high and dangerous gas concentration . the legs of umd 10 may be equipped with leg load sensors 75 for controlling the multi - legged walking . as an alternative , measuring the current at the leg servo motors may provide the necessary control information . a rotor control function 76 provides the command signals necessary to control rotor motion . a vane servo actuators function 77 provides the command signals to control vanes 15 . a leg servo actuators function 78 provides the command signals for the plurality of leg actuators . a sensor payload servo actuator 79 provides the command signals to control the payload servo . a device release actuator 80 is used to produce the command signal to the device release actuator when unattended sensor means 46 has to be deployed . power supply 81 supplies all of the electrical power consumed by all onboard units . for this purpose use may be made of a bank of lithium batteries . [ 0107 ] fig7 is a diagram state graph notation of the main operational and mobility modes of umd 10 and of the transitions between these modes , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention . a notation of state is assigned to each mobility mode , as well as to start and standing situations . the following states constitute , by this embodiment , the state graph : a ) system non - active 89 ; b ) system preparing 90 ; c ) standing 91 ; d ) vtol — vertical take - off / landing 92 ; e ) hovering 93 ; f ) transitioning 94 ; g ) dash flying 95 ; h ) walking 96 . in fig7 states 92 through 95 are air mobility states and state 96 is a ground mobility state . prior to the mission , and after completing the mission , the power is preferably off , and umd 10 is then in its system non - active state . upon receiving an on command oncmd 99 from operator 40 via the data link , the state of umd 10 is transitioned to system preparing state 90 . on entering the system preparing state 90 , a built - in - testing (“ bit ”) procedure is automatically initiated . if the bit result is ok , and the mission plan has been downloaded correctly , the condition systemready 100 is logically true , and the state of umd 10 is transitioned to standing state 91 . but if the bit procedure failed , bitfailed condition 112 is true . or in case operator 40 sends a mission abort command abortcmd 112 , the state of umd 10 is transitioned to system non - active state 89 and the umd 10 power is off . depending on the specific phase of the mission , when in standing state 91 , various unm functions may be active , as required . for example , umd 10 when in the standing state 91 may be in a waiting situation , in a data gathering situation , or in a sensor means 46 deploying situation , or in a combination of these situations . upon receiving a takeoffcmd 101 , und 10 is transitioned from standing state 91 to vtol state 92 , starting to take - off . if flying conditions do not exist , the umd is either in a staying or standing state 91 or is transitioned to walking state 96 . while in vtol state 92 , unm 10 is transitioned to hovering state 93 when its altitude approach the desired hovering altitude , the condition hoveringaltitude 102 is then logically true . umd 10 keeps hovering until one of the two following conditions is met : a ) conditions for dash flight exists , condition dashconditionsok 103 is true and umd 10 is then transitioned to intermediate transition state 94 ; b ) a landing command landindcmd 107 was issued , either by remote operator 40 , or internally by its mission controller , and umd 10 is transitioned to vtol state 92 , starting to land . when the umd 10 is touching down a supporting surface , condition touchdown 108 is true , and the unm 10 is transitioned to standing state 91 . upon transitioning from hovering state 93 , to transitioning state 94 , unm 10 is then performing a transitioning maneuver , in which the condition transtodashcompleted 104 is true , and unm 10 then enters the dash flying state 95 . as long as the conditions for flying in a dash flying mode exists , unm 10 remains in this state . if these conditions cease to exist , condition dashconditionsout 105 is true , and umd 10 is transitioned to the temporary transitioning state 94 . upon completing the transitioning maneuver , condition transtohovercompleted 106 is true , and umd 10 is transitioned to hovering state 93 . the transition from an air mobility mode to a ground mobility mode and vice versa , is always carried out by first going to standing state 91 , and thereafter to the desired mobility mode , either ground or air . while in standing state 91 , upon receiving a walkingcmd 109 , umd 10 is transitioned to walking state 96 . the walkingcmd 109 is issued either by remote operator 40 , or internally by the umd mission controller . when in the walking state 96 , und 10 is keep walking unless it comes to the desired destination , atlocation condition 110 is true or stop command stopcmd 110 is issued either by remote operator 40 or internally by the umd mission controller . a situation which is typical for the internal issuance of a stopcmd 110 is when umd 10 encounters a large obstacle while walking . when umd 10 is in standing state 91 , an off command offcmd 111 will transit the umd 10 state from standing state 91 to system non - active state 89 , and umd 10 power will shut - off . offcmd 111 is issued either internally by the umd 10 mission controller or by the remote operator 40 . upon completing the mission , offcmd 111 is usually issued internally . [ 0114 ] fig8 ( a ) shows the layout of a building interior section , while fig8 ( b ) is its associated graph - based data structure representation ( according to one possible variant ), termed local feature map — lfm . by this example , fig8 ( a ) is a layout of a building section consisting of : a ) two corridors c 1 - 121 and c 2 - 122 ; b ) a corner cr 12 120 which connects the two corridors ; c ) four rooms r 1 123 , r 2 124 , r 3 125 , and r 4 126 which are accessed from the corridors through openings ; d ) the following openings : o 1 127 between corridor c 1 121 and room r 1 123 ; o 2 128 between corridor c 1 121 and room r 2 124 ; o 31 and o 32 both between corridor c 2 122 and room r 3 125 ; o 4 131 between corridor c 2 122 and room r 4 126 . [ 0115 ] fig8 ( b ) is an example of the associated local feature map — lfm which is used in the present embodiment to represent the essential features of the building section layout . the data structure which is used to represent the lfm is a non - directional graph ( see even , s ., “ graph algorithms ”, computer science press , maryland , usa , 1979 , for more details on non - directional graphs ). referring now to fig8 ( b ), the root node of the graph is the comer cr 12 140 . it has two associated daughter nodes , corridor c 1 node 141 and corridor c 2 node 142 . the connecting arcs 147 and 148 symbolizes the connection between the comer cr 12 and its connected corridors c 1 and c 2 . corridor c 1 node 141 has two associated daughter nodes namely , room r 1 node 143 and room r 2 node 144 . the connecting arcs 149 and 150 symbolize the associated openings o 1 149 and o 2 150 respectively . similarly , corridor c 2 node 142 has two associated daughter nodes namely , room r 3 node 145 and room r 4 node 146 . the connecting arcs 151 , 152 and 153 symbolizes the associated openings o 31 151 and o 32 152 and o 4 153 , respectively . whenever the layout of the buildings to be monitored by the umd 10 is known a - priori , the associated lfms can be prepared in advance . it should be noted however , that although an lfm is possibly prepared a - priori , during a major disaster , such as an earthquake , so many changes may occur that the original lfm may no longer represent the actual layout . while there has been disclosed a preferred embodiment of a umd functioning as a robot scout , it is to be understood that many changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the following claims :
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fig1 shows a front end loader 1 having a bucket 2 which can be raised and lowered by conventional mechanism 3 operated by cylinders 4 . attached to the bucket 2 is a snow plough accessory 5 , the details of which are shown in fig2 and 3 . as best seen in fig3 a snow plough blade 6 has rigidly attached to its rear face a semicircular beam 7 . radiating from the centre of the semicircle defined by the beam are angular portions 8 of a blade - supporting frame 9 . the frame 9 and blade 6 are pivotally connected by means of a bolt or pin 10 which passes vertically through the frame and through brackets 11 fixed to the blade midway along its length , whereby the blade can swing horizontally relative to the frame . the beam 7 is slidably supported on the radial portions 8 of frame 9 , the beam passing through guides 12 fixed to the radial portions 8 . the radial portions 8 constitute the forward portions of a pair of beams 13 which have parallel rearward portions 14 . pivoted on these rearward portions are brackets 16 which carry hydraulic cylinders 17 . piston rods 18 of the cylinders are pivotally connected at 19 to the semicircular beam 7 . the action of cylinders 17 can be remotely controlled through hoses 21 that can quickly be coupled to lines ( not shown ) running to the operator &# 39 ; s cab 22 , whereby the blade 6 and beam 7 can be swung horizontally about the pivot pin 10 . secured to the undersides of the parallel portions 14 of beams 13 are rearwardly facing angle irons 23 . with the beams 13 these angle irons define rearwardly facing channel structures which receive the lower lip 24 of the bucket 2 . the beams 13 have , at their rearward ends , abutments 25 with forwardly facing surfaces 26 which engage rearwardly facing surfaces 27 of corresponding abutments 28 fixed to the bottom of the bucket 2 . final securement of the frame 9 to the bucket is achieved by a connector arm 29 , which is pivotally connected to the frame 9 about a horizontal pin 30 near the vertical pin 10 , the arm 29 being connected at 31 to an upper part of the bucket 2 by a simple hook or pin connection . the arm 29 may be of adjustable length . angle iron brackets 32 are attached to the rear face of blade 6 to engage bottom corners 33 of the bucket 2 when blade 6 is fully angled about pivot pin 10 . brackets 32 , when thus engaged , serve as bumpers which assist in absorbing any sudden shock which might occur during a ploughing operation , thereby alleviating to some extent stress on cylinders 17 and frame 9 . the snow plough accessory 5 can quickly be attached to the bucket 2 by the operator of the front end loader , working alone . the operator drives the loader to maneuver the lip 24 of the bucket under the frame 9 of the accessory . as he slides the lip 24 forwardly under the frame he lifts the bucket slightly to tilt the frame so that the abutments 25 can pass over the abutments 28 on the bucket , and when the bucket lip 24 enters the channel structure 23 he allows the abutments 25 to drop or hook behind the abutments 28 so that the beams 13 rest on the bottom of the bucket . then he engages the connector arm 29 with the upper portion of the bucket at 31 , and connects the hoses 21 to the abovementioned lines running to his cab . with the accessory connected to the bucket , the lower lip 24 pushes against the channel structure at 23 during a ploughing operation . when the loader is backing up , the connector arm 29 prevents the rear of the frame 9 from lifting and therefore engagement of the abutments 28 , 25 draws the accessory rearwardly . the blade can be swung horizontally by actuating the cylinders 17 from the driver &# 39 ; s cab 22 . the accessory can be lifted upwardly by raising the bucket , if it is desired to push the top of a pile of snow , or the bottom of the blade 6 can be raised over the top of a pile and then lowered so that the top of the pile can be pushed either forwardly ahead of the blade or rearwardly behind it . thus , the blade is highly maneuverable , and the operator has good visibility . snow may also collect in the bucket and be lifted and dumped because there is ample clearance between the blade 6 and bucket 2 . when the bucket is lifted , the forward lip 24 of the bucket is held in the channel structure by the beams 13 which form upper horizontal legs of the channel structure , and similarly the bottom portions of the angle irons 23 form lower legs of the channel structure , preventing separation of the bucket from the accessory . relative forward and rearward movement of the bucket and the accessory is prevented by the engagement of the bucket in the channel structure and by the abutments 25 , 28 . however , it is a simple matter to disconnect the accessory from the bucket by disconnecting the hoses 21 , undoing the connection 31 , and then tilting the bucket so that the abutments 25 , 28 are disengaged and the bucket can be withdrawn from the channel structure . referring to fig4 and 5 , a variant of the snow plough accessory may be used for attachment to a log grapple 40 of a front end loader . the blade 6 and frame 9 may be identical to those already described . the parallel rearward beam portions 14 are open ended thereby providing channel structure into which are inserted lower arms 41 of a conventional log grapple 40 . the frame 9 is secured to the grapple 40 by an adjustable connector arm 29 , pivotally connected at 30 to the frame 9 , the arm 29 being connected at 42 to an upper part of the grapple by a simple hook or pin connection . the grapple has a conventional upper arm 43 that can be remotely controlled by a cylinder 44 , the lower arms being connectable by eyes 45 to the manipulation mechanism 3 of the front end loader . the snow plough accessory can be quickly attached to the log grapple simply by maneuvering the lower arms 41 into the channel structures defined by beam portions 14 , and then engaging arm 29 with the upper portion of the grapple at 42 . hoses 21 of cylinders 17 are connected to lines running to operator &# 39 ; s cab 22 by means of quick coupling devices . said hose lines may be disconnected from cylinder 44 , thus freeing them for use in operating cylinders 17 . with the accessory connected , the lower arms 41 push against the channel structure at 48 during a ploughing operation . the length of the channel structure and the attachment of arm 29 prevents disengagement of the accessory when the loader is backing up . the blade 6 is fully functional as described when attached to a bucket . the accessory may be easily disconnected simply by reversing the connection steps outlined above . modifications to the preferred embodiments will readily occur to those skilled in the art .
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the light and proprietary ( lp ) embodiment of the present invention exploits smart messages that may be implemented as bearer - independent objects ( bio ), or exploits unconfirmed wireless access protocol ( wap ) push messaging . according to the alternative heavy and open ( ho ) embodiment , implementation is accomplished according to syncml device management . syncml dm is very memory - intensive , and many terminals will not be able to support this feature . if a mobile terminal already supports syncml dm then this may be the most efficient of the two alternative preferred embodiments . referring now to fig1 , this flow chart illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the present invention . the user input 102 a mobile terminal identifier ( which may be as simple as a telephone number ), plus a personal identification code that is different from a pin used to operate the mobile terminal , and the user enters these inputs at a location separate from the mobile terminal , which has presumably been lost , misplaced , stolen , or the like . an attendant then receives 104 these user inputs entered in step 102 . the attendant may be automated or human or both , and typically would be linked to the user by a telephone connection . the attendant will determine 106 whether the mobile terminal employs synchronization markup language device management . if so , then the attendant will send 108 a guard message using synchronization markup language dm , and will do so repeatedly until the guard message is acknowledged ( this is the ho embodiment ). however , if the mobile terminal does not employ synchronization markup language dm then the attendant will send 110 the guard message , repeatedly if necessary , using either wap push messaging or smart message bio ( this is the lp embodiment ). the mobile terminal will then authenticate 112 the guard message , which of course could entail verifying the non - operational pin entered in step 102 . if the guard message is authenticated , then the mobile terminal will lock communication and secure data 114 . this will not necessarily completely prevent communication from the mobile terminal , but it will at least greatly restrict it , while also making stored data less accessible . especially sensitive data ( or all data ) may be deleted , although the user may request that the sensitive data first be uploaded with encryption to the attendant ( for safekeeping or transfer to the user ), prior to its deletion from the mobile terminal . a thief might try to remove a battery , or otherwise deprive the mobile terminal of power , in order to ensure that the mobile terminal cannot respond to any guard message , and cannot reveal its location . therefore , a user may purchase a mobile terminal that is equipped with a small emergency power unit that cannot be easily removed ; that small emergency power unit can provide sufficient power for the mobile terminal to respond to the guard message by at least locking communication and securing data , if not by uploading data that is subsequently secured ( e . g . deleted ). regarding message construction , in the lp embodiment , the message content required for terminal format or lock includes push message identifiers : generic push port and meta data ( e . g . secfl ). the message content also includes a function : & lt ; format & gt ; and / or & lt ; lock & gt ;. and , the message content includes the international mobile station equipment identity : & lt ; imei code & gt ;. additionally , the message content includes the user personal pin : & lt ; 4 - digits , not same as sim pin & gt ;. the message format could be , for example , extensible markup language ( xml ) or wireless binary extensible markup language ( wbxml ) depending upon the selected solution configuration . referring now to fig2 , this is a block diagram of a mobile terminal 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention . the transceiver 202 receives a guard message 204 which it passes along to an authentication unit 206 . upon authenticating the guard signal 204 , the authentication unit provides an authentication signal 208 to a data securing mechanism 210 as well as to a communication locking mechanism 212 . in response to the authentication signal 208 , the data securing . mechanism 210 secures at least some of the data in a data storage unit 216 , for example by deleting that data after encrypting and uploading the data via the transceiver 202 . the communication locking mechanism 212 will respond to the authentication signal 208 by sending a disabling signal 214 to the transceiver , so as to completely or partially disable the transceiver ( e . g . by barring the transceiver from communicating with any phone number except an emergency number ). turning now to fig3 , this is a high - level architecture of the light and proprietary ( lp ) embodiment of the present invention . regarding requirements for the client and server software in the lp embodiment , the client software 310 allows the user to enable a remote format and lock service from the user interface of his terminal , including entry of the user personal pin . the terminal software is subsequently executed when a new message is received with appropriate meta information ( e . g . secfl to push port ). no user interface should be displayed when the new message is received , because an unauthorized person may be observing the user interface . when the new message is received , then the software verifies the imei and user personal pin . if those are correct , then the terminal software executes functions requested by the content of the new message . regarding the server software 302 in the lp embodiment of the present invention , the server has a database that includes imei information of users &# 39 ; terminals . the server software has an application programming interface ( api ) with a short message service center ( i . e . an smsc 306 such as a cimd - type of smsc ). an attendant , such as an information technology ( it ) staff person in the user &# 39 ; s company or a telephone operator of a wireless service provider , is able to construct the message that will be sent to the lost or stolen mobile terminal , using the imei and pin that are told by the user to the attendant . then the message will be sent to a number that is in the database ( db ) with the imei , via the gsm network 308 . this functionality could be easily built inside a manufacturer management system , integrated with other it management systems , or implemented separately . regarding the heavy and open ( ho ) embodiment of the present invention , the same functionality as the lp embodiment can be achieved by exploiting synchronization markup language ( syncml ) device management ( dm ). it is to be understood that all of the present figures , and the accompanying narrative discussions of best mode embodiments , do not purport to be completely rigorous treatments of the method , terminal , and system under consideration . a person skilled in the art will understand that the steps and signals of the present application represent general cause - and - effect relationships that do not exclude intermediate interactions of various types , and will further understand that the various steps and structures described in this application can be implemented by a variety of different sequences and configurations , using various different combinations of hardware and software which need not be further detailed herein .
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hereafter , description of the invention will be made with reference to the articulation of the hip . however , the invention is not limited to this illustrative example and the person skilled in the art will easily transpose this description to any other articulation partially formed by a bone head , such as the shoulder . some critical anatomical elements are necessary to measure some specific anatomical characteristics of the proximal femur , such as the femoral neck version angle , and the amplitude of the head - neck junction bump deformation measured by the alpha angle , which participates in the characterization of the proximal femur deformity in femoro acetabular impingement ( fai ) pathology . the method is described by specifically addressing the femur but it can be extended to other bones of the human or animal body such as the humerus or other bones having a rotoid articulation . the general purpose of the invention is to determine from the 3d image of the bone , major parameters for characterizing a bump deformation on the head - neck junction of the bone , in a fast , precise and reproducible manner . the method detailed hereafter has to be understood as an algorithm implemented in the form of a software program on a processing unit . the head of the bone is assumed to have a spherical portion and the neck is assumed to have roughly a diabolo shape . the deformation of the bone consists in the formation of a bump at the head neck junction , generally in a location where there are repetitive collisions between the femur and the acetabulum during hip motion . as described earlier , the characterization of the anatomy is based on the measurement of the neck version angle , and the characterization of the deformation is based on the measurement of the alpha angle , in one or several 2d slices in the 3d image volume . in standard practice , the determination of those characteristic elements of a bone are performed manually by the radiologist in the 3d image , using interactive software tools that rely mostly on reformatted 2d images in the 3d image volume . working on 2d images for determination of 3d geometric elements leads to errors . interactive software using a mouse is also prone to human errors . and in all cases , such determination is time consuming . in order to compute accurate characteristic anatomical values for the femoral bone features such as the neck version angle , and the alpha angle in three dimensions , the computations need to be based on the precise determination of the following reference anatomical elements : the femoral head sphere center and radius , the femoral neck axis , the clock face on the femoral head , and the knee rotation axis . the purpose of the invention is to describe a method of automatic and accurate determination of the characterization values of the femoral anatomy deformity very quickly , based on of those critical geometric elements from the 3d image . as illustrated in fig1 , a 3d medical image examination of the patient is performed in order to provide a 3d image of the hip bones using a specific predefined protocol as initial input to the method . as an example of medical image examination , a computer tomography ( ct ) examination can be performed . in addition to the conventional 3d image acquisition protocol for the hip , our method requires the acquisition of a few extra images at the level of the knee . the 3d image is represented by a stack of parallel 2d images , with known relative positions . the acquisition of the 3d image is a preliminary step that can be directly included in the method of the invention or carried out previously . the method is implemented as image processing software running on a standard computer . the user can interact with the software by a standard user interface medium like a mouse , touch screen or the like . images are displayed on the monitor of the computer . at the beginning , the software is used to select and load the 3d image of the specific patient . as shown in fig1 , the method contains successive steps , using as input the 3d image of the bone , and producing as output the indices characterizing the bump deformation of the head - neck junction of the bone . the first two steps ps 1 and ps 2 are preliminary steps necessary for the method of the invention but they are not in the scope of the invention itself . therefore the first two steps are not described in full details , but only examples of their implementation and the resulting elements from these steps are described . the first preliminary step ps 1 of the method consists in creating from the 3d medical image of the bone , a 3d surface model of the bone surface s as illustrated in fig2 . in the case of ct image , a thresholding process is used to determine an initial surface model by comparing each value of the 3d image point to a predefined threshold value in hounsfield units representing cortical bone , and retaining points that have a value close to the threshold value , “ close ” generally meaning within a range of + 10 % and − 10 % from the threshold value . it generates multiples binary objects defining connected components in the space of the 3d image . additional processing using well known mathematical morphology operators is applied to those binary objects to eliminate small connected components and to fill the inside of closed surfaces so that only the external surface of the bone remains . however , the generated surface model s is usually not perfect since the thresholding tends to merge the bone surface with adjacent bones and to create some defects in the surface . those imperfections are due to many phenomena including the quality of image acquisition and reconstruction , but also to the poor quality of bone density in some pathological areas . similar conventional methods such as the marching cube or the dividing cube can be applied to build a surface model of the bone . in the following , the surface of the bone reconstructed from the 3d image is referred to as the 3d surface model . the 3d surface model comprises different portions of anatomical surfaces , including the head surface and the neck surface . the next preliminary step ps 2 starts by the identification in the 3d surface model a sphere s f fitting the spherical portion of the head of the bone as illustrated in fig2 . several methods exists for computing that sphere sf , from fully manual identification of circles in at least two orthogonal 2d reformatted slices selected so as to pass through the head to fully automatic iterative methods , converging to the best fitting sphere , thus providing a 3d head center point h and a radius r . one example of a method for the determination of the sphere s f is to apply an iterative method based on the identification of an approximate head center point and an approximate radius , and then applying robust least - square fitting of a sphere to the 3d surface model points , starting from the approximate head center point and the approximate radius . the result is the determination of the head center point h and the radius r of the sphere s f . secondly , from the detected head center h , it is necessary to identify the 3d neck axis ax , characterizing the orientation of the neck of the bone . again , several methods can be applied , from manual identification of lines in at least two orthogonal 2d reformatted slices selected so as to pass through the neck , to fully automatic iterative methods . one example of an option for the detection the neck axis ax is illustrated in fig3 a and 3b . it consists in applying an iterative method based on the identification of an approximate axis ax 0 passing through the head center h and then applying a minimization process in two orthogonal cross - sections of the 3d surface model passing through ax 0 . in each section , the process is to adjust the position of ax 0 in order to minimize the distances from ax 0 to the contours of the neck portion in the cross - section of the 3d surface model . as illustrating in fig3 a and 3b , the closest points a i and a ′ i of the contours of the neck portion on each side of the axis ax 0 are computed in both cross - sections . the minimization process consists in adjusting the position of ax 0 in both cross - sections in order to minimize the distance of the points a i and a ′ i to their respective orthogonal projection on ax 0 . the resulting axis is the neck axis ax . finally , once the femoral head sphere s f with its center h and the femoral neck axis ax have been determined , a 3d mechanical femur coordinate system is constructed from the femur head center h , the knee center k and the knee transverse axis ml that joins the points m and l which are the medial and lateral epicondyles of the knee or that joins the most posterior points of the knee condyles . these last two anatomical elements are determined from 3d images acquired at the level of the knee joint as shown in fig4 a . from these images , the knee center point k is determined . it is easy to find the centroid of these images after appropriate thresholding and compute an initial knee center k 0 . from that point , a rectangular box is computed around k 0 in the axial image plane containing k 0 , such box being adjusted to be the smallest in contact with surface points detected on the bone . the center of the rectangular box becomes the estimation of the knee center k 1 . to refine even more the location of the knee center , it is further possible to extract the femur medio - lateral axis mle as being the epicondylar axis in the knee 3d image . the epicondyles points e 1 and e 2 can be automatically detected by searching for example the two most distant bone points in the rectangular box computed above , passing within a given range of the knee center point k 1 . other algorithms can be used to detect the epicondylar axis . once this mle axis has been determined , the knee center point k can be defined as the middle of the mle segment . in another embodiment , a medio - lateral axis that we can extract is the postero - condylar axis mlp . it can be extracted using iterative methods to search for the most posterior points in the axial images of the knee . from all these anatomical elements , the femur coordinate system is constructed as follows : its origin is centered on the femoral head center h , the xf axis is defined by the vector hk , the zf axis is defined as the vector product of xf by ml , and the y f axis is defined as the vector product of z f by x f . it is then possible to measure the neck version angle , which is the neck axis orientation relatively to the ml axis in the axial plane of the femur coordinate system , which is an important element to be taken into account in the analysis of the whole case for decision of the surgical treatment . it is possible to use directly the 3d image referential to orientate the 3d mechanical referential , though assuming the position of the patient during the exam can be controlled to meet expected mechanical orientation . in further description , the anatomical directions are defined from the axes of the 3d mechanical referential and of the neck as follows : [ a ] superior - inferior direction is orientated along x f , [ b ] medial - lateral direction is orientated along y f , [ c ] posterior - anterior direction is orientated along z f , [ d ] and proximal - distal direction is orientated along the neck axis , in the direction from the head center h down to the neck . the next step s 3 of the method consists in mapping automatically on the 3d surface model of the head of the bone , a clock face referential system , which has clinical significance when addressing bones with a head portion . as shown in fig5 a and 5b , the clock face is a radial referential system representing 12 hours angular segments commonly used by surgeons to identify location of points on the femoral head surface . the clock face can be fully determined by determining the location of the 12 o &# 39 ; clock plane p 12 h . successive rotations of this plane around the neck axis ax will then define the 1 o &# 39 ; clock , 2 o &# 39 ; clock , and followings , until 11 o &# 39 ; clock location . as shown in fig5 a , our method consists in determining the position of the 12 o &# 39 ; clock plane p 12 h , as the location of the most superior portion of the intersection line of the 3d surface model and the plane passing through the neck axis ax and the knee center point k determined by the method defined previously . it provides a fully automated determination of the clock face from the 3d image . once the clock face has been determined on the femur , the goal is to characterize the femur bump deformation by superimposing the 3d femoral head sphere sf and the femur 3d bone surface model in order to locate and quantify the 3d curve where the two surfaces intersect . the next step s 4 of the method consists in determining automatically the 3d curve characterizing the head - neck junction of the bone . to determine the 3d head - neck junction curve , series of hemi - planes pi passing through the head center h and around the neck axis ax are computed in the 3d image volume , as shown in fig5 b . those hemi - planes pi are identified by a clock index i , starting at 12 o &# 39 ; clock . in a preferred embodiment , hemi - planes pi are computed every hour around the clock . but it could be also every half hour or even more precisely . one of the difficulty of this step is that the 3d surface model of the head neck junction represents an imperfect surface , and local small deviations generated by artifacts during the surface reconstruction can lead to an erroneous determination of the 3d curve . as shown on fig6 , for each plane hemi - plane pi around the neck axis ax , for all indexes i in the clock face ( i = 12 , 1 , 2 , . . . 11 ), the intersection of the femoral head sphere sf with the hemi - plane pi is computed producing a circle ci overlaying the intersection of the 3d surface model with the hemi - plane pi producing a contour of the femoral head fci . now for each hemi - plane pi , a point mi on the contour fci corresponding to the location where the contour fci deviates outside of the circle ci is computed according to the following description : a femoral head apex point ap is defined as the intersection point between the femoral neck axis ax and the circle ci opposite to the neck . the point mi is determined in the following manne : the closest point from the femoral head apex ap which is lying on the contour fci and which is lying outside the circle ci , over a given threshold distance td , and which neighbour m ′ i further down along the contour fci in the direction of the neck is also lying outside the circle ci . such a threshold distance td is generally set between 0 . 5 mm and 1 mm and it must be below 2 mm to provide accurate results . the neighbour m ′ i along the contour fci is generally considered up to a maximum distance of 2 mm for mi . this point mi is considered as the head - neck junction point of the bone in the hemi - plane pi . in one embodiment of the method , the process for detecting the point mi complying with the above conditions is illustrated in fig7 and is carried out automatically in the following manner : starting from the apex point ap , a point mij ( wherein j is an integer greater than 1 of an index position of an angle between 0 ° and 180 °) is following the contour of the femoral head in the direction of the neck . if a first point mi 1 lying outside the circle ci is detected . however , if its distance from the border of the circle ci is smaller than the threshold distance td , mi 1 is discarded and the point mij continues its path on the femoral head contour in the direction of the neck . if a next point mi 2 lying outside the circle ci is detected , which distance from the border of the circle ci is equal to or greater than the threshold distance td , then its neighbour m ′ i 2 on the contour of the femoral head in the direction of the neck is also tested . if m ′ i 2 is lying outside the circle ci but its distance from the border of the circle ci is smaller than the threshold distance , then mi 2 is also discarded and the point mij continues its path on the femoral head contour in the direction of the neck . if a next point mi 3 lying outside the circle ci is detected , which distance from the border of the circle ci is equal or greater than the threshold distance td , then its neighbour m ′ i 3 on the contour of the femoral head in the direction of the neck is also tested . if m ′ i 3 is lying outside the circle ci at a distance from the border of the circle ci greater than the threshold distance td , then the point mi 3 is selected to be the point mi searched for . this process avoids detecting small local bumps which might come from the imperfection of the reconstructed 3d surface model , and insures to take into account only the actual bump of the head - neck deformation when determining the 3d curve of the head - neck junction . in another embodiment of the method , the neighbour test described previously can also be performed in the orthogonal direction to the hemi - plane pi , the neighbours being then located on the 3d surface model , on both sides of the contour fci , thus reinforcing criteria for the detection of an actual bump in 3d and not only in 2d . in another embodiment of the method , the position of the detected point mi in the hemi - plane pi on the contour fci can be further adjusted in order to comply with a continuity constraint with point mi + 1 and point mi − 1 respectively detected on the contours fci + 1 and fci − 1 in the hemi - planes pi + 1 and pi − 1 . in order to anticipate on the smoothness of the final 3d curve created from all mi points , it is possible to adjust the position of the central point mi in a triplet of contiguous points ( mi − 1 , mi , mi + 1 ) for all points mi , by minimizing the sum smi of the distances from mi − 1 to mi , and mi to mi + 1 . the point mi is therefore adjusted into the point ni , where ni is lying on the contour fci , outside the circle ci , within a distance less or equal to the threshold td and such that the sum sni of the distances from mi − 1 to ni , and ni to mi + 1 is smaller than smi . as shown in fig8 , when all the points mi have been determined in the successive pi hemi - planes around the clock , linking all points mi around the femoral head surface determines a 3d curve 1 . in one embodiment of the method , the linking of the points mi can be performed using straight linking segments between contiguous points mi , thus creating a 3d pecked line . in another embodiment , a minimal 3d curve can be determined by fitting a 3d spline curve of minimal length , interpolating contiguous mi points . now in each hemi - plane pi , the 2d alpha angle ai which is a common index used for characterizing the femoral head - neck junction is automatically computed as the angle between the hemi - line from the femoral sphere center h and in the direction of the neck axis ax and the hemi - line from femoral sphere center h and the point mi as shown in fig6 . the 3d curve passing through the mi points is then referred to as the 3d alpha curve . as illustrated in fig9 , and as a synthesis from the steps described above , from all the 2d alpha angles αi , a 3d alpha angle α3d is determined as the maximum value amongst the 2d alpha angles αi . the corresponding point mi determines the summit of the head - neck junction curve characterizing the bump deformation and is referred to as the maximum point mmax and the corresponding clock index as the maximum index imax . the maximum α3d angle is a first parameter that characterizes the 3d bump by quantifying the “ amount ” of the bone deformity . the maximum clock index imax is a second parameter that characterizes the 3d bump by giving its location on the clock face . the 3d alpha curve and the pair of indices ( α3d , imax ) then fully characterize the femoral head - neck junction bump deformation . together with the neck version measurement described previously , the parameters characterizing the bump will enable the surgeon to decide of the most appropriate surgical treatment . the advantage of the invention is the precise , and automatic determination of characteristic elements quantifying and locating the deformation of the head - neck junction of a bone in a 3d image requiring the least possible input from user interaction . from the determination of these elements , it is then possible for surgeons to decide on the most appropriate surgical treatment . usually those characterization measurements are performed manually by a radiologist , which takes time and efforts and is prone to human errors or inaccurate measurements , and potentially misleading the choice of surgical treatment . our method provides then a fast and more reliable process to perform these measurements during the analysis of the pathology .
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the inventors have found that lysocellins , ( including its salts or esters ) are effective for controlling various plant parasitic mites and the mechanism for controlling the plant parasitic mites has a special characteristic . it has been found that lysocellins are effective for controlling imagines , larvae and ova of mites as the conventional miticides and for preventing ecdysis of larvae to cause mortality and for sterility by a treatment with a dilute concentration remarkably lower than the usual concentration for mortality . the present invention has been attained by said finding to provide a miticidal composition comprising lysocellin , its salt or ester as an active ingredient . lysocellin is an antibiotic having excellent antibial activity which is isolated from a fungus body and medium which is cultured from streptomyces and has the formula ## str3 ## the active ingredient of the miticidal composition of the present invention can be lysocellin in free form , or its carboxylic salts such as sodium , potassium , calcium , magnesium or ammonium salt or its esters for hydroxyl group at 21 - position , preferably acetyl ester . two or more active ingredients can be also used . the parasitic mites which are controlled by the miticidal composition of the present invention include plant parasitic mites , spider mites such as citrus red mite , european red mite , kanzawa spider mite , two - spotted spider mite , carmine mite , sweet cherry spider mite , clover mite , sugi spider mite , sourthern red mite , smith spider mite and rust mite , red mite , root mite , and animal parasitic mites such as house mite , rickettsia orientalis , hair mite , powder mite and dust mite , etc . the miticidal compositions of the present invention can be in the form of an emulsifiable concentrate , a suspension , an aqueous solution , a wettable powder , a dust , an oily solution , an aerosol smoking composition . these miticidal compositions can be prepared by desired methods . the carriers can be natural or synthetic organic or inorganic compounds . suitable solid carriers include inorganic carriers such as clay , talc , mica , agalmatolite , vermiculite , gypsum , calcium carbonate , diatomaceous earth , zeolite , bentonite , fine silica and anhydrous silica ; organic carriers such as saw dust , wheat powder , soybean powder , starch , alkyd resin , polyvinyl chloride , ester rubber and urea . suitable liquid carriers include water , ketones , alcohols , esters , ethers , aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons , chlorinated hydrocarbons , and polar solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethylsulfoxide . it is possible to incorporate a nonionic , anionic , cationic or ampholytic surfactants with said carrier depending upon the form , for a purpose of an emulsification , a dispersion or a wetting . the miticidal composition of the present invention can be used together with the other ingredient such as fungicides , insecticides , herbicides , plant growth regulator , other miticides , fertilizers , external preparations for animals repellents , etc . the miticidal compositions of the present invention are applied by a soil treatment , a foliage application , a spray application in animal cages and fowls cages , and coating on external part of an animal etc . at suitable ages of larvae , ova and imagines of mites depending upon the purpose of the application . suitable dose of the active ingredient of lysocellin ( including its salt or ester ) is depending upon the object mites and applications and is usually in a range of 1 to 1000 g . preferably 10 to 100 g . of lysocellin per 10 ares in the foliage treatment . the purpose can be attained with the similar does in the spray application in animal cages and fowls cages . lysocellin ( including its salt or ester ) can exhibit remarkable miticidal effect as shown in the following experiments and is usually applied as the miticidal compositions . typical examples of miticidal compositions are illustrated . a dust was prepared by mixing 0 . 1 wt . part of lysocellin , 5 wt . parts of fine silica , 30 wt . parts of clay and 64 . 9 wt . parts of talc and pulverizing the mixture . a wettable powder was prepared by mixing 2 wt . parts of lysocellin , 10 wt . parts of fine silica , 50 wt . parts of clay , 35 wt . parts of diatomaceous earth and 3 wt . parts of an emulsifier ( sorpol 4048 : toho chem . ), and pulverizing the mixture . in the application , the wettable powder is diluted with water for the spray . an emulsifiable concentrate was prepared by uniformly mixing 20 wt . parts of lysocellin , 20 wt . parts of isopropanol , 55 wt . parts of xylol and 5 wt . parts of an emulsifier ( sorpol 2680 : toho chem .) to dissolve lysocellin . in the application , the emulsifiable concentrate is diluted with water for the spray . kidney bean seedlings were cultured in a pot having a diameter of about 6 cm . about 30 female imagines of carmine mites ( tetranychus tetrarus ) were positioned on primary leaves at two leaf stage ( two days after germination ). one day later , the damaged mites were removed and the primary leaves were dipped into each solution obtained by diluting the emulsifiable concentrate of composition 3 with water at a concentration of the active ingredient shown in table 1 , for 10 seconds . two days after the treatment with the composition , each mortality of the imagines of the mite was measured . the results are shown in table 1 . table 1______________________________________concentration of mortality oflysocellin imagines ( ppm ) (%) ______________________________________ 10 59100 73500 100______________________________________ about 30 to 40 ova were ovipositioned by imagines of carmine mites , on primary leaves of kidney bean at two leaf stage ( two days after germination ). the imagines were removed . the primary leaves were dipped into each solution obtained by diluting the emulsifiable concentrate of cmposition 3 , with water at a concentration of the active ingredient shown in table 2 , for 10 seconds . eight days after the treatment with the composition , each mortality of the ova and larvae were measured . the results are shown in table 2 . the mortality of the larvae is considered to be caused by the ecdysis inhibition of lysocellin . table 2______________________________________concentration oflysocellin mortality (%)( ppm ) ova larvae______________________________________ 0 0 050 90 . 9 100100 98 . 1 100200 100 100______________________________________ in accordance with the test of experiment 3 , the oviposition was resulted after six days from the position , the primary leaves with the larvae were dipped into a solution containing lysocellin at the specific content of 10 seconds . ten days after the treatment , with the composition , each mortality of larvae was measured . the results are shown in table 3 . table 3 : ______________________________________concentration oflysocellin mortality of larvae ( ppm ) (%) ______________________________________ 5 10010 10020 100______________________________________ in accordance with the process of experiment 1 , 10 female imagines of carmine mites were positioned on primary leaves of kidney bean and the primary leaves were dipped into each solution having each desired concentration of the active ingredient for 10 seconds . ten days after the treatment with the composition , the mortality was measured . the results are shown in table 4 . table 4______________________________________concentration oflysocellin mortality ( ppm ) (%) ______________________________________0 02 . 5 52 . 63 . 75 76 . 95 . 0 66 . 77 . 5 94 . 110 100______________________________________ the primary leaf of kidney bean of experiment 1 was dipped into each solution containing lysocellin at the specific content , for 10 seconds and dried at the ambient temperature . after the treatment , 10 female imagines of carmine mites were positioned on each treated cotyledon to result the oviposition for 3 days , and the mortality was measured five days after the oviposition . the results are shown in table 5 . ______________________________________ concent - ration of lysocellin mortality (%) oviposition ( ppm ) ova imagines______________________________________dipped day 10 65 . 5 100dipped day 100 86 . 7 1003 days after dip . 10 27 . 9 1003 days after dip . 100 93 . 0 1007 days after dip . 10 68 . 1 82 . 57 days after dip . 100 78 . 3 95 . 5______________________________________
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the present invention now will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown . the present invention may , however , be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein ; rather these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art . indeed , the invention is intended to cover alternatives , modifications and equivalents of these embodiments , which will be included within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims . furthermore , in the following detailed description of the present invention , numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention . however , it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without such specific details . in other instances , well known methods , procedures , components , and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention . fig1 a is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of one embodiment of the portable device of the present invention and an illustrative operational configuration thereof fig1 a shows a portable device 70 coupled to a host platform 90 . in this embodiment , host platform 90 is coupled to a power supply circuit 80 located in portable device 70 . power supply circuit 80 draws power from host platform 90 and serves as a power source for various components of portable device 70 . referring still to fig1 a , portable device 70 further includes an integrated circuit 10 , a flash memory 20 , a volatile memory 30 and a fingerprint module 50 . integrated circuit 10 can be conveniently implemented as an application - specific integrated circuit ( asic ). in a currently preferred embodiment , flash memory 20 can have a storage capacity between 8 mb and 512 mb , a portion of which can be used to store one or more templates generated in accordance with the present invention as described below . moreover , in a preferred embodiment , the template ( s ) are stored in a reserved area of flash memory 20 which is specifically designated for this purpose and which is not otherwise accessible to the user . additionally , as described in detail further below , a template is encrypted before it is stored in flash memory 20 in a currently preferred embodiment , thereby providing added security against hacking . in one embodiment , volatile memory 30 is external to integrated circuit 10 and can comprise either a dynamic random access memory ( dram ) or a static random access memory ( sram ). among other uses , volatile memory 30 can serve as an initial storage and staging area for a fingerprint image captured in accordance with the present invention . integrated circuit 10 comprises a microprocessor 11 which , in one embodiment , is a risc processor . in a currently preferred embodiment , an authentication engine 12 is included in integrated circuit 10 . authentication engine 12 in turns comprises a template generator 12 a and a verification module 12 b . template generator 12 a is used to generate an encoded version of an image of a fingerprint . within the scope of the present invention , such an encoded fingerprint image is referred to as a template . it should be appreciated that according to current biometrics technology , a fingerprint can be uniquely identified using between 8 and 13 distinct points in the raw image of the fingerprint . fingerprint information can thus be conveniently stored in a condensed fashion as data pertaining to the 8 to 13 relevant data points . a preferred embodiment of the present invention advantageously stores a fingerprint in a compact format as a template referred to above . in this embodiment , a template has a size of 512 bytes . other embodiments can use templates of different sizes . the other component of authentication engine 12 , verification module 12 b , is used to compare a newly generated template against a stored template to validate the authenticity of a fingerprint provided by someone purporting to be an authorized user . thus , authentication engine 12 works in conjunction with fingerprint module 50 , described in greater detail below , to implement user authentication in accordance with the present invention . it should be appreciated that authentication engine 12 is well - adapted to numerous implementations within the scope of the present invention . in one embodiment , authentication engine 12 is implemented as firmware stored in a non - volatile memory within portable device 70 . in another embodiment , authentication engine 12 is implemented as part of microprocessor 11 . in still another embodiment , authentication engine 12 is implemented as a processor separate from microprocessor 11 . in yet another embodiment , authentication engine 12 includes the same components and serves the same functions as described herein , but is located in host platform 90 rather than in portable device 70 . in other words , within the scope of the present invention , authentication engine 12 is not required to reside in portable device 70 . instead , where authentication engine 12 is to be placed is a design choice , thus affording design flexibility to suit different applications in which the present invention can be utilized . referring still to fig1 a , in a preferred embodiment , integrated circuit 10 also comprises a bus interface 13 which facilitates communication between integrated circuit 10 and other components , such as volatile memory 30 . integrated circuit 10 further includes a flash controller 14 for controlling access to flash memory 20 . in one embodiment , upon the successful generation of a template during user registration , flash controller 14 communicates with template generator 12 a to store the newly generated template into flash memory 20 for use in subsequent user authentication . moreover , in a currently preferred embodiment , portable device 70 is compatible with the universal serial bus ( usb ) standard and includes a usb connector ( not shown ). in this embodiment , integrated circuit 10 also includes a usb device controller 15 , which serves to control the communication between portable device 70 and host platform 90 , such as a usb - compatible personal computer ( pc ) having a usb host controller 93 therein . with reference still to fig1 a , integrated circuit 10 also includes a volatile memory 16 and a non - volatile memory 17 . in a preferred embodiment , volatile memory 16 is a random access memory ( ram ) that serves as a working memory for microprocessor 11 during its operation . non - volatile memory 17 is a read - only memory ( rom ) in this embodiment and can be used to store firmware that perform various functions of portable device 70 . additionally , integrated circuit 10 includes an optional error checking ( ecc ) engine 19 for performing various error checking tasks during the operation of portable device 70 . it should be appreciated that ecc engine 19 , like authentication engine 12 , is well - suited to numerous implementations within the scope of the present invention . for example , ecc engine 19 can be implemented by software ( e . g ., firmware stored in a non - volatile memory ), as part of microprocessor 11 , or as a processor unit separate from microprocessor 11 . referring again to fig1 a , fingerprint module 50 comprises a sensor 52 which is used to capture the fingerprint image of a finger being placed thereon . fingerprint module 50 also comprises a converter 54 , which serves to convert a captured fingerprint image into electrical signals representing the image . in a currently preferred embodiment , a fingerprint print image is converted into 64 kb of data by converter 54 and sent to volatile memory 30 of portable device 70 for temporary storage . in other embodiments , converter 54 can produce image data of different sizes . fingerprint module 50 further includes an optional control unit 56 which , in a currently preferred embodiment , is controlled via microprocessor 11 in portable device 70 and is used for checking the quality of fingerprint images captured by sensor 52 to determine whether a given image is acceptable or not . as described in more detail below , if it is determined that the quality of a captured image is unacceptable , the user will be prompted to place his / her finger on sensor 52 again so that a new image can be captured . reference is now made to fig1 b , which is a block diagram illustrating functional blocks of another embodiment of the portable device of the present invention . in this embodiment , portable device 170 is compatible with the usb standard and includes a usb plug 118 which , as fig1 b shows , is coupled to a usb host controller 193 of a host platform . optionally , portable device 170 further includes an additional usb port 162 that is coupled to usb plug 118 . usb port 162 is provided as a convenient feature that can be used to couple other usb - compatible device ( s ) to the usb via portable device 170 . in this embodiment , portable device 170 also includes a usb device controller 115 for controlling the communication between portable device 170 and the host platform via usb host controller 193 . in one embodiment , a driver software 177 and an application programming interface ( api ) 197 , which in turn includes monitoring software 199 , reside in the host platform and communicate with usb host controller 193 to facilitate the operation of portable device 170 . portable device 170 further comprises an integrated circuit 110 , a flash memory 120 and a volatile memory 130 . integrated circuit 110 can be conveniently implemented as an asic . in a preferred embodiment , a reserved area 122 of flash memory 120 is used to store one or more templates generated in accordance with the present invention . furthermore , in this embodiment , reserved flash memory area 122 includes a status flag 121 which indicates whether or not portable device 170 has been previously registered in accordance with the present invention . status flag 121 thus enables portable device 170 to automatically invoke a registration process upon its initial use , as described in detail further below . in one embodiment , volatile memory 130 comprises either a dram or a sram , which serves as an initial storage area for a fingerprint image captured in accordance with the present invention . referring still to fig1 b , integrated circuit 110 comprises a microprocessor 111 which preferably is a risc processor . integrated circuit 110 further includes a flash controller 114 for controlling access to flash memory 120 and a memory controller 133 for controlling access to volatile memory 130 . integrated circuit 110 also includes a volatile memory 116 and a non - volatile memory 117 . preferably , volatile memory 116 comprises a ram for use as a working memory for microprocessor 111 during its operation , while non - volatile memory 117 comprises a rom for storing firmware that perform various functions of portable device 170 . specifically , in one embodiment , rom 117 stores the following firmware code : firmware 117 a for reading fingerprint sensor 152 , firmware 117 b for processing fingerprint images , firmware 117 c for generating templates , firmware 117 d for encrypting fingerprint images and / or templates , and firmware 117 e for verifying fingerprint authenticity . nevertheless , it should be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment of the present invention , such firmware can be stored in a non - volatile memory within the host platform rather than in portable device 170 . additionally , integrated circuit 110 includes an optional error checking ( ecc ) engine 119 for performing various error checking tasks during the operation of portable device 170 . it should be appreciated that ecc engine 119 can be implemented as software ( e . g ., firmware ) or hardware ( e . g ., processor / processor module ) within the scope of the present invention . referring still to fig1 b , fingerprint module 150 comprises a sensor 152 , a converter 154 and an optional controller 156 . in this embodiment , sensor 152 is used to capture the fingerprint image of a finger being placed thereon , converter 154 serves to convert a captured fingerprint image into electrical signals representing the image , and optional controller 156 is used to check the quality of fingerprint images captured by sensor 152 to determine whether a given image is acceptable or not . it should be appreciated that such image processing capabilities can be implemented using software ( e . g ., firmware ) or hardware ( e . g ., processor / processor module ) within the scope of the present invention . in a currently preferred embodiment as illustrated in fig1 b , microprocessor 111 controls various components of portable device 170 , including flash controller 114 , usb device controller 115 , ram 116 , rom 117 ( and execution of firmware code stored therein ), ecc engine 119 , memory controller 133 , and controller 156 of fingerprint module 150 . in this embodiment , portable device 170 also includes a write - protection switch 140 which , when activated , triggers microprocessor 111 to disable write - access to flash memory 120 . with reference next to fig2 , a front perspective view of a portable device with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown . in fig2 , portable device 70 is shown with usb connector 18 protruding from its front end . fingerprint module 50 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 70 in a unitary construction , with sensor 52 disposed on the top side of portable device 70 . a light emitting diode ( led ) 73 is also shown disposed near the edge of the top side of portable device 70 . in one embodiment , led 73 flashes when data in portable device is being accessed , thus serving as an activity indicator . in another embodiment , led 73 lights up to indicate that an authentication process is underway . referring next to fig3 , a rear perspective view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as depicted in fig2 is shown . again , portable device 70 is shown with usb connector 18 protruding from its front end , and fingerprint module 50 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 70 in a unitary construction , with sensor 52 disposed on the top side thereof led 73 is again shown disposed near the edge of the top side of portable device 70 . optional write protection switch 40 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 70 . reference is now made to fig4 , which shows a bottom plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as illustrated in fig2 . a substantially semicircular indentation 77 , an optional feature which allows a user to hold portable device 70 firmly while coupling or decoupling portable device 70 to / from host platform 90 ( fig1 a ), is shown on the bottom side of portable device 70 in fig4 . usb connector 18 is also shown . referring next to fig5 , a top plan view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in fig2 is depicted . portable device 70 is shown with usb connector 18 protruding from its front end , and fingerprint module 50 is shown as being structurally integrated with portable device 70 in a unitary construction , with sensor 52 disposed on the top side thereof led 73 is again shown disposed near the edge of the top side of portable device 70 . reference is now made to fig6 , which is a left side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in fig2 . usb connector 18 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 70 , and the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70 . next , fig7 is a right side elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in fig2 . once again , usb connector 18 is shown protruding from the front of portable device 70 , and the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70 . referring next to fig8 , a front elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in fig2 is depicted . the insertion end of usb connector 18 is centrally depicted , and the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70 . reference is now made to fig9 , which is a rear elevation view of the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module as shown in fig2 . the periphery of sensor 52 is shown slightly raised from the top side of portable device 70 , and optional indentation 77 on the bottom side of portable device 70 is also visible . optional write protection switch 40 is also shown as being located at the rear end of portable device 70 . referring next to fig1 , a flow diagram 200 illustrating steps of a user registration / authentication process using the portable device with an integrated fingerprint module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is shown . in the following description , various modules and components referred to have been described above with reference to fig1 a using the same reference numerals . in step 210 , upon being coupled to a host platform , portable device 70 undergoes an initialization procedure . in a currently preferred embodiment , the initialization procedure involves establishing communication with the host platform and ensuring the host platform is aware that portable device 70 has been coupled thereto . in step 220 , portable device 70 determines whether a user registration is necessary . for example , if portable device 70 is being used for the first time and no template has yet been stored in flash memory 20 , portable device 70 will guide the user to complete a registration process ( steps 225 , 235 , 245 and 255 as described below ) via a user interface ( e . g ., pop - up message windows ) through the host platform . thus , upon the first use of portable device 70 ( e . g ., immediately after purchase ), a preferred embodiment automatically initiate the registration process to generate the first (“ master ”) template . this is preferably accomplished by checking a status flag ( e . g ., flag 121 in flash memory 120 of fig1 b ). subsequent registration ( s ), as described below , can be activated by individual users via software on the host platform . in one embodiment , portable device 70 supports more than one user . in another embodiment , the same user may register multiple fingerprints as separate templates . in yet another embodiment , the same user fingerprint may be registered multiple times as different templates . thus , portable device 70 can facilitate the registration of additional user ( s ) and / or additional template ( s ) either by periodically ( e . g ., upon startup ) inquiring whether a new user / template needs to be added or upon the user &# 39 ; s request in step 220 . if an additional user / template is to be registered , the registration process will be invoked . if it is determined that no new registration is necessary , process 200 proceeds with an authentication process ( steps 230 , 240 and 260 as described below ). it should be appreciated that within the scope of the present invention , software ( e . g ., a software driver ) may need to be installed on the host platform prior to the first use of portable device 70 to enable its utilization of the host platform &# 39 ; s user interface to communicate with the user . it should also be appreciated that if the operating system of the host platform has built - in support for such functionality , no additional software needs to be installed thereon . referring still to fig1 , the registration process is now described . in step 225 , the registration process is initiated . in one embodiment , this involves informing the user that a registration process will commence and prompting the user to place his / her finger on sensor 52 . in step 235 , sensor 52 is read to capture an image of the fingerprint of the user &# 39 ; s finger that has been placed thereon . in a currently preferred embodiment , step 235 also includes verifying that the captured image is of sufficient quality for further processing ( e . g ., template generation ). this is preferably performed by control unit 56 as directed by microprocessor 11 . in one embodiment , step 235 will be repeated if the quality of the captured fingerprint image is unacceptable . under such circumstances , the user will be prompted to place his / her finger on sensor 52 again so that a new image can be captured . preferably , the number of retry is user - configurable . once an acceptable fingerprint image has been captured in step 235 , process 200 proceeds to step 245 , wherein a template is generated based on the captured fingerprint image . as described above , in a preferred embodiment , the captured image is converted into 64 kb of data , which is then used as input to template generator 12 a for generating a 512 - byte template . in step 248 , the template generated in step 245 is encrypted . in one embodiment , the encryption is performed by firmware ( e . g ., encryption firmware 117 d of fig1 b ), thereby providing an added level of security against hacking . in step 255 , the encrypted template is stored into flash memory 20 . in one embodiment , upon successful generation and encryption of a template , flash controller 14 is prompted by template generator 12 a to store the newly generated and encrypted template into flash memory 20 for use in subsequent user authentication . moreover , as described above , in a preferred embodiment , the template is stored in a reserved area of flash memory 20 which is specifically designated for storing template ( s ) and which is not otherwise accessible to the user . in step 280 , a signal or message indicating the successful completion of the registration process is generated . in an embodiment where portable device 70 is used as a secure storage device , step 280 can also entail enabling portable device , i . e ., granting the newly registered user access ( e . g ., read data therefrom and write data thereto ) to portable device 70 and mapping portable device 70 to a valid drive letter on host platform 90 . with reference still to fig1 , the authentication process is now described . in step 230 , sensor 52 is read to capture an image of the fingerprint of the user &# 39 ; s finger that has been placed thereon . in a currently preferred embodiment , step 230 also includes a quality check of the captured image by control unit 56 , so that the image capture will be repeated if the quality of the captured fingerprint image is unacceptable for template generation . if a repeat capture is needed , the user will be so prompted . preferably , the number of retry is user - configurable . in a currently preferred embodiment , step 230 also includes generating a template based on the captured fingerprint image and storing the resulting template into volatile memory 16 . in step 240 , the stored template ( s ) are read from flash memory 20 for use as the basis of authenticating the identity of the user whose fingerprint image has been captured in step 230 . in a currently preferred embodiment , microprocessor 11 directs flash controller 14 to retrieve the registered template ( s ) from flash memory 20 . in step 250 , the registered template ( s ) read from flash memory 20 , which are stored in encrypted form in a preferred embodiment , are decrypted . the decrypted template ( s ) are loaded into volatile memory 16 in one embodiment . in step 260 , it is determined whether the user &# 39 ; s fingerprint can be authenticated against the registered fingerprint template on record . in a currently preferred embodiment , verification module 12 b compares the template pending verification against the registered template ( s ). if a match is detected , the user is authenticated ; otherwise , authentication fails . in one embodiment , the user is allowed to reattempt the authentication process if an initial attempt fails ( e . g ., steps 230 , 240 and 250 are repeated ). preferably , the number of repeated attempts is user - configurable and can be set once an authorized user has been authenticated and granted access . in one embodiment , when a user has failed to authenticated his / her identity as an authorized user , access to flash memory 20 will be blocked ( e . g ., in an embodiment where a software driver resides in host platform 90 , the software driver can forbid such access ). in another embodiment , microprocessor 11 in portable device 70 will shut down or otherwise disable flash controller 14 upon such authentication failure . these actions serve as added security measures against potential hacking and other forms of unauthorized access to the data stored in flash memory 20 and are triggered by repeated failed authentication attempts . in one embodiment , optional step 270 is provided . in this embodiment , should verification module 12 b malfunction and refuse to authenticate an authorized user whose fingerprint has been previously registered , the user is provided with an option to bypass the fingerprint authentication and provide a password to gain access instead . this embodiment affords the user the ability to avoid a helpless situation where access to contents of flash memory 20 cannot be had unless and until verification module 12 b is fixed . if the bypass password is correctly entered , user authentication is deemed to be successful ; otherwise , user authentication remains a failure . it should also be appreciated that if added security is desired , a password requirement can be implemented in addition to the fingerprint authentication even for normal routine authentication within the scope of the present invention . in step 280 , a signal or message indicating the successful authentication is generated . in an embodiment where portable device 70 is used as a secure storage device , step 280 can also entail enabling portable device , i . e ., granting the newly registered user access ( e . g ., read data therefrom and write data thereto ) to portable device 70 and mapping portable device 70 to a valid drive letter on host platform 90 . it should be appreciated that in an embodiment where authentication engine 12 is located in host platform 90 , appropriate modifications to the authentication process described above are needed . in particular , once a satisfactory fingerprint image has been obtained in step 230 , the image data is first encrypted and then transmitted to host platform 90 , wherein the steps to be performed by authentication engine 12 will be carried out . thus , depending on the particular implementation or application , the information being transmitted from portable device 70 to host platform 90 can either be a simple notification of success upon successful authentication , or image data representing a user fingerprint that is pending authentication . in a currently preferred embodiment , performance of various steps of process 200 are controlled by microprocessor 11 executing firmware code , which is preferably stored in non - volatile memory 17 of portable device 70 . significantly , it should be appreciated that the present invention not only contemplates using portable device 70 as a secure data storage device but also as an access control device . in particular , within the scope of the present invention , portable device 70 can act as an “ access key ” to host platform 90 to which portable device 70 is coupled . more specifically , in one embodiment , in order to access any resource on host platform 90 ( e . g ., data , files , application programs , peripherals ) and / or any resource attached thereto ( e . g ., network access , network printers and storage devices , electronic mail ) a user is required to first successfully authenticate his / her identity as an authorized user using portable device 70 with integrated fingerprint module 50 . in accordance with this embodiment , such fingerprint authentication is used preferably in lieu of ( or alternatively in addition to ) conventional password - based authentication . thus , the user inconvenience and less stringent security that is inherent in the prior art password - based authentication approach is advantageously eliminated in accordance with the present invention . beyond access control to various computer resources , the present invention can also be advantageously utilized in numerous other applications that require security clearance , such as entry into private homes , offices , hotel rooms , bank vaults and security deposit boxes , and so on . the present invention can also be beneficially applied to restrict the operation of machinery , such as factory machines and vehicles , to those who have been properly trained . in one embodiment , access control device 70 can be used as a house key to a private home or room key to a hotel room in place of conventional keys . in the first example , the home owner first registers his / her fingerprint when the biometrics - based lock is installed at the house . in the latter example , a hotel guest first registers his / her fingerprint upon check - in at a hotel . thereafter , access to the house or hotel room is securely restricted to the respective key holder ( home owner or hotel guest ). these and other wide - ranging applications of the biometrics - based access device technology disclosed herein are all intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention . although embodiments of the present invention have been described herein as using fingerprint authentication technology to implement access control , it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited thereto but rather encompasses the use of other biometrics - based authentication techniques . one such technique is iris scan technology . while such other biometrics - based techniques are not expressly described herein , their applicability to access control implementations using a portable device is within the scope and spirit of the present invention disclosed . moreover , while preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein as using flash memory as a storage media , it should be appreciated that other types of non - volatile memory , such as ferroelectric random access memory ( fram ) or magnetic random access memory ( mram ), can also be used within the scope of the present invention . in addition , while such preferred embodiments have been described herein as being compatible with the usb standard , the portable device of the present invention is not intended to be restricted thereto . rather , the present invention is intended to encompass portable devices that support other communication protocols and / or bus standards , such as the ieee 1394 (“ firewire ”) standard . while preferred embodiments of the present invention , a method and system for implementing access control using biometrics - based technology , have been described , it is 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 that follow . these claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first disclosed herein .
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fig1 schematically shows first and second transceivers 21 and 31 , hereinafter referred to as dwm transceivers 21 and 31 , communicating using dynamic waveform modulation ( dwm ) to package data in u - pacs , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . by way of example , dwm transceiver 21 is coupled to the ethernet and at least one source 51 of high definition uncompressed audiovisual ( av ) multimedia data from which dwm transceiver receives data to transmit to a sink 52 via dwm transceiver 31 . optionally , the dwm transceivers 21 and 31 transmit data to each other over an unshielded twisted pair ( utp ) cable 40 . optionally , utp cable 40 is a cat5e or cat6 cable comprising four twisted pairs , tp 41 , tp 42 , tp 43 and tp 44 . the multimedia data is assumed to be transition minimized differential signaling audio visual ( tmds - av ) data . dwm transceiver 21 optionally comprises signal processing and control circuitry 24 for encoding / decoding and modulating / demodulating data it receives and for each twisted pair tp 41 , tp 42 , tp 43 and tp 44 of utp cable 40 , a transmitter , receiver and hybrid circuit . the various transmitters , receivers and hybrid circuits are schematically represented by a transmitter 25 , a receiver 26 and a hybrid circuit 27 respectively . optionally , an rj45 patch 46 mounted to a wall plate 47 couples hybrid circuit 27 to each twisted pair tp 41 , tp 42 , tp 43 and tp 44 . dwm transceiver 31 comprises signal processing and control circuitry 34 for encoding / decoding and modulating / demodulating data it receives and for each twisted pair tp 41 , tp 42 , tp 43 and tp 44 of utp cable 40 , a transmitter , receiver and hybrid circuit . the various transmitters , receivers and hybrid circuits are schematically represented by a transmitter 35 , a receiver 36 and a hybrid circuit 37 respectively . optionally , an rj45 patch 46 mounted to a wall plate 47 couples hybrid circuit 37 to each twisted pair tp 41 , tp 42 , tp 43 and tp 44 . dwm transceiver 21 receives ethernet data from the ethernet and tmds - av data and control data from source 51 and its processing and control circuitry 24 encodes and modulates the data optionally onto symbol ( i . e . waveform ) sets s4d - s ( m , i ) of different size responsive to a degree of resistance to noise that is desired for the data . circuitry 24 then controls transmitter 25 to transmit the symbols in packets , u - pacs , having a same format . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , the index i is smaller for data warranting higher noise resistance than for data warranting lower noise protection . dwm transceiver 31 receives the u - pacs and its processing and control circuitry 34 demodulates and decodes the symbols they comprise to un - packetize the data they contain and transmits the data to sink 52 . whereas tmds - av data is transmitted in simplex mode from source 51 to sink 52 , ethernet and / or control data transmitted from the sink to the source in general requires that the sink provide a response to the source and ethernet and control data is transmitted in full duplex between the source and sink , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . large block arrows 61 schematically represent simplex multimedia tmds - av data and double arrowhead block arrows 62 represent full duplex ethernet and / or control data . in responding to ethernet and control data received from source 51 , sink 52 optionally packetizes its response in u - pacs using symbol sets s4d - s ( m , i ) for transmission similarly to the way in which source 51 packetizes its data for transmission . however , the inventors have noted that transmission of tmds data and full duplex ethernet data over a same channel , such as the twisted pair ( tp ), hybrid terminated channel shown in fig1 a , at high transmission rates required by tmds data can generate substantial amounts of noise in the channel . in particular , echo and near end cross talk ( next ) generated by near end transmitters make substantial contributions to the noise . both the near end transmitter echo and next can exhibit exponential growth with frequency of signal transmission over a tp channel similar to that shown in fig1 a . for example , for a 50 m cat6 cable , noise can increase by as much as about 30 db for an increase in frequency of transmission from about 10 mhz to about 300 mhz . the inventors have further noted that full duplex transmission of ethernet does not in general require a same data transmission rate as transmission of simplex tmds data . therefore , in some embodiments of the invention , whereas transceiver 21 is configured to transmit both tmds data and full duplex ethernet and / or control data , at a relatively high transmission rate required by tmds data , transceiver 31 is configured to transmit ethernet and / or control data to transceiver 21 at a substantially lower transmission rate . the lower transmission rate at which transceiver 31 transmits data can substantially reduce echo and next at transceiver 31 . in some embodiments of the invention , dwm transceiver 21 transmits tmds and ethernet and / or control data to transceiver 31 at a transmission rate greater than about 10 times the transmission rate at which dwm transceiver 31 transmits ethernet and / or control data to transceiver 21 . optionally , dwm transceiver 21 transmits at a transmission rate 20 times greater than dwm transceiver 31 . optionally , dwm transceiver 21 transmits at a transmission rate 30 times greater than dwm transceiver 31 . optionally , dwm transceiver 21 transmits at a transmission rate 40 times greater than dwm transceiver 31 . for example , in some embodiments of the invention , dwm transceiver 21 transmits tmds and ethernet and / or control data to dwm transceiver 31 at 250 msym / sec or 500 msym / sec and dwm transceiver 31 transmits ethernet and / or control data to transceiver 21 at 12 . 5 msym / sec . it is noted that the relatively low transmission rates at which dwm transceiver 31 transmits data to dwm transceiver 21 can generate significant base line wander ( blw ) due to transformers that optionally couple each transceiver to tp cable 40 . to reduce possible blw , dwm transceiver 31 optionally transmits data using “ dc - balanced ” waveform sets , i . e . dc - balanced symbol sets . whereas , any suitable dc - balanced waveform set and methods of transmitting such waveform sets known in the art may be used by dwm transceiver 31 to transmit data , optionally dwm transceiver 31 is configured to transmit data using s4d - p ( m , i ) symbols . let a dc - balanced symbol set in accordance with an embodiment of the invention be represented by “± s4d - p ( m , i )”. in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , the set comprises positive and negative voltage level symbols s4d - p ( m , i ) and for each positive voltage level symbol , the set comprises a “ mirror image ” negative voltage level symbol having a same magnitude as the positive level symbol . mirror image symbols represent identical data and are selectively transmitted by dwm transceiver 31 so that blw generated by positive symbols is substantially neutralized by transmission of negative mirror image symbols . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , dwm transceiver 31 uses symbols from a data set ± s4d - p ( m , i ) having a smaller value of i for data warranting higher noise resistance . optionally , the s4d - s ( m , i ) symbol sets are four dimensional pam symbols sets s4d - p ( m , i ) and with each component one - dimension pam ( m , i ) symbol of the four dimensional s4d - p ( m , i ) symbol transmitted substantially simultaneously over a different one of tp 41 , tp 42 , tp 43 and tp 44 . for convenience of presentation , it is assumed that the one dimensional pam symbols are pam ( 16 , i ) symbols and that i = 2 k where k is equal to a number of bits of information represented by a pam ( 16 , i ) and satisfies a condition 1 ≦ k ≦ 4 . the index i has a value equal to 16 for the largest pam set and assumes values 8 , 4 or 2 for subsets of the largest set with symbols in subsets having smaller i and therefore smaller numbers of symbols being easier to distinguish one from the other and having improved symbol error rate ( ser ). for values of i equal to 16 , 8 , 4 and 2 each pam symbol respectively contains 4 , 3 , 2 and 1 bit of information . each symbol of the corresponding four - dimensional s4d - p ( m , i ) symbol sets contains 16 , 12 , 8 and 4 bits of information . it is noted that for each decrease in k by 1 , an amplitude difference between symbols in a symbol set s4d - p ( m , i ) is doubled , making it is easier to differentiate between symbols transmitted between transceiver 21 and 31 and improving the signal to mean squared error ( mse ) ratio of slicers in the transceivers used in determining which symbols is received by the transceivers . signal to mse ratio ( mser ) is defined by an expression mser =( 10 * log 10 (( d / 2 ) 2 / e ( e 2 )) where d is a minimal distance between slicer decision levels and e ( e 2 ) is a mean of the squared slicer error signal at the decision levels . as a result , for each decrease in k by 1 , d doubles and the mser improves by 6 db . assuming additive white gaussian noise ( awgn ), in the channel coupling transceivers 21 and 31 , for a given level of noise in the channel , improvement in mser by 6 db , substantially improves a symbol error rate ( ser ) in symbols transmitted between the transceivers . for example assuming a ser of 10 − 5 a 6 db improvement in mse improves the ser to 10 − 17 and sers of 10 − 7 and 10 − 9 are improved to 10 − 25 , and 10 − 32 respectively . the inventors have determined that the improvement in ser provided by reducing i by 1 provides about a same improvement in ser for a awgn channel as is provided by encoding data in accordance with a reed - solomon ( rs ) code having an error correction capability of up to 3 data symbols . fig1 b schematically shows a u - pac 100 comprising s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . u - pac 100 comprises a header section 101 , a payload section 102 and a tail section 103 . payload section 102 comprises a plurality of symbols 110 that encode “ payload ” data to be delivered from one to the other of source 51 and sink 52 ( fig1 a ). the data in the payload section of u - pac 100 is encoded and modulated onto s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols having index i which depends upon a level of protection against noise with which it is desired to protect the data . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , different parts of payload 102 may have different values of i and thereby different levels of ser and anti - noise protection . header 101 and tail 103 comprise management data used for processing information comprised in the packet and data in the header and tail is encoded and modulated onto s4d - p ( 16 , 4 ) symbols each representing 8 bits to provide the data with relatively low ser . optionally , the header comprises two symbols , a type symbol 112 and a stream id symbol 113 . type symbol 112 is optionally configured to characterize up to 64 different types , examples of which are discussed below , of u - pacs . stream id comprises data that identifies source 51 and sink 52 . tail 103 optionally comprises a crc - 8 symbol 114 and an idle symbol 115 that marks the end of u - pac 100 . by way of example , fig2 shows a flow chart 200 schematically illustrating encapsulating ethernet data into a u - pac 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in a process step 201 a stream of ethernet data to be transmitted to sink 52 is received by first transceiver 21 . a block 202 of eight ( 8 ) ethernet octets in the stream of ethernet data is schematically shown to the right of process step 201 . in a process step 203 a data / control bit shown shaded is added to the eight ( 8 ) ethernet octets shown in block 202 to a form a “ 64 b / 65 b ” code block 204 of sixty - five ( 65 ) bits . in a step 205 twelve sixty - five ( 65 ) bit code blocks 204 are aggregated to form a payload data section 207 that will become with further processing a payload section of u - pac 100 . a header data section 206 and tail data section 208 are added to the payload section to form an aggregate code block 210 . header data section 206 optionally comprises a “ type ” octet that defines the type of data in the aggregate and u - pac 100 as ethernet data and a stream id octet . tail 208 optionally comprises a crc - 8 octet . aggregate code block 210 comprises 768 ethernet payload bits and 36 control bits ( header and tale bits plus the control bit added in step 203 ) for a total of 804 bits . optionally , the data in aggregate block 210 is scrambled in a step 212 to provide a scrambled aggregate data block s 210 having header , payload and tail sections s 206 , s 207 and s 208 respectively . in a step 214 , the data in scrambled , aggregate code block s 210 is mapped onto a set of s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols and a symbol is added to tail s 208 to generate header 101 , payload 102 and tail 103 of a u - pac 100 . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , data in header section s 206 and tail section s 208 of scrambled aggregate s 210 is mapped to s4d - p ( 16 , 4 ) symbols , each of which represents 8 bits of data , to provide the control data with a relatively low ser . header 101 and tail 103 have two ( 2 ) s4d - p ( 16 , 4 ) symbols each . the ethernet data in payload section s 207 is optionally mapped to s4d - p ( 16 , 8 ) symbols in payload 102 , each of which symbols represents 12 bits of data , so that payload 102 has sixty - five ( 65 ) s4d - p ( 16 , 8 ) symbols . u - pac 100 therefore comprises a total of sixty - nine ( 69 ) s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols and comprises 768 bits of ethernet payload data . assuming the ethernet data received by dwm transceiver 21 is 100 mbps ethernet , to support the data transmission rate the transceiver transmits an ethernet u - pac 100 of 69 s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols to sink 52 via dwm transceiver 31 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , every 7 . 68 μs for a transmission rate of about 9 mega - symbols of ethernet data per second ( msym / sec ). optionally , sink 52 ( fig1 a ) responds to the ethernet information it receives at a same rate , and transmits back to transceiver 21 via transceiver 31 about 9 mega - symbols of ethernet data per second ( msym / sec ). symbol transmission between dwm transceivers 21 and 31 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , therefore operates in a full duplex mode that supports 100 mbps full duplex ethernet transmission . fig3 shows a flow chart 300 that schematically illustrates encapsulating tmds - av data from a tmds - av data stream used for generating an audiovisual display into u - pacs , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . a stream of tmds - av data comprises three different types of data transmitted during periods , hereinafter referred to as “ tmds periods ” or “ t - periods ”, having fixed duration “ t ”. during each tmds period one of the three different types of data is transmitted for each of three tmds channels . the types of data are video data (“ v ” data ), control data (“ c ” data ) and data - island packet data (“ i ” data ). during video data periods , also referred to as a “ v periods ”, each tmds channel carries pixel color data encoded in 8 bits , for a total of 24 bits of video data per period . during data island tmds periods , also referred to as “ i periods ”, the tmds channels carry audio data , which may comprise for example audio samples acquired at 192 khz for each of 8 audio channels and information frames , “ infoframes ”, comprising data that characterizes audio and video data in the tmds - av stream . during an i period each tmds channel carries 4 bits of data so that the three tdms channels carry a total of 12 bits of data during the i period . during control data tmds periods , also referred to as “ c periods ”, the tmds channels carry inter alia horizontal and vertical synchronization data . each tdms channel typically carries 2 bits of control data during a c period for a total of 6 bits of control data during the period . sequences of different types of tmds periods in the tdms - av stream are generally separated from each other by “ guard bands ” that are 2 tdms periods , “ g periods ”, long . in a process step 302 in fig3 dwm transceiver 21 receives a tmds - av data stream to be transmitted to sink 52 via dwm transceiver 31 . a data block 304 of data in the tmds - av stream encoding a single horizontal line of video data and accompanying audio data is schematically shown being received by the transceiver . the data is assumed , by way of example , to be used to generate a progressive video display that is refreshed at 60 hz and comprises 1080 active and 45 blank horizontal lines , each having 1920 24 bit pixels and 280 blank pixels . the video display is assumed accompanied by eight 8 audio channels sampled at 192 khz to provide 8 level samples . data block 304 therefore is 2200 tmds periods long , of which 1920 periods are video data periods , i . e . v periods , during each of which 24 bits of pixel data are transmitted and 280 tmds periods are “ blank ” tmds periods . in fig3 a tmds t - period is generically denoted by its duration “ t ”. of the 280 blank t - periods a first 96 t - periods comprise control , c periods , or guard band , g periods each carrying 6 bits of data , a middle 96 periods comprise data island , i periods each carrying 12 bits encoding audio data and a last 88 periods comprise control c or g periods . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , in a process block 306 each 16 t - periods of tmds data in data block 304 are encoded into s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols , and a header , hereinafter a “ sub - packet header ”, added to the symbols to form a sub - packet . the sub - packet header optionally comprises a s4d - p ( 16 , 4 ) symbol that characterizes the data in the sub - packet . for example , the sub - packet header optionally distinguishes between a sub - packet comprising only control data from a sub - packet comprising control and guard data or a sub - packet comprising only data island data . sub - packets 310 generated in process step 306 from data in data block 304 are schematically shown in a data block 308 and are labeled with a letter or letters indicating the type of data they contain . sub - packets 310 labeled “ c ”, “ i ”, or “ v ” comprise only control , data island or video pixel data respectively . “ mixed ” sub - packets comprising more than one type of data are labeled by the letters of each of the data types they contain . for example , sub - packets 310 in block 308 that contain both control ( c ) data and guard ( g ) data are labeled by both g and c . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , v data , is encoded into s4d - p ( 16 , 16 ) symbols , and i data , c data and g data are encoded into s4d - p ( 16 , 8 ) symbols . since each t - period of v data comprises 24 bits of data , each v period is encoded to 1 . 5 s4d - p ( 16 , 16 ) symbols . similarly , each i data period comprises 12 bits of data and is encoded to 1 s4d - p ( 16 , 8 ) symbol and each c data or g period comprises 6 bits of data and is encoded to 0 . 5 s4d - p ( 16 , 8 ) symbols . with the addition of the sub - packet header comprising one s4d - p ( 16 , 4 ) symbol , each type of v data sub - packet 310 comprises 25 s4d - p ( 16 , 16 ) symbols , each i data sub - packet comprises 17 s4d - p ( 16 , 8 ) symbols and each c or cg sub - packet 310 comprises 9 s4d - p ( 16 , 8 ) symbols . the number of s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols in each type of sub - packet 310 in fig3 is shown in parentheses for at least one of the type of sub - packet below the sub - packet . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , v data is always encapsulated in sub - packets 310 comprising only v data in addition to the sub - packet header . therefore , if data in a sequence of 16 t - periods that is to be encapsulated in a sub - packet includes t - periods having data other than v data followed by t - periods having v data , the sub - packet is a “ shortened sub - packet ” generated only from data in the non - v data t - periods and includes data in less than 16 t - periods . v data in the remaining t - periods are encapsulated in a next sub - packet . a shortened sub - packet 310 comprising data from only 8 t - periods is distinguished by a reference numeral 312 . in a process step 314 , sub - packets 310 are encapsulated in u - pacs 320 having a configuration shown for u - pac 100 ( fig1 b ). u - pacs 320 encapsulating sub - packets 310 generated in process step 314 are shown in a u - pac data block 330 . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , each u - pac 320 typically comprises , 4 sub - packets 310 ( data from 64 t - periods of data block 304 ), a u - pac header 321 comprising two s4d - p ( 16 , 4 ) symbols and a u - pac tail 322 comprising two s4d - p ( 16 , 4 ) symbols . similar to the case of sub - packets 310 , optionally , a u - pac 320 does not “ mix ” sub - packets 310 having v data with sub - packets 310 comprising other than v data . in accordance with an embodiment of the invention , a sub - packet 310 comprising v data is encapsulated in a same u - pac 320 only with other sub - packets 310 comprising v data . as a result , to satisfy the non - mixing constraint , a u - pac 310 such as for example a u - pac 320 distinguished in fig3 by a reference numeral 324 , may comprise less than 4 sub - packets 310 . a total of 35 u - pacs 320 , labeled u - pac 1 - u - pac 35 , generated as described above are required to encapsulate all the tmds data comprised in data block 304 that defines a single 1080p 24 bpp + 8 l - pcm audio sampled at 192 khz . of the 35 u - pacs 320 , 30 u - pacs comprise pixel defining d data and 5 u - pacs comprise control and / or audio data . since different sub - packets 310 may comprise different numbers of s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols and as noted above , different u - pacs 320 may comprise different numbers of sub - packets , different u - pacs 320 may comprise different numbers of s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols . a number of s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols in each u - pac 320 in u - pac data block 330 is shown for each u - pac 320 . a total of 3346 s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols are used to encapsulate the tmds data for data block 304 . in order to support the refresh rate of 60 hz , dwm transceiver 21 must transmit 60 × 1125 lines of 3346 s4d - p ( 16 , i ) symbols to dwm transceiver 31 every second for a transmission rate of about 226 msym / sec . in an embodiment of the invention , dwm transceivers 21 and 31 operate at transmission rates of 250 msym / sec , which readily supports the bandwidth required for 226 msym / sec simplex transmission of tmds data plus 9 msym / sec full duplex ethernet transmission noted above between the transceivers . in an embodiment of the invention , the transceivers operate at transmission rates of 500 msym / sec which supports simultaneous transmission of two tmds streams plus full duplex ethernet . in the description and claims of the application , each of the words “ comprise ” “ include ” and “ have ”, and forms thereof , are not necessarily limited to members in a list with which the words may be associated . the invention has been described using various detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention . the described embodiments may comprise different features , not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention . some embodiments of the invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features . variations of embodiments of the invention that are described and embodiments of the invention comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons with skill in the art . it is intended that the scope of the invention be limited only by the claims and that the claims be interpreted to include all such variations and combinations .
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the container end of the present invention is comprised of two major parts , a dome structure 10 and a cap or hat member 12 which is in the general form of an inverted cup , including an outwardly curled rim 13 depending from the top panel 14 of hat member 12 . in fig1 a pair of containers including can type bodies 15 each provided with this end , such bodies having a concave central portion 16 in their bottoms are shown stacked one upon the other to demonstrate the ability of the container to be so stacked while including the novel resealable end . such bottom configuration of can bodies is per se known . referring to fig2 the dome includes a neck structure 11 with a wing - like lower rim 20 capable of being seamed to the upper end or rim of a can body ( see the left edge of fig2 ), and optionally including a sealing compound 21 on the underside of rim 20 . rim 20 extends outward from the lower edge of a generally frusto - conical central neck section 22 which has formed on its upper edge a generally cylindrical upper neck section 25 which terminates at its upper edge in a outward curled seal rim 30 formed upon a ledge 31 . about seal rim 30 there is shown an elastomeric preferably circular seal 32 , which may take different forms as later explained , but in general is fitted within cap 12 . extending outward from upper neck section 25 are a first set of elongated lugs 35 , generally triangular in shape ( see fig2 a ), with angled lower cam surfaces 35c extending at a predetermined angle to the generally vertical outer surface of neck section 25 . these lugs 35 cooperate with a second set of inwardly extending lug members 36 formed in the curled rim 13 of hat member 12 to hold the cap firmly on the dome structure , as later explained . when the hat member is attached to the upper neck portion , the cooperating first and second lug members 35 , 36 draw top panel 14 against the curled seal rim 30 , and compress seal 32 against the curled rim 30 and ledge 31 , as shown in fig2 . seal 32 can take different forms . in a first form the annular o - ring type seal is molded as a peripheral part of a thin flexible and compliant disk 33 which is attached to the underside of top panel 14 . in another form , the o - ring type seal is made as a rim of a circular thin member which is applied to the outer portion of the underside of top panel 14 . in any event , the compressible elastomeric seal member is positioned within the hat member 12 , as shown in fig2 . this arrangement will retain initial pressurization of product ( if necessary ), and hold residual pressure after reclosing . the tooling which is disclosed herein is intended for use in reciprocating high speed presses , although other forms of tooling and actuation are within the scope of the invention . in general , with regard to fig3 a - b and fig5 a - b , a typical press includes an upper die plate up , a lower die plate lp , and guide posts gp which maintain the alignment of a punch or punches on upper plate up and a corresponding die or dies on lower plate lp . the various ones of these figures represent , in somewhat schematic fashion , the tooling at different stations within a press . fig3 a - b and 4a - b show the hat or cap and the two steps of forming the completed lugged hat 12 . both steps may be contained in the same press , as this is convenient in a high production environment , however the second operation can be performed in an auxiliary piece of equipment . in the first operation ( at a first station i - h ), a blank is cut from either sheet or coiled material on the down stroke of the press by blank punch 45 . on the continuation of the down stroke , the blank is drawn into a cup shaped hat part 40 - 1 . at the bottom of the stroke the panel shape 42 is formed into the top of the hat part 40 - 1 by the punch 45 and cooperating die 46 ( fig3 a ). on the up stroke , the lower curl ring 48 , which is under spring pressure , raises - with the blank punch . the edge 50 of the hat part 40 - 1 is curled outward into the cavity formed by curl ring 48 and blank punch 45 , thus completing a formed hat or cap part 40 - 1 with an outside curl 55 , as shown in fig4 a . in the second operation ( which as mentioned can be another station in the press or in an auxiliary piece of equipment ), at a second station ii - h there are a punch 60 and die 62 having a cavity which receives the hat part 40 - 1 in an inverted - orientation with the outside curl 55 resting in a cavity 63 in die 62 . a punch probe , comprising a plurality ( e . g . three or four ) of radially movable fingers 64 cooperating with a central tapered actuating cam 65 , is inserted first into the product side ( interior ) of the formed hat part 40 - 1 before the punch closes against the hat part 40 - 1 . the fingers 64 are extended by cam 65 ( to the position shown in fig4 b ) and the finger ends 66 extend into the hat part 40 - 1 against the interior of curl 55 to establish the height of the lugs 36 to be formed from material of curl 55 . a curling ring 67 on the punch has a set of cavities in its radially inward section , these corresponding to the location and size of the lugs 36 . the radially outward region of ring 67 has corresponding inward extending surfaces 68 which move material from the outside curl 55 toward the inside of the hat part 40 - 1 , as the curling ring 67 bottoms out over finger ends 66 . this will establish the final form of hat part 40 - 2 , including inwardly directed lugs 36 ( preferably three or four ) above the outward curled edge 50 . the neck / dome structure 11 is formed in seven operations as described hereafter . however the first station blank & amp ; draw operation and the second station redraw operation can if desired , be combined into a single station , reducing the total number of stations to six . the following description will assume that the first and second stations are separate . at the first station i - n , a blank is cut from either sheet or coiled material , and is drawn into a cup shaped part 70 - 1 , as shown in fig5 a & amp ; 6a . at the second station ii - n , the part 70 - 1 is redrawn to form the countersink area 72 and the edge 74 is curled to establish the final outside diameter . this allows the resultant part 70 - 2 to be placed into a belt type transfer system from this operation onward , enabling higher production speeds than can be achieved with other forms of transfer systems . it will be appreciated that the first and second stations can remain separate , however in a production atmosphere that would incorporate an automated transfer system , it may be preferred that stations i - n & amp ; ii - n be combined to allow immediate placement of the parts into a belt , or other similar transfer system . at the third station iii - n , part 70 - 2 is redrawn to obtain additional height of the central section 75 , and in the fourth station iv - n a lip 76 is formed , upon which the curl ( formed in the seventh operation , as later described ) will rest , resulting in part 70 - 3 ( fig5 d & amp ; 6d ). in the fifth station v - n , a hole or opening 78 is pierced through the part , and in the sixth station vi - n opening 78 is extruded upward to obtain the material necessary for the curl on part 70 - 4 ( see fig6 f ). then , in the seventh station vii - n the curled seal rim 30 around the drinking opening is formed . the curl is formed through 360 degrees so the raw edge of the material cannot come in contact with the user &# 39 ; s mouth when drinking directly from the container . this results in the part 70 - 5 ( shown in fig6 g ). the lugs 35 can be added to the upper neck section 25 in a further press station . it is also possible to form such lugs in separate auxiliary equipment which employs the technique of rolling threads or the like in thin - walled metal cylindrical or cup shaped parts . in the additional press station viii - n the part 70 - 5 is placed in a die member 80 which includes cavities 81 corresponding to the desired external configuration and location of the lugs 35 . in a preferred embodiment there will be three or four such cavities ( as before ), which will be aligned around the upper neck section at the desired location of the lugs 35 . a punch , 82 having radially expandable fingers 84 operated by a tapered cam 85 , is inserted into the part 70 - 1 and the wall of the neck section is pressed into the die cavities by expanding the fingers radially outward . fingers 84 have embossing parts 86 configured to the size and shape of lugs 35 and are adapted to mate with cavities 81 . after lugs 35 are so formed , the fingers 84 are retracted , the punch 82 and die 80 separate , and the completed neck part 70 - 5 is removed . in this same station , the wing - like lower rim can be reshaped , as by further curling , preparatory for the seaming operation when the end is attached to a filled can body . alternately , using an auxiliary piece of equipment , the wing - like lower rim or seaming curl will be finish shaped , and lugs 35 will be formed at the same time , using rotary techniques . the part 70 - 5 is grasped in a rotating chuck 90 and rotated about a first axis 92 which coincides with the centerline of the upper neck section 25 . cooperating rotatable rolling ( or ironing ) tools , namely an outer anvil 94 rotating on an axis 95 , and an inner die 96 rotating on an axis 97 , are brought into contact with the wall of the neck section . the anvil and it cooperating die , and their respective rotary drives , are movable toward and away from the chuck / part axis 92 in a radial direction and in a longitudinal direction ; thus these parts can be moved into and out of , and toward and away from the surfaces of , the upper neck section 25 of the chucked part 70 - 5 . these rotary anvil 94 and die 96 tools have the male / female configurations of the lugs 35 formed thereon . when the anvil and die are engaged and rotated with the rotating part 70 - 5 , the lug configurations are pressed into the wall of the upper neck section . thus , the present invention provides methods and apparatus for making the neck and hat member container end . the various punches , dies , and related equipment , associated with the progressive stations disclosed , form a means for performing the various steps described so as to manufacture the neck member and cooperating hat member in presses and related machines in a mass production , environment . fig7 illustrates deformed geometry of the hat or cap at 90 psi , in comparison with approximate undeformed geometry , the deformation being due to application of external vertical axial load on the container due to direct stacking of a second container or can on top of another can ( as in fig1 ). testing and computer modeling indicates the hat or cap will tend to lower to minimum position with doming still present in the hat . the seal 32 will tend to push further into the gap between hat member 12 and the external surfaces of the pouring opening , causing a tightening of the seal . fig8 shows deformed geometry of hat member 12 at 90 psi , compared to approximate undeformed geometry of the hat member . the loading is applied to the center of the hat member and the hat member will tend to flatten due to the moment shown . such deformation may cause some outward movement in the sides of the hat member ( shown exaggerated ). this could , potentially , decompress the o - ring seal somewhat , but even in such a lesser pressurized state there is built - in interference between the seal member , the upper neck region at dome , and the cap . therefore , a container fitted with a seal according to this invention will not lose its sealing , although it may experience some lowering of the hat member as seen in the above described situation ( fig . 7 ) in combination with flattening of the hat member . while the methods herein described , and the forms of apparatus for carrying these methods into effect , constitute preferred embodiments of this invention , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise methods and forms of apparatus , and that changes may be made in either without departing from the scope of the invention , which is defined in the appended claims .
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the term “ about ” is used herein to mean approximately , roughly , around , or in the region of . when the term “ about ” is used in conjunction with a numerical range , it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth . in general , the term “ about ” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down ( higher or lower ). the invention is an unsubstituted quaternary ammonium salt composition with other ingredients that comprises a composition that is non - flammable , alcohol - free , non - stinging , highly protonated , and nondermatropic . the composition has a very high hydronium proton count and is created by a process involving the blending of a premix that comprises a highly protonated , non - corrosive , nondermatropic hydronium carrier and a biocide , added to a predetermined quantity of water until it dissolves . in one embodiment , the present hydronium comprises a proton count of between about 4 × 10 20 and about 5 . 8 × 10 23 . in one embodiment , the present hydronium disposed at a ph of from about 1 . 5 to about 1 . 8 is found suitable for hand sanitizing or any applications requiring contact with human skin while the preferable ph range for hard surface sanitizing or any applications where contact with human skin is not a concern , ranges from about 0 . 5 to about 1 . 2 . in one embodiment , the biocide further comprises one or more quaternary ammonium compounds . the described unsubstituted quaternary ammonium salt composition with other ingredients comprises a blend of an inorganic acid , a sulfate , and water or a blend of organic acid , a sulfate , and water . the quaternary ammonium compound is selected from one or more of the group consisting of benzalkonium chloride , cetylpyridinium chloride , silver chloride adsorbed to titanium dioxide ( initially notified under silver chloride ), cetalkonium chloride , benzyldimethyl ( octadecyl ) ammonium chloride , miristalkonium chloride , dimethyldioctylammonium chloride , hydrogen chloride / hydrocholoric acid , silver chloride , dodecylguanidine monohydrochloride , bromine chloride , dimethyloctadecyl [ 3 -( trimethoxysilyl ) propyl ] ammonium chloride , decyldimethyloctylammonium chloride , benzyldimethyloleylammonium chloride , dimethyltetradecyl [ 3 -( trimethoxysilyl ) propyl ] ammonium chloride , benzylcoco alkyldimethyl chlorides , dicocoalkyl dimethyl , chlorides , bis ( hydrogenated tallow alkyl ) dimethyl chlorides , benzyl - c8 - 18 - alkyldimethyl chlorides , benzyl - c12 - 18 - alkyldimethyl chlorides , di - c6 - 12 - alkyldimethyl chlorides , benzyl - c8 - 16 - alkyldimethyl chlorides , di - c8 - 10 - alkyldimethyl chlorides , benzyl - c10 - 16 - alkyldimethyl chlorides , octenidine dihydrochloride di - c8 - 18 alkyldimethyl , chlorides , benzyl - c12 - 14 - alkyldimethyl chlorides , c12 - 14 - alkyl [( ethylphenyl ) methyl ] dimethyl chlorides . the inorganic acid is selected from one or more of the group consisting of sulfuric acid , hydrochloric acid , nitric acid , phosphoric acid , boric acid , hydrofluoric acid , hydrobromic acid . the organic acid selected from one or more of the group consisting of lactic acid , acetic acid , formic acid , citric acid , oxalic acid , uric acid . the solution may further comprise a skin permeation enhancer or conditioner selected from one or more of the group consisting of natural components and vitamins , minerals , urea or anti - oxidants to enhance the composition &# 39 ; s natural skin moisturizing and protection against the spread of acne and psoriasis . a thickener may be added to make a gel formula solution . the thickener is selected from one or more of the group consisting of xanthan gum , alginic acid , sodium alginate , ammonium alginate , calcium alginate , propylene glycol alginate , propane - 1 , 2 - diol alginate , agar , carrageenan , processed euchuema seaweed , furcelleran , aribinogalactan larch gum , locust bean ( carob gum ), oat gum , guar gum , tragacanth , acadia gum ( gum arabic ), karaya gum , tara gum , gellan gum , sorbitol , mannitol , glycerol , konjac , konjac gum , polyoxethylene ( 8 ) sterate , polyoxyl 8 stearate , polyoxyethylene ( 40 ) stearate , polyoxyethylene ( 20 ) sorbitan monolaurate ( polysorbate 20 ), polysorbate 80 , polyoxethylene sorbitan mono - oleate , polyoxethylene sorbitan monopalminate , polysorbate 40 , tween 40 , polyxethylene sorbitan monostearate , polysorbate 60 , tween 60 , polyoxyethylene - 20 - sorbitan tristearate , polysorbate 65 , tween 65 , pectin , amidated pectin , gelatine , ammonium phosphatides , sucrose acetate isobutyrate , saib , sucrose diacetate hexaisobutyrate , glycerol esters of wood rosins , sodium and potassium pyrophosphates , diphosphates , ammonium phosphate ( diabasic and monobasic ), sodium and potassium triphosphate , triphosphate , sodium and potassium polyphosphates , polyphosphates , beta - cyclodextrine , cellulose ( microcrystalline and powdered ), methyl cellulose , ethyl cellulose , hydroxypropyl cellulose , hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose , methylethylcellulose , carboxymethyl cellulose , sodium carboxymethyl cellulose , crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose , sodium caseinate , magnesium stearate , sodium , potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids , magnesium salts of fatty acids , mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids ( glyceryl monostearate , glyceryl distearate ), acetic and fatty acid esters of glycerol , acetic acid esters of mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids , lactic and fatty acid esters of glycerol , lactic acid esters of mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids , citric and fatty acid esters of glycerol , citric acid esters of mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids , tartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol , tartaric acid esters of mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids , diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of glycerol , mon - and diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono and diglycerides of fatty acids , mixed acetic and tartaric acid esters of mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids , sucrose esters of fatty acids , sucroglycerides , polyglycerol esters of fatty acids , polyglycerol esters of interesterified ricinoliec acid , propylene glycol mono - and di - esters , propane 1 , 2 - diol esters of fatty acids , lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propane - 1 , 2 - diol , thermally oxidized soy bean oil interacted with mono - and diglycerides of fatty acids , dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate , sodium oleyl or stearoyl lactylate stearoyl - 2 - lactylate , calcium stearoyl - 2 - lactylate , stearyl tartrate , sorbitan monostearate , sorbitan tristearate , span 65 , sorbitan monolaurate , span 20 , sorbitan mono - oleate , span 80 , sorbitan monopalmitate , span 40 . the unsubstituted quaternary ammonium salt created by the invention was tested by an independent laboratory and the results recorded for each microbe studied . it is important to note that alcohol - based hand sanitizers with or without the active ingredient bzk does not offer the same results against mrsa , c - diff spores , h1n1 . this product is manufactured according to fda tentative final monograph ( 1974 , 1978 , 1991 , 1994 , 2002 ). all testing is performed by an independent registered laboratory , according to test methods described in aoac official method 961 . 02 ( germicidal spray products as disinfectants ), astme 1053 - 97 ( standard test method for efficacy of virucidal agents intended for inanimate surfaces ), and from astm e2111 - 00 ( standard quantitative carrier test method to evaluate the bactericidal , fungicidal , mycobactericidal and sporicidal potencies of liquid chemical germicides ). the fda does not specify testing protocols for this product . copies of full reports are available upon request . the solution also was graded minimally irritating at 2 . 8 ( non - irritant ) on the standardized draize test scale where 0 is non - irritating and 110 is severe / extreme where skin damage will occur . according to wikipedia website , the draize test is an acute toxicity test devised in 1944 by the food and drug administration ( fda ) toxologists john h . draize and jacob m . spines . initially used for testing cosmetics , the procedure involves applying 0 . 5 ml or 0 . 5 g of a test substance to the eye or skin of a restrained , conscious animal , and then leaving it for set amount of time before rinsing it out and recording its effects . the animals are observed for up to 14 days for signs of erythema and edema in the skin test , and redness , swelling , discharge , ulceration , hemorrhaging , cloudiness , or blindness in the tested eye . the test subject is commonly an albino rabbit , though other species are used too , including dogs . the animals are euthanized after testing if the test renders irreversible damage to the eye or skin . animals may be re - used for testing purposes if the product tested causes no permanent damage . animals are typically reused after a “ wash out ” period during which all traces of the tested product are allowed to disperse from the test site . the fda supports the test , stating that “ to date , no single test , or battery of tests , has been accepted by the scientific community as a replacement [ for ] . . . the draize test ” one embodiment of the invention includes the use of the described unsubstituted quaternary ammonium salt composition with other ingredients which are fully incorporated herein by reference , as the ionic carrier premix . in this embodiment , 10 grams of the described highly protonated , low ph , nondermathropic solution are blended in a 1 : 2 ratio with water , by weight . this blend is then added to 5 . 5 grams of benzalkonium chloride , mixed with 3 grams of urea , and 481 . 5 grams of water . the amount of thickener can vary , depending upon the final intended use . 0 . 5 % to 1 % xanthan gum gives a good consistency for a hand gel . the formula is a composition , which is a highly protonated , supercharged , non - corrosive liquid proton suspending composition . the manufacturing process to create the described unsubstituted quaternary ammonium salt with is well known and beginning as early as the 1980 &# 39 ; s various chemists and inventors have experimented with the nature of this reaction of adding acid to the water . generally speaking , these reactions and resulting compounds have lacked stability and the manufacturing process was extremely expensive for commercialization . however , this invention has created a compound reaction of the several elements for making the described unsubstituted quaternary ammonium salt composition with other ingredients of adding sulfuric acid of at least 88 % purity in a controlled manner to water while vigorously stirring and agitating said solution to control the temperature of the exothermic reaction . it should be understood that the preceding is merely a detailed description of one or more embodiments of this invention and that numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . the preceding description , therefore , is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . rather , the scope of the invention is to be determined only by the appended claims and their equivalents .
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the invention discloses a method for detecting an end point in a chemical mechanical polishing process by utilizing either an acoustical detection device alone , or a combination of an acoustical detection device and an optical detection device . in the method for utilizing an acoustical detection device alone , the method can be carried out by first providing a cmp apparatus that is contained in an enclosure ; mounting an acoustical sensor in the enclosure ; initiating a cmp process on a semiconductor wafer for removing an uppermost coating layer ; monitoring an acoustical emission generated by the cmp process and recording a volume of the emission ; and stopping the cmp process when the volume of the acoustical emission changes by at least 30 % of its initial volume . preferably , the end point is taken as the point when the acoustical emission changes by at least 50 % of its initial volume . in the preferred embodiment , the changes occurring in the acoustical emission as a cu layer is polished away from a tan layer results in an acoustical emission drop by at least 30 % of its initial volume . however , in other different interfaces between different material layers , the acoustical emission volume may either increase or decrease by at least 30 % when the interface is reached . the end point may further be determined when the acoustical emission volume changes by at least 5 db from its initial volume . in other words , the acoustical emission volume may either go up by at least 5 db or goes down by at least 5 db . in most cmp processes , a total volume during polishing between about 25 db and about 250 db is normally detected . the present invention method for determining end point in a chemical mechanical polishing process may further be carried out as a dual detection method by utilizing both an optical detection device and an acoustical detection device . under such circumstances , the end point can be determined in the cmp process upon the occurrence of at least one of the two events of either when an optical signal received from the sample surface is indicative of an interface between the uppermost coating layer and an underlying layer , or the acoustical signal generated by the cmp process changes by at least 30 % of its initial value . the present invention novel method provides the benefit that it can be practiced either as an acoustical detection method alone , or practiced as a dual detection method in which the acoustical detection assures the accuracy of the optical detection method . for instance , when a window used for the optical detection is damaged or covered with slurry , the acoustical detection method detects the end point to alleviate any problem caused by the failed optical detection method . it should further be noted that , while the prior art shown in fig2 and 3 are illustrative examples of a rotary type cmp apparatus , the present invention embodiment shown in fig6 and 8 are illustrative of linear - type cmp apparatus . the present invention novel method can be practiced in either type of cmp apparatus achieving the same desirable result as long as an acoustical sensing device can be mounted inside the enclosure for the cmp apparatus , i . e ., adjacent to a polishing pad or polishing belt . referring now to fig6 wherein a present invention apparatus 60 is shown . the apparatus 60 is of the linear - type cmp apparatus operated by two rotating rollers 62 and 64 that rotate in a clockwise direction . onto the surfaces of the rollers 62 , 64 , is stretched a polishing belt with a polishing pad 66 mounted thereon . the rollers 62 and 64 are pushed apart at a suitable tension to keep the polishing pad 66 tightly stretched over the rollers . situated over the polishing pad 66 is a polishing head 68 onto which a wafer 70 to be polished is mounted . underneath the polishing pad 66 , is mounted a support platen 72 for supporting the polishing pad 66 when the polishing head 68 is pushed down onto the pad surface . in the middle portion of the polishing pad 66 , is provided a window ( not shown ) for an optical emission device 74 to project an optical emission therethrough for reflectance by the surface of the wafer 70 . the optical detection method is similar to that shown in the prior art , and thus will not be described in detail . on top of the polishing pad 66 is further provided a pad conditioner 76 which may include a conditioning pad 78 mounted on a conditioning head 80 for the conditioning of the polishing pad 66 during the polishing process . slurry solution 82 is dispensed onto the polishing pad 66 by a slurry dispenser ( not shown ). the present invention novel acoustical end point detection device 84 , as shown in fig6 consists of an acoustical sensing head 86 and a signal receiver / controller 88 . the acoustical sensing head 86 may be suitably a microphone that has suitable sensitivity for monitoring acoustical emission signals during the polishing process and recording the signals by the signal receiver / controller 88 . a linear cmp polishing process is shown in fig7 . note that window 88 provided through the polishing pad 66 is shown in fig7 . the polishing head 68 with the wafer 70 mounted thereon rotates and furthermore , traverses on the polishing pad 66 during the polishing process . the acoustical detection device 84 monitors and records an acoustical emission during the polishing process to produce trace 90 shown in fig8 . it is seen in fig8 that during the beginning pat of the polishing process on a cu layer ( coated on an adhesion layer of tan ), the sound volume is essentially constant when the copper is being removed . after a suitable polishing time has passed , i . e ., between about 1 min . and about 10 min ., the volume of acoustical emission in db decreases through several downward steps to again reach a constant level . the several steps indicate an interface of cu and tan has been reached when islands of cu still existed on the surface of the wafer until all cu has been removed to reach the low plateau of the trace 90 . in the preferred embodiment , a noticeable reduction in the sound volume , such as by at least 5 db was noticed when the cu layer is completely removed to reach the adhesion layer of tan . however , as previously described , in other polishing operations , the sound volume may go up depending on the nature and type of the underlying material below the layer that is being removed . the present invention novel method and apparatus for the dual detection of end point in a chemical mechanical polishing method utilizing both an optical detection device and an acoustical detection device have therefore been amply described in the above description and in the appended drawings of fig6 and 8 . while the present invention has been described in an illustrative manner , it should be understood that the terminology used is intended to be in a nature of words of description rather than of limitation . furthermore , while the present invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiments , it is to be appreciated that those skilled in the art will readily apply these teachings to other possible variations of the inventions . the embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows .
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the figure shows a sensor 10 in a sectional diagram through a measurement head . sensor 10 is designed as a planar broad - band sensor having a number of individual layers arranged one above the other , optionally structured , for example , by film casting , punching , screen printing , lamination , cutting , sintering , or the like . production of the layer structure will not be discussed further here as part of the present description because it is already known . sensor 10 is used to determine an oxygen concentration in the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines to obtain a control signal for adjusting a fuel - air mixture with which the internal combustion engine is operated . sensor 10 has nernst measurement cell 12 and a pump cell 14 . nernst measurement cell 12 has a first electrode 16 and a second electrode 18 between with there is a solid electrolyte 20 . electrode 16 is exposed to exhaust gas 24 to be measured through a diffusion barrier 22 . sensor 10 has a measurement orifice 26 which can receive exhaust gas 24 . diffusion barrier 22 extends at the base of measurement orifice 26 , forming a cavity 28 withing which electrode 16 is arranged . electrode 18 of nernst measurement cell 12 is arranged in a reference air channel 30 and is exposed to a reference gas such as air which is applied to reference air channel 30 . solid electrolyte 20 is preferably made of zirconium oxide stabilized with yttrium oxide , while electrodes 16 and 18 are made of platinum , for example . sensor 10 is connected to a circuit arrangement 32 , which is used to analyze signals of sensor 10 and to control the sensor . electrodes 16 and 18 are connected to inputs 34 and 36 to which a detection voltage u d of nemst measurement cell 12 is applied . pump cell 14 is composed of a first electrode 38 and a second electrode 40 between which is arranged a solid electrolyte 42 . solid electrolyte 42 is itself made of zirconium oxide stabilized with yttrium oxide , while again , electrodes 38 and 40 may be made of platinum . electrode 38 is also arranged in cavity 28 and is thus also exposed to exhaust gas 24 through diffusion barrier 22 . electrode 40 is covered with a protective layer 44 which is porous so that electrode 40 is exposed directly to exhaust gas 24 . electrode 40 is connected to an input 46 of circuit arrangement 32 , while electrode 38 is connected to electrode 16 and is jointly connected with it to input 34 of circuit arrangement 32 . sensor 10 also includes a heating device 49 formed by a wave - form heater . heating device 49 receives a heating voltage u h . exhaust gas 24 is in cavity 28 above measurement orifice 26 and diffusion barrier 22 and is thus in contact with electrodes 16 of nemst measurement cell 12 and electrode 38 of pump cell 14 . because of the oxygen concentration present in the exhaust gas on which the measurement is to be performed , an oxygen concentration difference is established between electrode 16 and electrode 18 , which is exposed to the reference gas . electrode 16 is connected by terminal 34 to a current source of circuit arrangement 32 which supplies a constant current . because of an oxygen concentration difference prevailing at electrodes 16 and 18 , a certain detection voltage u d is established . nernst measurement cell 12 operates here as a lambda probe , which detects whether there is a high oxygen concentration in exhaust gas 24 or a low oxygen concentration . it is clear on the basis of the oxygen concentration whether the fuel - air mixture with which the internal combustion engine is operating is a lean or rich mixture . when there is a change from the rich range to the lean range or vice versa , detection voltage u d drops or increases accordingly . with the help of circuit arrangement 32 , detection voltage u d is used to determine a pump voltage u p which is to be sent to pump cell 14 between its electrodes 38 and 40 . pump voltage u p is negative or positive , depending on whether detection voltage u d signals that the fuel - air mixture is in the rich or lean range , so that electrode 40 is switched either as a cathode or as an anode . accordingly , a pump current i p is established and can be measured by a measurement device of circuit arrangement 32 . with the help of pump current i p , oxygen ions are pumped either from electrode 40 to electrode 38 or vice versa . measured pump current i p is used to control a device for adjusting the fuel - air mixture with which the internal combustion engine is operated . in addition , it is assumed that the fuel - air mixture with which the internal combustion engine is operated is in a lean range for a long period of time . therefore , a high oxygen content is established in exhaust gas 24 accordingly and is detected by sensor 10 . a corresponding detection voltage u d is applied over the period of lean operation in accordance with the high oxygen content . circuit arrangement 32 here includes a timer 50 , with which detection voltage u d is sampled and a determination is made regarding the period of time over which this has been at a certain height . timer 50 supplies a signal 52 when detection voltage u d is within a certain value range corresponding to lean operation of the internal combustion engine for a definable period of time , which may be , for example , several minutes , hours , or the like . during lean operation of the internal combustion engine , a cathodic pump current i p flows . due to this cathodic pump current i p , oxygen ions are pumped out of cavity 28 via electrode 38 , so that over a long period of time fewer oxygen ions are pumped out of cavity 28 than enter cavity 28 from exhaust gas 24 through diffusion barrier 22 by cathodic pump current i p . due to the declining pump current of the pump cell , nernst measurement cell 12 detects a fuel - air mixture which is becoming richer . sensor 10 is thus subject to a rich drift . the reason for this is the faulty detection of the oxygen concentration in the cavity . the distribution of the pump current to the internal pump electrode and nemst electrode 38 , 16 changes over time to the detriment of the internal pump electrode , so detected nemst voltage u d no longer corresponds to the concentration ratio between cavity 28 and reference air channel 30 , but instead is falsified by a superimposed polarization voltage . it seems to be increased . therefore , the system establishes a higher oxygen concentration than λ = 1 in the cavity . a switching means 54 which causes a pulse - like reversal of pump current i p is driven by signal 52 generated by timer 50 . thus , although pump current i p is flowing as an anodic current in accordance with the actual measurement of the oxygen concentration in exhaust gas 24 , switching device 54 reverses it briefly to a cathodic pump current i p in a pulsed manner . this causes oxygen ions to be pumped from electrode 38 of pump cell 14 to electrode 40 and thus out of cavity 28 in accordance with this pulse - like reversal . a frequency and a duration of the pulses with which pump current i p is reversed briefly depends on signal 52 , which in turn depends on detection voltage u d . it is thus possible to supply different signals 52 at different oxygen concentrations in exhaust gas 24 and in a different time range within which detection voltage u d is in a certain value range . thus , the frequency and / or pulse duration with which pump current i p is reversed can be made variable . the frequency and pulse duration are adjusted so that only the rich drift of sensor 10 is compensated . according to another embodiment , in particular with a pumped reference , it is possible to provide for brief voltage pulses , which are above the measured nernst voltage and have the same polarity , to be applied to nernst measurement cell 12 . according to detection voltage u d which is then impressed on the nernst measurement cell , a great transport of oxygen ions out of cavity 28 into reference air channel 30 through electrode 16 is established . this also eliminates the polarization on electrodes 16 and 38 due to a declining oxygen ion content in cavity 28 during long - term lean operation . due to the fact that oxygen ions in exhaust gas 24 cannot diffuse subsequently through diffusion barrier 22 as rapidly or cannot be pumped through pump cell 14 into cavity 28 as are pumped out through electrode 16 , there is an activation of electrodes 16 and 38 which compensates for the rich drift . the pump status of the pump cell prevailing in lean operation supports this activation . thus , on the whole , the rich drift during long - term lean operation is eliminated by brief , defined rich operation of sensor 10 .
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comprehension of the present invention can be gained through reference to the drawings in conjunction with a through review of the following explanation . in order to facilitate a full appreciation of the invention , an overview of the preferred embodiment is initially provided . the overview is followed by more detailed explanation and some significant alternative embodiments . by “ paint ” herein is meant not only oil based artist &# 39 ; s paint but also acrylic paint , watercolor paint , ink , charcoal and graphite and other such liquid , solid , emulsions , suspensions , and thixotropic substances applied to a range of substrates for artistic expression purposes . in a first embodiment , the present invention is a device for applying and manipulating paint on a substrate . for purposes of facilitating comprehension , it may be initially thought of a substitute for the traditional well known bristle brush . however , it is easier to clean and allows novel results in use . as shown in fig1 the device 20 has a handle 22 with a proximal end 24 and a distal end 26 . as will be discussed later , the handle may be formed of wood , preferably varnished or lacquered hardwood , plastic or metal . attached to the distal end 26 of the handle 22 is a ferrule 28 . the ferrule 28 is rigid and in a preferred embodiment may be steel , brass , copper or aluminum or a “ nickel ” plated brass to prevent corrosion or other suitable metallic materials . suitable ferrules could also be formed of plastic . preferably , the ferrule 28 is attached to the distal end 26 of the handle 22 by crimping , as represented by one or more crimps 30 . the ferrule 28 preferably is tubular or barrel shaped and extends beyond the distal end 26 of the handle 22 . most preferably , the ferrule 28 is slightly tapered and is narrower in cross section at its distal end than its proximal end . the extension 32 of ferrule 28 defines a cavity 34 bounded by inner surface 36 , as shown in fig2 . this cavity 34 lies adjacent to and extends from the distal end 26 of the handle 22 . a resilient silicone tip 38 is carried by the cavity 34 . more specifically , the tip 38 has a ferrule connecting portion 39 and a paint contacting portion 40 . the tip 38 is provided with a generally three - dimensional working surface 41 having a maximum cross - sectional diameter 42 that is preferably no larger than the maximum diameter of handle 22 . because the painting tip 38 has dimensional characteristics similar to those of conventional bristle brushes in that the maximum cross - sectional diameter 42 of working surface 41 is not greater than a maximum cross - sectional diameter of handle 22 , the operation of the artist &# 39 ; s tool 20 more closely simulates that of a conventional bristle brush than does a spatula - type tool which has a generally two - dimensional working surface and a width dimension of the working surface that is larger , and usually significantly larger , than the maximum cross - sectional diameter of the handle of the spatula - type tool . the fact that working surface 41 of painting tip 38 is a three - dimensional surface , rather than the two - dimensional surface of spatula - type tools , allows the present invention to place and manipulate the paint in a manner more similar to that of a bristle brush . the surface tension characteristics of the non - porous silicone material from which painting tip 38 is formed , when combined with the three - dimensional characteristics of working surface 41 , allow quantities of paint to be “ carried by ” the painting tip 38 in manner somewhat similar to the way that paint is wicked between and carried by the bristles of a bristle brush . in contrast , if an artist desires to move paint with a spatula - type tool , the paint must be scooped onto the two - dimensional working surface of a spatula . the tip 38 is formed of resilient silicone . the preferred silicone is characterized by low compression set ( i . e . forming tips which do not substantially relax over time even under constant pressure , thus allowing maintenance of the locking relationship within the ferrule over time without the use of adhesives which might deteriorate in the presence of solvents ); a high tear strength ( die b , ppi astm 624 method ) of about 50 - 250 ( i . e . forming tips which show little tendency to rip or tear when an artist is actively painting ); hardness , after cure , of from about 20 - 70 , and preferably from about 30 to 60 , shore a durometer hardness ( astm 2240 method ), with 25 - 40 shore a durometer hardness used to form “ softer ” tips and 45 - 60 shore a durometer hardness material used to form “ firmer ” tips . most preferably , the catalyst use to cure the preferred silicone is platinum based ( which provides greater solvent resistance ). however , less expensive peroxide based catalyst systems are believed to be acceptable to form less demanding tips as might be appropriately supplied to children and beginning artists . a preferred source of such material is medical grade silastic etr tm elastomers q7 - 4735 and q7 - 4750 ( an enhanced tear resistant silicone ) available from dow corning , with q7 - 4735 being used to form “ softer ” tips and q7 - 4750 being used to form “ firmer ” tips . these products are supplied as two - part thermal - setting elastomers . a related product , q7 - 4765 is arguably serviceable but results in too “ firm ” a tip for most painting purposes . these three products are also blendable to formulate intermediate hardnesses and q7 - 4765 may be useful , for example , in such blends . it is expected that less costly commercial products having identical or nearly identical properties to q7 - 4735 and q7 - 4750 will be available from the manufacturer in the near future , as “ medical grade ” nature of these particular materials is somewhat expensive due to the additional quality control required to meet medical standards . the q7 - 4535 and q7 - 4750 products are represented by dow corning as consisting of dimethyl and methylvinyl siloxane copolymers and reinforcing silica . other silicones which are serviceable in the production of tips , yet somewhat less desirable are : fluorosilicones ( very solvent resistant but substantially more costly ); general purpose silastics such as gp - 50 and gp - 30 from dow corning ( sufficient strength but less solvent resistant which prevents extensive applications with oil based paints but does allow use with childrens &# 39 ; paints ); rtv ( room temperature vulcanization types ) from dow corning ; lsr ( liquid silicone rubber ) such as lsr 595 - hc and lsr 590 ( molding may be prohibitively expensive .) a notable quality of all the serviceable materials are the surface characteristics of the molded tips . specifically , dry or drying paint does not appear to stick to the surface which results in remarkably easy cleaning of the tool tips after use . although an unlimited variation in tip shapes is possible , the most useful shapes include the following : taper point , as shown in fig5 ; flat chisel , as shown in fig8 ; cupped chisel , as shown in fig9 ; cupped round , as shown in fig1 ; and angle chisel as shown in fig6 . the cup chisel , shown in fig9 and cup round , as shown in fig1 both include concave surfaces which artists rapidly learn to exploit to move and manipulate fresh undried paint upon a substrate surface . the tips are preferably formed by molding , such as injection - compression modling . alternatively , the tips may be cut from cured silicone . of course , a combination of molding and cutting may also be employed . referring again to fig2 the ferrule connecting portion 39 is expanded within the ferrule cavity 34 to provide locking contact with the inner surface 36 . this expansion is caused by an insert 44 . in a preferred embodiment , the insert 44 may be a screw . the screw is installed by rotational advancement into the ferrule connecting portion 39 of the tip 38 . the longitudinal movement of the insert 44 results in lateral expansion of the material of the tip 38 . if the lateral expansion is sufficient , locking contact is generated between the tip 38 and the ferrule 28 . note that the expansion of the tip 38 , within the ferrule connecting portion 39 , is slightly more pronounced near its proximal end where the installation of the insert 44 is initiated . this effect tends to further improve the locking contact within a preferred tapered ferrule 28 . most preferably , however , a complementary taper can be provided to the ferrule connecting portion 39 of the tip 38 , during tip preparation . in a preferred embodiment , tip 38 is oversized by a range of up to 5 % to enhance the fit of tip 38 within ferrule 28 . a raised ring 43 may be provided on tip 38 to assist in the assembly of tip 38 within ferrule 28 by indicating exactly where tip 38 should be positioned with respect to ferrule 28 . during assembly , ring 43 tends to push tip 38 out slightly once tip 38 is positioned within ferrule 28 at the proper position . in one embodiment , an epoxy - based adhesive is applied to the exposed end of insert 44 to create an adhesive bond between the metal of insert 44 and the metal of an inner wall of ferrule 28 as an added security to keep insert 44 locked in position . the insert 44 need not be a screw . instead , locking contact can be caused by installing other suitable inserts such a nail or other hard insertable body . optionally , the insert 44 may also include one or more barbs or rings , such as those found on flooring nails , or other devices to prevent undesired extraction and unintended unlocking of the tip 38 from the ferrule 28 . most preferably the tip 38 also includes a pilot hole , optimally axially extending from the proximal end of the ferrule connecting portion 40 and terminating at the proximal end of the paint contacting portion 42 . although ferrule 28 and insert 44 are a preferred mechanism for attaching tip 38 to handle 22 , it will be recognized that this attachment may be accomplished in other ways , such as by gluing or adhesively affixing a proximal end of tip 38 to distal end 26 of handle 22 . alternatively , a male protrusion on distal end 26 of handle 22 could be inserted into a corresponding female cavity within tip 38 , or conversely a male protrusion on the proximal end of tip 38 could be inserted into a corresponding female cavity in the distal end 26 of handle 22 . in either case , it would be possible to provide additional mechanical or chemical mechanisms , such as barbs , flanges , latches , screw threads , glue or adhesive , to assist in securing the tip 38 to the handle 22 . preparation of an artist tool of the present invention also constitutes another embodiment of the present invention . specifically , the method includes the initial steps of : providing a handle 22 , such as a wooden paint bristle brush handle ; providing a ferrule 28 , generally such as those used on a bristle brush or a common pencil ,; and providing a tip 38 or any of the variety of tip shapes and hardnesses discussed above . next , the tip 38 is inserted into the ferrule 28 with the ferrule connecting portion 39 of the tip 38 situated in the tip carrying cavity 34 of the ferrule 28 and the paint contacting portion 40 extending distally from the ferrule 28 . then , the ferrule connecting portion 39 of the tip 38 is expanded into locking contact within the tip carrying cavity 34 of the ferrule 28 by installing an insert 44 into the ferrule connecting portion 39 of the tip 38 . preferably , a pilot hole is provided in the tip 38 . a preferred pilot hole or insert cavity is undersized relative to the insert 44 but served to facilitate installation . that is , screws , by way of example , have a tendency to wander during installation and a more uniform locking contact tends to be generated by installation of the insert 44 generally axially , longitudinally , and from proximally toward distally within the ferrule connecting portion 39 . if a screw is used for the insert 44 , providing driving rotation to the screw within a ferrule maybe accomplished by a nut driver or a screw driver . finally , the ferrule 28 is attached to the handle 22 . if the device is to be permanent , a crimp 30 attachment may be employed . crimp attachments can be improved and positively located by providing an encircling groove appropriately adjacent the distal end of the handle 22 . the present invention offers the possibility of interchangeably of the tips 38 if a reversible attachment , such as a female threaded ferrule and a male threaded handle are provided . in such an arrangement , an artist can be provided with a reduced quantity of handles and an array of tips 38 . the tips 38 may be interchanged in a reduced quantity of ferrules , or in the alternative , each tip may have a dedicated ferrule and the tips with dedicated ferrules interchanged on a reduced quantity of handles . in such systems , an array of tips may be provided for an artist , either interchangeable separate tip , tips with dedicated ferrules , or complete artist &# 39 ; s tools . although an artist may readily recognize the various shapes available for employment , efficiency is enhanced by providing an inert distinct color indicia to signify the different hardnesses of the available tips . such color indicia can be mixed with the tip material prior to molding to easily achieve this result . in yet another alternative , the present invention allows for simple repair of a damaged artist &# 39 ; s tool by replacement of either a tip or a tip and dedicated ferrule combination . in a most preferred embodiment 120 of fig1 , an integral insert 144 extends from and is integral with a handle 122 . preferably , the integral insert 144 and the handle 122 are formed of molded thermoplastic plastic material , although they could be formed from metal or wood . the integral insert 144 includes a flute 145 , most preferably four radially projecting flutes 145 . these flutes 145 serve to reduce or prevent rotation of the tip 138 relative to the insert 144 . additionally , barbs 146 are present to inhibit inadvertent separation of the tip 138 from the integral insert 144 . elbows 147 on the flutes 145 similarly contribute to preventing expulsion of the integral insert 144 . further , it should be pointed out that the ferrule 128 may be crimped , for example at crimps 131 to further tighten the locking of the ferrule 128 to the tip 138 . preferably , a pilot hole or insert cavity 143 is provided in the tip 138 . the preferred insert cavity 143 is longitudinally oriented within the ferrule connecting portion 139 of the tip 138 . most preferably , the integral insert 144 and the insert cavity 143 have shapes generally complementary to each other while the integral insert 144 is transversely oversized relative to the insert cavity 143 so as to expand the ferrule connecting portion 140 of the tip 138 against the interior surface 136 of the cavity 134 of the ferrule . 128 . the highly desirable quality of embodiment 120 maybe understood when considered as a permanent assembly with multiply redundant attachment systems between the tip 138 to the handle 122 . that is , the tip 138 is held firmly in a number of ways . first , it is locked against the inner surface of the ferrule 128 due to outward expansion , thereby preventing both separation or rotation . second , barbs 146 and elbows 147 also prevent longitudinal movement subsequent to installation of integral insert 144 and contribute to preventing rotation . third , the ferrule 128 is crimped to both the handle 122 and the tip 138 . finally , flutes 145 inhibit rotation . the only remaining significant limitation of this permanent device is the structural quality of the material forming the tip 138 . the multiply redundant attachments become even more remarkable in light of another embodiment of the present invention , a method of forming an artist &# 39 ; s tool such as that depicted in fig1 . the handles 122 are first provided . it is well within the skill of the art to form such handles 122 with integral inserts 144 by injection molding . similarly , ferrules 128 can be prepared from thin metal tubing , and optionally , worked to provide a slight taper by techniques well within the skill of the art . tips 138 of varying shapes and hardnesses can also be molded and or cut from commercial silicone materials previously mentioned . with the tip 138 inserted in the ferrule 132 , the integral insert 144 and handle 122 are longitudinally installed in the insert cavity 143 and the proximal portion 132 of the ferrule 128 , respectively . finally , the ferrule 128 is attached to the distal end of the handle 122 . preferably , the attachment is by crimping and most preferably may be accompanied by crimping the ferrule 128 to the tip 138 as well . in another method of this invention , the integral insert 144 can be first installed in the tip 138 and the ferrule 128 subsequently forced into place and crimped . in an alternative embodiment shown in fig1 , a series of longitudinal slits 150 can be created in tip 138 to enhance the wicking and paint carrying capability of the present invention . the depths of slits 150 can be cut entirely through tip 138 , or only part way throught tip 138 . similarly , the length of slits 150 can be any desired length relative to the length of tip 138 . it is also possible to create a pair of complementary sets of slits , one on each side of tip 138 and leave a center , non - sliced portion therebetween . in addition to creating slits 150 by cutting or slicing tip 138 , it is also possible to remove a portion of the material of tip 138 to create each slit 150 . the paint wicking and carrying capability is enhanced due to the mechanical nature of slits 150 and due to the increased surface area of tip 138 on which the paint can be carried . slits 150 can also be used to create a different type of mark or stroke with the present invention . in conclusion , it can be readily recognized that the present invention , in a number of embodiments provides a new artist tool , a method suitable for large scale economical production of a durable artist &# 39 ; s tool or for interchangeable tips from an array of tips . because numerous modifications may be made of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof , the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the single embodiment illustrated and described . rather , the scope of the invention is to be determined by appended claims and their equivalents .
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now , the embodiment of this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings . in the following description , the component elements possessing an identical or similar function will be denoted by the like reference numerals unless in the presence of a special reason . fig1 illustrates a unit display device 1 which partakes in the construction of the image display apparatus of this invention . when the image display apparatus to be constructed is fated to assume a tetragonal display region having a large image plane , the unit display devices 1 are severally disposed from the left lower corner toward upward , rightward and obliquely rightward and wired . when this procedure is repeated on each of the unit display devices , the image display apparatus having a necessary display region is constructed . though the display device 1 is depicted as possessing four inputs , it is required to have at least one input . the inside structure of the unit display device 1 partaking in the construction of the image display apparatus of this invention is illustrated in fig2 . the unit display device 1 illustrated in fig2 comprises a receiving part 2 for simultaneously receiving a plurality of image signals of the form of an image signal packet , a processing part 3 for dividing the image signal packet into the interior and the exterior of display range and processing the data on the position for starting display of that packet ( address ) of the image signal packet outside the display range , a transmitting part 4 for outputting the processed image signal packet , and a display part 5 for displaying the image signal packet judged to fall in the display range . the construction of fig2 enables expansion of the display range by causing a plurality of such unit display devices to be mutually connected . while various methods are available for realizing the display part that serves to display the image signal packet falling in the display range , the method disclosed in japanese patent no . 3520318 directed to an image synthesizing and processing system , for example , may be adopted for this realization . in case display of two image signal packets at the same position is required , the content of display , namely the kind of image to be displayed , is decided by giving to the display part a synthetic control command data prepared in advance or a synthetic control command data synthesized from the relevant image signal packet . an embodiment of the image display apparatus according to the present invention will be described . fig3 illustrates an image display apparatus 20 obtained by connecting five unit display devices 21 to 25 of this invention individually provided with four inputs and input - output terminals of upper , right upper and right sides and consequently enabled to acquire a display image plane of a rectangle lacking the right upper part . the unit display devices have their respective display - limiting positions input and memorized in advance therein . fig3 depicts the flow of the images of a video camera 11 , tuners 12 and 13 , a digital camera 15 and a personal computer 16 as inputs partly via a hub 14 . the input signals from these component devices are invariably in the form of “ an image signal packet having designated the position for starting display ” which will be specifically described herein below . from the personal computer , two , i . e . one elliptic and one quadrilateral , signals are output . the input signals may be entered into the image display apparatus via any of the input terminals thereof . when the input terminals are not sufficient in number , the insufficiency may be coped with by branching the relevant wire by means of the hub 14 . in the case of the image signal which has a larger number of pixels than one image display device can display , the digital camera 15 in fig3 , for example , when handing the image signal having such a number of pixels , causes this image signal to be automatically broken by the information of the position for starting display of the image signal and displayed in four image display devices . when the image of a popular song broadcast received by the tuner 13 and the image of a person photographed by the video camera 11 are so displayed as to allow the positions of their display to overlap , it is made possible to obtain an image illustrating a scene as though the photographed person was dancing on a stage together with the person appearing in the popular song broadcast . the image received by the tuner 12 of fig3 is displayed on the unit display device 23 . the image signal in one line of this display is illustrated in fig4 . the following description will be made with attention focused on the image signal indicated by a horizontal line drawn across an image plane . it is assumed that the position for starting display of the image signal of this one line falls at ( 1310 , 400 ), i . e . the right end of the line of ( x , y ), and the image plane of the image display device measures 640 dots in width and 480 dots in height . the left lower image display device judges this image signal packet to fall outside the range of image display , alters the value of the x coordinate to 670 (= 1310 − 640 ) resulting from deducting the value of the size of the image plane , and outputs this result via the right output terminal . the second image display device which has received this image signal packet similarly alters the value of the x coordinate to 30 (= 670 − 640 ) resulting from deducting the value of the size of the image plane and outputs the result via the right output terminal . the third image display device which has received this image signal packet , owing to the fact that the position for starting display falls in the range of display , divides the image signal packet into the part inside and the part outside the range of display ( the part outside the range is empty in the illustrated case ) and displays the part inside the range in the display part . the automatic transfer of the image signal packet in the upper direction has the same mechanism as above . the vertically and bilaterally connected image display devices altogether complete an image exhibiting a matching property . fig5 illustrates a mechanism for enabling an image of a digital camera , for example , to be displayed as divided in four unit display devices as in an example of the image display apparatus of this invention . the following description will be made with attention focused on the image signal indicated with a horizontal line in the image plane . it is assumed that the position for starting display ( x , y ) of the image signal of this one line falls at ( 50 , 900 ), the image has a length of 1024 dots , and the image plane of the image display device measures 640 dots in width and 480 dots in height . the left lower image display device judges this image signal packet to fall outside the range of image display and alters the value of the y coordinate to 420 (= 900 − 480 ) resulting from deducting the value of the size of the image plane . further , since the width exceeds the size of the image plane , this image display device divides the image signal packet into image signal packets having image lengths of 590 (= 640 − 50 ) dots and 534 (= 1024 − 490 ) dots and fixes the position for starting display ( x , y ) of the latter signal packets at ( 50 , 0 ). the former one of the divided image signal packets is output via the output terminal for the upper side of the display device 21 . the latter one of the divided image signal packets is output via the output terminal for the right upper side of the display device 21 . the upper and the right upper image display devices which have received these image signal packets , owing to the fact that the positions for starting display both fall in the range of display , divide the image signal packets each into a part inside and a part outside the range of display ( the part outside the range is empty in this case ) and display the parts inside the range in the display part . fig6 illustrates one example of the procedure to be followed in causing an image received by the tuner 12 to be displayed by the display device 23 in accordance with the user &# 39 ; s instructions . the tuner 12 comprises a radio receiving part for receiving a television broadcast and outputting such an image signal packet as allows an origin ( 0 , 0 ) to fall on the left lower side and a packet processing part for processing a position for starting display in accordance with the external instructions from the user . since the tuner 12 is consequently enabled to output such an image signal packet as allows an origin ( 0 , 0 ) to fall on the left lower side , the output is displayed in the image display apparatus 20 as illustrated in fig5 . the case in which the user of this image display apparatus 20 instructs the display position of his own choice by the use of a mouse , for example , will be described below . when the user designates ( 1310 , 450 ) as the display position of the left upper side of an image , for example , the click he gives to the mouse causes the designated data to be transmitted to the tuner 12 . the packet processing part of the tuner 12 which has received the designated data adds ( 1310 , 50 ) to the position for starting display of the image signal packet output by the radio receiving part so as to allow coincidence of the position ( 0 , 400 ) of the left upper side of the output image of the tuner 12 with the designated position ( 1310 , 450 ) and outputs the result of this addition . in the television broadcast image plane of fig4 , the position ( x , y )=( 0 , 350 ) for starting display of the image signal from the radio receiving part in one line indicated by a horizontal line is altered by the packet processing part to ( 1310 , 400 ) and output in the altered form . though the display part of fig2 is assumed to have one display image plane in the foregoing description , an alignment having a deviating phase as shown in fig7 ( b ) may be obtained by repeating such a unit display device as shown in fig7 ( a ), for example . in this case , the unit display device as shown in fig7 ( a ) may be configured by the method of this invention or by the conventional method . further , this unit display device has only to produce an output for use in each of the directions possessing translational objectivity . a distinction button so to speak can be established by designating an optional region on a display and providing this region with a button , the depression of which results in enhancing the resolution of an image in that region , and rendering the image in that region distinct or , in the case of a moving image , this distinction button can be established by using means to heighten the refresh rate of the image instead of or in conjunction with the enhancement of the resolution . as regards this concept , the practice of varying the resolution of an image wholly in conformity with instructions has been in vogue heretofore . the adoption of this option , in an environment in which the communication band as utilized for a network is restricted , enables the whole communication band to be suppressed to a low level while allowing a necessary part of an image to be displayed with high definition and ensures ideal response and accomplishes provision of service at a low communication charge . for the purpose of realizing this option , an apparatus as the source of transmission of an image or a projected image is instructed to send the data exclusively in the designated region with high definition by the use of a circuit of fig8 or fig9 . the source of transmission transmits high - definition data containing the coordinates of the relevant part . as a result , it is made possible to increase the amount of the data and enhance the resolution in the designated part while the resolution in the remainder of the region is kept at a suppressed level . a method for sending such partial high - definition data as mentioned above , when the high - definition data is in a rectangular shape , consists in first giving notice of the information concerning the position of the origin of a rectangle ( the right upper apex , for example ), the length of the rectangle and the resolution and subsequently sending the data exclusively ( the sequence of sending the data is properly decided as from the right upper side toward the left and , when the left side is reached , again from the right in the first row directly below , for example ), with the result that the rectangular range will be successfully displayed . when the resolution of the data in this case falls short of the resolution of the display apparatus , the shortage may be properly complemented . in the recognition of disposition of a multiplicity of image planes by a method using connecting ports corresponding to relevant positions , when a multiplicity of image planes are used wholly as a large image plane , it is necessary that the individual display device be so prepared as to recognize their positional relations and function collectively . preferably , this preparation is effected by a simple adjustment . the display device to be connected to another display device , for example , necessitates preparation of four connection ports for use at vertical and bilateral points , uses as the origins the coordinates of the display device that has entered an image signal , obtains image data resulting from rewriting the image signal into position data by subtracting the number of pixels of the display device in the vertical and lateral directions in accordance with the connecting ports of the display device in the vertical and bilateral directions from the origins , and transmits the image data . simultaneous input to a plurality of display devices is also feasible , on the condition that the image signal devices individually have origins of their own . the positions for display of images that are obtained by this method are initialized values . the user is allowed afterward to alter these positions for display of the images to suit his convenience . in this case , the user has only to alter the position data of images while the positions of the origins on the display device side are kept intact . in accordance with the method proposed above , the simultaneous display in the plurality of display devices is accomplished by merely connecting the display devices to the vertical and bilateral ports in confornity with the positions of the image planes without requiring any special procedure for the recognition of dispositions . in the recognition of the dispositions of a multiplicity of image planes by a method using a camera , all the connected display devices are enabled to comprehend automatically the information of their own positions ( also detect the resolution ) by connecting a camera to any of the display devices as illustrated in fig1 ( a ), keeping the whole group of display devices cast in that display image , and issuing to that display device instructions to effect automatic recognition of dispositions . after the display device has been connected , it is made to exchange the information such as of the id and the resolution proper to the device and have the new information registered . the display device , on receiving instructions to effect automatic recognition of dispositions , sends to the display devices of varying ids including itself a projected image capable of discriminating them from the other display devices ( indicating the display devices required to be discriminated in red and the other display devices in blue , for example ) and detects the position of the device by processing the camera image . by informing all the display devices of the result of detection , the individual displays are enabled to know the information of their own positions . since this function resides wholly on the display device side , the camera may be of an ordinary grade . in the recognition of dispositions of a multiplicity of image planes by a method using id display , the display devices are so adapted that when instructions to effect automatic recognition of disposition is issued to any of the display devices through a circuit illustrated in fig1 ( b ), the other display devices are caused to output pertinent numbers . meanwhile , the display device that has received the instructions to effect automatic recognition of disposition is adapted to show the group of icons of the display devices containing corresponding numerals . then , the user is enabled to recognize the dispositions of the multiplicity of image planes by arranging by remote control these icons in the actual positional relation of the display devices . these icons are enabled to reflect their actual sizes by dint of display information , such as the resolution , for example . thus , the recognition of dispositions can be realized without requiring a camera . though the individual displays are mutually connected and are consequently exchanged in information , they are ignorant of their positional relations . the user , therefore , is required to teach them the positional relations by using a representative display device .
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a prior art piano humidistat manufactured by the assignee of the present invention , dampp - chaser electronics corporation , is shown broadly in fig1 at reference numeral 10 in relation to a piano soundboard 11 . the prior art humidistat 10 includes a humidity sensor housing 12 , a humidity sensor 13 within the humidity sensor housing 12 , a printed circuit board 14 , electrical power outlets 15 for an associated dehumidifier and humidifier ( not shown ), and various power and utility cords 16 . the prior art humidistat 10 also defines a plurality of openings 20 through which air may enter and exit the humidistat 10 . in addition , a safety baffle 21 is situated in close proximity to the openings 20 in the humidistat 10 nearest the printed circuit board 14 in order to prevent a curious user from being shocked by inserting electrically conductive materials through the openings 20 nearest the printed circuit board 14 and contacting live electrical elements such as those that are powered on the printed circuit board 14 during humidistat 10 operation . for optimal performance of a piano humidistat , the humidity sensor therein should continually be exposed to the air closest in proximity to the piano soundboard , as it is the relative humidity of this particular air that provides the most accurate measure of the relative humidity of the soundboard itself . positive air flow from the area closest in proximity to the soundboard toward the humidity sensor of the humidistat is desired in order for the humidity sensor to be exposed to the most accurate representation of the current relative humidity of the air closest in proximity to the piano soundboard . close proximity of the humidity sensor and the soundboard is desired for the same reason . one method of bringing about positive air flow in a humidistat is through creation of a “ chimney effect ” within the humidistat . such an effect may be created by defining two zones within the humidistat and causing a first zone to maintain a higher air temperature than a second zone during humidistat operation . however , in order to avoid the relative air temperature equalization that will naturally occur over time between the first and second zones , at least partial physical separation of the zones is required . in addition , the zones must be situated such that air flow between them is sufficiently constricted and directed between and within the zones to stimulate air flow from the lower air temperature zone into the higher air temperature zone . if these preconditions are met , during humidistat operation the lower temperature air will flow substantially downward through the lower air temperature zone toward the higher air temperature zone , where it will be heated . the heated air will be drawn further into the higher air temperature zone as it rises out of the humidistat . this air flow will cause a partial vacuum in the lower air temperature zone that will in turn be filled by air flowing into the lower air temperature zone from outside the humidistat . in this way , the desired positive air flow through the humidistat may be achieved . turning again to fig1 , the heat naturally generated by electrical circuitry ( not shown ) on the printed circuit board 14 during operation of the prior art humidistat 10 may be helpful toward achieving the desired chimney effect within the humidistat . however , the prior art humidistat 10 does not define zones having materially different air temperatures , and therefore the heat radiating from the electrical circuitry on the printed circuit board 14 during humidistat operation is spread and dissipated relatively evenly throughout the prior art humidistat 10 , preventing any substantial positive air flow through the prior art humidistat 10 . in any event , whatever positive air flow does occur within the prior art humidistat 10 as a result of the heat from the electrical circuitry on the printed circuit board 14 actually occurs in a direction opposite to the desired direction , that is , toward the soundboard 11 rather than away from the soundboard 11 , as shown by arrows and dotted lines marked “ af ” that indicate the airflow path . in addition , the humidity sensor 13 in the prior art humidistat 10 is physically separated from the soundboard 11 by the humidistat 10 itself . turning now to fig2 , an improved piano humidistat 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated . this improved humidistat 30 is larger than the prior art humidistat 10 ( fig1 ) and better accomplishes the above objectives . a baffle 31 is included within the humidistat 30 to help define first and second zones 32 , 33 within the humidistat . the baffle 31 could be oriented at any one of a variety of different angles and / or shaped as any one of a variety of different curves as long as air is able to flow from the first zone 32 into the second zone 33 during humidistat operation . additionally , the baffle 31 could extend the full internal height of the humidistat and include openings to allow airflow through the baffle 31 . it should be noted that a safety baffle such that shown in the prior art humidistat ( fig1 at 21 ) is unnecessary in the improved humidistat in light of the electrical components of the improved humidistat being oriented away from any openings into the humidistat . during humidistat operation , electrical circuitry ( not shown ) on a printed circuit board 34 oriented in the second zone 33 heats the air in the humidistat such that the air temperature in the second zone 33 is generally higher than the air temperature in the first zone 32 . air enters the lower air temperature zone 32 through an air inlet 40 in the humidistat 30 , and having a relatively low ambient temperature , falls substantially downward through the lower air temperature zone 32 as shown by arrows and dotted lines marked “ af ” that indicate the airflow path through the humidistat . as it enters the humidistat 30 , the air encounters and is sensed by the humidistat sensor 42 , which therefore enables measurement of the relative humidity of the air in very close proximity to the piano soundboard 11 , one of the desired results described above . as it continues to fall through the lower air temperature zone 32 , the air nears an end 35 of the baffle 31 , where it begins to be heated by heat that radiates from the electrical circuitry ( not shown ) on the printed circuit board 34 in the higher air temperature zone 33 when the printed circuit board 34 is electrically powered during humidistat 30 operation . as shown by the airflow path indicated with the arrows and dotted lines “ af ”, the heated air then begins to flow substantially upward toward the printed circuit board 34 , where the air continues to increase in temperature and continues to flow substantially upward through the higher air temperature zone 33 before ultimately exiting the humidistat 30 through an air outlet 41 in the humidistat 30 . this improved configuration provides the desired positive air flow (“ af ”) in the desired direction , namely , away from the soundboard 11 . fig3 shows a graph comparing the humidity regulation performance of the prior art humidistat 10 shown in fig1 ( noted as “ h 3 ” in the graph in conjunction with dotted lines with triangles thereon ) and the improved humidistat 30 shown in fig2 ( noted as “ h 4 ” in the graph in conjunction with solid lines ). for each of the two humidistats , ten readings ( bottom scale of graph ) of the equilibrium moisture of the soundboard ( left - hand scale of graph ) are shown for each of three relative humidities ( noted within graph ). equilibrium soundboard moisture readings between approximately 6 . 6 and 6 . 8 are desired , as this range is consistent with those encountered in soundboards maintained in the storage facilities of most piano manufacturers . this equilibrium moisture range correlates to a range of approximately 42 – 46 % relative air humidity around the soundboard . as can be seen from fig3 , the improved humidistat 30 (“ h 4 ,” solid lines ) maintains the equilibrium moisture of the soundboard in the desired 6 . 6 to 6 . 8 range far more consistently than the prior art humidistat 10 (“ h 3 ,” dotted lines with triangles ) across multiple readings and at varying relative air humidities . an improved piano humidistat is described above . various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope . furthermore , the foregoing description of an embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation — the invention being defined by the claims .
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the following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention . various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art , and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . thus , the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown , but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein . fig2 shows a circuit diagram of an sram cell ( 200 ) according to an embodiment of the present invention . the 8 - t sram cell ( 200 ) includes eight operatively coupled transistors for providing low gate and sub - threshold leakage currents in the sram cell ( 200 ). the 8 - t sram cell ( 200 ) receives an input voltage signal vdd , and is connected to a bit line ( bl )/ complementary bit line (/ bl ), and a word line ( wl ) for read , write or erase operations . the 8 - t sram cell ( 200 ) is designed to minimize the sub - threshold and gate leakage currents under various conditions . the sram cell ( 200 ) is designed to reduce leakage currents irrespective of data stored in the sram cell ( 200 ). transistors are operatively coupled in the sram cell ( 200 ) to lower the effective supply voltage at different nodes , when either bit ‘ 0 ‘ or ’ 1 ’ is stored in the sram cell ( 200 ). the reduced effective supply voltage is passed to other coupled transistors for minimizing leakages . the lower effective supply voltage provides low leakage currents within the sram cell . the sram cell 200 includes a first pmos transistor ( 202 ), a second pmos transistor ( 204 ), a first inserted nmos transistor ( 208 ), a second inserted nmos transistor ( 206 ), a third nmos transistor ( 210 ), a first nmos transistor ( 214 ), a second nmos transistor ( 216 ), and a fourth nmos transistor ( 212 ). the transistors are operatively coupled to each other for providing low leakage currents as shown in fig2 . the first pmos transistor ( 202 ) has a source connected to a power supply voltage vdd , a gate connected to a first control signal at node b , and a drain connected to a virtual power supply voltage . the virtual power supply voltage is obtained by lowering a power supply voltage vdd by a threshold voltage ( vth ) of a transistor . the second pmos transistor ( 204 ) has a source connected to the power supply voltage vdd , a gate connected to the virtual power supply voltage , and a drain connected to the first control signal at node b . the first inserted nmos transistor ( 208 ) has a source connected to the first control signal at node b , a gate connected to a second control signal vc , and a drain connected to the virtual power supply voltage at node c . the second control signal vc is kept at the supply voltage vdd . the second inserted nmos transistor ( 206 ) has a source connected to the virtual power supply voltage , a gate connected to the second control signal at vc , which is kept at the supply voltage vdd , and a drain connected to the virtual power supply voltage at node a . the third nmos transistor ( 210 ) has a source and a gate connected to the power supply voltage vdd and a drain connected to the virtual power supply voltage at node a . the first nmos transistor ( 214 ) has a source and a gate connected to the virtual power supply voltage at node a and c respectively , and a drain connected to a ground voltage vgg . the second nmos transistor ( 216 ) has a source and a gate connected to the virtual power supply voltage at node c and a respectively , and a drain connected to the ground voltage vgg . the fourth nmos transistor ( 212 ) having a source connected to the virtual power supply voltage at node c , a drain and a gate connected to the power supply voltage vdd . the first inserted nmos transistor ( 208 ) is operatively coupled in the 8 - t sram cell ( 200 ) to provide suppressed gate and sub - threshold leakage currents when bit ‘ 0 ’ is stored in the sram cell ( 200 ). under this condition , the gate voltage of the first inserted nmos transistor ( 208 ) is kept at power supply voltage vdd . the first inserted nmos transistor ( 208 ) will pass the gate voltage vdd as vdd - vth ( vth is the threshold voltage of the inserted nmos transistor 208 ) to node c and node c is connected to the second nmos transistor ( 216 ). the gate voltage of the first nmos transistor ( 214 ) is also reduced to vdd - vth , which reduces the gate leakage currents through the first nmos transistor ( 214 ) as shown by dotted lines . the second inserted nmos transistor ( 206 ) is operatively coupled in the 8 - t sram cell ( 200 ) to provide suppressed gate and sub - threshold leakage currents when bit ‘ 1 ’ is stored in the sram cell ( 200 ). under this condition , the gate of the second inserted nmos transistor ( 206 ) is kept at voltage vdd . the second inserted nmos transistor ( 206 ) will pass this gate voltage vdd as vdd - vth to the first nmos transistor ( 214 ) through node a . also the gate voltage to the second nmos transistor ( 216 ) is reduced to vdd - vth , which significantly reduces the gate leakage currents in the second nmos transistor ( 216 ). the 8 - t sram cell ( 200 ) operates in the active mode , so the gate signal of the second inserted nmos transistor ( 206 ) and the first inserted nmos transistor ( 208 ) are activated . the bit - line ( bl ) and the complementary bit line (/ bl ) are charged at the power supply voltage vdd for minimizing gate and sub - threshold leakages . the sram cell ( 200 ) can be read and written to by means of bit lines and word lines . the nodes a and c are connected to a bit line bl and a complementary bit line / bl , respectively , via the third nmos transistors ( 210 ) and the fourth nmos transistor ( 212 ), respectively . the nmos transistors ( 210 ) and ( 212 ) are referred to as access transistors or pass transistors . gates of the third nmos transistors ( 210 ) and the fourth nmos transistor ( 212 ) are connected to the word line ( wl ) that enables reading and writing operations . if the node a is logic low and the word line wl is enabled to a logic high level , a current path from the bit line bl to the ground voltage vgg via the pass transistor ( 210 ) and the first nmos transistor ( 214 ) is formed , and the logic low state of the node a is read out to the bit line bl . if the node a is logic low and the word line wl is logic low , a leakage current path from the bit line bl to the ground voltage vgg via the pass transistor ( 210 ) and the transistor ( 214 ) is formed in the sram cell ( 200 ). fig3 is a circuit diagram of an sram cell ( 300 ) for controlling bit - line leakage currents according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention . the sram cell ( 300 ) receives an input voltage signal vdd , and is connected to a bit line ( bl )/ complementary bit line (/ bl ), and a word line ( wl ). the bit - line ( bl ) and the complementary bit - line (/ bl ) of the sram cell ( 300 ) can be pre - charged to a voltage of vdd - vth to reduce the bit line leakage current . fig4 shows an sram array ( 400 ) that provides reduced leakage currents . the sram array ( 400 ) consists of 2 rows and 3 columns ( 2 × 3 matrix ) as shown merely for illustration purposes , and typically the array would include many more rows and columns of sram cells ( 200 / 300 ). the sram array ( 400 ) includes a plurality of sram cells ( 200 / 300 ), each sram cell in a row connected to a word line , and sram cells in a column connected to a bit line , a complementary bit line , a power supply voltage , and a ground voltage . the sram cell ( 200 / 300 ) in each row is connected to a common word - line ( either wl 1 or wl 2 ) and to different bit - lines ( bl 1 / bl 2 / bl 3 ) and complementary bit - line (/ bl 1 , / bl 2 , / bl 3 ) for each cell . the cells ( 200 / 300 ) in a column share a common bit - line and complementary bit - line with each cell in a column connected to a different word - line ( wl - 1 / wl - 2 ). the detailed description of the sram cells ( 200 / 300 ) is explained in fig2 and 3 . embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different types of electronic devices , such as cellular telephones , personal digital assistants , and other types of telecommunications and networking devices , as well as other types of electronic devices like computer systems . from the foregoing it will be appreciated that , although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration , various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention .
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in the overall construction of their components , connectors 1 , 2 according to fig1 are distinguishable from commercially available connectors , for sensor connections or valve connections for example , by the use of novel screw connections in the form of a threaded sleeve 3 and a union nut 4 . in their external outline , threaded joint components 3 and 4 are compatible with the commercially available connectors of this type . the compatibility enables commercially available connectors and connectors 1 , 2 according to fig1 having the features for quick connection to be combined without disadvantage . an external thread is provided on threaded sleeve 3 according to fig1 , which exists , however , only in some areas 5 of the circumference of threaded sleeve 3 . positioning of these threaded areas 5 creates threadless areas 7 , 7 ′ which may receive an internal threaded area 6 of a union nut . in contrast , socket 2 has a union nut 4 including an internal thread 6 which has threadless areas 8 , 8 ′, 8 ″ and threaded areas 6 which are situated opposite the joining position . fig2 shows a perspective view of this threaded sleeve 3 including the knurl for twisting threaded sleeve 3 , which facilitates handling ; threaded areas 5 , 5 ′, 5 ″ and their arrangement are also shown . although an asymmetrical positioning of thread areas 5 , 5 ′, 5 ″ is shown on the circumference of threaded sleeve 3 , a symmetrical arrangement in a simplified form may also be possible . however , the asymmetrical arrangement has the advantage that joining is only possible in one position when turning one revolution , which is advantageous for fastening connector 1 when a highly flexible seal 14 according to fig4 is used so that , due to the thread pitch , a larger angle of twist of threaded sleeve 3 , close to a complete revolution , becomes necessary . in fig3 , similarly to threaded sleeve 3 , union nut 4 has internal threadless areas 8 , 8 ′, 8 ″ in the areas being located opposite one another when both components are plugged together . thus , the radially protruding threaded areas 5 , 5 ′, 5 ″ of threaded sleeve 3 , whose extension in the circumferential direction is adapted to the threadless areas of union nut 4 , may be inserted into one another until seal 14 limits the plug - in action in the joining direction x - x according to fig4 . in a symmetrical arrangement of threaded areas 5 , 5 ′, 5 ″, 6 , 6 ′, 6 ″ on the circumference of both components , threadless areas 7 , 7 ′, 7 ″, 8 , 8 ′, 8 ″ of the same size are situated on the particular mating piece in the identical circumferential position so that the largest possible overlap area of the load - supporting thread is achieved . in particular , for easily finding the joining position of the plug pattern by twisting in the circumferential direction , external markings 17 , 18 are applied to the outside of the knurl which enable threaded sleeve 3 and union nut 4 to be plugged together when the positions of both markings match , the markings advantageously being color markings or , as shown in fig2 and fig3 , a knurl - free surface creating a prominent visual point . fig4 shows the arrangement where threaded sleeve 3 and union nut 4 are screwed together . a ring - shaped seal 14 , which is typically designed as an o - ring , is squeezed together between the components and their axially aligned contact surfaces 13 and 15 of both connectors 1 and 2 in the joining direction y , so that the insulated contacts situated in the connector are protected from the to some extent adverse environmental effects . fig5 shows an advantageous embodiment of the alignment of the threadless areas . the alignment of the threadless area on the surface of threaded sleeve 3 and similarly in union nut 4 make a slight initial twist of the particular component possible during handling . the overall alignment of threadless areas 7 , 7 ′, 7 ″ on threaded sleeve 3 or similarly of threadless areas 8 , 8 ′, 8 ″ in union nut 4 is positioned at the same angle alpha for both components , so that threaded areas 5 , 5 ′, 5 ″, 6 , 6 ′, 6 ″, corresponding to those threadless areas , must be positioned at the same angle . the positions of these areas also coincide correspondingly in the circumferential direction . to ensure the screwing - on of union nut 4 , it goes without saying that , before and after a threadless area 7 , 7 ′, 7 ″, the thread is aligned with the counterthread as necessary . this makes it possible to also use commercially available connectors 1 , 2 having a full thread for both types of plug connectors . in the combination of connectors having a different plug pattern , a symmetrical arrangement of the threadless areas or an asymmetrical arrangement of these areas for example , these connectors act vis - à - vis another connector like a commercially available connector having a full thread in which the components may be fastened to one another in the conventional time - consuming manner . fig6 and 7 show a further embodiment in which a stationary housing component 24 of a socket device 20 having a receiving thread comparable to that of union nut 4 is provided instead of a socket 2 having a union nut 4 . if the design of the internal thread of socket device 20 is adapted to the requirements of internal threaded areas 6 , 6 ′, 6 ″ of union nut 4 according to the present invention , the time - consuming handling of fastening plug 1 is minimized , even when it is being connected directly to the socket device . thus , in this embodiment socket device 20 includes internal threaded areas 6 , 6 ′, 6 ″ and threadless areas 8 , 8 ′, 8 ″, and plug connector 1 includes matching external threads 5 , 5 ′, 5 ″.
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fig1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the electromechanical switch 10 of the present invention where switch 10 has been split open to show its internal construction . fig4 is a top plan view of the electromechanical switch 10 in fig1 . fig5 is a cross - sectional view of switch 10 taken along section line 5 — 5 shown in fig4 . switch 10 is fabricated on a silicon wafer substrate 25 , and includes a movable beam 12 that is attached to substrate 25 and that moves within a cavity 14 to contact a conductive metal bridge 13 . deposited on top of substrate 25 is a superstrate 23 which supports conductive bridge 13 . fig2 ( a ) is a bottom view of a thermally - actuated embodiment of switch 10 , illustrated without the mechanical support layers , i . e ., substrate 25 and superstrate 23 , being shown for ease in understanding the operation of switch 10 . as noted in the summary of the invention , the present invention uses monolithic integration wherein miems devices , such as switch 10 , are connected to the integrated circuits necessary to control their operation . as shown in fig4 the integrated circuits 100 are fabricated on the same substrate 25 as the mems devices they control , such as switch 10 . as shown in fig2 ( a ), switch 10 includes an n - shaped polysilicon heater 20 and two traces 22 that are formed in a first metal layer ( not shown as before etching ). traces 22 provide power to heater 20 through connections 21 . above traces 22 are metal traces 11 and 9 which are deposited as part of a second level of metallization ( also not shown as before etching ). traces 11 and 9 form microwave waveguides . coplanar waveguides are preferred because the ground planes 11 are formed in the same plane as the signal plane 9 . deposited between these conducting layers are dielectric layers 17 , 18 and 19 , which function as insulating layers . layer 17 is a field oxide layer , while layer 18 is an insulating layer between the first polysilicon layer and the first metal layer . layer 19 is an insulating layer between the first metal layer and the second metal layer . layer 15 is an insulating layer that covers the second metal layer . fig5 shows a cross - sectional view of device formed using a one polysilicon layer and two metal layer cmos process . the number of interconnection layers , i . e ., metal layers , can be increased for more complex designs , such as modern cmos processes that produce tens of millions of transistors in small areas which require as many as ten metal interconnection layers . moving beam 12 of mems switch 10 is formed using a thin - film deposited during ic fabrication . moving beam 12 is a released layer , which , along with polysilicon heater 20 , is fully released , except on one side . deposited over second metal layer 11 and beam 12 is a dielectric layer 15 which functions as an insulating layer . directly above beam 12 is a conductive bridge 13 formed using a third layer metallization 33 ( see fig6 ( g )), which is deposited as a part of the fabrication sequence described in fig6 ( a ) to 6 ( i ). conductive bridge 13 is electrically connected to ground plane 11 through a plurality of cuts 16 in insulating layer 15 . bridge 13 is connected to ground plane 11 to achieve a shunt switching function , i . e ., the signal line 40 is connected and disconnected to ground plane 11 through bridge 13 . beam 12 is mechanically free to move in a vertical direction . because of internal mechanical stresses , beam 12 is typically curved away from the surface of the silicon wafer 25 towards bridge 13 . however , when beam 12 is heated by applying voltage across the polysilicon heater 20 embedded in beam 12 , the curvature of beam 12 changes . data depicting the deflection of a cantilever beam , such as beam 12 , is shown in fig3 . the data shown in fig3 were taken using a non - contact interferometer system ( not shown ) at ambient room temperature and pressure . curvature of a cantilever beam ultimately depends on the temperature profile along the beam . temperature measurements taken along beam 12 show that the temperature profile along such beam is not constant . the temperature profile changes , depending on many factors , including local heat generation , local curvature ( which is not constant ), and ambient pressure ( unforced air convection ). similarly , local heat generation along beam 12 depends on the local temperature and local grain structure in polysilicon heater 20 . despite the fact that the starting grain structure is fairly uniform across polysilicon heater 20 , this uniformity is eventually lost . nonlinear resistance behavior of polysilicon features is well - known for unsuspended polysilicon structures , but there are very few studies on suspended polysilicon structures , so more studies are needed to understand all important factors in determining the profile of a thermally - actuated beam . however , it is well - known that , once heat is generated , the tip of a cantilever , such as beam 12 , can be controlled over large distances . the fundamental effect that causes the change in the curvature of beam 12 is known as a bi - morph effect . it is the result of differences in thermal expansion coefficients between two materials . as shown in fig4 a cantilever , such as beam 12 , might contain many conducting ( typically metal ) and insulating layers ( typically oxide ). if a commonly available ic process is used , the metal layers would be aluminum , while the insulation layers would be silicon dioxide . as beam 12 is heated , the metal pieces expand much faster than the insulating layers , thereby decreasing the beam curvature . thus , the basis for the operation of microwave switch 10 is a bi - morph effect . the height of the air - bridge 13 is chosen , such that for a particular cantilever beam design ( length , width , combinations of thin - films ), in an un - powered state ( electrically on - state ), the tip of beam 12 would contact metal bridge 13 , so that the signal - line ( not shown ) is connected to ground plane 11 . for example , for a 200 μm long beam , the data for which is shown in fig3 the height of bridge 13 can be chosen to be 25 μm or less . although it is possible to have metal - to - metal contact in this configuration , simply by increasing the contact area at the tip of beam 12 , because of stiction issues , in an unpowered state , the tip of beam 12 is designed to have metal - to - dielectric contact . ( see the fig5 the parts of 15 remaining on top of 9 will touch the bridge 13 . in metal - to - metal contact there won &# 39 ; t be such dielectric pieces on top above 9 .) integrated circuit 100 then senses and controls movable beam 12 &# 39 ; s positioning relative to bridge 13 by controlling the current flowing through beam 12 . in addition , because of manufacturability issues , it is preferred to have bridge heights of less than 15 μm . the basic consideration involves the determination of tolerable power dissipation at the powered state ( electrically off - state , no connection between signal line and ground plane ). the amount of actuation is determined by the power dissipation ( equivalently generated heat ) and the length of beam 12 . using the same power , larger deflections can be obtained at the tip of longer beams , such as beam 12 . another issue , which must be considered for the design of switch 10 is the on - state and off - state capacitance ratio of switch 10 . it is desirable to have high capacitance ratios , for example 100 : 1 , to assure lower loss in the on - state and high - isolation in the off - state . on - state capacitance can be increased by increasing the contact area , increasing the dielectric constant of the material between metal layers in contact areas and decreasing the thickness of the dielectric layer . as discussed above , if desired , it is possible to design the contact area ( 15 in fig4 shows the contact area ) between beam 12 and bridge 13 to have metal - to - metal contact . on the other hand , off - state capacitance depends on the separation of contact surfaces and the area of contact surface . it is preferable to have as much separation as possible in the off - state , but the amount of separation is limited by available power , length of beam and fabrication limits . switch 10 can also be used as a tunable capacitor . switch 10 provides a capacitance with a huge capacitance ratio . however , it should be pointed out that the cantilever architecture is more suitable for the binary operation of a switch , rather than the more demanding continuous operation of a tunable capacitor . a thermally actuated fixed - fixed beam is better for tunable capacitor applications . fig2 b and 2 c show the preferred embodiment of a series tunable capacitor 40 of the present invention , but without mechanical supports being illustrated . a polysilicon heater 41 is employed at the backside of the lower plate 42 , as shown in fig2 ( c ). the connections 43 to polysilicon heater 41 are formed using a first metal layer ( again 43 is a part of the first metal layer ). the variable capacitance is obtained between the second metal layer ( top surface 44 of lower plate 42 ) and the third metal layer ( 45 shows the third metal layer ), which forms the upper plate 45 . upper plate 45 is fixed , but lower plate on beam 42 can be actuated by using a bi - morph effect and polysilicon heater 41 buried within lower plate 42 . it should be noted that fixed - fixed beams can potentially buckle in both direction , i . e ., into silicon or away from silicon . but , it has also been found that if a field - oxide layer is used , a very large percentage of fixed - fixed beams buckle away from silicon . a field - oxide layer ( shown as 17 in fig5 ) is a relatively thick thermally grown silicon dioxide layer which is under large compressive stress . if a field - oxide layer is incorporated into the beam structure of capacitor 40 , it would lie directly on the surface ( not shown ) of silicon wafer 25 . therefore , once the beam 42 is released , it would be the bottom layer , i . e ., field oxide layer 17 underneath beam 42 . if this layer is omitted , special precautions must be taken to assure the buckling direction of beam 42 . in this case , the desired direction is away from surface of silicon wafer 25 , or towards the upper plate 45 . inclusion of a field - oxide layer has some undesired effects as well . since it is so thick and significantly increases the stiffness of beam 42 , it also increases the power levels necessary to achieve desired capacitance ratio . when beam 42 buckles , it has a well - known raised cosine profile , but since it is not an ideal fixed - fixed beam , the real beam profile is fairly difficult to predict . this is especially true if beam 42 is much wider than polysilicon heater 41 . the high frequency connection 46 to lower plate 42 can be changed from a straight connection , as shown fig2 ( b ) to connections to the edges . this would increase the reflection , but the thermo - electro - mechanical problem would become more manageable by simply assuming an ideal fixed - fixed beam . the preferred capacitive embodiment of the present invention shown in fig2 ( b ) and 2 ( c ) uses a coplanar configuration . ground planes 47 are formed using a second metal layer ( not shown ). upper electrode 45 is fully supported by a mechanical support layer 48 , and has a single electrical contact 49 to signal line of the output port ( see fig2 ( b ). the capacitance of capacitor 40 is varied by changing the power dissipation in lower plate 42 , whose maximum deflection decreases in response to increased heat from heater 41 . the capacitance density also changes with the location of lower plate 42 , since upper plate 45 remains flat as lower plate 42 develops a raised - cosine shape . the capacitance per unit length ( measured in vertical direction to heater direction ) is calculated in closed form . maximum to minimum capacitance ratios higher than 10 : 1 and a quality factor of more than 50 can be achieved with this architecture . although the switch and variable capacitor embodiments of the present invention shown in fig2 ( a ) to 2 ( c ) use thermal actuation , the present invention can also be implemented using electrostatic actuation . with electrostatic actuation , the third metal layer is kept fixed , while the moveable membrane is formed using layers available in a semiconductor process alone . a preferred embodiment of an electrostatically actuated shunt switch 50 according to the invention is shown in fig2 ( d ). the construction of the electrostatically actuated shunt switch 50 is generally the same as switch 10 shown in fig1 and 2 ( a ), except as explained below . a moveable beam 50 consists of at least three metal pieces , 51 , 52 , 53 , formed on the second metal layer encapsulated in a membrane formed by inter - layer dielectric films . metal pieces 51 and 52 are used for electrostatic actuation . they are connected to a voltage source ( not shown ) which is an integrated circuit located elsewhere on wafer 25 . metal piece 53 closes a gap 62 between two signal strips 60 and 61 directly above metal piece 53 , once beam 50 is pulled - up by electrostatic actuation . ideally , there is no dielectric on the surface of metal piece 53 so as to allow metal - to - metal contact between metal piece 53 and signal strips 60 and 61 . to minimize sticktion , it is possible to add a thin layer of dielectric cover on metal piece 53 . all three metal pieces , 51 , 52 and 53 are typically encapsulated in dielectric films ( typically oxide ), but to allow free vertical motion of beam 50 , metal piece 53 is isolated from an overlaying dielectric film membrane 56 by cuts in such film shown by openings 54 . additional etch - holes 55 in dielectric membrane 56 are added to facilitate the formation of a cavity 57 . a microwave waveguide is formed on third metal layer by using metal pieces , 58 , 59 , 60 , and 61 . here again , such pieces form a coplanar waveguide configuration including ground planes 58 and 59 and signal planes 60 and 61 . with gap 62 between signal planes 60 and 61 , a signal cannot be transmitted . ground planes 58 and 59 act as upper electrodes for electrostatic actuation . so , when a transmission through signal planes 60 and 61 is desired , beam 50 is pulled up by applying a voltage higher than the threshold voltage of the switch . ground planes 58 and 59 are connected to circuit vias 63 and 64 . these vias are formed as a part of third metal layer right above contact pads 64 . hence , circuit vias 63 and 64 are electrically connected to integrated circuits elsewhere on the wafer . finally , ground planes 58 and 59 and signal planes 60 and 61 are supported by the mechanical support layer 23 . fig6 ( a ) through 6 ( i ) illustrate a preferred fabrication process for making the preferred embodiment of switch 10 of the present invention . this preferred process is based on semiconductor thin film deposition and photolithography processes , which are well known prior art . other fabrication sequences which are obvious to those skilled in the art are also within the scope of the present invention . the preferred embodiment of the electromechanical switch is fabricated using a semiconductor process in which a polysilicon layer , a first metal layer , and a second metal layer are deposited on a silicon wafer . by convention , in semiconductor processes , the layers are named according to their order of deposition . the first metal layer is the closest to the silicon substrate among metal layers , although it may be deposited on top of multiple layers of polysilicon . all the conductive layers are separated by insulating layers . fig6 ( a ) shows a cross - sectional view of a completed semiconductor chip 26 . for thermal actuation at least one polysilicon layer 20 is needed , but other , resistive layers , which are typically used to form resistors , can be used as well . in cmos processing , substrate 25 is silicon , but with proper process changes at substrate at etch step , it is possible to fabricate similar devices on gaas , sic or other exotic substrate materials as well . another important consideration is the use of vias 27 ( i . e ., cuts in insulating layers ) in a given process technology . to increase yield , the ic design rules set by a given foundry may be very restrictive . it is essential to have the capability of dielectric stacked vias , which can directly expose substrate material for the fabrication sequence to be useful . although there are several foundries allowing such via formations , typically , ic stacked vias are discouraged to improve the planarity of layers . if such vias are not allowed in an ic process , an additional masking layer is necessary to cut through the insulating layers 15 , 17 , 18 and 19 shown in fig6 ( a ). in fig6 ( b ), a thick sacrificial layer 30 is patterned in area 14 ( see fig5 ), that defines the cavity which allows free movement of beam 12 . the thickness of sacrificial layer 30 is determined by design requirements and fabrication limits . photoresist , polymers and even metals can be used as sacrificial layer 30 . it is preferable to use photosensitive materials which can be removed easily layer , therefore photoresists , especially thick varieties such as az 4600 series , az 9600 series , and shipley 220 series can be used to achieve 3 - 20 μm thick features with fairly good aspect ratio . since aspect ratio is not critical for this application , resist and regular contact lithography would also be acceptable for this step . fig6 ( c ) shows the next step of forming the mold necessary for electroplating . for this step , a seed layer 31 is deposited . since gold is the preferred third metallization layer , seed layer 31 includes an adhesion and gold layer . a thin layer ( 100 - 300a ) of chromium or titanium can be used for this purpose . if desired , a stack of cr / gold / cr can be used to minimize any step coverage issues . preferably , gold thickness is 1000a - 3000a . both of these materials 31 can be deposited using either evaporation or sputtering . proper sputter clean - up should then be performed to remove native oxide in exposed surfaces of second level metal pads prior to seed layer deposition . this greatly improves contact resistance and repeatability . as shown in fig6 ( d ), once seed layer 31 is deposited , a second layer of thick resist is used to form a mold 32 for subsequent gold plating . again , the same variety of resists can be used to form mold 32 . minimum features should be larger than 5 μm at this step . resist thickness should be more than the cavity height , to minimize lithography problems . uniform resist thickness is hard to achieve by spin casting , but it is not necessary anyway . for 5 μm thick gold deposition , it would be preferable to have resist thickness of more than 5 μm . to lower cost , this sequence does not include any chemical - mechanical - polishing ( cmp ) step after gold deposition . it is also important not to overplate structures . in fig6 ( e ), about 5 μm thick gold is electroplated on wafer 25 through the exposed areas to form metal conductive bridge 13 . this can be done using many available non - cyanide based gold plating solutions . the step shown in fig6 ( f ) consists of three minor steps . first , resist mold 32 is stripped , and then seed layer 31 is partially removed , since seed layer 31 can not be removed under bridge 13 . preferably , both of these steps are done using dry etching systems . if cavity 14 is defined using another resist layer , it is important to assure that it is well covered during the resist mold 32 strip operation . oxygen plasma is can be used to ash resist mold 32 . similarly , sputter etch can be used to strip metal seed layer 31 . finally , a superstrate 23 is deposited on top of switch 10 , as shown in fig4 and 5 . several different materials can be used for this purpose . polyimides , such as epo - tek 600 or dupont &# 39 ; s pyralin , can be screen - printed on this area . several good alternatives are emerging from high density interconnect ( hdi ) area , especially photoimageable versions of sequentially build - up microvia organic substrates are very promising . examples of such substrates include dupont &# 39 ; s dry film vialux 81 , vantico &# 39 ; s liquid probelec 81 , enthone &# 39 ; s liquid envision pdd 9015 , macdermid &# 39 ; s liquid macuvia - c , shipley royal &# 39 ; s aspire multiposit 2000 and dynavia 2000 . most of these materials have glass transition temperatures less than 200 ° c . for better coverage , liquid ones are preferable , but it has been observed that steps as high as 20 μm can be covered very easily by dry film varieties as well . typically , the thickness of these films can vary between 10 to 100 μm in a single coat . if the cavity cannot be stabilized mechanically in a single coat , as many coats as needed must be applied over the cavity area , whereby superstrate 23 is formed from a plurality of layers 23 a to 23 n . typically , for a cavity height of & lt ; 20 μm , superstrate 23 height of 50 to 100 μm is enough . finally , bcb ( benzocyclobutene )- based polymers such as dow chemical &# 39 ; s cyclotene family can be used for this purpose as well . compared to microvia dielectrics , bcb has lower loss at high frequencies (& gt ; 1 ghz ) and also lower dielectric constant (˜ 2 . 7 ), but typically the film thickness is less than 10 μm per coat . therefore , it would require more processing . in fig6 ( g ), the backside 36 of substrate 25 is patterned to form a mask 35 by using front to back alignment to expose only the part of substrate 25 , which needs to be removed from back 36 . the front side of substrate 25 is also spray coated to minimize any interactions to with the etchant , such as xef2 . fig6 ( h ) shows selective removal of silicon substrate 25 from area 24 using mask 35 . for silicon substrates , numerous etching techniques can be employed . the preferred approach is the use of pulsed xef2 etch because of it is very high selectivity to silicon . xef2 is an isotropic etchant . the etch surface gets rougher and less predictable as the etch goes on , therefore thinner substrates are preferable at this step . for substrates other than silicon , the etch technique must be changed accordingly . finally , fig6 ( i ) is a cross - sectional view of electromechanical switch 10 after removal of the sacrificial film 30 which defines air - cavity 14 . once the silicon of substrate 25 is completely removed in the designated area 24 , beam 12 is released by removing the photoresist 30 that fills cavity 14 . this can be done using a standard wet resist stripper application , followed by an oxygen plasma application to completely clean cavity 14 . as cantilever beam 12 is released , it curves or buckles in cavity 14 so as to touch the third metal layer , bridge 13 . while the invention has been described in the context of a preferred embodiment , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications may be made without departing from the true scope of the invention , leading to numerous alternative embodiments . accordingly , it is intended by the appended claims to cover all modifications of the invention , which fall within the scope of the invention .
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fig1 is a side view of a building 20 showing the building pilot cable 23 . the building 20 includes a plurality of windows 21 . at the base of the building 20 is an access box 24 where one end of the building pilot cable 23 terminates . at the top of the building 20 is the building spool 22 . a roadway 25 leads from the access box 24 to the anchor footings 26 . applicant &# 39 ; s co - pending application ser . no . 10 / 456 , 126 further explains the apparatus and method of peeling the cable . fig2 is an enlarged view of the building spool 22 from fig1 . the spool yoke 27 is attached to the building floor 29 with yoke bolts 28 . the building pilot cable 23 is routed over the radius surface of the spool yoke 27 and into the building 20 . the building pilot cable 23 is attached to the cable adapter 33 which is attached to the suspension cable 32 . the suspension cable 32 is coiled on the building spool 22 . pulling on the building pilot cable 23 causes the suspension cable 32 to unwind and thus rotate the building spool 22 . the spool shaft 31 has a male threaded surface and is affixed to the spool yoke 27 . the building spool 22 has a female threaded surface which mates with the spool shaft 31 . as the building spool 22 rotates , the mating threaded surfaces cause the building spool 22 to lower onto the friction block 30 . the friction block 30 is supported by the belleville spring 37 . as the suspension cable 32 is unwound , the belleville spring 37 is gradually compressed . this provides suspension cable 32 tension that is proportional to the amount of cable unwound . the purpose of this mechanism is to provide a low resistive force for the initial unwinding of the suspension cable 32 . this allows the chase vehicle 38 to pull the building pilot cable 23 out . as the chase vehicle 38 approaches the anchor footings 26 , the extended suspension cable 32 causes substantial gravitational force . the friction block 30 prevents the cable from self - unwinding . fig3 is an enlarged view of the anchor footing 26 from fig1 . the anchor sleeve 35 includes an internal thread . the removable anchor cover 36 is used to keep debris out of the threaded area . the anchor footing 26 firmly affixes the anchor sleeve 35 to the earth 34 . the upper surface of the anchor footing 26 , anchor sleeve 35 and anchor cover 36 are flush with the roadway 25 . this allows the anchor location to be placed where normal vehicular traffic moves . the anchor footing 26 material would be concrete . the anchor sleeve 35 and anchor cover 36 material would be steel . alternate anchoring methods could include a hook and eye , u - bolt , earth anger or other standard fastening methods . various materials could be used as needed for strength and installation requirements . fig4 is a side view of a building 20 showing the chase vehicle 38 . the pilot cable 23 has been removed from the access box 24 and attached to the pilot vehicle 38 . in the dotted view , the pilot vehicle 38 has then moved away from the building 20 and partially peeled the pilot cable 23 . fig5 is a side view of a building 20 showing the tractor 41 , trailer 54 and gondola 40 . the chase vehicle 38 has traveled to the anchor location . the pilot cable 23 is now completely peeled from the building 30 side . the gondola 40 could be any variation of container with sufficient structure to support some method of traction apparatus and carry an emergency load . fig6 is an enlarged view of the suspension cable 32 from fig5 . the suspension cable 32 has begun to unwind from the building spool 22 . the cable adaptor 33 between the pilot cable 23 and the suspension cable 32 is now suspended . the pilot cable 23 and gondola pilot cable 39 would be stranded steel approximately ⅝ inch diameter . the suspension cable 32 would be stranded steel approximately 2 inch diameter . the pilot cable 23 must be light and flexible to allow manual emergency personnel positioning . the pilot cable 23 must also be strong enough to support the deployment of the suspension cable 32 . the pilot and suspension cables could be made of alternate materials and sizes that provide the needed flexibility and strength . fig7 is an enlarged view of the tractor 41 taken from fig5 . the tractor 41 is shown at the anchor location . the front anchor bolt 46 is shown in the travel position . the rear anchor bolt 47 is shown in the anchored position . emergency personnel would position the front anchor bolt 46 over the anchor sleeve 35 and use a pneumatic driver to rotate the front anchor bolt 46 . the gondola pilot cable 39 is attached to the winch spool 57 via winch bolt 42 . the winch spool 57 is attached to the winch shaft 45 and rotates on bearing 44 . the gear 43 is attached to the winch spool 57 . the drive box 50 rotates the worm pinion 49 which engages the gear 43 and causes rotation of the winch spool 57 . a support operator 74 would control the winch spool 57 via the support operator console 73 . fig8 is an enlarged view of the chase vehicle 38 taken from fig5 . note the gondola pilot cable 39 exiting out the rear of the gondola 40 . the excess gondola pilot cable 39 and male connector 52 would be removably attached to the gondola 40 during transport . the male connector 52 is shown detached from the gondola 40 and ready to be attached to the building pilot cable 23 . the movement of the male connector 52 to the building pilot cable 23 would be completed by a rescue person . fig9 is an enlarged view of the female connector 51 taken from fig8 . the end of the building pilot cable 23 is attached to the female connector 51 . the male connector 52 is shown being snap fit inserted into the female connector 51 . referring again to fig8 — after this snap fit insertion , the lever 53 is moved clockwise 90 degrees to release the female connector 51 from the chase vehicle 38 . the female connector 51 is smaller in diameter than the suspension cable 32 . this allows the female connector 51 to freely pass thru the traction apparatus 56 . the traction apparatus 56 would be energized to facilitate the suspension cable 32 passing through the device . fig1 is a side view of a building 20 showing the suspension cable 32 . the chase vehicle 38 has moved away from the rear of the gondola 40 . the building pilot cable 23 has been completely wound on the winch spool 57 resulting in the suspension cable 32 suspending from the building spool 22 to the winch spool 57 . the suspension cable 32 has been properly tightened and the gondola 40 is ready to move up the suspension cable 32 . all of the figures are drawn with cables as straight lines . in actual practice , gravitational force due to the cable mass would cause a centenary curve . how much the centenary curve deviates from a straight line is a function of the cable length . by increasing cable length and allowing more catenary curve , the cable tension is reduced . in theory , the extreme case of a straight line cable would require an infinitely high cable tension . during gondola 40 lift - off as shown in fig1 , the suspension cable 32 would be shortened . this shorter suspension cable 32 would provide a higher vertical cable tension component . the vertical tension component would need to be higher than the gondola 40 weight . with an excessively long suspension cable 32 length , the gondola 40 would drag horizontally off the trailer 54 rather than lift - off . fig1 is an enlarged view of the building spool 22 taken from fig1 . the upper end of the suspension cable 32 is securely affixed to the building spool 22 with the spool bolt 76 . the building spool 22 has now moved down the threads of the spool shaft 31 . the belleville springs 37 are now fully compressed . fig1 is a side view of a building 20 showing the gondola 40 travel . the gondola 40 has moved partially up the suspension cable 32 . the dotted view shows the gondola 40 aligned with an upper floor of the building 20 . the suspension cable 32 length would be shortened to facilitate the gondola 40 meeting the building 20 at as high a floor as possible . note that for drawing demonstration purposes , the building 20 is shown with less than 20 stories . fig1 is a side view of a skyscraper 62 showing the gondola 40 travel . the skyscraper 62 in fig1 is shown with 50 stories . the gondola 40 is at the mid - point of the suspension cable 32 span . at this position of the gondola 40 , the suspension cable 32 tension is at a maximum due to the gondola 40 weight . it is important to have a longer suspension cable 32 at this moment to keep the suspension cable 32 tension within a safe limit . in practice the suspension cable 32 length is : a . shortened for lift - off b . gradually lengthened on the travel from lift - off to mid - point c . gradually shortened on the travel from mid - point to docking at the upper floor of the skyscaper 62 all of the various cable connections are non - detaching . non - detaching means that the connection positions are constrained . examples of these constrained connections include : a . suspension cable 32 upper end pre - attached to the upper floor of the building 20 — see fig1 b . suspension cable 32 pre - attached to the building pilot cable 23 upper end — see fig6 c . building pilot cable 23 lower end pre - attached to the access box 24 — see fig4 d . emergency personnel manually positioning the female connector 51 from the access box 24 to the chase vehicle 38 — see fig4 e . moving the chase vehicle 38 to the anchor footing 26 location with the female connector 51 attached — see fig8 f . gondola pilot cable 34 pre - attached to the winch spool 57 — see fig7 g . gondola pilot cable 39 pre - positioned through the traction apparatus 56 and plurality of cable rollers 63 — see fig1 h . emergency personnel manually positioning the male connector 52 from the gondola 40 into the female connector 51 . after the female connector 51 is released from the chase vehicle 38 , the cable path is completed . during the entire process , there were no loose connections that had to be located . fig1 is an enlarged side view of the gondola 40 and traction apparatus 56 taken from fig5 . a further refinement of the suspension , cable 32 length adjustment would be to also monitor suspension cable 32 tension . this would be accomplished with strain gages 75 installed at the spool bearing mounts 44 . the strain gages 75 would be positioned and calibrated to correlate with suspension cable 32 tension . with constant suspension cable 32 tension monitoring , the suspension cable 32 length could be adjusted as needed . at the gondola 40 travel mid - point as shown in fig1 , depending on the gondola 40 load , the suspension cable 32 could be lengthened only as needed . the tension monitoring would allow larger loads to be safely carried on the gondola 40 . also , each building 20 may have a safe load limit for suspension cable 32 tension . tension monitoring would facilitate staying within this building 20 load limit . note the traction pilot cable 39 passing through the traction mechanism 56 and under the plurality of cable rollers 63 . applicant &# 39 ; s co - pending application ser . no . 10 / 777 , 555 further explains the apparatus and method of the traction device . fig1 is an enlarged side view of the gondola 40 taken from fig1 . the bend lever 58 is attached to the end of the roller spring 61 . the bend lever 58 rotates about the bend lever axle 68 to a storage position for transport of the trailer 54 on city roads . fig1 shows the bend lever 58 in the stored position . fig1 shows the bend lever 58 against the stop block 69 and ready for operation . it is desirable to evenly spread the gondola 40 weight over a long length of suspension cable 32 . the multiple cable rollers 63 on the roller spring 61 accomplish this . one end of the roller spring 61 is firmly affixed to the traction mechanism 56 . the roller spring 61 is a flexible member made of a material such as spring steel . the traction roller 66 operates similar to the cable roller 63 . it is also desirable to have cable support adjustment which would cause the suspension cable 32 to enter and exit the traction apparatus 56 tangentially . any abrupt angle change could weaken the suspension cable 32 . the suspension cable 32 entry and exit angles are controlled with adjusting the length of the bend lever cable 59 via the bend lever winch 60 . to keep the gondola 40 level , the angle cable 64 is adjusted via the angle cable winch 65 . the traction apparatus 56 rotates relative to the gondola 40 on the traction pivot 70 . a gondola operator 72 would control the gondola 40 via the gondola operator console 71 . to maintain the maximum suspension cable 32 strength , it is important for the traction apparatus 56 to be linear . linear means that the suspension cable 32 moves through the traction apparatus 56 in a straight line without bending . fig1 is an enlarged view of the cable roller 63 taken from fig1 . a portion of the gondola 40 weight is supported by each cable roller 63 . the cable roller 63 rotates on the roller axle 67 which is affixed to the roller spring 61 . the perimeter of the cable roller 63 has a concave surface to match the suspension cable 32 diameter . in any event , the invention is only intended to be limited by the scope of the following claims .
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fig1 illustrates a brain analysis system 100 having an advantageous modular brain analysis sensor 400 applied to a forehead tissue site in communications with a physiological monitor 101 for measuring and generating simultaneous electroencephalogram ( eeg ) and left and right forehead regional oximetry ( ro2 ) parameter values and waveforms . the modular brain analysis sensor 400 can be advantageously assembled and placed within a limited - area forehead site . also , the ro2 components 600 and eeg component 500 can be advantageously purchased , stocked and used separately and individually , saving hospital and medical care center costs over other , more specialized brain analysis sensors not having separately useable regional oximetry and eeg sensor functions . the same cost savings is realized by modular designs for any and all types of physiological monitoring sensors . as shown in fig1 , the brain analysis sensor 400 has an eeg sensor ( fig4 - 5 ) that co - mounts dual regional oximetry ( ro2 ) sensors . each of these sensor functions are in communications with a physiological monitor 101 having a main display 120 and a ( removable ) handheld monitor 130 having a handheld display 132 . the main display 120 provides eeg waveforms and parameter values 122 in addition to forehead left 124 and forehead right 125 regional oximeter waveforms and parameters . the handheld display 132 provides a 3 - d man graphic displaying green , yellow and red organ symbols ( brain , lung and kidneys ) corresponding to eeg and / or ro2 parameter values . similar displays can be provided for other physiological parameters as well . also shown in fig1 , a modular brain analysis sensor 400 advantageously has dual ro2 sensors 600 that overlap right - and left - side portions of a specially - configured and marked ( ro2 - configured ) eeg sensor 500 so as to compactly fit these modular sensors 500 , 600 within a limited - space forehead site , as described in detail with respect to fig2 - 4 , below . an ro2 - configured eeg sensor 500 is described in detail with respect to fig5 a - e , below . an regional oximetry sensor 600 is described in detail with respect to fig6 a - e , below . further shown in fig1 , in an eeg screen portion 122 , the physiological monitor 101 display 120 shows 4 simultaneous eeg channels along with a patient state index ( psi ) readout versus time so as to enable continuous assessment of both sides of the brain , such as for improved anesthetic management . in addition , forehead left 124 and forehead right 125 regional oximetry waveforms and readouts enable monitoring of brain tissue oxygen saturation and detect regional hypoxemia . fig2 - 3 illustrate , respectively , a regional oximetry ( ro2 ) sensor and cable assembly and an eeg sensor and cable assembly . as shown in fig2 , the regional oximetry ( ro2 ) cable assembly 200 interconnects dual ro2 sensors 600 to a physiological monitor 101 ( fig1 ). the ro2 cable assembly has dual sensor connectors at a sensor end , a monitor connector ( moc9 ) at a monitor end and a ro2 pod mounted between and in communications with the sensor connectors and the monitor connector . also shown in fig2 , the ro2 pod has regional oximetry analog and digital boards . the analog board communicates with one or more of the regional oximetry sensors 600 . the digital board enables the pod to perform the sensor communications and signal processing functions of a conventional patient monitor . this allows pod - derived regional oximetry parameters to be displayed on a variety of monitors ranging from simple display devices to complex multiple parameter patient monitoring systems . as shown in fig3 , the eeg cable assembly 300 interconnects an eeg sensor 500 to a physiological monitor 101 ( fig1 ). the eeg cable assembly 300 has an eeg connector at a sensor end , a monitor connector ( moc9 ) at a monitor end and a eeg pod mounted between and in communications with the sensor connectors and the monitor connector . fig4 a - b illustrate a modular brain analysis sensor 400 having advantageous keyed mounting zones 501 ( shaded ) for precise , overlaid placement of dual ro2 sensors on an eeg sensor . in particular , the eeg sensor 500 has two mounting zones 501 , one on either side of the interconnected between the eeg electrodes and the eeg sensor connector . each mounting zone accommodates one of two ro2 sensors ( see fig1 and fig4 a ). further , each mounting zone 501 ( fig4 b ) is shaped and printed to conform to a top and side portion of an ro2 sensor head 610 ( fig6 a - d ). further , each mounting zone has printed notches 502 , 504 corresponding to actual notches in the ro2 sensor heads 610 ( fig6 a ) that accommodate curved tissue site surfaces . these printed notches 502 , 504 further aid in the alignment of ro2 sensors to the mounting zones 501 . fig5 a - e further illustrate an ro2 configured eeg sensor 500 having a generally “ t ” shape with six electrodes including two right electrodes r 1 , r 2 ; two left electrodes l 1 , l 2 ; a ground electrode cb and a reference electrode ct . as shown in fig5 a , the r 1 , r 2 , l 1 , l 2 and cb electrodes are disposed across the horizontal top of the “ t .” the reference electrode ct is disposed on the vertical middle of the “ t .” the advantageous mounting zone 501 ( fig4 b ) is disposed on either side of the vertical middle of the “ t ” proximate the horizontal top of the “ t .” as shown in fig5 e , the eeg sensor 500 has multiple layers including a release liner 510 that allows an attached ro2 sensor 600 ( fig1 ) to be removed and repositioned ; artwork 520 including ro2 sensor positioning lines 502 ( fig4 b ); a polyester substrate 530 ; silver pads 540 ( electrodes ); silver ink traces 550 ; a dielectric layer 560 that isolates and protects the traces 550 and a foam pad 570 that contacts a user &# 39 ; s skin . the eeg sensor connector includes a top shell 582 and a bottom shell 584 . an information element 585 mechanically and electrically connects to the trace layer 550 . fig6 a - e further illustrate a ro2 sensor and its optical elements having a sensor head 610 , a stem 620 and a connector 630 . the sensor head 610 houses an emitter 682 , a near - field detector 684 and a far - field detector 688 within a layered tape having a top side ( fig6 a ) and an adhesive bottom side ( fig6 c ) disposed on a release liner . the release liner is removed so as to adhere the bottom side to a skin surface . the emitter 682 and detectors 684 , 688 have lens that protrude from the bottom side ( fig6 e ) advantageously providing a robust optics - skin interface . the top side has printed emitter / detector indicators so as to aid precise sensor placement on a patient site . a connector 630 terminates the interconnect 620 at the connector contacts 632 . also shown in fig6 d , a sensor head assembly 610 has a face tape 612 , a flex circuit 622 , a stem tape 620 , a base tape 624 , a connector top 634 and a connector base 636 . the face tape 612 and base tape 622 encase the flex circuit 622 and corresponding emitter and detectors 682 - 688 . a modular physiological sensor has been disclosed in detail in connection with various embodiments . these embodiments are disclosed by way of examples only and are not to limit the scope of this disclosure and the claims herein . one of ordinary skill in art will appreciate many variations and modifications . it should be understood specifically that the present mounting zones , tabs , relative shapes and modular configuration can be applied to other physiological sensors including , for example , ear , nose , hand , harm , and / or chest sensors or any other types of physiological sensors where the sensors are configured to jointly measure the same measurement site of a patient .
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a series of weights 12 are connected to a rack 14 . while three weights are shown , any number of weights may be utilized . an arm 18 extends from each arm , each connected to a shaft . the end of the arm moves in an arc while the weight moves in a line . to account for this difference , the arm attaches to the weight in any suitable manner . the end of the arm may attach to the weight by a cable or a rod pivotally connected to the weight , the arm , or both . also , the arm may be made of telescoping sections , allowing the length of the arm to vary . the shaft is connected to a first gear 22 . the first gear 22 intermeshes with a second gear 24 , a compound gear having a small gear turning with a larger gear . as the first gear 22 meshes with the smaller gear , an increase in rotational speed is gained . the larger of the second gear connects with the smaller gear of a third gear 26 . the third gear set , likewise , is a compound gear having a small gear meshing with the larger of the second gear to again increase rotational speed . the larger gear meshes with an electric generator 30 . any number of gears may be used in the gears train between the shaft and generator in order to produce a desired rotational speed from the shaft . fig2 shows the end view where the relationship between the weights is seen . the weights are suspended from the rack by a cable 16 . after the weight 12 has reached its bottom most extent , it is raised back up by a secondary power source ( not shown ). in the view of fig2 , one weight is shown in its uppermost position , a second weight is shown in its lowermost position , and a third weight is shown in a middle position . in order that the arms turn the shaft 20 on its downward journey but still be able to be raised , the arm 18 is connected to the shaft 20 by a ratcheted spline . the ratcheted feature allows the arm to drive the shaft 20 yet still be raised without affecting movement of the shaft 20 . the weights may be in any position at any given time , including all weights in its uppermost position . the weights may be raised during off - peak electrical usage time , allowing for the later generation of electricity during peak usage to reduce the strain on the electrical system . also , the secondary power source may be powered by a renewable power source , such as hydropower , allowing for the conversion of hydropower to electricity , or solar powered , allowing for the raising of weights during power production of the solar panels and generation of electricity when the solar panels are not producing . the weights may also be raised manually , if the weights are of a size making this feasible . fig3 depicts the platform 28 which supports the generator , gears and shaft 20 . the distance between the platform 28 and rack 14 may be made any distance that is both desirable and feasible . while the invention has been disclosed with reference to a preferred embodiment , variations and modifications would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art . such variations and modifications are encompassed by the invention .
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referring to fig1 and 3 , thin film magnetic recording heads 2 are typically mounted or integrally fabricated onto an electrically conductive support structure such as a slider 1 . magnetic core 7 is electrically conductive and possesses high magnetic permeability . core 7 terminates in a pair of pole tips 14 separated by recording gap 9 . tips 14 are exposed at air bearing surface 13 opposite magnetic recording medium 3 . the ends of coil 5 define linkages 10 . coil 5 is separated from core 7 by insulator 6 . core 7 , coil 5 , coil terminals 4 and coil linkages 10 are separated from support structure 1 by insulator layer 8 and are typically encapsulated by an insulating overcoat layer 11 . when resistivity between coil 5 and core 7 is low , electrical charge can leak through insulator 6 to the core which then assumes coil potential which is different from the potential of recording medium 3 . since core pole tips 14 are close to the surface of medium 3 , electrostatic discharge between tips 14 and medium 3 can occur thereby creating intermittent electrical noise and resulting read errors . in disk drive data storage devices , for example , core pole tips 14 are about 2 to 4 micro inches away from the disk surface . further , material may transfer between the recording medium 3 and core pole tips 14 during such discharge leading to deterioration of reliability and destruction of the head - medium interface . in disk drive applications , disk surface media may transfer to tips 14 during such discharge resulting in potentially destructive head to disk contact . the spacing between coil 5 and magnetic core 7 is generally greater than 2 microns . insulator 6 typically provides in excess of 10 megaohms of core to coil impedance with a breakdown voltage v bd exceeding 500 volts . thousands of volts between coil and core can be generated during head fabrication , shipping or installation . such electrostatic discharge is particularly destructive of head insulation . fig4 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention . a partially fabricated inductive read / write disk drive head prior to application of insulating overcoat layer 11 is shown . each end of coil 5 is electrically connected to a respective coil linkage 10 . similarly , magnetic core 7 extends to linkage 15 . linkages 10 , 15 are easily accessible during head fabrication for in - process monitoring of coil to core impedance without actually contacting the easily damaged magnetic core 7 and coil 5 . coil and core linkages 10 , 15 can be fabricated of any electrically conductive material . fig5 depicts a first embodiment of the present invention installed on a support structure comprising a finished slider 1 of an inductive read / write head for a disk drive data storage device . core terminal 12 is exposed above overcoat insulator 11 and connected to link 15 as are coil terminals 4 to coil linkages 10 shown in fig4 . fig6 depicts a portion of wafer 23 prior to machining into sliders 27 . dotted lines 21 outline individual sliders 27 . wafer 23 defines a plurality of inductive read / write heads constructed according to a second embodiment of the present invention . magnetic core 7 is electrically connected to core terminal pad 12 . coil 5 is connected to coil terminals 4 . in this embodiment core terminal pad 12 is shared with auxilliary circuit 20 employed during fabrication to monitor process parameters such as temperature , stress and layer to layer alignment . according to this design , core - to - coil impedance can not be easily measured following the machining operation since the electrical connection between core and terminal is severed . each wafer 23 is fabricated by depositing coils 5 and magnetic cores 7 on substrate 1 over an insulating base coat 8 . insulating overcoat layer 11 is then applied thereby encapsulating core 7 , as best seen in fig2 . it has been heretofore impractical to test core - to - coil impedance and breakdown voltage following application of such an overcoat layer . impedance measurement means such as ohmmeter 26 may be readily connected to selected pair of terminals 4 , 12 in fig5 or 6 to measure the electrical impedance of core - to - coil insulator 6 in a respective head 2 . selected pairs of terminals 4 , 12 may also be employed to measure the breakdown voltage of a respective insulator 6 . such measurement can be accomplished by the application of successively higher voltage increments across a selected pair of terminals 4 , 12 to determine the voltage at which a significant drop in impedance is obtained . although the present invention is described with reference to specific embodiments , persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . for example , while the illustrated embodiments deal with insulation between coil and core , the invention may be employed in other magnetic recording applications such as measurements relating to shield - to - sense conductor insulation in magnetoresistive read heads used in data storage devices .
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my invention will be illustrated in greater detail by the specific examples which follow , it being understood that these preferred embodiments are illustrative of , but not limited to , procedures which may be used in the production of poly ( urethane silicate ) solid / cellular solid , reaction products . parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated . about 1 mol of hydrated silica , 1 mol of phenol and 1 % to 10 % by weight of sodium carbonate , percentage based on weight of silica , are mixed then heated to just below the boiling point of phenol while agitating for 20 to 40 minutes , thereby producing a tan , granular , phenol silicate compound . an aqueous solution of formaldehyde is added to the phenol silicate granules in the ratio of 1 to 1 mols , then heated to 65 degrees to 100 degrees c . while agitating for 10 to 90 minutes or until the desired viscosity is obtained , thereby producing a reddish colored poly ( formaldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product . about 2 mols of toluene diisocyanate ( 80 % 2 , 4 - isomer and 20 % 2 , 6 - isomer ) are mixed with the said poly ( formaldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product , a thick liquid , and agitated for 10 to 30 minutes at ambient temperature and pressure , thereby producing a polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 3 % to 20 %, by weight of water , percentage based on weight of reactants , is added to the polyurethane silicate prepolymer and agitated for 5 to 20 minutes or until the mixture begins to expand ; it expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 2 mols of the phenol silicate as produced in example i and 3 mols of toluene diisocyanate ( 80 % 2 , 4 - isomer and 20 % 2 , 6 isomer ) are agitated at ambient temperature and pressure for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing a liquid urethane silicate prepolymer . about 3 % by weight of water , percentage based on weight of the reactants , is mixed with the said prepolymer then agitated for 5 to 20 minutes , then heated to 50 degree c . to 80 degree c . for 3 to 10 minutes until the mixture begins to expand ; it expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . cresol is mixed with a fine granular silicon acid containing s - h group ( silicoformic acid ) in the ratio of about 1 : 1 mols and about 5 % by weight of potassium carbonate is added . the mixture is then heated to just below the boiling temperature of cresol while agitating at ambient pressure for 20 to 40 minutes , thereby producing brown granules of cresol silicoformate . an aqueous solution of 37 % formaldehyde is added to the granules of cresol silicoformate in the ratio of 5 to 1 mols , then dilute sulfuric acid is added until the ph is about 5 to 7 , and the cresol silicoformate goes into solution . the mixture is then heated to 65 degree c . to 100 degree c . for 10 to 90 minutes or until the desired viscosity is reached . the resin separates from the water and is removed , thereby producing a poly ( aldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product . about equal parts by weight of poly ( formaldehyde cresol silicate ) resinous product and toluene diisocyanate are mixed then agitated for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing a liquid polyurethane silicate prepolymer . a curing agent , an aqueous sodium silicate solution containing 50 % by weight of solids , is added in the amount of 10 % by weight , percentage based on weight of prepolymer , to the poly ( formaldehyde cresol silicate ) prepolymer then is mixed thoroughly ; the temperature is kept between 50 degree c . to 80 degree c . and the mixture begins to expand in 5 to 20 minutes , thereby producing a rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 1 part by weight of the cresol silicate and 2 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate are mixed then agitated for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing a liquid polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 3 % by weight of glacial acetic acid , percentage based on weight of the prepolymer , and the polyurethane silicate prepolymer are mixed then agitated for 5 to 20 minutes or until the mixture begins to expand , thereby producing a rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 2 mols of fine granular hydrated silica , 1 mol of resorcinol and 10 % by weight of sodium carbonate , percentage based on weight of hydrated silica , are mixed then heated to just below the boiling temperature of resorcinol while agitating at ambient pressure for 20 to 40 minutes , thereby producing a mixture of resorcinol silicate and resorcinol disilicate . to this mixture about 4 mols of an aqueous solution of formaldehyde is added then heated to 65 degree c . to 100 degree c . while agitating for 10 to 90 minutes until the desired viscosity is obtained , thereby producing poly ( formaldehyde resorcinol silicate ) resinous product . about equal parts by weight of the poly ( formaldehyde resorcinol silicate ) resinous product and toluene diisocyanate are mixed then agitated for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing a polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 1 % to 3 % by weight of glacial acetic acid , percentage based on weight of the prepolymer , is added to the polyurethane silicate prepolymer and thoroughly mixed . the mixture expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a rigid , self standing poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about equal parts by weight of fine grannular hydrated silica and creosote oil are mixed ; then 10 % by weight of dry granular sodium metasilicate granules , percentage based on the weight of the reactants are added . the mixture is then heated to just below the boiling temperature of creosote oil while agitating at ambient pressure for 20 to 40 minutes , thereby producing brown granules of creosote silicate . about one part by weight of the creosote silicate and 2 parts by weight of an aqueous solution containing about 37 % formaldehyde by weight are mixed then heated to 65 degree to 100 degree c . while agitating at ambient pressure for 10 to 90 minutes until the desireable viscosity is obtained , thereby producing poly ( formaldehyde creosote silicate ) resinous product . about equal parts by weight of the liquid poly ( formaldehyde cresosote silicate ) resinous product and toluene diisocyanate are mixed then agitated for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 3 % water , containing 10 % by weight of diethylenetriamine , is added to the polyurethane silicate prepolymer and thoroughly mixed ; then the temperature is kept between 50 degree to 80 degree c . for 5 to 20 minutes ; and the mixture expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 2 parts by weight of cresylic acid and 1 part by weight of fine granular hydrated silica are mixed ; then 10 % by weight of sodium carbonate , percentage based on the weight of the hydrated silica , is added . the mixture is then heated to just below the boiling temperature of cresylic acid while agitating for 20 to 40 minutes , thereby producing a brown granular mixture of phenol silicate and cresol silicate . about 2 parts by weight of the mixture of phenol silicate and cresol silicate and 3 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate are mixed then agitated for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 5 % by weight of water containing 10 % by weight of tin octoate is added to the polyurethane silicate prepolymer and thoroughly mixed while keeping the temperature between 50 degree c . to 80 degree c . for 5 to 20 minutes or until the mixture expands , thereby producing rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 1 mol of the phenol silicate granules as produced in example i , and 1 mol of furfural are mixed , then heated to just below the boiling temperature of furfural while agitating for 10 to 90 minutes , thereby producing a brown liquid , poly ( furfural phenol silicate ) resinous product . about 2 parts by weight of the brown liquid poly ( furfural phenol silicate ) resinous product and 1 part by weight of toluene diisocyanate are mixed then agitated for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 5 % by weight of water is added to the prepolymer then mixed thoroughly , and the temperature is kept between 50 degree c . to 80 degree c . for 5 to 20 minutes , the mixture begins to expand . it expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid . about 2 parts by weight of the mixture of resorcinol silicate and resorcinol disilicate as produced in example v and 2 parts by weight of acrolein are mixed then heated to just below the boiling temperature of acrolein while agitating for 10 to 90 minutes , thereby producing a liquid poly ( acrolein resorcinol silicate ) resinous product . about 2 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate and 3 parts by weight of poly ( acrolein resorcinol silicate ) resinous product are agitated at ambient temperature for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 3 % by weight of glacial acetic acid is mixed thoroughly with the prepolymer and in 5 to 20 minutes the mixture begins to expand , thereby producing a rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid . about 2 parts by weight of the phenol silicate as produced in example i , 3 parts by weight of crotonaldehyde and 6 parts by weight of water are mixed then heated to just below the boiling point of crotonaldehyde for 10 to 90 minutes , thereby producing poly ( croton - aldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product . about 2 parts by weight of poly ( croton - aldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product , 2 parts by weight of glycerol and 3 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate are mixed then agitated at ambient temperature for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing a liquid polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 2 parts by weight of phenol silicate as produced in example i and 1 part by weight of propylene glycol are mixed ; then 3 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate are added . the mixture is then agitated at ambient pressure for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing a liquid polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 5 % by weight of water containing 20 % magnesium hydroxide is added to the prepolymer and thoroughly mixed , and the temperature is kept between 50 degree to 80 degree c . for 5 to 20 minutes ; the mixture expands to 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a rigid , poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 2 parts by weight of cresol silicoformate as produced in example iii and 3 parts by weight of a liquid polyester produced by reacting 2 mols of maleic anhydride and 3 mols of ethylene glycol are mixed ; then equal parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate are added . the mixture is agitated at ambient temperature and pressure for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 3 % by weight of glycial acetic acid is thoroughly mixed with the prepolymer , and in 5 to 20 minutes the mixture expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 2 parts by weight of resorcinol silicate and resorcinol disilicate as produced in example v , 0 . 5 parts by weight of castor oil and 2 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate are mixed then agitated at ambient temperature and pressure for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing a liquid polyurethane silicate prepolymer . about 5 % dilute acetic acid is thoroughly mixed with the prepolymer , and in 5 to 20 minutes the prepolymer expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 1 part by weight of liquid poly ( formaldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product as produced in example i and 2 parts by weight of a liquid isocyanate - terminated polyurethane prepolymer , containing equal parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate and castor oil , are mixed then agitated for 10 to 30 minutes . a curing agent , water containing 0 . 01 % stannous octoate , 0 . 02 % triethylenediamine , 5 % sulphanated castor oil , 2 % ammonium oleate and 0 . 5 % paraffin oil , is added in the amount of 0 . 05 parts by weight to the prepolymer then thoroughly mixed . in 5 to 20 minutes the mixture expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 2 parts by weight of liquid poly ( furfural phenol silicate ) resinous product and 3 parts by weight of a liquid isocyanateterminated polyurethane prepolymer , produced by reacting polypropylene glycol ( 450 to 500 mol . wt .) with toluene diisocyanate in an nco / oh molar ratio of about 2 to 1 , are mixed then agitated at ambient temperature and pressure , thereby producing a polyurethane silicate prepolymer . a curing agent , an aqueous suspension of fine granular silica containing 10 % solids , is added in the amount of 10 % by weight to the prepolymer and thoroughly mixed . i n 5 to 20 minutes the mixture expands 6 to 10 times its original volume to produce a rigid poly urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 1 part by weight of a liquid poly ( formaldehyde creosote silicate ) resinous product , and 2 parts by weight of a polyurethane prepolymer , produced by reacting a liquid hydroxyl - terminated polybutadiene with 2 , 4 - tolylene diisocyanate and which has a free nco content of about 6 %, are mixed thoroughly . about 5 % by weight of water is added to the mixture and mixed thoroughly ; then in 1 to 12 hours an elastomer solid reaction product is produced . the product is further cured by heating at 70 degree to 80 degree c . for 3 to 4 hours . about 1 part by weight of poly ( acrolein resorcinol silicate ) resinous product and 2 parts by weight of a liquid isocyanateterminated polyurethane prepolymer ( produced by reacting a liquid polyester containing 16 mols of adipic acid , 16 mols of diethylene glycol , 1 mol of trimethylol propane and toluene diisocyanate ( 80 % 2 , 4 - isomer and 2 , 6 - isomer ) in the ratio of 2 to 1 ) are mixed and agitated at ambient temperature and pressure for 10 to 30 minutes ; then a curing agent , water in the amount of 5 % by weight , percentage based on the weight of the reactants , is added and thoroughly mixed . the mixture begins to expand in 5 to 20 minutes . it expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a flexable poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . the product is further cured by heating at 70 degree to 80 degree c . for 3 to 4 hours . about 1 part by weight of poly ( crotonaldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product as produced in example x and 2 parts by weight of a liquid isocyanate - terminated polyurethane prepolymer , produced by reacting about equal weights of castor oil and toluene diisocyanate , are mixed then agitated at ambient temperature and pressure for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing a liquid polyurethane silicate prepolymer . a curing agent ( a mixture of 1 part by weight of water ; glycerol silicate and poly ( glycerol silicate ) resinous product which is produced by mixing about 1 part by weight of glycerol , 1 part by weight of fine granular hydrated silica and 0 . 2 part by weight of sodium carbonate then heating the mixture to just below the boiling temperature of glycerol while agitating for 20 to 60 minutes ) in the amount of 1 part by weight is added to the prepolymer and agitated thoroughly . the mixture begins to expand in 5 to 20 minutes ; it expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a semi - rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 1 part by weight of poly ( formaldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product , 0 . 2 part by weight of water and 2 parts by weight of a liquid isocyanate - terminated polyurethane prepolymer , produced by reacting 3 parts by weight of polypropylene glycol ( 400 to 500 mol wt .) with 2 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate ( hylene tm ), are thoroughly mixed , and within 5 to 20 minutes the mixture expands 6 to 10 times its original volume , thereby producing a semi - rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . about 1 part by weight of poly ( formaldehyde cresol silicate ) resinous product and 0 . 5 part by weight of water containing 40 % sodium silicate by weight are mixed with a liquid isocyanateterminated polyurethane prepolymer ( produced by reacting a liquid polyester resin , containing 4 parts by weight of ethylene glycol , 1 part by weight of propylene glycol and equimolar amounts of adipic acid , and which has a molecular weight of about 1800 , and is mixed with methylene bis - phenyl diisocyanate ). the mixture is agitated for 10 to 30 minutes and cures after 4 to 12 hours to a solid , nonporous poly ( urethane silicate ) reaction product . about 1 part by weight of poly ( formaldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product and 2 parts by weight of a liquid isocyanateterminated polyurethane prepolymer are mixed then agitated for 10 to 30 minutes ; then 1 part by weight of water , 1 part by weight of propylene glycol and 1 part by weight of a liquid polysulfide polymer are added to the mixture . it is mixed thoroughly , and in a few minutes the mixture is cured , thereby producing a white , elastomer solid poly ( urethane silicate ) reaction product . about 2 parts by weight of a polyol silicate , propylene silicate ( produced by mixing equal mols of a silicon acid , hydrated silica , propylene glycol and 10 % by weight of an alkali compound , sodium carbonate , percentage based on the weight of the silicon acid ; then the mixture is heated to just below the boiling temperature of the polyol while agitating for 20 to 60 minutes ) and 2 parts by weight of poly ( formaldehyde phenol silicate ) resinous product as produced in example i are mixed . to this mixture 3 parts by weight of toluene diisocyanate are added then agitated at ambient temperature and pressure for 10 to 30 minutes , thereby producing a polyurethane silicate prepolymer . a curing agent , water containing 10 % sodium polysulfide , is added in the amount of 5 % by weight , percentage based on weight of the polyurethane silicate prepolymer , and thoroughly mixed . the mixture expands in 5 to 20 minutes , thereby producing a self - standing tough , rigid poly ( urethane silicate ) cellular solid reaction product . other polyols as listed in this specification may be used in place of propylene glycol to produce polyol silicate compounds and polymer . other examples may be found in u . s . pat . application no . 765 , 050 , filed on feb . 2 , 1977 , by david h . blount . although specific materials and conditions were set forth in the above examples , these were merely illustrative of preferred embodiments of my invention . various other compositions , such as the typical materials listed above may be used , where suitable . the reactive mixtures and products of my invention may have other agents added thereto to enhance or otherwise modify the reaction and products . other modifications of my invention will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading my disclosure . these are intended to be included within the scope of my invention , as defined in the appended claims .
| 2 |
the electromagnetic force - compensating balance in fig1 consists of a support part 1 which is fixed to the housing and to which a load receiver 2 is attached in a vertically movable manner over two guide rods 4 and 5 with articulation points 6 . the load receiver carries load pan 3 for receiving the material to be weighed at its top and transfers the force corresponding to the mass of the material to be weighed over a coupling element in the form of a thin tension band 9 to the shorter lever arm of transfer lever 10 . transfer lever 10 is mounted on support part 1 by cross spring joint 8 . a coil 11 is fastened to the longer lever arm of transfer lever 10 , which coil generates the electromagnetic compensation force in cooperation with permanent magnet system 7 . the associated regulating electronics are not shown as they are generally known . permanent magnet system 7 consists of two disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material with high coercivity field strength , e . g . made of a samarium - cobalt alloy and with one low - retentivity return path each . both disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material are magnetized vertically in opposite directions ( indicated in the drawings by the direction of the arrows ), so that their like poles face each other . the magnetic return path for upper disk 71 of active magnetic material is formed by upper plate 73 , lateral pieces 75 and central plate 77 . the magnetic return path for lower disk 72 of active magnetic material is formed in corresponding fashion by lower plate 74 , lateral pieces 76 and central plate 77 . the diameter of the hole in central plate 77 is made only a little larger than the diameter of disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material in order to keep small the useful air gap length and likewise the leakage flux , e . g . from the lower polar surface of disk 71 directly through the air space to upper plate 73 . pole plate 78 between the two disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material has a considerably smaller diameter than disks 71 and 72 . thus , this pole plate 78 collects only the magnetic field lines from the inner area of disks 71 and 72 of active material and allows them to exit radially from the surface of the pole plate . the magnetic field lines which exit further out from the polar surfaces are laterally displaced and guided toward the outside only by the repelling action of the opposite , like polar surface . however , this strong demagnetizing tendency does not disturb on account of the high coercivity field strength of the active magnetic material used . carrier coil 11 extends inside the hole in central plate 77 far into the area between the two disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material . this inner area does have a magnetic field strength which decreases toward the inside , but it can nevertheless supply a considerable portion of the electromagnetically generated force . experience has shown that there is an optimum when the inner diameter of carrier coil 11 is approximately between 50 and 70 % of the outer diameter of disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material . carrier coil 11 is fastened to the annularly shaped end of transfer lever 10 . plates 73 , 74 and 77 as well as pieces 75 and 76 are easy to punch out of metal sheeting , so that they are inexpensive to manufacture . the individual parts of the low - retentivity return path are connected by screws or rivets ( not shown in fig1 ). the active magnetic material is preferably used in the form of round disks . however , it is also possible to use quadratic , hexagonal or octagonal plates of active magnetic material , which are easier to manufacture . the carrier coil can then be cylindrical , which results in a simple manufacture but not in an optimum utilization of the magnetic material . the carrier coil is adapted in its form to the form of the plates of active magnetic material , which increases the magnetic utilization but also the manufacturing cost . an individual optimization may be required here for each instance . the low - retentivity return path 73 - 77 can also be round or rectangular or hexagonal or octagonal in its outer form without this changing its operation . here too , the cost of material , manufacturing cost and special requirements must be considered on an individual basis . fig2 shows another embodiment of permanent magnet system 7 and carrier coil 11 . round disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material , which are magnetized vertically and in opposite directions , are fastened to the inside of upper plate 73 and of a lower plate 74 of soft iron . these two plates 73 and 74 are connected by soft iron tube 79 , whereby the inside diameter of tube 79 is only slightly greater than the diameter of disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material . coil 11 is located entirely between the two disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material and its outside diameter is approximately equal to the diameter of these disks 71 and 72 . coil 11 is fastened in a suitable opening at the end of transfer lever 10 , which is mounted as in fig1 to the support part fixed to the housing and is connected over coupling band 9 to the parallel guide construction . the low - retentivity pole plate consists of two round disks 78a and 78b , whereby upper disk 78a is fastened to upper disk 71 of active magnetic material and lower disk 78b to lower disk 72 of active magnetic material . the division into two disks 78a and 78b , which is of course also possible in the embodiment according to fig1 is used in order that thickness tolerances of these disks as well as of disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material and the height tolerance of tube 79 can be absorbed during assembly by a more or less wide gap between disks 78a and 78b . the magnetic field lines which exit as the lower polar surface of disk 71 of active magnetic material and at the upper polar surface of disk 72 of active magnetic material are reconcentrated , in part by pole plates 78a and 78b and displaced outward by the repelling action of the opposite like polar surface , pass through the area of coil 11 approximately horizontally and are guided back by tube 79 and soft - iron plates 73 and 74 . low - retentivity pole plates 78a and 78b can of course be dispensed with entirely , if the coercivity force of disks 71 and 72 of active material is sufficient . in spite of the different air gap lengths for field lines from the inner area and the outer area of disks 71 and 72 , the field line density inside disks 71 and 72 is to a considerable extent not place - dependent due to the high coercivity field strengtn . aside from pole plates 78a and 78b , thin sheets 70 of a material with a large temperature coefficient of saturation magnetizing are also provided on the facing poles of disks 71 and 72 of active magnetic material in fig2 . such thin sheets are arranged in a known manner in a magnetic shunt and have the function of compensating the temperature of the permanent magnet system . fig3 shows permanent magnet system 7 and two carrier coils 11 and 81 of another embodiment of the balance of the present invention . this embodiment is designed for a quotient measuring system which contains a second carrier coil operatively connected to a constant reference mass . such quotient measuring systems are generally known and are described , for example , in de pat . no . 11 94 167 , so that a detailed description of the entire structure and of the method of operation can be dispensed with here . the de pat . no . 11 94 167 is incorporated herein by reference . the permanent magnet system of fig3 contains three disks 82 , 83 and 84 of active magnetic material . the direction of magnetization is indicated by the arrows . small pole plates 85 and 86 of soft iron and the two coils 11 and 81 are located between these disks of active magnetic material . upper plate 73 , lower plate 74 and tube 79 form the outer , low - retentivity return path . the field lines of upper disk 84 of active magnetic material run partially through pole plate 85 , then radially outward through coil 11 and then over the upper part of tube 79 and upper plate 73 as low - retentivity return path back to disk 84 of active magnetic material . the field lines of disk 82 of active magnetic material , which is magnetized in the opposite direction , run partially through pole plate 85 , then radially outward through coil 11 , through the central section of tube 79 , through coil 81 and partially through pole plate 86 back into disk 82 of active magnetic material . the magnetic field lines of disk 83 of active magnetic material run through lower plate 74 and the lower part of tube 79 , then radially inward through coil 81 and partially through pole plate 86 back into disk 83 of active magnetic material . coil 11 is again fastened to the end of transfer lever 10 and is thus connected to the load system . correspondingly , coil 81 is fastened to a part 80 and is operatively connected over this part 80 to a reference system .
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fig1 illustrates a roll feed system 10 which functions to feed all kinds of strip or coiled stock automatically into , e . g ., a punch press 12 , or any other device that requires intermittent or continuous feed motion . a roll feed entry 14 functions to introduce strip materials into rollers which are controlled under air pressure to assure proper squeeze tension on the strip material so that any slippage is avoided during the feed cycle . a roll feed exit structure 16 takes over the strip movement of material when the tail end of a strip exits the entry rollers of roll feed entry 14 . when feeding coiled stock , either the roll feed entry 14 or the roll feed exit 16 can be relied on , depending upon whether pushing or pulling of the material is required . a centralizing guide 18 assures that materials will enter the feed at a preset location , and the strip or coil width is readily adjustable by means of a hand wheel while maintaining centralized entry . a material lift 20 is employed for the strip - feed applications and it is a matter of choice as to whether the materials are fed horizontal or on the incline as sometimes may be required . a controller 22 functions under control of a specific program to coordinate all roller drive motors and miscellaneous air control functions required around the total system . an air pressure source 24 provides multiple air line regulations under control of controller 22 . referring again to fig1 the material lift 20 is employed for the strip feeding operation . in the case of coiled stock feed , the system would use a well - known type of coil support with the input adjustably controlled for insertion at roll feed entry 14 . in the strip feed mode , a plurality of strips 26 of material which are to be fed individually into the punch press 12 are stacked on a feed plate 28 which is secured along a lift shelf 30 . a pair of oppositely disposed brackets 32 are adjustably secured on plate 28 with upright guide rails 34 secured thereto . the guide rails 34 are secured on each side of the stack of strips 26 to maintain the stack in alignment as they are retained on top of lift shelf 30 . the lift shelf 30 is slidable vertically on polish rails 36 and 38 disposed on the forward wall 40 of the material lift 20 . a pair of lift arms 42 and 44 extend outward through vertical spaces 46 and 48 for attachment to the underside of lift shelf 30 . thus , a limit - type switch 50 is adjustably fixed to sense the upper surface of strips 26 , and to provide input via line 52 to the controller 22 . controller 22 is then responsive to provide control output on line 58 to cause upward incremental movement of lift arms 42 and 44 thereby to index the strips 26 into position for moving the next succeeding or top strip 59 into the roll feed entry 14 . the system is totally adjustable for length and width of the strips 26 as well as the height of the strip 26 stack on plate 28 . fig2 and 4 depict the roll feed entry 14 . the feed entry 14 includes a horizontal base plate 60 which is secured on a bracket shelf 62 affixed in proper alignment on the associated punch press 12 . channels 64 provide vertical support from base plate 60 while a top plate 66 is suitably secured thereon parallel to base plate 60 . a roll assembly 68 consisting of upper roller 70 and lower roller 72 , adjustably retained adjacent respective tension plates 74 and 76 , is rigidly retained between base plate 60 and top plate 66 . strip input is fed between upper entry guide 78 and lower entry guide 80 whereupon a strip 26 ( top strip 59 ) is drawn through the tensioned rollers 70 and 72 and then the strip 26 is directed through an upper guide plate 82 and lower guide plate 84 . the individual stock strips 26 are picked up and placed on the lower entry guide 80 by a vacuum cup 86 which is mounted for longitudinal travel as controlled by an air cylinder 88 and piston rod 90 . the vacuum cup 86 is connected by means of a clamping adapter 92 to receive pressure flow via tube 94 from an air cylinder 96 , a clippard type sdr - 12 ( one inch stroke ). the air cylinder 96 is mounted vertically on a support arm 98 which also extends a vertical dowel 100 that guides the clamping adapter 92 in proper position . the support arm 98 is then secured to a lateral elbow carriage 102 which is rigidly secured to the end of piston rod 90 and which includes a close - fitting hole that slides along polished rod 104 secured between clamp brackets 106 and 108 . thus , and referring to fig3 when air cylinder 96 is actuated to the pickup mode , the vacuum cup 86 raises the topmost strip 59 upward about one - half inch whereupon air cylinder 88 is then actuated to retract piston rod 90 and move elbow 102 along the polish rod 104 as support arm 98 moves inward . this action brings the topmost strip 59 through the entry guides 78 and 80 and into engagement in rollers 70 and 72 , and cylinder 96 is controlled to release the vacuum applied through vacuum cup 86 after which cylinder 88 returns to its fully extended piston position , as shown . referring again to all of fig2 and 4 , a pair of oppositely disposed air cylinders 110 and 112 , clippard type sdr - 12 , control gripping and release of top roller 70 . gross adjustment of roller tension is provided by a slide bar 114 positioned by opposite side tension bolts 116 and 118 . the rollers 70 and 72 are powered by a selected gear motor 120 which is suitably mounted on a side channel 64 with direct output engagement to drive the rollers 70 and 72 . gear motor 120 is an electric compumotor type sx 135 available from tektronix inc . of edmond , okla . while a single line air feed is shown for the several air cylinders in fig1 it should be understood that each of the air cylinders 88 , 110 and 112 is fitted with an air connection at each end of the respective cylinders and the suction pick - up air cylinder 96 receives but a single air connection from the return or bottom side since it exercises only a suction function . referring now to fig5 the roll feed exit assembly 16 is supported by a suitable bracket shelf 122 which supports an exit roller assembly 124 as affixed to the rear side of the operating machine 12 ( fig1 ). a suitable bolster 123 may be connected around press 12 between opposite side bracket shelf assemblies 62 and 122 . the shelf plate 124 supports opposite side blocks 128 and 130 which provide sealed ball bearing supports for the opposite sides of lower roller 132 . the upper roller 134 is supported by opposite side bearings housed in respective slide blocks 136 and 138 which are rigidly secured to a slide bar 140 extending across the assembly . gross adjustment of the height of slide bar 140 is made by adjustment nuts 142 and 144 , and instantaneous control of slide bar 140 is exercised by air cylinders 146 and 148 ( clippard type sdr - 12 ). thus , the cylinders 146 and 148 are connected with respective piston rods 150 and 152 affixed to the upper side of slide plate 140 . although not shown , the air cylinders 146 and 148 receive air pressure lines for pressure and return to the top and bottom of respective air cylinders as they are controlled from air pressure source 24 ( fig1 ). a mounting plate 154 provides support for a roller control gear motor 156 which is connected through a suitable bearing mounted coupling ( not shown ) within the block 130 . gear motor 156 is also a type sx 135 compumotor . fig6 and 7 depict the centralizing guide 18 . the centralizing guide 18 is rigidly mounted on the side of the punch press 12 ( fig1 ) by means of mounting assembly 160 as secured by mounting bolts 162 and 164 . weldment tubes 166 and 168 are secured to the press 12 at the requisite height by securing the mounting bolts 162 and 164 through a mounting plate 170 and shims 172 . the mounting plate 160 is then affixed as by welding onto the weldment tubes 166 and 168 . an adjustable rail array is secured on mounting plate 160 which array consists of side rails 174 and 176 formed from angle metal , and each is rigidly secured to the baseplate 160 by means of respective pluralities of bolts 178 and 180 . a central stop rail 182 is also rigidly affixed to the base plate 160 as it carries an insert strip 184 bolted vertically therealong . guide rails 186 and 188 , angle metal members , are each aligned with a flat side inward and adjustable to provide a guide surface for strip stock that is aligned to pass over the insert plate 184 and into the operative position of punch press 12 ( fig1 ). oppositely threaded lead screws 190 and 192 are threaded through respective lead screw nuts 194 and 196 that are rigidly affixed in the guide rails 186 and 188 . the lead screws 190 and 192 extend outward into engagement with respective sprockets 198 and 200 to terminate in a journal mount within the opposite side rails 174 and 176 . similarly , at the lower end the oppositely threaded lead screws 202 and 204 , as rotatable through a locking bearing assembly 206 , are threadedly received through respective lead screw nuts 208 and 210 as affixed in respective guide rails 186 and 188 and the lead screws extend into connection with respective sprockets 212 and 214 and journal support in the side rails 174 and 176 , respectively . the lead screw 202 extends through side rail 174 into engagement with a hand wheel 216 which provides adjustment of the gap or guide space indicated by arrow 218 . that is , the positioning of strip or coil material is readily adjustable to any width by means of hand wheel 216 while the centralizing guide 18 maintains centralized entry of strip material into the punch press 12 . a pair of pre - adjustable idler sprockets 220 and 222 serve to maintain proper tension on respective interconnecting chains 224 and 226 which function to rotate the oppositely threaded lead screws in even , coordinated rotation . yet another set of oppositely threaded lead screws 228 and 230 are disposed to move the outer reaches of guide plates 186 and 188 relative to the respective side rails 174 and 176 . thus , lead screws 228 and 230 are journaled in the guide rails 186 and 188 within respective bearings 232 and 234 , and the lead screws 228 and 230 are threadedly received through respective sprockets 236 and 238 which are keyed to respective bushing assemblies 240 and 242 . the various coordinated movements of the apparatus including motor driven rollers and the various air pressure actuations , are controlled by the pre - programmed controller 22 . the controller 22 may be such as a compumotor 6000 controller which is commercially available from tektronix inc . of edmond , okla . the controller 22 is programmed to function through air pressure control 24 to control the timely actuation of the air cylinders 96 , 110 , 112 , 148 and 146 . suitable air control units consisting of solenoid actuated pneumatic valves are also commercially available from tektronix inc . ______________________________________program name : xd1program text : xe1xd1sto1ccs31sim3ld3xtprogram name : startprogram text : startp choicedel choicedef choiceout0000lh0 , 0pulse1 . 0 , 1 . 0dres4000 , 4000dclear0a70 , 70ad70 , 70v80 , 80dled10000000dpcur1 , 5dwrite &# 34 ; to run strips press f1 &# 34 ; dpcur2 , 5dwrite &# 34 ; to run coils press f2 &# 34 ; var1 = dreadfif ( var1 = 1 ) goto stripsnifif ( var1 = 2 ) goto coilsnifenddel stripsdef stripsdclear0dpcur1 , 1dledx1000000dwrite &# 34 ; enter length of part &# 34 ; dpcur1 , 22var2 = dreaddpcur2 , 1dwrite &# 34 ; enter distance between parts &# 34 ; dledxx1xxxxxdpcur2 , 30var3 = dreadvar4 = var2 * 6175var5 = var3 * 6175var6 = var4 + var5var8 = var6 / 2var9 = var8 + 81200var10 = 82000var11 = 62500goto pickenddel pickdef pickdclear0dpcur1 , 1dwrite &# 34 ; push f1 to run single &# 34 ; dpcur2 , 1dwrite &# 34 ; push f2 to run auto &# 34 ; dledxxx1xxxxvar7 = dreadfif ( var7 = 1 ) goto singlenifif ( var7 = 2 ) goto autonifenddel singledef singledclear0dpcur1 , 5dwrite &# 34 ; single stroke &# 34 ; dpcur2 , 5dwrite &# 34 ; hand operate &# 34 ; repeatout1x1xdledxxxx1x1xt1 . 5outx1xxdledxxxxx1xxt1 . 5out0xxxdledxxxx0xxxt . 5outx0xxdledxxxxx0xxd ( var9 ), 0gopset0 , 0until ( in = b10 ) goto smakeenddel smakedef smakeout1xxxt . 2out0xxxrepeatwait ( in = b00 ) d ( var6 ),( var6 ) gountil ( 2pm & gt ; var10 ) out1x0xdledxxxx1x0xrepeatwait ( in = b00 ) gountil ( in = b11 ) pset0 , 0repeatvar12 = 2pm + var6wait ( in = b01 ) gountil ( var12 & gt ; var11 ) d0 , 100000goout0xxxdledxxxx0xxxgoto stripsenddel autodef autodclear0dpcur1 , 1dwrite &# 34 ; auto program running &# 34 ; dpcur2 , 1dwrite &# 34 ; push pause to stop motion &# 34 ; goto loadenddel loaddef loadout1x1xdledxxxx1x1xt2gosub aloadenddel aloaddef aloadoutx1ixxdledxxxxx1xxt1 . 5out0xxxdledxxxx0xxxt . 5outx0xxdledxxxxx0xxd ( var9 ), 0goif ( in = b11 ) goto loadnifpset0 , 0goto amakeenddel amakedef amaked ( var6 ),( var6 ) out1xxxdledxxxx1xxxt . 2out0xxxdledxxxx0xxxrepeatt . 1outxxx1dledxxxxxxx1t . 25outxxx0dledxxxxxxx0wait ( in = box ) gountil ( 2pm & gt ; 82000 ) out1x0xdledxxxx1x0xrepeatt . 1outxxx1dledxxxxxxx1t . 25outxxx0dledxxxxxxx0wait ( in = box ) gountil ( in = b11 ) out0xxxdled0xxxxxxxpset0 , 0repeatt . 1out1xx1dledxxxx1xx1t . 25outxxx0dledxxxxxxx0wait ( in = box ) govar12 = 2pm + var6until ( var12 & gt ; var11 ) do , 100000gooutxx1xdledxxxxxx1xgoto aloadenddel coilsdef coilsdclear0dpcur1 , 2dwrite &# 34 ; enter length of part &# 34 ; dledx1xxxxxxdpcur1 , 23var13 = dreaddpcur2 , 2dwrite &# 34 ; enter distance between parts &# 34 ; dledxx1xxxxxdpcur2 , 31var14 = dreadvar15 = var13 * 6175var16 = var14 * 6175var17 = var16 + var17d ( var17 ),( var17 ) dclear0dpcur1 , 1dwrite &# 34 ; push f1 to run setup &# 34 ; dpcur2 , 1dwrite &# 34 ; push f2 to run auto &# 34 ; dledxxx1xxxxvar18 = dreadfif ( var18 = 1 ) goto crunnifif ( var18 = 2 ) goto arunnifenddel crundef crunout1x1xdledxxxx1x1xpset0 , 0dpcur1 , 10dwrite &# 34 ; insert material &# 34 ; dpcur2 , 10dwrite &# 34 ; press f1 when ready &# 34 ; var19 = 0var19 = dreadfwait ( var19 = 1 ) out0xxxdledxxxx0xxxl20wait ( in = b00 ) goif ( 2pm & gt ; 82000 ) outxx0xdledxxxxxx0xniflngoto coilsenddel acrundef acrunt3d ( var17 ),( var17 ) repeatt . 1outxxx1dledxxxxxxx1t . 25outxxx0dledxxxxxxx0wait ( in = box ) gountil ( in = b11 ) goto crunend______________________________________ in operation , it has been assumed that the strip stock 26 is to be fed to the machine 12 , which in this example is a punch press for stamping predetermined patterns out of strip stock . the controller 22 is properly programmed for size and spacing and air pressure source 24 can function in response to controller 22 to operate the various air cylinders . also , the gear motors 120 and 156 of roll feed entry 14 and roll feed exit 16 are energized and operated under the control of controller 22 . the strip stock 26 is loaded onto the lift shelf 30 between guide bars 34 with the forward edges aligned up to the top edge of insert panel 184 and situated immediately in front of the upper entry guide 78 and lower entry guide 80 . see fig1 . the air cylinder 96 receives a one - way connection from air pressure source 24 so that it actuates vacuum cup 86 as a suction pick - up of the top strip 59 . as shown in fig3 the air cylinder 96 draws the vacuum adaptor 92 upward approximately three - quarters of an inch and , synchronous with that time , the air cylinder 88 is energized to draw the piston rod 90 inward thereby bringing the elbow carriage 102 and support arm 98 leftward ( fig2 ) which brings the top strip 59 up across the lower entry guide 80 for entry into the rollers 70 and 72 . rollers 70 and 72 grip the strip tightly as air cylinders 110 and 112 urge upper roller 70 downward , and the gear motor 120 under control of controller 22 provides controlled rotary motion to rollers 70 and 72 thereby bringing the strip through exit guides 82 and 84 and into stamping position of press 12 . the strip 59 makes incremental advances which are programmed to be sufficient that the strip 59 advances just enough to provide full material for stamping without overlap or waste of strip material . the operating strip 59 is then rolled across into the exit rollers 132 and 134 under control of air cylinders 146 and 148 . the dual roller moving proceeds through the press 12 target or work space intermittently as the punched blank is moved leftward ( fig1 ). when the back end of operative strip 59 clears the entry rollers 70 and 72 , the exit rollers 132 and 134 continue to draw the strip 27 through at the same rate to finish stamping of the strip 59 to the very end , whereupon rollers 132 and 134 release the punched blank out leftward into a hopper , trash receptacle or other remnant collector . strip material 26 when loaded onto the shelf 30 ( fig1 ) under control of material lift 40 , is level controlled by means of microswitch 50 . thus , after the top strip 59 of strips 26 has been picked up by the vacuum cup 86 and carried leftward onto the lower entry guide 80 , punch operation proceeds until the rightward end of strip 27 clears the feeler of microswitch 50 . at this time , the material lift 40 actuates to index the arms 42 and 44 upward by an amount which is the thickness of an individual strip 59 , and the next succeeding strip is at the proper level for pick - up by the vacuum cup 86 for entry into entry guides 78 and 80 . the foregoing discloses a feed mechanism which is capable of presenting either strip stock or coiled stock material for input to the operating point of a designated machine , and the feed system is capable of supplying input material incrementally with minimal loss of material during such as punch operations . in addition , the apparatus includes a push and pull roller system for receiving the strip stock therethrough while allowing complete machine operation from end to end of the strip stock . an adjustable centralizing guide functions in coaction with a material lift assembly for incrementally lifting strip stock into insertion position and carrying out insertion to the work area of the associated machine in continually centralized relationship thereto . changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of elements as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings ; it being understood that changes may be made in the embodiments disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims .
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referring now to fig1 there is illustrated one possible site installation of a winch arrangement in accordance with the invention , which comprises an aircraft hanger or bomb shelter illustrated generally at 1 . the purpose of the winch arrangement is to permit winching of an aircraft 2 into the position illustrated within the shelter , from a position outside the shelter and illustrated in broken lines . the winch drive assembly is thus located at the position indicated diagrammatically at 3 , and the winch rope passes from the position 3 , initially along a path 4 , to a pulley 5 from which it passes along a path 6 to an attachment point at the rear of the aircraft . in order to enable preselection of a plurality of possible lateral positions of the aircraft , or any other load , to be towed , the pulley 5 is preferably releasable from its anchorage to enable location in any one of a plurality of desired mounting positions indicated at 5a . manual operation of the winch drive may be effected from a local winch control panel indicated at 7 , or , optionally , from a remote portable push button station indicated at 8 and connected to the control circuit by way of a flying cable 9 . referring to fig2 and 3 , the winch assembly comprises a fixed , vertical stand 10 at the upper end of which is mounted a winch drive motor 11 incorporating an eddy current , overload coupling 12 of generally known type . the output shaft from the eddy current coupling 12 is connected by way of a reduction gear 32 and an electromagnetically actuatable clutch device 13 to a drive pinion 14 which is in permanent meshing engagement with a driving gearwheel 15 . the gearwheel 15 is fixed to a winch drum 17 . the winch drum 17 is provided with an electromagnetically actuatable brake device 16 . it is also coupled to a geared limit switch device 18 for indicating the limit positions of the fully wound and fully unwound winch rope 19 . the winch rope 19 passes , via a rope layering device 20 and a safety switch 21 for sensing slackness in the rope , to a guide pulley 22 , over which the winch rope 19 is deflected from its downward vertical path to a horizontal path corresponding to the path 4 illustrated in fig1 . as shown in more detail in fig4 the pulley 22 is mounted to the stand 1 by way of a lever arm 23 pivoted in a fixed mounting 24 secured to the frame . 1 . a free end 23a of the lever arm 23 is normally located in a rest position defined by an adjusting bolt 25 threaded in a mounting 26 , also secured to the stand 1 , and locked in position by means of a lock nut 27 . the end 23a of the lever 23 thus abuts against the free end of the adjusting bolt 25 . at the end 23a of the lever 23 , there is also mounted a roller 28 which is in engagement with the lower end of a shock absorbing buffer 29 , which is of known type and secured to the stand 1 by means of a fixed mounting 30 . the rating of the buffer 29 is such that under normal operating conditions of the winch arrangement the buffer remains in its extended position , but that upon excessive tension or overload occurring in the winch rope , the buffer will allow deflection of the lever arm 23 in an upward direction , as indicated in broken lines , thus allowing limited yielding of the winch rope in a direction towards the winch drum during such overload conditions . the method of operation of the winch arrangement described above will now be explained with particular reference to fig5 which is a simplified circuit diagram of the operating circuit of the winch arrangement . it will be seen that the circuit of fig5 comprises two , electrically isolated portions , that on the left - hand side of fig5 comprising a control circuit , and that on the right - hand side of fig5 comprising an actuating circuit for the electromagnetic brake and clutch means referred to above . the positions of the switch and relay contacts illustrated in fig5 correspond to a condition of the winch assembly wherein the winch rope is in a position intermediate its extreme wound and unwound positions , the rope is slack , and the control circuit is in an idle condition . assuming that an aircraft such as that illustrated at 2 in fig1 is to be winched from the position illustrated in broken lines , the winch rope must first be unwound to a starting position in order to enable attachment to the aircraft . the reduction gear 32 referred to above with reference to fig2 and 3 incorporates a non - return device preventing reverse rotation of transmission from the eddy current coupling 12 . for unwinding of the rope 19 , therefore , the electromagnetic clutch 13 must be released . for this purpose a push button of the local or remote push button control panel 7 or 8 , illustrated diagrammatically at p . 0 . in fig5 is depressed . relay r1 thus becomes energised , and , at contact r1 / 1 , completes a self - holding circuit to maintain energisation of the relay r1 upon release of the push button p . 0 . simultaneously , relay contact r1 / 3 is changed over , so that the actuation circuit of an energising winding b1 of the electromagnetic brake 16 is broken , due to the open condition of the slack rope sensing switch 21 , indicated diagrammatically at s . r . in fig5 . the electromagnetic brake 16 is of a fail safe construction , that is to say that the brake is held in the released condition when the winding b1 is energised , and is applied when the circuit of winding b1 is broken . thus , upon initial actuation of the push button p . 0 ., the winch drum 17 becomes braked against unwinding movement . it should be noted at this point that relay r1 , at contact r1 / 2 has also completed an operating path to relay r2 , thus also breaking the circuit of winding b1 at relay contact r2 / 1 . following energisation of relay r1 , a timer , or slow to operate relay , t1 , which is connected in parallel with relay r1 , becomes energised after a delay of , for example , 1 second . at its contact t1 / 1 , the timer t1 breaks the circuit of an energising winding c1 of the electromagnetic clutch 13 . the clutch 13 is a dog - clutch which is held in engagement upon energisation of the winding c1 , and therefore the opening of contact t1 / 1 causes the clutch to be disengaged . the transmission between the coupling 12 and the winch drum 17 is thus broken to enable reverse movement of the winch drum 17 , but initially the latter is retained against this movement by the braking device 16 . after a delay of approximately 5 seconds , a second timer , or slow to operate relay , t2 becomes energised and , at its contact t2 / 1 , breaks the circuit to the relay r2 . relay contact r2 / 1 is thus restored to its idle condition preparing an energising path to the brake winding b1 . assuming manual tension on the winch rope 19 sufficient to close the slack rope switch s . r ., the brake winding b1 will now become energised and the electromagnetic brake 16 will thus be released to enable unwinding of the winch cable . when the winch rope has been unwound to its full extent as determined by the limit switch mechanism 18 , a limit switch , indicated diagrammatically at l . s . in fig5 will become opened , breaking the energising circuit of the brake winding b1 and causing the brake to be re - applied . the fully extended winch rope may now be attached to the aircraft to be towed into the hanger . in order to tow the aircraft into the hanger , a push button switch on the local or remote control panel 7 or 8 , and indicated diagrammatically at p . i . in fig5 is depressed . relay r3 thus becomes energised , and , at relay contact r3 / 2 , breaks the holding circuit to relay r1 , timer t1 and timer t2 . contact r3 / 1 of relay r3 also prepares a current path to a relay circuit for actuating the winch drive motor and indicated diagrammatically at m . r . the deenergisation of relay r1 , timers t1 and t2 , and consequently also relay r2 , causes the relevant contacts to be restored to the positions illustrated in fig5 thus causing the brake 16 to be released , the clutch 13 to be engaged , and the energising circuit to the motor control circuit m . r . to be completed by way of relay contacts r1 / 4 and r2 / 2 . as long as the push button p . i . remains depressed , therefore , the winch drive motor 11 will remain energised to drive the winch , until the limit switch mechanism 18 opens switch contacts p . s . in the circuit of relay r3 . it will be appreciated that during winching of the aircraft 2 into its hanger , the aircraft itself remains under the control of an occupant of the aircraft , who is required to coordinate braking of the aircraft to a standstill in coordination with the actions of the winch operator . owing to potential human error , however , a number of fault conditions may possibly occur during the winch operating and compensation for such conditions must therefore be provided . these possible conditions will now be discussed below . in the absence of appropriate precautions , slackness in the winch rope might possibly occur due , for example , to stoppage of the winch drive combined with failure to apply the brakes of the aircraft , so that the aircraft over - runs the winch drive . in the illustrated arrangement , however , the inertia in the system and attributable primarily to the eddy current coupling 12 , will cause the drive transmission to run on in the event that the motor 11 ceases to provide drive , so that the winch drum 17 continues to be driven to wind in the rope 19 following stoppage of the motor 11 . although the winch drive motor 11 may , in known manner , be protected against overloading by means of the eddy current coupling 12 which serves as a torque limiting device , in the event of very sudden overloads upon the winch arrangement , for example by sudden application of the aircraft brakes whilst the winch drive is running , the overloading will initially appear as a shock upon the winch drum and its associated transmission . owing to its own inertia , very sudden overloading will not be sensed at the eddy current coupling 12 until damage has already been caused to the winch drive and / or the aircraft , due to the tendency of the eddy current coupling 12 to run on under its own inertia . overloading in the latter circumstances is compensated for by means of the pulley 22 and the associated buffer arrangement . since the pulley 22 is located at a position of deflection of the path of the winch rope 19 , any sudden load on the pulley 22 will tend to apply an upward force thereto , thus pivoting the mounting lever 23 in the mounting 24 . under normal loads such pivoting movement is resisted by engagement of the roller 28 with the buffer 29 , but in the event of excessive tension in the rope the buffer 29 can yield in an upward direction thus reducing the length of the cable extending between the winch drum 17 and the pulley 5 of fig1 and serving to cushion strain in the rope . it will be appreciated that the characteristics of the buffer 29 should be carefully matched to the inertia of the system in order to provide for the optimum shock absorption . the lever arm 23 is coupled , in a manner not shown in the drawing , to an overload sensing microswitch , indicated diagrammatically at 0 . l . in fig5 whereby the microswitch is closed upon deflection of the lever 23 . thus in an overload condition the relay r2 becomes energised to effect stoppage of the drive motor 11 by way of relay contact r2 / 2 which breaks the energising circuit of the motor relay m . r . owing to the non - return device in the transmission from the eddy current coupling 12 , it will be appreciated that following the occurrence of condition 2 described above , considerable tension will exist in the winch cable . in the event that the tension cannot be released by removing the load from the winch rope itself , the winch arrangement can be restored to an idle condition by depression of the pull out button p . 0 . of the control circuit of fig5 . the corresponding operation of the control circuit is as already described above , but it will be noted that since , in this condition , relay r2 is energised and the slack rope switch s . r . is closed , the above - described action of the timers t1 and t2 is essential in order to ensure that the winch drum 17 is initially held in a braked condition following release of the clutch 13 , braking being maintained for a period of time sufficient to allow relaxation of tension in the winch rope without danger or possible faulty operation due to sudden return movement of the winch drum 17 . thus it will be seen from the above description that there has been provided a novel winch arrangement which is capable of safe and reliable operation under severe fluctuations in load whilst providing compensation both for possible slackness developing in the winch rope and also for sudden shocks due to sudden stoppage of the load being winched , or possible jamming of the winch rope . this arrangement also makes it possible to place a safety stop , for example in the form of a dumb - bell 35 ( fig1 ), on the winch rope to prevent inadvertent overwinding of the winch rope and possible damage to a towed aircraft . it will be appreciated that in view of the variety of possible positions 5a of the pulley 5 such safety stoppage cannot always be provided by the limit switch associated with the winch drum 17 . thus , if the dumb - bell 35 should jam up against the pulley 5 during actuation of the winch the above - mentioned shock absorbing function will also be provided until stoppage of the winch drive .
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according to the present invention , in order to enlarge both lengthwise and widthwise a character to be recorded or displayed , no special code for designating the enlargement of a character is used , but two kinds of codes ( for instance ebcdic ) are used in such a way that blank codes such as : 31 and : 32 are placed in front of or behind a character to be enlarged . the character behind or in front of the code : 31 is therefore so modified or converted that only the upper half section of the character is doubled in size in both lengthwise and widthwise directions , whereas the character behind or in front of the code : 32 is so modified or converted that only the lower half section is doubled in size in both lengthwise and widthwise directions . therefore upon completion of the scanning of two lines , the character will be displayed or recorded as being twice the size in both lengthwise and widthwise . in the preferred embodiments of the present invention , the signal converter will be described as applied to a laser beam printer of the type disclosed in copending u . s . application no . 616 , 675 , now u . s . pat . no . 4 , 059 , 833 , issued nov . 22 , 1977 , and assigned to the same assignee . the construction and mode of operation of the laser beam printer will therefore be described briefly with reference to fig1 and 2 . first referring to fig1 the laser beam emitted from a laser 1 is redirected by reflectors 2 to be incident to a modulator 3 . since the reflecting mirrors 2 are inserted in order to reduce the dimensions of the laser beam printer , they may be eliminated if the dimensions of the printer present no problem at all . the modulator 3 consists of a conventional acousto - optical element or electro - optical element so that the laser beam intensity is modulated by the input signal applied to the modulator 3 . if the laser 1 consists of a semiconductor laser or a gas laser capable of electric current modulation or a laser incorporating a modulator , the modulator 3 may be eliminated and the laser beam may be directly made incident to a beam expander 4 . the laser beam from the modulator 3 is expanded in diameter by the beam expander 4 without its coherence being adversely affected , and the expanded laser beam is made incident to a rotary polyhedral mirror 5 with one or more reflecting mirrors . the mirror 5 is carried by a shaft which in turn is supported by extremely high precision bearings such as air bearings and is rotated at a constant rotational speed by a motor 6 such as a hysteresis synchronous motor or dc servometer so that the laser beam 12 is scanned in the horizontal direction to be incident on a focusing lens 7 with f - θ characteristic so that the laser beam may be focused as a light spot on a photosensitive drum 8 . a laser beam detector 18 consists of an incidence slit with its width very small and a photoelectric transducer such as a pin diode having a quick response . it detects the laser beam 12 which is swept to a predetermined position . in response to the output signal from the laser beam sensor 18 , the application of input signals to the modulator 3 is initiated . therefore the error in the equiangularity of the reflecting mirrors or surfaces of the rotary mirror 5 and the out of phase in the horizontal direction of the signal due to the variation in rotational speed of the mirror 5 may be sufficiently compensated so that the dimensional accuracies imposed on the rotary mirror 5 and motor 6 will be tolerated to a greater extent . consequently they may be fabricated at less cost . the application of input signals to the modulator 3 is made in synchronism with the vertical synchronous signals which are generated based on the rotational speed of the drum 8 or the recording sheet feeding timing , so that uniform left and right margins may be obtained . the laser beam 12 which has been deflected and modulated in the manner described above is made incident on the photosensitive drum , and the focused character patterns are visualized by the conventional electrophotographic process and transferred onto an ordinary paper sheet as will be described in detail hereinafter . next referring to fig2 a printing section generally indicated by reference numeral 20 will be described . it employs , for instance , an electrophotographic process as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 666 , 363 assigned to the same assignee . the photosensitive drum 8 consists of an electrically conductive support member , a photoconductive layer and an insulating layer , and prior to the exposure , the insulating layer is previously positively or negatively charged uniformly by a first corona charger 9 so that the charge opposite in polarity to that on the insulating layer may be trapped in the interface between the insulating layer and the photoconductive layer or within the photoconductive layer . thereafter , simultaneous with the exposure to the laser beam 12 , ac corona discharge is imparted by an ac corona discharger 10 upon the positively or negatively charged insulating layer so that an electrostatic latent image will be formed , the high and low potential pattern of the image being corresponding to the light and dark pattern focused by the laser beam 12 . thereafter the insulating layer may be uniformly exposed to light so that a high contrast electrostatic image will be formed , and then the image is developed by a developing device 13 with a developing agent mainly consisting of electrically charged colored pigment particles . the developed image is transferred onto a recording sheet by utilizing the interior or exterior electric field and is fixed by a fixing device 15 consisting of an infrared lamp or heating plates , whereby a copy is reproduced . thereafter the insulating layer of the drum 8 is cleaned by a cleaning device for the next reproduction process . in fig3 there is shown the information on one page which is to be recorded on the recording sheet 11 , and each character is contained in each character area or field 22 . a flying spot 26 is swept both horizontally and vertically or main and auxiliary scanning directions . therefore , the coded signals which are applied to the modulator 3 are stored in a memory substantially in the same form or array as shown in fig3 . this is , the coded signals for respective characters are arrayed similar to the corresponding characters arrayed in respective character areas 22 , and the modulator 3 molulates the laser beam in response to the coded signals read out from the memory in the order shown in fig3 . each coded signal representing each character is converted by a character generator so that the character may be formed by 7 × 12 array of dots as shown in fig4 . it is evident therefore that the characters in one line will be recorded or displayed by twelve scannings from the first row to the 12th row . in fig5 there is shown an enlarged character with the laser beam printer of the type described , the character size being doubled both lenghtwise ( or in the direction of columns ) and widthwise ( or in the direction of rows ). that is , each signal for generating a black elementary area shown in fig4 is doubled in time or repeated twice both lengthwise and widthwise ( or in both the column and row directions ). in other words , the horizontal and vertical pattern read - out clocks which are derived from the character generator in synchronism with the horizontal and vertical scannings are halved in frequency so that the designated character will be enlarged both lengthwise and widthwise . however , according to this enlargement method , all of the characters in each line must be enlarged . that is , it is impossible to enlarge only a required character as described hereinbefore . however , according to the present invention , only a desired character such as c or k may be enlarged to occupy four or more character areas 22 as shown in fig6 illustrating the whole information in one page to be recorded on the recording sheet 11 ( see fig2 ). for this purpose , the first enlargement code : 31 for designating the enlargement of the upper half of the character or character area is placed in the character area in front of or behind the desired character c or k , whereas the second enlargement code : 32 for designating the enlargement of the lower half of the character or character area is placed in the character area in front of or behind the character c or k which is desired to be enlarged , as shown in fig7 and 8 . in practice , these first and second codes are stored in the addresses corresponding to the desired character areas . as shown in fig9 in response to these first and second enlargement codes detected , the signal converter in accordance with the present invention operates to enlarge the upper and lower half sections of a desired character or character area as shown in fig9 b and 9c , respectively , so that the combination of the enlarged upper and lower half sections results in a character of twice the length and width as shown in fig9 d . since the first and second enlargement codes are stored in the locations corresponding to the character areas in the two adjacent lines respectively , any desired character in any line may be enlarged independently of other characters in the same line . in fig1 there is shown as a block diagram a first preferred embodiment of a signal converter in accordance with the present invention . the character codes including the first and second enlargement codes of each page are transmitted through conductors 201 and stored in a data store 101 which may be any conventional random access memory with a desired access time and which is of the semiconductor type in the first embodiment . as shown in fig7 or 8 the data store 101 has a plurality of storage areas 101 -- 1 each storing one character or information code , or first or second enlargement code . that is , the code representative of the character a is stored in the storage area designated by the column m and row n ; that is , with the address ( n , m ), the code representative of the character b , in the storage area with the address ( n , m + 1 ), the first enlargement code : 31 , in the storage area with the address ( n , m + 2 ), and so on . ( in fig7 small letters represent coded signals .) therefore it is evident that the array of information and enlargement codes stored in the data store 101 corresponds to the array of characters in the character areas 22 shown in fig6 . in fig7 the upper enlarged half of the character c occupies the two succeeding character areas with the addresses ( n , m + 2 ) and ( n , m + 3 ), whereas the lower enlarged half , the two succeeding character areas with the addresses ( n + 1 , m + 2 ) and ( n + 1 , m + 3 ). therefore in order to establish a one - to - one correspondence between the upper and lower enlarged halves and the codes stored in the data store 101 , the first enlargement code : 31 is stored in the storage area with the address ( n , m + 2 ) and the character code c , in the succeeding area with the address ( n , m + 3 ), whereas the second enlargement code : 32 , in the storage area with the address ( n + 1 , m + 2 ) and the character code c , in the succeeding storage area with the address ( n + 1 , m + 3 ). referring back to fig1 , an address control 107 which is connected through conductors 209 to the data store 101 designates the address of a code to be stored in or read out from the data memory 101 and controls the storage or read - out timing . more particularly , in response to the signal transmitted through a conductor 220 from a master control unit 111 to be described hereinafter the address control 107 controls the data storage into or data read - out from the data store 101 . in response to a read - out instruction , a read - pulse generator 110 -- 3 consisting of a pulse counter transmits one read pulse every seven basic clock pulses ( see fig1 ( 1 ) and 12 ( 2 )) to the address control 107 to read out the code from the designated storage area . the outputs from the data store 101 are transmitted in parallel through conductors or output lines 102 to a first latch 202 adapted to latch the coded signal ( consisting of l bits ) representing one character . that is , a latch control circuit , i . e . counter 110 - 4 , which is included in a control circuit 110 , generates and transmits one latching pulse for every seven basic clock pulses ( see fig1 ( 1 )) to the first latch 102 so that the latter latches the one coded signal at a time t - 1 ( see fig1 ( 4 )) for a time equal to seven basic clock pulses ( corresponding to a number of columns of one character field ). during this latching interval , the first latch 102 ( that is , a first storage means ) delivers the character code in parallel through transmission lines 203 and 102 - 1 to a second latch 103 and a selector 104 . the mode of operation of the second latch 103 is substantially similar to that of the first latch 102 . that is , in response to the latching pulse transmitted through a conductor 211 from the latch control 110 - 4 , the one character code delivered from the first latch 102 is latched in the second latch 103 while the first latch 102 is delivered with the succeeding character code from the data store 101 . the output from the second latch 103 is delivered in parallel through data transmission conductors 204 and 103 - 1 to the selector 104 and a discriminator 108 . the discriminator 108 has a function of discriminating whether the output code delivered from the second latch 103 is the character code or the enlargement code , and consists of a comparator adapted for comparing the output data delivered from the second latch 103 through the transmission line 103 - 1 with the enlargement code [: 31 ] or [: 32 ] transmitted from an enlargement code generator . the output from the discriminator 108 ( see fig1 ( 6 )) appears on conductors 212 , 213 and 221 . in response to the output signal from the discriminator 108 transmitted through the conductor 213 , the selector 104 makes the decision whether the output from the second latch 103 or the output from the first latch transmitted through the conductor 102 - 1 is delivered to a character generator 105 through conductors 205 . more particularly , if the output from the discriminator 108 represents the detection of the enlargement code , the selector 104 delivers the output from the first latch 102 to the character generator 105 , but if the output does not represent the detection of the enlargement code , the selector delivers the output from the second latch 103 to the character generator 105 . the character generator 105 which is also referred to as &# 34 ; the pattern signal generating or output means &# 34 ; responds to both the output delivered through the conductor 205 from the selector 104 and the output delivered through conductors 215 from a row indicator 109 to be described in detail hereinafter to deliver in parallel through conductors 206 to a shift register 106 seven row - dot signals ( each logical &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; 1 &# 34 ;) in response to which the dots are arrayed to form the character represented by the output code delivered from the selector 104 . the row indicator 109 which is also referred to as &# 34 ; the row indication signal generating means &# 34 ; includes a modulo - 12 counter for counting the horizontal synchronous pulses delivered through conductors 218 and 214 and resetting after having counted twelve rows , the horizontal synchronous pulses or signals being generated , for instance , in response to the output from the beam detector 18 shown in fig1 . referring to fig1 , the row indicator 109 will be described in more detail hereinafter . it comprises a row address counter 112 for determining a row address in the character generator 105 when no enlargement is effected . that is , the row address counter 112 counts the horizontal synchronous pulses from 0 to 11 and resets after having counted the eleventh pulse . that is , the counter 112 is a modulo - 12 counter . the row indicator 109 includes a divider or first arithmetic operation means 113 which divides the output from the counter 112 on signal lead 223 by two so that a row address will be counted up every time when two horizontal synchronous pulses are applied . in general , the row address counter 112 is of the binary type such that the division of the output 223 from the counter 112 by two may be accomplished by shifting the output 223 to the right by one place . in the first embodiment it is assumed that a decimal fraction of the quotient be not delivered . a constant adder or second operation means 114 is adapted to add a constant ( 6 in this embodiment ); that is , one half of a number of rows to the output from the divider 113 delivered through a conductor 224 . the outputs from the row address counter 112 , the divider 113 and the constant adder 114 are delivered to a selector 115 through conductors 223 - 1 , 224 - 1 and 225 , respectively . as described above , the output representing whether the code latched in the second latch 103 is the character code or the first or second enlargement code is delivered through the conductor 221 to the selector 115 . therefore in response to the output representing the character code , the output from the row address counter 112 delivered through the conductor 223 - 1 is selected to appear on an output conductor 215 which is an output line of the row indicator 109 . in response to the output representing the first enlargement code designating the enlargement of the upper half section of a character or character area , the output from the divider 113 delivered through the conductor 224 - 1 is selected to be delivered through the output conductor 215 . in like manner , when the output represents the second enlargement code designating the enlargement of the lower half section , the output from the constant adder 114 is delivered through the output conductor 215 . referring back to fig1 , the shift register 106 which is also referred to as &# 34 ; the parallel - serial means &# 34 ; receives the parallel outputs or seven dot signals from the character generator 105 through the conductors 206 in response to a load pulse signal ( see fig1 ( 9 )) and transmits the dot signals in a serial fashion on a conductor 207 in response to shift pulses ( see fig9 ( 10 )). the load pulses are transmitted through conductors 216 - 1 and 216 whereas the shift pulse signals , through conductors 216 - 2 and 216 . in response to the basic clock pulses from a clock 111 - 1 in the master control 111 , a load pulse signal converter 110 - 2 generates the load pulses . the converter 110 - 2 has a modulo - 7 counter 110 - 5 for generating one pulse for every seven basic clock pulses as shown in fig1 ( 9 ), a delay circuit 110 - 6 for delaying the output from the discriminator 108 for a seven - clock - pulse period and an and gate 110 - 7 to which are applied the outputs from the counter 110 - 5 and the delay circuit 110 - 6 . when the output from the discriminator 108 does not represent the detection of the enlargement code , one load pulse is generated for every seven basic clock pulses , but when the enlargement code is detected no load signal is generated or transmitted not only for the seven - basic - pulse period during which the enlargement code is being detected but also for the succeeding seven - basic - clock pulse period . the shift pulses are generated by a clock converter 110 - 1 in response to the basic clock pulses of a frequency f - 1 from the clock 111 - 1 in the master control 111 . the converter 110 - 1 consists of a frequency divider 110 - 8 for dividing the basic clock pulses by two into clock pulses at a frequency f - 2 and a selector 110 - 9 to which are applied the basic clock pulses , the output from the frequency divider 110 - 8 and the output from the discriminator 108 . that is , when the discriminator 108 detects the enlargement code , the selector 110 - 9 transmits the clock pulses at f - 2 to the shift register 106 as the shift pulses . when the discriminator 108 does not detect the enlargement code , the selector 110 - 9 transmits the basic clock pulses at f - 1 to the shift register 106 . the output from the discriminator 108 is transmitted to the selector 110 - 9 through a hold circuit 110 - 10 adapted to be triggered by the trailing edge of the output pulse representing the detection of the enlargement code for holding the output for a 14 - basic - clock pulse period . the master control 111 transmits the control signals such as basic clock pulses to the control 110 through a conductor 217 and transmits the storage and read - out instructions to the address control 107 through a conductor 220 . next the mode of operation of the first embodiment with the above construction will be described in conjunction with the coding system shown in fig7 . first under the control of the master control 111 delivered through the conductors 201 from an input source ( not shown ) and stored into the data store 101 are the data consisting of the character and enlargement codes of one page ( for instance , data of 132 lines each containing 272 characters to be recorded on a page sized 210 × 297 mm 2 .). the input source may be a magnetic tape or a host computer , and the address and timing controls are effected by the address control 107 as described hereinbefore . the data are stored as shown in fig7 with character and enlargement codes stored in respective storage areas . in response to the read - out instruction transmitted through the conductor 220 from the master control 111 , the data stored in the data store 101 are read out . that is , under the control of the address control 107 , the character or enlargement code is read out during a read - out time equal to seven basic clock pulses . for instance , assume that the enlargement code : 31 at the storage area with the address ( n , m + 2 ) be read out . the read - out data is first latched in the first latch 102 and after one read - out time ( equal to seven basic clock pulses ) the character code c is read out from the storage area with the address ( n , m + 3 ) and is latched in the first latch 102 while the enlargement data is transferred to and latched in the second latch 103 . the enlargement code is transmitted from the second latch 103 to the discriminator 108 and the selector 104 so that the enlargement code identification output signal appears on the output lines 212 , 221 and 213 . in response to this output signal the selector 104 selects the character code c latched in the first latch 102 and transmits it to the character generator 105 . simultaneously , in response to the output signal from the discriminator 108 , the output from the divider 113 in the row indicator 109 ( see also fig1 ) is transmitted to the character generator 105 . assume that the laser beam 12 is now scanning the character area at the address ( n , 1 ) in fig6 . then the content in the row address counter 112 is &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; so that the output from the divider 113 is also &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; ( see fig1 ). as a result , the signal &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; is transmitted through the conductor 215 to the character generator 105 so that seven column - dot pattern signals corresponding to the first row of the character field with the pattern &# 34 ; c &# 34 ; appear on the conductors 206 - 1 through 206 - 7 . the enlargement identification output is also transmitted through conductor 212 to the delay circuit 110 - 6 in the load pulse signal converter 110 - 2 . since the delay circuit 110 - 6 delays the transmission of the enlargement identification output signal for seven basic pulses , the output from the counter 110 - 5 is transmitted through and gate 110 - 7 to the shift register 106 so that the output signals on the conductors 206 - 1 through 206 - 7 are stored in the shift register 106 . the enlargement identification signal is also transmitted to the hold circuit 110 - 10 so that the clock pulses at f - 2 ( that is , the basic clock pulses stepped down by 2 ) are applied as shift pulses to the shift register 106 . under these conditions , even when seven basic clock pulses have been counted , only 3 . 5 shift pulses have been applied to the shift register 106 so that only a half of its contents have been read out . however , the next character code d is transferred from the data store 102 and stored in the first latch 101 while the content in the latter is transferred into the second latch 103 . therefore the discriminator 108 now generates the character code identification output signal , and in response to this signal , the selector 104 selects the character code c in the second latch 103 and transmits it to the character generator 105 . in response to the output signal from the discriminator 108 the row indicator 109 transmits the output from the row address counter 112 to the character generator through the conductors 215 . the character - code - identification output signal is also transmitted through the conductor 212 to the delay circuit 110 - 6 and the hold circuit 110 - 10 , but they are still holding the enlargement code identification code so that the clock pulses at f - 2 are kept being applied to the shift register 106 . as a result , the pattern signals on the conductors 206 - 1 through 206 - 7 are not loaded into the shift register 106 and the read - out of the pattern signals which have been stored in the shift register 106 is continued . that is , the load signal is not permitted to be applied to the shift register 106 so that the pattern signal on the conductor 206 is not permitted to be loaded into the shift register 106 , and the count - down clock pulses ( or the clock pulses at f - 2 ) are kept applied to the shift register 106 . therefore , during the succeeding 7 basic pulse period , the remaining pattern signals are read out . thereafter the next character code e is read out from the data store 102 and stored in the first latch 101 while the character code d in the first latch 101 is transferred into the second latch 103 . the discriminator 108 generates the character code identification output signal so that the selector 104 delivers the character code in the second latch 103 on the conductors 205 . in response to the character - code - identification output signal from the discriminator 108 transmitted through the conductor 221 the row indicator 109 transmits the output from the row address counter 112 through the conductors 215 to the character generator 105 . in response to the character code identification output signal transmitted through the conductor 212 , the clock converter 110 - 1 transmits the basic clock pulses at f - 1 to the shift register 106 while the load pulse signal converter 110 - 2 transmits the load pulse signal to the register 106 through the conductor 216 . after the first row of the n - th line has been scanned in the manner described above , the scanning of the next rows is started . assume that the enlargement code : 31 be stored in the second latch 103 while the character code c , in the first latch 102 . then the content in the row address counter 112 ( see fig1 ) is incrementally increased from 0 to 1 , but the output from the divider 113 remains &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; because it does not deliver the quotient less than 1 as described hereinbefore . as a result , the signal on the conductor 224 - 1 remains &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; as in the preceding scanning , and consequently the character code c is read out in a manner substantially similar to that described above in conjunction with the scanning of the first row . after the n - th line has been scanned 12 times in the manner described above , the characters which have not been designated to be enlarged are recorded in a predetermined size while the character which must be enlarged has its upper half doubled in size . next the scanning of the next line ( n + 1 - th ) is started . assume that in the scanning of the first row the enlargement code : 32 be read and stored in the second latch 103 while the character code c , in the first latch 102 . then enlargement - code ( for designating the enlargement of the lower half section ) identification output signal appears on the conductors 212 , 213 and 221 . in response to this output signal the row indicator 109 transmits the output from the constant adder 114 through the selector 115 and conductors 215 to the character generator 105 . that is , the content in the row address counter 112 is &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; so that the output from the divider 113 is also &# 34 ; 0 &# 34 ; and consequently the output from the constant adder 114 is &# 34 ; 0 + 6 = 6 &# 34 ;. thus the signal &# 34 ; 6 &# 34 ; is transmitted through the conductor 215 to the character generator 105 so that the latter delivers the pattern signals in the seventh row of the character pattern c on the conductors 206 . in like manner , the codes shown in fig7 are sequentially read out so that they are recorded as shown in fig6 . after the data of one page has been read out from the data store 101 , that is , after the recording of one page has been accomplished , in response to the control signal new data are stored in the data store 101 or the same data are recorded again . for this purpose , the master control 111 delivers the control signals to the address control 107 and a timing controller 111 . in this manner the characters may be recorded in a predetermined size and at an enlarged scale in a very simple fashion . fig1 shows a timing chart of the operation of the first embodiment described above , the hatched area indicating a time interval during which the operation of the signal converter is not certain because the delay of signal transmission in an integrated circuit . the basic pulses shown at ( 1 ) are generated by the clock 111 - 1 in synchronism with the horizontal synchronous signals , and all of the operations are performed based on the basic clock pulses . the read - out pulses shown at ( 2 ) are generated one for each seven basic clock pulses by the counter 110 - 3 and applied to the address control 107 for controlling the read - out from the data store 101 . the waveform shown at ( 3 ) indicates a read - out time or a time interval during which a code is being read out from the data store 101 . at a time t1 shown at ( 4 ), the code read out from the data store 101 is latched by the first latch 102 and delivered on the line 203 for a time interval equal to 7 basic clock pulses . at a time t2 shown at ( 5 ) the code from the first latch 102 is latched by the second latch 103 and is delivered on the conductor 204 for a time interval equal to seven basic clock pulses . the waveform shown at ( 6 ) indicates the enlargement code identification output signal . at a time t3 the output from the first latch 102 is detected as being the enlargement code . the output from the selector 104 is shown at ( 7 ), the output being initiated at a time t4 and delivered for a time interval equal to seven basic clock pulses . when the discriminator 108 detects the enlargement code , the selector 104 selects the first latch 102 to deliver its content to the character generator 105 for a time interval equal to seven basic clock pulses , but when the discriminator 108 does not detect the enlargement code , the selector 104 selects the second latch 103 to have its content delivered to the character generator 105 for a time interval equal to a seven basic clock pulse interval as described in detail hereinbefore . the character pattern signals appear on the output lines 206 - 1 through 206 - 7 for a time interval as shown at ( 8 ). the hatched area indicates a time delay or lag between the input of the character code to the character generator 105 and the output of the pattern signals . the load signal is applied to the shift register 106 as indicated at ( 9 ). the load signal p5 succeeding to the load pulse signal p4 is indicated by dotted lines because this signal is not generated by the load signal converter 110 - 2 in the manner described in detail above . the shift pulses are applied to the shift registers as shown at ( 10 ). it is seen that after the detection of the enlargement code the frequency of the shift pulses is stepped down to 1 / 2 by the clock converter 110 - 1 in the manner described above , the stepped - down pulses repeating for a time interval equal to 14 basic clock pulses . as described above , according to the present invention only a desired character may be enlarged to a desired size . in addition , the positions of the characters in a predetermined size and the enlarged characters may be freely selected as shown in fig6 in a very simple fashion . the signal converter in accordance with the present invention may be applied to all of recording and display devices of the type generating character patterns by a raster scanning system or by the combination of dots . in the first embodiment , the character pattern field has been shown as being divided by an even number ( 12 ) rows , but it will be understood that it may be divided by an odd - number rows . in the latter case , the divider 113 is so arranged that it will not deliver a decimal fraction on the conductor 113 - 1 , but deliver a quotient including a fraction on the conductor 224 . the constant adder 114 is so arranged as to add a constant ( n - 1 )/ 2 where n = an odd integer to the output from the divider 113 and to deliver on the conductor 225 the sum excluding a fraction . in this manner , the character pattern divided by an odd number of rows may be equally enlarged . instead of the enlargement codes : 31 and : 32 , any suitable codes may be used as required . instead of placing these enlargement codes in front of a character code which must be enlarged as shown in fig7 they may be placed behind a character code to be enlarged as shown in fig8 . to this end , the signal converter may be modified as shown in fig1 . the output from the first latch 102 is delivered through a conductor 203 - 1 to the discriminator 108 so that the enlargement code may be delivered without any delay as an output from the second latch 103 and consequently the selector 104 in the first embodiment may be eliminated . except for this change , the modification shown in fig1 is substantially similar in construction to the first embodiment shown in fig1 . when enlarged characters appear successively as shown in fig1 , it would be a very tedious operation to place the enlargement codes in front of or behind every character to be enlarged . to solve this problem , a coding system may be used wherein the characters succeeding the enlargement codes may be enlarged until an inhibit code or signal appears . this will be described in detail with reference to fig1 . the characters d , e and f succeeding the enlargement code : 33 are all enlarged in their upper halves while those succeeding the enlargement code : 34 are all enlarged in their lower halves . when the inhibit code : 35 appears , the enlargement of the characters succeeding it is presented . with the coding system described above , the delay circuit 110 - 6 and the hold circuit 110 - 10 in the control 110 are eliminated and instead flip - flops are provided which are set in response to the detection of the enlargement initiation code : 33 or : 34 and is reset in response to the detection of the enlargement inhibit code : 35 . instead of a particular enlargement inhibit code , an even - numbered section may be indicated by a specific code just appeared . so far the first embodiment has been described as doubling the size of a character both lengthwise and widthwise , but it is to be understood to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto and that the present invention may be applied equally in enlarging to any size , such as three times , four times and so on . to this end , a character pattern field is divided into a plurality of rows which are further divided equally by a desired magnification and the enlargement codes are placed in suitable rows . theoretically speaking , a character may be enlarged both lengthwise and widthwise by a magnification equal to the number of rows of the character pattern field . furthermore , if the enlargement codes are placed in two or more lines , enlargement to infinity becomes possible . the underlying principle of the present invention may be equally applied to the reduction of a character to such an extent which is dependent upon the resolution . to this end , a reduction code is used to designate the position of a character to be reduced in one line . for instance , assume that a character is to be reduced by ( 1 / 2 ). then the reduction code is used to designate whether the reduced character should be placed in the upper or lower half section of one line . the rows must be alternately read out , and the speed at which the bit patterns in each row are read must be doubled . so far the present invention has been described as utilizing the character generator of the type forming a character pattern with an array of 12 × 7 dots , but it will be understood to those skilled in the art that a larger character generator with an array of say 24 × 14 dots may be used . according to the first embodiment and its modification described above , in response to the detection of the enlargement code by the discriminator 108 , whether the upper or lower half of a character pattern field should be enlarged is decided . that is , in response to the output from the discriminator , the pattern signals corresponding to the upper or lower half section are read out from the character generator . therefore it is not required to slow down the loading speed of the shift register when a character is to be enlarged . as a result , the clock converter 110 - 1 shown in fig1 or 13 may be eliminated , and the basic clock pulses are applied to the shift register 106 as shift pulses . according to the present invention , not only the whole character may be enlarged but also the upper and lower halves of different characters may be enlarged and combined as shown in fig1 . as described in detail hereinbefore , according to the present invention two types of enlargement codes are used , one for enlarging the upper half while the other for enlarging the lower half independently of each other . therefore , it may be so coded that the upper half of a desired character may be enlarged in one line while the lower half of another character may be enlarged in the succeeding line and the enlarged upper and lower halves may be combined as shown in fig1 . in like manner , various combinations are possible . for instance , the enlarged upper halves or lower halves may be combined so that any special signs and marks may be recorded . a modification shown in fig1 is substantially similar in construction to the first embodiment shown in fig1 except that the selector 104 and the second latch 103 are repositioned and that the output from the first latch 102 is delivered to the discriminator 108 and to the selector 104 . the mode of operation is also substantially similar to that of the first embodiment described in detail above in conjunction with fig1 . upon detection of the enlargement code in the first latch 102 by the discriminator 108 , the selector 104 operates to transfer the output from the data store 101 into the second latch 103 . on the other hand , when no enlargement code is detected , the selector 104 operates to transfer the content in the first latch 102 into the second latch 103 . other operations are similar to those of the first embodiment so that no further description shall be made in this specification . so far the data store 101 shown in fig1 , 13 and 17 has been described as being adapted to receive the data of one page , but it will be understood to those skilled in the art that it may receive and store the data of many pages or even one line or character .
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referring now to the drawings and particularly to fig1 and 2 , a dental restoration is seen in fig1 at 10 to have portions of the various layers forming the restoration peeled away in order to illustrate the relationship of the layers which form the restoration . fig2 illustrates the location and extent of the layers on the restoration 10 . the restoration 10 is seen to be formed on a gray metal coping 12 as is standard in the dental laboratory . the coping 12 could be formed of other materials including ceramics . however , a metal coping is illustrated at 12 in order to best illustrate the invention and to conform with prevailing conventional practice in the industry . the coping 12 , regardless of the material from which it is formed , acts to reflect light incident upon the coping essentially according to the usual &# 34 ; angle of incidence equals angle of reflection &# 34 ; physical law . for this reason , a coping such as the coping 12 reflects light back out of a dental restoration at a &# 34 ; low &# 34 ; value , that is , the light reflected by the coping 12 and transmitted back out through the restoration 10 is a gray hue and thus a low value light . for this reason , a coping such as the coping 12 typically tends to form an internal &# 34 ; shadow &# 34 ; within a conventional dental restoration and thereby reduces the vitality of the restoration . the method of the present invention intends to control the gray reflection from a coping such as the coping 12 of a conventional restoration by controlling the reflection of light incident on the coping , thereby increasing the vitality and life - like appearance of the restoration 10 formed according to the invention . a first step as taught by a preferred embodiment of the invention is the disposition of an interface color stabilizing layer 14 over the surface of the coping 12 . the stabilizing layer 14 is formed of a high temperature dental porcelain powder containing a blood red pigment or chroma and optionally a chrome yellow pigment or chroma . the porcelain powder from which the stabilizing layer 14 is formed is a conventional feldspar and silicon dioxide material containing oxides of sodium , potassium , aluminum and tin with the material being high in tin . such a material is referred to in the industry as &# 34 ; white body &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; white opaque modifier &# 34 ; and is available from a number of dental supply companies including ceramco of long island city , n . y . the particle size of the dental porcelain powder ranges from approximately 20 to 35 microns with 30 microns being the typical powder size . this conventional porcelain powder is then modified according to the invention to include a blood red pigment which comprises a purified selenium oxide having a particle size of approximately two microns and less . the stabilizing layer 14 can include the blood red pigment in a range of 5 to 20 % by weight . optionally , a chroma yellow pigment , such as available from semco of zurich , switzerland can be present in the layer 14 in a range of 0 . 1 % to 1 % by weight , the particle size of the chrome yellow pigment typically being 2 to 3 microns . the high temperature dental porcelain comprising the stabilizing layer 14 is mixed in powder form with the selenium oxide or blood red pigment and optionally the chrome yellow pigment , this mixture being held together by a carrier liquid as is conventional in the art and applied by conventional techniques to the coping 12 . typical carriers include ethyl alcohol , polyvinyl alcohol , water , etc . the stabilizing layer 14 is then fired at a temperature of 1800 ° f . to 1875 ° f . the dental porcelain powder forming the stabilizing layer 14 is chosen to be a high temperature firing material so that the stabilizing layer 14 will not be effected by subsequent firings of various porcelain layers which typically occur at lower temperatures . the interface color stabilizing layer 14 causes a balancing of light incident on the coping 12 and layer 14 , that is , light entering the restoration 10 , with light which exits the restoration 10 due to reflection from the coping 12 / layer 14 . the stabilizing layer 14 acts to cause a reflection of higher value , that is , whiter , light which substantially adds vitality and a warm , alive appearance to the restoration 10 . in essence , the chroma values introduced into the stabilizing layer 14 &# 34 ; replace &# 34 ; the wavelengths of higher value light in the exiting , reflected light which are lost by absorption within the restoration 10 as incident light penetrates the restoration 10 down to the level of the coping 12 and stabilizing layer 14 . an opaque masking layer 16 is disposed over the stabilizing layer 14 , the opaque masking layer being formed of conventional materials including an opaque dental porcelain powder and suitable carrier which is sprayed or otherwise applied to the restoration 10 , the assembly then being baked or fired to harden the opaque masking layer 16 . the opaque masking layer 16 can be of a thickness half or less than is the practice in conventional restoration manufacture due to the presence of the stabilizing layer 14 . typically , the opaque masking layer would be formed of a thickness of approximately 2 / 100 of a millimeter and need not be of a greater thickness due to the presence of the stabilizing layer 14 . it is to be understood that most conventional restorations utilize a layer of this &# 34 ; opaque &# 34 ; material and that this opaque material is usually applied directly to the surface of the coping 12 . a modified translucent porcelain layer 18 is then applied over the opaque masking layer 16 , the layer 18 being formed according to the invention of a translucent porcelain base powder which is referred to as a 96 % translucent porcelain base and which is available from american thermacraft of new jersey and from other manufacturers . a translucent porcelain base powder of this type includes porcelain powders having particle sizes of 65 microns , 40 microns , 20 microns , 12 microns and 6 microns , all of these particle sizes being included in varying proportions to form this conventional 96 % translucent porcelain base material . this porcelain base material is modified according to the invention to include approximately 1 % each of a red chroma and a yellow chroma , the yellow and red chromas being optionally present up to a weight per cent level of approximately 3 %. an orange chroma is present in a weight per cent range of 0 . 5 to 1 . 5 % with optional chromas being present according to the choice of the user . one optional chroma is a red - brown chroma which is typically present at a weight per cent of 0 . 5 and up to 1 . 5 % by weight . another optional chroma is a translucent blue chroma which can be present in the layer 18 within a weight per cent range of 0 . 1 to 0 . 2 . the translucent porcelain base powder thus described is admixed with the respective chromas in a suitable carrier and applied conventionally over the opaque masking layer 16 which is then baked or chemically hardened to a thickness range of 0 . 01 mm to 0 . 1 mm . the materials forming the modified translucent porcelain layer 18 are used to form one or more other layers of the restoration 10 according to certain embodiments of the invention , these materials in the finished layer 18 acting , as the materials would act in other layers not yet identified , to replace colors in the light exiting the restoration 10 which are typically reduced or lost in the various opaque and / or translucent layers of a conventional dental restoration . these colors are typically the reds , yellows , oranges , etc ., which colors must be replaced in light which exits the restoration 10 in order for the restoration 10 to have a warm , vital and life - like appearance . the chroma materials present in the layer 18 not only act to replace these colors which are absorbed and not transmitted but also act to move light within the restoration 10 in a translateral sense by radically bending light waves such that light is not merely reflected out of the restoration 10 at an angle essentially identical to the angle of incidence of light into the restoration 10 . in essence , the chroma materials in the layer 18 cause light to spiral away internally of the layer 18 and restoration 10 and to be internally reflected up to fourteen times prior to exit from the restoration 10 . thus , the movement of the light within the restoration 10 is controlled through the use of the chroma materials , the light thus being &# 34 ; moved &# 34 ; within the restoration 10 being a high value light which includes light of the necessary wavelengths to produce a restoration having a life - like appearance . in essence , the modified translucent porcelain layer 18 as well as other layers of the restoration 10 which can be formed of the same material as is the layer 18 acts in the manner of a fiber optic sheet to move light around within the restoration 10 . the layer 18 can conveniently extend over the full surface of the layer 16 on rear portions of the restoration 10 although the layer 18 exhibits much less function on the rear of the restoration relative to the front of the restoration . an opalescent dentin layer 20 unique to the invention is formed over at least portions of the modified translucent porcelain layer 18 and is desirably shaped into the form which a natural dentin and pulp cavity would take . thus , the opalescent dentin layer 20 can be 4 to 5 mm at the areas of greatest thickness and 1 / 100 of a mm at those areas of least thickness . the areas of greatest thickness of the opalescent dentin layer 20 are at the incisal and interproximal areas of the restoration 10 . the opalescent dentin layer 20 acts as a reflective light filter and uses opal chroma added high value particles to reflect white translucent light . the material forming the opalescent dentin layer 20 comprises a dental porcelain powder which can be the same dental porcelain used in forming the stabilizing layer 14 and which is known as &# 34 ; white body &# 34 ; or &# 34 ; white opaque modifier &# 34 ; and preferably is a translucent material . the chroma materials employed in the opalescent dentin layer constitute those same chroma materials used in the formation of the modified translucent porcelain layer 18 but are present in weight percentages of approximately ten times greater than is used in the layer 18 . for example , an appropriate mixture of materials used to form the opalescent dentin layer 20 includes 4 parts by weight of translucent &# 34 ; white body &# 34 ;, that is , translucent dental porcelain powder , 2 parts by weight of yellow pigment , 11 / 2 parts by weight of red pigment , 0 . 2 parts by weight of red - brown pigment , 0 . 5 parts by weight of white opaque ( nontranslucent ) porcelain powder and 0 . 5 % by weight of the mixture of materials forming the modified translucent porcelain layer 18 . while the mixture so described provides excellent results , it is to be understood that red and yellow chromas can each constitute up to 45 % of an opalescent dentin layer mixture with a range of approximately 10 % to 30 % being preferred for the red and yellow chromas , a range of 5 to 15 % being possible for an orange chroma with optional red - brown and translucent blue being present respectively in ranges of approximately 2 % to 5 % and 1 % to 2 %. translucent porcelain powder is preferred in the make - up of the opalescent dentin layer 20 . however , the mixture can include up to 10 % by weight of nontranslucent white opaque powder . the materials forming the opalescent dentin layer 20 are mixed together and suspended in a suitable carrier for application over the layer 18 . the opalescent dentin layer 20 is formed at a greater thickness in the incisal area referred to as 22 and in the interproximal regions referred to by the numeral 24 . these regions correspond to the location of a natural dentin and pulp cavity in a natural tooth . the opalescent dentin layer 20 further acts to move light translaterally within the restoration 10 and to replace colors which are typically absorbed by dental opaque around the edges of a restoration , that is , within the incisal area 22 and the interproximal regions 24 of a typical restoration . as does other layers within the restoration 10 , the opalescent dentin layer 20 replaces the red , yellow and orange wavelengths which are essential to the production of a restoration having a warm and vital appearance . the multiple functions of the opalescent dentin layer 20 include acting as a light filter and as a lightchannel surface to direct light to and from adjacent natural and / or restored teeth . the opalescent dentin layer 20 allows at least some light to filter through into the interior of the restoration and to stay in motion as the reds , yellows and oranges are reflected . in a conventional restoration , the reds , yellows and oranges are absorbed due in part to penetration of the light wave to a great depth in such conventional restorations . accordingly , reflected light in conventional restorations is of a low value , i . e ., the reflected light has a high level of perceived gray . low value pockets of light are formed in conventional restorations at typical depths within the restorations with these low value pockets being directly adjacent to highly reflective tooth preparation surfaces . these low value pockets cause tooth forms to show through the finished conventional porcelain restoration . the light filtering / reflecting capability of the opalescent dentin layer 20 eliminates these low value pockets of light . the opalescent dentin layer 20 can be baked after application or can be hardened such as by the use of a conventional water / acrylic plasticizer hardener liquid . at this point in the manufacture of the restoration 10 , it is necessary only to cause the opalescent dentin layer 20 to stay in place throughout subsequent fabrication steps . a second modified translucent porcelain layer 26 is then applied over at least forwardly facing surfaces of the opalescent dentin layer 20 , the materials forming this layer 26 being essentially identical to the materials which form the modified translucent porcelain layer 18 . after application of the layer 26 in a conventional manner , the assembly may then be baked or fired . final layers can now be applied before firing . in a preferred embodiment of the invention , a layer 21 of conventional &# 34 ; body &# 34 ; porcelain material is built up over at least portions of the layer 26 and over at least front portions of the layer 18 . the layer 21 is typically formed over the rear portions of the layers 20 and 18 and is used to build up the restoration . the layer 21 is shaded usually according to the instructions of a dentist using known shading and matching techniques . this &# 34 ; body &# 34 ; porcelain material is produced by a number of companies including ceramco . in a conventional restoration , the &# 34 ; body &# 34 ; porcelain forming the layer 21 would be applied directly over the opaque masking layer 16 . according to a preferred embodiment of the invention , a layer 27 formed of the same material as forms the layers 18 and 26 is applied over the layer 21 . as is noted in fig2 the layer 27 only needs to cover the front of the restoration 10 . the layer 27 functions essentially identically to the function of the layers 18 and 26 . the restoration 10 may then be finished with a conventional incisal layer 28 which is formed of opaque dental porcelain powder in a suitable carrier , such powders being conventional in the art and generally being referred to as translucent incisal powder or enamel powder . this incisal porcelain material is applied in a conventional fashion and then baked or fired after shaping . shaping subsequent to firing also constitutes a standard practice in the industry . the dental restoration 10 is thus completed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention . even though major body portions of the restoration 10 , such as the incisal layer 28 inter alia , act to absorb high light values , the restoration 10 maintains the high light values of a natural tooth by means of the effect of the layers 14 , 18 , 20 , 26 and 27 which modify light exiting the restoration 10 to replace hues lost by absorption of those hues from light entering the restoration . the translateral movement of light within the restoration 10 caused by internal reflections from the chroma particles disposed within the various unconventional layers 14 , 18 , 20 , 26 and 27 further acts to cause the restoration 10 to exhibit warmth and life - like vitality . the restoration 10 actually blends with adjacent teeth , whether natural or artificial , due to the fact that the restoration 10 &# 34 ; exchanges &# 34 ; light with the adjacent structures . referring now to fig3 a restoration 30 is shown to be similar in structure to the restoration 10 . however , layers equivalent to the layers 18 and 26 of fig1 sandwich a layer of &# 34 ; body &# 34 ; opaque which is essentially identical to the layer 21 of fig1 . the restoration terminates in a layer essentially identical to the incisal layer 28 of fig1 . the several layers of fig3 are numbered identically to the corresponding layers of fig1 according to the similarity of materials forming the respective layers . of particular note is the fact that the opalescence exhibited by the present restorations cannot be burned out of the restorations by repeated firings . prior attempts to produce a natural appearing opalescence in dental restorations have had as serious failings including the fact that the degree of opalescence exhibited by those restorations was extraordinarily susceptible to being burned out in the event that firing temperatures were not controlled or if multiple firings were necessary in a layer process . the ability of the present compositions of matter to maintain opalescence through repeated firings provides a further advantage to the use of the present methodology and compositions of matter and the resulting dental restorations . it is to be understood that the drawings are idealized representations of the various layers of materials forming the restorations . the layers in most instances extend over the full surfaces of immediately lower layers and are shown as being cutaway short of full surface extension such as in fig1 and 3 for the purposes of illustration only . the intent of the invention is to maintain the spectral integrity or color of the light wave exiting restoration 10 so that this exiting light wave is balanced relative to the light wave entering the restoration . this balancing of the light wave spectral density is accomplished by the addition of pigmentation to the porcelain as described in detail herein . practice of the invention thus produces the life - like opalescence referred to throughout the specification and claims . it is to be further understood that the invention can be practiced other than as is expressly described above , the invention being limited only by the scope of the appended claims .
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with reference to fig1 , the pressure transducer 10 includes three isolated chambers or plenums , an upper pressure chamber 15 above the diaphragm 20 , a lower pressure chamber 16 below the diaphragm 20 , and a separate electronics chamber 17 above the upper pressure chamber 15 . a flexible diaphragm 20 separates the upper and lower chambers . the upper chamber 15 and the lower chamber 16 include ports 25 a and 25 b to allow fluid communication with the plenums defined by their respective walls . the upper chamber 15 includes a beam 30 affixed to the diaphragm 20 . the beam 30 is coupled to and moves in conjoined relationship with the diaphragm 20 . in the preferred embodiment , the beam 30 is coupled to the diaphragm 20 by a post 31 extending perpendicularly from the diaphragm 20 . a magnet 35 is attached to one end of the beam 30 . the beam 30 is attached to the post 31 , so that the beam 30 and magnet 35 are generally balanced about the post 31 , so as to minimize any twisting forces on the diaphragm 20 . one skilled in the art will recognize that the beam and post can take on many different shapes and configurations . in the preferred embodiment , the beam 30 is a spring upon which the diaphragm 20 applies a force proportional to the differential pressure on either side of the diaphragm 20 . movement of the spring is in proportion to the force applied and hence displacement of the magnet 35 is in direct proportion to the differential pressure . other structures to convey the movement of the diaphragm 20 to the magnet 35 are possible . in other embodiments , the post 31 and beam 30 may be eliminated , and the magnet 35 attached directly to the diaphragm 20 . alternatively , a single structural member may attach the magnet 35 to the diaphragm 20 . the magnet 35 is positioned in working relationship with a hall effect sensor 40 located in the electronics chamber 17 , thus permitting the magnetic field of the magnet 35 to generate a voltage response or signal in the hall effect sensor 40 . although in the preferred embodiment the hall effect sensor 40 is located in a separate chamber from the magnet 35 , one skilled in the art will recognize that the hall effect sensor 40 need not be located in the electronics chamber 17 , but may be located in the same chamber as the beam 30 or magnet 35 . the hall effect sensor 40 and magnet 35 , power supply described herein may be used with two - chambered transducers , not needing a separate chamber for the electronics . thereby , one skilled in the art will recognize the hall effect sensor 40 could also be placed in the lower pressure chamber 16 . because the hall effect sensor 40 is not in direct contact with the beam 30 or magnet 35 , a chamber wall 50 may be placed between the hall effect sensor 40 and the beam 30 or the magnet 35 . as shown in the preferred embodiment , the hall effect sensor 40 and the magnet 35 are separated by the wall 50 defining the division between the electronics chamber 17 and the upper pressure chamber 15 . with this arrangement , the electronics of the transducer are separated from the fluid being monitored . as one skilled in the art will recognize from the teachings of this invention , the electronics chamber 17 may be eliminated , and the electronics , including the hall effect sensor 40 can reside on the outside of the housing defining the outer boundaries of the upper pressure chamber 15 and the lower pressure chamber 16 . however , placing the electronics in a separate chamber provides protection from environmental elements , and is preferred . in the preferred embodiment , the electronics chamber 17 includes the hall effect sensor 40 positioned so that it is magnetically coupled with the magnet 35 . the hall effect sensor 40 includes wiring or other electronic pathways 47 to connect the hall effect sensor to suitable electronic circuitry for displaying pressure information , or transmitting pressure information to control electronics . one skilled in the art will readily recognize such a transmitter or display circuitry would convert the voltage response of the hall effect sensor 40 into a current signal and transmit the signal on the current loop . with careful selections of a sensor , the arrangement in fig1 senses the motion of the beam 30 linearly . thus , the arrangement is useful for pressure transmitters as well as pressure switches . fig2 shows an implementation of a power supply 90 for the hal810 hall effect sensor of the preferred embodiment . it can be easily adapted to other hall effect sensors . the 5 volt supply shown in the power supply schematic of fig2 is derived from a linear regulator ( not shown ) running from the 10 to 35 volt input of the current loop . this 5v supply also supplies all the other transmitter power requirements . the linear regulator is preferred because it is usually the lowest cost method of providing power even though it limits the available power to the entire transmitter to 4 ma at 5 volts or 5v × 4 ma = 20 mw . if more power is needed the linear regulator can be replace by a switching regulator and nearly 100 % of the 40 mw available can be achieved depending upon the efficiency of the switching regulator . the basic concept of the supply is to low pass filter the supply current drawn by the hall effect sensor such that only the average current of the sensor is drawn from the 5v supply . the supply is electrically connected to and forms part of the current loop by wires w 1 and w 2 . capacitor c 7 along with resistors r 5 and r 7 and q 2 form the low pass filter 100 when q 2 is on . an average current is drawn through the resistors r 5 and r 7 and transistor q 2 based on the average voltage difference between the 5v supply and the voltage across c 7 . the ripple in the average current is determined by how much the voltage across c 7 changes when q 3 is turned on and current is supplied to the hall effect sensor ( not shown ) through its connection to connector pj 6 . the voltage across c 7 must remain high enough to meet the minimum voltage requirements of the hall effect sensor . ideally c 7 would go to an infinite capacitance as the resistance goes to zero . as long as the minimum supply voltage for the hall effect sensor is less than the minimum voltage of the 5v supply a practical compromise for the values can always be found . in the preferred embodiment , the resistor and capacitor values are selected to provide a 1 : 9 duty cycle . such a cycle provides power to the hall effect sensor for 40 msec , and charges for 360 msec . other duty cycles may work so long as the average current draw is below 4 ma , and the surge current to power the sensor is at least 4 ma for a time duration necessary to obtain a stable reading . the purpose of transistor q 2 and resistor r 11 is to form a start up current 110 for start up conditions . because c 7 starts at complete discharge , the current draw on the 5v supply can be higher than what is available . by separating the start up charging resistor value from the running value , the start up surge can be limited . q 4 and r 10 form a discharge circuit 120 to provide a quick discharge path for c 7 when the 5v supply shuts down . this prevents c 7 from back feeding the 5v supply and causing a poor shutdown for the transmitter . other supply arrangements that smooth the current draw from the 4 to 20 ma loop are possible . when powered , the hall effect sensor 40 provides a signal to wire w 3 . the signal may be a voltage response , or , more preferred , the signal is a pulse width modulated voltage signal . the type of signal will depend on the output of the sensor 40 . in other embodiments , the signal may be a current signal , or other stream of data . in the case of a signal based on voltage , the signal is thereafter conveyed to a transmitter to convert the signal to a current signal for transmission in the current loop . fig3 shows the invention as part of a pointer display instrument . the instrument 60 includes a pointer 70 which moves in response to a force induced on the helix 71 by the c - shaped magnet 72 . the c - shaped magnet 72 is mounted to one end of a leaf spring 75 , while the other end of the leaf spring 75 is anchored by clamp 77 . the leaf spring 75 is coupled to the diaphragm ( not shown ) by post 79 , allowing the leaf spring 75 and the c - shaped magnet 72 to move as the diaphragm is displaced by the differential pressure exerted on it . as the c - shaped magnet 72 moves , it magnetically interacts with the helix 71 , causing the pointer 70 to move . a hall effect sensor is placed so it is magnetically coupled to the c - shaped magnet 72 , to thereby produce an electric signal corresponding to the movement of the c - shaped magnet . in the alternative , a separate magnet 80 can be placed on or coupled to the leaf spring 75 . a hall effect sensor 85 is placed in proximity to the magnet 80 , to produce a signal when the magnet moves . using this arrangement , the same beam deflection controls both the pointer and transmitter and is done without adding inaccuracy to either output . this allows the addition of transmitter capability to existing pointer display designs with a minimum of additional parts . thus , the invention described herein can be used with a wide variety of indicators , consistent with the general principles described herein .
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the invention relates generally to elevators , and more specifically , to a safety brake for incline elevators . specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in fig1 a - 9 c to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments . the present invention may have additional embodiments , may be practiced without one or more of the details described for any particular described embodiment , or may have any detail described for one particular embodiment practiced with any other detail described for another embodiment . fig1 a , 1 b , and 1 c are a side view , a perspective view , and an exploded perspective view of an incline elevator , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in one embodiment , an incline elevator 100 includes a gondola 102 , a counterweight 104 , incline mounts 110 , an incline 112 , an uphill station 114 , and a downhill station 116 . in this embodiment , an incline elevator 100 further includes a track 200 , the track 200 having a channel 202 , flanges 204 , a pulley 206 , and an engine 208 . in this embodiment , an incline elevator 100 further includes a load carrying unit 300 and a hoist cable 210 . in some embodiments , a gondola 102 of an incline elevator 100 rests upon and is fixably mounted atop a load carrying unit 300 . in a further embodiment , a load carrying unit 300 of an incline elevator travels upon a track 200 of an incline elevator . in some embodiments , a gondola 102 of an incline elevator can be a closed compartment , having a door through which passengers can enter and exit the gondola . in other embodiments , a gondola 102 of an incline elevator can be an open compartment without a roof . in some embodiments , a gondola 102 carries passengers . in other embodiments , a gondola 102 carries cargo . in yet a further embodiment , a gondola 102 is integrated with the load carrying unit 300 of an incline elevator 100 . in a further embodiment , an incline elevator does not have a gondola 102 , instead moving its load via a load carrying unit 300 . it should be recognized by one skilled in the art that a gondola 102 of an incline elevator can serve multiple purposes and be designed to carry any type of load , and that a load carrying unit 300 can carry the load in an alternative embodiment without a gondola 102 . accordingly , a gondola 102 of an incline elevator 100 is not shown in all drawings of the instant disclosure . in some embodiments , an incline elevator 100 includes a track 200 . in some embodiments , a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 is mounted on and along an incline 112 . in some embodiments , the incline 112 is outdoors . in different embodiments , the incline 112 is indoors . in a particular embodiment , the grade of the incline 112 is approximately 30 degrees from level . in other embodiments , the grade of the incline 112 varies from 0 degrees to 90 degrees from level . accordingly , in some embodiments , an incline elevator 100 can run along a track 200 deployed on an incline 112 that is actually a flat surface that is not inclined . in different embodiments , an incline elevator 100 can run along a track 200 deployed perpendicularly to a flat surface , providing a vertical direction of travel of the load . in some embodiments , the incline 112 is a hill outdoors . in other embodiments , an incline 112 can be a part of a building that is constructed to provide an incline . in yet a different embodiment , an incline 112 can be transportable , as on the back of a flatbed truck . in some embodiments , the load carrying unit 300 rests on and moves along the top of the track 200 . in a different embodiment , the load carrying unit 300 is suspended from the bottom of the track 200 , moving along the bottom of the track 200 . in a different embodiment , the load carrying unit 300 is suspended a track 200 that is formed from a wire or cable . in some embodiments , a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 is mounted to the incline 112 using incline mounts 110 . in some embodiments an incline mount 110 may be sunk into the ground or otherwise deployed through the surface of the incline 112 . in other embodiments an incline mount may be fixably mounted to the surface of the incline 112 . in a certain embodiment , the incline mounts 110 vary as needed to provide a uniform grade of incline above a surface with a non - uniform grade of incline . in some embodiments , the incline mounts 112 are solid material . in different embodiments , an incline mount 112 can be formed with one or more legs permitting a counterweight 104 to pass alongside or in between the one or more legs . in different embodiments , an incline mount may be hydraulically supported and fixably mounted to the surface of the incline 112 , thus facilitating differing grades of incline 112 for different height needs during various deployments of an incline elevator 100 . in different embodiments , an incline elevator 100 incorporates a track 200 that has curves as the incline elevator 100 ascends the incline 112 . it should be recognized by one skilled in the art that an incline elevator 100 can be designed in any orientation , dimension , length , distance , grade , and on any surface whether fixed , or varied , and in a permanent or portable fashion , using differing tracks 200 . the instant invention does not limit the scope of its application to any particular implementation of an incline elevator 100 . accordingly , an incline 112 and incline mounts 110 of an incline elevator 100 are not shown in all drawings of the instant disclosure . in some embodiments , a track 200 of an incline elevator includes an engine 208 . in some embodiments , the engine 208 pulls or pushes a hoist cable 210 . in some embodiments , a hoist cable 210 circulates along the top and the bottom of the track 200 . in a further embodiment , opposing ends of a hoist cable 210 are coupled to opposing ends of a load carrying unit 300 . in a further embodiment , a hoist cable is wound around a pulley 206 of the track 200 , the pulley 206 being located at the opposite end of the track 200 as the engine 208 . in a particular embodiment , the pulling or pushing motion of the engine 208 of the hoist cable 210 imparts movement to a load carrying unit 300 and a gondola 102 of an incline elevator 100 . an engine , pulley , and hoist cable system of imparting movement to an elevator system is well understood in the art . accordingly , an engine , pulley , and hoist cable are not shown in all drawings of the instant disclosure . in some embodiments , an incline elevator 100 includes a counterweight 104 . in a further embodiment , a hoist cable 210 is coupled to a counterweight 104 . a counterweight as a part of an elevator system is well understood in the art . accordingly , a counterweight 104 of an incline elevator 100 is not shown in all drawings of the instant disclosure . in some embodiments , an incline elevator 100 includes an uphill station 114 and a downhill station 116 . in certain embodiments , a station of an incline elevator 100 includes a docking target , the docking target being fixably mounted to a track 200 , the docking target being designed to engage or disengage a safety brake of an incline elevator . in some embodiments , an incline elevator 100 includes a plurality of stations . it should be understood by one skilled in the art that an incline elevator can be constructed with as many stations as desired , and that a station is not required to be located at the top of the track 200 , bottom of the track 200 , or any other specific location . one or more stations can be located at any place along a track 200 in accordance with embodiments of the invention . fig2 a and 2 b are an exploded perspective view and a front cross - sectional view of a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in some embodiments , a track 200 resembles a monorail construction , in which the load rides upon the track 200 . in a certain embodiment , a track 200 includes a channel 202 into which at least a portion of a load carrying unit 300 extends , for holding the load carrying unit on top of the track 200 and limiting lateral travel of the load carrying unit 300 ( i . e . limiting motion of the load carrying unit 300 in a perpendicular direction to the uphill and downhill directions of the load ). in some embodiments , a track 200 includes flanges 204 to either side of the track 200 . in a certain embodiment , top and bottom roller wheels 404 and 406 included in trucks 400 of a load carrying unit 300 glide along flanges 204 of a track 200 . fig3 a is an exploded perspective view of a load carrying unit 300 for deployment on a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . fig3 b is a perspective view of a load carrying unit 300 deployed on a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . fig3 c is an exploded view of a load carrying unit of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . fig3 d is a front cross - sectional view of a load carrying unit deployed on a track of an incline elevator , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in some embodiments , a load carrying unit 300 moves along a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 . in some embodiments , a load carrying unit includes a chassis 302 , one or more chassis mounts 304 , a safety link 306 , a speed sensor 308 , a gondola leveling device 310 , and one or more trucks 400 . in some embodiments , the one or more chassis mounts 304 are used to attachably couple one or more trucks 400 to a chassis 302 . in a further embodiment , a safety link 306 is fixably attached to trucks 400 at opposing ends of a safety link 306 . in some embodiments , a gondola leveling device 310 is used where a gondola 102 is mounted atop a chassis 302 of a load carrying unit 300 to level the gondola 310 where a track 200 is not perfectly level with respect to the incline 112 . in some embodiments , a speed sensor 308 is mounted on a load carrying unit 300 such that the rotating sensors of the speed sensor 308 are disposed adjacent to one or more top rollers 404 of a truck 400 . in some embodiments , the one or more trucks 400 of a load carrying unit 300 are disposed such that the one or more trucks 400 straddle the track 200 of the incline elevator 100 . in a certain embodiment , at least a portion of the one or more trucks 400 , including one or bottom rollers 406 , are disposed below the flange 404 of the track 200 of the incline elevator 100 . in a certain embodiment , at least a portion of the one or more trucks 400 , including an eccentric safety device 500 , is disposed within the channel 202 of the track 200 of an incline elevator 100 . fig4 a is an exploded detail perspective view of a truck 400 and eccentric safety device 500 of a load carrying unit 300 for an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . fig4 b is a top cross - sectional view of a truck 400 and eccentric safety device 500 of a load carrying unit 300 deployed on a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in some embodiments , a truck 400 of a load carrying unit 300 of an incline elevator 100 includes a safety mounting tube 402 , one or more top rollers 404 , one or more bottom rollers 406 , a safety pivot 408 , a safety lever 410 , a safety reset and docking lever 412 , a coil spring 412 , a coil spring attachment mount 414 , and an eccentric safety device 500 . in some embodiments , an eccentric safety device 500 includes a center pin 502 , a washer 504 , a nut 506 , a coil spring pivot 508 , one or more guide rollers 510 , a bottom eccentric brake 512 , a top eccentric brake 514 , a brake cable block 516 , a brake cable 518 , a brake spring 520 , an eccentric brake top frame 522 , and an eccentric brake bottom frame 524 . in a certain embodiment , an eccentric safety device 500 is couplably attached to a truck 400 . in this embodiment , a center pin 502 of an eccentric safety device 500 is disposed through the safety mounting tube 402 of the truck 400 . in this embodiment , a nut 506 and washer 504 disposed above the safety mounting tube 402 about the center pin 502 couple the eccentric safety device 500 to the truck 400 . in this embodiment , the eccentric safety device 500 is disposed underneath the truck 400 and between the bottom rollers 406 of the truck 400 . importantly , in this embodiment , the eccentric safety device 500 is rotatable about an axis lengthwise through the center pin 502 , the rotation of the eccentric safety device 500 being relative to the truck 400 . in some embodiments , an eccentric safety device 500 of a load carrying unit 300 is disposed within the channel 202 of a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 . in a certain embodiment , an eccentric safety device 500 is rotatable about an axis lengthwise through the center pin 502 , the rotation of the eccentric safety device 500 being limited by the interior of the track 200 formed by the channel 202 . in a preferred embodiment , guide rollers 510 on opposing sides of the eccentric safety device 500 are held against the interior of the track 200 by use of a coil spring 414 . in this embodiment , the coil spring 414 is coupled at one end of the coil spring 414 to the coil spring pivot 508 of the eccentric safety device 500 . in this embodiment , the coil spring 414 is coupled at the opposing end of the coil spring 414 to the coil spring attachment mount 416 of the truck 400 . in this embodiment , the coil spring 414 tensionally biases the eccentric safety device 500 , such that the eccentric safety device 500 rotates about an axis lengthwise through the center pin 502 , the rotation being limited by the guide rollers 510 of the eccentric safety device 500 which are pressed up against the interior surface of the channel 202 of the track 200 . in this embodiment , the spring tension of the coil spring 414 between the eccentric safety device 500 and the one or more trucks 400 of the load carrying unit 300 tensionally biases the load carrying unit 300 such that the load carrying unit 300 remains centered on the track 200 . in this embodiment , the rotation of the eccentric safety device 500 relative to the trucks 400 enable the load carrying unit 300 to be used with tracks 200 having differing widths of channel 202 , or having varied widths of the channel 202 within the same track 200 , or keeping the load carrying unit 300 centered on the track 200 even when the track 200 is a curved track . in some embodiments , a bottom eccentric brake 512 and a top eccentric brake 514 are couplably mounted on a center pin 502 of an eccentric safety device 500 . in this embodiment , the center pin 502 is disposed through a hole in the bottom eccentric brake 512 and the top eccentric brake 514 . in such an embodiment , a brake spring 520 tensionally biases the eccentric brakes ( the “ eccentric brakes ” comprising the bottom eccentric brake 512 and the top eccentric brake 514 ) such that they are rotatable about an axis lengthwise through the center pin 502 . in this embodiment , the eccentric brakes can swing out and make contact with the interior surface of the channel 202 of the track 200 . fig4 b depicts that in this embodiment , in dashed lines the bottom eccentric brake 512 and the top eccentric brake 514 have swung out to make contact with the interior of the channel 202 of the track 200 . in this embodiment , the brake spring 520 tensionally biases the eccentric brakes outwardly from the eccentric safety device , such that they make contact with the interior surface of the channel 202 of the track 200 . in this embodiment , the contact between the eccentric brakes and the channel 202 creates sufficient friction to stop any movement of the load carrying unit 300 to which the eccentric safety device 500 and its truck 400 are mounted . importantly , in this embodiment , it is movement in a downhill direction that is arrested by the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , even when the eccentric brakes are tensionally biased outward to make contact with the interior of the channel 202 , the shape of the eccentric brakes in conjunction with the tension of the brake spring 520 are such that the load carrying unit 300 can be towed in an uphill direction along the track 200 . in this embodiment , the contact between the eccentric brakes and the interior of the channel 202 only arrests travel in a downhill direction . fig5 a is a perspective view of an eccentric safety device 500 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in one embodiment , an eccentric safety device 500 includes a center pin 502 , one or more guide rollers 510 , an top eccentric brake 512 , a bottom eccentric brake 514 , a brake cable block 516 , a brake cable 518 , a brake spring 520 , an eccentric brake top frame 522 , and an eccentric brake bottom frame 524 . fig5 b is an exploded perspective view of an eccentric safety device 500 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in a certain embodiment , a bottom eccentric brake 512 and a top eccentric brake 514 are couplably mounted on a center pin 502 of an eccentric safety device 500 . in this embodiment , the center pin 502 is disposed through a hole in the bottom eccentric brake 512 and the top eccentric brake 514 . in such an embodiment , a brake spring 520 tensionally biases the eccentric brakes ( the “ eccentric brakes ” comprising the bottom eccentric brake 512 and the top eccentric brake 514 ) such that they are rotatable about an axis lengthwise through the center pin 502 . in this embodiment , with no tension applied to the brake cable 518 , the brake spring 520 tensionally biases the eccentric brakes to swing outward and extend further outside the periphery of the eccentric brake bottom frame 522 , as depicted by the dashed lines in fig5 f which show the eccentric brakes in an extended position . in this embodiment , a force pulling upward on the brake cable 518 will counteract the tensional bias of the brake spring 520 and cause the eccentric brakes to swing back into retracted position , as depicted by the solid lines of the eccentric brakes in fig5 f . fig5 c is an exploded perspective view of a portion of an eccentric safety device 500 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in a certain embodiment , stacked up the eccentric brake bottom frame 524 and its center pin 502 are a bottom eccentric brake 512 , a brake spring 520 , and a top eccentric brake 514 . in this embodiment , the ends of the wire forming the brake spring 520 are bent in opposing directions . in this embodiment , when the eccentric safety device 500 is assembled , the ends of the brake spring 520 hook the eccentric brakes and tensionally bias the eccentric brakes to rotate about the center pin 502 outwardly , in an extended position that brings the brakes further outside the periphery of the eccentric brake bottom frame 524 . in this embodiment , a force applied upwards on the brake cable 518 , that is , a force applied in a direction away from the eccentric brake bottom frame 524 , will add tensional bias to the brake spring 520 , causing the eccentric brakes to swing inward into a retracted position . releasing force applied to the brake cable 518 will permit the spring tension of the brake spring 520 to swing the eccentric brakes outward into the extended position . fig5 d is a side view of a portion of an eccentric safety device 500 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , the brake cable 518 is threaded through a brake cable block 516 . in this embodiment , a brake cable 518 has two strands , one strand coupled to each eccentric brake . in this embodiment , when an upward force is applied to the brake cable 518 , the eccentric brakes swing towards the periphery of the eccentric brake bottom frame 524 , into a retracted position . when force is released from the brake cable 518 , tension in the brake spring 520 causes the eccentric brakes to swing out , rotating about the center pin 502 , into an extended position such that the eccentric brakes extend outside the periphery of the eccentric brake bottom frame 524 . fig5 e is a rear view of a portion of an eccentric safety device 500 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , the brake cable 518 is threaded through a brake cable block 516 . in this embodiment , a brake cable 518 has two strands , one strand coupled to each eccentric brake . in this embodiment , when an upward force is applied to the brake cable 518 , the eccentric brakes swing towards the periphery of the eccentric brake bottom frame 524 , into a retracted position . when force is released from the brake cable 518 , tension in the brake spring 520 causes the eccentric brakes to swing out , rotating about the center pin 502 , into an extended position such that the eccentric brakes extend outside the periphery of the eccentric brake bottom frame 524 . fig5 f is a top cross - sectional view of an eccentric safety device 500 deployed on a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , when cable tension in the brake cable 518 is released , the eccentric brakes swing out , rotating about the center pin 502 . in this embodiment , looking down at the eccentric brakes disposed within the channel 202 , when the brake cable is released , the bottom eccentric brake 512 swings to the right , rotating counterclockwise about the center pin 502 , and the top eccentric brake 514 swings to the left , rotating clockwise about the center pin 502 . in this embodiment , the movement imparted to the eccentric brakes is driven by tensional bias in the brake spring 520 . in this embodiment , when the eccentric brakes swing out , they come into contact with the inner walls of the channel 202 of the track 200 of the incline elevator 100 , the eccentric brakes in their extended position being depicted by dashed lines . in this embodiment , when an upward force is applied to the brake cable 518 , the eccentric brakes swing in , rotating about the center pin 502 . in this embodiment , looking down at the eccentric brakes disposed within the channel 202 , when the brake cable is pulled , the bottom eccentric brake 512 swings to the left , rotating clockwise about the center pin 502 , and the top eccentric brake 514 swings to the right , rotating counterclockwise about the center pin 502 . in this embodiment , the movement imparted to the eccentric brakes is driven by the pulling force on the brake cable 518 , and adds tension to the brake spring 520 . in this embodiment , when the eccentric brakes swing in , they break contact with the inner walls of the channel 202 of the track 200 of the incline elevator 100 , the eccentric brakes in their retracted position being depicted by solid lines . fig6 a is a perspective view of an eccentric bell crank 600 for an eccentric safety device 500 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in some embodiments , an eccentric bell crank 600 includes a docking lever 602 , a solenoid lever 604 , and an eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 . in a certain embodiment , an eccentric bell crank 600 is coupled with a brake cable 518 at the eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 . in a certain embodiment , an eccentric bell crank 600 rotates about axis aa . in this embodiment , axis aa is the center lengthwise axis of an axle 418 of a truck 400 . an eccentric bell crank 600 is mounted to a truck 400 along an axle 418 of the truck 400 by being threaded onto the outside of one axle 418 of the truck 400 . that is , the axle 418 of the truck 400 passes through the eccentric bell crank 600 along axis aa . in this embodiment , when the eccentric bell crank 600 rotates about axis aa , motion is imparted to the brake cable 518 which is connected to the eccentric bell crank 600 at the eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 . in this embodiment , when the eccentric bell crank 600 is rotated about axis aa , the motion imparted to the brake cable 518 also imparts motion to the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , when the eccentric bell crank 600 rotates counter - clockwise as viewed in this drawing , such that the brake cable 518 is pulled upwards relative to the eccentric brakes , the bottom eccentric brake 512 swings to the left and the top eccentric brake 514 swings to the right , against the spring tension imparted to the eccentric brakes by the brake spring 520 ( not visible in fig6 a ), and retracting the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , when the eccentric bell crank 600 rotates clockwise as viewed in this drawing , the brake cable 518 moves in a downward direction towards the eccentric brakes , permitting the spring tension in the brake spring 520 to extend the eccentric brakes , with the bottom eccentric brake 512 swinging to the right and the top eccentric brake 514 swinging to the left . in some embodiments , a solenoid 608 engages and imparts motion to an eccentric bell crank 600 . in a further embodiment , an eccentric bell crank 600 is rotated when contact is made with either the docking lever 602 of the eccentric bell crank 600 , or with the solenoid lever 604 . in this embodiment , contact with either the docking lever 602 or the solenoid lever 604 rotates the eccentric bell crank 600 counter - clockwise about axis aa , moving eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 away from the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , contact with either the docking lever 602 or the solenoid lever 604 imparts motion to the eccentric brakes , pulling the brake cable 518 and retracting the eccentric brakes . importantly , in this embodiment , engaging the eccentric bell crank 600 with either the docking lever 602 or the solenoid lever 604 retracts the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , if neither the docking lever 602 nor the solenoid lever 604 are engaged , the spring tension in the brake spring 520 will extend the eccentric brakes and pull on the brake cable 518 , pulling the eccentric bell crank 600 at the eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 towards the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , permitting the spring tension of the brake spring 520 to impart motion to the eccentric brakes will swing out the eccentric brakes , extending the eccentric brakes until they come in contact with the interior wall of the channel 202 of the track 200 of the incline elevator 100 . in some embodiments , the eccentric brakes are disposed towards the downhill direction of the track 200 of the incline elevator 100 . in such an embodiment , the load carrying unit 300 is brought to a stop by the engagement of the eccentric brakes with the interior wall of the channel 200 of the track 200 . fig6 b is a side view of an eccentric bell crank 600 for an eccentric safety device 500 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in some embodiments , a solenoid lever 604 of an eccentric bell crank 600 is disposed adjacent to a solenoid 608 . when energized , the solenoid 608 comes into contact with the solenoid lever 604 of the eccentric bell crank 600 and imparts movement to the eccentric bell crank 600 , rotating the eccentric bell crank 600 counter - clockwise about axis aa . in this embodiment , when the solenoid 608 is energized , rotating the eccentric bell crank 600 counter - clockwise about axis aa , the eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 is moved away from the eccentric brakes . the brake cable 518 ( not shown in fig6 b ) coupled to the eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 actuates the extension and retraction of the eccentric brakes . when the solenoid 608 is energized , the brake cable 518 is pulled , and the eccentric brakes are refracted . in some embodiments , a docking strip 212 of a track 200 of an incline elevator 100 comes into contact with the docking lever 602 of the eccentric bell crank 600 . in some embodiments , when the load carrying unit 300 of the incline elevator 100 has traveled to one of the stations , including the uphill station 114 or the downhill station 116 , a docking strip 212 disposed along the track 200 at the station engages the docking lever 602 from underneath the docking lever 602 . this engagement imparts motion to the eccentric bell crank 600 , rotating it counter - clockwise about axis aa . in this embodiment , when the load carrying unit 300 is at one of the stations so that the docking strip 212 engages the docking lever 602 rotating the eccentric bell crank 600 counter - clockwise about axis aa , the eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 is moved away from the eccentric brakes . the brake cable 518 ( not shown in fig6 b ) coupled to the eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 actuates the extension and retraction of the eccentric brakes . thus , in this embodiment , when the load carrying unit 300 is at a station , the brake cable 518 is pulled , and the eccentric brakes are retracted . if the solenoid 608 is not energized and the docking lever 602 is not in contact with a docking strip 212 of the track 200 , the spring tension in the brake spring 520 will extend the eccentric brakes and pull on the brake cable 518 , pulling the eccentric bell crank 600 at the eccentric bell crank brake cable mount 606 towards the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , permitting the spring tension of the brake spring 520 to impart motion to the eccentric brakes will swing out the eccentric brakes , extending the eccentric brakes until they come in contact with the interior wall of the channel 202 of the track 200 of the incline elevator 100 . thus , in this embodiment , if the solenoid 608 is not energized and the docking lever 602 is not in contact with a docking strip 212 of the track 200 , the eccentric brakes will extend . a predicate condition for the eccentric brakes to be retracted is that the solenoid 608 must either be energized , or the load carrying unit 300 must be docked . fig7 a is a perspective view of a hoist cable bell crank 700 of an eccentric safety device 500 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in some embodiments , a hoist cable bell crank 700 includes a hoist cable bell crank mount 702 , a safety link mount 704 , and a solenoid mount 706 . in some embodiments , a hoist cable bell crank 700 rotates about axis aa . in this embodiment , axis aa is the center lengthwise axis of an axle 418 of a truck 400 . a hoist cable bell crank 700 is mounted to a truck 400 along an axle 418 of the truck 400 by being threaded onto the outside of one axle 418 of the truck 400 . that is , the axle 418 of the truck 400 passes through the hoist cable bell crank 700 along axis aa . in this embodiment , a hoist cable bell crank 700 is disposed adjacent to the eccentric bell crank 600 . importantly , in this embodiment , an eccentric bell crank 600 and a hoist cable bell crank 700 rotate independently of one another about axis aa . in some embodiments , a hoist cable bell crank 700 is spring loaded . in such embodiments , the hoist cable bell crank 700 is tensionally biased to rotate towards the eccentric brakes . that is , viewing fig7 a , a hoist cable bell crank 700 is tensionally biased by a tension spring to rotate counter - clockwise about axis aa . in this embodiment , when a hoist cable 210 is attached to the hoist cable bell crank mount 702 , and the hoist cable is pulled , the tension of the hoist cable being pulled rotates the hoist cable bell crank 700 clockwise about axis aa . in some embodiments , a solenoid 608 is mounted to the hoist cable bell crank 700 using a solenoid mount 706 . in such embodiments , the solenoid 608 is rotatable about the axle 418 of the truck 400 depicted by axis aa in fig7 a . thus , when the hoist cable 210 is under tension , the solenoid 608 is rotated into a position where it can engage the solenoid lever 604 of the eccentric bell crank 600 . when the hoist cable 210 is not under tension , as in the emergency situation of a hoist cable break , the spring tension of the hoist cable bell crank 700 will rotate the solenoid 608 out of position towards the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , if there is a break in the hoist cable 210 , irrespective of whether the solenoid 608 is energized , the eccentric bell crank can not be engaged . in this embodiment , if there is a break in the hoist cable 210 and the load carrying unit 300 is not docked , the eccentric bell crank 600 can be rotated by the tension from the brake spring 520 . consequently , in this embodiment , if the load carrying unit 300 is not docked and the hoist cable 210 breaks , the eccentric brakes will extend , stopping any motion of the load carrying unit . fig7 b is a perspective view of a safety link 306 joining two hoist cable bell cranks 700 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in some embodiments , an eccentric safety device 500 , including an eccentric bell crank 600 and a hoist cable bell crank 700 , is coupled to an axle 418 of one or more trucks 400 . in the depicted embodiment , an eccentric safety device 500 is deployed on each of two trucks 400 of a load carrying unit 300 . in this embodiment , there is a single hoist cable 210 carrying the load carrying unit 300 , the hoist cable 210 being coupled with the uphill truck 400 of the load carrying unit 300 at the hoist cable bell crank mount 702 . the downhill truck 400 of the load carrying unit 300 does not have a connection to the hoist cable 210 . in this embodiment , a safety link 306 couples the two eccentric safety devices 500 , one on each truck 400 . the safety link 306 is coupled at opposing ends of the safety link 306 to a safety link mount 704 on the hoist cable bell crank 700 on each of the uphill truck 400 and downhill truck 400 , the uphill and downhill trucks 400 supporting the load carrying unit 300 . in this embodiment , if there is a break in the hoist cable 210 , the hoist cable bell cranks 700 on both of the trucks are under spring tension and move the solenoids 608 out of position , causing the eccentric brakes of both eccentric safety devices 500 to extend . in this embodiment , when the hoist cable 210 is under tension , the hoist cable 210 pulls the hoist cable bell crank 700 of the uphill truck at the hoist cable bell crank mount 702 . in this embodiment , when the hoist cable 210 is under tension , the safety link 306 is also under tension , which rotates the hoist cable bell crank 700 of the downhill truck at the safety link mount 704 . in this embodiment , the movement of the hoist cable bell crank 700 of the uphill and downhill eccentric safety devices 500 is in harmony , and the movement of the eccentric brakes of the uphill and downhill eccentric safety devices 500 is the same and simultaneous . fig8 a is a perspective view of a speed sensor 308 coupled with an eccentric safety device 500 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . fig8 b is a perspective view of a speed sensor 308 coupled with an eccentric safety device 500 integrated with a truck 400 of an incline elevator 100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in some embodiments , a speed sensor 308 is in series with electrical power to a solenoid 608 , the electrical power being delivered by electrical wiring 802 . in a certain embodiment , a speed sensor 308 makes physical contact with a top roller 404 of a truck 400 . in this embodiment , a speed sensor 308 measures the speed of the load carrying unit 300 at its top roller 404 . in this embodiment , a speed sensor 308 provides electrical power to the solenoid 608 only when the speed sensor 308 detects speed below a pre - determined safe speed . in such an embodiment , in which the solenoid 608 must be energized for the eccentric brakes to be retracted , if the speed sensor 308 detects an overspeed condition , electrical power to the solenoid 608 is not supplied , causing the eccentric brakes to extend . in some embodiments , there is more than one speed sensor 308 for redundancy . it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that placing the one or more speed sensors 308 in series with the one or more solenoids 608 will provide multiple layers of safety , in that if the electrical power to the entire system fails , the one or more solenoids 608 will de - energize causing the eccentric brakes to extend ; and , if the one or more speed sensors 308 detect an overspeed condition , the one or more speed sensors 308 will still be receiving electrical power but will cut off the electricity to the solenoids 608 , causing the eccentric brakes to extend . in some embodiments , a speed sensor 308 is an ess electronic speed switch available at www . torq . com . fig9 a is a schematic view of a system 900 for providing an eccentric safety device for an incline elevator , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , a system 900 for providing an eccentric safety device for an incline elevator includes electric wiring 802 , one or more speed sensors 308 , a hoist cable 210 , and one or more hoist cable bell cranks 700 , the one or more hoist cable bell cranks 700 having a hoist cable bell crank spring 708 , a hoist cable bell crank mount 702 , a hoist cable bell crank safety link mount 704 , and a solenoid 608 . a system 900 for providing an eccentric safety device for an incline elevator also includes one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 , the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 having a docking lever 602 , and a solenoid lever 604 . a system 900 for providing an eccentric safety device for an incline elevator also includes one or more brake cables 518 , one or more bottom eccentric brakes 512 , and one or more top eccentric brakes 514 . in some embodiments , each of the one or more solenoids 608 are mounted on a hoist cable bell crank 700 . in some embodiments , a hoist cable bell crank 700 is tensionally biased by a hoist cable bell crank spring 708 . in some embodiments , a hoist cable bell crank 700 includes a hoist cable bell crank mount 702 to which a hoist cable 210 is attached . in such an embodiment , when the hoist cable 210 is under tension , the tension from the hoist cable 210 counteracts the spring tension from the hoist cable bell crank spring 708 . in such an embodiment , a solenoid 608 is mounted on a hoist cable bell crank 700 . thus , in this embodiment , when a hoist cable 210 pulls a hoist cable bell crank 700 , the solenoid 608 is rotated into position to engage an eccentric bell crank 600 if the solenoid 608 is energized . thus , in this embodiment , for a solenoid 608 to be in position to engage an eccentric bell crank 600 when the solenoid 608 is energized , there must be hoist cable tension . in some embodiments , a hoist cable bell crank 700 is mounted on one or more trucks 400 of a load carrying unit 300 of an incline elevator . in such embodiments , a safety link 306 ( not pictured in fig9 a ) joins the hoist cable bell cranks 700 at the hoist cable bell crank safety link mounts 704 . in this embodiment , when the hoist cable 210 provides tension to rotate an uphill hoist cable bell crank 700 , a downhill hoist cable bell crank 700 is also rotated by the safety link 306 . in some embodiments , electrical power is provided from the power source of the incline elevator 100 . it will be recognized by those with skill in the art that the power source of the incline elevator 100 can be virtually any power source . in some embodiments , from the power source of the incline elevator 100 , electrical wiring 802 provides power for an eccentric safety device of an incline elevator . in some embodiments , in series with electrical wiring 802 are one or more speed sensors 308 and one or more solenoids 608 . in such embodiments , power to the one of more solenoids 608 is only available if the power source of the incline elevator 100 is operable . in a further embodiment , the one or more speed sensors 308 only provide power to the one or more solenoids 608 if the one or more speed sensors 308 are in an underspeed condition . in this embodiment , the one or more solenoids 308 are only energized if there has not been an electrical fault in the incline elevator 100 , and if there is not an overspeed condition detected by the speed sensors 308 . importantly , in some embodiments , an eccentric bell crank 600 can only be moved by a solenoid 608 when the solenoid 608 is in position due to the tension in the hoist cable 210 on the hoist cable bell crank 700 . additionally , in such embodiments , if a solenoid 608 is in position , an eccentric bell crank 600 can only be moved by a solenoid 608 when the solenoid 608 is energized , which is only possible when there is no electrical fault in the incline elevator 100 , and when the speed sensors 308 are in an underspeed condition . thus , an eccentric bell crank 600 can be moved by the solenoid 608 when there is no electrical fault in the incline elevator 100 , when there is no overspeed condition detected by the speed sensors 308 , and when there is no lack of tension in the hoist cable 210 . in some embodiments , an eccentric bell crank 600 is coupled to a bottom eccentric brake 512 and to a top eccentric brake 514 by a brake cable 518 . in some embodiments , an eccentric bell crank 600 includes a docking lever 602 and a solenoid lever 604 . in some embodiments , when a solenoid 608 is in position and energized , the solenoid makes contact with the docking lever 602 and rotates the eccentric bell crank 600 . in this embodiment , the rotation of the eccentric bell crank 600 imparts motion to the eccentric brakes via the brake cable 518 , retracting the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , when a solenoid 608 is in position and energized , the eccentric brakes are retracted . in this embodiment , if a solenoid 608 is not in position ( irrespective of whether it is energized ) or not energized ( irrespective of whether it is in position ), the eccentric brakes are extended due to spring tension from the brake spring 520 . in some embodiments , an eccentric bell crank 600 includes a docking lever 602 . in this embodiment , a docking lever 602 can be engaged by docking targets in the track 200 . in this embodiment , a docking target in contact with the docking lever 602 rotates the eccentric bell crank 600 . in this embodiment , when the contact between the docking target in the track 200 and the docking lever 602 rotates the eccentric bell crank 600 , the eccentric brakes are retracted by the brake cable 518 . in this embodiment , when the load carrying unit 300 of the incline elevator 100 is docked , the eccentric brakes are refracted . therefore , in this embodiment , when the load carrying unit 300 of the incline elevator 100 is docked , the eccentric brakes are retracted irrespective of the position or energy state of the solenoid 608 . importantly , in this embodiment , if the load carrying unit 300 is not docked , and if there is any electrical fault , overspeed , or break in the hoist cable 210 , the solenoid 608 will not be energized and the eccentric brakes will extend due to the spring tension in the brake spring 520 . fig9 b is a schematic view of a system 900 for providing an eccentric safety device for an incline elevator , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . while fig9 a depicts the eccentric brakes of the system retracted , permitting an incline elevator 100 to move the load carrying unit 300 up and down the track 200 , in fig9 b what is depicted is a break in hoist cable 210 . in some embodiments , if there is a break in hoist cable 210 , the eccentric safety device 500 is rigged to deploy . in some embodiments , when there is a break in the hoist cable 210 , tension in the hoist cable bell crank spring 708 will rotate the one or more hoist cable bell cranks 700 unchecked by any tension in the broken hoist cable 210 in this embodiment . in such embodiments , when the one or more hoist cable bell crank springs 700 rotate due to the spring tension in the hoist cable bell crank spring 708 , the one or more solenoids 608 move out of position such that it can no longer engage the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 . in this embodiment , irrespective of the power state of the incline elevator 100 or the overspeed or underspeed condition detected by the one or more speed sensors 308 , the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 will be driven by the spring tension in the brake spring 520 ( brake spring 520 not shown in fig9 b ). in this embodiment , the spring tension in the brake spring 520 will extend the bottom eccentric brake 512 and the top eccentric brake 514 . in this embodiment , the spring tension of the brake spring 520 will also pull the brake cable 518 and swing the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 away from the one or more solenoids 608 , where the one or more solenoids 608 have been also pulled out of position by tension in the hoist cable bell crank spring 708 , the tension being unchecked by tension in the hoist cable 210 . in this embodiment , the extension of the eccentric brakes will bring the brakes in contact with the inside of the channel 202 of the track 200 of the incline elevator 100 . in this embodiment , the extension of the eccentric brakes will bring the load carrying unit 300 to a stop . in some embodiments , the bottom eccentric brake 512 and the top eccentric brake 514 are made of alternating layers of rubber and steel to bring the load carrying unit 300 to a more smooth halt , making the emergency stop less uncomfortable for passengers . in some embodiments , the pear - shaped design of the eccentric brakes , having a fat end at the downhill side and a skinny end at the uphill side , enables the load carrying unit 300 with its one or more eccentric safety devices 500 to be towed uphill even after deployment of the eccentric brakes . it will be clear to one with skill in the art that when towing the load carrying unit 300 , the eccentric brakes will drag against the inside of the channel 202 of the track 200 , but that only spring tension in the brake spring 520 will resist the motion . uphill forces on the hoist cable 210 will permit the load carrying unit 300 to be towed uphill . when the eccentric brakes are extended , however , the fat end of the eccentric brakes will “ jam ” in the channel 202 of the track 200 , causing the load carrying unit 300 to stop . in some embodiments , to return the unit to service , the load carrying unit 300 is towed to an uphill station such as uphill station 114 . in such embodiments , when the load carrying unit 300 is towed to the uphill station 114 , docking targets in the track 200 engage the docking lever 602 of the eccentric bell crank 600 , which retracts the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , when power is re - applied to the incline elevator 100 and the hoist cable 210 has tension , the one or more solenoids 608 engage the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 , keeping the eccentric brakes retracted even when the load carrying unit 300 moves away from the uphill station 114 . fig9 c is a schematic view of a system 900 for providing an eccentric safety device for an incline elevator , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . while fig9 a depicts the eccentric brakes of the system retracted , permitting an incline elevator 100 to move the load carrying unit 300 up and down the track 200 , in fig9 c what is depicted is an electrical fault in the incline elevator 100 or an overspeed condition detected by the one or more speed sensors 308 . in some embodiments , the speed sensors 308 are electrical devices , the power for which is provided by the electrical system of the incline elevator 100 . in such embodiments , when the speed sensors 308 are energized , power can be provided to the one or more solenoids 608 . in such embodiments , when the speed sensors 308 are energized , the power to the one or more solenoids 608 is only provided to the one or more solenoids 608 when the speed sensors 308 detect an underspeed condition . in this embodiment , if the speed sensors 308 detect an overspeed condition , the speed sensors 308 will cut power to the one or more solenoids 608 . if power to the one or more solenoids 608 is cut , the one or more solenoids 608 will break contact with the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 . in this embodiment , when the one or more solenoids 608 are not engaging the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 , then there is no check on the spring tension of the brake spring 520 . in this embodiment , if the one or more solenoids 608 are not engaging the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 , the tension in the brake spring 520 will cause the bottom eccentric brake 512 and the top eccentric brake to extend , and the tension in the brake spring 520 will pull on the brake cable 518 , causing the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 to rotate away from the solenoid 608 . in some embodiments , to return the unit to service , the load carrying unit 300 is towed to an uphill station such as uphill station 114 . in such embodiments , when the load carrying unit 300 is towed to the uphill station 114 , docking targets in the track 200 engage the docking lever 602 of the eccentric bell crank 600 , which retracts the eccentric brakes . in this embodiment , when power is re - applied to the incline elevator 100 and the hoist cable 210 has tension , the one or more solenoids 608 engage the one or more eccentric bell cranks 600 , keeping the eccentric brakes retracted even when the load carrying unit 300 moves away from the uphill station 114 . while preferred and alternative 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 these preferred and alternate embodiments . instead , the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow .
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pioneer brand hybrid 3531 has outstanding yield and has good potential as a silage hybrid , having good total plant yield and digestability . its early flowering and black layer should allow it to move north . 3531 has good early growth , above average brittle stalk resistance and excellent goss &# 39 ; wilt resistance . the hybrid shows good resistance to common rust . 3531 has average stalk lodging resistance . it has slightly below average test weight . pioneer brand hybrid 3531 is a single cross , yellow endosperm , dent corn hybrid with outstanding yield in its maturity . 3531 has stable yield across environments and flowers and black layers early . this hybrid has the following characteristics based on the descriptive data collected primarily at johnston , iowa . corn lethal necrosis ( mcmv = maize chlorotic mottle virus and mdmv = maize dwarf mosaic virus ): intermediate n . leaf blight ( e . turcicum ): intermediate common rust ( p . sorghi ): resistant the above descriptions are based on a scale of 1 - 9 , 1 being highly susceptible , 9 being highly resistant . h ( highly resistant ): would generally represent a score of 8 - 9 . highly resistant does not imply the inbred is immune . items b , c , d , e , f , and g are based on a maximum of two reps of data primarily from johnston , iowa in 1993 . comparisons of the characteristics for pioneer brand hybrid 3531 were made against pioneer brand hybrids 3615 , 3578 and 3563 . table 1a compares pioneer brand hybrid 3531 and pioneer brand hybrid 3615 . the data shows 3531 has higher yield and grain harvest moisture than 3615 . 3531 is a taller hybrid than 3615 . 3531 sheds ( gdu shed ) later than 3615 . table 1b compares pioneer brand hybrid 3531 to pioneer brand hybrid 3578 . the hybrids have similar yield , but 3531 has lower grain harvest moisture and a higher test weight . 3531 flowers ( gdu shed and gdu silk ) earlier than 3578 . 3531 has better brittle stalk resistance than 3578 . the results in table 1c show pioneer brand hybrid 3531 has higher yield and grain harvest moisture but lower test weight than pioneer brand hybrid 3563 . 3531 is shorter hybrid with higher ear placement compared to 3563 . 3531 flowers ( gdu shed and gdu silk ) earlier than 3563 . 3531 has better stalk lodging resistance than 3563 . table 1a__________________________________________________________________________variety # 1 - 3531variety # 2 - 3615 bu bu plt ear drp gdu tst sta rt brt var acr acr mst ht ht ear shd wta grn ldg stk # abs % mn abs abs abs abs abs abs abs abs abs__________________________________________________________________________total sum 1 127 . 9 103 23 . 3 102 . 8 51 . 0 99 . 9 1215 55 . 0 92 . 1 99 . 4 97 . 3 2 115 . 3 93 22 . 3 99 . 0 51 . 0 99 . 9 1195 55 . 0 94 . 0 100 . 0 97 . 0 locs 12 12 12 2 2 12 2 11 11 12 4 reps 22 22 23 4 4 23 4 21 21 23 7 diff 12 . 6 10 1 . 1 3 . 8 0 . 0 0 . 0 20 0 . 0 1 . 9 0 . 6 0 . 2 prob . 007 # . 011 + . 028 + . 126 1 . 00 1 . 00 . 500 . 994 . 229 . 197 . 860__________________________________________________________________________ * = 10 % sig + = 5 % sig # = 1 % sig table 1b__________________________________________________________________________variety # 1 - 3531variety # 2 - 3578__________________________________________________________________________ bu bu plt ear sdg est drp gdu gdu tst var acr acr mst ht ht vgr cnt ear shd slk wta # abs % mn abs abs abs abs abs abs abs abs abs__________________________________________________________________________total sum 1 149 . 4 107 26 . 2 104 . 0 47 . 9 5 . 5 62 . 7 99 . 5 1246 1229 52 . 8 2 147 . 9 106 26 . 9 104 . 7 47 . 8 5 . 3 61 . 8 99 . 7 1259 1247 52 . 4 locs 219 219 221 93 90 83 110 128 66 23 195 reps 278 278 281 112 109 103 132 168 86 25 250 diff 1 . 5 1 0 . 7 0 . 7 0 . 1 0 . 2 0 . 9 0 . 2 13 18 0 . 4 prob . 139 . 182 . 000 # . 117 . 872 . 179 . 037 + . 108 . 000 # . 003 # . 000 # __________________________________________________________________________ grn sta stk rt brt var app grn ldg ldg stk # abs abs abs abs abs__________________________________________________________________________ total sum 1 6 . 0 5 . 2 95 . 5 96 . 3 95 . 9 2 5 . 8 5 . 9 97 . 2 98 . 1 93 . 2 locs 95 67 192 114 44 reps 116 83 245 152 51 diff 0 . 2 0 . 7 1 . 7 1 . 8 2 . 8 prob . 190 . 001 # . 000 # . 024 + . 062 * __________________________________________________________________________ * = 10 % sig + = 5 % sig # = 1 % sig table 1c__________________________________________________________________________variety # 1 - 3531variety # 2 - 3563__________________________________________________________________________ bu bu plt ear sdg est drp gdu gdu var acr acr mst ht ht vgr cnt ear shd slk # abs % mn abs abs abs abs abs abs abs abs__________________________________________________________________________total sum 1 146 . 5 108 25 . 6 103 . 9 46 . 7 5 . 4 61 . 1 99 . 5 1260 1234 2 131 . 3 96 23 . 9 106 . 5 44 . 7 5 . 7 61 . 0 99 . 8 1301 1279 locs 334 334 340 168 165 157 203 178 108 32 reps 394 394 401 188 185 176 227 213 130 35 diff 15 . 1 12 1 . 8 2 . 6 2 . 0 0 . 3 0 . 1 0 . 3 41 45 prob . 000 # . 000 # . 000 # . 000 # . 000 # . 012 + . 795 . 013 + . 000 # . 000 # __________________________________________________________________________ tst grn sta stk rt brt var wta app grn ldg ldg stk # abs abs abs abs abs abs__________________________________________________________________________ total sum 1 52 . 8 6 . 1 4 . 8 95 . 1 95 . 7 96 . 8 2 54 . 2 6 . 1 4 . 9 94 . 2 96 . 7 96 . 7 locs 300 149 131 303 144 73 reps 355 167 150 356 185 81 diff 1 . 4 0 . 0 0 . 1 0 . 9 1 . 0 0 . 0 prob . 000 # . 822 . 516 . 042 + . 225 . 971__________________________________________________________________________ * = 10 % sig + = 5 % sig # = 1 % sig comparison data was collected from strip tests that were grown by farmers . each hybrid was grown in strips of 4 , 6 , 8 , 12 , etc . rows in fields depending on the size of the planter used . the data was collected from strip tests that had the hybrids in the same area and weighed . the moisture percentage was determined and bushels per acre was adjusted to 15 . 5 percent moisture . the number of comparisons represent the number of locations or replications for the two hybrids that were grown in the same field in close proximity and compared . comparison strip testing was done between pioneer brand hybrid 3531 and pioneer brand hybrids 3615 , 3578 and 3563 . the comparisons came from all the hybrid &# 39 ; s adapted growing areas in the united states . these results are presented in table 2 . 3531 has a yield advantage over all of the hybrids . 3531 has a moisture advantage over 3578 . 3531 showed a greater income advantage to the farmer based on adjusted growth income over all hybrids compared . the income per acre advantage ranged from $ 4 . 26 to $ 21 . 86 . 3531 &# 39 ; s yield and income advantage plus its advantage for other characteristics over these hybrids will make it an important addition for most of the areas where these hybrids are grown . table 2__________________________________________________________________________pioneer hybrid 3531 vs pioneer hybrids 3615 , 3578 and 3563from 1993 strip tests income / pop stand roots testbrand product yield moist acre k / acre (%) (%) wt__________________________________________________________________________pioneer 3531 117 . 8 24 . 9 243 . 45 20 . 7 87 99 50 . 7pioneer 3615 104 . 6 22 . 6 221 . 59 20 . 3 94 100 52 . 0advantage 13 . 2 - 2 . 3 21 . 86 0 . 4 - 7 - 1 - 1 . 3number of comparisons 19 19 19 7 6 5 18percent wins 78 5 78 42 33 0 11probability of difference 99 99 99 35 75 63 99pioneer 3531 126 . 5 27 . 6 255 . 76 27 . 2 83 91 49 . 1pioneer 3578 125 . 9 29 . 1 251 . 50 26 . 8 95 92 49 . 1advantage 0 . 6 1 . 5 4 . 26 0 . 4 - 12 - 1 0 . 0number of comparisons 158 158 158 108 96 82 151percent wins 55 74 62 53 22 8 38probability of difference 49 99 98 95 90 14 13pioneer 3531 134 . 7 23 . 0 283 . 63 25 . 9 88 93 52 . 1pioneer 3563 125 . 0 21 . 3 267 . 86 26 . 0 83 94 54 . 2advantage 9 . 7 - 1 . 7 15 . 77 - 0 . 1 5 - 1 - 2 . 1number of comparisons 709 709 709 379 313 230 594percent wins 74 15 69 37 55 9 4probability of difference 99 99 99 85 99 91 99pioneer 3531 132 . 9 23 . 9 277 . 80 26 . 1 87 92 51 . 5weighted avg 124 . 7 22 . 7 263 . 95 26 . 1 86 93 53 . 1advantage 8 . 2 - 1 . 2 13 . 85 0 . 0 1 - 1 - 1 . 6number of comparisons 886 886 886 494 415 317 763percent wins 71 25 68 40 47 8 11probability of difference 99 99 99 32 47 82 99__________________________________________________________________________ characteristics of pioneer brand hybrid 3531 are compared to pioneer brand hybrids 3615 , 3578 and 3563 in table 3 . the ratings given for most of the traits are on a 1 - 9 basis . in these cases 9 would be outstanding , while 1 would be poor for the given characteristics . these values are based on performance of a given hybrid relative to other pioneer commercial , precommercial and competitive hybrids that are grown in research and strip test trials . the traits characterized in table 3 were defined previously and the ratings utilized not only research data but experience trained corn researchers had in the field as well as sales experience with the hybrids in strip tests and the field . these scores reflect the hybrids relative performance to other hybrids for the characteristics listed . table 3 shows 3531 yielded well for its maturity . 3531 has good drydown and seedling vigor when compared to the other hybrids . 3531 has better brittle stalk resistance compared to the other hybrids . 3531 has overall excellent yield and agronomic characteristics which should make it an important hybrid in its area of adaptation . __________________________________________________________________________hybrid patent comparisons - characteristicspioneer hybrid 3531 vs pioneer hybrids 3615 , 3578 and 3563__________________________________________________________________________hybrid silk crm gdu silk bl crm gdu bl crm yld h / pop l / pop d / d s / l r / l stgr d / t__________________________________________________________________________3531 102 1300 103 2610 105 9 -- -- 6 5 4 5 63615 105 1340 102 2580 102 6 7 7 4 7 4 73578 103 1320 103 2610 104 8 8 8 5 7 6 6 53563 106 1350 105 2660 103 8 8 7 5 6 6 6 7__________________________________________________________________________ hybrid t / wt g / a e / g p / ht e / ht d / e b / stk__________________________________________________________________________ 3531 4 4 7 6 6 5 6 3615 4 4 7 5 6 7 5 3578 4 4 5 6 5 4 4 3563 7 7 4 7 4 7 5__________________________________________________________________________ this invention includes hybrid corn seed of 3531 and the hybrid corn plant produced therefrom . the foregoing was set forth by way of example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention . as used herein , the term plant includes plant cells , plant protoplasts , plant cell tissue cultures from which corn plants can be regenerated , plant calli , plant clumps , and plant cells that are intact in plants or parts of plants , such as embryos , pollen , flowers , kernels , ears , cobs , leaves , husks , stalks , roots , root tips , anthers , silk and the like . duncan , williams , zehr , and widholm , planta , ( 1985 ) 165 : 322 - 332 reflects that 97 % of the plants cultured which produced callus were capable of plant regeneration . subsequent experiments with both inbreds and hybrids produced 91 % regenerable callus which produced plants . in a further study in 1988 , songstad , duncan & amp ; widholm in plant cell reports ( 1988 ), 7 : 262 - 265 reports several media additions which enhance regenerability of callus of two inbred lines . other published reports also indicated that &# 34 ; nontraditional &# 34 ; tissues are capable of producing somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration . k . p . rao , et al ., maize genetics cooperation newsletter , 60 : 64 - 65 ( 1986 ), refers to somatic embryogenesis from glume callus cultures and b . v . conger , et al ., plant cell reports , 6 : 345 - 347 ( 1987 ) indicates somatic embryogenesis from the tissue cultures of maize leaf segments . thus , it is clear from the literature that the state of the art is such that these methods of obtaining plants are , and were , &# 34 ; conventional &# 34 ; in the sense that they are routinely used and have a very high rate of success . tissue culture of corn is described in european patent application , publication 160 , 390 , incorporated herein by reference . corn tissue culture procedures are also described in green and rhodes , &# 34 ; plant regeneration in tissue culture of maize ,&# 34 ; maize for biological research ( plant molecular biology association , charlottesville , va . 1982 , at 367 - 372 ) and in duncan , et al ., &# 34 ; the production of callus capable of plant regeneration from immature embryos of numerous zea mays genotypes ,&# 34 ; 165 planta 322 - 332 ( 1985 ). thus , another aspect of this invention is to provide cells which upon growth and differentiation produce corn plants having the genotype of 3531 . corn is used as human food , livestock feed , and as raw material in industry . the food uses of corn , in addition to human consumption of corn kernels , include both products of dry - and wet - milling industries . the principal products of corn dry milling are grits , meal and flour . the corn wet - milling industry can provide corn starch , corn syrups , and dextrose for food use . corn oil is recovered from corn germ , which is a by - product of both dry - and wet - milling industries . corn , including both grain and non - grain portions of the plant , is also used extensively as livestock feed , primarily for beef cattle , dairy cattle , hogs , and poultry . industrial uses of corn are mainly from corn starch in the wet - milling industry and corn flour in the dry - milling industry . the industrial applications of corn starch and flour are based on functional properties , such as viscosity , film formation , adhesive properties , and ability to suspend particles . the corn starch and flour have application in the paper and textile industries . other industrial uses include applications in adhesives , building materials , foundry binders , laundry starches , explosives , oil - well muds , and other mining applications . plant parts other than the grain of corn are also used in industry . stalks and husks are made into paper and wallboard and cobs are used for fuel and to make charcoal . the seed of the hybrid corn plant and various parts of the hybrid corn plant can be utilized for human food , livestock feed , and as a raw material in industry . although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding , it will be obvious that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the invention , as limited only by the scope of the appended claims . applicant has made a deposit of at least 2500 seeds of hybrid 3531 with the american type culture collection ( atcc ), rockville , md . 20852 usa , atcc deposit no . 97164 . the seeds deposited with the atcc on may 25 , 1995 were taken from the deposit maintained by pioneer hi - bred international , inc ., 700 capital square , 400 locust street , des moines , iowa 50309 - 2340 since prior to the filing date of this application . this deposit of the hybrid 3531 will be maintained in the atcc depository , which is a public depository , for a period of 30 years , or 5 years after the most recent request , or for the effective life of the patent , whichever is longer , and will be replaced if it becomes nonviable during that period . additionally , applicant has satisfied all the requirements of 37 c . f . r . §§ 1 . 801 - 1 . 809 , including providing an indication of the viability of the sample . applicant imposes no restrictions on the availability of the deposited material from the atcc ; however , applicant has no authority to waive any restrictions imposed by law on the transfer of biological material or its transportation in commerce . applicant does not waive any infringement of rights granted under this patent . applicant has made a deposit of at least 2500 seeds of inbred corn line php55 with the american type culture collection ( atcc ), rockville , md . 20852 usa , atcc deposit no . 75220 . the seeds deposited with the atcc on mar . 20 , 1992 , were taken from the deposit maintained by pioneer hi - bred international , inc ., 700 capital square , 400 locust street , des moines , iowa 50309 - 2340 since prior to the filing date of this application . this deposit of the inbred corn line php55 will be maintained in the atcc depository , which is a public depository , for a period of 30 years , or 5 years after the most recent request , or for the effective life of the patent , whichever is longer , and will be replaced if it becomes nonviable during that period . additionally , applicant has satisfied all the requirements of 37 c . f . r . §§ 1 . 801 - 1 . 809 , including providing an indication of the viability of the sample . applicant imposes no restrictions on the availability of the deposited material from the atcc ; however , applicant has no authority to waive any restrictions imposed by law on the transfer of biological material or its transportation in commerce . applicant does not waive any infringement of rights granted under this patent or under the plant variety protection act ( 7 usc 2321 et seq .). php55 is a u . s . protected variety under plant variety protection certificate no . 8900318 . php55 is described sufficiently to identify it and to permit examination in plant variety protection certificate no . 8900318 and in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 159 , 134 , &# 34 ; inbred corn line php55 &# 34 ;, issued on oct . 27 , 1992 . applicant has made a deposit of at least 2500 seeds of inbred corn line phte4 with the american type culture collection ( atcc ), rockville , md . 20852 usa , atcc deposit no . 97065 . the seeds deposited with the atcc on feb . 22 , 1995 were taken from the deposit maintained by pioneer hi - bred international , inc ., 700 capital square , 400 locust street , des moines , iowa 50309 - 2340 since prior to the filing date of this application . this deposit of the inbred corn line phte4 will be maintained in the atcc depository , which is a public depository , for a period of 30 years , or 5 years after the most recent request , or for the effective life of the patent , whichever is longer , and will be replaced if it becomes nonviable during that period . additionally , applicant has satisfied all the requirements of 37 c . f . r . §§ 1 . 801 - 1 . 809 , including providing an indication of the viability of the sample . applicant imposes no restrictions on the availability of the deposited material from the atcc ; however , applicant has no authority to waive any restrictions imposed by law on the transfer of biological material or its transportation in commerce . applicant does not waive any infringement of rights granted under this patent or under the plant variety protection act ( 7 usc 2321 et seq .). phte4 is a u . s . protected variety under plant variety protection certificate no . 9400094 . phte4 is described sufficiently to identify it and to permit examination in plant variety protection certificate no . 9400094 and in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 453 , 564 to be issued sep . 26 , 1995 , &# 34 ; inbred corn line phte4 &# 34 ;, and in co - pending patent applications , ser . no . 08 / 414 , 477 filed mar . 31 , 1995 and ser . no . 08 / 500 , 286 filed jul . 10 , 1995 .
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referring to fig2 , broad steps in a method for controlling an operation or process in a subterranean well in accordance with the invention are illustrated . the method , broadly stated , includes the steps of : b . providing a reader device in signal communication with the process tool . c . providing a transport mechanism for the process tool and the reader device . d . providing spaced identification devices in a well casing readable by the reader device . e . uniquely identifying each identification device and determining its depth , or location , in the well using well logs . f . programming the reader device to transmit a control signal to the process tool upon reception of a response signal from a selected identification device . g . transporting the process tool and the reader device through the well casing . i . transmitting the control signal to the process tool upon reception of the signal from the selected identification device to actuate the process tool at a selected depth . referring to fig3 a - 3d , a system 50 constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated . the system 50 is installed in a subterranean well 52 , such as an oil and gas production well . in this embodiment the system 50 is configured to perform a perforating process in the well 52 . the perforating process performed in accordance with the invention provides an improved well 52 , and improves production from the well 52 . the well 52 includes a well bore 54 , and a well casing 56 within the well bore 54 surrounded by concrete 56 . the well 52 extends from an earthen surface 60 through geological formations within the earth , which are represented as zones e , f and g . the earthen surface 60 can be the ground , or alternately a structure , such as an oil platform located above water . in the illustrative embodiment , the well 52 extends generally vertically from the surface 60 through zones e , f , and g . however , it is to be understood that the method can also be practiced on inclined wells , and on horizontal wells . the well casing 56 comprises a plurality of tubular elements 62 , such as lengths of metal pipe or tubing , connected to one another by collars 64 . the casing 56 includes an inside diameter adapted to transmit fluids into , or out of , the well 52 , and an outside diameter surrounded by the concrete 58 . the collars 64 can comprise couplings having female threads adapted for mating engagement with male threads on the tubular elements 62 . alternately , the collars 64 can comprise weldable couplings adapted for welding to the tubular elements 62 . also in the illustrative embodiment the casing 56 is illustrated as having the same outside diameter and inside diameter throughout its length . however , it is to be understood that the casing 56 can vary in size at different depths in the well 52 , as would occur by assembling tubulars with different diameters . for example , the casing 56 can comprise a telescoping structure in which the size thereof decreases with increasing depth . based on an open hole well log ( 36 - fig1 ), or other information , it is determined that zone f of the well 52 may contain oil and gas . it is thus desired to perforate the casing 56 proximate to zone f to establish fluid communication between zone f , and the inside diameter of the well casing 56 . for performing the perforating process , the system 50 includes a perforating tool 68 , and a reader device 70 in signal communication with the perforating tool 68 . the system 50 also includes a plurality of identification devices 72 ( fig3 d ) attached to the collars 64 on the casing 56 , and readable by the reader device 70 . in addition , the system 50 includes a transport mechanism 66 w for transporting the perforating tool 68 and the reader device 70 through the well casing 56 to zone f . if desired , the system 50 can be transported to the well 52 as a kit , and then assembled at the well 52 . as shown in fig3 c , the perforating tool 68 includes a detonator 74 ( illustrated schematically ) and a detonator cord 76 in signal communication with the detonator 74 . the detonator 74 can comprise a commercially available impact or electrical detonator configured for actuation by a signal from the reader device 70 . similarly , the detonator cord 76 can comprise a commercially available component . the detonator 74 and the detonator cord 76 are configured to generate and apply a threshold detonating energy to initiate a detonation sequence of the perforating tool 68 . in the illustrative embodiment , the detonator 74 is located on , or within , the perforating tool 68 . as shown in fig3 c , the perforating tool 68 also includes one or more charge carriers 78 each of which comprises a plurality of charge assemblies 80 . the charge carriers 78 and charge assemblies 80 can be similar to , or constructed from , commercially available perforating guns . upon detonation , each charge assembly 80 is adapted to blast an opening 82 through the casing 56 and the concrete 58 , and into the rock or other material that forms zone f . as shown in fig3 d , each collar 64 includes an identification device 72 . each identification device 72 can be attached to a resilient o - ring 86 placed in a groove 84 within each collar 64 . in the illustrative embodiment , the identification devices 72 comprise passive radio identification devices ( prids ). prids are commercially available and are widely used in applications such as to identify merchandise in retail stores , and books in libraries . the prids include a circuit which is configured to resonate upon reception of radio frequency energy from a radio transmission of appropriate frequency and strength . passive prids do not require a power source , as the energy received from the transmission signal provides the power for the prids to transmit a reply signal during reception of the transmission signal . the identification device 72 includes an integrated circuit chip , such as a transceiver chip , having memory storage capabilities . the integrated circuit chip can be configured to receive rf signals and to encode and store data based on the signals . during a data encoding operation each identification device 72 can be uniquely identified such that each collar 64 is also uniquely identified . this identification information is indicated by the c 1 - c 8 designations in fig3 a and 3b . in addition , the depth of each collar 64 can be ascertained using well logs , as previously explained and shown in fig1 . the depth information can then be correlated to the identification information encoded into the identification device 72 . a record can thus be established identifying each collar 64 and its true depth in the well 52 . alternately , as shown in fig3 f , identification device 72 a can be in the form of an active device having a separate power source such as a battery . in addition , the identification device 72 a can include an antenna 89 for transmitting signals . alternately , an identification device ( not shown ) can be configured to transmit signals through a well fluid or other transmission medium within the well 52 . such an identification device is further described in previously cited parent application ser . no . 09 / 286 , 650 , which is incorporated herein by reference . as also shown in fig3 f , the identification device 72 a can be contained in a threaded mounting device 87 . the threaded mounting device 87 can comprise a rigid , non - conductive material such as a plastic . the threaded mounting device 87 is configured to be screwed into the middle portions of the casing collar 64 ( fig3 d ), and to be retained between adjacent tubular elements of the casing 56 . the threaded mounting device 87 includes a circumferential groove 91 for the antenna 89 , and a recess 93 for the identification device 72 a . if desired , the antenna 89 and the identification device 72 a can be retained in the groove 91 and the recess 93 using an adhesive or a suitable fastener . referring to fig3 e , the reader device 70 is shown in greater detail . the reader device 70 is configured to transmit rf transmission signals at a selected frequency to the identification devices 72 , and to receive rf response signals from the identification devices 72 . as such , the reader device 70 includes a base member 77 having a transmitter 73 configured to transmit transmission signals of a first frequency to the identification devices 72 . the reader device 70 includes a receiver 71 on the base member 77 configured to receive signals of a second frequency from the identification devices 72 . preferably , the transmitter 73 is configured to provide relatively weak transmission signals such that only an identification device 72 within a close proximity ( e . g ., one foot ) of the reader device 70 receives the transmission signals . alternately , the antenna of the reader device 70 can be configured to provide highly directional transmission signals such that the transmission signals radiate essentially horizontally from the reader device 70 . accordingly , the transmission signals from the reader device 70 are only received by a single identification device 72 as the reader devices passes in close proximity to the single identification device 72 . in addition to the transmitter 73 and the receiver 71 , the reader device 70 includes a cover 79 made of an electrically non - conductive material , such as plastic or fiberglass . the reader device 70 also includes o - rings 75 on the base member 77 for sealing the cover 79 , and a cap member 81 attached to the base member 77 which secures the cover 79 on the base member 77 . in addition , the reader device 70 includes spacer elements 83 formed of an electrically non - conductive material such as ferrite , ceramic or plastic , which separate the transmitter 73 and the receiver 71 from the base member 77 . in the illustrative embodiment , the base member 77 is generally cylindrical in shape , and the spacer elements 83 comprise donuts with a half moon or contoured cross section . referring to fig4 a , an electrical schematic for the system 50 is illustrated . as illustrated schematically , each identification device 72 includes a memory device 110 , in the form of a programmable integrated circuit chip , such as a transceiver chip , configured to receive and store identification information . as previously explained , the identification information can uniquely identify each casing collar 64 with an alpha numerical , numerical or other designator . in addition , using previously prepared well logs , the depth of each uniquely identified casing collar 64 can be ascertained . as also shown in fig4 a , the reader device 70 includes the transmitter 73 for transmitting transmission signals to the identification devices 72 , and the receiver 71 for receiving the response signals from the identification devices 72 . the reader device 70 can be powered by a suitable power source , such as a battery , or a power supply at the surface . in addition , the reader device 70 includes a memory device 112 , such as one or more integrated circuit chips , configured to receive and store programming information . the reader device 70 also includes a telemetry circuit 114 configured to transmit control signals in digital or other form , through software 116 to a controller 118 , or alternately to a computer 122 . as is apparent the software 116 can be included in the controller 118 , or in the computer 122 . in addition , the computer 122 can comprise a portable device such as a lap top which can be pre - programmed and transported to the well site . also , as will be further explained , the computer 122 can include a visual display for displaying information received from the reader device 70 . the controller 118 , or the computer 122 , interface with tool control circuitry 120 , which is configured to control the perforating tool 68 as required . in the illustrative embodiment , the tool control circuitry 120 is in signal communication with the detonator 74 ( fig3 c ) of the perforating tool 68 . the tool control circuitry 120 can be located on the perforating tool 68 , on the reader device 70 , or at the surface . the reader device 70 is programmed to transmit control signals to the tool control circuitry 120 , as a function of response signals received from the identification devices 72 . for example , in the perforating process illustrated in fig3 a and 3b , coupling c 4 is located proximate to the upper level , or entry point into zone f . since it is desired to actuate the perforating tool 68 while it is in zone f , the reader device 70 can be programmed to transmit actuation control signals through the tool control circuitry 120 to the detonator 74 ( fig3 c ), when it passes coupling c 4 and receives response signals from the identification device 72 contained in coupling c 4 . because coupling is uniquely identified by the identification device 72 contained therein , and the depth of coupling c 4 has been previously identified using well logs , the perforating process can be initiated in real time , as the perforating tool 68 passes coupling c 4 and enters the section of the well casing 56 proximate to zone f . however , in order to insure that the detonation sequence is initiated at the right time additional factors must be considered . for example , the perforating tool 68 and reader device 70 can be transported through the well casing 56 with a certain velocity ( v ). in addition , the reader device 70 requires a certain time period ( t 1 ) to transmit transmission signals to the identification device 72 in coupling c 4 , and to receive response signals from the identification device 72 in coupling c 4 . in addition , a certain time period ( t 2 ) is required for transmitting signals to the tool control circuitry 120 and to the detonator 74 ( fig3 c ). further , the charge assemblies 80 require a certain time period ( t 3 ) before detonation , explosion and perforation of the casing 56 occur . all of these factors can be considered in determining which identification device 72 in which casing 64 will be used to make the reader device 70 transmit actuation control signals through the tool control circuitry 120 to the detonator 74 ( fig3 c ). in order to provide proper timing for the detonation sequence , the velocity ( v ) of the perforating tool 68 and the reader device 70 can be selected as required . in addition , as shown in fig5 a and 5b , a spacer element 88 can be used to space the perforating tool 68 from the reader device 70 by a predetermined distance ( d ). as shown in fig5 a , the perforating tool 68 can be above the reader device 70 ( i . e ., closer to the surface 60 ), or alternately as shown in fig5 b can be below the reader device 70 ( i . e ., farther from the surface 60 ). as an alternative to a dynamic detonation sequence , the perforating tool 68 can be stopped when the required depth is reached , and a static detonation sequence performed . for example , the reader device 70 can be programmed to send a signal for stopping the perforating tool 68 when it reaches coupling c 6 . in this case , the signal from the reader device 70 can be used to control the wire line unit 92 and stop the wire line 90 . the detonation and explosive sequence can then be initiated by signals from the tool control circuit 120 , with the perforating tool 68 in a static condition at the required depth . as shown in fig4 b , signals from the reader device 70 can be used to generate a visual display 124 , such as a computer screen on the computer 122 , which is viewable by an operator at the surface . the visual display 124 is titled “ true depth systems ” and includes a power switch for enabling power to the reader device 70 and other system components . the visual display 124 also includes a “ depth meter ” that indicates the depth of the reader device 70 ( or the perforating tool 68 ) within the well 52 . the visual display 124 also includes “ alarm indicators ” including a “ well alarm top ” indicator , a “ well alarm bottom ” indicator , and an “ explosive device ” indicator . the “ alarm indicators ” are similar to stop lights with green , yellow and red lights to indicate varying conditions . the visual display 124 also includes “ power indicators ” including a “ true depth reader ” power indicator , a “ true depth encoder ” power indicator , and a “ system monitor ” power indicator . in addition , the visual display 124 includes various “ digital indicators ”. for example , a “ line speed ” digital indicator indicates the speed at which the reader device 70 , and the perforating tool 68 , are being transported through the well casing 56 . an “ encoder depth ” digital indicator indicates the depth of each identification device 72 as the reader device 70 passes by the identification devices 72 . a “ true depth ” indicator indicates the actual depth of the reader device 70 in real time as it is transported through the well casing 56 . the visual display 124 also includes a “ tds id ” indicator that indicates an id number for each identification device 72 . in addition , the visual display 124 includes a “ tds description ” indicator that further describes each identification device 72 ( e . g ., location in a specific component or zone ). the visual display 124 also includes a “ time ” indicator that can be used as a time drive ( forward or backward ) for demonstration or review purposes . finally , the visual display 124 includes an “ api log ” which indicates log information , such as gamma ray or spe readings , from the previously described well logs , correlated to the “ digital indicators ” for depth . referring again to fig3 a and 3b , in the embodiment illustrated therein , the transport mechanism 66 w includes a wire line 90 operable by a wire line unit 92 , substantially as previously explained and shown in fig1 . the wire line 90 can comprise a slick line , an electric line , a braided line , or coil tubing . if the controller 118 , or the computer 122 , is located at the surface 60 , the wire line 90 can be used to establish signal communication between the reader device 70 and the controller 118 or the computer 122 . referring to fig6 a - 6d , alternate embodiment transport mechanisms for transporting the perforating tool 68 and the reader device 70 through the casing 56 are shown . in fig6 a , a transport mechanism 66 p comprises a pump for pumping a conveyance fluid through the inside diameter of the casing 56 . the pumped conveyance fluid then transports the perforating tool 68 and the reader device 70 through the casing 56 . in fig6 b , a transport mechanism 66 r comprises one or more robotic devices attached to the perforating tool 68 and the reader device 70 , and configured to transport the perforating tool 68 and the reader device 70 through the casing 56 . in fig6 c , a transport mechanism 66 g comprises gravity ( g ) such that the perforating tool 68 and the reader device 70 free fall through the casing 56 . the free fall can be through a well fluid within the casing 56 , or through air in the casing 56 . in fig6 d , a transport mechanism 66 pa includes a parachute which controls the rate of descent of the perforating tool 68 and the reader device 70 in the casing 56 . again , the parachute can operate in a well fluid , or in air contained in the casing 56 . referring to fig7 a - 7c , an alternate embodiment system 50 a constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated . the system 50 a is installed in a subterranean well 52 a , such as an oil and gas production well . in this embodiment the system 50 a is configured to perform a packer setting process in the well 52 a . the well 52 a includes a well bore 54 a , and a well casing 56 a within the well bore 54 a surrounded by concrete 58 a . the well casing 56 a comprises a plurality of tubular elements 62 a , such as lengths of metal pipe or tubing , connected to one another by collars 64 a . the well 52 a extends from an earthen surface 60 a through geological formations within the earth , which are represented as zones h and i . for performing the packer setting process , the system 50 a includes a packer setting tool 68 a , an inflation device 98 a for the packer setting tool 68 a , and a reader device 70 a in signal communication with the packer setting tool 68 a . in this embodiment , the inflation device 98 a is located on the surface 60 a such that a wire , or other signal transmission medium must be provided between the packer setting tool 68 a and the inflation device 98 a . the packer setting tool 68 a can include an inflatable packer element designed for inflation by the inflation device 98 a and configured to sealingly engage the inside diameter of the casing 56 a . in fig7 b , the inflatable packer element of the packer setting tool 68 a has been inflated to seal the inside diameter of the casing 56 a proximate to zone i . the system 50 a also includes a plurality of identification devices 72 ( fig3 d ) attached to the collars 64 a on the casing 56 a , and readable by the reader device 70 a . in addition , the system 50 a includes a transport mechanism 66 a for transporting the packer setting tool 68 a and the reader device 70 a through the well casing 56 a to zone i . in this embodiment , the transport mechanism 66 a comprises a tubing string formed by tubular elements 102 a . as shown in fig7 c , each tubular element 102 a includes a male tool joint 94 a on one end , and a female tool joint 96 a on an opposing end . this permits the tubular elements 102 a to be attached to one another to form the transport mechanism 66 a . in addition , the packer setting tool 68 a can include a central mandrel in fluid communication with the inside diameter of the transport mechanism 66 a . the reader device 70 a is programmed to transmit a control signal to the inflation device 98 a upon actuation by a selected identification device 72 ( fig3 d ). for example , in the packer setting process illustrated in fig7 a and 7b , coupling c 4 a is located proximate to the upper level , or entry point into zone i . since it is desired to inflate the inflatable packer element of the packer setting tool 68 a while it is proximate to zone i , the reader device 70 a can be programmed to transmit the control signal to the inflation device 68 a when it reaches coupling c 4 a . in this embodiment a spacer element 88 a separates the packer setting tool 68 a and the reader device 70 a . in addition , the packer setting tool 68 a is located downhole relative to the reader device 70 a . in order to insure that the packer setting sequence is initiated at the right time additional factors must be considered as previously explained . these factors can include the velocity ( v ) of the packer setting tool 68 a and the reader device 70 a , and the time required to inflate the inflatable packer element of the packer setting tool 68 a . alternately , the packer setting tool 68 a can be stopped at a particular coupling ( e . g ., coupling c 5 a ) and then inflated as required . in this case the reader device 70 a can be programmed to transmit the control signals to the visual display 124 ( fig4 b ) on the surface 60 a when the packer tool 68 a passes a coupling 64 a at the required depth . the operator can then control the inflation device 98 a to initiate inflation of the packer setting tool 68 a . alternately the inflation sequence can be initiated automatically by the tool control circuit 120 ( fig4 a ). in each of the described processes the method of the invention provides an improved well . for example , in the perforating process of fig3 a and 3b , the well 52 can be perforated in the selected zone , or in a selected interval of the selected zone . production from the well 52 is thus optimized and the well 52 is able to produce more fluids , particularly oil and gas . referring to fig8 a - 8c , a multi stage operation performed in accordance with the method of the invention is illustrated . initially , as shown in fig8 a , a combination tool 130 is provided . the combination tool 134 includes a packer setting tool 132 and a perforating tool 134 , which function substantially as previously described for the packer setting tool 68 a ( fig7 b ), and the perforating tool 68 ( fig3 a ) previously described . in addition , the combination tool 134 includes the reader device 70 and the casing 56 includes identification devices 72 ( fig3 d ) substantially as previously described . as also shown in fig8 a , the combination tool 130 is transported through the casing 56 using the gravity transport mechanism 66 g . alternately , any of the other previously described transport mechanisms can be employed . next , as shown in fig8 b , the packer setting tool 132 is actuated such that an inflatable packer element of the tool 132 seals the casing 56 at a desired depth . in this embodiment the packer setting tool 132 is a self contained unit , with an integral inflation source . as with the previously described embodiments , the reader device 70 provides control signals for controlling the packer setting tool 132 , and the packer setting process . for example , the inflatable packer element of the packer setting tool 132 can be inflated when the reader device 70 passes a selected coupling 64 , and receives a response signal from the identification device 72 contained within the selected coupling 64 . as also shown in fig8 b , the perforating tool 134 separates from the packer setting tool 132 and continues to free fall through the casing 56 . next , as shown in fig8 c , the perforating tool 132 is controlled such that detonation and explosive sequences are initiated substantially as previously described . again the reader device 70 provides control signals , for controlling the perforating tool 132 to initiate the detonation and explosive sequences at the proper depth . as indicated by the dashed arrows in fig8 c explosion of the charge assemblies 80 ( fig3 c ) of the perforating tool 134 forms openings in the casing 58 and the concrete 58 . thus the invention provides a method and a system for performing various operations or processes in wells and for improving production from the wells . while the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments , as will be apparent to those skilled in the art , certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims .
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while this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms , there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated . fig1 of the drawings discloses a roller cleaning apparatus , generally designated by reference numeral 10 . roller cleaning apparatus 10 includes a base or support 12 which has a housing 14 extending from the upper surface thereof . housing 14 has a lower portion 14a ( fig2 ) and an upper portion 14b which are joined to each other through hinges 16 . housing 14 has end walls 18 , sidewalls 20 and a top wall 22 which has an opening located within a collar 26 so that the internal area of the enclosed housing may be vented to an area such as a smoke stack . each end wall 18 has a circular opening 28 and each circular opening has its lower half defined in lower housing 14a and its upper half defined in upper housing 14b . a roller 30 to be cleaned is inserted into the housing so that the central portion 30a to be cleaned is located within the housing while the end or journal portions 30b extending through openings 28 . the support or base 12 including housing 14 supports roller 30 for rotation about its fixed axis and for this purpose , a pair of circumferentially spaced freely rotatable rollers or journal bearings 32 are supported for rotation about fixed axes on each end wall 18 and are positioned such that their peripheral surfaces are located within the confines of opening 28 . thus , the bearing journals 32 will provide the entire support for roller 30 that is rotated about its axis by drive means that will be described later . preferably , housing 14 also has guide members 34 extending inwardly from end walls 18 and guide members 34 prevent axial movement of roller 30 during rotation thereof . the roller cleaning apparatus 10 also includes a nozzle 40 connected to a source of pressurized steam 42 through a conduit 44 for directing a small narrow stream of high pressure steam towards the peripheral surface of central portion 30a of roller 30 . nozzle 40 is connected to a nozzle support member 46 which in turn is guided for movement along a path that extends parallel to the axis of roller 30 through a pair of guide rods 48 that are supported at opposite ends on upright members 50 that extend above base 12 . nozzle 40 is supported on nozzle support member 46 so that the free end portion thereof extends through a slot 52 defined in housing 14 . nozzle support member 46 is thus guided for movement along a fixed path that extends parallel to the axis of roller 30 and is moved through drive means 60 that will now be described . in the illustrated embodiment , the drive means 60 consists of a rotatable screw 62 that extends through a threaded opening 64 in support member 46 with opposite ends of rotatable screw 62 journaled for rotation in openings 65 defined in uprights 50 . in the illustrated embodiment , the drive means for rotating screw 62 and roller 30 includes a common power source or motor 66 that has its output shaft connected to a gear reduction unit 68 which has an output sprocket 70 connected to the output shaft thereof . sprocket 70 is connected through chain means 72 and a sprocket 74 to a driven shaft 76 . driven shaft 76 is supported on base 12 by a pair of bearing journals 78 and has a gear 80 fixed to one end thereof which is a mesh with a gear 82 that is fixed to one end portion 30b of roller 30 . in the illustrated embodiment , drive shaft 76 is also connected to rotatable screw 62 through a drive chain 84 and a further pair of drive sprockets 86 , one of which is connected to shaft 76 and the other which is connected to rotatable screw 62 . from the above description , it is believed that the operation of the apparatus for cleaning the peripheral surface of a roller 30 will be readily understood but will be briefly summarized at this point . the roller 30 is rotated about its own axis by energizing drive motor 66 which is preferably a reversible variable speed motor . the various sprockets 70 , 74 , and 86 are selected such that the axial movement of nozzle support member 46 and the rotational movement of roller 30 are such that the entire surface of the roller portion 30a to be cleaned will be impinged by the stream of steam as the nozzle is moved from one end of the surface of central portion 30a to the opposite end . of course , it will be appreciated that the drive means for reciprocating nozzle support member 46 and rotating roller 40 could be separate power sources both of which were adjustable to vary the speed thereof . in order to place the invention in a proper environment a specific example of a prototype cleaning unit 10 will now briefly be summarized . a first variable speed drive motor ( not shown ) was connected directly to feed screw 62 and the motor was of the variable speed type so that the speed of rotation of screw 62 was in the range of 0 . 25 to 3 . 5 rpm and the diameter of the screw was selected such that the axial travel for this range of rotation was 1 / 32 to 7 / 16 inches per minute . a second motor ( not shown ) was connected to roller 30 and this motor again was a variable speed type to have a range of 0 . 25 to 3 . 5 rpm for the roller . a roller having a diameter of approximately 8 inches in the center portion of 30a with an axial length of the center portion of 68 inches was positioned on the support rollers 32 and the rotational speed for roller 30 was set at 1 / 4 rpm while the motor for driving screw 62 was set at such that the travel of nozzle 40 was 2 inches per hour . thus , in a total of 34 hours , nozzle 40 moved from one end of central portion 30a to the opposite end thereof to clean the entire surface of the roller . the pressure of the steam in this test was 140 psi . the roller cleaned in this fashion was acceptable for reuse without any additional manual cleaning . it should be noted that the speed of rotation of the roller and the axial speed of the nozzle support member are to a large measure dependent upon the size of the steam , i . e . the nozzle tip design , and the distance of the tip from the roller . it will be appreciated that from the above description , the present invention provides an extremely simple mechanism for cleaning the roller which can be automatically operated without the attention of an operator after initial setup . of course , various modifications come to mind without departing from the spirit of the invention . for example , with a reversible electric motor , the nozzle support member 46 could be reciprocated back and forth across the surface of roller portion 30a and the speed of rotation of the roller could be coordinated so that the entire surface could be cleaned more than one time .
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fig1 shows a plan view of a canine training structure 100 . the device 100 may include a first surface 104 having a pair of generally parallel sides spaced by a first predetermined distance d 1 and a second surface 102 having a first region 102 a having generally parallel sides spaced by a second predetermined distance d 2 and a second region 102 b having a first dimension generally corresponding to the first predetermined distance d 1 and a second dimension generally corresponding to the second predetermined distance d 2 . in a preferred embodiment , the first surface 104 has a length l 1 of 4 feet and a first predetermined distance d 1 of 3 feet , the first region 102 a of the second surface 102 has a length l 2 a of 4 feet and a second predetermined distance d 2 of 1 foot , and the second region 102 b of the second surface 102 has a length l 2 b of 2 feet . the second region 102 b maybe referred to as a transition region , where the width of the structure transitions from a wide width to a narrow width or vice versa depending on which end of the structure the canine enters . the surfaces 102 and 104 may include a plurality of protuberances or raised slats 106 , preferably three - fourths of an inch thick and one - and - half inches wide that preferably extend from edge to edge of the surfaces . the slats 106 may be equally spaced on the surfaces , preferably spaced approximately 12 ″ apart . the slats 106 may provide a pushing surface to aid the canine in the ascent or decline of the structure 100 . the transition in the dimension of the second region 102 b from d 1 to d 2 may be linear or non linear . the surface 102 and 104 may be made from wood , preferably fir plywood or aluminum . the surfaces may have a textured coating to reduce injury to a canine . as shown in fig2 appropriate structural members 108 and 110 may support the surfaces 102 and 104 respectively . the structure 100 may rest on a support surface , for example the ground or an indoor floor . the structural members 108 and 110 may be formed from wood or metallic tubing , for example hollow aluminum or steel tube stock . the tube stock may be joined using mechanical fastener or may be joined , for example by welding . the surfaces 102 and 104 or the structural member 108 and 110 may be coupled by a hinge 116 . the hinge may be mechanically fastened to the surfaces 102 and 104 or the structural members 108 and 110 . the hinge 116 may be a piano hinge that preferably extends from edge to edge of the structure . the hinge 116 may include a removable hinge pin to allow for easier transport . the hinge may be positioned to allow the structure to lie flat on a surface . handles 122 may be added to the structure to aid in transportation , preferably , the handles are located on the under surface of the structure . the structure 100 may include a tensioning device 114 coupled to opposing end of the surfaces 102 and 104 or the structural members 108 and 110 to form the structure into a triangular shape . the tensioning device may be a length of chain or cable . the length of the tensioning device may be adjusted to change the overall height h of the structure 100 at its peak . to begin training a canine the structure may be laid flat on a surface . as the canine develops confidence , the overall height h of the structure may be increased by decreasing the length of the tensioning device 114 . in a preferred embodiment , an interior angle formed between the first surface and the second surface is preferably an obtuse angle , and more preferably is approximately 110 . in this preferred configuration , the height h of the structure 100 is approximately 2 feet 8 inches . the tensioning device may be coupled to the surfaces 102 and 104 or the structural member 108 and 110 with an eyehook 112 . the canine 120 may enter the structure 100 from either end . the canine climbs the entrance surface and then descends the exit surface . when the canine enters the structure as shown in fig2 the second region 102 b allows the canine to redirect his travel towards the narrower first region 102 a . if the structure did not transition from one width to another , a canine entering the structure as shown in fig2 accidentally could fall off the structure and be injured . fig3 shows a plan view of another canine training structure 100 ′. the device 100 ′ may include a first surface 104 ′ having a pair of generally parallel sides spaced by a first predetermined distance d 1 ′ and a second surface 102 ′ having a first region 102 a ′ having generally parallel sides spaced by a second predetermined distance d 2 ′ and a second region 102 b ′ having a first dimension generally corresponding to the first predetermined distance d 1 ′ and a second dimension generally corresponding to the second predetermined distance d 2 ′. in a preferred embodiment , the first surface 104 ′ has a length l 1 ′ of 6 feet and a first predetermined distance d 1 ′ of 1 foot , the first region 102 a ′ of the second surface 102 ′ has a length l 2 a ′ of 4 feet and a second predetermined distance d 2 ′ of 3 feet , and the second region 102 b ′ of the second surface 102 has a length l 2 b ′ of 2 feet . the second region 102 b ′ maybe referred to as a transition region , where the width of the structure transitions from a wide width to a narrow width or vice versa depending on which end of the structure the canine enters . the surfaces 102 ′ and 104 ′ may include a plurality of protuberances or raised slats 106 ′, preferably three - fourths of an inch thick and one - and - half inches wide that preferably extend from edge to edge of the surfaces . the slats 106 ′ may be equally spaced on the surfaces , preferably spaced approximately 12 ″ apart . the slats 106 ′ may provide a pushing surface to aid the canine in the ascent or decline of the structure 100 ′. the transition in the dimension of the second region 102 b ′ from d 1 to d 2 may be linear or non linear . a hingeble joint 116 ′ may couple the first surface 104 ′ and the second surface 102 ′. suitable structural members may be used to support the first and second surfaces 104 ′ and 102 ′ respectively . a tensioning device coupled to the first and second surfaces may also be used to form the structure into a triangular shape . the length of the tensioning device may be adjusted to change the overall height of the structure at its peak . the dimensions given are exemplary and should not be construed as the only dimensions possible . these dimensions can be changed without departing from the present invention . it should be understood that , while the present invention has been described in detail herein , the invention can be embodied otherwise without departing from the principles thereof , and such other embodiments are meant to come within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claim ( s ).
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in the following description , numerous specific details are set forth such as specific reference algorithms to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention . however , it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without such specific details . in other instances , well - known mathematical method steps or components have been omitted or shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the present description in unnecessary detail . for the most part , details concerning specific timing considerations and the like have been omitted inasmuch as such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the methods described herein and are within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art . one embodiment of the invention formulates the deformation problem to remove subsurface faulting fault with an elastic model and solves the deformation problem by a numerical method , such as a volume element or boundary surface element method . the method provides for computing the deformation due to the reversal of faulting on a section or a volume in a mechanically coherent manner . in one embodiment of the present invention described below , a boundary surface element method is used . since the boundary surface element method generally requires fewer vertices than a volume element method for a given volume section , it can be generally expected to execute much faster than a volume element method . embodiments may be practiced with a volume element method in alternate embodiments using essentially the same basic method steps as presented for the boundary surface method . with a boundary element method , the fault surface divides a volume into two sections . a multiple subsection scheme is employed in cases where two sections are partially coupled if the fault does not entirely or completely cut through the volume . for each section , the boundary of the section is partitioned into surface elements , and a boundary integration equation may be established based on mathematical formulations of linear elasticity . the boundary equations may then be numerically solved for given slip or displacement vector on the fault surface , and the deformation solution to the fault reversal is obtained by a numerical integration over the boundary of each section . note that the same fundamental integration equations are established for each section in 2d cases as those in 3d cases . by solving these integration equations numerically , embodiments of the present invention may obtain the deformation at any interior point of the volume . thus the seismic events in the volume may be restored to a pre - faulting state . refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views . in fig2 , a simple model of a fault event 200 is illustrated in 3d . the fault event 200 comprises the slippage of a volume section 203 relative to another volume section 201 . a horizon 204 has become discontinuous as a result of the slippage . in this simplified 3d model , the planes of the surfaces 205 and 206 define the fault . the restoration slip vectors , which indicate the displacement required to restore the fault on the fault surface are shown by vectors 212 for surface 205 , and by vectors 210 for surface 206 . the vectors 212 and 210 may be defined from the discontinuity of the horizon 204 , and used as inputs , i . e ., known quantities , for solving the formal numerical equation ( see equation ( 3 )). even in this simple 3d model , the inadequacy of a model employing a 2d , i . e . planar , fault surface is easily recognized ( refer to fig1 ); a 2d fault surface cannot accurately account for the slip vectors in the formation , and will produce false results in a 3d restoration . however , the 3d fault surface methods will be equally accurate if the fault surface occurs only in 2d . since , as a practical matter , most seismic fault surfaces may be assumed to occur in 3d , the methods presently disclosed are highly pertinent to realistic applications . note that for the other parts of the fault surface , no restrictions for displacement other than the non - violation of the space constraint are applied . in fig3 , a model 300 of a volume intersected by a 3d fault surface is illustrated in 3d . the fault surface 306 divides the volume into sections , 304 and 302 , on either side of surface 306 . in other words , section 304 and section 302 contact each other along the fault surface 306 . faces or partial faces of the volume and the fault surface 306 bound each section 304 , 302 . for each of the two sections 304 , 302 , a boundary element model is applied to decompose the boundary into small elements of a simple geometry . in one example implementation , a standard triangulation algorithm decomposes the known fault surface into a plurality of general triangles . such triangulation functions are well known in the art for finite element analysis , and may employ any one of numerous rules and / or methodologies for establishing a decomposition algorithm . one example of a triangulation method often used in finite element methods is the delaunay triangulation , in which no point , i . e . vertex , lies inside the circumcircle ( or in 3d , the circumsphere ) of any other triangle . other regular or irregular triangulation methods may alternatively be implemented in a similar manner in various implementations of the present invention . when the two volumes on either side of the fault surface ( for example , sections 304 , 302 along surface 306 ) are displaced , such as during restoration , the contact boundaries may not overlap or penetrate each other , according to the presently disclosed methods . in other words , the contact boundaries are subject to a space constraint . a space constraint refers to fact that the two volumes must not penetrate each other . since the two volumes contact each other along the fault surface , the constraint is imposed on the contact vertices of each volume ( for example the vertices on surface 402 and surface 502 ). repulsion is a traction or force per unit area , i . e ., a stress , and it may be applied to the contact vertices to enforce the constraint . this represents a stress vector in the direction normal to the element ( in the present example triangle ) surface of a contact vertex and of a magnitude large enough to prevent an overlapping or an opening . in the direction of the normal vector at a contact vertex , the magnitude of the stress vector is positive or negative , arbitrarily for repulsion or attraction , and may be iteratively resolved until some minimum value satisfying the space constraint is converged upon . in some instances , the repulsion or attraction stress may be zero . the space constraint is a separate criteria for the 3d restoration results and is independent of decomposition geometry or other algorithms used in implementing various method steps . in fig4 , a volume element 400 illustrates a triangulated boundary surface corresponding to section 304 ( refer to fig3 ). in volume element 400 , surface 402 is the surface bounded by the fault surface 306 ( not shown in fig4 ). similarly in fig5 , a volume element 500 illustrates a triangulated boundary surface corresponding to section 302 ( refer to fig3 ). in volume element 500 , surface 502 is the surface bounded by the fault surface 306 ( not shown in fig5 ). the examples presented describe application of an embodiment of the method of the present invention . in one example , corresponding to fig2 , a volume of 16 × 16 × 8 m 3 is used . a fault , consisting of two planar surfaces , is introduced to the volume . the first planar surface dips 45 degrees w and strikes 0 degrees ( i . e ., n - s ). the second planar surface dips 45 degrees sw and strikes n45w . in this example , a constant restoration slip vector is applied to every point on the first planar surface of the upper fault block . the restoration vectors have equal x - and z - components and zero y - component and represents sliding of the upper fault block against the fault surface . note that the y - axis is parallel to the n - s compass direction and the z - axis is positive downward . the x - axis is perpendicular to the plane containing the directions of the x and z - axes . the restoration vectors are based on restoring a particular horizontal line on the fault surface , a line that represents the intersection of a horizontal horizon and the fault surface . many points on the fault surface , but not those on the intersection , may be subject to an inequality constraint , and the repulsion method is used to enforce the constraint . the boundary of the fault blocks other than the fault surfaces are under a given traction in order to maintain equilibrium of forces involved . in this test , zero traction is used to simulate the case of no resistance to restoration . where a portion of the fault is a planar surface , the deformation of the fault block consists only of space translation , resulting in no strain . in another example , corresponding to fig3 - 5 , the volume remains the same , and the fault is now a curved surface with opposite curvatures in two orthogonal directions . the strike and dip of the fault vary from vertex to vertex . since the fault surface is curved , the restoration results in strain in the fault volume . fig3 shows a graphical representation where the red surface is the fault surface . in fig4 , the fault surface of one section , the upper fault block , is exposed to the view , while the opposing section , the lower fault block , and the fault surface are made invisible . a few slip vectors may be graphically selected along a curved line on the fault surface . this curved line can be the intersection of a horizon with the fault surface . the restoration slip vectors are so chosen that the upper fault block will be restored to a higher position , and this fault block will remain in full contact with the fault surface . note that the fault surface of the upper block is subject to the space constraint ( i . e . ; the repulsion method is applied ), and the slip vector is defined at only a few locations . to enforce the space constraint , the repulsion scheme is applied in an iterative way . at any particular iteration , the penetration ( or gap ) of the vertices of elements under space constraint is computed , and an appropriate repulsion is applied to counter the space violation . an average violation is also computed , and the iteration stops when the average violation is less than a prescribed threshold . the following table shows the average space violation in m across the fault surface vertices for 16 iterations in one example method : 1 2 3 4 0 . 0252796 0 . 0129175 0 . 0115803 0 . 0105302 5 6 7 8 0 . 0096753 0 . 0089889 0 . 0084232 0 . 0079434 9 10 11 12 0 . 0075258 0 . 0071405 0 . 0068051 0 . 0065488 13 14 15 16 0 . 0063128 0 . 0060768 0 . 0058702 0 . 0056896 as one can see from the table , the penetration reduces from 0 . 0252796 m to 0 . 00568962 m after 16 iterations . the uniform convergence is a validating mathematic property of the repulsion algorithm . in fig6 and 7 , 2d images of a seismic formation , before and after applying methods of the present invention are illustrated . the images show a set of normal faults that have been identified , possibly around the top of an anticline fold . in fig6 , a seismic section showing horizons offset by a set of normal faults is shown . faults 602 are involved in faulting reversal , and intersect horizons that are used as geological constraints . the elastic model in the formulation is characterized by a young &# 39 ; s modulus of about 3 × 10 9 pa and a poisson &# 39 ; s ratio of 0 . 25 . the formation is partitioned into a number of triangles , and a finite element method is used to solve the minimization problem for a given slip function on the fault trace . as shown in fig7 , the faulting reversal method was applied across 12 faults 602 by requiring that visible horizons be continuous across these faults . the offset of each horizon against a specific fault defines a slip vector . piecewise linear functions based on these slip vectors were used to approximate the displacement fields on each of the respective faults . note that several faults 604 were not restored . note that some faults cut through the section . for those faults with two tips inside the section , the displacement is attenuated to zero at these tips . after applying elastic deformation , the deformed formation as shown in fig7 resulted . fig8 - 12 , flowcharts illustrate the methods in one embodiment of the present invention . the presently described methods may also be practiced in various other embodiments that omit or rearrange the method steps shown in fig8 - 12 . in fig8 , method 800 shows the basic elements of the method , beginning with step 801 . seismic data regarding a formation are received in step 802 . the seismic data may be in the form of images or numerical data that may be reduced to a structure of a volume of a formation . in one example of step 802 , 3d seismic scan data of a formation containing one or more faults is provided . the next method step 804 in fig8 involves defining a physical model based on received data . in fig9 , one example of step 804 beginning with step 900 is shown in further detail . from the seismic data , the location of fault surfaces and location of horizons or other features in the formation is performed in step 902 . then in step 904 , the volume and surface boundaries of the formation are decomposed , i . e ., reduced to finite elements . in step 906 , the boundary integral equation is derived and applied . in step 908 , the equation for the displacement and traction vectors is derived from the boundary integral equation , which completes method 804 at step 910 . the method presently described assumes that the fault surface does not change for the purposes of 3d restoration . since the goal of the present inventive methods is restoration to the un - faulted state , the actual behavior of the fault surface during the fault event is not particularly relevant . the results of embodiments of the present invention indicate that a 3d restoration that is mechanically coherent may be provided under the assumption of a fixed fault surface . the next method step 806 in fig8 involves performing a numerical procedure on the physical model . in fig1 , one example of step 806 beginning with step 920 is shown in further detail . in step 921 , the boundary conditions for displacement vectors are provided . this may involve determining a slip restoration vector for a recognizable horizon split by a fault . in step 922 , initial traction values for vertices on the fault surface are assumed . in step 924 , the displacement and traction for each boundary vertex is resolved . from step 924 , the method 806 may branch off to a portion 930 , which represents an iterative solution for displacement and traction vectors on the fault surface . in step 926 , the displacement vectors are checked to see if the space constraint is violated . if the space constraint is violated , then in step 928 new repulsion stresses are estimated . in one case , an incremental or decremental change to the previous repulsion stress values is applied in step 928 . after step 928 , step 924 is repeated , and the cycle given by 930 may continue until the result of step 926 is no . if the space constraint is not violated by the given displacement and traction values , then step 926 proceeds to step 931 , where the deformation of the entire volume may now be calculated , since all required quantities are known . the method 806 terminates at step 932 . the next method step 808 in fig8 involves generating a new unfaulted , i . e ., restored , model of the formation based on a numerical procedure . in fig1 , one example of step 808 beginning with step 940 is shown in further detail . in step 942 , the computed deformation from the restoration displacement vectors is applied to the original data . the resulting 3d restored volume is stored in step 944 . in one example , the 3d volume is represented as one or more 2d slices or sections . in step 946 the resulting restored 3d volume may be displayed . in one example , the display involves generating any plane from the 3d volume and displaying this in 2d . in another example of step 946 , the entire volume is displayed in 3d . in on embodiment of step 946 ( not shown ), a determination may also be made that the restoration was not accurate or deficient in some aspect , such that the method execution returned to step 920 and performed another iteration of method 806 with values correcting for the deficiency , and leaving other values unchanged . method 808 terminates at step 950 . the next method step 810 in fig8 involves the restored results may be stored , displayed , reported or used for further assessments . in fig1 , one example of step 810 beginning with step 960 is shown in further detail . steps 962 , 064 or 966 represent alternative paths for specifying a data set from the restored data . in step 962 , a computation is executed on the restored data set , for example a scaling function . in step 964 a conditional query is performed to retrieve a portion of the restored data set . in step 966 , a filtering or data reduction algorithm is applied to the restored data set . note that steps 962 - 964 may be executed in a consecutive manner with omission or repeat of certain steps , and that other methods of specifying or altering the restored data set may be applied . in step 968 , the resulting or retrieved data set may be stored or fetched , respectively . in one example , a query on a relational database is run in step 964 and the resulting query is fetched and stored in step 968 . in step 970 the data set may be displayed in an analogous manner to step 946 . in step 972 , a report or image of the resulting data set may be generated . the report or image may be in 2d or 3d , in an analogous manner as for the display in step 946 . in step 974 an method for assessing the resulting data set may be applied . in one example of step 974 , the assessment is a manual analysis and comparison with other data sets . in another example of step 974 , an algorithm is applied to the resulting data set . other embodiments of step 974 may involve recognition of exploitable resources in the seismic formation , which were not apparent before the fault restoration . one example implementation of a 3d restoration according to method 800 is now described in detail . for given restoration slip vectors on fault surfaces , and given traction vectors on other parts of the volume boundaries , the deformation of the volume results in the minimum strain energy among all admissible deformations . an equivalent statement of this formulation is the well - known virtual work principle . this principle states that at equilibrium , the work done by any virtual displacement is zero . from the virtual work principle , the displacement vector at a point i in a volume can be computed from integrals of the displacement and traction vectors over the boundaries . by restriction to the points on the boundaries of the volume , one obtains a boundary integral equation . using green &# 39 ; s functions for virtual displacement and tractions , we may derive the a mathematical formulation from the virtual work principle . for each volume on either side of the fault service , such as sections 304 and 302 , the following boundary integral equation applies : c u → ( p i ) = ∑ e = 1 e ∑ n = 1 3 t → n e ∫ s e n n ( ξ ) u ( p i , ξ ) ⅆ s ( ξ ) - ∑ e = 1 e ∑ n = 1 3 u → n e ∫ s e n n ( ξ ) t ( p i , ξ ) ⅆ s ( ξ ) ( 1 ) in equation ( 1 ) c is a constant ; { right arrow over ( u )}( p i ) is the displacement vector for point p i in the volume enclosed by surface s ( i . e ., point p i may be defined by coordinates ( x i , y i , z i ) for index i ); e is the total number of triangular surface elements indexed by e ; n is the vertex index for a given triangular element ; { right arrow over ( t )} n e and { right arrow over ( u )} n e are the traction and displacement vectors , respectively defined at the vertex n of element e ; s e represents the surface of element e ; ξ represents the points on the surface of element e ; n n is a base function associated with vertex n as a function of ξ ; u ( p i , ξ ) is the kernel function for displacement ; and t ( p i , ξ ) is the kernel function for traction . after assembling the integrals , one obtains a boundary element equation on the displacement and traction at the vertices of a boundary . the integrals in equation ( 1 ) can be evaluated using a standard numerical quadrature . the resulting equation is : c u → i = ∑ e = 1 e ∑ n = 1 3 t → n e δ u ni - ∑ e = 1 e ∑ n = 1 3 u → n e δ t ni ( 2 ) ∑ i , j = 0 n a ij u → j = ∑ i , j = 0 n b ij t → j ( 3 ) note that in the system of equation ( 3 ) there are n equations on n displacement vectors and n traction vectors on the surface of a volume section . furthermore , the displacement and traction functions on the small elements may be approximated with simple functions , such as linear functions . these simple functions are parameterized with the displacement and traction value at the vertices of the element . in equation ( 3 ), a ij is a matrix reassembled from δt ni in equation ( 2 ), while b ij is a matrix reassembled from δu ni of equation ( 2 ). in such a way , the boundary integrals on an element become a linear combination of the displacement or traction value at the vertices . if a boundary condition is given , the displacement or traction vector at each vertex of the boundary is resolved . if the number of known displacement or traction vectors equals to n , the problem is well defined , and the unknown displacement at each vertex can be obtained by solving equation ( 3 ). by applying given slip vectors on the contact surface ( such as surfaces 402 and 502 ) and some traction condition to other parts of the boundary ( such as the remaining surfaces of sections 302 and 304 ), equation ( 3 ) can be solved for displacement and traction vectors at each vertex on the boundary . once the displacement and traction at each vertex on the boundary is known , the deformation at any given interior point of the part can be then obtained by equation ( 2 ). in effect , this procedure removes the faulting and restores the volume to a pre - fault state . the next step in the fault restoration is resolving the slip vectors on the fault surface . when a horizon is offset by a fault , the discontinuity of the horizon can be used for defining the restoration slip vectors ( see fig2 , vectors 210 , 212 ). in this way restoration slip vectors can be defined on the intersection of the horizon and the fault . the intersection defines a polyline on the faulting surface . note that the displacement at the other points on the fault surface cannot be defined by the discontinuity of the horizon . the extrapolation of these same slip vectors to other vertices on the fault surface would erroneously result in penetration of the volume unless a correction is made . in a fault restoration problem , input displacement vectors may be given for the contact boundary of one volume section , for example surface 402 for section 304 , or surface 502 for section 302 . in various example case , given displacement vectors may be supplied manually , i . e ., by a user , or automatically by an analytical method , from a calibrated data set , such as a digital image , of the faulted seismic formation . in one embodiment , the input displacement vectors may result from an automated analysis method operating on a 3d data set representing a faulted formation . in one embodiment , an image analysis routine operating on a 2d image may vectorize the formations on either side of a fault line , detect a horizon discontinuity from the vectorized image , and automatically return a restoration slip vector ( or at least the 2d planar component thereof ) for each detected discontinuity ; such a process may be repeated with several images of the formation , representing different sectional views , to assemble 3d representation of the input displacement vectors . in one manual implementation , the input displacement vectors may be manually chosen such that a feature on the contact surface of one section , such as the intersection of a horizon surface with the fault surface , will meet the commensurate horizon / fault intersection of the section on the other side of the fault surface . this kind of displacement vectors are generally referred to as slip vectors , a term common in structural geology . from the point view of structure , restoration , the main quandary is the removal of the discontinuity of the horizon due to the faulting . the elasticity model can compensate for other factors to produce a deformed volume characterized by minimum seismic distortion . the specification of restoration vectors at each vertex on the fault surface is not required , the space constraint provides the means to resolve the remaining quantities . note that the input slip vectors are only given at the locations of a recognizable feature on the contact surface , i . e . an intersection of a horizon with the fault surface . these locations normally follow a polyline ( a line comprising multiple line segments ) on the contact surface , such as the case of horizon - fault intersection . in the small element model , these locations correspond to the vertex of an element at the location . the orientation of a slip vector is also so constrained that no gap or overlay would be created after the reversal , while the magnitude of the slip vector along the horizon remains constant as long as the fault extends through the entire volume section . if a fault only extends partially through a volume section , the slip vector may be tapered to zero at the tips of the fault . the displacement or traction vectors at other locations , i . e ., vertices , on the contact surface may not generally be known . however , all vertices on the contact surface must additionally satisfy the space constraint , that is , they may not overlap , i . e ., cross over , the fault surface . a restricting condition is applied that the fault blocks must not penetrate each other after the restoration . the boundary condition for those points is not an equation but an inequality . to solve the problem of this type , we use the repulsion scheme proposed by wei and de bremaecker ( see wei , k . and de bremaecker , j .- cl ., fracture growth under compression , journal of geophysical research , 99 , 13781 - 13790 , 1994 ). the basic idea of this scheme is that under an appropriate repulsion or traction stress applied normal to a surface element , the fault sections do not penetrate each other . however , the exact values of the repulsions are not known in advance , but rather , may be iteratively determined , as they will converge on the solution to the inequality . initially an estimated value of the repulsions or tractions to those points under an inequality constraint is applied . in one example , all normal tractions stresses are set to zero on the first iteration . if a penetration is found at a vertex , the repulsion stress at the corresponding element is incremented . if a gap opening is found at a vertex , the repulsion stress is decremented , in other words , attraction stress is incremented . this scheme is iterative and does converge after several iterations . thus , with a sufficient traction applied to the fault surface vertices , the space constraint can be iteratively satisfied . in one case , satisfaction of the space constraint requires that no vertex violates the space constraint by an amount greater than a minimum displacement from the fault surface . in one example , a minimum violation of the space constraint is 10 − 2 m . fig1 is a block diagram representing one set of embodiments of a computer system 1082 that may take the role of the server computer or the client computer as variously described herein . the computer system 1082 may include at least one central processing unit cpu 1160 ( i . e ., processor ) that is coupled to a host bus 1162 . the cpu 1160 may be any of various types , including , but not limited to , an x86 processor , a powerpc processor , a cpu from the sparc family of risc processors , as well as others . a memory medium , typically including semiconductor ram , and referred to herein as main memory 1166 , may be coupled to the host bus 1162 by means of memory controller 1164 . the main memory 1166 may store programs operable to implement any or all or any subset of the various methods embodiments described herein . the main memory may also store operating system software , as well as other software for operation of the computer system . the host bus 1162 may couple to an expansion or input / output bus 1170 through a bus controller 1168 or bus bridge logic . the expansion bus 1170 may include slots for various devices such as a video card 1180 , a hard drive 1182 , storage devices 1190 ( such as a cd - rom drive , a tape drive , a floppy drive , etc .) and a network interface 1122 . the video card 1180 may couple to a display device such as a monitor , a projector , or a head mounted display . the network interface 1122 ( e . g ., an ethernet device ) may be used to communicate with other computers through a network . the computer system 1082 may also include i / o devices 1192 such as a mouse , keyboard , speakers . embodiments of computer system 1082 targeted for use as a server computer may be more richly endowed with processor capacity ( e . g ., having multiple processors ), memory capacity and network access bandwidth than embodiments targeted for use as a client computer . the client computer may include the mouse , keyboard , speakers and video card ( or graphics accelerator ), whereas a server computer does not necessarily include these items . any method embodiment ( or portion thereof ) described herein may be implemented in terms of program instructions . the program instructions may be stored on any of various kinds of computer readable memory media . the program instructions are readable and executable ( by a computer or set of computers ) to implement the method embodiment ( or portion thereof ). although the embodiments above have been described in considerable detail , numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated . it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications .
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an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the same or similar parts or steps have been given the same or similar reference numerals . the invention is a motion search method of comparable or better performance than the existing solutions , but which can also be efficiently implemented in hardware ( fpga or asic ). its purpose is to choose a number of integer pixel candidate mvs for the current mb and its partitions . these candidates are then refined to sub - pixel mvs and presented as possible coding options to the mb encoding process . the method has the following stages , which are illustrated in fig5 : 1 . initial search 510 . a 1 pixel spaced ( i . e . exhaustive ) search around the [ 0 , 0 ] position , the 4 neighbour mb prediction positions and the motion vector predictor ( mvp ) position . 2 . main search 520 . a 4 pixel ( or more ) spaced search in a sparse rectangular grid array covering the whole search range . note this search is not dependent upon the result from the initial search . 3 . prediction search 530 . a larger 1 pixel spaced search centred on the best result of stage 1 . 4 . extended search a 540 . for the whole mb and each partition independently , a 2 pixel spaced search centred on the best result so far out of stages 1 to 3 . the complete set of these searches is done before progressing to the next stage . 5 . extended search b 550 . for the whole mb and each partition independently , a 1 pixel spaced search centred on the best result so far out of stages 1 to 4 . the results of this search will be the results of the me for the current mb and its partitions . stages 1 to 3 can be carried out concurrently for each of the mb and sub - mb partition sizes , whereas stages 4 and 5 are carried out for mb first , then partition0 16 × 8 , then partition1 16 × 8 , etc ( i . e . in decreasing partition size ). note that not all partition sizes are used in every implementation ; hence some may be skipped ( see below for more details ). the following are definitions as per the h . 264 video compression standard : source mb 420 — the current mb being encoded , i . e . the mb that is being tested at each position . source mb partitions — possible partitions of the current mb being encoded . mb a 451 — the source mb to the left of the one being encoded — i . e . the previous mb to be encoded ( see fig6 ). mb b 452 — the source mb above the one being encoded ( see fig6 ). mb c 453 — the source mb diagonally above and to the right of the one being encoded ( see fig6 ). mb d 454 — the source mb diagonally above and to the left of the one being encoded ( see fig6 ). reference pictures — previously encoded pictures kept as reference , against which the best match for the source mb we will attempt to find . the pseudo motion vector predictor ( mvp ) of stage 1 ( f ) ( see below ) is calculated from the mvs of the neighbours of the same reference as follows : 1 . if mb a , mb b and mb c are available , then for each component the mvp is equal to the median of the 3 mvs : 461 462 463 . 2 . if mb c is not available , then the mv for mb d is used instead 464 . 3 . if mb a is not available , then [ 0 , 0 ] is taken to be its mv — i . e . a zero mv . 4 . if none of the neighbours from the row above are available then the mv value for mb a is used 461 . this pseudo mvp portion of the method above is based on the h . 264 definition of the calculation of the real mvp ( see h . 264 section 8 . 4 . 1 . 3 . 1 ). in most implementations , the real mvp cannot be calculated at this time , as the decision on how to encode the neighbours has not been taken . the pseudo mvp assumes that the neighbours are encoded using motion compensation from the same reference picture . the stages identified above will now be described in greater detail as follows : this first stage is intended to review the mv results found by the estimation of previous mbs in the vicinity of the current mb with a view to finding suitable mv estimates that can be used for the source mb . that is , the pixels of a mb in the current picture are the source data for a comparison with pixels taken from the regions in the reference pictures around those previously estimated mvs . an exhaustive search is performed over a 1 pixel 701 grid 700 for an 8 × 4 array of positions ( see fig7 , from a first mb position 710 to a last mb position 720 ) around 6 initial positions located at the following places : a . the [ 0 , 0 ] position . the majority of blocks in a picture are often stationary so that a good prediction for the mv of the source mb is the mv for the mb in the same place in the reference picture , i . e . the [ 0 , 0 ] motion vector . a search around this point could be successful in the presence of small amounts of motion or due to the effect of noise . b . the position predicted by using the mv found for the mb a neighbour 461 within the reference picture currently being searched ( see fig6 ). there is a high probability that the motion of a block will be closely matched to that of a neighbouring block . c . the position predicted by using the mv found for the mb b neighbour 462 within the reference picture currently being searched ( see fig6 ). there is a high probability that the motion of a block will be closely matched to that of a neighbouring block . d . the position predicted by using the mv found for the mb c neighbour 463 within the reference picture currently being searched ( see fig6 ). there is a high probability that the motion of a block will be closely matched to that of a neighbouring block . e . the position predicted by using the mv found for the mb d neighbour 464 within the reference picture currently being searched ( see fig6 ). there is a high probability that the motion of a block will be closely matched to that of a neighbouring block . f . the position predicted by using a pseudo motion vector predictor based on the real mvp as defined above . the pseudo mvp is a derived mv based on a combination of the mvs of adjacent mbs . it can be the case that the motion of a block along one axis may be close to that of one of its neighbours , but the motion in the other axis may be close to that of another neighbour . the pseudo mvp is calculated as the median mv of the neighbouring mbs done separately for each axis . if a mb / partition is coded with a mv equal to the mvp then it will have zero mvd cost , making it an efficient coding choice . this stage covers the whole selected search range (+/− 120 by +/− 56 ), but searches a rectangular grid 800 spaced at 4 pixel intervals 801 , centred at the current source mb position , as illustrated by fig8 . the source mb 420 is compared to every possible mb position on the grid , to arrive at a best match 430 , and associated mv 440 . a minority of video sequences have fast motion where mvs between fields / frames will be large . this stage is designed to have a good probability of picking up these large mvs 440 without the high computational cost of searching all positions with single pixel precision . assuming the object ( s ) in motion are of a reasonable size ( greater than 8 × 8 pixels ) and of fairly consistent texture then at least one of the positions in this search should give a reasonable match . the extended search stages ( see stages 4 & amp ; 5 below ) should then refine this initial mv match down to the nearest pixel . this search is extensive and takes up a considerable part of the time available to calculate results . this stage is an exhaustive search 900 , i . e . to 1 pixel precision 701 , for an 8 × 8 array of positions ( see fig9 , from a first mb position 910 to a last mb position 920 ) centred on the best result of stage 1 . it is assumed that the initial search has correctly identified that the motion is most closely correlated with one of the 6 initial positions , but also that the relatively small 8 × 4 initial search did not cover the best match position . so this stage will extend the area around the best position from that initial search to give a greater chance of discovering the actual best match position . as this stage depends upon the initial search results , it does not directly follow the initial search stage to allow for pipeline delay in the implementation , without unused cycles between stages as illustrated in fig1 and described in more detail below . the best match positions and costs for the whole mb and each of its partitions separately were identified in stages 2 and 3 above and the best of them selected as the optimum candidate . this first extended stage is centred on that best result so far and is run independently for each partition . a 32 × 16 pixel area 1000 is searched over a grid array spaced at 2 pixels 1002 , from a first mb position 1010 to a last mb position 1020 , as illustrated by fig1 . this stage is designed to refine the mv towards the best possible match without the computational cost of searching all the positions within the 32 × 16 pixel area . this stage is run for each partition independently for the same reason as extended search a . a 16 × 8 pixel area 1100 , centred on the best result so far for the partition , is searched exhaustively ( i . e . at 1 pixel spacing 701 ), from a first mb position 1110 to a last mb position 1120 , as illustrated in fig1 . this stage is designed to refine the mv down to the best possible match mv with single pixel precision . the foregoing has provided a general overview of the proposed motion estimation method . the aforementioned search window sizes are all compromises between speed of comparison vs accuracy , and hence other sizes may be used . however , the aforementioned search window sizes have been found by experimentation to produce very acceptable results , whilst still being fully executable within the frame rate of a 60 hz hdtv signal . the following provides more details on an exemplary specific implementation for a 1080i video signal . fig1 to 16 illustrate all the searches , stage by stage , for clarity and fig1 superimposes them all . they are all example figures based on coding a 1080i picture sequence . the large number of searches provided by the present invention has made it necessary to spread the searches widely over the search area for the purposes of illustrative clarity . in practice , the searches are more likely to be clustered closely together . in all of fig1 to 17 , the results from the different stages , reference pictures and mb partitions are identified by the form and legend of each rectangular block . 1 . fig1 shows the 6 search regions for the initial search stage ( items 1 ( a ) to 1 ( f ) above ). 2 . fig1 shows the search regions for the main search stage ( item 2 above ) where all positions on a 4 pixel spaced grid are searched within the search area . the blocks 1310 shown outlined with dotted lines and with labels such as 2 . x . y each contain all 16 of the search positions that are conducted in one clock cycle . a sequential search through all the blocks will result in a unique best match for the whole search and this produces a mv that points to somewhere in the search region but only to a precision of the nearest 4 pixels . this search is the most intensive of all to carry out . 3 . fig1 shows the prediction search stage where the best result from the initial search stage is used as the centre of another search . 4 . fig1 shows the search regions for extended search a . the nine search regions for this stage are shown and each is labelled with its partition size and index . 5 . fig6 shows the search regions for extended search b . the nine search regions for this stage are shown and each is labelled with its partition size and index . fig1 shows all the regions of all the search stages superimposed . once one complete reference picture has been searched according to the above described method , the set of mv results is stored and the process moves on to provide mvs for other reference pictures . what results from these searches is a set of mvs per reference picture that is passed on to the sub - pixel refinement and encoding process . the above described method can be implemented in hardware in the form shown in fig1 . this design can be used for both 1080i and 720p standard picture configurations , 1080p configuration or all partitions configuration . the grey shaded find best blocks for 4 × 4 , 4 × 8 and 8 × 4 ( 1834b ) are only used in the ‘ all partitions configuration ’ ( see more details below ). to achieve the throughput required , 16 positions are searched per clock cycle . the 16 positions are labelled a 0 to d 3 . the major processing blocks of the motion search hardware 1800 in fig1 are : 1 . reference alignment 1840 . within its cache 1845 this block stores , for each of the four reference pictures , an area which is at least the size of the search range around the current mb . in response to the control signals from the search control block 1860 it produces the reference data ( 16 × 16 pixels ) for all the 16 positions being searched in each clock cycle . 2 . search control 1860 . this block is the main state machine , which runs the search method and controls the other blocks , via control signal paths 1865 and 1866 . it takes the best positions 1835 calculated by the find best portions 1834 of the difference core 1830 ( see below ), and provides the results 1870 to a refinement stage . 3 . difference core 1830 . this block calculates the difference values , using difference blocks 1831 , between the source data 1810 and reference data 1820 ( as passed from the reference cache 1845 , in the form of reference data a 0 - d 3 1850 ) for the 16 positions searched each clock cycle . the differences are calculated initially on a 4 × 4 pixel block basis , and the appropriate blocks are hierarchically summed to give the difference values for all possible partitions . for each partition in each of the 16 search positions , a rate estimate is calculated from the mvd to the pseudo mvp . this allows a simplified use of the rdo equation ( cost = λr + d ), to give a score for each partition at each position . these values are used to find the best position during the search stage , for each partition . these designs are based on searching a range of +/− 120 by +/− 56 pixels in four reference pictures for all mbs within a 1080i field or 720p frame . the higher the number of reference pictures ( fields or frames ) searched , the better the chances of finding the best match in all the possible references . limitations on the available processing time means there is a limit on the number of pictures that can be practically used , but the number of references is also limited by the level setting as described in h . 264 appendix a . it is assumed that only the partition sizes 16 × 16 , 16 × 8 , 8 × 16 and 8 × 8 are used for these cases . the search control block runs the search method for a pair of reference pictures together to allow pipelining ( see fig1 ) as follows : 1 . initial search reference 0 = 12 cycles . as an 8 × 4 area is searched and a 4 × 4 area is searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles for each of the 6 centre positions searched . 2 . main search reference 0 = 105 cycles . as a 240 × 112 area is searched and a 16 × 16 area is searched per cycle this stage takes 15 × 7 cycles . 3 . prediction search reference 0 = 4 cycles . as an 8 × 8 area is searched and a 4 × 4 area is searched per cycle this stage takes 4 cycles . this stage is centred on the best position from the initial search . a . 16 × 16 mb = 8 cycles . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and an 8 × 8 area is searched per cycle this stage takes 8 cycles . this stage is centred on the best position for the 16 × 16 mb so far . b . 16 × 8 partitions =[ 2 ×] 4 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 16 × 8 partition . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and two 8 × 8 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 4 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 16 × 8 partition so far . c . 8 × 16 partitions =[ 2 ×] 4 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 16 partition . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and two 8 × 8 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 4 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 16 partition so far . d . 8 × 8 partitions =[ 4 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and four 8 × 8 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 8 partition so far . e . 16 × 16 mb = 8 cycles . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and a 4 × 4 area is searched per cycle this stage takes 8 cycles . this stage is centred on the best position for the 16 × 16 mb so far . f . 16 × 8 partitions =[ 2 ×] 4 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 16 × 8 partition . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and two 4 × 4 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 4 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 16 × 8 partition so far . g . 8 × 16 partitions =[ 2 ×] 4 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 16 partition . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and two 4 × 4 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 4 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 16 partition so far . h . 8 × 8 partitions =[ 4 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and four 4 × 4 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 8 partition so far . the total cycles taken to run the whole method for two reference pictures is : for four reference pictures it is 756 cycles . therefore , an implementation of the method running at 189 mhz would be sufficient to search a mb within a 4 μs period , which is the requirement for encoding 1080i or 720p in real - time . it has been shown that increasing the vertical spacing of the grid for the main search stage to 8 ( as opposed to 4 discussed above ) gives very little performance degradation . as increasing the vertical spacing decreases the number of cycles taken for this main stage to execute ( i . e . down to [ 15 × 4 ]= 60 cycles ), this in turn allows a reduction in the required clock speed down to 140 mhz . a similar implementation can be used for encoding 1080p frames . the major difference is that only two reference pictures are searched for all the mbs within a 1080p frame , given that each mb must now be calculated within 2 μs ( since the progressive picture has twice as many mbs to encode per unit time ). again to achieve this , 16 positions are searched per clock cycle and it is assumed that the partition sizes 16 × 16 , 16 × 8 , 8 × 16 and 8 × 8 only are used . in this case , the total cycles taken to run the whole algorithm for two reference pictures is : therefore an implementation of the algorithm running at 189 mhz would be sufficient to search a mb within the 2 μs period , which is the requirement for encoding 1080p in real - time . again increasing the vertical spacing of the grid for the main search stage to 8 gives very little performance degradation and allows a reduction in required clock speed to 140 mhz . the method and apparatus can be run in a configuration where all the partition sizes 16 × 16 , 16 × 8 , 8 × 16 , 8 × 8 , 8 × 4 , 4 × 8 and 4 × 4 are used . partitions sizes below 8 × 8 have not been shown to give any video encoding performance gain for hd video so are not currently included in the 1080i / 720p or 1080p configurations , however they have been shown to give a performance gain for sd video . an all partition configuration includes the grey blocks in fig1 . the search control block runs the search method for a pair of reference pictures as follows : a . 16 × 16 mb = 8 cycles . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and an 8 × 8 area is searched per cycle this stage takes 8 cycles . this stage is centred on the best position for the 16 × 16 mb so far . b . 16 × 8 partitions =[ 2 ×] 4 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 16 × 8 partition . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and two 8 × 8 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 4 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 16 × 8 partition so far . c . 8 × 16 partitions =[ 2 ×] 4 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 16 partition . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and two 8 × 8 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 4 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 16 partition so far . d . 8 × 8 partitions =[ 4 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and four 8 × 8 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 8 partition so far . e . 8 × 4 partitions =[ 8 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and four 8 × 8 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 4 partition so far . f . 4 × 8 partitions =[ 8 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and four 8 × 8 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 4 × 8 partition so far . g . 4 × 4 partitions =[ 16 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 32 × 16 area is searched and four 8 × 8 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 4 × 4 partition so far . h . 16 × 16 mb = 8 cycles . as an 16 × 8 area is searched and a 4 × 4 area is searched per cycle this stage takes 8 cycles . this stage is centred on the best position for the 16 × 16 mb so far . i . 16 × 8 partitions =[ 2 ×] 4 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 16 × 8 partition . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and two 4 × 4 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 4 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 16 × 8 partition so far . j . 8 × 16 partitions =[ 2 ×] 4 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 16 partition . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and two 4 × 4 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 4 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 16 partition so far . k . 8 × 8 partitions =[ 4 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and four 4 × 4 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 8 partition so far . l . 8 × 4 partitions =[ 8 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and four 4 × 4 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 8 partition so far . m . 4 × 8 partitions =[ 8 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and four 4 × 4 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 8 partition so far . n . 4 × 4 partitions =[ 16 ×] 2 cycles . this stage is performed separately for each 8 × 8 partition . as a 16 × 8 area is searched and four 4 × 4 areas are searched per cycle this stage takes 2 cycles per partition . this stage is centred on the best position for the 8 × 8 partition so far . the total cycles taken to run the whole method for two reference pictures is therefore : therefore an implementation of the described method running at 63 mhz would be sufficient to search a mb within a 20 μs period , which is the time allowed to encode a mb in real time at 720 × 576 standard definition video . the above described method and apparatus has similar or better performance to other state of the art motion search methods . the method can be implemented efficiently in hardware ( fpga or asic ) at a relatively low clock speed ( e . g . 140 mhz , as discussed above ), even for encoding hdtv video in real - time . the method allows all the difference blocks to be fully utilised in parallel during the whole mb period , maximising the searching performed for the resources used . assuming at least two reference pictures , the method can be implemented in a pipelined design , where the method does not need to wait before starting any of the stages for the results of the previous stage . searching positions close together within the reference pictures massively reduces the bandwidth requirement on the reference cache . so although 16 positions ( each requiring 16 × 16 pixels of input reference data ) are searched in parallel , all the data can be fetched from within one 4 pixel aligned , 32 × 32 pixel area . the reduced bandwidth requirement and data alignment allows the reference cache to be implemented in internal ram . the method searches partitions independently from whole mbs without a large increase in processing , as the first stages ( 1 - 3 ) are common . the difference values calculated for partitions are added together to give the differences values for larger partitions and ultimately the whole mb . accordingly , the resultant motion search method and apparatus is much more efficient in its use of the available processing resources , hence more candidates can be processed within the mb period for a given design size and clock speed . the method can be applied efficiently for any selection of partition sizes , from no partitions ( i . e . only 16 × 16 mbs ), to all possible partitions ( i . e . 16 × 16s mbs down to 4 × 4s sub - mbs ). the method can be applied efficiently for 2 , 4 or any 2 n number of reference pictures per mb . as mentioned previously , the method may be embodied as a specially programmed , or hardware designed , integrated circuit that operates to carry out the method on reference picture data loaded into the said integrated circuit . the integrated circuit may be formed as part of a general purpose computing device , such as a pc , and the like , or it may be formed as part of a more specialised device , such as a games console , mobile phone , portable computer device or specialist / broadcast hardware video encoder . one exemplary hardware embodiment is that of a field programmable gate array ( fpga ) programmed to carry out the described method , located on a daughterboard of a rack mounted video encoder , for use in , for example , a television studio or location video uplink van supporting an in - the - field news team . another exemplary hardware embodiment of the present invention is that of a video encoder comprising an application specific integrated circuit ( asic ). it will be apparent to the skilled person that the exact order and content of the processing order in the method described herein may be altered according to the requirements of a particular set of execution parameters , such as speed of encoding , accuracy , and the like . accordingly , the claim numbering is not to be construed as a strict limitation on the ability to move steps between claims , and as such portions of dependent claims maybe utilised freely .
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the so - called “ minimal ” adenovirus vectors according to the present invention retain at least a portion of the viral genome that is required for encapsidation of the genome into virus particles ( the encapsidation signal ), as well as at least one copy of at least a functional part or a derivative of the itr , that is dna sequences derived from the termini of the linear adenovirus genome . the vectors according to the present invention will also contain a transgene linked to a promoter sequence to govern expression of the transgene . packaging of the so - called minimal adenovirus vector can be achieved by co - infection with a helper virus or , alternatively , with a packaging deficient replicating helper system as described below . adenovirus - derived dna fragments that can replicate in suitable cell lines and that may serve as a packaging deficient replicating helper system are generated as follows . these dna fragments retain at least a portion of the transcribed region of the “ late ” transcription unit of the adenovirus genome and carry deletions in at least a portion of the e1 region and deletions in at least a portion of the encapsidation signal . in addition , these dna fragments contain at least one copy of an itr at one terminus of the transfected dna molecule an itr is located . the other end may contain an itr , or alternatively , a dna sequence that is complementary to a portion of the same strand of the dna molecule other than the itr . if , in the latter case , the two complementary sequences anneal , the free 3 ′- hydroxyl group of the 3 ′ terminal nucleotide of the hairpin - structure can serve as a primer for dna synthesis by cellular and / or adenovirus - encoded dna polymerases , resulting in conversion into a double - stranded form of at least a portion of the dna molecule . further replication initiating at the itr will result in a linear double - stranded dna molecule , that is flanked by two itr &# 39 ; s , and is larger than the original transfected dna molecule ( see fig1 ). this molecule can replicate itself in the transfected cell by virtue of the adenovirus proteins encoded by the dna molecule and the adenoviral and cellular proteins encoded by genes in the host - cell genome . this dna molecule can not be encapsidated due to its large size ( greater than 39000 base pairs ) or due to the absence of a functional encapsidation signal . this dna molecule is intended to serve as a helper for the production of defective adenovirus vectors in suitable cell lines . the invention also comprises a method for amplifying linear dna fragments of variable size in suitable mammalian cells . these dna fragments contain at least one copy of the itr at one of the termini of the fragment . the other end may contain an itr , or alternatively , a dna sequence that is complementary to a portion of the same strand of the dna molecule other than the itr . if , in the latter case , the two complementary sequences anneal , the free 3 ′- hydroxyl group of the 3 ′ terminal nucleotide of the hairpin - structure can serve as a primer for dna synthesis by cellular and / or adenovirus - encoded dna polymerases , resulting in conversion of the displaced stand into a double stranded form of at least a portion of the dna molecule . further replication initiating at the itr will result in a linear double - stranded dna molecule , that is flanked by two itr &# 39 ; s , which is larger than the original transfected dna molecule . a dna molecule that contains itr sequences at both ends can replicate itself in transfected cells by virtue of the presence of at least the adenovirus e2 proteins ( viz . the dna - binding protein (“ dbp ”), the adenovirus dna polymerase (“ ad - pol ”), and the pre - terminal protein (“ ptp ”). the required proteins may be expressed from adenovirus genes on the dna molecule itself , from adenovirus e2 genes integrated in the host - cell genome , or from a replicating helper fragment as described above . several groups have shown that the presence of itr sequences at the end of dna molecules are sufficient to generate adenovirus minichromosomes that can replicate , if the adenovirus - proteins required for replication are provided in trans , for example , by infection with a helpervirus ( hu et al ., 1992 ; wang and pearson , 1985 ; hay et al ., 1984 ). hu et al . ( 1992 ) observed the presence and replication or symmetrical adenovirus minichromosome - dimers after transfection of plasmids containing a single itr . the authors were able to demonstrate that these dimeric minichromosomes arise after tail - to - tail ligation of the single itr dna molecules . in dna extracted from defective adenovirus type 2 particles , dimeric molecules of various sizes have also been observed using electron - microscopy ( daniell , 1976 ). it was suggested that the incomplete genomes were formed by illegitimate recombination between different molecules and that variations in the position of the sequence at which the illegitimate base pairing occurred were responsible for the heterogeneous nature of the incomplete genomes . based on this mechanism it was speculated that , in theory , defective molecules with a total length of up to two times the normal genome could be generated . such molecules could contain duplicated sequences from either end of the genome . however , no dna molecules larger than the full - length virus were found packaged in the defective particles ( daniell , 1976 ). this can be explained by the size - limitations that apply to the packaging . in addition , it was observed that in the virus particles dna - molecules with a duplicated left - end predominated over those containing the right - end terminus ( daniell , 1976 ). this is fully explained by the presence of the encapsidation signal near that left - end of the genome ( gräble and hearing , 1990 ; gäble and hearing , 1992 ; hearing et al ., 1987 ). 2 ) the expression of adenovirus genes that reside in the adenoviral vectors , resulting in a cytotoxic t - cell response against the transduced cells . 3 ) the low amount of heterologous sequences that can be accommodated in the current vectors ( up to maximally approx . 8000 base pairs (“ cbp ”) of heterologous dna ). the strong immunogenicity of the adenovirus particle results in an immunological response of the host , even after a single administration of the adenoviral vector . as a result of the development of neutralizing antibodies , a subsequent administration of the virus will be less effective or even completely ineffective . however , a prolonged or persistent expression of the transferred genes will reduce the number of administrations required and may bypass the problem . with regard to problem 2 ), experiments performed by wilson and collaborators have demonstrated that after adenovirus - mediated gene transfer into immunocompetent animals , the expression of the transgene gradually decreases and disappears approximately 2 - 4 weeks post - infection ( yang et al 1994a ; yang et al ., 1994b ). this is caused by the development of a cytotoxic t - cell (“ ctl ”) response against the transduced cells . the ctls were directed against adenovirus proteins expressed by the viral vectors . in the transduced cells synthesis of the adenovirus dna - binding protein ( the e2a - gene product ), penton and fiber proteins ( late - gene products ) could be established . these adenovirus proteins , encoded by the viral vector , were expressed despite deletion of the e1 region . this demonstrates that deletion of the e1 region is not sufficient to completely prevent expression of the viral genes ( engelhardt et al ., 1994a ). with regard to problem 3 ), studies by graham and collaborators have demonstrated that adenoviruses are capable of encapsidating dna of up to 105 % of the normal genome size ( bett et al ., 1993 ). larger genomes tend to be instable resulting in loss of dna sequences during propagation of the virus . combining deletions in the e1 and e3 regions of the virual genomes increases the maximum size of the foreign dna that can be encapsidated to approximately 8 . 3 kb . in addition , some sequences of the e4 region appear to be dispensable for virus growth ( adding another 1 . 8 kb to the maximum encapsidation capacity ). also the e2a region can be deleted from the vector , when the e2a gene product is provided in trans in the encapsidation cell line , adding another 1 . 6 kb . it is , however , unlikely that the maximum capacity of foreign dna can be significantly increased further than 12 kb . we developed a new strategy for the generation and production of helper - free - stocks of recombinant adenovirus vectors that can accommodate up to 38 kb of foreign dna . only two functional itr sequences and sequences that can function as an encapsidation signal need to be part of the vector genome . such vectors are called “ minimal adenovectors .” the helper functions for the minimal adenovectors are provided in trans by encapsidation defective - replication competent dna molecules that contain all the viral genes encoding the required gene products , with the exception of those genes that are present in the host - cell genome , or genes that reside in the vector genome . the applications of the disclosed inventions are outlined below and will be illustrated in the experimental part , which is only intended for that purpose , and should not be used to reduce the scope of the present invention as understood by the person skilled in the art . the constructs , in particular pig . e1a . e1b , will be used to transfect diploid human cells , such as her , hek , and human embryonic lung cells (“ hel ”). transfected cells will be selected for transformed phenotype ( focus formation ) and tested for their ability to support propagation of e1 - deleted recombinant adenovirus , such as ig . ad . mlpi . tk . such cell lines will be used for the generation and ( large - scale ) production of e1 - deleted recombinant adenoviruses . such cells , infected with recombinant adenovirus are also intended to be used in vivo as a local producer of recombinant adenovirus , for example , for the treatment of solid tumors . 911 cells are used for the titration , generation and production of recombinant adenovirus vectors ( fallaux et al ., 1996 ). her cells transfected with pig . e1a . e1b have resulted in 7 independent clones ( called per cells ). these clones are used for the production of e1 - deleted ( including non - overlapping adenovirus vectors ) or e1 defective recombinant adenovirus vectors , and provide the basis for introduction of , for example , e2b or e2a constructs ( e . g ., ts125e2a , see below ), e4 etc ., that will allow propagation of adenovirus vectors that have mutations in , for example , e2a or e4 . in addition , diploid cells of other species that are permissive for human adenovirus , such as the cotton rat ( sigmodon hispidus ) ( pacini et al ., 1984 ), syrian hamster ( morin et al ., 1987 ) or chimpanzee ( levrero et a ., 1991 ), will be immortalized with these constructs . such cells , infected with recombinant adenovirus are also intended to be used in vivo for the local production of recombinant adenovirus , for example , for the treatment of solid tumors . the constructs , in particular pig . e1a . neo , can be used to transfect established cells , for example , a549 ( human bronchial carcinoma ), kb ( oral carcinoma ), mrc - 5 ( human diploid lung cell line ) or glc cell lines ( small cell lung cancer ) ( de leij et al ., 1985 ; postmus et al ., 1988 ) and selected for neo resistance . individual colonies of resistant cells are isolated and tested for their capacity to support propagation of e1 - deleted recombinant adenovirus , such as ig . ad . mlpi . tk . when propagation of e1 - deleted viruses on e1a containing cells is possible , such cells can be used for the generation and production of e1 - deleted recombinant adenovirus . they can also be used for the propagation of e1a deleted / e1b retained recombinant adenovirus established cells can also be co - transfected with pig . e1a . e1b and pig . neo ( or another neo containing expression vector ). clones resistant to g418 are tested for their ability to support propagation of e1 - deleted recombinant adenovirus , such as ig . ad . mlpi . tk and used for the generation and production of e1 deleted recombinant adenovirus and will be applied in vivo for local production of recombinant virus , as described for the diploid cells ( see previous discussion ). all cell lines , including transformed diploid cell lines or neo - resistant established lines , can be used as the basis for the generation of ‘ next generation ’ packaging cells lines , that support propagation of e1 - defective recombinant adenoviruses , that also carry deletions in other genes , such as e2a and e4 . moreover , they will provide the basis for the generation of minimal adenovirus vectors as disclosed herein . packaging cells expressing e2a sequences are and will be used for the generation and large scale production of e2a - deleted recombinant adenovirus . the newly generated human adenovirus packaging cell lines or cell lines derived from species permissive for human adenovirus ( e2a or ts125e2a : e1a + e2a ; e1a + e1b + e2a ; e1a − e2a / ts125 ; e1a + e1b − e2a / ts125 ) or non - permissive cell lines such as monkey cells ( hre2a or hr + ts125e2a ; e1a + hre2a ; e1a + e1b + hre2a ; e1a + hre2a / ts125 ; e1a − e1b + hre2a / ts125 ) are and will be used for the generation and large scale production of e2a deleted recombinant adenovirus vectors . in addition , they will be applied in vivo for local production of recombinant virus , as described for the diploid cells ( see previous discussion ). the newly developed adenovirus vectors harboring an e1 deletion of nt . 459 - 3510 will be used for gene transfer purposes . these vectors are also the basis for the development of further deleted adenovirus vectors that are mutated for , for example , e2a , e2b or e4 . such vectors will be generated , for example , on the newly developed packaging cell lines described above . we disclose adenovirus packaging constructs ( to be used for the packaging of minimal adenovirus vectors ) which have the following characteristics : 2 ) the packaging construct can not be packaged because the packaging signal is deleted ; 3 ) the packaging construct contains an internal hairpin - forming sequence ( see fig1 ); 4 ) because of the internal hairpin structure , the packaging construct is duplicated , that is , the dna of the packaging construct becomes twice as long as it was before transfection into the packaging cell ( in our sample it duplicates from 35 kb to 70 kb ). this duplication also prevents packaging . note that this duplicated dna molecule has itr &# 39 ; s at both termini ( see , e . g ., fig1 ); 5 ) this duplicated packaging molecule is able to replicate like a ‘ normal adenovirus ’ dna molecule ; 6 ) the duplication of the genome is a prerequisite for the production of sufficient levels of adenovirus proteins , required to package the minimal adenovirus vector ; and 7 ) the packaging construct has no overlapping sequences with the minimal vector or cellular sequences that may lead to generation of rca by homologous recombination . this packaging system is used to produce minimal adenovirus vectors . the advantages of minimal adenovirus vectors , for example , for gene therapy of vaccination purposes , are well known ( accommodation of up to 38 kb ; gutting of potentially toxic and immunogenic adenovirus genes ). adenovirus vectors containing mutations in essential genes ( including minimal adenovirus vectors ) can also be propagated using this system . minimal adenovirus vectors are generated using the helper functions provided in trans by packaging - deficient replicating helper molecules . the adenovirus - derived itr sequences serve as origins of dna replication in the presence of at least the e2 - gene products . when the e2 gene products are expressed from genes in the vector genome ( the gene ( s ) must be driven by an e1 - independent promoter ), the vector genome can replicate in the target cells . this will allow a significantly increased number of template molecules in the target cells , and , as a result , an increased expression of the genes of interest encoded by the vector . this is of particular interest for application of gene therapy in cancer treatment . a similar approach could also be taken if amplification of linear dna fragments is desired . dna fragments of known or unknown sequence could be amplified in cells containing the e2 - gene products if at least one itr sequence is located near or at its terminus . there are no apparent constraints on the size of the fragment . even fragments much larger than the adenovirus genome ( 36 kb ) should be amplified using this approach . it is thus possible to clone large fragments in mammalian cells without either shuttling the fragment into bacteria ( such as e . coli ) or use the polymerase chain reaction (“ pcr ”). at the end stage of an productive adenovirus infection a single cell can contain over 100 , 000 copies of the viral genome . in the optimal situation , the linear dna fragments can be amplified to similar levels . thus , one should be able to extract more than 5 μg of dna fragment per 10 million cells ( for a 35 - kbp fragment ). this system can be used to express heterologous proteins equivalent to the simian virus 40 - based cos - cell system ) for research or for therapeutic purposes . in addition , the system can be used to identify genes in large fragments of dna . random dna fragments may be amplified ( after addition of itrs ) and expressed during intracellular amplification . election or selection of those cells with the desired phenotype can be used to enrich the fragment of interest and to isolate the gene . generation of cell lines able to transcomplement e1 defective recombinant adenovirus vectors . we have generated a cell line that harbors e1 sequences of adenovirus type 5 (“ ad5 ”), able to trans - complement e1 deleted recombinant adenovirus ( fallaux et al ., 1996 ). this cell line was obtained by transfection of human diploid human embryonic retinoblasts (“ her ”) with pad5xhoic , that contains nt . 80 - 5788 of ad5 ; one of the resulting transformants was designated 911 . this cell line has been shown to be very useful in the propagation of e1 defective recombinant adenovirus . it was found to be superior to 293 cells . unlike 293 cells , 911 cells lack a fully transformed phenotype , which most likely is the cause of its better performance as adenovirus packaging line : 1 ) plaque assays can be performed faster ( 4 - 5 days instead of 8 - 14 days on 293 ), 2 ) monolayers of 911 cells survive better under agar overlay as required for plaque assays , and in addition , unlike 293 cells that were transfected with sheared adenoviral dna , 911 cells were transfected using a defined construct . transfection efficiencies of 911 cells are comparable to those of 293 . adenovirus sequences are derived either from pad5 . sa1b , containing nt . 80 - 9460 of human adenovirus type 5 ( bernards et al ., 1983 ) or from wild - type ad5 dna . pad5 . sa1b was digested with sali and xhoi and the large fragment was religated and this new clone was named pad5 . x / s . the ptn construct ( constructed bv dr . r . vogels , introgene , leiden , the netherlands ) was used as a source for the human pgk promoter and the neo gene . transcription of e1a sequences in the new packaging constructs is driven by the human pgk promoter ( michelson et al ., 1983 ; singer - sam et al ., 1984 ), derived from plasmid ptn ( gift of r . vogels ), which uses puc119 ( vieira and messing , 1987 ) as a backbone . this plasmid was also used as a source for neo gene fused to the hepatitis b virus (“ hbv ”) poly - adenylation signal . as shown in fig1 in order to replace the e1 sequences of ad5 ( itr , origin of replication and packaging signal ) by heterologous sequences we have amplified e1 sequences ( nt . 459 to nt . 960 ) of ad5 by pcr , using primers ea - 1 ( seq id no : 1 ) and ea - 2 ( seq id no : 2 ) ( see table i ). the resulting pcr product was digested with c1ai and ligated into bluescript ( stratagene ), predigested with c1ai and ecorv , resulting in construct pbs . pcri . a - primers used for pcr amplification of dna fragments used for generation of constructs described in this patent application . b - pcr primers sets to be used to create the sali and asp718 sites juxtaposed to the itr sequences . c - synthetic oligonucleotide pair used to generate a synthetic hairpin , recreates an asp718 site at one of the termini if inserted in asp718 site . d - synthetic oligonucleotide pair used to generate a synthetic hairpin , contains the clai recognition site to be used for hairpin formation . vector ptn was digested with restriction enzymes ecori ( partially ) and scai . and the dna fragment containing the pgk promoter sequences was ligated into pbs . pcri digested with scai and ecori . the resulting construct pbs . pgk . pcri contains the human pgk promoter operatively linked to ad5 e1 sequences from nt . 459 to nt . 916 . as shown in fig2 pig . e1a . e1b . x was made by replacing the scai - bspei fragment of pat - x / s by the corresponding fragment from pbs . pgk . pcri ( containing the pgk promoter linked to e1a sequences ). pig . e1a . e1b . x contains the e1a and e1b coding sequences under the direction of the pgk promoter . as ad5 sequences from nt . 459 to nt . 5788 are present in this construct , also pix protein of adenovirus is encoded by this plasmid . as shown in fig3 a , in order to introduce the complete e1b promoter and to fuse this promoter in such a way that the aug codon of e1b 21 kd exactly functions as the aug codon of neo r , we amplified the e1b promoter using primers ea - 3 ( seq id no : 3 ) and ep - 2 ( seq id no : 5 ), where primer ep - 2 introduces an ncoi site in the pcr fragment . the resulting pcr fragment , named pcrii , was digested with hpai and ncoi and ligated into pat - x / s , which was predigested with hpai and with ncoi . the resulting plasmid was designated pat - x / s - pcr2 . the ncoi - stui fragment of ptn , containing the neo gene and part of the hbv poly - adenylation signal , was cloned into pat - x / s - pcr2 ( digested with ncoi and nrui ). the resulting construct : pat - pcr2 - neo . as shown in fig3 b , the poly - adenylation signal was completed by replacing the scai - sali fragment of pat - pcr2 - neo by the corresponding fragment of ptn ( resulting in pat . pcr2 . neo . p ( a )). the scai - xbai of pat . pcr2 . neo . p ( a ) was replaced by the corresponding fragment of pig . eia . e1b - x , containing the pgk promoter linked to e1a genes . the resulting construct was named pig . e1a . neo , and thus contains ad5 e1 sequences ( nt . 459 to nt 1713 ) under the control of the human pgk promoter . as shown in fig4 pig . e1a . e1b was made by amplifying the sequences encoding the n - terminal amino acids of e1b 55kd using primers eb - 1 ( seq id no : 6 ) and eb - 2 ( seq id no : 7 ) ( introduces a xhoi site ). the resulting pcr fragment was digested with bglii and cloned into bglii / nrui of pat - x / s , thereby obtaining pat - pcr3 . pig . e1a . e1b was constructed by introducing the hbv poly ( a ) sequences of pig . e1a . neo downstream of e1b sequences of pat - pcr3 by exchange of xbai - sali fragment of pig . e1a . neo and the xbai xhoi fragment of pat . pcr3 . pig . e1a . e1b contains nt . 459 to nt . 3510 of ad5 , that encode the e1a and e1b proteins . the e1b sequences are terminated at the splice acceptor at nt . 3511 . no pix sequences are present in this construct . as shown in fig5 pig . neo was generated by cloning the hpai - scai fragment of pig . e1a . neo , containing the neo gene under the control of the ad . 5 e1b promoter , into pbs digested with ecorv and scai . this construct is of use when established cells are transfected with e1a . e1b constructs and neo selection is required . because neo expression is directed by the e1b promoter , neo resistant cells are expected to co - express e1a , which also is advantageous for maintaining high levels of expression of e1a during long - term culture of the cells . the integrity of the constructs pig . e1a . neo , pig . e1a . e1b . x and pig . e1a . e1b was assessed by restriction enzyme mapping ; furthermore , parts of the constructs that were obtained by pcr analysis were confirmed by sequence analysis . no changes in the nucleotide sequence were found . the constructs were transfected into primary baby rat kidney (“ brk ”) cells and tested for their ability to immortalize ( pig . e1a . nec ) or fully transform ( pad5 . xhoic , pig . e1a . e1b . x and pig . e1a . e1b ) these cells . kidneys of 6 - day old wag - rij rats were isolated , homogenized and trypsinized . subconfluent dishes ( diameter 5 cm ) of the brk cell cultures were transfected with 1 or 5 μg of pig . neo , pig . e1a . neo , pig . e1a . e1b , pig . e1a . e1b . x , pad5xhoic , or with pig . e1a . neo together with pdc26 ( van der elsen et al ., 1983 ), carrying the ad5 . e1b gene under control of the sv4o early promoter . three weeks post - transfection , when foci were visible , the dishes were fixed , giemsa stained and the foci counted . an overview of the generated adenovirus packaging constructs , and their ability to transform brk , is presented in fig6 . the results indicate that the constructs pig . e1a . e1b and pig . e1a . e1b . x are able to transform brk cells in a dose - dependent manner . the efficiency of transformation is similar for both constructs and is comparable to what was found with the construct that was used to make 911 cells , namely pad5 . xhoic . as expected , pig . e1a . neo was hardly able to immortalize brk . however , co - transfection of an e1b expression construct ( pdc26 ) did result in a significant increase of the number of transformants ( 18 versus 1 ), indicating that e1a encoded by pig . e1a . neo is functional . we conclude , therefore , that the newly generated packaging constructs are suited for the generation of new adenovirus packaging lines . generation of cell lines with new packaging constructs cell lines and cell culture human a549 bronchial carcinoma cells ( shapiro et al ., 1978 ), human embryonic retinoblasts (“ her ”), ad5 - e1 - transformed human embryonic kidney (“ hek ”) cells ( 293 ; graham et al ., 1977 ) cells and ad5 - transformed her cells ( 911 ; fallaux et al ., 1996 )) and per cells were grown in dulbecco &# 39 ; s modified eagle medium (“ dmem ”) supplemented with 10 % fetal calf serum (“ fcs ”) and antibiotics in a 5 % c02 atmosphere at 37 ° c . cell culture media , reagents and sera were purchased from gibco laboratories ( grand island , n . y .). culture plastics were purchased from greiner ( nürtingen , germany ) and corning ( corning , n . y .). the construction of adenoviral vectors ig . ad . mlp . nls . lacz , ig . ad . mlp . luc , ig . ad . mlp . tk and ig . ad . cmv . tk is described in detail in patent application ep 95202213 . the recombinant adenoviral vector ig . ad . mlp . nls . lacz contains the e . coli lacz gene , encoding β - galactosidase , under control of the ad2 major late promoter (“ mlp ”). ig . ad . mlp . luc contains the firefly luciferase gene driven by the ad2 mlp . adenoviral vectors ig . ad . mlp . tk and ig . ad . cmv . tr contain the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (“ tk ”) gene under the control of the ad2 mlp and the cytomegalovirus (“ cmv ”) enhancer / promoter , respectively . all transfections were performed by calcium - phosphate precipitation dna ( graham and van der eb , 1973 ) with the gibco calcium phosphate transfection system ( gibco brl life technologies inc ., gaithersburg , md ., usa ), according to the manufacturers protocol . subconfluent cultures of exponentially growing 293 , 911 and ad5 - e1 - transformed a549 and per cells were washed with pbs and scraped in fos - ripa buffer ( 10 mm tris ( ph 7 . 5 ), 150 mm nacl , 1 % np4o , 01 % sodium dodecyl sulphate (“ sds ”), 1 % na - doc , 0 . 5 mm phenyl methyl sulphonyl fluoride (“ pmsf ”), 0 . 5 mm trypsin inhibitor , 50 mm naf and 1 mm sodium vanadate ). after 10 minutes at room temperature , lysates were cleared by centrifugation . protein concentrations were measured with the biorad protein assay kit , and 25 μg total cellular protein was loaded on a 12 . 5 % sds - paa gel . after electrophoresis , proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose ( 1 hour at 300 ma ). prestained standards ( sigma , usa ) were run in parallel . filters were blocked with 1 % bovine serum albumin (“ bsa ”) in tbst ( 10 mm tris , ph 8 . 15 mm nacl , and 0 . 05 % tween ™- 20 ) for 1 hour . first antibodies were the mouse monoclonal anti - ad5 - e1b - 55 - kda antibody a1c6 ( zantema et al ., unpublished ), the rat monoclonal anti - ad5 - e1b - 221 - kda antibody cig11 ( zantema et al ., 1985 ). the second antibody was a horseradish peroxidase - labeled goat anti - mouse antibody ( promega ). signals were visualized by enhanced chemoluminescence ( amersham corp , uk ). high molecular weight dna was isolated and 10μg was digested to completion and fractionated on a 0 . 7 % agarose gel . southern blot transfer to hybond n + ( amersham , uk ) was performed with a 0 . 4 m naoh , 0 . 6 m nacl transfer solution ( church and gilbert , 1984 ). hybridization was performed with a 2463 - nt sspi - hindiii fragment from pad5 . sa1b ( bernards et al ., 1983 ). this fragment consists of ad5 bp . 342 - 2805 . the fragment was radiolabeled with α - 32p - dctp with the use of random hexanucleotide primers and klenow dna polymerase . the southern blots were exposed to a kodak xar - 5 film at − 80 ° c . and to a phospho - imager screen which was analyzed by b & amp ; l systems molecular dynamics software . ad5 - e1 - transformed a549 human bronchial carcinoma cell lines were generated by transfection with pig . e1a . neo and selection for g418 resistance . thirty - one g418 resistant clones were established . co - transfection of pig . e1a . e1b with pig . neo yielded seven g418 resistant cell lines . ad5 - e1 - transformed her cells were generated by transfection of primary her cells with plasmid pig . e1a . e1b . transformed cell lines were established from well - separated foci . we were able to establish seven clonal cell lines which we called per . c1 , per . c3 , per . c4 , per . c5 , per . c6 , per . c8 and per . c9 . one of the per clones , namely per . c6 , has been deposited under the budapest treaty under number ecacc 96022940 with the centre for applied microbiology and research of porton down , uk on feb . 29 , 1996 . in addition , per . c6 is commercially available from ingrogene , b . v ., leiden , nl . expression of ad5 e1a and e1b genes in transformed a549 and per cells expression of the ad5 e1a and the 55 - kda and 21 kda e1b proteins in the established a549 and per cells was studied by means of western blotting , with the use of monoclonal antibodies (“ mab ”). mab m73 recognizes the e1a products , whereas mabs aic6 and cig11 are directed against the 55 - kda and 21 kda e1b proteins , respectively . the antibodies did not recognize proteins in extracts from the parental a549 or the primary her cells ( data not shown ). none of the a549 clones that were generated by co - transfection of pig . neo and pig . e1a . e1b expressed detectable levels of e1a or e1b proteins ( not shown ). some of the a549 clones that were generated by transfection with pig . e1a . neo expressed the ad5 e1a proteins ( fig7 ), but the levels were much lower than those detected in protein lysates from 293 cells . the steady state e1a levels detected in protein extracts from per cells were much higher than those detected in extracts from a549 - derived cells . all per cell lines expressed similar levels of e1a proteins ( fig7 ). the expression of the e1b proteins , particularly in the case of e1b 55 kda , was more variable . compared to 911 and 293 , the majority of the per clones express high levels of e1b 55 kda and 21 kda . the steady state level of e1b 21 kda was the highest in per . c3 . none of the per clones lost expression of the ad5 e1 genes upon serial passage of the cells ( not shown ). we found that the level of e1 expression in per cells remained stable for at least 100 population doublings . we decided to characterize the per clones in more detail . to study the arrangement of the ad5 - e1 encoding sequences in the per clones we performed southern analyses . cellular dna was extracted from all per clones , and from 293 and 911 cells . the dna was digested with hindiii , which cuts once in the ad5 e1 region . southern hybridization on hindiii - digested dna , using a radiolabeled ad5 - e1 - specific probe revealed the presence of several integrated copies of pig . e1a . e1b in the genome of the per clones . fig8 shows the distribution pattern of e1 sequences in the high molecular weight dna of the different per cell lines . the copies are concentrated in a single band , which suggests that they are integrated as tandem repeats . in the case of per . c3 , c5 , c6 and c9 we found additional hybridizing bands of low molecular weight that indicate the presence of truncated copies of pig . e1a . e1b . the number of copies was determined with the use of a phospho - imager . we estimated that per . c1 , c3 , c4 , c5 , c6 , c8 and c9 contain 2 , 88 , 5 , 4 , 5 , 5 and 3 copies of the ad5 e1 coding region , respectively , and that 911 and 293 cells contain 1 and 4 copies of the ad5 e1 sequences , respectively . recombinant adenovectors are generated by co - transfection of adaptor plasmids and the large c1ai fragment of ad5 into 293 cells ( see european patent office (“ epo ”) application ep 95202213 ). the recombinant virus dna is formed by homologous recombination between the homologous viral sequences that are present in the plasmid and the adenovirus dna . the efficacy of this method , as well as that of alternative strategies , is highly dependent on the transfectability of the helper cells . therefore , we compared the transfection efficiencies of some of the per clones with 911 cells , using the e . coli β - galactosidase - encoding lacz gene as a reporter ( fig9 ). yields of recombinant adenovirus obtained after inoculation of 293 , 911 , per . c3 , per . c5 and per . c6 with different adenovirus vectors are presented in table ii . the results indicate that the yields obtained on per cells are at least as high as those obtained on the existing cell lines . in addition , the yields of the novel adenovirus vector ig . ad . mlpi . tk are similar or higher than the yields obtained for the other viral vectors on all cell lines tested . table ii . yields of different recombinant adenoviruses obtained after inoculation of adenovirus e1 packaging cell lines 293 , 911 , per . c3 , per . c5 and per . c6 . the yields are the mean of two different experiments . ig . ad . cmv . lacz and ig . ad . cmv . tk are described in patent application ep 95 20 2213 . the construction of ig . ad . mlpi . tk is described in this patent application . yields of virus per t80 flask were determined by plaque assay on 911 cells , as described [ fallaux , 1996 # 1493 ] the used recombinant adenovirus vectors ( see epo patent application no . ep 95202213 ) are deleted for e1 sequences from 459 to nt . 3328 . as construct pe1a . e1b contains ad5 sequences 459 to not 3510 there is a sequence overlap of 183 nt . between e1b sequences in the packaging construct pig . e1a . e1b and recombinant adenoviruses , such as , for example , ig . ad . mlp . tk the overlapping sequences were deleted from the new adenovirus vectors . in addition , non - coding sequences derived from lacz , that are present in the original constructs , were deleted as well . this was achieved ( see fig1 ) by pcr amplification of the sv4o poly ( a ) sequences from pmlp . tk using primers sv4o - 1 ( seq id no : 8 ) ( introduces a bamhi site ) and sv4o - 2 ( seq id no : 9 ) ( introduces a bglii site ). in addition , ad5 sequences present in this construct were amplified from nt 2496 ( ad5 - 1 ( seq id no : 10 ), introduces a bglii site ) to nt . 2779 ( ad5 - 2 ( seq id no : 11 )). both pcr fragments were digested with bglii and were ligated . the ligation product was pcr amplified using primers sv40 - 1 and ad5 - 2 . the pcr product obtained was cut with bamhi and aflii and was ligated into pmlp . tk predigested with the same enzymes . the resulting construct , named pmlpi . tk , contains a deletion in adenovirus e1 sequences from nt 459 to nt . 3510 . the combination of the new packaging construct pig . e1a . e1b and the recombinant adenovirus pmlpi . tk , which do not have any sequence overlap , are presented in fig1 a and 11b . in these figures , the original situation is also presented , with the sequence overlap indicated . the absence of overlapping sequences between pig . e1a . e1b and pmlpi . tk ( fig1 a ) excludes the possibility of homologous recombination between packaging construct and recombinant virus , and is therefore a significant improvement for production of recombinant adenovirus as compared to the original situation . in fig1 b the situation is depicted for pig . e1a . neo and ig . ad . mlpi . tk . pig . e1a . neo , when transfected into established cells , is expected to be sufficient to support propagation of e1 - deleted recombinant adenovirus . this combination does not have any sequence overlap , preventing generation of rca by homologous recombination . in addition , this convenient packaging system allows the propagation of recombinant adenoviruses that are deleted just for e1a sequences and not for e1b sequences . recombinant adenoviruses expressing e1b in the absence of e1a are attractive , as the e1b protein , in particular e1b 19 kd , is able to prevent infected human cells from lysis by tumor necrosis factor (“ tnf ”) ( gooding et al ., 1991 ). recombinant adenovirus was generated by co - transfection of 293 cells with sali linearized pmlpi . tk dna and c1ai linearized ad5 wt dna . the procedure is schematically represented in fig1 . outline of the strategy to generate packaging systems for minimal adenovirus vector l firefly luciferase coding sequence hac , haw potential hairpin that can be formed after digestion with restriction endonuclease asp718 in its correct and in the reverse orientation , respectively ( fig1 ( seq id no : 22 )). for example , piclhaw is a plasmid that contains the adenovirus itr followed by the cmv - driven luciferase gene and the asp718 hairpin in the reverse ( non - functional ) orientation . the following demonstrates the competence of a synthetic dna sequence that is capable of forming a hairpin - structure to serve as a primer for reverse strand synthesis for the generation of double - stranded dna molecules in cells that contain and express adenovirus genes . plasmids piclhac , piclhaw , picli and picl were generated using standard techniques . the schematic representation of these plasmids is shown in fig1 - 19 . the tet gene of plasmid pmlp10 has been inactivated by deletion of the bamhi - sali fragment , to generate pmlp10δsb . using primer set pcr / mlp1 ( seq id no : 14 ) and pcr / mlp3 ( seq id no : 16 ) a 210 bp fragment containing the ad5 - itr , flanked by a synthetic saili restriction site was amplified using pmlp10 dna as the template . the pcr product was digested with the enzymes ecori and sgrai to generate a 196 bp . fragment . plasmid pmlp10δsb was digested with ecori and sgrai to remove the itr . this fragment was replaced by the ecori - sgrai - treated pcr fragment to generate pmlp / sal . plasmid pcmv - luc was digested with pvuii to completion and recirculated to remove the sv4o - derived poly - adenylation signal and ad5 sequences with exception of the ad5 left - terminus . in the resulting plasmid , pcmv - lucδad , the ad5 itr was replaced by the sal - site - flanked itr from plasmid pmlp / sal by exchanging the xmni - sacii fragments . the resulting plasmid , pcmv - lucδad / sal , the ad5 left terminus and the cmv - driven luciferase gene were isolated as an sali - smai fragment and inserted in the sali and hpai digested plasmid pblcats , to form plasmid picl . plasmid picl is represented in fig1 ; its sequence is presented in fig2 a - 20f ( seq id no : 21 ). plasmids piclhac and piclhaw were derived from plasmid picl by digestion of the latter plasmid with the restriction enzyme asp718 . the linearized plasmid was treated with calf - intestine alkaline phosphatase to remove the 51 phoshate groups . the partially complementary synthetic single - stranded oligonucleotide hp / asp1 ( seq id no : 17 ) and hp / asp2 ( seq id no : 18 ) were annealed and phosphorylated on their 5 ′ ends using t4 - polynucleotide kinase . the phosporylated double - stranded oligomers were mixed with the dephosporylated picl fragment and ligated . clones containing a single copy of the synthetic oligonucleotide inserted into the plasmid were isolated and characterized using restriction enzyme digests . insertion of the oligonucleotide into the asp718 site will at one junction recreate an asp718 recognition site , whereas at the other junction the recognition site will be disrupted . the orientation and the integrity of the inserted oligonucleotide was verified in selected clones by sequence analyses . a clone containing the oligonucleotide in the correct orientation ( the asp718 site close to the 3205 ecori site ) was denoted piclhac . a clone with the oligonucleotide in the reverse orientation ( the asp718 site close to the sv40 derived poly signal ) was designated piclhaw . plasmids piclhac and piclhaw are represented in fig1 and 17 . plasmid picli was created from plasmid picl by insertion of the sali - sgrai fragment from picl , containing the ad5 - itr into the asp718 site of picl . the 194 bp sali - sgrai fragment was isolated from picl , and the cohesive ends were converted to blunt ends using e . coli dna polymerase i ( klenow fragment ) and dntp &# 39 ; s . the asp718 cohesive ends were converted to blunt ends by treatment with mungbean nuclease . by ligation clones were generated that contain the itr in the asp718 site of plasmid picl . a clone that contained the itr fragment in the correct orientation was designated picli ( fig1 ). generation of adenovirus ad - cmv - hctk . recombinant adenovirus was constructed according to the method described in epo patent application 95202213 . two components are required to generate a recombinant adenovirus . first an adaptor - plasmid containing the left terminus of the adenovirus genome containing the itr and the packaging signal , an expression cassette with the gene of interest , and a portion of the adenovirus genome which can be used for homologous recombination . in addition , adenovirus dna is needed for recombination with the aforementioned adaptor plasmid . in the case of ad - cmv - hctk , the plasmid pcmv . tk was used as a basis . this plasmid contains nt . 1 - 455 of the adenovirus type 5 genome , nt . 456 - 1204 derived from pcmvβ ( clontech , the psti - stui fragment that contains the cmv enhancer promoter and the 16s / 19s intron from simian virus 40 ), the hsv tk gene ( described in epo patent application 95202213 ), the sv40 - derived polyadenylation signal ( nt 2533 - 2668 of the sv40 sequence ), followed by the bglii - scai fragment of ad5 ( nt . 3328 - 6092 of the ad5 sequence ). these fragments are present in a pmlp10 - derived ( levrero et al ., 1991 ) backbone . to generate plasmid pad - cmvhc - tk , plasmid pcmv . tk was digested with c1ai ( the unique c1ai - site is located just upstream of the tk open readingframe ) and dephosphorylated with calf - intestine alkaline phosphate . to generate a hairpin - structure , the synthetic oligonucleotides hp / cla1 ( seq id no : 19 ) and hp / cla2 ( seq id no : 20 ) were annealed and phosphorylated on their 5 - oh groups with t4 - polynucleotide kinase and atp . the double - stranded oligonucleotide was ligated with the linearized vector fragment and used to transform e . coli strain “ sure ”. in section of the oligonucleotide into the c1ai site will disrupt the c1ai recognition sites . the oligonucleotide contains a new c1ai site near one of its termini . in selected clones , the orientation and the integrity of the inserted oligonucleotide was verified by sequence analyses . a clone containing the oligonucleotide in the correct orientation ( the c1ai site at the itr side ) was denoted pad - cmv - hctk . this plasmid was co - transfected with c1ai digested wild - type adenovirus - type5 dna into 911 cells . a recombinant adenovirus in which the cmv - hctk expression cassette replaces the e1 sequences was isolated and propagated using standard procedures . to study whether the hairpin can be used as a primer for reverse strand synthesis on the displaced strand after replication had started at the itr , the plasmid piclhac is introduced into 911 cells ( human embryonic retinoblasts transformed with the adenovirus e1 region ). the plasmid piclhaw serves as a control , which contains the oligonucleotide pair hp / asp1 ( seq id no : 17 ) and 2 ( seq id no : 18 ) in the reverse orientation but is further completely identical to plasmid piclhac . also included in these studies are plasmids picli and picl . in the plasmid picli the hairpin is replaced by an adenovirus itr . plasmid picl contains neither a hairpin nor an itr sequence . these plasmids serve as controls to determine the efficiency of replication by virtue of the terminal - hairpin structure . to provide the viral products other than the e1 proteins ( these are produced by the 911 cells ) required for dna replication the cultures are infected with the virus ig . ad . mlpi . tk after transfection . several parameters are being studied to demonstrate proper replication of the transfected dna molecules . first , dna extracted from the cell cultures transfected with aforementioned plasmids and infected with ig . ad . mlpi . tk virus is being analyzed by southern blotting for the presence of the expected replication intermediates , as well as for the presence of the duplicated genomes . furthermore , virus is isolated from the transfected and ig . ad . mlpi . tk infected cell populations , that is capable of transferring and expressing a luciferase marker gene into luciferase negative cells . plasmid dna of plasmids piclhac , piclhaw , picli and picl have been digested with restriction endonuclease sali and treated with mungbean nuclease to remove the 4 nucleotide single - stranded extension of the resulting dna fragment . in this manner , a natural adenovirus 5 ′ itr terminus on the dna fragment is created . subsequently , both the piclhac and piclhaw plasmids were digested with restriction endonuclease asp718 to generate the terminus capable of forming a hairpin structure . the digested plasmids are introduced into 911 cells , using the standard calcium phosphate co - precipitation technique , four dishes for each plasmid . during the transfection , for each plasmid two of the cultures are infected with the ig . ad . mlpi . tk virus using 5 infectious ig . ad . mlpi . tk particles per cell . at twenty - hours post - transfection and forty hours post - transfection one ad . tk - virus - infected and one uninfected culture are used to isolate small molecular - weight dna using the procedure devised by hirt . aliquots of isolated dna are used for southern analysis . after digestion of the samples with restriction endonuclease ecori using the luciferase gene as a probe a hybridizing fragment of approx . 2 . 6 kb is detected only in the samples from the adenovirus infected cells transfected with plasmid piclhac . the size of this fragment is consistent with the anticipated duplication of the luciferase marker gene . this supports the conclusions that the inserted hairpin is capable to serve as a primer for reverse strand synthesis . the hybridizing fragment is absent if the ig . ad . mlpi . tk virus is omitted , or if the hairpin oligonucleotide has been inserted in the reverse orientation . the restriction endonuclease dpni recognizes the tetranucleotide sequence 5 ′- gatc - 3 ′, but cleaves only methylated dna , ( that is , only plasmid dna propagated in , and derived , from e . coli , not dna that has been replicated in mammalian cells ). the restriction endonuclease mboi recognizes the same sequences , but cleaves only unmethylated dna ( viz . dna propagated in mammalian cells ). dna samples isolated from the transfected cells are incubated with mboi and dpni and analyzed with southern blots . these results demonstrate that only in the cells transfected with the piclhac and the picli plasmids large dpni - resistant fragments are present , that are absent in the mboi treated samples . these data demonstrate that only after transfection of plasmids picli and piclhac replication and duplication of the fragments occur . these data demonstrate that in adenovirus - infected cells linear dna fragments that have on one terminus an adenovirus - derived itr and at the other terminus a nucleotide sequence that can anneal to sequences on the same strand , when present in single - stranded form thereby generate a hairpin structure , and will be converted to structures that have inverted terminal repeat sequences on both ends . the resulting dna molecules will replicate by the same mechanism as the wild type adenovirus genomes . the following demonstrates that the dna molecules that contain a luciferase marker gene , a single copy of the itr , the encapsidation signal and a synthetic dna sequence , that is capable of forming a hairpin structure , are sufficient to generate dna molecules that can be encapsidated into virions . to demonstrate that the above dna molecules containing two copies of the cmv - luc marker gene can be encapsidated into virions , virus is harvested from the remaining two cultures via three cycles of freeze - thaw crushing and is used to infect murine fibroblasts . forty - eight hours after infection , the infected cells are assayed for luciferase activity . to exclude the possibility that the luciferase activity has been induced by transfer of free dna , rather than via virus particles , virus stocks are treated with dnasei to remove dna contaminants . furthermore , as an additional control , aliquots of the virus stocks are incubated for 60 minutes at 56 ° c . the heat treatment will not affect the contaminating dna , but will inactivate the viruses . significant luciferase activity is only found in the cells after infection with the virus stocks derived from ig . ad . mlpi . tk - infected cells transfected with the piclhc and picli plasmids . in neither the non - infected cells nor the infected cells transfected with the piclhw and picl can significant luciferase activity be demonstrated . heat inactivation , but not dnasei treatment , completely eliminates luciferase expression , demonstrating that adenovirus particles , and not free ( contaminating ) dna fragments are responsible for transfer of the luciferase reporter gene . these results demonstrate that these small viral genomes can be encapsidated into adenovirus particles and suggest that the itr and the encapsidation signal are sufficient for encapsidation of linear dna fragments into adenovirus particles . these adenovirus particles can be used for efficient gene transfer . when introduced into cells that contain and express at least part of the adenovirus genes ( viz . e1 , e2 , e4 , and l , and va ), recombinant dna molecules that consist of at least one itr , at least part of the encapsidation signal as well as a synthetic dna sequence , that is capable of forming a hairpin structure , have the intrinsic capacity to autonomously generate recombinant genomes which can be encapsidated into virions . such genomes and vector system can be used for gene transfer . the following demonstrates that dna molecules which contain nucleotides 3510 - 35953 ( viz . 9 . 7 - 100 map units ) of the adenovirus type 5 genome ( thus lack the e1 protein - coding regions , the right - hand itr and the encapsidation sequences ) and a terminal dna sequence that is complementary to a portion of the same strand of the dna molecule when present in single - stranded form other than the itr , and as a result is capable of forming a hairpin structure , can replicate in 911 cells . in order to develop a replicating dna molecule that can provide the adenovirus products required to allow the above mentioned iclhac vector genome and alike minimal adenovectors to be encapsidated into adenovirus particles bv helper cells , the ad - cmv - hctk adenoviral vector has been developed . between the cmv enhancer / promoter region and the thymidine kinase gene the annealed oligonucleotide pair hp / cla1 ( seq id no : 19 ) and 2 ( seq id no : 20 ) is inserted . the vector ad - cmv - hctk can be propagated and produced in 911 cell using standard procedures . this vector is grown and propagated exclusively as a source of dna used for transfection . dna of the adenovirus ad - cmv - hctk is isolated from virus particles that had been purified using csc1 density - gradient centrifugation by standard techniques . the virus dna has been digested with restriction endonuclease c1ai . the digested dna is size - fractionated on an 0 . 7 % agarose gel and the large fragment is isolated and used for further experiments . cultures of 911 cells are transfected large c1ai - fragment of the ad - cmv - hctk dna using the standard calcium phosphate co - precipitation technique . much like in the previous experiments with plasmid p1clhac , the ad - cmv - hc will replicate starting at the right - hand itr . once the 1 - strand is displaced , a hairpin can be formed at the left - hand terminus of the fragment . this facilitates the dna polymerase to elongate the chain towards the right - hand - side . the process will proceed until the displaced strand is completely converted to its double - stranded form . finally , the right - hand itr will be recreated , and in this location the normal adenovirus replication - initiation and elongation will occur . note that the polymerase will read through the hairpin , thereby duplicating the molecule . the input dna molecule of 33250 bp , that had on one side an adenovirus itr sequence and at the other side a dna sequence that had the capacity to form a hairpin structure , has now been duplicated , in a way that both ends contain an itr sequence . the resulting dna molecule will consist of a palindromic structure of approximately 66500 bp . this structure can be detected in low - molecular weight dna extracted from the transfected cells using southern analysis . the palindromic nature of the dna fragment can be demonstrated by digestion of the low - molecular weight dna with suitable restriction endonucleases and southern blotting with the hsv - tk gene as the probe . this molecule can replicate itself in the transfected cells bv virtue of the adenovirus gene products that are present in the cells . in part , the adenovirus genes are expressed from templates that are integrated in the genome of the target cells ( viz . the e1 gene products ), the other genes reside in the replicating dna fragment itself . note however , that this linear dna fragment cannot be encapsidated into virions . not only does it lack all the dna sequences required for encapsidation , but also is its size much too large to be encapsidated . the following demonstrates that dna molecules which contain nucleotides 3503 - 35953 ( viz . 9 . 7 - 100 map units ) of the adenovirus type 5 genome ( thus lack the e1 protein - coding regions , the right - hand itr and the encapsidation sequences ) and a terminal dna sequence that is complementary to a portion the same strand of the dna molecule other than the itr , and as a result is capable of forming a hairpin structure , can replicate in 911 cells and can provide the helper functions required to encapsidate the picli and piclhac derived dna fragments . the following series of experiments aims to demonstrate that the dna molecule described in experiment series 3 could be used to encapsidate the minimal adenovectors described in experiment series 1 and 2 . in the experiments the large fragment isolated after endonuclease c1ai - digestion of ad - cmv - hctk dna is introduced into 911 cells ( conform the experiments described in part 1 . 3 ) together with endonuclease sali , mungbean nuclease , endonuclease asp718 - treated plasmid piclhac , or as a control similarly treated plasmid piclhaw . after 48 hours virus is isolated by freeze - thaw crushing of the transfected cell population . the virus - preparation is treated with dnasei to remove contaminating free dna . the virus is used subsequently to infect rat2 fibroblasts . forty - eight hours post infection , the cells are assayed for luciferase activity . significant luciferase activity can be demonstrated only in the cells infected with virus isolated from the cells transfected with the piclhac plasmid , and not with the piclhaw plasmid . heat inactivation of the virus prior to infection completely abolishes the luciferase activity , indicating that the luciferase gene is transferred by a viral particle . infection of 911 cell with the virus stock did not result in any cytopathological effects , demonstrating that the piclhac is produced without any infectious helper virus that can be propagated on 911 cells . these results demonstrate that the proposed method can be used to produce stocks of minimal - adenoviral vectors , that are completely devoid of infectious helper viruses that are able to replicate autonomously on adenovirus - transformed human cells or on non - adenovirus transformed human cells . besides the system described in this application , another approach for the generation of minimal adenovirus vectors has been disclosed in pct international application wo 94 / 12649 . the method described in wo 94 / 12649 exploits the function of the protein ix for the packaging of minimal adenovirus vectors ( pseudo adenoviral vectors (“ pav ”) in the terminology of wo 94 / 12649 ). pavs are produced by cloning an expression plasmid with the gene of interest between the left - hand ( including the sequences required for encapsidation ) and the right - hand adenoviral itrs . the pav is propagated in the presence of a helper virus . encapsidation of the pav is preferred compared the helper virus because the helper virus is partially defective for packaging . ( either by virtue of mutations in the packaging signal or by virtue of its size ( virus genomes greater than 37 . 5 kb package inefficiently ). in addition , the authors propose that in the absence of the protein ix gene the pav will be preferentially packaged . however , neither of these mechanisms appear to be sufficiently restrictive to allow packaging of only pavs / minimal vectors . the mutations proposed in the packaging signal diminish packaging , but do not provide an absolute block as the same packaging - activity is required to propagate the helper virus . also neither an increase in the size of the helper virus nor the mutation of the protein ix gene will ensure that pav is packaged exclusively . thus , the method described in wo 94 / 12649 is unlikely to be useful for the production of helper - free stocks of minimal adenovirus vectors / pavs . although the application has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments and illustrative examples , the scope of the invention is to be determined by reference to the appended claims . bernards , r ., schrier , p . i ., bos , j . l ., and eb , a . j . v . d . ( 1983 ): role of adenovirus types 5 and 12 early region 1b tumor antigens in oncogenic transformation . virology 127 , 45 - 53 . bett , a . j , prevec , l ., and graham , f . l . ( 1993 ): packaging capacity and stability of human adenovirus type - 5 vectors . j virol 67 , 5911 - 5921 . blaese , m ., blankenstein , t ., brenner , m ., cohen - hageenauer , o ., gansbacher , b ., russell , s ., sorrentino , b ., and velu , t . ( 1995 ). vectors in cancer therapy : how will they deliver ? cancer gene ther . 2 , 291 - 297 . boshart , m ., weber , f ., jahn , g ., dorsch - häler , k ., fleckenstein , b ., and scaffner , w . ( 1985 ): a very strong enhancer is located upstream of an immediate early gene of human cytomegalovirus . cell 41 , 521 - 530 . bout , a ., imler , j . l ., schulz , h ., perricaudet , m ., zurcher , c ., herbrink , p ., valerio , d ., and pavirani , a . ( 1994a ): in vivo adenovirus - mediated transfer of human cftr cdna to rhesus monkey airway epithelium : efficacy , toxicity and safety . gene therapy 1 , 385 - 394 . bout , a ., perricaudet , m ., baskin , g ., imler , j . l ., scholte . b . j ., pavirani , a ., and valerio , d . ( 1994b ): lung gene therapy : in vivo adenovirus mediated gene transfer to rhesus monkey airway epithelium . human gene therapy 5 , 3 - 10 . brody , s . l ., and crystal ., r . g . ( 1994 ): adenovirus - mediated in vivo gene transfer . ann n y acad scl 716 , 90 - 101 . brough , d . e ., cleghon , v ., and klessig , d . f . ( 1992 ). construction , characterization , and utilization of cell lines which inducibly express the adenovirus dna - binding protein . virology 190 ( 2 ), 624 - 34 . brough , d . e ., rice , s . a ., sell , s ., and klessig , d . f . ( 1985 ): restricted changes in the adenovirus dna - binding protein that lead to extended host range or temperature - sensitive phenotypes . j . virol . 55 , 206 - 212 . daniell , e . ( 1976 ): genome structure of incomplete particles of adenovirus . j . virol . 19 , 685 - 708 . elsen , p . j . v . d ., houweling , a ., and eb , a . j . v . d . ( 1983 ). expression of region e1b of human adenoviruses in the absence of region e1a is not sufficient for complete transformation . virology 128 , 377 - 390 . engelhardt , j . f ., litzky , l ., and wilson . j . m . ( 1994a ): prolonged transgene expression in cotton rat lung with recombinant adenoviruses defective in e2a . hum . gene ther . 5 . 1217 - 1229 . engelhardt , j . f ., simon , r . h ., yang , y ., zepeda , m ., weber - pendleton , s ., doranz , b ., grossman , m ., and wilson , j . m . ( 1993 ): adenovirus - mediated transfer of the cftr gene to lung or nonhuman primates : biological efficacy study . human gene therapy 4 , 759 - 769 . engelhardt , j . f ., ye , x ., doranz , b ., and wilson , j . m . ( 1994b ): ablation of e2a in recombinant adenoviruses improves transgene persistence and decreases inflammatory response in mouse liver . proc natl acad scl u s a 91 , 6196 - 200 . fang , b ., wang , h ., gordon , g ., bellinger , d . a ., read , m . s ., brinkhous , k . m ., woo , s . l . c ., and eisensmith , r . c . ( 1996 ). lack of persistence of e1 - recombinant adenoviral vectors containing a temperature sensitive e2a mutation in immunocompetent mice and hemophilia dogs . gene ther . 3 , 217 - 222 . fallaux , f . j ., kranenburg , o ., cramer . s . j ., houweling , a ., ormondt , h . v ., hoeben . r . c ., and eb , a . j . v . d . ( 1996 ). characterization of 911 : a new helper cell line for the titration and propagation of early - region - 1 - deleted adenoviral vectors . hum . gene ther . 7 , 215 - 222 . gooding , l . r ., aquino , l ., duerksen - hughes , p . j ., day , d ., horton , t . m ., yei , s ., and wold , w . s . m . ( 1991 ): the e1b 19 , 000 - molecular - weight protein of group c adenoviruses prevents tumor necrosis factor cytolysis of human cells but not of mouse cells . j . virol 65 , 3083 - 3094 . gräble , m ., and hearing , p . ( 1990 ): adenovirus type 5 packaging domain is composed of a repeated element that is functionally redundant . j . virol . 64 , 2047 - 2056 . gräble , m ., and hearing , p . ( 1992 ): cis and trans requirements for the selective packaging of adenovirus type - 5 dna . j virol 66 , 723 - 731 . graham , f . l ., and van der eb , a . j . ( 1973 ). a new technique for the assay of infectivity of human adenovirus 5 dna . virology 52 , 456 - 467 . graham , f . l ., smiley , j ., russell , w . c ., and naira , r . ( 1977 ): characteristics of a human cell line transformed by dna from adenovirus type 5 . j . gen . virol . 36 , 59 - 72 . haddada , h ., ragot , t ., cordier , l ., duffour , m . t ., and perricaudet , m . ( 1993 ): adenoviral interleukin - 2 gene transfer into p815 tumor cells abrogates tumorigenicity and induces antitumoral immunity in mice . hum gene ther 4 , 703 - 11 . hay , r . t ., stow , n . d ., and mcdougall , i . m . ( 1984 ): replication of adenovirus minichromosomes . j . mol . biol . 174 , 493 - 510 . hearing , p ., samulski , r . j ., wishart , w . l ., and shenk , t . ( 1987 ): identification of a repeated sequence element required for efficient encapsidation of the adenovirus type 5 chromosome . j . virol . 61 , 2555 - 2558 . horwitz , m . s . ( 1990 ): adenoviridae and their replication , pp . 1679 - 1740 . in b . n . fields , and d . m . knipe ( eds ): virology , raven press , ltd , new york . hu , c . h ., xu , f . y ., wang , k . ; pearson , a . n ., and pearson , g . d . ( 1992 ): symmetrical adenovirus minichromosomes have hairpin replication intermediates . gene 110 , 145 - 150 . imler , j . l ., chartier , c ., dreyer , d ., dieterle , a ., sainte - marie , m ., faure , t ., pavirani , a ., and mehtali , m . ( 1996 ). novel complementation cell lines derived from human lung tarcinoma a549 cells support the growth of e1 - deleted adenovirus vectors . gene ther . 3 , 75 - 84 . jochemsen . a . g ., peltenburg , l . t . c ., pas , m . f . w . t ., wit , c . m . d ., bos , j . l ., and eb . a . j . v . d . ( 1987 ): embo j . 6 , 3399 - 3405 . klessig , d . f ., and grodzicker , t . ( 1979 ): mutations that allow human ad2 and ad5 to express late genes in monkey cells maps in the viral gene encoding the 72k dna - binding protein . cell 17 , 957 - 566 . klessig , d . f . grodzicker , t ., and cleghon , v . ( 1984 ): construction of human cell lines which contain and express the adenovirus dna binding protein gene by cotransformation with the hsv - 1 tk gene . virus res . 1 , 169 - 188 . kruijer , w ., nicolas , j . c ., schaik . f . m . v ., and sussenbach , j . s . ( 1983 ): structure and function of dna binding proteins from revertants of adenovirus type 5 mutants with a temperature - sensitive dna replication . virology 124 , 425 - 433 . lechner , r . l ., and kelly jr ., t . j . ( 1977 ): the structure of replicating adenovirus 2 dna molecules . j . mol . biol . 174 , 493 - 510 . leij , l . de , postmus , p . e ., buys , c . h . c . m ., elema , j . d ., ramaekers , f ., poppema , s ., brouwer , m ., veen , a . y . v . d ., mesander , g ., and the , t . h . ( 1985 ): characterization of three new variant type cell lines derived from small cell carcinoma of the lung . cancer res . 45 , 6024 - 6033 . levrero , m ., barban , v ., manteca , s ., ballay , a ., balsamo , c ., avantaggiati , m . l ., natoli , g ., skellekens , h ., tiollais , p ., and perricaudet , m . ( 1991 ): defective and nondefective adenovirus vectors for expressing foreign genes in vitro and in vivo . gene 101 , 195 - 202 . lochmüller , h ., jani , a ., huard , j ., prescott , s ., simoneau , m ., massie , b ., karpati , g ., and acasdi , g . ( 1994 ): emergence of early region 1 - containing replication - competent adenovirus in stocks of replication - defective adenovirus recombinants ( δe1 - δe3 ) during multiple passages in 293 cells . hum . gene ther . 5 , 1485 - 1492 . matsui , t ., murayama , m ., and mita , t . ( 1986 ): adenovirus 2 peptide ix is expressed only on replicated dna molecules . mol . cell biol . 6 , 4149 - 4154 . michelson , a . m ., markham , a . f ., and orkin , s . h . ( 1983 ): isolation and dna sequence of a full - length cdna clone for human x - chromosome encoded phosphoglycerate kinase . proc . natl . acad . scl . usa 80 , 472 - 476 . morin , j . e ., lubeck , m . d ., barton . j . e ., conley , a . j ., davis , a . r , and hung , p . p . ( 1987 ): recombinant adenovirus induces antibody response to hepatitis b virus surface antigens . proc . natl . acad . scl . usa , 84 , 4626 - 4630 . nicolas , j . c ., suarez , f ., levine , a . j ., and girard , m . ( 1981 ): temperature - independent revertants of adenovirus h5ts125 and h5ts107 mutants in the dna binding protein : isolation of a new class of host range temperature conditional revertants . virology 108 , 521 - 524 . ostrove , j . m . ( 1994 ): safety testing programs for gene therapy viral vectors . cancer gene ther . 1 , 125 - 131 . pacini , d . l ., dubovi , e . j ., and clyde , w . a . ( 1984 ): j . infect . dis . 150 , 92 - 97 . postmus , p . e ., ley , l . d ., veen , a . y . v . d ., mesander , g ., buys , c . h . c . m ., and elema , j . d . ( 1988 ): two small cell lung cancer cell lines established from rigid bronchoscope biopsies . eur . j . clin . oncol . 24 , 753 - 763 . rice , s . a ., and klessig , d . f . ( 1985 ): isolation and analysis of adenovirus type 5 mutants containing deletions in the gene encoding the dna - binding protein . j . virol . 56 , 767 - 778 . roberts , b . e ., miller , j . s ., kimelman , d ., cepko , c . l ., lemischka , i . r ., and mulligan , r . c . ( 1985 ): j . virol . 56 , 404 - 413 . shapiro , d . l ., nardone , l . l ., rooney , s . a ., motoyama , e . k ., and munoz , j . l . ( 1978 ). phospholipid biosynthesis and secretion by a cell line ( a549 ) which resembles type ii alveolar epithelial cells . biochim . biophys . acta 530 , 197 - 207 . simon , r . h ., engelhardt , j . f ., yang , y ., zepeda ., m ., weber - pendleton , s ., grossman , m ., and wilson , j . m . ( 1993 ): adenovirus - mediated transfer of the cftr gene to lung of nonhuman primates : toxicity study . human gene therapy 4 , 771 - 780 . singer - sam , j ., keith , d . h ., tani , k ., simmer , r . l ., shively , l ., lindsay , s ., yoshida , a ., and riggs , a . d . ( 1984 ): sequence of the promoter region of the gene for x - linked 3 - phosphoglycerate kinase . gene 32 , 409 - 417 . stein , r . w ., and whelan , j . ( 1989 ): insulin gene enhancer activity is inhibited by adenovirus 5 e1a gene products . mol cell biol 9 , 4531 - 4 . stratford - perricaudet , l . d ., and perricaudet , m . 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( 1996a ). treatment of lepto - meningeal metastasis in a rat model using a recombinant adenovirus containing the hsv - tk gene . j . neurosurg . in press . vincent , a . j . p . e ., vogels , r ., someren , g . v , esandi , m . d . c ., noteboom , j . l ., avezaat , c . j . j ., vecht , c ., bekkum , d . w . v ., valerio , d ., bout , a ., and hoogerbrugge , p . m . ( 1996b ). herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene therapy for rat malignant brain tumors . hum . gene ther . 7 , 197 - 205 . wang , k ., and pearson , g . d . ( 1985 ): adenovirus sequences required for replication in vivo . nucl . acids res . 13 , 5173 - 5187 . white , e ., denton , a ., and stillman , b . ( 1988 ): j . virol . 62 , 3445 - 3454 . yang , y ., li , q ., ertl , h . c . j ., and wilson , j . m . ( 1995 ): cellular and humoral immune responses viral antigens create barriers to lung - directed gene therapy with recombinant adenoviruses . j . virol . 69 , 2004 - 2015 . yang , y ., nunes , f . a ., berencsi , k ., furth , e . e ., gonczol , e ., and wilson , j . m . ( 1994a ): cellular immunity to viral antigens limits e1 - deleted adenoviruses for gene therapy . proc natl acad scl u s a 91 , 4407 - 11 . yang , y ., nunes , f . a ., berencsi , k ., gonczol , e ., engelhardt , j . f ., and wilson , j . m . ( 1994b ): inactivation of e2a in recombinant adenoviruses improves the prospect for gene therapy in cystic fibrosis . nat genet 7 , 362 - 9 . zantema , a ., fransen , j . a . m ., davis - olivier , a ., ramaekers , f . c . s ., vooijs , g . p ., deleys , b ., and eb , a . j . v . d . ( 1985 ). localization of the e1b proteins of adenovirus 5 in transformed cells , as revealed by interaction with monoclonal antibodies . virology 142 , 44 - 58 .
| 2 |
the bell - shaped vibrator type angular rate gyro of the present invention is a gyro in which the applied angular rate is detected by use of the precession effect of a standing wave on a vibrator shell . since a bell - shaped vibrator is brought into a stable state of four - wave loop vibration under the action of excitation electrodes , the present invention allows for generation of a stable standing wave along a circumferential direction of the vibrator . the coriolis force causes the standing wave to precess , and the applied angular rate is obtained by detecting vibrator displacement caused by torsional deformation of the bell - shaped vibrator . a bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 has nonuniform thickness , axially symmetric and multi curved surface combined structural features , wherein the bell - shaped vibrator includes a bell shoulder 2 - 7 having a hemispheric shell structure , a bell waist 2 - 8 having a cylindrical shell structure and a bell lip 2 - 9 having a hyperboloidal shell structure , and these structures themselves have excellent stable characteristics of a standing wave . as shown in fig5 , the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 is excited by a first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and a second excitation electrode 2 - 2 on an outer wall of the bell - shaped vibrator to produce four - wave loop vibration , that is , the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 is operated in an excited mode . further , as shown in fig6 , the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 is also in a detected mode which differs from the excited mode by 45 °. the two modes are coupled by the coriolis force . piezoelectric ceramics ( pzt5a ) which are polarized in a thickness direction are used as a material of the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 . as shown in fig7 , when the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 are operated , a stretching force is produced . since an electrode top 7 - 1 of the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 is close to a constrained end 7 - 3 of the bell - shaped vibrator while an electrode bottom 7 - 2 of the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 is away from the constrained end 7 - 3 , a deviation is formed between the stretching forces in the electrode top 7 - 1 and the electrode bottom 7 - 2 , which causes the stretching forces to be converted into a bending force for driving the vibrator , as shown in fig7 . in this way , the bell - shaped vibrator is excited to produce four - wave loop vibration through vibrations with the same amplitude , at the same frequency , and in the same phase of the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 . when the bell - shaped vibrator is operated in the four - wave loop vibration state , a standing wave is formed along a circumferential direction of the vibrator in a form as shown in fig5 , and a standing wave 5 - 2 is in the four - wave loop vibration state on a section 5 - 1 of the bell - shaped vibrator . all forms of a corresponding standing wave on sections of respective control electrodes are identical . the form of the corresponding standing wave on the section of the corresponding electrode is shown in fig8 . specifically , a section 8 - 1 of the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and a section 8 - 2 of the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 are arranged on a wave loop transverse axis 8 - 3 , a section 8 - 4 of a first feedback electrode 2 - 3 and a section 8 - 5 of a second feedback electrode 2 - 4 are arranged on a wave loop longitudinal axis 8 - 6 , a section 8 - 7 of a first detection electrode 2 - 5 and a section 8 - 8 of a second detection electrode 2 - 6 are arranged on a wave node transverse axis 8 - 9 , and a section 8 - 11 of a first damp control electrode 2 - 10 and a section 8 - 12 of a second damp control electrode 2 - 11 are arranged on a wave node longitudinal axis 8 - 10 . as shown in fig9 , when an applied angular rate causes a counterclockwise rotation around a symmetric axis of the bell - shaped vibrator , the standing wave takes precession in a reverse direction to produce a precession angle 9 - 1 . the first feedback electrode 2 - 3 , the second feedback electrode 2 - 4 , the first detection electrode 2 - 5 and the second detection electrode 2 - 6 detect vibrating effect of the standing wave using piezoelectric effect , and control vibration forms of the bell - shaped vibrator . as shown in fig1 , the precession of the standing wave causes mass points in planes of capacitor pole plates to produce a displacement , thus a capacitor pole plate 10 - 1 on an inner wall of the bell - shaped vibrator will change . the displacement can be detected using eight pairs of capacitor pole plates together based on a directly proportional relationship between the displacement and the applied angular rate . as shown in fig2 , the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 mainly comprises a curved surface structure of a body including the bell shoulder 2 - 7 , the bell waist 2 - 8 and the bell lip 2 - 9 . wherein , the bell shoulder 2 - 7 has the hemispheric shell structure , the bell waist 2 - 8 has the cylindrical shell structure , and the bell lip 2 - 9 has the hyperboloidal shell structure . specific structural design dimensions of the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 are given in fig1 , wherein , l 2 = 22 mm , l 3 = 15 . 8 mm , l 4 = 3 mm , l 5 = 20 mm , r 1 = 10 mm , r 2 = 2 mm , r 3 = 1 . 5 mm , r 4 = 1 . 5 mm , r 5 = 4 mm , r 6 = 9 mm , r 7 = 2 . 5 mm , r 8 = 2 . 2 mm , h 1 = 0 . 5 mm . concrete coordinate expressions of a corresponding curved surface structure can be derived from the set of parameters , and the difference of neighboring frequencies of the vibrator has a maximum value under these parameters . under the above structural parameters , frequencies of the bell - shaped vibrator are distributed as follows : 1 ) 4447 . 2 hz , 2 ) 4480 . 8 hz , 3 ) 7273 . 3 hz , 4 ) 7273 . 8 hz , 5 ) 14535 hz , 6 ) 19450 hz , 7 ) 19451 hz , and 8 ) 23283 hz . the operating frequency is 7273 . 5 hz . the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 is mounted to a position of 0 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 of the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 , the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 is mounted to a position of 180 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 of the bell - shaped vibrator , the first feedback electrode 2 - 3 is mounted to a position of 90 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , the second feedback electrode 2 - 4 is mounted to a position of 270 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , the first detection electrode 2 - 5 is mounted to a position of 45 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , the second detection electrode 2 - 6 is mounted to a position of 225 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , the first damp control electrode 2 - 10 is mounted to a position of 135 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , and the second damp control electrode 2 - 11 is mounted to a position of 315 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 . these electrodes are made of pzt5a which is polarized in a thickness direction and all have the following dimensions : a length of 8 mm , a width of 2 mm and a thickness of 0 . 2 mm . respective electrodes are mounted to the outer wall of the bell - shaped vibrator by means of a conductive adhesive . thus , the outer wall of the bell - shaped vibrator serves as a circuit gnd end , and positive pole faces of the respective electrodes serve as signal input ends . a first isolating hole 2 - 12 having a diameter of 2 mm is provided in a center line between the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and the first detection electrode 2 - 5 ( that is , at a position of 22 . 5 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 ), a second isolating hole 2 - 13 having a diameter of 2 mm is provided in a center line between the first detection electrode 2 - 5 and the first feedback electrode 2 - 3 ( that is , at a position of 67 . 5 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 ), a third isolating hole 2 - 14 having a diameter of 2 mm is provided in a center line between the first feedback electrode 2 - 3 and the first damp control electrode 2 - 10 ( that is , at a position of 112 . 5 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 ), a fourth isolating hole 2 - 15 having a diameter of 2 mm is provided in a center line between the first damp control electrode 2 - 10 and the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 ( that is , at a position of 157 . 5 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 ), a fifth isolating hole 2 - 16 having a diameter of 2 mm is provided in a center line between the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 and the second detection electrode 2 - 6 ( that is , at a position of 202 . 5 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 ), a sixth isolating hole 2 - 17 having a diameter of 2 mm is provided in a center line between the second detection electrode 2 - 6 and the second feedback electrode 2 - 4 ( that is , at a position of 247 . 5 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 ), a seventh isolating hole 2 - 18 having a diameter of 2 mm is provided in a center line between the second feedback electrode 2 - 4 and the second damp control electrode 2 - 11 ( that is , at a position of 292 . 5 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 ), and an eighth isolating hole 2 - 19 having a diameter of 2 mm is provided in a center line between the second damp control electrode 2 - 11 and the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 ( that is , at a position of 337 . 5 ° on the outer side of the bell waist 2 - 8 ). eight capacitor positive pole plates which correspond to the eight electrodes on the outer wall of the bell waist 2 - 8 in an axial direction are evenly arranged on a bottom portion of the inner wall of the bell waist 2 - 8 of the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 respectively . specifically , a first capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 1 is mounted to a position of 0 ° on the inner side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , a second capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 2 is mounted to a position of 45 ° on the inner side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , a third capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 3 is mounted to a position of 90 ° on the inner side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , a fourth capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 4 is mounted to a position of 135 ° on the inner side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , a fifth capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 5 is mounted to a position of 180 ° on the inner side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , a sixth capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 6 is mounted to a position of 225 ° on the inner side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , a seventh capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 7 is mounted to a position of 270 ° on the inner side of the bell waist 2 - 8 , and an eighth capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 8 is mounted to a position of 315 ° on the inner side of the bell waist 2 - 8 . on a pole plate mounting surface 4 - 9 of a vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 are arranged eight capacitor negative pole plates corresponding to the eight capacitor positive pole plates on the inner side of the bell waist 2 - 8 . specifically , a first capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 1 is mounted to a position of 0 ° on the pole plate mounting surface 4 - 9 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 , a second capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 2 is mounted to a position of 45 ° on the pole plate mounting surface 4 - 9 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 , a third capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 3 is mounted to a position of 90 ° on the pole plate mounting surface 4 - 9 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 , a fourth capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 4 is mounted to a position of 135 ° on the pole plate mounting surface 4 - 9 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 , a fifth capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 5 is mounted to a position of 180 ° on the pole plate mounting surface 4 - 9 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 , a sixth capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 6 is mounted to a position of 225 ° on the pole plate mounting surface 4 - 9 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 , a seventh capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 7 is mounted to a position of 270 ° on the pole plate mounting surface 4 - 9 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 , and an eighth capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 8 is mounted to a position of 315 ° on the pole plate mounting surface 4 - 9 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 . the capacitor positive pole plates and the capacitor negative pole plates are all made of a capacitor sheet material , and are pasted on the respective surfaces by means of an insulating glue . the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 on which the control electrodes and the capacitor pole plates are pasted is placed on a vibrator base 1 - 5 , and an axis of 0 ° of the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 coincides with an axis of 0 ° of the vibrator base 1 - 5 . the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 and the vibrator base 1 - 5 are connected together through the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 , and an axis of 0 ° of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 coincides with that of the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 and the vibrator base 1 - 5 . the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 , the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 and the vibrator base 1 - 5 are fixed together through a fastening bolt 1 - 4 . a leading wire 11 - 1 of the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 is connected to a connecting terminal in a first hole 11 - 2 of the vibrator base 1 - 5 , a leading wire 11 - 3 of the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 is connected to a connecting terminal in a second hole 11 - 4 of the vibrator base 1 - 5 , a leading wire 11 - 5 of the first detection electrode 2 - 5 is connected to a connecting terminal in a third hole 11 - 6 of the vibrator base 1 - 5 , a leading wire 11 - 7 of the second detection electrode 2 - 6 is connected to a connecting terminal in a fourth hole 11 - 8 of the vibrator base 1 - 5 , a leading wire 11 - 9 of the first feedback electrode 2 - 3 is connected to a connecting terminal in a fifth hole 11 - 10 of the vibrator base 1 - 5 , a leading wire 11 - 11 of the second feedback electrode 2 - 4 is connected to a connecting terminal in a sixth hole 11 - 12 of the vibrator base 1 - 5 , a leading wire 11 - 13 of the first damp control electrode 2 - 10 is connected to a connecting terminal in a seventh hole 11 - 14 of the vibrator base 1 - 5 , and a leading wire 11 - 15 of the second damp control electrode 2 - 11 is connected to a connecting terminal in an eighth hole 11 - 16 of the vibrator base 1 - 5 . similarly , a leading wire 11 - 17 of the first capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 1 to a leading wire 11 - 24 of the eighth capacitor positive pole plate 3 - 8 are connected to a first hole 11 - 25 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 to an eight hole 11 - 32 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 respectively ; and a leading wire 11 - 33 of the first capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 1 to a leading wire 11 - 40 of the eighth capacitor negative pole plate 4 - 8 are connected to a ninth hole 11 - 41 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 to an eighteenth hole 11 - 48 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 respectively . a system gnd wire 11 - 49 is connected to the outer wall of the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 , and connected to a nineteenth hole 11 - 50 of the vibrator fixing shaft 1 - 2 . excitation signals with the same amplitude , at the same frequency , and in the same phase are inputted by the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 , and the inputted operating frequency is the inherent vibration frequency of the bell - shaped vibrator 1 - 1 . the first feedback electrode 2 - 3 and the second feedback electrode 2 - 4 mainly acquire a resonance frequency of the bell - shaped vibrator and an amplitude fed back through vibration of the vibrator , carry out a differential computation , and form a control loop together with the first excitation electrode 2 - 1 and the second excitation electrode 2 - 2 to control the vibration frequency and the vibration amplitude of the bell - shaped vibrator . the first detection electrode 2 - 5 and the second detection electrode 2 - 6 carry out a differential computation , detect a deflection angle of the vibration forms of the bell - shaped vibrator , and form a control loop together with the first damp control electrode 2 - 10 and the second damp control electrode 2 - 11 to suppress deflection of the vibration forms of the bell - shaped vibrator . a system delay caused by using capacitor pole plates in controlling and detecting is eliminated by a control loop constituted by piezoelectric electrodes . the applied angular rate can be solved by acquiring information of respective leading wires through a corresponding circuit system and making a general signal analysis of the bell - shaped vibrator type angular rate gyro . the novel bell - shaped vibrator type angular rate gyro according to the present invention exhibits advantages such as lower cost , lower power consumption , longer service life and higher sensitivity as compared with the conventional solid vibratory gyros , has a simple structure and a strong capability to resist against impact , and thus can be desirably applied to the field of the mid or low precision angular rate measurement .
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referring now to the following description and figures , there is shown preferred embodiments for a quadrant lighting apparatus of the present invention , including the technical features of the invention for which protection is sought . a quadrant lighting apparatus of the present invention includes a housing and a flexible circuit board . the flexible circuit board includes a light source that illuminates a gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant . fig3 shows a quadrant lighting apparatus 15 attached to a gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant 1 . the housing is comprised of a durable material such as aluminum or a plastic . an aluminum housing may be made through machining or a stamping processes . a plastic housing may be made from molds or other conventional plastic working techniques . it is preferred to manufacture the housing from a single piece of stock material to maintain durability and rigidity of the quadrant lighting apparatus . the housing may include a switch for activating the quadrant lighting apparatus . in the manufacturing process of the quadrant lighting apparatus , the flexible circuit board attaches or adheres to the housing . the flexible circuit board attaches or adheres to a bottom surface of the housing and a top surface of the housing . the flexible circuit board includes the light source . in a preferred embodiment , leds are used as the light source to provide illumination for the gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant . the flexible circuit board also contains electrical connections and other necessary electrical components for the operation of the quadrant lighting apparatus . the housing also comprises a battery compartment for one or more batteries . a particularly preferred embodiment shown and described has two batteries . a cover plate removably attaches to the housing to contain the batteries . in the preferred embodiment , the cover plate is located on the bottom of the housing . the batteries may be held in position within the battery compartment by a “ dog - bone ” piece . the dog - bone piece assists in securing the batteries and the switch and provides an electrically conductive path for the batteries through a conductive clip adjacent to the dog - bone . in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawings , the dog - bone piece &# 39 ; s shape snugly accommodates two round batteries in the housing and provides stability to the batteries and the switch within the housing . as previously indicated , the housing may be made from a plastic material . suitable plastic materials include 33 % glass filled plastic nylon or investment casting . the flexible circuit board may be comprised of multiple layers , such as an adhesive layer , a backing layer , a layer of electrical components forming a circuit , and an optional cover . the adhesive layer may include a modified acrylic type adhesive . in certain embodiments , the adhesive layer may be omitted and adhesives may be used to adhere the flexible circuit board to the housing . the backing layer may include a polyimide material . the backing layer may be approximately 0 . 002 inches thick . the circuit and its electrical components include resistors , leds , and other electrical connections . finally , a cover to protect the components is applied . the cover may include typical paints or other coating to protect the components . other layers may be included as well . the weight of the quadrant lighting apparatus may be reduced to approximately 0 . 075 kilograms to approximately 0 . 085 kilograms by using light weight materials . a preferred embodiment of the quadrant lighting apparatus weighs approximately 0 . 077 kilograms by using the light weight materials . this is a fraction of the weight of the gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant , which weighs approximately 1 . 978 pounds alone and with the m82 carrying case approximately 3 . 659 pounds . the present invention will now be discussed with reference to some preferred embodiments : a housing 10 is shown in fig4 - 10 . the housing 10 includes a right - wing 20 and a left - wing 30 . in a preferred embodiment , the right - wing 20 and the left - wing 30 are integral to a base 40 to provide strength and durability to the housing 10 . in other embodiments , the right wing and the left wing may be combined with the base to form the housing . the base 40 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a hollow cavity below its top surface . the right - wing 20 and the left - wing 30 are generally perpendicular to the base 40 of the housing 10 . the base 40 has a front mounting region 50 and a back mounting region 60 . the front mounting region 50 and the back mounting region 60 removably attach or “ clip ” to a bottom surface of the gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant via a clip 65 attached to the back mounting region 60 . the quadrant lighting apparatus may removably attach to the gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant by other conventional fastening means , such as bolts , brackets , and the like . in a preferred embodiment , the housing 10 is about 1 . 75 inches wide , about 4 . 25 inches long , and about 2 . 13 inches tall . the base 40 includes a groove 425 and a bevel 427 . the groove 425 allows the flexible circuit board to attach to a top surface 330 of the base and a bottom surface of the base 440 . after the flexible circuit board is adhered to the housing , the right - wing 20 and the left - wing 30 include the leds that provide illumination to the gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant . the right - wing 20 and the left - wing 30 are generally shaped to position the leds proximate to the portions of the gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant 1 , shown in fig1 , requiring illumination , such as the micrometer 3 , the scales 6 and 7 , and the liquid level bubble vial 4 , shown in fig1 . fig1 shows a flexible circuit board 200 attached to the housing 10 to comprise a quadrant lighting apparatus 15 . as shown in fig1 , the right - wing 20 includes a first right led 71 , a second right led 72 , a third right led 73 , and a fourth right led 74 . with continued reference to fig1 , the left wing 30 includes a first left led 81 , a second left led 82 , a third left led 83 , and a fourth left led 84 . the housing also includes a switch 90 that controls the on / off function of the quadrant lighting apparatus 15 . with reference to fig1 , a battery compartment 100 is shown in the bottom of the base 40 . the battery compartment 100 includes a front compartment 105 and a rear compartment 110 , which are defined by a dog bone piece 120 and the base 40 . over the dog bone piece 120 is a conductive clip 125 . a cover plate 130 completes the battery compartment 100 . the cover plate 130 may attach to the housing via screws or socket heads or other conventional fastening means . the flexible circuit board 200 with electrical wiring 220 , as shown in fig1 , adheres to the housing 10 by an adhesive carried by the flexible circuit board 200 to comprise the quadrant lighting apparatus 15 . after the adhering of the flexible circuit board 200 to the housing 10 , the quadrant lighting apparatus 15 may be masked and coated with a sprayed on primer and top - coat , such as 383 green carc coating per mil - std - 171 , to protect the electrical components from ambient conditions encountered during use of the weapon or elements or physical abuse or both . the spray adhesive may be selected to reduce glare as well . the battery system of the present invention will now be discussed in detail . three - volt batteries are suitable for use with this invention . a preferred battery is a panasonic ® cr2477 . these cr2477 batteries are readily available off the shelf . they may provide 4 - 5 years of service assuming that the quadrant lighting apparatus is not activated . the batteries may be readily replaced in the field by the operator by removing the cover plate . the batteries are contained in the front and rear compartments 105 and 110 . the dog bone 120 is attached to the housing 10 via a bolt 210 . as shown in fig1 , the bolt 210 extends through the dog bone 120 and through a passage 42 in the housing 10 to a surface of the housing 10 where fastening means , such as a crimped rivet and washer 215 , act as an electrical conductor between the flexible circuit board 200 on the surface of the housing 10 and the batteries . the bolt 210 also secures the conductive clip 125 to the dog bone . the conductive clip 125 provides a negative connection for the batteries in the front and rear compartments 105 and 110 , while the flexible circuit board 200 provides the positive connection for the batteries . an important aspect of the present invention is the focus angles of the leds . by directing each of the leds in particular directions , the light signature of the quadrant lighting apparatus is reduced and thus , a “ hot spot ” which could reveal the position of the artillery piece or howitzer to enemy combatants is less likely to be created . in the preferred embodiment shown in fig3 , the first right led 71 is directed to the liquid level bubble vial 4 , the second right led 72 is directed to the micrometer 3 , the third right led 73 is directed to the micrometer 3 , and the fourth right led 74 is directed to the right elevation scale 6 . in this embodiment , the first left led 81 is directed to the liquid level bubble vial 4 , the second left led 82 is directed to the micrometer 3 , the third left led 83 is directed to the micrometer 3 , and the fourth left led 84 is directed to the left elevation scale 7 . this is one preferred arrangement for the leds . other suitable arrangements may be employed that illuminate the level , the scales , and the micrometer of the quadrant lighting apparatus . in a preferred embodiment , all of the led &# 39 ; s are “ right angle ” leds . in this preferred embodiment , extra material for supporting an individual led may be used to direct the individual led to a specific point on the quadrant lighting apparatus . in other embodiments , a combination of “ right angle ” and 45 ° leds may be used . in other embodiments of the present invention , a variety of leds and led locations may be selected . embodiments with six leds provide sufficient illumination while not creating a noticeable light signature or hot spot . preferred leds for use with the quadrant lighting apparatus have a wavelength range of about 550 nanometers to about 650 nanometers . this wavelength range is generally not detectable from a distance by enemy combatants using night vision equipment with infrared technology . adjusting the electrical current by the use of resistors in the flexible circuit board achieves the desired brightness and wavelength . in other embodiments of the present invention , ten leds may be used and provide sufficient illumination while not creating a noticeable light signature . the flexible circuit board of the present invention will now be discussed in general terms . the flexible circuit board includes an adhesive backing to adhere the flexible circuit board to the housing . the flexibility of the flexible circuit board allows the flexible circuit board to bend and wrap around the angles and to the bottom surfaces of the housing as needed to assemble the quadrant lighting apparatus . the flexible circuit board follows or molds to the respective contours of the housing . the flexible circuit board preferably includes a single piece of flexible circuit board . this is intended to reduce the likelihood or the probability of breaks or shorts in the circuit and to provide a more durable finished product . the flexible circuit board includes the leds and the necessary electrical connectivity between the leds . other electrical components in the flexible circuit board include resistors and the like . the flexible circuit board may also include the on switch for the device . the flexible circuit board may be programmed to provide an automatic shut - off timer for the quadrant lighting apparatus . for example , after the operator turns “ on ” the quadrant lighting apparatus , the quadrant lighting apparatus may automatically shut off after a predetermined time , such as approximately two to approximately five minutes when appropriately constructed or programmed . as previously described , the flexible circuit board provides the positive contact for the batteries . a preferred flexible circuit board is shown in fig1 . during the manufacture of the quadrant lighting apparatus of the present invention , the flexible circuit board is layered and printed with all the necessary electrical components . next , the flexible circuit board is attached to the housing via the adhesive carried by the flexible circuit board . with reference to fig4 and 14 , a left - wing portion 300 of the flexible circuit board 200 is attached to an interior portion 400 of the left wing 30 . a right - wing portion 310 of the flexible circuit board 200 is attached to an interior portion 410 of the right - wing 20 . a middle portion 320 of the flexible circuit board 200 is attached to the top surface 330 of the base 40 and a battery portion 340 of the flexible circuit board 200 is attached to the bottom surface 440 of the base 40 . the battery portion 340 of the flexible circuit board bends at a transition point 350 to wrap underneath and attach to the bottom surface 440 of the base 40 . the transition point 350 bends through the groove 425 in the base 40 of the housing 10 . a switch portion 360 provides the electrical operation for the switch 90 . the switch 90 contacts the switch portion 360 through the opening 425 . fig1 - 17 show an electrical configuration for the flexible circuit board 200 . the circuit generally comprises four parts , led intensity circuitry , a timer circuit , a set signal , and a reset sequence . the first part of the circuit is the led intensity circuitry which provides for different amounts of current to be sent to each led 500 so that each led 500 has a different intensity . additionally , the amount of current going to all of the leds 500 may be changed by the use of different resistors 515 . all choices described should be made at the time of manufacturing the circuit . the second part of the circuit is the timer circuit . whether the leds 500 are in an “ on ” or “ off ” state is determined by the output of the timer circuit . the timer circuit is preset for a particular period of time during the manufacturing process . in other embodiments , the time period of the timer is made variable by using different components in the timer circuit . the timer is turned “ on ” by a set signal , and when the timer turns “ off ,” a pulse is generated that initiates a reset sequence . the set signal , which starts the timer , is triggered by a single ac pulse created from the pushing of the switch 90 . similarly , the output of the timer circuit creates a pulse that resets the entire circuit . with particular reference to fig1 - 17 , a “ quad two - input nand ” device 525 is shown for the set and reset sequences described above , a tantalum capacitor 530 is used as the “ on time cap ,” a npn transistor 535 is used as the “ on ” switch , and a low power linear timer chip 540 is used in the timer circuit . mechanically , this flexible circuit design provides many advantages . the use of a flexible circuit increases the dependability and reduces the cost associated with wire . the battery contacts are also an integral part of the flexible circuit . the housing forms a conductor for the circuit . although preferred embodiments of the present invention include the quadrant lighting apparatus being removably connected to the gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant , one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that there are embodiments of the present invention in which the quadrant lighting apparatus may be permanently attached or affixed or incorporated onto the gunner &# 39 ; s quadrant . as evident from the foregoing description , certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein , and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications , or equivalents thereof , will occur to those skilled in the art . it is accordingly intended that all claims shall cover all such modifications and applications that do not depart from the spirit and the scope of the present invention .
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in use and operation , and referring to fig1 , an exemplary boc semiconductor package 10 of the prior art is depicted . the semiconductor chip or die 12 has an active surface 14 and a back surface 16 . the die 12 is shown with a plurality of bond pads 34 disposed on the active surface 14 , in one or more mutually parallel , generally linear rows 36 ( see fig4 ) along a centerline bisecting the active surface 14 . generally , the bond pads 34 have a uniform interpad spacing or pitch 8 ( see fig4 ). as shown in fig1 , the package 10 includes an interposer substrate 20 such as may be formed of a sheet of circuit board material such as a bt resin or epoxy - glass composite , or may comprise silicon ( with a passivated surface ), ceramic or other suitable dielectric material . the interposer substrate 20 has an interconnect or wire bond slot 40 corresponding to the position of the central row or rows 36 of bond pads 34 ( fig4 ) and exposing bond pads 34 therethrough . in addition , conductive traces 30 are typically formed on the surface 24 of interposer substrate 20 and extend from locations adjacent interconnect slot 40 to other , more remote locations on surface 24 . the conductive traces 30 are connected through interconnect slot 40 to the bond pads 34 by elongated conductive elements in the form of bond wires 38 . conductive traces 30 are also connected to discrete conductive elements 68 of a ball - grid - array ( bga ) comprising solder balls or conductive or conductor - filled or coated columns , pillars or studs , enabling attachment of the package 10 to a carrier substrate ( not shown ) such as a circuit board of an electronic system such as a computer . in fig1 , die 12 is shown as having its active surface 14 mounted on a die attachment area 18 on the surface 22 of interposer substrate 20 by adhesive material 32 . the adhesive material 32 may comprise one of many suitable adhesives such as thermoplastic adhesive , a thermoset adhesive or one or more tape or film segments such as a polyimide ( e . g ., kapton tape ®) having a pressure - sensitive adhesive on both sides thereof . as shown , the package 10 includes a molded filled polymer body 54 extending over the back surface 16 and lateral edges 19 of the die 12 to surface 22 of interposer substrate 20 . as shown , the molded filled polymer body 54 may extend to the peripheral edges 26 of interposer substrate 20 , but this is not required . in addition , a filled polymer wire bond mold cap 56 is formed to fill the interconnect slot 40 and cover the bond wires 38 , including the bond sites to conductive traces 30 . typically , the molded filled polymer body 54 and filled polymer wire bond mold cap 56 are formed substantially simultaneously by conventional transfer molding techniques which are well - known in the electronic industry . alternatively , other packaging methods may be used , including pot molding and injection molding , for example . fig1 also illustrates bending stresses 72 which occur when the package 10 is subjected to temperature cycling and thermal shock . the interposer substrate 20 is thus cycled back and forth between compressive and tensile stress conditions . when in a tensile state , the bending stresses 72 act on the wire bond mold cap 56 and the edges 46 of the interconnect slot 40 , tending to separate them . cracks 58 propagate at the interface 74 between the mold cap 56 and edges 46 , or within the mold cap 56 itself , to relieve the applied tensile stress . breakage of bond wires 38 lying in the path of a crack 58 may also occur . as depicted in the generalized graph of fig3 , the stress values 61 ( whether tensile or compressive ) increase as shown at 62 toward the center of interposer substrate 20 and attain peak values 64 generally along the centerline 42 of the interposer substrate 20 . conversely , stress levels decrease with distance 66 from the centerline 42 of interposer substrate 20 . of course , it is the occurrence of peak values 64 for stress , which causes the aforementioned damage in the interconnect slot 40 region of interposer substrate 20 . fig2 depicts the exemplary interposer substrate 20 of fig1 . interposer substrate 20 is shown in this embodiment as a planar member with a surface 22 and an opposed surface 24 . the interposer substrate 20 has a length 52 . a die 12 ( not shown in fig2 ) with a central row 36 of bond pads 34 will be attached to die attachment area 18 on the surface 22 such that the bond pads 34 will be exposed through the interconnect slot 40 . conductive traces 30 ( not shown in fig2 ) are formed on the surface 24 , as already discussed . as shown , the interconnect slot 40 has a length 48 which , in many instances , is about 70 – 80 % of the interposer substrate 20 length 52 so as to extend a length at least slightly greater than the row or rows 36 of centrally placed bond pads 34 of the die 12 with which interposer substrate 20 is assembled . the slot width 50 is typically made as narrow as possible because of the required space for conductive traces 30 on the outer surface 24 of interposer substrate 20 , but is required to be of sufficient width to accommodate a wire bond capillary used to place bond wires 38 and therefore , form bonds with bond pads 34 and the ends of conductive traces 30 adjacent interconnect slot 40 . also shown are vertical axis 28 oriented perpendicular to the plane of interposer substrate 20 through the interconnect slot 40 and longitudinal axis or centerline 42 extending through the interconnect slot 40 in the plane of interposer substrate 20 . the interconnect slot ends 44 are typically rounded or filleted , a natural consequence of slot formation in the interposer substrate 20 by milling . rounded slot ends as illustrated in fig2 , therefore , have a greater strength than , e . g ., squared ends , the corners of which are subject to crack initiation and propagation . in the present invention , one or more crosspieces or bridges 70 ( fig4 ) are formed between the slot ends 44 of the elongate interconnect slot 40 . these crosspieces or bridges provide a multisegmented interconnect slot 40 and reinforce the interposer substrate 20 between the opposing edges 46 of the interconnect slot 40 at intermediate locations along the interconnect slot 40 against bending attributable to stresses applied thereto . turning now to fig4 , one exemplary embodiment of the interposer substrate 20 of the invention is shown , together with a die 12 with a single central row 36 of bond pads 34 . a crosspiece or bridge 70 comprises a filleted portion of the interposer substrate 20 which is left uncut during manufacture , i . e :, two longitudinally adjacent interconnect slots or slot segments 40 a , 40 b are formed in interposer substrate 20 instead of a single interconnect slot 40 ( as depicted in fig1 and 2 ), leaving crosspiece or bridge 70 in place . the interconnect slot segments 40 a , 40 b of the present invention are shown with a combined length of 48 a plus 48 b , which is slightly less than the length 48 of a single prior art interconnect slot 40 for a similarly sized interposer substrate 20 . however , the longitudinal distal end - to - distal end length of the two interconnect slot segments 40 a , 40 b may be equivalent to , or even longer than , that of a single prior art interconnect slot 40 . the width 76 of the crosspiece or bridge 70 in the direction of centerline 42 is small , generally about 0 . 5 mm or more for a bt resin interposer substrate 20 given manufacturing tolerances , yet sufficient to extend between longitudinally adjacent bond pads 34 . it may be desirable to space bond pads 34 into two or more longitudinally adjacent groups with increased interpad spacing or pitch 8 between groups of the plurality of bond pads 34 , as depicted in fig9 , to enable the use of larger - width crosspieces or bridges 70 . if necessary , more than one crosspiece or bridge 70 may be used , generally evenly spaced along the interconnect slot 40 ( see slot segments 40 a , 40 b and 40 c in fig9 a ), to divide the interconnect slot 40 into three or even more segments to provide a required resistance to bending . generally , however , for overall length 84 of the row 36 of bond pads 34 for dice 12 of about 3 to 15 mm in length , a single , substantially centrally placed crosspiece or bridge 70 is sufficient to avoid stress cracking or delamination of the wire bond mold cap 56 . for longer dice 12 , two or more longitudinally spaced crosspieces or bridges 70 may be desirable to thereby avoid stress cracking or delamination of the wire bond mold cap 56 . referring now to fig8 , a cross - sectional end view of a boc semiconductor package 100 according to the present invention is illustrated . elements and features of semiconductor package 100 are substantially the same as those of boc semiconductor package 10 , however , a notable addition to semiconductor package 100 is the transverse extension of crosspiece or bridge 70 across interconnect slot 40 , thereby dividing interconnect slot 40 into slot segments 40 a and 40 b ( see fig4 ). fig5 illustrates another embodiment of a crosspiece or bridge 70 . in this version , the crosspiece or bridge 70 comprises a narrow segment of material which is adhered by its underside 86 to surface 24 of interposer substrate 20 with a high - strength adhesive . this crosspiece or bridge 70 may be formed of a high - strength material with a coefficient of thermal expansion ( cte ) approximating the cte of the interposer substrate 20 . for example , a reinforced polymer ( such as a glass - reinforced polymer ) may be used to form a thin crosspiece or bridge 70 having a minimum width 76 of about 0 . 5 mm . other reinforced materials such as a polyimide tape , a ceramic element or a silicon - type element may be used . it is also contemplated , as illustrated in fig5 a , that a laterally elongated “ i ”- shaped segment 70 a bearing adhesive material 32 on both sides thereof and used for mounting a die 12 to interposer substrate 20 may be formed such as by die - cutting from a larger sheet of reinforced polymer , for example , and placed on surface 22 of interposer substrate 20 with the head 70 h and foot 70 f of the “ i ”- shaped segment 70 a lying on opposing sides of an interconnect slot 40 and the body 70 b of the “ i ”- shaped segment 70 a forming the reinforcing crosspiece or bridge 70 thereacross . of course , segment 70 a may also be formed with two or more crosspieces to extend at intervals across interconnect slot 40 , or two or more “ i ”- shaped segments 70 a employed . segment 70 a may comprise , for example , a tape segment or a relatively stiff plastic segment . fig6 depicts a further embodiment of a crosspiece or bridge 70 which comprises a narrow plug or bar of material joined to each of the opposed slot edges 46 a and 46 b , preferably by a high - strength adhesive . this narrow plug or bar of material is preferably a dielectric material with sufficient strength to accommodate the compressive and tensile stresses applied along the opposed slot edges 46 a and 46 b , respectively . the various types of materials which may be used to form the plug or bar include , for example , glass , rigid plastic and ceramic . fig7 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention , in which a “ t ”- shaped crosspiece or bridge 70 t is placed with its body 70 b snugly placed in interconnect slot 40 and the legs of cap 70 c extending over surface 22 transversely to centerline 42 , both body 70 b and cap 70 c being adhesively bonded to interposer substrate 20 . as noted above , for dice 12 which may normally have an interpad spacing or pitch 8 ( see fig4 ) less than about 0 . 5 mm , the die design to accommodate any of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention may require a slightly larger bond pad spacing at one or several locations along the row 36 of bond pads 34 . thus , for example , a die 12 may be formed with a bond pad spacing of 0 . 4 mm along 95 % of the row 36 of bond pads 34 , while the spacing between two adjacent centrally located bond pads 34 is increased to 0 . 6 mm . thus , a crosspiece or bridge 70 may be accommodated without significantly changing the overall length 84 of the row 36 of bond pads 34 . such an arrangement of bond pads 34 on a die 12 in the form of three groups of bond pads 34 , each group of bonding pads 34 comprising two parallel rows flanking the centerline of the die 12 , is illustrated in fig9 . however , in the embodiments of fig5 , 5 a , 6 and 7 , it should be noted that use of a crosspiece or bridge 70 of a higher strength against bending than the material of interposer substrate 20 may enable the use of a thinner crosspiece or bridge 70 which may accommodate existing bond pad spacing or pitch 8 . similarly , if an appropriate material is selected for interposer substrate 20 and stringent manufacturing tolerances may be held , a thin yet effective crosspiece or bridge 70 may provide adequate resistance to bending stresses while still accommodating existing bond pad spacing or pitch 8 . while not specifically illustrated , it should be noted that the invention encompasses various combinations of the embodiments discussed and illustrated above , including stacked packages thereof . in the discussion thus far , it is noted that the dice 12 are disposed on a planar surface 22 of the interposer substrate 20 . however , the present invention is applicable to semiconductor packages in which the interposer substrate 20 or a base comprising the interposer substrate 20 has a die - receiving cavity and / or a conductor - carrying cavity on a surface 22 or an opposed surface 24 thereof . it will be recognized from the above description that the segmentation for reinforcement of interconnect slots 40 in boc semiconductor packages through the use of crosspieces or bridges 70 enhances the functionality and reliability of such semiconductor packages . while the present invention has been disclosed herein in terms of certain exemplary embodiments , those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that it is not so limited . many additions , deletions and modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be effected without departing from the scope of the invention . moreover , elements and features from one embodiment may be combined with features from other embodiments . the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims which follow herein .
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a preferred embodiment of the machine for heat exchange with a product forming the object of this invention is described below with reference to the figures . fig1 shows a perspective view sectioned according to a vertical plane of an assembly of three elements ( 6 ) and three separators ( 9 ). this assembled could be enlarged with as many separators ( 9 ) as elements ( 6 ) were necessary , for the purpose of being adjusted to the requirements of the machine , either size or volume / surface ratio requirements . likewise , more than one separator ( 9 ) could be located between two contiguous elements ( 6 ). as can be observed in the figure , each element ( 6 ) has a cylindrical configuration , with a first base ( 10 ), a second base ( 11 ) and a cylindrical surface ( 12 ). the separator ( 9 ) may also have a cylindrical configuration . both the shaft ( 13 ) of the element ( 6 ) and the shaft of the separator ( 9 ) will coincide with the shaft ( 5 ) of the machine . following a path parallel to said shaft ( 5 ), the separator ( 9 ) will comprise two conduits ( 14 , 15 ), a first inlet conduit ( 14 ) for a fluid and a second outlet conduit ( 15 ) for said fluid . said conduits ( 14 , 15 ) of the separator ( 9 ) will be communicated with first conduits ( 16 ) and second conduits ( 17 ) of elements ( 6 ). the fluid coming from the first conduit ( 14 ) of a separator ( 9 ) will enter the element ( 6 ) through its first conduit ( 16 ) to circulate through the element ( 6 ) and exit through its second conduit ( 17 ). the fluid in this circulation may transfer or absorb heat for heating or cooling the product contained in the vat ( 1 ) of the machine . the vat ( 1 ) of the machine can be observed in fig2 . said vat ( 1 ), like the elements ( 6 ), has a cylindrical configuration , with a first end ( 2 ), a second end ( 3 ) and an outer surface ( 4 ). the shaft of the cylinder of the vat ( 1 ) will also coincide with the shaft ( 5 ) of the machine for heat exchange with a product , with the shaft ( 13 ) of the elements and with the shaft of the separators ( 9 ). the vat has an opening which is covered with a lid ( 30 ). said lid ( 30 ) can slide in rest situations of the vat ( 1 ), such that it allows the access to the inside of the vat ( 1 ). in the position shown in fig2 , the vat ( 1 ) can be filled with food or product to be treated from a supply point located above the vat . once the food or product has been introduced inside the vat ( 1 ), the lid ( 30 ) will close the vat ( 1 ), its treatment being able to be carried out . in this sense , it must be mentioned that the shaft ( 5 ) comprises two systems of bearings , first bearings allowing the scraper blades ( 7 , 8 ) to rotate , and second bearings allowing the vat ( 1 ) to rotate . during the process for treating the product , the second bearings remain fixed , such that the motor driving the machine only moves the scraper blades ( 7 , 8 ). the motor will be fixed to the vat ( 1 ) through two electric latches , for example . by way of clarification , a partial view of the machine is shown in fig3 , in which the three elements ( 6 ) and three separators ( 9 ) are shown joined to the shaft ( 5 ) of the machine formed , in this case and by way of example , by six rods passing through the three elements ( 6 ) and separators ( 9 ), fixed through a threaded joint in the first end ( 2 ) and the second end ( 3 ) of the vat ( 1 ). depending on the number of elements and separators and of the torque to be transmitted , the number of threaded rods can be increased or reduced . likewise , the two pipes communicating with the first conduits ( 14 , 16 ) and second conduits ( 15 , 17 ) of elements ( 6 ) and separators ( 9 ) are shown . the fluid for cooling or heating the product will be led from an external device , not shown , to the machine through these two pipes . fig4 shows the structures ( 18 ) joined to the shaft ( 5 ) of the machine in which the blades for scraping the elements ( 6 ) and separators ( 9 ), and the first end ( 2 ), the second end ( 3 ) and the outer surface ( 4 ) of the vat ( 1 ) are fixed . three structures ( 18 ) that are equally distributed , each of them at 120 °, can be seen in the embodiment shown in the figure . each structure ( 18 ) is u - shaped , with a first batten ( 19 ), a second batten ( 20 ) and a stringer ( 21 ) joining said battens ( 19 , 20 ). the first batten ( 19 ) will be fixed at one of its two ends perpendicularly in a first end of the shaft ( 5 ) of the machine for heat exchange with a product . likewise , the second batten ( 20 ) will be fixed at one of its two ends perpendicularly in a second end of the shaft ( 5 ) of the machine for heat exchange with a product . the batten ( 21 ) will be joined to the first and second battens ( 19 , 20 ) at its two free ends . inner or outer scraper blades ( 7 , 8 ) are fixed to these structures ( 18 ). fig4 shows two inner blades ( 7 ) joined to two structures ( 18 ) and an outer blade ( 8 ) joined to the third structure ( 18 ). each inner scraper blade ( 7 ) is u - shaped with a first vertical crosspiece ( 22 ), a second vertical crosspiece ( 23 ) and a horizontal crosspiece ( 24 ) joining said first and second vertical crosspieces ( 22 , 23 ). each inner scraper blade ( 7 ) additionally has a first flange ( 25 ) and a second flange ( 26 ). said flanges ( 25 , 26 ) emerge towards the outside of the inner scraper blade ( 7 ) at the free ends of the first and second vertical crosspiece ( 22 , 23 ). the joining of the inner scraper blade ( 7 ) to the stringer ( 21 ) of the structure ( 18 ) is carried out through the first and second flange ( 25 , 26 ), additionally being able to be carried out through a rib joined to the stringer ( 21 ) and to the first and second vertical crosspiece ( 22 , 23 ) of the inner scraper blade ( 7 ). the inner arrangement of a machine for heat exchange with a product with three elements ( 6 ) is shown in fig6 , in which the elements ( 6 ) mentioned in fig1 and the structures ( 18 ) mentioned in fig4 are observed . as can be observed , as there is a relative movement between the elements ( 6 )— separators ( 9 ) and the structures ( 18 ), the inner blades ( 7 ) will scrape the walls of the elements ( 6 ) and separators ( 9 ). in particular , the first and second crosspiece ( 22 , 23 ) of the inner scraper blade ( 7 ) will scrape the first base ( 10 ) of an element ( 6 ) and the second base ( 11 ) of a contiguous element ( 6 ), the cylindrical surfaces ( 12 ) being scraped by the first and second flanges ( 25 , 26 ) of the inner scraper blades ( 7 ). the horizontal crosspieces ( 24 ) will scrape the outer surfaces of the separators ( 9 ). all this is shown with greater detail in fig7 . an outer scraper blade ( 8 ) can also be seen in fig6 . said outer scraper blade ( 8 ) is also u - shaped with a first vertical crosspiece ( 27 ), a second vertical crosspiece ( 28 ), both joined perpendicularly to the shaft ( 5 ) of the machine for heat exchange with a product , parallel to the first and second battens ( 19 , 20 ) of the structure ( 18 ) and outside said structure ( 18 ). said first vertical crosspiece ( 27 ) and second vertical crosspiece ( 28 ) are joined , parallel to the stringer ( 21 ) of the structure ( 18 ) and outside said structure ( 18 ), through a horizontal crosspiece ( 29 ). the first vertical crosspiece ( 27 ), the second vertical crosspiece ( 28 ) and the horizontal crosspiece ( 29 ) of the outer scraper blade ( 8 ) will carry out the same function as the first vertical crosspiece ( 22 ), the second vertical crosspiece ( 23 ) and the horizontal crosspiece ( 24 ) of the outer scraper blade ( 7 ) scraping , respectively , the first end ( 2 ), the second end ( 3 ) and the outer surface ( 4 ) of the vat ( 1 ) when the structure rotates about the shaft ( 5 ) of the machine for heat exchange with a product . the number of these outer scraper blades ( 8 ) may be at most equal to the number of structures ( 18 ). fig8 shows the end of the process for treating the product or food . once the process has ended , the motor of the vat ( 1 ) is decoupled , for example by opening the previously mentioned electric latches . in this position , by applying a force on the bar ( 31 ) the vat ( 1 ) can be rotated and the opening thereof can be oriented towards the storage tank or container in which the treated product or food will be dumped . at this time , the lid ( 30 ) may be opened , the product or food falling into the container located under the vat ( 1 ) arranged for such purpose . during the unloading process , the movement of the vat ( 1 ) may be blocked again for the purpose of preventing the movement thereof during the unloading operation . this blocking may also occur also by means using the mentioned electric latches . for the purpose of facilitating the transfer of the product or food from the vat ( 1 ) to the storage tank or container , a guiding system may be added to the machine , such that the losses or wastages in the unloading process are minimized . said guiding system may be a ramp , for example . in view of this description and set of figures , the person skilled in the art will be able to understand that the invention has been described according to a preferred embodiment thereof , but that multiple variations can be introduced in said preferred embodiment , without departing from the object of the invention as it has been claimed .
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as used herein , a hydrocarbyl radical has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and includes alkyl , cycloalkyl , aryl , arylene , alkaryl , aralkyl , aralkenyl , and alkenyl radicals having up to 3 ethylenic double bonds . the vinyl chloride polymers are made from monomers consisting of vinyl chloride alone or a mixture of monomers comprising , preferably , at least about 70 % by weight based on the total monomer weight of vinyl chloride . they are exemplified by copolymers of vinyl chloride with from about 1 to about 30 % of a copolymerizable ethylenically unsaturated material such as vinyl acetate , vinyl butyrate , vinyl benzoate , vinylidene chloride , diethyl fumarate , diethyl maleate , other alkyl fumarates and maleates , vinyl propionate , methyl acrylate , 2 - ethylhexyl acrylate , butyl acrylate and other alkyl acrylates , methyl methacrylate , ethyl methacrylate , butyl methacrylate and other alkyl methacrylates , methyl alpha - chloroacrylate , styrene , trichloroethylene , vinyl ethers such as vinyl ethyl ether , vinyl chloroethyl ether and vinyl phenyl ether , vinyl ketones such as vinyl methyl ketone and vinyl phenyl ketone , 1 - fluoro - 2 - chloroethylene , acrylonitrile , chloroacrylonitrile , allylidene diacetate and chloroallylidene diacetate . typical copolymers include vinyl chloride - vinyl acetate ( 96 : 4 sold commercially as vynw ), vinyl chloride - vinyl acetate ( 87 : 13 ), vinyl chloride - vinyl acetate - maleic anhydride (( 86 : 13 : 1 ), vinyl chloride - vinylidene chloride ( 95 : 5 ); vinyl chloride - diethyl fumarate ( 95 : 5 ), and vinyl chloride 2 - ethylhexyl acrylate ( 80 : 20 ). the vinyl chloride polymers , of course , constitute the major portion of the compositions of this invention . thus , they amount to from about 70 % to about 95 % by weight of the total weight of the unfoamed compositions of this invention . the blowing agent may be any one or a mixture of those commonly used for foaming pvc pipe , including azobisformamide , 5 - phenyl tetrazole , benzene sulfonyl hydrazide , the formula for the azobisformamide is : ## str2 ## azobisformamide is available under the celogen azrv trademark . the concentration of said blowing agent is suitably from about 0 . 1 and 5 . 0 % but preferably from about 0 . 2 to about 3 % by weight of the total composition prior to the formation of foam . r &# 39 ; in the organotin salt is preferably an alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms , more preferably only 1 carbon atom , and when x is halogen , it is preferably chlorine and x is preferably from 2 to 3 . when used , the proportion of organotin halide in the unfoamed compositions of this invention is from about 5 to about 15 % of the weight of the heat stabilizer used in the vinyl chloride polymer composition of this invention . when x is a carboxylate ion , it preferably has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and is exemplified by the ions of acetic , propionic , butyric , caprylic , caproic , decanoic , lauric , stearic , oleic , and benzoic acid . when used , the amount of organotin carboxylate is from about 10 to about 80 % of the weight of the heat stabilizer used in the vinyl chloride polymer composition of this invention . the organotin halides may be prepared by methods well known in the art such as those disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 745 , 183 , 3 , 857 , 868 , and 4 , 134 , 878 . they are exemplified by methyltin trichloride , dimethyltin dichloride , trioctyltin chloride , dibutyltin dibromide , diphenyltin dichloride , and dibenzyltin dichloride . the organotin carboxylates may be prepared by well known conventional methods such as by the reaction of an organotinhalide with a carboxylic acid in the presence of a base in water or the reaction of an organotin oxide with the carboxylic acid . they are exemplified by monobutyltin tris ( dodecylmaleate ), dimethyltin azelate , diethyltin dilaurate , monobutyltin tri - tallate , and dimethyltin dibenzoate . the amount of stabilizer in the unfoamed compositions of this invention is from about 0 . 1 to about 10 %, preferably from about 0 . 5 to about 5 %, by weight . they may be incorporated into the compositions by admixing in an appropriate mill or mixer or by any of the other well - known methods which provide for the uniform distribution of the stabilizers throughout the composition . in the stabilizer ( a ), r 1 is preferably an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms , r 2 is preferably an alkylene group having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms , r 3 is preferably an alkyl group having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms or a phenyl group , and y is preferably from 1 to 2 . reverse esters are commonly made from a mixture of monoorgano - and diorganotin chlorides ; it is preferred for this invention to use a mixture containing from about 70 to about 90 , more preferably about 80 weight percent of the dimethyltin chloride to promote the formation of a mixture of the reverse esters having about the same proportion of mono - and diorganotin bis ( mercaptoalkylcarboxylates ), reverse esters having such a high concentration of the diorganotin moiety have been found to be superior activators of the blowing agent without the need for a second activator such as the organotin halides and organotin carboxylates . the stabilizer comprises , therefore , a mixture of mercaptides for some of which the value of y in formula i is 2 and for others the value of y is 3 . it is preferred , that the amount of mercaptides for which y is 2 is from about 70 to about 90 %, more preferably about 80 %, of the total weight of the mixture . as noted above , the preparation of the mercaptoalkyl carboxylate esters and the corresponding tin mercaptides , e . g ., dibutyltin bis -( mercaptoethyl laurate ), is taught in u . s . pat . no . 2 , 870 , 182 . the sulfides may be prepared by any of several well known methods such as those taught in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 062 , 881 . thus as starting material there can be used methyltin trichloride , methyltin tribromide , methyltin triiodide , ethyltin trichloride , butyltin trichloride , butyltin tribromide , butyltin triiodide , sec . butyltin trichloride , octyltin trichloride , benzyltin trichloride , dimethyltin dichloride , dimethyltin dibromide dimethyltin diiodide , dipropyltin dichloride , butyl methyl tin dichloride , dibutyltin dichloride , dibutyltin dibromide , dioctyltin diiodide , dioctyltin dichloride , dibenzyltin dichloride , phenyltin trichloride , p - tolyltin trichloride , diphenyltin dichloride , di - p - tolyltin dichloride , cyclohexyltin trichloride , dicyclohexyltin dichloride , cyclopentyltin trichloride , oleyltin trichloride , dioleyltin dichloride , vinyltin trichloride , diallyltin dichloride , allyltin trichloride , eicosanyltin trichloride . as the mercaptoalkanol ester there can be employed , for example , esters of mercaptoethanol , 2 - thioglycerine , 3 - thioglycerine , 3 - thiopropanol , 2 - thiopropanol , 4 - thiobutanol , 18 - thiooctadecanol , 9 - thiononanol , 8 - thiooctanol , 6 - thiohexanol with acids such as formic acid , acetic acid , propionic acid , butyric acid , pivalic acid , valeric acid , caprylic acid , caproic acid , decanoic acid , lauric acid , myristic acid , palmitic acid , 2 - ethylhexanoic acid , stearic acid , eicosanic acid , oleic acid , linoleic acid , linolenic acid , crotonic acid , methacrylic acid , acrylic acid , cinnamic acid , benzoic acid , p - toluic acid , o - toluic acid , p - t - butylbenzoic acid , enanthic acid , p - n - butylbenzoic acid , cyclohexane carboxylic acid , phenylacetic acid , ricinoleic acid , hydrogenated ricinoleic acid , phenylpropionic acid . of course , mixtures of acids can be used , e . g ., tall oil acids , palmitic acid - stearic acid mixtures ranging from 60 : 40 to 40 : 60 , soybean oil acids , cottonseed oil acids , hydrogenated cottonseed oil acids , peanut oil acids , coconut oil acids , corn oil acids , castor oil acids , hydrogenated castor oil acids , lard acids , etc . illustrative of half esters of polycarboxylic acids which can be esterified with the mercaptoalkanol are monomethyl maleate , monoethyl maleate , monopropyl maleate , monobutyl maleate , monooctyl maleate , mono - 2 - ethylhexyl maleate , monostearyl maleate , monoethyl fumarate , mono methyl oxalate , monoethyl oxalate , monoethyl malonate , monobutyl malonate , monoisopropyl succinate , monomethyl succinate , monomethyl glutarate , monoethyl adipate , monomethyl glutarate , monoethyl adipate , monomethyl azelate , monomethyl phthalate , monoethyl phthalate , monoisooctyl phthalate , monoethyl terephthalate . illustrate of mercapto esters which can be used in the preparation of the tin compound include : in formula iv for the sulfide , r 7 and r 8 are preferably alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms , more preferably 1 , z is preferably an alkylene radical having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms , r 9 is preferably an alkyl radical having from 1 to 17 carbon atoms , n is preferably 1 , and q is preferably from 1 to 4 and more preferably from 1 to 2 . in addition to the blowing agent activator - heat stabilizer compositions described in the foregoing specification and appended claims , the vinyl chloride polymer compositions of this invention may contain additives for the purpose of increasing , resistance to oxidation , flame retardancy and impact resistance of the polymer . pigments , fillers , dyes , ultraviolet light absorbing agents and the like may also be present . conventional processing aids such as lubricants and acrylic resins can also be present . acrylic resins are employed in the compositions of this invention as processing aids to improve melt elasticity and strength and to prevent the collapse of the cellular structure during processing . the amount of the acrylic resin is from about 2 to about 15 parts per hundred parts of the vinyl chloride polymer . the molecular weight of the resin may be in the range of from 300 , 000 to 1 , 500 , 000 but those having the higher molecular weights are preferred ; resins having a molecular weight of 1 , 000 , 000 and higher are particularly preferred . examples of the acrylic processing aids include those sold by rohm & amp ; haas under the trademark acryloid and product numbers k - 175 , and k - 400 . among the antioxidants suitable for use in the present polymer compositions are phenols , particularly those wherein the positions adjacent to the carbon atom bearing the hydroxyl radical contain alkyl radicals as substituents . phenols wherein this alkyl radical is sterically bulky , e . g . a tertiary butyl radical , are preferred . a small amount , usually not more than 0 . 1 %, of a metal release agent , such as an oxidized polyethylene , also can be included . the effect of the blowing agent activator is independent of whether it is added to the vinyl chloride polymer as an aqueous solution , as part of a stabilizer package , or as part of a lubricant package . a variety of conventional molding and extruding techniques may be used to form the rigid , cellular vinyl chloride polymers of this invention into pipe or any desired profile or a sheet . the following examples illustrate this invention more specifically . unless otherwise indicated , all parts and percentages in these examples and throughout this specification are by weight . abf is an abbreviation of azobisformamide . pvc pipe formulations a and b were processed in a brabender 3 / 4 inch extruder having a 25 / 1 length to diameter ratio and a straight flight screw having a 2 / 1 compression ratio and a die orifice of 5 mm . the temperature profile (° c .) was : formulations a and b are the same except for the addition of the monomethyltin trichloride in b as shown in the following table . the extrusion results are also given in the table . table 1______________________________________formulation a b______________________________________pvc 100 . 00 parts 100 . 00 partscaco . sub . 3 5 . 00 phr 5 . 00 phrtio . sub . 2 1 . 00 phr 1 . 00 phrca stearate 0 . 75 phr 0 . 75 phrac - 629 * 0 . 08 phr 0 . 08 phrparaffin wax 1 . 30 phr 1 . 30 phrazobisformamide 0 . 35 phr 0 . 35 phrmonomethyltin 0 . 70 phr 0 . 70 phrtris ( mercapto - ethyl tallate ) sulfidemonomethyltin 0 . 00 &# 34 ; 0 . 05 &# 34 ; trichlorideextrusion resultsrpm 50 50torque m · gm . 2514 2512rate gm / hr 3400 3400melt temperature (° c .) 205 205foam density gm / cc 0 . 74 0 . 70______________________________________ * trademark for oxidized polyethylene pvc pipe formulations 2 - 4 , as well as control 1 were processed in a brabender 3 / 4 inch extruder having a 25 / 1 length to diameter ratio and a straight flight screw having a 4 / 1 compression ratio and a die orifice of 5 mm . the temperature profile (° c .) was : the formulations as well as the extrusion results are as shown in the following table . table 2______________________________________formulation ** cont 1 2 3 4______________________________________pvc 100 . 00 100 . 00 100 . 00 100 . 00acrylic resink - 400 6 . 00 6 . 00 6 . 00 6 . 00k - 175 0 . 50 0 . 50 0 . 50 0 . 50caco . sub . 3 5 . 00 5 . 00 5 . 00 5 . 00tio . sub . 2 1 . 00 1 . 00 1 . 00 1 . 00ca stearate 1 . 00 1 . 00 1 . 00 1 . 00ac - 629 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 10 0 . 10paraffin wax 0 . 50 0 . 50 0 . 50 0 . 50azobisforamide 0 . 15 0 . 15 0 . 15 0 . 15monomethyltin 1 . 50 1 . 50 1 . 50 1 . 50tris ( mercapto - ethyl tallate ) sulfidemonomethyltin 0 . 00 0 . 40 0 . 20 0 . 20trichlorideextrusion resultsrpm 45 45 45 45torque m · gm . 8650 7025 7950 7450rate gm / min 48 . 6 45 . 9 44 . 8 44 . 9melt temp (° c .) 215 215 212 211foam density gm / cc 0 . 96 0 . 85 0 . 91 0 . 91______________________________________ ** amounts of additive in parts per hundred parts of resin ( phr ) the pvc pipe formulations shown in table 3 were processed in a brabender 3 / 4 inch extruder having a 25 / 1 length to diameter ratio and a straight flight screw having a 4 / 1 compression ratio and a die orifice of 5 mm . the extrusion results are also given in the table . the temperature profile (° c .) was : table 3______________________________________formulation ** cont 2 ce 1 5 ce2______________________________________pvc 100 . 00 100 . 00 100 . 00 100 . 00acrylic resink - 400 6 . 00 6 . 00 6 . 00 6 . 00k - 175 0 . 50 0 . 50 0 . 50 0 . 50caco . sub . 3 5 . 00 5 . 00 5 . 00 5 . 00tio . sub . 2 1 . 00 1 . 00 1 . 00 1 . 00ca stearate 1 . 00 1 . 00 1 . 00 1 . 00rheolube 165 0 . 50 0 . 50 0 . 50 0 . 50ac - 629 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 10 0 . 10azobisformamide 0 . 15 0 . 15 0 . 15 0 . 15dimethyltin 1 . 50 -- 1 . 20 -- bis ( mercapto - ethyl tallate ) sulfidedimethyltin -- 1 . 50 -- 1 . 20bis ( 2 - ethylhexylthioglycolate ) dimethyltin -- -- 0 . 30 0 . 30ditallateextrusion resultsrpm 45 45 45 45torque m · gm . 8700 8150 7450 7900rate gm / min 44 . 6 42 , 8 44 . 4 43 . 3melt temp (° c .) 209 207 207 206foam denisity gm / cc 0 . 56 0 . 74 0 . 46 0 . 63______________________________________ ** amounts of additive in parts per hundred parts of resin ( phr ) the pvc pipe formulations shown in table 4 were processed in a brabender 3 / 4 inch extruder having a 25 / 1 length to diameter ratio and a straight flight screw having a 4 / 1 compression ratio and a die orifice of 5 mm . the extrusion results are also given in the table . the temperature profile (° c .) was : table 4______________________________________formulation ** cont 2 ce 3 6 7 8______________________________________pvc 100 100 100 100 100acrylic resink - 400 6 6 6 6 6k - 175 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5caco . sub . 3 5 5 5 5 5tio . sub . 2 1 1 1 1 1ca stearate 1 1 1 1 1ac - 629 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1paraffin wax 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5azobisformamide 0 . 35 0 . 35 0 . 35 0 . 35 0 . 35dimethyltin 1 . 50 -- 1 . 20 0 . 90 0 . 60bis ( mercapto - ethyl tallate ) sulfidemark 1915 ( witco ) -- 1 . 50 -- -- -- dimethyltin -- -- 0 . 30 0 . 60 0 . 90ditallateextrusion resultsrpm 45 45 45 45 45torque m · gm . 8700 6800 7450 6575 7900rate gm / min 44 . 1 46 . 8 43 . 4 43 . 9 43 . 3melt temp (° c .) 209 206 206 204 203foam density 0 . 56 0 . 53 0 . 53 0 . 52 0 . 50______________________________________ ** amounts of additive in parts per hundred parts of resin ( phr ) the pvc pipe formulations shown in table 5 were processed in a brabender 3 / 4 inch extruder having a 25 / 1 length to diameter ratio and a straight flight screw having a 4 / 1 compression ratio and a die orifice of 5 mm . the extrusion results are also given in the table . the temperature profile (° c .) was : table 5__________________________________________________________________________formulation ** cont 2 9 10 11 12 13 14 15__________________________________________________________________________pvc 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100acrylic resink - 400 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6k - 175 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5caco . sub . 3 5 5 5 5 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5tio . sub . 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1ca stearate 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1ac - 629 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1paraffin wax 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5azobisformamide 0 . 35 0 . 35 0 . 35 0 . 35 0 . 35 0 . 35 0 . 35 0 . 35dimethyltin 1 . 50 -- -- -- 1 . 20 -- -- -- bis ( mercapto - ethyltallate ) sulfidemonomethyltin tris ( mercapto - -- 1 . 50 -- -- -- 1 . 20 -- -- ethyltallate ) sulfidemonomethyltin bis ( mercapto - -- -- 1 . 50 -- -- -- 1 . 20 -- ethyltallate ) dimethyltin -- -- -- 1 . 50 -- -- -- 1 . 20 ( mercapto - ethyltallate ) dimethyltin -- -- -- -- 0 . 30 0 . 30 0 . 30 0 . 30ditallateextrusion resultsrpm 45 45 45 45 45 45 45 45torque m . gm . 8700 8625 8825 8200 7525 7900 7525 7225rate gm / min 44 . 1 46 . 0 46 . 9 46 . 1 43 . 8 44 . 3 44 . 8 44 . 0melt temp (° c .) 209 205 206 204 204 206 205 205foam density 0 . 56 0 . 63 0 . 55 0 . 51 0 . 52 0 . 58 0 . 55 0 . 49gm / cc__________________________________________________________________________ ** amounts of additive in parts per hundred parts of resin ( phr )
| 2 |
the game described herein will be referred to under the generic concept name of megastudpoker ®, which may have variants within the generic disclosure provided herein . as with all poker - type games , the game depends upon the rank of cards and combinations of cards in a hand and not on point count total . the game may be played as both a table game or automated machine game , with the latter preferred . one way of generally described technology included in this disclosure comprises a method of playing a poker wagering game on a video gaming apparatus . the method comprises : a player placing an underlying wager of x credits in the wagering game where z partial hands are provided in a display step in the wagering game ; the player wagering y credits on one of the z partial hands as a wager that the one of the z partial hands will be a best hand from among all z hands at the conclusion of the poker wagering game when the final hands will comprise n cards , wherein y & lt ; x ; and x - y credits being wagered against a paytable for ranks attained against the paytable for each distinct numbers of cards in the z hands selected from the group consisting of partial hands , intermediate hands and final hands of n cards . upon displaying z partial hands in the display step , individual probabilities for each of the z hands winning in an n card final hand game against all of the other z hands is displayed for use by the player . distinct payout rates may be displayed for each of the individual probabilities displayed . the distinct payout rates are relatively inverse ( that is , they do not have to be literal mathematic inverses , which might leave factors that cannot wholly be applied to wager returns ( e . g ., an inverse of 1 / 7 would require a literal inverse multiple of 14 . 2856 . . . as a payout factor , which is not convenient in dealing with whole unit credits ) to the displayed probability of one z hand winning , such that higher probability winning hands have lower payout rates as compared to lower probability winning hands . again , in explaining “ relatively inverse ,” on the 1 / 7 probability of winning displayed in a seven partial hand game , acceptable payout rates are likely to be in a relative range of 8 : 1 to 14 : 1 , with the residual providing house retention attributes . the method is preferred where n comprises 7 ; each partial hand consists of two cards ; the final 7 cards in the z hands are formed by first providing the initial two card partial hand and then providing a flop of three community cards to form a first intermediate hand before additional community cards are provided to form a final hand of 7 cards ; and the additional community cards to form a final hand of seven cards are provided together as two cards . to initiate the game , a player will wager x number of credits on z numbers of hands . for simplicity , it will be assumed that x / z is a whole integer , but in automated or table games , the wagers may be asymmetrically distributed . the z number of hands will each have a predetermined number of cards that are used as separate partial hands . in the play of texas hold &# 39 ; em variants , that would be 2 cards , and in omaha poker variants , that would be four cards . each round of play for each player has three distinct and separate hands that are in play at different stages . after receiving the z number of partial hands ( e . g ., 2 cards will be discussed , using a texas hold &# 39 ; em format ), a sequence of flop cards ( community cards ) are provided , preferably as a first 3 - card flop , and then a next 2 - card flop ( equivalent to a combination of the fourth street and river cards in texas hold &# 39 ; em ). it is possible to provide the second set of cards as two distinct offerings as the fourth street and the river . x , y , z and n are whole integer numbers . as x and y are wagering credits , they may vary up to the wagering limits on the game . z is preferably between 2 and 100 ( with multiple decks needed for values in excess of 23 ( where there is a standard 52 card deck ) and in excess of 24 ( where there is a standard 52 card deck and at lest one wild card or extra card ). n is at least one number greater than the number of cards in the partial hands , preferably 3 - 6 cards greater , and more preferably exactly 5 cards greater . in one format of the game , the player has placed a three - part wager on a 2 - card hand ( the pocket cards or partial hand ), a 5 - card hand ( the partial hand ( s ) and the 3 - card flop ) and a 7 - card hand ( the partial hand of 2 cards , the flop of 3 cards and the final set of two cards equivalent to fourth street and the river cards ). in another format of the game , there may be four wagers , on the 2 - card partial hands , the 3 - card flop , the 5 - card combination of partial hand and flop , and the 7 - card hand of the partial hand and the 5 community cards . as noted before , it is an option to deliver fourth street and the river separately , and if that is done , there is a possibility of five wagers on the 2 - card partial hand , the 3 - card flop , the 5 - card partial hand plus flop , the 6 - card hand of the partial hand , flop and fourth street , and then the 7 - card hand as described above with the river added . sub - combinations of these wagers may also be structured into the game . each number of cards in hands will have separate pay tables for the wagers , as the probability of ranked hands ( beginning with a pair for examination ) increases dramatically with each successive card . the preferred structure of the game is the 2 - card hand , 5 - card hand and 7 - card hand . the wagers are made against a paytable in all instances , not against a dealer &# 39 ; s hand ( there is no dealer &# 39 ; s hand ). the game is played with one standard deck of 52 cards ( or with one or more wild cards ). pocket cards are all different among the z number of hands , while the flop , and river / turn cards are the same for each of the z number of hands . when done automatically , a portion of the total wager made by each player is distributed into as close to equal parts among the ( for example ) 3 hands ( 2 - card , 5 - card and 7 - card ) that are formed for each of the z number of hands . in this manner , each of the z number of hands has nearly the same credits wagered for each particular part , i . e ., all parts a ( 2 - card poker wager ) would have the same wager , all parts b ( 5 - card poker wager ) would have the same wager , and all parts c ( 7 - card poker wager ) would have the same wager . the total number of credits wagered on the total parts ( z [ a + b + c ]) is less than x . at least a portion if not all of the remaining credits are bet on picking which hand will eventually become the top winning hand of 7 - card stud when all hands are filled in and compared . for example , if there are three partial hands available and 11 credits are wagered , then there will be one credit each wagered on the three 2 - card hands ( a , b and c ), one credit each wagered on the three 5 - card hands ( a , b and c ), one credit each wagered on the three 7 - card hands ( a , b and c ), for a total of 9 credits wagered . the remaining 2 credits are placed by the player on selecting which one ( or more , by splitting the remaining two credits ) of the three partial hands will eventually form the highest ranked hand among the three partial hands . the rules may require that there be at least one credit in every play wagered on the highest rank for the partial hands , and there may be a minimum amount required that is less than , equal to or greater than the largest wager or smallest wager placed on the 3 - part wager ( e . g ., 2 - card , 5 - card and 7 - card wagers ). after the 2 pocket cards in each hand are dealt , the screen may display the probability or chances ( e . g ., as a percentage ) of each 2 cards becoming the winning 7 - card stud hand ( c ), and / or of having a ranked hand in the 5 - card event . this percentage may be and preferably is displayed prior to the player committing the wager on the best of the z number of 7 - card hands that will be the final result . for example , a pair of aces being the highest ranked hand may be 88 %, whereas an unsuited 3 and 10 may be 5 %, and the third hand ( whatever it is ) would have a probability of approximately 7 %. in any case , the total of all of the percentages , one for each initial hand , would tend to equal 100 %, although as is well known in texas hold &# 39 ; em , ties are available between two or more hands when the 5 community cards forms a hand that can not be improved by any other cards in the partial hands or even the remainder of the deck . for example , the community cards may be a royal flush or four aces and a king . in the absence of wild cards , there are no cards that could improve the rank of the community cards , and all hands would have the same rank . this situation can be addressed in a number of ways . for example , the rank of the 5 - card hand could be continued by high card ranks or pairs in the partial hand according to house rules . if high card rank were first used , then an ace in the partial hand would cause the royal flush to be the next high hand ( e . g ., a - k - q - j - 10 of hearts and the ace of spades ). if the total rank of the partial hand were to be considered , then a pair ( such as a pair of 2 &# 39 ; s ) would be higher than an ace and another card . when the probabilities of the different hands are shown , different pay scales for wagering on particular hands would be shown . for example , if the probability for the three hands were 50 %, 25 % and 25 %, the pay tables for the return on wagering on the respective hands would reflect an inverse amount of return ( not necessarily a 1 / 1 inverse , as the house may build in a retention factor on wagers ) with respect to the likelihood of a particular hand winning . for example , with the percentages shown above , the approximate returns indicated on the paytables would be approximately x2 on the first hand and approximately x4 on the second and third hands . the house rules may also declare that when a hand ties it is a push or a loss for the player . enhanced paytables for each hand would then be shown ( after the three partial hands are revealed ), and the player would pick one of the partial hands to be the winning hand , paid at an enhanced level . as an alternative , a multiplier ( in whole or fractional numbers ) may be used : the 2 aces may pay 1 . 5 × the predetermined paytable , the unsuited 3 and 10 may pay 10 × the predetermined paytable . instead of the player picking one of the hands to be the highest winning hand , the player may pick any one of the hands ( whether it is the highest hand or not ) for an enhanced or multiplied payout . for example , if the player picks the unsuited 3 and 10 for a 10 × pay , that hand would have to achieve at least a minimum rank according to the predetermined paytable in order to win the wager , and then the win would be multiplied by 10 . of course if the hand ends up losing ( either among the partial hands or by not reaching the rank required ), then there is no 10 × pay . thus , the wager on the partial hands may be with respect to the particular partial hand winning , the particular partial hand reaching a predetermined rank , or both . as noted above , the game may be played on standard video gaming equipment with appropriate software enabling the game , internet gaming systems , multiple player platforms , and even live casino table card games ( which may be implemented by automated displays for the percentages , if that element of play is used . reference to the figures will assist in further understanding of the practice of the present invention . fig1 shows a video game housing 2 with screen monitor 4 , ten wagering option buttons 6 , six bonus hand selection buttons 8 , a max bet button 10 , a deal button 12 , a sample paytable for the 2 - card and 5 - card and 7 - card hands 14 , and the player &# 39 ; s choice of a wager of 25 credits 16 to play the game . the wager of 25 credits 16 is allocated as follows : 3 credits are wagered on each of the six hands ( 20 a , 20 b , 20 c , 20 d , 20 e , 20 f ), specifically 1 credit wagered in each hand for the initial partial hand ( 2 - card hand ), 1 credit wagered in each hand for the 5 - card hand , and 1 credit wagered in each hand for the 7 - card hand . the remaining 7 credits will be wagered on a bonus hand ( see fig2 ). the deal of six initial partial hands ( 22 a , 22 b , 22 c , 22 d , 22 e , 22 f ) is shown . also shown are the payouts ( 24 a , 24 b , 24 c , 24 d , 24 e , 24 f ) for the initial partial hands as determined by the paytable 14 . fig2 refers to fig1 , and shows the subsequent display of percentages ( 30 a , 30 b , 30 c , 30 d , 30 e , 30 f ) that reflect the chances of each initial partial hand to eventually be the winning 7 - card hand . also shown are the relative multiplier rates ( 32 a , 32 b , 32 c , 32 d , 32 e , 32 f ) for the separate paytable 40 for the bonus hand . the player &# 39 ; s choice of the hand 2 button 50 is shown , representing the player &# 39 ; s decision to wager the remaining 7 credits on hand 2 . hand 2 &# 39 ; s percentage 30 b and multiplier 32 b are shown highlighted in outline form . fig3 refers to fig2 , and shows the subsequent 3 - card communal flop 60 of the 5 of diamonds , the queen of diamonds and the 6 of spades into each of the six hands . also shown are the payouts ( 62 a , 62 b , 62 c , 62 d , 62 e , 62 f ) for the 5 - card hands as determined by the paytable 14 . fig4 refers to fig3 , and shows the subsequent 2 - card communal flop of the 8 of diamonds and the ace of spades 70 into each of the six hands . also shown are the payouts ( 72 a , 72 b , 72 c , 72 d , 72 e , 72 f ) for the 7 - card hands as determined by the paytable 14 . hand 2 is the highest winning hand ( a flush 72 b ) and the flush payoff for the bonus wager is highlighted 80 . a win symbol 82 is displayed , and the bonus win is explained and displayed in a display box 84 . although specific examples and specific images have been provided in this discussion , these specifics are intended to be only support for the generic concepts of the invention and are not intended to be absolute limits in the scope of the technology discussed . the following descriptions of rounds of play are provided as specific support for the generic concepts described herein . the specific numbers and events of the examples are not intended to limit the scope of the technology claimed herein . a . player wagers an initial amount of credits ( e . g ., 25 credits ) to play z ( 6 ) hands of a final game of 7 - card stud with cards dealt in a manner similar to the play of texas hold &# 39 ; em . b . in each of the six hands : 1 credit is wagered on the 2 - card hand , 1 credit on the 5 - card hand and 1 credit on the 7 - card hand for a total bet on all parts ( 3 part ) of the six hands being 18 credits . c . the remaining 7 credits ( 25 - 18 ) are bet by the player on picking the final top winning hand . the player makes the selection by player input ( buttons , keypad or touch screen , for example ). d . the initial pocket cards ( 2 cards ) are dealt into each of the six hands . predetermined pays are given for 2 - card hand ranks of straights , flushes , straight flushes , low pairs and ranked pairs ( e . g ., 4 &# 39 ; s or better , jacks or better , etc ). e . depending on the statistical percentages given to each pocket hand ( which have been statistically analyzed in depth and which statistics are well known within the field ) and the guess / strategy of the player , the player chooses one of the hands ( along with its paytable presented for that particular hand ) to ultimately become the top winning 7 - card hand or to get a multiplied pay . it should be noted that the paytables for the probability for winning are based upon the particular collection of hands present on the table . for example , the probability of a pair of 9 &# 39 ; s winning any hand is not an absolute value . if the two other hands are both an unsuited 8 and 2 , the probability will be relatively high . if the other two hands are a pair of jacks and a pair of aces , the probability will be considerably lower for the pair of nines to win . the published or displayed probabilities are therefore evaluated on the basis of the three hands ( z hands ) at the table , and not on the basis of a single hand considered alone . f . a first set of community cards ( the 3 flop cards ) are displayed and effectively associated into each hand . the resulting 5 - card hands are evaluated for pays according to a separate paytable for 5 - card poker games . any wins are paid . g . a set of two final community cards ( the compilation of fourth street and the river card ) are provided to the table and associated with each of the six hands . the resulting six 7 - card hands are evaluated for pays according to a first general 7 - card hand paytable . any wins are paid . h . all six of the 7 - card hands are compared to each other and a best hand is determined . if the player &# 39 ; s choice of the top winning hand is indeed the top winning hand , a bonus is paid . the bonus may be a fixed return on the initial wager ( which fixed return is likely to be based at least in part on the total number ( z ) of hands that were initially available for wagering . for example , selecting a winner from among six available partial hands should pay at a higher rate than selecting a winner from among three partial hands . an alternative payment would be where a separate enhanced paytable is used for the bonus hand . another alternative payment would be a multiplier used in conjunction with the enhanced paytable . a further alternative would be where the chosen hand gets a multiplied win on the paytable event of step g . i . bonus amounts may be , by way of non - limiting examples , an increased paytable for the 7 - card hand , a multiplier of the 7 - card hand win ( 5 × pay , for instance ), a multiplier of the enhanced 7 - card paytable win , a multiplier of the total win of the top hand ( including the 2 - and 5 - card payouts ), a wild card in the flop or one player &# 39 ; s hand of the next round of play , a collective component that is being stored in a bonus event ( e . g ., letters in a scrabble ® type bonus game , movement along a path in a trip - type game , game pieces in a game , projectiles in a target game or competitive game ) etc . j . as an alternate method to the play above , instead of the player picking one of the hands to be the highest winning hand , the player may pick any one of the hands ( whether it is the highest hand or not ) for an enhanced and / or multiplied payout . for example , if the player picks the unsuited 3 and 10 for a 10 × pay , that hand would have to achieve at least a minimum rank according to the predetermined paytable in order to win the wager , and then the win would be multiplied by 10 . of course if the hand ends up losing ( either among the partial hands or by not reaching the rank required ), then there is no 10 × pay . thus , the wager on the partial hands may be with respect to the particular partial hand winning , the particular partial hand reaching a predetermined rank , or both . this example provides cards and wagers similar to the manner in which cards are provided in the final table of wsop ( world series of poker ® game ). play is similar to that described directly above , except 50 total credits are bet : 1 credit is bet on the 2 - card hand , 2 credits are bet on the 5 - card hand , and 2 credits are bet on the 7 - card hand in each of the 9 hands ( total 45 credits wagered ). 5 credits are allotted for choosing the winning 7 - card hand or for choosing an enhanced pay on one of the 9 hands . this example provides cards and wagers similar to the manner in which cards are provided in the final table of wsop ( world series of poker ® game ). play is similar to that described directly above , except no credits are bet and there are no payouts allowed on the 2 - card hand . 1 credit is bet on the 5 - card hand , and 1 credit is bet on the 7 - card hand in each of the 9 hands ( total 18 credits wagered ). 7 credits are allotted for choosing the winning 7 - card hand or for choosing an enhanced pay on one of the 9 hands .
| 6 |
a dual - beam focused ion beam ( fib ) milling apparatus and technique is provided that addresses the shortcomings of conventional sample preparation for a transmission electron microscope ( tem ) fault analysis . the use of tem for finfet fault analysis has heretofore been limited by the three dimensional nature of finfets as a conventional lamella for a tem analysis of a finfet will capture multiple fingers or fins . fig2 shows an example where a failure could only be electrically isolated down to two physical gate fingers , denoted as n 7 210 and n 8 215 , which is a common occurrence in finfet fault analysis . in the example , a tem analysis of the sample did not reveal a defect . the microscopist could guess which of the two was the defective finger , but a wrong guess could result in the analysis needing to be repeated multiple times from the beginning , which could take several days for each sample preparation and analysis . or worse yet , if it were a one - of - a - kind sample , there would be no way to recover the lost data . in an embodiment , milling of a lamella containing multiple potentially faulty components in a three dimensional transistor structure , such as a pair of finfet fingers , may be guided by voltage contrast sem imaging such that the milling narrows down the sample to isolate the faulty structure and produce a lamella containing only the faulty structure for tem analysis . fig3 shows an exemplary electron microscopy failure analysis system 300 that can be used to identify faults in three dimensional transistor structures . system 300 includes an sem 305 to image a sample 310 on a platform 315 , a dual beam focused ion beam ( fib ) column 320 to mill sample 310 to a desired thickness , a controller 325 to control the platform 315 , sem 305 and fib 320 , and a computer - readable memory 330 to store failure analysis data and instructions for controller 325 . in order to improve preparation of lamellae for tem fault analysis , a dual beam fib sample preparation process may be modified to include passive voltage contrast . in a dual beam fib milling process of a ibm lamella , a beam of ions 335 ( for example ga + ions ) performs the milling . this milling is guided by the imaging from a scanning electron beam , hence the “ dual beam ” nature of such fib milling . in a conventional dual beam fib process , the energy ( kv ) of the electron beam may be too high to permit the voltage contrast process . this is done deliberately since , as noted above , the resolution of electron microscopy increases as the kv magnitude increases for electron excitation . passive voltage contrast allows for the evaluation of suspect structures for either elevated leakage or resistivity based on the comparison of secondary electron ( se ) emission levels relative to similar reference structures . this technique may be utilized in a fib or sem , with the sem becoming the tool of choice for continually shrinking geometries . in the past , this technique has been applied in a plan view orientation for planar technologies such as cmos , with the sample taken from a wafer pulled at a specific level during processing , or on a fully processed chip that has subsequently been de - processed down to the layer of interest ( typically a metal or contact layer ). this phenomenon has also been utilized in the fib cross - sectioning of defects on bulk samples . in the fib 320 , passive voltage contrast is inherent because the imaging species ( ga + ions ) has a positive charge . the phenomenon of sem - based passive voltage contrast exists because at an appropriately low accelerating voltage , the number of ses that exit the sample outnumber the primary electrons from the sem , resulting in a net positive surface charge on the sample . in the case of an “ open ” structure , i . e ., when the voltage contrast is dark , there is no path to ground so a positive surface charge accumulates , resulting in reduced se emission and darker contrast as compared to a similar non - failing structure . in the case of a “ shorted ” structure , i . e ., the voltage control is bright , the short provides a path to ground to reduce the build - up of the positive surface charge . thus more ses are able to escape relative to a non - defective structure , so it appears differentially bright . achieving passive voltage contrast during tem lamellae creation requires a low accelerating voltage in the sem , which also results in a reduction in resolution . however , using low - kv sem for tem sample preparation has several advantages in addition to passive voltage contrast . first of all , low - kv sem is more surface sensitive , which aids in proper end - pointing on each side of a tem lamella by minimizing the ses generated from the interior of the lamella . in addition , low - kv sem minimizes the “ charging ” effect exhibited by non - conductive portions of the sample . these charging effects reduce image quality and can make proper end - pointing more challenging . finally , low - kv sem minimizes electron beam damage to sensitive low - kv dielectric materials . in an embodiment , tem sample preparation occurs in the dual beam fib 320 , which utilizes a ga + ion beam to mill a bulk sample into a suitable tem lamella . this process is monitored using the in - situ sem 305 column . this allows each side of the lamella to be observed while thinning using sem voltage contrast to detect a defective structure , which will exhibit differential contrast if it is shorted to another structure ( bright ) or open ( dark ). this phenomenon can be used strategically by starting out with a thick lamella ( too thick for quality tem imaging ), where each of the two or more fingers ( gates ) in the original sample can be examined for abnormal voltage contrast in the sem column . once it is determined which finger exhibits abnormal voltage contrast , the lamella can be milled to the location of the defective finger . fig4 is a flowchart describing an exemplary method for preparing a lamella for tem analysis from a sample including multiple potentially faulty structures in a three dimensional transistor structure . in an act 400 , a sample determined to include a fault in one of multiple fingers is prepared for analysis in the failure analysis system 300 . then in an act 405 the sample is milled down to a lamella 500 including potentially faulty fingers , 505 and 510 , on either side of the lamella 500 , as shown in fig5 . the fins 515 are aligned orthogonally to the fingers 505 and 510 . the longitudinal axis of the lamella 500 is thus aligned with the longitudinal axis of the fingers 505 and 510 . in an act 410 , a voltage contrast sem imaging is performed on a finger on one side of the two - sided lamella 500 . next , in an act 415 , it is determined whether the finger contains a fault . in this example , finger 510 was imaged and was dark ( no outline ) since it is electrically isolated indicating that it is normal . next , assuming no fault was found on the previously analyzed finger , a voltage contrast sem imaging is performed on the finger 505 on the opposite side of the lamella in an act 420 . again , in act 425 , it is determined whether the finger contains a fault . in this example , the finger 505 is bright , indicating that is faulty due to its path to ground . in this case , the method would proceed to act 430 , in which the lamella would be milled down to the faulty finger 505 . the resulting structure is relatively homogeneous and may be readily imaged through a subsequent tem analysis in act 435 so as to identify its fault . in the event of the lamella includes more than two fingers , and if both fingers on either side of the lamella are determined not to contain a fault , the lamella may be milled to the next finger inside the lamella for voltage contrast sem imaging in an act 440 , and the process continued until the faulty finger was identified . once the faulty finger is identified , the fib milling is guided to thin the lamella to include just the faulty finger and tem analysis would be performed in act 435 . as those of some skill in this art will by now appreciate and depending on the particular application at hand , many modifications , substitutions and variations can be made in and to the materials , apparatus , configurations and methods of use of the devices of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof . in light of this , the scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to that of the particular embodiments illustrated and described herein , as they are merely by way of some examples thereof , but rather , should be fully commensurate with that of the claims appended hereafter and their functional equivalents .
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referring to fig1 there is shown a conventional magnetic recording disc cartridge 1 , so called a floppy disc having a cover jacket 2 in which a magnetic disc 3 is rotatably accomodated . said cover jacket 2 is formed by folding an outer cover sheet 4 made of a flat sheet of vinyl chloride with a sheet of liner 5 of non woven fabric attached on the cover sheet 4 . the liner 5 is made of polypropylene or rayon synthetic fibers . respective peripheral edges 2a , 2b and 2c are closed by folded portions 6 in a known manner . in the cover jacket 2 , there are defined a drive shaft insertion hole ( central hole ) 7 , an elongated head access slot ( head window ) 8 and an index hole 9 . on the both surfaces of the cover jacket , antistatic agent 2x is coated in a known manner as shown in fig2 . fig3 shows a device for adhering the liner 5 onto the cover sheet 2 which is fed in an opened flat state . at the left end of a feed table f , there is provided a positioning member 10 to determine the start position of the cover sheet 4 . a feed actuator 11 is located under the feed table with the piston 11a being moved in a longitudinal direction of the feed table f . an engaging member 12 mounted on the free end of the piston 11a is protruded above the feed table f so that the engaging member 12 can engage with the rear end of the cover sheet 4 to feed the same in the frontward direction x when the piston 11a is pulled in . a first heat adhesion device 13 is disposed on the feed table f in a given position for preliminarily adhering the liner 5 placed on the upper surface of the cover sheet 4 at the front peripheral edge thereof by a plurality of spots by means of hot melting adhereing device which is explained hereinafter . as shown in fig4 a pair of columns 15 stand on the base 14 fixed below and across the feed table f . a movable frame 17 is bridged across the feed table f with the corresponding cylindrical guide members 18 vertically slidably fitted with the columns 15 . the movable frame 17 is connected with the piston 16a of a vertical actuator 16 so that the movable frame 17 can be moved vertically in response to the vertical movement of the piston of the vertical actuator 16 . a pair of heat adhesion devices 20a and 20b are mounted under the movable frame 17 with a suitable distance in a direction along the width of the feed table f . as shown in fig5 each of the heat adhesion devices 20a and 20b comprises a cylindrical heater holder 21 vertically movably positioned through the corresponding hole 22 defined in a support member 23 which is fixed to the movable frame 17 . the heater holder 21 is resiliently biased downwardly by a coil spring 24 engaged between the under surface of the support member 23 and the shoulder 25 of the heater holder 21 . a heat adhesion chip 26 surrounded by an electric heater 27 is accomodated within the cylindrical space 28 of the heater holder 21 , being fixed thereto by screws 29 . by this arrangement , the lower end of the heat adhesion chip 26 can abut resiliently on the surface of the liner 5 by the force of the coil spring 24 when the heat adhesion chip 26 is reached above the feed table by the movement of the frame 17 . in a preferred embodiment , the lower end of the heat adhesion chip 26 has a diameter of 0 . 6 mm and a temperature of 220 ° c . through 260 ° c . directly after the first adhering device 13 , a second adhering device 30 is provided for making preliminary adhesion spots at the rear peripheral edge of the cover sheet 4 and the liner 5 . in order to feed the cover sheet 4 and the liner 5 , a pair of feed rollers 31 and 32 are located between the first adhering device 13 and the second heat adhering device 30 . said second heat adhering device 30 has a plurality of heat adhesion chips 33 heated by corresponding electric heaters ( not shown ) and the device 30 is fixed to a pattern forming device 40 which acts to adhere the liner 5 with the cover sheet 4 by the respective patterns of drive shaft insertion holes 7 and the head access slots 8 . an actuator 50 is provided at the frontward position of the pattern forming device 40 to feed the cover sheet 4 with the liner 5 to a pattern adhesion device 60 which acts to adhere the liner 5 on the cover sheet 4 along the parallel lines c extending in the longitudinal direction of the cover sheet 4 as shown in fig8 . in operation , an unfolded cover sheet of generally rectangular shape is placed on the feed table f in such a manner that the rear edge of the cover sheet 4 abuts onto the front face of the positioning member 10 . on the surface of the cover sheet 4 , a liner 5 which is suitably smaller than the cover sheet 4 is placed in such a manner that the rear edges 5r and 4r of both of the liner 5 and the cover sheet 4 coincide together as shown in fig7 . in turn , the piston of the feed 11 is retracted so that the cover sheet 4 with the liner 5 is advanced frontwardly , namely in a direction of the arrow x by the engaging member 12 . when the front edge portion 5f of the liner 5 comes just below the first adhering device 13 where the piston 11a of the feed actuator 11 is fully retracted , a limit switch ( not shown ) is operated to project the piston of the vertical actuator 16 . then the movable frame 17 with the heat adhesion devices 20a and 20b is lowered along the columns 15 , so that the lower ends of both of the heat adhesion chips 26 contact the upper surface of the liner 5 at its front edge portion to heat the liner 5 . by this operation , the liner 5 is preliminarily adhered on the surface of the cover sheet 4 at the respective points p1 and p2 as shown in fig8 . in this embodiment , each of the heat adhesion chips 26 is adapted to contact on the liner 5 for about 0 . 5 seconds with a temperature of 220 ° c . after the lapse of the period of time of 0 . 5 seconds , the piston 16a is retracted so that the movable frame 17 with the heat adhesion devices 20a and 20b returns to the original position . this operation can be performed within about 1 to 2 seconds . as both of the heat adhesion chips 26 contact resiliently on the surface of the liner 5 due to the resiliency of the coil spring 24 , both of the heat adhesion chips 26 can contact perfectly uniformly on the liner 5 to assure complete adhesion between the liner 5 and the cover sheet 4 . after the preliminary adhesion of the liner 5 is completed , the feed rollers 31 and 32 are rotated to feed the cover sheet 4 with the liner 5 thus fixed frontwardly on the feed table f . when the front edge 4f of the cover sheet 4 is engaged with the stopper 45 which is protruded from the upper face of the feed table f , the rear edge portion of the cover sheet 4 reaches just below the second adhering device 30 and the intermediate portion of the cover sheet 4 with the liner 5 comes below the pattern forming device 40 . then the actuator 41 starts to protrude the piston 41a causing the heat adhesion chips 33 and the pattern heat adhesion members 44 to move downwardly . thus , the heat adhesion chips 33 contact on the liner 5 to adhere the liner 5 on the cover sheet 4 at the several points p3 on the rear edge portion of the cover sheet 4 . simultaneously , on the respective peripheral edges of the patterns a and b as shown in fig8 the liner 5 and the cover sheet 4 are adhered . in this embodiment , there are provided five adhering devices for adhering the rear edges of the liner 5 and the cover sheet 4 , and as shown in fig3 each of the adhering devices 30 is provided with a generally u shaped resilient plate 35 , the bent end of which is adapted to press the upper surface of the liner 5 at the position adjacent to the corresponding adhering device 30 so that the liner 5 is not separated from the cover sheet 4 , thereby assuring strong adhesion between the liner 5 and the cover sheet 4 . when the piston of the actuator 41 is protruded as mentioned above , the frame 43 is moved downwardly to contact the lower face of the pattern heat adhesion members 44 each having an annular heated member ( not shown ), so that adhesion of each of the patterns a and b ( fig8 ) can be performed . after adhesion of the patterns a and b , the stopper 45 is retracted below the feed table f and the pressure rollers 46 are moved downwardly to clamp the cover sheet 4 with the liner 5 between the pressure rollers 46 and the rollers 47 to feed them frontwardly by rotation of the pressure rollers 46 and the receiving rollers 47 . during this operation , a pushing member 51 is retracted below the feed table f , and when the rear edge of the cover sheet 4 is past the position , the pushing member 51 is protruded above the feed table f , and the piston of the actuator 52 is retracted to push the rear edge of the cover sheet 4 to feed the same frontwardly . thus , the front edge of the cover sheet 4 is fed between the pair of feeding rollers 61 of the line pattern adhesion device 60 when the piston of the actuator 52 is fully retracted . the line pattern adhesion device 60 comprises a plurality of upper rollers 61 for adhering the liner 5 onto the cover sheet 4 in the form of linear patterns c as shown in fig8 and the corresponding lower rollers 62 which are hollow rollers rotating freely and are biased in an upward direction by means of springs 63 so that each of the lower rollers 62 is pressed to the upper rollers 61 . said upper rollers 61 are respectively heated by means of electric heaters ( not shown ) up to a suitable temperature such as 220 ° c . in a known manner . in order to feed a cooling air into the hollow space of the lower rollers 62 , there is provided a forced air cooling device 64 . when the cover sheet 4 with the liner 5 is fed between the lower rollers 62 and the upper rollers 61 , the liner 5 is adhered by the heat of the upper rollers 61 along the plurality of lines c extending in a longitudinal direction of the cover sheet 4 as the cover sheet 4 is advanced between the rollers 61 and 62 . it is preferred to provide a flexible film such as polyester film coated around the surface of each of the lower rollers 62 to prevent either the diminishing of the frosted surface of the cover sheet 4 and breakage of the liner 5 . the cover sheet 4 to which the liner 5 has been adhered by the respective processes as described above is fed to the chute 70 by passing the cover sheet 4 with the liner 5 between a pair of driving rollers 65a and pinch rollers 65b rotating in synchronism with the upper rollers 61 . the discharged cover sheet 4 with the liner 5 is fed to the subsequent punching process to define the various holes 7 and slots 8 as shown in fig9 . subsequently the cover sheet with the liner 5 formed into the intermediate production of a cover jacket is folded along the center line in such a manner that each of the pair of holes 7a and 7b and the slots 8a and 8b coincide together and the respective peripheral edges 2a and 2c are folded and overlapped on the cover sheet 4 as shown in fig1 , in turn the peripheral edges 2a and 2c are adhered on the cover sheet by heat melting adhesion . a magnetic recording disc 3 is positioned inside the cover jacket 2 , then the peripheral edge 2b is folded and adhered on the cover sheet 4 so as to enclose the magnetic recording disc 3 in the cover jacket in position in the known manner . then a floppy disc 1 as shown in fig1 can be manufactured . it is noted that in order to provide an overall adherence of the liner to the cover sheet , various patterns such as a number of dots located in a suitable distance can be used in place of the linear pattern c mentioned in the embodiment . in addition , such adhesion can be performed by pressing the liner and the cover sheet in one time by a press machine or by passing the cover sheet with the liner between a pair of heat rollers on the surface of which a number of dots are embossed . in a case where the pattern formed by dots is used for adhering the liner to the cover sheet , other adhesion patterns such as an annular shape adhesion surrounding the drive shaft insertion hole or an elongated oval shape for a head access hole can be performed simultaneously by a press machine or a pair of heat rollers .
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in the various figures , there is disclosed a tornado protective enclosure (“ enclosure ”) comprised mainly of an enclosure 19 that is fabricated of high quality polycarbonate thermoplastic which has a good balance of toughness , clarity , high heat deflection , dimensional stability and excellent electrical properties . referring to fig1 is the enclosure 19 is in a closed position . preferably , the enclosure 19 has an overall rectangular shape sized to completely enclose at least one person . the person may enter and exit the enclosure 19 through a typical door panel assembly 20 and may exit through any typical panel assembly 30 located on any side of the enclosure 19 . a typical panel assembly 30 is constructed as shown in fig1 and fig1 and referring to those figures , consist of a frame weldment 48 a polycarbonate panel 22 two clamp bars 34 a stiffener channel 40 and several hex headbolts , plain washers and lock washers 32 also air holes , peepholes 23 . referring back to fig1 the enclosure 19 having a typical door panel assembly 20 having a handle 42 and comprised of door panel assembly as shown in fig1 and 11 consisting of a frame weldment 46 a plurality of door latch assemblies 38 a continuous hinge 36 two polycarbonate panels 22 two clamp bars 34 and several hex headbolts , plain washers , lock washers 32 . referring to fig1 is the door panel assembly once installed . also shown are airholes , peepholes 23 . referring now to fig2 , 4 and 5 ; fig2 is the top view of the enclosure with the top typical panel assembly 30 removed showing the typical panel assembly 30 on all four sides of the enclosure the continuous hinge 36 at the typical door panel assembly 20 and the door latch assembly 38 to secure the door at a closed position . floor anchor angles 24 are shown in fig2 and fig4 . fig3 shows a top view of the enclosure with the top typical panel assembly 30 installed . fig4 is a top view of the expanded enclosure with the top typical panel assembly 30 removed . the expanded enclosure is a larger size of the same enclosure shown in fig1 . vertical splice plates 26 are located at the midpoint of each of the typical panel assemblies 30 which connect the panels together for the expanded enclosure . fig5 shows a top view of the expanded enclosure with the top typical panel assemblies 30 installed . fig6 is a partial sectional view showing the top typical panel assembly 30 installation to the side typical panel assembly 30 showing the vertical splice plate 26 at the corner and several hex headbolts , plain washers and lockwashers 32 . fig7 is a partial sectional view showing panel corner splice and butt splice consisting again of vertical splice plates 26 and hex headbolts , plain washers , lockwashers 32 at the corner where typical panel assemblies 30 meet and midway through the expanded enclosure side panel . fig8 shows a partial sectional view of a typical door panel assembly 20 installation showing the continuous hinge 36 the typical door panel assembly 20 the door latch assembly 38 the vertical splice plates 26 the hex headbolts , plain washers and lockwashers 32 . fig9 shows a partial sectional view of the anchoring means to a concrete subfloor showing the concrete subfloor 44 into which is engaged the floor anchor angle 24 and the anchor bolts 28 securing the hex headbolts , plain washers and lockwashers 32 to the base of a typical panel assembly 30 . fig1 a shows a side view of a door latch assembly in the unlatched position showing latch lock pivot pin 50 , latch lock pivot 52 on latch lock plate 54 having shoulder bolt 57 and swing c washer 56 to engage within large stud with flange nut 58 . fig1 b is a side view of a door latch assembly in latched position showing latch lock pivot pin 50 latch lock pivot 52 on latch lock plate 54 shoulder bolt 57 connecting swing c washer 56 engaged around large stud with flange nut 58 . fig1 is a partial sectional view showing the typical door panel assembly 20 closed and the door latch assembly 38 in a latched position and showing the components of the door latch ; the latch lock pivot pin 50 the latch pivot 52 the latch lock plate 54 the shoulder bolt 57 the large stud with flange nut 58 and the swing c washer 56 engaged around the large stud with flange nut 58 . fig1 shows the enclosure 19 having typical panel assemblies 30 installed at the base of a bed showing the mattress 62 and the headboard 60 . referring to fig1 , shown is the enclosure 19 the typical door panel assembly 20 the airholes and peepholes 23 and the polycarbonate panels 22 used as the base of a table which may be used to locate a television 64 and speakers 66 . fig1 a shows a prospective view of the enclosure 19 having padding 68 on the inner surface and a gas filled lift apparatus 72 which raises the door and a battery operated strobe light 70 . fig1 b is a side view showing gas filled lift assists 72 batter operated strobe light 70 and reflective tape 74 . while the present invention has been described in detail in relation to a preferred embodiment , it will be readily appreciated to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations in addition to those mentioned above may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims . larsen describes a protective structure that is a partial enclosure , similar in shape to a batting cage . the structure is used around and above beds , office chairs , or anywhere else a person may be sitting , standing or reclining . nakata describes an earthquake proof bed , a bed is surrounded by a strong , house - like enclosure having a solid ceiling and sides with openings . tool boxes are formed in the base of the bed to hold necessities in the event of an emergency . you describes a bed having a lid - like headboard portion and a box - like portion under the mattress . upon the motion of an earthquake , the mattress automatically lowers down into the box - like portion and the lid - like portion automatically collapses to cover the mattress , providing an enclosure for a person or people lying on the mattress . epshetsky et al . describes a bed with a foldable earthquake protective cover . the cover is basically a high - strength canopy or shell above the bed that shields a person from falling objects . tuchman describes an earthquake protective bed that includes a canopy to protect individuals from falling objects . the bed also includes a padded rail around the bed to prevent individuals from being thrown out of the bed during an earthquake . wicker describes a type of a shelter in the form of a bed anchored to a floor . the bed has a drawer - like compartment beneath the mattress that a person would climb into during a tornado or hurricane . silen describes a tornado shelter that is a permanent fixture of a home . basically , one room of the home serves as a shelter , by being adapted with reinforces walls and including a concrete slab that serves as part of the room &# 39 ; s foundation . qualline et al . describes a large underground shelter anchored to the earth . the shelter is inserted into an excavated hole in the ground , and includes steps built into the structure to provide access into the shelter from ground level . thornton describes a large underground shelter positioned within a concrete foundation and anchored to the ground . a retractable ladder extends into the shelter to provide access into the shelter . minks describes a large , heavy shelter having thick concrete walls . the shelter is at least partially underground . the above - mentioned references basically include either underground shelters and sheltering structures built into beds . the underground shelters are all large , permanent fixtures . the structures built into beds are either integral parts of the beds or are in the form of shields which cover the beds . none of the above - mentioned references is lightweight and portable . none addresses the need for such a shelter that can be anchored within a building or outdoors and can be easily moved from one location to the other . none is a stand - alone enclosure which , in and of itself , protects the occupants from injury during a storm , and which can be easily utilized within a limited living space by the user ( s ) for other purposes .
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reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention ( s ), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below . while the invention ( s ) will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments , it will be understood that present description is not intended to limit the invention ( s ) to those exemplary embodiments . on the contrary , the invention ( s ) is / are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments , but also various alternatives , modifications , equivalents and other embodiments , which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . in order to prepare the carrier that included li and al , after 37 . 76 g of lioh . h 2 o and 5 . 087 g of na 2 co 3 that were the precursors of li and al were dissolved in 600 ml of water , 250 ml of al ( no 3 ) 3 . 9h 2 o that was the precipitation agent was added by the appropriate method , stirred at 75 ° c . for 12 to 18 hours , and dried at 110 ° c . for 10 to 15 hours , and the catalyst was calcined at 700 ° c . for 5 to 8 hours . in respects to the total catalyst weight , it was precipitated in the weight ratio of potassium of 10 wt %, dried at 110 ° c . for 10 to 15 hours , and calcined at 500 ° c . for 5 hours , and in respects to the catalyst entire weight , it was impregnated with 1 wt % of pt , thereby synthesizing it . meanwhile , it could be confirmed that the carrier that included li and al and was provided in example 1 had the layered double hydroxides structure through the x - ray diffraction analysis . the catalyst was prepared by using the same method as example 1 , except that 0 . 5 w % of pt and 0 . 5 w % of pd were used instead of 1 wt % of pt in example 1 . the catalyst was prepared by using the same method as example 1 , except that 1 w % of pd was used instead of 1 wt % of pt in example 1 . in respects to the total weight of the finally prepared catalyst , 20 wt % of k ( potassium ) was carried in al 2 o 3 that was the carrier by the wet impregnation method , and calcined at 500 ° c . for 5 hours . in addition , in respects to the total weight of the finally prepared catalyst , 1 wt % of pt was carried in the calcining material that included the carrier and k by the same method , dried at 110 ° c . for 10 to 15 hours , and calcined at 500 ° c . for 5 to 8 hours . the catalyst was prepared by using the same method as example 1 , except that 0 . 5 w % of pt and 0 . 5 w % of pd were used instead of 1 wt % of pt in comparative example 1 . the catalyst was prepared by using the same method as comparative example 1 , except that 1 w % of pd was used instead of 1 wt % of pt in comparative example 1 . as described above , in order to test the performances of the nsr catalysts that had the different carriers according to examples and comparative examples , the following test was performed . while the temperature was increased , the nox reduction test was performed under the following condition . first , the amount of catalyst was 100 mg , the entire flow rate was 30 cc / min , and the ratio of the reaction gas and the reference gas that were injected to the gas chromatography ( gc ) for analysis was 1 : 1 . the catalyst was pre - treated at 500 ° c . for 1 hour with 5 % h 2 / ar , and oxidized at 500 ° c . for 1 hour with air . under the air atmosphere , after the catalyst was cooled at room temperature , oxygen molecules that were physically adsorbed onto the catalyst and the reactor were removed with 5 % h 2 / ar for 1 to 2 hours . thereafter , while the temperature was increased from the room temperature to 800 ° c . at the rate of 10 ° c ./ min , the amount of h 2 that was consumed by the catalyst was measured . the analysis result is shown in fig1 . as shown in fig1 , in the case of the catalyst of example that included the carrier that included li and al , it was confirmed that the peak that was generated in the high temperature region of about 640 ° c . was caused by k ( potassium ) as compared to the 10 % k / li — al catalyst . the catalyst that included al 2 o 3 as the carrier generated the slightly broad peak at around 530 ° c ., which was caused by k ( potassium ) as compared to the 20 % k / al 2 o 3 catalyst result . the peak intensity of the k / al 2 o 3 catalysts decreased significantly if the catalyst was impregnated with noble metal . in the case of the peak in the low temperature region , it could be confirmed that there was a difference between the li — al - based catalysts that included the noble metal and the al 2 o 3 - based catalysts . the catalyst of example 1 ( 1 % pt / 10 % k / li — al ) showed the relatively smooth peak at around 270 ° c ., and the catalyst of comparative example 1 ( 1 % pt / 20 % k / al 2 o 3 ) showed the slightly small two peaks at around 260 ° c . and 350 ° c . it was confirmed that the catalyst of example 2 ( 0 . 5 % pt - 0 . 5 % pd / 10 % k / li — al ) generated the h 2 reduction peak at around 120 ° c ., and the catalyst of comparative example 2 ( 0 . 5 % pt - 0 . 5 % pd / 20 % k / al 2 o 3 ) generated the peak at around 165 ° c . since the difference between the temperatures at which the maximum peaks of the catalysts that had the best excellent activity generated was about 50 ° c ., it could be seen that the difference between redox properties of the catalysts was one of the factors responsible for the activity difference . under wet conditions , while so 2 was adsorbed onto the catalyst according to both example 2 and comparative example 2 in order to confirm the sulfur species formed on the catalyst surface , the following test was performed . the sox adsorption species formed on the catalyst surface was confirmed , after the adsorption with 100 ppm of so 2 , 8 % of o 2 , 10 % of h 2 o , and he balance at 200 ° c . for 30 min . the sulfur compound formed on the catalyst surface was measured with an in - situ ftir ( midac corporation ). the sulfur compound that was measured per hour and formed on the catalyst surface is shown in fig2 . as shown in fig2 , in the case of two catalysts [ a of fig2 is the result for the catalyst of example 2 ( 0 . 5pt - 0 . 5pd / 10k / li — al ), and b of fig2 is the result for comparative example 2 ( 0 . 5pt - 0 . 5pd / 20k / al2o3 )], the formation of the surface k 2 so 4 at ca . 1 , 100 cm − 1 that was the peak by the k ( potassium ) on the catalyst was observed , and the bulk k 2 so 4 was confirmed at ca . 1 , 160 cm − 1 . in addition , surface al 2 ( so 3 ) 3 at ca . 970 cm − 1 and surface al 2 ( so 4 ) 3 at ca . 1 , 330 cm − 1 were confirmed , and it was observed that the oh − peak was formed on the catalyst by water at ca . 1 , 580 cm − 1 . as shown in fig2 , as compared to the catalyst of comparative example 2 that included al 2 o 3 as the carrier , the k 2 so 4 generation speed was slow on the catalyst of example 2 that included the li and al - based carrier . at 200 ° c ., after 100 ppm of so 2 flew for 30 min to implement sulfation , the nitrogen compound that was formed after the adsorption of nox was measured with an ftir ( midac corporation ), which is shown in fig3 . in detail , the adsorption of nox was performed with 1000 ppm of no , 8 % of o 2 , 10 % of h 2 o , and he balance condition for 30 min . meanwhile , as shown in fig3 , the change of nox adsorption species that were formed on the catalyst surface before and after exposure to so 2 was confirmed . no was adsorbed at 200 ° c . with 1 , 000 ppm of no , 8 % of o 2 , and 10 % h 2 o condition for 30 min , and completely reduced with 0 . 5 % of h 2 , so 2 was adsorbed with 100 ppm of so 2 , 8 % of o 2 , 10 % of h 2 o condition for 30 min , and no was readsorbed under the same condition , so that the changes of nox adsorption species formed on the catalyst due to so 2 were compared . the measurement was performed at the interval of 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 10 , 20 , and 30 min , the main peak by bridged bidentate nitrite was observed at ca . 1240 cm − 1 , monodentate nitrate that was caused by k ( potassium ) was confirmed at ca . 1330 cm − 1 , and the formation of the chelating bidentate nitrate was seen at ir peak , ca . 1550 cm − 1 . that is , if no adsorption processes before and after exposure to so 2 for 30 min are compared , in the catalyst of example 2 ( 0 . 5 % pt - 0 . 5 % pd / 10 % k / li — al ), it could be confirmed that the intensity of generation peak of bridged bidentate nitrite that was the main adsorption species was lowered by 19 % after exposure to so 2 . in order to confirm the change of the nox adsorption species before and after exposure to so 2 of the catalyst of comparative example 2 ( 0 . 5 % pt - 0 . 5 % pd / 20 % k / al 2 o 3 ), the test was performed under the same condition as the li — al - based catalyst , and the same species as nox adsorption species were generated . in the al 2 o 3 - based catalyst , the peak intensity of the bridged bidentate nitrite formation due to exposure to so 2 was decreased by 37 % as compared to the case no exposure to so 2 ( i . e ., prior to so 2 exposure .) the resistance to sulfur relates to the hydrophilicity of the catalyst , and oh − from h 2 o that is included in the reaction gas mixture increases the oxidizability of so 2 , such that the formation of k 2 so 4 is accelerated . in this sense , the hydrophobicity of the catalyst is very important . meanwhile , in order to analyze the hydrophilicity of the nsr catalyst according to example 2 and comparative example 2 , the temperature programmed desorption ( tpd ) of h 2 o was performed under the following condition . water was bubbled with a predetermined gas partial pressure at 46 ° c ., and the test was performed by using ar as the balance gas . the total flow rate of the reaction gas mixture was 100 cc / min . after 0 . 1 g of sample was charged into the u - type quartz tube reactor , and pre - treated under the 5 % h 2 / ar condition at 500 ° c . for 1 hour , the temperature was decreased to 200 ° c ., and water was adsorbed with 8 % of o 2 , 10 % of h 2 o , 5 % of co 2 , and ar balance for 30 min . in order to remove water that was physically adsorbed onto the catalyst and water components that remained in the reactor , the temperature was lowered to room temperature , purging was performed with ar for 30 min , the temperature was increased at the rate of 10 ° c ./ min , and the amount of water that was desorbed from the catalyst was measured at mass number 17 and 18 by an on - line mass spectrometer . as shown in fig4 , in the case of the al 2 o 3 - based catalyst of comparative example 2 , it could be seen that the adsorbed h 2 o started to desorb at around 260 ° c ., and all adsorbed h 2 o desorbed at around 490 ° c . in the case of the li — al - based catalyst , it could be observed that the adsorbed h 2 o started to desorb at around 330 ° c ., and all adsorbed h 2 o desorbed at around 400 ° c . in addition , through the comparison of area and intensity of the desorption peak , it could be confirmed that the amount of h 2 o that was adsorbed on the li — al - based catalyst was much less than that on the al 2 o 3 - based catalyst . through the confirmation of the hydrophobicity of the li — al - based catalyst through h 2 o tpd , it could be seen that the li — al - based catalyst of example 2 was less affected by oh ″ from water at the time of adsorbing so 2 because of the hydrophobicity of the surface thereof . the foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description . they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed , and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings . the exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical application , to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present invention , as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof . it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents .
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ppo was purified from grapevine berries . initial experiments showed that this tissue contained high levels of the enzyme and that there appeared to be only one form of the enzyme as determined by electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide ( sds - page ) gels . in the juice of mature grape berries most of the ppo activity was bound to the solids and could be separated from the juice by centrifugation and then solubilised with detergents . enzyme activity during the purification was measured as oxygen uptake in the presence of the substrate 4 - methyl catechol . all steps during the purification were carried out at 4 ° c . thirty kilograms of sultana grapes were crushed with a small scale wine press and 100 ml of a solution of 100 mm ascorbate plus 10 mm dithiothreitol was added to each 900 ml of grape juice . the juice was centrifuged for 10 mins at 10 , 000 × g and the supernatant discarded . the pellet fraction was resuspended in 25 mm sodium phosphate , ph 7 . 2 plus 10 mm ascorbate and 1 mm dithiothreitol to a final volume of 1 . 75 l , then 250 ml of a 4 % ( w / v ) solution of the cationic detergent hezadecyltrimethylammonium bromide ( ctab ) was added . after incubating for 20 mins the extract was centrifuged for 15 mins at 15 , 000 × g . the supernatant was brought to 45 % saturation with solid ammonium sulphate and the ph was adjusted to 7 . 0 then it was centrifuged for 15 mins at 15 , 000 × g . this supernatant was brought to 95 % saturation with solid ammonium sulphate and the ph was adjusted to 7 . 0 then it was centrifuged for 30 mins at 15 , 000 × g . the pellet was resuspended in 20 mm bis - tris - propane , ph 7 . 5 plus 10 mm ascorbate and 2 mm dithiothreitol ( buffer a ) in a final volume of 100 ml . the extract was desalted on a 4 × 40 cm column of sephadex g25 equilibrated with buffer a at a flow rate of 10 ml / min and the active fractions were pooled . the extract was applied to a 2 . 5 × 10 cm column of q - sepharose fast flow equilibrated with buffer a at a flow rate of 6 ml / min and then the column was washed with 400 ml of buffer a . the ppo was eluted with a gradient of 0 - 500 mm nacl in buffer a and the active fractions were pooled . ammonium sulphate was added to a final concentration of 1m , and the ph was adjusted to 7 . 0 . this fraction was loaded onto a 1 × 35 cm column of phenyl sepharose fast flow equilibrated with 50 mm sodium phosphate , ph7 . 0 , plus 1m ammonium sulphate , 1m kcl , and 1 mm dithiothreitol ( buffer b ) at a flow rate of 1 . 5 ml / min . the column was washed with 120 ml buffer b then the ppo was eluted with a gradient of 100 - 0 % buffer b . the active fractions were pooled and concentrated on an amicon pm10 ultrafiltration membrane then diafiltered with the same membrane against three changes of 20 mm potassium phosphate , ph7 . 0 , plus 1 mm dithiothreitol ( buffer c ). this fraction was applied to a 1 × 30 cm column of hydroxylapatite equilibrated with buffer c at a flow rate of 1 ml / min . the column was washed with 50 ml of buffer c then ppo was eluted with a gradient of 0 - 500 mm potassium phosphate in buffer c . the pooled active fractions were made 20 % ( v / v ) in glycerol and frozen at − 80 ° c . this procedure resulted in a 180 - fold purification of ppo and yielded 3 . 5 mg of purified ppo protein . the purification is summarised below : the purity of the preparation was checked by denaturing sds - page . a single diffuse band of protein with an apparent molecular weight of 40 kda was present in the final preparation . approximately 1 mg of purified ppo protein was desalted on a 2 . 5 × 20 cm column of sephadex g25 equilibrated with 20 mm ammonium bicarbonate , ph7 . 6 , at a flow rate of 5 ml / min . the protein peak was collected and dried under nitrogen . the dried protein was carboxymethylated and the n - terminal amino acid sequence was determined with an automated amino acid sequenator by edman degradation . the following sequence was obtained : total rna was isolated from sultana grape berries according to the method of rezaian and krake ( 1 ). a poly ( a ) + - enriched rna fraction was obtained by passing the total rna through one oligo - dt spun column ( pharmacia lkb biotechnology ). first strand cdna was synthesised in a reaction mixture containing 50 mm tris - hcl ph 8 . 3 , 25 mm kcl , 10 mm mgcl 2 , 4 mm dtt , 1 mm nappi , 1 mm dntps , 1 u ribonuclease inhibitor , 1 . 4 pg grape berry poly ( a ) + - enriched rna , 21 u amv reverse transcriptase ( promega corp ) and 0 . 5 μg hybrid dt17 - adapter primer at 42 ° c . for 1 h . the reaction mixture was then diluted to 800 μl with te ( 10 mm tris - hcl ph 8 . 0 , 1 mm edta ) and stored at − 20 ° c . was designed to the n - terminal protein sequence ( amino acids 2 - 12 ) of purified grape ppo . inosine was utilised in positions in which more than 2 bases could be selected based on codon usage tables . this and all other oligonucleotide primers described were synthesised on an applied biosystems dna synthesiser . cdna was amplified by polymerase chain reaction ( pcr ) essentially according to the method of frohman ( 2 ) in a 50 μl reaction mixture containing 10 mm tris - hcl ( ph 9 . 0 at 25 ° c . ), 50 mm kcl , 1 . 5 mm mgcl 2 , 0 . 2 mm dntps , 0 . 01 % gelatin ( w / v ), 0 . 1 % triton x - 100 , 5 μl diluted 1st . strand cdna reaction mixture , 1 . 25 u taq dna polymerase ( promega corp ), 100 nm adapter primer and 1 μm n - terminal primer ( described above ). amplification involved an initial program of 5 cycles of denaturation at 94 ° c . for 1 min , annealing at 55 ° c . for 1 min , a slow ramp to 72 ° c . over 2 min and elongation at 72 ° c . for 3 min followed by 25 cycles of 94 ° c . for 1 min , 55 ° c . for 1 min , and 72 ° c . for 3 min . amplified dna was extracted with phenol / chloroform , precipitated with ethanol and resuspended in te . dna was blunt - ended with the klenow fragment and fractionated on a 2 % nusieve gtg agarose ( fmc bioproducts ) gel . a 1700 bp fragment was isolated from the gel and ligated into the hincii site of a bluescript sk + vector ( stratagene cloning systems ). ligated dna was introduced into e . coli dh5 . positive clones ( designated gpo ) were isolated and sequenced by the dideoxy sequencing method ( 3 ). this confirmed the presence of the n - terminal primer and comparison of the derived protein sequence downstream of the primer with the n - terminal protein sequence obtained for purified grape ppo enzyme above confirmed that this clone coded for grape ppo . northern blots of grape mrna probed with the 1700 bp clone described above identified a transcript of 2200 bp which hybridised with the clone . this suggested that there was further sequence upstream of the 5 - prime end of the clone even though the clone did code for the n - terminal of the mature ppo protein . a cdna clone containing the 5 ′- end of gpo1 mrna ( encoding the putative transit peptide ) was amplified from grape berry rna essentially as described in ( 2 ), but with nested antisense primers . first strand cdna was synthesised from grape berry poly ( a ) + - enriched rna as described above , but with the hybrid dt17 - adapter primer replaced with gpo1 - specific primer 1 complementary to a region 44 bases downstream of the n - terminal primer region ( i . e . 416 - 435 nt ; fig1 ). the reaction mixture was diluted to 2 ml with 0 . 1 × te and centrifuged through a centricon 30 spin filter ( amicon corp ) at 4000 g for 20 win to remove excess primer . this step was repeated and the remaining liquid concentrated to 20 μl using speed vac centrifugation . a poly ( da )- tail sequence was attached at the 3 ′ end of the cdna strand with terminal d transferase ( promega corp ) in a 20 μl reaction mixture containing 11 . 5 μl cdna , 4 μl 5 × tailing buffer ( promega corp ), 4 μl atp ( 1 mm ) and 10 u terminal d transferase incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 win followed by 65 ° c . for 5 min and then diluted to 500 μl with te . pcr amplification of poly ( da )- tailed cdna was carried out in a reaction mixture containing 10 mm tris - hcl ( ph 9 . 0 at 25 ° c . ), 50 mm kcl , 1 . 5 mm mgcl 2 , 0 . 2 mm dntps , 0 . 01 % gelatin ( w / v ), 0 . 1 % triton x - 100 , 5 μl diluted 1st . strand cdna reaction mixture , 1 . 25 u taq dna polymerase ( promega corp ), 200 rnm hybrid dt17 - adapter primer and 900 nm gpo1 - specific primer 2 complementary to a region immediately downstream to the n - terminal primer binding region ( 374 - 393 nt ; fig1 ). amplification involved 25 cycles of 94 ° c . for 1 min , 55 ° c . for 1 min , and 72 ° c . for 3 min . the resulting 430 bp fragment was cloned into bluescript sk + vector , sequenced as described above and found to contain the predicted region of overlapping sequence with the gpo1 clone and confirming this cdna clone contained the 5 ′ end of the gpo1 mrna . total rna was isolated from leaves of broad bean according to the method of rezaian and krake ( 1 ). a poly ( a )+- enriched rna fraction was obtained by passing the total rna through one oligo - dt spun column ( pharmacia lkb biotechnology ). first strand cdna was synthesised in a reaction mixture containing 50 mm tris - hcl ph 8 . 3 , 25 mm kcl , 10 mm mgcl 2 , 4 mm dtt , 1 mm nappi , 1 mm dntps , 1 u ribonuclease inhibitor , 3 . 1 μg broad bean poly ( a ) + - enriched rna , 21 u amv reverse transcriptase ( promega corp ) and 0 . 81 μg hybrid dt17 - adapter primer : at 42 ° c . for 1 hour . the reaction mixture was then diluted to 840 μl with te ( 10 mm tris - hcl ph 8 . 0 , 1 mm edta ) and stored at − 20 ° c . cdna was amplified by polymerase chain reaction ( pcr ) essentially according to the method of frohman ( 2 ) in a 100 μl reaction mixture containing 10 mm tris - hcl ( ph 9 . 0 at 25 ° c . ), 50 mm kcl , 1 . 5 mm mgcl 2 , 0 . 2 mm dntps , 0 . 01 % gelatin ( w / v ), 0 . 1 % triton x - 100 , 20 μl diluted 1st . strand cdna reaction mixture , 2 . 5 u tag dna polymerase ( promega corp ), 100 nm adapter primer ( 5 ′- gactcgagtcgacatcg ) ( seq id no : 16 ) and 1 μm b15 primer ( described above ). amplification involved an initial program of 3 cycles of denaturation at 94 ° c . for 1 min , annealing at 37 ° c . for 2 min , a slow ramp to 72 ° c . over 2 min and elongation at 72 ° c . for 3 min followed by 25 cycles of 94 ° c . for 1 min , 55 ° c . for 1 min . and 72 ° c . for 3 min . amplified dna was extracted with phenol / chloroform , precipitated with ethanol and resuspended in te . dna was blunt - ended with the klenow fragment and fractionated on a 2 % nusieve gtg agarose ( fmc bioproducts ) gel . a 700 bp fragment was isolated from the gel and ligated into the ecorv site of a bluescript sr + vector ( stratagene cloning systems ). ligated dna was introduced into e . coli dh5 . recombinant clones were screened using a radioactively labelled fragment of the grape ppo clone ( gpo1 ) and a positive clone ( designated bpo1 ) was isolated and sequenced by the dideoxy sequencing method ( 3 ). total rna was isolated from immature apple fruit according to the method of rezaian and krake ( 1 ). a poly ( a ) 30 - enriched rna fraction was obtained using a polyattract mrna kit ( promega corporation ). first strand cdna was synthesised in a 25 μl reaction mixture containing 50 mm tris - hcl ph 8 . 3 , 25 mm kcl , 10 mm mgcl2 , 4 mm dtt , 1 mm nappi , 1 mm dntps , 40 u ribonuclease inhibitor , 1 μg apple poly ( a ) + - enriched rna , 24 u amv reverse transcriptase ( promega corp ) and 0 . 54 μg hybrid dt17 - adapter primer : at 42 ° c . for 1 h . the reaction mixture was then diluted to 525 μl with te ( 10 mm tris - hcl ph 8 . 0 , 1 mm edta ) and stored at − 20 ° c . cdna was amplified by polymerase chain reaction ( pcr ) essentially according to the method of frohman ( 2 ) in a 100 μl reaction mixture containing 10 mm tris - hcl ( ph 9 . 0 at 25 ° c . ), 50 mm kcl , 1 . 5 mm mgcl2 , 0 . 2 mm dntps , 0 . 01 % gelatin ( w / v ), 0 . 1 % triton x - 100 , 20 μl diluted 1st . strand cdna reaction mixture , 2 . 5 u taq dna polymerase ( promega corp ), 100 nm adapter primer amplification involved an initial program of 3 cycles of denaturation at 94 ° c . for 1 min , annealing at 37 ° c . for 2 min , a slow ramp to 72 ° c . over 2 min and elongation at 72 ° c . for 3 min followed by 25 cycles of 94 ° c . for 1 min , 55 ° c . for 1 min , and 72 ° c . for 3 min . amplified dna was extracted with phenol / chloroform , precipitated with ethanol and resuspended in te . dna was blunt - ended with the klenow fragment and fractionated on a 2 % nusieve gtg agarose ( fmc bioproducts ) gel . a fragment of 1050 bp was isolated from the gel and ligated into the eco rv site of a bluescript sk + vector ( stratagene cloning systems ). ligated dna was introduced into e . coli dh5 . recombinant clones were screened using a radioactively labelled fragment of the grape ppo clone ( gpo1 ) and two positive clones ( designated psr7 and psr8 ) were isolated and sequenced by the dideoxy sequencing method ( 3 ). example 7 total rna was isolated from immature potato tubers according to the method of logemann et al ( 4 ). a poly ( a ) + - enriched rna fraction was obtained using a polyattract mrna kit ( promega corporation ). first strand cdna was synthesised in a 25 μl reaction mixture containing 50 mm tris - hcl ph 8 . 3 , 25 mm kcl , 10 mm mgcl2 , 4 mm dtt , 1 mm nappi , 1 mm dntps , 40 u ribonuclease inhibitor , 1 . 8 μg potato poly ( a ) + - enriched rna , 24 u amv reverse transcriptase ( promega corp ) and 0 . 54 μg hybrid dt17 - adapter primer : at 42 ° c . for 1 h . the reaction mixture was then diluted to 525 μl with te ( 10 mm tris - hcl ph 8 . 0 , 1 mm edta ) and stored at − 20 ° c . two oligonucleotide primers were designed from regions within the sequences of grape and apple ppo : cdna was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction ( pcr ) essentially according to the method of frohman ( 2 ) in a 100 μl reaction mixture containing 10 mm tris - hcl ( ph 9 . 0 at 25 ° c . ), 50 mm kcl , 1 . 5 mm mgcl2 , 0 . 2 mm dntps , 0 . 01 % gelatin ( w / v ), 0 . 1 % triton x - 100 , 20 μl diluted 1st . strand cdna reaction mixture , 2 . 5 u taq dna polymerase ( promega corp ), 100 nm adapter primer amplification involved an initial program of 3 cycles of denaturation at 94 ° c . for 1 min , annealing at 37 ° c . for 2 min , a slow ramp to 72 ° c . over 2 min and elongation at 72 ° c . for 3 min followed by 25 cycles of 94 ° c . for 1 min , 55 ° c . for 1 min , and 72 ° c . for 3 min . amplified dna was extracted with phenol / chloroform , precipitated with ethanol and resuspended in te . dna was blunt - ended with the klenow fragment and fractionated on a 2 % nusieve gtg agarose ( fmc bioproducts ) gel . fragments of 1500 bp and 1000 bp were isolated from the gel and ligated into the eco rv site of a bluescript sk + vector ( stratagene cloning systems ). ligated dna was introduced into e . coli dh5 . recombinant clones were selected and three clones ( designated psrp32 , psrp33 , and psrp72 ) were isolated and sequenced by the dideoxy sequencing method ( 3 ). cdna clones containing the 5 ′- end of potato tuber ppo mrna were amplified from potato tuber rna essentially as described in ( 2 ), but with nested antisense primers . first strand cdna was synthesised from potato tuber poly ( a ) + - enriched rna as described above , but with the hybrid dt17 - adapter primer replaced with potato tuber ppo - specific primer 1 : complementary to a region 257 - 278 bases downstream of the 5 ′- end of psrp32 and psrp33 . the reaction mixture was diluted to 2 ml with 0 . 1 × te and centrifuged through a centricon 30 spin filter ( amicon corp ) at 4000 g for 20 min to remove excess primer . this step was repeated and the remaining liquid concentrated to 12 μl using speed vac centrifugation . a poly ( da )- tail sequence was attached at the 3 ′ end of the cdna strand with terminal d transferase ( promega corp ) in a 20 μl reaction mixture containing 11 . 5 μl cdna , 4 μl 5 × tailing buffer ( promega corp ), 4 μl atp ( 1 mm ) and 10 u terminal d transferase incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 min followed by 65 ° c . for 5 min and then diluted to 500 μl with te . pcr amplification of poly ( da )- tailed cdna was carried out in a reaction mixture containing 10 mm tris - hcl ( ph 9 . 0 at 25 ° c . ), 50 mm kcl , 1 . 5 mm mgcl2 , 0 . 2 mm dntps , 0 . 01 % gelatin ( w / v ), 0 . 1 % triton x - 100 , 5 μl diluted 1st . strand cdna reaction mixture , 1 . 25 u taq dna polymerase ( promega corp ), 200 nm hybrid dt17 - adapter primer and 900 nm potato tuber ppo - specific primer 2 complementary to a region 233 - 254 bases downstream of the 5 ′- end of psrp32 and psrp33 . amplification involved 25 cycles of 94 ° c . for 1 min , 50 ° c . for 1 min , and 72 ° c . for 3 min . the resulting fragment was cloned into bluescript sk + vector , sequenced as described above and found to contain the predicted region of overlapping sequence with the psrp32 clone confirming this cdna clone contained the 5 ′- end of the potato tuber mrna . 1 . rezaian , m . a . and krake , l . r . ( 1987 ). nucleic acid extraction and vine detection in grapevine . j . vir . 2 . frohman , m . a . ( 1990 ) in pcr protocols : a guide to methods and applications ( eds . m . a . innis , gelfand , d . h ., sninsky , j . j ., white , t . j .) academic press , new york pp28 - 38 . 3 . sanger , f ., nicklen , s . and coulson , a . r . ( 1977 ). dna sequencing with chain - terminating inhibitors . proc . natl . acad . sci . usa 74 : 5463 - 5467 . 4 . logemann , j ., schell , j . and willmitzer , l . ( 1987 ). improved method for the isolation of rra from plant tissues . analytical biochemistry 163 : 16 - 20 . finally , it is to be understood that various other modifications and / or alterations may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as outlined herein .
| 2 |
as described hereinabove , polyimides of the following structures are known : ## str9 ## where r is : ## str10 ## also , it has been known to react the respective monomers 2 , 2 - bis ( 3 - or 4 - aminophenyl ) hexafluoropropane and 4 , 4 &# 39 ;- hexafluoroisopropylidene [ bis ( phthalic anhydride )] in the presence of a solvent such as those enumerated hereinbefore , with the reactants being mixed at about room temperature . in practice , the initial product formed following the prior art is the polyamic acid precursor of the polyimide . the polyamic acid can be converted to the polyimide by solvent evaporation followed by heating at about 250 ° c . in carrying out the polyimide preparation process embodiment of this invention , the respective monomers are reacted as heretofore with the substitution of a cresol as the solvent , and with the use of heat to aid dissolution and to form the polyimide . although not entirely understood , the use of a cresol solvent allows the polycondensation reaction to proceed beyond the point reached in practice with the employment of the solvents of dupont and bilow , bringing the polyimide molecular weight up to a level where a free - standing film which can be manufactured into useful forms is obtainable . further , with the use of cresol solvent , the reaction in solution proceeds past the precursor polyamic acid stage to form an isolatable polyimide . in an effort to understand the unique effect cresol exerts on the 6fda / 6f diamine polyimide reaction , it is believed that the following factors may be involved : ( 1 ) cresol is mildly acidic , which would extenuate the basicity of 6f diamine , ( 2 ) cresol has a high boiling point which facilitates the formation of the cyclic imide structure from the precursor amic acid , and ( 3 ) cresol is non - reactive with the polyimide at the elevated temperatures necessary to drive the reaction to completion . in the cresol solvent , first the polyamic acid is formed at a lower temperature ( about ambient temperature ). upon heating to a higher temperature ( up to 210 °- 220 ° c . ), the polyamic acid cyclodehydrates to the polyimide . the polyimide is completely soluble in the cresol solvent . the 6f diamine / 6fda polyimide of this invention is characterized by molecular weight of about 10 , 000 to 130 , 000 , preferably about 25 , 000 to 50 , 000 (&# 34 ; n &# 34 ; of about 15 to 200 , preferably about 40 to 80 ) and inherent viscosity of about 0 . 1 to 0 . 6 , preferably about 0 . 4 . inherent viscosity is measured at 30 ° c . as a 0 . 5 % solution in a suitable solvent such as n , n - dimethyl acetamide or tetrahydrofuran . as used herein , the term &# 34 ; cresol &# 34 ; is inclusive of ortho - cresol , meta - cresol , para - cresol , or mixtures thereof . in the practice of the present invention , meta - cresol is preferred since it is the easiest of the cresol isomers to remove and it does not leave a residue which is potentially deleterious . for example , when para - cresol is oxidized , a colored material is produced which would be deleterious if the desired polyimide product needed to be colorless . however , commercial grade materials , which do contain impurities , are usable in the practice of this inven . tion . commercial grade &# 34 ; cresol &# 34 ; is often a mixture of the three isomers plus impurities . it is preferable to dry and vacuum distill the commercial grade cresols to remove water and colored impurities . moreover , the cresol solvent used in practicing the present invention may be mixed with a co - solvent which does not adversely affect the preparation of high molecular weight polyimides and which has a boiling point that is compatible with the temperature needed to produce the reaction to form the polyimide product . typical co - solvents include benzene , toluene , and xylene . in addition , the latter co - solvents could facilitate formation of the polymer product by allowing water to be removed from the reaction mixture by azeotropic distillation and thus preventing break - up of the polymer by water . the co - solvent may comprise up to 95 % by volume of the reaction solvent , with the cresol component achieving the desired results in accordance with the present invention by a catalytic effect . the polyimide can be isolated by admixing the cresol solution thereof with sufficient non - solvent , such as absolute methanol , or ethanol , or by driving off the cresol solvent by vacuum distillation . thereafter , following further purification if desired , a film can be formed by a standard solvent film casting process , for example by dissolving the polymer in dimethylacetamide or a mixture of dimethylacetamide with acetone , followed by casting onto a stationary or moving warmed substrate and heating to remove remaining solvent . a recoverable , transparent film is obtained which can be used in the place of the quartz or glass covers of individual solar cells . one could bond the film to a solar cell using the polyimide in the form of a lacquer with solvents such as tetrahydrofuran , acetone , dimethylacetamide , and similar solvents or mixtures . the following non - limiting example illustrates the preparation process of this invention . a 100 ml , round bottom , three - necked flask was fitted with an oil bath , magnetic stirrer , reflux condenser , nitrogen gas inlet , and nitrogen gas outlet to a mercury bubbler . the flask was charged with 6fda ( 4 . 44 grams , 0 . 010 mole ) and freshly distilled and dried meta - cresol ( 35 ml ). the 6fda formed a light yellow solution and it was necessary to warm the metacresol to effect solution . the solution was cooled to room temperature and 3 - 6f diamine ( 3 . 34 grams , 0 . 010 mole ) was added portion by portion . the solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 30 minutes and then the oil bath placed under the flask . the reaction mixture was heated under nitrogen with the oil bath temperature at 210 °- 220 ° c . there was some frothing during the early part of heating , probably due to the evolution of water from the imidization step . the reaction mixture was heated for 1 hour , cooled to ambient temperature and the polymer isolated by pouring into 300 ml of absolute methanol . the polymer was filtered and washed with fresh methanol and dried at 90 ° c . in vacuum . the polymer was then dissolved in 200 ml of tetrahydrofuran , treated with several grams of activated charcoal , filtered and reduced in volume to 75 ml . then 200 ml of absolute methanol was added and the precipitated polymer filtered . the polymer was washed with methanol and dried at 100 ° c . to yield 4 . 1 gms , molecular weight ( mw ) of 34 , 400 . after standing , additional polymer came out of solution , mw of 13 , 800 . a good quality colorless free - standing film was cast from the 34 , 400 mw polymer by dissolving in dimethylacetamide , drying at 100 ° c . in a forced air oven and then up to 300 ° c . in nitrogen . the film when heated in air at 300 ° c . showed very little color change . it was also soluble in dimethylacetamide and acetone after the 300 ° c . heat treatment , which makes this material unique among polyimides . such a film of thickness of about 0 . 1 to 2 . 0 mils ( 2 . 54 × 10 - 4 to 5 . 08 × 10 - 3 cm ) can be used to protect the active surfaces of solar cells . variations of the invention will be apparent to the skilled artisan . for example , it is contemplated that the high molecular weight polyimide of the present invention could be directly cast from a solution thereof onto a substrate such as a solar cell without first forming the free - standing film , and the polyimide film of the present invention could be used in other applications , such as in the printed circuit industry , including use as an alpha particle barrier in semiconductor device manufacture . in these applications , at times a free - standing film would be used and at other times a polymer solution would be applied , such as by dipping , electrocoating , spraying , electrostatic spraying and the like . the polyimide herein lends itself to various manufacturing techniques . also , the unique solubility properties of the polyimide will suggest other uses , such as in preserving art objects , i . e . stained glass windows .
| 2 |
it is apparent from fig1 that the md is readily predicted by the downhole tool by measuring the downhole hydrostatic pressure p hs once the fluid density is known or assumed , as predicted by equation 1 : it is normal that during the course of drilling a well the density ρ is deliberately changed . furthermore ρ can change depending on whether the fluid is being pumped or is stationary . it can also change depending on the volume and type of cuttings and how they are held in suspension . this effect leads to consideration of an equivalent circulating density calculation ( ecd , equation 2 , following ) that is utilized for the control and safety of modern wells . the present invention as applied to reasonably vertical wells is to utilize the pressure readings when the flow is static . at the well planning stage it will be known to an adequate degree of accuracy how the well profile and the addition of materials to the drilling fluid will affect the downhole pressure p hs . it does not matter whether the sampled pressure is that in the bore or in the annulus — they are almost the same under static conditions . thus a look - up table that equates pressure p hs to md can be constructed , where it is assumed that h is equivalent to md . it is then apparent that relatively coarse changes in md ( for example , increments of 500 m ) can be inferred by assessing p hs that in turn can implement changes in the transmitted signal in a way that increases snr and thus will improve detection and decoding ability of the surface equipment . such a look - up table or similar can be readily built by incorporating appropriate features of the planned well such as drilling fluid flow rate , drilling fluid density , drilling fluid viscosity , well profile , bottom hole assembly component geometry , drillpipe geometry , and indications as to whether the fluid is flowing or stationary . if the value of ρ is changed , as noted above , this effect can easily be accommodated by planned incremental changes for ρ in the look - up table that are applied to the successively deeper sections of the well . for instance if the static pressure changes in excess of a given threshold between one predetermined pressure in the table and the next , the inference is that the increase is due primarily to a planned increase in mud density and not simply an increase in tvd . fig2 adds a minor complication in that once a given depth is encountered the well is steered away from vertical at some predetermined angle , as could conveniently be assessed by the d & amp ; i package , although our invention does not require this as the angular deviation may be also inferred from simple static pressure changes . the correspondence of pressure to md is modified in an obvious manner using simple geometry . it is now apparent that the look - up table as described is a viable method of determining md in deviated wells . however it is known that in the art that fig2 is an oversimplification of practical wells because it is not usually possible to drill a well in a perfectly straight line for any significant distance . the driller &# 39 ; s job includes the need to continually correct the profile by making relatively small steering adjustments . in most instances these corrections are small enough that the method as described herein will remain substantially valid . fig3 adds an apparently major obstacle to inference of md because the profile 4 contains a section of horizontal well , thus rendering equation 1 inappropriate for this section . in practical drilling applications horizontal sections are included in a class of wells called ‘ extended reach drilling ’ ( erd ) wells , as depicted in fig4 . the profile 5 can be typical of a directional well containing not only horizontal sections but also generally positive sloped sections and generally negative sloped sections . this is because in many circumstances it is necessary to follow a target formation that undulates in tvd . in a proportion of these wells the generally horizontal section is relatively short compared to the vertical section . in these cases it would be adequate to use the look - up table to maximize the snr improvements for the whole of the horizontal section . in many erd wells , however , the generally horizontal drilled section is equal to or greater than the length of the vertical section . this is indicated in fig5 , where the x - axis 6 depicts tvd in meters and the y - axis 7 depicts the horizontal displacement ( departure ) from vertical in meters . the hatched section 8 in this figure consolidates and presents the industry well drilling practice for these parameters over the last 40 years . although it is not obvious from fig5 , roughly 67 % of erd wells have a departure from vertical greater than their tvd . because the well types typified by fig3 and 4 are a very significant fraction of the total number of wells drilled , incorporating another technique is necessary for the md estimation procedure . according to the present invention , the pressure can also be measured under flow ( dynamic ) conditions and use is then made of a prediction of ecd versus md . a greatly simplified explanation of this and its relevance to the present invention is as follows . the annular pressure ap due to dynamic flow increases with flow rate and pipe length ( i . e . md ) because of factors such as the increase in friction both inside and outside the drillpipe . ap also usually increases to a relatively small extent ( a few percent ) with cuttings in the annulus because they restrict flow ( particularly at the tool joint sections ) and also increase in net fluid density when the cuttings are in suspension . because of the generally small effect of cutting , they will be neglected hereon as they do not modify the principles embodied in this invention . as the ap value changes it also equally changes the bore ( internal pipe ) pressure because the drilling fluid flows continuously from bore to annulus . therefore we could equivalently measure the bore pressure if that happened to be more convenient , or indeed , as necessitated by the type of pressure gauge in the bha . the simplest form of the calculation of ecd is ( for instance see formulas and calculations for drilling , production and workover , 2 &# 39 ; nd edition ; publisher : butterworth - heinemann ; 2002 , isbn : 0750674520 ): ap = annulus pressure drop ( psi ) between surface and the depth at tvd sophisticated algorithms are readily available to quantify ap in the well planning stage and thus predict ecd at any position along the planned well trajectory by taking into account the many variables that modify the predicted value of ecd . the present state of the art is that predicted ecd compared to actual ecd can be accurate to within ˜ 5 % for a calibrated model , or ˜ 10 % or more for a non - calibrated model . we take advantage of this standard calculation to incorporate the pressure drop in excess of the hydrostatic drop ( equation 1 ) and incorporate the total pressure drop expected at each stage of the well &# 39 ; s progress into the look - up table , the ecd - related calculations being particularly pertinent for the stages where deviations from vertical are significant . this procedure merely complicates the table ( or similar ) entries , and requires that certain drillstring parameters are taken into the flow condition calculations . we point out that we do not actually need to calculate ecd ; we need only to compute the relationship of ap to md , this forming a part of the derived ecd calculations commonly utilized in the drilling industry . the ap value we use is directly associated with length of drillpipe along the whole length of the well bore ( i . e . md ) and the bha geometry . we are assuming in these cases that the planned flow rate is followed in practice . if it is not , an error proportional to the square of the flow velocity is introduced in the pressure p calculation , as would be given in the simplest form ( laminar flow ) by daniel bernoulli &# 39 ; s hydrodynamic equation ( see for instance h . lamb , hydrodynamics , 6th ed ., cambridge university press , 1953 , pp . 20 - 25 ): p + ½ ρ v 2 + ρ g δh = constant [ 3 ] if the bha pressure gauge has both bore and annulus pressure measuring capabilities , one can make use of equation 3 by measuring the differential pressure ( i . e . bore — annulus ) that is normally sensed across the mud motor and drill bit , thereby estimating the velocity v . either a calculation or a calibration can be used to link v to p . this value of v can be used to modify the tabular entries to a specific set of flow velocities , and thereby obtain a more accurate estimate of md , as indicated below . once v is calculated in this manner ( or assumed from preset table entries ) then the appropriate annular pressure ap ( equation 2 ) can be associated with a specific flow velocity . the next step is to recognise that the total dynamic annular or bore pressure p tool as measured by the downhole bha tool in these types of wells is given by : where we have separated the hydrostatic head component of pressure ( p hs ) and the hydrodynamic pressure drop associated only with flow in equation 4 . thus in a well with significant horizontal sections a combined measure of static and a dynamic pressures can be used to isolate ap . ap has already been calculated and is in tabular form in a look - up table ( or similar ) in the downhole tool . because ap is a function of v and if v is known , it is now obvious that a reasonable estimate of ap can be mapped directly to md . if v is not measured the assumed value of v is utilized in a simpler table , with a somewhat lesser degree of accuracy in md . either way , because we use md in a coarse incremental fashion ( e . g . increments of ˜ 500 m ) the changes to transmission parameters that modify snr will not be significantly suboptimal . the methods described herein can also beneficially apply to drilling circumstances where downlinking to the telemetry tool is possible . this is because the automatic nature of the telemetry changes associated with sampling downhole pressure makes it unnecessary for surface control or intervention to be applied to the task of ensuring adequate received snr under most drilling conditions . furthermore , the methods described herein can also beneficially apply to drilling circumstances where a telemetry repeater tool is also included in the drillstring . fig6 a depicts the conventional start of a deviated well where the bha 10 ( including drilling means and telemetry tool ) is separated from the rig 1 by a length ( md ) of drillpipe 9 . the invention as previously discussed applies to this stage . the next stage is to insert a repeater 11 as shown in fig6 b . the amount of drillpipe between repeater 11 and bha has now a planned increase 12 that is intended to enable communications over approximately twice the distance that limits a non - repeater circumstance . because it is known in the well planning stage that a repeater would be inserted at a specific md , the look - up table or similar means would now fix the appropriate telemetry parameters to values suitable for adequate communications from the bha telemetry device 10 to the repeater 11 . the invention now applies to control of the appropriate telemetry parameters associated with the repeater 11 , as shown in fig6 c . as the well progresses the drillpipe length 13 between the repeater and the rig increases , and snr communication to the rig is modified by the look - up table or similar within the repeater , enabling efficient communication as before . in summary , it is possible for the tool to make an approximate inferred estimate of its md by making use of standard downhole sensors and assessing the downhole pressure . thus , the tool could be programmed to automatically adjust certain of its acoustic transmitted parameters such that it could compensate for the surface reduction in snr caused by increasing attenuation due to increasing md . the present invention therefore provides a method by which tool telemetry decoding performance may be maintained at or above a specified threshold with increasing well length without the need to communicate to the tool from the surface . this method also includes the circumstances where one or more repeaters are incorporated , as would now be understood by one skilled in the art .
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referring to fig1 of the drawing a portable rack 11 is illustrated with a plurality of shelves 13 . mounted on one end of rack 11 is a main air duct 16 . duct 16 may be formed of conventional sheet metal and has an opening 17 which enables coupling of the unit to an existing air exhaust source , not illustrated . opening 17 may also be formed in another location of the main or branch air ducts of shelves 13 . each of the top four shelves 13 of the rack comprises a branch air duct . this is achieved by the securing of a top shelf section 19 to a bottom shelf section 20 to provide a partially air - tight chamber therebetween . cutout 22 in each top section 19 is formed for an air - tight connection with a respective extension duct 23 that is in air - tight communication with main air duct 16 . bottom section 20 of the branch air duct has a plurality of spaced holes 25 for exhausting respective cages . each extension duct 23 has a baffle lever 27 for selectively closing off a baffle and the flow of air therethrough . animal cage 29 is of generally rectangular configuration with a bottom wall 30 that has perforations such as a grid construction 30 for the passage of air . a plurality of these cages are suspended by side flanges 31 from hangers 32 on the bottom section 20 of shelves 13 . each cage is open at its top and thus there is air communication between it and a respective hole 25 . the cages need not be in air - tight relationship with the shelves since the open grid bottom 30 of each cage will represent a substantially larger area than the small space between the cages and their shelves . this provides reasonable assurance of air flow through bottom 30 of the cage into the cage , through opening 25 , branch duct 13 , extension 23 , and into the main air duct 16 where it is exhausted . it has been found that an air exhaust of approximately 10 cubic feet per minute per cage will effectively isolate each cage without causing an uncomfortable draft on the animal . a lower air turnover rate will also work since the primary requirement is that there need merely be a negative pressure occurring in the cage in order to prevent the flow of animal odors into the laboratory room . the above - described arrangement provides a system in which the animal cages can be readily cleaned since the cage with its perforated bottom section can have an open ended waste tray 34 removably connected therewith . tray 34 may be formed from flexible sheet metal with sides 35 which grip the cage . this type of cage also enables one to use a bedding material in the cage and not encounter the normally associated problem of odor build - up . with such an arrangement the cost of cleaning will be reduced since the frequency of cleaning will not be so great . provision for a separate room for housing experimental animals becomes optional since the animal cage rack can be maintained in the laboratory room . in fact , the rack can be utilized in any room where there is an existing exhaust system and for this reason is mounted on wheels 36 . periodically , it is desirable to remove all cages and thoroughly clear the duct work of dust and hair which tend to collect and clog it . an aqueous cleaning solution may be introduced through openings 38 ( fig4 ). this fluid may be introduced under pressure and will flow the length of the duct shelf 13 . fluid will partially exit through holes 25 but most of it will flow into extensions 23 and down duct 16 . a trap opening 39 is provided in the duct 16 below the lowest shelf 13 to remove the fluid , dirt and hair .
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the text below explains the invention in detail using an exemplary embodiment with reference to fig1 . the inventive circuit arrangement has a first digital control amplifier da having an input 1 , an output 2 and a digital control input 3 . the output 2 of the amplifier da is connected to a device for frequency conversion udc . this device has a capacitor c for isolating the useful signal path from the dc path , a frequency converter m 1 , a filter f 1 , a frequency converter m 2 , a bandpass filter f 2 and also an amplification device having a fixed gain a 1 and a further filter f 3 . the filters f 1 and f 3 are in the form of saw filters with a fixed frequency . the output of the device for frequency conversion is connected to a second amplification device aa , which is likewise in the form of a control amplifier . the amplifier aa has an analog control input 5 which is connected to a voltage source v . at the output of the amplification device aa , the received and frequency - converted signal is amplified again and is then tapped off . the digital control input 3 of the amplification device da is routed to a setting apparatus cnt and also to a device dac which comprises at least one digital - analog converter . the output of the converter dac is connected to a summing circuit sc which sums the output signal from the converter dac and the voltage signal from the amplification device a 3 operating as a voltage source and supplies the sum to the control input 5 of the amplification device aa . the control input 5 of the amplification device aa is also connected to a comparison arrangement top which has a comparison input 8 with a signal comprising 8 bits and also an output 9 , whose signal comprises 2 bits . at the output of the amplification device aa , which is connected to a further amplifier a 2 , it is possible to tap off the frequency - converted signal , which is measured by the level detection device old . the output of the detection device old controls the input of an amplifier a 3 . to this end , the device old uses an external prescribed or an internal value . it is thus possible for , by way of example , the demodulation device to monitor a voltage value when required which can be a control target . the amplifier a 3 is connected to the summing circuit sc and thus controls a portion of the control voltage at the input of the amplification device aa such that the desired peak - to - peak voltage value of the useful signal can be tapped off at the output of the amplification device a 2 . if appropriate , the control voltage can be measured at the output v . the device for frequency conversion udc also has two connecting nodes 6 and 7 which are connected to the level detectors wld and ild . both level detectors have a reference input 8 for which a reference level is prescribed . the outputs 9 of the level detectors wld and ild and also of the arrangement top , which have a signal comprising two bits , are connected to a pilot or control circuit gc . the pilot circuit cg also has the inputs clk , s 1 and s 2 . the input clk is used to supply a clock signal . the inputs s 1 and s 2 are used for external control of the entire circuit arrangement . the pilot circuit contains a logic arrangement , for example an fpga , pld or else an asic which processes the input signals . the pilot circuit gc also has an output 10 which is routed to the input of the setting apparatus cnt . the signal from the output 10 has a word length of several bits from which the device cnt ascertains the setting for the digital control . in the present example , this is 5 bits . 2 bits of this signal are used , in one example , for transmitting an instruction to increase , to reduce or to maintain the previous gain . the other bits , in this example , can be used to turn off the device cnt or to put it back into a defined state . the device cnt checks the bits of the setting signal 10 coming from the pilot device preferably upon a rising or falling edge of a clock signal clk applied to the input 11 and thus controls the setting signal for the control input 3 of the device da . in the illustrative example shown ( which is in no respect limited , however ), the signal at the output 12 of the setting apparatus cnt has a word length of 3 bits , which results in 8 possible settings at the control input 3 of the control amplifier da . the maximum gain of the amplifier da is + 7 db , which decreases in 4 db steps down to − 21 db . the setting is chosen such that the bit sequence 000 , that is to say the lowest possible state , corresponds to the largest gain stage + 7 db . the highest bit sequence corresponds to the lowest gain stage of − 21 db . naturally , it is possible to swap this order , to implement a nonlinear profile for the gain stages or to alter the distance between stages , and such variations are contemplated by the present invention . a useful signal applied to the input 1 is amplified in the device da using a factor which is prescribed by the control input 3 , the useful signal arriving at the connecting node 6 and at the input of the level detector wld . the latter compares the signal level with an upper and a lower limit value which is applied to the input 8 . the upper and lower limit values are provided by a digital signal comprising 8 bits in the present example . at the output 9 , the level detector wld outputs a control signal comprising two bits , which , depending on the result of the comparison , is intended to signal an increase in the gain in the amplification device da , a maintaining of the gain or a reduction in the gain . the word length of the output signal from the level detector wld is not limited to two bits in this case . with a larger word length at the output 9 of the level detector , this can also be done by concurrently sending the difference from a nominal value . if the signal is too low , for example , and hence the signal - to - noise ratio is too small , a signal for increasing the power is sent to the pilot circuit gc . the pilot device gc processes this signal and , for its part , sends a signal for increasing the gain to the setting apparatus cnt . upon the next edge of the clock signal clk , the setting apparatus cnt lowers the bit sequence by one bit and as a result raises the gain by 4 db in the control amplifier da . the type of digital actuating signal is dependent on the control input 3 of the amplification device . it may be a parallel signal or a serial actuating signal . it is equally possible in another embodiment of the invention for the pilot device gc to send the setting apparatus cnt not just a signal for changing but also for it to transmit a value for how many stages the change is intended to involve . this means that not just a sequential change as in the exemplary embodiment shown is possible , but also direct setting of the gain of the first amplification device da is contemplated by the invention . at the same time , the setting signal coming from the output 12 of the apparatus cnt is converted to an analog voltage signal by the device dac . by lowering the digital signal by one bit , the voltage signal at the output of the converter dac thus also becomes smaller . as a result , the control voltage at the input 5 of the analog amplifier aa falls , with the total gain of the entire arrangement remaining the same , however . this simultaneous readjustment reduces the abrupt signal change which occurs as a result of the abrupt change in the gain in the device da . following the level detector wld , the wideband rf signal passes through a mixer m 1 which is used to convert it to a first intermediate frequency . the mixing device m 1 has a tunable local oscillator ( not shown ) since the frequency band used is variable and the unwanted frequency bands are rejected by a fixed filter f 1 . following the selection , the signal is converted to a second intermediate frequency using a device for frequency conversion m 2 , intermodulation products are removed by a bandpass filter f 2 , and the filtered signal is again amplified by a fixed factor using the amplification device a 1 . to ensure an optimum gain for the rf signal before and after the frequency conversion and filtering , besides the level detector wld , another level detector ild , which is of the same design in one example , is provided which compares the level of the frequency - converted signal at point 7 with an upper and a lower limit value . at the output of the level detector ild , it is possible to tap off the same signals as are also at the output of the detector wld . this signal is likewise used to set the device cnt using the pilot device gc . the rf signal converted to the second intermediate frequency has secondary products removed from it again by a filter f 3 and is supplied to the analog amplification device aa . the two level detectors wld and ild , firstly , are intended to prevent the formation of intermodulation products that may otherwise be caused by overdriving the input of the mixers m 1 , m 2 and filters f 1 , f 2 . secondly , they detect an excessively small signal - to - noise ratio . to this end , they are advantageously designed in one example for a continuous comparison . alternatively , a discrete - time level comparison is also conceivable , however , for example with the clock signal of the signal clk . instead of the comparison by the level detectors which has been described , however , other comparison circuits are also conceivable , for example with just one limit value , and such alternatives are contemplated by the present invention . the detector top , which compares the control signal from the control input 5 with a prescribed limit value , is used to set a limit value up to which control by the detectors wld and ild is possible . one idea behind the invention is thus compensation for a change of gain in a digital control element by a corresponding change in a second amplification device , so that the abrupt signal change occurring in the digital amplification device is reduced and the total gain remains essentially the same . this can be achieved by connecting a control unit to the control inputs of the amplification device . the second amplification device may be either in the form of an analog amplification device or in the form of a digital amplification device . in the latter case , there is naturally no need to provide means for digital - analog conversion . besides a voltage signal , a current signal is also conceivable as the signal for the analog actuating input . in the embodiment presented , a 1 - bit increase in the actuating signal produces a reduction in the voltage of the converted analog signal . an inverter can thus be dispensed with . depending on other conceivable embodiments , additional circuit elements for controlling both amplification devices may therefore be employed in accordance with the central idea behind the invention . the inventive circuit arrangement is not limited to amplifying received signals in this case . the compensating circuit described is also conceivable for a transmission arrangement or for general circuits for signal amplification with a plurality of amplification devices . while the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations , alterations and / or modifications may be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims . in particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components or structures ( assemblies , devices , circuits , systems , etc . ), the terms ( including a reference to a “ means ”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond , unless otherwise indicated , to any component or structure which performs the specified function of the described component ( e . g ., that is functionally equivalent ), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention . in addition , while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations , such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application . furthermore , to the extent that the terms “ including ”, “ includes ”, “ having ”, “ has ”, “ with ”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims , such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “ comprising ”.
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the present invention is preferably manufactured from heat resistant steel because of the extremely high temperature of crop bar immediately after casting . most frame members are made of &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; beam steel for strength . these &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; beam frame members are preferably all of the same cross - sectional area and configuration which have equal width and depth so that &# 34 ; i &# 34 ; beam frame member junctures can be square and flush when any surface of one member is joined to any surface of another member . simply stated , a forklift - type truck ( 10 , fig1 ) engages container 20 from the rear which is the end opposite the axle and sleeve assembly 11 , and moves forward until the upright portions of its fork arms 12 contact the rear bumper 13 of the container 20 . fork arms 12 are elevated until the top surface of their horizontal portions contact cooperating portions of container 20 thereby maintaining it in a stable and level attitude during horizontal and vertical movement . rear cooperating surfaces are the bottoms of the rear bumper 13 , the yoke rear beam 14 and the receptacle rear beam ( not shown ). front cooperating surface is the bottom of the outer sleeve 41 of the axle and sleeve assembly 11 . after the safety latch 15 is released , the container 20 is ready to dump . as fig2 shows , crop bar 21 collected in container 20 is dumped by using the forklift 10 to push a front bumper / stop 16 against a stationary curb 17 . as the front bumper / stop pivots on the axle and sleeve assembly 11 , it rotates inward ( toward the forklift ) and upward and the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 rotates upward and outward ( away from the forklift ), out of the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 to a terminal dumping position which allows the crop bar to fall out of the container . the forklift 10 backs away from the stationary curb 17 and the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 returns to its original base or receiving position . fig3 is a more detailed view of the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 . the yoke is basically &# 34 ; u &# 34 ; shaped with a pair of rear stanchions 30 to hold it off the floor . the rear stanchions 30 are laterally spaced and braced by a horizontal rear stanchion brace beam 31 . atop the rear stanchions 30 , a horizontal yoke rear beam 14 is attached with its longitudinal ends flush with the outside surfaces of the rear stanchions 30 . a safety latch 15 is mounted on the yoke rear beam 14 . its latch hook snaps over the rear stop 55 between the rear receptacle upright beams 57 shown in fig5 and is adapted to prevent the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 from accidentally pivoting out of the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 . yoke side beams 32 are attached to the front surface of the yoke rear beam 14 flush with the top and the longitudinal ends of the yoke rear beam 14 and perpendicular to the rear stanchion 30 and to the yoke rear beam 14 . a triangular rear stanchion brace gusset 33 preferably connects each yoke side beam 32 to its corresponding rear stanchion 30 for strength and stability . near the front of each yoke side beam 32 is a yoke axle aperture 34 horizontally located through its center for mounting the axle and sleeve assembly 11 so as to be generally parallel to the yoke rear beam 14 an perpendicular to the yoke side beams 32 . a rear bumper 13 is preferably attached to the back of the yoke rear beam 14 parallel to and at the same elevation as the yoke rear beam 14 . this rear bumper 13 serves as a forklift bumper to keep the main body of container 20 away from direct horizontal contact with the forklift 10 to reduce the possibility of damage to container 20 . the rear bumper 13 also helps regulate the overall front to back dimension of container 20 to assure proper fork arm 12 contact without extending the fork arms 12 past the front of container 20 to interfere with handling . fig5 illustrates the rigid receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 , which is designed to fit inside the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 with but little clearance . the front stanchions 50 extend vertically a distance equal to that of the rear stanchions 30 to put the frames of the two assemblies 18 and 19 in the same general horizontal plane . a front bumper / stop 16 is attached horizontally to the lower front surface of the front stanchions 50 , and is preferably braced on each end by front bumper / stop gussets 51 . the front bumper / stop 16 serves as a bumper for contacting the stationary curb 17 during dumping and as a dumping rotation stop by contacting the bottom surface of the horizontal portions of the fork arms 12 . atop each front stanchion 50 is a receptacle side beam 52 preferably flush with the front and side of each front stanchion 50 and extending horizontally to the rear and perpendicularly to each front stanchion 50 . for dumping clearance , the longitudinal dimension of each receptacle side beam 52 is less than that of its corresponding yoke side beam 32 . near the front of each receptacle side beam 52 is a receptacle axle aperture 54 horizontally through its center for hingedly connecting the two assemblies 18 and 19 with the axle and sleeve assembly 11 . a triangular front stanchion brace gusset 53 preferably connects each receptacle side beam 52 to its corresponding front stanchion 50 for strength and stability . a receptacle rear beam ( not shown ) is attached to the inside of the receptacle side beams 52 flush with its rear , top and bottom surfaces thus forming a horizontal receptacle frame . an elongated heavy steel plate is attached atop the receptacle rear beam ( not shown ), with its end extending past the outsides of the receptacle side beams 52 approximately the width of the yoke side beams 32 . this plate is the rear stop 55 which terminates downward and inward movement when the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 returns to base or empty position inside the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 . the top surface of the rear stop 55 near its longitudinal center also serves as a catching surface for the safety latch 15 . below each rear stop 55 is a wedge shaped alignment guide 56 tapering from its outside top to its inside bottom to align the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 as it returns to base position . a pair of rear receptacle upright beams 57 extend vertically atop the rear stop plate 55 . one is perpendicular to each receptacle side beam 52 and flush with the rear , inside and outside surface of each . triangular rear stop gussets 58 brace extending rear stop 55 portions against the rear receptacle upright beams 57 to prevent bending the rear stops 55 by repeated use . each receptacle side beam 52 has a forward leaning front receptable upright beam 59 attached to its top surface preferably flush with its sides and with one outer edge tangent to its top front edge . the front receptacle upright beams 59 extend upward at a forward angle of about 30 angular degrees past vertical . this forward angle allows crop bar 21 to easily fall from container 20 because when the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 rotates less than 90 angular degrees to dumping position , the front receptacle upright beams 59 will be about 20 angular degrees below horizontal thus no longer providing horizontal support for the crop bar . the receptacle is formed by attaching a receptacle back plate 60 between the rear receptacle upright beams 57 , a receptacle base plate 61 between the receptacle side beams 52 and a receptacle front plate 62 between the forward leaning front receptacle upright beams 59 . these plates 60 , 61 and 62 help brace the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 to prevent independent movement by any section and provide a receptacle for containing crop bar 21 . container 20 is assembled by inserting the rear of the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 into the front of the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 and moving it toward the rear until all axle apertures 34 and 54 align . the axle and sleeve assembly 11 is then rotatably secured . the front of the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 is supported by its front stanchions 50 , and the front of the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 is supported by the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 through the axle and sleeve assembly 11 . the rear of the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 is supported by its rear stanchions 30 , and the rear of the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 is supported on the yoke side beams 32 by the rear stops 55 . thus , assembled in base or loading position , the two assemblies 18 and 19 reciprocally support each other . the axle and sleeve assembly 11 is illustrated in more detail in fig4 . it hingedly connects the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 to the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 and provides additional lateral stability to both . the diameter and length of the axle 40 is such that it will extend through the axle apertures 34 and 54 in both assemblies 18 and 19 . the diameter of the axle sleeve 41 is preferably equal to the height of the beams forming the horizontal frames of the two assemblies 18 and 19 such that when assembled , the bottom surfaces of each are generally in the same horizontal plane . thus , a horizontally level lifting surface for cooperating with the fork arms 12 is created , which includes the rear bumper 13 , the yoke rear beam 14 , the receptacle rear beam ( not shown ) and the axle sleeve 41 . in operation , the forklift 10 in fig1 has engaged the present invention from the rear . the fork arms 12 have traveled forward under the horizontal frames of container 20 between its rear stanchions 30 and between its front stanchions 50 . forward movement of the front tips of the fork arms 12 with respect to container 20 is limited to no more than flush with the front of container 20 by dimensional design of this invention including a rear bumper 13 which saves wear and tear on the main body of container 20 by keeping it a predetermined distance from the forklift 10 . the fork arms 12 are raised until the top of their horizontal portions contact the bottom surfaces of the rear bumper 13 , the yoke rear beam 14 , the receptacle rear beam ( not shown ) and the axle sleeve 41 . thus , in proper cooperation , the forklift 10 elevates and holds container 20 substantially horizontally level . in this manner container 20 is easily transported with lateral and longitudinal stability . to dump crop bar , the forklift 10 transports container 20 to a desired dumping location . the safety latch 15 is released and the forklift 10 elevates container 20 to a height sufficient to assure that the bottom of the horizontal frame portions of container 20 clear the top of the stationary curb 17 as the forklift 10 advances . as fig2 illustrates , the forklift 10 advances forcing the front bumper / stop 16 attached to the front stanchions 50 against the stationary curb 17 , and the front stanchions 50 pivot on the axle 40 in an inward and upward direction . this forces the rest of the rigidly attached receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 to rotate upward and outward until the receptacle base plate 61 is almost perpendicular to its base position . movement is terminated at this point by the front bumper / stop 16 which is elongated horizontally between the front stanchion 50 and halts movement by coming into contact with the fork arms 12 . at this terminal or dumping position the forward leaning front receptacle upright beams 59 are about 20 angular degrees below horizontal and the crop bars 21 easily fall out of container 20 because they no longer have horizontal support and because of the outward inertia of the crop bars 21 . since the center of gravity of the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 is always behind the pivot point , its weight , when empty , tends to force the assembly to return to its base position . having dumped the contents , the forklift 10 backs away from the stationary curb 17 , and the weight of the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 forces it to rotate inward and downward . as the receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 nears its base position , alignment guides 56 direct it into proper alignment with the yoke and rear stanchion assembly 19 . rear stops 55 and the fork arms 12 come into contact with descending receptacle and front stanchion assembly 18 surfaces to terminate downward movement in the base position . the safety latch 15 is set in place and the dumpable crop bar container 20 is ready for transport to collect more crop bar 21 .
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embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 is an equivalent circuit diagram of one memory cell of a semiconductor memory device according to a first embodiment of the present invention , fig2 is a plan view of the memory cell , fig3 a is a cross - sectional view taken along line 3 a — 3 a of fig2 and fig3 b is a cross - sectional view taken along line 3 b — 3 b of fig2 . as is apparent from fig1 the equivalent circuit of the memory cell of the first embodiment is the same as that of a generally - used memory cell . in this circuit , a bit line bl is connected to , for example , the drain of a transistor t 1 , and the source of the transistor t 1 is connected to a capacitor c 1 . the gate of the transistor t 1 is connected to a word line wl . in the memory cell shown in fig3 a and 3b , a bit line 30 is formed not above a gate electrode 6 but under an insulation layer 2 of an soi substrate , unlike a conventional bit line . the bit line 30 is connected to a ( source or drain ) diffusion layer 8 a of the transistor by a buried electrode 13 formed through the insulation layer 2 . a plate electrode 40 is formed on a storage electrode 18 with a capacitor insulation film 19 therebetween , thereby constituting a storage capacitor . the storage electrode 18 is connected to another diffusion layer 8 b of the transistor . fig4 a to 14 a and 4 b to 14 b are cross - sectional views showing step by step a method for manufacturing the semiconductor memory device according to the first embodiment . the views of fig4 a to 14 a are each corresponding to the view taken along line 3 a — 3 a of fig2 while those of fig4 b to 14 b are each corresponding to the view taken along line 3 b — 3 b of fig2 . an insulation layer 28 of an oxide film ( sio 2 ) or the like is formed on a semiconductor substrate 1 such as a silicon substrate . bit line materials such as tungsten are deposited on the insulation layer 28 thereby to form a bit line 30 using conventional photolithography and anisotropic etching such as rie ( reactive ion etching ). insulation films 29 and 2 are formed by oxide films or the like so as to cover the bit line 30 , and the surface of the insulation film 2 is flattened . ( fig4 a and 4b ) the bit line 30 can also be obtained by forming an insulation film having grooves on the insulation layer 28 and burying the bit line materials in the grooves . a silicon substrate 31 is stuck on the insulation film 2 by a sticking method and its surface is polished to form an soi substrate including an element forming region 31 having a desired thickness . ( fig5 a and 5b ) part of the element forming region 31 is removed , and an insulation film such as an oxide film ( sio 2 ) is buried into the removed part , with the result that an element isolation region 4 reaching the insulation film 2 is formed and so is an island - like element region 3 surrounded with the film 2 and region 4 . ( fig6 a and 6b ) a gate insulation film 5 of , e . g ., an oxide film ( sio 2 ) is formed on the resultant structure , and an electrode material such as a polysilicon film and an insulation film 7 such as a silicon nitride film ( sin ) are formed one on another . a gate electrode 6 is obtained using conventional photolithography and anisotropic etching such as rie . furthermore , n - type diffusion layers 8 a and 8 b are formed by , e . g ., ion implantation to serve as source and drain regions of the transistor . ( fig7 a and 7b ) an insulation film such as a silicon nitride film is deposited on the resultant structure and then etched by anisotropic etching such as rie , thereby forming insulation films 9 on the side walls of the gate electrode 6 . ( fig8 a and 8b ) an interlayer insulation film 10 of , e . g ., an oxide film ( sio 2 ) is deposited and polished by cmp ( chemical mechanical polishing ) to expose the insulation ( nitride ) film 7 on the gate electrode 6 , with the result that the film 10 is buried between adjacent gate electrodes 6 . ( fig9 a and 9b ) a resist film 11 having an opening is formed on the diffusion layer 8 a . using anisotropic etching such as rie , the diffusion layer 8 a and insulation film 2 are etched to expose the bit line 30 , thus forming an opening 12 . if an etching condition is set properly to prevent the nitride films 7 and 9 from being etched , the opening 12 is self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 . ( fig1 a and 10b ) after the resist film 11 is eliminated , a polysilicon film containing , e . g ., phosphorus is deposited . the insulation film 7 and interlayer insulation film 10 are exposed by etching the polysilicon film using , e . g ., rie , and the polysilicon film is thus buried into the opening 12 . as a result , a buried electrode 13 is formed in the opening 12 to connect the diffusion layer 8 a and bit line 30 . ( fig1 a and 11b ) an interlayer insulation film 15 of an oxide film ( sio 2 ) or the like is deposited on the resultant structure . ( fig1 a and 12b ) a resist film 16 having an opening above the diffusion layer 8 b is formed on the interlayer insulation film 15 , and the films 15 and 10 are etched to expose the diffusion layer 8 b , thus forming a connecting hole 17 for a storage electrode . if an etching condition is set properly to prevent the nitride films 7 and 9 from being etched , the connecting hole 17 is self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 . ( fig1 a and 13b ) the resist film 16 is eliminated , an storage electrode material such as polysilicon containing phosphorus is deposited , and a storage electrode 18 is formed using conventional photolithography and anisotropic etching such as rie . using , e . g ., lpcvd ( low pressure chemical vapor deposition ), a silicon oxide film , a silicon nitride film , and a silicon oxide film are deposited to form a capacitor insulation film 19 of ono ( oxide - nitride - oxide ). ( fig1 a and 14b ) for example , a polysilicon film is deposited on the capacitor insulation film 19 as a plate electrode 40 , thus completing a memory cell of dram as shown in fig3 a and 3b . the dram is finished by forming an interlayer insulation film , a wiring layer and the like through a conventional manufacturing process . according to the first embodiment described above , since the bit line 30 is formed not above the gate electrode 6 but under the insulation layer 2 below the gate electrode 6 , only the gate electrode 6 is present as a wiring layer between the storage electrode 18 and the diffusion layer 8 b connected thereto when the storage electrode 18 is formed . as shown in fig1 a and 13b , therefore , the connecting hole 17 has only to be self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 only , and the storage electrode 18 can easily be prevented from being short - circuited with the bit line 30 . since the bit line 30 is also formed under the insulation layer 2 below an element region 3 , the wiring layers formed above the region 3 can be decreased by one , as compared with those of the conventional device . therefore , the interlayer insulation film to be etched can be thinned by the thickness of the bit line , though conventionally the interlayer insulation film has to be etched by at least the thicknesses of both the gate electrode and bit line when the connecting hole is formed . since the interlayer insulation film to be etched is decreased in thickness , the connecting hole 17 can easily be self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 . fig1 is a cross - sectional view of a prior art memory cell . in fig1 , a difference in level between a gate electrode 6 and a bit line 50 should be eliminated . however , according to the first embodiment of the present invention , since the difference can be reduced by at least the thickness of the bit line , a region , such as a peripheral circuit region , where no storage electrode is formed , can easily be flattened , thus facilitating patterning and etching of the wiring layer . in fig1 , reference numeral 60 indicates a plate electrode , and the other elements are the same as those of the first embodiment and denoted by the same numerals . in the prior art memory cell , the bit line 50 is formed above the element region 3 in order to form the bit line 50 , gate electrode 6 and storage electrode 18 within a small memory cell area . thus , the distance between the bit line 50 and gate electrode 6 or between the bit line 50 and storage electrode 18 is very shortened , and they interfere with each other to make a noise or cause the memory cell to malfunction . however , according to the first embodiment of the present invention , the bit line 30 is formed below the insulation layer 2 and separated from the gate electrode 6 or the storage electrode 18 . therefore , as compared with the prior art memory cell , these electrodes are hardly influenced by the bit line 30 , and a dram having a larger operation margin can be formed . according to the foregoing manufacturing method , the diffusion layer 8 a can be self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 , and the opening 12 can be self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 when the diffusion layer 8 a is connected to the bit line 30 . consequently , no margin is newly required and the memory cell can be decreased in area . a semiconductor device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described . in this device , a plate electrode of a capacitor serves as a bit line , too . fig1 is an equivalent circuit diagram of one memory cell of the semiconductor memory device of the second embodiment , and fig1 is a plan view of the memory cell . fig1 a is a cross - sectional view taken along line 18 a — 18 a of fig1 , while fig1 b is a cross - sectional view taken along line 18 b — 18 b of fig1 . in the memory cell of the second embodiment , the plate electrode has a function of bit line and , as shown in fig1 , the storage electrode of the capacitor is connected to one end ( source or drain electrode ) of a selective transistor t 1 . the other end of the transistor t 1 is connected to , e . g ., a fixed potential vcc . the gate electrode of the transistor t 1 is connected to a word line wl . fig1 a and 19b show examples of operation voltages in write and read modes of the memory cell of the first embodiment . in these examples , vcc is , for example a positive voltage of about 5v . when “ 0 ” is written , the bit line bl of a selected cell is kept at 0v and the word line wl thereof is kept at 8v , as shown in fig1 a . the transistor t 1 is thus turned on , and the potential of the storage electrode becomes about 5v . if the word line wl is set to 0v and the bit line bl is set to vcc , i . e ., 5v , the potential of the storage electrode rises up to about 9v , and the capacitor is precharged . when “ 0 ” is read out , the word line wl is set again to 8v and thus the potential of the bit line bl becomes { 5 − 5 ( 5 − 9 )× cs /( cs + cb )} v . cs is the capacitance of capacitor c 1 , and cb is the parasitic capacitance of bit line bl . if the potential of the bit line bl is compared with a reference potential using a sense amplifier or the like , the data can be read out . when “ 1 ” is written , the bit line bl of a selected cell is set to 5v and the word line wl thereof is set to 8v , as shown in fig1 b . the transistor t 1 is thus turned on and the potential of the storage electrode becomes about : 5v . if the word line wl is set to 0v and the bit line bl is set to vcc , i . e ., 5v , the storage electrode does not vary in potential and is precharged with about 5v , unlike when “ 0 ” is written . when “ 1 ” is read out , the word line wl is set again to 8v , but the potential of the bit line bl remains unchanged at 5v . the constitution of the memory cell of the second embodiment will now be described with reference to fig1 , 18 a and 18 b . the memory cell of the second embodiment includes an soi substrate constituted of a semiconductor substrate 1 , an insulation layer 2 and a semiconductor layer ( element region ) 3 . a mos transistor t 1 having a gate electrode 6 and diffusion layers 8 a and 8 b is formed on the soi substrate . while the diffusion layer 8 a is connected to the semiconductor substrate 1 via a buried electrode 13 , the diffusion layer 8 b is connected to a storage electrode 18 . an plate electrode 19 is formed on the storage electrode 18 with an insulation film 19 therebetween , thus forming a capacitor . the plate electrode 20 is patterned to serve as a bit line . the above memory cell is featured in that the plate electrode 20 formed above the storage electrode 18 functions as a bit line 20 and the diffusion layer 8 a is connected to the substrate 1 through the buried electrode 13 . as described above , the layer 20 serves as both the bit line and the plate electrode of the capacitor , and the bit line 20 is formed above the storage electrode 18 . therefore , as will be described later , since only the gate electrode 6 is present as a wiring layer between the storage electrode 18 and diffusion layer 8 b when the storage electrode 18 is formed , the connecting hole 17 for the storage electrode has to be self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 only , and the storage electrode 18 can easily be prevented from being short - circuited with the gate electrode 6 and bit line 20 . since the diffusion layer 8 a is not connected to an upper wiring layer such as a conventional bit line , but to the substrate 1 formed under the insulation layer 2 under the element region 3 , the wiring layers formed above the region 3 can be decreased by one . as in the first embodiment , the interlayer insulation film to be etched can be thinned when the connecting hole 17 is formed , and the connecting hole 17 can easily be self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 . moreover , as in the first embodiment , since a difference in level can be reduced by at least the thickness of one wiring layer , a region such as a peripheral circuit region , where no storage electrode is formed , can easily be flattened , thus making it easy to pattern and etch the wiring layer . according to the second embodiment , if a fixed potential is applied to the substrate 1 connected to the diffusion layer 8 a , it can easily be applied to the diffusion layer 8 a , where the fixed potential is required . for example , if no soi substrate is employed , a wiring layer for connecting the diffusion layer 8 a need to be additionally formed , which makes it difficult to form the storage electrode 18 and causes restrictions on horizontal patterning . however , the memory cell of the second embodiment can be decreased in area since a new area for patterning is not required . in the first embodiment , where the potential of the diffusion layer 8 a is not fixed or it is connected to the bit line , the wiring layer 30 serving as the bit line has to be patterned . however , in the second embodiment , the same fixed potential ( e . g ., vcc ) has only to be applied to the diffusion layers 8 a of all memory cells . if , therefore , the fixed potential is applied to the substrate 1 , no patterning is needed , thus easily achieving reduction in cell area and simplification in manufacturing process . in the second embodiment , since the transistor is formed on an island - like isolated element region on the soi substrate , the potential of a bulk region 3 a of the transistor is not fixed . if the transistor t 1 is directly formed on the conventional substrate to form a cell circuit like this embodiment , the potential of the bulk region is fixed and thus the following problem will arise . when the potential of the bit line 20 is changed , for example , to ½ vcc , that of the storage electrode 18 is lowered through coupling of the storage capacitor c 1 , the potential of the diffusion layer 8 b becomes a forward bias voltage with respect to the potential of the bulk region , and the stored charges are caused to flow through the bulk region . in the second embodiment , however , the potential of the diffusion layer 8 b and that of the bulk region do not make a forward bias since the potential of the isolated bulk region is lowered according to that of the diffusion layer 8 b . a method for manufacturing the above memory cell of the second embodiment will now be described . fig2 a to 28 a and 20 b to 28 b are cross - sectional views showing the manufacturing method step by step . the views of fig2 a to 28 a are each corresponding to the views taken along line 18 a — 18 a of fig1 , while those of fig2 b to 28 b are each corresponding to the views taken along line 18 b — 18 b of fig1 . an insulation layer 2 of , e . g ., sio 2 is formed on a semiconductor substrate 1 such as an n - type silicon substrate , and a monocrystalline silicon layer 3 is formed on the insulation layer 2 . these substrate and layers constitute an soi substrate . part of the layer 3 is removed , and an insulation film such as an oxide film ( sio 2 ) is buried into the removed part , with the result that an element isolation region 4 reaching the insulation layer 2 is formed and so is an island - like element region 3 surrounded with the layer 2 and region 4 . ( fig2 a and 20b ) as in the first embodiment , a gate insulation film 5 , a gate electrode 6 , an insulation film 7 , and source and drain diffusion layers 8 a and 8 b ( or 8 b and 8 a ) are formed ( fig2 a ), an insulation film 9 is formed on the side wall of the gate electrode 6 ( fig2 a ), and an interlayer insulation film 10 is buried between adjacent gate electrodes 6 ( fig2 a ). a resist film 11 having an opening is formed on the diffusion layer 8 a . using anisotropic etching such as rie , the interlayer insulation film 10 , diffusion layer 8 a and insulation layer 2 are etched to form an opening 12 , and the surface of the substrate 1 is selectively exposed . if an etching condition is set properly to prevent the nitride films 7 and 9 from being etched , the opening 12 is self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 . ( fig2 a and 24b ) after the resist film 11 is removed , a polysilicon film containing , e . g ., phosphorus is deposited and etched using , e . g ., rie , and the insulation film 7 and interlayer insulation film 10 are exposed . the polysilicon film is buried into the opening 12 to form a buried electrode 13 . a highly - doped layer 14 is formed on the surface of the substrate 1 contacting the buried layer 13 by diffusion of impurities from the polysilicon film . the diffusion layer 8 a and substrate 1 are thus connected by the buried electrode 13 ( fig2 a and 25 b ). the highly - doped layer 14 can be formed by ion - implanting phosphorus or the like after the opening 12 is formed . an interlayer insulation film 15 such as an oxide film ( sio 2 ) is deposited on the resultant structure . ( fig2 a and 26b ) moreover , as in the first embodiment , a resist film 16 having an opening above the diffusion layer 8 b is formed on the interlayer insulation film 15 , and the films 15 and 10 are etched to expose the diffusion layer 8 b , thus forming a connecting hole 17 for a storage electrode . if an etching condition is set properly to prevent the nitride films 7 and 9 from being etched , the connecting hole 17 is self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 . ( fig2 a and 27b ) after that , as in the first embodiment , the resist film 16 is removed to form a storage electrode 18 and a capacitor insulation film 19 . ( fig2 a and 28b ) an electrode material such as a polysilicon film is deposited , and a layer 20 serving as both a bit line and a plate electrode of the capacitor is formed using conventional photolithography and anisotropic etching such as rie . ( fig2 a and 29b ) thereafter , a dram is completed by forming an interlayer insulation film , a wiring layer , etc . through a conventional manufacturing process . according to the second embodiment described above , the layer 20 serves as the bit line and the plate electrode and is formed after the storage electrode 18 is done . therefore , as shown in fig2 , only the gate electrode 6 is present as a lower wiring layer when the connecting hole 17 is formed . the connecting hole 17 has to be self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 only . consequently , the possibility of short - circuiting the storage electrode 18 , gate electrode 6 and bit line 20 can be reduced more greatly than in the conventional memory cell wherein the storage electrode 18 , gate electrode 16 and bit line 50 should be self - aligned with each other . according to the second embodiment , as in the first embodiment , the diffusion layer 8 a can be self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 , and the opening 12 can be self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 when the layer 8 a is connected to the substrate 1 . therefore , no margin is newly required , and the cell area can be decreased . the first embodiment necessitates a margin for matching the opening 12 and the patterning of the bit line 30 , whereas the second embodiment does not need such a margin and accordingly the cell can be miniaturized further . in the foregoing first and second embodiments , the buried electrode 13 is formed of polysilicon containing phosphorus ; however , it can be formed of refractory metal such as tungsten . using such metal , in the second embodiment , it is desirable that the diffusion layer 14 be formed beforehand by ion - implanting phosphorus or the like into the opening 12 . the buried electrode 13 can also be formed by burying metal into the opening 12 after , for example , a titanium nitride film is formed on the diffusion layer 14 as barrier metal . it is also desirable that a silicide layer of a refractory metal such as t 1 is inserted between the diffusion layer 14 and the barrier metal to make an ohmic contact . in the above embodiments , the conductive film such as a polysilicon film and a metal film is formed into the opening 12 by forming a conductive film all over the opening 12 , the insulation films 7 and 10 and then removing that part of the conductive film which is formed on the insulation films 7 and 10 using rie or cmp . however , the conductive film can be obtained by selectively growing the conductive film made of , e . g ., w on the substrate 1 or the bit line 30 exposed to the opening 12 . in the above first and second embodiments , the buried electrode 13 is formed on a level with the insulation film 7 formed on the gate electrode 6 . however , it need not be formed on such a level since it is used to connect the diffusion layer 8 a with the substrate 1 . for example , as illustrated in fig2 a and 28b , the buried electrode 13 has only to be formed higher than the upper surface of the insulation film 2 . it is however desirable that it be buried at least above the surface of the monocrystalline substrate 3 , as shown in fig2 a and 29b , in order to reduce the connecting resistance . in the second embodiment , the diffusion layer 14 is formed on the substrate 1 under the opening 12 in order to achieve good connection between the buried electrode 13 and the substrate 1 . however , as shown in fig3 a and 31b , a diffusion layer 14 a can be formed on the entire surface of the substrate 1 . otherwise , as shown in fig3 a and 32b , the substrate can be replaced with a metal substrate 1 a , which is to be maintained at a certain potential . a method for manufacturing a memory cell according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described . in this method , a buried electrode 13 and an element region 3 are formed simultaneously by crystal growth before a transistor is formed . fig3 a to 38 a and 33 b to 38 b are cross - sectional views for explaining the steps of manufacturing the memory cell of the third embodiment . an insulation layer 2 such as an oxide film ( sio 2 ) is formed on a semiconductor substrate 1 such as a silicon substrate , and an opening 32 is formed in the insulation layer 2 to expose the substrate 1 . ( fig3 a and 33 b ). using the monocrystalline face of the exposed substrate 1 as a seed crystal , a buried electrode 33 and a monocrystalline substrate 3 are epitaxially grown at the same time . ( fig3 a and 34b ) after that , as in the second embodiment , an element isolation region 4 , a gate electrode 6 , diffusion layers 8 a and 8 b , a sidewall insulation film 9 and an interlayer insulation film 10 are formed ( fig3 a and 35 b ). the diffusion layer 8 a is formed on the buried electrode 33 . at this time , the diffusion layer 8 a and substrate 1 are already connected to each other , though in the second embodiment they have to be connected by forming the opening 12 and buried electrode 13 . after that , a resist film 16 having an opening located above the diffusion layer 8 b , is formed and the interlayer insulation film 10 is etched and the diffusion layer 8 b is exposed , thus forming a connecting hole 17 for a storage electrode . if an etching condition is set properly to prevent the nitride films 7 and 9 from being etched , the connecting hole 17 is self - aligned with the gate electrode 6 . ( fig3 a and 36b ) thereafter , as in the second embodiment , a storage electrode 18 , a capacitor insulation film 19 , and a layer 20 serving as both a plate electrode and a bit line are formed , ( fig3 a and 37 b ). as described above , in the third embodiment , the buried electrode 33 and monocrystalline substrate 3 are formed at once by epitaxial growth . the step can thus be executed more simply than that of the second embodiment in which the opening 12 is formed through the substrate 3 and layer 2 and the buried electrode 13 is formed thereinto . since the substrate 1 and monocrystalline substrate 3 are connected to each other by the buried electrode 33 before the gate electrode 6 is formed , the short circuit between the buried electrode and gate electrode can be prevented more completely than in the first and second embodiments wherein the gate electrode 6 is formed and then the opening 12 is self - aligned therewith . in the first and second embodiments , the interlayer insulation film 15 has to be formed to prevent the short circuit between the buried electrode 13 and storage electrode 18 . in the third embodiment , since they can be insulated by the interlayer insulation film 10 formed between the gate electrodes 6 , the step of forming the film 15 can be deleted . since , in the third embodiment , no interlayer insulation film is required , the insulation film to be etched when the connecting hole 17 is formed , can be decreased in thickness and accordingly the short circuit between the storage electrode 18 and gate electrode 6 can be prevented more reliably than in the second embodiment . if necessary , the interlayer insulation film 15 can be formed , as shown in fig3 a and 38b . according to the third embodiment , the connecting resistance can be lowered by properly introducing impurities into the storage electrode 33 by ion implantation , auto - doping from the substrate 1 , or the like . in the third embodiment , the silicon monocrystalline growing system is applied to the second aspect of the present invention in which the plate electrode is used as a bit line . this system can be applied to the first aspect wherein the bit line is formed under the soi insulation film and , in this case , predetermined doping is required for the silicon monocrystal serving as the bit line . in addition to the above three embodiments , for example , germanium is ion - implanted into the source / drain diffusion regions 8 a and 8 b of the transistor t 1 to form a hetero junction between the diffusion regions and bulk region 3 a , thus making it possible to decrease the punch through current of the transistor . by properly setting the thickness of the element region , the material of the gate electrode , the material and thickness of the gate insulation film , the impurity distribution of the diffusion layer or bulk region , etc ., the transistor can be improved in performance . the above semiconductor memory device of the present invention includes a transistor having a considerably large capacitor area , a sufficiently high element isolation withstand voltage , and excellent controllability , and prevents the storage electrode from being short - circuited with the gate electrode and bit line . according to the above - described method for manufacturing the semiconductor memory device of the present invention , a transistor having a considerably large capacitor area , a sufficiently high element isolation withstand voltage , and excellent controllability can easily be achieved . additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art . therefore , the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details , representative devices , and illustrated examples shown and described herein . accordingly , various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents .
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as is illustrated in fig1 two spindles 20 , 30 have frequently to be articulated with respect to an intermediate wall 10 , this having been hitherto achieved by the formation of bearing bushes on both sides . the embodiment shown in fig2 is likewise concerned with mounting spindles 20 , 30 together with associated air flaps ( not illustrated ) with respect to an intermediate wall 10 , the intention being to reduce the structural space requirements and / or to increase the supporting surfaces . the intermediate wall 10 defines a bearing surface 12 , in which an end section of the spindle 30 can engage . for this purpose , a separate bearing bush 50 or else the air flap itself can form a hollow bearing journal , which is in engagement with the bearing surface 12 via a bearing bush surface 52 of the bearing bush 50 . opposite the bearing bush surface 52 , the bearing bush 50 forms a cavity , which defines a bearing bush surface 54 . the two bearing surfaces 12 and 54 therefore overlap by at least a thickness of the intermediate wall 10 . situated within the bearing bush surface 54 is a bearing bush 40 of the other spindle 20 , which can be of integral design with the spindle 20 , can be present as a separate part or else can be part of the air flap itself . as illustrated in fig2 the bearing bushes 40 and 50 directly engage each other and at least partially overlap in the axial direction . a bearing bush surface 42 of the bearing bush 40 therefore forms a bearing journal which can interact with the bearing bush surface 54 . in order to limit the axial movements of the spindles 20 and 30 , respective bearing surfaces 46 , 56 are provided on the bearing bushes 40 and 50 respectively , which can interact with side surfaces of the bearing surface 12 of the intermediate wall 10 . as illustrated , the respectively distal ends of the spindles or of engagement sections of the bearing bushes 40 and 50 are of beveled design in order to simplify the respective insertion . fig3 illustrates a further preferred embodiment of a spindle bearing arrangement according to the invention . in the same manner of the embodiment illustrated in fig2 this embodiment concerns mounting two spindles 20 , 30 with respect to an intermediate wall 10 . in the case of the embodiment shown in fig3 the bearing arrangement is substantially improved by the fact that a relatively thick overlap region is provided between the bearing bushes . the intermediate wall 10 in turn forms a bearing bush surface 12 , with which a part of the right spindle 30 can interact , via an engagement surface 52 a . in the embodiment illustrated , sealing devices 13 , 14 are likewise illustrated on both sides of the intermediate wall 10 , which sealing devices ensure , on the one hand , that no contaminants can enter the bearing region and , on the other hand , ensure that no leakage of air is possible . in the embodiment illustrated , the sealing devices 13 , 14 are firmly connected to the spindle ends , for example by means of injection molding , with the result that the distal end sections of the sealing devices 13 , 14 bear against the intermediate wall and can therefore restrict the axial movement of the spindles . as an alternative , it would also be possible to fasten the sealing devices 13 , 14 to the intermediate wall 10 , instead of to the respective spindles , which would enable a corresponding snap - in function to take place . in this case , the engagement of the sealing device 14 with the surface 42 b could align and support the left spindle 20 and the engagement of the sealing device 13 with the surface 52 b could align and support the right spindle 30 , specifically also without the correspondingly other bearing device being present in each case . a cavity which defines a bearing bush surface 54 within it is formed in the right spindle 30 . the end section of the other spindle 20 can be inserted into this bearing bush , the surface section 42 a acting in the manner of a bearing journal . the spindle 20 is therefore mounted within the spindle 30 , a respective bearing surface 56 and 46 being formed both for the spindle 30 and the spindle 20 , in order to be able to restrict the axial movement . in addition to the clear overlap , the embodiment shown in fig3 is distinguished in that the installation sequence is as desired , since both bearing ends enter to a substantial extent through the wall 10 , air being effectively prevented from passing through , by means of the sealing devices . although the present invention has been described above entirely with reference to currently preferred embodiments , it should be understood by the expert that a very wide variety of modifications are possible within the framework of the claims . in particular , individual features of one embodiment may be combined as desired with features of another embodiment .
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the present invention comprises an article , preferably a tension control article , for use in conjunction with an implantable article such as a sling . in a preferred embodiment , the tension control article is utilized in conjunction with a sling for treating urinary incontinence . the tension control article may be used in conjunction with a wide variety of slings and other surgical procedures . for example , the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with the slings and procedures described in u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 520 , 700 ; 5 , 611 , 515 ; 5 , 842 , 478 ; 5 , 860 , 425 ; 5 , 972 , 000 ; 6 , 039 , 686 , 6 , 042 , 534 and 6 , 110 , 101 ( the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety ) and u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 917 , 562 ( entitled : implantable article and method ) and ser . no . 09 / 917 , 443 ( entitled : sling delivery system and method of use ); and ser . no . 09 / 917 , 445 ( entitled : surgical instrument and method ); both filed jul . 27 , 2001 ( the entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference . commercial examples of slings , instructions for use and kits that may be modified to incorporate the present invention include the in - fast sling system and the sparc sling system available from american medical systems of minnetonka , minn ., and the transvaginal tvt sling system available from ethicon ( a division of johnson & amp ; johnson ). preferably , the tension control article is associated with an implantable material ( e . g . a sling ). suitable implantable materials associated with the present invention include synthetic and non - synthetic materials . suitable non - synthetic implantable materials include human fascia lata , treated animal ( e . g . bovine or porcine or equine pericardium ) tissue , autologous tissue , cadaver tissue , homografts , xenografts , heterografts , allografts and combinations of such materials . suitable synthetic materials include knitted polypropylene slings alone , such slings with surrounding sheaths , or silicone coated polymer slings , such as those described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 09 / 939 , 098 ( entitled coated sling material ), filed aug . 4 , 2001 ( the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference ). alternatively , the tension control article may be associated with sutures associated with slings . such sutures typically extend from an implanted bone anchor on the pubic bone , or from the rectus abdominus fascia . these sutures hold the sling in place in the body . the present invention may also be used in conjunction with surgical procedures other than those designed to strictly address incontinence . for example , the present invention may be used in conjunction with a sacral colpopexy procedure designed to treat vaginal prolapse . the tension control article of the present invention , when used with transvaginal or suprapubic surgical anatomical support material ( e . g . a sling ) or sutures , is designed to provide an adjustable tensioning or spacing mechanism as an objective aid for surgeons in associating the sling or suture with a therapeutically effective position . the article of the present invention assists surgeons in consistently and repeatably associating a sling with its intended physiological environment ( e . g . the bladder neck or urethra , or both ). the tension control article is preferably positioned on a portion of anatomical support material . in one embodiment , the tension control article has a plurality of tensioning members that are sized and shaped to provide a tortuous pathway for the sling material . when the tension control article is associated with the sling material and the sling material is placed at its intended anatomical location , the tension control article results in an increase in the supportive tension that is applied by the sling to anatomical structures relative to that supportive tension that would be applied to the anatomical structures in the absence of the tension control article . in one embodiment , the size and shape of the tensioning members are selected to provide a predetermined slack in the sling material once the article is removed from the sling material . for example , for a tension free surgical sling procedure for treating incontinence , the tension control article may be associated with the sling and the sling / tension control article combination may be implanted to just touch the urethra of a patient . in this example , once this penultimate orientation of the sling and urethra is achieved , the tension control article may then be removed to ensure a consistent , uniform amount of slack is provided between the sling and the urethra . providing a uniform , consistent , repeatable amount of looseness in each surgical procedure reduces the chances that patient data is corrupted by the vagaries associated with a particular surgeon &# 39 ; s preferences or lack of training or experience . as a result , it is believed that the present invention can lead to more consistent medical results . the tension control article of the present invention may be constructed of a wide variety of materials . suitable materials include those that may be permanently implanted in the body , temporarily implanted , and / or completely removed prior to the end of the surgical procedure . the material used to construct the tension control article should be biocompatible and may comprise bioresorbable materials or permanent , biocompatible materials or combinations thereof . fig1 shows an embodiment of the anatomical support adjustment and tension control article 10 for use with suspension sutures , surgical slings , or other anatomical supports . in this embodiment , the present invention includes a base member 12 and three tensioning members 14 , 16 , and 18 attached thereto . optionally , more than three tensioning members may be positioned on the base member . the base member 12 is preferably arcuate and includes beveled edges to reduce or eliminate damage to the surrounding tissue and anatomical support material disposed thereon . in an alternate embodiment , the body member 12 may form any other configuration which facilitates support of the urethra and which minimizes damage to the surrounding tissue and anatomical structures . the device 10 may be manufactured in a plurality of sizes to accommodate the physiological or anatomical constraints of the patient and the location of use . the configuration of the device 10 enables a user to adjust the length of anatomical support material positioned therein and adjustably control the supportive tension applied to tissue . the device 10 may be constructed of a plurality of materials , including , for example , titanium , stainless steel , nylon , polycarbonate , polysulfone , abs , ultem , polyetherimide , and polyacetate or combinations thereof , thereby providing a relatively rigid device . in an alternate embodiment of the present invention , the device 10 may be manufactured from moderately flexible materials , such as acetal , or soft flexible materials , such as silicon elastomer or polyurethane , should a more flexible support mechanism be desired . in yet another embodiment , the device 10 may be manufactured from biodegradable materials or polymers . the device 10 may further include or be manufactured from materials having distinct radio opacities or echogenic properties , thereby enabling location of the device 10 in post - surgical procedures . in yet another embodiment , the present invention may be manufactured from materials having distinct optical properties , wherein the application of force to device 10 alters the visual appearance of , or light transmission through , the device 10 . furthermore , it is considered within the scope of the claimed invention to construct the device 10 from multiple materials . for example , the device 10 may comprise a base member 12 constructed of polyacetate , or a similar rigid material , and the tensioning members 14 , 16 , and 18 , respectively , constructed of a flexible material . other biocompatible materials and material combinations not specifically listed herein , may also be used to fabricate the device 10 and are included within the scope of the claimed invention . the members 14 , 16 and 18 may be integrally molded with the base portion . alternatively , they could be releasably attached to the base portion to afford adjustment of the sling . for example , the members 14 , 16 and 18 may be constructed to be separable from the base portion by use of a remotely actuated device ( e . g . a device that utilizes electromagnetic energy ). in particular , a magnetic attachment of one or more of the members 14 , 16 and 18 and the base portion 12 may be provided . this magnetic attachment may be eliminated by a remotely activated device . this embodiment affords adjustment in the tension of a sling post operatively without requiring a subsequent incision . fig2 a and 2 b show alternative methods of positioning the present invention on a portion of anatomical support material . fig2 a shows one method of using the tensioning device 10 to engage a portion of anatomical support material 20 , wherein the material 20 is positioned within a tortuous pathway formed by the plurality of tensioning members 14 , 16 , and 18 respectively . fig2 b shows an another method of using the tensioning device 10 , wherein the anatomical support material 20 traverses an alternate tortuous pathway formed by the plurality of tensioning members 14 , 16 , and 18 . generally , the longer the tortuous path , the greater the slack provided in the sling 20 once the tension control article 10 is removed . also , the longer the tortuous path , the more slack is taken up in a sling 20 once the tension control article 10 is associated with the sling . for the same clip 10 , the length of the tortuous path in fig2 a is different than the length of the tortuous path in fig2 b . as a result , the same tension control article may be utilized to provide a plurality of different slacks in the anatomical support material ( e . g . sling ) 20 . a second embodiment of tension control article 10 a is illustrated in fig3 . the tension control article 10 a has tensioning members 14 a , 16 a and 18 a , and base member 12 a . the tension control article 10 a further comprises a directional indicator 22 a included on the body member 12 a . the directional indicator 22 a assists the user in properly applying the device 10 a to a portion of anatomical support material . as shown in fig3 the directional indicator 22 a may comprise an arrow printed on , embossed or integrally disposed on a surface of the base member 12 a . alternatively , the directional indicator may include figures , shapes , letters , or other markings formed , printed , or otherwise included on the device 10 a . in another embodiment , the base member 12 a may include a tension scale , enabling the user to determine the amount of load imposed on the tensioning members . alternatively , displacement of flexible members may be used to indicate the applied load . for example , deflection or alignment of the tensioning members may be used to indicate the relative preload on the sling 20 . fig4 a and 4 b show additional embodiments of the present invention . tension control article 10 b has tensioning members 14 b , 16 b and 18 b , and base member 12 b . tension control article 10 c has tensioning members 14 c , 16 c and 18 c , and base member 12 c . as shown in fig4 b , the device 10 c may include a grasping member 24 c disposed on or attachable to the base member 12 c . in fig4 a , the grasping member 24 b is integral with the base member and comprises an arcuate discontinuity in the base member 12 b . optionally , the free ( unattached ) ends of tensioning members 14 , 16 and 18 could include an enlarged portion or ledge that retains the sling material or sutures in place . the grasping member 24 c aids the user in applying , positioning , and removing the device 10 c from the anatomical support material 20 c . fig4 b shows the grasping member 24 c further comprising a directional indicator 22 c positioned thereon , thereby aiding the user in applying the device 10 c . in an alternative embodiment of the present invention , a detachable grasping member 24 c is contemplated . additional embodiments of the present invention are shown in fig5 a and 5 b . tension control article 10 d has tensioning members 14 d , 16 d and 18 d , and base member 12 d . tension control article 10 e has tensioning members 14 e , 16 e and 18 e , and base member 12 e . base member 12 d of the device 10 d includes at least one material locking member 26 d . the locking member 26 d has an open position permitting the movement of anatomical support material 20 ( see fig2 a ) between the tensioning members 14 d , 16 d , and 18 d , respectively , and a closed position restricting the movement of the anatomical support material 20 relative to the tension control article 10 d . the at least one locking member may be manufactured from a plurality of materials having sufficient structural rigidity to prevent material movement , thereby preventing accidental or unintentional adjustment of the tension applied by the anatomical support material . the locking member 26 e of fig5 b is located on the sides of the base portion 12 e , as opposed to the ends ( see fig5 a ). in another embodiment , the article of the present invention may include a spring biased locking member that is biased toward the closed position . in the closed position , the locking position retains a portion of the sling 20 in a pre - tensioned , elastically deformed condition . placing the pretensioned sling and associated article in the patient and then subsequently removing the association between the article and the pre - tensioned sling can result in an increase in the tension encountered by a target anatomical structure such a urethra . the tensioning members 14 , 16 , and 18 ( and those to which a letter suffix has been added herein ) may be manufactured from a plurality of materials . for example , the tensioning members 14 , 16 , and 18 may be manufactured from a flexible material , thereby providing a dynamic tensioning device capable of absorbing temporary variations in supportive loading . if desired , in an alternative embodiment the tensioning members 14 , 16 , and 18 may be manufactured from a rigid material , permitting the operator to forcibly remove a tensioning member if desired , thereby resulting in decreased support tension applied by the anatomical support material . in an alternate embodiment , the tensioning member may be manufactured from a pliable material , thereby permitting the user to easily position and apply the device 10 . the spacing and number of tensioning members may be adapted to adjust the tension of the anatomical support material disposed on the device 10 . for example , a greater number of tensioning members would provide a more tortuous pathway , resulting in greater anatomical support tension or spacing adjustment . the exterior of the tensioning members are preferably smooth . in another embodiment of the present invention , the exterior of at least one of the plurality of tensioning members may be textured to increase anatomical support material retention , or to increase stability within the body if the tension control article is permanently implanted , or to promote tissue ingrowth . fig6 shows another embodiment of tension control article 10 f including tensioning components 14 f , 16 f , and 18 f . in fig6 tensioning member 16 f is oval . the tensioning members 14 f , 16 f , and 18 f may be formed in a plurality of shapes and combinations thereof , including , without limitation , triangular , rectangular , oval , hexagonal , octagonal and diamond . fig7 illustrates another embodiment of tension control article 10 g . tension control article 10 g has tensioning members 14 g , 16 g and 18 g , and base member 12 g . a band 25 may also be used in conjunction with tension control article 10 g to retain the association between the sling 20 and tension control article 10 g . the band 25 is placed on the tension control article 10 g after the sling is associated with the tension control article 10 g so that the band 25 prevents or blocks separation of the tension control article 10 g from the support material 20 . fig8 a - 8 d show another embodiment of tension control article 20 ′ according to the present invention . the tension control article 20 ′ comprises a base portion 22 with integral tensioning member 24 , handle 34 , and movable tensioning members 27 and 29 . the tension control article 20 ′ is movable between an open position ( fig8 c and 8 d ) with the tensioning members 27 and 29 spaced from base portion 22 so that the tension control article 20 ′ may readily receive a sling , and a closed position ( fig8 a and 8 b ) with the tensioning members 27 , 29 closer to the base portion 22 than in the open position . a spring 32 biases the tension control article 20 ′ toward the closed position . manual pressure on handle 34 moves the tension control article from the closed toward the open position . the handle 34 is preferably designed so that major surfaces of the base portion 22 and tensioning members 27 , 29 remain substantially parallel between the open and closed positions . substantial parallel movement resists binding or wrinkling of the sling when the tension members 27 and 29 clamp onto the sling . fig9 a - 9 d show another embodiment of tension control article 40 according to the present invention . the tension control article 40 comprises a base portion 42 with integral tensioning member 44 , handle 54 , and movable tensioning members 47 and 49 . the tension control article 40 is movable between an open position ( fig9 c and 9 d ) with the tensioning members 47 and 49 spaced from base portion 42 so that the tension control article 40 may readily receive a sling , and a closed position ( fig9 a and 9 b ) with the tensioning members 47 , 49 closer to the base portion 42 than in the open position . a spring 52 biases the tension control article 40 toward the closed position . manual pressure on handle 54 moves the tension control article from the closed toward the open position . the movement between the open and closed positions is pivotal movement about a point on or substantially adjacent handle 54 . fig1 a - 10 d show another embodiment of tension control article 60 according to the present invention . the tension control article 60 comprises a base portion 62 with integral tensioning member 64 , handle 76 , and movable tensioning members 67 and 69 . the tension control article 60 is movable between an open position ( fig1 c and 10 d ) with the tensioning members 67 and 69 spaced from base portion 62 so that the tension control article 60 may readily receive a sling , and a closed position ( fig1 a and 10 b ) with the tensioning members 67 , 69 closer to the base portion 62 than in the open position . a spring 72 biases the tension control article 60 toward the closed position . manual pressure on handle 76 moves the tension control article from the closed toward the open position . the tension control article includes a hinge structure 74 that is preferably designed so that major surfaces of the base portion 62 and tensioning members 67 , 69 remain substantially parallel during movement between the open and closed positions . parallel movement between these structures is believed to avoid sling material extruding out of the open end of the tension control article 60 as the sling is being associated with the tension control article 60 . fig1 a - 11 b show another embodiment of tension control article 80 . the tension control article comprises a base portion 82 with integral tensioning member 84 , a handle , and movable tensioning members 87 and 89 . the tension control article 80 is movable between an open position ( fig1 a ) with the tensioning members 87 and 89 spaced from base portion 82 so that the tension control article 80 may readily receive a sling 85 ′, and a closed position ( fig1 b ) with the tensioning members 87 , 89 closer to the base portion 82 than in the open position . the tension control article 80 includes tension level indicators 81 , 83 and 85 on tensioning member 84 . the indicators 81 , 83 and 85 may comprise printing , molded in indicia or other forms of indicia . members 87 and 89 may also include indicia thereon . the position of the indicators 81 , 83 and 85 relative to the indicia on members 87 and 89 provide an indication of the tension provided by the tension control article 80 . preferably , the tension control article 80 includes structure that releasably indexes the tension members 87 , 89 between locations adjacent indicators 81 , 83 and 85 . a releasable detent and groove associated with a hinge provides suitable structure . locations 81 , 83 and 85 correspond to predetermined positions between the open ( fig1 a ) and fully closed ( fig1 b ) positions . generally , the closer the tension members 87 and 89 are to the base portion 82 , the more slack will be provided in sling 85 ′ when the tension control article 80 is removed . fig1 illustrates another embodiment of tension control article 100 . the tension control article 100 comprises tensioning members 102 , 104 and 106 , base member 105 , and adjustment member 110 . the tensioning members 102 and 106 are located on arms 112 and 111 that are movable relative to tensioning member 104 . by rotating a geared wheel 110 that engages gears on arms 111 and 112 , the tensioning members 102 and 106 may be moved away from or closer to tensioning member 104 . indicia 109 may be printed on or embossed on the arms 111 and 112 to provide an indication of the preselected tension provided by the tension control article 100 . adjustable tension control article 100 allows the surgeon to preselect a tension to account for the vagaries in human anatomy sizes , surgical procedure requirements or personal preference . fig1 - 15 illustrate another embodiment of tension control article 120 according to the present invention . the tension control article 120 includes major tensioning member 124 and minor retention members 122 and 126 . fig1 and 15 illustrate different tortuous paths associated with tension control article 120 . sling 127 is associated with article 120 by being threaded within tension control article 120 along one of the tortuous paths . the tortuous path of fig1 is shorter than the tortuous path of fig1 . generally , the longer the tortuous path , the more slack will be provided in the sling 127 when the tension control article 120 is removed . also , the longer the tortuous path , the more slack is taken up in an implanted sling when the article 120 is applied to the sling . fig1 a and 16 b illustrate another embodiment of tension control article 130 according to the present invention . the tension control article 130 includes spacer jaws 136 and 138 , hinge 134 , handles 132 and over opening stops 137 and 139 . the tension control article 130 is preferably a unitary structure with an inherent bias of the jaws toward a closed or clamped position . the hinge 134 may comprise an integral or living hinge that biases the jaws 136 and 138 toward a closed position . in use , manual pressure is applied to handles 132 to open the jaws . a sling is placed in the open jaws and the handle is released . upon release , the sling is clamped between the jaws 136 and 138 . the sling is then placed next to the urethra with jaw 136 located between the sling and the urethra . the jaw 136 is sized and shaped to provide a predetermined distance between the urethra and sling . the tension control article 130 is then removed . the predetermined distance or size of jaw 146 assists the surgeon in providing a consistent , uniform and repeatable amount of looseness in a sling . another embodiment of tension control article 140 is shown in fig1 a and 17 b . tension control article 140 includes jaws 142 and 144 . a sling 141 is shown placed within the jaws in fig1 b . optionally , jaw 142 may be constructed to be a different size than jaw 144 to afford two different spacing options for the surgeon . fig1 a through 18 c show another embodiment of tension control article 150 according to the present invention . the tension control article 150 includes jaws 152 and 154 , a hinge and a spring 151 for biasing jaws 152 and 154 toward a closed position . sling 151 ′ is shown placed between jaws 152 and 154 in fig1 c . the device according to the invention may be easily tailored to provide increased or decreased urethral support . optionally , the tension control article may allow the surgeon to remove , or break the tensioning members during the surgical procedure or during a post operative period . in another aspect , the present invention comprises a method of changing tension of an implantable article using an article according to the present invention . the article may be implanted in the body during a surgical procedure . alternatively it may be removed prior to the end of a surgical procedure . the article of the present invention may be modified in a subsequent surgical procedure or by substantially non - invasive means . fig1 and 20 illustrate a method where the surgical article is removed prior to the end of the surgical procedure . fig1 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of method 200 according to the present invention . step 202 provides a tension control article ( tension accessory ) and a sling . preferably , the tension control article ( e . g . 10 ) may be part of a surgical kit . the kit may be a surgical kit having tools for treating incontinence , such a sling kit . alternatively , the tension control article , sling and the rest of the surgical articles may be independently provided to the surgeon . the latter case is desirable when the elements of the kit have drastically different shelf lives or storage condition requirements ( e . g . refrigeration ). step 204 associates the tension accessory ( the tension control article ) with the sling . optionally , the manufacturer can conduct this step so that a sling / tension control article preassembly is provided to the surgeon in the kit . alternatively , this step may be conducted by the surgeon or other healthcare professional prior to implanting the sling , especially if the tension control article provides a plurality of different tension options . using tension control article 10 as an example , to associate the article 10 with a sling , the operator threads the sling along one of the tortuous paths provided by the article 10 . it is noted that , if the sling includes a surrounding , removable plastic sheath , the sling / sheath combination may be threaded along the tortuous path . fig2 illustrates a removable plastic sheath 502 . as shown in fig2 , the sheath 502 preferably comprises two elongate sections 504 . alternatively , other configurations of the sheath 502 are within the scope of the present invention . in particular , the sheath may be unitary as opposed to telescoping with perforations , holes , scores or tear lines designed to allow separation and removal of the sheath 502 . in step 206 , the sling is inserted in the body and adjusted to a predetermined position . for example , some sling procedures call for a tension free sling . for such a procedure , the sling / tension control article combination can be situated in a fully inserted position such that the sling and / or the tension control article are just adjacent or even slightly touching the urethra . fig2 schematically illustrates article 10 in a fully inserted position with solid lines . the article 10 is just adjacent urethra 304 . vaginal incision 306 , vagina 302 , and sling s are also shown . in step 208 ( fig1 ), the surgeon verifies that the sling / tension control article combination are in this fully inserted position . if not , the surgeon continues to adjust 207 the sling . if the combination is fully inserted , then the surgeon verifies the fully inserted position 209 . once the fully inserted position is verified , the surgeon may remove the tension control article in step 210 . this removal step is illustrated with an arrow and dotted lines in fig2 . step 210 may be conducted before or after any optional insertion sheath is removed from the sling , but it preferably occurs after any such optional insertion sheath is removed . changing the tension of the sling s at a location substantially adjacent the urethra 304 is more effective than attempting to modify the tension of a sling at a location remote from the urethra . this is particularly the case where a synthetic sling ( a polypropylene sling with holes ) and insertion sheath are used as , once the insertion sheath is removed , adjustment of the entire length of the sling is particularly difficult or problematic due to the interaction between tissue and the sling . fig2 illustrates another embodiment of method according to the present invention . in this embodiment , the sling is excessively loose . article 10 is placed on the sling ( see the arrow and solid lines ) to take up excessive slack in the sling . in this instance , article 10 is preferably left in the body after the surgical procedure . preferably , by positioning the sling within the tortuous pathway formed by the plurality of tensioning members , article 10 effectively increases the path length traversed by the support material , thereby resulting in a reduction or elimination of slack from the support material and an increase in supportive tension unless and until the tension control article is removed . as shown in fig2 a and 2 b , multiple degrees of retentive force may be applied to anatomical support material by a device 10 . for example , fig2 a shows one method of practice wherein the device 10 provides a tortuous pathway for a section of anatomical support material 20 disposed thereon . an alternative method of practice is shown in fig2 b , wherein an alternate tortuous pathway is created . fig1 illustrates an article with a feature that allows the surgeon to adjust the tension provided by the clip . in preferred embodiments , the present invention permits the user to vary the supportive tension applied to the anatomical support material disposed therein by altering the tortuous pathway traversed by the anatomical support material . it is also noted that removal of an article from its association with the sling can be exploited to increase the tension of the sling on the urethra . fig2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of increasing the tension of a sling by removing a tension control article from its association with the sling . fig2 illustrates a method of treating incontinence comprising the steps of : ( i ) providing a support material with at least a portion that is elastically deformable , ( ii ) elastically deforming at least a portion of the support material to tension the support material ( see step 462 ); ( iii ) providing a tensioning article , ( iv ) applying the tensioning article to the tensioned support material to retain at least a portion of the support material in an elastically deformed condition ( see step 464 ); ( v ) implanting the support material with applied tensioning article in a patient ( 466 ); and removing the tensioning article to increase the tension provided by the support material 468 . the tension control article used in this method is preferably one with a locking member ( fig5 a or 5 b ) or one that can clamp the sling between jaw members ( e . g . fig1 a - 10 b ) so that the elastic deformation can be held in the sling material . the tension control article may be provided in a kit or provided independent of other surgical articles . one or more articles may be used during a surgical procedure . the tension control article may be positioned on a portion of anatomical support material at the time of manufacture , immediately prior to , or following the surgical implantation of the anatomical support . for example , one surgical urethral stabilization procedure comprises attaching anchors to an internal structure , for example , the posterior or inferior pubic bone , and affixing a mesh sling to said anchors , thereby resulting in supportive force being applied to the urethra . the tension control article 10 may be applied to the anatomical support material according to fig2 a or 2 b should the anatomical support fail to provide adequate support to the anatomical structure . applying the tensioning device 10 to the anatomical support material increases the pathway between the attaching anchors traversed by the anatomical support and increases the support tension applied by the device . the practitioner may easily vary the amount of supportive tension by applying more or fewer anatomical support tension control articles . alternatively , the amount of supportive tension applied by the anatomical support tensioning device may be varied by applying tensioning device having more or fewer tensioning members disposed thereon . it is understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the invention . other modifications may be employed which are within the scope of the invention ; thus , by way of example but not of limitation , alternate base member shapes , alternative tensioning member shapes , and use with alternative anatomical support materials . accordingly , the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described in the present invention .
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the lactic acid - based polymer of the present invention is polylactic acid or a copolymer of lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid . exemplary hydroxycarboxylic acids include glycolic acid , hydroxybutyric acid , hydroxyvaleric acid , hydroxypentanoic acid , hydroxycaproic acid and hydroxyheptanoic acid . preferred hydroxycarboxylic acid is glycolic acid and hydroxycaproic acid . a preferred molecular structure of polylactic acid is composed of from 85 to 100 % by mole of a l - lactic acid unit or d - lactic acid unit and from 0 to 15 % by mole of the antipode unit of each lactic acid . the copolymer of lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid is composed of from 85 to less than 100 % by mole - of a l - lactic acid unit or d - lactic acid unit and less than 15 % by mole of a hydroxycarboxylic acid unit . the lactic acid - based polymer can be prepared by selecting the raw material monomer required for obtaining a desired polymer structure from l - lactic acid , d - lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid and carrying out dehydrating polycondensation . the polymer can be preferably prepared by using lactide which is a cyclic dimer of lactic acid , glycolide which is a cyclic dimer of glycolic acid , and caprolactone and carrying out ring - opening polymerization . the lactide includes l - lactide which is a cyclic dimer of l lactic acid , d - lactide which is a cyclic dimer of d - lactic acid , meso - lactide obtained by cyclizing dimerization d - lactic acid and l - lactic acid , and dl - lactide which is a racemic mixture of d - lactide and l - lactide . any of these compounds can be used for the invention . however , preferred main materials are d - lactide , l - lactide , glycolide and caprolactone . the lactic acid - based polymer which is preferably used for the invention is polylactic acid which is composed of from 85 to 100 % by weight of a l - lactic acid unit or d - lactic acid unit and from 0 to 15 % by mole of the antipode unit of each lactic acid , or a copolymer of lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid which is composed of from 85 to less than 100 % by mole of a l - lactic acid unit or d - lactic acid unit and less than 15 % by mole of a hydroxycarboxylic acid unit . the lactic acid - base polymer includes , for example , those prepared by the following processes 1 to 6 . 1 about 85 % by mole or more of l - lactide is copolymerized with about 15 % by mole or less of d - lactide , glycolide or a combination of d - lactide and glycolide . 2 about 85 % by mole or more of d - lactide is copolymerized with about 15 % by mole or less of l - lactide , glycolide or a combination of d - lactide and glycolide . 3 about 70 % by mole or more of l - lactide is copolymerized with about 15 % by mole or less of dl lactide and about 15 % by mole or less of glycolide . 4 about 70 % by mole or more of l - lactide is copolymerized with about 15 % by mole or less of meso - lactide and about 15 % by mole or less of glycolide . 5 about 70 % by mole or more of d - lactide is copolymerized with about 15 % by mole or less of dl - lactide and about 15 % by mole or less of glycolide . 6 about 70 % by mole or more of d - lactide is copolymerized with about 15 % by mole or less of meso - lactide and about 15 % by mole or less of glycolide . thus , the lactic acid - based polymer having various types of molecular structure which can be used for the invention can be prepared by combining prescribed ranges of raw material monomers . the lactic acid - base polymer has preferably a high molecular weight . the inherent viscosity of the polymer at 25 ° c . in a chloroform solution having a concentration of 0 . 5 g / dl is preferably 1 ˜ 10 , more preferably 3 ˜ 7 . when the inherent viscosity is less than 1 , melt viscosity is too low , the polymer causes drooling from the die slit of the extruder and thus processing becomes difficult . additionally , the product thus obtained is very brittle and difficult to handle . on the other hand , an inherent viscosity exceeding 10 causes too high melt viscosity and unfavorably gives adverse effects on the melt extrudability of the polymer . catalysts are preferably used in order to obtain a high molecular weight polymer within a short time by the polymerization of lactide or copolymerization of lactide and glycolide . the polymerization catalysts which can be used are various compounds capable of exhibiting a catalytic effect on the polymerization reaction . exemplary catalysts include stannous octoate , tin tetrachloride , zinc chloride , titanium tetrachloride , iron chloride , boron trifluoride ether complex , aluminum chloride , antimony trifluoride , lead oxide and other polyvalent metal compounds . tin compounds and zinc compounds are preferably used . stannous octoate is particularly preferred in these tin compounds . the amount is preferably in the range of from 0 . 001 to 0 . 1 % by weight for the weight of lactide or the total weight of lactide and glycolide . known chain extenders can be used for the polymerization . preferred chain extenders are higher alcohols such as lauryl alcohol and hydroxy acids such as lactic acid and glycolic acid . the polymerization rate increases in the presence of a chain extender and the polymer can be obtained within a short time . the molecular weight of the polymer can also be controlled by varying the amount of the chain extender . however , too much amount of the chain extender tends to decrease the molecular weight of the polymer formed . hence , the amount of the chain extender is preferably 0 . 1 % by weight or less for lactide or for the total weight of lactide and glycolide . polymerization or copolymerization can be carried out in the presence or absence of a solvent . bulk polymerization in a molten state of lactide or glycolide is preferably carried out in order to obtain a high molecular weight polymer . in the case of molten polymerization , the polymerization temperature may be generally above the melting point ( around 90 ° c .) of the monomer , lactide or glycolide . in the case of solution polymerization which uses solvents such as chloroform , polymerization can be carried out at a temperature below the melting point of lactide or glycolide . in any case , a polymerization temperature above 250 ° c . is unfavorable because decomposition of the formed polymer develops . the polylactic acid - based resin composition of the invention comprises from 80 to 100 % by weight of the above lactic acid - based polymer and from 0 to 20 % by weight of a plasticizer . an amount of the plasticizer exceeding 20 % by weight gives adverse effect on the melt - extrudability of the resin composition and impairs processing ability in the foaming and opening steps . the mechanical strengths of the polymer network thus obtained is also unfavorably decreased . the plasticizers which can be used include , for example , di - n - octyl phthalate , di - 2 - ethylhexyl phthalate , dibenzyl phthalate , di - iso - octyl phthalate and other phthalic acid derivatives , di - n - butyl adipate , dioctyl adipate and other adipic acid derivatives ; di - n - butyl maleate and other maleic acid derivatives ; tri - n - butyl citrate and other citric acid derivatives ; monobutyl itaconate and other itaconic acid derivatives ; butyl oleate and other oleic acid derivatives ; glycerol monoricinoleate and other ricinoleic acid derivatives ; tricresyl phosphate , trixylenyl phosphate and other phosphoric acid esters ; lactic acid , straight chain lactic acid oligomer , cyclic lactic acid oligomer and lactide . these plasticizers can be used singly or as a mixture . in these plasticizers , lactic acid , straight chain lactic acid oligomer , cyclic lactic acid oligomer and lactide are preferably used in view of plasticizing effect . lactic acid oligomers used for the plasticizer can be prepared with ease by hot - dehydrating condensation of lactic acid at 50 ° to 280 ° c . the oligomer thus obtained usually has a polymerization degree in the range of from 1 to 30 . the oligomer can also be preparated by heating glycolide or lactide at 50 ° to 280 ° c . in the presence of water and glycolic acid or lactic acid . the oligomer also includes lactide , i . e ., cyclic dimer of lactic acid which is used as a monomer in the preparation of lactic acid - based polymer . the lactic acid - based polymer is effectively plasticized by the addition of the plasticizer and resulting resin composition becomes flexible . when the amount of the plasticizer is 5 % by weight or more , flexibility can be clearly observed . however , an amount exceeding 20 % by weight gives adverse effect on the melt - extension , foaming and opening of the resin composition and unfavorably decreases mechanical strength of the network obtained . the plasticizer is blended with the lactic acid - based polymer by dissolving the polymer in a solvent such as chloroform , methylene chloride , toluene or xylene , or heat - melting the polymer at 100 ° to 280 ° c ., and thereafter adding and mixing a prescribed amount of the plasticizer . lactic acid or lactic acid oligomer including lactide which is a preferred plasticizer is mixed , for example , by the following methods : ( a ) polymerization of lactide or copolymerization of lactide and glycolide is stopped before completion to leave unreacted lactide . ( b ) after completing polymerization of lactide or copolymerization of lactide and glycolide , a prescribed amount of lactic acid or a lactic acid oligomer including lactide is added and mixed . methods ( a ) and ( b ) can be incorporated . in the method ( a ), unreacted lactide is uniformly mixed with the lactic acid - based polymer on microscopic observations and exhibits good plasticizing performance . reaction of monomer ( lactide ) is started by heating in the presence of a catalyst , in the coexistence of a chain extender , if desired , and stopped by finishing the heating at the time when the residual monomer concentration is reached to a prescribed level . the amount of residual monomer in the resulting lactic acid - based polymer can be determined by gas chromatographic analysis or thermogravimetric analysis . in the method ( b ), after finishing polymerization , the resulting lactic acid - based polymer is dissolved in a solvent such as chloroform , methylene chloride , toluene and xylene , or heat - melted at temperature of from 100 ° to 280 ° c . and successively a prescribed amount of lactic acid or the lactic acid oligomer is added and mixed . the method has an advantage of readily controlling the amount of lactic acid or the lactic acid oligomer in the resin composition . the polylactic acid - based resin composition obtained above is compression - molded or melt - extruded at temperature of 180 ° to 280 ° c . into films , sheets or bars . these molded articles are cooled to about - 20 ° c . with dry ice - methanol and crushed with a hammer mill . alternatively , the resin composition can also be melt - extruded into a strand and cut into pellets . the high polymer network of the invention is prepared by mixing the foaming agent with the above - obtained polylactic acid - based resin composition , melt - kneading the resulting mixture with a single - or twin - screw extruder , delivering through a ring or flat die in the form of molten foam and opening the extrudate . first of all , a foaming agent is mixed with the above - obtained polylactic acid - based resin composition . exemplary foaming agents which can be used include organic foaming agents such as azoisobutyrodinitrile , diazoaminobenzene , 1 , 3 - bis ( p - xenyl ) triazine and azodicarbonamide ; and inorganic foaming agents such as a mixture of ammonium oxalate and oxalic acid , a mixture of sodium hydrogen carbonate and oxalic acid , ammonium hydrogen oxalate and a mixture of ammonium carbonate and sodium nitrite . these organic and inorganic foaming agents have a decomposition point lower than the extrusion temperature of the resin composition . other foaming agents which can be used include , for example , volatile solvents such as acetone , methyl ethyl ketone , ethyl acetate , methyl chloride , ethyl chloride , chloroform , methylene chloride and methylene bromide ; and compounds which are gaseous at room temperature such as nitrogen , carbon dioxide , ammonia , methane , ethane , propane , ethylene , propylene and gaseous halogenated hydrocarbons . amount of the foaming agent differs depending upon the desired network and the kind of the foaming agent and is generally from 0 . 2 to 10 parts by weight for 100 parts by weight of the polylactic acid - based resin composition . an amount less than 0 . 2 parts by weight leads to a low ratio of foam expansion and makes opening difficult . on the other hand , an amount exceeding 10 parts by weight gives adverse effect on the extrudability of the resin composition and additionally is unfavorable in economy . blending of the polylactic acid - based resin composition and the foaming agent can be carried out by common mixing methods with a ribbon blender or conical blender . mixing is conducted under conditions so as to obtain a uniform mixture of the polylactic acid - based resin composition and the foaming agent . mixing is preferably carried out at room temperature for 5 to 30 minutes . the mixture of the polylactic acid - based resin composition and the foaming agent is successively melt - extruded with a common single - or twin - screw extruder . extrusion temperature is preferably in the range of from 100 ° to 270 ° c ., more preferably in the range of from 130 ° to 250 ° c . extrusion temperature lower than 100 ° c . makes extrusion unstable and tends to cause overload . on the other hand , an extrusion temperature higher than 270 ° c . is unfavorable because decomposition of the lactic acid - based polymer becomes violent . the extruder die used has a ring or flat slit . the temperature range of the die is about the same as the extruding temperature . the mixture of the polylactic acid - based resin composition and foaming agent is delivered from the extruder die in the form of molten foam . the molten foam is stretched immediately after delivery while cooling with a blowing gas such as the air having temperature of 10 ° to 50 ° c . and thereby foam cells are opened to form a network as a result of splitting foam cells existing in the molten foam . the resulting network is solidified on the take - off rolls having a surface temperature of 10 ° to 50 ° c . and is successively wound up . the take - off speed by the take - off rolls is adjusted so as to obtain a draft ratio of from 10 to 500 . it is unfavorable outside the above range because good opening cannot be achieved . the most suitable gas for use in cooling the molten foam delivered from the extruder is the air in view of economy and ease of handling . other gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide are also preferred . the amount of the cooling gas is preferably in the range of 1 to 15 m 3 per square meter of the network . an amount less than 1 m 3 leads to insufficient cooling effect and good opening cannot be obtained . on an other hand , the amount exceeding 15 m 3 increases the cooling rate of the extrudate and it is unfavorable because the molten foam sometimes solidifies before splitting the generated foam cells . stretching while cooling the molten foam to the above temperature range with the air or other gases can provide a network having good opening . unless stretching with slmultaneous cooling to the above temperature range is conducted , the molten foam of the polylactic acid - based resin composition is difficult to conduct opening because of a drooling tendency . even though the die temperature is retained relatively low to increase melt viscosity of the resin composition , irregular opening is obtained . in order to increase the expansion ratio of the molten foam , it is favorable to increase the amount of foaming agents or to delay the timing for cooling the molten foam delivered from the die . in the case of decreasing the expansion ratio , it is favorable to carry out the contrary . the degree of opening can be controlled by the degree of stretching for the molten foam delivered from the die . the degree of stretching is usually from 1 . 5 to 5 times the length of the molten foam immediately after delivery from the die . the polylactic acid - based resin composition of the invention can contain colorants , fillers and reinforcements in addition to the foaming agents as long as these additives do not impair the object of the invention . the high polymer network thus obtained can be further stretched and heat - treated . the present invention will hereinafter be illustrated further in detail by way of examples . after finishing the polymerization reaction , the reaction mixture was dissolved in hexafluoroisopropanol ( hereinafter referred to as hfip ) or methylene chloride to obtain a solution having known concentration . residual monomer was determined by gas chromatography . a lactic acid - based polymer is dissolved in chloroform ( concentration ; 0 . 5 g / dl ), viscosity of the resulting solution was measured at 25 ± 0 . 5 ° c . with a ubbellohde viscometer , and inherent viscosity η was calculated from the following equation . poor : three or more unopened portions having a size of 5 mm or more were found in an area of 100 cm 3 , or fiveor more unopened portions having a size of 30 mm or more were found in an area of 1 m 2 . weight of a specimen having dimensions 5 × 5 cm was measured and converted to weight per / m 2 . the value thus obtained was defined as basis weight ( g / m 2 ). a specimen having a width of 20 mm was set on a tensile tester so as to give a measuring length ( grip distance ) of 50 mm and stretched to the direction of winding - up at a pulling rate of 50 mm / min to obtain a stress - strain curve . a tangent line at the initial rising portion of the stress - strain curve was extrapolated to obtain a load at an elongation of 100 %. stiffness was calculated from the following equation . an oligomer was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran or chloroform , distribution of the polymerization degree was measured by gel permeation chromatography ( gpc ) to calculate the polymerization degree of the oligomer . to a reaction vessel , 1 8 kg of l - lactide and 1 . 0 kg of an aqueous lactic acid solution having a concentration of 87 % by weight were charged and heated for 2 hours at 100 ° c . the reaction mixture was cooled to the room temperature . a viscous transparent liquid was obtained . as a result of gpc analysis , the liquid contained lactic acid and a lactic acid oligomer . an average polymerization degree was 2 . 8 . the product was hereinafter referred to as la - oligomer . marketed l - lactide ( hereinafter referred to as l - ltd ), d - lactide ( hereinafter referred to as d - ltd ), dl - lactide ( hereinafter referred to as dl - ltd ) and glycolide ( hereinafter referred to as gld ) were individually recrystallized 4 times from ethyl acetate . ε - caprolactone ( hereinafter referred to as cl ) was dried over calcium hydride and distilled . to a glass reaction vessel having a silane - treated internal surface , the above - purified l - ltd , d - ltd , dl - ltd , gld , cl and a catalyst stannous octoate were respectively charged in an amount illustrated in table 1 . then the resulting mixture was dried for 24 hours by evacuating the reaction vessel . the reaction vessel was heated to the prescribed temperature illustrated in table and polymerization was carried out for the prescribed time . after finishing the reaction , the reaction mixture was discharged from the vessel . the lactic acid - based polymers thus - obtained were referred to as p . 1 - p6 . the inherent viscosity and residual monomer content were measured and results are illustrated in table 1 . table 1______________________________________ p1 p2 p3 p4 p5 p6______________________________________l - ltd 100 70 95 75 50 80 ( wt . parts ) d - ltd -- 30 -- 20 50 --( wt . parts ) dl - ltd -- -- 5 -- -- --( wt . parts ) gld -- -- -- 5 -- --( wt . parts ) cld -- -- -- -- -- 20 ( wt . parts ) catalyst 0 . 015 0 . 015 0 . 015 0 . 015 0 . 015 0 . 015 ( wt . %) poly - 110 120 110 120 125 120merizationtime ( hr ) poly - 160 120 40 120 100 140merizationtemper - ature (° c . ) inherent 4 . 2 6 . 1 3 . 8 5 . 1 5 . 4 4 . 3viscosityresidual 1 . 3 0 . 9 13 . 1 1 . 1 1 . 5 1 . 9monomer ( wt . %) ______________________________________ next , l - ltd or la - oligomer obtained in preparation example was added to these lactic acid - based polymers in a proportion illustrated in table 2 , mixed with a plastomill at temperature illustrated in table 2 to obtain polylactic acid - based resin compositions c1 to c8 . these resin compositions were pressed under the pressure of 100 kg / cm 2 at the temperature illustrated in table 2 to obtain a sheet having a thickness of 1 mm . table 2__________________________________________________________________________ c1 c2 c3 c4 c5 c6 c7__________________________________________________________________________lactic acid - p1 p2 p2 p2 p4 p5 p6base polymer 80 90 80 90 80 90 90 ( wt . %) additive la - oligomer la - oligomer ltd - monomer la - oligomer la - oligomer ltd - monome la - oligomer ( wt . %) 20 10 20 10 20 10 10melt - blending 210 150 150 150 150 130 130temperature (° c . ) press 210 150 150 150 150 130 130temperature (° c . ) __________________________________________________________________________ the polylactic acid - based resin composition illustrated in table 3 was cooled with liquid nitrogen crushed with a hammer mill , and followed by adding a foaming agent azodicarboxylic acid amide in a proportion illustrated in table 3 and mixing with a ribbon blender at room temperature . the mixture thus obtained was melt - kneaded with a single screw extruder having a diameter of 19 mm at the extrusion temperature illustrated in table 3 and delivered through a t - die slit having a width of 150 mm at the temperature illustrated in table 3 at the output rate of 30 g / min in the form of molten foam or solid extrudate . the molten foam was stretched immediately after delivery from the t - die with simultaneous cooling by blowing the air at the room temperature : n a air - flow rate illustrated in table 3 . at the same time , the foam was opened and wound up at a stretching rate of 10 m / min to obtain a high polymer network . state of opening , basis weight and stiffness as a measure of flexibility were evaluated . table 3______________________________________ extrusion resin form - tempera - air - flow composi - ing ture rate tion agent ( wt . %) (° c .) ( m . sup . 3 / min ) ______________________________________example 1 p1 a 0 . 2 230 0 . 1example 2 p2 b 1 . 0 150 0 . 1example 3 p3 b 5 . 0 180 0 . 1example 4 p5 c 1 . 0 130 0 . 1example 5 p6 c 1 . 0 130 0 . 1example 6 c1 a 1 . 0 210 0 . 1example 7 c2 b 1 . 0 150 0 . 1example 8 c2 b 1 . 0 150 0 . 1example 9 c2 b 1 . 0 150 0 . 1example 10 c3 b 0 . 2 150 0 . 1example 11 c4 b 1 . 0 150 0 . 1example 12 c5 b 5 . 0 150 0 . 1example 13 c5 c 1 . 0 130 0 . 1example 14 c7 c 1 . 0 130 0 . 1comparative p1 a 0 230 0 . 1example 1comparative p1 a 1 . 0 230 0example 2comparative c2 b 0 . 1 150 0 . 1example 3comparative c2 b 15 150 0 . 1example 4______________________________________ basis weight state of stiffness ( g / m . sup . 3 ) opening ( kgf · m / g ) remark______________________________________example 1 21 . 2 good 268example 2 20 . 1 good 211example 3 18 . 7 good 193example 4 21 . 4 good 130example 5 22 . 1 good 127example 6 23 . 2 good 234example 7 21 . 3 good 129example 8 23 . 2 good 154example 9 18 . 1 good 131example 10 21 . 1 good 143example 11 20 . 2 good 158example 12 20 . 1 good 131example 13 22 . 7 good 84example 14 23 . 1 good 64comparative 30 . 1 -- 631 filmexample 1comparative 30 . 1 poor -- irregularexample 2 openingcomparative -- poor -- irregularexample 3 openingcomparative -- -- -- poor outputexample 4______________________________________ as a result of evaluation in practical use , the high polymer network obtained could be favorably used for wiping off edible oils . cotton and feathers can also be wrapped or collected without impairing breathing property . the network could be favorably used as a trash bag having good hydro - extraction for wet refuse of household kitchen . in cases for using as packaging under layers for meat and raw fish , fluids such as blood could be absorbed . the network was also suited for wrapping the root of garden trees and shading the sunlight , and also favorably applied to a filter of a ventilation system . the high polymer networks obtained in examples 1 , 2 and 5 and a high polymer network of polyolefin resin ( neu netz u ; trade mark of mitsui toatsu chemicals inc .) were respectively immersed in distilled water at 37 ° c . after 30 days , weight loss was 9 %, 17 %, 27 %, and 0 %, respectively .
| 2 |
referring to fig1 , a tft in one embodiment of the invention is illustrated as comprising a substrate 1 of sio 2 or the like , a metal layer 2 formed on the substrate 1 and serving as a gate electrode , an insulating layer 3 formed on the metal layer 2 , a semiconductor layer 4 formed on the insulating layer 3 , and source and drain electrodes 5 and 6 formed on the semiconductor layer 4 . the metal layer 2 used herein may be a commonly used ito ( indium tin oxide ) film , or a film of a single metal such as au , cu or al or a laminate metal film of au / ti , cu / ti or al / ti , deposited by the physical vapor deposition ( pvd ) or metal organic chemical vapor deposition ( mocvd ) method . since the objects of the invention favor that the metal layer 2 be formed by printing , it is recommended to use electroconductive metal pastes if no practical problems are encountered . in the inventive tft , the material of which the insulating layer is made is a polymer or high - molecular weight compound which is dissolvable in an organic solvent and has a weight average molecular weight ( mw ) of more than 2 , 000 to 1 , 000 , 000 , and preferably an insulating polymer having cyano groups . examples include cyanoethyl pullulan , cyanoethyl cellulose , cyanoethyl polyvinyl alcohol , and polyacrylonitrile . these insulating polymers having cyano groups are readily obtainable . for example , cyanoethyl pullulan is obtained by reacting a pullulan resin with acrylonitrile in the presence of an alkali catalyst ( see jp - b 59 - 31521 ). the degree of substitution of cyano groups ( e . g ., degree of substitution of cyanoethyl groups in the case of cyanoethyl pullulan ) is desirably at least 80 mol %, more desirably at least 85 mol %. this is because the concentration of polar groups or cyano groups must be above a certain level in order to produce a tft having a fully improved mobility , and a more content of residual hydroxyl groups leads to an increase in dielectric loss as a loss factor and is sometimes undesirable for the objects of the invention . in the inventive tft , the material of which the semiconductor layer is made is a polymer or high - molecular weight compound which is dissolvable in an organic solvent and has a weight average molecular weight ( mw ) of more than 2 , 000 to 1 , 000 , 000 . although no other limits are imposed on the polymer for the semiconductor layer , the polymer should be dissolvable in an organic solvent in which the insulating layer is not dissolvable . this is because it is generally believed that in forming the semiconductor layer and the insulating layer in a lay - up manner , the interfacial state does not become uniform . past studies on organic tft employed a method of forming an organic semiconductor layer on an organic insulating film by evaporation as described in jp - a 5 - 508745 , and a method of forming only an organic semiconductor layer on an inorganic insulating layer . one exemplary method involves dissolving both an organic semiconductor material and an organic insulating material in an identical organic solvent to form solutions , coating and drying the organic insulating material solution to form an organic insulating layer , then applying the organic semiconductor material solution to the organic insulating layer . at this point , the organic insulating material is slightly dissolved at the coating interface . eventually the interface between layers of the obtained laminated film after drying is disordered . by contrast , the present invention solves the problem by using different organic solvents for dissolution of a semiconductor material and an insulating material , that is , by combining two organic solvents with two materials such that one of the materials is not dissolvable in one of the organic solvents . specifically , suitable polymers for forming the semiconductor layer include polythiophenes , polypyrroles , polyanilines , polyacetylenes , polythienylene vinylenes , and polyphenylene vinylenes . of these , polythiophenes such as poly ( 3 - hexylthiophene ) are preferred because of solubility in organic solvents , good processability , stability and a high carrier mobility . suitable organic solvents for dissolving the polymers of which the insulating layer is made include n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone , dimethylformamide , acetone , acetonitrile , γ - butyrolactone , etc . suitable organic solvents for dissolving the polymers of which the semiconductor layer is made include chloroform , toluene , hexane , alcohols , etc . in either case , the solvent may be used alone or in admixture of two or more . according to the invention , a thin - film field effect transistor is fabricated by applying a solution of a polymer having a mw of more than 2 , 000 to 1 , 000 , 000 in a first organic solvent to a gate electrode in the form of a metal layer , drying the applied polymer solution to form an insulating layer on the metal layer , and forming on the insulating layer a semiconductor layer which is dissolvable in a second organic solvent in which the insulating layer is not dissolvable . this method may be implemented using well - known techniques . for example , a metal layer serving as a gate electrode is formed by a sputtering technique on the substrate which is selected from glass and ordinary polymer sheets . alternatively , a metal layer is formed by applying a metal paste or electroconductive polymer to the substrate by a spin coating , screen printing or ink jet printing technique , followed by drying . commercially available ito glass may also be used . an insulating layer is then formed on the thus formed gate electrode , by applying a solution of the insulating layer - forming material in a first organic solvent by a spin coating , screen printing or ink jet printing technique , followed by drying . in this case , the insulating layer may preferably have a thickness of 0 . 2 to 10 μm , more preferably 0 . 5 to 3 μm . too thin insulating layer may cause a large leakage current . too thick insulating layer may require a large driving voltage . next , a semiconductor layer is formed on the insulating layer by applying a solution of the semiconductor layer - forming material in a second organic solvent in which the insulating polymer is not dissolvable , by a spin coating , screen printing or ink jet printing technique , followed by drying . the surface of the insulating layer may be previously subjected to physical treatment , typically known rubbing treatment in order that semiconductor molecules be aligned at the interface between insulating and semiconductor layers . finally , source and drain electrodes are formed on the semiconductor layer by a sputtering technique . alternatively , a metal paste or electroconductive polymer is applied by a screen printing or ink jet printing technique , followed by drying . the inventive tft has a structure including an insulating layer formed on a gate electrode in the form of a metal layer and a semiconductor layer formed on the insulating layer . when an electric potential is applied to the gate to produce an electric field , electric charges are created within the semiconductor in proximity to the insulating layer due to a field effect , thereby forming a conductive region , called the channel , within the semiconductor layer between source and drain electrodes formed on the semiconductor layer . this means that the interfacial state between insulating and semiconductor layers is crucial . the flatter interface , the better performs the device . examples of the invention are given below by way of illustration and not by way of limitation . there were furnished cyanoethyl pullulan having a substitution of cyanoethyl of 85 . 2 mol % ( cyepl , shin - etsu chemical co ., ltd ., cr - s , mw = 49 , 000 ) as an insulating layer material and poly ( 3 - hexylthiophene ) ( p3ht , aldrich , mw = 87 , 000 ) as an organic semiconductor layer material . the organic solvent in which p3ht was dissolved was chloroform , in which cyepl was insoluble . a tft was fabricated using these materials and evaluated as follows . on a glass ( sio 2 ) substrate , a gate electrode was formed by depositing ti to a thickness of 5 nm and then au to a thickness of 20 nm , using an rf sputtering technique at room temperature and a back pressure of 10 − 4 pa . an insulating layer was then formed on the gate electrode by dissolving 15 wt % cyepl as the insulating layer material in n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone , passing the solution through a 0 . 2 - micron membrane filter , spin coating the solution , and drying at 100 ° c . for one hour . a semiconductor layer of 50 nm thick was then formed on the insulating layer by dissolving 0 . 8 wt % p3ht in chloroform , passing the solution through a 0 . 2 - micron membrane filter , spin coating the solution , and drying at 100 ° c . for one hour . the substrate was cooled at − 20 ° c . au was deposited to a thickness of 300 nm on the organic semiconductor layer through a metal mask , using an rf sputtering technique at a back pressure below 10 − 5 pa . there were formed two gold electrodes of 4 mm wide spaced a distance of 50 μm ( see fig1 , l = 50 μm and w = 4 mm ) serving as source and drain electrodes . there were furnished cyanoethyl pullulan having a substitution of cyanoethyl of 85 . 2 mol % ( cyepl , shin - etsu chemical co ., ltd ., cr - s ) as an insulating layer material and copper phthalocyanine ( cupc ) as an organic semiconductor layer material . a tft was fabricated using these materials and evaluated as follows . on a glass ( sio 2 ) substrate , a gate electrode was formed by depositing ti to a thickness of 5 nm and then au to a thickness of 20 nm , using an rf sputtering technique at room temperature and a back pressure of 10 − 4 pa . an insulating layer was then formed on the gate electrode by dissolving 15 wt % cyepl as the insulating layer material in n - methyl - 2 - pyrrolidone , passing the solution through a 0 . 2 - micron membrane filter , spin coating the solution , and drying at 100 ° c . for one hour . a semiconductor layer of 50 nm thick was then formed on the insulating layer by depositing cupc , using an rf sputtering technique at room temperature and a back pressure of 10 − 5 pa . the substrate was cooled at − 20 ° c . au was deposited to a thickness of 300 nm on the organic semiconductor layer through a metal mask , using an rf sputtering technique at a back pressure below 10 − 5 pa . there were formed two gold electrodes of 4 mm wide spaced a distance of 50 μm serving as source and drain electrodes . there were furnished sio 2 as an insulating layer material and copper phthalocyanine ( cupc ) as an organic semiconductor layer material . a tft was fabricated using these materials and evaluated as follows . a p - type doped silicon substrate was annealed in a furnace to form an oxide film ( sio 2 ) of 300 nm thick as an insulating film . then only the back surface of the substrate which had not been mirror finished was treated with hydrofluoric acid to remove the oxide film . on only the back surface thus treated , a gate electrode was formed by depositing ti to a thickness of 5 nm and then au to a thickness of 20 nm , using an rf sputtering technique at room temperature and a back pressure of 10 − 4 pa . a semiconductor layer of 50 nm thick was then formed on the surface of the oxide film serving as the insulating layer , by depositing cupc , using an rf sputtering technique at room temperature and a back pressure below 10 − 5 pa . the substrate was cooled at − 20 ° c . au was deposited to a thickness of 300 nm on the organic semiconductor layer through a metal mask , using an rf sputtering technique at a back pressure below 10 − 5 pa . there were formed two gold electrodes of 4 mm wide spaced a distance of 50 μm serving as source and drain electrodes . each of the devices thus fabricated was placed in a vacuum prober where the substrate was heated at 50 ° c . and allowed to stand in a vacuum ( below 10 − 4 torr ) for one hour . in the prober under vacuum , light - shielded conditions , the tft characteristics were determined by a semiconductor parameter analyzer scs4200 by keithley . drain current versus voltage ( i sd − v sd ) curves representing the field effect of tft of example 1 are shown in the graph of fig2 . the results of comparative examples 1 and 2 suggest that use of cyepl as the organic insulating layer material provides a greater mobility than conventional sio 2 . although the tft of example 1 was fabricated by the method which is generally believed to achieve no improvement in mobility due to disordered interface , that is , in which both the organic insulating layer and the organic semiconductor layer are formed by coating and drying , the tft of example 1 exhibits a significantly high mobility . the inventive tft has an improved mobility because the channel formation would be enhanced by polar groups aligned at the interface between insulating and semiconductor layers , when a potential is applied to the gate . although some preferred embodiments have been described , many modifications and variations may be made thereto in light of the above teachings . it is therefore to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described without departing from the scope of the appended claims .
| 7 |
while certain embodiments have been shown and described in detail below , it will be clear to the person skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this disclosure that changes , modifications , and variations may be made and remain within the scope of the systems , kits , components , and methods described herein . furthermore , while various features are grouped together in the embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure , it is appreciated that features from different embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments which are all contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure . the following description and accompanying drawings are offered by way of illustration only . in particular , while the present disclosure sets forth an embodiment in the context of handles for surgical instruments , one of skill in the art will appreciate that the components , systems , kits , and methods may be applicable to handles in other fields . not every feature of each embodiment is labeled in every figure in which that embodiment appears , in order to keep the figures clear . similar reference numbers ( for example , those that are identical except for the first numeral ) are used to indicate similar features in different embodiments . standard medical planes of reference and descriptive terminology are employed in this specification . a sagittal plane divides a body into right and left portions . a mid - sagittal plane divides the body into equal right and left halves . a coronal plane divides a body into anterior and posterior portions . a transverse plane divides a body into superior and inferior portions . anterior means toward the front of the body . posterior means toward the back of the body . superior means toward the head . inferior means toward the feet . medial means toward the midline of the body . lateral means away from the midline of the body . axial means toward a central axis of the body . abaxial means away from a central axis of the body . these descriptive terms may be applied to an animate or inanimate body . ipsilateral means on the same side of the body . contralateral means on the opposite side of the body . referring to fig1 a - 5 , an instrument handle 100 may include a frame 110 , a first control 130 , and a second control 150 . handle 100 may be bilaterally symmetric about a mid - sagittal plane 101 . referring to fig1 b - 1d , handle 100 may be operatively assembled to an operative component 10 to form a complete surgical instrument . handle 100 may be permanently or releasably coupled to operative component 10 . handle 100 may couple to any one of a plurality of different operative components 10 . frame 110 may include a fitting 102 , a body portion 114 , a finger portion 104 , and a palm portion 106 . body portion 114 , finger portion 104 , and palm portion 106 may be arranged around three sides of frame 110 . frame 110 may be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane 101 of handle 100 . furthermore , fitting 102 , body portion 114 , finger portion 104 , and palm portion 106 may each be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane 101 of handle 100 . fitting 102 may be described as a docking feature or connection feature to connect handle 100 to operative component 10 . for example , fitting 102 may be a socket , as shown in fig1 a - 5 , a through hole , or a protrusion . body portion 114 may be described as a portion of the frame 110 which supports fitting 102 , first control 130 , and second control 150 . fitting 102 may be carried on a front segment of body portion 114 , as illustrated . body portion 114 may extend generally in line with fitting 102 . however , body portion 114 may extend in another orientation relative to fitting 102 , such as oblique or transverse , in order to position a shaft 14 of an operative component 10 in a desired orientation relative to a user &# 39 ; s hand . in other words , the orientation between body portion 114 and fitting 102 may set an orientation between the mid - sagittal plane 101 and a center longitudinal axis of the shaft 14 . the center longitudinal axis may lie in the mid - sagittal plane 101 in line with the body portion 114 or at an angle to body portion 114 . the center longitudinal axis may lie parallel to , and offset from , the mid - sagittal plane 101 . the center longitudinal axis may lie at an angle to the mid - sagittal plane 101 so that the center longitudinal axis intersects the mid - sagittal plane 101 . finger portion 104 may be described as a portion of the frame 110 for contacting one or more of the fingers of a human hand . finger portion 104 may extend transversely from body portion 114 , and may be located close to fitting 102 . finger portion 104 may include one or more indentations 108 . fig1 a - 5 illustrate three indentations 108 which are sized , shaped , and positioned to fit the ulnar three fingers of a human hand . finger portion 104 may also include one or more finger rests 116 . fig1 a - 5 illustrate a finger rest 116 which is sized , shaped , and positioned to fit the outer side of the little finger . the indentations 108 and / or finger rests 116 may increase the accuracy or security with which a user can grasp handle 100 . palm portion 106 may be described as a portion of the frame 110 for contacting the palm of a human hand . for example , palm portion 106 may contact the palm or thenar eminence of a human hand . palm portion 106 may extend transversely from a rear segment of body portion 114 opposite the front segment , as illustrated , and thus may be located at a distance from fitting 102 . palm portion 106 may blend smoothly with body portion 114 . palm portion 106 may also connect to finger portion 104 at a distance from body portion 114 , and may blend smoothly with finger portion 104 . frame 110 may include one or more apertures 112 between body portion 114 , finger portion 104 , and palm portion 106 . the embodiment of fig1 a - 5 is shown with a large aperture 112 which hollows out a central portion of frame 110 so that body portion 114 , finger portion 104 , and palm portion 106 form a continuous perimeter around aperture 112 . the apertures 112 may reduce the mass of frame 110 , making the handle 100 lighter and easier to use for long periods of time . reducing mass may decrease manufacturing costs by reducing the amount of material required to fabricate frame 110 . first control 130 may be described as an actuator for a first action or first mechanism of a surgical instrument . first control 130 may actuate a mechanical linkage within handle 100 and / or operative component 10 . for example , first control 130 may actuate a mechanism that pushes , pulls , or rotates at least a portion of the surgical instrument , such as a portion of an inner or outer shaft of the operative component 10 , or an end effector 12 . first control 130 may alternatively energize an electrical circuit within handle 100 and / or operative component 10 . the electrical circuit may provide a direct effect such as radio frequency ablation , cautery , imaging , ultrasonics , global positioning system ( gps ), or electrical stimulation , among others . the electrical circuit may alternatively be coupled to a mechanical or electro - mechanical mechanism which provides a direct effect . first control 130 may alternatively energize a hydraulic circuit , such as suction or irrigation , among others . some examples of a first control 130 are a lever , a button , a trigger , a toggle , a slider , a knob , a dial , a wheel , a plunger , or a switch . first control 130 may be biased to remain in a default , or normal , position unless actively actuated by a user . first control 130 may alternatively remain in the last selected position or setting until actuated by the user to another position or setting . first control 130 may include a plurality of settings . for example , first control 130 may be a three - position sliding switch , or a knob that can be turned to any desired rotational setting . first control 130 may be subdivided into separate portions , each portion controlling a corresponding one of the plurality of settings . for example , first control 130 may comprise a first button stacked over a second button , so that pressing the first button lightly actuates a first mechanism , and pressing the first button more heavily depresses the second button , actuating a second mechanism . in another example , first control 130 may be divided into left and right halves , each half independently operable . first control 130 may be at least partially integrally formed with frame 110 , or may be formed as a separate part and assembled to frame 110 . fig1 a - 5 illustrate a first control 130 which is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes obliquely from the body portion 114 opposite the finger and palm portions 104 , 106 at a distance from the fitting 102 . the illustrated first control 130 is hinged to the body portion 114 near the blend with palm portion 106 and is spring biased away from the body portion 114 . the illustrated first control 130 is actuated by pressing the first control 130 toward the body portion 114 , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . second control 150 may be described as an actuator for a second action or a second mechanism of a surgical instrument . second control 150 may share one , some , or all of the characteristics set forth for first control 130 . second control 150 may embody a different subset of characteristics than first control 130 . fig1 a - 5 illustrate a second control 150 which is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes transversely from the body portion 114 opposite the finger and palm portions 104 , 106 near the fitting 102 . the illustrated second control 150 is hinged to the body portion 114 near the finger portion 104 and is spring biased toward the fitting 102 . the illustrated second control 150 is actuated by pulling the second control 150 away from the fitting 102 with the index finger , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . referring to fig1 b - 1d , operative component 10 includes a working segment , or an end effector 12 which performs one or more actions , such as a surgical function . for example , end effector 12 may bite , grasp , shear , cut , lift , poke , and / or punch . in these examples , end effector 12 may be described as a biter , a grasper , a scissors , a side cutter , an awl , and / or a punch . operative component 10 may also be generally referred to as an end effector . for each of the examples , end effector 12 may have a functional plane 21 which relates to the direction of action of the end effector 12 . for example , an end effector 12 with jaws may have a functional plane 21 where the jaws touch when closed . in another example , a cutting end effector 12 may have a functional plane 21 that intersects a cutting edge of the end effector 12 . in yet another example , an end effector 12 with a rotating side - cutting burr inside a windowed outer housing may have a functional plane 21 through the axis of rotation of the burr and bisecting the window . alternately , a functional plane 21 may lie across the window . end effector 12 may be mounted on a shaft 14 to position the end effector 12 a desired distance away from handle 100 when operative component 10 is operatively assembled with handle 100 . for example , shaft 14 may be long enough to pass through a surgical cannula and across a full width of a joint space . shaft 14 may also include one or more bends , curves , or twists 16 in order to position end effector 12 in a desired orientation relative to the surgical anatomy when handle 100 is held in a physiologically neutral position . shaft 14 may include a center longitudinal axis 23 relating to an end of the shaft 14 opposite the end effector 12 ; if bent , shaft 14 may include additional center longitudinal axes 25 relating to each additional portion of the shaft 14 . the end of the shaft 14 opposite the end effector 12 may be described as a connection segment because it can serve to connect end effector 12 to handle 100 . fig1 b - 1c illustrate an operative component 10 with an end effector 12 configured as a grasper . in the illustrated example , the functional plane 21 is a plane at which the grasper jaws meet when closed . in the illustrated example , the shaft 14 is straight except for bend 16 , thus shaft 14 has an axis 23 and an additional axis 25 . it can be appreciated from fig1 b - d that the plane 21 lies at a compound angle to plane 101 in the illustrated example . this may be best seen in fig1 c - d , where plane 21 is at a first angle to plane 101 when viewed from the top ( fig1 c ), and at a second angle to plane 101 when viewed from the right ( fig1 d ). in other examples , however , the functional plane 21 may be at some other orientation , such as a single angle , parallel , or coplanar . by orienting the functional plane 21 as required to reach the relevant anatomy , while orienting the mid - sagittal plane 101 of the handle 100 as required to maintain a neutral wrist , elbow , and arm position , the handles and systems of the present disclosure reduce the need for a user to endure uncomfortable and potentially harmful postures . in use , handle 100 may be grasped by a human hand so that the palm portion 106 rests against the palm or thenar eminence ; the finger portion 104 rests against the middle , ring , and little fingers with the little finger in an indentation 108 adjacent to the finger rest 116 , the middle finger in an indentation 108 adjacent to the fitting 102 , and the ring finger in an indentation 108 between the middle and little fingers ; the thumb rests on the first control 130 ; the index finger rests on the second control 150 ; and the fitting 102 is positioned between the index and middle fingers so that a shaft 14 of an operative component may extend between the index and middle fingers . in use , handle 100 is supported between the palm or thenar eminence and the middle , ring , and little fingers so that the thumb and index finger are free to operate the first and second controls 130 , 150 respectively . furthermore , it can be appreciated that , in use , handle 100 is completely contained within the user &# 39 ; s hand so that there is no projecting hardware other than the operative component 10 . handle 100 may rest in a user &# 39 ; s hand in a square orientation so that the shaft 14 extends from the handle 100 generally parallel to the forearm of the user . the illustrated handle 100 may be suited to situations in which the end effector 12 approaches the anatomy straight on . in other examples of handle 100 , shaft 14 may extend obliquely or transversely relative to the forearm , as established by the orientation of body portion 114 to fitting 102 . operative component 10 may be advantageously stabilized and controlled when the shaft 14 is between the index and middle fingers . when the shaft 14 is between the index and middle fingers , the wrist becomes the primary joint for biomechanical control of the end effector 12 , and motion at the elbow and shoulder may be unnecessary . referring to fig6 - 10 , an instrument handle 200 may include a frame 210 , a first control 230 , and a second control 250 . handle 200 may be bilaterally symmetric about a mid - sagittal plane like handle 100 . handle 200 may be operatively assembled to an operative component 10 to form a complete surgical instrument like handle 100 . handle 200 may be permanently or releasably coupled to operative component 10 . handle 200 may couple to any one of a plurality of different operative components 10 . frame 210 may include a fitting 202 , a body portion 214 , a finger portion 204 , and a palm portion 206 . body portion 214 , finger portion 204 , and palm portion 206 may be arranged around three sides of frame 210 . frame 210 may be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 200 . furthermore , fitting 202 , body portion 214 , finger portion 204 , and palm portion 206 may each be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 200 . fitting 202 may be described as a docking feature or connection feature to connect handle 200 to operative component 10 . for example , fitting 202 may be a socket , as shown in fig6 - 10 , a through hole , or a protrusion . body portion 214 may be described as a portion of the frame 210 which supports fitting 202 , first control 230 , and second control 250 . fitting 202 may be carried on a front segment of body portion 214 , as illustrated . body portion 214 may extend generally in line with fitting 202 . however , body portion 214 may extend in another orientation relative to fitting 202 , such as oblique or transverse , in order to position a shaft 14 of an operative component 10 in a desired orientation relative to a user &# 39 ; s hand , as described for handle 100 . finger portion 204 may be described as a portion of the frame 210 for contacting one or more of the fingers of a human hand . finger portion 204 may extend obliquely from body portion 214 opposite fitting 202 . finger portion 204 may include one or more indentations like handle 100 . however , fig6 - 10 illustrate a finger portion 204 which is smooth , broad , and gently rounded . finger portion 204 may also include one or more finger rests 216 . fig6 - 10 illustrate a finger rest 216 which is sized , shaped , and positioned to fit the outer side of the little finger . the illustrated example of finger rest 216 is formed as an enlarged partial loop . the indentations and / or finger rests 216 may increase the accuracy or security with which a user can grasp handle 200 . palm portion 206 may be described as a portion of the frame 210 for contacting the palm of a human hand . for example , palm portion 206 may contact the palm or thenar eminence of a human hand . palm portion 206 may extend obliquely from body portion 214 opposite fitting 202 and generally parallel to finger portion 204 . palm portion 206 may blend smoothly with body portion 214 . palm portion 206 may also blend smoothly into finger rest 216 . frame 210 may include one or more apertures 212 between body portion 214 , finger portion 204 , and palm portion 206 . the embodiment of fig6 - 10 is shown with four large apertures 212 which hollow out a central portion of frame 210 so that body portion 214 , finger portion 204 , and palm portion 206 form a continuous perimeter around the apertures 212 . the apertures 212 may reduce the mass of frame 210 , making the handle 200 lighter and easier to use for long periods of time . reducing mass may decrease manufacturing costs by reducing the amount of material required to fabricate frame 210 . first control 230 and second control 250 may be described as actuators for first and second mechanisms , respectively , of a surgical instrument . first and second controls 230 , 250 may share one , some , or all of the characteristics set forth for first control 130 . first and second controls 230 , 250 may embody different subsets of characteristics than first control 130 . fig6 - 10 illustrate examples of first and second controls 230 , 250 . the illustrated first control 230 is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes obliquely from the body portion 214 opposite the finger portion 204 and at a distance from the fitting 202 . the illustrated first control 230 is hinged to the body portion 214 near the blend with palm portion 206 and is spring biased away from the body portion 214 . the illustrated first control 230 is actuated by pressing the first control 230 toward the body portion 214 , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . the illustrated second control 250 is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes transversely from the body portion 214 opposite first control 230 and at a distance from the fitting 202 . the illustrated second control 250 and the finger portion 204 are on the same side of the fitting 202 . the illustrated second control 250 is hinged to the body portion 214 and is spring biased toward the fitting 102 . the illustrated second control 250 is actuated by pulling the second control 250 away from the fitting 202 with the index finger , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . in use , handle 200 may be grasped by a human hand so that the palm portion 206 rests against the palm or thenar eminence ; the finger portion 204 rests against the middle , ring , and little fingers with the little finger adjacent to the finger rest 216 ; the thumb rests on the first control 230 ; the index finger rests on the second control 250 ; and the fitting 202 is positioned beside the index finger so that a shaft 14 of an operative component may extend beside the index finger . in use , handle 200 is supported between the palm or thenar eminence and the middle , ring , and little fingers so that the thumb and index finger are free to operate the first and second controls 230 , 250 . furthermore , it can be appreciated that , in use , handle 200 is completely contained within the user &# 39 ; s hand so that there is no projecting hardware other than the operative component 10 . handle 200 may rest in a user &# 39 ; s hand in a forwardly - inclined orientation so that the shaft 14 extends from the handle 200 generally parallel to the forearm of the user . the illustrated handle 200 may also be suited to situations where the end effector 12 approaches the anatomy from below . in other examples of handle 200 , shaft 14 may extend obliquely or transversely relative to the forearm , as established by the orientation of body portion 214 to fitting 202 . it can also be appreciated that handle 200 may be favorably adapted for a user having a smaller grip span . referring to fig1 - 12 , an instrument handle 300 may include a frame 310 . handle 300 may be bilaterally symmetric about a mid - sagittal plane like handle 100 . handle 300 may be operatively assembled to an operative component 10 to form a complete surgical instrument like handle 100 . handle 300 may be permanently or releasably coupled to operative component 10 . handle 300 may couple to any one of a plurality of different operative components 10 . frame 310 may include a fitting 302 , a body portion 314 , a finger portion 304 , and a palm portion 306 . body portion 314 , finger portion 304 , and palm portion 306 may be arranged around three sides of frame 310 . frame 310 may be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 300 . furthermore , fitting 302 , body portion 314 , finger portion 304 , and palm portion 306 may each be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 300 . fitting 302 may be described as a docking feature or connection feature to connect handle 300 to operative component 10 . for example , fitting 302 may be a socket , a through hole , or a protrusion . body portion 314 may be described as a portion of the frame 310 which supports fitting 302 . body portion 314 may extend generally in line with fitting 302 . however , body portion 314 may extend in another orientation relative to fitting 302 , such as oblique or transverse , in order to position a shaft 14 of an operative component 10 in a desired orientation relative to a user &# 39 ; s hand , as described for handle 100 . finger portion 304 may be described as a portion of the frame 310 for contacting one or more of the fingers of a human hand . finger portion 304 may extend obliquely from body portion 314 opposite fitting 302 . finger portion 304 may include one or more indentations like handle 100 . however , fig1 - 12 illustrate a finger portion 304 which is smooth , broad , and gently rounded . finger portion 304 may also include one or more finger rests 316 . fig1 - 12 illustrate a finger rest 316 which is sized , shaped , and positioned to fit the outer side of the little finger . the indentations and / or finger rests 316 may increase the accuracy or security with which a user can grasp handle 300 . palm portion 306 may be described as a portion of the frame 310 for contacting the palm of a human hand . for example , palm portion 306 may contact the palm or thenar eminence of a human hand . palm portion 306 may extend obliquely from body portion 314 opposite fitting 302 and generally parallel to finger portion 304 . palm portion 306 may blend smoothly with body portion 314 . palm portion 306 may connect to finger portion 304 opposite body portion 314 . frame 310 may include one or more apertures 312 between body portion 314 , finger portion 304 , and palm portion 306 . the embodiment of fig1 - 12 is shown with a large aperture 312 which hollows out a central portion of frame 310 so that body portion 314 , finger portion 304 , and palm portion 306 form a continuous perimeter around the aperture 312 . the aperture 312 may reduce the mass of frame 310 , making the handle 300 lighter and easier to use for long periods of time . reducing mass may decrease manufacturing costs by reducing the amount of material required to fabricate frame 310 . in use , handle 300 may be grasped by a human hand so that the palm portion 306 rests against the palm or thenar eminence ; the finger portion 304 rests against the middle , ring , and little fingers with the little finger adjacent to the finger rest 316 ; and the fitting 302 is positioned beside the index finger so that a shaft 14 of an operative component may extend beside the index finger . in use , handle 300 is supported between the palm or thenar eminence and the middle , ring , and little fingers . furthermore , it can be appreciated that , in use , handle 300 is completely contained within the user &# 39 ; s hand so that there is no projecting hardware other than the operative component 10 . handle 300 may rest in a user &# 39 ; s hand in an orientation that allows shaft 14 to extend from the handle 300 generally parallel to the forearm of the user . the illustrated handle 300 may be suited to situations in which the end effector 12 approaches the anatomy straight on . in other examples of handle 300 , shaft 14 may extend obliquely or transversely relative to the forearm , as established by the orientation of body portion 314 to fitting 302 . referring to fig1 - 15 , an instrument handle 400 may include a frame 410 , a first control 430 , and a second control 450 . handle 400 may be bilaterally symmetric about a mid - sagittal plane like handle 100 . handle 400 may be operatively assembled to an operative component 10 to form a complete surgical instrument like handle 100 . handle 400 may be permanently or releasably coupled to operative component 10 . handle 400 may couple to any one of a plurality of different operative components 10 . frame 410 may include a fitting 402 , a body portion 414 , a finger portion 404 , and a palm portion 406 . body portion 414 , finger portion 404 , and palm portion 406 may be arranged around three sides of frame 410 . frame 410 may be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 400 . furthermore , fitting 402 , body portion 414 , finger portion 404 , and palm portion 406 may each be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 400 . fitting 402 may be described as a docking feature or connection feature to connect handle 400 to operative component 10 . for example , fitting 402 may be a socket , a through hole , or a protrusion . body portion 414 may be described as a portion of the frame 410 which supports fitting 402 , first control 430 , and second control 450 . body portion 414 may extend generally in line with fitting 402 . however , body portion 414 may extend in another orientation relative to fitting 402 , such as oblique or transverse , in order to position a shaft 14 of an operative component 10 in a desired orientation relative to a user &# 39 ; s hand , as described for handle 100 . finger portion 404 may be described as a portion of the frame 410 for contacting one or more of the fingers of a human hand . finger portion 404 may be transverse to body portion 414 near fitting 402 . finger portion 404 may include one or more indentations like handle 100 . however , fig1 - 15 illustrate a finger portion 404 which is smooth , broad , and gently rounded . finger portion 404 may also include one or more rests 416 . fig1 - 15 illustrate a rest 416 which is sized , shaped , and positioned to fit the web between the thumb and index finger . the illustrated example of rest 416 is formed as an extended tail where the body portion 414 and the palm portion 406 meet . the indentations and / or rests 416 may increase the accuracy or security with which a user can grasp handle 400 . palm portion 406 may be described as a portion of the frame 410 for contacting the palm of a human hand . for example , palm portion 406 may contact the palm or thenar eminence of a human hand . palm portion 406 may extend transversely from body portion 414 opposite fitting 402 and generally parallel to finger portion 404 . palm portion 406 may connect to finger portion 404 opposite body portion 414 . frame 410 may include one or more apertures 412 between body portion 414 , finger portion 404 , and palm portion 406 . the embodiment of fig1 - 15 is shown with a large aperture 412 which hollows out a central portion of frame 410 so that body portion 414 , finger portion 404 , and palm portion 406 form a perimeter around the aperture 412 . the apertures 412 may reduce the mass of frame 410 , making the handle 400 lighter and easier to use for long periods of time . reducing mass may decrease manufacturing costs by reducing the amount of material required to fabricate frame 410 . frame 410 may also be hollowed out in the vicinity of body portion 414 , palm portion 406 , and second control 450 . first control 430 and second control 450 may be described as actuators for first and second mechanisms , respectively , of a surgical instrument . first and second controls 430 , 450 may share one , some , or all of the characteristics set forth for first control 130 . first and second controls 430 , 450 may embody different subsets of characteristics than first control 130 . fig1 - 15 illustrate examples of first and second controls 430 , 450 . the illustrated first control 430 is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes obliquely from the body portion 414 opposite the finger and palm portions 404 , 406 and at a distance from the fitting 402 . the illustrated first control 430 is hinged to the body portion 414 near the intersection with palm portion 406 and is spring biased away from the body portion 414 . the illustrated first control 430 is actuated by pressing the first control 430 forward toward the body portion 414 , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . the illustrated second control 450 is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes transversely from the body portion 414 opposite first control 430 generally in line with finger portion 404 and at a distance from the fitting 402 . the illustrated second control 450 and the finger portion 404 are on the same side of the fitting 402 . the illustrated second control 450 is hinged to the body portion 414 and is spring biased toward the fitting 102 . the illustrated second control 450 is actuated by pulling the second control 450 away from the fitting 402 with the index finger , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . in use , handle 400 may be grasped by a human hand so that the palm portion 406 rests against the palm or thenar eminence ; the finger portion 404 rests against the middle , ring , and little fingers with the web between the thumb and index finger adjacent to rest 416 ; the thumb rests on the first control 430 ; the index finger rests on the second control 450 ; and the fitting 402 is positioned beside the index finger so that a shaft 14 of an operative component may extend beside the index finger . in use , handle 400 is supported between the palm or thenar eminence and the middle , ring , and little fingers so that the index finger and thumb are free to operate the first and second controls 430 , 450 . furthermore , it can be appreciated that , in use , handle 400 is substantially contained within the user &# 39 ; s hand so that there is no projecting hardware other than the rest 416 and the operative component 10 . handle 400 may rest in a user &# 39 ; s hand in a square orientation so that the shaft 14 extends from the handle 400 generally parallel to the forearm of the user . the illustrated handle 400 may be suited to situations where the end effector 12 approaches the anatomy straight on . in other examples of handle 400 , shaft 14 may extend obliquely or transversely relative to the forearm , as established by the orientation of body portion 414 to fitting 402 . referring to fig1 - 20 , an instrument handle 500 may include a frame 510 , a first control 530 , and a second control 550 . handle 500 may be bilaterally symmetric about a mid - sagittal plane like handle 100 . handle 500 may be operatively assembled to an operative component 10 to form a complete surgical instrument like handle 100 . handle 500 may be permanently or releasably coupled to operative component 10 . handle 500 may couple to any one of a plurality of different operative components 10 . frame 510 may include a fitting 502 , a body portion 514 , a finger portion 504 , and a palm portion 506 . body portion 514 , finger portion 504 , and palm portion 506 may be arranged around three sides of frame 510 . frame 510 may be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 500 . furthermore , fitting 502 , body portion 514 , finger portion 504 , and palm portion 506 may each be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 500 . fitting 502 may be described as a docking feature or connection feature to connect handle 500 to operative component 10 . for example , fitting 502 may be a socket , a through hole as shown in fig1 - 20 , or a protrusion . body portion 514 may be described as a portion of the frame 510 which supports first control 530 and second control 550 . body portion 514 may also support fitting 502 . body portion 514 may extend generally parallel to fitting 502 . however , body portion 514 may extend in another orientation relative to fitting 502 , such as oblique or transverse , in order to position a shaft 14 of an operative component 10 in a desired orientation relative to a user &# 39 ; s hand , as described for handle 100 . finger portion 504 may be described as a portion of the frame 510 for contacting one or more of the fingers of a human hand . finger portion 504 may be transverse to body portion 514 . finger portion 504 may support fitting 502 . finger portion 504 may include one or more indentations 508 like handle 100 . fig1 - 20 illustrate a finger portion 504 which has three indentations 508 . finger portion 504 may also include one or more rests , which may be finger rests , web rests , or thumb rests . however , fig1 - 20 illustrate a handle 500 without prominent rests . the indentations 508 and / or rests may increase the accuracy or security with which a user can grasp handle 500 . palm portion 506 may be described as a portion of the frame 510 for contacting the palm of a human hand . for example , palm portion 506 may contact the palm or thenar eminence of a human hand . palm portion 506 may extend transversely from body portion 514 opposite fitting 502 and generally parallel to finger portion 504 . palm portion 506 may connect to finger portion 504 opposite body portion 514 . frame 510 may include one or more apertures 512 between body portion 514 , finger portion 504 , and palm portion 506 . the embodiment of fig1 - 20 is shown with two apertures 512 which hollow out a central portion of frame 510 so that body portion 514 , finger portion 504 , and palm portion 506 form a perimeter around the apertures 512 . the apertures 512 may reduce the mass of frame 510 , making the handle 500 lighter and easier to use for long periods of time . reducing mass may decrease manufacturing costs by reducing the amount of material required to fabricate frame 510 . first control 530 and second control 550 may be described as actuators for first and second mechanisms , respectively , of a surgical instrument . first and second controls 530 , 550 may share one , some , or all of the characteristics set forth for first control 130 . first and second controls 530 , 550 may embody different subsets of characteristics than first control 130 . fig1 - 20 illustrate examples of first and second controls 530 , 550 . the illustrated first control 530 is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes obliquely from the body portion 514 opposite the finger and palm portions 504 , 506 . the illustrated first control 530 is hinged to the front of body portion 514 near the intersection with finger portion 504 and is spring biased away from the body portion 514 . the illustrated first control 530 is actuated by pressing the first control 530 down toward the body portion 514 , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . the illustrated second control 550 is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes transversely from the body portion 514 opposite first control 530 generally in line with finger portion 504 . the illustrated second control 550 and the finger portion 504 are on opposite sides of the fitting 502 . the illustrated second control 550 is hinged to the front of body portion 514 and is spring biased toward the fitting 102 , i . e ., the front of body portion 514 . fig1 - 20 illustrate an arrangement in which the first and second controls 530 , 550 share a single hinge . the illustrated second control 550 is actuated by pulling the second control 550 back from the fitting 502 with the index finger , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . in use , handle 500 may be grasped by a human hand so that the palm portion 506 rests against the palm or thenar eminence ; the middle , ring , and little fingers rest against the finger portion 504 in the indentations 508 ; the thumb rests on the first control 530 ; the index finger rests on the second control 550 ; and the fitting 502 is positioned between the index and middle fingers so that a shaft 14 of an operative component may extend between the index and middle fingers . in use , handle 500 is supported between the palm or thenar eminence and the middle , ring , and little fingers so that the index finger and thumb are free to operate the first and second controls 530 , 550 . furthermore , it can be appreciated that , in use , handle 500 is completely contained within the user &# 39 ; s hand so that there is no projecting hardware other than the operative component 10 . handle 500 may rest in a user &# 39 ; s hand in an upright orientation . handle 500 may also be suited to situations where the end effector 12 approaches the anatomy straight on . in other examples of handle 500 , shaft 14 may extend obliquely or transversely relative to the forearm , as established by the orientation of body portion 514 to fitting 502 . it can also be appreciated that handle 500 may be favorably adapted for a user having a smaller grip span . referring to fig2 - 26 , an instrument handle 600 may include a frame 610 , a first control 630 , and a second control 650 . handle 600 may be bilaterally symmetric about a mid - sagittal plane like handle 100 . handle 600 may be operatively assembled to an operative component 10 to form a complete surgical instrument like handle 100 . handle 600 may be permanently or releasably coupled to operative component 10 . handle 600 may couple to any one of a plurality of different operative components 10 . frame 610 may include a fitting 602 , a body portion 614 , a finger portion 604 , and a palm portion 606 . body portion 614 , finger portion 604 , and palm portion 606 may be arranged around three sides of frame 610 . frame 610 may be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 600 . furthermore , fitting 602 , body portion 614 , finger portion 604 , and palm portion 606 may each be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 600 . fitting 602 may be described as a docking feature or connection feature to connect handle 600 to operative component 10 . for example , fitting 602 may be a socket , a through hole as shown in fig2 - 26 , or a protrusion . body portion 614 may be described as a portion of the frame 610 which supports first control 630 and second control 650 . body portion 614 may also support fitting 602 . body portion 614 may extend generally parallel to fitting 602 . however , body portion 614 may extend in another orientation relative to fitting 602 , such as oblique or transverse , in order to position a shaft 14 of an operative component 10 in a desired orientation relative to a user &# 39 ; s hand , as described for handle 100 . finger portion 604 may be described as a portion of the frame 610 for contacting one or more of the fingers of a human hand . finger portion 604 may be transverse to body portion 614 . finger portion 604 may support fitting 602 . finger portion 604 may include one or more indentations 608 like handle 100 . fig2 - 26 illustrate a finger portion 604 which has three indentations 608 . finger portion 604 may also include one or more rests , which may be finger rests , web rests , or thumb rests . however , fig2 - 26 illustrate a handle 600 without prominent rests . the indentations 608 and / or rests may increase the accuracy or security with which a user can grasp handle 600 . palm portion 606 may be described as a portion of the frame 610 for contacting the palm of a human hand . for example , palm portion 606 may contact the palm or thenar eminence of a human hand . palm portion 606 may extend transversely from body portion 614 opposite fitting 602 and generally parallel to finger portion 604 . palm portion 606 may connect to finger portion 604 opposite body portion 614 . frame 610 may include one or more apertures 612 between body portion 614 , finger portion 604 , and palm portion 606 . the embodiment of fig2 - 26 is shown with two apertures 612 which hollow out a central portion of frame 610 so that body portion 614 , finger portion 604 , and palm portion 606 form a perimeter around the apertures 612 . the apertures 612 may reduce the mass of frame 610 , making the handle 600 lighter and easier to use for long periods of time . reducing mass may decrease manufacturing costs by reducing the amount of material required to fabricate frame 610 . first control 630 and second control 650 may be described as actuators for first and second mechanisms , respectively , of a surgical instrument . first and second controls 630 , 650 may share one , some , or all of the characteristics set forth for first control 130 . first and second controls 630 , 650 may embody different subsets of characteristics than first control 130 . fig2 - 26 illustrate examples of first and second controls 630 , 650 . the illustrated first control 630 is a spring biased plunger that protrudes transversely from the body portion 614 opposite the finger and palm portions 604 , 606 . the illustrated first control 630 is mounted to the body portion 614 between finger portion 604 and palm portion 606 , and is spring biased to protrude from the body portion 614 . the illustrated first control 630 is actuated by pressing the first control 630 down toward the body portion 614 . first control 630 may automatically return to the protruding position when released . alternately , first control 630 may remain in the depressed position until depressed again , at which point first control may return to the protruding position . fig2 - 24 show first control 630 in the protruding and depressed positions . the illustrated second control 650 is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes transversely from the body portion 614 opposite first control 630 generally in line with finger portion 604 . the illustrated second control 650 and the finger portion 604 are on opposite sides of the fitting 602 . the illustrated second control 650 is hinged to the front of body portion 614 and is spring biased toward the fitting 102 , i . e ., the front of body portion 614 . the illustrated second control 650 is actuated by pulling the second control 650 back from the fitting 602 with the index finger , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . in use , handle 600 may be grasped by a human hand so that the palm portion 606 rests against the palm or thenar eminence ; the middle , ring , and little fingers rest against the finger portion 604 in the indentations 608 ; the thumb rests on the first control 630 ; the index finger rests on the second control 650 ; and the fitting 602 is positioned between the index and middle fingers so that a shaft 14 of an operative component may extend between the index and middle fingers . in use , handle 600 is supported between the palm or thenar eminence and the middle , ring , and little fingers so that the index finger and thumb are free to operate the first and second controls 630 , 650 . furthermore , it can be appreciated that , in use , handle 600 is completely contained within the user &# 39 ; s hand so that there is no projecting hardware other than the operative component 10 . it can be appreciated that handle 600 may rest in a user &# 39 ; s hand in an upright orientation . handle 600 may also be suited to situations where the end effector 12 approaches the anatomy straight on . in other examples of handle 600 , shaft 14 may extend obliquely or transversely relative to the forearm , as established by the orientation of body portion 614 to fitting 602 . it can also be appreciated that handle 600 may be favorably adapted for a user having a smaller grip span . referring to fig2 , an instrument handle 700 may include a frame 710 , an arm 770 , a first control 730 , and a second control 750 . one or more portions of handle 700 may be bilaterally symmetric about a mid - sagittal plane . handle 700 may be operatively assembled to an operative component 10 to form a complete surgical instrument like handle 100 . handle 700 may be permanently or releasably coupled to operative component 10 . handle 700 may couple to any one of a plurality of different operative components 10 . frame 710 may include a fitting 702 , a body portion 714 , and a palm portion 706 . one or more portions of frame 710 may be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 700 . furthermore , fitting 702 , body portion 714 , and palm portion 706 may each be bilaterally symmetric about the mid - sagittal plane of handle 700 . fitting 702 may be described as a docking feature or connection feature to connect handle 700 to operative component 10 . for example , fitting 702 may be a socket , a through hole , or a protrusion . body portion 714 may be described as a portion of the frame 710 which supports fitting 702 , arm 770 , first control 730 , and second control 750 . body portion 714 may extend generally parallel to fitting 702 . however , body portion 714 may extend in another orientation relative to fitting 702 , such as oblique or transverse , in order to position a shaft 14 of an operative component 10 in a desired orientation relative to a user &# 39 ; s hand , as described for handle 100 . palm portion 706 may be described as a portion of the frame 710 for contacting the palm of a human hand . for example , palm portion 706 may contact the palm or thenar eminence of a human hand . palm portion 706 may extend obliquely from body portion 714 opposite fitting 702 . in the illustrated embodiment , palm portion 706 is a portion of an inner surface of a loop 718 which is sized , shaped , and positioned to encircle the base of a thumb of a human hand . alternately , palm portion 706 may resemble other palm portions disclosed herein . frame 710 may include one or more apertures 712 . the embodiment of fig2 is shown with an aperture 712 which hollows out a central portion of loop 718 . the aperture 712 may reduce the mass of frame 710 , making the handle 700 lighter and easier to use for long periods of time . reducing mass may decrease manufacturing costs by reducing the amount of material required to fabricate frame 710 . arm 770 may be described as a projection from frame 710 . arm 770 may extend obliquely from body portion 714 near fitting 702 , and may extend obliquely relative to palm portion 706 as well . arm 770 may be fixed or movable relative to frame 710 . for example , arm 770 may be integrally formed with , welded to , or fastened to frame 710 . in another example , arm 770 may be hinged to frame 710 so that arm 770 may be positioned relatively closer to , or farther from , palm portion 706 . if movable , arm 770 may also be biased to remain in a nominal position unless actuated by a user . if movable , arm 770 may further be described as an actuator for a mechanism of a surgical instrument , as will be discussed below . arm may include a finger portion 704 . finger portion 704 may be described as a portion of arm 770 for contacting one or more of the fingers of a human hand . finger portion 704 may extend obliquely relative to body portion 714 . finger portion 704 may include one or more indentations 708 like handle 100 . however , fig2 illustrates a finger portion 704 which is smooth , broad , and gently rounded . finger portion 704 may also include one or more rests , which may be finger rests , web rests , or thumb rests . however , fig2 illustrates a handle 700 without prominent rests . the indentations and / or rests may increase the accuracy or security with which a user can grasp handle 700 . in the illustrated embodiment , finger portion 704 is a portion of an inner surface of a loop 720 which is sized , shaped , and positioned to encircle the ulnar three fingers of a human hand . arm 770 may include one or more apertures 712 . the embodiment of fig2 is shown with an aperture 712 which hollows out a central portion of loop 720 . the aperture 712 may reduce the mass of arm 770 , making the handle 700 lighter and easier to use for long periods of time . reducing mass may decrease manufacturing costs by reducing the amount of material required to fabricate arm 770 . first control 730 and second control 750 may be described as actuators for first and second mechanisms , respectively , of a surgical instrument . first and second controls 730 , 750 may share one , some , or all of the characteristics set forth for first control 130 . first and second controls 730 , 750 may embody different subsets of characteristics than first control 130 . fig2 illustrates examples of first and second controls 730 , 750 . the illustrated first control 730 is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes transversely from the body portion 714 opposite the finger and palm portions 704 , 706 . the illustrated first control 730 is mounted to the body portion 714 between fitting 702 and palm portion 706 , and may be spring biased toward the rear of body portion 714 . alternately , first control 730 may be biased toward the front of body portion 714 , i . e ., toward fitting 702 . in another alternative , first control 730 may be biased to a middle position and movable forward and backward relative to the body portion 714 . the illustrated first control 730 may be actuated by pressing the first control 730 forward toward the fitting 702 or by pulling the first control 730 backward away from the fitting 702 . first control 730 may automatically return to the nominal biased position when released . alternately , first control 730 may remain in the forward or backward position until pressed again , at which point first control may return to the nominal position . the illustrated second control 750 is a spring biased lever or trigger that protrudes transversely from the body portion 714 opposite first control 730 near fitting 702 and finger portion 704 . the illustrated second control 750 and the finger portion 704 are on the same side of the fitting 702 . the illustrated second control 750 is hinged to the front of body portion 714 and is spring biased toward the fitting 102 , i . e ., the front of body portion 714 . the illustrated second control 750 is actuated by pulling the second control 750 back from the fitting 702 with the index finger , and automatically returns to the illustrated position when released . in use , handle 700 may be grasped by a human hand so that the palm portion 706 rests against the palm or thenar eminence with the thumb protruding through the loop 718 ; the middle , ring , and little fingers rest against the finger portion 704 with the middle , ring , and little fingers protruding through the loop 720 ; the thumb rests on the first control 730 ; the index finger rests on the second control 750 ; and the fitting 702 is positioned beside the index finger so that a shaft 14 of an operative component may extend beside the index finger . in use , handle 700 may be supported by the palm or thenar eminence alone so that the fingers and thumb are free to operate a movable embodiment of the arm 770 , the first control 730 , and the second control 750 . handle 700 may also be at least partially supported by the middle , ring , and little fingers on a fixed or movable embodiment of the arm 770 so that the index finger and thumb are free to operate the first and second controls 730 , 750 . while the illustrated handle 700 may rest in a user &# 39 ; s hand so that the shaft 14 extends from the handle 700 generally parallel to the forearm of the user , in other examples of handle 700 , shaft 14 may extend obliquely or transversely relative to the forearm , as established by the orientation of body portion 714 to fitting 702 . in other examples of handles according to the present disclosure , only one control may be provided . in still other examples , more than two controls may be provided . in other examples , one or more of the controls may be replaced with static features that serve as additional rests . for example , first control 130 of handle 100 may be replaced with a static rest so that the index finger may be used to further stabilize the handle 100 in use . any handle within the scope of the present disclosure may be further modified by including a web rest like rest 416 , or a thumb rest . handles according to the present disclosure may be fabricated from metal , polymer , ceramic , elastomer , wood , glass , composite material , and combinations thereof . a single handle , or a single component part of a handle , may be fabricated from a combination of materials in order to provide an appropriate material for each feature of the handle or part . handles of the present disclosure may be configured for unlimited repeated use , limited repeated use , or single use . handles for unlimited repeated use may be designed more robustly and may be made from materials that are less susceptible to wear , corrosion , bending , cracking , or breaking . handles for unlimited repeated use in a surgical setting may also be designed for easy cleaning and for repeated steam sterilization . handles for single use may be designed to minimize cost of goods by selecting economical materials , fabrication methods , manufacturing processes , inspection methods , and tooling . for example , a single - use handle may incorporate an over - molded handle and an inner machined core , where the core is fabricated in a single set - up on a high - speed machine tool center . single - use handles may have no provision for cleaning or sterilization . single - use handles may also incorporate materials that degrade during steam sterilization , for example as a deterrent to off - label reuse . the handles set forth in the present disclosure may be provided in a kit which includes several different handle styles . the kit may include several versions of a single handle style , each with a different orientation of body portion to fitting . the kit may include different handle styles and different orientations of body portion to fitting . the handles of the present disclosure may also be provided in a kit which includes several different operative components . for example , the operative components may differ in the types of end effectors provided , the shaft configuration ( straight , bent , twisted ), shaft length . any of the kits may be presented in a case or tray which organizes and positions the contents for easy selection and use . for example , a case may hold a selection of handles so that a user may select and grasp the handle in the proper functional orientation in one motion . in another example , a case may hold a selection of operative components so that a user may couple or decouple a handle and a selected operative component without releasing the user &# 39 ; s functional grasp of the handle . while the present disclosure has been made in the context of handles for surgical instruments , the systems and methods described herein may have a broad range of applications beyond the fields of surgery or medical devices . it should be understood that the present components , systems , kits , apparatuses , and methods are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed . rather , they are intended to include all modifications , equivalents , and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims . they are further intended to include embodiments which may be formed by combining features from the disclosed embodiments . the claims are not to be interpreted as including means - plus - or step - plus - function limitations , unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase ( s ) “ means for ” or “ step for ,” respectively . the term “ coupled ” is defined as connected , although not necessarily directly , and not necessarily mechanically . the use of the word “ a ” or “ an ” when used in conjunction with the term “ comprising ” in the claims and / or the specification may mean “ one ,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “ one or more ” or “ at least one .” the term “ about ” means , in general , the stated value plus or minus 5 %. the use of the term “ or ” in the claims is used to mean “ and / or ” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternative are mutually exclusive , although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “ and / or .” the terms “ comprise ” ( and any form of comprise , such as “ comprises ” and “ comprising ”), “ have ” ( and any form of have , such as “ has ” and “ having ”), “ include ” ( and any form of include , such as “ includes ” and “ including ”) and “ contain ” ( and any form of contain , such as “ contains ” and “ containing ”) are open - ended linking verbs . as a result , a method or device that “ comprises ,” “ has ,” “ includes ” or “ contains ” one or more steps or elements , possesses those one or more steps or elements , but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements . likewise , a step of a method or an element of a device that “ comprises ,” “ has ,” “ includes ” or “ contains ” one or more features , possesses those one or more features , but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features . furthermore , a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way , but may also be configured in ways that are not listed .
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the present invention is based on arranging a large number of bent sheets one behind the other instead of a high - mass cast casing or inner casing . since the sheets are comparatively thin and are effectively insulated from one another thermally by means of the gap lying between them , the thermal stresses are low . the casing is therefore suitable for starting in a very short time . further advantages are : the delivery time is markedly shorter than where cast casings are concerned , since the sheets are commercially available . with standard dimensions , the sheets are already available in commercial depots . alternatively , a specific depot may be set up . a smaller quantity of costly nickel - based material is required , specifically for three reasons : on account of the insulation of the sheets from one another , the temperature decreases sharply from the inner shell to the outer shell . a more cost - effective material can therefore be used in the colder outer shells . owing to the sharper temperature drop from the inner shell to the outer shell , as compared with the conventional cast casing , the temperatures in the outer shells are lower . accordingly , the material strength , which increases with a decrease in temperature , is higher there , so that a smaller wall thickness of the shell is sufficient . the high - mass parting line flange of a conventional cast casing forms a considerable proportion of the entire casing weight . in the casings according to the present invention , because of the low pressure difference from shell to shell , only very small flanges , which are very light as compared with the casing shell , are required . the parting line screws of the flanged screw connections in the case of the shells divided in a horizontal midplane can have a very small design , as compared with conventional parting line screws . as a result , on the one hand , they can be delivered more quickly , since commercially available thin raw material can be used for manufacture . on the other hand , they can be produced more cost - effectively , since the commercially available raw material is more cost - effective and since they can be manufactured on smaller machines . instead of a high - mass cast inner casing which absorbs both the internal pressure and the shearing force , sheets in standard dimensions are used in a plurality of shells . these absorb essentially only the internal pressure . the guide vanes are mounted in the basic carrier . the latter absorbs essentially only the shearing force and the load moment and transmits the shearing force to the axial guide and the load moment to the supports . the casing is mounted and guided via the basic carrier . the basic carrier is subjected to almost no internal pressure stress and can therefore be constructed with a small wall thickness . fig1 shows the basic principle in a cross - sectional illustration by means of an exemplary embodiment : the inner casing 11 of a steam turbine 10 , said inner casing surrounding a rotor 18 concentrically , is illustrated . between the rotor 18 and the inner casing 11 , a steam duct 20 in the form of an annular gap is left free , in which is arranged a blading 19 comprising guide vanes and moving blades . metal sheets bent into a barrel shape and having a thickness of a few millimeters , preferably of between 2 and 11 millimeters , which consist of the here six upper shells ( upper halves ) 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 and 17 and of the six lower shells ( lower halves ) 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 and 27 , are laid in the manner of onion skins around the steam duct 20 and the rotor 18 . the upper and lower shells are fixed to one another in each case via a welded - on small horizontal flange 28 , 29 ( see also fig2 ) and a flanged screw connection 30 . the guide vanes in the steam duct 20 are mounted on a basic carrier 21 which likewise consists of an upper part 21 a and of a lower part 21 b which are both fixed to one another by means of a small flange ( horizontal flange halves 52 , 53 in fig5 and 6 ) and a flanged screw connection 30 . between the upper and lower shells 12 , . . . , 17 and 22 , . . . , 27 , interspaces 48 are left free which are filled with steam via orifices in the basic carrier 21 during operation . the steam pressure decreases from the inside outward from interspace to interspace of the upper and lower shells 12 , . . . , 17 and 22 , . . . , 27 . fig2 shows , in the form of an enlarged detail , an exemplary horizontal flanged connection of the upper and lower shells from fig1 ( flanged screw connection 30 in fig1 ). in fig2 , an upper shell 17 is welded to a flange upper part 28 . the lower shell 27 is welded to the flange lower part 29 . the associated weld seams are given the reference symbol 36 . a screw bolt 32 is inserted through in bores 35 in the flange upper part 28 and lower part 29 , said screw being braced by means of nuts 33 and 34 and sealing off the parting line 31 between the flange upper part 28 and the flange lower part 29 . fig3 shows a longitudinal section through a double - flow inner casing 11 of a steam turbine 40 . the inner casing 11 again comprises a basic carrier 21 with an upper part 21 a and lower part 21 b and also upper shells 12 , . . . , 17 and lower shells 22 , . . . , 27 . the rotor 18 rotates about the axis 47 . a flow 44 and 45 together with the corresponding blading 19 is arranged on each of the two sides of central inlet pipes 37 , 38 . the steam flows through the inlet pipes 37 ( top ) and 38 ( bottom ) to the rotor 18 and is then apportioned to a left flow 44 with the blading 19 and to a right flow 45 with the blading 19 . the inlet pipes 37 and 38 are led via piston ring seals 39 ( top ) and 41 ( bottom ) through the upper shells 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 and the lower shells 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 and the innermost ring ( carrier segment 46 ′) of the basic carrier 21 . the basic carrier 21 , on the one hand , is divided horizontally into an upper part 21 a and a lower part 21 b and , on the other hand , is subdivided axially into carrier segments 46 ( more precisely , segment halves 46 a , b ) which carry the guide vanes of the blading 19 on the insides and to which the upper and lower shells 12 , . . . , 17 and 22 , . . . , 27 are fastened . in the example of fig3 , six carrier segments 46 ( 12 segment halves 46 a , b ) are provided on each of the two sides of the innermost carrier segment 46 ′ through which the inlet pipes 37 , 38 are led . the individual carrier segments 46 are connected to one another in such a way that steam can flow out of the steam duct into the interspaces 48 of the upper and lower shells . for mounting the upper shells 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , it is necessary to screw these to the upper segment halves 46 a of the basic carrier 21 by means of a semiannular flanged connection 42 . the lower shells 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 can be connected to the lower segment halves 46 b by means of weld seams 43 . in fig3 , the connection of the upper and lower shells 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 and 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 to the basic carrier 21 takes place axially , in each case approximately at the segment center . if , however , this screw or welded connection is formed at that end of the carrier segment 46 which is directed downstream with respect to the steam flow , the carrier segment 46 of the basic carrier 21 is acted upon by an external pressure . the horizontal flange screws which hold together the upper and lower part 21 a , b of the basic carrier 21 may then have a very small design or they may even be dispensed with completely . fig4 shows a longitudinal section through a single - flow inner casing 11 of a steam turbine 50 . the steam flows through the inlet pipes 37 ( top ) and 38 ( bottom ) to the rotor 18 and then to the left through the blading 19 . a residual steam flows through the casing seal 49 ( here , labyrinth seal ) arranged on the right side . the inlet pipes 37 and 38 are led via piston ring seals 39 ( top ) and 41 ( bottom ) through the upper shells 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 and the lower shells 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 and the inner carrier segment 46 ′ of the basic carrier 21 . the inner carrier segment 46 ′ carries the first guide vanes of the blading 19 on the left side and the casing seals 49 on the right side . the carrier segments 46 on the right of this inner carrier segment 46 ′ carry the further casing seals , and the carrier segments 46 on the left of this inner carrier segment 46 ′ carry the further guide vanes . between the carrier segments 46 , 46 ′ are orifices which allow the steam to flow into the interspaces 48 of the upper and lower shells . between the carrier segments 46 , 46 ′ which carry the casing seals , these orifices may be dispensed with . this rules out the situation where hot steam flows out of the seals into the interspaces 48 of the upper and lower shells . the seals should , however , be designed in such a way that the pressure difference between the interspaces 48 and the seals 49 is low . preferably , the pressure in the interspaces should be slightly higher , so that , in the event of a leak , colder steam flows out of the interspace into the seal , not vice versa . for mounting the upper shells 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , it is necessary to screw these to the upper segment halves 46 a of the basic carrier 21 by means of a semiannular flanged connection 42 . should the turbine not have to be dismantled again , the upper shells 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 may also be connected to the upper segment halves 46 a of the basic carrier 21 by means of a welded connection . the lower shells 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 may again be connected to the lower segment halves 46 b by means of weld seams 43 . fig5 shows two upper segment halves 46 a of a basic carrier 21 . in the example illustrated , the segment halves 46 a are connected to short round bars 51 , for example by welding . the segment halves 46 a themselves may consist , for example , of bent sheet metal or of forged half rings . the round bars 51 for the adjacent segment halves not yet welded on are also illustrated . the voids between the round bars 51 allow the steam to flow into the interspaces 48 of the upper and lower shells ( see fig3 and 4 ). round flanges 54 with bores 55 distributed over the circumference are attached to the segment halves 46 a , the upper shells ( 12 , . . . , 17 in fig1 to 4 ) being screwed to said round flanges . furthermore , horizontal flange halves 52 and 53 are attached , by means of which the upper segment halves 46 a illustrated can be screwed to the associated lower segment halves ( not illustrated ). fig6 shows the upper half or the upper part 21 a of a basic carrier 21 . in contrast to fig5 , the segment halves 46 a are connected in that the entire upper part 21 a of the basic carrier 21 is cast or forged in one piece . the permeability of the steam into the interspaces 48 of the upper and lower shells ( see fig3 and 4 ) is ensured by means of bores 56 . the round flanges 54 having the bores 55 are attached to the segment halves 46 a , the upper shells being screwed to said round flanges . furthermore , horizontal flange halves 52 and 53 are again provided , by means of which the illustrated upper part 21 a of the basic carrier 21 can be screwed to the lower part 21 b ( not illustrated ). the claws and webs for the supports and guides of the casings 11 are not shown in the figures . claws and webs are attached , for example , to the outermost carrier segments 46 of the basic carrier 21 . in the figures , the casing 11 is designed as an inner casing . however , an outer casing , too , may be produced in the multishell design according to the present invention with a stepped pressure reduction . instead of the basic carrier segments with blading ( left side in fig4 ), basic carrier segments with casing seals 49 ( right side in fig4 ) are used on both sides . the inner and outer casings configured according to the present invention may also be combined . for example , in fig4 , one or more shells are added on the outside , in which only seals are attached to the associated additional carrier segments of the basic carrier . then , in a similar way to the inlet pipes 37 and 38 , an outlet pipe with piston seals is led through these added shells , the steam being capable of flowing outward through said outlet pipe . the bent shells ( upper and lower shells ) can be produced in a simple and cost - effective way by means of the method of end - controlled bending , as disclosed in german patent specification de - c2 - 43 10 773 . for an exemplary 400 - mw steam turbine with an hp and mp part , it is necessary in the hp part to have 5 shells consisting of alloy 617 which have stepped wall thicknesses of 9 to 10 . 5 mm . the mp part has 3 shells consisting of alloy 617 with stepped wall thicknesses of 3 . 8 to 5 . 8 mm . in each case 3 stages of the turbine ( 3 guide vane rings and 3 moving blade rings ) are assigned to a carrier segment of the basic carrier . starting of a 700 ° c ./ 720 ° c . turbine possible within a few minutes ( instead of 5 hours at the present time ). reduced delivery time for the casing . cost saving with regard to the casing and to the casing screws . casings : standard metal sheets , if appropriate standardized , are used instead of cast iron ( conventional design ). the standardization results in a cost benefit . there is additionally also a cost benefit because less nickel - based material is required , since a change to the material of the next lower quality is possible directly in the next “ onion skin ”. parting line screws : small screws are mass products or in any event can be manufactured everywhere and are therefore inexpensive . as a result of standardization , the sheets and the individual segments of the basic carrier can be kept in stock . standard sheets may also alternatively be procured from the sheet manufacturer &# 39 ; s depot . the delivery time is thereby drastically reduced , since there is no dependence on the long delivery time of a casting foundry .
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