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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application is a continuation of international application PCT/EP2003/013263, filed 26 Nov. 2003, and which designates the U.S. The disclosure of the referenced application is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a closing member for compressed air carrying polygonal tubes of the type used as a mounting rod for the drafting system in a yarn spinning machine. In such spinning machines, pneumatically loadable top roller support and weighting arms are used, which are secured by means of brackets to a mounting rod of the machine. The mounting rod is hollow and serves at the same time as a compressed air delivery line. A drafting system of this type is described, for example, in DE 198 29 403 A1. DE 198 30 048 A1 discloses a mounting rod that is formed from polygonal tube sections, with each tube section being provided at its ends with closing members. A mounting rod that is composed of individual tube sections permits a modular construction of the mounting rod and compressed air supply for spinning machines of different lengths. The closing members are inserted in a sealing manner into the ends of the polygonal tube sections. Between the polygonal tube sections, the compressed air is conducted through a connecting tube section which interconnects the closing members of two adjacent sections. Sealing of non-circular hollow sections with elastic sealing elements, such as O-rings with a circular cross section, or with special section rings, presents problems, inasmuch as irregularities of the special section of the sealing element causes in the latter only a certain equalization of internal tension, without the sealing element filling all zones of the hollow section in a uniform and sealing manner. It is therefore preferred to use in the case of polygonal hollow sections, pasty sealing substances of a suitable viscosity, which must completely fill a sealing channel that is formed by the hollow section and an inserted sealing element. It is however difficult to fill the sealing channel evenly and completely, as well as in a process safe manner in the case of series production. This requires a great expenditure for production and testing. The sealing effect is often not stable for a long duration because of the aging behavior of the sealing substance and because of operational stress, for example, as a result of pressure changes. Thus a reliable, lasting sealing is not ensured. If leakages occur in operation, sealing elements of the described type are hard to disassemble and cannot be reused. It is therefore often necessary to exchange the entire special section tube length. Likewise, the sealing substance is able to only a very limited extent retain the sealing element in the required position against the inner pressure in the special section tube. This requires additional special measures, for example, the installation of pins for securing the sealing element against axial displacement. If an adhesive is used as sealing substance to increase the hold of the sealing element in its position at the end of the polygonal tube, it will be difficult and costly to disassemble the closing member. In this case, the closing members and, possibly, even the polygonal tube will no longer be suited for immediate reuse. At their ends, the polygonal tubes are supported in recesses of brackets that are also known as stands, and secured in position by means of screw connections. To this end, a mounting screw extends through the special-section tube in its end region, which also mounts the respective closing member. By tightening the mounting screw, the polygonal hollow section may undergo elastic or plastic deformations, whereby the sealing effect is additionally put at risk. Based on the foregoing state of the art, it is an object of the invention to overcome the above limitations and deficiencies of the known closing members. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above and other objects and advantages of the invention are achieved by the provision of a closing member which is configured for being inserted in an end of a compressed air carrying polygonal tube on a yarn spinning machine, and which comprises an elastic sealing element, and with the closing member being configured such that it axially biases in its inserted state the sealing element, whereby the sealing element expands so as to seal the closing member relative to the polygonal tube. The closing member of the invention seals the polygonal tube in a reliable and stable manner for a long duration. It is no longer necessary to secure it in addition, for example, by means of formfitting retaining pins against displacement by the air pressure that builds up in the interior of the polygonal tube, since the closing member is adequately secured in a force-locking engagement, when its sealing function is activated. In comparison with closing members of the known prior art, assembly and disassembly of the closing members are facilitated. The closing members and polygonal tubes are reusable, without having to perform additional labor, such as, for example, cleaning. A closing member is constructed such that compressed air is allowed to flow from the polygonal tube through the closing member and into the closing member of an adjacent tube. This permits applying axial pressure to the sealing element in a uniform manner, and achieving a reliable sealing effect. The closing member preferably comprises an end piece and a counterpart with the sealing element being constructed and arranged between the end piece and the counterpart. This permits sealing and securing at the same time, after the closing member has been inserted into the polygonal tube. It is also easy and simple to release the closing member from its secured position and to remove it from the polygonal tube. The end piece and the counterpart are interconnected by a threaded member that extends through the sealing element, and by tightening the threaded member the end piece and the counterpart move toward each other and bias the sealing element with axial pressure. This also provides adequate space for the compressed air channel, which ensures the necessary passage of the compressed air, and it permits in addition the threaded member to engage the counterpart in the center, which counteracts a tilting of the counterpart when the threaded member is tightened. In addition, the configuration of the end piece and counterpart in the region of the compressed air channel makes it possible to prevent the parts of the closing member from being joined in an incorrect position. The insertion of a connecting tube into the opening of the closing member, which is formed in its end face by the compressed air channel, ensures the passage of compressed air between two polygonal tubes in a simple manner. To insure adequate and reliable sealing effect, the length of the sealing element preferably amounts to at least 1.5 times its wall thickness. Also, the sealing element is preferably formed of rubber which provides desirable elastic properties. The end piece of the closing member may include a recess which is sized to receive differently sized mounting screws. A supporting contour provided on both sides of the recess of the end piece counteracts a deformation of the hollow tube even in the case of an excessive torque applied to the mounting screws. The closing member is constructed such that it seals the interior of the polygonal tube toward the recess. As a result, the mounting points of the polygonal tube section are arranged in a region of the closing member, which does not carry compressed air. The openings in the polygonal tube, through which the mounting screws of a screw connection extend between the polygonal tube and the machine, need not be sealed. The shape and the position of the recess ensure an adequate staying of the end of the polygonal tube. The closing member of the invention seals the interior of the polygonal tube in a reliable and stable manner for a long duration. Simultaneously with the sealing effect, it is possible to secure the closing member in its position against the air pressure prevailing in the interior of the polygonal tube without additional auxiliary means. A possibly needed repair of the polygonal tube that forms the mounting rod, is easily possible and requires little labor for disassembly and assembly also when the polygonal tube is installed as a part of a mounting rod between other polygonal tubes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further details of the invention will become apparent from the embodiment that is described in greater detail below, with reference to the Figures, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the individual parts of a closing member which embodies the invention before its assembly; FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned view of the parts of the closing member shown in FIG. 1 ; and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the end region of two polygonal tubes, each with a closing member and a connecting tube and taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring more particularly to the drawings, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of a closing member at 1 which embodies the invention. The member 1 comprises an end piece 2 , a sealing element 3 , and a counterpart 4 , which are aligned along a central axis which is shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1 . The member 1 also includes a threaded member 5 , and a sealing washer 6 , which are also positioned along the central axis. The end piece 2 comprises a guide section 7 , whose outer contour is adapted to the inner contour of a polygonal tube 8 shown in phantom lines in FIG. 1 . The polygonal tube 8 is made square or of some other rectangular configuration. Adjacent the guide section 7 is a sealing section 9 with an outer contour of the same shape. The width and height of the outer contour of sealing section 9 are made somewhat smaller than the width and height of the guide section 7 . At the end of the end piece 2 that faces the sealing section 9 , a stop 10 is formed, which interacts with an end face 11 of the polygonal tube 8 , and prevents the closing member 1 from being pulled or pushed into the polygonal tube 8 beyond a desired position. The guide section 7 includes a transverse recess 12 . Through this recess 12 and bore holes 13 , a mounting screw extends, which is not shown for reasons of simplification, and which is used to secure the polygonal tube to a bracket or stand. On both axially separated sides of the recess 12 , a supporting contour 14 , 15 is formed, which counteracts a deformation of the hollow polygonal tube 8 . The recess 12 in end piece 2 is dimensioned adequately large for the mounting screw, so as to be universally suited and usable for different screw sizes and screw positions that are dependent on the design of the stands. Along the central axis, the stop 10 includes an axial opening of a feed channel 16 for the threaded member 5 , and in off-center relationship, an outlet of a connecting channel 17 for carrying the compressed air. The contoured shape of the sealing element 3 corresponds to the polygonal tube 8 and sealing section 9 , with the inner contour of the sealing element 3 being adapted to the outer contour of the sealing section 9 , and the outer contour of the sealing element 3 to the inner contour of the polygonal tube 8 . The sealing element 3 preferably consists of elastically deformable rubber. The wall thickness T of the sealing element 3 is somewhat smaller than the spacing that is present between the inner side of the polygonal tube 8 and the outer side of the guide section 7 , when the closing member 1 is inserted into the polygonal tube 8 . The length L of the sealing element 3 amounts to a multiple of the wall thickness T, and is dimensioned such that the counterpart 4 can adequately bias the sealing element 3 with axial pressure. The counterpart 4 comprises a hollow section 18 of the same contoured shape as the sealing element 3 , and is closed at one end by a rear wall 19 as best seen in FIG. 2 . The rear wall 19 includes in inwardly directed relationship a support element 20 and a channel element 21 . With its edge 22 , the hollow section 18 projects beyond the support element 20 . The channel element 21 projects even beyond the edge 22 . The counterpart 4 can be joined in mating relationship with the end piece 2 , only when the somewhat projecting channel element 21 assumes its correct position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the correct position of the channel element 21 is on the top left in the counterpart 4 . This ensures the necessary flow of the compressed air. Through the center of the rear wall 19 and support element 20 , a bore 23 extends, into which a screw thread is cut. Both the end piece 2 and the counterpart 4 preferably consist of a suitable metal, such as die-cast zinc. The sectional view of FIG. 2 shows further details of the configuration of closing member 1 . In the interior of end piece 2 , the feed channel 16 changes to a smaller diameter. The transition to the smaller diameter of the feed channel 16 is shaped as a shoulder 24 . The connection channel 17 changes to a compressed air channel 25 , which has a smaller operative cross section than the connection channel 17 . In the counterpart 4 , one can note a passageway opening 26 for the compressed air. The channel element 21 forms a part of the extension of compressed air channel 25 . When assembling the closing member 1 , one begins with sliding the sealing element 3 onto the sealing section 9 of the end piece 2 as far as the guide section 7 . Subsequently, one inserts the threaded member 5 together with the sealing washer 6 into the feed channel 16 , with the sealing washer 6 being placed on the shoulder 24 . The end of threaded member 5 is turned into threaded bore 23 of the counterpart 4 only so far that it engages the screw thread, and that the counterpart 4 does not yet exert an axial pressure on the sealing element 3 . The thus preassembled closing member 1 is inserted into the end of the polygonal tube 8 as far as the stop 10 . Subsequently, one tightens the threaded member 5 , whose head includes a hexagon socket 27 , so that the end piece 2 axially exerts with its edge 22 a pressure on the sealing element 3 . This causes the sealing element 3 to expand against the inner side of the polygonal tube 8 , to secure the position of the closing member 1 against the air pressure developing in the interior of the polygonal tube 8 , and to form a seal in an airtight manner between the polygonal tube 8 and the end piece 2 . A closing member 1 in this state is shown in FIG. 3 . The compressed air is allowed to flow through the closing member 1 from the passageway opening 26 , via the compressed air channel 25 to the connection channel 17 , or in the opposite direction. Adjacent at a small distance from the polygonal tube 8 is a second polygonal tube 28 . A closing member 29 inserted into the polygonal tube 28 is made mirror-inverted with closing member 1 . The closing member 1 and closing member 29 are interconnected by a connection tube 30 , which is inserted with its ends into the connection channel 17 and connection channel 31 . With that, compressed air is allowed to flow unimpeded between the polygonal tube 8 and polygonal tube 28 through compressed air channels 25 and 33 . The connection tube 30 is sealed by means of O-ring seals 32 as disclosed in DE 198 30 048 A1. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Within the scope of the invention, alternative configurations are possible, in particular of the end piece and the counterpart.

A closing member 1 for compressed air carrying polygonal tubes, which is inserted in a sealing manner into the polygonal tube at one end thereof. The closing member 1 includes an elastic sealing element 3 , and the closing member is constructed such that it biases in its inserted state the sealing element 3 in such a manner that it seals and secures the closing member 1 relative to the polygonal tube 8 . Closing members of this type are used to seal mounting tubes in yarn spinning machines with pneumatically loaded top roller support and weighting arms.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of each of: [0002] 1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/306,530, filed Dec. 30, 2005, entitled “Heat pipes utilizing load bearing wicks”, hereby incorporated by reference [0003] 2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/306,529, filed Dec. 30, 2005, entitled “Perforated heat pipes”, hereby incorporated by reference [0004] 2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/307,051, filed Jan. 20, 2006, entitled “Process of manufacturing of spongy heat pipes”, hereby incorporated by reference FIELD OF INVENTION [0005] This invention presents novel fastener design that embeds integral heat pipe structure throughout its volume. The fastener this way executes two functions: (i) securing components of a construction or an assembly, and (ii) efficiently transferring significant heat fluxes between the components. [0006] Heat pipes and similar devices that utilize phase transitions of liquids and are essentially use heat pipe principles were used vastly in engineering of engines, motors, boilers, ovens, exhausts, and many other apparatuses that encounter significant density of generated heat energy. These devices are used in two ways: (i) they either integrated into design of the apparatus, or (ii) attached to the apparatus to establish heat link with another body. In either case heat pipe itself does not bear primary mechanical load and additional fastening structures establish mechanical fastening of the apparatus. [0007] Traditional heat pipes are limited in their mechanical strength, as by design, they are hollow structures usually shapes as a pipe or a ribbon. Ribbon geometry does not provide significant shape stability and commonly uses for flexible designs. The pipe shape does not allow for convenient fastening and always requires additional fasteners and hardware to perform its operations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0008] This invention creates fasteners that provide significant mechanical strength and powerful heat transfer capacity. Its preferred embodiments show rigid design and shock dampening design. Invention utilizes benefits of two prior inventions Ser. No. 11/306,529 and Ser. No. 11/306,530 that disclose load bearing design of heat pipes and perforated or sponge like heat pipe design. It also relies on production method disclosed in invention Ser. No. 11/307,051. [0009] These disclosures enable creation of arbitrary shaped heat pipe type devices that unlike traditional heat pipes reveal significant surface area. This invention employs these devices and embeds them into volume of a solid substance. In first preferred embodiment this substance is high temperature silicone rubber. [0010] Alternatively a plurality of small discontinuous heat pipes or similar devices can be used in a similar way (term heat pipe stands for a sealed volume containing at least a mix of a liquid and its vapors). They can be poured together in ordered or unordered fashion and solidified/united by means of a solid substance via molding, laminating or other process. Resulting device will have the same mechanical and slightly inferior thermal characteristics yet sufficiently similar to consider it within the scope of this invention. [0011] FIG. 1 shows an example of shock absorber for combustion engine. It is designed to interface directly with wall of combustion chamber (cylinder). Construction material is sponge like heat pipe molded with high temperature silicone rubber into desired shape. Bolted connections are used to attach cylinder block on one side and chassis of a machine on the other side. Broken view shows inner volume of the part. It is occupied by unordered mesh of heat pipe where all voids are filled with silicone rubber. Such a construction has high mechanical strength that allows direct bolt connections and sufficient elasticity that reduces chassis vibrations caused by the engine. [0012] The same geometry if executed as a standard heat pipe will have poor mechanical strength and would collapse under load of bolts and the engine weight. [0013] Second preferred embodiment uses electroplated aluminum and alumina particles composite instead of molding compound. Final structure resembles porous metal but have branches of the heat pipe embedded in it. Resulting part has high tensile and compression strength and light weight, yet its thermal conductivity exceeds one of graphite fibers. Implemented technique allows for high structural loads on the part due to its advanced geometry. Parts like can be used as a fasteners and structural elements in jet engines, gas turbines, electric motors etc. [0014] FIG. 2 show implementation of this embodiment in micro motor applications. High speed micro electric motors can provide significant specific power up 100 times exceeding those of large industrial motors, but this power quickly overheat them. Invented fastener provides no weight overhead comparing with ordinary fasteners, yet it sinks more heat than any ordinary heat sink. Chassis of the craft dissipate this heat flux by passive heat transfer. Implementing similar approach with regular heat pipe solution would create weight overhead caused by weight of a heat pipe and mounting hardware. [0015] Discontinued heat pipes can be produced by cutting a long capillary heat pipe onto plurality of short segments while sealing their ends. This discontinued segment can be as narrow as 0.8 mm or even less and 5 mm to several centimeters long. These fragments can form a felt like structure or be parked in yarns or other ordered layouts. For subject of this invention it is not essential whether a perforated- or spongy-heat pipe or plurality of discontinued heat pipes employed inside the part of described embodiments. [0016] This invention provides great usability and functional benefits to high energy density engineering designs ranging from micro-robotics and mobile electronics to industrial equipment and aero-space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] FIG. 1 shows an example of harness with high mechanical strength and exceptional thermal conductance. Part of exterior finish is shown as removed to illustrate inner fibrous composition. Each of shown fibers is micro heat pipe. [0018] FIG. 2 shows an example of harness that simultaneously plays role of a radiator. Monolithic design was machined from block of material with embedded micro heat pipes.

Invention disclosures novel design of structural components and fasteners that in addition to sound mechanical strength reveal excellent thermal characteristics, which allows using them as super efficient heat sinking/management solutions.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT This invention was made with government support under Contract Number MDA-972-92-J-1083 awarded by the Advanced Research Projects Administration. The government has certain rights in the invention. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to the field of optical storage and optical pulse pattern generation. In particular, the invention relates to optical memories, buffers, and signal generating devices which are useful for optical processing and optical switching systems, and to methods of optical data storage and pattern generation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Optical memories and optical random and pseudo-random pattern generators are important components for optical communication and computing systems such as ultra-high-speed, time-domain, multiplexing, multi-access optical networks. Such devices are useful for performing a variety of functions, including storing data packets during dock recovery, processing of headers, and data rate conversions. Also, optical memory is required for bandwidth-on-demand systems while users wait for access to the network. Short-term optical data storage has been demonstrated in optical memories. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,270 discloses an optical circulating loop useful for a short-term optical memory. Data is loaded into the circulating loop and is preserved during multiple circulations in the loop. The data signals are readable until they are attenuated. Because there is no amplification in the loop to compensate for loss, the data signals rapidly attenuate. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,738,503 and 4,923,267 disclose an optical circulating loop which includes an amplifier to partially compensate for losses in the loop. The amplifier, however, must operate with a net round trip loss, otherwise noise can build to a large steady-state value. In addition, laser oscillation will occur and destroy the data pattern. Researchers have discovered that lossless circulation in an optical circulating loop can be achieved by incorporating bistability in the circulating path. J. D. Moores, "On the Ginzburg-Landau Laser Modelocking Model with Fifth Order Saturable Absorber Term," Opt. Comm., vol. 96, pp 65-70, February 1993, H. A. Haus, E. P. Ippen, and K. Tamura, "Additive Pulse Modelocking In Fiber Lasers," IEEE J. Quant. Elec., vol 30 pp. 200-208, January 1994. Bistability introduces different round trip losses for high intensity and low intensity signals. Thus, the bistability amplifies and maintains optical pulses with higher energy and attenuates optical pulses with lower energy. Storage time in circulating loops having lossless circulation is restricted by propagation limitations. Mechanisms which contribute to propagation imitations include the Gordon-Haus effect, Raman self-frequency shift, and third-order fiber dispersion. J. D. Moores, W. S. Wong, and H. A. Haus, "Stability and Timing Maintenance in Soliton Transmission and Storage Rings", Opt. Comm., 113, p. 153, (1994). The Gordon-Haus effect is a noise-imparted propagation limitation which occurs when spontaneous emission noise from amplifiers shifts the frequency and thus, the velocity of an optical pulse through group velocity dispersion. These random velocity shifts result in timing errors. The timing errors limit the achievable bandwidth-transmission distance product. In optical memories, the Gordon practical storage time of the memory. Raman self-frequency shift is another propagation imitation which occurs with short-pulse transmissions and is due to the fad that the pulse frequency shifts with propagation distance at a rate proportional to the squared pulse bandwidth and the intensity. Noise-imparted fluctuations in pulse photon number and pulse width alter the rate of Raman sell-frequency shift of a pulse, or equivalently, alter the rate at which the inverse group velocity changes with distance and result in additional timing errors. This Raman effect is a serious limitation for high-speed long-distance transmissions and long-term storage. Third order dispersion also limits propagation and storage time. Classically, it leads to distortion of pulses, including solitons. Furthermore, noise-imparted fluctuations in pulse bandwidth result in timing jitter. Other effects which may limit propagation and storage time include electrostriction and inter-pulse interactions. P Researchers have discovered that these propagation limitations can be overcome by incorporating a stabilizing element in the circulating loop. This allows long-term storage without pulse degradation, timing jitter or photon number fluctuations. C. R. Doerr, W. S. Wong, H. A. Haus and E. P. Ippen, "Additive-Pulse Mode-locking/Limiting Storage Ring"; Opt. Lett., 19, p. 1747, (1994). Prior art stabilizing elements utilize electronic or electro-optic devices modulated by an electrical signal to control optical transmission within the circulating loop. The data rate in the circulating loop is limited by the bandwidth of the electronic or electro-optic devices. Unfortunately, the bandwidth of these devices limits the data rate in the circulating loop to around 10-20 GHz. It is therefore a principal object of this invention to provide a circulating loop memory in which the stabilizing element is all-optical and, therefore, is not limited by the bandwidth of electronic or electro optic devices. It is another object of this invention to provide an all-optical stabilizing element that utilizes known ultrafast optical transmission nonlinearities of semiconductor amplifier devices. Such a stabilizing element allows the storage of a high-speed optical data pattern for long periods of time. It is another object of this invention to provide a monolithically integrated all-optical memory suitable for a compact optical communication system. It is another object of this invention to provide an optical pattern generator for producing high-speed optical random and pseudo-random signals. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A principle discovery of the present invention is that an optical memory and an optical random and pseudo-random pattern generator can be constructed with an all-optical stabilizing element that utilizes known ultrafast optical transmission nonlinearities of semiconductors. These nonlinearities include carrier-density-induced absorption saturation, carrier-density-induced gain saturation, spectral hole burning, carrier heating, and two-photon absorption. Because the memory is all-optical, the data rate is not limited to the bandwidth of electronic or electro-optic devices. Data rates in an optical loop with all-optical stabilization can exceed 100 GHz. Such a memory element is advantageous for optical communications, where optical control signals are already present or easily generated and where electrical control signals may require additional hardware. Accordingly, the present invention features an optical memory and an optical random and pseudo-random pattern generator which incorporates optical amplitude modulation for timing stability and nonlinear polarization rotation for bistability. In one embodiment, an optical memory includes an optical ring resonator having a circulating optical path for sustaining a data stream comprising high and low intensity optical signals. The resonator may include at least three reflecting members, a length of optical fiber that closes back onto itself to form a loop, or a monolithically integrated optical waveguide that closes back onto itself to form a loop. An optical alter may be disposed within the optical path for optical stability and wavelength selection. A dispersion element may be disposed within the optical path for controlling total dispersion in the optical path in the ring resonator. A unidirectional element may be disposed within the optical path for restricting the direction of propagation of the optical signals. An optical amplifier is disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator for amplifying the optical signals. The optical amplifier may be a semiconductor amplifier or a fiber amplifier disposed in the optical path. The fiber amplifier may be any rare-earth doped fiber amplifier. A bistability generator is also disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator. The bistability generator simultaneously provides lossless circulation in the optical path for the high intensity optical signals and net loss circulation for both the low intensity optical signals and any amplified spontaneous emission signals. The bistability generator may be an intensity-dependent loss element. The intensity-dependent loss element may include a polarization rotation generator for providing rotation proportional to intensity and a polarization selective element for selecting only a certain polarization. The polarization rotation generator may be an optical fiber, a bulk optic Kerr medium, or a semiconductor. In addition, the intensity-dependent loss element may include one or more polarization state controllers. The polarization selective element and the polarization state controllers are configured to control the intensity dependent loss. An optically-controlled stabilizing element is also disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator for providing signal timing stability. The optically controlled stabilizing element also may determine the repetition rate for the data stream in the optical ring resonator and may compensate for timing jitter. Further, the optically-controlled stabilizing element may provide pulse width stability and signal amplitude stability. The optically controlled stabilizing element may be an amplitude-modulated, a phase-modulated, or a frequency-modulated transmission element. The transmission element may be a modulated semiconductor amplifier. The semiconductor amplifier may be modulated by cross-gain saturation, cross-phase modulation, or by four-wave mixing. Optical control for the stabilizing element may be provided by an optical signal generator, an optical pulse source, or an input data source. The optical memory also includes a coupling element which communicates with the optical path for coupling signals out of the ring resonator. The coupling element may be an optical coupler or switch, which couples the optical signals out of the resonator. In addition, the coupling element may be an optical coupler or switch, which couples the optical signals into and out of the resonator. The coupling element may input optical signals from an optical data source into the ring resonator. In another embodiment, an optical pattern generator includes an optical ring resonator, having a circulating optical path for sustaining a data stream comprising high and low intensity optical signals. The resonator may be constructed from at least three reflecting members, a length of optical fiber that doses back onto itself to form a loop, or a monolithically integrated optical waveguide that closes back onto itself to form a loop. An optical filter may be disposed within the optical path for optical stability and wavelength selection. A dispersion element may be disposed within the optical path for controlling total dispersion in the optical path in the ring resonator. A unidirectional element may be disposed within the optical path for restricting the direction of propagation of the optical signals. An optical amplifier having spontaneous emission noise is disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator for amplifying the spontaneous emission noise to generate and sustain a data pattern. The optical amplifier may be a fiber amplifier disposed in the optical path. The fiber amplifier may be any rare-earth doped fiber amplifier. The amplifier may also be a semiconductor amplifier. A bistability generator is also disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator, which simultaneously provides lossless circulation in the optical path for the high intensity optical signals and net loss circulation for both the low intensity optical signals and any amplified spontaneous emission signals. The bistability generator may be an intensity-dependent loss element. The intensity-dependent loss element may include a polarization rotation generator for providing rotation proportional to intensity and a polarization selective element for allowing only a certain polarization in the optical path. The polarization rotation generator may be an optical fiber, a bulk optic Kerr medium, or a semiconductor. In addition, the intensity-dependent loss element may include one or more polarization state controllers. The polarization selective element and the polarization state controllers are configured to control the intensity dependent loss. An optically-controlled stabilizing element may be disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator for providing amplitude and pulse width signal timing stability. The optically-controlled stabilizing element also may determine the repetition rate for the data stream in the optical ring resonator and may compensate for timing jitter. Further, the optically-controlled stabilizing element may provide pulse width stability and signal amplitude stability. The optically-controlled stabilizing element may be an amplitude-modulated, a phase-modulated, or a frequency-modulated transmission element. The transmission element may be a semiconductor amplifier. The semiconductor amplifier may be modulated by cross-gain saturation, cross-phase modulation, or by four-wave mixing. Optical control for the stabilizing element may be provided by an optical signal generator, an optical pulse source, or an input data source. The optical random pattern generator also includes a coupling element, which communicates with the optical path for coupling signals out of the ring resonator. The coupling element may be an optical coupler or a switch, which couples the optical signals out of the resonator. In addition, the coupling element may be an optical coupler or a switch, which couples the optical signals into and out of the resonator. The coupling element may input optical signals from an optical data source into the ring resonator. In another embodiment, the optical pattern generator also includes a coupling element which communicates with the optical path and couples a predetermined data pattern into the ring resonator in order to seed the optical pattern generator. In this embodiment, the optical pattern generator includes an optical switch disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator for altering the data pattern. In another embodiment, a monolithically integrated optical memory includes a ring resonator that is formed from an optical waveguide which is monolithically integrated into a substrate. The substrate may be a semiconductor or a lithium niobate substrate. The waveguide forms a circulating optical path for sustaining a data stream comprising high and low intensity optical signals. A unidirectional element may be monolithically integrated into the substrate so that it is disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator. The unidirectional element restricts the direction of the optical signals. An optical amplifier for amplifying the optical signals is monolithically integrated into the substrate so that it is disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator. A bistability generator is monolithically integrated into the substrate so that it is disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator. The bistability generator simultaneously provides lossless circulation in the optical path for the high intensity optical signals and net loss circulation for both the low intensity optical signals and any amplified spontaneous emission signals. An optically-controlled stabilizing element is monolithically integrated into the substrate so that it is disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator. The stabilizing element provides timing signal stability. A coupling element is monolithically integrated into the substrate so that it communicates with the optical path and couples the optical signals in and out of the ring resonator. The coupling element may be an optical coupler or a switch. In another embodiment, an optical memory utilizes a single nonlinear element for generating optical amplification, bistability, and timing signal stability. The nonlinear element is disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator. The nonlinear element includes an amplifier for amplifying the optical signals, a bistability generator, and an optically controlled stabilizing element for providing timing signal stability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on illustrating the principles of the present invention. FIG. 1 is one embodiment of an optical memory which incorporates an optically-controlled stabilizing element. FIG. 2 is another embodiment of an optical memory which incorporates an all-optical stabilizing element wherein the ring resonator comprises an optical fiber that closes back onto itself to form a loop. FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the present invention which is a monolithically integrated optical memory. FIG. 4 is one embodiment of an optical random pattern generator which generates random or pseudo-random optical signals from noise. FIG. 5 illustrates storage of a data pattern generated from noise in a ring resonator similar to FIG. 4. FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the measured R.F. spectrum for a stored pseudo-random word generated by a ring resonator similar to FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 is one embodiment of an optical memory which incorporates an optically-controlled stabilizing element in accordance with the principles of the invention. An optical memory 10 is constructed from an optical ring resonator 12 having a circulating optical path 14 for sustaining a data stream comprising high and low intensity optical signals. The ring resonator 12 may be constructed from at least three reflecting members, a length of optical fiber that doses back onto itself to form a loop, or a monolithically integrated optical waveguide that closes back onto itself to form a loop. A unidirectional element 16 is disposed within the optical path 14 for restricting the direction of propagation of the optical signals. The unidirectional element 16 need not be a separate element it may be part of another element disposed in the optical path 14. An optical filter 18 may be disposed in the optical path for providing optical stability and wavelength selection. A dispersion element 19 may be disposed within the optical path 14 for controlling total dispersion in the ring resonator 12. An optical amplifier 20 is disposed in the optical path 14 of the ring resonator 12 for amplifying the optical signals. The optical amplifier 20 may be a fiber amplifier or semiconductor amplifier. Any rare-earth doped fiber amplifier such as an erbium, praseodymium, ytterbium-erbium or thulium doped fiber amplifier may be used. A bistability generator 22 is disposed in the optical path 14 of the ring resonator 12. The bistability generator 22 maintains the intensity of the pulses and reduces timing jitter. More specifically, the bistability generator 22 simultaneously provides lossless circulation in the optical path 14 for high intensity optical signals and net loss circulation for both low intensity optical signals and any amplified spontaneous emission signals. That is, low intensity optical signals are suppressed while high intensity signals see unity round-trip gain thus, forcing the high intensity signals to a fixed amplitude. In one embodiment, the bistability generator 22 is an intensity-dependent loss element which comprises a polarization selective element 24 and a polarization rotation generator 26. The polarization selective element 24 passes only a certain polarization. The polarization rotation generator 26 provides nonlinear polarization rotation proportional to the intensity of the optical signals. The polarization rotation generator 26 may comprise materials such as optical fibers, bulk optic Kerr media, or semiconductors. In one embodiment, the polarization rotation generator 26 is an optical fiber comprising the optical ring resonator 12. In addition, the bistability generator 22 may include one or more polarization state controllers 28 to adjust the polarization of the optical signal to an optimum polarization. The polarization selective element 24 together with the polarization state controllers 28 control the intensity dependent loss. An optically-controlled stabilizing element 30 is disposed in the optical path 14 of the ring resonator 12. The optically controlled stabilizing element 30 may determine the repetition rate for the data stream in the optical ring resonator 12 and may compensate for timing jitter. Further, the optically controlled stabilizing element may provide pulse width stability and signal amplitude stability. The optically controlled stabilizing element 30 may be an amplitude-modulated, a phase-modulated, or a frequency-modulated transmission element. The transmission element may be a modulated semiconductor amplifier. Semiconductor transmission elements are advantageous because semiconductors exhibit known ultrafast optical transmission nonlinearities. These nonlinearities cause transmission changes due to optical control signals in the amplifier. For example, carrier-density-induced absorption saturation occurs in semiconductors when a semiconductor amplifier is biased in the absorption regime. Carrier-density-induced gain saturation occurs in semiconductors when a semiconductor amplifier is biased in the gain regime. Spectral hole burning may also occur in semiconductors which increases transmission during absorption and decreases transmission during gain. Carrier heating occurs in semiconductors and reduces the transmission during both absorption and gain. Also, two-photon absorption occurs in semiconductors and reduces transmission. An optical signal generator 32 modulates the stabilizing element 30. Modulation of the optically-controlled stabilizing element 30 can be achieved by numerous mechanisms including cross-gain saturation, cross-phase modulation, and four-wave mixing. The optical signal generator 32 may be an optical signal generator, an optical pulse source, or an input data source. The optical memory includes a coupling element 34 which communicates with the optical path 14 for coupling signals out of the ring resonator 12. The coupling element may be a coupler or a switch which couples the optical signals out of the ring resonator 12. The coupling element may be an optical coupler or a 1×2 switch. In addition, the coupling element 34 may be a coupler or a switch which couples the optical signals into and out of the resonator. The coupling element may be an optical coupler or a 2×2 switch. In addition, the coupling element 34 may input optical signals from an optical data source 36 into the ring resonator 12. In another embodiment of the present invention, a single nonlinear element 38 is utilized to generate optical amplification, bistability, and timing signal stability. The nonlinear element 38 is disposed in the optical path 14 of the ring resonator 12. The nonlinear element 38 includes the optical amplifier 20 for amplifying the optical signals, a bistability generator 22, and an optically controlled stabilizing element 30 for providing timing signal stability. FIG. 2 is another embodiment of an optical memory, featuring an all-optical stabilizing element. A ring resonator comprises an optical fiber 50 configured to form a closed fiber loop 52 of a fixed length which defines a fundamental cavity frequency. The fiber 50 may be single mode fiber such as SMF-28 fiber. A polarization-sensitive isolator 53 disposed in the loop 52 restricts propagation of optical signals in the fiber 50 to one direction. A coupler 54 communicating with the loop 52 is utilized to couple a portion of the optical signals propagating in the fiber out of the fiber 50. The coupler 54 may also be utilized to couple optical signals into the fiber 50. A fiber amplifier 56 disposed in the loop 52 is used to amplify optical signals propagating in the loop 52. The fiber amplifier 56 may comprise a highly-doped rare-earth fiber and a pump laser coupled to the doped rare-earth fiber by a wavelength division multiplying coupler (not shown). Examples of rare-earth doped fibers are erbium, praseodymium, ytterbium-erbium or thulium doped fiber. For example, an erbium-doped fiber amplifier may be pumped by a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) at 980 nm. The optical memory includes a bistability generator 58 disposed in the loop 52 for providing intensity-dependent loss. The bistability generator 58 comprises a polarization selective element 60 and a polarization rotation generator 62 disposed in the loop 52. The polarization selective element 60 allows only a certain polarization in the fiber 50. The polarization rotation generator 62 utilizes a portion of the optical fiber 64 to achieve polarization rotation proportional to intensity. Alternatively, the entire optical fiber 50 may be used to achieve polarization rotation proportional to intensity. In addition, the bistability generator 58 includes one or more polarization controllers 65 which control the polarization states of the optical signals in the fiber 50. Waveplates 66 disposed in the loop 52 may also be used to control the polarization states of the optical signals in the fiber 50. An optically-controlled stabilizing element 68 is disposed in the loop 52. The stabilizing element 68 is a semiconductor amplifier. The semiconductor amplifier may be a commercially available high-power laser diode with antireflection coating on both facets 70,72. Coupling into and out of the laser amplifier may be achieved by fiber microlenses (not shown). A control laser 74 and a modulator 76 are utilized to control the stabilizing element 68. The control laser 74 generates an optical control beam 78 and the modulator 76 amplitude modulates the optical beam 78 to create a modulated control beam. The control laser 74 may be a semiconductor diode laser. The modulator may be a LiNbO 3 amplitude modulator. The optical control beam 78 may be coupled to the fiber 50 by a polarization beamsplitting cube 80 and lenses 82. A fiber coupler (not shown) may be used instead of the beamsplitting cube 80 and lenses 82. A typical optical power for achieving cross-saturation in the semiconductor amplifier is approximately 1 mW. The control beam 78 may be coupled out of the fiber 50 by a wavelength division multiplexing coupler 84 or may be absorbed in the fiber amplifier 56. The use of the control laser 74 and the amplitude modulator 76 to cross-saturate the gain of the semiconductor amplifier is advantageous because it allows high data rates without the use of a short pulse laser source. Optical signals that are modulated are potentially easier to generate, and more widely tunable in rate and in frequency, than are signals generated by modelocked sources. In addition, optical signals may simplify the access node design because the incoming optical clock or data stream could be used to synchronize the optical memory to the network data rate. An all-optical memory incorporating the the control laser 74 and the amplitude modulator 6 to cross-saturate the gain of the semiconductor amplifier for timing stability has achieved storage of a 1.25 kbit packet at 10 Gb/s with a data pattern spontaneously generated from noise. The gain was modulated optically at rates exceeding 10 GHz. Modulation rates may be extended to the 100 GHz range by using soliton optical modulation sources, and by taking advantage of enhanced recovery rates and high-speed nonlinearities, such as carrier heating in the diode amplifiers. Another embodiment of the present invention is a monolithically integrated optical memory shown in FIG. 3. Such a device is advantageous because it is potentially much smaller in size and is directly compatible with other integrated optical devices. The monolithically integrated optical memory 100 has a ring resonator 102 formed from an optical wave guide 104 and mirrors 105 which are monolithically integrated into a substrate 106. The substrate 106 may be a semiconductor or a lithium niobate substrate. The waveguide 104 forms a circulating optical path 108 for sustaining a data stream comprising high and low intensity optical signals. A unidirectional element 110 is monolithically integrated into the substrate 106 so that it is disposed in the optical path 108 of the ring resonator 102. The unidirectional element 110 restricts the direction of the optical signals. An optical amplifier 112 for amplifying the optical signals is monolithically integrated into the substrate 106 so that it is disposed in the optical path 108 of the ring resonator 102. A bistability generator 114 is monolithically integrated into the substrate 106 so that it is disposed in the optical path 108 of the ring resonator 102. The bistability generator 114 simultaneously provides lossless circulation in the optical path 108 for the high intensity optical signals and net loss circulation for both the low intensity optical signals and any amplified spontaneous emission signals. An optically controlled stabilizing element 116 is monolithically integrated into the substrate 106 so that it is disposed in the optical path 108 of the ring resonator 102. The stabilizing element 116 provides timing signal stability. The stabilizing element 116 may be a semiconductor amplifier. An optical signal generator (not shown) for modulating the stabilizing element 116 is coupled to the stabilizing element 116 by a coupler 120. Modulation of the optically-controlled stabilizing element 116 can be achieved by numerous mechanisms including cross-gain saturation, cross-phase modulation, and four-wave mixing. The optical signal generator may be an optical signal generator, an optical pulse source, or an input data source A coupling element 118 is monolithically integrated into the substrate 106 50 that it communicates with the optical path 108 and couples the optical signals in and out of the ring resonator 102. The coupling element may be an optical coupler or a switch that is monolithically integrated into the substrate 106. FIG. 4 is one embodiment of an optical pattern generator which generates random optical signals from noise. An optical pattern generator 150 is constructed from an optical ring resonator 152 having a circulating optical path 154 for sustaining a data stream comprising high and low intensity optical signals. The ring resonator 152 may be constructed from at least three reflecting members, a length of optical fiber that closes back onto itself to form a loop, or a monolithically integrated optical waveguide that closes back onto itself to form a loop. A unidirectional element 156 is disposed within the optical path 154 for restricting the direction of propagation of the optical signals. An optical filter 158 is disposed within the optical path for optical stability and wavelength selection. A dispersion element 160 is disposed within the optical path 154 for controlling total dispersion in the ring resonator 152. An optical amplifier 162 having spontaneous emission noise is disposed in the optical path 154 of the ring resonator 152 for amplifying the spontaneous emission noise to generate the data pattern. The optical amplifier 162 may be a fiber amplifier (not shown) disposed in the optical path 154. The fiber amplifier may be any rare-earth doped fiber amplifier such as an erbium, praseodymium, ytterbium-erbium or thulium doped fiber amplifier. The optical amplifier 162 may also be a semiconductor amplifier. A bistability generator 164 is also disposed in the optical path 154 of the ring resonator 152. As described in connection with FIG. 1, the bistability generator maintains the intensity of optical pulses circulating in the ring resonator 152 and reduces timing jitter. The bistability generator 164 simultaneously provides lossless circulation in the optical path 154 for high intensity optical signals and net loss circulation for both low intensity optical signals and any amplified spontaneous emission signals. In one embodiment, the bistability generator 164 is an intensity-dependent loss element which comprises a polarization selective element 166 and a polarization rotation generator 168. The polarization selective element 166 allows only a certain polarization in the optical path 154. The polarization rotation generator 168 provides nonlinear polarization rotation proportional to the intensity of the optical signals. The polarization rotation generator 168 may comprise materials such as optical fibers, bulk optic Kerr media, or semiconductors. In addition, the bistability generator 164 may include one or more polarization state controllers 170 to adjust the polarization of the optical signal to an optimum polarization. The polarization selective element 166 together with the polarization state controllers 170 control the intensity-dependent loss. An optically controlled stabilizing element 172 may be disposed in the optical path 154 of the ring resonator 152. The optically-controlled stabilizing element 172 may determine the repetition rate for the data stream in the optical ring resonator 152 and may compensate for timing jitter. Further, the optically controlled stabilizing element may provide pulse width stability and signal amplitude stability. The optically-controlled stabilizing element 172 may be an amplitude-modulated, a phase-modulated, or a frequency-modulated transmission element. The transmission element may be a modulated semiconductor amplifier. As described in connection with FIG. 1, semiconductor transmission elements are advantageous because semiconductors exhibit known ultrafast optical transmission nonlinearities. Modulation of the optically-controlled stabilizing element 172 can be achieved by numerous techniques including cross-gain saturation, cross-phase modulation and four-wave mixing. An optical signal generator 174 provides optical control for the stabilizing element 172. The optical signal generator 174 may be an optical signal generator, an optical pulse source, or an input data source. The optical memory includes a coupling element 176 which communicates with the optical path 154 for coupling generated optical patterns into and out of the ring resonator 152. The coupling element 176 may be a coupler or a switch which couples the optical signals out of the ring resonator 152. The coupling element 176 may be an optical coupler, a 1×2 switch or a 2×2 switch. The present invention also features an optical pattern generator for generating pseudo-random optical signals from noise. The pattern generator includes an optical ring resonator, an optical amplifier, and a bistability generator which corresponds to the pattern generator described in connection with FIG. 4. In addition, the coupling element 176 couples a predetermined data pattern into the ring resonator 152 in order to seed the pattern generator. The pattern generator may also include an optical switch 178 disposed in the optical path of the ring resonator for altering the data pattern. The coupling element 176 be a coupler or a switch which couples the optical signals into and out of the ring resonator 152. The coupling element 176 may be an optical coupler or a 2×2 switch. In addition, the coupling element 176 may input optical signals from an optical data source 180 into the ring resonator 152. In another embodiment of the present invention, a single nonlinear element 190 is utilized to generated optical amplification, bistability, and timing signal stability. The nonlinear element 190 is disposed in the optical path 154 of the ring resonator 152. The nonlinear element 190 includes the optical amplifier 162 for amplifying the optical signals, a bistability generator 164, and an optically-controlled stabilizing element 172 for providing timing signal stability. FIG. 5 illustrates storage of data pattern generated from noise in a ring resonator similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. The displayed dab pattern is 21 bits long which corresponds to a 2 ns time window. The data rate is 10.6 GHz. The data were detected by a 45 GHz bandwidth photodiode and were displayed on a digital sampling oscilloscope with a 50 GHz bandwidth. The oscilloscope was triggered at the fundamental cavity frequency of the ring resonator. The density of ONE bits in the data pattern is a function of the average gain in the closed fiber loop and the polarization bias of the fiber. The data patterns were stored for several minutes. Unlike prior art optical memories, the storage time is not limited. FIG.6 shows a portion of the measured R.F. spectrum for a stored pseudo-random word. The portion is centered at 10.6 GHz and has a total span of 100 MHz. The observed sidebands are spaced by the period of the cavity round-trip and are constant while the data pattern is stored. Storage of higher data rates can be achieved by optimizing the loop parameters such as, total dispersion in the loop given the optical data rate and the average power and the optical amplifier bias points and recovery rates. EQUIVALENTS While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, although a particular placement of components in the optical path is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, it is noted that other placements of components may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

An optical memory and an optical random and pseudo-random pattern generator for ultra-high-speed time-domain multiplexing multi-access networks are described. The optical memory and pattern generators include an optical ring resonator, an optical amplifier, a bistability generator, an optically-controlled stabilizing element, and a coupling element. Such devices are capable of storing high data rates for long periods of time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to fibrous-material grinding apparatus of the kind which includes a housing which incorporates at least one material inlet and at least one material outlet, rotatable grinding device of substantially cylindrical configuration mounted in said housing, and a plurality of stationary grinding devices disposed around the rotatable grinding device and capable of being pressed towards the rotatable grinding device and which together form a grinding gap in which the fibre material is worked and transported from material inlet to material outlet as a result of rotation of the rotatable grinding device. HISTORY OF THE RELATED ART Known drum refiners of this kind include a plurality of grinding segments disposed around the rotatable grinding device. These grinding segments are mounted for movement in a radial direction towards the mantle surface of the rotatable grinding device and can be pressed axially against the rotatable grinding device by a respective hydraulic piston-cylinder device mounted behind each grinding segment. A large number of such grinding segments are provided, in order to cover the desired area of grinding surface on the mantle surface of the rotatable grinding device, and adjustment of the size of the grinding gap necessitates individual adjustment of each hydraulic piston-cylinder device acting on a grinding segment. This task is made highly complicated by the large number of grinding segments which need to be adjusted to essentially the same radial distance from the mantle surface of the rotatable grinding device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The prime object of the present invention is to provide a grinding apparatus of the kind described in the introduction in which the extent to which the material is ground can be regulated in a simple and effective fashion as the rotatable grinding device rotates. This and other objects are achieved with an inventive grinding apparatus having the characteristic features set forth in the following claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to a preferred embodiment of the grinding apparatus and with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the inventive grinding apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a corresponding longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus. FIGS. 3 and 4 are respective cross-sectional views of grinding segments and adjustable channel walls. FIG. 6 is a view of the grinding apparatus shown in FIG. 5 as seen from the left. FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectioned view of the housing and one of the stationary grinding devices in the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line VIII--VIII in FIG. 7. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The illustrated grinding apparatus comprises a robust stand 9 which supports a drive motor (not shown) in a known manner and a shaft 10 which is connected to the drive motor and which is journalled in the stand 9 in a bearing unit 11 which includes a spherical and a cylindrical bearing. The apparatus housing 1 is supported on the left end of the stand 9, as seen in FIG. 2, by two bracket structures which are positioned centrally on the housing 1 and secured thereto with the aid of bolts, for example. The drive shaft 10 extends into the housing 1 via a water-cooled stuffing box 12 and carries at one end the rotatable grinding device or rotor 4, which is non-rotatably connected to the shaft. The mantle surface of the rotor 4 is configured with grinding surfaces which may have the form of a relief pattern or patterned grinding segments 17 such as to form a grinding surface which includes grooves and flutes in a technically known manner. The housing 1 is fitted with a sealing jacket 20 and O-rings, so as to prevent leakage between outlet and housing. Disposed around the mantle surface of the rotatable grinding device or rotor 4 are a number of stationary grinding segments or flaps 5, which are curved with essentially the same radius of curvature as the cylindrical rotor 4 and which are located at a small distance from the rotor 4. The side of respective stationary grinding flaps which faces towards the mantle surface of the rotor is also provided with a patterned surface 16 of grooves and flutes which form a grinding surface. The flaps 5 are elongated and are pivotally journalled at one end to the housing 1 with the aid of journalling devices 7 and are journalled at the other end for movement towards and away from the mantle surface of the rotor 4, the movement being effected with the aid of pressing devices 8 in which the flaps or segments 5 are pivotally journalled with the aid of pivot shafts. According to one preferred embodiment, the devices 7 by means of which the segments or flaps are pivotally journalled in the housing 1 preferably have the form of flap-adjusting devices which enable the flaps 5 at said one end to be adjusted radially towards and away from the mantle surface of the rotor 4, thereby enabling the grinding gap formed between the flap and the mantle surface of the rotor 4 to be adjusted to a basic setting. In order to enable fibre material or other material to be worked in the grinding gap of the apparatus to be delivered to the gap, the apparatus includes a material inlet 2 which communicates with a central channel 15 surrounding the rotor 4. The fibre material is dogged or otherwise entrained to the material outlets 3 by rotation of the rotor 4, as shown in FIG. 2, while being worked between the flaps and the mantle surface of the rotor 4, the material leaving the apparatus through outlets 3. Although the illustrated embodiment is shown to have four grinding flaps or segments, which cover the major part of the mantle surface of the rotor 4, it will be understood that the number of stationary grinding segments or flaps 5 can be varied without departing from the inventive concept. Several material inlets 2 and material outlets 3 may also be provided at different locations along the periphery of the housing 1 and the rotor 4. In operation, the fibre material to be ground, such as lignocellulosic material, is fed through the inlet 2 to the grinding gap between the flaps 5 and the rotor 4 and accompanies rotation of the rotor while being worked between the respective patterned grinding surfaces of the rotor 4 and of the flaps 5, whereafter the ground material exits from the apparatus through the outlet 3. The basic setting of the grinding gap in the various grinding zones of the apparatus formed between respective flaps 5 and the rotor 4 is effected with the aid of the adjusting devices 7 and the size of the grinding gap is thereafter adjusted with the aid of the pressing devices 8. As the fibre suspension passes through the grinding apparatus, the degree of grinding, i.e. the absorption of energy; is adjusted in the described manner through the separate pressing devices 8 which are adjusted by means of control devices not shown. The pressure generated from the pulp as it is ground is taken-up by the front bearing in the stand 9. In operation, the fibre material passes through the input conduit 2, which is connected to a resilient pad 13 and connected directly to adjustable grinding devices. The fibre material is then transported from the inlet opening 14 and through a center channel 15 which distributes the material to the segments 16, 17, which work the fibre material in an axial direction and the material flows through the grooves 18, 19 to the material outlets 3. The fibre material can be repeatedly recycled and reworked, by connecting the outlet 3 in series with, for instance, the inlet to a following flap while, at the same time, ensuring that an axially movable partition wall or baffle 6 is in its lower or inwardly located position. As before described, the fibre material passes through the inlet 2, the opening 14 and into the center channel 15 which surrounds the rotor and a part of which lies in the rotor and a further part lies in the stator (FIG. 1). The center channel 15 which distributes the fibre material around the rotor is divided into sections by the displaceable partition walls or baffles 6 which project down into the center channel 15 (FIG. 3) and which can be positioned so as either to throttle the flow of fibre material in the channel or to completely cut-off the flow. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the flow of fibre material is caused to pass through a plurality of grooves or flutes which are either curved, such as the grooves 18 in FIG. 3, or angled, such as the grooves 19 in FIG. 3, so that the fibre material will pass through the grinding gap at least once with respect to the grooves 19 and at least twice in respect of the grooves 18. The fibre material will therewith flow from the center channel 15 towards both sides of the rotor and to the outlet 3 which extends along the curved path of the grinding gap. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the position of the outlet 3 can be varied so as to discharge ground material from the apparatus at an earlier or at a later stage. Outlets 3 can be provided for all grinding zones and, as before mentioned, the grinding zones can be connected in series so as to enable the fibre material to be worked several times, or can be connected in parallel for removal of ground material from the apparatus for further treatment. FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a modified form of the inventive grinding apparatus As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 21 and the bearing house 22 are carried by a stand 23. The rotatable grinding device or rotor 24 is mounted in the housing and connected non-rotatably to the shaft of the bearing house. In this embodiment, the rotor 4 includes a hub 25 to which there is connected by means of bolts 26 (FIG. 7) a rotor ring 27 provided with a center channel 28. Connected to the rotor ring 27 are stationary grinding segments 29, which extend around the mantle surface of said ring (FIGS. 7 and 8). Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, stationary grinding segments 30 are arranged around the mantle surface of the rotor and terminate short of the rotor surface so as to define a grinding gap therewith. The grinding segments 30 of this embodiment are elongated but, distinct from the earlier described embodiment, are not pivotally mounted but are instead radially movable in one piece towards and away from the mantle surface of the rotor 24. This movement is produced with the aid of the pressing device 31, which acts on abutment surfaces on the grinding-segment body 30. The grinding-segment body 30 is guided by a piston 32 connected to the body, the piston in turn being guided in a cylinder 33 by means of piston rings 34. A sealing annulus 35 is mounted between the piston 32 and the housing 21, to prevent the ingress of grinding material past the piston 32. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 includes four stationary grinding segments 30 which coact with four cylinders 33, all of which are provided with a sealing cover 36 with the exception of the cylinder 33 shown furthest to the left in FIG. 6, this latter piston being connected to a grinding material inlet 37. The piston 32 is a hollow piston through which grinding material is delivered to the center channel 28 in the rotor 24, the material passing from the inlet 37, through the cylinder 33 and the piston 32 via an opening 40 in the stationary grinding device (FIG. 8) and to the channel 28 formed in the rotor 24. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the inlet 37 may be arranged at any desired angle in relation to the cylinder 33. The embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5-8 includes one single, centrally located outlet 38 which lies on the side of the apparatus remote from the bearing house 22. The grinding segments 29, 30 are located in that part of the housing 21 which faces towards the drive motor 22, and in order to enable grinding material, which leaves the rotor through said grinding segments, to flow to the central outlet 38, the rotor disc 27 is provided with a plurality of openings 39 around the disc periphery, through which the ultimately ground material can pass to that side of the rotor 24 which faces towards the outlet 38. Apart from those differences concerning the manner in which the grinding segments 30 are guided and the arrangement of inlets 37 and outlets 38, the method of operation of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 is the same as that of the grinding apparatus described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. Thus, the material to be ground passes from the inlet 37, the piston 32, the opening 40 in the stationary grinding device 30, to the center channel 28 in the rotor 24, from where the material is distributed in the grinding gap between the grinding segments 29, 30, where the material is worked and then leaves the gap on both sides of the rotor. The ground material then flows to the outlet 38 either directly, or alternatively through the openings 39 in the rotor 24. It will be understood that the described and illustrated embodiment can be modified and changed within the scope of the following claims and that the invention is not restricted to this embodiment.

A fibrous material grinding apparatus which includes a rotatable grinding device mounted within a housing about which is disposed a number of stationary grinding devices and which are selectively spaced and moveable with respect to the rotatable grinding device to vary a grinding gap therebetween and wherein the fibrous material is introduced into a channel which extends centrally around the periphery of the rotatable grinding device so as to distribute the fibrous material to the grinding gap spaces between the rotary and stationary grinding devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a looming apparatus for a loom that is used when attaching or removing the warp beam and elements threaded by the warp to and from the loom. 2. Description of the Prior Art In the operation of attaching the warp beam to the loom and threading the warp thereof through certain elements of the loom, herein termed as a "looming" operation, it has been customary to resort to an operational procedure in which the warp of a new warp beam is threaded through heddles and a reed in advance of attachment of the new warp beam in order that the time involved in the looming operation may be reduced thereby improving the operational efficiency. By using such operational procedure, it is no longer necessary to connect each warp yarn from the warp beam with each warp yarn of the woven cloth on the loom so that the time necessary for the looming operation may be reduced. An example of a looming apparatus for mounting on the loom the warp beam and certain elements threaded by its warp, including heddles, a reed and a dropper box, is disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 53899/1982. With this known apparatus, the warp beam may be mounted to and supported by a manually operated truck, while the heddles are suspended and supported by a heddles suspension arm mounted on the truck to be vertically movable, with the suspension arm being extended and retracted between the truck and the loom. The warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn are mounted on the truck by a sequence of operations similar to that used for mounting these elements on the loom, so that transfering or unloading from the truck to the loom is facilitated. However, when unloading the warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp from the truck to the loom, the truck as a whole needs to be drawn near the loom. To this end, it is necessary to take such measures as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the above patent publication, according to which a recess or cut-out is formed in the truck for introducing the frame of the loom into the recess without interference with the frame. However, in this case, there is a risk that interference may still be caused in the loom especially when the truck is moved manually. In addition, even after the truck is moved near to the loom, it is still necessary to resort to manual operation when unloading the warp beam, so that problems are presented as to safety and the necessity of manual operation. In general, the truck is transported in a direction orthogonal to the cut-out or recess. Thus, in order that the truck may be moved near to the loom, it is necessary to divert the truck in a direction normal to the truck transport direction. For diverting the transport direction in this manner, it is necessary to change the guide direction of the truck castors. Such a change of the castor direction while the truck is stationary often leads to damage to the castors or the castor direction change mechanism due to the heavy weight of the warp beam and the truck. Moreover, considerable manual labor is involved in manually transporting the truck loaded with a heavy warp beam, while it is not possible to reliably prevent interference between the loom components and the truck components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In consideration of the above described status of the prior art, a looming apparatus constructed according to the teachings of the present invention generally includes warp beam handling means for mounting the full warp beam on the loom and removing the empty warp beam therefrom, and means for handling the elements threaded by the warp from the warp beam, that is, at least the heddles and the reed. A movable or extendable supporting platform is mounted on the carrier or truck so as to be movable back and forth between a stand-by position and a looming position. The means for handling the warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn are installed on this supporting platform. In the working position of the carrier or truck in relation to the loom, the supporting platform is thrust from the truck towards the loom. In such manner, the means for handling the warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn are disposed at the prescribed looming position on the truck, while the empty warp beam and the elements on the loom are transported respectively to the warp beam handling means and the means for handling the elements. After transferring from the loom to the supporting platform, the latter is returned to the stand-by position on the truck, which is in turn transported to a prescribed position. When the truck loaded with the full warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn from the warp beam reaches the prescribed working position, the supporting platform extends from the truck towards the loom. Thus, the warp beam handling means and the handling means for the elements threaded by the warp yarn are placed at the looming position in the same manner as described above. After the full warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn are transferred to the loom, the supporting platform is returned to the stand-by position on the truck, which is in turn moved to the prescribed position. Since the two functions of transport and transfer are separately filled by the transportation truck and the transfer supporting platform, the truck may be accurately set at the prescribed working position with respect to the loom, so that the platform can be moved towards the loom under such optimum positioning without interfering with the loom. Thus the warp beam handling means and the means for handling the elements threaded by the warp yarn are at a position convenient for the transfer with respect to the loom, while the truck can be moved without relying upon manual operation. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the warp beam handling means includes a first warp beam handling mechanism for handling the warp beam between a placement position on the truck and a provisional placement position ahead of the warp beam mounting position in the loom and a second warp beam handling mechanism for handling the warp beam between the provisional placement position and the warp beam mounting position. In the present modification, the second warp beam handling mechanism is actuated when the truck is at the working position with respect to the loom, so that the empty warp beam on the loom is moved from the warp beam attachment position in the loom to the provisional placement position. The first warp beam handling mechanism is then actuated so that the empty warp beam at the aforementioned provisional position is moved therefrom to the warp beam placement position on the looming apparatus. After the empty warp beam has been moved from the loom onto the looming apparatus, the latter thus loaded with the empty warp beam is moved to a prescribed position. As the looming apparatus loaded with the full warp beam reaches the prescribed working position, the first warp beam handling mechanism is actuated so that the full warp beam placed on the looming apparatus is moved to the provisional placement position on the loom. The second warp beam handling mechanism is actuated so that the full warp beam disposed at the provisional placement position is moved to the attachment position on the loom. In the arrangement of the present invention, the two consecutive temporary operations, namely the movement between the placement position on the looming apparatus and the provisional placement position on the loom and the transport between the latter position and the attachment position, are separately filled by the first and the second handling mechanisms. A higher degree of freedom in the selection of the transport routes of the first and second handling mechanisms for transporting the warp beam in the respective operations may be achieved for avoiding the interference with the loom components during transfer of the warp beam. In addition, the warp beam can be transported without manual operation throughout the whole route between the placement position on the looming apparatus and the attachment position on the loom so that a saving in man-power and improvement in operational safety may be achieved. These and other advantages and attainments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein there are shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the course of the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view showing an embodiment of the looming apparatus of the present invention when in the working position with respect to the loom; FIG. 2 is a front view of the looming apparatus shown in FIG. 1; FIGS. 3 to 6 are side views showing various states in the course of the transfer of the empty warp beam from the loom to the looming apparatus; FIG. 7 is a side view showing the looming apparatus fitted with the full warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn; FIG. 8 is a side view showing a modified transfer lever; FIG. 9 is a side view showing modifications of the first and second warp beam handling mechanisms; FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the warp tension adjustment means together with the full warp beam, with part being broken away; FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side view showing a looming apparatus according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus being shown at the working position relative to the loom; FIG. 12 is a front view of the looming apparatus shown in FIG. 11; FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing essential parts of a six-member parallel-motion link system of the looming apparatus shown in FIG. 11, the apparatus being shown at the stand-by position; FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing essential parts of the link system in the extended state; FIG. 15 is a side view showing the looming apparatus shown in FIG. 11, the apparatus being shown with the supporting platform moved to the looming position; FIG. 16 is a side view showing the full warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn, with the beam and the elements having been moved from the looming apparatus to the loom; and FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a further modified embodiment of the looming apparatus according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an unmanned towing vehicle 1 and a truck 2 towed by the vehicle 1 and being U-shaped when seen in plan view, are driven with wheels la of the vehicle and castors 2a of the truck 2 being guided along grooved rails 4 passing in the vicinity of the prescribed working position at the back of a loom 3, and are adapted to be halted at the working position by a signal from halt position sensing means (not shown). On the upper surface on the left and right sides of the truck 2 when viewed in FIG. 2, rails 5, 6 and racks 7, 8 are juxtaposed in the fore and aft direction or in the left-and-right direction in FIG. 2. A supporting platform 9 having the shape of a letter U in plan view is placed on the rails 5 and 6 so as to be moved in a direction transverse to the transport direction of the truck 2 by wheels 10 and 11. At the outer extreme ends of an axle 10a of the rear wheel 10, rollers 12 and 13 are supported for rolling on the lower surface of hold-down rails 14 and 15 mounted upright on the left and right extreme ends of the truck 2 for regulating the supporting platform 9 against disengaging upwardly. At the inner ends of the wheel axle 10a, pinions 16, 17 and sprocket wheels 18, 19 are fastened in juxtaposition to the inner ends of the wheel axle 10a, with the pinions 16 and 17 meshing with the racks 7 and 8. On the left and right sides of the upper surface of the supporting platform 9, there are provided reversible hydraulic motors 20 and 21. Sprocket wheels 24 and 25 are fastened to output shafts 22a and 23a of speed-reducing gearing units 22 and 23 adapted to transmit the driving power of the motors 20 and 21. The sprocket wheels 24 and 25 above the platform 9 and the sprocket wheels 18 and 19 below the platform 9 are operatively connected to each other by chains 26 and 27 so that the driving power of the hydraulic motors 20 and 21 is transmitted to the sprocket wheels 18 and 19. On the front sides of both extreme ends of the platform 9, foot levers 28 and 29 are supported for rotation in the fore-and- aft direction. Castors 30, 31 are attached to the lower ends of these foot levers 28 and 29. These foot levers are regulated in their rotational positions by hydraulic cylinders 32 and 33. Usually, these foot levers are regulated so as to be in the out-of-the-way position shown in FIG. 1. At the left and right ends of the platform 9, there are mounted upright supporting posts 34 and 35, and hydraulic cylinders 36 and 37 are passed through the upper ends of these supporting posts 34 and 35 for extending in the fore and aft direction. A supporting bar 38 is mounted across driving shafts 36a and 37a of the hydraulic cylinders 36 and 37 while four supporting brackets 39, 40, 41 and 42 are protrudingly provided to the front side of the supporting bar 38. The outer two supporting brackets 39 and 40 are of a shorter length than the inner supporting brackets 41 and 42. To the foremost parts of the brackets 39 to 42, hydraulic cylinders 43, 44, 45 and 46 are attached so as to be directed downward. Grippers 47 and 48 are mounted to the ends of drive rods 43a, 44a of the outer cylinders 43 and 44 so as to be movable by any suitable means between the gripping position and the release position. When in the gripping position, these grippers grip the ends of a dropper unit 49A adapted for sensing the warp breakage in the loom 3. A rod 50 is mounted between the ends of driving rods 45a, 46a of the inner hydraulic cylinders 45 and 46. To both ends of the rod 50 are attached angled engaging members or supporting hooks 51 and 52 while presser arms 53 and 54 are biased to be turned towards these hooks 51 and 52 so as to be releasably pressed by any suitable means (not shown). Both ends of heddles 55A on the loom 3 are engaged with or supported by these supporting hooks 51 and 52. Together with the heddles 55A, a reed 56A on the loom 3 is pressed against and held by the supporting hooks 51 and 52 by these presser arms 53 and 54. The relative position between these grippers 47, 48 and the supporting hooks 51, 52 is set so as to be similar to that between the heddles 55A and the dropper unit 49A on the loom. A shaft 57 is rotatably mounted between the distal ends of the supporting posts 34 and 35 while levers 58, 59 and transfer levers 60, 61 are secured to both ends of the shaft 57. On the upper edges of the transfer levers 60 and 61 are formed first supporting grooves 60a, only one being shown, and second supporting grooves 60b, also only one being shown. The distance between these grooves is set so as to be equal to that between a warp beam attachment position 62a and provisional warp beam placement position 62b of a pair of warp beam supporting brackets 62, only one being shown, on the beam 3. Hydraulic cylinders 63 and 64 are attached to the rear surfaces of the supporting posts 34 and 35, with driving rods 63a, 64a thereof being connected to the levers 58 and 59. The transfer levers 60 and 61 are regulated by the hydraulic cylinders 63 and 64 so as to be normally in the stand-by position shown in FIG. 1. The hydraulic motors 20, 21 and the hydraulic cylinders 32, 33, 36, 37, 43, 44, 45, 46, 63 and 64 are controlled by actuating switches, not shown, on a control device, also not shown, on the unmanned towing vehicle 1. The operation of the looming apparatus of the present invention when it is in the situation in which a warp yarn T1 supplied from a warp beam 65A mounted on supporting brackets 62 as shown in FIG. 1 and passed by way of a back roller 66 through the dropper unit 49A, heddles 55A and the reed 56A, is used up, so that it becomes necessaary to perform the looming operation, is hereafter explained. The looming apparatus, so far kept within a ready chamber or station (not shown), is moved along the grooved rails 4 to the working position at the back of the loom 3, in the state as shown in FIG. 1. In this working position, the hydraulic cylinders 32 and 33 are operated so that the castors 30 and 31 of the foot levers 28 and 29 are placed on the floor. The hydraulic cylinders 20 and 21 are then driven in the forward direction such that the supporting platform 9 is moved from the stand-by position shown in FIG. 1 along the rails 5 and 6 on the carrier track 2 towards the loom 3. During such movement, the hydraulic cylinders 63 and 64 are actuated such that the supporting grooves 60b in the forward ends of the transfer levers 60, 61 are moved to a position lower than the warp beam shaft 67 of the empty warp beam 65A on the loom 3. Simultaneously, the hydraulic cylinders 36, 37, 43 44, 45 and 46 are actuated such that the grippers 47, 48 and the presser arms 53, 54 are lowered while being also protruded moderately towards the loom in the opened position shown in FIG. 3. When the platform 9 is extended to a looming position from the truck 2 shown in FIG. 3, the grippers 47 and the supporting hooks 51, 52 are at their looming positions, that is, a position directly above both ends of the gripper unit 49A and a position engageable with the heddles 55A, respectively, with the supporting grooves 60b in the transfer levers 60 and 61 disposed directly below the warp beam shaft 67. After the supporting platform 9 is moved to the looming position thereof on the truck 2, loom elements threaded by the warp yarn, namely the dropper unit 49A, heddles 55A and the reed 56A, are disengaged manually from the loom 3, while a woven cloth W ahead of the reed 56A is disconnected and separated from a take-up roller, not shown. The dropper unit 49A is gripped by the grippers 47 and 48, while the heddles 55A and the reed 56A are pressed towards and held by the presser arms 53 and 54. The hydraulic cylinders 36, 37, 43, 44, 45 and 46 are then actuated so that the grippers 47, 48 and the supporting hooks 51, 52 are returned to the stand-by position, FIG. 1, with respect to the platform 9 and the supporting posts 34 and 36. Then, by the operation of the hydraulic cylinders 63 and 64, the transfer levers 60, 61 are raised slightly, the warp beam shaft 67 engaging with the supporting groove 60b. In this state, the hydraulic motors 20 and 21 are driven in reverse, such that the platform 9 is returned to an intermediate position which is further to the rear by only the interval between the attachment position 62a and the provisional placement position 62b on the supporting bracket 62. By the operation of the hydraulic cylinders 63 and 64, the transfer levers 60 and 61 are lowered and the empty warp beam 65A is placed at the provisional position 62b. By the operation of the transfer levers 60 and 61, supporting grooves 60a of the levers 60 and 61 are lowered to a position below the warp beam shaft 67 of the warp beam 65A. In this state, the hydraulic motors 20 and 21 are driven in the normal direction so that the supporting platform 9 protrudes from the intermediate position on the truck 2 to the looming position. In this looming position, the hydraulic cylinders 63 and 64 are actuated so that the supporting grooves 60a on the transfer levers 60 and 61 are engaged with the warp beam shaft 67, as shown in FIG. 5. After such engagement, by the operation of the hydraulic cylinders 63 and 64 and by the reverse operation of the hydraulic motors 20 and 21, the empty warp beam 65A is transferred from the provisional position through a position represented by a broken line (FIG. 6) to a solid-line position in which it is placed on the truck 2. After the transfer operation of the elements 49A, 55A and 56A and the empty warp beam 65A, the castors 30, 31 are moved from their position on the floor to their stand-by position, by the operation of the hydraulic cylinders 32 and 33, while the looming apparatus is transported into the ready chamber. In this ready chamber, the empty warp beam 65A, dropper unit 49A, heddles 55A and the reed 56A attached to or placed on the looming apparatus are replaced by a full warp beam 65B, a dropper unit 49B, heddles 55B and a reed 56B threaded by a warp yarn T2 wound on the beam 65B. In this state, the looming apparatus is moved back to the working position at the rear of the loom 3 as shown in FIG. 7, and the casters 30 and 31 of the foot levers 28 and 29 are put in contact with the ground. In this state, the supporting platform 9 is reciprocated between the stand-by position on the truck 2 and the intermediate position so that the full warp beam 65B placed on the truck 2 is placed at the provisional placement position 62b. Then, as the supporting platform 9 is extended from its stand-by position on the truck 2 to the looming position, the full warp beam 65B is moved from the provisional placement position 62b to the attachment position 62a. The grippers 47, 48 and the supporting hooks 51, 52 are placed at the looming position while the elements 49B, 55B and 56B are transferred from the looming apparatus towards the loom 3. The transfer levers 60, and 61 are moved along a route that is the reverse of the take-out route of the empty warp beam. After the transfer operation is terminated, the supporting platform 9 is returned to the stand-by position on the truck 2, while the looming apparatus is returned into the ready chamber. In the present embodiment, the two shifting functions, namely the functions of transporting and transferring the warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn, are separately filled by the truck moved along the grooved rails and by the supporting platform on the truck, such that the truck can be accurately positioned at the prescribed working position relative to the loom and the supporting platform can be expanded towards the loom under such optimum positioning without colliding against the loom. In such manner, the supporting levers as the warp beam handling or transfer means and the supporting hook as the handling or transfer means for the elements threaded by the warp yarn may be set to an optimum position for transfer relative to the loom, so that a smooth transfer operation of the warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn may be attained between the loom and the truck. In addition, the truck loaded with heavy articles can be transported without manual operation so that the operation efficiency may be improved. Also, in the present embodiment, the first warp beam handling mechanism for moving the supporting platform 9 between its stand-by position and the intermediate position and for supporting the warp beam by the first supporting grooves 60a of the transfer levers 60 and 61 is used to carry out the warp beam transfer between the attachment position at the looming apparatus and the provisional placement position 62b at the loom 3. On the other hand, the second warp beam handling mechanism for moving the platform 9 between the intermediate position and the looming position and for supporting the warp beam by the second supporting grooves 60b of the transfer levers 60 and 61 is used to carry out the warp beam transfer between the provisional position 62b and the attachment position 62a. As a result, the degree of freedom in the selection of a warp beam transfer route free of collision with the loom 3 is increased, while an increase in size of the looming apparatus may be avoided. When the first supporting grooves 60a of the transfer levers 60 and 61 are eliminated, it is still possible to transfer the warp beam. However, if the heavy beam warp is perpetually supported by the second supporting grooves 60b, the center of gravity of the looming apparatus as a whole is markedly offset resulting in an increased instability, so that it becomes eventually necessary to maintain the stability of the looming apparatus by increasing the overall size of the apparatus. In the present embodiment, the first and the second warp beam mechanisms for handling the route ahead of position 62b and the route behind the position 62b are built into warp beam handling means comprised of the combination of the supporting platform 9 and the transfer levers 60 and 61, so that stable warp beam transfer may be achieved by such route sharing. In addition, since manual operation is not required in transferring the heavy warp beam, a saving in manual labor and improved safety may be achieved. The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment. For example, the transfer lever may be modified as shown in FIG. 8, wherein the supporting grooves 68a are for the route between the provisional position in the preceding embodiment and the warp beam attachment position at the looming apparatus, while the supporting grooves 68b for the rolling route on the supporting bracket 62 of the preceding embodiment and the first and the second warp beam handling mechanisms for separately handling the routes ahead and in back of the provisional position, may also be configured as shown in FIG. 9. In the present modified embodiment, the first transfer lever 69 is for handling the route between the looming apparatus and the provisional position 62b while the second transfer lever unit comprised of a lever 71A pivoted at a shaft 70 and a lever 71B pivoted to the end of the lever 71A is for the route between the provisional position 62b and the attachment position 62a. Pivoting of the lever 71A is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder 72, while pivoting of the lever 71B is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder 73 connected to shaft 70. The present modification also assures a higher degree of freedom in the route selection of the two transfer levers so that collision between the loom 3 and the warp beam or the transfer lever may be effectively avoided. In the present embodiment, the supporting platform 9 is shifted by a hydraulic cylinder 74. The looming apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a warp tension adjustment means as shown in FIG. 10, wherein the full warp beam is turned in the normal or reverse direction as a function of the magnitude of the tension on the warp yarn threaded through the aforementioned elements from the full warp beam. Referring to FIG. 10, at the inner side of one supporting post 34, a fixed lever 75 has its one end fitted on a shaft 57, herein formed as a hexagonal shaft. A hydraulic cylinder 77 is mounted within a recess 76 formed in the upper side of the fixed lever 75. The forward end of a piston rod 78 of the hydraulic cylinder 77 is secured to a supporting bracket 81, while a warp tension adjustment means 79 is provided in the projecting direction of the piston rod 78. The warp tension adjustment means 79 is made up of a hydraulic motor 80 that may be driven in both the forward and reverse directions, a speed reducing unit 82 mounted to the motor 80 through a supporting bracket 81 and a friction roller 83 connected to the speed reducing unit 82. The friction roller 83 is designed to abut on one flange 65a of the full warp beam 65B. The hydraulic motor 80 and the hydraulic cylinder 77 are also controlled by the operation of a pushbutton switch (not shown), of a control unit, also not shown, on the unmanned towing vehicle 1. As may be seen from FIG. 7, in the course of the movement of the dropper unit 49B, heddles 55B and the reed 56B in the direction of the loom 3, the distance between the yarn release position on the full warp beam 65B and the yarn receiving position of the dropper unit 49B is changed, such distance becoming maximum when the dropper unit 49B reaches the mounting position at the loom 3. With such changes, the tension on the warp T2 between these two positions may be changed, thus occasionally causing the breakage of the warp yarn T2. In order to prevent this, the hydraulic motor 80 is driven in the normal direction with the start of the movement of the dropper unit 49B, so that the full warp beam 65B is turned in the direction of the arrow A through the friction roller 83 and the flange 65a for reeling out the warp T2 from the warp beam 65B. The aforementioned distance is also changed while the full warp beam 65B is moved from the placement position on the supporting platform 9 to the attachment position 62a through the provisional position 62b on the warp beam supporting bracket 62 on the loom 3, FIGS. 1 to 7. In such case, the hydraulic cylinder 77 is actuated by pushbutton actuation for shifting the warp tension adjustment means 79 so as to follow up with movement of the full warp beam 65B. Simultaneously, the hydraulic motor 80 is suitably driven to rotate the warp beam 65B to adjust the tension placed on the warp yarn T2. Since the supporting bracket 81 in the embodiment of FIG. 10 is rotated with the shaft 57, the friction roller 83 may be positively abutted on the flange 65a of the warp beam 65B irrespective of the positions assumed by the transfer lever 60. the present embodiment may also be modified in such a manner that the tension on the warp between the dropper unit and the full ) warp beam is sensed by a tension sensor and a motor associated with the tension adjustment means is driven into rotation in the normal or reverse direction by a control unit in dependence upon electrical signals from the sensor for thereby rotating the full warp beam. By the provision of such warp tension adjustment means, a substantially constant tension is provided at all times on the warp yarn between the elements threaded by the warp and the full warp beam so that yarn breakage due to excess tension or warp entanglement due to slack may be avoided. In such manner, the laborious and risky operation of directly rotating the warp beam by manual operation may be dispensed with. According to a further embodiment of the looming apparatus of the present invention, the handling means for the elements threaded by the warp may be formed by a parallel motion link system. This system is explained by referring to FIGS. 11 to 13. A supporting bar 90 and a guide rod 91 are mounted and supported parallel to each other between the upper ends of the supporting posts 34 and 35. The guide rod 91 is arranged in a plane including a straight line connecting supporting shafts 94 and 95 mounted to the supporting bar 90. On the lower surface of the supporting bar 90, a pair of link arms 92 and 93 are carried for rotation by means of supporting pins 94 and 95. Link arms 96 and 97 are rotatably supported at the foremost parts of the link arms 92 and 93 by means of supporting pins 98 and 99, while a connecting link 100 is mounted between these supporting pins 98 and 99. To the lower surface of one 96 of the link arms 96 and 97, a drive link 101 is secured in alignment with the link arm 96, while a slider 101 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the link 102 by means of a supporting pin 103. The slider 102 is slidably supported by the guide rod 91. A connecting projection 102a is formed on the rear periphery of the slider 102. A reversible hydraulic motor 104 is attached to one supporting post 34, and a sprocket wheel 105 is supported for rotation by the other supporting post 35, while a chain 106 is placed between the wheel 105 and a driving sprocket wheel 104a of the hydraulic motor 104. The chain 106 is connected to the connecting projection 102a. On actuation of the hydraulic motor 104, the slider 102 is slid towards left or right along the guide rod 91. On the front upper sides of the forward link arms 96 and 97, a supporting link 107 is mounted and supported by means of supporting pins 108 and 109. To both ends of the supporting link 107, two pairs of connection platforms 110, 111, 112 and 113 are secured, these platforms 110 to 113 carrying hydraulic cylinders 114, 115, 116 and 117 in the downwardly inclined position. A connecting bar 118 is fastened between the ends of driving rods 114a and 115a of the outer hydraulic cylinders 114 and 115. To the lower surfaces on both ends of the connection bar 118, grippers 47, 48 for hoisting the dropper units or the warp breakage sensor are supported so as to be opened or closed by drive means, not shown. A connecting bar 121 is mounted between the ends of both drive rods 116a and 117a of the inner hydraulic cylinders 116 and 117. To both ends of the connecting bar 121, hoist arms 122 and 123 are clamp secured, as shown in FIG. 13, for adjustment in their mounting positions. Channel-shaped engaging members 51 and 52 for hoisting the heddles are threadedly attached to the foremost part of these hoist arms 122 and 123. The relative position between the grippers 47, 48 and the engaging members 51, 52 is set so as to be similar to that between a plurality of heddles 55A and the warp breakage sensor 49A on the loom 3. The distances between the supporting pins 94 and 95, the supporting shafts 98 and 99 and between the supupporting pins 108 and 109 are set to the same value, while the distances between the supporting pins 94 and 98, the supporting pins 98 and 108, the supporting pins 95 and 109, the supporting pins 99 and 109 and between the supporting pins 98 and 103 are also set to the same value. Thus these link arms 92, 93, 96, 97, 100 and 107 make up a parallel motion six-member link system and, with actuation of the driving link 101, the supporting link 107 performs a straight-forward parallel motion with respect to the supporting bar 90. The operation of the looming apparatus of the present embodiment, in a situation in which the warp T1 supplied from the warp beam 65A mounted to and supported by the supporting bracket 62 and threaded by way of the back roller 66 through the warp breakage sensor 49A, heddles 55A and the reed 56A, as shown in FIG. 11, is used up, so that it becomes necessary to perform the looming operation, is hereafter explained. The looming apparatus, so far kept in the ready chamber in the state shown in FIG. 11, is moved along the grooved rails 4 to a working position at the back of the loom 3, so that the supporting link 107 runs parallel to the heddles 55A. In this position, the hydraulic cylinders 85 and 86 are actuated so that the two movable rails 87 and 88 are placed between the truck 2 and the side frame 3a of the loom, with the front wheels 11 resting on these rails. The hydraulic motors 20 and 21 are then actuated in the normal direction so that the supporting platform 9 is moved from the stand-by position on the truck 2 towards the loom 3 along the fixed rails 5, 6 and the movable rails 87, 88. In the course of the movement of the supporting platform 9, the hydraulic cylinders 63 and 64 are actuated so that the supporting grooves 60b at the forward ends of the transfer levers 60 and 61 are lowered to below the warp beam shaft 67. Simultaneously, the hydraulic cylinders 114 and 115 are actuated so that the distal ends of the engaging members 51 and 52 are lowered to a height position between an upper rod 55b for heddle tensioning and a leveled upper frame 55a on the loom 3. In this state, the hydraulic motor 104 is driven in the normal direction so that the slider 102 is slid to the right from the position shown in FIG. 13. In this manner, the link arms 92, 93; 96, 97 are extended and the supporting link 107 performs a straight-forward translatory movement in the direction of the loom 3, as shown in FIG. 14, the engaging members 51 and 52 proceeding into a space between the upper frame 55a and the lower rod 55b. When the heddles 55A as a whole are in a state that they can be placed on the engaging members 51 and 52, the heddles 56A are transported manually on the engaging members 51 and 52. By the operation of the hydraulic cylinders 114 and 115, the engaging members 51 and 52 are raised to a position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 15. By the operation peculiar to the six-member parallel motion link mechanism and the braking operation of the hydraulic motor 104, the parallelism of the supporting link 107 with respect to the heddles is maintained, so that the withdrawal of the heddles from the loom 3 is effected smoothly. The hydraulic cylinders 116 and 117 are then actuated and the grippers 47 and 48 are lowered to the position for gripping the warp breakage sensor 49A as shown in FIG. 15. After being gripped by the grippers 47 and 48, the warp breakage sensor 49A is raised to the double-dotted chain-line position of FIG. 15 by the operation of the hydraulic cylinders 116 and 117. After the warp threading elements, namely the warp breakage sensor 49A, heddles 55A and the reed 56A are dismounted from the loom 3, and the hydraulic motor 104 is driven in reverse, the slider 102 is slid to the left from the position shown in FIG. 14. In this manner, the engaging members 51 and 52 are engaged with the heddles 55A to suspend them therefrom, the supporting link 107 making a straight-forward translatory movement to the original position shown in FIG. 13, with the grippers 47 and 48 gripping the warp breakage sensor 49A. Thus the link arm pair 92, 96 and the link arm pair 93, 97 performed only unidirectional deflection or displacement only in one direction with only a small space of deflection. In the course of such movement, the parallelism of the supporting link 107 relative to the warp beam 65 on the loom 3 is maintained, so that the warp yarn T2 reeled from the warp beam 65 is not deviated towards the warp beam shaft 67 to prevent the occurrence of warp entanglement. Then, by the operation of the hydraulic cylinders 63 and 64, the supporting grooves 60b of the transfer levers 60 and 61 are engaged with the warp beam shaft 67, as shown in FIG. 15. In this state, the hydraulic motors 20, 21 and the hydraulic cylinders 63, 64 are actuated so that the supporting platform 9 is moved a distance equal to the distance between the attachment position and the provisional position, while the supporting grooves 60a of the transfer levers 60 and 61 are engaged by the warp beam shaft 67 in the position of the broken line in FIG. 15. Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the supporting platform 9 that has received the warp threading elements 49A, 55A and 56A is returned to the stand-by position on the truck 2, while the movable rails 87 and 88 are returned to a stand-by position on the truck 2. The looming apparatus is moved into the ready chamber as it is towed by the unmanned towing vehicle 1. During this transport operation, the six-member parallel motion link unit remains stationary by the braking action of the hydraulic motor 104 and the parallelism of the six-member link system, so that the heddles 55A are held in a stable suspended state. The transfer of the full warp beam and the elements threaded by the warp yarn, namely the warp sensor, heddles and the reed threaded by the warp from the full warp beam occurs with a sequence that is reversed from that described above. In this case, the heddles can be attached smoothly under the parallelism maintained by the six-member link system. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 16, the front side straight-forward parallel motion link member of the six-member link system that makes up the heddles delivery means performs a straight-forward translatory movement relative to the body of the looming apparatus, while the delivery member attached to the link member is for a reciprocating straight-forward motion. Thus, when the working position of the looming apparatus is set with respect to the loom so that the front side straight-forward parallel motion link member runs parallel to the heddles attached to the loom, the link member always runs parallel to the heddles during the looming operation so that the engagement between the delivery member and the heddles, withdrawal of the heddles from the loom and the attachment of the heddles to the loom will be carried out smoothly. The six-member link system can be fixed by a simplified operation of fixing one of the link members so that stability of the heddles can be easily assured during transport or lifting of the heddles. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 16 may be replaced by an arrangement shown for example in FIG. 17 wherein a hydraulic cylinder 139 is used in place of the connecting link 100, an auxiliary link 141 is mounted between a supporting pin 108 on the supporting link 107 and the foremost supporting pin 140 of the driving shaft 139a of the cylinder, an auxiliary link 142 is mounted between the supporting pin 140 and the supporting pin 94 on the supporting bar 90 and the distances between the supporting pins 108 and 140, the supporting pins 94 and 140 and between the supporting pins 108 and 98 are set to the same value. In this modified embodiment, the supporting link 107 performs a straight-forward translatory movement, while the six-member parallel motion link system can be fixed by the locking operation of the driving rod 139a. Alternatively, the rack-pinion system or the gearing system may be used to provide for manual translatory movement of the six-member parallel motion system. Still alternatively, the engaging members may be replaced by grippers that are able to grip the heddles as a whole. Although the dropper unit is used in any of the above described embodiments as the warp breakage sensor, the present invention may also be applied to a looming apparatus wherein the warp deviated from the warp threading means is detected by an optical system as the warp breakage sensor. It is thought that the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred or exemplary embodiment thereof.

A looming apparatus for a loom includes in general a warp beam handling unit for attaching and removing a warp beam to and from the loom, and a handling unit for supporting loom components including at least heddles and a reed threaded by the warp from the warp beam. A supporting platform is provided on a truck so as to be reciprocated between a stand-by position and a looming position. The warp beam handling unit and the handling unit for supporting the components threaded by the warp yarn are installed on this supporting platform. In the working position of the truck for the loom, the supporting platform is expanded from the truck to the looming position on the loom for performing the required operation at this position. After termination of such operation, the supporting platform is returned to the stand-by position on the truck, while the truck is moved to the looming preparatory position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to a dry cleaning machine using a solvent as a detergent and preventing contamination of the washing caused conversely by washing. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] FIG. 5 is showing a constitutional block diagram of a dry cleaning machine by prior art. [0005] In FIG. 5 , a drum-formed washing tank 1 is for washing the washing by rotating drum, throwing the washing into the drum tank, supplying a detergent (tetrachloroethylene or the like). The contaminated detergent after using is stored in a lower tank 2 . This detergent is sent into a filtering tank 4 and forwarded to a refining tank 5 by a pressure pump 3 . In the refining tank 5 , the detergent is refined to remove odors, acids and colors with filters, activated carbon and the like and then returned into the drum tank 1 to be reused. [0006] In the dry cleaning machine shown in FIG. 5 , washing power of the detergent is remarkably sunk by cyclical use, even though the contaminated detergent is refined in the refining tank. Therefore, in a conventional dry cleaning machine, a detergent collecting unit as shown in FIG. 6 is appended. In this detergent 25 collection unit, the heavy contaminated detergent in the washing tank 1 is sent into a distiller 6 . The contaminated detergent in the distiller 6 is heated to vaporize the detergent and other moisture and the vaporized gas is forwarded to a condenser 7 . The vaporized gas in the condenser 7 is liquefied by chiller water and is separated to detergent and water through a water separator 8 . The detergent is sent to a collection tank 9 and the separated water is sent to a separated water tank 10 . The detergent collected in the collection tank 9 is forwarded to the washing tank 1 to be used. [0007] On the other hand, a dry cleaning machine has washing property as shown in FIG. 7 . The washing property in FIG. 7 shows phenomena of contaminator dissolving into the detergent and the washing property curve (a) shows contamination is maximized in a short time and is going down slowly after the peak. Thus, in the washing property, the detergent contamination becomes the maximum roughly at one minute and 30 seconds after starting, slightly depending on the washing type or contaminator type. In FIG. 7 , the vertical axis indicates detergent contamination and the horizontal axis indicates washing time. [0008] The dry cleaning machine, shown in FIG. 5 , uses cyclically refined detergent to send the contaminated detergent through a filtering tank and a refining tank. Owing to the detergent contamination becomes the maximum in a short time, shown in FIG. 7 , there is apprehension to contaminate the washing conversely by washing. In addition, the detergent filtering in the filtering tank works well just after the dry cleaning machine running, but, as increasing washing cycle number, some waste threads, dirty oil or other dirt in the detergent stick on a filter and clog up the filter. When clogging up the filter, filtering efficiency is rapidly sinking and a volume of detergent flowing is going down. As washing performance cannot be kept if the volume of detergent flowing goes down, in general, increasing the detergent pressure in the filtering tank to keep the volume of detergent flowing maintains the washing performance of the dry cleaning machine. That, however, cannot solve the issue of contaminating the washing conversely by washing. Furthermore, there is apprehension that increasing detergent pressure in the filtering tank damages the filtering tank or the refining tank easily and then it possibly contaminates the washing by supplying contaminated detergent to the washing tank [0009] Even if reusing detergent distilled by the distiller shown in FIG. 6 , the detergent contamination becomes the maximum in a short time after washing starting because of no deference on washing property of the dry cleaning machine shown in FIG. 7 . There are still issues of contaminating the washing conversely by washing and bad hygiene. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] This invention has been accomplished to overcome the above drawbacks and an object of this invention is to avoid contaminating the washing conversely by contaminated detergent and provide a dry cleaning machine and method of dry cleaning, solving hygienic issues. [0011] In order to attain the objects, according to an aspect of this invention, in a dry cleaning machine including a detergent tank to store detergent, a washing tank and a filtering tank to treat used detergent, wherein the treated detergent is sent back to the washing tank for cyclical use, there is provided the dry cleaning machine comprising of detecting means for detecting contamination level of the detergent discharged from the washing tank while washing, storing means for storing the used detergent when the contamination level of detergent reaches prescribed threshold level and distilling means for distilling the used detergent, whereby fresh detergent is supplied from the detergent tank to the washing tank. [0012] In the dry cleaning machine mentioned above, before the detergent contamination becomes the maximum in a short time from starting washing the washing, the detergent channel is switched from washing tank-to-filtering tank to washing tank-to-contaminated detergent tank. During switching the detergent channel as mentioned above, fresh detergent is supplied to the washing tank and it can solves an issue to contaminate the washing conversely by contaminated detergent. [0013] Advantageously, in the above machine, wherein detecting the contamination level of the detergent in a channel from the filtering tank to the washing tank, when the contamination level indicate an abnormal value, shutting the channel and storing temporarily the detergent from the filtering tank and distilling the detergent by the distiller. [0014] In the machine, when detecting an abnormal value of contamination level of the detergent passed through the filtering tank, the detergent is distilled in the distiller after stored temporarily and reused. Then, rapid clogging up the filtering tank can be solved and cyclically use of the detergent can be worked. [0015] Preferably, a dry cleaning machine, comprising of a washing tank for washing the washing by detergent supplied from a detergent tank, a filtering tank for refining contaminated detergent discharged from the washing tank and supplying the refined detergent to the washing tank, a contamination detector for detecting contamination level of detergent after used in the washing tank, a contaminated detergent tank for storing contaminated detergent temporarily while shutting detergent supplying channel from the washing tank to the filtering tank when the contamination level is over prescribed threshold level, a distiller to distill the contaminated detergent from the contaminated detergent tank and a condenser for condensing vaporized contaminated detergent in the distiller and sending the condensed detergent to the detergent tank. [0016] In the dry cleaning machine mentioned above, by detecting contamination level of the detergent discharged from the washing tank with the contamination detector, the detergent channel from the washing tank to the filtering tank is switched to the contaminated detergent tank and the detergent is stored there, before the detergent contamination becomes the maximum in a short time after starting washing. After that, the contaminated detergent is sent to the distiller and vaporized in the distiller. The vaporized gas is forwarded to the condenser and condensed by chiller water and reused as refined detergent. [0017] Advantageously, the dry cleaning machine mentioned above, wherein the second detector is mounted in a channel to supply detergent from the filtering tank to the washing tank for detecting the detergent contamination level in the channel. [0018] In this dry cleaning machine, the detergent contamination, after the filtering tank, can be detected by the second detector mounted there. In the other word, when the detergent contamination after the filtering tank increasing, it makes definition of some damages in the filter occurred and supplying the detergent from the filtering tank to the washing tank can be stopped and then contaminating the washing conversely by washing can be prevented. [0019] Advantageously, the all dry cleaning machines mention above, wherein the detector for detergent contamination level is of an image processing means, such a CCD camera or the like, to sense the detergent contamination level. [0020] In these all dry cleaning machines, as the detector for detergent contamination is a CCD camera, it cannot sense only the detergent contamination but also a lot of waste threads mixed in the detergent. Therefore, it can prevent rapid clogging up the filtering tank. [0021] In order to attain the objects, according to an aspect of this invention, there is provided a method of dry cleaning comprising the steps of supplying the washing and detergent to wash the washing in a washing tank, detecting detergent contamination level just after washing while treating used detergent in a filtering tank and reusing the detergent in the washing tank and shutting the detergent supply to the filtering tank and supplying fresh detergent to the washing tank to prevent the detergent contamination level is over prescribed threshold level when the detergent contamination level reaches prescribed threshold level. [0022] In this cleaning method, contaminating the washing conversely by washing can be prevented as detecting the detergent contamination level discharged from the washing tank during washing. Then, the detergent can be used by circulating and also reused by distiller. [0023] Advantageously, the cleaning method mentioned above, wherein the contamination level of detergent, supplied from the filtering tank to the washing tank, is detected and above channel from the filtering tank to the washing tank is closed to shut the detergent supply when the contamination level indicates an abnormal value. [0024] In the cleaning method, contaminating the washing conversely by washing can be prevented and also the filtering tank damage can be detected because contamination level of the detergent transmitted from the filtering tank to the washing tank is detected. As a matter of course, when detecting rapidly increased contamination of the detergent, it is defined to occur some damages on the filter and then indicating or warning of the filter damage can urge to replace filter of the filtering tank. EFFECT OF INVENTION [0025] As mentioned above, according to this invention, the dry cleaning machine detects detergent contamination discharged from a washing tank then if the contamination level goes over prescribed value, stores the contaminated detergent in a contaminated detergent tank temporarily and supplies fresh detergent to the washing tank to prevent contaminating the washing conversely by washing. Therefore, the dry cleaning machine can use circulating detergent and clean the washing to supply clean detergent always not contaminating the washing to the washing tank. [0026] According to this invention, the dry cleaning machine can prevent to contaminate the washing conversely by washing as cutting off the line to supply detergent from a filtering tank to a washing tank and supplying fresh detergent to the washing tank when detecting the contamination of detergent supplied from the filtering tank to the washing tank. Then, this is an excellent hygienic cleaning method. [0027] According to this invention, the dry cleaning machine can detect reducing the light transmittance caused by darkened detergent with contamination as taking images of the detergent discharged from the washing tank by CCD camera. Moreover, advantageously the dry cleaning machine can prevent immoderate clogging of the filtering tank as judging abnormal condition by processing the image data even if a lot of waste thread or down mix into the detergent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] FIG. 1 is a constitutional block diagram, showing one embodiment of a dry cleaning machine according to this invention; [0029] FIG. 2A, 2B are sectional views of examples of contamination detectors; [0030] FIG. 3 is a graph and timing charts to explain the cleaning method which prevents contaminating the washing conversely by washing to detect detergent contamination in a dry cleaning machine according to this invention; [0031] FIG. 4 is a graph and timing charts to explain the cleaning method which prevents contaminating the washing conversely by washing to detect detergent contamination supplied from the filtering tank in a dry cleaning machine according to this invention; [0032] FIG. 5 is a block diagram to explain a dry cleaning machine by prior art; [0033] FIG. 6 is a block diagram to explain a dry cleaning machine by prior art; [0034] FIG. 7 is a graph to explain washing property of a dry cleaning machine; DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0035] Some embodiments of dry cleaning machines and cleaning methods according to this invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings. [0036] FIG. 1 is showing a block diagram of one embodiment of a dry cleaning machine according to this invention. In FIG. 1 , a washing tank 10 is a shower drum type for washing the washing and preferably soaking type, shower type or jet type is effective and also combination type of these types is effective. A detergent tank 11 stores detergent and a rinse tank 12 stores rinse. Washing is done after inputting the washing and detergent (tetrachloroethylene or the like) into the washing tank 10 . The detergent for initial use can be supplied directly through fresh detergent line L 1 to the washing tank 10 or can also be supplied through circulating line L 3 , L 4 . [0037] The detergent, discharged from the washing tank 10 , is sent by pressure to the filtering tank 16 through a detergent discharging line L 2 , next a button trap 13 and next a circulating line L 3 having a circulation pump P 1 in the line. The detergent after the filtering tank 16 is supplied to the washing tank 10 through a circulating line 4 . The detergent, discharged from the washing tank 10 , is monitored on contamination level by a contamination detector D 1 , mounted in the detergent discharging line L 2 . The detergent, supplied from the filtering tank 16 to the washing tank 10 , is monitored by a contamination detector D 2 , mounted in the circulating line L 4 . By way of the contamination detectors D 1 , D 2 , a CCD camera, a couple of light emitting elements and light receiving elements or a module of reflective millers and a couple of light emitting elements and light receiving elements or the like is used. [0038] This dry cleaning machine includes of a distiller 14 for distilling contaminated detergent to reuse the detergent, a condenser 15 for condensing gas vaporized in the distiller 14 and a contaminated detergent tank 17 for storing the contaminated detergent temporarily. The detergent to the distiller 14 is supplied through the button strap 13 or the contaminated detergent tank 17 . [0039] Switch valves V 3 , V 6 are mounted in the circulating line L 3 , wherein a contaminated detergent returning line L 5 is branched off. The contaminated detergent returning line L 5 , wherein switching valves V 8 , V 9 are mounted, is connected to the contaminated detergent tank 17 . The contaminated detergent tank 17 is connected to the distiller 14 by the contaminated detergent returning line L 6 , wherein a switching valve V 10 is mounted. Furthermore, the distiller 14 is connected to the condenser 15 by a vaporized gas sending line L 7 . The condenser 15 is connected to the detergent tank 11 by a condensed liquid sending line L 8 , for supplying condensed and liquefied detergent in the condenser 15 to the detergent tank 11 . [0040] A control unit 20 including CPU, provided in the dry cleaning machine, receives data output from the contamination detectors D 1 , D 2 and controls the switching valves V 1 to V 10 with processing the data from the contamination detectors D 1 , D 2 . [0041] In the next, the contamination detectors D 1 , D 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B . As the contamination detectors D 1 D 2 have the same structure, only the, contamination detector D 1 will be described herein. In FIG. 2A , the contamination detector D 1 is mounted in the detergent discharging line L 2 or the circulating line L 4 . A CCD camera 23 and a light emitting element 21 , as the contamination detector D 1 , are placed opposite to each other sandwiching a transparent pipe 22 in the middle. The light emitting element 21 , the transparent pipe 22 and the light receiving section of the CCD camera 23 are covered with a shade material 24 to cut off external light into the transparent pipe 22 . Further, in FIG. 2B , the contamination detector D 1 is mounted in the detergent discharging line L 2 or the circulating line L 4 . The light emitting element 21 and a light receiving element 25 , as the contamination detector D 1 , are placed opposite to each other sandwiching a transparent pipe 22 in the middle. The light emitting element 21 , the transparent pipe 22 and the light receiving element 25 are covered with a shade material 24 to cut off external light into the transparent pipe 22 . The contamination detector D 1 is mounted by connecting the detergent discharging line L 2 or the circulating line L 4 on the both end of the contamination detector D 1 . [0042] Preferably, the light emitting element 21 is placed at the same side of the CCD camera 23 or the light receiving element 25 to detect the detergent contamination by taking a image of the reflective light or receiving the reflective light, instead of placing the light emitting element 21 opposite to the CCD camera 23 or the light receiving element 25 . [0043] In the next, working of the contamination detectors D 1 , D 2 in FIG. 2A will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A . The light, radiated from the light emitting element 21 , irradiates the detergent flowing in the transparent pipe 22 through the transparent pipe 22 . The light, passing the detergent, is sensed by the CCD camera 23 . The image data from the CCD camera 23 is inputted to the control unit 20 and judged whether over or under the prescribed threshold level on each pixel. The image data on each pixel is defined as digital signal “ 1 ” for over the prescribed threshold level and digital signal “ 0 ” for under the prescribed threshold level. And then, judgement whether over the threshold level or not is done by total sum of all digital signals of each pixel of the image and defines “1” for over the threshold level and “0” for under the threshold level. When the judgement of total sum is “1”, the detergent contamination is defined to reaches the prescribed level. Thus, as the detergent contamination is defined numerically and the contamination is detected by total sum of each pixel digital signals, on the situation of detergent contamination mixed with a lot of waste thread or down waste the detection can be done. [0044] The contamination detectors D 1 , D 2 in FIG. 2B will be described here. The contamination detectors D 1 , D 2 are mounted in the detergent discharging line L 2 or the circulating line L 4 . The light from the light emitting element 21 is received by the light receiving element 25 through the transparent pipe 22 . The output of the light receiving element 25 depends on light transmittance changing caused by the detergent contamination level and indicates the smaller transmitted light power the more detergent contamination. Then, the control unit 20 judges “1” by output from the contamination detectors D 1 , D 2 when the output of the light receiving element 25 reaches the prescribed level. [0045] If the contamination detectors D 1 , D 2 in FIG. 2B are mounted in the circulation line L 4 , it can detect to supply the contaminated detergent to the washing tank 10 or can judge to occur the filter damage in the filtering tank 16 . Setting low detecting level (threshold level) for detergent contamination, damage of the filtering tank can be detected earlier and contaminating the washing conversely by washing can be solved. Preferably, inputting the output of the contamination detector D 2 into the control unit 20 and monitoring time-dependent change of detergent contamination change, the filter damage of the filtering tank 16 can be detected by rapid change of the detergent contamination. [0046] In the next, a dry cleaning method to prevent contaminating the washing conversely by washing in a dry cleaning machine according to this invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 . In FIG. 3 -A shows washing property curves (a), (b) and FIG. 3 -B shows working condition of the circulating pump P 1 and FIGS. 3 -C, D, E and F show each working condition of switching valves V 3 , V 6 and V 7 , V 8 and V 9 , V 2 and V 2 . [0047] On this embodiment of dry cleaning machines, the switching valves V 3 , V 6 , V 7 are opened and the switching valves V 8 , V 9 are closed in starting operation. As the switching valves V 4 , V 5 are opened in certain level, the detergent and rinse are mixed to be usable. The mixed detergent is supplied from the filtering tank 16 to the washing tank 10 through the circulating line L 3 by operating the circulating pump P 1 . By rotating the drum of the washing tank 10 , washing the washing is started. The contamination level of the detergent, discharged from the washing tank 10 , is detected by the contamination detector D 1 . The output of the contamination detector D 1 is inputted into the control unit 20 . As shown in FIG. 3 -A, the property shows the detergent contamination becomes the maximum in a short time (time T 2 ) after starting washing. Therefore, eliminating the maximum peak, when the output of the contamination detector D 1 goes over the prescribed threshold level (time T 1 ), the switching valves V 6 , V 7 are closed as shown in FIG. 3D to cut off the circulating line L 3 from the washing tank 10 to the filtering tank 16 and the circulating line L 4 from the filtering tank 16 to the washing tank 10 . In the other hand, the switching valves V 8 , V 9 in the detergent returning line L 5 are opened as shown in FIG. 3 -E. [0048] In the next, when the switching valves V 6 , V 7 are closed and the switching valves V 8 , V 9 in the contaminated detergent return line L 5 are opened, the contaminated detergent is supplied to the contaminated detergent tank 17 through the contaminated detergent return line L 5 . In the meantime, the switching valves V 1 , V 2 is opened and detergent, mixed by the detergent and rinse from the detergent tank 11 and the rinse tank 12 , is supplied directly to the washing tank and the washing is washed. After passing the prescribed time (the time between T 1 and T 2 in FIG. 3 -A is required time that detergent contamination is changing from the prescribed threshold level to the maximum), the switching valves V 6 , V 7 are opened and the switching vales V 8 , V 9 and V 1 , V 2 are closed. Then the initial condition is set again. The contaminated detergent, sent to the contaminated detergent tank 17 , is forwarded at suitable intervals to the distiller 14 through the contaminated detergent return line L 6 . The contaminated detergent is heated and vaporized in the distiller 14 and the vaporized gas of the contaminated detergent is forwarded to the condenser 15 to be condensed and liquefied by chiller water. The liquefied detergent is sent to the detergent tank 11 through the condensed detergent transport line L 8 . [0049] Thus, the control unit 20 can improve the washing property like Washing property curve as shown in FIG. 3 -B, for supplying fresh detergent directly to the washing tank by controlling each switching vales, sending control signals to each switching valve before the detergent contamination becomes the maximum. Then, contaminating the washing conversely by washing can be solved and cyclically use of the detergent can be worked. [0050] In the next, prevention to contaminate the washing conversely caused by filer damage of the filtering tank in a dry cleaning machine will be described with reference to FIG. 4 . The curve (b) in FIG. 4 -A shows the washing property curve by the operation method to prevent above conversely contamination. The curve (c) in FIG. 4 -A shows contaminated detergent leaking when the filter of the filtering tank is damaged. Solving to contaminate the washing conversely by such filter damage, the contamination detector D 2 is mounted in the circulating line L 4 from the filtering tank 16 to the washing tank 10 . [0051] The contamination detector D 2 is detecting the contamination level of detergent flowing in the circulating line L 4 . When the output of the contamination detector D 2 is over the prescribed threshold level (in the condition as shown in FIGS. 4 -A, C), the switching valve V 7 is closed and the switching valve V 9 is opened as shown in FIGS. 4 -D, F. Then, the detergent passed through the filtering tank 16 is sent to the contaminated detergent tank 17 . In the meantime, the switching valves V 1 , V 2 are opened as shown in FIG. 4 -G and fresh detergent is supplied to the washing tank 10 through fresh detergent line L 1 and this condition is kept until washing finished. The switching valves V 6 , V 8 are kept as shown in FIGS. 4 -C, E. The contamination level of the detergent, discharged from the washing tank 10 , is detected by the contamination detector D 1 as shown in FIG. 3 -A. When the detergent contamination level is over the prescribed threshold level, the switching valves V 6 , V 7 is closed to cut off the circulating line L 4 from the washing tank 10 to the filtering tank 16 and the switching valves V 8 , V 9 , mounted in the contaminated detergent return line L 5 , are opened to send the contaminated detergent to the contaminated detergent tank 17 . [0052] On the other hand, the switching valve V 10 , mounted in the contaminated detergent return line L 6 , is opened and the contaminated detergent in the contaminated detergent tank 17 is forwarded to the distiller 14 . The vaporized gas by heating and vaporizing the contaminated detergent in the distiller 14 is sent through the vaporized gas transport line L 7 to the condenser 15 to be condensed and liquefied by chiller water. The liquefied detergent is returned to the detergent tank 11 through the condensed detergent transport line L 8 . [0053] Detecting the contamination of the detergent from the filtering tank 16 and controlling as mentioned above can give the washing property as shown in FIG. 4 -D. In addition, as the filter in the filtering tank 16 can be exchanged after washing the washing finished, the maintenance of the filtering tank is made easy. Preferably, in case of detecting abnormal condition by the contamination detector D 2 , indicating or alarming filter damage, then stopping operation temporarily, then exchanging filter in the filtering tank 16 , then restarting operation is effective. [0054] Preferably, instead of detecting the detergent contamination by inputting image data by a CCD camera continuously to the control unit, detecting both of image data by a CCD camera and output signal by a light receiving element and inputting the data and the signal to the control unit to sense the detergent contamination is also effective. [0055] Advantageously, a dry cleaning machine having only one contamination detector D 1 can solve issue to contaminate the washing conversely by washing. Mounting the second contamination detector D 2 in the dry cleaning machine can prevent more effectively contaminating the washing conversely by washing.

The object is to avoid contaminating the washing conversely by contaminated detergent and provide a dry cleaning machine and dry cleaning method, solving hygienic issues. In a dry cleaning machine which supplies detergent from a detergent tank 11 to a washing tank 10 and washes the washing in the washing tank 10 and treats detergent used in the washing tank 10 by a filtering tank 16 and sends the treated detergent to the washing tank 10 to use detergent cyclically, wherein contaminating the washing conversely by washing can be prevented, as detecting contamination level of detergent discharged from the washing tank 10 while supplying detergent to the washing tank 10 and washing the washing, and when the detergent contamination level reached a prescribed threshold level, storing the detergent discharged from the washing tank 10 temporarily and sending the detergent to a distiller 14 and supplying fresh detergent from the detergent tank 11 to the washing tank 10.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/514,876, filed Aug. 14, 1995, now abandoned. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The field of this invention relates to pressure-boosting devices, particularly those that are configurable for use with downhole tools. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past, many downhole tools, such as bridge plugs or packers, have been used that are settable hydraulically. In some applications, the downhole tool is positioned in the wellbore with a wireline. Attached to the wireline assembly is a downhole pump which takes suction within the wellbore and builds the pressure up into the downhole tool for its actuation. Typically, these downhole pumps are driven by downhole motors are supplied with electrical power from the wireline and are limited in their pressure output to output pressures in the order of up to about 3,000 psig. Lately, the technology in downhole tools, particularly bridge plugs and packers, has evolved where higher setting pressures are required to assure the sealing integrity of the packer or plug. This is particularly true in environments where larger differential pressures are expected and the sealing force must be enhanced to a sufficient level to withstand the expected differentials across the plug or packer. In the past, the physical configuration of the downhole pumps, as well as the logistics of supplying sufficient power to operate downhole motors, has been a limiting factor in the ability to apply setting pressure to bridge plugs or packers and similar hydraulically settable downhole tools. One solution to the space problem in the wellbore has been to stack a plurality of pistons in parallel so that the available setting pressure acts simultaneously on all the pistons. However, these devices did not magnify the applied pressure and, hence, the applied pressure available for setting the downhole tool. Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a simple device which can be readily used in conjunction with the pressure developing pump or a similar device used to create the motive force to set the downhole tool. It can also be used when the tool is run on tubing and a boost force is needed. The boosting device operates automatically and is simple to construct and effective to get a predetermined ratio of increase in applied force to set a downhole tool. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A pressure-boosting apparatus particularly amenable for use in downhole applications is disclosed. The pressure-boosting apparatus employs an unbalanced piston which is initially fixated in a run-in position. The piston has a flowpath therethrough in which is mounted a check valve. Initially, pressure is applied to above and below the piston which results in an unbalanced force on the piston due to its configuration. Flow to the tool initiates its actuation at this time. When the unbalanced force reaches a predetermined level, the piston is no longer fixated to the housing and begins to accelerate. Acceleration of the piston closes the check valve due to the sudden decrease in pressure behind the check valve and an increase in pressure in front of the check valve as the fluid volume in front of the piston is compressed. Due to the proportional relationship between pressure and area, a magnification of force originally delivered by the pump is achieved for completion of the setting of a downhole tool such as a packer or bridge plug or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1a-c are a sectional elevational view of the pressure-boosting device of the present invention in the run-in position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The apparatus A of the present invention is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 1a-c. At the top of the assembly is a bottom sub extender 10, which is a conventional design used commonly in wireline applications to communicate the pressure delivered by a downhole pump or other pressure-building device (not shown) into a central fluid passageway 12, which passes through the body 14 of the apparatus A. Body 14 has four segments: a top sub 16, an upper housing 18, a lower housing 20, and a bottom sub 22. Bottom sub 22 has a thread 24, which is used to secure the bottom sub 22 to the downhole tool string (not shown) such as a packer or bridge plug in the preferred embodiment. Top sub 16 is connected to bottom sub extender 10 at thread 26. Seal 28 secures the connection at thread 26 against fluid leaks. Similarly, thread 30 connects top sub 16 to upper housing 18, with seal 32 securing the seal between those two components. Thread 34 connects the upper housing 18 to the lower housing 20. There is no seal backing up the threaded connection at thread 34 for reasons which will be explained below. Finally, thread 36 connects lower housing 20 to bottom sub 22 with seal 38 sealing off the connection between those two components. As seen in FIGS. 1a-c, the central fluid passageway 12 extends the length of the apparatus A. Disposed in passageway 12 is a ball seat 40. The ball seat assembly 40 encloses a spring 42 which acts on ball 44. In the position shown in FIG. 1a, there is no pressure being applied and the biasing force of spring 42 keeps ball 44 against ball seat 40. Taken as an assembly, the components, including ball seat 40, spring 42, and ball 44, comprise a check valve assembly. When in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 1a, the passageway 12 is split into an upper segment, which includes surface 46 on piston 48, and a lower segment, which includes surface 50 on piston 48. Other valve or restriction devices can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as a swing check valve, an orifice, or any other valve sensitive to pressure differential for its actuation, or even, less ideally, an orifice. Piston 48 is illustrated in multi-component form. Surface 46 is part of the piston housing 52. Piston housing 52 is mounted adjacent upper housing 18 with seals 54 and 56 in between. Top sub 16 has a recess 58. A shear pin or shear screw 60 extends through a portion of piston housing 52 and into recess 58. As a result, until the shear pin 60 breaks, the position of the piston 48 is fixed with respect to the apparatus A. The remainder of piston 48 comprises of a lower segment 62 which terminates in bottom surface 50. Lower segment 62 has an annular shape which is sealed against an inner surface 64 of lower housing 20 by virtue of seals 66 and 68. Piston housing 52 is connected to lower segment 62 at thread 78, with the connection between those two components sealed by seal 80. Finally, the piston housing 52 also has a top surface which, along with surface 46 and portions of ball seat 40 at its upper end, comprise the upper surface of the piston 48 which is exposed to applied hydraulic pressure in passageway 12. It is clear that hydraulic pressure applied from the direction of bottom sub extender 10 cannot go between the piston housing 52 and the upper housing 18 due to the presence of seals 54 and 56. However, applied pressure from extender 10 acts to initially displace ball 44 away from ball seat 40 by virtue of compression of spring 42. Accordingly, the axial force due to applied pressure on top surface of piston housing 52 and surface 46, plus the shear strength of pin 60 in the axial direction, equalizes with the applied pressure in a reverse direction on bottom surface 50. The pressure at surface 50 occurs because, upon application of pressure into passageway 12, the, check valve assembly is open, meaning that the pressure can evenly distribute itself throughout passageway 12 down to the bottom surface 50. Flow to the downhole tool can now occur and initiate the setting. Since by design the bottom surface 50 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the combination of top surface of piston housing 52 and surface 46, and the upper end of the ball seat 40, at a given predetermined pressure level, applied in passageway 12, the net unbalanced force on piston 48 exceeds the ability of the shear pin 60 to retain the piston 48 in its initial -position shown in FIG. 1a. Ultimately, when a predetermined pressure is exceeded, the shear pin 60 breaks and the piston 48 begins to accelerate toward surface 70 on bottom sub 22. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that during subsequent movement of the piston 48 downward, the ratio of fluid volume change above to below the closed check valve (at 40 and 44) will be inversely proportional to the pressure change above to below the same point when measured over the same interval of time. Movement of the piston in this manner is facilitated by a reduction of the volume of chamber 72. However, chamber 72 is equalized with the environment around the apparatus A through a port 74. Arrow 76 illustrates the direction of fluid flow as the volume of chamber 72 decreases by the downward movement of piston 48. Seals 54, 56, 66, 68 and 80 effectively seal portions of chamber 72 as the piston 48 moves. However, since it is desirable to displace fluid out of chamber 72 upon stroking of piston 48, port 74 is sized sufficiently large so as not to create any backpressure which would impede the acceleration of the piston 48. As the piston 48 begins to accelerate toward surface .70, the volume in the apparatus A at passageway 12 decreases from the check valve assembly down to bottom sub 22. This occurs due to the movement of piston 62 into the cavity above surface 70. Conversely, with the downward movement of the piston 48, the volume of passageway 12 above the check valve assembly rises. The rise in volume of passageway 12 above the check valve assembly reduces the pressure above the check valve assembly. Conversely, the decrease in volume of the passageway 12 below the check valve assembly increases the pressure in that portion of the passageway until piston 48 has moved sufficiently so that the reduction in pressure in passageway 12 adjacent surface 46 is sufficient to allow spring 42 to move ball 44 against seat 40. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these movements occur almost instantaneously upon the breaking of shear pin 60. Accordingly, for a major portion of its stroke, piston 48 will move downwardly, bringing surface 50 closer to surface 70, with the check valve assembly in the closed position. Assuming, for the sake of description, that the fluid in passageway 12 is essentially incompressible, the moving piston 48 will try to seek equilibrium as it accelerates towards surface 70. In so doing, the area ratio as between surface 50 compared to surfaces 70 and 46 and the top end of the check valve seat assembly 40 will dictate the degree of pressure amplification experienced at the lower end of passageway 12 and, hence, to the downhole tool. For example, if the area ratio of surfaces 70, 46, and the top end of ball seat 40 to the bottom surface 50 is 3:1, then stroking of the piston toward surface 70 will ultimately, upon setting the tool, result. in a three-fold increase in the applied pressure to the downhole tool (not shown) which is connectable at thread 24. There may be some slight variation in the ratio of the resultant pressure build-up depending on the presence of fluid, which may be slightly compressible, and seal friction. Clearly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the greater the compressibility of the fluid in passageway 12 at the time the piston 48 strokes, the lower the resultant magnification of pressure will be from the ideal direct relationship described above. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate the general relationship between pressure and area which indicates that the combination of the pressure times the area at the top of the piston 48 will be equal to the pressure and the area at the bottom of the piston 48 in an ideal case involving a fully incompressible fluid. This movement of the piston 48 applies the required pressure which the downhole pump itself (not shown) could not deliver to complete the setting of the downhole tool. Those skilled in the art will now understand that what has been illustrated is a very simple pressure-boosting device which works fully automatically. The resultant boost forces can be predetermined by the configuration of the piston 48, and its adjacent sealing surfaces. Similarly, depending on the boost force designed into the configuration of piston 48, those skilled in the art can readily select the value of the force required to shear the pin 60 to begin the movement of piston 48. The apparatus A can be resettable for multiple use without removal from the wellbore, as will be described below. The apparatus A has particular application to use of downhole pumps that are run on wireline whose output capability may only be in the range of 2,000-3,000 psig. With the use of the apparatus A, the output pressure from such a pump can be increased to 5,000 psig or more. The only limitations on the ratio of pressure-boosting available are the physical space requirements of the particular well in question and any length requirements or limitations on the apparatus A. After the apparatus A has been used to set the bridge plug or packer, it can be retrieved to the surface and redressed for subsequent use. It should be noted that minor modifications from the preferred embodiment illustrated are also considered to be part of the scope of the invention. For example, the piston assembly 48, rather than being initially fixated by a shear pin 60, can be assembled in the apparatus A so that it is resettable upon withdrawal of pressure from passageway 12 without the need to remove it from the wellbore to redress the shear pin 60. For example, a spring or other equivalent biasing member 82 is schematically illustrated in cavity 72. Spring 82 can be a stack of Belleville washers or helical compression spring which will retain the position of piston 48 until a sufficient compressive force is applied to the stack. At that point, the spring can compress, allowing a piston 48 to move toward surface 70. Other types of biasing mechanisms can be used to return the piston 48 to its run-in position upon the removal of the net unbalanced force created by the application of hydraulic fluid pressure in passageway 12, all of which are considered to be within the spirit of the invention. The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention are illustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

A pressure-boosting apparatus particularly amenable for use in downhole applications is disclosed. The pressure-boosting apparatus employs an unbalanced piston which is initially fixated in a run-in position. The piston has a flowpath therethrough in which is mounted a check valve. Initially, pressure is applied to above and below the piston which results in an unbalanced force on the piston due to its configuration. Flow to the tool initiates its actuation at this time. When the unbalanced force reaches a predetermined level, the piston is no longer fixated to the housing and begins to accelerate. Acceleration of the piston closes the check valve due to the sudden decrease in pressure behind the check valve and an increase in pressure in front of the check valve as the fluid volume in front of the piston is compressed. Due to the proportional relationship between pressure and area, a magnification of force originally delivered by the pump is achieved for completion of the setting of a downhole tool such as a packer or bridge plug or the like.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention generally relates to saws and more, particularly to tools for changing the circular blade of a saw. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Saws are used for cutting stock material such as wood, plastic, metal and the like to a desired shape and/or size. After extensive use, the blade of the saw may become worn and need replacing. Alternatively, a saw operator may switch from working with one material to another or may desire to alter the cutting action of the saw, and therefore may be similarly required to change the blade or the orientation of the blade of the saw. Typically, saws that use a circular saw blade use a nut to mount the blade on a shaft that is rotated by the saw to rotate the blade. Typically, the blade is secured to the shaft by a nut. When the blade needs to be replaced or otherwise removed, the nut must be loosened and removed from the shaft to release the blade. However, the shaft typically freely rotates within the saw when power is not provided to the saw. As such, application of torque to the nut to remove the nut from the shaft will cause the shaft and blade to rotate unless the blade and/or shaft is prevented from rotating. In the past, the operator would use an additional tool to stop the blade from rotating while torque is applied to the nut. In many instances, the second tool was a block of wood. Many operators would unplug the saw and engage a block of wood with the teeth of the saw blade to prevent it from rotating. With the saw blade engaging the block of wood, the operator could use a wrench to apply torque to the nut and loosen it. However, as the blade was uncovered, if the wrench were to slip from the nut, the exposed teeth of the saw blade provided the potential for minor cuts or injuries to the operator. Further, to attain leverage for loosening the nut, the operator may position his free hand against the block of wood. As such, should the wood or wrench slip, the operator's other hand could also potentially contact the blade and become injured. U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,480 to Fontaine et al. has attempted to prevent these problems by providing a blade changing tool that uses an arcuate guard that engages a blade that includes a slot having two sidewalls and a bottom. The tool also includes two feet that project from one sidewall to abut the table of the saw to prevent the blade from rotating. However, the present inventors identified what they believe to be several drawbacks of the '486 patent as will be further evident from the present disclosure including (1) the tool provides only a single size arcuate slot which is only closely sized for a single size blade; (2) the tool includes a complex design such that it includes undercuts, which prevent the device from being manufactured from a straight-pull mold thereby increasing manufacturing costs; (3) as the engagement between the teeth of the blade and the tool is hidden within the slot and behind the two parallel sides, it can be difficult to determine if the tool has properly been engaged with the tool. There exists, therefore, a need in the art for an improved blade changing tool that facilitates removal of the blade, but makes it easier to determine if the tool is properly engaging the blade, can be manufactured more efficiently, and/or can easily accommodate multiple blade sizes. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides an improved tool for assisting with changing the blade of a saw that can accommodate multiple blade sizes while being less complex to manufacture, and/or provides improved visibility for inspecting the engagement between a saw blade and the tool. In some forms of the invention, the tool includes a body having a stepped face that provides a plurality of steps. The steps may be provided by recesses sized to receive different sized saw blades. The recesses may have a blade face abutment surface that is positioned proximate a face of the blade during use and a riser extending axially outward from the blade face abutment surface that is proximate the teeth of the blade during use. The tool further includes a tooth engaging catch for engaging the blade to control the blade and prevent its rotation during tightening or loosening of a nut holding the blade to the saw. In some forms of the invention, the body of the tool is formed free of undercuts such that the body may be formed using a straight-pull mold that includes only two shells. In such a form, the body may be formed using injection molding and using plastic material. In some forms of the invention, the body includes a handle for the operator to control the position and prevent movement of the tool during use. The handle may or may not be formed as one piece with the body. The body may include feet that extend axially outward from a rear face of the body that is on the opposite side as the stepped face. The feet may be used to traverse any slot in the table of the saw and prevent the tool from rotating with the blade while loosening or tightening. Further, the feet can help stabilize the body while using the tool. In some forms of the invention, the face that includes the blade receiving recesses, or even a single blade receiving recess, i.e. the stepped face, may be open such that the face is an external face. This configuration can simplify the tool as well as improve visual inspection of the engagement between the tool and the saw blade. In another forms of the invention, the stepped face may be hidden behind a plate or wall that extends downward in front of at least part of the recesses. Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a blade changing tool in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front profile view of the blade changing tool of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the blade changing tool of FIG. 1 about line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 ; FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of the blade changing tool of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the blade changing tool of FIG. 1 positioned adjacent to a saw and a saw blade such as during operation; and FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the blade changing tool positioned adjacent to the saw blade of FIG. 5 . While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a blade changing tool 10 according to the teachings of the present invention for assisting changing the blade 212 of a circular saw especially a table saw 200 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ). The illustrated blade changing tool 10 generally includes a body 12 and a handle 13 . The body 12 generally includes a stepped face 14 and a plurality of blade engaging catches illustrated in the form of protrusions 16 The stepped face 14 of the illustrated embodiment defines or otherwise includes a plurality of steps illustrated in the form of arcuate recesses 20 - 24 that are recesses for receiving blades. The recesses 20 - 24 are generally concentric and axially offset from one another. A blade face abutment surface 28 - 32 cooperates with a corresponding riser 36 - 40 that extends axially outward from the blade face abutment surface 28 - 32 to form each recess 20 - 24 , respectively. Due to the arcuate shape of the risers 36 - 40 of the illustrated embodiment, each recess 20 - 24 can be viewed as a minor segment of a circle bordered or defined by a riser 36 - 40 and the bottom edge of the body 12 . The blade face abutment surfaces 28 - 32 are axially offset from one another by the risers 36 - 40 . In use, the blade face abutment surfaces 28 - 32 axially position the blade changing tool 10 relative to a saw blade 212 . More particularly, one of the blade face abutment surfaces 28 - 32 is positioned axially proximate a face or side of the saw blade during the changing process. Each riser 36 - 40 extends axially outward from a corresponding blade face abutment surface 28 - 32 to define the radially outer periphery of each recess 20 - 24 , respectively. In use, the blade changing tool 10 is generally radially positioned relative to the edge of the saw blade 212 defined by the teeth 208 of the saw blade 212 such that one of the risers 36 - 40 is positioned radially against or proximate the teeth 208 of the saw blade 212 . As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 , riser 40 , the radially outermost riser, is illustrated as bordering a the exposed teeth 208 of the saw blade 212 . As such, an operator is protected from the teeth 208 by the blade changing tool 10 . With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the risers 36 - 40 are illustrated as concave surfaces opening towards the bottom edge 42 of the body 12 . During blade changing operations, the saw blade 212 will be raised relative to the top 204 of the table 202 to the same height as the inner surface of the corresponding riser 36 - 40 . The risers 36 - 40 are generally concentric minor arcs having differing radii. As the risers 36 - 40 are concentric and the recesses 20 - 24 are centered about the width W of the body 12 , the midpoint of each riser 36 - 40 aligns at the center of the width W of the body 12 . The bottom edge 42 of the body 12 forms the cord that defines the ends of the individual risers 36 - 40 . The concave shape of each riser 36 - 40 is closely sized to the respective blade size that the individual recess 20 - 24 is designed to receive. Preferably, the blade changing tool 10 includes at least three recesses configured to receive standard sized saw blades having diametrical sizes of seven and one-quarter inch (7¼″), eight inch (8″) and ten inch (10″), respectively. However, saw blade changing tools 10 according to the teachings of the present invention can be sized for other saw blade sizes. Risers 36 , 38 between recesses 20 and 22 and recesses 22 and 24 , respectively, offset the adjacent recesses 20 , 22 and 22 , 24 from one another. These offsets provide the stepped configuration of the face 14 . Further, lending to the stepped configuration is riser 40 positioned between abutment face 32 of recess 24 and an outer rim 44 of the body 12 . The protrusions 16 are used to engage individual teeth 208 of the saw blade 212 to prevent the saw blade 212 from rotating while torque is operatively applied to the nut 216 securing the saw blade 212 while releasing or tightening. The illustrated protrusions 16 are positioned proximate to and are unitarily formed with the risers 36 - 40 . A protrusion 16 may extend the same distance outward from the blade abutment surface as the riser of its respective recess such as the protrusions 16 proximate risers 36 and 38 . Alternatively, a protrusion may extend axially outward a shorter distance than the riser of its respective recess such as illustrated with protrusion 16 of recess 24 proximate riser 40 . The protrusions 16 are one form of an engaging catch for engaging the teeth 708 of a saw blade 212 that can be incorporated when practicing the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the protrusions include a tooth engaging face 50 that engages a tooth 208 . The tooth engaging face 50 , as illustrated, extends radially inward from its respective riser 36 - 40 . It is preferred that the tooth engaging face 50 forms an angle with a riser 36 - 40 that is equal to or less than 90 degrees to prevent the tooth 208 from slipping relative to the protrusion 16 . While the protrusions 16 are all illustrated as having the tooth engaging face 50 on the same side, other blade changing tools can have symmetric protrusions where both sides of the protrusions are configured to engage the cutting edge of a tooth. It can be appreciated from FIGS. 1 through 3 that the stepped face 14 of the body 12 is an open face that is fully exposed. In other words, the recesses 20 - 24 and protrusions 16 are not positioned between the body 12 and a separate wall or plate. This configuration facilitates improved visibility for determining the engagement between the teeth 208 of the blade 212 and the blade changing tool 10 . However, in alternative embodiments, the blade changing tool could include a separate wall or plate (not shown) attached or integrally formed to the rim 44 of the body 12 . In such a configuration, the wall or plate would cover the entire stepped face 14 or only a portion of the stepped face 14 . In this configuration, the stepped face 14 would be an internal or inner face internal to the cavity formed between the body 12 and the additional plate or wall. The saw blades 212 would be received between the body 12 and the plate or wall at least partially in a radial direction. Such a wall or plate could provide additional safety for the operator. The body 12 also includes two feet 60 , 62 extending axially outward from a rear face 64 of the body. With reference to FIG. 1 , the feet 60 , 62 align with the bottom edge 42 of the body 12 and have a generally flat or planar bottom surface. With reference to FIG. 7 , the feet 60 , 62 function to abut against the top 204 of the table 202 of the table saw 200 as the saw blade 212 is being torqued during tightening or loosening of the saw blade 212 . More particularly, as the table 202 includes a slot 211 through which the saw blade 212 extends, the feet 60 , 62 function to extend across the slot 211 . Depending on the direction of rotation, one of the feet 60 , 62 will be biased into the top 204 of the table 202 to stop rotation of the saw blade 212 as the nut 216 is being torqued. With reference to FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the primary features of body 12 of the blade changing tool 10 are formed such that the body 12 is generally free of undercuts. An undercut would occur when it is impossible to form a two shell or two piece mold to define all of the structures of the body 12 . As the body 12 is free of undercuts, the body 12 can be generally formed by a straight-pull mold using an injection molding process. More particularly, the body 12 can be formed using only two mold shells. The mold shells move relative to one another along a mold pull axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the mold pull axis is generally horizontal or parallel to the extension of the protrusions 16 from the blade face abutment surfaces 28 - 32 and generally perpendicular to the blade face abutment surfaces 28 - 32 . Typically, the body 12 will be injection molded from a plastic material to form a one-piece body. The handle 13 preferably extends at an angle α relative to body 12 . The handle 13 permits the operator to control the blade changing tool 10 while tightening or loosening the saw blade 212 . The angled orientation permits the operator to easily apply radial and axial loading to the blade changing tool 10 . By being able to apply loads in both directions, the operator can more securely engage the saw blade 212 with the blade changing tool 10 . Further, the feet 60 , 62 prevent the blade changing tool 10 from tipping away from the saw blade 212 so that the blade changing tool 10 does not disengage the saw blade 212 . The angled handle configuration may generate undercuts if the handle 13 was formed as one piece with body 12 preventing a straight-pull mold from being employed to injection mold the body 12 . As such, the handle 13 is formed as a second piece that is attached to the rear face 64 of the body 12 rather than having the body 12 and handle 13 formed as one-piece. However, other embodiments could form the handle 13 and body 12 as a one-piece body. Further, the handle 13 could only extend axially or radially to more easily facilitate straight-pull molding. Depending on the cutting operation to occur after a saw blade 212 has been mounted to the saw 200 , the operator may desire to adjust the height at which the blade extends above the top 204 of the table 202 of the saw 200 . As such, the blade changing tool 10 may include blade height indicators 74 so that the operator can quickly, and without the assistance of other tools, adjust the blade height to a desired working level. The blade height indicators 74 are indentations formed in the blade face abutment surfaces 28 - 32 of the individual recesses 20 - 24 . The blade height indicators 74 are preferably spaced apart at equal increments. As illustrated, the blade height indicators 74 are centered along the width W of the body 12 . All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

A blade changing tool for changing a blade for saws, particular table saws, is provided. The tool includes a body having a face that includes at least one recess for receiving and engaging a saw blade. Typically, the face will include a plurality of axially offset recesses resulting in a stepped face. A blade face abutment surface and a riser extending therefrom combine to form the recesses. The risers may be concave in shape giving the recesses a circular segment shape. The body also includes at least one blade engaging catch that engages teeth of the blade to prevent rotational movement of the blade while it is being loosened or tightened. The tool may be free of undercuts to facilitate straight-pull molding. Also, the stepped face may be an external face to facilitate visually inspecting the engagement between the blade and the tool.

TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to electrolyte gating, and more particularly, to the use of ionic liquids for reversibly changing the conductivity in correlated insulators by the controlled flow of currents of ionized species. BACKGROUND The electric-field induced metallization of correlated insulators is a powerful means of creating novel electronic phases but requires high electric fields often beyond those achievable by conventional dielectric gates (1-3). Such fields can be achieved at interfaces using Schottky junctions (4) or polar materials (5, 6) or at surfaces by using ionic liquids (ILs) (7) as the gate dielectric in field effect transistor devices (8-10). The latter method allows for tunable electric fields without restriction on the channel material or its crystal orientation. One of the most interesting and widely studied materials is the correlated insulator VO 2 (11, 12) which exhibits a metal to insulator phase transition (MIT) as the temperature is reduced below ˜340 K in bulk material (13). Recently, electrolyte gating has been shown to dramatically alter the properties of thin films of VO 2 , in particular, the metallization of the insulating state was achieved and attributed to the introduction of small numbers of carriers that are electrostatically induced by the gating process (14). This would be consistent with the destabilization of a Mott insulating state in VO 2 that depends critically on electronic band half-filling, which has been a long-standing goal in condensed matter physics (15). SUMMARY We find that an entirely different mechanism accounts for the electrolyte gating suppression of the MIT to low temperatures in epitaxial thin films of VO 2 that we have prepared on TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 single crystal substrates. In particular, the movement of oxygen in and out of VO 2 appears to account for the experimentally determined change in conductivity. One aspect of the invention is a method for use with an oxide layer (e.g., VO 2 ) having a surface over which an ionic liquid is disposed. The method includes applying a first voltage to the ionic liquid to stimulate the motion of either cations or anions within the liquid towards the surface, such that oxygen is driven from the oxide into the liquid, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from insulating (or semiconducting) to metallic. The method also includes applying a second voltage, whose polarity is opposite to the first voltage, to the ionic liquid to cause the motion of oxygen back into the oxide layer, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from metallic to insulating (or semiconducting). The ionic liquid may be confined to a conduit in proximity with the oxide layer. The change in conductivity can be advantageously maintained for at least 10 nanoseconds (or at least one day or even at least one year) after the first voltage is removed from the liquid and/or the liquid is removed from the surface. The liquid may be confined to one or more discrete regions of the surface, which may be addressed by the flow of the ionic liquid. Another aspect of the invention is a method for use with an oxide layer having a surface over which an ionic liquid is disposed. The method includes applying a first voltage to the ionic liquid, such that a first electric field is generated at the surface, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from insulating (or semiconducting) to metallic. The method further includes applying a second voltage, whose polarity is opposite to the first voltage, to the ionic liquid to generate a second electric field having a polarity opposite to that of the first electric field, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from metallic to insulating (or semiconducting). The first electric field drives oxygen from the oxide into the liquid, and the second electric field drives oxygen from the liquid into the oxide. Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for use with an oxide layer having a surface over which an ionic liquid is disposed. The method includes inducing a first (compositional) inhomogeneity in the ionic liquid, such that a first electric field is generated at the surface, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from insulating (or semiconducting) to metallic. The method further includes inducing a second (compositional) inhomogeneity in the ionic liquid, such that a second electric field is generated at the surface having a polarity opposite to that of the first electric field, thereby changing the conductivity of the oxide layer from metallic to insulating (or semiconducting). The first electric field drives oxygen from the oxide into the liquid, and the second electric field drives oxygen from the liquid into the oxide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 . Temperature and gate voltage dependent conductivity of epitaxial VO 2 thin films. (A) Resistivity versus temperature curves for VO 2 films grown on various orientations of TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 single crystal substrates. (B) High resolution Cu Kα θ-2θ x-ray diffraction pattern of VO 2 films deposited on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) and TiO 2 (001), respectively, showing highly oriented films with the c axis out of plane. (C) Optical image of a typical electrical double layer transistor device showing the droplet of the IL HMIM-TFSI. The electrical contacts can be seen in the magnified image of the channel (right). Sheet conductance versus V G for devices fabricated from VO 2 films prepared on (D) Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) and (E) TiO 2 (001). FIG. 2 . Suppression of the MIT in VO 2 films. (A) Sheet resistance (R s ) versus temperature (T) for various gate voltages varying from 0 to 1.8 V for VO 2 /TiO 2 (001). (B) Resistivity of VO 2 versus temperature as a function of oxygen pressure used for film deposition on TiO 2 (001). (C) R s versus T for the same device in A in its pristine state, at V G =1.8 V (gated), and at V G =−0.8 V (reverse gated), showing the complete recovery of the MIT in the latter case. V G was applied at 300 K for measurements in A, C, while the films were in their metallic state. (D) Sheet resistance for EG devices formed from VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) and VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0), and electron carrier density n e from Hall measurements for an EG device fabricated from VO 2 /TiO 2 (001), versus V G . The dashed line is a guide to the eye. FIG. 3 . V 2p core-level spectra for pristine and gated (A) VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) and (B) VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0). V G =1.8 V in both cases. These data are compared in (C) to spectra for VO 2 films deposited under reduced oxygen pressures on TiO 2 (001). (D) Excess 18 O concentration above the natural abundance (˜0.2 atomic %) versus depth of two EG devices fabricated from 40 and 20 nm thick VO 2 on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) determined using SIMS. The devices were gated to the metallic state in vacuum and reverse gated to recover the insulating state in 18 O 2 . Data are compared to pristine channels on the same wafer that were not gated but were subject to the same dosage of 18 O 2 . Measurements on two different areas of sample 1 are very similar. (E) Scan at a mass resolution of 4000 (a.m.u./FWHM) showing clear separation between 18 O and 16 O 1 H 2 and 17 O 1 H. FIG. 4 . Electrolyte gating of device fabricated from VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) in the presence of oxygen at 300 K. (A) Source-drain current at V G =3 V versus time as the O 2 pressure was varied from an initial pressure of 150 Torr, gradually to 10 −5 Torr, abruptly to 130 Torr and finally gradually to 10 −5 Torr (indicated schematically by the gray scale). (B) Sheet conductance (gray scale) as a function of V G and oxygen pressure. FIG. 5 . Sheet resistance versus temperature for a 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device in pristine condition before any IL is applied (solid line) and after the device was gated to the metallic state (short dashes) by applying V G =2.2 V and varying the temperature at a rate of 3 K/minute from 360 K to 300 K and back to 360 K. The IL was then removed at room temperature by washing the device in isopropyl alcohol. The device was kept at room temperature in a dry nitrogen environment for 50 hours and then the resistance versus temperature curve was remeasured under identical temperature sweep conditions without any IL being applied (see long dashes). No significant change in the metallic nature of the device was found. FIG. 6 . XPS survey scan of a pristine and a gated device. XPS survey scans from the same sample of 10 nm VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) as in FIG. 3A . Data are shown for the device in the pristine state and after gating to suppress the MIT to low temperatures. A gate voltage of 1.8 V was applied at 300 K and the device was subsequently cooled to low temperatures to check that the metallic state was formed. After warming to room temperature the IL was removed and the XPS scans were collected. No peaks from F, N or S are found. The expected positions of the F 1s, N 1s, C 1s and S 2p peaks (31) are shown in the Figure. (The ˜1.2 eV spin-orbit splitting of the S 2p core-levels is not shown.) A C 1s peak from surface contamination can be seen in the sample before and after gating and thus is not derived from IL gating. All the other peaks can be indexed to O and V from the VO 2 channel, Si from the SiO 2 dielectric and Au from the device contacts. The absence of any of the F, N or S peaks indicates that there is no electrochemical incorporation of the ionic species during the EDL gating process and also suggests that the surface cleaning prior to the XPS measurements was effective in removing the IL. The low binding energy data are plotted in the inset for clarity. FIG. 7 . Temporal changes in the source-drain current of a 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device. (A) Source-drain current as a function of time on applying a positive gate voltage for 300 s with values varying from 2.2 to 3 V and then setting the gate voltage to zero. Top panel shows a schematic of the applied gate voltage versus time. (B) Source-drain current versus time after first applying a gate voltage of 2.6 V for 300 s and then applying a reverse gate voltage varying from −0.5 to −2.6V. Top panel shows the applied gate voltage versus time schematic. All measurements were carried out inside a high vacuum chamber at a pressure of ˜10 −7 Torr. The vertical dash-dotted lines in the bottom panels correspond to the change in voltage shown in the top panels. FIG. 8 . Sheet resistance versus temperature of a 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device in pristine condition before any IL is applied (solid line) and after the device was gated to the metallic state (short dashes) by applying V G =2 V and varying the temperature at a rate of 3 K/minute from 360 K to 250 K and back to 360 K. The IL was then removed at room temperature by washing the device in isopropyl alcohol. The device was then remeasured (long dashes) after it was annealed in a tube furnace in flowing oxygen at 200° C. for 1 hour. FIG. 9 . Gate-voltage dependent resistance versus temperature curves for a 20 nm thick VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device for various gate voltages varying from 0 to 2 V. FIG. 10 . Gate-voltage dependent resistance versus temperature curves for a VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device. Sheet resistance as a function of the reciprocal of temperature for a device fabricated from 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) gated to several different voltages shows evidence for a second phase transition within the range of 100-180 K. The dash-dotted lines are guides to the eye. FIG. 11 . Topography of VO 2 thin films. (A) AFM image for a 10 nm VO 2 film deposited on TiO 2 (001). This film is atomically smooth with an RMS roughness of ˜0.2 nm. (B) AFM image of a 20 nm VO 2 film deposited on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) substrate. This film has an RMS roughness of ˜1 nm. FIG. 12 . A high-resolution cross-section transmission electron microscopy image of a 2.7 nm thick VO 2 film deposited on TiO 2 (001). The image is taken along the [010] zone axis in the rutile structure. There is significant damage to both the film and the TiO 2 single crystal substrate from the focused ion milling used to prepare the sample. Nevertheless, the image clearly shows that the VO 2 film grows epitaxially with the TiO 2 substrate. FIG. 13 . Summary of device characteristics. Substrate material and crystal orientation, nominal deposited VO 2 film thickness, and channel area for the devices used in this study. The oxygen pressure during growth was 10 mTorr for all devices in this Table. The film thicknesses were calibrated by RBS. FIG. 14 shows a device utilizing the methods described herein. FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 illustrate methods in which the concentration of one or more ionic liquids can be varied over time to effect a change in the conductivity of the channel of the device, by applying a gate voltage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1A shows resistivity versus temperature curves for VO 2 films grown by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) on various facets of TiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 single crystals in an O 2 pressure of 10 mTorr during deposition (16). The MIT temperature (T MIT ) varied due to different strains in the VO 2 films (17). Henceforth, we consider films grown on TiO 2 (001) and Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0), which have a large difference in T MIT but have the same crystallographic orientation. For these films, high-resolution x-ray diffraction ( FIG. 1B ) indicates excellent epitaxial growth with the c-axis out-of-the plane. The film on TiO 2 (001) [Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0)], 10 nm [20 nm] thick, is strained along the c axis by −1.2% [completely relaxed] (18, 19), and has a T MIT of ˜290 K [340 K]. Devices for electrolyte gating (EG) studies were fabricated from 10 nm VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) and 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) films ( FIG. 1C ), unless otherwise noted, using standard optical lithographic techniques. The electrical contacts to the channel include source S and drain D contacts as well as four side contacts that were used for 4-wire resistance and Hall measurements. A ˜100 nl droplet of the ionic liquid (IL) 1-Hexyl-3methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide (HMIM-TFSI) covers the channel and lateral gate (G) electrode. The gate voltage (V G ) was swept at 5 mV/s and a source drain voltage V SD =0.1 V was used, except where noted. Hysteresis in the sheet conductance centered about V G =0 V was found for both substrates ( FIGS. 1D and 1E ). By sweeping V G the device can be reversibly switched between low and high conductance states. Once switched to the high conductance state, the device was stable at V G =0 V and maintained its conductance for many days even if the IL was washed off the device using isopropyl alcohol ( FIG. 5 ). To check that the IL was completely removed x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was carried out and no spectroscopic signature of the IL was found ( FIG. 6 ). This suggests that the gating effect was not electrostatic in origin. Moreover, the fact that films on both types of substrates show very similar behavior rules out any appreciable influence of the substrate, for example, the role of strain. The electric field induced metallic phase, reflected in the source-drain current (I SD ), is stable over extended periods of time in the presence of the IL at V G =0 V ( FIG. 7A ) and also for modest V G , but the insulating phase can be nearly recovered by applying reverse gate voltages similar in value to those needed to induce the metallic phase ( FIGS. 1D and 1E ). The insulating phase can also be recovered by annealing in oxygen at modest temperatures (˜200° C., FIG. 8 ). FIG. 2A shows the temperature dependence of the channel sheet resistance R S of VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) devices for several positive V G . A progressive suppression of the MIT as the gate bias was increased is observed until the MIT is suppressed to below 5 K at V G ˜1.8 V. This gating effect is compared in FIG. 2B with the effect of changing the oxygen content of VO 2 by depositing VO 2 /TiO 2 (001) in reduced pressures of oxygen at 400° C. The T MIT is systematically reduced and the MIT is suppressed as the oxygen pressure is lowered from 9 mTorr. The transport data in FIGS. 2A and 2B are notably similar. In both cases the onset temperature for the MIT is decreased and the magnitude of the resistive change drops. The similarity in these data suggests that the electrolyte gating (EG) effect could also be due to the electric field induced formation of oxygen vacancies, thereby leading to a reduced MIT. As discussed above, the VO 2 devices can be reversibly switched between insulating and metallic phases. The temperature dependence of the resistivity for the same device in FIG. 2A in its pristine (i.e., ungated) state and after being reversibly gated are nearly identical ( FIG. 2C ). The sheet resistance in the metallic phase just above the MIT is plotted versus V G in FIG. 2D for the devices used in FIG. 2A , and for devices on Al 2 O 3 substrates in FIG. 9 . For VO 2 devices on both substrates, R S increases considerably as V G is increased. If the gating effect were electrostatic, the electron carrier density n e should increase for positive V G ; thus one would anticipate a decrease rather than an increase in R S . Moreover, Hall resistivity measurements for VO 2 /TiO 2 show no evidence for any increase in n e , ( FIG. 2D , bottom); rather n e is independent of V G and measured to be ˜6×10 22 cm −3 , similar to bulk VO 2 (20). To confirm the possibility of oxygen vacancy creation during EG that was suggested by our transport data we carried out three independent experimental studies. First, we used XPS to measure changes in the oxidation state of vanadium in gated VO 2 films. Devices with much larger channel areas (˜900×300 μm 2 ) than those used above were fabricated to accommodate the ˜150 μm diameter x-ray (Al Kα) beam size. Transport data on these devices were very similar to those shown in FIG. 2 for similar V G . FIGS. 3 A and B compare the V 2p core-level spectra obtained within the channel for pristine devices and the same devices gated to completely suppress the MIT to low temperatures. The results for devices fabricated on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) and TiO 2 (001) are similar to each other. The position of the V 2p 3/2 core-level peak in the pristine sample is ˜516.3 eV, close to the well established value of ˜516.1 eV for V 4+ in VO 2 . In the gated sample (for which the IL was removed) the V 2p 3/2 core-level peak broadens and is shifted towards lower binding energy (BE) by ˜0.2 eV. (Note that the peak is observed to be at ˜515.8 eV for V 3+ in V 2 O 3 .) These observations indicate a reduction in the oxidation state of V from V 4+ towards V 3+ (21). Similarly, in situ measured films prepared in various pressures of oxygen ( FIG. 3C ) have V 2p peaks that shift systematically to lower BEs and broaden monotonically as the oxygen pressure is reduced. Thus, the V oxidation state continuously evolves towards V 3+ concomitant with a suppression of the MIT (as shown in FIG. 2B ). The changes in the oxidation state of V observed by XPS strongly indicate the formation of oxygen vacancies. In the absence of electric fields the formation energies of oxygen vacancies in rutile oxides are known to be very high (22). However, we hypothesize that the electric fields created at the electric double layer (EDL) at the IL/oxide interface are sufficiently high (23) to drive oxygen out of the VO 2 surface into the IL, and that once the oxygen vacancies are created, these vacancies are stable in the absence of the EDL at V G =0. This explains the non-volatility of the gating ( FIGS. 1D and 1E ). To test this hypothesis we carried out gating in a high vacuum chamber in which we could introduce 18 O 2 . First, an EG device with a large channel area (900×300 μm 2 ) was gated in high vacuum (V G =3 V) to suppress the MIT to low temperatures. After gating for long times (˜10-20 min) the channel conductance is found to be nearly saturated and remains unchanged when V G is reduced to zero (16). Once a stable channel current was obtained, 18 O 2 was introduced into the chamber at V G =0 V. Then a reverse gate voltage of −1.5 V was applied until the insulating state was recovered, which took several hours. This procedure was repeated 3 and 4 times, respectively, for two different devices that we will label sample 1 and sample 2. Samples 1 and 2 were fabricated from 40 and 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0), respectively. Depth profile secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was then performed on these samples. A comparison was made to pristine regions on the same sample that were otherwise subjected to identical procedures concurrently. In the latter case no excess 18 O above its natural isotopic abundance in oxygen of 0.2 atomic percent was measured. However, a significant increase in the concentration of 18 O to nearly twice the natural abundance is found at the surfaces of both devices in the gated channels with a higher value in sample 1, the device that was gated in higher pressures of 18 O 2 ( FIG. 3D ). The excess 18 O is seen to depths of nearly 20 nm from the oxide surface with similar depth profiles for the two samples. The significant incorporation of 18 O within the VO 2 channels during reverse gating supports our hypothesis that gating creates oxygen vacancies within the channel. Given the large area of the channel, the most likely migration path for the oxygen that must be released to create the vacancies during gating is into the IL. Then one might speculate that saturation of the IL with oxygen would prevent such migration. FIG. 4A indeed shows that there is no change in the source-drain current even when a large V G is applied in the presence of 150 Torr O 2 to a 100×20 μm 2 device of VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0). After 200 s, O 2 was pumped out from the chamber and, concomitantly, I SD gradually increases. When oxygen is reintroduced into the chamber, while maintaining V G =3 V, I SD starts to decrease. We find a clear correlation between the source-drain current and the amount of oxygen in the chamber. A detailed dependence of the sheet conductance on V G and P O2 is shown in FIG. 4B . Significant gating effects were found only at low oxygen pressures (for V G >˜1.5 V). Our experiments show that modest gate voltages result in the electric field induced migration of oxygen into and out of the IL even though the energy required to create an oxygen vacancy in VO 2 in zero electric field is high. This phenomenon is likely to be common to many experiments using high electric fields, especially those using IL gating: Many of these experiments have been interpreted by the electrostatic creation of carriers. Our results also suggest that the electric field induced migration of species into and out of electrolyte gated materials is an exciting avenue for the creation of novel, non-equilibrium phases of matter. Experimental Details Preparation of VO 2 Films Single crystal films of VO 2 were prepared from polycrystalline VO 2 or V 2 O 3 targets by a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique on various substrates using a laser energy density of ˜1.3 J/cm 2 , a repetition rate of 2 Hz, and a target to substrate distance of ˜7.1 cm. The thicknesses of the samples varied from 7 nm to 20 nm. Growth temperatures of 400° C., 500° C. and 700° C. were used for TiO 2 (001) and (101), TiO 2 (100) and (110), and Al 2 O 3 (0001) and (10 1 0) substrates, respectively, as they yielded the largest change in resistance at the metal to insulator transition (MIT). The highest quality films were obtained for oxygen deposition pressures of at least 9 mTorr. Film quality and properties were not much affected for oxygen pressures that were varied between 9 and 15 mTorr. High-resolution x-ray diffraction (XRD) data and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopic (RBS) analysis showed all VO 2 films were epitaxial, single crystalline, and stoichiometric. Room temperature XRD measurements (see FIG. 1B ) show only (001) peaks (rutile coordinate system) indicating that these films are epitaxially oriented with the c-axis pointing out of the plane of the substrate. However, for VO 2 films grown on TiO 2 (001), cracks were observed in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images of films that were thicker than approximately 20 nm, presumably due to the large tensile misfit strain. From bulk lattice constants (18, 19) the in-plane value of the unstrained VO 2 film lattice constant (a=4.532 Å) is ˜1.4% smaller than that of TiO 2 (a=4.591 Å). From our x-ray data we find that the VO 2 film is coherently strained on the TiO 2 substrate for films less than ˜20 nm thick. The films that displayed cracks typically exhibited multi-step metal-insulator transitions (MIT), presumably due to transitions from differently strained regions in the film. Thus, to avoid any extraneous effects during IL gating due to cracks, films much thinner than those displaying cracks were used, namely 10 nm thick. By contrast, films grown on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) were completely relaxed without any misfit strain and no cracks were observed by AFM even for films as thick as 200 nm. The MIT transition was reduced in magnitude and broadened for 10 nm thick VO 2 films grown on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) but films thicker than ˜20 nm showed excellent, very abrupt MIT transitions with almost 4 orders of magnitude change in resistivity at the MIT. Thus, 20 and 40 nm thick films were used to make devices for IL gating. Fabrication of Devices Laterally gated devices were fabricated by standard photolithography techniques. The channel area was defined using a single layer of 1.3 μm thick SPR670 photoresist and the surrounding oxide film was removed by an argon ion milling etch process. The etched region was then refilled by a dielectric material that was typically SiO 2 but, for some samples, Al 2 O 3 was used. No difference in properties of the devices was found with the different dielectric fills. During processing of VO 2 on TiO 2 (001), the substrates became conducting after etching of the devices to define the channel, and, therefore, to suppress these conducting paths, the devices were annealed at 180° C. for 6 hours in flowing O 2 in a tube-furnace, before the refill. This annealing step did not alter the electronic properties of VO 2 as was evident from the excellent MIT characteristics after fabrication. An adhesion layer of 5 nm thick Ta was used followed by a 65 nm thick Au layer to form the electrical contacts. To prevent interaction of the IL with the contact electrodes all exposed Au surfaces outside the channel area were then covered with 50 nm SiO 2 . Finally, a 1000×1000 μm 2 gate electrode was formed from a bilayer of 5 nm Ta/65 nm Au that was spaced ˜250 μm from one side of the channel (see FIG. 1C ). The devices were prepared with various channel areas as shown in Table 1. Ionic Liquid Gating Experiments Special care was taken to mitigate any contamination of the ionic liquid (IL) particularly with respect to water. An organic IL, 1-Hexyl-3methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)-imide (HMIM-TFSI, EMD Chemicals) was specifically chosen for these studies due to its known hydrophobic nature (more so than the commonly used ILs, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIM-TFSI) and N,N-diethyl-N-(2-methoxyethyl)-N-methylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (DEME-TFSI)) (24). Although all the experiments reported here use the same IL, namely HMIM-TFSI, a limited set of experiments was carried out using the more commonly used ILs, DEME-TFSI and EMIM-TFSI, which confirmed a gating response of the VO 2 devices similar to that when using HMIM-TFSI. The IL was dehydrated by heating at 120° C. in high vacuum (˜10 −7 Torr) for several days. The water content of the IL was measured by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy and Karl-Fischer titration and was found to be less than 50 ppm in a 1 ml sample of the IL. After wire-bonding, using Au wires, the devices were baked under the same conditions (120° C. in ˜10 −7 Torr) for at least 6 hours and subsequently a droplet of the dehydrated IL was placed on the device that covered both the channel and the gate electrode. The device was then immediately put into a Quantum Design DynaCool which was operated using the HiVac option with a pressure of <10 −3 Torr of He during the gating experiments. XPS Measurements High-resolution XPS data were obtained using a monochromatic x-ray beam with a photon energy of 1486.6 eV (Al Kα). The monochromator is comprised of two quartz single crystals that focus the x-ray beam onto the sample at an angle of ˜78.5° to the sample surface. XPS studies on the electrolyte gated (EG) devices were performed on channels of 900×300 μm 2 areas with an x-ray spot diameter of 150 μm. The x-ray beam was aligned with the channel by maximizing the intensity of the O 1s photoemission peak (529.8 eV). For in situ XPS measurements on unpatterned, as-deposited films, a 650 μm diameter x-ray spot was used which is well within the 10×10 mm 2 sample area. The emitted photoelectrons were detected by a Thermo Scientific Alpha-110 hemispherical electron energy analyzer positioned along the sample normal and operating at a pass energy of 20 eV. The measurements were performed with both the un-gated and gated VO 2 films in their metallic state by heating the samples to 313 K for VO 2 on TiO 2 (001) substrates and to 373 K for VO 2 on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) substrates. SIMS Measurements Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) measurements were made with a CAMECA SC Ultra instrument. The sample was first coated with 3 nm Pt film to reduce any charging effects during these measurements. The sample was bombarded with a beam of 600 eV Cs + ions focused to a 30 μm diameter spot. The Cs + ion beam was rastered over a ˜300×300 μm 2 region within the channel, but SIMS data were collected only over a central 30 μm diameter region within the rastered area to avoid any artifacts from the edge of the crater that was formed during the experiment. The instrument was operated at a mass resolution of 4000 (a.m.u./FWHM) and this was sufficient to clearly resolve 18 O from 16 O 1 H 2 and 17 O 1 H (see FIG. 3E ). We note that it has been suggested that hydrogen doping could stabilize the metallic phase of VO 2 (25). However, in our SIMS measurements, the 18 O signal was dominant and the signal intensity corresponding to 16 O 1 H 2 and 17 O 1 H was several orders of magnitude smaller, providing evidence for the lack of any hydrogen in the film. Nevertheless, the role of hydrogen and its possible influence on our results cannot be completely ruled out. Additional Experimental Results Long-Term Stability of the Gate Induced Metallic State The long-term stability of the metallic phase induced by gating is illustrated in FIG. 5 for a device prepared from 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0). The resistance versus temperature hysteresis curve for the device in its pristine state before any IL is applied is shown by the solid line in FIG. 5 . The device was then gated to the metallic state by applying 2.2 V. The resistance versus temperature hysteresis loop was measured by varying the temperature at a rate of 3 K/minute from 360 K to 300 K and back to 360 K. The IL was then removed at room temperature by washing the device in isopropyl alcohol. The device was kept at room temperature in a dry nitrogen environment for 50 hours and then the resistance versus temperature curve was remeasured under identical temperature sweep conditions without any IL being applied. No significant change in the metallic nature of the device was found as can be seen by comparing the lines in the Figure having short dashes and long dashes. State of VO 2 Channel after Washing Off Ionic Liquid XPS measurements were used to characterize the VO 2 channel in various states including: (i) immediately after device fabrication, prior to application of the IL and any gating experiments, and (ii) after gating studies had been carried out that suppressed the MIT to below ˜5 K. In the latter case the IL was removed after the gating procedures had been completed by rinsing the device in isopropyl alcohol. Subsequently, XPS measurements showed no evidence for peaks associated with the IL, namely an absence of F 1s, N 1s, C 1s and S 2p (see FIG. 6 ) peaks, indicating that the rinsing process was effective and that not even a single monolayer of the IL remained on the surface. Furthermore, we remeasured the resistance versus temperature characteristics of the gated devices after the XPS measurements to confirm that the electrical properties of the device were not altered during rinsing off of the IL and the XPS measurements themselves. No significant changes in the resistance versus temperature curves were found. Dynamics of Ionic Liquid Gating and Stabilization of the Metallic State Long timescales are needed to reach a steady state after gating or reverse gating VO 2 EG devices, whether on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) or TiO 2 (001), as illustrated in FIG. 7 for a device formed from 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0). FIG. 7A shows the temporal changes in the source-drain current when a constant gate voltage, varied from 2.2-3 V, is applied for a period of 300 s at room temperature and V SD =0.1 V. The measurements are performed in a high vacuum of 10 −7 Torr. After the gate voltage is applied for 300 s I SD reaches a nearly constant value that continues to slowly evolve after the gate voltage is set to zero, even as the device remains in a conducting state. As shown in FIG. 7A I SD either decreases or increases after V G is set to zero. However, after some further time at V G =0, I SD reaches a value that remains approximately constant over many hours. Similarly, reverse gating results in slow changes in hp, as shown in FIG. 7B . The device was first set to a conducting state by applying V G =2.6 V for 300 s. Then V G was set to a negative value varying from −0.5 to −2.6 V. Data are also shown for V G =0 for comparison. The device gradually reverts to the insulating state over a period of more than 1 hour. The timescales for the observed changes in I SD are much longer than the expected IL equilibration times in response to a gate voltage (26). The insulating state could be recovered by reverse gating or alternatively by annealing in oxygen at elevated temperatures. An example is given in FIG. 8 where the sheet resistance versus temperature curves of a 20 nm VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) device are compared in the pristine condition before any IL is applied (solid line), after the device was first gated to the metallic state (short dashes), and after the IL was removed and the device was annealed in a tube furnace in flowing oxygen at 200 C for 1 hour (long dashes). The MIT was recovered by this annealing procedure. Resistivity Versus Temperature Characteristics for EG Devices Formed from VO 2 /Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0). Electrolyte gating data for devices prepared using 20 nm thick VO 2 on Al 2 O 3 are shown in FIG. 9 . These devices show a response to EG largely similar to devices on TiO 2 with similar gate voltages suppressing the MIT even though the T MIT of the ungated sample is initially much higher (340 K vs. 290 K). One distinct difference is that the temperature dependence of R S shows evidence for the possible emergence of a second phase transition below ˜200 K, as more clearly indicated when the same resistance data are replotted versus inverse temperature as in FIG. 10 . In this Figure the region highlighted within the dash-dotted lines indicates a possible second phase. Here a single activation energy cannot account for the temperature dependence of R S . No evidence was found for any similar features in thin films deposited on TiO 2 (001) substrates. These features are suggestive of the presence of a second phase that has an MIT within the range of 100-180 K. We note that V 2 O 3 has an MIT in this temperature range (27) and that Al 2 O 3 has the same crystal structure as the metallic phase of V 2 O 3 . It is thus possible to achieve epitaxial stabilization of the V 2 O 3 phase on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) while this is not possible on TiO 2 (001), which has the same structure as the metallic phase of VO 2 . Another possibility is the formation of local magneli-like phases through the agglomeration of oxygen vacancies into extended defects, such as shear planes (28-30). It is difficult to determine the nature of this secondary phase but the presence of the anomaly in the temperature dependence of the transport data is suggestive of a compositional inhomogeneity that is absent in the pristine films. Topography of Thin Films Atomic force microscopy images of VO 2 deposited on TiO 2 (001) and Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) substrates are shown in FIG. 11 . While the 10 nm thick VO 2 films on TiO 2 (001) substrates are atomically smooth with an RMS roughness of less than 0.2 nm (averaged over a 1×1 μm 2 area), the thin films on Al 2 O 3 (10 1 0) substrates have a larger RMS roughness of ˜1 nm. No measurable changes in topography were observed after gating under the conditions discussed here. Structure of Films A high-resolution cross-section transmission electron microscopy image of a 2.7 nm thick VO 2 film deposited on TiO 2 (001) is shown in FIG. 12 . The Figure indicates that the film is epitaxial with the single crystalline TiO 2 substrate with the same structure and crystal orientation. The micrograph is taken at room temperature, which is above the T MIT for this film which occurs at ˜295 K. Applications The demonstration that the conductivity of a thin film of vanadium dioxide can be substantially changed by removing or adding oxygen atoms by the process of applying an ionic liquid to its surface and subjecting this liquid to an electric field allows for a large family of devices for various purposes including latches, switches, 2-terminal and 3-terminal transistors and non-volatile memory elements. One element of one such a device 210 is shown in the schematic sketch in FIG. 14 . The device 210 includes an insulating dielectric layer 230 which has been patterned by standard lithographic techniques (e.g., by patterning a photoresist layer to define the various elements) to form a channel 240 , which is contacted at either end by electrical contacts 250 a and 250 b designated as the source contact and drain contact, respectively. A conduit 220 through which the ionic liquid is passed is formed from dielectric insulating materials by forming the side-walls 260 of the conduit 220 . A gate 270 to the ionic liquid is formed on one side of the ionic liquid away from the channel 240 . The conduit 220 will likely be fully enclosed by dielectric material (not shown in FIG. 14 ). The device is operated by passing an ionic liquid along the conduit 220 using standard procedures and methods well known from the fields of microfluidics and nanofluidics (e.g., a pump may be used to force the ionic liquid through the conduit). An example of the operation of the device element 210 is given in FIG. 15 . Two different liquids are introduced sequentially into the conduit 220 . Thus the concentration of liquid A in the conduit 220 is initially zero and the conduit is filled by liquid B. Away from the channel 240 and further along the conduit 220 the concentration of liquid B falls to zero, and there is a certain length of the conduit that is filled with liquid A. Beyond this length the conduit is again filled with liquid B. Thus when the liquid in the conduit 220 is moved across the channel 240 there will be a finite period of time for which the channel will be covered by ionic liquid A but otherwise the channel will be covered by liquid B. The liquids are chosen so that in the presence of a certain gate voltage, only when liquid A is present are there any currents of ions in the liquid moving towards or away from the surface of the channel 240 (depending on the sign of the gate voltage). An example of operation of the device element 210 is shown in FIG. 16 . The channel 240 is initially in an insulating (or semiconducting) state. A gate voltage V G is then applied to the gate 270 . The liquid A is chosen to be an ionic liquid that results in an ionic current that flows from the surface of the channel 240 into the liquid or vice versa for gate voltages that exceed some threshold. V G is chosen to have a magnitude larger than this threshold voltage. Thus when the liquid A is moved over the channel 240 , as described by the operation shown in FIG. 15 , an ionic current will flow from the surface of the channel into the liquid A. This results in changing the state of the channel from insulating (or semiconducting) to conducting. The change in conductance can be varied by, for example, varying the length of the conduit 220 occupied by the liquid A, or by varying the speed at which the liquid A is moved across the channel area, or by allowing the liquid A to remain in the channel 240 for a period of time by stopping the motion of the liquid for a period of time, or by varying the gate voltage above the threshold voltage, or by using a combination of one or more of these methods. Although FIG. 16 shows an abrupt change in state of the channel 240 from insulating (or semiconducting) to metallic (i.e., conducting), this change may take a period of time that can be varied by, for example, varying the gate voltage. This may also depend on any mixing of the liquids A and B at their interface across the conduit 220 where they meet. The gate voltage can also be applied for a time that is shorter or longer than the time that the liquid A remains in the channel 240 . The most reliable methods of operation are when the gate voltage is applied for a time substantially longer than the time the liquid A spends in the channel 240 , or alternately a time that is much shorter than the time that the liquid A spends in the channel. For the most energy efficient operation, the gate voltage can be applied for the minimum time required to convert the channel 240 to the metallic state (i.e., the conducting state). Once the channel 240 has been converted to a metallic state, an operation similar to that shown in FIG. 16 can be used to convert the channel back to an insulating (or semiconducting) state, as illustrated in FIG. 17 . The liquid A is moved along the conduit 220 to the channel 240 for a finite period of time (see the top panel of FIG. 17 ). However, in this case, a gate voltage having a polarity opposite to that used in FIG. 16 is applied (see the middle panel of FIG. 17 ); the state of the channel 240 is converted back to the insulating (or semiconducting) state by this process (see the bottom panel of FIG. 17 ). In another embodiment, an ionic liquid may be disposed over the channel and remain there (i.e., it does not flow) while voltage is applied to the gate. In this case, the conductivity of the channel can be made to alternate between insulating (or semiconducting) and metallic (conducting) by reversing the polarity of the voltage. In yet another embodiment, an ionic liquid may disposed over a channel, such that the conductivity of the channel changes in response to compositional changes of the ionic liquid, e.g., certain ions in the liquid may be preferentially adsorbed onto the surface of the channel (while other types of ions are displaced from the surface), thereby modifying the conductivity of the channel. The change in the concentrations of these ions in the liquid may manifest itself as an inhomogeneity in the composition of the liquid. While the channel 240 shown in FIG. 14 is composed of the horizontal surface of an insulating material, the channel could equally well be composed of a vertical surface or a surface inclined at any angle or multiple surfaces, for example, the surfaces of a suspended wire around which ionic liquid is passed. A voltage can be applied to the ionic liquid by a surrounding gate electrode. For example, the liquid could be moved through a conduit with a circular or elliptical cross-section within which is suspended a wire, the surfaces of which form the channel. The wire can be transformed partially or completely between its insulating (or semiconducting) and metallic (i.e., conducting) states. The device element shown in FIG. 14 and related devices may be used for building non-volatile memory elements, or for the purpose of building logic gates, or for the purpose of building synaptic elements for cognitive computing hardware applications, such as those described in US Published Patent Application 20100220523 to Modha and Parkin, filed Mar. 1, 2009 (application Ser. No. 12/395,695) and titled “Stochastic Synapse Memory Element with Spike-timing Dependent Plasticity (STDP)”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within that scope. REFERENCES AND NOTES 1. C. H. Ahn et al., Electrostatic modification of novel materials. Rev. Mod. Phys. 78, 1185 (2006). 2. A. Cavalleri et al., Band-Selective Measurements of Electron Dynamics in VO 2 Using Femtosecond Near-Edge X-Ray Absorption. Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 067405 (2005). 3. H. Takagi, H. Y. Hwang, An Emergent Change of Phase for Electronics. Science 327, 1601 (2010). 4. J. Robertson, Band offsets of wide-band-gap oxides and implications for future electronic devices. J. Vac. Sci. Technol. B 18, 1785 (2000). 5. A. Ohtomo, H. Y. Hwang, A high-mobility electron gas at the LaAlO 3 /SrTiO 3 heterointerface. Nature 427, 423 (2004). 6. P. Moetakef et al., Electrostatic carrier doping of GdTiO 3 /SrTiO 3 interfaces. Appl. Phys. Lett. 99, 232116 (2011). 7. M. Galiński, A. Lewandowski, I. St pniak, Ionic liquids as electrolytes. Electrochimica Acta 51, 5567 (2006). 8. K. Ueno et al., Electric-field-induced superconductivity in an insulator. Nat. Mater. 7, 855 (2008). 9. J. T. Ye et al., Liquid-gated interface superconductivity on an atomically flat film. Nat. Mater. 9, 125 (2010). 10. Y. Lee et al., Phase Diagram of Electrostatically Doped SrTiO 3 . Phys. Rev. Lett. 106, 136809 (2011). 11. M. M. Qazilbash et al., Mott Transition in VO 2 Revealed by Infrared Spectroscopy and Nano-Imaging. Science 318, 1750 (2007). 12. M. Liu et al., Terahertz-field-induced insulator-to-metal transition in vanadium dioxide metamaterial. Nature 487, 345 (2012). 13. F. J. Morin, Oxides Which Show a Metal-to-Insulator Transition at the Neel Temperature. Phys. Rev. Lett. 3, 34 (1959). 14. M. Nakano et al., Collective bulk carrier delocalization driven by electrostatic surface charge accumulation. Nature 487, 459 (2012). 15. M. Imada, A. Fujimori, Y. Tokura, Metal-insulator transitions. Rev. Mod. Phys. 70, 1039 (1998). 16. Most of the experimental details are described in a subsequent section. 17. J. Cao et al., Strain engineering and one-dimensional organization of metal-insulator domains in single-crystal vanadium dioxide beams. Nat. Nano. 4, 732 (2009). 18. N. F. Mott, Metal Insulator Transitions . (Taylor & Francis Ltd., New York, ed. 2nd, 1990). 19. R. Restori, D. Schwarzenbach, J. R. Schneider, Charge density in rutile, TiO2 . Acta Cryst. B 43, 251 (1987). 20. W. H. Rosevear, W. Paul, Hall Effect in VO 2 near the Semiconductor-to-Metal Transition. Phys. REv. B 7, 2109 (1973). 21. G. Silversmit, D. Depla, H. Poelman, G. B. Marin, R. De Gryse, Determination of the V2p XPS binding energies for different vanadium oxidation states (V5+ to V0+). J. Electron Spectrosc. Relat. Phenom. 135, 167 (2004). 22. A. Janotti et al., Hybrid functional studies of the oxygen vacancy in TiO 2 . Phys. Rev. B 81, 085212 (2010). 23. R. Kötz, M. Carlen, Principles and applications of electrochemical capacitors. Electrochimica Acta 45, 2483 (2000). 24. J. Ranke, A. Othman, P. Fan, A. Müller, Explaining Ionic Liquid Water Solubility in Terms of Cation and Anion Hydrophobicity. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 10, 1271 (2009). 25. J. Wei, H. Ji, W. Guo, A. H. Nevidomskyy, D. Natelson, Hydrogen stabilization of metallic vanadium dioxide in single-crystal nanobeams. Nat. Nano. 7, 357 (2012). 26. J. H. Cho et al., Printable ion-gel gate dielectrics for low-voltage polymer thin-film transistors on plastic. Nat. Mater. 7, 900 (2008). 27. J. Brockman, M. G. Samant, K. P. Roche, S. S. P. Parkin, Substrate-induced disorder in V 2 O 3 thin films grown on annealed c-plane sapphire substrates. Appl. Phys. Lett. 101, 051606 (2012). 28. S. Andersson, A. D. Wadsley, Crystallographic Shear and Diffusion Paths in Certain Higher Oxides of Niobium, Tungsten, Molybdenum and Titanium. Nature 211, 581 (1966). 29. L. A. Bursill, D. J. Smith, Interaction of small and extended defects in nonstoichiometric oxides. Nature 309, 319 (1984). 30. U. Schwingenschlögl, V. Eyert, The vanadium Magneli phases V n O 2n-1 . Ann. Phys. 13, 475 (2004). 31. S. Caporali, U. Bardi, A. Lavacchi, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and low energy ion scattering studies on 1-buthyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonimide. J. Electron Spectrosc. Relat. Phenom. 151, 4 (2006).

Electrolyte gating with ionic liquids is a powerful tool for inducing conducting phases in correlated insulators. An archetypal correlated material is VO 2 which is insulating only at temperatures below a characteristic phase transition temperature. We show that electrolyte gating of epitaxial thin films of VO 2 suppresses the metal-to-insulator transition and stabilizes the metallic phase to temperatures below 5 K even after the ionic liquid is completely removed. We provide compelling evidence that, rather than electrostatically induced carriers, electrolyte gating of VO 2 leads to the electric field induced creation of oxygen vacancies, and the consequent migration of oxygen from the oxide film into the ionic liquid.

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/656,257, filed on Jul. 22, 1996 which is a 371 of PCT/DE94/01406 filed on Nov. 23, 1994. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The invention relates to a finishing device to lay and compact asphalt layers and a method for operating the device. [0004] 2. The Prior Art [0005] Asphalt finishers are known that consist of a receiving bucket, for the temporary storage of the hot asphaltic mixture, and conveyor belts, for the longitudinal transport of the asphalt before the laying beam. Spreader screws are provided for demixing-free transverse distribution of the mixture across the laying width and a laying beam for pre-compaction and striking off the asphalt. The laying beam is suspended on a traction vehicle in an articulated manner and floats upon the mixture to be laid. [0006] Conventional laying beams consist of a tamping beam (tamper) and vibrating beam (screed plate). [0007] The newer high compaction beams contain additional compacting elements in order to increase the level of pre-compaction. Depending on the effectiveness of the laying beams, rollers may be used for recompacting. [0008] Thus, a layer is laid of the mixture in the receiving bucket in the specified thickness. The amount of compaction is a deciding factor in the mechanical properties and the durability of the asphalt. Higher compaction means a significant improvement in quality with the correct mixture conception and a suitable course structure. The continuous growth in traffic and the increase in axle loads requires a high degree of compaction. [0009] According to German Patent No. 90 13 760.4 U1, a road building machine for renewing road surfacing is disclosed, which consists of heating aggregates of a milling unit provided with a drive unit, a mixing unit and a conveyance device, and drawing off new material from a material trough, as well as a laying unit. The conveyance device consists of two belt-conveyors arranged in tandem in the lengthways direction of the road building machine. The first conveyor belt extends from the material trough to a transfer unit disposed between the tractive machine and the trailer and the second conveyor belt extends from the transfer unit into the region of the laying units. [0010] In the case of these finishers, the existing asphalt is heated by heating aggregates which are then reamed, distributed or fed into a mixing region and then distributed. Because the bitumen is a relatively poor heat conductor, temperatures of 300° to 600° C. or more are required to heat the approximately 4 cm thick top region. The use of these finishers working in combination with heating aggregates thus leads to significant environmentally degrading emissions, owing to large temperature differences within the asphalt. Thereby the binder is modified and the job site mixture is subject to a series of factors, which lead to considerable fluctuations in quality within a section under construction compared with production at an asphalt mix plant. In the case of these finishers, it is also disadvantageous that a certain dwell time is required to heat the lower courses, which is also dependent on the weather to a great extent. Consequently, only a low working speed is possible and the course thickness of the asphalt to be distributed or changed is limited. [0011] The disadvantage of the known finishers is that they only enable the laying of a delivered type of asphalt mixture. Surface and binder courses are laid in relatively thin coats. Asphalt compacting depends largely upon the thermal capacity of the asphalt layer. This is closely related to the layer thickness, the weather conditions, and the temperature of the mixture as delivered on the job site. [0012] Rapid asphalt temperature losses lead to difficulties during compacting, to insufficient bonding between layers and increased voids content diminish the quality. In numerous studies, it has been proven that there are manifold deficiencies in the compacting of relatively thin rolled asphalt surface layers. Necessitated by the sequence of construction operations, allocation of funds, and unpredictable weather influences, asphalt surfaces are often laid during unfavorable weather conditions. Raising the mixture temperature in the delivery state is subject to limits as it causes increasing oxidation of the binder, which in turn worsens the compaction ability and is generally disadvantageous. Generally, one thus strives to lower mixture temperatures rather than increasing them. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0013] It is the object of the present invention to provide a finisher which enables high compaction of the asphalt without increasing the processing temperature and without increasing compaction expenditures. [0014] This object is accomplished by providing a method in which the material is transported simultaneously from two separate receiving buckets attached to the machine, via two independent conveyance systems, to respective distribution devices. The distribution devices are arranged in tandem, staggered in the direction of operation, the devices deposit the material in superimposed layers and lay it. [0015] The finisher according to the invention is provided with a receiving device for the temporary storage of the hot mixture. The receiving device consists of two separate receiving buckets, from each of which a mixture transport system with at least one conveyance device leads to the distribution devices, and the distribution devices are constructed as spreader screws. [0016] The finisher according to the invention is advantageous over the prior art in the following ways. In practice, it has been demonstrated that when laying thicker courses, better degrees of compactness are achieved with the same technology. The finisher according to the present invention allows the simultaneous laying of two different hot mixtures directly upon each other. With the increase in layer thickness, the thermal capacity of the laid asphalt is considerably increased so that laying may even be carried out during unfavorable weather conditions. [0017] Moreover, the finisher according to the invention enables the simultaneous laying of two supplied asphalts, different in composition, in hot work method, which are produced in an asphalt mixing plant under strictly controlled qualitative and environmentally relevant conditions. [0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous that, through direct hot-on-hot laying, an optimum bonding between the two layers is achieved. The otherwise conventional use of asphaltic emulsions to bind the asphalts is not required. The considerably greater thermal potential also effects a better bonding with the already laid asphalt courses. [0019] In contrast to the recycling finishers, the finisher according to the present invention enables a high working speed. The asphalt delivered from the mixing plant has fewer fluctuations and a defined temperature. Furthermore, the aforementioned hazardous emissions are avoided, as production is effected at an even and low temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. [0021] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views: [0022] [0022]FIG. 1 shows a side view of the finishers for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions over the entire installation width; [0023] [0023]FIG. 2 shows a side view of the finisher for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions over the entire installation width with a self-driving conveyor device for charging a bucket; [0024] [0024]FIG. 3 shows a side view of a self-driving vehicle with a transporting belt for alternately loading the buckets with asphalt from the stationary asphalt plant; [0025] [0025]FIG. 4 shows a side view of the finisher for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions across the entire installation width, with a bucket crane for charging the buckets; [0026] [0026]FIG. 5 shows a side view of the finisher for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions across the entire installation width, with a self-driving conveyor system for loading a bucket; [0027] [0027]FIG. 6 shows a side view of the finisher for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions over the entire installation width, with two tamping beams; [0028] [0028]FIG. 7 shows a top view of the finisher for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions, with tamping beams; [0029] [0029]FIG. 8 shows a side view of the finisher for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions over the entire installation width, with asphalt in the container for loading a bucket; [0030] [0030]FIG. 9 shows a side view of the finisher for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions over the entire installation width, with loading of M 1 from a truck and loading of a bucket with a bucket crane; [0031] [0031]FIG. 10 shows a side view of the finisher for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions over the entire installation width, with receiving buckets disposed next to each other and with direct loading from a truck; and [0032] [0032]FIG. 11 shows a top view of the finisher for the simultaneous installation of two asphalt layers with different compositions over the entire installation width, with receiving buckets disposed next to each other and with direct loading from a truck. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0033] Referring now in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the asphalt finisher according to the invention with two mixture buckets M 1 and M 2 , which are manufactured by modifying known construction systems for asphalt finishers. The finisher is extended by a frame extension RV of 1400 mm. A conveyor belt F 1 is provided for the lower asphalt layer. In addition, the basic unit is raised by 450 mm and an additional conveyor F 2 is installed for the top asphalt layer. The asphaltic material is distributed with the aid of two spreader screws VS 1 , VS 2 . A screed plate A or stripper is attached to the finisher for correct production of the thickness of the first asphalt course AS 1 . A second asphalt course AS 2 is also provided. After the first mixture type, the second mixture type is laid immediately and both layers are compacted together. A hydraulic pulling system HZ is provided for changing the weight of strut H. A tamping beam VD precompacts the two asphalt layers. [0034] [0034]FIG. 2 shows a self-driving vehicle having a conveyor belt FE. In this case, conveyance device FE is a transport belt to charge the second mixture bucket. This system alternately loads receiving buckets M 1 and M 2 . [0035] [0035]FIG. 3 shows the self-driving vehicle SF with conveyance device FE. An in line arrangement of a conveyor, an intermediate storage capacity is created, which guarantees that the finisher troughs can be charged continuously and ensure an even sequence of finisher operations. [0036] [0036]FIG. 4 shows the finisher of FIG. 1 having a grab G. Grab G can be a crane and is used to load bucket M 2 . [0037] [0037]FIG. 5 shows the finisher having a self-driving conveyor system SF for loading M 1 . [0038] [0038]FIG. 6 shows the finisher having two tamping beams VD 1 and VD 2 . Tamping beam VD 1 is suspended from strut H 1 and tamping beam VD 2 is suspended from strut H 2 . [0039] [0039]FIG. 7 shows a top plan view onto the finisher for placing of two asphalt layers. Two mixing-material containers M 1 and M 2 are attached at the front side. The mixed material from the container M 1 is transported to the two oppositely operating distribution worms VS 1 ′ and VS 1 ″. The cover-layer mixed material is transported from the container M 2 and the cover-layer mixed material is brought from there to distribution worms VS 2 ′ and VS 2 ″. [0040] [0040]FIG. 8 shows the finisher of FIG. 1 incorporating a container C for loading M 2 . [0041] [0041]FIG. 9 shows bucket M 1 of the finisher being loaded from a truck L. Loading of bucket M 2 is accomplished by bucket crane G. [0042] [0042]FIGS. 10 and 11 show receiving containers M 1 and M 2 which are created by separating and enlarging the receiving container of a conventional finisher and are additionally stabilized laterally by the support wheels SR. The receiving containers M 1 and M 2 are directly loaded by means of trucks supplying the asphalt from the stationary mixing plant. The asphalt for the lower layer AS 1 is supplied by a truck 1 , and the asphalt for the top layer AS 2 with a second truck 2 , and the receiving buckets M 1 and M 2 are directly loaded. The asphalt for the lower layer AS 1 is transported via the conveyor system F 1 , which extends outside of receiving container M 1 offset sideways to the center of the distributor device VS 1 . The asphalt is distributed sideways and profiled and precompacted by tamping beam VD 1 . The asphalt for the top layer AS 2 is transported via the conveyor system, which extends outside of the receiving container M 2 in an ascending manner and is offset sideways to the center of the distributor device VS 2 and onto the hot lower asphalt layer. The asphalt is distributed sideways, profiled, and precompacted by tamping beam VD 2 . Final compacting of both layers is accomplished by rolls (not shown). [0043] Direct loading from trucks into the receiving buckets M 1 and M 2 may cause knocking against the finisher and lead to uneven spots in the asphalt layer pavement. Therefore, it is possible to feed two receiving buckets M 1 and M 2 with a self-driving vehicle SF equipped with the conveyor belt FE. A drive wheel or chassis R is provided on receiving buckets M 1 and M 2 . In addition, support wheels SR are disposed on receiving buckets M 1 and M 2 . The asphalt so supplied is transported in this connection alternately into the self-driving vehicle from truck 1 or truck 2 , and the receiving containers M 1 and M 2 are subsequently loaded via the conveyor belt FE. [0044] Accordingly, while only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

This invention relates to a finishing device to lay and compact asphalt layers and a method for operating the device. The finisher according to the invention is provided with a receiving device for the temporary storage of the hot mixture. The receiving device consists of two separate receiving buckets, from each of which a mixture transport system with at least one conveyance device leads to the distribution devices, and the distribution devices are constructed as spreader screws.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a sealed rolling bearing such as a ball bearing or a roller bearing sealed by one or a pair of metallic seal rings, which comprise not only those made entirely of metal plate but those rings the marginal portion of which are to be fitted to the sealing groove which are made of metal plate, for example, a sealing ring having a sealing lip at the portion opposite to its retaining side. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved sealing ring and a sealed rolling bearing utilizing this type of sealing ring which enables maintainance of a minimum extent of deformation and dimensional change, particularly, deformation of the circularity of the outer race or inner race due to an assembly operation. 2. Prior Art Means for retaining seal rings in sealed bearing, are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,206,262 teaches each sealing ring being fixed or fitted to a sealing groove by means of a resilient seal retaining snap ring. Other prior art, such as, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,355,805; 2,850,792 and 3,203,740, teach sealing rings being inserted directly into a sealing groove by force fitting or with further wedging. However, these prior art references have several drawbacks which it is desired to eliminate. For example, retaining snap rings may cause only a relatively small extent of deformation and dimensional change of the bearing race due to inserting and fitting of the sealing ring, and, thus, may be more advantageous than the force fitting method with respect to dimensional accuracy. However, snap rings require a complicated configurations of the sealing groove along with preparation of extra retaining snap rings, as well as requiring improving machining and assembling efficiency, productivity, as well as in expensive production costs. Also, there are encountered other problems with respect to the sealing performance due to variations in the sealing clearance formed, for instance, between the inner peripheral edge of the seal ring and the outer surface of the stepped portion of the inner ring. This is brought about by such inherent features of this type of fixing means that there remains only a minimum clearance necessary for assembly operation between the peripheral edge of the free side of the seal ring and the stepped surface of the inner race, and accordingly, there may arise variations in the clearance. This is liable to cause an undesirable metal to metal contact between a sealing ring and an inner race when the clearance is excessively small. Therefore, this type of fixing or fitting of the sealing ring has been found to be too difficult for application to small size bearings or miniature bearings. On the other hand, in the latter type of fixing or fitting, both the sealing ring and the sealing groove formed in the outer or inner bearing race are of simple confirurations and their assembly can be performed by a mere force fitting or with further wedging, and therefore, is somewhat more advantageous with respect to productivity, assembling work and production costs. However, the peripheral portion of the sealing ring is press formed and has the same thickness throughout the entire ring body. Consequently, there inevitably arises considerable deformation and dimensional change in the bearing race due to the wedging operation as well as uneven locking of the sealing ring to the sealing groove due to the deformation and/or dimensional variation. In other words, the larger the applied wedging force for preventing the uneven locking the larger is the deformation of the outer race. On the contrary, if the wedging is carried out with such a lower force that no substantial deformation is caused, there, arises another problem that the loosely wedged sealing rings may rotate during their service. As explained above, it has been proved to be excessively difficult up to the present, to maintain deformations and dimensional change of the bearing race to be as small as possible and to firmly retain the sealing ring such that it may not rotate. Particularly, a fatal drawback of the force type of fixing was the fact that it has been applied to almost none of the bearings having bearing races of small wall thickness, extra small bearings or miniature bearings. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION In view of the above mentioned drawbacks of the conventional sealed rolling bearings, it is therefore, an object of this invention to provide sealed rolling bearings free from such drawbacks, and particularly, to provide a sealing ring retaining construction and a sealed rolling bearing utilizing this sealing ring which can be applied to extra small bearings and miniature bearings using bearing races of small wall thickness. In this regard, this invention is directed to assembling and securing a sealing ring or sealing rings of a sealed rolling bearing to a bearing race thereof without causing any substantial deformation thereof. It is a further object of this invention to provide a sealing ring which can be assembled easily and in a secured manner. It is a further object of this invention is to provide a sealing ring suitable for extra small bearings and miniature bearings. A still further object of this invention is to provide a sealed rolling bearing capable of easy assembly and which satisfies all the requirements of high durability, secure sealing performance and low production costs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a peripheral edge of the retaining side of a sealing ring is bent in a direction almost parallel to the central axis of the bearing race to form a peripheral wall raised along the axis of the bearing, and the top portion of the peripheral wall is chamfered at its retaining side. A bearing ring to which the sealing ring is secured is formed or machined with a sealing groove defined in part by a wall extending obliquely to the central axis. The bearing of this invention is assembled in such a manner that the peripheral wall of the sealing ring is deformed and retained by the sealing groove after having been pressed in. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a top portion of the peripheral wall of the sealing ring formed by bending is further chamfered either to have a sharp knife edge or to have a truncated profile. The sealing ring of the present invention can be assembled to the sealing groove of the bearing race with limited face-to-face contact. Alternatively, the surface of the retaining wall of the sealing groove can be placed in contact either with the truncated tip end of the peripheral wall defined by the chamfered surface and the top surface remains without being punched off or with a sharp knife edge. When the sealing ring is in an assembled position, the peripheral wall of the sealing ring is widened to expand obliquely or substantially parallel to the central axis and is retained by a tight contact with the remaining wall of the sealing groove of the bearing race. In a further embodiment of this invention, a part of the peripheral wall of the sealing ring is further wedged or caulked for more secure retention. Engagement between the peripheral wall of the sealing ring with the retaining wall may be made resiliently or rigidly. As explained above, the sealing ring of the present invention may change its shape at the peripheral wall when it is inserted in the bearing ring without resulting in any appreciable amount of distortion of the bearing race. Furthermore, the two components can be assembled with greater security of retention by only being pressed in or with some slight wedging. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawing. In the drawing like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views in which: FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, enlarged sectional view of the present invention showing the relation of contact between the sealing ring and the sealing groove as shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing another embodiment of this invention; FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing a different manner of contact between the sealing ring and the sealing groove of this invention; FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view showing a different manner of contact from that shown in FIG. 4, in which a sealing ring having sharp edge is placed in contact with the sealing groove; and FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 are graphs showing the extent of the deformation in comparison with the bearing rings after the sealing rings have been assembled and rightened. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, there is depicted a rolling bearing comprising: an outer race 1, an inner race 2, a ball 3, a cage 4 and a sealing ring 5. For purposes of brevity, the following explanation will be made with reference to only one side of bearing. The outer race 1 is provided with an annular sealing groove 11 having a substantially V-shaped cross section at its bottom corner. This is defined by an annular positioning wall 12 extending substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the bearing and by an annular retaining wall 13 which extends obliquely to and away from the central axis towards the inside of the race. The annular surfact of the wall 13 may take a straight conical shape or curved shape, as desired. As clearly shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 2, the sealing ring 5 is press formed from a metal sheet, and the configuration of the retaining side of the annular peripheral wall of the press formed sealing ring prior to assembly, shown in phantom, is similar to a trough shape in section and comprises an annular peripheral wall 51 extending toward the retaining wall 13 of the sealing groove 11; an annular bottom wall 52 formed contiguous to and tightly contactable with the positioning wall of the bearing, and an annular raised portion 53 which extends obliquely in both the radial and axial directions of the bearing. The peripheral wall 51 has an annular chamfered portion having an annular peripheral surface 512. The wall thickness of the chamfered portion decreases gradually towards the tip end of the peripheral wall. Chamfering can be performed either by punching and drawing subsequent to press forming or by a so-called punching and drawing operation carried out concurrent with press forming. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the tip portion of the peripheral wall is chamfered such that a small marginal edge 511 remains between the chamfered surface 512 and the annular opposite surface of the peripheral wall. The sealing ring 5, thus, formed can be retained by the sealing groove with almost the entire peripheral surface 512 of the chamfered portion being tightly contacted with the retaining surface 13 of the annular sealing groove. Thus, there remains only a very small labyrinth clearance t(FIG. 1) between the inner periphery of the sealing ring and the stepped outer periphery of the inner race thereby ensuring a very tight seal which is necessary for this type of sealed bearing. Assembly and retention of the sealing ring 5 in the sealing groove 11 of the bearing is performed by inserting, from the outside, the sealing ring 5 into the sealing groove 11 for tentative retention, and, then, further slightly wedging the chamfered portion 512 against the retaining wall 13 for greater security of retention. In FIG. 2 there is depicted in phantom another type of sealing ring having only an annular peripheral wall and a flat annular inner base not having a trough shaped cross section with raised central flange. Referring, now, to FIG. 3 there is shown another type of peripheral wall of the sealing ring and defining another embodiment of this invention. According to this embodiment the tip edge of the chamfered portion forms a sharp annular edge defining an angle formed by the chamfered surface 512 and an annular inner surface 514 of the sealing ring. In this construction, retention of the sealing ring 5 by the sealing groove 11 is performed in such a manner that the tip portion of the chamfered portion including the sharp peripheral edge is kept in tight contact with the retaining wall 13 of the outer bearing race 1. In this embodiment, the sealing ring 5 is retained by a face-to-face contact of the two components by a mere pressing-in of the sealing ring 5 into the sealing groove 11, without any subsequent wedging being applied. FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment wherein an annular edge 513 defined by the chamfered surface 512 and the remaining top edge surface 511 is resiliently biased to the retaining wall 13 to ensure tight so-called "linear" contact therebetween. FIG. 5 depicts a further embodiment, wherein an annular sharp peripheral edge 513 is defined by the chamfered annular surface 512 of the sealing ring and the inner annular surface 514 of the sealing ring 5 is placed in line contact with the retaining wall 13 of the sealing groove. In order to test the efficiency of the present invention, comparison tests were conducted to determine the difference in the extent of the deformation or distortion after assembly with respect to the non-circularity of the outer races between bearings using sealing rings of this invention and bearings using conventional type retaining means. In the comparison tests, fifty pieces each of miniature stainless steel bearings having the same dimensions were used, namely, outer diameter: 8 mm, inner diameter: 5 mm, breadth of bearing ring: 2.5 mm, wall thickness of inner race: 0.4 mm, number of balls: 13 ea. sealing ring made of stainless steel sheet of 0.1 mm thick. The results obtained are shown in FIGS. 6 through FIG. 8. FIG. 6 shows the results obtained by the test bearings using the conventional method of inserting with further wedging; FIG. 7 shows the results of the test bearings using a conventional retaining snap ring and FIG. 8 shows the results obtained by the test bearings of this invention. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 8, deviation from circularity of most of the test bearings have been subjected to assembly lies within 3 microns, and were proved to be far superior to those of the conventional type seals mentioned. As explained above, a sealed rolling bearing of this invention having the novel sealing ring 5 which is provided with a chamfered portion 512 has, for example, an annular peripheral surface 512 the wall thickness of which gradually decreases toward its outer edge and is accompanied by a gradual decrease in rigidity. By this construction, at least a part of the chamfered periphery 512, having the reduced rigidity, firmly rests on the retaining wall 13 of the sealing groove 11 and is securedly retained thereby. Therefore, the chamfered portion of the sealing ring lightly contacts the retaining wall but with a secure retaining force. In other words, a smaller extent of compressive force applied to the sealing ring will result in relatively greater retaining force, consequently, there exists neither any fear of undesirable rotation of the sealing ring during the service, nor any possible deformation of the bearing race during its assembly. This is because the peripheral wall, particularly the chamfered portion thereof, will easily deform when it passes through the sealing groove without being accompanied by any appreciable deformation of the mating bearing race. Owing to the above mentioned manner of inserting and retaining the sealing ring, sealing clearance t, can be maintained uniform and as small as possible. As heretofore noted, assembly of the sealing ring can be performed merely by pushing it in from the end face of the bearing races or with further wedging. Only very small amounts of deformation of the mating bearing race occurs, thus, assuring easy assembly, high productivity, reduction in necessary control operations and lowering of assembling cost. It should be noted that the preceding explanation has been made relative to bearings wherein the sealing rings are retained by outer races. However, it is to be understood that the present invention can be performed in any other alternative manner, for example, sealing rings may be retained by an inner race or only a single sealing ring may be used in one side of the bearing as a single sealed bearing. Also, when chamfering of the peripheral wall, e.g. by punching, the diametral dimension can be kept accurate with minimal variation. As a result, variation in the required fitting force and in the deformation of the mating bearing race can also be maintained at a minimum. Because of this dimensional accuracy assembly of of the sealing with constant force together with uniform and smaller sealing clearance is achieved. This, in turn, improves sealing performance of the product bearing. Slight annular ridges or indentations may be formed when forming sealing rings by punching. However, they are effective in improving clinching of the seal rings to their mating retaining wall of the bearing race. It is also apparent that chamfering of the peripheral wall of the sealing rings may be made in many other means such as machining, swaging or the like. In the embodiments of the present invention, the chamfered surface of the sealing wall, i.e., surface 512, is shown to take an acute angle to the surface of sealing groove, but it is also apparent that many other modifications can be selected depending on the shape of the retaining wall to be used; requirements on retaining forces, and production means. Thus, the chamfered surface may be acute, perpendicular or obtuse retaining wall. Sealing rings used for the test bearings for the comparison test, as previously explained, were prepared to form an inclination to the peripheral wall by taking advantage of spring back of the used material because the size of the sealing rings were too small to apply any additional forming tool. According to the present invention, any appreciable amount of deformation or "out of circularity" in either race during assembly can be avoided. Consequently, rolling bearings of this invention satisfy both good bearing performance, such as rotation performance and low noise performance, as well as superior sealing performance. As explained above, sealed rolling bearings of the present invention are particularly advantageous for such bearings using bearing races having small wall thicknesses which are susceptible to deformation during assembly of sealing rings and extra small bearings or miniature bearings which are obliged to use bearing races of small wall thickness. Many additional changes in construction and widely different embodiments of this invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

The marginal periphery of a locking side of an annular sealing ring is bent along an axial direction of the sealing ring to form a peripheral wall being chamfered at its peripheral edge. An annular sealing groove or grooves for receiving and retaining the annular sealing ring is formed either on an outer race or inner race of a rolling bearing. A retaining surface of the annular sealing groove is formed with a straight or curved profile and extends obliquely away from the central axis of the sealing ring toward the interior of the sealing ring body. Due to this construction, a chamfered portion of the sealing ring easily and resiliently deforms when it is merely pushed into the sealing groove or is tightened further by wedging or caulking, thus, enabling easy and firm assembly of the sealing ring without any appreciable deformation of the outer race or inner race which receives and retains the sealing ring.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present specification relates to a fluoranthene compound and an organic electronic device including the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] An organic electronic device means a device that needs charge exchanges between an electrode and an organic material using holes and/or electrons. An organic electronic device can be categorized into two main groups depending on the operation principle. First is an electric device in which excitons form in an organic material layer by the photons brought into the device from an external source, these excitons are separated into electrons and holes, and these electrons and holes are used as a current source (voltage source) by being transferred to different electrodes. Second is an electronic device in which holes and/or electrons are injected to an organic material semiconductor that forms an interface with an electrode by applying voltage or current to two or more electrodes, and the device is operated by the injected electrons and holes. [0003] Examples of an organic electronic device include an organic light emitting device, an organic solar cell, an organic photo conductor (OPC), an organic transistor, and the like, and these all need a hole injection or transfer material, an electron injection or transfer material, or a light emitting material for the driving of the device. Hereinafter, an organic light emitting device will be described in detail, however, in the organic electronic devices, a hole injection or transfer material, an electron injection or transfer material, or a light emitting material is used under similar principles. [0004] An organic light emission phenomenon generally refers to a phenomenon that converts electric energy to light energy using an organic material. An organic light emitting device using an organic light emission phenomenon typically has a structure that includes an anode, a cathode, and an organic material layer therebetween. Herein, the organic material layer is usually formed as a multilayer structure formed with different materials in order to improve the efficiency and the stability of an organic light emitting device, and for example, may be formed with a hole injection layer, a hole transfer layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transfer layer, an electron injection layer, and the like. In the structure of such an organic light emitting device, holes from an anode and electrons from a cathode flow into an organic material layer when voltage is applied between the two electrodes, excitons form when the electrons and the holes injected are combined, and light emits when these excitons fall back to the ground state. Such an organic light emitting device has been known to have characteristics such as spontaneous light emission, high brightness, high efficiency, low driving voltage, wide viewing angle, high contrast, and quick response. [0005] In an organic light emitting device, the material used as an organic material layer can be divided into a light emitting material and a charge transfer material, for example, a hole injection material, a hole transfer material, an electron transfer material, an electron injection material and the like, depending on the function. In addition, the light emitting material can be divided into, depending on the light emitting color, a blue, a green and a red light emitting material, and a yellow and an orange light emitting material to obtain better natural color. Meanwhile, when only one material is used as the light emitting material, problems occur such as the maximum light emitting wavelength moving to a long wavelength due to the interaction between molecules, color purity being reduced, or the efficiency of the device being reduced due to a light emission diminution effect. Therefore, a host/dopant-based material may be used as the light emitting material in order to increase color purity and increase light emission efficiency through the energy transfer. [0006] In order for an organic light emitting device to exhibit excellent characteristics described above, materials that form an organic material layer, for example, a hole injection material, a hole transfer material, a light emitting material, an electron transfer material, an electron injection material, and the like, need to be supported by stable and efficient materials first, however, the development of stable and efficient materials of an organic material layer for an organic light emitting device has not been sufficient so far. Therefore, there have been continuous demands for the development of new materials, and the needs for the development of such materials also apply to other organic electronic devices described above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In view of the above, an objective of the present application is to provide a fluoranthene compound derivative having a chemical structure that can perform various roles required in an organic electronic device depending on substituents, and provide an organic electronic device including the fluoranthene compound derivative. [0008] The present specification provides a fluoranthene compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1. [0000] [0009] In Chemical Formula 1, [0010] R1 to R3 are groups represented by -(L)p-(Y)q, [0011] p is an integer of 0 to 10 and q is an integer of 1 to 10, [0012] o is an integer of 1 to 5, [0013] r is an integer of 0 to 6, [0014] L is a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkenylene group; a substituted or unsubstituted fluorenylene group; or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylene group having O, N, S or P as a heteroatom, [0015] Y is hydrogen; deuterium; a halogen group; a nitrile group; a nitro group; a hydroxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted phosphine oxide group; a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkylthioxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted arylthioxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfoxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfoxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted silyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted boron group; a substituted or unsubstituted amine group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted aralkylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted arylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; a substituted or unsubstituted fluorenyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted carbazole group; or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroring group including one or more of N, O, S and P atoms, [0016] when p≧2 or q≧2, Ls or Ys are the same as or different from each other, [0017] R1 and R3 may be bonded to each other to form an aliphatic ring, an aromatic ring, an aliphatic heteroring or an aromatic heteroring, or form a spiro bond, [0018] when o≧2, R4s are the same as or different from each other, [0019] R4 is an aryl group substituted with a substituent selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted heteroring group including a 5-membered ring or a 6-membered ring that includes one or more of O, S and P atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic or multicyclic heteroring group including a 6-membered ring that includes one or more Ns, a substituted or unsubstituted benzocarbazole group, and a substituted or unsubstituted phosphine oxide group; a substituted or unsubstituted phosphine oxide group; a substituted or unsubstituted heteroring group including a 5-membered ring or a 6-membered ring that includes one or more of O, S and P atoms; a substituted or unsubstituted benzocarbazole group; or a substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic or multicyclic heteroring group including a 6-membered ring that includes one or more Ns, or adjacent groups among a plurality of R4s may form an aliphatic ring, an aromatic ring, an aliphatic heteroring or an aromatic heteroring, or form a spiro bond, [0020] when r≧2, R5s are the same as or different from each other, [0021] R5 is hydrogen; deuterium; a halogen group; a nitrile group; a nitro group; a hydroxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted phosphine oxide group; a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkylthioxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted arylthioxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfoxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfoxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted silyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted boron group; a substituted or unsubstituted amine group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted aralkylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted arylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; a substituted or unsubstituted fluorenyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted carbazole group; or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroring group including one or more of N, O, S and P atoms, or adjacent groups among a plurality of R5s are bonded to each other to form an aliphatic ring, an aromatic ring, an aliphatic heteroring or an aromatic heteroring, or form a spiro bond. [0022] In addition, the present specification provides an organic electronic device that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and one or more layers of organic material layers disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein one or more layers of the organic material layers include the fluoranthene compound of Chemical Formula 1. Advantageous Effects [0023] A fluoranthene derivative according to the present specification can be used as an organic material layer of an organic electronic device including an organic light emitting device, and the organic electronic device including the organic light emitting device using the fluoranthene derivative can have improved efficiency, low driving voltage and/or improved life span characteristics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0024] FIG. 1 shows an example of an organic electronic device formed with a substrate ( 1 ), an anode ( 2 ), a light emitting layer ( 3 ) and a cathode ( 4 ) by a diagram. [0025] FIG. 2 shows an example of an organic electronic device formed with a substrate ( 1 ), an anode ( 2 ), a hole injection layer ( 5 ), a hole transfer layer ( 6 ), a light emitting layer ( 3 ), an electron transfer layer ( 7 ) and a cathode ( 4 ) by a diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0026] The present specification provides a fluoranthene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1. [0027] In addition, the compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 of the present specification may be represented by the following Chemical Formula 2. [0000] [0028] In Chemical Formula 2, [0029] o, r, and R3 to R5 are the same as those defined in Chemical Formula 1, [0030] each of n and m is an integer of 0 to 5, [0031] when n≧2, R6s are the same as or different from each other, [0032] when m≧2, R7s are the same as or different from each other, [0033] R6 and R7 are the same as or different from each other, each independently hydrogen; deuterium; a halogen group; a nitrile group; a nitro group; a hydroxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted phosphine oxide group; a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkylthioxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted arylthioxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfoxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfoxy group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted silyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted boron group; a substituted or unsubstituted amine group; a substituted or unsubstituted alkylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted aralkylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted arylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylamine group; a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; a substituted or unsubstituted fluorenyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted carbazole group; or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroring group including one or more of N, O, S and P atoms, or adjacent groups may be bonded to each other to form an aliphatic ring, an aromatic ring, an aliphatic heteroring or an aromatic heteroring, or form a spiro bond. [0034] Examples of the substituents are described below, but are not limited thereto. [0035] In addition, in the present specification, the term “substituted or unsubstituted” means being substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of deuterium; a halogen group; an alkyl group; an alkenyl group; an alkoxy group; a cycloalkyl group; a silyl group; an arylalkenyl group; an aryl group; an aryloxy group; an alkylthioxy group; an alkylsulfoxy group; an arylsulfoxy group; a boron group; an alkylamine group; an aralkylamine group; an arylamine group; a heteroaryl group; a carbazole group; an arylamine group; an aryl group; a fluorenyl group; a nitrile group; a nitro group; a hydroxy group; a cyano group, and a heteroring group including one or more of N, O, S and P atoms, or having no substituents. [0036] In the present specification, an alkyl group may be linear or branched, and although not particularly limited, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 1 to 50. Specific examples thereof include a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, an isopropyl group, a butyl group, a t-butyl group, a pentyl group, a hexyl group, a heptyl group and the like, but are not limited thereto. [0037] In the present specification, the alkenyl group may be linear or branched, and although not particularly limited, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 2 to 50. Specific examples thereof preferably include an alkenyl group in which an aryl group such as a stilbenyl group or a styrenyl group is substituted, but are not limited thereto. [0038] In the present specification, the alkoxy group may be linear or branched, and although not particularly limited, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 1 to 50. [0039] The length of the alkyl group, the alkenyl group and the alkoxy group included in the compound does not have an influence on the conjugation length of the compound, and only concomitantly has an influence on the application method of the compound to an organic electronic device, for example, on the application of a vacuum deposition method or a solution coating method, therefore, the number of carbon atoms is not particularly limited. [0040] In the present specification, the cycloalkyl group is not particularly limited, however, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 3 to 60, and particularly, a cyclopentyl group or a cyclohexyl group is preferable. [0041] In the present specification, the aryl group may be monocyclic or multicyclic, and although not particularly limited, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 6 to 60. Specific examples of the aryl group include a monocyclic aromatic group such as a phenyl group, a biphenyl group, a triphenyl group, a terphenyl group or a stilbenyl group, and a multicyclic aromatic group such as a naphthyl group, a binaphthyl group, an anthracenyl group, a phenanthrenyl group, a pyrenyl group, a perylenyl group, a tetracenyl group, a crycenyl group, a fluorenyl group, an acenaphthacenyl group, a triphenylene group or a fluoranthene group, but are not limited thereto. [0042] In the present specification, the heteroring group is a heteroring group that includes O, N, S and P as a heteroatom, and although not particularly limited, the number of carbon atoms is preferably 2 to 60. Examples of the heteroring group include a thiophene group, a furan group, a pyrrole group, an imidazole group, a thiazole group, an oxazole group, an oxadiazole group, a triazole group, a pyridyl group, a bipyridyl group, a triazine group, an acridyl group, a pyridazine group, a qinolinyl group, an isoquinoline group, an indole group, a carbazole group, a benzoxazole group, a benzimidazole group, a benzothiazole group, a benzocarbazole group, a benzothiophene group, a dibenzothiophene group, a benzofuranyl group, a dibenzofuranyl group or the like, but are not limited thereto. [0043] In the present specification, examples of the monocyclic or multicyclic heteroring group including a 6-membered ring that includes one or more Ns include a pyridine group, a pyrimidine group, a pyridazine group, a pyrazine group, a triazine group, a tetrazine group, a pentazine group, a quinoline group, a cynoline group, a quinazoline group, a quinoxaline group, a pyridopyrazine group, a pyrazinopyrazine group, a pyrazinoquinoxaline group, an acridine group, a phenanthroline group or the like, but are not limited thereto. [0044] In the present specification, the monocyclic or multicyclic heteroring group including a 6-membered ring that includes one or more Ns is a heteroring group including at least one or more 6-membered rings that include one or more Ns, and also includes a heteroring group in which a 5-membered ring is fused to a 6-membered ring that includes one or more Ns. In other words, other 5-membered rings or 6-membered rings different from the specific examples described above may be additionally fused, and the fused 5-membered ring or 6-membered ring may be an aromatic ring, an aliphatic ring, an aliphatic heteroring and/or an aromatic heteroring. [0045] In the present specification, examples of the halogen group include fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. [0046] In the present specification, the fluorenyl group has a structure in which two cyclic organic compounds are linked through one atom, and examples thereof include [0000] [0000] or the like. [0047] In the present specification, the fluorenyl group includes the structure of an open fluorenyl group, and herein, the open fluorenyl group has a structure in which the linkage of one ring compound is broken in the structure of two ring compounds linked through one atom, and examples thereof include [0000] [0000] or the like. [0048] In the present specification, the number of carbon atoms of the amine group is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1 to 50. Specific examples of the amine group include a methylamine group, a dimethylamine group, an ethylamine group, a diethylamine group, a phenylamine group, a naphthylamine group, a biphenylamine group, an anthracenylamine group, a 9-methyl-anthracenylamine group, a diphenylamine group, a phenylnaphthylamine group, a ditolylamine group, a phenyltolylamine group, a triphenylamine group or the like, but are not limited thereto. [0049] In the present specification, the number of carbon atoms of the arylamine group is not particularly limited, but is preferably 6 to 50. Examples of the arylamine group include a substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic diarylamine group, a substituted or unsubstituted multicyclic diarylamine group or a substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic and monocyclic diarylamine group. [0050] In the present specification, the number of carbon atoms of the aryloxy group, the arylthioxy group, the arylsulfoxy group and the aralkylamine group is not particularly limited, but is preferably 6 to 50. The aryl group in the aryloxy group, the arylthioxy group, the arylsulfoxy group and the aralkylamine group is the same as the examples of the aryl group described above. [0051] In the present specification, the alkyl group in the alkylthioxy group, the alkylsulfoxy group, the alkylamine group and the aralkylamine group is the same as the examples of the alkyl group described above. [0052] In the present specification, the heteroaryl group in a heteroarylamine group may be selected from among the examples of the heteroring group described above. [0053] In the present specification, the arylene group, the alkenylene group, the fluorenylene group, and the heteroarylene group are divalent groups of the aryl group, the alkenyl group, the fluorenyl group, and the heteroaryl group, respectively. Descriptions for the aryl group, the alkenyl group, the fluorenyl group and the heteroaryl group may be applied to the arylene group, the alkenylene group, the fluorenylene group, and the heteroarylene group, except that these are divalent groups. [0054] In the present specification, the substituted arylene group means that a phenyl group, a biphenyl group, a naphthyl group, a fluorenyl group, a pyrenyl group, a phenanthrenyl group, a perylene group, a tetracenyl group, an anthracenyl group, or the like, is substituted with other substituents. [0055] In the present specification, the substituted heteroarylene group means that a pyridyl group, a thiophenyl group, a triazine group, a quinoline group, a phenanthroline group, an imidazole group, a thiazole group, an oxazole group, a carbazole group, and fused heteroring groups thereof such as a benzoquinoline group, a benzimidazole group, a benoxazole group, a benzothiazole group, a benzocarbazole group, a dibenzothiophenyl group, or the like, is substituted with other substituents. [0056] An adjacent group in the present specification means each neighboring substituent when there are two or more substituents. [0057] In the present specification, forming an aliphatic ring, an aromatic ring, an aliphatic heteroring or an aromatic heteroring with an adjacent group means that each of the adjacent substituents forms a bond to form a 5-membered to 7-membered multicyclic or monocyclic ring. [0058] In the present specification, a spiro bond means a structure in which two cyclic organic compounds are linked to one atom, and may include a structure in which the linkage of one ring compound is broken in the structure of two cyclic organic compounds linked through one atom. [0059] The present specification provides a novel fluoranthene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1. The compound may be used as an organic material layer in an organic electronic device due to its structural specificity. [0060] In one embodiment of the present specification, R1 to R3 are represented by -(L)p-(Y)q. [0061] In one embodiment of the present specification, p is an integer of 0 to 10. [0062] In one embodiment of the present specification, p is 1. [0063] In one embodiment of the present specification, p is 0. [0064] In one embodiment of the present specification, q is an integer of 1 to 10. [0065] In one embodiment of the present specification, q is 1. [0066] In one embodiment of the present specification, L is a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group, a substituted or unsubstituted fluorenylene group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylene group. [0067] In one embodiment of the present specification, L is a substituted or unsubstituted arylene group. [0068] In one embodiment of the present specification, L is a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group. [0069] In one embodiment of the present specification, Y is hydrogen. [0070] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzoquinoline group; a substituted or unsubstituted phenanthroline group; a substituted or unsubstituted pyrimidine group; a substituted or unsubstituted triazine group; a substituted or unsubstituted benzophenanthridine group; a substituted or unsubstituted quinoline group; a substituted or unsubstituted carbazole group; a substituted or unsubstituted benzocarbazole group; a substituted or unsubstituted dibenzothiophene group; a substituted or unsubstituted dibenzofuran group; a substituted or unsubstituted phosphine oxide group; a substituted or unsubstituted benzothiophene group; or a substituted or unsubstituted benzofuran group; or a substituted or unsubstituted quinazoline group. [0071] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 forms an aliphatic ring by being bonded to an adjacent group. [0072] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 forms an aromatic ring by being bonded to an adjacent group. [0073] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a phenyl group substituted with at least one of the following substituents; or is at least one of the following substituents, or a plurality of adjacent R4s form a hydrocarbon ring substituted with at least one of the following substituents with each other. [0000] [0074] * means being linked to a hydrocarbon ring formed by Chemical Formula 1, a phenyl group or a plurality of adjacent R4s being bonded to each other, [0075] The substituents may be unsubstituted or additionally substituted with substituents selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; and a substituted or unsubstituted heteroring group including one or more of N, O, S and P atoms. [0076] In one embodiment of the present specification, the substituents are additionally substituted with hydrogen; a methyl group; an ethyl group; a phenyl group; a naphthyl group; a biphenyl group; or a pyridine group. [0077] In one embodiment of the present specification, the hydrocarbon ring may be an aromatic ring, an aliphatic ring, or a fused ring of an aliphatic ring and an aromatic ring, and may be monocyclic or multicyclic. [0078] In the substituents, “being substituted” means that a hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom of a compound is replaced with other atoms or functional groups, and “substituent” includes all of hydrogen, other atoms and functional groups. The substitution position in the present specification is not limited as long as it is a position at which a hydrogen atom is substituted, that is, a position that can be substituted with substituents, and when two or more are substituted, the two or more substituents may be the same as or different from each other. [0079] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzoquinoline group. [0080] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted phenanthroline group. [0081] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted pyrimidine group. [0082] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a pyrimidine group substituted with a phenyl group. [0083] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a pyrimidine group substituted with a biphenyl group. [0084] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted triazine group. [0085] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a triazine group substituted with a phenyl group. [0086] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a triazine group substituted with a naphthyl group. [0087] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzophenanthridine group. [0088] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted quinoline group. [0089] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a quinoline group substituted with a phenyl group. [0090] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a quinoline group substituted with a pyridine group. [0091] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituent having a structure in which a phenanthridine group and a benzimidazole group are bonded. [0092] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituent having a structure in which a quinoline group and a benzimidazole group are bonded. [0093] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted benzocarbazole group. The benzocarbazole group is either [0000] [0094] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted dibenzothiophene group. The dibenzothiophene group is linked to the fluoranthene core of the present compound at position 6 or position 2 of the following dibenzothiophene group structure. [0000] [0095] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted dibenzofuran group. The dibenzofuran group is linked to the fluoranthene core of the present compound at position 6 or position 2 of the following dibenzofuran group structure. [0000] [0096] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted phosphine oxide group. [0097] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a phosphine oxide group substituted with a phenyl group. [0098] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is substituted or unsubstituted benzothiophene. [0099] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is benzothiophene substituted with a phenyl group. [0100] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is substituted or unsubstituted benzofuran. [0101] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is benzofuran substituted with a phenyl group. [0102] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted quinazoline group. [0103] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a quinazoline group substituted with a phenyl group. [0104] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted phenanthrene group. [0105] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a substituted or unsubstituted a pyridine group. [0106] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is a pyridine group substituted with a pyridine group. [0107] Preferable specific examples of the compound according to the present specification include the following compounds, but are not limited thereto. [0108] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is any one of the following structural formulae. [0000] [0109] In one embodiment of the present specification, R4 is any one of the following structural formulae. [0000] [0110] In one embodiment of the present specification, Chemical Formula 1 is represented by any one of the following Compounds 1 to 38. [0000] [0111] The compound of Chemical Formula 1 may have suitable characteristics for use as an organic material layer used in an organic electronic device by having fluoranthene as the core structure and introducing various substituents, as shown in Chemical Formula 1. [0112] The conjugation length of a compound and the energy band gap have a close relationship. Specifically, the longer the conjugation length is, the smaller the energy band gap is. As described above, the compound core of Chemical Formula 1 includes limited conjugation, therefore, the energy band gap is large. [0113] In the present specification, compounds having various energy band gap values may be synthesized by introducing various substituents at positions R1 to R7 and R′ of the core structure having a large energy band gap as above. Typically, adjusting an energy band gap by introducing substituents to a core structure having a large energy band gap is simple, however, when a core structure has a small energy band gap, largely adjusting the energy band gap is difficult by introducing substituents. [0114] In addition, in the present specification, the HOMO and LUMO energy level of the compound may be adjusted by introducing various substituents at positions R1 to R7 and R′ of the core structure having the structure as above. [0115] In addition, by introducing various substituents to the core structure having the structure as above, compounds having unique characteristics of the introduced substituents may be synthesized. For example, by introducing substituents normally used in a hole injection layer material, a hole transfer layer material, a light emitting layer material and an electron transfer layer material, which are used in the manufacture of an organic electronic device, to the core structure, materials satisfying the conditions required for each organic material layer may be synthesized. [0116] The compound of Chemical Formula 1 includes fluoranthene in the core structure, thereby has an energy level suitable as a hole injection and/or a hole transfer material in an organic light emitting device. In the present specification, a device having low driving voltage and high light efficiency can be obtained by selecting compounds having suitable energy levels depending on the substituents among the compounds of Chemical Formula 1, and using the compound in an organic light emitting device. [0117] In addition, by introducing various substituents to the core structure, the energy band gap can be finely adjusted, and meanwhile, characteristics at the interface between organic materials are improved, and therefore, the materials can have various applications. [0118] Meanwhile, the compound of Chemical Formula 1 has excellent thermal stability due to its high glass transition temperature (T g ). This thermal stability enhancement becomes an important factor that provides a driving stability to a device. [0119] The compound of Chemical Formula 1 may be prepared based on the preparation examples described later. [0120] As the compound of Chemical Formula 1 of the present specification, a compound is synthesized by reacting acenaphthenequinone and substituted propanone. To this synthesized compound, ethynyl benzene to which a substituent is attached is synthesized, and the compound of Chemical Formula 1 is provided. [0121] Alternatively, a compound is synthesized by reacting acenaphthenequinone and substituted propanone, a fluoranthene derivative is synthesized by reacting the compound with substituted ethynyl benzene, and then the compound of Chemical Formula 1 is provided by introducing various substituents to the fluoranthene derivative. [0122] The present specification also provides an organic electronic device that uses the fluoranthene compound. [0123] In one embodiment of the present specification, an organic electronic device provided includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and one or more layers of organic material layers provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein one or more layers of the organic material layers include the fluoranthene compound. [0124] The organic electronic device may be selected from the group consisting of an organic light emitting device, an organic solar cell and an organic transistor. [0125] The organic material layer of the organic electronic device of the present specification may be formed as a monolayer structure, but may be formed as a multilayer structure in which two or more layers of the organic material layers are laminated. For example, the organic light emitting device of the present specification may have a structure including a hole injection layer, a hole transfer layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transfer layer, an electron injection layer, and the like as the organic material layer. However, the structure of the organic light emitting device is not limited thereto, and may include less number of organic material layers. [0126] In another embodiment, the organic electronic device may be a normal-type organic electronic device in which an anode, one or more layers of organic material layers, and a cathode are laminated on a substrate in consecutive order. [0127] In another embodiment, the organic electronic device may be an inverted-type organic electronic device in which a cathode, one or more layers of organic material layers, and an anode are laminated on a substrate in consecutive order. [0128] The organic electronic device of the present specification may be prepared using materials and methods known in the related art except that the compound of the present specification, that is, the fluoranthene compound, is included in one or more layers of organic material layers. [0129] For example, the organic electronic device of the present specification may be manufactured by laminating a first electrode, an organic material layer and a second electrode on a substrate in consecutive order. At this time, the organic electronic device may be manufactured by forming an anode through the deposition of a metal, a metal oxide having conductivity, or alloys thereof on a substrate using a physical vapor deposition (PVD) method such as a sputtering method or an e-beam evaporation method, forming an organic material layer that includes a hole injection layer, a hole transfer layer, a light emitting layer and an electron transfer layer thereon, and then depositing a material that can be used as a cathode thereon. In addition to this method, the organic electronic device may be manufactured by consecutively depositing a cathode material, an organic material layer and an anode material on a substrate. [0130] In addition, when the organic electronic device is manufactured, the fluoranthene compound may be formed as an organic material layer using a solution coating method as well as a vacuum deposition method. Herein, the solution coating method means spin coating, dip coating, doctor blading, ink jet printing, screen printing, a spray method, roll coating or the like, but is not limited thereto. [0131] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic electronic device may be an organic light emitting device. [0132] In one embodiment of the present specification, an organic light emitting device provided includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and one or more layers of organic material layers including a light emitting layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein one or more layers of the organic material layers include the fluoranthene compound. [0133] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic material layer includes a hole injection layer, a hole transfer layer, or a layer that injects and transfers holes at the same time, and the hole injection layer, the hole transfer layer, or the layer that injects and transfers the holes at the same time includes the fluoranthene compound. [0134] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic material layer includes an electron transfer layer, an electron injection layer, or a layer that transfers and injects electrons at the same time, and the electron transfer layer, the electron injection layer, or the layer that transfers and injects electrons at the same time includes the fluoranthene compound. [0135] In one embodiment of the present specification, the light emitting layer includes the fluoranthene compound. [0136] In one embodiment of the present specification, the light emitting layer includes the fluoranthene compound as the host of the light emitting layer. [0137] In one embodiment of the present specification, the light emitting layer includes the fluoranthene compound as the host of the light emitting layer, and a dopant may be selected from among dopant materials known in the industry by those skilled in the related art depending on the characteristics required in an organic light emitting device, but is not limited thereto. [0138] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic light emitting device further includes one, two or more layers selected from the group consisting of a hole injection layer, a hole transfer layer, an electron transfer layer, an electron injection layer, an electron blocking layer and a hole blocking layer. [0139] In another embodiment, the organic material layer of the organic light emitting device may include a hole injection layer or a hole transfer layer including a compound that includes an arylamino group, a carbazole group or a benzocarbazole group, in addition to an organic material layer that includes the fluoranthene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1. [0140] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic light emitting device may be a top-emission type, a bottom-emission type or a dual-emission type depending on the materials used. [0141] For example, in embodiments of the organic electronic device of the present specification, the organic electronic device may have a structure shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , but the structure is not limited thereto. [0142] FIG. 1 illustrates the structure of an organic electronic device in which a substrate ( 1 ), an anode ( 2 ), a light emitting layer ( 3 ) and a cathode ( 4 ) are laminated in consecutive order. In this structure, the fluoranthene compound may be included in the light emitting layer ( 3 ). [0143] FIG. 2 illustrates the structure of an organic electronic device in which a substrate ( 1 ), an anode ( 2 ), a hole injection layer ( 5 ), a hole transfer layer ( 6 ), a light emitting layer ( 3 ), an electron transfer layer ( 7 ) and a cathode ( 4 ) are laminated in consecutive order. In this structure, the fluoranthene compound may be included in one or more layers of the hole injection layer ( 5 ), the hole transfer layer ( 6 ), the light emitting layer ( 3 ) and the electron transfer layer ( 7 ). [0144] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic electronic device may be an organic solar cell. [0145] In one embodiment of the present specification, an organic solar cell provided includes a first electrode; a second electrode; and one or more layers of organic material layers including a photoactive layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein one or more layers of the organic material layers include the fluoranthene compound. [0146] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic material layer includes an electron transfer layer, an electron injection layer, or a layer that transfers and injects electrons at the same time, and the electron transfer layer, the electron injection layer, or the layer that transfers and injects electrons at the same time includes the fluoranthene compound. [0147] In another embodiment, the photoactive layer may include the fluoranthene compound. [0148] In another embodiment, the organic material layer includes an electron donor and an electron acceptor, and the electron donor or the electron acceptor includes the fluoranthene compound. [0149] In one embodiment of the present specification, when the organic solar cell receives photons from an external light source, electrons and holes are generated between the electron donor and the electron acceptor. The generated holes are transferred to an anode through an electron donor layer. [0150] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic solar cell may further include additional organic material layers. The organic solar cell may reduce the number of organic material layers by using organic materials simultaneously having a number of functions. [0151] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic electronic device may be an organic transistor. [0152] In one embodiment of the present specification, an organic transistor provided includes a source, a drain, a gate and one or more layers of organic material layers, wherein one or more layers of the organic material layers include the fluoranthene compound. [0153] In one embodiment of the present specification, the organic transistor may include a charge generation layer, and the charge generation layer may include the fluoranthene compound. [0154] In another embodiment, the organic transistor may include an insulation layer, and the insulation layer may be located on the substrate and the gate. [0155] When the organic electronic device includes a plurality of organic material layers, the organic material layers may be formed with identical materials or different materials. [0156] In one embodiment of the present specification, the first electrode is a cathode, and the second electrode is an anode. [0157] In one embodiment of the present specification, the first electrode is an anode, and the second electrode is a cathode. [0158] The substrate may be selected considering optical properties and physical properties as necessary. For example, the substrate is preferably transparent. Hard materials may be used as the substrate, however, the substrate may be formed with flexible materials such as plastic. [0159] Materials of the substrate include, in addition to glass and quartz, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), polyoxymethylene (POM), an acrylonitrile styrene (AS) copolymer, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer, triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyarylate (PAR), and the like, but are not limited thereto. [0160] As the cathode material, a material having small work function is normally preferable so that electron injection to the organic material layer is smooth. Specific examples of the cathode material include metals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium, titanium, indium, yttrium, lithium, gadolinium, aluminum, silver, tin and lead, or alloys thereof; multilayer structure materials such as LiF/Al or LiO 2 /Al, or the like, but are not limited thereto. [0161] As the anode material, a material having large work function is normally preferable so that hole injection to the organic material layer is smooth. Specific examples of the anode material that can be used in the present specification include metals such as vanadium, chromium, copper, zinc or gold, or alloys thereof; metal oxides such as zinc oxides, indium oxides, indium tin oxides (ITO) or indium zinc oxides (IZO); and mixtures of metals and oxides such as ZnO:Al or SnO 2 :Sb; conductive polymers such as poly(3-methylthiophene), poly[3,4-(ethylene-1,2-dioxy)thiophene] (PEDOT), polypyrrole and polyaniline, or the like, but are not limited thereto. [0162] The hole transfer layer is a layer that receives holes from a hole injection layer and transfers the holes to a light emitting layer, and a hole transfer material is a material that can receive holes from an anode or a hole injection layer, move the holes to a light emitting layer, and a material having high mobility for holes is suitable. Specific examples thereof include an arylamine-based organic material, a conductive polymer, a block copolymer having conjugated parts and non-conjugated parts together, and the like, but are not limited thereto. [0163] The hole injection layer is a layer that injects holes from an electrode, and a hole injection material is preferably a compound that has an ability to transfer the holes thereby has a hole injection effect in an anode and has an excellent hole injection effect for a light emitting layer or a light emitting material, prevents the movement of excitons generated in the light emitting layer to an electron injection layer or an electron injection material, and in addition, has excellent thin film forming ability. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the hole injection material is preferably between the work function of an anode and the HOMO of surrounding organic material layers. Specific examples of the hole injection material include a metal porphyrin, oligothiophene, an arylamine-based organic material, a phthalocyanine derivative, a hexanitrile hexazatriphenylene-based organic material, a quinacridone-based organic material, a perylene-based organic material, anthraquinone, and a polyaniline- and polythiophene-based conductive polymer, and the like, but are not limited thereto. [0164] The light emitting material is a material that can emit light in a visible light region by receiving holes and electrons from a hole transfer layer and an electron transfer layer, respectively, and binding the holes and the electrons, and is preferably a material having favorable quantum efficiency for fluorescence or phosphorescence. Specific examples thereof include a 8-hydroxy-quinoline aluminum complex (Alq 3 ); a carbazole-based compound; a dimerized styryl compound; BAlq; a 10-hydroxybenzo quinoline-metal compound; a benzoxazole-, a benzthiazole- and a benzimidazole-based compound; a poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV)-based polymer; a spiro compound; polyfluorene, rubrene or the like, but are not limited thereto. [0165] The light emitting layer may include a host material and a dopant material. The host material includes a fused aromatic ring derivative, a heteroring-containing compound, or the like. Specifically, the fused aromatic ring derivative includes an anthracene derivative, a pyrene derivative, a naphthalene derivative, a pentacene derivative, a phenanthrene compound, a fluoranthene compound or the like, and the heteroring-containing compound includes a carbazole derivative, a dibenzofuran derivative, a ladder-type furan compound, a pyrimidine derivative or the like, but are not limited thereto. [0166] The dopant material includes organic compounds, metals or metal compounds. [0167] The dopant material includes an aromatic amine derivative, a styrylamine compound, a boron complex, a fluoranthene compound, a metal complex, or the like. Specifically, the aromatic amine derivative includes arylamino-including pyrene, anthracene, crycene and periflanthene as the fused aromatic ring derivative having a substituted or unsubstituted arylamino group, and the styrylamine compound includes a compound in which substituted or unsubstituted arylamine is substituted with at least one arylvinyl group, and one, two or more substituents selected from the group consisting of an aryl group, a silyl group, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group and an arylamino group are substituted or unsubstituted. Specifically, styrylamine, styryldiamine, styryltriamine, styryltetramine or the like is included, but the styrylamine compound is not limited thereto. In addition, the metal complex includes an iridium complex, a platinum complex or the like, but is not limited thereto. [0168] The electron transfer layer is a layer that receives electrons from an electron injection layer and transfers the electrons to a light emitting layer, and an electron transfer material is a material that can receive electrons from a cathode, move the electrons to a light emitting layer, and a material having high mobility for electrons is suitable. Specific examples thereof include an Al complex of 8-hydroxyquinoline; a complex including Alq3; an organic radical compound; a hydroxyflavone-metal complex or the like, but are not limited thereto. The electron transfer layer can be used together with any desired cathode material as is used according to technologies in the related art. Particularly, examples of the suitable cathode material are common materials that have small work function, and followed by an aluminum layer or a silver layer. Specifically the cathode material includes cesium, barium, calcium, ytterbium and samarium, and in each case, an aluminum layer or a silver layer follows. [0169] The electron injection layer is a layer that injects electrons from an electrode, and an electron injection material is preferably a compound that has an ability to transfer the electrons, has an electron injection effect in a cathode and has an excellent electron injection effect for a light emitting layer or a light emitting material, prevents the movement of excitons generated in the light emitting layer to the electron injection layer, and in addition, has excellent thin film forming ability. Specific examples thereof include fluorenone, anthraquinodimethane, diphenoquinone, thiopyran dioxide, oxazole, oxadiazole, triazole, imidazole, perylene tetracarboxylic acid, fluorenylidene methane, anthrone or the like, and derivatives thereof, a metal complex compound, a nitrogen-containing 5-membered ring derivative, or the like, but are not limited thereto. [0170] The metal complex compound includes 8-hydroxyquinolinato lithium, bis(8-hydroxyquinolinato)zinc, bis(8-hydroxyquinolinato)copper, bis(8-hydroxyquinolinato)manganese, tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum, tris(2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminum, tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)gallium, bis(10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinolinato)berylium, bis(10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinolinato)zinc, bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinato)chlorogallium, bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinato)(o-cresolato)gallium, bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinato)(1-naphtholato)aluminum, bis(2-methyl-8-quinolinato)(2-naphtholato)gallium or the like, but is not limited thereto. [0171] The hole blocking layer is a layer that blocks the arrival of holes in a cathode, and generally, may be formed under the same conditions as those of the hole injection layer. Specific examples thereof include an oxadiazole derivative, a triazole derivative, a phenanthroline derivative, BCP, an aluminum complex or the like, but are not limited thereto. [0172] The electron blocking layer is a layer that improves the probability of electron-hole recombination by receiving holes while blocking electrons, and a material having significantly low electron transfer ability while having hole transfer ability are suitable. As the material of the electron blocking layer, the materials of the hole transfer layer described above may be used as necessary, but the material is not limited thereto, and known electron blocking layers may be used. [0173] The organic electronic device according to the present specification may be a top-emission type, a bottom-emission type or a dual-emission type depending on the materials used. [0174] Hereinafter, a method for preparing the compound represented of Chemical Formula 1 and the manufacture of an organic light emitting device including the same will be described in detail with reference to examples. However, the following examples are for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the present specification is not limited thereto. Preparation Example (1) Preparation of [Compound A-1] [0175] [0176] After acenaphthenequinone (30 g, 164 mmol) and 1,3-diphenyl-2-propanone (34 g, 164 mmol) were placed in ethanol (600 mL), potassium hydroxide (KOH) (27.6 g, 492 mmol) was added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for hours at 85° C. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, 300 mL of water was added thereto, the solid produced was filtered and dried, and [Compound A-1] (45 g, yield 77%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =357 (2) Preparation of [Compound A-2] [0177] [0178] After [Compound A-1] (30 g, 84.2 mmol) and 1-bromo-4-ethynylbenzene (16.8 g, 92.8 mmol) were placed in xylene (500 mL), the mixture was stirred under reflux for 48 hours at 140° C. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, 300 mL of ethanol was added thereto, the solid produced was filtered and dried, and [Compound A-2] (31.3 g, yield 74%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =510 (3) Preparation of [Compound A-3] [0179] [0180] After [Compound A-1] (30 g, 84.2 mmol) and 1-bromo-4-ethynylbenzene (16.8 g, 92.8 mmol) were placed in xylene (500 mL), the mixture was stirred under reflux for 48 hours at 140° C. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, 300 mL of ethanol was added thereto, the solid produced was filtered and dried, and [Compound A-2] (29.7 g, yield 69%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =510 (4) Preparation of [Compound B-1] [0181] [0182] After acenaphthenequinone (6.9 g, 38 mmol) and 1,3-bis(4-bromophenyl)propan-2-one (14 g, 38 mmol) were placed in ethanol (300 mL), potassium hydroxide (KOH) (6.4 g, 114 mmol) was added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 48 hours at 85° C. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, 200 mL of water was added thereto, the solid produced was filtered and dried, and [Compound B-1] (17.3 g, yield 88%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =515 (5) Preparation of [Compound B-2] [0183] [0184] After [Compound B-1] (17.3 g, 33.6 mmol) and ethynylbenzene (4.1 g, 40.3 mmol) were placed in xylene (200 mL), the mixture was stirred under reflux for 48 hours at 140° C. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, 200 mL of ethanol was added thereto, the solid produced was filtered and dried, and [Compound B-2] (14.3 g, yield 72%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =589 (6) Preparation of [Compound C-1] [0185] [0186] After [Compound A-2] (30 g, 58.9 mmol) and bis(pinacolato)diboron (16.5 g, 64.8 mmol) were placed in dioxane (300 mL), potassium acetate (17.3 g, 177 mmol) and then Pd(dppf)Cl 2 CH 2 Cl 2 (0.96 g, 2 mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 6 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the result was filtered. After the filtrate was vacuum distilled and dissolved in chloroform, the result was recrystallized using ethanol, filtered and dried, and [Compound C-1] (27.2 g, yield 83%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =557 (7) Preparation of [Compound C-2] [0187] [0188] After [Compound A-3] (30 g, 58.9 mmol) and bis(pinacolato)diboron (16.5 g, 64.8 mmol) were placed in dioxane (300 mL), potassium acetate (17.3 g, 177 mmol) and then Pd(dppf)Cl 2 CH 2 Cl 2 (0.96 g, 2 mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 6 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the result was filtered. After the filtrate was vacuum distilled and dissolved in chloroform, the result was recrystallized using ethanol, filtered and dried, and [Compound C-2] (26.2 g, yield 80%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =557 EXAMPLE Example 1 Preparation of [Compound 2] [0189] [0190] After [Compound C-1] (17.6 g, 31.6 mmol) and 2-bromo-1,10-phenanthroline (8.2 g, 31.6 mmol) were placed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (200 mL), a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) solution (100 mL) and then Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 (0.67 g, mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 2] (16.5 g, yield 86%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =609 Example 2 Preparation of [Compound 6] [0191] [0192] After [Compound C-1] (17.6 g, 31.6 mmol) and 2-chloro-4,6-diphenylpyrimidine (8.4 g, 31.6 mmol) were placed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (200 mL), a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) solution (100 mL) and then Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 (0.67 g, mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 6] (15.6 g, yield 75%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =661 Example 3 Preparation of [Compound 7] [0193] [0194] After [Compound C-1] (17.6 g, 31.6 mmol) and 4-chloro-2,6-diphenylpyrimidine (8.4 g, 31.6 mmol) were placed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (200 mL), a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) solution (100 mL) and then Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 (0.67 g, mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 7] (14.6 g, yield 70%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =661 Example 4 Preparation of [Compound 8] [0195] [0196] After [Compound C-1] (17.6 g, 31.6 mmol) and 2-chloro-4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine (8.4 g, 31.6 mmol) were placed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (200 mL), a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) solution (100 mL) and then Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 (0.67 g, mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 8] (16.1 g, yield 77%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =662 Example 5 Preparation of [Compound 26] [0197] [0198] After [Compound A-2] (15 g, 29.4 mmol) and 4-dibenzothiophene boronic acid (6.7 g, 29.4 mmol) were placed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (200 mL), a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) solution (100 mL) and then Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 (0.67 g, mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 26] (12.6 g, yield 70%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =613 Example 6 Preparation of [Compound 27] [0199] [0200] After [Compound A-2] (15 g, 29.4 mmol) and 4-dibenzofuran boronic acid (6.2 g, 29.4 mmol) were placed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (200 mL), a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) solution (100 mL) and then Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 (0.67 g, mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 27] (13.5 g, yield 77%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =597 Example 7 Preparation of [Compound 11] [0201] [0202] After [Compound C-2] (15 g, 26.8 mmol) and 2-chloro-4,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazine (7.16 g, 26.8 mmol) were placed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (200 mL), a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) solution (100 mL) and then Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 (0.67 g, mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 11] (13.3 g, yield 75%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =661 Example 8 Preparation of [Compound 24] [0203] [0204] After [Compound A-2] (15 g, 29.5 mmol) and 11H-benzo[a]carbazole (6.4 g, 29.5 mmol) were placed in toluene (150 mL), sodium tetrabutoxide (NaOtBu) (15 g) and then Pd(PtBu 4 ) 2 (0.16 g, 1 mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 24] (11.4 g, yield 60%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =645 Example 9 Preparation of [Compound 32] [0205] [0206] After [Compound C-1] (18.0 g, 32.4 mmol) and (4-bromophenyl)diphenylphosphineoxide (11.6 g, 32.4 mmol) were placed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (200 mL), a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) solution (100 mL) and then Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 (0.75 g, 2 mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 32] (13.7 g, yield 64%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =706 Example 10 Preparation of [Compound 38] [0207] [0208] After [Compound C-1] (15.0 g, 27.0 mmol) and 4′-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (10.5 g, 27.0 mmol) were placed in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (200 mL), a 2M aqueous potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) solution (100 mL) and Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 (0.62 g, 2 mol %) were added thereto, and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 4 hours. The temperature was lowered to room temperature, and the solid produced was filtered. The filtered solid was recrystallized using chloroform and ethanol, then filtered and dried, and [Compound 38] (15.5 g, yield 78%) was prepared. MS: [M+H] + =737 EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE Manufacture of Organic Light Emitting Device and Characteristics Measurements Thereof Experimental Example 1-1 [0209] A glass substrate on which indium tin oxide (ITO) was coated as a thin film to a thickness of 500 Å was placed in distilled water in which a detergent is dissolved, and then was ultrasonic cleaned. At this time, a product of Fischer Corporation was used as the detergent, and as the distilled water, distilled water filtered twice with a filter manufactured by Millipore Corporation was used. After the ITO was cleaned for 30 minutes, ultrasonic cleaning was repeated twice for 10 minutes using distilled water. After the cleaning with distilled water was finished, ultrasonic cleaning was performed using an isopropyl alcohol, acetone and methanol solvent, and the substrate was dried and transferred to a plasma washer. In addition, the substrate was washed for 5 minutes using oxygen plasma, and transferred to a vacuum deposition apparatus. [0210] On the transparent ITO electrode prepared as above, a hole injection layer was formed to a thickness of 100 Å by thermal vacuum depositing hexanitrile hexazatriphenylene (HAT) of the following chemical formula. [0000] [0211] On the hole injection layer, a hole transfer layer was formed by vacuum depositing 4-4′-bis[N-(1-naphthyl)-N-phenylamino]biphenyl (NPB) (1,000 Å) of the chemical formula above. [0212] Subsequently, a light emitting layer was formed on the hole transfer layer to a film thickness of 230 Å by vacuum depositing the following GH and GD in the weight ratio of 10:1. [0000] [0213] On the light emitting layer, an electron injection and transfer layer was formed to a film thickness of 350 Å by vacuum depositing [Compound 2]. [0214] A cathode was formed on the electron injection and transfer layer by depositing lithium fluoride (LiF) to a thickness of 15 Å and aluminum to a thickness of 2,000 Å in consecutive order. [0215] In the above process, the deposition rate of the organic material was maintained to be 0.4 to 0.7 Å/sec, the deposition rate of the lithium fluoride of the cathode to be 0.3 Å/sec, and the deposition rate of the aluminum to be 2 Å/sec, and the degree of vacuum when being deposited was maintained to be 2×10 −7 to 5×10 −8 torr, and as a result, the organic light emitting device was manufactured. Experimental Example 1-2 [0216] The organic light emitting device was manufactured using the same method as in Experimental Example 1-1 except that [Compound 8] was used instead of [Compound 2] in Experimental Example 1-1. Experimental Example 1-3 [0217] The organic light emitting device was manufactured using the same method as in Experimental Example 1-1 except that [Compound 11] was used instead of [Compound 2] in Experimental Example 1-1. Experimental Example 1-4 [0218] The organic light emitting device was manufactured using the same method as in Experimental Example 1-1 except that [Compound 32] was used instead of [Compound 2] in Experimental Example 1-1. Experimental Example 1-5 [0219] The organic light emitting device was manufactured using the same method as in Experimental Example 1-1 except that [Compound 38] was used instead of [Compound 2] in Experimental Example 1-1. Comparative Example 1 [0220] The organic light emitting device was manufactured using the same method as in Experimental Example 1-1 except that the compound of the following Chemical Formula ET-B was used instead of [Compound 2] in Experimental Example 1-1. [0000] [0221] When current (10 mA/cm 2 ) was applied to the organic light emitting device manufactured by Experimental Example 1-1 to Experimental Example 1-5, and Comparative Example 1, the results of Table 1 were obtained. [0000] TABLE 1 Color Voltage Efficiency Coordinates Compound (V) (cd/A) (x, y) Experimental 2 3.71 41.25 (0.374, Example 1-1 0.621) Experimental 8 4.15 39.11 (0.374, Example 1-2 0.621) Experimental 11 4.10 40.20 (0.374, Example 1-3 0.620) Experimental 32 4.50 37.25 (0.373, Example 1-4 0.618) Experimental 38 3.63 43.55 (0.373, Example 1-5 0.618) Comparative ET-B 5.51 25.53 (0.373, Example 1 0.617) Experimental Example 2-1 [0222] On the transparent ITO electrode prepared as in Experimental Example 1-1, a hole injection layer was formed to a thickness of 100 Å by thermal vacuum depositing hexanitrile hexazatriphenylene (HAT) of the chemical formula above. [0223] On the hole injection layer, a hole transfer layer was formed by vacuum depositing 4-4′-bis[N-(1-naphthyl)-N-phenylamino]biphenyl (NPB) (700 Å), hexanitrile hexazatriphenylene (HAT) (50 Å) and 4-4′-bis[N-(1-naphthyl)-N-phenylamino]biphenyl (NPB) (700 Å) of the chemical formula above in consecutive order. [0224] Subsequently, a light emitting layer was formed on the hole transfer layer to a film thickness of 200 Å by vacuum depositing the following BH and BD in the weight ratio of 25:1. [0000] [0225] On the light emitting layer, an electron injection and transfer layer was formed to a thickness of 300 Å by vacuum depositing [Compound 7] and the lithium quinolate (LiQ) of the following chemical formula in the weight ratio of 1:1. [0000] [0226] A cathode was formed on the electron injection and transfer layer by depositing lithium fluoride (LiF) to a thickness of 15 Å and aluminum to a thickness of 2,000 Å in consecutive order. [0227] In the above process, the deposition rate of the organic material was maintained to be 0.4 to 0.7 Å/sec, the deposition rate of the lithium fluoride of the cathode to be 0.3 Å/sec, and the deposition rate of the aluminum to be 2 A/sec, and the degree of vacuum when being deposited was maintained to be 2×10 −7 to 5×10 −8 torr, and as a result, the organic light emitting device was manufactured. Experimental Example 2-2 [0228] The organic light emitting device was manufactured using the same method as in Experimental Example 2-1 except that [Compound 2] was used instead of [Compound 7] in Experimental Example 2-1. Experimental Example 2-3 [0229] The organic light emitting device was manufactured using the same method as in Experimental Example 2-1 except that [Compound 27] was used instead of [Compound 7] in Experimental Example 2-1. Experimental Example 2-4 [0230] The organic light emitting device was manufactured using the same method as in Experimental Example 2-1 except that [Compound 38] was used instead of [Compound 7] in Experimental Example 2-1. Comparative Example 2 [0231] The organic light emitting device was manufactured using the same method as in Experimental Example 2-1 except that the compound of the following Chemical Formula ET-C was used instead of [Compound 7] in Experimental Example 2-1. [0000] [0232] When current (10 mA/cm 2 ) was applied to the organic light emitting device manufactured by Experimental Examples 2-1 to 2-4 and Comparative Example 2, the results of Table 2 were obtained. [0000] TABLE 2 Color Voltage Efficiency Coordinates Compound (V) (cd/A) (x, y) Experimental 7 4.35 6.43 (0.133, Example 2-1 0.154) Experimental 2 4.10 6.33 (0.133, Example 2-2 0.153) Experimental 27 4.51 5.99 (0.133, Example 2-3 0.153) Experimental 38 4.22 6.25 (0.134, Example 2-4 0.154) Comparative ET-C 5.21 5.51 (0.134, Example 2 0.153) [0233] From the results of Table 2, it can be seen that the novel compound according to the present specification can be used as the material of an organic material layer of an organic electronic device including an organic light emitting device, and an organic electronic device including an organic light emitting device, which uses the novel compound, shows excellent characteristics in efficiency, driving voltage, stability, and the like. In particular, the novel compound according to the present specification has excellent thermal stability, deep HOMO level and hole stability thereby shows excellent characteristics. The novel compound can be used in an organic electronic device including an organic light emitting device either alone or by being mixed with an n-type dopant such as LiQ. The novel compound according to the present specification improves the efficiency, and improves the stability of a device due to the thermal stability of the compound. REFERENCES [0000] 1 : Substrate 2 : Anode 3 : Light Emitting Layer 4 : Cathode 5 : Hole Injection Layer 6 : Hole Transfer Layer 7 : Electron Transfer Layer

The present specification provides a novel fluoranthene compound significantly improving the life span, efficiency, electrical and chemical stability and thermal stability of an organic electronic device, and an organic electronic device that contains the compound in an organic compound layer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to blade sharpening systems. More specifically, the invention relates to systems for sharpening spiral meat slicing blades. 2. Related Art The spiral meat slicing blade disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,370 (Schmidt et al.) has normally been sharpened on a sharpening device employing a stone sharpening abrasive. A significant disadvantage of this device is that, with continued sharpening, the radius of the sharpening abrasive is reduced. This reduced radius causes unreliable sharpening results due to the progressive change in contact area between the blade and the abrasive as the abrasive wears down. Further, the life of the blade is reduced when the contact area is changed through the reduced radius of the abrasive. There is therefore a need to provide a system of sharpening blades in which the contact area between the blade and the abrasive is maintained substantially constant, even after large numbers of blades have been sharpened. Another problem of known blade sharpening systems involves "blade chatter". Blade chatter is encountered when a blade being sharpened does not continually and smoothly contact the abrasive surface. Rather, the blade "jumps" periodically or aperiodically from the abrasive surface. Thereafter, a returning force must be applied (such as by a human applying pressure with his hand) to cause the blade to again contact the abrasive surface. This repetition of periods of contact, followed by periods of lesser contact or no contact, causes unevenness of blade sharpening. Further, known methods of holding the blade against the abrasive surface have often caused either too little pressure or too much pressure between the blade and the abrasive surface. An improper amount of pressure causes blade sharpening to be unreliably sharpened, causing poorer cutting performance. Therefore, there is a need to provide a blade sharpening system in which a proper amount of pressure is maintained between the blade and the abrasive surface, to reduce blade chatter. Various blade sharpening systems are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,402 (Sakabe et al.) discloses a knife sharpening apparatus for sharpening blades that are located on the periphery of a drum-shaped cutter used for shredding material (such as tobacco leaves) which are input to a shredding port. An abrasive wheel has a "plane" which rotates to grind a blade edge in a substantially longitudinal direction on the blade, so that it does not become serrated. The abrasive "plane" is not truly a plane, but is curved so as to conform to the cylindrical outer surface of the blade cylinder. This observation applies to other embodiments of the Sakabe et al. device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,146 (Horrell) discloses a device for sharpening lawn mower blades which uses a disk-shaped abrasive wheel adapted for rotation by a standard hand drill. A clamp grasps the blade and allows it to reciprocate, in contact with the abrasive wheel. The Horrell patent discloses two angular orientations of the blade with respect to the abrasive wheel. U.S. Pat. No. 3,883,995 (Ohashi) discloses a device for sharpening razor blades or scissors in which the razor blade is positioned above a cylindrical abrasive element and moved by a block. U.S. Pat. No. 3,755,971 (Garcia) discloses a device for grinding sheers and scissors in which a grinding wheel is disposed at 5-25 degrees from the vertical (preferably 20 degrees). With the scissor blade secured to a platform, the platform assembly and scissor blade reciprocate in a direction so that the scissor blade contacts the grinding wheel at an oblique angle. U.S. Pat. No. 895,749 (Gury) discloses a device for sharping both edges of a blade, the blade being attached to a longitudinally moveable rod so that the two edges of the blade may contact the periphery of cylindrical grinding wheel at a right angle. The above systems do not enjoy the advantages possessed by the present invention in providing a constant contact surface between blade and abrasive, or in solving blade chatter problems. Some of these patents do not even relate to sharpening the type of blade on which the present invention is most advantageously used. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a blade sharpening system which overcomes the above limitations of known blade sharpening systems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of known blade sharpening systems. The present invention provides a blade sharpening system in which a cylindrical drum abrasive is fitted snugly about a rotatable drum. The blade is run across a guide plate which is maintained at a proper orientation with respect to the drum as the edge of the blade is sharpened on the abrasive. The drum abrasive is maintained at a constant radius, thereby assuring that the contact surface between the blade and the abrasive surface is substantially constant, even after a substantial number of blades are sharpened. Further, an adjustable blade tensioner assembly is provided for substantially continuously maintaining a proper amount of pressure between the blade and the abrasive surface, reducing blade chatter, and allowing rapid but accurately repeatable sharpening process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is better understood by reading the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing FIGURES, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout, and in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the blade sharpening system according to the present invention. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the orientation of the guide plate with respect to the abrasive medium on drum 140 (FIG. 1). In particular, FIG. 1A is a side elevation emphasizing an angle φ, and FIG. 1B is a top view emphasizing an angle θ. FIGS. 2A and 2B rates a preferred embodiment of the guide plate 110 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the blade tensioner assembly 138 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrates in greater detail the structure of the drum 140 in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates a shaft adapter useful in joining the drum 140 to the motor in accordance with a preferred embodiment. FIG. 6A and 6B illustrates in greater detail the steeling jig 158 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the handle assembly with a blade in exploded perspective and assembled views. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate embodiments of the blade clamp 166 shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 9A through 9D are sequential illustrations of a blade sharpening using the preferred blade sharpening system of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 illustrates use of the steeling jig 158 from FIG. 1. FIG. 11 illustrates use of the wiping block 170 of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Further, descriptive spatial terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", and so forth, are presented for ease of explanation, and do not limit the invention. FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view a preferred embodiment of the blade sharpening system 100 according to the present invention. System 100 includes a base 102 which supports a motor housing frame 104 which in turn supports motor housing 106. Motor housing frame 104 includes a frame ledge 108. Frame ledge 108 is a horizontal planar structure projecting outward from motor housing 106. The frame ledge 108 is provided with vertical holes through which suitable attachments means may secure a horizontally oriented guide plate 110. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, guide plate 110 is affixed to the top of frame ledge 108 by means of a nut 114 and bolt 112, as well as a bolt running through a riser 118. A planar guide plate cover 116, provided with parallel visual alignment lines on its top surface, is affixed to the top surface of guide plate 110. Guide plate 110 is a "C"-shaped planar structure. On respective legs of the "C", two cylindrical risers 118, 120 extend upward. Risers 118, 120 include respective set screws 122, 124 inserted axially therein. Parallel cylindrical tensioner support arms 126, 128 extend horizontally, projecting radially from respective risers 118, 120. The tensioner support arms 126, 128 extend to hold a rectangular tensioner support 130. Tensioner support 130 is loosely joined to a tensioning foot 132 in a manner to be described in greater detail below, with special reference to FIG. 3. Briefly, however, slide guides 134, 136 penetrate vertical, unthreaded holes in the tensioner support 130 but are affixed to tensioning foot 132. Tensioning means (such as a pair of springs surrounding the slide guides 134, 136 between the tensioner support 130 and the tensioning foot 132) force the tensioning foot 132 downward, in the direction of guide plate cover 116. Collectively, elements 130, 132, 134, 136 and associated elements are referred to in this specification as a blade tensioner assembly 138. During the sharpening process (described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9D) , the blade is inserted horizontally between the tensioning foot 132 and the guide plate cover 116. The blade is maintained against the guide plate cover by downward pressure of the springs. Beneath the guide plate 110 and blade tensioner assembly 138, a cylindrical drum 140 is adapted to rotate with a shaft adapter 142 extending between the drum and the motor within motor housing 106. The motor is activated by a suitable switch, such as that indicated at 144. Any suitable motor may be employed in motor housing 106 to turn the drum 140, such as model No. 307 available from MAGNATEK UNIVERSAL ELECTRIC of Owosso, Michigan. Preferably, a pillow block bearing is used with the motor and shaft adapter. A hollow cylindrical drum abrasive 146 fits tightly about drum 140. The tightness of the drum abrasive 146 about drum 140 is assured by a drum plug 148. Drum plug 148 threadably engages drum 140 in its axis, spreading apart drum sectors which comprise the drum 140. In FIG. 1, three drum sectors 150, 152 and 154 are visible. Drum plug 148 threadably engages the drum 140, the drum sectors 150, 152, 154 . . . expand away from the axis of drum 140, firmly grasping cylindrical drum abrasive 146. It is desirable that the drum abrasive not be stretched outward by the pressure of the sectors, so that the radius of the grinding surface remain constant. A preferred drum abrasive is 80 grit aluminum zirconia for initial profiling to prevent blade damage, and 120 grit silicon carbide for sharpening. The illustrated embodiment further includes a steeling jig 158 which includes a jig slot 160. The steeling jig 158 is attached to base 102 at a location facilitating the steeling and honing of a blade after it has been sharpened on drum abrasive 146. During the sharpening and steeling processes, the blade is held by a blade handle assembly generally indicated as 162. Blade handle assembly 162 includes a handle 164 to whose lower end is attached a blade clamp 166. As will be described in greater detail below, with reference to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8, a clamp screw 168 allows the blade to be secured to the blade clamp 166. A rectangular wiping block 170 is provided for wiping the blade of burrs after sharpening and steeling. wiping block 70 may be made of pine wood or other suitable material. Guide plate 110 is illustrated in FIG. 1 in a substantially horizontal orientation, with the axis of drum 140 sloping downward at an angle φ=23° . More generally, the guide plate is preferably oriented as follows for sharpening of the blade disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,370 (Schmidt et al.). For the present discussion, it is assumed that the X axis in three-dimensional Cartesian coordinates is parallel to the axis of the drum 140. The Y direction is assumed to be perpendicular to the X direction, and lies in a horizontal plane. The initial position of the guide plate is assumed to be in the X-Y plane, with the guide plate cover grooves initially parallel to the drum axis. The side of guide plate 110 nearest the motor (edge 216 in FIG. 2) is rotated downward about the Y axis an angle φ which, in the preferred embodiment, is 23°. As shown in FIG. 1, this rotation causes the X axis to be rotated to the X' axis, the X' axis being horizontal. After this first rotation, the X' and the Y axes are in a horizontal plane. Guide plate 110 is then rotated horizontally in a counter-clockwise direction (viewed from above) by an angle (90-θ), θ being an angle which in the preferred embodiment is 38°. After this rotation, the X' and Y axes are translated to the X' and Y' axes, which are in horizontal plane. In FIG. 1, the guide plate cover 116 is shown oriented in the horizontal plane when it is in its "final" position. The guide plate cover's visual alignment lines are parallel to the X' axis and perpendicular to the Y' axis. The foregoing description describes the spatial orientation of the guide plate 110 and guide plate cover 116 with respect to the drum 140. Of course, this description is intended to convey the orientation of a preferred design, and not steps which an operator would have to go through in physically adjusting the guide plate before a sharpening operation. Rather, it is preferable that the guide plate 110 be designed to be permanently or fixedly attached to the frame ledge 108 at the desired orientation in three-dimensional space, so that reproducible and accurate sharpening results are obtained. However, it also lies within the contemplation of the present invention that the orientation of guide plate 110 may be changed after manufacture of the blade sharpening system, allowing different blade types, or different angles of attack of an abrasive on a given blade type, to be possible. The FIG. 1 embodiment is thus illustrative of a system believed to optimally sharpen spiral meat slicing blades such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,370 (Schmidt et al.), but the invention need not be limited to such geometry or application. FIG. 2 illustrates the guide plate 110 which was partially obscured in the perspective view of FIG. 1. For purposes of illustration, the grooved guide plate cover 116 (FIG. 1) is purposely omitted in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates the attachment of guide plate 110 to frame ledge 108 by bolts 112 and 112'. Risers 118, 120 (FIG. 1) are attached to the guide plate 110 at points 118', 120', respectively. The guide plate 110 is essentially a "C"-shaped planar metal element including short tongue 202 and long tongue 204 extending from the ledge 108 to a guide plate main area 206 connecting the ends of the two tongues furthest from the motor. The space inside the "C" is bounded by inner surfaces 208, 210 of respective tongues 202 and 204. Inner surfaces 208 and 210 are joined by a semi-circular surface 212 defining the inner boundary main area 206. Surfaces 208, 210, 212 thus form a rounded "U" shape having an open end traversed by the motor housing. Suitable dimensions -may be chosen as follows. In a preferred embodiment, the center of curvature of the semi-circular surface 212 is 2.1 inches from the ends of tongues 202, 204. The radius of curvature of the semi-circular surface is 1.1 inches. Tongues 202, 204 are each 0.6 inches wide. Tongues 202, 204 have respective outer surfaces 214, 215 having respective lengths 0.6 inches and 4.0 inches. Guide plate main area 206 includes three consecutive linear outside edges 216, 218, 220 which connect tongue outer surfaces 214 and 216. Outer surface 214 forms an angle (180-θ)° with outer surface 216. In the preferred embodiment, the angle θ is 38°, corresponding to the angle θ shown in FIG. 1. Outer edge 216 extends approximately 4.65 inches to form a right angle with outer edge 218. Outer edge 218 extends approximately 4.75 inches to form a right angle with outer edge 220. Outer edge 220 extends approximately 4.1 inches to form an inner angle (180-θ) with outer edge 215. In the preferred embodiment, this θ is preferably 38°, and corresponds to the angle θ described above, with reference to FIG. 1. In this manner, outer surfaces 216 and 220 are essentially parallel. It is understood that the linear dimensions of the outer surface are close approximations only, the essential dimensions of the outer surfaces being determined in accordance with the angle θ which is determined by the desired angle of motion of the abrasive with respect to the blade being sharpened. FIG. 2 also illustrates how a hollowed wedge is formed by a taper 222 formed on the bottom side of guide plate 110. The hollowed wedge is centered at the point on semi-circular surface 212 which is farthest from the frame 104. The full thickness of the guide plate main area 206 is found at the edge 224 of the taper 222. However, approaching semi-circular surface 212, the hollowed wedge is formed so that a linear approach to the top surface of the semi-circular surface is made. In the preferred embodiment, the surface of the wedge makes an angle θ with the top of the guide plate. In the preferred embodiment, θ is 23: This angle θ corresponds to that described above, with reference to FIG. 1. Guide plate cover 116 (not illustrated in FIG. 2) is affixed securely atop the guide plate, on the side of the guide plate opposite that on which the taper is machined. When the taper is machined according to the above specifications, the taper extends through the guide plate cover so that the rotating drum is close to the guide plate cover without touching it. The purpose of this wedge being formed in the underside of guide plate 110 and in the edge of the guide plate cover 116 is to allow the drum 140 and drum abrasive 146 (FIG. 1) to fit close to the underside of the guide plate 110 without contacting it. Thus, as the blade is supported above guide plate 110 on guide plate cover 116, the edge of the blade contacts the abrasive 146 in the rounded "U"-shaped area immediately above the zone defined by inner surfaces 208, 210 and 212 (FIG. 2). The guide plate cover 116 (FIG. 1) is securely but removably affixed to the top surface of guide plate 110. The guide plate cover 116 may be attached to the guide plate 110 by, for example, a set of four screws located near the four corners of the guide plate cover, 0.5 inches from its outer edges. The guide plate cover is preferably 4.75 by 4.5 inches, with a notch cut in the corner to allow it to match the outer contour of outer surface 204. The guide plate cover 116 preferably includes a set of equally spaced, parallel visual alignment indicators. In the preferred embodiment, the parallel alignment indicators are V-shaped grooves at 0.25-inch spacing parallel to outer edge 218 of the guide plate 110. Preferably, the V-shaped grooves have an inner angle of 90° , so that the faces of the groove make respective angles of 135° with respect to the flat top surface of the guide plate cover. The grooves in the top surface of the guide plate cover facilitate an individual's alignment of a first ("back") edge of the blade while sharpening the "sharp" edge of the blade. Other methods of assisting the individual in properly aligning the blade lie within the contemplation of the invention, but such grooves provide the advantage that small bits of debris fall within the grooves to prevent them f rom undesirably altering the angle of attack of the blade while it is being sharpened. Referring now to FIG. 3, the tensioner assembly 138 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in an exploded perspective view. Stationary portions of the tensioner assembly include tensioner risers 118, 120, set screws 122, 124, tensioner support arms 126, 128, and tensioner support 130. As described with reference to FIG. 1, tensioner risers 118, 120 are securely affixed to the guide plate 110 at points 118', 120' (FIG. 2). Tensioner support arm 126 extends from a circular radial aperture 302 in riser 118 through a cylindrical aperture 304 in tensioner support 130. Similarly, tensioner support arm 128 extends from a cylindrical radial aperture 306 in riser 120 through a cylindrical aperture near an end of tensioner support 130 opposite to that of aperture 304. After tensioner support arms 126, 128, are inserted into cylindrical radial apertures 302, 306, respectively, set screws 122, 124 are screwed into threaded holes 310, 312 along the axial direction of the risers. Set screws 122, 124 press against the top surfaces of the tensioner support arms 126, 128 within the tensioner risers 118, 120, respectively. The set screws thus hold the tensioner support arms in place, but allow adjustment of the position of the tensioner assembly, for example, for different blade types. The tensioner support arms 126, 128 are affixed to the tensioner support 130 in the following manner. Tensioner support arms 126, 128 are provided with respective vertically oriented, radial apertures 314, 316. Support arms 126, 128 are inserted into respective tensioner support apertures 304, 308 so that apertures 314, 316 align with apertures 318, 320 which are bored vertically into the top surface of the tensioner support 130. Then, dowels 322, 324 are inserted through respective apertures 318, 320 and 314, 316, thereby securing the tensioner support arms 126, 128 with respect to the tensioner support 130. Tensioner support 130 is further provided with three vertically bored holes 326, 328, and 330. Holes 326, 328, and 330 are not threaded but allow free but snugly guided movement of slide guide 126, a socket cap screw 332, and slide guide 128, respectively. Tensioning foot 132 is a substantially rectangular structure provided with three threaded vertical holes 334, 336, and 338. These holes 334, 336, 338 correspond to respective holes 326, 328, 330. Slide guides 126, 128 are threaded into holes 334, 338, respectively. Helical springs 340, 342 are placed around the cylindrical surfaces of slide guides 126, 128. Screw 332 is inserted through unthreaded hole 328 and is then threaded into hole 336 in the tensioning foot. This threading action draws tensioner support 130 closer to the tensioning foot 132, and slide guides 126, 128 penetrate and remain within holes 326, 330 in the tensioner support 130. Stationary tensioner support 130 forces movable tensioning foot 132 away by the helical springs 340 and 342. Tensioner support 130 and tensioning foot 132 are pressed apart to a limit determined by a cap 344 on the end of socket cap screw 332. When springs 340, 342 push tensioning foot 132 far enough to cause cap 344 to contact the top surface of tensioner support (or any countersink in it), the limit of separation is reached. In operation, the blade to be sharpened is placed beneath tensioning foot 132. The blade may be lifted against the pressure of springs 340, 342. However, the expansive force of springs 340, 342 tends to force the tensioning foot against the blade, in turn applying force against it down toward guide plate cover 116 (FIG. 1) . Any "blade chatter" which is experienced is reduced by the shock-absorption function of springs 340, 342 pressing downward against tensioning foot 132. The tensioner assembly is adjustable in a number of ways. First, the vertical displacement of tensioning foot 132 from tensioner support 130 is determined in accordance with the depth to which screw 332 is threaded into hole 336. In a preferred embodiment, screw 332 is preferably adjusted using a Hex wrench. By threading screw 332 further into hole 336, the separation of tensioner support 130 and tensioning foot 132 is reduced, with a corresponding increase in the expansive force of springs 340, 342. In the preferred embodiment, screw 332 is adjusted so that the separation of tensioner support 130 and tensioning foot 132 allows there to be a slight resistance when the blade is beneath the tensioning foot. The springs 340, 342 are preferably LC-038G-1 (Lee Spring Company, Brooklyn, New York) or equivalent, 0.5 inches in free length, 0.144 inches solid height (compressed length), with a 20 pounds per inch spring constant. The tensioning assembly 138 is also adjustable by moving tensioner support arms 126, 128 different distances through apertures 302, 306 in tensioner risers 118, 120, respectively. As the tensioner support arms 126, 128 are inserted farther into the apertures 302, 306, the tensioner assembly 138 is brought closer to the risers 118, 120. This allows adjustability of where the tensioner assembly contacts the top surface of the blade as it is being sharpened. To sharpen a narrower blade, the tensioner support arms 126, 128 should be further inserted into the apertures 302, 306, than for wider blades. This demonstrates how a variety of blade types may be sharpened by the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, tensioner support 130 may be dimensioned as follows. Tensioner support 130 may be 3.88 inches long, 0.75 inches wide and 0.75 deep (vertically). Horizontal holes 304, 308 may be 0.375-inch diameter holes centered approximately 0.375 inches from respective ends of the tensioner support 130. Vertical dowel apertures 318, 320 may be bored 0.375 inches from respective ends of the tensioner support, 0.125 inches in diameter. Vertical aperture 330 may be centered 0.5 inches from the center of aperture 320. Apertures 326, 328, and 330 may be centered 0.42 inches apart from one another. Aperture 328 may include a cylindrical countersink zone to receive cap 334 of screw 332. The countersunk portion may be 0.375 inches in diameter and 0.25 inches deep,, with the remaining portion of aperture 328 (for receiving the shaft of the screw 332) being 17/64 inches in diameter. Apertures 326, 330 may be drilled approximately 25/64 inches in diameter, to receive slide guides 126, 128. Slide guides 126, 128 are preferably 0.375-inch diameter 1018 C.R. cylinders with 1.75-inch overall length, the bottom 0.375 inches being threaded. Tensioner support 130 itself is preferably made of DELRIN™. The tensioning foot 132 may be dimensioned as follows. The tensioning foot may be 1.65 inches long, 0.75 inches wide (along its horizontal dimension, perpendicular to threaded holes 334, 336, 338), and 0.5 inches thick (vertically, parallel to the threaded holes). Threaded apertures 334, 338 are drilled and tapped for 3/8-16 dimensions through the thickness of the tensioning foot. Similarly, aperture 336 is drilled and tapped to size 1/4-20 through the tensioning foot's thickness. Preferably, the tensioning foot's two vertical corner edges farthest f rom risers 118, 120 may be rounded using a fillet having a center of curvature in apertures 334, 338, and having a radius of curvature of 0.375 inches. The tensioning foot is preferably made of DEIRIN7™. Tensioner risers 118, 120 may be made of 1018 C.R., 2.04 inches in overall length and 0.75 inches in diameter. Apertures 302, 306 may be 0.375 inches in diameter, centered 1.54 inches above the lower edge of the tensioner risers. Threaded apertures 310, 312 may be threaded to size 1/4-20 to a depth of 0.5 inches, the level of the center of holes 302, 206. The tensioner risers may be affixed to the guide plate 110 by bolts inserted through holes in the guide plate and into a threaded aperture (not illustrated) in the bottom of the riser. FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the drum 140 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 4, the drum includes, at a first end, four drum sectors 150, 152, 154, and 156. The drum sectors are separated by slots 400, 402, 404, and 406. A first hole 410 is formed axially along the drum. Hole 410 includes a 0.625-inch deep first threaded area 412 and an unthreaded area 414. Unthreaded area 414 is the tap drill diameter, and extends 1.5 inches from the first end of the drum. Hole 410 terminates in a chamfered area 416. A second hole 418 extends axially from a second end of the drum to complete the inner circular edge of chamfer 416. In the preferred embodiment, the drum is made of 2-inch outside diameter high density plastic, 2.5 inches in length. Slots 400, 402, 404, and 406 extend 1.5 inches from the end of the drum, and are 0.125 inches wide, dividing the drum into 4 sectors of equal angular extent. Threaded area 414 of hole 410 is threaded to size 3/4-14 NPT. Thus, the threads being tapered so that as the drum plug is screwed into the opening 410, the effective outside diameter of the threaded area changes so that sectors 150, 152, 154, 156 are spread apart. Hole 418 is drilled and tapped to size 1/2-13, extending inwardly one inch from the second end of the drum. Along the outer periphery of the drum are three circular grooves 420, 422, 424. In cross-section, the grooves present a semi-circular indentation of 0.01-inch radius. The circular grooves are located 0.375 inches, 0.75 inches, and 1.125 inches, from the second end of the drum. The purpose of the circular grooves 420, 422, 424 is to allow the operator to align the end of the abrasive at several positions along the outside of the drum. These alignments allow the same abrasive to be used a number of times, with a different "ring" being used to contact the blade with different positions of the abrasive on the drum. In operation, a drum plug 148 (FIG. 1) is threaded into the threaded area 414 of the drum, causing drum sectors 150, 152, 154, and 156 to expand to grasp a hollow cylindrical drum abrasive 146 (FIG. 1). In the preferred embodiment, the plug is simply a 3/4-14 NPT pipe plug. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the outward pressure of the drum sectors against the inner surface of the drum abrasive is effective only in the 1.5 inches to which hole 410 is drilled. Advantageously, the illustrated arrangement allows the drum abrasive 146 to be moved along the axial direction of drum 140, exposing different "rings" on the abrasive to the blade's edge. In this manner, the lifetime of a single cylindrical drum abrasive is multiplied, as the abrasive may be considered a collection of several adjacent "rings". FIG. 5 illustrates a preferred shaft adapter 142 used for insertion into the drum hole 413 (FIG. 4). Shaft adapter 142 includes three substantially cylindrical portions 502, 504, and 506. Cylindrical portion 502 is a 3.1-inch long, 0.75 inch diameter cylinder. Portion 504 is located at the opposite end of the shaft adapter 142, is 0.7 inches long and 0.5 inches in diameter, its outer cylindrical surface being threaded to size 1/2-13 to match aperture 418 (FIG. 4). Cylindrical portion 506 is a clearance groove 0.05 inches in length and 0.41 inches in diameter. The shaft adapter 142 is preferably made of ground and polished EDT 150. In the end of cylindrical portion 502, an axial hole 508 is drilled 0.312 inches in diameter, 1.75 inches along the axial dimension. Two radial holes 510, 512 are drilled and tapped to size #10-24, to the center of cylindrical portion 502, the holes being 0.25 and 0.75 inches from the end of the cylindrical portion 502. Holes 508, 510, 512 allow attachment of the shaft adapter 142 to the motor shaft received in hole 508, preferably by two #10-24 set screws. Any suitable motor may be employed to power the drum. Further, it has been found advantageous to use a pillow block bearing mounted to a plate which is in turn mounted to a frame so that the forces encountered during sharpening are applied to the pillow block, not to the motor bearings. The pillow block thus reduces wear on the motor bearings, extending its useful life. The axis of the drum points downward 23° from the horizontal. This angle allows convenient and comfortable handling of the blade by the operator. FIG. 6 illustrates the steeling jig 158 previously discussed with reference to FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, steeling jig 158 is a DELRIN7™ structure 2 inches high, 3 inches wide, and 1 inch deep. Slot 160 extends from the center of the 1×3-inch top of the steeling jig downward 1.0 inch, dividing the top of the steeling jig into first and second top surfaces 602, 604. A first 5/16-inch diameter hole 606 is drilled vertically downward into top surface 602, 0.3 inches from the 2×3 inch rear surface of the jig and 0.116 inches to the left of the center of slot 160. Thus, the radius of hole 606 encompasses a portion of the interior of slot 160. A second hole 608 is drilled into the top surface 604 at a 30° angle with respect to the vertical, in a plane parallel to the 2×3 inch front and back surfaces of the jig. The center of hole 608 is 0.62 inches to the right of hole 606, but is centered between the two 2×3-inch major planes of the jig. Thus, hole 608, drilled at an angle of 30° , forms a slanted tunnel 610 to intersect the center of slot 160 near its bottom. Abrasive rods are inserted into holes 606, 608 and contact the blade during the steeling process. Viewed from the side of slot 160, the blade encounters a skewed "V" shape defined by the right surface of the rod inserted in hole 606 and the top surface of rod inserted into hole 608. Preferably, the rod for hole 606 is made of steel with a ceramic coated surface, and the rod for hole 608 is solid, high-end alumina ceramic. The steeling jig 158 is provided with means of attachment to the base 102 (FIG. 1). Threaded holes 620, 622 are provided 0.5 inches from opposite ends of the steeling jig's 1×2 inch end surfaces, and are adapted to receive threaded bolts fed through holes spaced 2 inches apart in the base 102. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate how a handle may be affixed to a blade to allow a human operator to sharpen the blade, using the preferred embodiment of the blade sharpening device. Referring to FIG. 7A, a blade 702 is illustrated with a blade handle assembly 162. The blade handle assembly includes a handle 164, blade clamp 166, and a clamp screw 168. Handle 164 is affixed to the blade clamp 166 by means of, for example, a bolt extending through an aperture (not shown) through blade clamp 164 into an axial threaded aperture in the bottom of handle 164. Cylindrical studs 704, 706, visible here because the assembly is shown in exploded view, extend downwardly from blade clamp 166 through apertures 708, 710, respectively, in the handle end of blade 702. The manner in which the handle assembly 162 is firmly but removably affixed to the blade 702 is described in greater detail below, with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 7B illustrates the completed assembly of the blade handle assembly 162 and blade 702. During the sharpening process, the operator grasps the handle to guide the blade into contact with the abrasive surface on the drum, as described below, with reference to FIGS. 9A through 9D. Referring now to FIG. 8B, a preferred embodiment of a blade clamp 166 is illustrated in top plan view. The blade clamp is essentially a "C"-shaped planar structure having top arm 802, bottom arm 804, and connecting portion 806. The interior of the "C" is essentially defined by a "T"-shaped hole having a cross bar segment and a perpendicular stem extending in one direction from the center thereof. The cross bar of the "T" is essentially parallel to the connecting portion 806, and the stem of the "T" dividing top and bottom arms 802, 804. Top and bottom arms 802, 804 include apertures 808, 810 adapted to receive studs 704, 706 (FIG. 7A). In the illustrated embodiment, the "C" of the blade clamp is 1.4 inches wide (parallel to the stem of the "T"), 1.75 inches high, and made of 3/8-inch 6061-T651 aluminum. The outer corners of the cross bar of the "T" are rounded by inner fillets to deconcentrate stress. The cross-bar and stem portions of the "T" are 3/16-inch wide. The blade clamp 166 is further provided with a tapped hole 812 extending horizontally through the side of lower arm 804 parallel to the major surfaces of the blade clamp and parallel to the cross bar of the "T". The side of top arm 802 facing the stem of the "T" is provided with a conical indentation 814 which is axially aligned with cylindrical hole 812. Together, hole 812 and conical indentation 814 are so configured that when guide clamp screw 168 (FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B) is threaded through hole 812 and engages conical indentation 814, top and bottom arms 802, 804 are spread apart. Studs 704, 706 (FIG. 7A), held within holes 808, 810, are thus pressed outward against the outward sides of blade holes 708, 710, thus securing the blade 702 to the blade clamp 166. The blade handle assembly may be removed from the blade by unscrewing the clamp screw, causing the pressure of the studs to be released. FIG. 8B illustrates an alternative, preferred embodiment 166' of the blade clamp 166 shown in FIG. 8A. This embodiment is also C-shaped, but a 1/4-20 threaded hole 822 is provided in upper arm 802, extending horizontally, parallel to the major surfaces of the blade clamp and parallel to the cross bar of the "T". Lower arm 804 is provided with a 0.302-inch diameter clearance hole 824 which is axially aligned with the threaded hole 822. Together, threaded hole 822 and clearance hole 824 are so configured that when a guide clamp screw is passed through the clearance hole, the guide clamp screw engages the threads of the hole 812. When the head of the guide clamp screw reaches the outer surface of the blade clamp, the top and bottom arms 802, 804 are pulled toward one another. Studs 704, 706 (FIG. 7A), being held within holes 808, 810, are thus pressed inward against the inner sides of the blade holes 708, 710, thus securing the blade 702 to the blade clamp 166'. Other features of the construction of the blade clamp 166' are analogous to those of blade clamp 166. However, in a particular preferred embodiment, dimensions are as follows. The blade clamp is 1.4 inches wide, parallel to the stem of the IITII, and 1.75 inches wide parallel to its cross bar. The cross bar of the "T" is centered 0.31 inches from the edge of the clamp. The ends of the cross bar are semicircular inner surf aces of 3/16-inch diameter, the center of the surfaces being 0.375 inches from the outer surfaces of the top and bottom arms. Holes 822, 824 are centered 0.71 inches from the edge of the blade clamp adjacent the cross bar. Of course, variations may be made to accommodate different blade types, in accordance with principles known to those skilled in the art. FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D illustrate consecutive views demonstrating how a blade 702 may be sharpened, using the blade sharpening apparatus according to the preferred embodiment. FIGS. 9A through 9D further illustrate the manner in which the operator may use the alignment grooves on guide plate cover 116 to assure that the angle of incidence of the abrasive to the blade edge is maintained substantially constant. FIG. 9A illustrates the blade near the beginning of the sharpening stroke. FIG. 9B illustrates the blade placed under tensioning foot 132, the blade sharpening process having begun. As shown in FIG. 9C, the blade is further drawn along the top of guide plate cover 116, the right edge of the blade continuing to contact abrasive surface 146 (FIG. 1; not visible in FIGS. 9A-9D). Finally, FIG. 9D illustrates the blade after completion of a given sharpening operation. The sequence of FIGS. 9A through 9D is repeated several times, as needed, during each of the profiling and sharpening operations. Between the profiling and sharpening operations, the abrasive may be replaced. FIG. 10 illustrates how an operator uses a steeling jig 158 to remove burrs. Simultaneously, the steeling jig hones the edge. FIG. 11 illustrates the manner in which an operator may wipe any remaining burrs on the wiping block 170. Preferably, wiping block 170 is a long thin block of wood, such as pine. Modifications and variations of the above-described embodiments of the present invention are possible, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. For example, variations of the angle of incidence of the blade on the abrasive surface may be implemented by altering the orientation of the guide plate with respect to the axis of the drum. Similarly, other means of maintaining a proper, adjustable amount of tension of the blade tensioning assembly may be practiced. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

The present invention provides a blade sharpening system in which a cylindrical drum abrasive is fitted snugly about a rotatable drum. The blade is run across a guide plate which is maintained at a proper orientation with respect to the drum as the edge of the blade is sharpened on the abrasive. The drum abrasive is maintained at a constant radius, thereby assuring that the contact surface between the blade and the abrasive surface is substantially constant, even after a substantial number of blades are sharpened. Further, an adjustable blade tensioner assembly is provided for substantially continuously maintaining a proper amount of pressure between the blade and the abrasive surface, reducing blade chatter, allowing a rapid but accurately repeatable sharpening process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/929,369, titled “ENHANCED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DEPLOYING BOAT FENDERS”, filed on Nov. 1, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/153,193, titled “ENHANCED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DEPLOYING BOAT FENDERS”, filed on Apr. 27, 2015. This application also claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/148,725, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAFELY AND CONVENIENTLY DEPLOYING BOAT FENDERS”, filed on Apr. 16, 2015, and to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/153,185, titled “ENHANCED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DEPLOYING BOAT FENDERS 2”, filed on Apr. 27, 2015, and to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/157,857, titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING THE PROFILE OF BOAT FENDER BASKETS”, filed on May 6, 2015, and to 62/165,798, titled “AUTOMATIC BOAT FENDER BASKETS”, filed on May 22, 2015, and to 62/200,089, titled “AUTOMATIC BOAT FENDER LINE GUIDE, CAMERA AND MORE”, filed on Aug. 2, 2015. The disclosure of each of the above-referenced patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The disclosure relates to the field of boating, and more particularly to the field of deploying protective fenders for use in docking a boat. 2. Discussion of the State of the Art Boating, in a motorized or sail-powered craft, is both a popular recreational activity and the foundation of the seafood industry. The operator of the craft must be able to navigate it safely and also to dock it safely, whether at a stationary, land-based dock, next to another boat, or at some other, similar large adjacent object (any and all of which are hereinafter referred to as a “dock”). In cases of stormy weather or large waves, deploying and positioning the protective boat fenders to keep the boat from violently hitting a dock can be tricky and dangerous. What is needed is a system and method that enables a boat operator to safely and conveniently deploy boat fenders when needed. What is additionally needed is a way to extend and retract boat fender into and out of protective stowage enclosures from locations remote from the placement of at least some of those fenders, for added safety and convenience. Further needed in other cases is a way to extend and retract boat fenders using a motor-driven mechanism, for even greater added safety and convenience. Further needed is a system and method enabling a user to control these fenders from a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet. Additionally needed is a system and method to alert the user to deploy the boat's fenders when the boat is on a trajectory that leads to a previously visited dock and, in some cases, to deploy the fenders automatically, all based upon a global positioning system (GPS) location of the boat. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The inventor has conceived and reduced to practice, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a system with a basket for stowing a boat fender, the basket attached to a vessel, the basket having an opening for threading through a line, the line being attached to the fender, the line operable to pull up the fender into the basket through a second opening at the bottom of the basket and where a moveable bar exists within the basket across its opening directly above the fender, the bar having a small opening for guiding the line, which passes through it, the bar being moveable along the cylindrical axis of the basket. In a variation of the embodiment, the bar is pulled up along with the fender into the basket. Where the basket has at least one moveable, hinged section, the section formed in such a manner that when the fender is pulled up into the top of the basket, the movable section clamps in on the fender and secures it within the basket. In one preferred embodiment, a cleat (or auto cleat) allows the line to be secured at any position, the cleat attached to or near the basket, or at a convenient location some distance from the basket, by passing the line through one or more guide rings or pulleys, and the fender is raised into the basket upon leaving a dock and lowered to the correct level manually in preparation for docking of the boat. In another preferred embodiment, the fender is attached to the line, the line coupled to a winch, the winch coupled to a motor, and the motor controlled by a controller, wherein the controller is activated via wireline or wireless control signals. Here, the controller may be controlling more than one basket. The winch may draw its power from a battery, where the battery is the onboard power supply or the battery is separate and recharged by a solar panel coupled to the battery. Each basket may have its individual controller, battery and solar panel, as to not require any wiring between the units. The basket may be mounted with at least one hinge to a stationary part of the boat within the boat's outline, the hinge operable to allow the basket to swing out from the boat's outline, for easy deployment of the fender. Deployment of the basket may be controlled for the swing-out with a lever, the lever attached to a second stationary part of the boat, the lever being used to initiate and stop or reverse the swing-out action. The lever may also be a hinged arm and may be operated manually or operated with an additional motor. Alternately, the basket may be mounted on at least one stationary part of the boat, substantially within the boat's outline, the basket having an angle for enabling the fender to be lowered through an opening in the railing over the edge of the boat's board and have an additional slide extension at the bottom opening, the extension guiding the fender over the edge of the boat. According to yet another embodiment of the invention, an application on a smart phone, the application having access to a map system and also optionally having access to a GPS system of the smartphone, wherein the application may be used by a user to add locations used by a vessel for landing, and the user may enter a mark representing a height of fenders to be deployed. The system may then remember the decision of the user whether or not and how to deploy the fenders, or whether no preset action is desired. Finally, the enclosure may contain a camera looking outward from the boat, the camera supplied power by the same system that operates the fender, and the camera coupled to provide a video stream on request to one of the controlling computing devices, allowing a person to better see when approaching the docking location. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES The accompanying drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention according to the embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize that the particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings are merely exemplary, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is an illustration of a typical pleasure boat, illustrating how fenders are normally hung on a boat's railings. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary representation of an installation of manually-deployed boat fenders, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary representation of a fender stowage basket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary representation of a pulley and remote cleat mechanism for the safe and convenient stowage and deployment of boat fenders according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary representation of a user reminder app for boat fender deployment according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 . shows an exemplary representation of the connection of four basket and fender mechanisms connected by wires to a solar panel according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram of an exemplary solar panel assembly connected to a basket and fender mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram of an exemplary controller for the deployment and retraction of fenders according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a computer system as may be used in the system and methods disclosed herein. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of a wireless control system for deployment and retraction of boat fenders as per a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 shows a representation of an exemplary system application screen depicting a boat approaching a dock in a harbor, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 shows an application screen that is exemplary of additional application functionality according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 shows an exemplary application screen that may open when a user has deployed boat fenders according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14 shows an exemplary representation of a boat prow where the basket is mounted on one or more hinges according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 15 shows an exemplary cross section of a boat with a representative basket secured by mounting hinges and a chute that aids in deployment according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 16 shows a diagram of an alternative method to recess the basket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 17 shows an exemplary representation of an enhanced boat fender basket according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 18 shows an exemplary fender deployment reminder pop-up screen according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 19 shows a screenshot in which the system prompts the user whether to remember the decision. FIG. 20 shows a pair of embodiments with elastic members to mitigate forces transmitted from a fender to a mechanism of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The inventor has conceived, and reduced to practice, an enhanced system and method for remotely deploying boat fenders. One or more different inventions may be described in the present application. Further, for one or more of the inventions described herein, numerous alternative embodiments may be described; it should be understood that these are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense. One or more of the inventions may be widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the disclosure. In general, embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice one or more of the inventions, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structura 1, logical, software, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the particular inventions. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the inventions may be practiced with various modifications and alterations. Particular features of one or more of the inventions may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments or figures that form a part of the present disclosure, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of one or more of the inventions. It should be understood, however, that such features are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments or figures with reference to which they are described. The present disclosure is neither a literal description of all embodiments of one or more of the inventions nor a listing of features of one or more of the inventions that must be present in all embodiments. Headings of sections provided in this patent application and the title of this patent application are for convenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way. Devices that are in connection with each other need not be continuously connected with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices that are in connection with each other may connect directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, logical or physical. A description of an embodiment with several components in connection with each other does not imply that all such components are required. To the contrary, a variety of optional components may be described to illustrate a wide variety of possible embodiments of one or more of the inventions and in order to more fully illustrate one or more aspects of the inventions. Similarly, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may generally also work in alternate orders, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described in this patent application does not, in and of itself, indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of described processes may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring sequentially (e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to one or more of the invention(s), and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred. Also, steps are generally described once per embodiment, but this does not mean they must occur once, or that they may only occur once each time a process, method, or algorithm is carried out or executed. Some steps may be omitted in some embodiments or some occurrences, or some steps may be executed more than once in a given embodiment or occurrence. When a single device or article is described, it will be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described, it will be readily apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of the more than one device or article. The functionality or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices that are not explicitly described as having such functionality or features. Thus, other embodiments of one or more of the inventions need not include the device itself. Techniques and mechanisms described or referenced herein will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be noted that particular embodiments include multiple iterations of a technique or multiple manifestations of a mechanism unless noted otherwise. Process descriptions for computing equipment or such blocks in figures should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternate implementations are included within the scope of embodiments of the present invention in which, for example, functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments The system and method disclosed herein uses a lift system for fenders, with baskets providing secure stowage for fenders when not in use. Additionally, an application on a smartphone may remind the crew to lower the fenders when approaching a dock and possibly, based on previous dockings, a reminder for a mark on the line where to cleat or fast cleat the line, so the fender has the appropriate height for that dock. In some cases the application may provide a reminder or in other cases the application may actually perform the fender deployment operation (as the baskets are motorized in those cases). In most cases the fender is positioned at the same height while docking, but in some situations different heights may be necessary. In some cases, a basket for stowing a fender is used, that is sometimes attached to a part of a vessel or boat, and the basket has an opening for threading through a line (in some cases with a pulley), the line attached to a fender, the line operable by a user to pull up the fender into the basket through a second opening at the bottom of the basket. Typically, the basket has at least one moveable, hinged section, the section formed in such a manner, that when pulling up the fender to the top, the movable section is clamping in on the fender and securing it. In some cases the basket and the moveable section can be made of a rigid material such as a metal, suitable for marine use. In other cases a majority of the parts are made from a soft plastic material suitable for molding. In yet other cases, the parts of the basket are made of a combination of rigid metal parts and soft plastic materials. Additionally, in some cases a fast cleat is provided to secure the line in at least two positions, one of which has the fender full retracted and at least one other having the fender deployed, and wherein the fast cleat may be mounted in an easy to reach location on the vessel. Further, an application for use on smart phone can be provided, and the application has access to a third party map system. The application has also access to the GPS system of the smartphone. When approaching a docking site the application can be used by a user to add locations used by the vessel for landing, and the user can enter a mark representing the height of the fenders deployed. In some cases, the application will display and or make heard a reminder to deploy at least one fender, and that display will include the previously stored height mark for deploying the fender. In yet other cases, the basket for stowing a fender will have a cleat or auto cleat to allow the line to be secured at any position. In some of these cases the cleat is attached to or near the basket. Furthermore, in some cases the cleat can be released with a controlled jerking of the line. In some cases the line may be routed inside the basket and exit from the same opening as the fender, but it should be appreciated that according to a particular hardware arrangement the line may be able to be routed inside the basket and exit from any point along a length of the basket, for example through an open vertical or horizontal channel to allow the line to exit and have a degree of free movement to prevent stresses from wearing on the line or impeding movement. In additional cases, the system and method disclosed herein uses wired or wireless communication, such as, for example, Bluetooth, to control automatic deployment and retraction of boat fenders. The mechanism can be powered by solar or the boat DC. In some other cases, a system may comprise a basket for lowering one or multiple boat fenders, with the fender attached to a line that is coupled to a winch that is coupled to a motor, with the motor controlled by a controller that may be activated via wireless control signals. Power for the motor may be drawn from a battery, which may be the onboard power supply or, alternatively, may be separately charged from a solar panel. Alternatively, each basket may have an individual controller, battery, and solar panel, not requiring any wiring between the units. In some cases, the system and its methods enable these fenders to be controlled from a mobile computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, both of which should be considered equivalent for all purposes here. Additionally, in some cases, based on repeated visits, the fenders can deploy automatically based on the GPS location of the boat and the fact that its trajectory leads the boat to a landing slip, berth, dock etc. In further cases, a smartphone with an app may be used to control one or more of the basket controllers and a multitude of automatic baskets. The app can also control baskets based on previous programming, without requiring user interaction, and, additionally, based on distance to a landing site derived from GPS data and map data, can prompt the user for an action and can memorize that action for future use. This app may include a dedicated control panel to wirelessly control one or more controllers of baskets, using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi etc. as a wireless protocol. In some cases, rather than a smart phone or tablet, an onboard navigation system or some other computerized boat system may be upgraded or extended to add the control functionality. This could be done via wired or wireless control of motorized buckets. For purposes, here, they all should be considered equivalent and a may have a GPS enabled computing device. In some cases, rather than mounting a basket to the railing, a basket type tube could be integrated into the hull of a boat, similar to a torpedo tube and with or without an outer door protecting the fender when not in use. It may be designed outside the displacement section of the boat hull, thus eliminating complicated locks on the inside, and additionally not requiring waterproofing of the interfaces. For purposes herein, it would be considered essentially equivalent. In additional cases, in a system with one or more baskets for lowering one or more fenders attached to a line, each basket may be mounted with one or more hinges so the basket can swing out from the boat's outline, for easy deployment of a fender. Further, each basket may be controlled for the swing-out with a lever attached to the boat and used to initiate and stop or reverse the swing-out action of the basket. This lever may be a hinged arm and may be operated manually or by a motor. In some cases, the basket may be mounted substantially within the boat's outline and angled so the fender may be lowered through an opening in the railing over the edge of the boat's board. The basket, in such cases, may also have an additional slide extension at the bottom opening to extension guide the fender over the edge of the boat. The basket may, in such cases, extend out through an opening in the railing to facilitate easier deployment of the fender, which deployment may be accomplished either manually or with the help of a motor, and the swing-out may be achieved with the help of an additional motor. In some cases, the winch may feed the unused line into a small basket or storage compartment that will hold the unused section. In yet other cases, a spool maybe used to wind on and store unused sections. In yet other cases, rather than normal line or rope, chains made of metal and or plastic material may be used, and the winch may have matching grooves that garb the chain links. In additional cases, the basket for lowering fenders has a moveable bar across the opening; this bar, which can move along the cylindrical axis of the basket and is pulled up alongside the fender into the basket, has a small opening for guiding the line, as well as additional openings or features for guiding itself up and down the basket. Further, an external force can make the basket swing back into the hull line, counteracting at least a spring, connected to the hinge, that moves the basket outside the hull line for normal operations. In some cases, the line may be coupled to a motor-driven winch, with the motor controlled by wired or wireless signals. FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is an illustration of a typical pleasure boat 100 , illustrating how fenders are normally hung on a boat's railings according to the prior art. Two fenders 107 a and 107 b hang down from the railing, positioned with lines 108 a - b held in place with knots 109 a - b on railing 102 to protect the boat from damage when the boat makes contact with the dock. During a cruise, the fenders need to be lifted up and securely stowed, as otherwise the wave action could easily rip them off or cause them to damage the boat. Access to the railing for purposes of deploying and positioning fenders from the top of the boat may be difficult and hazardous (particularly in rough seas or inclement weather), because in many cases access is available only from a narrow ledge 106 via a step 110 or from the top of the boat prow 103 using window gate 105 in windshield 104 , that window gate being heavy and difficult to open. Boat prow 103 is often of a slick material such as fiberglass coated, in some cases, with marine paint. Further, the surface may in many cases be wet with, in some cases, dust mixed in, and/or the boat may be rocking and jerking in wind and waves, making it even more slippery and more hazardous. From the railing a person must then lean over to deploy and position the fenders. FIG. 2 shows an exemplary representation of a system 200 of manually deployed boat fenders, with stowage baskets 204 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Windshield 202 has a center partition that can be folded away to reach the boat prow. Attached to railing 201 is fender basket 204 , which holds fender 203 when the fender 203 is not in use (only one fender 203 and basket 204 are shown, for purposes of clarity and simplicity; however, typically, multiple fenders are used). A rope, cable, or similar flexible line 205 (for purposes of this system, rope, cable, and line all shall be considered equivalent, irrespective of constituent material(s)), runs from a position above basket 204 , across pulley 206 , to cleat 207 , which cleat 207 is used by an operator to secure line 205 in position, which position is often predetermined and marked on line 205 . Thus fender 203 may be hauled up into basket 204 when the boat is undocked and taken out on the water, and fender 203 may be deployed (lowered) when the boat approaches a dock. FIG. 3 shows an exemplary representation of a fender stowage basket 300 as shown on FIG. 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Attached by clamp 303 to railing 301 is a holder 310 a that holds ring 304 , which in turn holds basket 204 , plus a pulley (or ring) 302 , via holder 310 b , the pulley 302 used to redirect line 306 when it comes up. In this example two sections (or segments) 305 a,b are hinged at the top with, respectively, hinges 309 c,d and 309 a,b . Hinges 305 a,b are attached to ring 304 . When fender 307 is pulled up on line 306 across pulley 302 , the tips of hooks 308 a,b cause the extensions at the bottoms of sections 305 a,b to clamp the fender 307 in place, as the hinge lever action causes the bottom ends of sections 305 a,b to pull in. In some cases, basket extension 305 a,b may be made of plastic; in other cases, they may be made of some suitable material resistant to corrosion, such as, for example, chrome-plated wire. In yet other cases, the bottom end maybe be flaring (not depicted), allowing for an easier insertion of fender 307 ; in other cases it may be hooked inward (not depicted), providing additional securing of fender 307 when stowed. Also, in additional cases, rather than two sections, three, four or more sections maybe used. According to particular arrangements of a basket 300 , line 306 may be able exit from any point along a length of basket 300 , for example by passing through an open space between sections 305 a,b to enable free movement. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary representation of a pulley and remote cleat mechanism 400 for the safe and convenient stowage and deployment of boat fenders 400 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Line 402 comes in from the basket 406 on railing 401 and goes through pulley wheel 404 , which is attached to pulley block 403 . At the pulley, line 402 is redirected to cleat 405 . In some cases, double or triple pulleys maybe used as often more than one fender is used. Also, instead of regular cleats, fast cleats and multi-line fast cleats maybe used for easier use. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary representation of a user reminder application 500 for boat fender deployment according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. It uses high-accuracy marine maps such as, for example, NAVIONICS™, to determine whether the boat is about to dock, and notifies the user with message 501 (and in some cases an acoustic alert) of the position to which the lines need to be lowered. Also shown are buttons to add new positions “+” based on current GPS location, to set the height, and to “edit” for modifying an existing height, for example, or delete a previously stored location. Further, an OK button enables the operator to confirm and/or close the alert and mute an acoustic signal. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary representation of a system 600 where the connection of four basket and fender mechanisms connected by wires to a solar panel 604 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Four baskets 602 a - d are attached to railing 601 . Wires 605 a - d connect the baskets to solar panel 604 , which is also attached to railing 601 . Beneath solar panel 604 , and connected to it, are a controller and a battery (not shown here). Fender 603 d (only one fender shown here, for clarity and simplicity) is shown as it may be deployed, with multiple dotted lines to indicate that the fender may be deployed at any of multiple heights. It is clear that a boat may carry more than four basket-fender units, and they are typically deployed all along an engaged side of the boat, from prow to stern; however, for clarity and simplicity, only four are shown as positioned here. FIG. 7 is a diagram of a system 700 with a solar panel assembly connected to a basket and fender mechanism (as shown in 604 ) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Panel 701 connects to charge control unit 702 . Unit 702 is an existing commercial product that is readily available. Often unit 702 may be integrated into a junction box at the rear of panel 701 . Battery 703 may be any of various types of battery known in the art, such as, for example, lead-acid, lead-acid gel, lithium, lithium ion, LiFePO4, NiCd, NiMh, or any other suitable type, depending on which is best and most suitable for its situation. System controller 704 has an antenna 714 and wires 705 a - n leading to the baskets. Exemplary basket 706 , connected to box 704 via wire 705 x , contains fender 713 , shown in a dotted line to indicate that it is not externally visible. Line 712 goes over two pulleys 710 a, b to winch 709 that is attached to motor 708 . Casing 707 protects assembly elements, including 707 , 709 , 710 a,b , 711 , and 712 against water, collision, injury of persons nearby, etc. When fender 713 is retracted, switch 711 signals to controller 704 when the fender is fully retracted. In some cases, a smaller solar cell and smaller controller may be mounted on the top of the basket, omitting the need for wires such as wire 705 x . Typically wire 705 x uses a four-lead wire, that is, two for the motor and two for the switch. In other cases, instead of using a solar panel to power the system, controller 704 may be powered from the boat's power supply. In yet other cases, the assembly contained in case 707 may be installed centrally and the line may be pulled as shown in FIG. 2 to a location with multiple motorized winches. Also, in lieu of using a mechanical switch 711 , optical means, both transmissive and reflective, may be used, or simply a change in current of the motor that the controller can detect and use as an indicator of too much resistance, either at the end or if fender is caught somehow. All these exemplary variations, and other, similar variations, shall not depart from the spirit of the system and method disclosed herein. FIG. 8 is a diagram of an exemplary controller for the deployment and retraction of fenders 800 , also shown in 704 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Power supply input 802 may come from a local battery, a shipboard battery, or some other power source. Controller 801 has a microprocessor 806 , typically a system on a chip with memory 807 and nonvolatile memory 808 , which nonvolatile memory contains software 809 a - n , including an operating system as well as actual commands for the system. Input/output unit 810 may pair the radio 811 with a smart phone. Radio 811 connects to microcontroller 806 as well as to antenna 812 . The connection between radio 811 and a smart phone may be via, for example, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or both, as needed. Power switch unit 803 distributes power to all these devices, as well as controlling output power through switches 804 a - n , thus enabling the winches to extend lines to extend or retract the fenders. Switch unit 803 also has the input sensors for the switches in the baskets, such as, for example, switch 711 inside casing 707 , described above in the discussion of FIG. 7 , for extending or retracting the fenders. FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a computer system 900 as may be used in the system and methods disclosed herein, according to various embodiments of the invention. It is exemplary of any computer that may execute code to process data. Various modifications and changes may be made to computer system 900 without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method disclosed herein. CPU 901 is connected to bus 902 , to which bus is also connected memory 906 , nonvolatile memory 904 , display 907 , I/O unit 908 , and network interface card (NIC) 916 . I/O unit 908 may, typically, be connected to keyboard 909 , pointing device 910 , hard disk 912 , and real-time clock 911 . NIC 916 connects to network 914 , which may be the Internet or a local network, which local network may or may not have connections to the Internet. Also shown as part of system 900 is power supply unit 905 connected, in this example, to ac supply 906 . Not shown are batteries that could be present, and many other devices and modifications that are well known but are not applicable to the specific novel functions of the current system and method disclosed herein. Also present, but not shown in detail, as part of I/O unit 908 , for example, will local wireless connections, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee etc. Further, in many cases, a GPS receiver is used to provide for location services. FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of a wireless control system 1000 for deployment and retraction of boat fenders, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Controller 1001 , which is functionally equivalent to controller 704 , described above in the discussion of FIG. 7 , has an antenna 1002 and also the software and other components required to control fender deployment operations as previously described. Controller 1001 may connect to a dedicated control unit 1003 , which unit may have a set of buttons 1004 a - n , such as, for example, two rows of buttons 1004 a - n as shown here. Each button has a separate assigned function, such as controlling the raising or lowering of one or more fenders. General controls 1005 a - n may, for example, indicate the status of certain system functions, such as, for example, power state and the state of connectivity to wireless network 1006 , which network may use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or some other similar connection protocol. Controls 1005 a - n may also control functions such as raising or lowering all fenders or certain combinations of fenders, such as all fenders on one side, for example. As an alternative control unit, system 1000 may use a smart phone, such as, for example, phone 1010 , on whose touch screen 1013 the user can control the functions of specialized software 1011 a - n . Software 1011 a - n is specific to system 1000 and typically may be downloaded from an app store supplying software for the particular model of phone 1010 . Software 1011 a - n can communicate with controller 1001 via connection 1012 , which may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or some other similar connection protocol. Connection 1014 enables phone 1010 to communicate with geo-positioning satellites 1015 a - n , using any of various global positioning systems (GPS) supported by phone 1010 and available currently or in the future. FIG. 11 shows a representation of an exemplary system application screen 1100 depicting a boat approaching a dock in a harbor according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this example, a boat 1103 is in water 1101 , approaching dock 1104 , which dock extends from land 1102 . When boat 1103 comes within a certain predetermined distance from dock 1104 , an indicator 1105 appears on application screen 1100 . The boat's position, in this example, is determined by high-accuracy navigational mapping software (not shown here) as mentioned in the description of FIG. 5 . Indicator 1105 enables a user to open addition application menus with additional functionality. FIG. 12 shows an application screen 1200 , accessed using indicator 1105 that is exemplary of additional application functionality according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this example, boat 1201 , viewed from the top, approaches dock 1202 . Screen 1200 shows all boat fenders 1204 a - n , of which in this example there are eight. Those fenders on the side approaching dock 1202 may be indicated, for example, by halo buttons, that is, buttons showing a halo around the fender indicating a possible user interaction. Screen 1200 may also contain an additional button (not shown here) that enables a user to control multiple fenders, such as, for example, all fenders together, all fenders on the side of the boat approaching the dock, all front fenders, all rear fenders, etc. FIG. 13 shows an exemplary application screen 1300 that may open when a user has deployed boat fenders as described in the discussion of FIG. 12 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Represented on screen 1300 is one side 1301 of the boat, with fenders 1302 a - n . Above and below fenders 1302 a - n are arrows 1303 a - n , indicating fender movement up or down. Buttons 1304 a - n give a user control of general functions, such as, for example, deploying all fenders to a default position or saving a manually controlled position as a new default position. Individual fender positions may be manually controlled by pressing any of arrows 1303 a - n to adjust any one fender up or down as desired. When the fenders are all adjusted for a certain dock, the user could then save the fender positioning as a new default for this location, so the next time the user goes to approach this particular dock, the fenders can be deployed automatically to the saved positions when the boat comes within a certain predetermined distance from the dock. FIG. 14 shows an exemplary representation of a boat prow 1400 where a basket 1402 is mounted on one or more hinges 1403 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. This figure shows many structures found at the prow of the boat, including railing 1405 , prow 1401 with cabin windows, and other features. Exemplary basket 1402 is, in this example, mounted behind railing 1405 , with mounting hinges 1403 a, b on the inside of railing 1405 . Chute 1404 is attached to basket 1402 , so the fender within basket 1402 may slide down against the boat side. Deploying and retracting the fender may be done manually, with, for example, a line, or by a motor. In some cases, chute 1404 may have a small lip, so the fender can easily be retracted back up into basket 1402 . In other cases, chute 1404 may be recessed behind the farthest extension of the outward vertical curve of prow 1400 , thus not protruding into the line of travel (up and down) of the fender. FIG. 15 shows an exemplary cross section 1500 of a boat 1501 with a representative basket secured by mounting hinges and a chute that aids in deployment, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The outlines of boat 1501 , prow section 1507 on top, walkway 1508 behind the railing, and the hull are all, for reasons of clarity and simplicity, very simplified. Basket 1502 , secured by mounting hinges 1503 a, b , and chute 1504 are slightly behind the outermost part of the hull of boat 1501 , because fender 1505 is heavy enough to slip over the edge of boat 1501 when it is deployed. Deploying and retracting fender 1505 may be done manually, with, for example, a line, or by a motor. On the other hand, when fender 1505 is retracted, because there is no edge of chute 1504 protruding beyond the hull, fender 1505 can easily slip back up chute 1504 and into basket 1502 . Outline 1506 shows an alternative basket 1502 position, wherein basket 1502 may be hinged around the railing so that during deployment and retraction of fender 1505 , the basket bottom tilts slightly outward. FIG. 16 shows a diagram of an alternative arrangement 1600 by which basket 1603 may be recessed, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Shown are walkway 1607 , behind railing 1602 , and prow 1601 . Railing 1602 has a notch or bay 1606 in the inner edge so fender basket 1603 can retract in large part behind the outline of the railing. In this example, hinge 1604 enables basket 1603 in position 1603 a to swing out into position 1603 b . Arm 1605 , shown in position 1605 a retracted and in position 1605 b extended, may be operated manually, with, for example, a lever or knob, a line, a spring or by a motor, and the like. Deploying and retracting the fender (not shown here) may also be done manually, with, for example, a line, or by a motor, as described earlier herein. Arm 1605 , in extended position 1605 b , pushes basket 1603 into position 1603 b , so the fender can deploy vertically without hitting the deck or railing. In some cases, such a bay or notch 1606 may be flanked by one or two posts, enabling additional hinges to further control the swing of basket 1603 (not shown). Once the fender is deployed, arm 1605 may retract basket 1603 to a position behind the boat's outline. FIG. 17 shows an exemplary representation of an enhanced arrangement 1700 of boat fender basket 1701 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Basket 1701 has a mechanism for winding up line 1710 to retract fender 1711 . The hinge allowing basket 1701 to swing in behind the hull line is comprised of springs 1702 a and 1702 b . These springs move basket 1701 outside the hull line for normal operations. Although this example shows two springs 1702 , it is clear that other arrangements may have more or fewer springs 1702 . These springs ( 1702 a - n ) hinge between bar 1703 , which attaches typically to a vertical railing post or other suitable fixed object(s) on the boat, and basket rail 1704 (part of the basket structure 1700 ). Moveable bar 1705 has three openings. These openings 1708 a and 1708 b are at each end, for riding up and down basket bars 1707 and 1706 , as well as one opening 1709 , which is roughly in the center, for guiding line 1710 to which fender 1711 is attached. In the fully extended position, moveable bar 1705 is stopped at the bottom end of the basket, across the basket opening. As the fender 1711 is retracted, it catches moveable bar 1705 when it reaches opening 1709 and pushes bar 1705 up as fender 1711 is fully retracted, bar 1705 being moveable along the cylindrical axis of basket 1701 . Optionally the boat name 1712 , in alphanumeric characters, may be applied in desired color(s) and finishes. In some cases basket 1701 may contain a camera (not shown) that provides a close-up view of the pier to the controlling tablet and or smartphone, helping to “fine-maneuver” the boat into the desired docking position. FIG. 18 shows an exemplary fender deployment reminder pop-up screen 1800 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. When approaching a marked location, such as a previously visited landing place. In this example as boat 1802 enters marina 1801 , the question of whether to deploy or not, if no prior default was set, appears at the top of screen 1800 . The user can then issue the command by clicking either one of the response buttons 1803 a - n . Although this example shows two buttons 1803 , there could be more, such as, for example, more than one deploy button, one for the standard height, and one or more for other options. FIG. 19 shows a screenshot 1900 in which the system prompts the user whether to remember a decision regarding fender deployment. Specifically, the system prompts the user whether to remember the decision from screen 1800 for the next time the vessel approaches the same location, by selecting either one of the response buttons 1901 a,b. FIG. 20 shows exemplary embodiments of the invention adapted to provide heavy swell protection for boat fender system 2000 . During the course of boat use, storms or other disturbances may occur that result in the production of heavy swells or waves. These swells can possess enough energy to damage the machinery of either manually operated or motor operated fender systems 600 , particularly when sudden movement of a vessel causes substantial tension to be applied suddenly to any cable holding a fender in place, thereby placing large and sudden stresses on the machinery of fender systems 600 . The effects of heavy swells may operate both while the fenders are retracted—where the confines of the basket can serve to exacerbate the strength of the swell—and while the boat is docked—where the swells can exert significant tugging pressure or the fender can get caught between the dock and hull of the boat moving independently of each other, again tugging at the fender with significant force. According to the embodiments shown in FIG. 20 , mechanisms that use elastic members situated between a fender 2001 and a line 2002 act to mitigate these forces before damage occurs to the rest of the system. In a preferred embodiment, boat fender 2001 is attached to a spring 2003 , and the other end of the spring attached to line 2002 , which does to the rest of the system. Spring 2003 acts as a buffer between fender 2001 and the rest of the system. While a spring is shown and described, one knowledgeable in the art will realize that other elastic members (such as, but not limited to, bungee cords or bungee cables) could be used for the purpose of swell mitigation. In a second preferred embodiment of the invention, fender 2004 is equipped with a detached top 2007 which can move freely from the rest of fender 2004 . Detached top 2007 is attached to the rest of fender 2004 by a spring 2006 internal to fender 2004 ; spring 2006 has a point of attachment to fender 2004 at its lower end, in the interior of fender 2004 . In times of heavy force upon fender 2004 by a swell, spring 2004 serves to buffer the forces by allowing the top of the fender to partially separate temporarily until the stress is relieved. Detached fender top 2007 is then attached to a line 2005 that goes to the rest of the system. Alternatively, an internal spring 2006 may be used without detached top 2007 , in which case spring 2006 may be connected directly to line 2005 . It should be clear that the examples depicted in these figures are relatively simple configurations practical to clearly show the functional aspects of the system; other structures and parts such as but not limited to protective encasements, retainers, correct mounting hardware, drains, and guides are not depicted. Relative lengths or sizes of the parts are not meant to be to scale for operation. The skilled person will be aware of a range of possible modifications of the various embodiments described above. Accordingly, the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

An enhanced system and various methods for remotely deploying boat fenders from a safe and convenient location. The fenders, which are placed along the entire periphery of the boat, may be deployed and retracted with lines attached to winches and motors. A smart phone app may be employed to remind users to deploy fenders upon entering known ports, and may also deploy the fenders automatically.

BACKGROUND [0001] The invention relates to an electronic apparatus, and in particular to an electronic apparatus providing rapid assembly/disassembly and height adjustment functions. [0002] A thin TV or display often comprises a monitor and a pedestal. The thin TV or display is assembled by fastening bolts to the monitor and pedestal. [0003] A few drawbacks exist when the monitor is fixed to the pedestal by bolts. As the size of the thin TVs (or monitors) increases, the weight thereof increases correspondingly. When a thin TV or display is assembled, the monitor and pedestal are often placed at a sloped angle or horizontally. The display panel of the monitor is thus easily scraped or damaged. In another aspect, when the monitor and pedestal are not placed at a sloped angle or horizontally, at least two operators are required to assemble the thin TV or display, thereby increasing the number of laborers. Moreover, a screwdriver is required for assembly of the monitor and pedestal, causing inconvenience. Furthermore, when the height of the thin TV (or monitor) is adjusted, the bolts must be removed from the monitor and pedestal. The bolts are again fastened to the monitor and pedestal after the height of the thin TV (or monitor) is adjusted, further increasing complexity of height adjustment. SUMMARY [0004] Accordingly, an exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an electronic apparatus providing height adjustment functions. The electronic apparatus comprises a pedestal, a main body, and a positioning mechanism. The pedestal comprises a guiding member. The main body is detachably connected to the guiding member and comprises a guiding groove located in which the guiding member relatively slides. The positioning mechanism is movably disposed in the guiding member and guiding groove to control the sliding position of the guiding member with respect to the guiding groove. [0005] In an embodiment of the electronic apparatus, the guiding member further comprises a first through hole. The guiding groove further comprises at least one positioning hole. The positioning mechanism engages the positioning hole via the first through hole, controlling the sliding position of the guiding member with respect to the guiding groove. [0006] In an embodiment of the electronic apparatus, the guiding member further comprises a second through hole. The positioning mechanism further comprises an engaging member, a resilient member, and a retardant member. The second through hole is coaxially connected to the first through hole. The engaging member is disposed in the first and second through holes. The retardant member covers and is fixed on the second through hole. The resilient member is disposed in the second through hole and between the engaging member and the retardant member, providing resilience to the engaging member. [0007] In an embodiment of the electronic apparatus, the retardant member further comprises a third through hole and the engaging member further comprises a pillar, an abutting portion, and an engaging portion. The third through hole is coaxially connected to the second through hole. The abutting portion is between the pillar and the engaging portion and is disposed in the second through hole. The pillar is disposed in the second and third through holes and extends outside the third through hole. The engaging portion is disposed in and extends outside the first through hole, engaging the positioning hole. The resilient member is between the abutting portion and the retardant member and is disposed at the periphery of the pillar. [0008] In an embodiment of the electronic apparatus, the main body further comprises a guiding sloped surface connected to the guiding groove. The engaging portion engages the positioning hole by sliding on the guiding sloped surface and guiding groove. [0009] In an embodiment of the electronic apparatus, the resilient member comprises a spring. [0010] In an embodiment of the electronic apparatus, the cross sections of the guiding groove and guiding member are substantially the same. [0011] In an embodiment of the electronic apparatus, the main body comprises a monitor. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic apparatus of an embodiment of the invention; [0014] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 1 ; [0015] FIG. 3 is a partial assembly cross section of the guiding member and positioning mechanism of the electronic apparatus of an embodiment of the invention; [0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing assembly of the electronic apparatus of an embodiment of the invention; [0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing assembly following FIG. 4 ; [0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing assembly following FIG. 5 ; and [0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing assembly following FIG. 6 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0020] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the electronic apparatus 100 comprises a pedestal 110 , a main body (monitor) 120 , and two positioning mechanisms 130 . The electronic apparatus 100 is, for example, a television. Although provided with two positioning mechanisms 130 , the electronic apparatus 100 is not limited to having two positioning mechanisms 130 . Namely, the electronic apparatus 100 may selectively comprise only one positioning mechanism 130 . [0021] The pedestal 110 comprises two opposing guiding members 111 . Each guiding member 111 comprises a first through hole 112 and a second through hole 113 coaxially connected to the first through hole 112 . In this embodiment, the diameter of the second through hole 113 exceeds that of the first through hole 112 . Specifically, the diameters of the first through hole 112 and second through hole 113 can be designed as required. Namely, the diameter of the second through hole 113 may be, alternatively, less than that of the first through hole 112 . Moreover, the profile of the pedestal 110 can be changed as required, and the pedestal 110 is not limited to having two opposing guiding members 111 . Namely, the pedestal 110 may selectively comprise only one guiding member 111 . [0022] The main body 120 is detachably connected to the guiding members 111 of the pedestal 110 . Specifically, the main body 120 comprises two guiding grooves 121 corresponding to the guiding members 111 . In this embodiment, the cross section of the guiding grooves 121 is substantially the same as that of the guiding members 111 . Additionally, each guiding groove 121 comprises a plurality of positioning holes ( 122 a , 122 b ) formed therein and located on different levels. Moreover, the main body 120 comprises two guiding sloped surfaces 123 corresponding and connected to the guiding grooves 121 . Similarly, the main body 120 is not limited to having two guiding grooves 121 and two guiding sloped surfaces 123 . Alternatively, the main body 120 may selectively comprise only one guiding groove 121 and only one guiding sloped surface 123 . [0023] Moreover, when the main body 120 is a monitor, the guiding grooves 121 can be formed on the back of the monitor and a display panel (not shown) can be disposed on the front thereof. [0024] Each positioning mechanism 130 is movably disposed in each guiding member 111 of the pedestal 110 and each guiding groove 121 of the main body 120 . Specifically, each positioning mechanism 130 comprises an engaging member 131 , a resilient member 132 , and a retardant member 133 . As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the retardant member 133 covers and is fixed on the second through hole 113 of the guiding member 111 . Additionally, the retardant member 133 comprises a third through hole 133 a coaxially connected to the second through hole 113 . The engaging member 131 comprises a pillar 131 a , an abutting portion 131 b , and an engaging portion 131 c . The abutting portion 131 b is between the pillar 131 a and the engaging portion 131 c and is disposed in the second through hole 113 . The pillar 131 a is disposed in the second through hole 113 and third through hole 133 a of the retardant member 133 and extends outside the third through hole 133 a . The engaging portion 131 c is disposed in the first through hole 112 and extends outside the first through hole 112 . The resilient member 132 is disposed in the second through hole 113 and between the abutting portion 131 b of the engaging member 131 and the retardant member 133 . Specifically, the resilient member 132 is disposed at the periphery of the pillar 131 a of the engaging member 131 . Accordingly, the engaging member 131 of the positioning mechanism 130 can move forward and backward, as indicated by arrow A of FIG. 3 . [0025] Moreover, the resilient member 132 is, for example, a spring. [0026] The following description is directed to assembly and disassembly of the electronic apparatus 100 (such as a television). [0027] When the main body (monitor) 120 is positioned on the pedestal 110 , as shown in FIG. 4 , the guiding grooves 121 of the main body 120 are respectively aimed at the guiding members 111 of the pedestal 110 and are moved downward (or relatively). As shown in FIG. 5 , the guiding members 111 are simultaneously inserted into the corresponding guiding grooves 121 . At this point, the engaging portion 131 c of each engaging member 131 slides on each guiding sloped surface 123 of the main body 120 . Then, the engaging portions 131 c and guiding members 111 simultaneously slide in the guiding grooves 121 . Because of the profiles of the guiding grooves 121 and guiding members 111 , the engaging portions 131 c of the engaging members 131 are pushed into (the second through holes 113 of) the guiding members 111 . At this point, the abutting portion 131 b and pillar 131 a of each engaging member 131 move toward the third through hole 133 a , and the resilient member 132 disposed between the abutting portion 131 b and the retardant member 133 is compressed to provide resilience. The main body 120 continues to move downward until the engaging portion 131 c of each engaging member 131 slide to the first positioning hole 122 a in each guiding groove 121 . The engaging portion 131 c rapidly ejects and engages the first positioning hole 122 a by the resilience provided by the resilient member 132 , as shown in FIG. 6 . At this point, the main body 120 and pedestal 110 are completely assembled. [0028] Moreover, when the height of the main body 120 relative to the pedestal 110 is adjusted, the engaging member 131 (or pillar 131 a ) can be pulled outward to separate the engaging portion 131 c from the first positioning hole 122 a . At this point, the resilient member 132 disposed between the abutting portion 131 b and the retardant member 133 is compressed to again provide resilience. The main body 120 is then moved downward and the engaging member 131 (or pillar 131 a ) is released. When the engaging portion 131 c of each engaging member 131 slides to the second positioning hole 122 b in each guiding groove 121 , the engaging portion 131 c rapidly ejects and engages the second positioning hole 122 b by the resilience provided by the resilient member 132 , as shown in FIG. 7 . At this point, adjustment of the height of the main body 120 with respect to the pedestal 110 is complete. Specifically, the electronic apparatus 100 or main body 120 is not limited to having only two positioning holes 122 a and 122 b . Namely, the main body 120 may selectively comprise more positioning holes in each guiding groove 121 , enabling different adjustment of the height of the main body 120 with respect to the pedestal 110 . [0029] In another aspect, when the main body 120 is separated from the pedestal 110 , the engaging member 131 (or pillar 131 a ) can be pulled out of the first positioning hole 122 a or second positioning hole 122 b. The main body 120 is then simultaneously moved upward (or relatively) until it is completely separated from the pedestal 110 . [0030] In conclusion, the electronic apparatus 100 can be rapidly assembled and disassembled, and the height thereof can be easily adjusted. Moreover, the electronic apparatus 100 can be rapidly assembled and disassembled in the absence of any assisting tool. Thus, troubles of missing of bolts are prevented. [0031] While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

An electronic apparatus. A pedestal includes a guiding member. A main body is detachably connected to the guiding member and includes a guiding groove in which the guiding member relatively slides. A positioning mechanism is movably disposed in the guiding member and guiding groove, controlling the sliding position of the guiding member with respect to the guiding groove.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a doll, and more particularly to a doll which is apparently capable of learning in response to human voice and touch interaction. Among the wide variety of interactive dolls (that is, dolls which are capable of responding to particular types of human interaction) are dolls which open and shut their eyes, produce sounds (whether speech or other sounds, and whether accompanied by mouth movement or not), urinate, defecate, cry, and the like. Typically, the interaction is extremely limited in nature--for example, the doll opens and shuts its eyes in response to movement of the doll and/or urinates or defecates in response to the introduction of fluid or solids, respectively. The dolls which talk are capable of a prolonged interaction--for example, telling one or more lengthy stories, singing a variety of songs, or the like--yet a child playing with such a doll is only passively engaged through the act of listening for the most part, perhaps with occasional input from the child in the form of a selection of the particular story or song to be heard. Due to the limited attention span of a child, and since the doll does not require the full, active attention of the child, the child may lose interest in the doll and have his attention diverted elsewhere even while the doll is continuing to speak or sing. It has been said that the best way to learn is to teach. While it cannot be gainsaid that there is educational value in having a child listen to a story spoken by a doll, the educational value is quite limited since the child is essentially passive in the process. If a child had a more active role to perform in his interaction with the doll, and particularly if the child were attempting to educate the doll, the child's attention would be less likely to be diverted and the child would be more likely to learn that which he is teaching. The ability of a child to teach a doll is especially attractive to the child since most of the time he is being taught by adults and has little opportunity to teach someone himself. While the fertile imagination of a child may create situations in which he tells the doll to do things and the doll responds appropriately (typically because the child has pressed appropriate buttons or the like), such activity does not truly simulate the learning process, which typically involves making errors initially and then, upon correction, learning to perform without error the matter which has been taught. Accordingly, the present invention provides a doll which is apparently capable of learning in response to human interaction. Another object is to provide such a doll which is capable of learning in response to being kissed and spoken to by a child. A further object is to provide such a doll which requires constant interaction from a child and thus maintains the interest of the child over a prolonged period of time. It is also an object to provide such a doll which initially makes errors in speech but, in response to interaction with the child, apparently learns to correct these errors. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that the above and related objects of the present invention are obtained in a doll apparently capable of learning through a combination of human speech and touch interaction. In its basic aspects, the doll comprises speech generation means, speech detection means and touch detection means. The speech generation means is for generating upon actuation the currently indexed sound in a predetermined sequence of sounds. The sequence of sounds evidences a stepwise learning process defined by a plurality of learning steps, each step being composed in turn of a predetermined subsequence of wrong sounds followed by correct sounds. The speech detection means is for detecting human speech when energized and, in response thereto, indexing the subsequence of sounds to the next sound within the current step and actuating the speech generations means, and, at the end of each step, indexing the sequence of sounds to the first sound of the next step and causing the speech generation means to request the selected touch. The touch detection means is for detecting a selected touch when energized and, in response thereto, for actuating the speech generation means. The speech generation means is responsive to each appropriate actuation of the speech and touch detection means for promptly generating the currently indexed sound after deactuation of the speech and touch detection means. Preferably the last sound of the subsequence of sounds of each step is an improvement over the other sounds of the step, and successive steps of the predetermined sequence of sounds evidence an improvement in word vocabulary, correctness of grammar or implied intellect. In a preferred embodiment, the speech generation means at the end of each step evidences completion of the step, energizing the touch detection means, deenergizing the speech detection means, and requesting the selected touch. The touch detection means is energized at the end of each step and deenergized after it detects the selected touch. The touch detection means, upon its initial actuation by an initial selected touch, causes the speech generation means to request the selected touch again. In the absence of the selected touch after a request therefor, the touch detection means after a predetermined time interval after energization thereof causes the speech generation means to generate at least one prompting sound again requesting the selected touch and then, in the absence of the selected touch for a predetermined time, to generate a termination sound. The speech detection means is energized when the touch detection means detects the selected touch and deenergized at the end of each step. The speech means detection means may include means for at least partially discriminating between human speech and other ambient sounds. The doll may include various optional features. The doll may include speech prompting means, responsive to non-actuation of the speech detection means for a predetermined period of time after energization thereof, for causing the speech generation means to generate at least one speech prompting sound. Preferably the speech prompting means causes the speech generation means to generate a plurality of prompting sounds, unless interrupted by actuation of the speech detection means, and the speech generation means, after each speech prompting sound, repeats the currently indexed sound. The doll may additionally include touch prompting means, responsive to non-actuation of the touch detection means for a predetermined period of time after energization thereof, for causing the speech generation means to generate at least one touch prompting sound. Preferably the touch prompting means causes the speech generation means to generate a plurality of touch prompting sounds unless interrupted by actuation of the touch detection means. The doll may further include termination means, responsive to non-actuation of the speech detection means for a predetermined period of time, for causing the speech generation means to generate a termination sound, deenergize the speech detection means, and energize the touch detection means. The doll may also include manually operable forget means for resetting the currently indexed sound of the sequence of sounds to the first sound of the first step. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The above and related objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of the presently preferred, albeit illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein: FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C constitute a flowchart of the activity of a doll according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the "process kiss" subroutine; FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the "listen" subroutine; and FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the structure of the doll. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A doll according to the present invention is preferably in the form of a human baby, although it may also be in the form of an animal, cartoon character, or the like, to which a child can favorably relate. Regardless of the form, the doll incorporates two sensing mechanisms: a speech detection mechanism and a touch detection mechanism. While the touch detection mechanism could simply be a switch which is manually actuatable by the child, preferably the touch detection mechanism is designed to respond to a kiss. Thus the head of the doll may be pivotably mounted on the body of the doll in such a manner, that when the lips of the child press against the lips of the doll, the head is resiliently pivoted backwards, thereby to actuate a touch detection switch. A kiss activated switch of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,969. It will be appreciated, however, that while the present specification refers to the touch as a "kiss," in fact other touches may be required instead of a kiss. The speech detection mechanism merely determines whether or not there is any sound in the vicinity of the doll, with either the speech detection mechanism itself or the software associated with the doll preferably making at least a rudimentary discrimination between "speech" and "noise." As illustrated, the sound detection mechanism only determines whether or not there is sound of an appropriate amplitude, with the software discriminating between noise and speech at a rudimentary level by analyzing whether or not the sound is relatively brief (as might be produced merely by rustling of clothing on the doll) or relatively prolonged (as would typically be the case where a child was speaking to the doll). Referring now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the doll operates in three different basic modes: an initial mode, a learning mode, and a smart mode. In the initial mode, the only action required of the child is a kiss (or the other preselected touch to which the touch detection mechanism is sensitive). Assuming the kiss is received, after this very brief initial mode, the doll enters the learning mode wherein it requires both kisses and speech from the child in order to learn. After many passes through the learning mode, when the doll has "learned" as much as it can, the doll enters the smart mode wherein the only action required of the child is speech. In the smart mode, the doll does not appear to be learning anything new, but continues to respond to speech on the part of the child with sentences which evidence what it has learned. If the doll is kissed while it is in the smart mode, or if at any time a special "forget" switch is actuated, the doll returns to the initial mode. In FIG. 1, the respective beginnings and endings of the initial mode, the learning mode, and the smart mode are indicated by appropriately labeled horizontal broken lines. The doll is initially in the sleep mode, the sleep mode actually being a "power off" mode. The doll is "awakened" or put in a "power on" mode (see box 10) by receipt of a kiss. It then proceeds to process the kiss (see box 12) as set forth in the "process kiss" subroutine illustrated in FIG. 2. In this "process kiss" subroutine, the doll (and more specifically a microprocessor means thereof) senses the status of a manually operable forget switch (see box 14) and determines whether or not the switch is actuated (see box 15). If the forget switch is actuated, the pointer or index indicating the number of the word to be processed is reset to zero (see box 16). Otherwise (that is, if the forget switch is not actuated), the doll makes a kissing sound (see box 18) and then makes one of a variety of differing "giggle" sounds (see box 20) prior to returning to the main routine of FIG. 1. Once the kiss has stopped (see box 22), the doll determines whether or not it is in the smart mode (see decision diamond 24). Assuming that the doll is not in the smart mode, it then enters the initial mode and prompts the child to kiss it by speaking a kiss prompt sentence. (see box 26). After issuing the prompt, the doll waits for a kiss (see decision diamond 28). If it receives the kiss, it then processes the kiss (see box 30) according to the subroutine already described in connection with FIG. 2 and then enters the learning mode. On the other hand, if a kiss is not received within a first predetermined time, a "timeout" occurs. If this is only the first or second timeout (see decision diamond 32), then the doll returns to the initial mode and again requests a kiss (see box 26). But if this is the third timeout, the doll then says "Bye, bye" or a like termination sentence (see box 34) and enters the sleep or "power off" mode (see box 36). Clearly the number of timeouts required before the doll enters the sleep mode can be selected to be less or greater than three. Upon entering the learning mode, the doll says an "unlearned word," the specific "unlearned word" being determined by the word number index (see box 50). The "unlearned word" will be the first unlearned word (a) when the doll has not yet entered the learning mode previously, (b) when the forget mechanism was actuated during processing of the kiss according to the "process kiss" subroutine of FIG. 2, or (c) when the doll enters the initial mode from the smart mode (i.e., after receiving a kiss while in the smart mode, as will be explained below). In order to make the doll more "lovable," it may giggle after saying the unlearned word (see box 50). Having said the unlearned word, the doll performs the listen subroutine (see box 52) as set forth in FIG. 3. While the initial "unlearned word" will simply be a single mispronounced or incompletely pronounced word. As learning proceeds, the "unlearned word" may be a short series of letters or numbers. In a more advanced phase, the "unlearned word" may be a sentence which is factually untrue and requires correction. In the listen subroutine of FIG. 3, the doll first determines whether or not it is in the smart mode (see decision diamond 60). The response of the doll if it is in the smart mode will be discussed hereinafter. If the doll is not in the smart mode, it determines whether or not the speech detection mechanism has detected any sound (see decision diamond 62). If the speech detection mechanism has detected a sound, the doll then determines whether or not that sound is a noise or speech. While any suitable mechanism may be used for this discrimination test, a simple and effective technique is to determine whether or not the sounds are very brief (e.g., less than a second) and thus probably noise or relatively prolonged (e.g., more than a second) and thus probably speech. If the sound is merely noise, the doll then returns to listening for more sound (see decision diamond 62) until it hears speech. If the sound is determined to be speech, the doll waits until the sound has terminated and it is again quiet (see decision diamond 66), thus indicating that the child has stopped talking. Then the doll returns to the main routine of FIG. 1 (see decision diamond 68). As the doll is not actually learning from the child, but merely responding to a speech interaction, it is irrelevant exactly what the child says--the doll will learn in any case as long as there is the requisite interaction. If there is no sound detected by the sound detection mechanism (see decision box 62) until it hears speech, however, the doll determines whether or not the absence of sound has been prolonged for a predetermined period of time. If so (see decision diamond 70), the listen subroutine is ended with a timeout noted and the doll returns to the main routine of FIG. 1 (see decision diamond 68); if not, the doll returns to the beginning of the "listen subroutine" (see decision diamond 60). Upon returning to the main routine of FIG. 1 with a timeout noted (see decision diamond 68), the doll determines if there have been three timeouts noted (see decision diamond 72). If so, the doll says, "Bye, bye" or some other termination sequence of sounds (see box 74) and then enters the sleep or "power off" mode (see box 76). However, if there have been fewer than three (or some other predetermined number) of such timeouts, the doll issues a "Talk to me" or like speech-prompting sentence (see box 78) and then returns to the beginning of the learning mode, again repeating the unlearned word (see box 50). On the other hand, if the "listen subroutine" has detected what it considers to be speech, then the doll determines whether or not it has completed the process of learning what was originally the "unlearned word" (see decision diamond 80). Since the doll is not actually learning, but merely proceeding through a "canned" routine, the determination of whether or not the learning process is complete for that particular unlearned word depends upon whether that "unlearned word" has been said by the doll a predetermined number of times (generally two or three times, depending upon the particular "unlearned word"). If it has not been said the predetermined number of times, the doll returns to the beginning of the learning mode and repeats the unlearned word, either with or without a giggle (see box 50). However, if the learning process for that "unlearned word" has been completed (i.e., the doll has said the "unlearned word" the predetermined number of times), the doll says the now learned word correctly a predetermined number of times (preferably twice) followed by one or more giggles (see box 82). Now that the doll has learned and repeated the word, it uses the word in an "after-learned" sentence evidencing its mastery of the word--e.g. "Baby loves Mommy" (see box 84). After the doll has learned only the first word (initially incorrectly pronounced "Ma" and thereafter correctly learned to be "Mommy"), the doll may skip saying the after-learned sentence simply because it has not yet acquired two words and thus cannot make a sentence. Finally, the index for the word number is incremented (see box 86). The doll then determines whether or not this incremented word number is the last one or not (see decision diamond 88). If it is not, the doll returns to the beginning of the learning mode, saying the new "unlearned word" indicated by the index (see box 50). However, if it is the last word number, the doll has completed the learning phase of its education and now enters the smart mode. The learning process may be evidenced successively by expanded vocabulary, better grammar, or improved intellect (i.e., factually accurate sentences). Thus, initially the "unlearned" words "Ma," "Dada," and "wove" may be learned to be "mommy," "daddy," and "love," respectively. In a slightly more advanced phase, an incorrect sequence of numbers and letters "3, 1, 2" and "B, A, C," may be learned to be "1, 2, 3" and "A, B, C," respectively. In a final advanced phase, the factually wrong sentences "Duck says, `Meow, meow`" and "Cat says, `Ruff, ruff`" may be learned to be "Duck says, `Quack, quack`" and "Cat says, `Meow, meow`", respectively, thus evidencing or implying a higher level of intellect and experience. Upon entering the smart mode, the doll says, "Talk to me" or otherwise prompts the child to speak to it (see box 100). The doll then performs the "listen subroutine" of FIG. 3 (see box 102). However, whereas the "listen subroutine" of FIG. 3 is looking only for speech from the child when it is entered from the learning mode, the "listen subroutine" is looking for either a kiss (see decision diamond 120) or speech (see decision diamond 64) when it is entered from the smart mode. After returning from the "listen subroutine", the doll determines whether it received a timeout, heard speech, or was kissed (see decision diamond 104). If the doll returned to the smart mode main routine of FIG. 1 after having received a timeout, it determines whether there were three or some other predetermined number of timeouts (see decision diamond 106). If so, it says, "Bye, bye" or some other terminating speech (see box 108) and enters the sleep or "power off" mode (see box 110). If there was a timeout, but there were fewer than the predetermined number of timeouts, the doll returns to the beginning of the smart mode and again says, "Talk to me" or otherwise prompts speech from the child (see box 100). If the doll returned to the smart mode main subroutine of FIG. 1 after having heard the child speak, it says one of a plurality of after-learned sentences (see box 112) and then returns to the "listen subroutine" of FIG. 3 (see box 102). Assuming that the child responds to each after-learned sentence said by the doll (see box 112) by talking to the doll, the doll will simply continue to say one after another of the after-learned sentences, making sure that no sentence is repeated twice consecutively. Finally, if the doll returned to the smart mode main routine of FIG. 1 from the "listen subroutine" of FIG. 3 after having been kissed (see decision diamond 120 of FIG. 3), it then performs the process kiss subroutine of FIG. 2 (see box 122), and, after making the appropriate kissing and giggling sounds, resets the word number index to zero (see box 124). This (like actuation of the "forget" switch) has the effect of causing the doll to forget all that it has learned. The doll then returns to the initial mode, issuing a kiss-prompt sentence (see box 26). Thus the doll stays in the smart mode, once it has reached it, until it is kissed, after which the doll returns to the initial mode with the word number index reset to zero. If the child keeps talking to the doll after each "after-learned sentence" spoken by the doll in the smart mode, the doll remains in the smart mode and continues to talk. If the child does not talk to the doll in the smart mode, the doll eventually enters the sleep mode after a predetermined number of speech-prompts and timeouts, and, when the doll is thereafter reawakened with a kiss (see box 10), it will return to the smart mode (see decision diamond 24) without having to go through the initial or learning modes. While the length of the learning mode operation may vary greatly, it is preferably about 15-25 minutes. Preferably the doll is capable of over 245 words and phrases and eighty-four sounds in an average play session prior to reaching the smart mode. In the smart mode, hundreds of words and phrases may be spoken by the doll and, indeed, in the smart mode play can be extended indefinitely with proper responses from the child). Merely speaking to the doll in the learning phase is sufficient to increment the word number index, but the doll will not start to learn a new "unlearned word" (as pointed to by the incremented index) unless the child also kisses the doll when prompted. If the child does not respond with a kiss after the doll has learned a new word, said an after-learned sentence and issued a kiss prompt, the doll will simply go to sleep. Of course, when the doll awakes (after the initial kiss to turn the power on) and proceeds through the initial made (by kissing the doll when prompted), it will start with the new "unlearned word" since the word number index was incremented (see box 86 of FIG. 1) immediately after the prior word was learned. Thus, kissing is the critical factor in the initial mode phase (if it is to be completed), speaking and kissing are the critical factors in the learning mode phase (if it is to continue), and speaking alone is the critical factor in the smart mode phase (if it is to continue). Referring now to FIG. 4, therein illustrated is a block diagram of the structure of a doll according to the present invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 100. Basically speaking, the doll 100 comprises a head generally designated 102 and a body (schematically indicated by a box) generally designated 104. The head 102 is pivotable relative to the body 104 with the neck 105 of the doll (intermediate the head 102 and body 104) including the aforementioned touch detection system or kiss switch 106. Actuation of the doll by a kiss actuates a "power on" switch 108 when the power was previously off and informs the microprocessor and speech synthesizer 110 that the touch detection mechanism has been actuated. The microprocessor and speech synthesizer 110 delivers sound to the speaker 114 via a power amplifier/filter 116. The filter of the power amplifier/116 is an optional feature and is intended to make the synthesized speech sound more natural, as is conventional in the art, by eliminating the high frequency sounds generated by the synthesizer. The microprocessor and speech synthesizer 110 also detects the presence of sound at the speaker through a listen amplifier 120. The microprocessor and speech synthesizer 110 also performs a "power off" function, so that it can put the doll into the sleep or "power off" mode automatically when the child fails to respond properly after a prompting sequence. Finally, as an optional feature, the microprocessor and speech synthesizer 110 may actuate an electric motor 122 disposed in the head 102 in order to make the doll's lips move intermittently in conjunction (and preferably in synchronization) with the synthesized speech, thereby to make the doll more lifelike. The same motor 122 may also control operation of the eyes or other features of the doll to further lend realism. A transistor switch 124 is typically disposed between the microprocessor and speech synthesizer 110 and the electric motor 122 in order to control operation of the electric motor 122. A battery 130 is operatively connected to the various components of the doll 100, as required, when power switch 108 is on. With the exception of the electric motor 122 which is disposed in the head 102, and the kiss switch 106 which is disposed in the neck 105 (intermediate the head 102 and the body 104), the main operative components of the doll are disposed either in or on the body 104, as indicated by the broken line area representing the body 104. The manually operable "forget" switch 112 is disposed on the body 104 in a manner and location which permits its intentional actuation when it is desired to restart the learning process from the beginning, yet protects it against being accidentally actuated. The doll is easy for even a child to operate, issuing touch and talk prompts as necessary and essentially requiring as the only unprompted action that the child commence the interaction with a kiss. Once the child kisses the doll, it awakens the doll and puts it into a "power on" mode. Assuming that the doll is not previously in the smart mode, the doll then proceeds through the initial mode, requesting another kiss. If it doesn't receive the kiss, it repeats a kiss prompt a predetermined number of times and, if still not kissed, says, "Bye, bye" and goes back into the sleep mode; but, if it does receive the kiss, it proceeds into the learning mode. Once in the learning mode, the doll says the currently indexed "unlearned word" and then waits for the child to speak to it. Presumably the child will attempt to correct the "unlearned word" and, when the child stops talking to the doll, the doll will again repeat the "unlearned word." This continues a number of times (generally two or three) until the doll finally says the "unlearned word" correctly (generally twice) and then uses the newly learned word in one or more "after-learned" sentences to evidence its mastery thereof. The process of saying the "unlearned word" a predetermined number of times followed by saying the word correctly (and using it in a sentence) constitutes a learning step since it results in the doll having "learned" a word. Thereafter, the word number index is incremented so that it points to the next "unlearned word," and the doll returns to the initial mode, requesting a kiss. Once the kiss is received, the doll then returns to the learning mode, starting with the new "unlearned word" pointed to by the incremented index. If, at any time during the time that it is in the learning mode, the doll does not hear speech from the child (thus suggesting that the child has lost interest or is otherwise occupied), the doll issues a predetermined number of speech prompts and, if these fail, says, "Bye, bye" and returns to the sleep mode. When the doll has completed the learning mode (having learned all the available "unlearned words"), it proceeds into the smart mode, saying a sentence (typically one of the "after-learned sentences"), awaiting a speech response from the child, and then saying another, different sentence. This continues until the child fails to respond verbally, in which case the doll issues a predetermined number of speech prompts and, if these are unsuccessful, says, "Bye, bye" and returns to the sleep mode. However, when the child reawakens the doll from the sleep mode with a kiss, it returns to the smart mode, bypassing the initial and learning modes. If the child kisses the doll while it is in the smart mode, the word number index is reset to zero and the doll returns to the initial mode. Actuation of the forget switch while the doll is in the initial or learning mode and performing the "process kiss" subroutine also resets the word number index to zero and returns the doll to the initial mode. It will be appreciated that, except for the initial kiss required to awaken the doll and the operation of the forget switch, all required action on the part of the child is indicated by prompts spoken by the doll. It will be appreciated that the speech detection means may be deemed deenergized when the doll is awaiting a touch response from the child, just as the touch detection means may be deemed deenergized when the doll is awaiting a speech response from the child. In other words, in effect, a touch will not be detected by the touch detection mechanism in response to a speech prompt, and speech will not be detected by the speech detection mechanisms in response to a touch prompt. The only exception to this is when the doll is in the smart mode, where it detects either speech or touch in response to a speech prompt, the speech response continuing the doll processing in the smart mode, but the touch response having the same effect as actuation of the forget switch and removing the doll from the smart mode. To summarize, the present invention provides a doll which is apparently capable of learning in response to human interaction, and in particular in response to being kissed and spoken to by a child (or for that matter, an adult). The doll requires constant interaction from the child and thus maintains the interest of the child for a prolonged period of time, especially since the doll initially makes errors, but in response to the interaction with the child, learns to correct these errors. Now that the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and limited only by the appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification.

A doll, apparently capable of learning through a combination of human speech and touch interaction, includes a speech generator for generating upon actuation the currently indexed sound in a predetermined sequence of sounds. The sequence of sounds evidences a stepwise learning process defined by a plurality of learning steps, each step being composed in turn of a predetermined subsequence of wrong sounds followed by correct sounds. A speech detector detects human speech when energized and, in response thereto, indexes the subsequence of sounds to the next sound within the current step and actuates the speech generator and, at the end of each step, indexes the sequence of sounds to the first sound of the next step and causes the speech generator to request the selected touch. A touch detector detects a selected touch when energized and, in response thereto, actuates the speech generator. The speech generator is responsive to each appropriate actuation of the speech and touch detectors for promptly generating the currently indexed sound after deactuation of the speech and touch detectors.

This invention was developed under Contract DE-AC04-94AL85000 between Sandia Corporation and the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and, more particularly, to processing SAR images. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) processing effectively forms a synthetic beam pattern that offers azimuth resolution much finer than the actual beamwidth of the antenna. Both the actual aperture (antenna) beam and the synthetic aperture beam constitute spatial filters. Proper target scene selection requires these spatial filters to be properly pointed and aligned in the desired direction. That is, the SAR scene of interest must be adequately illuminated by the actual antenna beam. Furthermore, the actual antenna beam pattern rarely offers uniform illumination over its nominal width, typically taken as the angular region between its −3 dB illumination directions. Consequently, SAR images may show a reduction in brightness towards the edges of the scene being imaged. This is exacerbated whenever imaged scenes are large compared with the illumination footprint, such as at near ranges or coarse resolutions. While careful antenna calibration and alignment allows compensating for antenna beam roll-off with an inverse of the relative two-way gain function, any unexpected illumination gradients from other system sources will be left unmitigated. For example, any misalignment of the synthetic beam from the actual beam will cause unexpected brightness gradients across the image. Such misalignment might be due to factors such as the mounting of the antenna, the environment of the antenna, motion measurement errors affecting the synthetic beam orientation, near-range operation, wide scenes, or inadequate antenna pointing accuracy. Illumination anomalies are also known to be caused by atmospheric phenomena. A number of conventional algorithms attempt to characterize from the data the synthetic beam direction in relation to the actual beam direction. These are generally referred to as Doppler Centroid Estimation algorithms. Generally, they are not concerned with beam shape beyond using it to calculate the Doppler frequency at the beam center. This is required to process the data correctly, especially for orbital systems. Conventional techniques that correct for antenna illumination patterns in SAR images are often referred to as Radiometric Calibration techniques. When these techniques are used in orbital SAR systems, the elevation pattern is usually a significant concern, due to the favored processing methods and typically larger range swaths associated with orbital systems. In any event, the methodology is typically designed to ensure that any measured pattern matches the theoretical pattern, with the theoretical pattern being used for purposes of correcting the larger data set with a single calibration correction. Some conventional techniques compensate for the antenna azimuth beam pattern during image formation processing and, in some instances, the beam pattern must be known before processing. It is desirable in view of the foregoing to provide for improvements in mitigating illumination gradients in SAR images. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 graphically illustrates an illumination profile of a SAR image according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2 graphically illustrates a vector produced by fitting the illumination profile of FIG. 1 to a representation of a beam pattern of a SAR antenna apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3 graphically illustrates a normalized vector produced by normalizing the vector of FIG. 2 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4 graphically illustrates an illumination correction vector produced by inverting the normalized vector of FIG. 3 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a SAR system according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Exemplary embodiments of the invention mitigate illumination gradients (including illumination roll-off effects) in a SAR image by fitting an antenna beam pattern model to an illumination profile of the image, and compensating the pixel brightness with an inverse relative gain function that is determined based on the model-fitting. This is accomplished without a detailed antenna pattern calibration, and provides some tolerance of drift in the antenna beam alignments. In some embodiments, a SAR image is characterized by an associated two-dimensional pixel value array. The columns and rows of the two-dimensional pixel value array respectively correspond to range and azimuth directions of the SAR image. Some embodiments use a non-linear filter in the range direction of the SAR image to produce the illumination profile. For each azimuth position in the azimuth direction of the SAR image, the filter determines a representative pixel value, also referred to herein as a profile pixel value, for the column of range pixel values associated with that azimuth position. A profile pixel value is thus determined for each column in the aforementioned two-dimensional pixel value array. When determining the illumination profile of the SAR image, some embodiments attempt to avoid undue influence from bright target points or shadow regions. For example, for each column, the median pixel value associated with that column can be taken as the profile pixel value for that column. The median pixel values provide an illumination profile 11 , an example of which is shown graphically in FIG. 1 . The median pixel value data of FIG. 1 is then smoothed by fitting it to a representation of the antenna beam pattern. If the antenna beam pattern is known, then the representation that defines that pattern can be used directly. Alternatively, any suitable polynomial representation that approximates the antenna beam pattern can be used. Such an approximation can be used, for example, in situations where the antenna beam pattern is not known. An antenna beam pattern will usually exhibit a strong quadratic behavior in the neighborhood of its peak response. Subtle variations from the quadratic behavior may be captured with models that use a few higher-order terms. Various embodiments therefore use various 3 rd or 4 th order polynomial representations. For example, FIG. 2 graphically illustrates the median value data of FIG. 1 fitted to a 4 th order polynomial representation of the antenna beam pattern. The resulting curve 21 is a data vector or array. In some embodiments, the curve fitting illustrated in FIG. 2 is accomplished using conventional minimum-mean-squared-error techniques. The vector 21 can be normalized to unit amplitude by dividing each element of the vector by the vector's maximum value. The result of this normalization is shown as a normalized vector 31 in FIG. 3 . The inverse of the vector 31 can then be calculated by dividing each normalized vector value from FIG. 3 into one, that is, by replacing each vector value of FIG. 3 by its reciprocal value. This inversion operation produces pixel correction values that define an illumination correction vector, as shown at 41 in FIG. 4 . In each row of the aforementioned original two-dimensional pixel array that constitutes the original SAR image, the pixel value at each azimuth position can be corrected by multiplication with the respectively corresponding pixel correction value of the illumination correction vector 41 . The resulting corrected pixel values define a corrected SAR image. This pixel value correction operation can mitigate illumination gradients present in the original SAR image. In some embodiments, the pixel value correction operation is applied to the SAR image after other brightness corrections (e.g. lookup tables, gamma corrections, etc.) have been applied. Some embodiments average illumination correction vectors 41 over several SAR images to mitigate peculiarities resulting from anomalies within a single image. Note that the polynomial antenna beam pattern representation of FIG. 2 exhibits an azimuth-oriented illumination gradient. Some embodiments utilize an antenna beam pattern representation that exhibits a range-oriented illumination gradient. FIG. 5 diagrammatically illustrates a SAR system according to exemplary embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the system of FIG. 5 is capable of performing operations described above with respect to FIGS. 1-4 . The system includes a SAR data collection unit 51 coupled to a pixel corrector designated generally at 52 - 56 . The SAR data collection unit 51 uses conventional techniques to produce at 57 pixel value arrays that define respective SAR images. An illumination profile determiner 52 coupled to the SAR data collection unit 51 is configured to determine for each pixel value array at 57 a corresponding set of profile pixel values. Each set of profile pixel values defines an illumination profile 58 (e.g., the illumination profile at 11 in FIG. 1 ) of the corresponding SAR image. A curve fitting unit 53 coupled to the illumination profile determiner 52 is configured to fit each illumination profile 58 to a suitable representation of the actual antenna beam pattern used by the SAR data collection unit 51 . The curve-fitting unit 53 produces a vector 60 of curve-fitted pixel values (e.g., the vector at 21 in FIG. 2 ). The curve-fitting unit 53 is coupled to a normalizer 54 that is configured to normalize the curve-fitted pixel values of the vector 60 . The resulting normalized vector 61 (e.g., the vector at 31 in FIG. 3 ) is input to an inverter 55 configured to invert the normalized pixel values of the vector 61 to produce a corresponding illumination correction vector 62 (e.g., the illumination correction vector 41 of FIG. 4 ). A correcting unit 56 coupled to the inverter 55 and the SAR data collection unit 51 is configured to combine each illumination correction vector at 62 with its respectively corresponding SAR image at 57 , for example, in the manner described above with respect to FIG. 4 . The resulting corrected SAR image is designated generally at 63 . Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described above in detail, this does not limit the scope of the invention, which can be practiced in a variety of embodiments.

Illumination gradients in a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image of a target can be mitigated by determining a correction for pixel values associated with the SAR image. This correction is determined based on information indicative of a beam pattern used by a SAR antenna apparatus to illuminate the target, and also based on the pixel values associated with the SAR image. The correction is applied to the pixel values associated with the SAR image to produce corrected pixel values that define a corrected SAR image.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present application relates to a booklet maker or sheet folding apparatus, as would be used in conjunction with a printing or copying apparatus. BACKGROUND Booklet makers and sheet folders are well-known devices for forming folded booklets or folded sheet sets. It is becoming common to include booklet makers and sheet folders in conjunction with office-range copiers and printers (as used herein, a “copier” will be considered a type of “printer”). In basic form, a booklet maker/sheet folder includes a slot for accumulating signature sheets, as would be produced by a printer. In booklet mode, the accumulated sheets, forming the pages of a booklet, are positioned within the stack so that a stapler mechanism and complementary anvil can staple the stack precisely along the intended crease line. In one embodiment, the creased and stapled sheet sets are then pushed, by a blade, completely through crease rolls, to form the final main fold in the finished booklet. The basic hardware of a booklet maker, such as including the crease rolls, can be controlled to provided C- or Z-folds to sheets or sets of sheets as well. The finished booklets or sheets are then accumulated in a tray downstream of the crease rolls. Whether the final product of a booklet maker is a multi-page booklet, or a folded sheet or set of sheets, if it is desired to mail the product without an envelope, it is known to place a sticker on an edge of the product to prevent the booklet or folded sheet from opening or unfolding in the mail. PRIOR ART U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,676 discloses a finishing device for a copier or digital printer which places tapes along the edges of output sheet sets. SUMMARY According to one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for processing sheets, comprising a roller pair forming a main nip therebetween, the roller pair being operable to move at least one sheet through the main nip in a process direction and a reverse direction opposite the process direction. A sticker applicator is operatively disposed upstream of the main nip along the process direction. A control system, operative of the roller pair and the main nip, causes the roller pair to move a sheet in the reverse direction to receive a sticker from the sticker applicator, and then to move the sheet through the main nip in the process direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a simplified elevational view of a “finisher module,” including a booklet maker, as would be used with an office-range digital printer. FIG. 2 is a simplified elevational view, showing an embodiment of a sticker applicator in conjunction with folding hardware. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a simplified elevational view of a “finisher module,” generally indicated as 100 , including a sheet folder and booklet maker, as would be used with an office-range digital printer. Printed signature sheets from the printer 99 are accepted in an entry port 102 . Depending on the specific design of finisher module 100 , there may be numerous paths such as 104 and numerous output trays 106 for print sheets, corresponding to different desired actions, such as stapling, hole-punching and C- or Z-folding. It is to be understood that the various rollers and other devices which contact and handle sheets within finisher module 100 are driven by various motors, solenoids and other electromechanical devices (not shown), under a control system, such as including a microprocessor (not shown), within the finisher module 100 , printer 99 , or elsewhere, in a manner generally familiar in the art. For present purposes what is of interest is the booklet maker generally indicated as 110 , the basic hardware of which can be used in other types of folding as well. Booklet maker 110 defines a slot 112 . Slot 112 accumulates signature sheets (sheets each having typically four page images thereon, for eventual folding into pages of the booklet) from the printer 99 . Each sheet is held within slot 112 at a level where a stapler 114 can staple the sheets along a midline of the signatures, the midline corresponding to the eventual crease of the finished booklet. In order to hold sheets of a given size at the desired level relative to the stapler 114 , there is provided at the bottom of slot 112 an elevator 116 , which forms the “floor” of the slot 112 on which the edges of the accumulating sheets rest before they are stapled. The elevator 116 is placed at different locations along slot 112 depending on the size of the incoming sheets. As printed signature sheets are output from printer 99 , they accumulate in slot 112 . When all of the necessary sheets to form a desired booklet are accumulated in slot 112 , elevator 116 is moved from its first position to a second position where the midpoint of the sheets are adjacent the stapler 114 . Stapler 114 is activated to place one or more staples along the midpoint of the sheets, where the booklet will eventually be folded. After the stapling, elevator 116 is moved from its second position to a third position, where the midpoint of the sheets are adjacent a blade 14 and crease rolls 10 and 12 , which form a crease nip 16 . The action of blade 14 and crease rolls 10 and 12 performs the final folding, and sharp creasing, of the sheets into the finished booklet. Blade 14 contacts the sheet set along the stapled midpoint thereof, and bends the sheet set toward the nip of crease rolls 10 and 12 , which draw all the sheets in and form a sharp crease. The creased and stapled sheet sets are then drawn, by the rotation of crease rolls 10 and 12 , completely through the nip, to form the final main fold in the finished booklet. The finished booklets are then conducted along path 122 and collected in a tray 124 . The basic hardware of a finisher as shown in FIG. 1 , especially as regards booklet maker 110 , can also be controlled to create C-, and in some cases, Z-folds in sheets or sets of sheets. FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a sticker applicator that can be used with the basic hardware shown in FIG. 1 . As can be seen, downstream of crease rolls 10 , 12 along a basic process direction (indicated as P) of the finisher module is what can be called a roller pair 20 , 22 , together forming what can be called a main nip 24 . In this embodiment, the rollers 20 , 22 are selectably controllable (through a control system and motors, not shown) to direct a sheet S disposed in main nip 24 either in the process direction P (i.e., toward the output tray, or to the right in the Figure) or, as needed, in a reverse direction opposite the process direction P (i.e., toward the crease nip 16 , or toward the left in the Figure). In this way, as part of a process, the rollers 20 , 22 can “back up” a folded sheet or set of sheet some distance as needed at certain times. In FIG. 2 , a sheet indicated as S, which in this view has emerged from folding through crease nip 16 and is disposed in main nip 24 , can in practice be a single sheet, or set of sheets, which has been folded once or in a C- or Z-shape, or can be a multi-sheet, and possibly stapled, booklet. (In any case, for present purposes, a booklet or other folded set of sheets will include at least one sheet.) The trailing edge of such a sheet S along the process direction P is “open,” or in other words, not a fold line, and therefore, once the sheet exits the system and is mailed, the sheet is liable to unfold. It is therefore desirable to place a sticker over the open, trailing edge of the sheet S, in effect to keep the sheet folded or the booklet closed. Disposed between crease rolls 10 , 12 and roller pair 20 , 22 is what can generally be called a sticker applicator 30 . The applicator 30 provides stickers (such as small pieces of paper or tape, having adhesive on one side thereof) and applies the stickers to the trailing edge (relative to process direction P) of a sheet S held in main nip 24 . The sticker applicator 30 in this embodiment includes a dispenser having a supply spool 32 for retaining a supply of stickers on substrate such as backing tape, and take-up spool 34 for taking up the tape as sticker are removed. As shown, the sticker-bearing tape is threaded around a pin 36 , which causes a sharp turn in the motion of the backing tape BT; as the backing tape BT makes the sharp turn, a single sticker ST is effectively peeled from the backing tape and disposed along the path of a sheet S. The backing tape BT would typically be pulled by a friction roller nip (not shown) associated with take-up spool 34 . Because of the large variation in diameter of the take-up spool 34 over the course of its use, it is preferably over-driven with a slipping drive. The main body of sticker applicator 30 can be in the form of an easily replaceable cartridge, so that a spent roll of backing tape on take-up spool 34 can be quickly replaced with a new roll of backing tape on supply spool 32 . Because a sticker ST must be placed on a trailing edge of a sheet passing mainly through the process direction, the roller pair 20 , 22 is controlled to momentarily “back up” the sheet S so that the trailing edge of the sheet S is pushed against the sticky (toward the right in the Figure) side of the sticker ST. At an appropriate moment, the applicator interposes a sticker ST in a path of a folded sheet S moving in the reverse direction. In one embodiment, the sheet S can be backed up to such an extent that the sticker ST is placed on the trailing edge and the trailing edge is backed up into crease nip 16 , where the sticker ST is folded down by the crease nip 16 over the trailing edge of sheet S. In this embodiment, the crease rolls 10 , 12 function both to perform a main fold in the sheet S as it moves in the process direction and fold the sticker ST when the sheet moves in the reverse direction. Once the sticker ST is placed on and folded over the trailing edge of sheet S, the direction of roller pair 20 , 22 is again reversed to push the sheet through the process direction (to the right in the Figure) and to an output tray as desired. In a practical application of the apparatus in FIG. 2 , the spooling of the backing tape BT around pin 36 is coordinated with the motion of a sheet or booklet past sticker applicator 30 so that, at times in the process when the sheet S is moving in the process direction past the sticker applicator 30 , a sticker ST is not peeled off and placed in the path; rather, the sticker ST is peeled from the backing tape and placed in the path only at such time as the roller pair 20 , 22 is “backing up” the sheet S to receive the sticker. This coordination of the actions of applicator 30 (in particular, of take-up spool 34 ) with the motion of a sheet S can be carried out by precise timing of the motion of the hardware, or with a mechanical or optical feedback system (not shown) governing the motion of the backing tape and/or the sheet S. An optical feedback system governing the backing tape BT could exploit, for instance, synchronization marks or holes on the backing tape BT, such as between each sticker ST. The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

In a finishing apparatus, such as would be used with a copier or high-speed printer, an applicator places stickers on a folded sheet or booklet, to prevent the sheet or booklet from unfolding or opening. At one point in the operation, the folded sheet or booklet is “backed up” in its basic process direction to receive a sticker on its trailing edge, and backed up further so that the sticker is folded over the trailing edge by a pair of crease rolls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is directed generally to a valve device for a control cylinder, which is preferably of the type used for electronically controlled pneumatic actuation of the clutch of a motor vehicle. [0002] In conventional single-acting pneumatic control cylinders in which the pneumatic piston is shifted into its initial position (zero position of the piston rod fixed to the piston) via a return spring, a specified actuation position is established by virtue of the pneumatic pressure prevailing in the piston chamber of the control cylinder. This means that the piston rod of the control cylinder is extended by a specified travel distance compared with its zero position. The air pressure in the control cylinder piston chamber determines the position of the control cylinder piston rod; the air pressure is lowered for retraction of the piston rod toward its zero position and raised for extension toward its maximum position allowed by the cylinder length. [0003] The air pressure in the control cylinder piston chamber is varied by means of valves. In the simplest case, a switching pressurizing valve raises the air pressure and a switching venting valve lowers the air pressure. [0004] For application of the control cylinder as an electronically controlled, pneumatically actuated clutch control cylinder as mentioned above, the pressurizing and venting valves are designed as electrically switched valves; the air pressure in the control cylinder piston chamber being varied as desired by the switching of these valves. For precision adjustment of a specified pressure or for establishing a specified pressure gradient, such as in the clutch-engagement process, the valves are actuated in a pulsed mode. [0005] The control cylinder is connected to the motor vehicle clutch (which can be a push-type or pull-type clutch) in such a way that the motor vehicle clutch is completely disengaged in the piston rod zero position corresponding to a piston chamber pressure of zero. During an increase in the piston chamber pressure, the piston rod becomes extended, engagement begins at a specified piston rod position (clutch engagement point) and, beginning with a further specified position, the clutch is then completely engaged. [0006] In the zero position of the control cylinder piston rod, in which, as explained, the piston chamber of the cylinder is depressurized and, also, the two valves are in unactuated position, it is possible that small leaks in the pressurizing valve in communication with the supply pressure can cause a gradual pressure buildup in the control cylinder piston chamber. This pressure buildup could be accompanied by undesired extension of the control cylinder piston rod from zero position, which could potentially lead to undesired engagement of the motor vehicle clutch, with the result that the vehicle might experience undesired movement under certain circumstances. [0007] Undesired pressure buildup can be prevented by occasional actuation of the venting valve. For this purpose, however, the control electronics would require additional programming which may not be consistent with the program that controls the desired switching processes of the valve. Furthermore, additional functions may be required, for example, pressure sensing, that may not be needed for other purposes. Moreover, the system would then have to be continuously energized (current consumption, battery discharge). Such a solution is therefore not particularly advantageous. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] Generally speaking, in accordance with the present invention, a valve device is provided which avoids the foregoing disadvantages associated with prior art devices and arrangements. [0009] A valve device for pressurizing or venting the piston chamber of a control cylinder (such as is used, for example, to actuate the clutch of a motor vehicle) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least one solenoid-actuated multi-way pressurizing valve and at least one solenoid-actuated multi-way venting valve. Preferably, the pressurizing and venting valves include at least 2/2 ways. The pressurizing valve has a port in communication with a supply pressure and another port in communication with the control cylinder piston chamber; the venting valve has a port in communication with a vent and another port in communication with the control cylinder piston chamber. Both the pressurizing valve and the venting valve are in closed position when deenergized. [0010] The valve device further includes at least one non-return valve. The non-return valve has a pneumatic inlet in communication with the control cylinder piston chamber. The non-return valve is constructed and arranged to assume an unactuated position when the pneumatic inlet is depressurized, and an actuated position when the pneumatic inlet is pressurized. In unactuated position, the non-return valve has a defined pressure leak. The pressure leak is established as a nominal width which corresponds to a preselected proportion of the nominal width of the pressurizing valve. [0011] The non-return valve according to the present invention can be disposed separate from or in the control cylinder. If in the control cylinder, the non-return valve can be disposed in the piston or, alternatively, in the housing (including in the end wall thereof). The non-return valve can also be disposed in the pressurizing or venting valves. [0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a valve device which is constructed and arranged such that slight leaks in the pressurizing valve do not lead to undesired extension of the control cylinder piston rod, and which does not require additional programming to accomplish such purpose. [0013] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a valve device which can be readily integrated as a component in devices that are present in any case, whereby additional assembly and connecting-line costs can be avoided. [0014] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the specification. [0015] The present invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the constructions hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: [0017] [0017]FIG. 1 a is schematic diagram depicting the pneumatic valve connections for admission of compressed air to a spring-loaded control cylinder containing a valve device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0018] [0018]FIG. 1 b is an enlarged view of the inventive valve device depicted in FIG. 1 a; [0019] [0019]FIG. 1 c is a cross-sectional view of the inventive valve device taken along lines 1 c - 1 c in FIG. 1 b; [0020] [0020]FIG. 2 is a sectional view depicting the valve device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention disposed in the piston of a spring-loaded control cylinder; [0021] [0021]FIG. 3 is a sectional view depicting the valve device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention alternatively disposed in the housing of a spring-loaded control cylinder; [0022] [0022]FIG. 4 is a sectional view depicting the valve device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention alternatively disposed in the venting valve of a spring-loaded control cylinder; and [0023] [0023]FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view depicting a valve device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0024] Referring to the drawing figures where like reference numerals are used for corresponding parts, FIG. 1 shows a pressurizing (solenoid) valve 1 having a first port 2 in communication with a supply pressure 10 and a second port 3 in communication with a piston chamber 9 of a spring-loaded control cylinder 8 . A venting (solenoid) valve 4 is also provided having a first port 5 in communication with a vent 11 and a second port 6 also in communication with control cylinder piston chamber 9 . [0025] Solenoid valves 1 and 4 are preferably provided with 2/2 ways, which represent the smallest possible number of ways for such directional multi-way control valves. It should be understood, however, that more than 2/2 ways can also be provided for these valves. [0026] Solenoid-actuated valves 1 and 4 can be switched via an electronic control device (not shown in the drawings). In order to adjust pressure exactly in control cylinder piston chamber 9 , for example, during the process of clutch engagement in the application of control cylinder 8 as a clutch control cylinder, the valves can be switched in pulsed mode. [0027] For such an application, it may also be advantageous to provide a further pressurizing valve and a further venting valve, each with larger nominal widths, for example, for the purpose of both rapid pressurizing and rapid venting. Except for the changed nominal width, such valves can have similar designs to those of valves 1 and 4 and can be connected in parallel therewith. In such a paired arrangement, therefore, faster or slower pressure buildup or pressure reduction can be achieved as desired by appropriate valve actuation. [0028] In the event of a leak in pressurizing valve 1 (in this regard, an explanation of how a sealing seat 28 of venting valve 4 —having the same design as that of pressurizing valve 1 —can be achieved via a magnet armature sealing element 30 is set forth hereinafter in connection with FIG. 4), air passes from supply 10 to control cylinder piston chamber 9 . Even though the air flow is relatively small, pressure that can lead to shifting of control cylinder 8 will eventually build up in piston chamber 9 . [0029] To prevent such a pressure buildup, pneumatic communication can be provided between the control cylinder piston chamber and an inlet 12 of a non-return valve 7 constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention. [0030] Non-return valve 7 preferably has two switched positions. A first, unactuated position is occupied when pneumatic inlet 12 is depressurized. In this situation, as shown in FIG. 1 b , a sealing ball 13 is pressed by the force of a spring 19 against a first sealing seat 17 at pneumatic inlet 12 . In this position, non-return valve 7 is designed to allow a defined leak. [0031] Preferably, non-return valve 7 is provided with a groove comprising a radial portion 36 and a longitudinal portion 16 (shown in cross section in FIG. 1 c taken along line 1 c - 1 c in FIG. 1 b through the center of sealing ball 13 ) by which a small air opening to vent 11 is formed. Sealing ball 13 is housed in a cylindrical guide 14 , and groove 16 in the cylindrical guide therefore extends as far as a bore 15 at pneumatic inlet 12 . [0032] A second or actuated position of non-return valve 7 is established when pneumatic inlet 12 is pressurized. Because pressure is present at pneumatic inlet 12 , and also because the leak is relatively small, a backpressure sufficient to press sealing ball 13 sealingly against a second sealing seat 18 can build up, and so inlet 12 is pneumatically shut off from vent 11 . [0033] The defined leak of non-return valve 7 in its first, unactuated position is determined by the cross section of groove 36 , 16 (FIG. 1 c ). A leak nominal width, such as, for example, 0.3 mm can be established. [0034] In designing the individual valves, the leak nominal width is preferably matched to the nominal widths of the other valves, especially that of the pressurizing valve. Preferably, the leak nominal width is small compared to the nominal width of the pressurizing valve (in the case of two pressurizing valves, the nominal width of the pressurizing valve having larger cross section is the determining factor for the leak, since a larger sealing seat also exhibits larger leaks). When the pressurizing valve is opened, a backpressure that presses sealing ball 13 against the force of spring 19 onto second sealing seat 18 , thus closing it, builds up promptly at inlet 12 of non-return valve 7 . [0035] For comparison with inventive non-return valve 7 , the construction of a conventional non-return valve is now described. A conventional non-return valve is used to shut off the air stream in one flow direction and to allow it to pass in the other flow direction. In a conventional ball type non-return valve, the sealing ball is pressed via a spring against a sealing seat at the inlet. In the case of air flow directed from the inlet outward, this sealing seat is opened because air flowing in this direction lifts the sealing ball from the valve seat. On the other hand, the sealing seat remains closed in the case of air flow directed toward the inlet. [0036] In comparison with the conventional non-return valve, the non-return valve 7 according to the present invention exhibits a very different functional principle. At very low backpressures at inlet 12 , the valve is opened with very small nominal width, to allow a small air stream to pass through. Even at a “normal” small backpressure, however, second sealing seat 18 is promptly occupied, and so the valve is closed. Spring 19 is therefore preferably designed with a relatively compliant spring rate, in such a way that the second sealing seat position is already occupied at a sufficiently low backpressure desired for this purpose, such as, for example, 0.2 bar. On the other hand, it should be appreciated that the ability of a non-return valve of conventional construction to shut off an air stream directed toward the inlet has no bearing for inventive non-return valve 7 . [0037] It should be understood that, besides application in a spring-loaded control cylinder designed as an actuating cylinder for a motor vehicle clutch, the valve arrangement depicted in FIG. 1 is suitable for all applications in which a gradual pressure buildup in the piston chamber of the spring-loaded control cylinder as a result of valve leaks can lead to undesired actuation of the control cylinder. [0038] Considering the connections illustrated in FIG. 1, since inlet 12 of non-return valve 7 is in pneumatic communication with a compressed air port 21 of control cylinder piston chamber 9 , with second port 3 of pressurizing valve 1 and with second port 6 of venting valve 4 , it should be understood that non-return valve 7 can also be installed at a position other than that shown in FIG. 1 a , in which case it would not be designed as a separate valve unit, as is the case in FIG. 1 a . For example, non-return valve 7 can also be disposed in spring-loaded control cylinder 8 , which is advantageous because separate installation of a non-return valve is obviated and also because separate connecting lines are not required. [0039] Referring to FIG. 2, non-return valve 7 is shown installed inside a piston 23 of spring-loaded control cylinder 8 . A piston rod 24 is also depicted. The cylinder return spring is not shown; it is disposed in the inside chamber of piston 23 . [0040] It is possible to dispense with a return spring in control cylinder 8 , namely in applications in which a return spring is installed in the very device that is actuated by control cylinder 8 (for example, this is the case in certain embodiments of vehicle clutches described above). Moreover, in contrast to the embodiment of a single-acting control cylinder 8 , a control cylinder can also be provided as a double-acting control cylinder, in which a further piston chamber for retraction of piston rod 24 is provided in addition to piston chamber 9 for extension of piston rod 24 . Valves for raising and lowering the pressure are also provided for this further piston chamber. [0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, as an alternative to the arrangement depicted in FIG. 2, non-return valve 7 can also be installed in a housing 22 of spring-loaded control cylinder 8 , specifically, in the end wall thereof. [0042] Non-return valve 7 can also be disposed in at least one of the two solenoid-actuated multi-way valves 1 or 4 ; this is depicted in FIG. 4 for the example of venting valve 4 . Indeed, instead of one non-return valve 7 , two non-return valves can be mounted in an arrangement of connections as depicted in FIG. 1. [0043] Referring now to FIG. 4, venting valve 4 preferably includes a first housing part 26 and a second housing part 27 joined to the first housing part. An armature guide tube 32 together with a magnet coil 31 is preferably disposed in first housing part 26 , and an O-ring seal 33 ensures that second port 6 of the venting valve, in pneumatic communication with control cylinder port 21 , is also sealed relative to armature guide tube 32 and, thus, relative to first housing part 26 . [0044] A magnet armature 29 is preferably mounted displaceably inside armature guide tube 32 . While magnet coil 31 is not energized, the armature is pushed toward second housing part 27 by a spring (not shown) disposed in a valve pressure volume 35 , as explained in greater detail hereinafter, in such a way that a magnet armature sealing element 30 bears compliantly on a sealing seat 28 of the second housing part, thus closing the sealing seat when the magnet is not actuated (in pressurizing valve 1 of similar design, a slight leakage in the air stream to control cylinder piston chamber 9 can develop due to leaks from supply 10 via the sealing seat). [0045] When magnet coil 31 is energized, magnet armature 29 is lifted toward a stationary core 37 , magnet armature sealing element 30 lifts up from sealing seat 28 , and pneumatic communication is established between first port 5 of venting valve 4 in communication with vent 11 and control cylinder piston chamber 9 , thus permitting venting of the piston chamber. Preferably, non-return valve 7 is disposed in stationary core 37 such that valve pressure volume 35 is formed between the valve and magnet armature 29 . [0046] Valve pressure volume 35 is in communication with second port 6 of venting valve 4 via a pressure channel 34 in magnet armature 29 . Valve pressure volume 35 is therefore always in pneumatic communication with control cylinder piston chamber 9 , regardless of the switched position of venting valve 4 . Venting of valve pressure volume 35 is therefore synonymous with venting of control cylinder piston chamber 9 itself. [0047] As indicated above, the design of pressurizing valve 1 is desirably similar to that of venting valve 4 , with the difference that first port 2 is in communication not with vent 11 but with supply pressure 10 . Just as for venting valve 4 , however, second port 3 is in communication with control cylinder piston chamber 9 , and so non-return valve 7 for venting control cylinder piston chamber 9 can also be disposed above valve pressure volume 35 of pressurizing valve 1 . [0048] In the embodiment of non-return valve 7 according to FIGS. 1 b and 1 c , sealing ball 13 at first sealing seat 17 forms a circumferential sealing edge which forms an airtight sealing edge. As explained above, the defined leak is achieved by the cross section of radial portion 36 of the groove in the circumferential sealing edge. [0049] As shown in FIG. 5, the defined leak can also be established by a leak built into the structure of a circumferential sealing edge 38 of first valve seat 17 . Notches 41 are provided in the valve housing around the circumference at first valve seat 17 in order to establish the defined leak (for example, eight notches 41 are provided in the preferred embodiment depicted). [0050] Non-return valve 7 according to FIG. 5 also exhibits further differences in configuration compared with non-return valve 7 according to FIGS. 1 b and 1 c . For example, instead of a ball there is provided a rotationally symmetric sealing member 39 , which is mounted in cylindrical guide 14 with a certain play (exaggerated in FIG. 5), which ensures the leakage function of longitudinal portion 16 of the groove depicted in FIGS. 1 b and 1 c. [0051] Furthermore, second sealing seat 18 is desirably formed not as a seat sealing by metal-to-metal contact but as an elastomeric sealing seat. For this purpose, an elastomeric sealing cone 40 can be provided on sealing member 39 . This embodiment is particularly advantageous because of its airtight and “compliant” sealing effect. It should be understood that the sealing member can also have a different shape, such as a rotationally symmetric shape (e.g., like a torpedo or an egg). [0052] Accordingly, a valve device is provided which is constructed and arranged to prevent undesired extension of the control cylinder piston rod caused by slight leaks in the pressurizing valve, and which does not require additional programming to accomplish this function. The valve device according to the present invention can be readily integrated as a component in devices that are present in any case, such that additional assembly and connecting-line costs can be avoided. [0053] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. [0054] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

For a valve arrangement of a pneumatically actuated, spring-loaded control cylinder, a non-return valve in pneumatic communication with the control cylinder piston chamber. At very low backpressures in the control cylinder piston chamber caused by leaks of the valve responsible for pressurization of the piston chamber, the chamber is vented by passage of a very small air stream via the non-return valve. In this way, leaks cannot cause a very slow pressure buildup in the control cylinder piston chamber, followed at some time by undesired shifting of the control cylinder. In contrast, in the case of normal pressure buildup, i.e., during switching of the pressurizing valve, the non-return valve is promptly closed and the pressure in the control cylinder piston chamber is not influenced.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION See the copending application for "Improved Light Activated Silicon Switch", Ser. No. 932,992 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,409 (W.E. 47,701) filed on Aug. 11, 1978 in the name of Paul G. McMullin and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a semiconductor device and particularly to a four region light activated silicon switch (LASS). 2. Description of the Prior Art In order to actuate a LASS, a large amount of light must be delivered to the proper regions within the wafer of semiconductor material comprising the semiconductor device. To accomplish this it has been the practice to direct a beam of light on to at least one surface of the silicon wafer. Typically, the beam is sent in a perpendicular direction to the wafer surface or at Brewster's angle in order to minimize the surface reflection loss. There are some rather severe disadvantages with these prior art techniques for light coupling to the LASS. Typically, the light is introduced through a central aperture, or one or more rectangular slots arranged in the cathode electrode. Thus the light is introduced into a relatively compact area. It is characteristic of the LASS that current conduction spreads slowly from the region initially turned on as determined by the area exposed to light. Thus, it takes a relatively long time for conduction to spread from the turned on area to cover the entire useful area of the device. From the illuminated or turned on area, the shortest electrical path is in a direction toward the aperture in the cathode electrode, but obviously, since the aperture presents no electrical contact, the path to the cathode electrode must be longer. Thus much of the initial current passes through long, relatively high resistance paths in the silicon before it can enter the metal cathode electrode or contact surrounding the aperture. This high resistance causes rapid heating at the beginning of current flow, and limits the amount of current that can be tolerated without device failure. Further, with the single aperture, or the one or more rectangular slots in the cathode electrode, the heat generated in the silicon wafer in the area where the light impinges must seek a longer thermal path to the cathode electrode surrounding in the aperture. There is of course still a thermal path to an anode electrode which also serves as a heat sink. As a result, thermal considerations place an upper limit on the starting current capacity for the device. A typical prior art device is described in British Pat. No. 1,254,634 for "Improved Thyristor Arrangement" invented by Boksjo et al. In this patent the thyristor is turned on by a controlled illumination which is applied normal to the semiconductor body through windows arranged in both the anode and cathode sides of the LASS. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improved light activated silicon switch is provided comprising a silicon wafer with cathode-emitter, cathode-base, anode-base and anode-emitter regions. A plurality of optical targets are provided, each target comprising a channel cut in the cathode-base region. A plurality of light transmitting conduits are provided, each conduit having two end portions and comprising a central core of light transmitting material surrounded by a cladding, the cladding being removed at one end portion for optically communicating with said channel, the other end portion being adapted to receive a light trigger from a source. Anode and cathode electrodes are affixed to said anode and cathode emitter regions. The optical targets, 1 to 10 in number, are V-shaped channels which occupy less than 25% of the surface area of the cathode-base region. The central core is of a material having a higher index of refraction than the cladding, so that the transmitted light is confined to the central core until it reaches the area of the target. In a second embodiment, the light is introduced into both sides of the silicon wafer, a plurality of additional optical targets, 1 to 10 in number, being arranged as V-shaped channels in the anode-emitter region. A plurality of identical light transmitting conduits are also provided, each conduit having two end portions, one end portion optically communicating with a channel, the other end portion being adapted to receive the light trigger, respectively. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the light activated switch (LASS) with the metalization removed in order to show the light transmitting conduits; FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the LASS taken along the line II--II of FIG. 1, with the metalization shown in place; FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing a light transmitting conduit optically connected with an optical target in the silicon wafer of the LASS; FIG. 4 is an isometric view showing a target channel cut in the cathode base region and, showing three of the four (111) planes after etching; FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the LASS in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 6 is a cross section view of the LASS in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, depicting light transmitting conduits optically connected with target areas in both the cathode-base and anode emitter regions. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a light activated silicon switch (LASS) is indicated generally at 10. As best shown in FIG. 3, a silicon wafer identified generally at 12, comprises N and P type conductivity regions in N-P-N-P sequence as shown: cathode-emitter (N+) 14, cathode-base (P) 16, anode-base (N) 18, and anode-emitter (P) 20. The silicon wafer 12 may be manufactured by any suitable method known to those skilled in the art as for example alloying, diffusion and epitaxial growth are all potentially useful methods. Diffusion and epitaxial growth are the most widely used methods. Briefly, in the diffusion process starting with an N type wafer, acceptor atoms are diffused on both sides of the N-type wafer to provide a P-N-P structure. Then donor atoms are diffused into one surface to give the required N-P-N-P configuration. The thicknesses of the various regions are controlled to provide the required voltage and triggering characteristics. The structure of the silicon wafer is well known in the art: see Thyristor Physics by Adolph Blicher published by Springer-Verlag New York 1976 at pages 7-8. A metallic member 22 of for example molybdenum, which forms an anode electrode for the LASS device, is affixed to the anode emitter region 20. The LASS has three P-N junctions identified as J 1 , J 2 , and J 3 . When voltage is applied in the forward blocking direction the depletion layer is indicated at 24. The depth of this layer is a function of the voltage conditions and the degree of doping. A number of targets FIG. 1: 26, 28, 30 are prepared in the cathode-base region 16 in the region of a cathode shunt as 32 (FIG. 3). In the interests of simplicity only three targets are shown in FIG. 1 but in the practical embodiment there will be 1-10 or more, but covering less than 25% of the surface area of the cathode base region 16. As best shown in FIG. 4, the target such as 26 is produced by an etchant comprising ethylenediamine 35.1 mole percent, pyrocatechal 3.7 mole percent, and water 61.2 mole percent. The action of this etchant is to rapidly remove silicon material until a particular crystal plane surface is exposed. Specifically, the etchant is used until a (111) crystallographic plane is exposed. Such (111) planes are so disposed in the silicon crystal that etching a (100) oriented silicon surface produces grooves of V-shaped cross section. The V-target 26 is approximately 10-25 microns in depth (well removed from the depletion layer 24) and 100 mils long. The usual thickness of the cathode base region 16 is between 50 and 75 μmeters. A metallic layer 34 of aluminum or an alloy of titanium, paladium and silver about 5 μmeters thick is plated over the cathode emitter region 14, the plating extending for about 3 microns into the target 26 such as shown in FIG. 3. The purpose of this plating extension is to insure that there is electrical contact up to the edge of the target 26. Light transmitting conduits indicated generally at FIG. 1: 36, 38, 40 are arranged to contact the targets 26, 28 and 30 respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, the light transmitting conduit 36 comprises a light transmissive core 42, covered by a cladding 44, the cladding being suitably removed at the target where it is desired to deliver the light. Advantageously the core 42 is of flint glass having an index of refraction of 1.6, while the cladding is silicon dioxide. The silicon dioxide, thermally grown, has in index of refraction of 1.42-1.46. The silicon wafer typically has an index of refraction of 3.5. The thickness of the light transmitting conduit 36 is approximately 0.25 μmeters. One end portion of the light transmitting conduits 36, 38 and 40 terminates at the target area 26, 28, 30 respectively, while the other end portion terminates in a yoke 46 for receiving a light trigger. Overlying the yoke 46 is an optical system indicated generally at 48 for delivering light from a light trigger source (not shown), to the light transmitting conduits 36, 38 and 40, from whence it will be delivered to the targets areas 26, 28, 30. The cladding 44 is appropriately removed from the conduit 36 to permit light to enter the cathode-base region 16. Optical system 48 is here illustrated as a prism which reflects the light rays into the light transmitting conduits. A metallic layer 50 about 50 μmeters thick is plated over the conduits 36, 38, 40, making electrical contact with the cathode electrode 34, but not covering the optical system 48. Typically the layer 50 is of copper, nickel or silver. Completing the description of the device, passivation for the LASS is identified at 52. The passivation material is an organic silicon resin used to prevent leakage currents on the surface of the silicon wafer, and also to prevent a spurious conductive path from developing between the anode and cathode electrodes. In the commercial package of the LASS 10 it will be mechanically supported on electrical conductors 54 and 56 shown in phantom section in FIG. 2. The light trigger source may be any optical driver which produces light having a wave length of about 1.06 meters. The limits for the light source are in the wave length range approximately 1.00 to 1.10 μmeters. If the wave length is longer than 1.14 μmeters, the light is not absorbed in the silicon wafer. If the wave length is shorter than about 1.0 μmeters it does not penetrate well into the silicon wafer. The choice of wave length within this range i.e. 1.00 to 1.10 μmeters, depends upon several factors including the voltage rating of the device, the particular configuration of the device, and most important, in the present state of the art, what light sources are presently commercially available. Typically, the light source is neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. The laser source may be beamed directly at the optical system 48 or it may be delivered to the optical system 48 by means of optical fibers or mirrors of a combination of both. In operation the LASS 10 is arranged so that a light trigger source emits light which is received by the optical system 48 and transmitted to the light transmitting conduits i.e. 36, 38 and 40 from where it then enters the cathode-base region 16 at the target areas 26, 28, 30. As best shown in FIG. 3, the light will enter the silicon ±23° from the normal N 1 to the sides of the V channel 26, nominally at 55° off the normal N 2 to the original surface, giving penetration of light under the metallized layer 34. As a result of this illumination anode to cathode conduction takes place in the place indicated at 58, a highly desired consequence since this is a low resistance path and consequently higher starting currents can be tolerated. In another embodiment of the device, illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, light is introduced to both sides of the silicon wafer 12. Since the light which initially enters the silicon wafer 12 is depleted exponentially, as a function of the depth of penetration, the introduction of light from the anode-emitter region 20 will increase the available light in the portions of the regions where it would otherwise be weakened; this dual triggering will insure faster turn on, and more efficient utilization of the available light in many applications. In order to avoid needless repetition of the identifying numeration, the same numerals have been retained in FIGS. 5 and 6 where the parts are identical to those in the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an equal number of targets, i.e. 1 to 10 or more, are prepared in the anode-emitter region 20, the area occupied by all of these targets covering less than 25% of the surface area of the anode-emitter region 20. In the interests of simplicity, only one of the V-shaped targets is shown at 58. These targets are etched in the silicon wafer 12 exactly as described in connection with FIG. 4. As in the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment, a light transmitting conduit 60 is arranged to contact the target 58. The light transmitting conduit 60 comprises a light transmissive core 62, covered by a cladding 64, the cladding 64 being suitably removed at the end portions respectively, to receive the light trigger and deliver the light at the target 58. The materials for the core 62 and cladding 64 are the same as their counterparts in FIGS. 1-4. A thin metallic layer 66 of aluminum, or an alloy of titanium, paladium and silver, about 5 μmeters thick, is plated over the anode-emitter region 20, the plating extending into the V-shaped target 58 for about 3 microns such as shown in FIG. 6. A metallic covering 68 of molybdenum is formed over the metallic layer 66 as well as the light transmitting conduits such as 62. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1., a plurality of the light transmitting conduits such as 60 are arranged in a yoke which optically communicates with a light prism indicated generally at 70. Since there are now two optical systems 48 and 70 to which the light must be transmitted, the light source, laser 72, is split by mirrors 74 and 76. The mirror 74 is apertured, so that the laser beam which strikes it is deflected to mirror 76 and then to prism 70. The apertured mirror 74 also reflects the laser beam to the prism 48 as indicated by the dashed lines (unnumbered).

A light activated silicon switch (LASS) is disclosed in which light is transmitted from a light trigger source to target areas prepared in the cathode-base and anode-emitter regions of the silicon wafer. These target areas are V-shaped channels etched in the silicon wafer. Light transmitting conduits, each consisting of a central core of light transmissive material, with an outer cladding, are arranged to transmit the light energy to the respective target areas. The cladding is removed at one end of each conduit for optically coupling the light to the proximate target area, while the other end of the conduit is adapted to receive a light trigger signal of appropriate wave length.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This application relates to the field of tying knots. In particular, the application relates to the formation of decorative knots for use primarily in artistic designs. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] There is a considerable interest in forming knots from lace, line, string, rope, cable, ribbon, fabric, or any other kind of material known in the art of knot tying. While it is well known that knots can be used to bind and secure objects, knots are also often used in the artistic design of decorating clothing, small personal belongings, house interiors, and the like. [0003] Knots have long been used in the clothing industry, the accessory industry, and decorative design. The kinds of knots used in these applications range from the structural to the ornamental, and in some cases, a knot can be both structural and ornamental (e.g., buttons). Ornamental knots, unlike structural knots, must be pleasing to the eye. There needs to be, therefore, a method of unvaryingly and efficiently tying a sequence of substantially identical knots. Efficiently tying substantially identical knots is particularly useful when the knots are to be arranged in a continuous matter or in close proximity. Using conventional knot-tying methods, however, can make this task quite daunting. [0004] One advantage of the current invention is using the aforementioned principles in combination with a newly discovered knot-creating technique that enables the user to form a continuous, uniform sequence of knots from a single piece of material, such as fabric. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for tying a continuous sequence of substantially identical knots. The sequence of knots is useful in the art of clothing design, accessory ornamentation, and decorative design, but may also be used for other aesthetic purposes. [0006] The term “designer” as used herein refers to a person or persons, as the case may be, who devises and/or executes designs related to knots, clothes, or other works in which knots may be used, whether alone or in one or more groups, whether in the same or various places, and whether at the same time or at various different times. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a method of folding a piece of material to produce a ribbon-like length of material for use in knot tying; [0008] FIG. 4 . illustrates an end portion of the ribbon-like length; [0009] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the method of producing a single overhand knot using the ribbon-like length of FIG. 4 ; [0010] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the method of producing a continuous sequence of substantially identical knots using the method of FIGS. 5 and 6 ; and [0011] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate both sides of a continuous length of the knots. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0012] In certain embodiments, the knot may be constructed from a ribbon-like length of fabric. The ribbon-like length may be prepared from any type of fabric known in the art (e.g., acetate, acrylic, cotton, linen, nylon, polyester, rayon, silk, satin, velvet, denim, felt, flannel, microfiber, etc.). [0013] In certain embodiments, the first step in the formation of the ribbon-like length of material is to fold over the end, or edge, of a piece of material as illustrated in FIG. 1 . The end folding width 102 can vary depending on the designer's application, but in the depicted embodiment, the folding width 102 is approximately ¼ inch. In certain embodiments, folding the end of the material may prevent fraying of the material and/or provide the termination point of the ribbon-like length of material with a cleaner, finished look. [0014] FIG. 2 illustrates the step of folding the sides of the ribbon. The folding width 202 depends on the desired thickness of the final, ribbon-like length of material and the desired shape. In the depicted embodiment, the desired thickness of the ribbon-like length 400 is six material layers, thus the folding width 202 on each side would be approximately ⅙th the overall material width 104 . [0015] FIG. 3 illustrates the additional step of folding the sides of the material shown in FIG. 2 . In the depicted embodiment, the folding width 302 is substantially equal to the folding width 202 in FIG. 2 . [0016] FIG. 4 illustrates the final step of folding the sides of the material shown in FIG. 3 . In the depicted embodiment, the folding width 402 is substantially equal to both the folding width 202 in FIG. 2 and the folding width 302 in FIG. 3 . [0017] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 4 , the ribbon-like length 400 is six material layers thick; however, the ribbon-like length 400 may be any number of layers in thickness. The number of layers needed is a function of both the individual designer's desired final thickness and the thickness of the material being used. For example, if a very thin material is used, a designer may use many folds to increase the final thickness. Contrarily, if a thick material is used, the designer may use only a few folds, and the final ribbon-like length will be only a couple of layers thick. [0018] In certain embodiments, an adhesive may be used between the layers or the folds to ensure that the ribbon-like length 400 does not unfold before, during, or after preparation. The adhesive or similar material may also be used to prevent the edges of the material from fraying. [0019] In certain embodiments, the folding width in FIGS. 2-4 may be intentionally varied, thus giving the ribbon an inconsistent thickness. In some designs, for example, the designer may prefer the appearance of knots if one side of the ribbon-like fabric is thicker than the other. [0020] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates the steps of forming a single overhand knot 408 from a ribbon-like length 400 . A loop 406 to receive the working end 404 is formed in the ribbon-like length 400 . The working end 404 is folded over the intersection point 410 of the working end 404 and the standing part 412 and pulled through the loop 406 . The overhand knot 408 is tightened by pulling or tugging on the working end 404 while securing the standing part 412 . [0021] Once the first overhand knot 408 is formed, the process, as seen in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , is repeated at another point in the fabric length. In the depicted embodiment, the knots are arranged such that each knot in succession is in direct contact with the previous knot. The process of FIGS. 7 and 8 is repeated until the desired length of knots is reached. [0022] FIGS. 9A and 9B show both sides of a portion of a complete, continuous, uniform sequence of knots from a single piece of fabric. [0023] In general, the embodiments described herein use fabric in the knot-tying process. However, it is entirely possible to apply the process of tying a continuous, uniform sequence of knots to other applications which involve flexible materials other than fabric. For example, in jewelry making, a designer could choose to use metal ribbon, strips or the like when making the metal equivalent of the ribbon-like fabric length 400 . The final product could be used in a plurality of applications, including the fabrication of necklaces, rings, or bracelets, or it could be used merely as ornamentation. [0024] Although various embodiments have been described with reference to a particular arrangement of parts, features and the like, these embodiments are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements or features, and indeed, many other embodiments, modifications, and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.

A method is provided for tying a continuous sequence of substantially identical overhand knots from a single piece of material. The sequence of knots is useful in the art of clothing design, accessory ornamentation, and decorative design, but may also be used for other aesthetic purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the production of beer and the provision of restaurant services generally and to the distributed production of beer and distributed provision of restaurant services in particular. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The production of beer is old in the human arts, with some historians and anthropologists of the belief that it was the need to produce grain to ferment into beer that led to the establishment of civilization thousands of years ago. [0003] In very general terms, the production of beer involves first producing a “sweet wort”. The sweet wort is formed by the addition of water to malted, and unmalted crushed grain, such as but not limited to barley, to form a slurry or mash in a mash tun. Through the action of naturally occurring enzymes this mash is then converted into the sweet wort. Subsequently, the liquid in the sweet wort is drained from the mash tun and directed to a brew kettle where hops are added. The hopped liquid is then boiled in the brew kettle to produce a “hopped wort.” The final step in the brewing process involves the addition of a yeast to cause fermentation to occur in a fermentation vessel, which in turn results in the production of alcohol. [0004] Over the years, the foregoing general process has been tinkered with and altered by brewmasters to produce beers of differing flavors, coloring, clarity, and alcohol content. Differing pressures, temperatures, grains, yeasts, and fermentation times produce differing beers, which is inclusive of ales and lagers. [0005] Along with the rise in the production and sale of fermented beverages came eventually the provision of restaurant services. The basic methods of providing restaurant services, including the sale of alcoholic beverages, has changed little in substance, though perhaps greatly in style, over the centuries. [0006] Many restaurants, though not all, serve alcoholic beverages, including beers. Restaurants generally provide their customers with beer by purchasing finished product produced at a brewery, which is then shipped to a restaurant for sale, or, in a few instances, by producing the beer on site at the restaurant. The latter form of restaurant establishments are known as “brew-pubs” in the industry. In reality, the vast majority of beer is brewed by the major breweries and then transported to various restaurants and served either in individual containers or out of kegs. Some restaurants have made the large capital expenditures necessary to brew beer from start to finish on site, though their numbers are limited because of the cost involved in purchasing, operating, and maintaining a quality beer production facility in a restaurant. In addition, those restaurants that have made this investment find expansion difficult to achieve for several reasons, not the least of them being because of the cost involved in building new brewing facilities at a new location and the lack of skilled brewmasters to oversee the brewing process in the individual restaurants. Consequently, often times a successful restaurant offering on-site brewing as well as other restaurant services is unable to expand beyond a single restaurant because of the capital cost involved with establishing another on-site brewery and/or the lack of a brewmaster to oversee the brewing operation. [0007] Another difficulty faced by brew-pubs in expanding their operations from a single site is that the quality of beer produced at varying locations can differ for a number of reasons, most prominent of them being the quality of water used to produce the beer at each site. That is, because water quality naturally varies from site to site, it is difficult—if not nearly impossible—and costly to produce a beer of the exact same taste and quality from brew-pub to brew-pub without costly processing of the local water at multiple location so as to remove it as a factor in the quality of the final product produced at each location. [0008] Some brew-pubs have perhaps considered a central location for the production of all of their brewed product with shipment of the finished product from the central production facility to other locations, thus avoiding the issue of the large capital costs involved in setting up second and subsequent brewing facilities. A considerable difficulty of this approach, however, is the regulatory morass involved in the production and transport of alcoholic beverages in intrastate and interstate commerce. [0009] The prior art discloses an interruption in the brewing process in U.S. Pat. No. 3,290,153 to Bayne, et al. In that patent, the brewing process is discontinued after the production of the hopped wort. The hopped wort is then concentrated by passing it through continuous film evaporators to produce a wort concentrate having a solids content of about 80%. Following concentration, the wort is cooled to a temperature below 105° F. The patent then notes that the wort concentrate can be stored on site or shipped elsewhere for subsequent reconstitution and fermentation. It is unclear whether this method was ever actually implemented, but in any event, this production method is rife with difficulty, however, not the least of which is that the taste, color, etc. of beer is greatly dependent upon the quality of water used in the production of the final product. Thus, the production of beer at a different location from where the wort was originally produced using this process is subject to the production of beer of varying quality and taste at the various final production facilities or to great cost to neutralize the effect of the local water quality. In addition, the cost of producing the wort concentrate is itself expensive in that it requires multiple evaporators or equivalent equipment to produce the concentrated wort. [0010] It would be desirable to have a process for the distributed production of beer and restaurant services to eliminate the foregoing deficiencies in the provision of beer and restaurant services. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide new and improved methods of beer production that is not subject to the foregoing disadvantages. [0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a quality beer product that is finish brewed at a plurality of restaurant locations at a favorable cost of production. [0013] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method for production of a quality beer product originally brewed on-site at a plurality of locations using a single source for the production of the hopped wort. [0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for a brew-pub to produce a quality beer product at a plurality of locations without incurring full infrastructure costs for beer production at each location. [0015] It is still yet another object of the present invention to enable a brew-pub chain to produce a beer of singular quality at each of its restaurants. [0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to enable a brew-pub chain to produce a beer of singular quality at each of its restaurants without regard to local variations in water quality used in the production of beer. [0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for a brew-pub to expand from a single location to one or more additional locations while still being able to produce and sell beer brewed on site without sacrificing quality in the brewed product and without being subject to various state and federal regulations regarding the production and shipment of alcoholic beverages. [0018] The foregoing objects of the present invention are provided by a method for distributed restaurant services and beer production. The present invention provides for establishing a first of a plurality of restaurants with the first restaurant including the necessary equipment to brew beer from start to finish and being generally capable of producing more hopped wort than the first restaurant necessarily needs, presuming normal patronage, for fermenting into beer for onsite sales. The excess capacity hopped wort is cooled and then the unconcentrated, unadulterated hopped word is transported to at least a second restaurant where the hopped wort is placed within a fermentation vessel for the addition of yeast to begin and complete the fermentation process. [0019] More generally, the present invention calls for the establishment of a centralized facility for the production of unfermented, undiluted, and unprocessed hopped wort using a single source of water. This hopped wort is then cooled and transported to a plurality of remote fermentation sites where the hopped wort will be fermented into beer by the addition of yeast. The fermentation sites are preferably located within a restaurant to provide the restaurant customers with the aesthetic enjoyment of consuming beers fermented on the premises and to provide a consistent quality from one restaurant location to the next where such beers are produced. [0020] The foregoing objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following detailed description of the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. Throughout the drawings, like numerals refer to similar or identical parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING [0021] [0021]FIG. 1 illustrates a flow chart showing a method for the production of beer in accord with the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0022] The present invention provides for an discontinuation of the brewing process after the production of the hopped wort. The hopped wort is then transported to another location where the brewing process is completed. In other words, the present invention provides for beginning the beer production process at one facility and finishing at another facility remote from the first without sacrificing quality in the final product and without incurring multiple infrastructure costs at each location. [0023] The general steps for the production of beer are well known, as set forth above. A method of producing beer according to the present invention includes completing the boil of the hopped wort in the brew kettle at the first facility. Upon completion of the boil of the hopped wort, the hopped wort will be chilled from its boiling temperature to between about 32° F. (0° C.) and about 38° F. (about 3° C.), and preferably about 36° F. (2.2° C.). There are many methods available for cooling such a liquid, such as passing it through a heat exchanger to remove the heat and then placing it in a cold wort storage vessel. The hopped wort could be chilled either in situ in the storage vessel or could undergo in-line cooling in well known manner as the liquid is transferred from the brew kettle to the storage vessel. Cooling of the hopped wort is desirable since bacterial action will be substantially, if not totally, inhibited. [0024] After the hopped wort has been sufficiently cooled, it will be substantially held at the desired temperature range until it has been transported to one of the remote brewing sites. Depending upon the distance between the central facility and the remote fermenter, refrigeration of the wort may not be necessary since the hopped wort will warm only slightly over short transportation distances when transported in an insulated container. Where substantial distances are involved, however, it may be desirable to refrigerate the hopped wort during transport to maintain the desired temperature range and thus inhibit microbial activity from occurring in the hopped wort. [0025] Upon arrival at the remote brewing site, the temperature of the hopped wort will be raised to the appropriate fermentation temperature either within or prior to transferring it to a fermentation vessel or fermenter. It will be understood that the “appropriate fermentation temperature” will vary based upon the beer being produced, which in turn is dependent upon the yeast being used in the fermentation process. Different yeasts, as is well known in the brewing arts, will ferment at different temperatures. Generally, however, the temperature will be raised to within in range of about 48° F. (about 9° C.) to about 74° F. (about 23° C.). [0026] The hopped wort can be warmed to the appropriate temperature for the particular product being produced by use of in-line heaters between the transport vessel and the fermentation vessel at the second location. Alternatively, the hopped wort can be warmed in the fermentation vessel. [0027] Once in the fermentation vessel and heated to the appropriate temperature for the particular yeast to be added, the yeast will be added and the fermentation process will begin [0028] The present invention also provides a method for providing distributed restaurant services including the service of fermented-on-site beers. In a method in accord with the present invention, a centralized hopped wort production facility is established, which may be within an established restaurant. A hopped wort is produced at the centralized facility and then cooled and transported all as previously described to remote restaurant sites providing restaurant services comprising serving food and beverages including beer. The appropriate yeast will then be added to the rewarmed hopped wort at the remote restaurant site and the hopped wort will be fermented into beer. [0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention will be described with reference to the process flow chart shown there. Thus, FIG. 1 illustrates a method 10 for the distributed production of a quality beer product that is substantially independent of the quality of the local water source at the secondary production facilities. Method 10 contemplates establishing a first production facility as indicated at 12 , such as a restaurant providing restaurant services, with the facility including the necessary and well-known equipment for the production of beer from start to finish. Additionally, the first production facility will be able to produce hopped wort at a capacity over and above what would normally be expected to be fermented into beer and sold on the premises. The present invention contemplates that the production of the hopped wort will be carried out in the normal course of beer production at the first facility as indicated at 14 , preferably under the direction of a skilled brewmaster. [0030] Once a batch of hopped wort has been produced, a preselected amount of the hopped wort batch can be drawn off and quickly cooled from its boiling point to a temperature below which microbial activity can normally be expected to occur, that is, within the range of between about 32° F. (0° C.) and about 38° F. (about 3° C.), and preferably about 36° F. (about 2.2° C.), as indicated at 16 . It will be understood that the production of the hopped wort, which involves boiling, will destroy most microbes present in the hopped liquid prior to boiling. By rapidly cooling the hopped wort, microbial production is slowed if not completely prevented, during transport to the fermentation facility at a remote location. [0031] The hot wort can be cooled as indicated at 16 in any known manner useful for cooling hot fluids. For example, the output lines from the wort kettle may be jacketed with a cooling line. Alternatively, the hopped wort could be transferred to an appropriately designed cooling vessel known in the art for cooling to the desired temperature range. [0032] Once cooled, the hopped wort can be loaded into a storage vessel disposed on any known form of transport capable of transporting fluids in sterile or near sterile conditions. The hopped wort can then be transported as indicated at 18 to a remote or distributed site. Typically the storage vessels used in liquid transport are insulated, preventing substantial temperature changes in the fluid. Thus, if the final production facility for which the hopped wort is destined is nearby, further efforts to maintain the temperature of the hopped wort within the range of between about 32° F. (0° C.) and about 38° F. (about 3° C.) will be unnecessary. Where, however, the wort is to be transported a considerable distance, or where environmental factors such as the ambient temperature would so indicate, the storage vessel could also be refrigerated in any well known manner so as to maintain the hopped wort within the acceptable transport temperature range. [0033] Following the arrival of the hopped wort at the remote, final production facility, which may be another restaurant as previously noted, the hopped word will be offloaded from the transport vessel into a fermentation vessel. Either prior to offloading, during the transfer to the fermenter, or after being received in the fermentation vessel, the hopped wort will be warmed as indicated at 20 to the appropriate fermentation temperature for the final step in the beer production process—fermentation. As noted previously, different beers ferment at different temperatures. Generally, however, the hopped wort will need to be warmed to a temperature within the range of about 48° F. (about 9° C.) to about 74° F. (about 23° C.) as indicated above. Once the hopped wort is at the proper temperature and is now in the fermentation vessel depending upon where the warming occurred, the proper yeast can be added to the hopped wort as indicated at 22 to begin the fermentation process as indicated at 24 . [0034] Following the normal fermentation for the particular type of beer desired to be produced, the newly on-site-produced beer is aged in maturation vessels and then is served to the restaurant's customers. Because there is no or very little local water that would need to be added during the fermentation process, the present invention of providing restaurant services is essentially independent of local water quality and thus the beer finally produced at the remote locations will have substantially the same taste and color and be of the same quality as that produced at the production facility which produced the hopped wort. [0035] The present invention enables a restaurateur to expand the number of restaurant sites that offer a particular decor, menu, and on-site brewed beverages of identical taste and quality while reducing the amount of capital involved to do so and the need to rely on a skilled brewmaster at each location where the beverages are fermented. That is, with the present invention, a single brewmaster can maintain control of the production of the hopped wort at the central facility as well as individually oversee or properly train employees to oversee the fermentation process at the individual restaurants where the fermentation takes place. In addition, because the hopped wort does not contain alcohol, the production and transport of the hopped wort does not implicate state and federal laws and regulations regarding the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages, thus eliminating administrative and legal costs associated with compliance with those laws and regulations. [0036] More generally still, the present invention provides a new method of producing beer comprising, first, cooling a hopped wort produced at a first location, which could be a centralized production facility, to a temperature in the range of about 32° F. to about 38° F.; second, transporting the unconcentrated, unadulterated hopped wort to a second location remote from the first location, the second location being a brewpub, restaurant, bar, or any other establishment capable of fermenting the hopped wort into beer; and, third, fermenting the hopped wort into beer at the second location. The present invention is distinct over the prior art techniques of producing beer in that the prior art beer production process is interrupted before the yeast is added to the hopped wort and instead the hopped wort is first transported to a second location remote from the first in any known manner, such as by trucks having refrigerated vessels for fluid transport and then the yeast is subsequently added at a new fermentation location. [0037] The present invention having thus been described, other modifications, alterations, or substitutions may now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, all of which are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the present invention be limited only by the scope of the attached claims below.

The present invention calls for the establishment of a centralized facility for the production of unfermented, undiluted, and unprocessed hopped wort using a single source of water. The hopped wort is then cooled and transported to a plurality of remote fermentation sites where the hopped wort will be fermented into beer by the addition of yeast. The fermentation sites are preferably located within a restaurant to provide the diners with the aesthetic enjoyment of consuming beers fermented on the premises and to provide a consistent quality from one restaurant location to the next where such beers are produced.

PRIORITY [0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending provisional patent application 61/801,860 filed Mar. 15, 2013 entitled “A System For The Distribution Of Luminance” by the same inventors which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention relates generally to a luminaire and more particularly to a modular lighting system, which comprises a plurality of lighting system components, which can be designed in a variety of different ways. With even more particularity to the modification of the distribution of light. [0003] Lighting fixtures are one of the basic lighting devices used in homes, offices and a variety of industrial settings. A typical lighting fixture may be mounted on a wall, at a position above a desk, in a corridor, a door entrance, or a garage door such that the lighting fixture can illuminate the area. There are many factors that control the market for luminaires and lighting systems. A few important factors are the ability to create a well-lit hospitable environment, cost efficiency such as operating cost and other associated costs, code compliance, and more particularly aesthetics. One task that lighting designers have is finding adjustable illumination in accordance with an architectural design. Traditional luminaires when mounted include housing, lamps, circuit boards, connectors, lens and other components. This can create an aesthetics or size constraint issue because of the large size of the luminaires. Additionally lighting designers have the task of positioning luminaires at the correct angle to better illuminate the environment. Typically after mounting a traditional luminaires, the distribution of light is set and cannot or can only be minimally be modified. What is needed to make the environment more aesthetically pleasing is an easy to install, affordable means for attaching a lighting system to a support structure and for modifying the distribution of light after installation. SUMMARY [0004] Disclosed herein is a device including a rectangular housing for housing a light source. The housing has an elongated opening for projecting the light and shutters positioned across the opening to control the light emerging from the light source through the opening. The shutters are pivotably mounted about the opening and a worm-drive is provided for setting the positions of the shutters which in-turn affects the output beam angle of the luminaire. [0005] The housings may be formed in a variety of shapes and the shutters may be effectuated using material with different optical properties. In operation, the light source, the position of the shutters and shutter material operate to create adjustable lighting systems. [0006] The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objectives and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of an adjustable lighting fixture. [0008] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of a worm drive. DESCRIPTION [0009] Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. [0010] Read this application with the following terms and phrases in their most general form. The general meaning of each of these terms or phrases is illustrative, not in any way limiting. Lexicography [0011] The term “luminaire” generally refers to a lighting unit consisting of a light source such as an light emitting diode (LED) or lamp(s) together with the parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the light source and to connect the light source to a power supply. [0012] The term “luminance” generally refers to the brightness of a light source or an object that has been illuminated by a source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0013] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of an adjustable lighting fixture 100 . The lighting fixture 100 has a housing 110 , which provides a physical support structure for accommodating luminaire components. The luminaire components may be inside the housing 110 such that the housing 110 encloses at least a portion of the luminaire components such as the light sources such as lamps and LEDs along with control circuits to operate those light sources. The light source is positioned to provide light out of an opening on the housing. The housing may be different shapes to allow for different light effects from the light source and in certain embodiments the opening may be formed to enhance those affects. [0014] Coupled to the housing 110 are two extended members 112 and 114 . The extended member 112 and 114 may be optically dark or provide for different degrees of translucency or clarity. The extended members may further include diffraction patterns to modify light passing out of the opening. Each of the extended members 112 and 114 each can be rotated about a pivot axis 113 and 115 located along each extended member. The pivot axis may be effectuated using a pin or swivel mechanism attaching a single point of the extended members 112 and 114 to an opening on the housing 110 . The extended members 112 and 114 are sized to fit snugly together when both extended members are rotated closed about the pivot axes (as shown in FIG. 1A ). This provides for complete coverage of the lamp and minimal to no light distribution. Additionally, when the extended members 112 and 114 are rotated open about the pivot axes the distribution of light is modified and more light can be dispensed ( FIGS. 1B-1C ). The output beam angle can also be adjusted by individually rotating or rotating both the extended members 112 and 114 . [0015] The extended members 112 and 114 can be adjusted by a mechanism coupled to the extended members 112 and 114 and located on the housing. Alternatively the extended members 112 and 114 can be adjusted remotely. One having skill in the art will recognize that the adjustment may be effectuated using a worm-drive system wherein a worm (a gear in the form of a screw) meshes with a worm gear mounted on each extended member 112 and 114 . The worm-drive may be operated using a set screw coupled to the worm-drive or in certain embodiments a motion activator may be coupled to the worm to allow for electronic control of the extended members. [0016] In operation, after the lighting fixture 100 is installed, the distribution of light can be modified by the user either remotely using a remote control or by manually adjusting the extended members 112 and 114 using the mechanism to affect a different output beam angles 116 Thus providing an adjustable lighting fixture, which is easy to install. This embodiment may be made from aluminum or other suitable material. Typical material includes, but is not limited to plastics, metals, ceramics, wood and fiberglass or combination thereof. One having skill in the art will appreciate that results of the lighting fixture may be effectuated using other materials. [0017] References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to effect such feature, structure or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Parts of the description are presented using terminology commonly employed by those of ordinary skill in the art to convey the substance of their work to others of ordinary skill in the art. [0018] FIG. 2 shows an illustration of a worm drive. In FIG. 2 a housing 210 encloses a first 212 and a second shutter 214 . Each shutter includes a gear mechanism 216 and 218 , which are each in turn coupled to a worm gear 220 . The worm gear 220 includes a head 222 , which may be a screw head, for positioning the worm gear and consequently the shutters 212 and 214 . [0019] The above illustration provides many different embodiments or embodiments for implementing different features of the invention. Specific embodiments of components and processes are described to help clarify the invention. These are, of course, merely embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention from that described in the claims. [0020] Certain aspects and embodiments of the current disclosure are included in the attached appendix which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. [0021] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

A luminaire including a rectangular housing for housing a light source. The housing has an elongated opening for projecting the light and shutters positioned across the opening to control the light emerging from the light source through the opening. The shutters are pivotably mounted about the opening and a worm-drive is provided for setting the positions of the shutters which in-turn affects the output beam angle of the luminaire.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/148,469, filed Jan. 30, 2009. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to means for powering electrosurgical and electrocautery tools and instruments. More specifically, the present invention relates to cordless battery-powered means for generating power that are compact enough to fit within a handpiece, powerful enough for use in sealing and resecting operations in the lungs, and safe enough to provide risk reduction incentives over conventional generator systems. Most specifically, the present invention focuses on the aspects of the electrical circuitry design for the minigenerator system to provide increased energy efficiency, feedback and alert systems, and adjustable performance parameters to tailor the procedure to the needs of each patient. 2. Description of the Related Art Battery-operated power generators are desirable for electrosurgical/electrocautery instruments because they eliminate the need for wires running from the instrument to generator boxes or wall outlets. This eliminates any chance of a leakage current fault that could harm the patient. That makes the unit inherently safe. In addition, safety compliance should be easy to obtain by sound electrical circuitry design that complies with well known and readily available industry standards (i.e. IEC 60601 and ISO 14971). With no wires, the surgeon would be free to articulate the unit without encumbrances, enabling more natural surgical techniques and a greater variety of techniques. There have been other attempts to overcome the reliance upon electrical wires and cords in providing electrosurgical/electrocautery tools with a reliable power supply. These attempts have confronted the dilemma in that eliminating the wall outlet electrical power source and relying completely on battery power typically makes the instrument so bulky that it is no less awkward to use than instruments attached to wires. Alternatively, providing a smaller battery to make the instrument easier to handle may be okay for more refined smaller scale surgical work but current circuitry designs and modes of usage cannot provide the amount of power necessary for more intensive surgeries in larger organs. Accordingly, several designs have accepted wires as necessary for the supply of a sufficient amount of power. These designs have focused on alternatives that reduce the negative aspects of wires (i.e. the ability of wires to get in a surgeon's way) rather than eliminating them altogether. Examples follow. U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,734 (hereinafter U.S. Pat. No. '734) entitled “Electrosurgical hand-held battery-operated instrument” by Colin Charles Owen Goble and assigned to Gyrus Medical Limited (Cardiff, GB) discloses an instrument that is truly without wires. However, it is noted that “[t]his instrument is primarily, but not exclusively, intended for fine surgical work, such as spinal, neurological, plastic, ear-nose-and-throat and dental surgery, and office procedures.” There is no mention of lung, pleural, chest, or thoracic capabilities. Additionally, the instrument uses a single treatment electrode and is monopolar (see Abstract, claim 1, 1:29-31, etc.). The array of surgical procedures compatible with such a design is limited. The minigenerator of the present invention can be used with bipolar instruments having multiple treatment electrodes and this expands the potential applications. Since the battery-operated instrument of U.S. Pat. No. '734 is monopolar it requires a return path to be built into the housing of the instrument in order to avoid localizing current in a patient's tissue in the region of a return pad. The return path takes the form of an electrically conductive shield outside the generator that provides capacitive coupling between the generator and its surroundings (see Abstract, claims 7-9, 1:38-43, etc.). This built-in return path adds some bulk to the device as the layering is: generator—insulator—conductive shield—insulator. This generator also uses and provides a conductive path of alternating current (AC) (see claim 18). The minigenerator of the present invention can also provide direct current (DC) for electrocautery in which current does not enter the patient's body. Direct current electrocautery may be safer in some situations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,514 (hereinafter U.S. Pat. No. '514) entitled “Cordless electrosurgical instrument” by Gary L. Long, et al. and assigned to Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Cincinnati, Ohio) achieves a “cordless” electrosurgical instrument in a narrow sense of the term in that the instrument itself is, in fact, cordless but for power it is required to screw-in or plug-in to a trocar adapter unit that has wires and is itself electrically charged by a wall outlet. The outside of the tubular instrument has electrical contacts that receive energy as the instrument is passed through a trocar cannula. Thus, the instrument must be passed through and in contact with the trocar cannula to receive energy and the trocar adapter unit has wires. Connecting the instrument to the trocar adapter provides an extra step and obligation for a surgeon to perform before beginning to operate. Requiring the instrument to pass through a trocar cannula limits the angles and directions in which an instrument can be manipulated to access and treat a target site since it has to pass through the wired trocar adapter first. Thus, the advances of this system, if any, seem marginal. Typical voltages coming from a wall electrical outlet are much higher than the maximum voltages of reasonably-sized batteries and passing such a high voltage through a trocar cannula adapter unit in proximity to the patient could be dangerous. U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,163 (hereinafter U.S. Pat. No. '163) entitled “Wireless electrosurgical adapter unit and methods thereof” by Cary Hata, et al. and assigned to Quantumcor, Inc. (Irvine, Calif.) improves upon the wired trocar cannula adapter unit of U.S. Pat. No. '514 by providing an adapter unit that “contactably couples” to an energy source upon direct physical contact by the surgeon (4:30-38). “Contactable coupling” is defined in the patent as coupling two electrical contact elements by contacting without plugging or connection” (4:27-30). However, the system is not truly wireless in that wires exist, it is just that they are divided into separate discrete segments, hidden, and insulated. Wires extend through a surgeon's glove and/or gown to terminate in at least one electrically conductive patch zone (or two patch zones for bipolar instruments) that provides power to the adapter unit upon direct physical contact. A drawback of this system is that the instrument itself does not contactably couple to the power supply. Rather, the wireless adapter unit (WAU) stands between the electrical source in the surgeon's glove or gown and the electrosurgical instrument to be powered. The instrument itself actually connects to the WAU with a cable cord 25 and receptacle 24 (see FIG. 4 ) or it connects through wires stripped of their insulation and a spring-loaded plug (5:31-41). It seems it would be a better design to eliminate the adapter unit and contactably couple the electrical system in the surgeon's glove/gown directly with the instrument to be powered. This would streamline the connections and eliminate the duty to line-up and connect components in situ. This drawback is discussed and compared to the prior art (see 5:23-28, 5:31-41, and FIGS. 4A and 4B). U.S. Pat. No. '163 teaches away from a battery pack by suggesting the contactable coupling means described therein is superior because it doesn't take up space while batteries do and can make an instrument bulkier and heavier (2:7-14 and 4:36-38). The minigenerator power system of the present invention overcomes the issues of all of these references by providing a truly wireless system that avoids both a separate adapter unit and the need for a coupling mechanism and is capable of being used with bipolar (in addition to monopolar) instruments. The elimination of a coupling mechanism reduces instrumentation set-up time and the on-site power generation source reduces charging or power-up time. The special handpiece is hermetically sealed, without any external wires, and with a modern battery having specially designed circuitry that minimizes power usage for a lighter, longer-lasting battery-powered instrument. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an electrosurgical/electrocautery generator that is completely cordless, free of adapters, and entirely battery-powered. The generator is compact enough to fit within a handpiece of an electrosurgical/electrocautery instrument without adding weight or bulk. The generator is designed to fit within the handpieces of modern, smaller, endoscopic surgical instruments. The battery component of the generator can be as small as contemporary cell phone batteries (i.e. around 1.5″×1.5″×0.25″). The cordless nature of the entirely battery-powered generator provides safety improvements for both the patient and healthcare providers (surgeon and operating room staff). There are no cords for anyone to trip over and there is no risk of frayed wires or leaking voltage from poorly insulated or worn wires. The electric circuitry of the generator of the present invention has also been specially designed to perform at reduced voltage levels. The system can run off of a battery in the range of 6 volts to 24 volts and all voltage levels in the circuitry are low, at battery level, until the very last transformer (see last transformer T 2 in FIG. 2 final output diagram). Conventional generators with wires that rely on electrical energy from wall outlets typically work with 100-250 volts (V) alternating current (AC). Thus, the present design reduces widespread higher voltages. Other advantages of the cordless battery-powered design of the generator are that it is much more portable. Physicians working out of several hospitals, clinics, and out-patient offices (as many do) can carry the same preferred instrument with them from place to place, thereby building skill and confidence from using the same piece of equipment. Generator portability also reduces the need for a separate instrument and generator at every site or on every floor of a facility, thereby reducing overhead expense which is passed along to maintain lower procedure costs for patients and insurance companies. The generator system is so small compared to conventional plug-in wall units it is even easy to travel with including by plane transportation. Surgeons should prefer this cordless battery-powered generator because it drastically increases their safe range of motion during surgery, giving them greater ability to “dance” about the operating room and flex/bend/turn as necessary to obtain the best treatment angles without worrying about tripping on wires, getting cords tangled, or traversing the patient with electrically charged cords. Greater instrument controllability results in more precise and accurate cutting (more hit, less miss when aiming at a target) which consequently results in less bleeding from hitting unintended vessels and other structures. In addition to less bleeding, there is less structural damage to unintended structures. Better maneuverability also enables improved linear cutting with less deviation from a path along a line. The minigenerator of the present invention is ideal for powering many types of electrosurgical/elecrocautery instruments. The minigenerator can be used universally with any electrosurgical/electrocautery tools so long as it can fit in the handpiece of the instrument used to power those tools. Exemplary tools the minigenerator can be used to power include those with electrodes, optical fibers, barbs, blades, scissors, jaws, tissue-contacting surfaces, vibrators, heaters, ablators, ultrasonic generators, mechanical cutters/corers, spinning cutters, etc. It is especially well-suited for powering instruments that cut and seal tissue, including those that cut and seal through non-mechanical energy transfer means such as radiofrequency ablation, tissue welding, cauterization, infrared lasers, etc. The electronic circuitry of the generator is arranged in an interconnected closed loop functional feedback system such that power drained from the battery and converted by the converter can be adjusted as necessary to maintain a desired level of current or power supply to the final output. This internal system can also be connected with another external component that monitors an external variable, in a patient's body, that is impacted by the final output current or power. For example, a thermocouple might be used to monitor the temperature of a site in a patient's body. The temperature of a site in contact with the electrosurgical instrument is influenced by the power provided by the battery and the current provided to the final output. By providing Dynamic Temperature Control (DTC) and Dynamic Power Control (DPC) the present invention stabilizes the temperature at an optimal level (or range) while using the minimum amount of power necessary. Resistance is another variable that can be measured by a sensor to monitor the condition of the tissue to ensure it stays within safe ranges while providing the best therapeutic benefit. This feedback system saves energy by providing no more energy than is necessary to maintain a given level of current or power to the final output or to maintain the value of a variable that measures a characteristic of tissue in a patient's body at a desired therapeutic level. The hydrated condition of live tissues in a patient's body allows them to conduct electricity and permits a reduction in power necessary for effective treatment compared to desiccated tissues with little or no conduction. However, the extent of hydration and the resistance of tissues changes over the course of treatment and can change abruptly. These changes impact the power requirements to achieve the same effects. Continual feedback provides for the necessary power adjustments to maintain constant therapeutic benefits and avoid dangerous extremes that could cause unwanted outcomes including charring. A more energy-efficient instrument also provides an economic benefit by reducing power costs. According to a preferred embodiment, the generator also includes a means for tailoring the frequency, pulse width, and amplitude of the waveforms generated to match the needs of each patient and procedure. Timing circuits in the controller can be used to control the frequency and pulse width while the amplitude is directed by varying the voltage to the final output stage. The basic requirements for the circuit are a closed conductive path and an energy source. The battery described herein provides the energy source. The design of the electrosurgical/electrocautery instrument that connects the battery to the specific tools and elements it powers provides the closed conductive path. Other standard circuit elements can be added to obtain the desired functionality, feedback, controllability, and safety features. These elements include: capacitors, resistors, transistors, transformers, inverters, antennas, diodes, etc. A capacitor stores electric charge. A capacitor is used with a resistor in a timing circuit. It can also be used as a filter, to block DC signals but pass AC signals. A resistor restricts the flow of current, for example to limit the current passing through a light emitting diode (LED). A resistor is used with a capacitor in a timing circuit. A transistor amplifies current. It can be used with other components to make an amplifier or switching circuit. A transformer comprises two coils of wire linked by an iron core. Transformers are used to step up (increase) and step down (decrease) alternating current (AC) voltages. Energy is transferred between the coils by the magnetic field in the core and there is no electrical connection between the coils. An inverter can have only one input and the output is the inverse (opposite) of the input (i.e. the output is true when the input is false). An inverter is also called a “NOT gate”. An antenna receives and transmits signals, typically radiofrequency (RF) signals. A diode is a device which only allows current to flow in one direction. Advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description and drawings which follow, and in part will be obvious and implied from the description and drawings, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter and any other means suggested by them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating the basic feedback loop of the circuitry and showing how the current monitor and controller work together to adjust the amount of energy drained from the battery and/or processed by the converter and provided to the final output. FIG. 2 shows a circuit diagram demonstrating the final output and how this is fed by and isolated from the power generation components and remaining circuitry. FIG. 3 shows a power monitor that is used to sample the current by developing a voltage drop across a small resistance of 0.1 ohm. The voltage is numerically equal to the amperage drawn by the final output stage divided by 10. The voltage value is fed to the controller to determine if it is within an acceptable range. FIG. 4 shows a simple analog version of a timing circuit inside the controller used to generate the frequency and pulse width. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The design has been optimized for safe, energy-efficient battery operation. All voltage levels in the circuitry are low, at battery level, until the very last transformer T 2 (see the final output diagram shown in FIG. 2 illustrating how the last transformer T 2 is isolated). The last transformer multiplies the voltage and isolates the patient from the entire circuit. The output stage is simple, but efficient, ideal for battery operation. The use of a “swinging choke” T 1 (see FIG. 2 ) provides the necessary positive and negative outputs by using only two Field Effect Transistors (FETs). Using a wide range input DC-to-DC converter design, the latest battery technology can be utilized. Any battery input from about 6 volts up to 24 volts can be accommodated. The output of the DC-to-DC converter does not vary with changes in the input. Therefore the unit can provide an energy output (i.e. radiofrequency or RF output) that is independent of battery voltage. This fixed output feature makes battery life deterministic and predictable. A radiofrequency output is listed as exemplary only and is not limiting. The generator of the present invention could also be used in the handpiece of instruments that produce other energy forms as outputs, including infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), ultrasonic, lasers, etc. A battery can be selected to easily provide enough power for the procedure, plus a large safety factor, and still fit comfortably in the handle of an electrosurgical/elecrocautery instrument. Typical power requirements for a lung biopsy are 30 watts for 30 seconds. Using two 12-volt batteries with only 50% conversion efficiency, the battery capacity requirement would be 0.04 Amp-Hr: 30 ⁢ ⁢ W = 12 ⁢ ⁢ V @ 2.5 ⁢ ⁢ A , 2.5 ⁢ ⁢ A × 0.5 ⁢ ⁢ min × Hr ⁢ / ⁢ 60 ⁢ ⁢ min × 2 ⁢ ( 50 ⁢ % ⁢ ⁢ efficiency ) = 0.04 ⁢ ⁢ Amp ⁢ - ⁢ Hr . Small lithium-ion batteries in a portable form factor typically provide 0.5 Amp-Hr. This provides an excess capacity of greater than ten times (10×): 0.5/0.04=12.5. Monitoring the power supplied to the final amplifier stage and not supplying power if a momentary short circuit occurs, as happens in these procedures, extends battery life. During a short circuit the power required theoretically becomes infinite and battery life would be jeopardized if it were not detected. According to a preferred embodiment, the current to the final amplifier (final output) is monitored. This current is directly proportional to the amount of power (i.e. radiofrequency power) being supplied to the tissue. If a short occurs, the current detector will command the controller to cut the power, wait for a moment, then reapply a small amount of power to determine if the short has been cleared. If it has been cleared, then the full procedural power is restored. Alarms in the form of an audible sound (i.e. a beep or different pitches and tones), lights (including colored or flashing), and/or vibration (or another tactilely sensed change) are provided if a short circuit occurs so that the surgeon is immediately aware. The power monitor samples the current by developing a voltage drop across a small resistance of 0.1 ohm. This voltage is numerically equal to the amperage drawn by the final output stage and divided by 10. The voltage is fed to the controller to determine if it is in an acceptable range. Due to their interrelationship, if the voltage is in the acceptable range the current (amperage) is also in the acceptable range. The frequency, pulse width, and amplitude of the energy output (most commonly RF output for energy in the radiofrequency range) to the patient are all adjustable in real time. Handpiece and/or foot treadle controls can be provided so that the surgeon can adjust these parameters easily on-the-spot without interrupting cutting/resecting or sealing of tissue. Then, there is no need to stop, walk to a main console and manipulate controls there. Optionally, a programmer may also be incorporated and used when a particular waveform pattern is desired that can be too complicated or exhausting to achieve by manual operation (handpiece control buttons or foot treadle) alone. The ability to adjust the waveform characteristics allows the unit to produce the most effective waveform for each particular procedure. Different procedures, different instruments, different patients, and different sites on the same patient have different needs with respect to waveforms. The generator of the present invention is designed to accommodate all of these needs to achieve better surgical results with shorter procedures and longer battery life. The frequency and pulse width are generated with timing circuits in the controller. The controller communicates with the current monitor and these variables can be adjusted, if desired, in response to changes in the current. The timing circuits can be analog or microprocessor circuits. A simple analog version of a proven circuit is shown in FIG. 4 . The amplitude is a function of the voltage to the final output stage. That voltage is determined by the set point on the DC-to-DC converter, which is, in turn, provided by the controller. As shown in FIG. 1 , the controller communicates with the converter, the current monitor, and the final output to ensure the optimum voltage is provided to the final output from the converter. As previously stated, this voltage passed along to the final output is not dependent upon the voltage of the specific battery selected to power the generator. The voltage to the final output can be set at a specific value and that value can be achieved with any battery used by the generator. Additional sensors can be provided near a distal tip of the electrosurgical/electrocautery instrument powered by the generator at a target site in a patient's body to measure these variables (frequency, pulse width, amplitude) to ensure the goal values are achieved and to detect the numerical values at which the best performance occurs. Performance can be felt by the surgeon manipulating the instrument, seen on a monitor for endoscopic procedures, or seen with direct vision for open procedures. By utilizing temperature feedback (Dynamic Temperature Control or DTC) which can be determined from a thermocouple at the tissue site, power can be dynamically varied (Dynamic Power Control or DPC) during the procedure. It is possible to start the procedure at full power, monitor the temperature of the tissue, and reduce the power as soon as the temperature starts to approach the therapeutic temperature. A closed loop controller would provide just enough power to maintain the desired temperature and thereby maximize battery life. For example, temperature ranges of 60-75° C. in tissue have been shown to be optimal for cutting and sealing procedures (see Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Technology Review of Nov. 19, 2008: “Healing with Laser Heat—Surgical lasers could soon heal cuts as well as make incisions” by Lauren Gravitz.) The circuitry of the system can vary among the different embodiments so long as the objective is satisfied: energy conservation while providing a desired effect on target tissue that dynamically responds to the changing state of tissue as it is heated. Accordingly, the effect on tissue can be made to approach a known optimal range as measured by one or more tissue characteristics including resistance, temperature, density, moisture content, etc. In some cases the desired effect is assured by maintaining constant temperature of the tissue as energy is transferred to it. As the material nature of the tissue changes as it is heated, the amount of energy supplied to the tissue to maintain the optimal temperature may change. Temperature measures the degree of heat in the tissue and an average kinetic energy of particles in the tissue. According to a preferred embodiment, the circuitry comprises at least one capacitor and at least one resistor. More preferably, there are three capacitors and two resistors with a resistance of at least one resistor between 0.05 and 0.15 ohms. According to a preferred embodiment, there is a transformer that is a swinging choke transformer and there are two field effect transistors (FETs), such that the swinging choke transformer provides both a positive and a negative output, as necessary, by using only the two field effect transistors (FETs). As for the power source and converter, preferably, the battery has a voltage from 6 volts up to 24 volts and the energy converter is capable of handling DC-to-DC (direct current to direct current) conversion. The controller preferably includes at least one timing circuit. The timing circuit may be an analog or a microprocessor circuit and desirably has at least one inverter or NOT gate. To provide a desired effect on tissue the final output preferably operates at 30 watts or more for 30 seconds or longer. The exact power level provided by the final output to tissue and the length of time it is provided over to produce the desired effect will depend upon the details of a particular patient. Feedback sensors in situ ensure the system is properly calibrated for each individual patient and that the appropriate amount of energy is transferred to the tissue to produce a desired sealing or resecting effect without charring, burning, etc. Independent feedback sensors of one or more types (including those that measure temperature, resistance, moisture content, etc.) can be positioned in a patient at a tissue site to which an electrosurgical/electrocautery instrument (powered by the minigenerator herein) is applied and these sensors can be connected to directly or wirelessly communicate with the controller of the minigenerator. In some cases the sensors are part of the distal end of the electrosurgical or electrocautery instrument with which the minigenerator is used while in other cases they are independent components separately embedded in the tissue. Next, a general procedure for the collection of biopsy samples from a lung is outlined. The generator of the present invention could be used to power the electrosurgical instruments used to perform the biopsy procedure. However, this is just one application and is not intended to be limiting. The generator also can be used after biopsy to power more intensive treatment procedures with the objective of removing substantial quantities of tissue (much larger than the sizes needed for biopsy analysis) and sealing large regions (i.e. to reduce the spread of cancer or other disease, redirect flow, and/or prevent fluid accumulation or leakage). Although there is an emphasis on the lung, the generator is not limited to powering procedures within the lung. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the generator and methods described herein are readily adapted for the collection of biopsy samples, sealing (as a substitute for threaded sutures), and cutting/resecting operations in several regions of the body including nerve repair, blood vessel repair, cornea transplants, etc. General Procedure Step One: Consent, Anesthesia, Medical Staff, and Set-Up Prior to beginning the procedure, the informed consent of the patient should be obtained. One advantage of the present invention, as compared to traditional open-surgery biopsy techniques, is that it is done under local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. Consequently, there is less interference with the homeostasis of bodily functions and recovery time is reduced permitting patients to avoid lengthy and expensive post-operative stays in the hospital recovery unit. Further, local anesthesia generally allows for a quicker post-operative assessment of the patient's condition and of the success of the procedure. The preferred drug of choice for local anesthesia in the present procedure is a long-acting local anesthetic agent like bupivacaine. Lidocaine, novacaine, ropivacaine and procaine may also be used. Intravenous sedatives including versed, morphine, fentanyl and other agents enhance the effects of the local anesthetic agent by causing the patient to become sleepier, less anxious, and number to sensations like pain. An anesthesiologist or anesthetist should be required to standby during the biopsy procedure until the operating physician is very comfortable in using the devices described herein. This procedure is to be done in a procedure room, operative room, or in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). A RN (Registered Nurse) should be positioned bedside throughout the procedure and sterile precautions should be used. A telemetry unit should be used to monitor heart rate and blood pressure as needed. Oxygen saturation should also be measured throughout the procedure. Typical endoscopes provide channels for gas and fluid exchange between the external environment and the internal biopsy site. Carbon dioxide or an equivalent gas may be insufflated to the biopsy site through such a channel, during the biopsy procedure, at flow rates of 2-4 liters per minute. Carbon dioxide gas is preferable because it is non-combustible (unlike oxygen), dissolves in blood, and does not cause clots or bubbles when introduced into the rib-restricted thoracic cavity (unlike air). Any other gas having these same advantageous characteristics that is otherwise medically compliant and safe for introduction within the interior of the thoracic cavity may also be used. The patient's diagnostic data is to be reviewed by a pulmonologist. It is preferable to have CXR (Chest X-Ray) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans readily available. Preferably, a thoracic surgeon on standby should be available for back-up support and assistance. Step Two: Incision, Insertion of Minithoracoscope, and Insufflation to Induce Pneumothorax The point of entry is based on the diagnostic data as determined by the pulmonologist. Once the point of entry is determined, the operative site surrounding the point of entry is prepared and draped in a sterile manner. Next, the local anesthetic agent is infiltrated. A total of 5 mL is usually adequate to anesthetize from the skin to the pleura. A needle is inserted into the intrapleural space. An ease in injection is noted as the needle tip enters the pleural space. This can be confirmed by aspirating air. A blade knife (size: 11-gauge) is used to make an incision (approximately 2 mm). This incision will facilitate the entry of the Chest Innovations (trademark) (hereinafter, CI) minithoracoscope (trademark). The entry point is always superior to the rib to prevent injury to the intercostal vessels. The CI minithoracoscope has a multi-port minitrocar (trademark) that is held in the midportion of the scope for better directional control. Steady forward pressure is needed to enter the pleural space. Insufflating the internal region during the introduction of the minithoracoscope (or other instruments) is preferred to reduce the possibility of lung injury. Providing continuous insufflation to the internal region of the site to be biopsied also facilitates visualization and prevents fogging of the CI minithoracoscope. As the pleural space is entered, there is a “give” or sudden drop in pressure, at which time the multi-port minitrocar is removed. Carbon dioxide insufflation continues into the intrapleural space at 2 liters per minute following the removal of the multi-port minitrocar to induce a pneumothorax causing the lung to collapse. When the lung is collapsed, it is easier to visualize, grasp, and manipulate for obtaining a biopsy. It is also easier to reach a greater number of target locations for sampling from a single incision site when the lung is collapsed. During the procedure the intrapleural pressure is maintained at less than 8 mmHg. The anesthesiologist or anesthetist keeps a watch over the blood pressure as excessive carbon dioxide insufflation may cause hypotension, such as from a mediastinal shift as pressure changes in the thoracic cavity push the heart over. In the event of hypotension, the situation can easily be corrected by stopping the flow of carbon dioxide and aspirating the port. Accordingly, it is important to use a low flow rate of carbon dioxide throughout the procedure to avoid rapid fluctuations in blood pressure and intrapleural pressure. Step Three: Insertion of Camera and Instruments As an alternative to relying solely upon the tactile sensation of a pressure drop to determine when the pleural space has been entered, a second option is to introduce a CI minithoracoscope with a camera in one of its ports so that insertion of the biopsy needle and insufflation of carbon dioxide are under direct vision. Using this option, the CI minicamera (trademark) is inserted through a port of the minithoracoscope. The location of the CI minithoracoscope within the interior of a patient can be confirmed by visual inspection of the external monitor which receives image signals transmitted by the minicamera. The monitor is usually available with most scope towers. The CI minicamera may need to be defogged occasionally throughout the procedure. Outside of the body, a solution such as “Fred” by Dexide, Inc. or “Dr. Fog” by O.R. Concepts, Inc. (see also U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,297 assigned to Merocel Corporation) can be used to defog the minicamera. Inside of the body, directing the source of carbon dioxide insufflation at the lens of the minicamera may assist to defog. As the minithoracoscope advances internally through the prospective biopsy region, the pathology is identified and reviewed. Pictures are taken by the minicamera for documentation and correlation with biopsy samples. Once a target biopsy region is identified based on the images transmitted by the minicamera, the working miniport (trademark) of the minithoracoscope is ready to be used. The miniport is an instrument channel or a fluid/gas exchange channel. The CI mininstruments (trademark), including forceps, staplers, and energy-transferring sealing and separating devices are inserted to obtain biopsy specimens. The specimens are then removed for pathology analysis and/or for culture and sensitivity studies. If bleeding is encountered during the internal manipulation of CI mininstruments, CI minicoagulators (trademark) can be used to promptly control bleeding. Further, CI suction devices are available for aspiration of pleural fluid. Other solutions can also be provided through one of the working miniports of the minithoracoscope and suctioned out after they are utilized. For example, a saline irrigation solution can be introduced to prevent clots. Electrolytic solutions, cooling fluids, cryogenic fluids, chemotherapeutic agents, medicaments, gene therapy agents, contrast agents, and infusion media may also be used. (See U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,070 assigned to R. ITA Medical Systems, Inc. at col. 10, lines 14-17.) Cooling fluids may be provided to ensure the temperatures of energy transfer elements (on sealing and separating instruments) stay within a safe range. Cleaning solutions may be provided to ensure the surface of energy transfer elements stays free of materials such as loose tissue particles or charred tissue. Step Four: Removal of the Minithoracoscope and Optional Insertion of CI Kink-Less, Non-Buckling Chest Tube, if Necessary Once the internal inspection and sampling procedure is complete, a guide wire is introduced through the working miniport of the minithoracoscope and placed in a desired location. The CI minithoracoscope is then removed. In many cases, once the CI minithoracoscope is removed, the procedure is complete and a chest tube need not be provided. For example, when the CI mininstruments used to obtain biopsy samples seal the site from which the sample is collected (prior to, simultaneously with, or shortly after separating the desired sample from the surrounding tissue), internal bleeding and drainage can be entirely avoided or at least substantially reduced. Use of the rapid tissue sealing and separating capabilities of modern technologies (including those that rely upon heat to both seal and separate) coupled with the small scale of the sampling instruments described herein has the advantage of avoiding the need for a chest tube in many cases. Chest tubes are generally provided to compensate for incomplete sealing at the biopsy site during incision and sampling. Thus, a chest tube permits the drainage of blood, gases, and internal fluids over an extended period of time, as the biopsied site heals. If a chest tube is found to be necessary, CI minidilators (trademark) are inserted first, along the tract the tube is to follow in order to enlarge the tract. A Seldinger technique can be used to position the chest tube. A single skin stitch can be used to secure the chest tube in position. Alternatively, other methods of securing the chest tube can be used if the stitch needs to be avoided. Once the chest tube is properly in place within the interior of the patient, it is connected to a chest drainage system and 20 cm of suction is applied. A post-operative chest X-Ray should be obtained in the immediate post-operative period while the chest tube is in place. Although any chest tube may be used with the methods of this invention, preferably the CI chest tube is used if a chest tube is determined to be necessary. The CI chest tube is highly desirable as compared with conventional chest tubes because, unlike most flexible chest tubes, it does not kink and does not buckle. Unlike most rigid chest tubes, the CI chest tube is not painful. The CI chest tube comprises a long, hollow, tubular member with an outer core that is softer than the inner core. The softer outer core minimizes a patient's sensation of pain upon contact of the tube's external periphery with the surrounding bodily environment in which the tube is inserted. The more rigid structural integrity of the inner core minimizes the chance that the tube will buckle (blocking flow) upon bending as it is maneuvered internally. Within the walls of the tube's internal lumen is a deployable elastic element that can be activated from a proximal control site to remove kinks as they emerge, if they emerge. The internally deployable elastic element replaces the conventional trocar insertion method for removing tubular kinks. Step Five: Removal of Optional Chest Tube Chest tube removal is at the discretion of the pulmonologist. A band-aid may be applied after the chest tube is removed to protect the insertion area. A minigenerator as described herein could be used to power the instrument used in the above biopsy procedure. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various changes and modifications can, of course, be made, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 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 and representative embodiments 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.

The present invention provides an Electro Surgical Generator (ESG) optimized for lung biopsy. The ESG is exclusively battery operated and fits within the handpiece of modern endoscopic electrosurgical/electrocautery instruments, thereby avoiding wires, adapters, and coupling mechanisms. The ESG is adaptable to generate different waveforms that vary with respect to frequency, pulse width, amplitude, etc. through the use of timing circuits and voltage control (i.e. transformers). The ESG is both energy-efficient and safe. A closed loop feedback system featuring a monitor and controller ensure no more power than necessary is provided to achieve a goal current level. Dynamic Power Control (DPC) and Dynamic Temperature Control (DTC) systems vary power to maintain temperature with the lowest possible power. These features prolong battery life and guard against tissue damage. The generator includes other safety features such as resiliency against and the ability to overcome single fault events such as short circuits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention pertains to modular forms for forming free standing, concrete-filled walls and, more particularly, to modular, pre-insulated forms readily assembled and adapted to receive concrete therein. The process of forming vertical walls from poured concrete has been known for centuries. The process, while theoretically simple, typically requires highly skilled laborers and expensive forms to accomplish. Forms may be either built for single use or may be formed from modular sections assembled to the required configuration. Upon curing of the concrete wall poured therein, the reusable forms are typically removed and stored for later use on another project. Insulated concrete walls are sometimes constructed using form assemblies having insulation disposed as a part of the form. The form becomes part of the concrete wall. This type of construction is typically referred to as lost form construction. Regardless of the type of form utilized to construct a poured concrete wall, two major problems remain. First, the construction or assembly of forms typically requires skilled labor and is time intensive. In addition, a large capital expense is typically required in obtaining reusable forms. There is further expense involved in removing forms from storage, transporting forms to a job site, removing forms once a concrete wall has sufficiently cured, and finally, shipping the forms back to storage. When forms are not properly constructed or set, finished walls may be out of square or plumb, be of the wrong dimension, and/or have bulges or other abnormalities. It is not uncommon have to destroy one or more of the poured walls, reset the forms, and re-pour the concrete. This results in further expense as well as delays in the construction project. The second problem is that poured concrete walls constructed using forms of the prior art are notoriously difficult to finish. 2. Discussion of the Related Art Several attempts to provide lost form type forms for building concrete filled walls appear in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,718 for FORM FOR USE IN FABRICATING WALL STRUCTURES AND A WALL STRUCTURE FABRICATION SYSTEM EMPLOYING SAID FORM, issued May 17, 1994 to Jan P. V. Trousilek teaches a modular form system utilizing prefabricated plastic forms. U.S. Pat. No. 5,323,578 for PREFABRICATED FORMWORK issued Jun. 28, 1994 to Claude Chagnon et al. shows a prefabricated, collapsible formwork having flexible connecting elements. U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,262 for PERMANENT PANELIZED MOLD APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CASTING MONOLITHIC CONCRETE STRUCTURES IN SITU, issued Jan. 19, 1999 to Frank. K. Johnson provides a system of interlocking form sections for forming continuous concrete walls, the form sections becoming a permanent part of the finished wall. U.S. Pat. No. 6,178,711 for COMPACTLY-SHIPPED SITE-ASSEMBLED CONCRETE FORMS FOR PRODUCING VARIABLE-WIDTH INSULATED-SIDEWALL FASTENER-RECEIVING BUILDING WALLS, issued Jan. 30, 2001 to Andrew Laird et al., teaches yet another system for assembling forms on site to fabricate a lost form concrete wall having a cavity into which reinforcing steel, electrical and/or communications conduits, plumbing, etc. may be placed prior to filling the form with concrete. U.S. Pat. No. 6,263,628 for LOAD BEARING BUILDING COMPONENT AND WALL ASSEMBLY METHOD, issued Jul. 24, 2001 to John Griffin teaches another lost form system wherein regularly spaced apart studs help define a cavity into which concrete is poured. U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,498 for FORMWORK FOR BUILDING WALLS, issued Nov. 27, 2001 to Salvatore Trovato teaches another modular form system for creating a lost form, concrete filled, insulated wall. U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,683 for INSULATED CONCRETE FORM, issued Apr. 2, 2002 to James Daniel Moore, Jr. shows yet another modular form system for fabricating lost form, concrete filled, insulated walls. None of the patents and published patent applications, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel free-standing form system for fabricating an insulated, concrete filled wall of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention there is provided a prefabricated concrete form for forming a lost form, pre-finished concrete wall. An insulating layer is preformed on an outside (i.e., earth facing) side of the form. The inside of the form has a rough finished surface that is treatable with any typical decorative finish commonly used in the industry with regard to interior wall finishing. The form provides metal studs, typically on conventional sixteen inch centers, thereby allowing treatment of the resulting concrete wall in a manner similar to a wood framed wall. The novel system allows placement of conduits for wiring either electrical power or so-called low voltage circuits (e.g., telephone, TV cable, network wiring, audio cables, etc.) within the wall. Water supply and drain lines may also be placed within the wall prior to filling the forms with concrete. It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a modular, free-standing lost form concrete form for creating a concrete-filled, free standing wall. It is another object of the invention to provide a modular, free-standing lost form concrete form that may readily be interconnected to form long, continuous wall sections. It is an additional object of the invention to provide a modular, free-standing lost form concrete form wherein conduits for electrical circuits and/or water supply and drain lines may be preinstalled within the form prior to filling the form with concrete. It is a further object of the invention to provide a modular, free-standing lost form concrete form having insulating board pre-placed on the outside of the form. It is a still further object of the invention to provide a modular, free-standing lost form concrete form having a magnesium oxide insulating board pre-placed on the outside of the form. It is another object of the invention to provide modular, free-standing lost form concrete form into which an opening to accommodate a door, window, or other portal may readily be placed. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a modular, free-standing lost form concrete form that has metal studs on a standard center-to-center spacing, for example, 16 inch centers, pre-placed within the form. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: FIG. 1 is a front, perspective, schematic view of a section of the free-standing form in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 a is an end, perspective, schematic view of the free-standing form of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 2 b is a detailed portion of the view of FIG. 2 a; FIG. 3 is a side, elevational, schematic view of two sections of the free-standing form of FIG. 1 joined together end-to-end; FIG. 4 is a side, elevational, schematic view of the free-standing form of FIG. 1 showing electrical wiring boxes and conduits in place; FIG. 5 is a side, elevational, schematic view of the free-standing form of FIG. 1 showing embedded water supply lines; FIG. 6 is a side, elevational, schematic view of the free-standing form of FIG. 1 showing an alternate embodiment having water supply and drain lines embedded in the free-standing form of FIG. 1 ; and FIG. 7 is a side, elevational, schematic view of the free-standing form of FIG. 1 showing framing modified to accommodate a window therein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention provides a modular, free-standing form system for forming concrete filled walls having a pre-insulated outer surface and a roughly finished inner surface. The forms are of the lost form variety wherein the form becomes a permanent part of the concrete filled wall. Referring first to FIG. 1 , there is shown a front, perspective, schematic view of a section of the free-standing form in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number 100 . Free-standing form 100 has a length “l” 102 , a height “h” 104 , and a depth “d” 106 . In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, length “l” 102 is approximately 24 feet (7.3 m), height “h” 104 is approximately 10 feet (3 m), and depth “d” 106 is in the range of approximately 8-12 (0.2-0.3 m) inches. It will be recognized that free-standing form 100 may be implemented in many other sizes and, consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the dimensions chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention covers free-standing forms in all practical dimensions. Free-standing form 100 has a rectangular base 101 a formed from angle stock, typically treated steel angle stock or the equivalent. Long angle stock members 108 are joined to short angle stock members 110 at intersections thereof using self tapping screws 112 , not shown in FIG. 1 and best seen in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b . While self tapping screws 112 have been chosen for purposes of disclosure, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that other suitable fasteners or joining methods may be substituted therefor. In addition to fasteners, adhesives or spot welding may be used to join long angle stock members 108 to short angle stock members 110 . Top frame 101 b , substantially identical to the base 101 a is formed from long angle sections 108 and short angle sections 110 , also held together by self tapping screws 112 or the like. Studs 114 are placed at predetermined intervals along both front and back long angle stock members 108 and are also attached to base 101 a and top frame 101 b by self tapping screws 112 or the like. Studs 114 are metal “C” studs well known to those of skill in the art and not further described herein. Studs 114 are typically placed at regular intervals on industry standard center-to-center spacing, for example 16 or 24 inch spacing behind stud material. The depth dimension “d” 106 is established by spacers 116 that tie studs 114 located at the front of free-standing form 100 corresponding studs 114 at the rear thereof. Spacers 116 are short lengths of “C” stud material identical to the material from which studs 114 are fabricated. Referring now also to FIGS. 2 a and 2 b , there are shown an end, perspective, schematic view of the free-standing form 100 and a detailed portion of the view of FIG. 2 a , respectively. Spacers 116 may readily be seen in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b. A reinforcing steel bar, known as rebar 118 , is loosely secured to a top surface of spacer 116 by clamps 120 . Rebar is well known to those of skill in the art and is not further discussed herein. Further, rebar 118 forms no part of the present invention and is shown only to illustrate the intended use environment of free-standing form 100 . Clamps 120 are typically straps such as one hole conduit straps well known to those of skill in the art. Clamps 120 are typically attached to the upper surface of spacers 116 by a single self tapping screw 112 . It will be recognized that many alternate clamps or fastening methods may be substituted for clamps 120 for securing rebar 118 to spacers 116 . A sheet of insulating board 122 is shown attached to outer faces, not specifically identified, of studs 114 of both major surfaces of free-standing form 100 . In the embodiment chosen for purposes of disclosure, insulating board 122 is 12 mm (approximately 0.5 inch) thick magnesium oxide board such as Magnum® board provided by MBP Magnum Building Products of Tampa, Fla. USA. Magnesium oxide (MgO) board is chosen for its many desirable properties for below grade installation. MgO board is waterproof, mold and bacteria resistant, dimensionally stable, and is structurally durable. The insulating board 122 is attached to the MgO board. The MgO board is a minimum of 0.5 inch thick. While the MgO board has some insulating value, it is only R 1.2. The MgO board is fire rated, non-carcinogenic, insect proof (i.e., termites, carpenter ants), and silica free. Referring now to FIG. 3 , there is shown a front, elevational, schematic view of a pair of free-standing forms 100 joined end-to-end to one another. When insulating board 122 is placed on a major surface of a free-standing form 100 , a gap 130 may be left to allow access to an interior region 128 within free-standing form 100 . Gap 130 allows access to end studs 114 so that two sections of free-standing form 100 may be joined end-to-end to one another. The gap is closed after joining forms. Joining bolts 124 with washers 132 and nuts 134 may be used to abut end studs 114 of adjoining sections. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that other devices and/or techniques may be used to join sections of free-standing form 100 to one another. Such devices and/or techniques are believed to be known and are not further discussed herein. The invention includes any and all such devices and/or techniques and is, therefore, not considered limited to joining bolts 124 , washers 132 , and nuts 134 chosen for purposes of disclosure. Referring now also to FIG. 4 , there is shown a front, elevational, schematic view of free-standing form 100 having electrical boxes 136 embedded therein. Electrical boxes 136 are connected to conduits 138 that are placed within free-standing form 100 to allow in-the-wall wiring in the final concrete-filled wall section made from free-standing form 100 . While individual conduits 138 , each connected to a single box 136 are shown, it will be recognized that alternate wiring arrangements may be placed inside free-standing form 100 prior to the filling thereof with concrete. Boxes 136 are schematic and are intended to represent any electrical box whether for power or low voltage/communications applications. Referring now also to FIG. 5 , there is shown a front, elevational, schematic view of a free-standing form 100 having liquid (e.g., water) supply lines 140 or similar plumbing embedded therein. Like conduits 138 ( FIG. 4 ), that are placed within free-standing form 100 , water supply lines 140 are routed to the top of free-standing form 100 for connection to hot and cold water supplies, not shown, or the like. It will be recognized that FIG. 5 is schematic and that water supply lines 140 may represent any in-the-wall plumbing such as a compressed air line, an oxygen line, a vacuum line, or any other supply or suction line. Referring now also to FIG. 6 , there is shown a front, elevational, schematic view of a free-standing form 100 having both water supply lines 140 or similar plumbing, as well as a drain connection 142 embedded therein. In this embodiment, both water supply lines 140 and drain connection 142 are run horizontally across an interior region of free-standing form 100 . It will be recognized that drain line 142 is preferably installed with an appropriate slope. Both supply lines 140 and drain connection 142 may be connected to mating water supply lines 140 and/or drain line 142 at the interface between adjacent sections of free-standing forms 100 . Referring now also to FIG. 7 , there is shown a front, elevational, schematic view of a free-standing form 100 having an opening 144 in the framing to allow installation of a window, not shown. Framing elements, possibly formed from the same material as studs 114 discussed hereinabove, are used to define opening 144 into which a pre-hung window or the like can be placed upon completion of the concrete filled wall defined by free-standing form 100 . It will be noted that any opening formed through free-standing form 100 must be sealed from front to back to seal the concrete pour, not shown, within free-standing form 100 . While an opening 144 for a window has been chosen for purposes of disclosure, it will be recognized that openings suitable for doors or other portals may likewise be placed in free-standing form 100 . Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to openings for windows but rather includes any opening through the wall formed by filling free-standing form 100 with concrete. In use, one or more free-standing forms 100 are fabricated as described hereinabove. If two or more free-standing forms 100 are required to form the length of wall desired, adjacent forms must be secured to one another end-to-end. Any plumbing or electrical components that must connect at the edges of free-standing form 100 sections must be made. Rebar must be inserted and secured within free-standing forms(s) 100 . For safety and aesthetics, exposed ends of free-standing form(s) 100 should be covered. Typically, the horizontal rebar is already installed in the walls. It is necessary to join the pre-installed rebar only where the wall sections come together. Finally, once free-standing form(s) 100 are fully prepared and braced as required, concrete, not shown, may be poured into the hollow, interior spaces 128 within free-standing forms 100 . Once the concrete is cured, the resulting wall may be backfilled using backfilling materials and techniques well known to those of skill in the art. Interior finishing may be accomplished utilizing studs 114 or the insulating board 122 forming the interior surface of the wall. When required, electrical circuits and/or plumbing may be completed using conduits 138 and/or water supply and drain lines 140 , 142 , respectively. Interior finishing of MgO walls is accomplished utilizing conventional materials and methods. All that is required prior to final finishing is taping and spackling the few joints where the wall sections join. Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

A free-standing, hollow, prefabricated concrete form for forming a lost form, pre-finished concrete wall having an insulating layer on at least one major surface, typically an outer, earth facing surface thereof. The inside of the form has a rough finished surface. The form provides metal studs, typically on conventional sixteen inch centers, thereby enhancing the strength of the wall. The form allows placement of conduits for wiring, either electrical power or so-called low voltage circuits (e.g., telephone, TV cable, network wiring, audio cables, etc.) within the wall. Water supply and drain lines may also be placed within the wall prior to filling the forms with concrete. Multiple prefabricated sections may be joined to one another end-to-end to fabricate longer walls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of in vivo animal models in the study of mammalian organ systems, especially with respect to immune systems. Unfortunately, researchers studying the human immune system have been without such a model. Recently, several groups have reported the engraftment of human bone marrow cells or human fetal liver cells into mice exhibiting severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Lapidot et al., Science 255:1137 (1992); Mosier et al., Nature 335:256 (1988); McCune et al., Science 241:1632 (1988). Another report used immunodeficient bg/nu/xid mice to achieve similar results. Kamel-Reid et al., Science 242:1706 (1988). None of these studies was able to establish long-term proliferation and differentiation of human tissues in the host. Additionally, transient differentiation was achieved only by the addition of exogenous human growth factors. Lethally-irradiated mice have also been used as recipients for human bone marrow cells. Lubin et al., Science 252:427 (1991). This study also failed to produce continued, normal human cell differentiation. Hematopoiesis is a hierarchial process involving cells at various stages of differentiation and development. In the murine system, it is well-established that hematopoietic stem cells are capable of reconstituting the hematopoietic system of lethally-irradiated recipients. Jones et al., Blood 73(2) :397 (1989). The most reliable assay for such activity is a transplantation assay demonstrating the reconstitution of primary and secondary recipients. Such an assay provides a valuable tool for the examination of the mouse immune system. However, because of the absence of a comparable model for humans, the understanding of human hematopoiesis is severely limited. As mentioned above, there are reports of successful engraftment of human cells into immunodeficient mice. One of these studies, by Lapidot et al. (1992), used SCID mouse recipients for transplant of human bone marrow cells. When stimulated with combinations of erythropoietin (EPO) and human mast cell growth factor (hu-MGF), and/or PIXY321 (human IL-3 fusion protein), 76% of recipients showed engraftment of human cells in recipient bone marrow of 10 or more times that seen in animals receiving no growth factor treatment. Human tissue was of lymphoid, erythroid and myeloid character, indicating differentiation of transplanted tissue occurred. Without the addition of exogenous human growth factors, however, the relative amount of engraftment was low (0.01 to 1.0%). Moreover, it was unclear what effect extended discontinuation of growth factor treatment might have on subsequent stimulation. While this, and other previous studies represent important steps forward, they fall far short of a complete, functioning model of human hematopoiesis. To date, however, no successful long-term engraftment, proliferation and differentiation of normal hematopoietic stem cells in a non-human mammal has been reported. As a result, no adequate animal model exists for the study of human hematopoiesis. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore, the object of the present invention to provide a closed, non-human model for the human hematopoietic system that is complete with respect to maintenance, proliferation and differentiation of human hematopoietic tissues. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method by which non-human mammals, capable of supporting the maintenance, proliferation and differentiation of human hematopoietic tissue without the addition exogenous factors, can be produced. Another object of the present invention is to provide human tissue that is produced in a non-human mammal. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method by which human tissue is produced in a non-human mammal. In satisfying the foregoing objects, there has been provided, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention a non-human, genetically-immunocompetent mammal, the hematopoietic system of which consists essentially of cells that are of human origin, wherein some non-lymphoid hematopoietic cells are syngeneic to said mammal. There also is provided a process for producing the non-human mammal as described above comprising the steps of (A) providing a non-human mammal in which immunologic genotype comports with the norm for the species of said mammal; (B) exposing said mammal to a level of x- or gamma-radiation that is sufficient to destroy substantially all bone marrow of said mammal; then (C) transplanting into said mammal syngeneic spleen colony cells and human cells comprising passaged bone marrow stromal cells. There also is provided a non-human mammal that is the product of a process comprising the steps of (A) providing a non-human mammal in which immunologic genotype comports with the norm for the species of said mammal; (B) exposing said mammal to a level of x- or gamma-radiation that is sufficient to destroy substantially all bone marrow of said mammal; then (C) transplanting into said mammal syngeneic spleen colony cells and human cells comprising passaged bone marrow stromal cells. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS This invention provides the first closed, long-term model for human hematopoiesis in a non-human mammal, and methods for production thereof. A closed model, for the purpose of this application, is defined such that the system of interest is capable of normal function without the addition of elements exogenous to the model organism. As a result of this capability, human hematopoietic systems can be studied more effectively, not only in general, but also in individual human patients. In addition, it permits the production of human tissues for diagnosis and treatment of human disease. The present invention demonstrates that engraftment, proliferation and differentiation of human hematopoietic stem cells can be achieved in a non-human transfer recipient. Engraftment is detected by human cell-specific colony assay. Proliferation is confirmed by the presence of committed progenitors long after transplant in the colony assay. Differentiation is confirmed by the finding of human cells of myeloid, erythroid and lymphoid nature. Active hematopoiesis is maintained without the addition of exogenous factors. And surprisingly, recipients of transplanted cells are not recognized as foreign by transferred human cells capable of such recognition. Experiments conducted up to nine months after transfer of human cells show that both early and committed progenitor cells were maintained by recipients. Such cells could only be found in the presence of continued proliferation and maturation of the transplanted material. Therefore, these experiments, described in detail below, demonstrate the first long-term maintenance of human hematopoietic cells in significant numbers in a non-human recipient. It is also the first example of a complete, closed model of human hematopoiesis. It is well-known that bone marrow-derived stromal cells provide a microenvironment able to support and regulate hematopoiesis in long-term bone marrow culture. Singer et al., ADVANCES IN HAEMATOLOGY, Vol. 4, pp. 1-34 (Hoffbrand, V., ed., Churchill Livingston, London, 1985); Dexter et al., J. Cell Physiol. 82:461 (1977). Investigators have reported that stromal cells regulate hematopoiesis by providing cell-cell contact as well as by producing hematopoietic cytokines. Albertson et al., EMBO 7:2801 (1988); Gualtieri et al., Exp. Hematol. 15:883 (1987); Naparstek et al., J. Cell Physiol. 126:407 (1986). As one might suspect, the lack of such factors in non-human recipients of human hematopoietic tissue markedly reduces or prevents the proliferation and differentiation of such tissues. Lapidot et al. (1992). In the present invention, this difficulty is avoided by the co-infusion of passaged stromal cells. Because these cells also successfully engraft, as reported by Wu and Keating, Exp. Hematol. 19:485 (1991), the factors necessary for proper development of human hematopoietic tissues are produced within the transfer recipient. This obviates the need for time-consuming and expensive addition of exogenous growth factors as reported elsewhere. As will become evident, when transplanting human tissue into non-human hosts, it is highly desirable to use immunologically normal recipients. In this context, "immunologically normal" denotes an individual that displays immune system characteristics typical for the species to which the individual belongs. These characteristics would typically include, among others, functioning B-cells and T-cells as well as structural cell components, called cell surface antigens, which act as the immunologic signature for a particular organism. Typically, the use of such immunologically normal recipients poses the following problem. The recipient's immune system, via its B- and T-cells, will identify the cell surface antigens of the engrafted tissue as foreign. This recognition leads ultimately to an immune response against the tissue, resulting in destruction or non-engraftment. This response is known as host-versus-graft rejection. One way to circumvent host-versus-graft rejection is to use immunologically compromised recipients. Such animals exhibit two general types of deficiency, genotypic and phenotypic. Some researchers have employed genotypically-immunodeficient mice in order to circumvent this problem. These animals have genetic defects which result in the inability to generate either humoral or cell-mediated responses and include SCID mice and bg/nu/xid mice. Kamel-Reid et al. (1988); Lapidot et al. (1992). Therefore, they are unable to react against engrafted tissue. As a general proposition, however, the use of such animals is severely limited by the availability of an appropriate, immune-deficient organism as a recipient. In addition, these animals require housing in sterile environments and/or constant prophylactic antibiotic treatment. The second category of immunodeficient recipients are those which are genetically capable of generating an immune response, yet have been phenotypically altered such that no response is seen. Typically, such phenotypically-immunodeficient recipients are generated by irradiation and this technique has been used extensively. See Jones et al. (1989). Such an approach is not without its difficulties, however. Irradiation sufficient to render the recipient incapable of mounting a response to the engrafted tissue usually results in death of the recipient due to destruction of the hematopoietic system. The present invention obviates the need to create and/or identify genetically-immunodeficient organisms as tissue transfer recipients because immunodeficiency is achieved via irradiation of the recipient organism, and is therefore, phenotypic. Thus, any non-human mammal may be a recipient for human cells, permitting selection of the most favorable recipient, depending on the particular phenomenon to be examined. In addition, by selecting recipient organisms capable of supporting quantitatively greater human cell growth, the potential for increased human tissue proliferation is enhanced. Such non-human mammals will include, but are not limited to, mice, rats, rabbits, cats, dogs, pigs, sheep and non-human primates including baboons and chimps. It will also be unnecessary to maintain special colonies of potential recipients under sterile conditions or antibiotic maintenance. The present invention also obviates the difficulties associated with irradiation by providing a replacement hematopoietic system following the destruction of the resident one. Specifically, by employing a set of human bone marrow stem cells capable of directing proliferation and differentiation stem cells, transfer of a stable and functioning hematopoietic system is accomplished. Thus, animals that are successfully engrafted can survive the normally lethal radiation treatment. A second problem results when, as in the present invention, the engrafted tissues are themselves capable of mounting an immune response. Such a response is called graft-versus-host phenomenon. This effect is mediated by T-cells within the transferred cell population. Only through elaborate, expensive, and time-consuming procedures can T-cells be eliminated from the transferred cell population. Previous studies of human cells transferred into non-human hosts have not directly addressed this issue. In fact, it is unclear whether graft-versus-host reactions actually occur in SCID mice. Lapidot et al. (1992). The present invention, by way of contrast, employs a system where one expects graft-versus-host reactions. Yet here, there is a surprising lack of immune response by the grafted human cells against the host. This suggests a fundamental difference in human T-cell development and/or function following transfer into a non-human host. Regardless of the mechanism, the absence of graft-versus-host reactions in the present invention allows the use of normal human tissues without concern for the presence of T-cell activity. Another important aspect of the present invention is the co-infusion of human cells with syngeneic non-lymphoid spleen colony cells. These cells are known to have profound effects on hematopoietic reconstitution and, to a limited extent, exhibit hematopoietic potential. Kitamura et al., Nature 291:159 (1981). In addition to providing the first general animal model for human hematopoiesis, the present invention permits the study of the hematopoietic system of a particular patient. Thus, abnormal hematopoietic systems can be examined on an individual basis and compared to model systems derived from normal patients. The medical conditions which could be examined in this manner might include, but are not limited to acute and chronic leukemias of myeloid, lymphoid or multilineage cell origin, the myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative disorders, aplastic anemia, disorders involving deficiencies of single hematopoietic lineages such as pure red cell aplasia, thrombocytopenia or neutropenia and AIDS. As a result, subtle differences in both the pathology and responsiveness to treatment in a given patient can be examined outside that patient's body. The benefits of having such "custom-made" experimental vessels at the organismal level are apparent. The present invention also provides for the use of non-human recipient organisms as "factories" for human tissues. One previous limitation in human biological and medical research has been the lack of human tissues on which to conduct research. If appropriate tissues are not available in a timely fashion, or in sufficient quantities, the ability of the investigator to conduct meaningful experiments can be impaired. However, if small amounts of human tissue could be propagated outside the human body, the potential for producing relatively large quantities of human tissues could be realized. There have been two general approaches employed to solve this problem. The first, tissue culture of human cells in vitro, is generally limited by the mortality of cells outside the human body. The exception to this rule is the propagation of transformed cells. These cells, however, are generally not representative of normal cells and are only available on a fortuitous basis. The other method used to produce human tissues is by grafting into non-human hosts. Yet this technology is limited by the immunologic reactions, by and against grafted tissue, described more fully above. One way to circumvent this phenomenon is to use hosts which are unable to mount an immune response to grafted tissues, such as genetically or phenotypically immunodeficient recipients. As mentioned, the use of genetically immunodeficient organisms is less than ideal due to the total immunodeficiency of the organism and the limitation as to the size and type of animal that may be used. The irradiated recipient, while circumventing these problems, faces the alternative difficulty of surviving radiation sufficient to knock out its immune function. By practicing the present invention, one skilled in the art can overcome all the difficulties described above in the production of human tissue. Employing irradiated animals, one may select an appropriate host exhibiting any given desirable biologic characteristic. Further, repopulating the irradiated recipient with an bone marrow stem cells results in the reestablishment of both immunocompetency and hematopoiesis in the host organism, thus obviating health concerns. Thereafter, hematopoietic cells, or any other co-infused, non-hematopoietic human tissues which engraft and proliferate, can be harvested. Such non-hematopoietic cells might include, but are not limited to liver, pancreas, brain, intestine, bone and cartilage. In many cases, the irradiation and engraftment may be performed on fetuses after removal from the womb, followed by reimplantation. In this way, the recipient organism (i.e., the fetus) can be protected by the mother's immune system prior to the establishment of the transferred human immune system. In addition, it may be possible to replace entire recipient organs or organ systems with tissue derived from a single human patient, effectively creating an "ersatz" human in the non-human recipient. Due to the complexity of the human system, it was found more instructive to initially use enriched or purified cell populations to study hematopoietic stem cells. Cell purification can be based upon the presence of the cell surface antigens mentioned previously. The CD34 antigen is one of the best-characterized human hematopoietic stem cell antigens, being expressed in 1%-3% of normal human bone marrow cells. Bone marrow cells that express CD34 include colony-forming cells of all lineages, as well as their precursors. Experiments show that the CD34+ marrow cell fraction is enriched for a variety of primitive, multipotent, and committed progenitors (Civin et al., J. Immunol. 133:157 (1984); Saeland et al., Blood 72:1580 (1988)) which, in the presence of appropriate stimuli, can differentiate into myeloid or erythroid colonies in vitro and are capable of reconstituting normal marrow function in lethally irradiated primates. Berenson et al., J. Clin. Invest. 81:951 (1988). In one version of the present invention, lethally-irradiated mice are co-infused with syngeneic mouse spleen colony cells, human marrow cells enriched for the CD34+ fraction, and passaged human bone marrow stromal cells. Surviving transplant recipients are screened by PCR and found to contain human DNA sequences. Examination of transplant recipients' bone marrow cells four months after engraftment detects from 11.9 to 68.3 percent human hematopoietic progenitors using a human hematopoietic colony assay. In contrast, engraftment of human hematopoietic progenitors in transplant recipients who do not receive co-infused human marrow stromal cells is 2.9 percent or less. Confirmation of human origin of hematopoietic progenitors is established by analysis of individual colonies using PCR amplification of human X-chromosome specific sequences and corroborated by in situ hybridization of marrow cells with a human X-chromosome specific biotinylated probe. Southern blot analysis of DNA extracted from the spleen, thymus and bone marrow of the transplanted animals indicates that human cells were evenly distributed in these tissues. Transplant recipients tested nine months after co-infusion show significant numbers of mature human granulocytes, demonstrating sustained hematopoiesis of human immune cells. The preceding paragraph underscores the importance of the inclusion of stromal cells with transplanted tissues. When transplanting non-hematopoietic tissues, other stromal cells or the relevant analogue can be used. Liver stroma (Kupfer cells, etc.) would be used when transplanting liver tissue, pancreatic stroma would be used when transplanting islet cells and microglial cells would be used when transplanting brain tissue. The finding that stromal cells play an important role in facilitating engraftment of foreign tissues comports with other recent findings. For example, stromal cells from malignant tissues have been shown to mediate attachment, metastasis and growth in Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Furthermore, human marrow stromal cells can be readily transfected with foreign genes using physical methods. Therefore, genetically modified stroma could be used to modify the recipient further. Keating et al., Exp. Hematol. 18:99 (1990); Matthews et al., Exp. Hematol. in press (1993). In light of the preceding description, one skilled in the art can use the present invention to its fullest extent. The following examples therefore are to be construed as illustrative only and not limiting in relation to the remainder of the disclosure. EXAMPLE 1 Human CD34+ Cell Isolation Cells from normal human bone marrow bearing the CD34 antigen are isolated using an enrichment method which gave 99% pure CD34+ cells, according to an immunofluorescent assay as follows. Light-density mononuclear cells are isolated by Ficoll-Hypaque gradient separation at a density of 1.077 g/ml. Cells bearing the CD34 antigen are isolated from a non-adherent mononuclear fraction by positive selection using indirect immune panning with an anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody (HPCA-1; Becton-Dickinson, Mountain View, Calif.) as reported by Saeland et al., Blood 72:1580 (1988). A second purification step is performed using immunomagnetic beads. The CD34+ cells are resuspended at 10 7 cells/ml with immunomagnetic beads (10 7 beads/ml) coated with anti-mouse immunoglobulins for 30 minutes (Dynal Inc.). The beads are removed using a magnet, and the CD34+ cells were recovered in suspension. In all experiments, the isolated cells are 95% to 99% CD34+, as judged by staining with the anti-CD34 MoAb. EXAMPLE 2 CFU-S Assay For co-infusion experiments with human cells, mouse spleen colonies are induced by the intravenous injection of Balb/c BM cells (1×10 5 /mouse) into irradiated Balb/c mice (900 cGy) as described by Till and McCulloch, Rad. Res. 14:213 (1961). On day 12, the nodules developed on the spleen surface are harvested and single cell suspensions are prepared. EXAMPLE 3 Human Stromal Cell Culture For co-infusion experiments with CD34+ cells and mouse spleen cells, human bone marrow stromal cell cultures are generated as described by Keating et al., Blood 64(6):1159-1162 (1984) and Keating et al., Exp. Hemtol. 18:99-102 (1990). Fresh human bone marrow mononuclear cells are placed into a 25 cm 2 tissue culture flask containing 7 ml McCoy 5A medium supplemented with 10% horse serum and 10% fetal bovine serum and 10 -6 M hydrocortisone. The culture is incubated at 37° C. in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO 2 in air; once a week, half the culture medium and non-adherent cells is removed until the adherent layer became confluent. After two to three weeks, the adherent layer is removed by treatment with trypsin, recultured in the same medium, and passaged a total of 3-4 times. EXAMPLE 4 Transplantation In order to investigate if human CD34+ cells can be engrafted into normal murine recipients, one million such CD34+-enriched cells, the equivalent of 10 8 bone marrow cells, were transplanted into lethally-irradiated BALB/c mice (Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Me.) in each of two groups--Groups I and II. Animals in both groups were transplanted with syngeneic mouse spleen colony cells in the amount of 3×10 6 per mouse in order to ensure murine hematopoietic reconstitution of the irradiated animals, but only animals in Group II received passaged human stromal cells in the amount of 1×10 7 cells per mouse. A total of 26 mice were transplanted with CD34+ cells and syngeneic spleen colony cells, of which 12, constituting Group II, are also transplanted with human marrow stromal cells. Of the 26 mice transplanted, 15 survived for more than four months. Eight of the 26 mice died during the first month, while three died during the 3 to 4 months after transplantation. EXAMPLE 5 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Four months after transplantation, peripheral blood of the recipients was collected and examined for the presence of human cells by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Individual colonies were picked from culture dishes. After washing once with distilled water, the spleen colony cells were digested in 100 μl of buffer [containing 200 μg/ml proteinase K, 50 mmol./L Tris-chloride (pH 8.5), 1 mmol/L EDTA, and 0.5% Tween 20] at 56° C. for 1 hour with shaking. After digestion, the samples were boiled for 10 minutes to inactive proteinase K. For amplification, 5 μl of the sample was subjected to PCR amplification using 2.5 units Taq enzyme (Boehringer Mannheim, FRG), 250 ng of each primer, and 100 μmol/L of each DNTP (Boehringer) in a final reaction volume of 100 μl buffer. For the amplification of the human X alphoid repeat sequence, the primers of the sense and antisense were: 5'-AATCATCAAATGGAGATTTG-3' (SEQ ID NO: 1), 5'GTTCAGCTCTGTGAGTGAAA-3' (SEQ ID NO: 2), respectively (Witt et al., Human Genetics 82:271-274 (1989). Amplification was at 94° C. for 30 seconds, 54° C. for 30 seconds, and 72° C. for 1.5 minutes for 30 cycles. Amplified products were electrophoresed on 2.5% agarose (FMS) and stained by ethidium bromide. As shown in Table I, recipients in both experimental groups (with or without human stromal cells) contained human cells. EXAMPLE 6 Colony Assay In order to further characterize these human cells, single cell suspensions of the recipient bone marrows were plated and colony assays, optimized either for the growth of a human multilineage colony (CFU-GEMM) or mouse granulocyte-macrophage progenitors (CFU-GM), were performed: Human CPU-GEMM. Semisolid cultures in methylcellulose are produced according to a standard method (Keating and Toor, [reference]), and modified by plating 1×10 5 cells per tissue culture grade 35 Petri dish, in the presence of 10% human plasma, 10% fetal bovine serum, 1-4 units/ml erythropoietin, rhSCF (CytoMed, MA) and rhIL-3 (Amersham). Duplicate dishes are plated in each experiment after 12 days of incubation at 37° C. in 5% CO 2 in air. The colonies are counted using an inverted phase-contrast microscope. Murine CFU-GM. Bone marrow cells are gently dispersed into a single cell suspension in Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium (IMDM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum. To measure granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming cells (CFU-GM), bone marrow cells (1×10 5 ) are cultured in 1 ml IMDM containing 0.3% Difco agar and IL-3 (as produced from an IL-3-producing cell line provided by G. Mills, Toronto). After incubation for 7 days at 37° C. in 5% CO 2 in humidified air, granulocyte-macrophage colonies (CFU-GM) containing >50 cells are counted. All cultures were performed in duplicate. Since murine IL-3 does not stimulate the growth of human hematopoietic progenitor cells, and human IL-3 has no effect on murine cells, the differing culture conditions allow a determination of cross-stimulation to be made. The results, set forth in Table II, show that no cross-stimulation was observed. Table II also contains a summary of the information gained from an analysis of colonies obtained from the marrow cells of recipient mice. In Group II, a large proportion of early myeloid progenitors were detected under culture conditions suitable to human hematopoietic progenitors. Comparing this result to the colonies detected under culture conditions suitable for murine progenitors, the ratio of human:mouse colonies varied from 11.9% to 68.3%. In terms of colony formation, results were similar to those observed with normal human marrow controls. In contrast, the Group I recipient mice which did not receive human stromal cells contained very few human hematopoietic progenitors detected with the granulocyte-macrophage colony assay examined after 12 days in culture. No committed erythroid progenitors (BFU-E) were detected in this group. Some of the Group II recipients were followed for 9 months after transplantation. An analysis of human hematopoietic progenitors present in the bone marrow of these recipients using an in vitro colony assay is shown in Table III. Human committed progenitors (3.8% to 23%) were found in three of the four mice. The human origin of individual colonies was confirmed by PCR analysis. The sustained maintenance of committed human hematopoietic cells in the recipient mice suggests that the engrafted CD34+ cells developed in the bone marrow of recipients and showed sustained proliferation and differentiation. EXAMPLE 7 PCR Analysis of Individual Hematopoietic Colonies In order to demonstrate that the colonies detected under CFU-GEMM culture conditions are indeed human hematopoietic cells, PCR is used to amplify and detect the human X chromosome α-satellite repeat in individual human multi-lineage colonies. PCR amplification of normal human DNA results in a 130 bp band (Witt and Erickson, Human Genetics 82:271 (1989). PCR was performed essentially as described above. To measure background amplification in the PCR assay, 100 ng of DNA from Balb/c granulocyte-macrophage colonies is used as a negative control. The results indicate that all the colonies generated under culture conditions suitable for animal or human hematopoietic cells contained the 130 bp specific human DNA product, while no PCR amplification product was seen in the negative controls. Lane designations are as follows: lane 1, 1 kB molecular marker; lane 2, colony DNA from human male cells; lane 3, colony DNA from human female cells; lane 4, colony DNA from Balb/c mice; lanes 5-10, individual colonies from recipients transplanted with CD34+ cells, spleen colony cells and human stromal cells for 4 months. For example, for recipient #4, 10 colonies were isolated and individually analyzed (Table I); all 10 were positive for the human sequence. EXAMPLE 8 Isolation of Genomic DNA and Southern Blot Analysis In order to examine the tissue distribution of human hematopoietic cells in transplant recipients, Southern blot analysis is performed. Standard procedures (Maniatis et al.) for the preparation of genomic DNA samples are used. Ten μg of genomic DNA is digested with the appropriate restriction enzyme and then electrophoresed through a 0.7% agarose gel. Following Southern transfer to Hybond-N (Amersham) nylon membranes and subsequent baking, membranes are placed in a bag containing phosphate buffer prehybridization solution containing 5× SSC, 0.45% skim milk power, 0.1% SDS, pH 7.2. Blots are hybridized overnight at 42° C. using the same prehybridization solution containing 9% dextran sulfate. After hybridization, the blots are extensively washed in 2× SSC, 0.1% SDS for 20 min. at room temperature, and in 0.1× SSC, 0.2% SDS for 10-30 min. at 65° C. The autoradiograph is exposed at -70° C. using an intensifying screen. A human Factor 1×probe (McGraw et al., Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA 82(9): 2847-2851 (1985), linear and gel purified, was labelled (>6×10 8 cpm/μg DNA) with 32 P using the random primer method. All four recipients examined contained human cell DNA in thymic, splenic, and marrow tissues. DNA was extracted from recipient mice 18 weeks after engraftment with CD34+ cells. Mouse numbers correspond to those in Table II (Group II). Lane designations are as follows: HBM, normal human bone marrow; MBM, Balb/c mouse bone marrow; THY, recipient thymus; SPL, recipient spleen; BM, recipient bone marrow. EXAMPLE 9 In Situ Hybridization Fluorescent in situ hybridization has become an important technique for visualizing genetic material in fixed cells. A major advantage of this method is that interphase human hematopoietic cells, including immature hematopoietic cells, can be distinguished from murine cells using a human-specific probe. The in situ hybridization method can be used to further confirm the presence of human hematopoietic cells in the transplant recipients. For in situ hybridization, bone marrow cells are incubated in 75 mM KCl for 15 min. at 37° C. The cells are spun down and fixed with two changes of methanol/acetic acid (3:1 v/v). Cells are centrifuged on cleaned slides, allowed to air dry overnight, and gradually dehydrated with ethanol. Before use, slides are treated with RNase A (100 μg/ml) in 2× SSC for one hour at 37° C., with proteinase K (0.1 μg/ml in 20 mM Tris-HCl, 2 mM CaCl2, pH 7.4), for 7.5 min. at 37° C. and are post-fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde for 10 min. dehydrated, and kept at room temperature until used. DNA is denatured by immersion of the slides in 70% formamide in 2× SSC, pH 7, for two minutes at 70° C. This is followed by immersion in ice-cold 70% ethanol, and by continued dehydration with ethanol. The probe is denatured by heating the hybridization mixture, followed by quick cooling on ice, and added to slides. After a coverslip is added and sealed with rubber cement, the slides are incubated in a moist chamber for 12 to 16 hours at 37° C. After hybridization, the slides are washed in two changes of 50% formamide, 2× SSC and in three changes of 2× SSC at 40° C. for twenty min. each. For detection of hybridization, the slides are overlayed with 10 μl fluorescein-labelled avidin (Vector Laboratories) in 2× SSC plus 1% BSA. After incubation of 45 min. at R.T. in the dark, the slides are washed in two changes of 2× SSC, 1× SC and 0.5× SSC, for 5 min. each, and then counterstained with propidium iodide (PI, 0.5 μg/ml) in anti-fade solution. The probe, a human X-chromosome α-satellite DNA (Oncor Inc.) that does not hybridize with murine DNA (Waye et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 13(8):2731-2734 (1985)) (20 ng/μl), was added to hybridization mixture which contained 50% formamide, 2× SSC, and 500 μg/ml of carrier salmon sperm DNA. Regions to which the probe bound appear yellow, whereas the remaining DNA appears red in the microphotographs due to the superposition of green FITC-and red PI-fluorescence. The mouse numbers correspond to those in Table II (Group II). Panel A cells are normal human bond marrow cells (positive control). Panel B cells are normal Balb/c bone marrow cells (negative control). Magnification is 630×. Hybridization results indicate the presence of human hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow of murine transplant recipients and confirm results obtained with Southern blots of marrow DNA and PCR analysis of individual hematopoietic colonies. These results are the first to show the presence of very early as well as terminally-differentiated human hematopoietic cells. Because donor human cells were enriched for early hematopoietic progenitors and lacked terminally differentiated cells, the appearance of significant numbers of mature human granulocytes as well as the detection of human multi-lineage colonies in mice reconstituted nine months previously, indicates that human donor cells not only engrafted, but proliferated and differentiated in vivo as well. EXAMPLE 10 Analysis of Bone Marrow Cells from Murine Recipients Investigated Nine Months after Transplantation of Human CD34+ Cells and Human Passaged Marrow Stromal Cells Cell sorting experiments can determine levels of murine and human lymphoid cells in long-term reconstituted recipients. Analysis with a FACScan instrument was performed using the following monoclonal antibodies: 1. goat•anti-human IgG Fc: human B cells (affinity purified F(ab')2 preparation, mouse Ig adsorbed and FITC labeled) 2. mouse•anti-human CD3: human T cells (phycoerythrin labeled IgG2a) 3. goat•anti-mouse IgG: murine B cells (affinity purified F(ab')2 human Ig adsorbed and P-PE labeled) 4. hamster•anti-mouse CD3: murine T cells (FITC labeled IgG) Three color sorting with biotin/streptavidin-PerCP labeled anti-CD45 (T200) antibody, recognizing human/murine and human nucleated hematopoietic cells, was used. The frequency of cells was established as follows: human B cells--9%; human T cells--12%, murine B cells 2%; murine T cells--3%. EXAMPLE 11 PCR Analysis of Recipient Bone Marrow Cells for Human and Murine T and B Cells Nine Months after Transplantation Human/murine lymphoid subpopulations were sorted using the monoclonal antibodes as described in Example 9. The sorted subpopulations were subjected to PCR analysis for specific human and murine T and B cell sequences. PCR analysis was performed according to our modification of standard methods. Wu and Keating, (1993). The following primers were used to detect Ig mRNA (i.e., B cell message): sense--Igh-J primer recognizing, human and murine J regions antisense--CH1 region of murine IgG, recognizing all IgG isotypes antisense--CH2 region of human IgG, recognizing all IgG isotypes The following primers were used to detect T cell receptor mRNA: sense--TCR β-chain-J regions recognizing, human and murine J regions antisense--CH1 region of murine TCR β-chain, recognizing all murine TCR β-chain isotypes antisense--CH2 region of human TCR β-chain, recognizing all human TCR β-chain isotypes For each set of primers, amplification was seen, thus confirming the presence of both human and murine B and T cells. TABLE I______________________________________PCR amplification of human DNA from reconstituted Balb/c miceusing human X-chromosome α repeat primers. Colonies in humanPeripheral Bone CFU-GEMMblood Thymus Spleen Marrow assay______________________________________GROUP Imouse #1 + + + + 1/1 #2 + + + + 1/1 #4 + + + + 1/2Total: 3/4GROUP IImouse #1 + + + + 7/7 #2 + + + + 10/10 #3 + + + + 10/10 #4 + + + + 10/10 #5 + + + + 10/10 #6 + + + + 4/4Total: 51/51______________________________________ Group I Lethallyirradiated Balb/c mice were injected with CD34+ cells and spleen colony cells. Group II Lethallyirradiated Balb/c mice were injected with CD34+ cells, spleen colony cells, and human stromal cells. TABLE II__________________________________________________________________________Hematopoietic colonies from Balb/c bone marrow reconstituted with CD34+cellsNCC Mouse Humanper femur CFU-GM.sup.a CFU-GEMM.sup.a Human:Mouse1 × 10.sup.6 1 × 10.sup.5 cells per femur 1 × 10.sup.5 cells per femur ratio__________________________________________________________________________GROUP I.sup.bmouse #1 6.3 78 ± 6.0 4914 ± 37.8 1 ± 0.2 63 ± 3.2 1.2% #2 3.9 71 ± 3.4 2769 ± 22.6 0.5 ± 0.2 18 ± 1.2 0.6% #3 5.8 47 ± 2.4 2726 ± 13.9 0 -- -- #4 8.2 69 ± 3.4 5658 ± 27.8 2 ± 1.0 164 ± 7.8 2.9% #5 4.2 58 ± 4.2 2436 ± 17.6 0 -- --GROUP II.sup.cmouse #1 12.2 22 ± 3.2 2684 ± 24.2 6 ± 0.4 732 ± 12.1 27.2% #2 6.9 48 ± 2.4 3312 ± 34.8 22 ± 1.4 1518 ± 16.2 45.8% #3 9.4 28 ± 1.4 2632 ± 22.4 16 ± 2.4 1504 ± 12.4 57.1% #4 7.7 41 ± 2.2 3157 ± 34.4 28 ± 3.2 2156 ± 28.2 68.4% #5 14.6 68 ± 3.4 9928 ± 42.3 16 ± 3.7 1088 ± 14.2 23.5% #6 8.2 42 ± 2.1 3444 ± 26.6 5 ± 1.2 410 ± 8.4 11.9%Control-1.sup.d 9.8 88 ± 4.2 8674 ± 35.8 0Control-2.sup.e 0 75 ± 2.4__________________________________________________________________________ .sup.a Results are the mean ± SE from duplicate. .sup.b Lethallyirradiated Balb/c mice were transplanted with CD34+ cells and spleen cells. .sup.c Lethallyirradiated Balb/c mice were transplanted with CD34+ cells, spleen cells, and human stromal cells. .sup.d Normal Balb/c bone marrow cells were cultured for CFUGM. .sup.e Normal human bone marrow cells were cultured for CFUGEMM. TABLE III__________________________________________________________________________CFU-GEMM from the bone marrow of Balb/c mice reconstituted with CD34+cells,mouse spleen cells, and human marrow stromal cellsNCC Mouse Human Human: PCR(+)per femur CFU-GM.sup.a CFU-GEMM.sup.a Mouse (by human1 × 10.sup.6 1 × 10.sup.5 cells per femur 1 × 10.sup.5 cells per femur % × primer)__________________________________________________________________________mouse.sup.b #1 1.3 72 ± 3.2 936 ± 9.6 11 ± 2.2 143 ± 8.2 14.5% 5/5 #2 1.1 65 ± 1.4 715 ± 10.2 2 ± 1.4 22 ± 2.2 3.8% 2/2 #3 0.5 78 ± 2.6 390 ± 6.3 4 ± 1.4 20 ± 2.1 5.1% 4/4 #4 2.1 65 ± 1.8 1365 ± 7.4 15 ± 2.3 975 ± 4.4 23.0% 10/10Control-1.sup.c 8.9 84 ± 3.2 7476 ± 18.8 0Control-2.sup.d 0 75 ± 4.1__________________________________________________________________________ .sup.a Results are the mean ± SE from duplicate cultures. .sup.b Lethallyirradiated Balb/c mice, reconstituted by transplantation with CD34+ cells, syngeneic mouse spleen cells, and human stromal cells, were viable. .sup.c Normal Balb/c bone marrow cells were cultured for CFUGM. .sup.d Normal human bone marrow cells were cultured for CFUGEMM. __________________________________________________________________________# SEQUENCE LISTING- (1) GENERAL INFORMATION:- (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 2- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:1:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: NO- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:1:# 20 TTTG- (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2:- (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:#pairs (A) LENGTH: 20 base (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear- (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA- (iii) HYPOTHETICAL: NO- (iv) ANTI-SENSE: YES- (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2:# 20 GAAA__________________________________________________________________________

A chimeric, non-human, genetically-immunocompetent mammal is disclosed. The hematopoietic system of the mammal has human passaged bone marrow stromal cells and human hematopoietic stem cells obtained from a CD34 + -enriched bone marrow fraction, and also contains transplanted syngeneic non-lymphoid spleen colony cells. The mammal may be a mouse, a rat, a rabbit, a cat, a dog, a pig, a sheep or a non-human primate. The mammal can be produced by providing a non-human, genetically-immunocompetent mammal in which its immunologic genotype comports with the norm for the species of the mammal, exposing the mammal to a level of x- or gamma-radiation that is sufficient to destroy substantially all bone marrow in the mammal to render the mammal phenotypically immunodeficient, then transplanting into the mammal syngeneic non-lymphoid spleen colony cells and human passaged bone marrow stromal cells, and transplanting into the mammal human hematopoietic stem cells obtained from a CD34 + -enriched bone marrow fraction. Human hematopoietic cells may be obtained from the chimeric, non-human mammal.

PRIORITY [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/903,583, filed Nov. 13, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present disclosure generally relates to motors, motor controllers, systems and methods for controlling motors in various applications, and more particularly, to a motor connected to a pump having a dual speed pump controller for controlling the operation of recirculating pumps used in swimming pool environments. BACKGROUND [0003] Standard recirculating pumps having a motor section and a pump section are often used in swimming pool environments in connection with the filtering systems. The pumps are often high capacity pumps that move thousands of gallons per hour. The electric power required to move these large volumes of water is often very high and create high temperatures in the motor section. [0004] Controllers for the pumps are often required to control the operation of the motor, for example, many federal and local governments have enacted laws and regulations to curtail the high electric use. Due to high temperatures in the end caps of the motor, controllers are usually remote from the motor and require extensive wiring connections between the controller and motor to control the motor operation. In addition, the controller will require a separate housing to protect the controller circuitry. [0005] Attempts that have been made to design pumps to operate within temperature tolerances to prevent damage to the controllers contained in the motor section, none of which adequately address the problem at hand. [0006] This disclosure describes improvements over these prior art technologies. SUMMARY [0007] Accordingly, an end cap for a motor housing containing an electric motor is disclosed The end cap assembly can include a tubular structure defining an interior space, which can include an open first end connectable to the motor casing; a second end, which can include a first planar surface; a second planar surface offset from the first planar surface and substantially parallel to the first planar surface; and at least one air grate surface substantially perpendicular to the first planar surface and the second planar surface, positioned between and attached to the first planar surface and the second planar surface, and wherein the at least one air grate surface includes at least one air grate configured to permit air flow into and/or out of the interior space. [0008] In the end cap the at least one air grate surface can include two air grates each positioned substantially along a different radial line of the end cap. [0009] In the end cap the air grate surface can be one of a planar surface or an arcuate surface, [0010] The end cap can further include circuit board mountings positioned within the interior space configured to attach a circuit board thereto; and end cap mountings positioned to attach the end cap to the electric motor. [0011] In the end cap the air grate surface can include at least two air grates positioned such that as the motor rotates a directional air flow is created within the interior space generating air flow through the air grates with one air grate as an intake air grate and the other grate as an exhaust air grate. [0012] In the end cap the air grates can be each positioned substantially parallel to radial lines of the end cap. [0013] In the end cap the air grate surface can define at least one switch receptacle configured to mount a control switch therein. [0014] Accordingly, a motor assembly having a shaft end and a motor end is disclosed. The motor assembly can include an end cap removably connectable to the motor assembly at the motor end and defining a tubular space therein, which can include a first an open first end connectable to the motor end; a second end, which can include a first planar surface; a second planar surface offset from the first planar surface and substantially parallel to the first planar surface; and at least one air grate surface positioned between the first planar surface and the second planar surface and substantially perpendicular to the first planar surface and the second planar surface, the air grate surface including at least one air grate configured to permit air flow into and/or out of the interior space; and a motor control module having a substantially semi-circular design and configured to be mounted within the tubular space of the end cap and electrically connectable to the motor to provide control to the motor. [0015] In the motor assembly the at least one air grate surface can include two air grates each positioned substantially along a different radial line of the end cap. [0016] In the motor assembly the air grate surface can be one of a planar surface or an arcuate surface. [0017] The motor assembly can further include circuit board mountings positioned within the interior space configured to attach a circuit board thereto; and end cap mountings positioned to attach the end cap to the electric motor. [0018] In the motor assembly the air grate surface can include at least two air grates positioned such that as the motor rotates a directional air flow is created within the interior space generating air flow through the air grates with one air grate as an intake air grate and the other grate as an exhaust air grate. [0019] In the motor assembly the air grates can be each positioned substantially parallel to radial lines of the end cap. [0020] In the motor assembly the air grate surface can define at least one switch receptacle configured to mount a control switch therein. [0021] Accordingly, disclosed is a control module for controlling a motor and mountable within an interior tubular cavity of a tubular end cap of a motor assembly. The control module can include a circuit board having a substantially semi-circular configuration with a diameter less than a diameter of the interior tubular cavity and mountable within the interior tubular cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] The present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the specific description accompanied by the attached drawings, in which: [0023] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a pump/motor assembly including a motor end cap according to the present disclosure; [0024] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a pump/motor assembly including a partially-removed motor end cap according to the present disclosure; [0025] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a motor end cap according to the present disclosure; [0026] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a motor end cap according to the present disclosure; [0027] FIG. 5 is a side plan view of a motor end cap according to the present disclosure; [0028] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a motor end cap according to the present disclosure; [0029] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a motor end cap according to the present disclosure; [0030] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a circuit board for use in a motor end cap according to the present disclosure; and [0031] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of a motor end cap with a circuit board included therein according to the present disclosure; [0032] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a motor end cap according to the present disclosure; and [0033] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a motor end cap according to the present disclosure. [0034] Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0035] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure. [0036] Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It is also understood that all spatial references, such as, for example, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure. [0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. [0038] Controllers are often used to control the operation of a motor. The motors can operate various devices, for example, pumps, vehicles, cooling units, etc. One example of a pump/motor assembly having a controller is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/536,929, filed Nov. 10, 2014, and entitled DUAL SPEED MOTOR CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR OPERATION THEREOF, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [0039] A pump/motor assembly 10 according to the present disclosure includes a pump section 13 and a motor section 12 . Motor section 12 includes novel end cap 11 . Controller circuit board 80 (see FIG. 8 ) is designed to fit within motor end cap 11 as shown in FIG. 9 . End cap 11 is removable from motor section 12 to expose motor 21 contained within motor housing 22 . (See FIG. 2 ). [0040] End cap 11 comprises a tubular body 31 , open at one end and closed at the other, The closed end includes a first planar surface 32 , a second planar surface 33 , and at least one air grate surface 34 . First planar surface 32 is substantially parallel to second planar surface 33 . The at least one air grate surface 34 is substantially perpendicular to and positioned between first and second planar surfaces 32 / 33 . The at least one air grate surface 34 includes an air grate 36 to permit airflow there through. [0041] In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 , five air grate surfaces 34 a - 34 e are shown, two of which, i.e. 34 b and 34 d, include air grates 36 i and 36 e, respectively. In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 , one air grate surface 34 is shown, having a single air grate 36 . Other configurations varying the number of air grate surfaces 34 and air grates 36 are contemplated. For example, although air grate surface is shown as a planar surface, as shown in FIG. 11 the air grate surface can be configured as an arcuate surface having one or more air grates positioned thereon. Other configurations having a combination of planar and arcuate surfaces are also contemplated. [0042] The embodiment of FIG. 3 shows a plurality of air grate surfaces connected in series, at least two of which include air grates positioned substantially opposite each other such that as the motor rotates a directional air flow is created in the interior space with one air grate being an intake air grate and the other grate being an exhaust air grate. [0043] In operation, as the motor spins, air currents will be produced through air grates 36 . The air currents will flow into and out of the interior of end cap 11 . This continuous air flow will continuously cool the interior of end cap 11 and thus cool controller circuit board 80 , thus protecting controller circuit board 80 from overheating. [0044] In a preferred embodiment and described with reference to FIG. 7 , planar surface 34 includes 2 air grate surfaces 34 b and 34 d each including an air grate 36 . The positioning of surfaces 34 b and 34 d are selected to maximize the air flow produced as an effect of the rotation of the motor. As motor rotates about axis z in direction A the rotation causes air flow within tubular body 31 in direction B. Intake air grate 36 i permits air flow into tubular body 31 in direction C and exhaust air grate 36 e permits air flow out of tubular body 31 in direction D. Angles α and β are selected to maximize the air flow and can change based on the position of the planar surfaces 34 b and 34 d. Air flow can be maximized when an air grate is substantially perpendicular to the air flow at the position of the air grate. In other words, air grates positioned substantially along radial lines of the end cap can maximize the air flow. In addition, although the configuration shown is substantially symmetrical about a line between the 2 air grates, other non-symmetrical designs are contemplated. [0045] In the embodiment of FIG. 10 , the air flow can be further maximized if the single planar surface 34 is provided with 2 air grates spaced apart from each other and the planar surface is positioned substantially on a diameter line of the end cap. This will position the air grates substantially perpendicular to the direction of the air flow at the each air grate. [0046] Also shown in FIG. 3 is optional switch cut-out 37 positioned within one of the at least one air grate surfaces 34 into which a switch (not shown) can be mounted to provide input to the controller circuit board 80 as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/536,929. Also includes are screw receptacles 35 to receive a screw to attach end cap 11 to motor housing 22 and/or motor 21 . End cap 11 can also include a power cord access 38 to permit connection of electric power to the electrical components of the pump/motor assembly 10 . [0047] The interior of end cap 11 is mostly hollow and designed to accept controller circuit board 80 . For example, a typical inside diameter of an end cap might be 5½ inches in diameter. If so, end cap 11 would have that same inside diameter. Controller circuit board 80 is specially designed as a semi-circle having a diameter of 5¼ inches to fit within the interior of end cap 11 (see FIG. 6 ) as shown in FIG. 9 . [0048] The present disclosure has been described herein in connection with a pump/motor assembly in a swimming pool environment, but is applicable to any electric motor that requires cooling in its end cap. Other applications are contemplated. [0049] Where this application has listed the steps of a method or procedure in a specific order, it may be possible or even expedient in certain circumstances, to change the order in which some steps, are performed, and it is intended that the particular steps of the method or procedure claim set forth herebelow not be construed as being order-specific unless, such order specificity is expressly stated in the claim. [0050] While the preferred embodiments of the devices and methods have been described in reference to the environment in which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of the principles of the inventions. Modification or combinations of the above-described assemblies, other embodiments, configurations, and methods for carrying out the invention, and variations of aspects of the invention that are obvious to those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Disclosed is an end cap for a motor housing containing an electric motor, including a tubular structure defining an interior space, including an open first end connectable to the mater casing; a second end, including a first planar surface; a second planar surface offset from the first planar surface and substantially parallel to the first planar surface; and at least one air grate surface substantially perpendicular to the first planar surface and the second planar surface, positioned between and attached to the first planar surface and the second planar surface, and wherein the at least one air grate surface includes at least one air grate configured to permit air flow into and/or out of the interior space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to telescoping booms and more particularly to telescoping boom extensions and retraction systems. 2. Prior Art Multi-section telescoping booms are well known to the art and include, for examle, three section booms having three nestled together boom sections one of which is stationary and two of which are extensible with the innermost boom section being extensible with respect to the intermediate boom section from a forward end of the intermediate boom section and the intermediate boom section being extensible with respect to the stationary boom section from a forward end of the stationary boom section. Such devices have, in the past, included hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders which operate between the stationary boom section and one of the extensible boom sections. Although it is known to the art to attach one end of the cylinder to the stationary section and another end of the cylinder to the most extensible of the boom sections, since the amount of extension which can exist for an ordinary cylinder is less than twice its retracted length, such devices are not favored for three section booms. In other embodiments, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders have been used with a first hydraulic cylinder connected between the stationary and the intermediate boom section and a second hydraulic cylinder connected between the intermediate and the most extensible boom section. Such constructions have a noticeable disadvantage in requiring two cylinders and further require complicated pressure hose connections to supply pressure to the separate cylinders. In order to reduce the complexity of such devices, it has been known to utilize chains or cables connecting various boom sections. For the most part, such prior constructions using chains or cables generally mounted the chains or cables, at least in part, exteriorly of the boom section. This external mounting, in addition to giving a bad appearance left operating portions of the system exposed to the elements and unprotected from damage or abrasion during operation. Additionally, where such chains or cables had been previously used, it was often necessary to provide a separate take-up reel controlling actuation and take-up of the cable. Thus two actuation systems were needed, one for the hydraulic system where that was used and a second for the cable system. It would be an advance in the art to provide a system which did not rely upon any external chains or cables and which did not require any separate actuation systems but which eliminated the necessity of multiple pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders while allowing boom extension of an amount greater than twice the collapsed length of one cylinder. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION My invention overcomes disadvantages inherent in the above described art. The invention is herewith disclosed in connection with a three section boom consisting of a stationary section, an intermediate extensible section and an inner, most extensible section. Hereinafter these sections will be referred to as stationary, intermediate and inner sections respectively. Primary telescoping force is provided by an extensible member such as an hydraulic cylinder which is connected between the stationary member and the intermediate member. The hydraulic cylinder which consists of a cylinder together with telescoping piston rod is positioned interior of the inner section and has one end attached to the base end of the stationary section and a second, remote end attached to a channel member end remote from the base end. The channel member has an end adjacent the base end which is connected to the intermediate section at the base end of the intermediate section. Thus actuation of the hydraulic cylinder will cause movement of the intermediate section in or out of the stationary section. Movement of the inner section is controlled by cables with each cable having one end anchored to the base end of the stationary section and the opposite end anchored to the stationary section adjacent its forward or free end. The cables pass from the base section outwardly towards the free end through the inner section. Adjacent the free end the cable passes around a sheave attached to the free end of the hydraulic cylinder and the returns towards the base end interior of the inner section. At the base end the cable then passes around a sheave attached to the base end of the intermediate section. The cable then extends towards the free end between the intermediate and stationary sections and is anchored adjacent the free end of the stationary section. A clamp member attached to the inner section adjacent the base end of the inner section clamps the cable to the inner section. Although both ends of the cable remain stationarily attached to the stationary section of the boom, as the hydraulic cylinder is moved, the distance between the cable anchor on the base end of the stationary section and the sheave attached to the free end of the hydraulic cylinder increases. This increase in cable length for that stretch causes corresponding decrease in the length of the cable between the sheave around the free end of the cylinder and the clamp to the cable between the inner boom section and the cable. This causes movement of the clamp relative to both the stationary section and the intermediate boom section thereby causing extension of the inner boom section with respect to the intermediate section at the same time that the intermediate section is being extended with respect to the stationary section. The movement of the cable is such that there is synchronised movement of the boom sections. This movement is on a 1 to 1 ratio and is synchronised in both sections and is such that when the intermediate section is fully extended with respect to the base section, the inner section will be fully extended with respect to the intermediate section. Upon reversal of the hydraulic cylinder occasioning a withdrawl of the intermediate section into the base section, the respective cable distance will again change. There will be an increase in the length of the portion of the cable between the free end of the stationary section and the sheave on the intermediate section which causes a relative decrease in the cable length between the base end of the stationary section and the sheave on the cylinder rod. This causes a relative movement of the cable stretch between sheave on the cylinder rod and the clamp between the cable and the inner boom section. Thus the inner boom section will be automatically withdrawn upon retraction of the intermediate boom section. It can therefore be seen that my invention provides for automatic extension and retraction of the most extensible of the boom sections by means of a cable and sheave system located interiorly of the extensible boom which cable and sheave system automatically causes movement of the inner section of the boom in direct response to movement of the intermediate section of the boom with respect to the base section. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved telescoping boom assembly having at least two extensible boom sections and a stationary boom section. It is another, more particular, object of this invention to provide an improved extensible boom system having three telescoping boom sections with an outer stationary boom section, an intermediate boom section extensible with respect to the outer boom section and an inner boom section extensible with respect to both the intermediate and outer booms whereby the inner boom section is the most extensible of the sections with movement of the inner boom controlled by a cable and sheave system located entirely interiorly of the boom assembly and with movement of the intermediate boom section controlled by a hydraulic cylinder having one end attached to the stationary boom section with a cylinder assembly intermediate portion extending through the inner boom section and terminating in a free end which has a channel member attached thereto, the channel member being positioned interior of the inner boom section and being attached to the intermediate section adjacent a base end of the intermediate section with a cable length having an end anchored to the stationary section adjacent a base end of the stationary section, the cable extending from the base end anchor interiorly of the innermost section to the free end of the cylinder thence around a sheave and back through the innermost section towards a base end thereof thence around a sheave attached adjacent a base end of the intermediate section thence between the intermediate and stationary sections to an anchor adjacent the free end of the stationary section, the cable clamped to the inner boom section and controlling extension and retraction thereof. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure, and in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of an extensible working platform vehicle equipped with the boom assembly of this invention. FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the boom assembly of this invention with portions thereof broken away to show underlying portions and with interior portions illustrated by broken lines. FIG. 3 is a cross section of the boom assembly of this invention taken generally along the lines III--III of FIG. 2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates an extensible platform vehicle 10 which includes a vehicle base section 11 having wheels 12 which may be articulatable and powered. A boom base 13 is carried on the vehicle base 11 through a rotating connection 14 allowing the boom base 13 to rotate in a horizontal plane with respect to the base 11. A boom assembly 15 is pivotably mounted as at 16 to the boom base 13 and may be elevated or lowered with respect thereto by means such as hydraulic jacks 17. The boom 15 has a base end portion 22 adjacent the pivot 16 and a free end portion 23 remote from the pivot. A work platform 18 may be attached to the free end portion 23 and be capable of supporting one or more workers and associated equipment. Normally the platform 18 is attached to the free end portion 23 through an articulated connection allowing the platform to be automatically or manually leveled irrespective of the angle of inclination of the boom with respect to the horizontal. Additionally the platform 18, as well as the base 13 may be equipped with suitable controls for raising or lowering the boom, for telescoping the boom, for rotating the boom base 13 on the vehicle base 11, and if desired, for driving and steering the vehicle base 11. Extension of the boom is accommodated through three telescoping sections including a stationary section 19 having a base end attached to the pivot 16, an intermediate section 20 telescoped in the base section 19 and an inner section 21 telescoped in the intermediate section 20. The inner section 21 thus constitutes the most extensible of the sections in that it can be telescoped outwardly the greatest distance with respect to the boom base 13. FIG. 1 illustrates various elevations of the boom from a depressed elevation 25 through a horizontal elevation 26 to a raised elevation 27. FIG. 2 illustrates the boom assembly 15 in greater detail showing the nestling of the inner boom section 21 in the intermediate boom section 20 which in turn is nestled in the stationary boom section 19. The stationary boom section 19 has a base end 30 which is attached to the pivot 16 and a free end 31 remote from the base end. In the illustrated embodiment the base section, the intermediate section and the inner section are generally rectangular in cross section and are open at both longitudinal ends. When in the collapsed or retracted position, there is a space 32 between the base end 33 of the intermediate section 20 and the base end 30 of the stationary section 19. There is also a space between the base end 34 of the inner section 21 and the base end 33 of the intermediate section 20. Conversely the free end 35 of the inner section 21 projects beyond the free end 36 of the intermediate section and the free end 31 of the stationary section. In the embodiment illustrated the free end of the intermediate section has been broken away. Adjacent the base end 30 of the stationary section 19 a cross bar 40 spans the interior of the rectangular base section. The cross bar 40 is positioned off center of the base section and forms an anchor block for a power cylinder 41 such as a pneumatic cylinder. The power cylinder extends longitudinally of the boom assembly interior of the inner section and, in a known manner, includes a piston rod 42 which terminates interior of the inner section adjacent the free end 35 thereof but which is not affixed to the inner section. A channel member 44, which in the illustrated embodiment is a rectangular cross section hollow member surrounds the pneumatic cylinder 41 and piston rod 42 and extends from the free end of the piston rod 42 to adjacent the base end 33 of the intermediate section 20. Overlapping brackets 45 on the base end 33 of the intermediate section and on the base end 46 of the channel member 44 attach the channel member 44 to the intermediate section 20. Attachment may be by means of bolts or the like. The channel member 44 is attached to the free end of the cylinder's piston rod as by means of an axle member 48 which passes through openings in side walls of the channel member 44 and through an eye opening in the end of the cylinder rod. Sheaves 49 and 50 may be attached to the shaft 48 exterior of the channel member 44 and interior of the inner section 21. Thus as the hydraulic cylinder 41 is activated to extend the piston rod 42 out of the free end of the hydraulic cylinder, movement of the piston rod is transferred to movement of the channel member 44 through the shaft connection 48. Movement of the channel member 44 causes movement of the intermediate member 20 by means of the connection 45. In this manner, although the hydraulic cylinder is located interior of the inner section 21 it causes direct movement, not of the inner section 21 but of the intermediate section 20. The connection 45 with the bracket member 44 is possible due to the extension of the base end 33 of the intermediate member beyond the base end 34 of the inner member in the direction of the base end 32 of the stationary member when the boom is fully collapsed. In order to cause movement of the inner member 21 cables 50 are provided. Each of the cables 50 has a base end 51 anchored to the cross bar 40 in the base end of the stationary member and has a free end 52 anchored to a cross bar 53 at the free end 31 of the stationary section 19. The cable 50 has a first stretch 55 which extends from the anchor end 51 to the free end of the piston rod 42 then around one of the sheaves 49, 50. The cable 50 then has an intermediate stretch 56 extending from the sheave 49, 50 back towards the base end to a sheave 54 projecting from the base end 33 of the intermediate section. A third stretch 56 of the cable 50 extends from the sheave 54 to the free end anchor 52. The first and intermediate stretches 55 and 56 project longitudinally interior of the inner section 21. The third stretch 57 extends longitudinally between the intermediate section 20 and the stationary section 19. The intermediate stretch 56 is attached to the inner section 21 adjacent the base end thereof 34 by means of a clamp member 60. In the preferred embodiment two cables 50 are used located on either side of the centrally disposed pneumatic cylinder 41 with one cable passing around the sheave 49 and another cable passing around the sheave 50. In this instance there are two sheaves 54 and 54a attached to the base end 33 of the intermediate section 20. The inner section 21 is thus firmly clamped adjacent its base end 34 to one point of the intermediate stretch 56 of each of the cables. As the sheave 49 or 50 moves with respect to the stationary section 19 by extension of the piston rod 42, the corresponding sheave 54, 54a will also be moved an equal distance with respect to the stationary section. This will cause a lengthening of the cable stretch 55 and a shortening of the cable stretch 57. This relative lengthening and shortening of the stretches 55 and 57 requires a movement of the cable in intermediate stretch 56 since the position of the sheaves 49, 50 and 54, 54a are fixed with respect to one another. Movement of the cable within stretch 56 will, because of the anchors 60 cause an equal distance movement of the inner secton 21. The distance the inner section will be moved with respect to the intermediate section is one to one which, however, translates to a 2 to 1 movement with respect to the stationary section. In this manner as the intermediate section is moved relative to the stationary section under influence of the hydraulic cylinder, the inner section will be moved relative to the intermediate section. The action is the same upon contraction of the system from an extended boom position by withdrawal of the piston rod 42 into the cylinder 41. In such a movement the cable stretch 55 will become shorter whereas the cable stretch 57 will become longer again requiring a corresponding movement of the cable in constant length intermediate stretch 56. In order to allow relative movement of the channel member 44 with respect to the inner section, a spacer member 70 is attached to the bracket member. The spacer member 70 is, in the preferred embodiment, U-shaped having outturned flanges 71 on the free ends of the legs of the U with the bight of the U attached to a side wall of the bracket member 44 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thus the outturned flanges 71 form slide surfaces and the hollow interior 72 can function as a conduit for control wires and the like between the platform and the boom base 13. Wear pads 73 can be positioned between the bracket member 44 and the inner face of the inner section 21 on the opposite side of the inner section 21 from the member 70. Additionally wear pads 74 can be provided between the inner section and the intermediate section and between the intermediate section and the stationary section. Preferably the wear pads 74 are positioned on all four sides of each of the sections and in order to allow telescoping of the sections without cocking of the one section within the other, the wear pads 74 are properly disposed on the inside faces of the intermediate and stationary sections adjacent their free ends and on the outside faces of the intermediate and inner sections adjacent their base ends. It can therefore be seen from the above that my invention provides method and means for extending the boom sections of a three section boom including a hydraulic cylinder connection between a stationary boom section and an intermediate boom section with the hydraulic cylinder positioned interior of an inner boom section and a cable connection between stationary, intermediate and inner sections and the hydraulic cylinder causing movement of the inner section relative to the intermediate and base sections such that the inner section will be automatically telescoped inwardly or outwardly of the intermediate section in direct response to movement of the intermediate section relative to the stationary section under the influence of the hydraulic system. All of the drive assemblies including the hydraulic section, the cables and associated sheaves are positioned interior of the boom assembly where they are protected from the elements and from abrasion and wear during usage. Although I have described my invention in connection with rectangular booms and involving two cables with a hydraulic cylinder, it is to be understood that variations of this assembly can be provided including, for example, hexagonal, octagonal or the like boom sections, one, three or more cables or cables which are made up of two or more sections or other variants. Although the teachings of my invention have herein been discussed with reference to specific theories and embodiments, it is to be understood that these are by way of illustration only and that others may wish to utilize my invention in different designs or applications.

An extension and retraction mechanism for a three section extensible boom is disclosed utilizing an internally disposed hydraulic cylinder connected between a stationary boom section and an intermediate boom section with a cable connection located entirely interior of the boom having opposite ends anchored to opposite ends of the stationary section with the cable routed around sheaves on the moving end of the hydraulic cylinder and a base end of the intermediate boom section with a cable attachment to the base end of the inner boom section, the inner boom section being the most extensible boom section.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the priority of German Application No. 296 14 589.0 filed Aug. 22, 1996, which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In reciprocating-piston machines, particularly piston-type internal-combustion engines, for the compensation of free mass forces compensating masses are needed which are constituted by revolving unbalanced weights driven by gears coupled with the crankshaft. Such orbiting unbalanced weights may thus be arranged only at the end of a crankshaft in the engine block. German Offenlegungsschrift (application published without examination) No. 44 41 789 to which corresponds U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,407 issued Dec. 31, 1996, discloses an arrangement in which the crankshaft carries cam disks whose cam tracks are in contact with compensating weights which are designed as pivotal arms extending transversely to and below the crankshaft axis. One end of the compensating weight is coupled with a torsion spring which is affixed to the engine block while the other end of the compensating weight may freely swing back and forth. The torsion spring holds the compensating weight against the cam track of the cam disk with the intermediary of a roller element. This arrangement has the advantage that in case of multi-cylinder in-line engines the compensating weights may be positioned within the crankcase in the region of the crankshaft ends. It is, however, a disadvantage of such an arrangement that if only two compensating weights are used for the entire engine, relatively large compensating masses have to be used with which correspondingly robust torsion springs have to be associated. Accordingly, high pressing forces between the roller element and the respective compensating weight and the associated cam track will result. Such conditions are not adapted for all modes of application. Further, because of the required length of the torsion spring it is not possible to assign a separate compensating weight to each engine piston. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an improved weight-compensating device of the above-outlined type which is of compact construction and which, in a multi-cylinder, reciprocating-piston machine, makes possible to assign a compensating weight to selected pistons or to all pistons of the machine. This object and others to become apparent as the specification progresses, are accomplished by the invention, according to which, briefly stated, the reciprocating-piston machine includes a cylinder; a piston received in the cylinder for reciprocating motion therein; a crankshaft having a crankshaft axis and being torque-transmittingly connected to the piston; a control disk mounted on the crankshaft for rotation therewith; an elongated weight-compensating member having opposite ends and extending transversely to the crankshaft axis; a follower roller carried by the weight-compensating member and riding on a cam track of the control disk; a supporting arrangement supporting the weight-compensating member at its ends for guiding the weight-compensating member in displacements towards and away from said crankshaft; a spring arrangement included in the support arrangement for urging the weight-compensating member toward the crankshaft to press the follower roller against the cam track with a spring force; and an adjusting device for varying the spring force. The invention provides for the possibility to assign to each cylinder at least one weight-compensating member underneath the crankshaft. By means of a terminal support for the traverse-like weight-compensating member a leverage (mechanical advantage) is obtained, so that high contact forces between the follower roller and the cam track may be generated and thus small spring forces may equalize large mass forces. By providing a device for changing the spring bias, the contact force between the follower roller and the cam track may be set. Dependent upon the construction of the device, such a bias adjustment may be effected continuously or stepwise so that, starting from a small contact force at low rpm's (and accordingly small mass forces to be equalized), the contact force may be increased by means of increasing the spring tension, so that for high rpm's high contact forces may be set. It is an important advantage of the invention that for any given rpm the contact force responsible for the friction may be set to a magnitude which is just sufficient to ensure that the weight-compensating member and the follower roller do not lift off the control disk. Consequently, the stress on the material is correspondingly reduced. This means that in a piston-type internal-combustion engine a lesser starting torque applied by the starter motor is needed and also, the main bearings will be stressed less, thus reducing the friction in all the bearings of the engine. While it is basically feasible to use a wide variety of mechanical spring elements such as bending springs or spring disk stacks to form the spring assembly, according to an advantageous feature of the invention the spring assembly is formed by at least one coil spring which may be a commercially available standardized compression spring. Coil springs, particularly compression coil springs have the additional advantage that their force line extends in the plane of movement of the weight-compensating members, so that the system structure may be relatively narrow and therefore practically no increase in the engine length is required. Such coil springs too, may be continuously biased by the device for varying (adjusting) the spring tension. According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the spring assembly is formed by at least two serially connected springs, preferably coil springs which have different spring characteristics (stiffness) and the springs are so arranged that in a first setting the softer spring and in a second setting the harder spring becomes effective. The soft setting applies to a lower rpm range while the hard setting is associated with an upper rpm range. Such a two-step system also simplifies the adjusting device which actuates the device for setting the spring tension. Within the stepped regions predetermined by the springs, a continuous adjustment of the spring tension is possible. According to a further advantageous feature of the invention, the device for altering the spring tension is formed by a support assembly which is connected with an adjusting drive for changing the height position of the support assembly relative to the crankshaft. The height adjustment may be effected, for example, by means of a hydraulic piston on which the traverse of the support assembly and/or the spring assembly is supported. Or, the support assembly may include an eccentric rotatable by an adjusting drive. According to another advantageous feature of the invention, the weight-compensating member is designed for pivotal motion; one end of the weight-compensating member is supported by a pivotal bearing, while its other end is supported by the spring assembly. The device for changing the spring tension may be either integrated in the pivotal bearing, for example, as an eccentric and/or may be associated with the spring assembly as a support. Such a support may be an eccentric, a hydraulic piston or the like. The pivotal design for the weight-compensating member results in a defined guidance which is simple to manufacture. According to a further feature of the invention, the weight-compensating member is linearly shiftably supported on a guide and is, with the intermediary of spring assemblies, held at its ends on a supporting traverse which, in turn, is supported by at least one device for varying the spring tension. Such an arrangement permits a strictly symmetrical design for the weight-compensating member. Further, because of a purely translatory motion of the weight-compensating member, no centrifugal forces of the weight-compensating members need to be taken into consideration even in the transverse direction. The device for changing the spring tension may be arranged either underneath the supporting traverse or at one end or both ends thereof. In case the devices for changing the spring tension are provided at both ends of the supporting traverse, it is, for example, feasible to obtain three setting ranges even in a two-point control by utilizing a different stroke. Thus, a first setting range may be set by a stroke h 1 of a first eccentric, a second setting range may be set by a stroke h 2 of a second eccentric and a third setting range may be set by a total stroke of h=h 1 +h 2 . Here too, within the stepped ranges a continuous change of the spring tension may be effected. While in principle it is feasible to also guide the weight-compensating member by corresponding guides at the engine block in case a supporting traverse is used, it is expedient to couple the guide for the weight-compensating member directly with the supporting traverse so that the latter, together with the weight-compensating member and the spring assembly, constitutes an integrated structural unit. According to a further advantageous feature of the invention, the spring assembly includes a coil spring for a first, soft setting and a magnet assembly for a second, hard setting. The magnet assembly is composed of two magnets with facing identical polarities. One of the magnets is stationary while the other is connected to the movable weight-compensating member. In such a system the force, with which the weight-compensating member is pressed against the control cam via the follower roller, is generated by the "electromagnetic gap stiffness" which, in such an elastic system, depends from the strength of the magnetic field of the two magnets which are oriented towards one another with identical polarities. To effect a change of the "spring stiffness" of the system, according to an additional feature of the invention, one of the magnets is a permanent magnet, while the other is an electromagnet connected to a current source. Since the electromagnetic gap stiffness of such a magnet system depends from the intensity of the current flowing through the solenoid of the electromagnet, it is feasible to change the "spring tension" by suitably controlling the current flow. The arrangement may be such that the stationary magnet is the electromagnet while the other magnet--which moves as a unit back and forth with the weight-compensating member--is the permanent magnet. Since the electromagnet has a larger mass than the permanent magnet, the securement of the electromagnet to the weight-compensating member is advantageous because the mass of the electromagnet may be added as an "active" mass to the mass of the weight-compensating member. Also, when using such "magnet springs" as the spring assembly, it is feasible to support only one end of the weight-compensating member by the spring arrangement and to support the other end of the weight-compensating member on a pivotal bearing. The device for changing the spring tension is integrated in the spring assembly as an electromagnet whose magnetic force may be varied. It is, however, also feasible to support both ends of the weight-compensating member by such magnetic springs in which case a purely translatory motion of the compensating mass is obtained. While in principle it is basically feasible to utilize solely such magnetic springs, a combination of coil springs and magnetic springs, particularly in piston-type internal-combustion engines is advantageous because upon engine start and in the lower rpm range the contacting force between the weight-compensating member and its support may be applied exclusively by the coil spring which means that the electric system of the vehicle is not burdened at that time. The magnet springs are activated only at high rpm's when more current may be drawn from the electric system of the vehicle. In such an operational stage a continuous change of the spring tension is feasible by means of a suitable, rpm-dependent regulation of the current passing through the solenoid of the electromagnet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partially sectional side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a partially sectional top plan view of one part of the structure of FIG. 1, as seen in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially sectional side elevational view of another preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4 is a partially sectional side elevational view of a further preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a partially sectional side elevational view of yet another preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a partially sectional side elevational view of still another preferred embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows in cross section a crankshaft 1 of a reciprocating piston-type internal-combustion engine. The crankshaft 1 has a main journal 2, a crank pin 3, a web 4 and a counterweight 5. The crankshaft 1 carries a cam disk (control disk) 6 having an elliptical cam track 7. The major axis 8 of the cam track 7 is oriented parallel to the crank arm while the minor axis 9 of the cam track 7 is oriented 90° thereto. A cylinder 10, a piston 10' reciprocating therein and a connecting rod 10" coupling the piston 10' to the crankshaft 1 are only symbolically illustrated. In the crankcase 12 surrounded by the lower part of the engine block 11, underneath the crankshaft 1 a weight-compensating member (compensating mass) 13 is disposed. The weight-compensating member 13 is a traverse-like component which, as it may also be observed in FIG. 2, extends transversely to the orientation of the crankshaft axis and is supported at both ends in the plane of rotation of the control disk 6. A support for one end of the weight-compensating member 13 is formed by a pivot bearing 14 mounted on the engine block 11, while the other end is supported on the engine block 11 with the interposition of a spring assembly 15. The weight-compensating member 13 is provided with a follower roller 16 which rides on the cam track 7 of the control disk 6 with a pressing force which is determined by the spring force of the spring assembly 15. While the upper end 15.1 of the spring assembly 15 is articulated to one end of the weight-compensating member 13, its lower end 15.2 is articulated to a fixed location 17.2 of the engine block 11. To be able to vary the spring force (spring tension), the pivotal support 14 is formed as an eccentric so that the journal 18 of the weight-compensating member 13 is held eccentrically in a bearing body 19 which is rotatably supported in the engine block 11 and is coupled with an externally operable setting device. By suitably turning the rotary body 19, the pivotal axis of the weight-compensating member 13 defined by the journal 18 may be varied in its height relative to the crankshaft 1 and in this manner the bias of the spring assembly 15 which may be composed of linear or progressive coil springs 20 may be accordingly changed. By changing the spring tension, the contact force with which the follower roller 16 engages the cam track 7 thus also changes so that by turning the eccentric formed of the journal 18 and the rotary body 19, a "soft" or "hard" basic setting of the spring tension may be obtained. Instead of designing the pivot bearing 14 to be height-adjustable by means of an eccentric, it is feasible to mount the fixed articulation point 17.2 of the spring assembly 15 on a settable eccentric. In case of a multi-cylinder in-line engine, a change of the spring tension may be effected centrally by a rotary body 19 which extends along the entire length of the engine and on which, in a suitable orientation to the crank, the journal 18 of the compensating members 13 or the fixed support 17.2 of the spring assemblies 15 are eccentrically mounted, so that by means of a central adjustment an alteration of the spring tension for the weight-compensating members 13 at each cylinder is feasible. As may be observed in FIG. 2, the weight-compensating member 13 has in its mid zone a recess 21 accommodating the follower roller 16 which may be constituted by a conventional rolling-element bearing (ball bearing or roller bearing). By a suitable dimensioning of the size of the recess 21, it is feasible to insert a roller bearing having a load bearing capacity adapted for the highest engine rpm's. By means of the outer contour of the weight-compensating member 13, the size and thus the effective "balancing mass" may be adapted to the individual requirements. FIG. 3 shows another preferred embodiment which, in principle, is constructed similarly to that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The traverse-like weight-compensating member 13 is guided for translatory movement on a supporting traverse 23 by means of two guide bars 22 which may be tubular members. Both ends of the weight-compensating member 13 are supported on the supporting traverse 23 by spring assemblies 15. The supporting traverse 23 is, in turn, supported on the engine block 11 by means of a fixed rotary bearing 24 at one end and by a floating bearing 25 at the other end. The floating bearing 25 is composed of a joint 25.1, an arm 25.2 and a fixed rotary bearing 25.3 which is supported on the engine block 11. For changing the spring tension, the fixed rotary bearing 24 and/or 25.3 may be constituted by an eccentric as described in connection with FIG. 1 for the pivotal bearing 14, and may be connected with a suitable setting device so that by means of turning the eccentric (not shown in FIG. 3), the height position of the location of articulation with respect to the crankshaft axis may be changed and thus the spring bias may be altered. By using only a single eccentric, for example, in the bearing (joint) 24 or 25.3, an adjustment between two different height positions is possible. When using eccentrics integrated in both joints 24 and 25.3, it is possible to preset three different height positions if the eccentricities of the eccentrics associated with the respective joints 24 and 25.3 are different. If, for example, the eccentric of the joint 24 has an eccentricity of h 1 which is less than the eccentricity h 2 of the eccentric associated with the joint 25.3, then a height adjustment having a magnitude of h 1 or h 2 or h=h 1 +h 2 and thus a corresponding change of the spring bias may be selectively set. In the embodiment according to FIG. 3 it is assumed that only one of the joints 24 or 25.3 is provided with an eccentric while the other joint is formed merely by a simple, stationary bearing stub. Each of the two spring assemblies 15 is composed of two compression coil springs 20.1 and 20.2 which are connected in series. The two compression coil springs 20.1 and 20.2 are connected with one another by a cap-like coupling body 26 where in the shown "low" height adjustment by the setting means, for example, the eccentric at the joint 24 or 25.3, only the soft spring 20.1 is effective. The spring forces effective upon upward and downward motion of the weight-compensating member 13 are, nevertheless, transmitted to the supporting traverse 23 via the cap-like coupling body 26 and the hard spring 20.2. The difference in the spring stiffness of the two springs is, however, of such a magnitude relative to one another that despite the series connection of the two springs, essentially only the soft spring 20.1 is resiliently effective. If now at higher rpm's the system should have harder spring characteristics, then by means of a suitable adjusting arrangement at the joints 24 and/or 25.3, the supporting traverse 23 is raised to such an extent that the abutment face 27 of the cap-shaped coupling body 26 engages the counterface 28 in the corresponding recess of the weight-compensating member 13 so that during the upward and downward motions of the weight-compensating member 13 imparted thereon by the cam track 7, only the "hard" spring 20.2 is effective between the weight-compensating body 13 and the supporting traverse 23. As it may be further seen in FIG. 3, the compensating member 13 is provided with a recess 21 in which a follower roller 16 is arranged. The follower roller 16 may be a standard rolling-element bearing (ball bearing or roller bearing). Since the recess 21 is downwardly open, the oil mist present in any event in the crankcase may be utilized for lubricating the follower roller 16 as well as the locations between the weight-compensating member 13 and its guides 22. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 is a variant of that shown in FIG. 3. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, the traverse-like compensating member 13 is guided for executing a translational motion on a supporting traverse 23 by means of bar guides 22 which may be tubular. The construction and mode of operation of the spring assemblies 15 correspond to those of the embodiment described in connection with FIG. 3. In the FIG. 4 embodiment, the supporting traverse 23 is supported by means of a central setting eccentric 23.1 and a slide block 23.2. In the event a plurality of weight-compensating members are present along the crankshaft 1, the setting eccentrics 3.1 associated with the individual weight-compensating members are mounted on a common shaft 23.3 which extends along the entire length of the engine so that by means of a central setting all the weight-compensating members arranged in the engine may be simultaneously adjusted by a central adjusting device. FIG. 5 shows a variant which, however, essentially corresponds to the earlier-described embodiments. In this embodiment too, a control disk 6 is provided which has a cam track 7 engaged by a follower roller 16 of a weight-compensating member 13 which is provided at both ends with a compression coil spring 29 supporting the weight-compensating member 13 on a supporting and guiding element 30. The supporting and guiding element 30 is, in turn, supported by pins 31 on the engine block and projects with its outer surface 32 in a piston-like manner into a cavity 33 of the weight-compensating member 13 to thus provide for a guidance which is not prone to misalignments. Each supporting and guiding element 30 is provided with a solenoid 34 connected to a current supply (not shown) Thus, the supporting and guiding element 30 forms an electromagnet cooperating with an annular permanent magnet 35 held in the weight-compensating member 13. The permanent magnet 35 may also be formed by a plurality of bar-shaped magnets arranged generally in an annular pattern. In the illustrated arrangement of the permanent magnet 35 that is, where the pole face of the permanent magnet 35 is oriented towards the supporting and guiding element 30 has an N polarity, the solenoid of the supporting and guiding element 30 has to be energized with a D.C. current such that at the pole face of the electromagnet 34 also an N polarity will appear, whereby the two magnets repel each other. As a result of such an arrangement, when the supporting and guiding element (electromagnet) 30 is energized, it resiliently presses the weight-compensating member 13 against the cam track 7 via the follower roller 16 with a resilient force which is proportional to the current flow. The spring formed by the magnetic arrangement has, based on the gap stiffness, a pronounced progressive characteristic which, however, can be altered steplessly by regulating the current passing through the solenoid 34. In the system of FIG. 5, the coil spring 29 constitutes the "soft" spring which is to be effective in the lower rpm ranges, during which no current passes through the solenoid 34 of the electromagnet. When a predetermined rpm is exceeded, the solenoid 34 is energized such that the current intensity is increased in accordance with the rpm increase or is lowered so that the optimal, operationally dependent resetting forces may be set for the weight-compensating member 13. The various embodiments described above concerning the yielding support for the weight-compensating member 13 may be utilized for various embodiments in a number of combinations. Thus, for example, the magnet embodiment of FIG. 4 may be used to support the weight-compensating member 13 of the FIG. 1 embodiment. In such a case the device formed as an eccentric for varying the height position at the pivotal bearing 14 may be omitted because the adjustment of the spring bias may be affected by altering the current flow through the solenoid of the electromagnet. Likewise, the tandem spring assemblies of FIG. 3 with the devices for activating the soft spring for low rpm's and the hard spring for higher rpm's may be used in the construction of FIG. 1. Or, it is feasible to utilize the simple spring arrangement of FIG. 1 in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment which has a hydropneumatic spring assembly. The weight-compensating member 13 is guided for translational motion over guides 22 and engages the cam track 7 of the control disk 6 by means of the follower roller 16. The supporting arrangement 36 for the compensating member 13 is formed by a hydro-pneumatic spring assembly including a piston 37 which is guided in a cylinder 38 which is subdivided by a diaphragm 39 into a pneumatic chamber 40 and a hydraulic chamber 41. The pneumatic chamber 40 is connected by means of a port 42 with a controllable pneumatic pressure generator (not shown), while the hydraulic chamber 41 is connected by means of a port 43 with a controllable hydraulic pressure generator (not shown). By charging the pneumatic chamber 40, the desired spring force is set, while the fluid in the hydraulic chamber 41 serves as a transmission and coupling means between the piston 37 and the diaphragm 39 in order to obtain a more favorable loading of the diaphragm 39. The piston 37 is guided in the cylinder 38 without additional seals so that slight losses in the hydraulic liquid (such as engine oil) may occur. Leakage losses are supplemented by the conduit 43. By means of a suitable actuation of the pressure generator for the hydraulic liquid and the pressure generator for the pneumatic medium, such as air, the "spring stiffness" of the hydro-pneumatic spring assembly and thus the pressing force between the follower roller 16 and the cam track 7 may be set by the pneumatic pressure level dependent upon engine operation. Since the hydraulic liquid, such as engine oil, serves merely as a transmission and coupling medium between the diaphragm 39 and the piston 37, in the pneumatic chamber 40 and the hydraulic chamber 41 identical pressures prevail. The above-described hydro-pneumatic spring assembly may also be provided in a tandem arrangement, that is, the weight-compensating member 13 may be supported by means of two endwise arranged hydro-pneumatic spring arrangements of the type described above. A support as shown in FIG. 1 may be obtained by means of a hydro-pneumatic spring arrangement which does not need an eccentric for supporting the weight-compensating member 13. It is sufficient to provide a simple pivotal support because the device for changing the spring tension by controlling the pressure in the pneumatic chamber is integrated in the spring arrangement. It will be understood that the above description of the present invention is susceptible to various modifications, changes and adaptations, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the appended claims.

A reciprocating-piston machine includes a cylinder; a piston received in the cylinder for reciprocating motion therein; a crankshaft having a crankshaft axis and being torque-transmittingly connected to the piston; a control disk mounted on the crankshaft for rotation therewith in a plane of rotation; an elongated weight-compensating member having opposite ends and extending transversely to the crankshaft axis; a follower roller carried by the weight-compensating member and riding on a cam track of the control disk; a supporting arrangement supporting the weight-compensating member at its ends substantially coplanar with the plane of rotation of the control disk for guiding the weight-compensating member in displacements towards and away from said crankshaft; a spring arrangement included in the support arrangement for urging the weight-compensating member toward the crankshaft to press the follower roller against the cam track with a spring force; and an adjusting device for varying the spring force.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to sheet feeding mechanisms for use in conveying individual documents from a print station to a stacking station. In many types of printing and copying systems individual documents are printed or otherwise reproduced (e.g. by electrostatic copying of an original) at a first station or location (hereinafter termed the printing station), and the individual documents thus produced are serially fed to a stacking station, such as a stacking bin, where the individual documents accumulate in a stack. In many applications, it is highly desirable that the stacking station be closely adjacent the printing station for the efficient collection and distribution of the finished documents. Many different arrangements have been employed to provide a closely adjacent stacking station, and such arrangements typically include a fixed or removable tray positioned above and to the rear of the printing station into which the individual documents are serially fed and stacked automatically. In many applications, it is highly undesirable for the sheets to collect in reverse order, which is the normal stacking mode absent any additional sheet handling mechanisms. In order to provide collated or serially arranged copies in their proper order, many improvements have been proposed and employed on the basic stacking station noted above. Such improvements include completely passive devices generally employing a stationary deflector plate against which the leading edge of each document initially bears when arriving at the stacking station and which causes the leading edge of the document to be turned upside down and deflected downwardly into the stacking tray. Such devices normally use the weight of the paper to assist in the collection of the documents in the stacking tray, and an example of such an arrangement is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,757. Other sheet handling mechanisms employ active elements which grasp the leading edge of the sheet as it enters the stacking station and pull the sheet typically around a one hundred eighty degree circular path provided by a platen mechanism so that the document is positively drawn into the stacking station. An example of such an arrangement is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,027,580. Since document sheets of widely varying weights are employed in the same printing/reproducing apparatus in many applications, many stacking station arrangements with the document collation feature tend to cause jamming or crinkling of the documents, particularly when the lighter weight sheets are employed (since their resistance to crinkling is quite low). This problem is exacerbated in the passive type deflector installations which rely on the stiffness of the paper and the contact with the leading edge of the document to the defined deflection of the sheet. While it is possible to minimize this disadvantage by providing a document feed path with more gradual contours, passive deflectors are nevertheless unacceptable in those applications which require a low height profile and the efficient use of space, which is particularly true in office environment applications. Many active devices, while adequate when used in conjunction with standard weight sheet stock, have a tendency, particularly when non-standard sheet stock is used, to wrinkle the document or tear its leading edge. While it is possible to ameliorate this problem by providing a relatively large platen having a large throat area and a large radius of curvature, this solution increases the height profile of the sheet handling mechanism, which is undesirable for low profile applications. While the collation feature noted above is preferred in many sheet feeding applications, there are some documents for which this feature is not suited due to the requirement that the document be fed through a 180° path reversal. Printed envelopes, for example, have a tendency to skew when manipulated in an active sheet feeding device, which typically results in a jamming of the mechanism. Similarly, when passed through a passive deflector the envelopes tend to accumulate in the tray in a haphazard fashion and thick envelopes tend to jam near the entry point. With passive devices, the only practical way to defeat the collation function is to remove the deflector, which requires that the upstream printing mechanism be deactivated and is thus undesirable. Although active devices can be provided with an override mechanism to defeat the collation function, this solution requires the addition of active elements, which increases the complexity and cost of the device and increases the likelihood of mechanical failure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention comprises a sheet feeding mechanism affording both the collating function and a direct stacking function which is relatively inexpensive and uncomplicated, requires a minimum of height and depth to provide adequate stacking capability and which is compatible with a wide range of sheet weights. In its broadest aspect, the invention comprises guide means for receiving a sheet at a front entrance location and for guiding the sheet along a defined path to a rear exit location; movable deflector means having a working end located at the exit location for normally deflecting the leading portion of a sheet along a path extending toward a front portion of an underlying receiving tray and for enabling the sheet to buckle rearwardly of the exit location after the leading portion of the sheet has contacted the forward portion of the tray; and sheet feed means located rearwardly of the guide means and above the tray for frictionally feeding the remaining portion of the sheet rearwardly of the tray. The guide means preferably includes a rotatable feed roller extending transversely of the sheet feed path, and one or more endless flexible belts each above and in surface contact with the feed roller surface in the region between the entrance and exit locations to positively grip a sheet entering the device and to positively feed the sheet from the entrance location to the exit location. The guide means also preferably include a rotatable inlet roller parallel to the rotatable feed roller but positioned forwardly of the sheet feed path for supporting a forward portion of said flexible belts so as to define an inlet throat area extending forwardly of said feed roller. The deflector means preferably comprises a shaft extending transversely of the curved path and having one or more deflector arms secured at one end to the shaft and extending to the exit location when the deflector means is in the deflecting position. The sheet feed means preferably includes a rear roller positioned rearwardly of the rotatable feed roller with the one or more flexible belts mounted for movement about the rear roller to provide a moving frictional surface for the underlying sheet portion assisting migration of the sheet buckle rearwardly of the device. In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, the deflector means includes means for providing a compliant bias force releasably maintaining the working end of the deflector means at the exit location so that, as sheets accumulate in the underlying tray, the deflector can partially retract away from the exit location in response to force exerted by the initially buckling sheet. The manipulating compliant maintaining means may include a pivotable arm coupled to the deflector shaft, a link member coupled to the pivotable arm, bias means coupled to the link for providing a bias force to the arm via the link for releasably maintaining the deflector means working end at the exit location, and driving means coupled to the link for pivoting the arm via the link to rotate the shaft between a first angular position in which the deflector means working end is compliantly positioned at the exit location and a second angular position in which the deflector means working end is positively positioned in a remote position. The driving means may include a rotatable cam and a cam follower having a camming surface in engagement with the cam and an operating end coupled to the link, the cam follower being pivotally mounted to a fixed reference and the spring bias means being coupled to the operating end of the cam follower. In accordance with a second preferred embodiment, a deflector roller is disposed rearwardly of said feed roller and in surface contact with said flexible belts for supporting said sheet as it is deflected to said forward portion, the deflector arms when in their operative position serving to guide said sheet around said deflector roller with the working end of the deflector arms extending in an arc from a first region in the vicinity of the contact between the deflector roller and the belts to a lower region adjacent the lowermost portion of said deflector roller. The forward wall of the collecting tray preferably is oriented with respect to said exit location such that the distance to said wall will be approximately the same regardless of the height of the stacked sheets in the tray so that the forward edge of the sheet will travel a predetermined distance from the deflector exit to the wall, and so that the deflector arms may be moved to their remote position at a predetermined point in each paper ejection cycle independent of the quantity of sheets previously processed. An override means may be provided for those applications in which the collation function is not permanently required which overrides the operation of the drive means and retains the deflector shaft in its second angular position in which the working end of the deflector arm is maintained in a non-interfering position with respect to the sheet travelling through the device. For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the ensuing Detailed Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 2-6 are schematic side views all taken generally along lines A--A of FIG. 1 sequentially illustrating the operation of the invention; FIG. 7 is a side schematic view taken along lines B--B of FIG. 1 illustrating the deflector actuating mechanism; FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 2-6 illustrating the compliant operation of the deflector arms; and FIG. 9 is a side schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention in which the deflector arms guide the sheet around a rotating deflector roller. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate the feed path and deflector portions of a first embodiment of the invention. As seen in these Figs., an entrance ramp 11 extending between a printing station (not shown) and an entrance location generally designated with reference numeral 12 provides a path for individual sheets to travel. The auxiliary printing station may comprise a daisy wheel printer, an electrostatic copier, or any other source of sheet documents to be stacked in a receiving tray 14, either in a collated fashion or directly. Extending transversely of the entrance 12 is a rotatable roller 15 of conventional construction which is journaled into side plates 16, 17 for free rotation about the body axis. Roller 15 is driven by a plurality of flexible endless belts 20 by frictional surface contact with the outer surface of roller 15 partially along the arcuate path connecting an upwardly angled first direction A at the entrance location 12 to a downwardly angled second direction B at an exit location 21. Each belt 20 is arranged along the path defined by a rotatable rear feed roller 22, a bias roller 23 positioned slightly behind and above roller 15, and driving forward roller 24, the latter having a spur gear 25 driven by a driving gear 26 rotated by a motor (not shown) via a timing belt 27. Motion of the belts 20 is along the direction of the arrows 30, 31 shown in FIGS. 2-6 so that the rotatable roller 15 rotates clockwise as shown in FIGS. 2-6. A deflector shaft 33 is carried by end plates 16, 17 and is arranged for reciprocal angular movement over a prescribed range, which is substantially 90° in the preferred embodiment. Secured along deflector shaft 33 at transversely spaced locations intermediate the belts 20 are a plurality of individual deflector arms 35 each terminating in a free working end 36 which functions to deflect the leading portion of each sheet which exits from exit location 21. As will be described more completely below, the driving mechanism for deflector shaft 33 maintains each deflector arm 35 in its active deflecting position illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 when the leading edge reaches the exit location 21 and thereafter until the leading edge of the sheet has travelled sufficiently to abut the forward wall 40 of the receiving tray 14. Ordinarily, each deflector arm 35 will remain in the deflecting position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 until the forward edge of the sheet actually engages corner 30 and the sheet begins to buckle. After the sheet buckle has fully formed, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the driving mechanism for deflector shaft 33 rotates the shaft counterclockwise (as viewed in FIGS. 2-6) to the remote position illustrated in FIG. 4 to enable the sheet to progressively buckle in the rearward direction (to the right in FIGS. 2-6) until the sheet is deposited fully into the receiving tray 14. After a certain point in the rearward migration of the sheet buckle (shown in FIG. 5), the driving mechanism for deflector shaft 33 rotates the shaft clockwise until the working end 36 of each arm 35 is repositioned in the deflecting position (FIG. 2). The progressive deposition of the sheet proceeds as follows: Initially, a sheet is fed along ramp 11 from the source station. As the leading edge of the sheet reaches the forwardly extending lower surface of the belts 20, it is pulled into the nip between belts 20 and roller 15, and then is drawn about the arcuate path between the entrance location 12 and the bias roller 23. As the leading edge of the sheet clears the nip just below roller 23, the immediately trailing portion continues to be positively fed along the arcuate path, and the leading edge is guided by the working ends 36 of the arms 35 toward the forward wall 40 of the underlying tray 14 (FIG. 2). After the leading edge of the sheet abuts the wall 40, the working ends 36 force the sheet to buckle, as illustrated in FIG. 3. After the buckle is fully formed, the deflector shaft 33 is rotated to remove the deflector arms 35 out of the progressive path of the sheet (FIG. 4). The trailing portion of the buckled sheet frictionally engages the underside of the rearwardly moving belts 20, and the buckle migrates rearwardly with the assistance of the belts 20. After the trailing edge of the sheet clears the working ends 36 (FIG. 5), the deflector arms 35 may be rotated back to the deflecting position while the buckle continues to migrate rearwardly until the trailing edge of the sheet clears the rear feed roller 22 (FIG. 6). The trailing portion of the sheet then releases from the belts 20 and settles into the tray 14. This operation continues with each succeeding sheet, so long as the collation function is required. When the collation function is not to be used, the deflector shaft 33 is merely rotated to the remote position shown in FIG. 4, in which the deflector arms do not interfere with the path of a sheet through the device. In this override mode of operation, an entering sheet is drawn around the arcuate path between the entrance location 12 and the bias roller 23, but simply progresses thereafter toward the rear of the tray 14 without being inverted. This elegantly simple override function permits the device to be switched between the two modes of operation by simply operating a single mechanism (described below). FIG. 7 illustrates the operating mechanism for rotating the deflector shaft 33 between the two angular positions (i.e. active and remote) described above. As seen in this Fig., an arm 51 is connected at one end to the end of deflector shaft 33. The other end of arm 51 is pivotablly connected to an operating link 52, the other end of which is pivotally connected to one end of a cam follower 53. The other end of cam follower 53 is pivotally connected by means of a pivot post 54 to a fixed reference, e.g. end plate 16. The cam follower 53 has a follower surface 56, preferably a roller bearing, which rides on the camming surface of an eccentric cam 58, which is driven in synchronism with timing belt 27 by a suitable power takeoff mechanism (not shown). The high lobe 59 on the cam 58 provides a dwell time for the deflector shaft 33 in the remote position; the remainder of the camming surface provides dwell for the deflector shaft 33 for the deflecting position. As noted above, the amount of angular deflection afforded to the deflector arms 35 is approximately 90° in the specific embodiment shown; the angular amount will depend on the geometry of the apparatus and, in particular, the position of the deflector shaft 33 relative to the feed roller 15 and the drive belts 20. Similarly, the dwell angle for the two major portions of the cam surface may be selected to maintain the deflector arms 35 in the remote position for the requisite period of time during which the buckle migrates rearwardly of the device and the trailing edge of the sheet clears the working end 36 of each arm 36, after which each arm 35 is placed in the exit location position and maintained in this position until the buckle is fully formed in the next sheet. Alternatively, the cam may be provided with a separate motor and a suitable indexing means whereby it may be stopped in either a deflecting (with the follower 56 off the high lobe 59) or non-deflecting (remote) position (with the follower 56 resting on the high lobe). In operation, with the deflector shaft 33 and arms 35 in their deflecting (active) position (shown in phantom line in FIG. 7), the leading edge and the leading portion of the sheet is guided by the deflector arms 35 toward the forward corner 40 of the receiving tray for a sufficient period of time to enable the leading edge of the sheet to engage the corner 40 and thereafter until the sheet buckle is fully formed. After the buckle has been fully formed, cam 58 forceably rotates follower member 53 about pivot axis 54. During this transition between the follower arm 35 deflecting position and the remote position, the link 52 is driven upwardly in FIG. 7, rotating arm 51 and consequently rotating the deflector shaft 33 and the deflector arms 35 to their remote position (as shown in solid line in FIG. 7). When the trailing edge of the buckled sheet clears the working ends 36 of the deflector arms 35, cam 58 has reached the transition point on the camming surface contour which permits the follower 53 to be forceably rotated in the clockwise direction (as seen from the direction of arrows B--B of FIG. 1) under the force of spring 60 and the arms 35 are returned to their active position. An important function provided by spring 60 is the compliant holding force applied to the end of cam follower 53, which is transmitted via link 52, arm 51 and shaft 33 to the deflector arms 35. In order to guarantee the proper formation of a buckle in each sheet as the stacked sheets accumulate in tray 14, the compliant spring force provided by spring 60 permits the deflector arms 35 to be partially twisted from the full deflecting position toward the remote position, when required by the compression force provided by an entering sheet. This feature is illustrated in FIG. 8: as seen in this Fig., after a substantial number of documents have accumulated in tray 14, an entering document experiences limited clearance between the top of the sheet stack and the working ends 36 of the deflector arms within which the buckle can be formed. Absent the compliant force provided by spring 60, it is highly probable that the sheet would also buckle in the forward direction (or jam), rather than form the desired single rearwardly extending buckle. However, due to the compliant spring force, the deflector arms 35 are maneuvered partially towards the remote position by the sheet itself, permitting the desired buckle to be formed. As noted above, in some applications it is desirable to pass each sheet directly through the sheet feeding mechanism without inverting it and, according to the invention, this is simply done by maneuvering the deflector shaft 33 to the angular position in which the deflector arms 35 are positioned in the remote location shown in FIG. 4 which is a non-interfering position with the path of the sheet through the mechanism. With reference to FIG. 7, an override mechanism for providing this function includes a solenoid 65 secured to a fixed reference, such as end plate 16 and having a reciprocable plunger 66 attached to the cam follower 53 by means of a link 67. To activate the override function, it is only necessary to actuate solenoid 65 to rotate cam follower 53 to the position illustrated with deflector shaft 33 and deflector arms 35 in their remote position (shown in solid line) and maintain cam follower 53 in this position for so long as the direct feed through mode of operation is desired. To restore the collation function, the solenoid is merely deactuated. Alternatively, the cam 58 could be stopped in its non-deflecting (remote) position with follower 56 resting against high lobe 59. FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a second preferred embodiment of the invention. By comparison with the previously described embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 8, it will be seen that this second embodiment differs primarily in that a modified form of deflector arm 35' has been employed which in its operative or deflecting position (as shown in solid line in FIG. 9) guides the leading edge of the sheet 12 around a deflecting roller 70 which is located immediately below the lower surface of the endless feed belts 20'. The deflector roller 70 is mechanically coupled to the rear feed roller 22 by means of a separate drive belt so that the surface velocity of the deflector roller 70 is approximately the same as the surface velocity of the feed belts 20'. A guide 71 is provided intermediate the forward rotatable roller 15' and the deflecting roller 70. Forward rotatable roller 15' is in frictional contact with the feed belts 20' and together therewith serves to define a forward and a downwardly oriented throat 12' positioned above the entrance ramp 11 and which functions in a manner generally similar to that previously described with respect to the entrance location 12 of the first embodiment, guiding and drawing the forward edge of the paper (indicated symbolically by a heavy broken line) into the nip between the intake roller 15' and the drive belts 20'. Preferably, intake roller 15 is mechanically coupled to the forward idler roller 24' by means of appropriately located spur gears and/or a separate drive belt (not visible in the figure); alternatively, a pinch roller functionally similar to the aforementioned pinch roller 23 of the first embodiment could be employed to enhance the frictional drive contact between the drive belts 20' and the surface of the roller 15'. It will be noted that front wall 40' of the sheet receiving tray 14' is oriented at a somewhat obtuse angle with respect to the bottom floor thereof. This orientation is preferably such that the distance from the lower working end 36' of the deflector arm 35' to the front wall 40' is approximately equal regardless of the height of the stack of sheets in the tray 14'. In particular, it will be seen that the distance from end portion 36' to the point 73 where the top sheet of the fully loaded receiving tray 14 contacts the front wall 40' is approximately equal to the distance between the aforementioned working end 36' and the lowermost point 74 of the front wall 40'. By moving the deflector shaft 33' and the arms 35' somewhat rearwardly compared to that of the first embodiment and by orienting the front wall 40' obtusely as has just been described, it will be appreciated that regardles of the height of the stack of sheets then in the receiving tray 14', the point in the timing cycle at which the leading edge of the sheet first contacts the wall 40' and the desired rearwardly oriented buckle has been initiated by the curved shape of the sheet as it is guided around the rear half of the deflector roller 70 by the modified deflector arms 35' will be essentially invariant, as will also be the corresponding required movement of the deflector arms 35' from their deflecting position (shown in solid line in the figure) to their raised non-deflecting position (shown in phantom line). Accordingly, the compliant spring arrangement of the first embodiment may be dispensed with and a simple two-position mechanism may be used in its place. In order to avoid the necessity for precise synchronization between the timing and speed of the upward movement of the modified deflector arms 35' with the forward movement of the sheet 12, a snubbing device 75 is preferably provided at the forward end of the paper tray 14 which effectively holds the forward edge of the top sheet against the front wall 40' as the deflector arm is withdrawn to its remote position; otherwise, particularly when only a few sheets of paper are in the tray 14', once the paper is no longer restrained by the deflecting arm 35 to follow the relatively sharp curvature of the deflector roller 70, the unrestrained buckle could tend to spring the forward edge of the sheet rearwardly and the sheet would be laid down in an uninverted position, the same as though the deflector arms 35' had remained in their raised position for the entirety of the sheet ejection cycle. As will now be apparent, sheet feeding mechanisms fabricated in accordance with the teachings of the invention afford a relatively simple and reliable document inversion function or a direct feed through function, depending on the requirements of a particular application. In addition, the particular configuration of the active elements of the invention enable the sheet feed mechanism to be constructed with a relatively low height profile and a relatively shallow depth profile. Specifically, as best seen in FIG. 6, both the height and the depth of the sheet feed mechanism may be substantially less than the length of the longest sheet to be processed through the mechanism. Further, by employing a plurality of transversely spaced belts 20 at the entrance location 12, a roller 15 of substantially reduced diameter from the typical platen type roller normally employed at the entrance feed location can be used without affecting the ability of the device to positively introduce entering documents into the arcuate feed path without suffering skewing of the sheet, wrinkling or jamming. Consequently, the height profile of the sheet feed mechanism is reduced even further by the invention. The compliant holding force applied to the deflector arms by means of spring 60 (or the tilted front wall of the alternate embodiment) enables the collation function to proceed reliably over the entire stacking range of the tray 14. In addition, the collation function may be overriden at any time by simply operating the solenoid 65, or appropriate manipulation of the cam 58, even to the extent that alternate documents may be subjected to alternate direct and reverse feeding. While the above provides a full and complete disclosure of two preferred embodiments of the invention, various modifications, alternate constructions and equivalents may be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

A sheet handling path extending from an entrance location to an exit location is provided by a small diameter rotatable roller and several parallel transversely spaced flexible belts. At the exit location, several deflector arms mounted on an actuator shaft initially deflect the leading portion of an exiting sheet towards the forward wall of an underlying receiving tray. An exit roller may also be provided at the exit location. After the leading edge of a sheet has reached the forward wall and the sheet has started to form a buckle, the deflector arms are rotated to a remote position permitting the sheet to be translated rearwardly by friction between the overlying flexible belts and the sheet until a trailing edge of the sheet springs clear of the belts and settles under its own weight into the receiving tray. In accordance with one embodiment, the mechanism for rotating the deflector arms from the deflecting position to the remote position provides a compliant resistive force to the deflector arms so that the buckle will tend to displace the arms away from their active position and the sheet buckle will form without jamming or creasing regardless of the height of the stack in the tray. In accordance with another embodiment, the distance from the exit location to the front of the stack is essentially constant for various stack heights and the arms are rotated to their remote position as soon as the leading edge is in contact with the forward wall of the tray. A simple override mechanism enables the device to provide the document collation (inversion) function, or a direct exit feed function in which the deflector arms are maintained in the remote position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), this application claims the benefit of prior U.S. provisional application 60/288,643, filed May 3, 2001. FUNDING Work described herein was supported by grants from the National Institute of Health (CA-58073 and DK-41670). The U.S. government has certain rights in the invention. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Liver X receptors (LXRs), members of the nuclear receptor super-family, include LXRα and Ubiquitous Receptor (UR, also called LXRβ). They transactivate gene expression. Several cholesterol homeostasis-related genes have been identified as LXR direct targets, e.g., those coding for cholesterol efflux transporter ATP-binding cassette 1 ABCA1 and ABCG1, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (the rate-limiting enzyme for bile acid synthesis from cholesterol), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), lipoprotein Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). See, e.g., Schwartz et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 2000, 274: 794-802; Laffitte et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2001, 98(2): 507-512; and Repa et al., Genes Dev., 2000, 14: 2819-30. Regulation of these genes by LXRs affects cholesterol reverse transport and disposal, which in term has a direct impact on the formation of lipids and fibrous elements, expression of ApoE gene, and activation of nuclear factors kappa-B and AP-1. Accumulation of lipids and fibrous elements in arteries results in atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of various diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Deficiency of ApoE gene expression has been found related to diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Activation of nuclear factors kappa-B and AP-1 modulates the human immune system and enhance its anti-inflammatory abilities. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is based on the discovery of novel steroid compounds that function as LXRs agonists. One aspect of this invention relates to compounds of formula (I): Each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 4′ , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 11 , R 12 , R 15 , R 16 , and R 17 , independently, is hydrogen, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxy, amino, carboxyl, oxo, sulfonic acid, or alkyl that is by optionally inserted with —NH—, —N(alkyl)-, —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO 2 —, —O—SO 2 —, —SO 2 —O—, —SO 3 —O—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO—, —CO—NR′—, or —NR′—CO—; or R 3 and R 4 together, R 4 and R 5 together, R 5 and R 6 together, or R 6 and R 7 together are eliminated so that a C═C bond is formed between the two carbons to which they are attached; each of R 8 , R 9 , R 10 , R 13 , and R 14 , independently, is hydrogen, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, or amino; n is 0, 1, or 2; A is alkylene, alkenylene, or alkynylene; and each of X, Y, and Z, independently, is alkyl, haloalkyl, —OR′, —SR′, —NR′R″, —N(OR′)R″, or —N(SR′)R″; or X and Y together are ═O, ═S, or ═NR′; each of R′ and R″, independently, being hydrogen, alkyl, or haloalkyl. The terms “alkyl,” the prefix “alk” (e.g., as in alkoxy), and the suffix “-alkyl” (e.g., as in hydroxyalkyl) mentioned above all refer to C 1-18 linear or branched. Referring to formula (I), one subset of the compounds is featured by that each of R 5 and R 6 , independently, is hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxy, or amino; and another subset is featured by that R 5 and R 6 together are eliminated so that a C═C bond is formed between the two carbons to which R 5 and R 6 are attached. Two other subsets of the compounds are respectively featured by that X and Y together are ═O or ═S, and Z is —OR′, —SR′, —NR′R″, —N(OR′)R″, or —N(SR′)R″; and that each of X, Y, and Z, independently, is alkyl, haloalkyl, —OR′, —SR′, —NR′R″, —N(OR′)R″, or —N(SR′)R″. The compounds described above also include their salts and prodrugs, if applicable. Such salts, for example, can be formed between a positively charged substituent in a compound of this invention (e.g., amino) and an anion. Suitable anions include, but are not limited to, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, citrate, methanesulfonate, trifluoroacetate, and acetate. Likewise, a negatively charged substituent in a compound of this invention (e.g., carboxylate) can form a salt with a cation. Suitable cations include, but are not limited to, sodium ion, potassium ion, magnesium ion, calcium ion, and an ammonium cation such as teteramethylammonium ion. Examples of prodrugs include esters and other pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives, which, upon administration to a subject, are capable of providing steroid compounds described above. Another aspect of this invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition including an effective amount of a compound of this invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Indeed, the compounds of this invention can be used to treat an LXR-mediated disease such as heart disease and stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and an inflammatory disorder. Thus, also within the scope of this invention are a method of using a compound of this invention to treat one of these diseases; and a method of using such a compound to manufacture a medicament used in treating one of the just-mentioned diseases. Details of several compounds of this invention are set forth in the accompanying description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the description and from the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Compounds of this invention can be synthesized by methods well known in the art by using a suitable steroid as a starting material. More specifically, such a steroid possesses a substitutent at C-17 [the carbon to which R 17 is attached, see formula (I) above] that can be modified to contain a moiety defined by X, Y, and Z [also shown in formula (I)]. Examples include cholic acid, dehydrocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, lithocholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, hyocholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, and cholanoic acid. They are either commercially available or can be synthesized by methods described in the literature, e.g., Roda et al., F. Lipid Res., 1994, 35: 2268-2279; and Roda et al., Dig. Dis. Sci., 1987, 34: 24S-35S. A compound of this invention that has an amide-containing substitutent at C-17 (i.e., X and Y together are ═O, and Z is amine) can be prepared by reacting a steroid having a carboxyl-containing substituent at C-17 with an amino-containing compound (such as dimethylamine, aniline, glycine, and phenylalanine). Similarly, a compound of this invention that has an ester-containing substitutent at C-17 (i.e., X and Y together are ═O, and Z is alkoxy) can be prepared by reacting a steroid having a carboxyl-containing substituent at C-17 with a hydroxyl-containing compound (such as ethanol and isopropanol). The amide- or ester-forming reaction can take place in any suitable solvents. If the reaction takes place in an aqueous solution, isolation of the steroid product for in vitro or in vivo screening assays may not be necessary. A compound of this invention that has a carbonyl-containing substitutent at C-17 (i.e., X and Y together are ═O) can be converted, e.g., to a thiocarbonyl-containing compound of this invention (i.e., X and Y together are ═S) by reacting it with sulfur hydride, or to an imino-containing compound of this invention (i.e., X and Y together are ═NR) by reacting it with hydrazine. See Janssen et al. (Ed.), Organosulfur Chemistry; Wiley: New York, 1967, 219-240; and Patai et al. (Ed.), The Chemistry of the Carbon-Nitrogen Double Bond; Wiley: New York, 1970, 64-83 and 465-504, respectively. Substituents at ring atoms other than C-17, if necessary, can further be modified by methods well known in the art. For instance, a hydroxyl substituent at C-3 can be converted to an ester substituent by reacting it with an acid such as acetic acid. Due to the simplicity of the reaction, it can be easily automated. Isolation and quantification of the product can be done by thin-layer chromatography, high pressure liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, or other analytical and preparative procedures. A compound that does not contain a carbonyl, thiocarbonyl, or imino group in the C-17 substituent can also be prepared by methods well known in the art. For instance, 3α,6α,24-trihydroxy-24,24-di(trifluoromethyl)-5β-cholane can be prepared according to the following scheme: As shown in the above scheme, cholanoic acid is first reacted with methanol in the presence of an acid to afford its methyl ester, which is subsequently reacted with tert-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (TBDMSCl) for protection of the 3β-hydroxyl group. The protected methyl ester is then converted to an aldehyde by reacting with di(iso-butryl)alumina hydride, which is subsequently converted to an alcohol, α-substituted with trifluoromethyl, by reacting with trimethyl(trifluoromethyl)silane. The alcohol then undergoes the Dess-Martin reaction for conversion to a ketone. See Dess et al., J. Org. Chem., 1983, 38: 4155. The ketone is treated with trimethyl(trifluoromethyl)silane again to afford an alcohol, α-substituted with two trifluoromethyl groups. Finally, the disubstituted alcohol is deprotected by reacting it with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) to afford 3α,6α,24-trihydroxy-24,24-di(trifluoromethyl)-5β-cholane. An effective amount of a compound thus prepared can be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a pharmaceutical composition before being administered for treatment of a disease related to atherloscerlosis or ApoE deficiency, or an inflammatory disease. “An effective amount” refers to the amount of the compound which is required to confer therapeutic effect on the treated subject. The interrelationship of dosages for animals and humans (based on milligrams per square meter of body surface) is described by Freireich et al., Cancer Chemother. Rep. 1966, 50, 219. Body surface area may be approximately determined from height and weight of the patient. See, e.g., Scientific Tables, Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Ardley, N.Y., 1970, 537. Effective doses will also vary, as recognized by those skilled in the art, depending on the route of administration, the excipient usage, and the optional co-usage with other therapeutic treatments. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, and D&C Yellow #10. The pharmaceutical composition may be administered via a parenteral route, e.g., topically, intraperitoneally, and intravenously. Examples of parenteral dosage forms include an active compound dissolved in a phosphate buffer solution, or admixed with any other pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Solubilizing agents, such as cyclodextrins, or other solubilizing agents well known to those familiar with the art, can also be included in the pharmaceutical composition. An in vitro assay can be conducted to preliminarily screen a compound of this invention for its efficacy in agonizing LXRs and thus in treating an LXR-mediated disease. For instance, kidney cells are transfected with a luciferase reporter gene (which includes a human c-fos minimal promoter) and an LXR. After incubating the transfected cells with a compound to be tested, the activity of luciferase is measured to determine the transactivation extent of the reporter gene. Compounds that show efficacy in the preliminary assay can be further evaluated in an animal study by a method also well known in the art. For example, a compound can be orally administered to mice fed with a cholesterol-containing diet. The efficacy of the compound can be determined by comparing cholesterol levels in various tissues of the treated mice with those in non-treated mice. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art, based on the description herein, can utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. All publications recited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The following specific examples, which describe synthesis and biological testing of several compounds of this invention, are therefore to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. EAXMPLE 1 Synthesis of Compounds of This Invention 3α,6α,24-trihydroxy-24,24-di(trifluoromethyl)-5β-cholane [Compound (1)] was synthesized by the method described above. 3α,6α-dihydroxy-5β-cholanoic acid-N-methyl-N-methoxy-24-amide [Compound (2)], 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl-3α,6α-dihydroxy-5β-cholanoic acid 24-amide [Compound (3)], 24-cholesten-amide [Compound (4)], N,N-dimethyl-24-cholesten-amide [Compound (5)], and N-methoxy-24-cholesten-amide [Compound (6)] were synthesized by the following method: A steroid 24-carboxylic acid (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.), an amine, diethyl cyanophosphonate (Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.), and triethylamine were dissolved in dimethylformamide. The solution was stirred at 20-70° C. for 12-16 hours, quenched with ice, and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract thus obtained was washed subsequently with a 1.0 N HCl solution and with a 1.0 N NaOH solution, and then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The crude product was obtained after removal of ethyl acetate and was purified using standard silica chromatography if necessary. EXAMPLE 2 Reporter Gene Transactivation Assay Human embryonic kidney 293 cells were seeded into a 48-well culture plate at 105 cells per well in a Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. After incubation for 24 hours, the cells were transfected by the calcium phosphate coprecipitation method with 250 ng of a pGL3/UREluc reporter gene that consisted of three copies of AGGTCAagccAGGTCA fused to nucleotides −56 to +109 of the human c-fos promoter in front of the firefly luciferase gene in the plasmid basic pGL3 (Promega, Madison, Wis.), 40 ng pSG5/hRXR α , 40 ng pSG5/rUR or CMX/hLYRα, 10 ng pSG5/hGrip1, 0.4 ng CMV/R-luc (transfection normalization reporter, Promega) and 250 ng carrier DNA per well. After incubation for another 12 to 24 hours, the cells were washed with phosphate buffer saline and then refed with DMEM supplemented with 4% delipidated fetal bovine serum. An ethanol solution containing a compound to be tested, i.e., Compounds (2) or (3), was added in duplicate to the DMEM cell culture with the final concentration of the compound of 1 to 10 μM and the final ethanol concentration of 0.2%. After incubation for another 24 to 48 hours, the cells were harvested and the luciferase activity was measured with a commercial kit (Promega Dual luciferase II) on a Monolight luminometer (Becton Dickenson, Mountain View, Calif.). The results show that both Compound (2) and Compound (3) were potent agonists of LXRα and UR. EXAMPLE 3 Effect on Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemic Mice Two groups of 3-month old Non-Swiss Albino mice (Harlan, Indianapolis, Ind.), i.e., a control group and a treatment group, were fed with a chow diet (Harlan Teklad 7001), (Harlan, Indianapolis, Ind.) supplemented with 1% cholesterol, for 7 days. The control group received drinking water containing 0.25% hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD, Acros Organic, Somerville, N.J.), while the treatment group received drinking water containing both 0.25% HPCD and Compound (2) (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 g/L). The mice had free access to the chow diet and the drinking water. Water consumption in the control and treatment groups differed by less than 10%. Blood was collected from 4 hours fasted mice. The levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides were enzymatically measured with a commercial kit (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was isolated and enzymatically quantified by methods described in Warnick et al., Clin. Chem. 1982, 28: 1379-88. Liver cholesterol and triglycerides were isolated and quantified by methods described in Bligh et al., Canadian J. Biochem. Physiol. 1959, 37:911-918. Fecal bile acids were reduced with sodium borohydride, and then extracted and quantified by methods described in Turley et al., J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 1996, 27: 71-79. Bile acids were quantified using a commercial kit (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.). The results show that cholesterol feeding did not change the circulating cholesterol levels, but increased the liver cholesterol levels in mice. The administration of Compound (2) prevented the liver cholesterol levels from increasing, and accelerated cholesterol removal by increasing fecal bile acid secretion. The levels of triglycerides in serum and liver were not affected by the administration of Compound (2). Male C57BL/6J mice (Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Me.), which are susceptible to development of atherosclerosis, were used for the same study. The serum cholesterol levels were lowered in a Compound (2) dose-dependent manner, while the serum triglycerides levels did not significantly increase throughout the entirely study period. EXAMPLE 4 Effect on Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters The bile acid and circulating cholesterol profiles of hamsters, but not rats or mice, are similar to those of humans. In addition, the major cholesterol carrier in human and hamster serum is low-density lipoprotein, compared to high-density lipoprotein in rats and mice. Hamsters were therefore used to evaluate the effect of Compound (2) on cholesterol and triglyceride profiles. Compound (2) was orally administered to hamsters that were fed with a regular chow diet at doses up to 200 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. The levels of serum cholesterol or triglycerides in the hamster did not change. On the other hand, when Compound (was administered to hamsters fed with a chow diet supplemented with 1% cholesterol, it prevented the level of serum cholesterol or cholesteryl ester in liver from increasing. The serum triglyceride levels in hamsters administered with Compound (2) was significantly higher than that in the vehicle-treated kamsters. They were however about the same in the control animals fed with a regular chow diet and were within the normal range as reported in Trautwein et al., Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A Mol. Integ. Physiol. 1999, 124: 93-103. The decrease of triglyceride levels in the hamsters in the vehicle-treated group was probably due to the massive accumulation of cholesteryl esters in the liver. EXAMPLE 5 Effect on Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats An animal study was conducted by the method described in Example 4, except that Compound (3) and male 3-month old Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats (Harlan, Indianapolis, Ind.) were used, instead of Compound (2) and hamsters. The results show that Compound (3), like Compound (2), also had a hypocholesterolemic effect. EXAMPLE 6 In Vitro Study of the Effect on ApoE Gene Expression (1) In Rat Astrocytes Astrocyte cultures were prepared from the cerebral cortex of 1-2-day-old Harlan Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats rats (Harlan, Indianapolis, Ind.) by a method described in LaDu et al., J. Biol. Chem., 2000, 275 (43): 33974-80. The astrocyte cells were grown to 90% confluency before the initiation of experiments. The culture medium was changed to α-minimum essential medium containing N2 supplements (Life Technologies, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.), to which Compound (2) (0.1 to 1 μM/L) was added in triplicates. After incubation for 48-72 hours, a conditioned medium was collected and mixed with a SDS loading buffer. Cells lysate was made in situ by adding a SDS loading buffer to the culture plates. Western blot analysis was performed as described by LaDu et al., supra. Cell lysate and conditioned media were loaded on a 4-20% gradient SDS-polyacrylamide electrophoresis gel and transferred onto nitrocellulose membranes after electrophoresis. The membrane were stained with amino black briefly and de-stained in distilled water. After the protein staining patterns were scanned, the membranes were blocked with a phosphate-buffered saline solution containing 0.2% Tween 20 and 1% fat-free milk powder. The ApoE amount was detected by using anti-rat ApoE polyclonal antibodies, horseradish peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG, a chmiliminescent substrate (Pierce, Rockford, Ill.) and X-ray films. Compared with vehicle treatment, administration of Compound (2) resulted in an increase in the amount of ApoE in both cell medium and lysate. (2) In Human THP-1 Cells THP-1 cells (ATCC, Manassas, Va.), a human monocytic cell line, were used in an in vitro study by the method described in Example 6. More specifically, they were maintained in an RPMI1640 medium which contained 10% fetal bovine serum, and then activated for 24 hours by treating with PMA before use. The medium was then replaced with a serum-free Cellgro™ complete medium (Mediatech, Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, Pa.). An ethanol solution containing Compound (2) (0.1 to 1 μM/L) was then added to the cell medium. The cells were incubated for another 48-72 hours and harvested. The ApoE amounts in the cells were determined by the method described above. The results show that administration of Compound (2) also resulted in an increase in the amount of both secreted and cell associated ApoE. EXAMPLE 7 Animal Study of ApoE Gene Expression Twenty 4-month old male C57BL/6J mice (Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Me.) were fed for 8 weeks with a chow diet (Harlan 7001) (Harlan, Indianapolis, Ind.) which was supplemented with 1.25% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid, and 15% corn oil. Three groups, 5 mice each, received drinking water containing 0.25% HPCD and Compound (2 at various concentrations, so that they have calculated doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight/day, respectively. The fourth group received no Compound (2). At the end of the 8 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their brains were collected. ApoE mRNA from pooled brains of each group was isolated using a phenol-containing reagent (Trizol™ reagent, Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, Md.). The mRNA was analyzed by Northern blot analysis to determine the extent of ApoE gene expression. The results show that more ApoE mRNA was detected in the treatment group than that in the vehicle group. Treatment with Compound (2) decreased total cholesterol levels in circulation and suppressed cholesterol accumulation in liver. EXAMPLE 8 Animal Study of ApoE Gene Expression Twenty LDL receptor null gene mice were fed with an atherogenic diet (15% fat, 0.2% cholesterol) and divided into 4 groups (5 each) for receiving, respectively, 0 (control), 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight/day of Compound (2) dissolved in their drinking water which also contained 0.25% HPCD, for 2 weeks. At the end of the 2 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and various tissues (i.e., liver, brain, and intestine) were collected. The collected tissues were analyzed by the method described in Example 7. The results show that the treatment groups had a total serum cholesterol level of 700 mg/dL, compared to 1400 mg/dL in the control group. The amount of ApoE mRNA in the brains of treated mice was 4 to 5 times higher than that in the control group. In situ hybridization using anti-ApoE probe showed more mRNA in the brains of the treated mice than that in the untreated mice, especially in the region of hippocampus and cerebral cortex. EXAMPLE 9 Animal Study of Anti-Inflammatory Effect This study was conducted according to a method described in Tonelli et al., Endocrinology 1965, 77: 625-634. A croton oil mixture was prepared to contain 1% croton oil, 25% pyridine, 60% ethyl ether, 5% water and a compound to be tested, i.e., Compounds (4)and (6). Non-swiss Albino male mice Harlan (Indianapolis, Ind.) were used. The right ear of each mouse was applied topically with 100 mL of croton oil mixture on both sides. Six hours later ears were cut off and their weight were measured. It was found that weight gains of the ears treated with Compound (4) or Compound (6) were significantly less than those of the ears treated with croton oil only. Thus, these compounds are efficacious anti-inflammatory agents. OTHER EMBODIMENTS A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

A compound of formula (I): Each of R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 4′ , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 11 , R 12 , R 15 , R 16 , and R 17 , independently, is hydrogen, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxy, amino, carboxyl, oxo, sulfonic acid, or alkyl that is optionally inserted with —NH—, —N(alkyl)—, —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO 2 —, —O—SO 2 —, —SO 2 —O—, —SO 3 —O—, —CO—, —CO—O—, —O—CO—, —CO—NR′—, or —NR′—CO—; or R 3 and R 4 together, R 4 and R 5 together, R 5 and R 6 together, or R 6 and R 7 together are eliminated so that a C═C bond is formed between the carbons to which they are attached; each of R 8 , R 9 , R 10 , R 13 , and R 14 , independently, is hydrogen, halo, alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, or amino; n is 0, 1, or 2; A is alkylene, alkenylene, or alkynylene; and each of X, Y, and Z, independently, is alkyl, haloalkyl, —OR′, —SR′, —NR′R″, —N(OR′)R″, or —N(SR′)R″; or X and Y together are ═O, ═S, or ═NR′; wherein each of R′ and R″, independently, is hydrogen, alkyl, or haloalkyl.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Korean Patent Application 10-2008-0002411, filed on Jan. 9, 2008, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] The present disclosure relates to semiconductor device manufacturing apparatuses, and more particularly, to a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus for performing diffusion and deposition processes and to a wafer loading/unloading method thereof. [0004] 2. Description [0005] A semiconductor device is generally manufactured through selective and repeated processes such as, for example, a photo, etching, diffusion, chemical vapor deposition, ion implantation, metal deposition on a wafer. [0006] In the above-mentioned diffusion process, a process of diffusing impurity of a desired conductive type is performed on a wafer in a high-temperature atmosphere. [0007] A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus performing the diffusion process may be employed to thermally diffuse conductive impurity such as, for example, phosphorus into a single crystal silicon or polysilicon at about 700° C. or more, or to heat the wafer in an oxygen atmosphere, thereby obtaining a thermal oxide layer, or to perform annealing and baking etc. Further, the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus may be used to get a deposition layer such as, for example, polysilicon layer and silicon nitride layer through a deposition process. [0008] Such semiconductor manufacturing apparatuses undergoing diffusion and deposition processes are almost used as a batch type to process a plurality of wafers once in view of productivity. In the batch-type semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, relatively more wafers should be loaded within one reaction tube to cut down on production costs. [0009] A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to the conventional art is described as follows, referring to the accompanied drawings. [0010] FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to the conventional art. [0011] With reference to FIG. 1 , a conventional semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a reaction tube 10 having a bell shape, a heater 20 adapted surrounding the external part of reaction tube 10 to heat the interior of the reaction tube 10 , a plate 30 raised from a lower part of the reaction tube 10 to seal up the reaction tube 10 , and a boat 40 for loading with an equal interval a plurality of wafers 12 in an upper center part of the plate 30 . [0012] The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus may further include a reaction gas supplier for supplying reaction gas into the reaction tube 10 , and an exhauster for exhausting gas after completing a corresponding process within the reaction tube 10 . [0013] In the boat 40 , a plurality of slots 42 are formed to support with an equal interval, back faces 12 b of the plurality of wafers 12 so that front faces 12 a of the plurality wafers 12 are directed upward. The slot 42 is formed in a flute shape into which an outer circumference face of the wafer 12 is inserted, at a position that a gravity center of the wafer 12 corresponds to a center of the boat 40 within the boat 40 , or in a shape the back face 12 b of an edge of the wafer 12 can be loaded. The back faces 12 b of the wafers 12 are supported by the plurality slots 42 . For example, the wafer 12 may be supported by the plurality of slots 42 formed with an azimuth of about 120° within the boat 40 . [0014] That is, the boat 40 is formed as a single individual having plurality slots 42 in which a plurality of wafers 12 are inserted or loaded with a uniform interval in a stack structure. For example, the boat 40 is formed to load the wafers 12 of about 70 to about 150 sheets with a uniform interval therebetween, the wafer 12 having a diameter of 300 mm. [0015] However, here the plurality of wafers 12 are stacked in one direction. Thus, for example, when the wafers are stacked below an appropriate interval, an error in corresponding diffusion and deposition processes may be caused or an error in a wafer loading/unloading operation may be caused. When a plurality of wafers 12 are loaded into the boat 40 with an interval of about 7.5 mm or below, it may be difficult to provide uniformity in the deposition process. Further, when the interval between the plurality of wafers 12 is lessened to 7.5 mm or below, an alignment margin between the wafers 12 and a blade of transfer robot loading/unloading the wafers 12 may not increase, thereby causing damage or scratches on the wafers 12 . [0016] In other words, in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to the conventional art, a diffusion layer or deposition layer of given thickness can be formed on front faces 12 a and back faces 12 b of the plurality wafers 12 by loading with the same interval the plurality of wafers 12 having horizontal level within the boat 40 in which a plurality of slots 42 are formed with the same interval therebetween. [0017] As described above, a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to the conventional art may have the following difficulties. [0018] First, relatively more wafers 12 may not be loaded as the wafers 12 should be loaded limited within the boat 40 having a plurality of slots 42 formed to support back faces 12 b of plurality wafers 12 , thereby decreasing productivity. [0019] Secondly, when an interval between plurality wafers 12 loaded in the boat 40 is reduced to below a proper level, damage and scratches on the wafers 12 may be caused due to a collision between a blade of transfer robot and the wafers 12 , thereby decreasing a production yield. SUMMARY [0020] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and a wafer loading/unloading method thereof, which can increase the number of wafers capable of being simultaneously processed so as to increase productivity. In addition, damage and scratches on wafers causable by a collision between a blade of transfer robot and wafers can be prevented even when an interval between a plurality of wafers is reduced to a given level or below, thereby increasing production yield. [0021] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus is provided. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a first boat and a second boat having a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots, respectively, and disposed such that the first slots and the second slots alternate each other, the first boat mounting a plurality of first wafers in the first slots to direct front faces of the first wafers in a predetermined direction, the second boat mounting a plurality of second wafers in the second slots to direct back faces of the second wafers in the predetermined direction; a reaction tube having an opening and containing the first and second boats mounting the first and second wafers; a plate sealing up the opening of the reaction tube containing the first boat and the second boat; a reaction gas supplier supplying reaction gas into the sealed reaction tube for a predetermined process; and a reaction gas exhauster exhausting the reaction gas from the reaction tube to the external of the reaction tube after the predetermined process. [0022] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus is provided. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a first boat and a second boat having a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots, respectively, and disposed such that the first slots and the second slots alternate each other; a transfer robot holding a plurality of first wafers with a plurality of blades, loading the first wafers into the first slots to direct front faces of the first wafers in a predetermined direction, holding a plurality of second wafers with the plurality of blades, and loading the second wafers into the second slots to direct back faces of the second wafers in the predetermined direction; a reaction tube having an opening and containing the first and second boats mounting the first and second wafers; a plate sealing up the opening of the reaction tube containing the first boat and the second boat; a reaction gas supplier supplying reaction gas into the sealed reaction tube for a predetermined process; a reaction gas exhauster exhausting the reaction gas from the reaction tube to the external of the reaction tube after the predetermined process. [0023] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a wafer loading/unloading method is provided for use in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus including a first boat and a second boat which have a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots, respectively, and are disposed such that the first slots and the second slots alternate each other. The method includes: loading a plurality of first wafers into the first slots to direct front faces of the first wafers in a predetermined direction; loading a plurality of second wafers into the second slots to direct back faces of the second wafers in the predetermined direction; making the distance between facing front faces of neighboring first and second wafers larger than the distance between facing back faces of neighboring first and second wafers; performing a predetermined process on the front faces of the first and second wafers; and unloading the first and second wafers from the first and second slots. [0024] As described above, according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention, a plurality of wafers can be loaded with relatively greater numbers by using first and second boats provided to make back faces of wafers mutually approximate and make front faces of wafers mutually distanced, thereby increasing productivity. [0025] Damage and scratches in wafers caused by a collision between a blade of transfer robot and wafers can be prevented by using first and second boats that are provided to alternately support a plurality of wafers and control an interval between the plurality of wafers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be understood in more detail from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings in which: [0027] FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to the conventional art; [0028] FIG. 2 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; [0029] FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating first and second boats of FIG. 2 ; [0030] FIG. 4 provides a plan view of FIG. 3 ; [0031] FIGS. 5A and 5B are sectional views illustrating a plurality of blades for sucking in vacuum the back faces of the plurality of wafers; [0032] FIGS. 6A and 6B are sectional views of transfer robot for rotating the wafers by reducing a distance between blades; and [0033] FIGS. 7A through 71 are sectional views providing the sequence of the wafer loading/unloading method in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0034] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 , in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. [0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are more fully described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 . This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and conveys the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. For purposes of clarity, a detailed description of known functions and systems has been omitted. [0036] FIG. 2 is a sectional view schematically illustrating a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating first and second boats 140 and 150 of FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 provides a plan view of FIG. 3 . [0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a reaction tube 110 having, for example, a bell shape, a heater 120 surrounding an external part of the reaction tube 110 , a plate 130 raised from a lower part of the reaction tube 110 and which seals up the inside of the reaction tube 110 , and a first boat 140 and a second boat 150 for loading with an unequal interval a plurality of wafers 112 in a center upper part of the plate 130 . [0038] The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus may further include a reaction gas supplier for supplying reaction gas into the reaction tube 110 , and an exhauster for exhausting gas after a completion of corresponding diffusion process or deposition process in the reaction tube 110 . [0039] Here, the directions of the first and second boats 140 and 150 supporting the plurality of wafers 112 are different from each other. For example, the first boat 140 supports the back face 112 b of the wafers 112 , and the second boat 150 supports the front face 112 a of the wafers 112 . The first boat 140 includes a plurality of first slots 142 supporting an edge portion of back face 112 b of the wafers 112 , and the second boat 150 includes a plurality of second slots 152 supporting an edge portion of front face 112 a of the wafers 112 . Here it may be configured, of course, such that the first boat 140 supports the front face 112 a of the wafers 112 and the second boat 150 supports the back face 112 b of the wafers 112 . [0040] The plurality of wafers 112 loaded in the first and second boats 140 and 150 are positioned crossed so that respective front faces 112 of the wafers 112 are opposed to each other and respective back faces 112 b thereof are opposed to each other. The distance between the back faces of the wafers 112 is shorter than the distance between the front faces 112 a of the wafers 112 . This is why a thin film obtained through a diffusion or deposition process is selectively required only on the face 112 a of the wafer 112 . For example, the distance between the front faces 112 a of the wafers 112 may be about 7.5 millimeters (mm) or more, and the distance between the back faces 112 b may be to about 0 in theory. That is, that plurality of wafers 112 loaded in the first and second boats 140 and 150 may be positioned such that the back faces 112 b are face to face and approximated to each other and the front faces 112 a are face to face and are distanced from each other. [0041] Therefore, in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a plurality of wafers 112 can be loaded by using the first and second boats 140 and 150 such that the back faces 112 b of the wafers 112 become approximate to each other and the front faces 112 a of the wafers 112 become distanced from each other, thereby substantially increasing productivity. [0042] For example, within the first and second boats 140 and 150 positioned such that the back faces 112 b of the wafers 112 become approximate to each other and the front faces 112 a of the wafers 112 become face to face with a distance of about 7.5 mm, about 150 to 200 sheets of wafers 112 can be loaded. As compared with a conventional single boat 140 in which about 100 to about 150 sheets of wafers 112 can be loaded with a distance of about 7.5 mm, in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention the wafers 112 of about 1.5 times can be more loaded therein in performing the diffusion or deposition process. [0043] When the first and second boats 140 and 150 are provided into the reaction tube 110 , reaction gas supplied from the reaction gas supplier flows on the front faces 112 a of the wafers 112 positioned face to face, thereby selectively forming a diffusion layer or deposition layer on the front faces 112 a of the wafers 112 . Before supplying the reaction gas to the reaction tube 110 , the plate 130 is raised by an elevator adapted in a lower part thereof, so as to seal up the reaction tube 110 . [0044] The reaction gas supplier includes a spraying tube 114 for spraying reaction gas in a given spraying pressure from a side face of the plurality of wafers 112 loaded in the first and second boats 140 and 150 . At this time, reaction gas sprayed from the spraying tube 114 flows in a gaseous state of high temperature, and to prevent the reaction gas from condensing on the surface of wafers 112 , the heater 120 can heat the inside of reaction tube 110 . In addition, a heater block heating in a lower part of the plurality of wafers 112 loaded above the plate 130 may be further provided. [0045] The reaction tube 110 is called a tube, and may be formed of, for example, a monolithic single tube according to the conditions required in the process of forming impurity diffusion layer and thermal oxide layer, or may be formed of, for example, an external tube and an internal tube based on a separation type according to the conditions required in the process of forming polysilicon layer and silicon nitride layer. At this time, the conditions required in respective processes have a difference in the vacuum level and process temperature inside the reaction tube 110 . For example, reaction tube 110 of the separation type is mainly used in a deposition process sensitive to the vacuum level by buffering the flow of reaction gas between the internal and external tubes. On the other hand, monolithic reaction tube 110 is mainly used in a diffusion and thermal process of a simple heating scheme insensitive to the vacuum level. [0046] The exhauster can maintain a uniform vacuum level inside the reaction tube 110 by pumping the reaction gas supplied into the reaction tube 110 and gas provided after the reaction. For example, the exhauster is provided including a dry pump or rotary pump for pumping the reaction gas and gas provided after the reaction through an exhaust line 116 coupled to one side of the reaction tube 110 so as to maintain in a low vacuum of about 1×10 3 Torr the inside of the reaction tube 110 . [0047] On the other hand, the first and second boats 140 and 150 are designed to control an interval between the plurality of wafers 112 loaded in the boats. For example, the first boat 140 is a movable boat that is raised/lowered with a given distance, supporting the back faces 112 b of the plurality of wafers 112 , and the second boat 150 is a fixed boat fixed supporting the front faces 112 a of the plurality of wafers 112 . In addition, a precision elevator for raising and lowering the first boat 140 is provided in a lower part of the first boat 140 . [0048] To sequentially load the plurality of wafers 112 in the first and second boats 140 and 150 , a previously loaded wafer 112 should be spaced by a given distance from an upper part of corresponding wafer 112 . This is why a sufficient space between an antecedently loaded wafer 112 and a subsequently loaded wafer 112 should be obtained. [0049] To load wafer 112 in a first slot 142 of the first boat 140 , the distance from a second slot 152 provided below the first slot 142 should be reduced, and the distance from the second slot 152 provided above the first slot 142 should be increased. Similarly, to load wafer 112 in the second slot 152 of the second boat 150 , the distance from the first slot 142 provided below the second slot 152 should be reduced, and the distance from the first slot 142 provided above the second slot 152 should be increased. [0050] Therefore, in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the breaking and scratching of a wafer 112 caused by a collision between a blade 160 of transfer robot and the wafer 112 can be prevented by using the first and second boats 140 and 150 that are provided to alternately support the plurality of wafers 112 and control an interval between the plurality of wafers 112 , thereby increasing a production yield. [0051] Here the first slot 142 and the second slot 152 are formed in the structure to respectively support the wafers 112 loaded therein, with a substantially lessened mutual interference, and to simultaneously protect the wafers 112 . For example, the first and second slots 142 and 152 have a tilted support face of a given angle supporting the wafer 112 . Thus, when the first boat 140 moves for the second boat 150 and so the first and second slots 142 and 152 become near, a given margin between the wafer 112 supported by the tilted support face and each slot 142 can be obtained, thereby substantially lessening damage to the wafer 112 . [0052] As described above, the second boat 150 is normally positioned supporting the front face 112 a of the wafer 112 by the second slot 152 of the second boat 150 so that the back face 112 b of the wafer 112 is directed upward. On the other hand, the first boat 140 is positioned, supporting the back face 112 b of the wafer 112 by the first slot 142 of the first boat 140 so that the front face 112 a of the wafer 112 is directed upward. Thus, the transfer robot should load and unload the plurality of wafers 112 loaded in a wafer cassette, into the first and second boats 140 and 150 , in mutually opposite directions of the first and second boats 140 and 150 . Further, the transfer robot moves once in a given unit the plurality of wafers 112 in the movement between the first and second boats 140 and 150 and the wafer cassette. This is why when moving the plurality of wafers 112 one sheet by one sheet, the productivity decreases through the transfer of wafers 112 . [0053] When the transfer robot horizontally moves the plurality of wafers 112 from the wafer cassette to the first slot 142 of the first boat 140 , the plurality of wafers 112 should rotate about 180 degrees and move from the wafer cassette to the second slot 152 of the second boat 150 . There may be several methods for rotating the plurality of wafers 112 through the transfer robot. First, the transfer robot may perform the rotation by, for example, sucking in by a vacuum the back faces of the plurality of wafers 112 . Also the plurality of wafers 112 may be rotated by, for example, lessening the distance between blades 160 inserted into between the plurality of wafers 112 . And the rotation may be performed by, for example, clamping the outer circumference face of the plurality of wafers through a mechanical force. [0054] FIGS. 5A and 5B are sectional views illustrating a plurality of blades 160 for sucking in by a vacuum the back faces of the plurality of wafers 112 . When vacuum pressure is generated through a vacuum line 162 provided within the plurality of blades 160 supporting the back faces 112 b of the plurality of wafers 112 , the plurality of wafers 112 rotate. Here, the plurality of blades 160 are provided so that the plurality of wafers 112 are loaded into the first slot 142 of the first boat 140 or into the second slot 152 of the second boat 150 . For example, the plurality of blades 160 are configured to load the plurality of wafers 112 with an interval of about 15 mm and move the wafers and then load the wafers 112 into the first slot 142 or second slot 152 . That is, the plurality of blades 160 are provided to rotate at an end part of transfer robot arm and so suck in by a vacuum the plurality of wafers 112 with a given interval. Moreover, a vacuum pump for pumping air from the vacuum line 162 may provide a given vacuum pressure through the vacuum line 162 provided within the plurality blades 160 . [0055] FIGS. 6A and 6B are sectional views of transfer robot for rotating the wafers 112 by reducing the distance between the blades 160 . The transfer robot can reduce the distance between the blades so as to prevent the wafers 112 from moving or deviating from the blades during rotating, and then rotate the wafers 112 . Here the blade 160 is configured with a structure to stably support the wafers 112 of a circular shape. Further, a guide 164 is formed protruding with a given height at a position approximate to an outer circumference face of the wafer 112 so as to prevent the wafer 112 from being separated in a horizontal direction. The guides 164 are symmetrically provided not only on an upper part of the blade 160 but on a lower part of the blade 160 . This is why the guide 164 can provide the structure of reducing the distance between the blades 160 to rotate the wafer 112 and so surrounding the wafer 112 . Here, centering on the wafer 112 , the thickness of a plurality of guides 164 provided on the blades 160 provided in upper and lower parts of the wafer 112 is thicker than the thickness of wafer 112 . [0056] In addition, for example, when the guide 164 is selectively formed only on the blade 160 , the protruded level of the guide 164 should be larger than the thickness of wafer 112 . [0057] Therefore, in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the plurality of wafers 112 are loaded into the first and second boats 140 and 150 so that the back faces 112 b and the front faces 112 a of the wafers are supported respectively and alternately by the boats, and further the interval between the plurality of wafers 112 is controlled, thereby enhancing the productivity in the diffusion or deposition process. [0058] With the configuration described above, a wafer loading/unloading method for use in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is described as follows. [0059] FIGS. 7A through 7I are sectional views providing the sequence of the wafer loading/unloading method in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. [0060] As shown in FIG. 7A , the first boat 140 is lowered so that the second slot 152 of the second boat 150 becomes approximate to a lower part of the first slot 142 of the first boat 140 . Here, initially, the first and second slots 142 and 152 are positioned to have a given interval in a vertical direction so that the plurality of wafers 112 are loaded with the same interval therebetween. Thus, the distance of the second slot 152 from an upper part of the first slot 142 should have a given interval so that the wafer 112 can be safely loaded in the first slot 142 in a subsequent step. For example, the first boat 140 can be lowered so that the first slot 142 is distanced about 4.75 mm from the second slot 152 provided above the first slot 142 , and so that the first slot 142 becomes approximate about 0.75 mm to the second slot 152 provided in a lower part of the first slot 142 . [0061] With reference to FIG. 7B , the plurality of wafers 112 whose back faces 112 b supported and transferred by the blade 160 of the transfer robot, are stably loaded into the first slots 142 of the first boat 140 . That is, transfer robot can transfer the plurality of wafers 112 stored in wafer cassette to the first slot 142 of the first boat 140 in a state that the back faces 112 b of the plurality of wafers 112 are supported by the plurality of blades 160 . The plurality of blades 160 supporting the plurality of wafers 112 horizontally move to upper parts of the first slots 142 , and then vertically move to load the plurality of wafers 112 in the first slots 142 . [0062] As illustrated in FIG. 7C , the first boat 140 is raised so that the first slots 142 storing the plurality of wafers 112 become approximate to the second slot 152 positioned above the first slot 142 . Here the plurality of wafers 112 stored in the first slots 142 are raised a given height by a movement of the first boat 140 , thereby substantially reducing the interference between the plurality of wafers 112 stored in the first slots 142 and the plurality of wafers 112 to be loaded on the second slots 152 . For example, the first slot 142 may be raised to a height level of about 4 mm. The raised distance of the first slot 142 may become a space where the plurality of wafers 112 to be subsequently loaded in the second slots 152 horizontally move and then vertically move by the blade 160 of the transfer robot. Thus, the plurality of wafers 112 subsequently inserted between the plurality of wafers 112 loaded in the first slots 142 of the first boat 140 can be loaded in the second slots 152 of the second boat 150 without a collision. [0063] As shown in FIG. 7D , the transfer robot rotates about 180 degrees the plurality of wafers 112 , and loads the wafers so that the front faces 112 a of the plurality of wafers 112 are loaded in the second slots 152 . That is, the transfer robot horizontally moves the plurality of wafers 112 from wafer cassette in a state that the back faces 112 b of the wafers 112 are supported by the plurality of blades 160 . Then, the plurality of wafers 112 rotate about 180 degrees by sucking in by a vacuum the back faces 112 b of the plurality of wafers 112 . And then, the front faces 112 a of the plurality of wafers 112 are loaded in the second slots 152 . [0064] As shown in FIG. 7E , the first boat 140 is lowered so that the first slots 142 supporting the back faces 112 b of the plurality of wafers 112 become approximate to the second slots 152 , and a subsequent diffusion or deposition process for the plurality of wafers 112 is performed. Here, the first boat 140 is lowered so that the first slot 142 is approximated to the second slot 152 provided in a lower part of the first slot 142 . For example, the first slot 142 is lowered to a height level of about 4 mm so that the back faces 112 b of the plurality of wafers 112 supported by the first and second slots 142 and 152 are approximated and the front faces 112 a of the plurality of wafers 112 are distanced from each other. [0065] Further, in the diffusion or deposition process, a reaction gas supplied from reaction gas supplier into the reaction tube 110 flows on the front faces 112 a of the wafers 112 , thereby selectively forming a diffusion layer or deposition layer on the front faces 112 a of the plurality of wafers 112 . Therefore, a reaction gas flows on the front faces 112 a of the wafers 112 supported by the first and second slots 142 and 152 , thereby forming the diffusion layer or deposition layer thereon. For example, the distance between front faces 112 a of the wafers 112 is about 5 mm to 6.5 mm. Then, after a completion of diffusion or deposition process, an unloading operation of the plurality of wafers 112 may be performed in a sequence opposite to the loading sequence of the plurality of wafers 112 . [0066] As shown in FIG. 7F , when the diffusion or deposition process for the plurality of wafers 112 is completed, the first boat 140 is raised so that the first slot 142 supporting the back face 112 b of the wafers 112 is distanced from the second slot 152 provided in a lower part of the first slot 142 . Here, when the first boat 140 is raised, blade 160 is inserted into between the first slot 142 and second slot 152 provided in a lower part of the first slot 142 in a subsequent process, and the plurality of wafers 112 supported by the second slot 152 are sucked in by a vacuum and unloaded. For example, the first boat 140 raises the first slot 142 by a height of about 4 mm. [0067] With reference to FIG. 7G , the plurality of wafers 112 supported by the second slot 152 are unloaded by using the transfer robot and then rotate about 180 degrees and are stored in wafer cassette. Here the blade 160 of transfer robot sucks in by a vacuum the back face of the wafers 112 whose front face 112 a is supported by the second slot 152 , and unload the plurality of wafers 112 from the inside of first and second boats 140 and 150 . Then, the plurality of wafers 112 rotate about 180 degrees to be loaded within the wafer cassette. [0068] As shown in FIG. 7H , the first boat 140 is lower so that the first slot 142 supporting the back face 112 b of the wafers 112 is approximated to the second slot 152 provided in a lower part of the first slot 142 . For example, the first boat 140 moves to lower about 4 mm the first slot 142 . Subsequently, the plurality of wafers 112 supported by the first slots 142 vertically float by the blades 160 , thereby preventing a collision between the second slot 152 provided above the first slot 142 and the plurality of wafers 112 . [0069] As shown in FIG. 7I , the plurality of wafers 112 supported by the first slot 142 are unloaded by using transfer robot, and then are stored in the wafer cassette. Here the blade 160 of transfer robot horizontally moves, supporting the back face 112 b of the wafers 112 supported by the first slots 142 and then loads the plurality of wafers 112 in the wafer cassette. [0070] In addition, the first boat 140 may be raised to have a uniform interval of vertical direction between the first slot 142 and the second slot 152 . [0071] Consequently, in a wafer loading/unloading method for use in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, front faces 112 a of a plurality of wafers 112 are positioned face to face with a given interval therebetween, and back faces 112 b of the plurality of wafers 112 are positioned face to face with becoming approximately to each other, thereby storing a relatively greater number of wafers 112 within reaction tube 110 in performing a diffusion or deposition process and so increasing productivity. [0072] It does not matter herein to change the direction of a plurality of wafers 112 loaded in the first and second boats 140 and 150 . For example, the plurality of wafers 112 may be loaded so that the front face 112 a of each wafer 112 is supported by the first slot 142 of the first boat 140 and the back face 112 b of each wafer 112 is supported by the second slot 152 of the second boat 150 . Additionally, the distance between back faces 112 b of the plurality of wafers 112 loaded in the first and second boats 140 and 150 should be relatively short, and the distance between front faces 112 a thereof should be relatively wider. Having described the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is further noted that it is readily apparent to those of reasonable skill in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.

A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and a wafer loading/unloading method thereof increase productivity. The semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a first boat and a second boat having a plurality of first slots and a plurality of second slots, respectively, and disposed such that the first slots and the second slots alternate each other, the first boat mounting a plurality of first wafers in the first slots to direct front faces of the first wafers in a predetermined direction, the second boat mounting a plurality of second wafers in the second slots to direct back faces of the second wafers in the predetermined direction; a reaction tube having an opening and containing the first and second boats mounting the first and second wafers; a plate sealing up the opening of the reaction tube containing the first boat and the second boat; a reaction gas supplier supplying reaction gas into the sealed reaction tube for a predetermined process; and a reaction gas exhauster exhausting the reaction gas from the reaction tube to the external of the reaction tube after the predetermined process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/777,613, filed Sep. 28, 2006, entitled “RECONFIGURABLE INFANT ACTIVITY CENTER”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention is directed to infant activity centers, and more particularly to an infant activity center which is foldable. SUMMARY [0003] The present invention is directed to an infant activity center including an infant-activity-center tray, a ring, a cushion, and a plurality of substantially-rectilinear pylons. Each of the pylons has a lower portion that is directly or indirectly rotatably attached to the base and each of the pylons has an upper portion that is directly or indirectly rotatably attached to the tray enabling the tray and the ring to be relatively rotated and folded from a use position to a storage position The distance between the tray and the base is greater in the use position than in the storage position. Each of the pylons is substantially vertical when the tray and the ring are in the use position. [0004] It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide an infant activity center comprising: (a) an infant-activity center tray having an infant seat; (b) a ring having a cushion extending across the diameter of the ring; and (c) a plurality of repositionable pylons concurrently mounted to the ring and the tray, the repositionable pylons being repositionable between a use position and a storage position, wherein the distance between the tray and the cushion is greater when the pylons are in the use position than in the storage position, and wherein each of the pylons cooperates with the ring to form a biased latch securing each pylon in at least the use position or the storage position, and wherein at least one of the cushion and the ring includes a catch operative to interact with the tray to secure the pylons in the storage position. [0005] In a more detailed embodiment of the first aspect, the tray is rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the ring to rotate and fold the tray from the use position to the storage position. In yet another more detailed embodiment, each pylon is injection molded. In a further detailed embodiment, the plurality of pylons include three or more pylons. In still a further detailed embodiment, each of the pylons is perpendicular to the tray and ring when in the use position. In a more detailed embodiment, each of the pylons is substantially parallel to the tray and ring when in the storage position. [0006] It is a second aspect of the present invention to provide an infant activity center comprising: (a) an infant-activity-center tray having an infant-receiving opening; a ring having a cushion distributed about the interior thereof; and (b) a plurality of connecting arms concurrently mounted to the tray and the ring, each of the connecting arms being rotationally repositionable and vertically repositionable with respect to the tray and the ring. [0007] In yet another more detailed embodiment of the second aspect, the ring comprises semicircular metal frame members interconnected by polymer mounts that connect to the connecting arms. In still another more detailed embodiment, the cushion comprises a fabric bag filled with stuffing. In a further detailed embodiment, the cushion is extractable from the ring to facilitate replacement of the cushion without complete disassembly of the infant activity center. [0008] It is a third aspect of the present invention to provide a An infant activity center comprising: (a) an infant-activity-center tray having an infant seat and a cushion disposed underneath the infant seat; (b) a plurality of connecting arms to support the tray, each of the connecting arms being rotationally repositionable and vertically repositionable with respect to the tray; and (c) a plurality of shock absorbers interposing the tray and the plurality of connecting arms to provide a vertical range of movement relative to the tray and the connecting arms. [0009] It is a fourth aspect of the present invention to provide a method of constructing an infant activity center, the method comprising the steps of: (a) mounting a plurality of supports to an infant tray, the supports being at least one of rotationally and vertically adjustable with respect to the infant tray; (b) mounting the plurality of supports to a ring, the ring having a cushion across the interior thereof, where the plurality of supports are at least one of rotationally and vertically adjustable with respect to the ring; (c) positioning a cushion underneath the infant tray and mounting the cushion to at least one of the plurality of supports, the ring, and the infant tray; (d) locking the plurality of supports to inhibit rotational adjustment with respect to the infant tray; and (e) locking the plurality of supports to inhibit vertical adjustment with respect to the ring. [0010] It is a fifth aspect of the present invention to provide a method of constructing an infant activity center, the method comprising the steps of: (a) mounting a plurality of supports to an infant tray, the supports being at least one of rotationally and vertically adjustable with respect to the infant tray; (b) mounting the plurality of supports to a ring, where the plurality of supports are at least one of rotationally and vertically adjustable with respect to the ring; (c) mounting a cushion to the ring to retain the cushion in position with respect to the ring; (d) orienting the infant tray to substantially overlap the ring and cushion; (e) locking the plurality of supports to inhibit rotational adjustment with respect to the infant tray; and (f) locking the plurality of supports to inhibit vertical adjustment with respect to the ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of an exemplary infant activity center embodiment of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of the infant activity center of FIG. 1 with the pylons in an exploded view; [0013] FIG. 3 is an elevated profile view of the pylons repositioned to erect the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0014] FIG. 4 is an elevated profile view of the pylons repositioned to collapse the embodiment of FIG. 1 ; [0015] FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of the infant activity center of FIG. 1 in the collapsed position; [0016] FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective view of the infant activity center of FIG. 1 in the collapsed position and oriented on its side; [0017] FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective view of a segment of the exemplary pylon, connecting member, and ring of FIG. 1 ; [0018] FIG. 8 is an elevated perspective view of a segment of the exemplary pylon and connecting member of FIG. 1 ; [0019] FIG. 9 is an underside perspective view of a segment of the exemplary pylon, connecting member, and tray of FIG. 1 ; [0020] FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of the exemplary shock absorbing structure of the instant invention; [0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the exemplary shock absorbing structure of the instant invention; [0022] FIG. 12 is constructed view of the exemplary shock absorbing structure of the instant invention; [0023] FIG. 13 is an elevated perspective view of an exemplary pylon and connecting member of FIG. 1 ; [0024] FIG. 14 is a representational view of some of the components of FIG. 1 , with an “X” marking locations on various components before such components undergo rotation and folding to enable the infant activity center to be changed from its use configuration to its storage configuration; and [0025] FIG. 15 is a representational view of some of the components of FIG. 1 , with an “X” marking locations on various components after such components undergo rotation and folding to enable the infant activity center to be changed from its use configuration to its storage configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0026] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated below to encompass infant activity centers and methods of reconfiguring infant activity centers. Of course, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the preferred embodiments discussed below are exemplary in nature and may be reconfigured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. However, for clarity and precision, the exemplary embodiments as discussed below may include optional steps, methods, and features that one of ordinary skill should recognize as not being a requisite to fall within the scope of the present invention. [0027] Referencing FIGS. 1 and 2 , an infant activity center 10 includes an infant-activity-center tray 12 , a cushion bottom 14 , a ring 16 , and a plurality of substantially-rectilinear pylons 18 , collectively cooperating to define a perimeter around an infant-receiving opening within the center tray 12 . Each pylon 18 includes a lower portion 22 that is directly or indirectly rotatably attached to the ring 16 and an upper portion 24 that is directly or indirectly rotatably attached to the tray 12 . In this manner, the tray 12 and the ring 16 can be rotated with respect to one another and the pylons 18 folded to move the infant activity center 10 between a use position (see FIGS. 1 and 14 ) and a storage position (see FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Typically, the ring 16 is supported by on the floor or level ground in the use position so that each pylon 18 is within thirty degrees of vertical. In this exemplary embodiment, the tray 12 is rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the ring 16 to fold and unfold the pylons 18 allowing the tray 12 to move between a collapsed position (storage position) and an erected position (use position). [0028] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 , each pylon 18 is mounted to the tray 12 via an intervening upper connecting member 26 . A first end 28 of each intervening upper connecting member 26 is generally circular in cross-section and rotationally repositionable along a first rotational axis with respect to a cylindrical cavity 30 formed within the underside of the tray 12 , while an opposing end 32 of the intervening upper connecting member 26 is pivotally mounted to the upper portion 24 along a first vertical axis, generally perpendicular to the first rotational axis. The first end 28 of each intervening upper connecting member 26 includes a circumferential L-shaped flange 34 having three notches 36 that are adapted to allow vertical throughput of three corresponding prongs 38 horizontally extending from the cylindrical cavity 30 of the tray 12 . When the notches 36 are vertically aligned with the prongs 38 , the first end 28 can be vertically positioned within the cylindrical cavity 30 and secured within the cavity by rotating the connecting member 26 so that the L-shaped flange 34 rides on top of the notches 36 (see FIG. 9 (B)). [0029] Referencing FIGS. 10 12 , a spring 40 is wedged between the top 28 of the intervening upper connecting member 26 and a removeable dome 42 mounted to the top of the tray 12 . The concave portion of the dome 42 includes a cup (not shown) that receives one end of the spring 44 , while the top 28 of the intervening upper connecting member 26 includes a vertical cross 46 that is received within an opposing end of the spring 40 so that the spring circumscribes the cross. In this manner, the bias of the spring 40 directs the tray 12 , by way of the removable dome connected thereto, away from the corresponding intervening upper connecting member 26 . [0030] Referring to FIG. 7 , the lower portion 22 of each pylon 18 is attached a lower intervening member 48 that is mounted to a platform 50 of the ring 16 . Each lower intervening member 48 includes a first end 52 that is rotationally mounted to the top 54 of the platform 50 along a rotational axis, while an opposing end 56 of the lower intervening member 48 is pivotally mounted to the lower portion 22 along a second vertical axis, generally perpendicular to the second rotational axis. [0031] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a seat 58 is disposed in the infant-receiving opening and attached to the tray 12 . In exemplary form, the seat 58 is rotatable to allow the infant to turn along a center axis relative to the tray 12 . Moreover, the tray 12 , and accordingly the seat 58 , is vertically repositionable with respect to the pylons 18 when the pylons are in the use position by way of movement between the intervening upper connecting members 26 and the tray 12 . Each corresponding spring 40 , removable dome 42 , and top 28 of the intervening upper connecting member 26 cooperate to provide a shock absorber that absorbs the weight of an infant in the seat 58 . In a typical condition, the weight of the infant will not fully compress the spring 40 , thereby allowing bouncing by the infant as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art. [0032] Referencing FIGS. 3 and 7 , each pylon 18 includes a latch 62 for locking the orientation of the pylon with respect to the ring 16 and tray 12 . In this manner, rotation of the tray 12 with respect to the ring 16 is inhibited when the longitudinal aspect of the pylon 18 is concurrently perpendicular to the tray 12 and ring 16 , synonymous with the use position. The latch 62 includes a biased detent 64 mounted to the lower portion 22 of each pylon 18 that is received within a recess 66 formed within the lower intervening member 48 . The line of travel of the detent 64 contacts the boundary of the recess 66 and retains the detent therein, alternatives of which are well known to those skilled in the art. With the detent 64 captured within the recess 66 , the corresponding pylon 18 is vertically oriented so that the length of the pylon is generally perpendicular to the tray 12 and ring 16 (see FIG. 1 ). [0033] In operation, a user desiring to change the infant activity center 10 from the use position (seen in FIGS. 1-2 ) to the storage position (seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 ) must reposition the biased detent 64 of the latch 62 with respect to the recess 66 to manipulate the line of travel of the detent, thereby allowing the pylon 18 to be folded and approximate a horizontal position generally parallel to the tray 12 and ring 16 . Thereafter, the user can then rotate the tray 12 slightly with respect to the ring 16 about the center axis and push the tray 12 toward the ring 16 until the storage position is reached or no further folding is possible. [0034] Referencing FIGS. 2, 8 , and 13 , each pylon 18 includes fixed height adjustability, outside of that provided by the interaction between the intervening upper connecting member 26 and the tray 12 . Each lower portion 22 includes a hollow cavity 68 that receives the solid portion of the upper portion 24 , thereby allowing the upper portion 24 to move within the cavity 68 and change the overall length of the pylon 18 . The lower portion 22 includes a biased catch 70 that is received within one of a set of three vertically spaced openings 72 within the upper portion 24 . In this exemplary embodiment, the vertically spaced openings 72 include three separately spaced openings to provide incremental fixed height adjustability of the pylon 18 . In operation, the user would withdraw the catch 70 from one of the three openings 72 , thereby moving the catch 68 out of the line of travel of the openings 72 and allowing the upper portion 24 to move within the hollow cavity 68 of the lower portion 22 . The user would then approximate the desired length of the pylon 18 and reposition the catch 70 into one of the openings 72 that most closely approximates the desired pylon length. The biased nature of the catch 70 will operate to retain the catch with the desired opening 72 until the user overcomes the bias to reposition the catch and adjust the overall length of the pylon 18 . It is envisioned that this adjustment in the overall length of the pylon accommodates infants of various sizes, as well as adjusts to the same infant as the infant grows. [0035] FIGS. 14 and 15 are simple diagrams representing how the general orientation of the primary components 12 , 16 , 18 , 26 , 48 of the exemplary infant activity center 10 change relative to one another as the components are repositioned between the storage position and the use position (see also FIG. 3 ). The components each have been marked with an “X”, where the “Xs” are vertically and rotationally aligned when the activity center 10 is in the use position (see FIG. 14 ), but are not vertically or rotationally aligned when the activity center 10 is in the storage position (see FIG. 15 ). [0036] Referring to FIG. 5 , a series of hooks 76 are circumferentially distributed about the perimeter of the tray and engage with corresponding elastic hoops 78 mounted to the cushion bottom 14 to allow the tray 12 and the ring 16 to remain in the storage position when the infant activity center 10 is standing on its side (see FIG. 6 ). To return the infant activity center 10 to its use position, with the ring 16 placed on the floor or level ground and any optional hook and notch arrangement unhooked, the user lifts and counter-rotates the tray 12 with respect to the ring 16 until the detent 64 of each latch 60 automatically and lockingly engages its corresponding recess 66 (see FIG. 3 ). [0037] In the same or a different variation of the infant activity center 10 , various play objects 80 such as toys and mirrors are attached to the tray 12 . In the same or a different variation, the tray 12 includes other objects such as a cup holder 82 , a crayon receptacle, etc. [0038] Each pylon 18 is injection molded using a plastic material such as, without limitation, polyethylene or polypropylene. Similarly, the tray 12 and the platform component 50 of the ring 16 can also be injection molded using a polymer material. Moreover, each intervening upper connecting member 26 and each intervening lower connecting member 48 can also be fabricated using an injection molding process by molding polymer components. In sum, each of the aforementioned exemplary components may be fabricated using a plastic injection molding process, however, components such as the spring 40 are preferable fabricated from metals. It is to be understood, however, that other materials suitable for the functionality of the instant components could be substituted in lieu of the polymer components such, without limitation, woods, composites, ceramics, or metals. [0039] It is also within the scope of the invention to have the lower portion 22 of one or more pylons 18 being rotatably attached to the ring 16 using a ball and socket joint (not shown) and/or the upper portion 24 of one or more pylons 18 being rotatably attached to the tray 12 using a ball and socket joint (not shown). An exemplary variation of the foregoing includes providing a lower portion 22 and an upper portion 24 of the pylon 18 that are repositionable in at least two axes of rotation, though not necessarily by way of a ball and socket joint. [0040] While the aforementioned exemplary embodiment 10 has been described as having three pylons 18 , it is also within the scope of the invention to have more than, or less than, three pylons 18 . Likewise, while the three pylons 18 of the exemplary embodiment have been shown as being equidistant from one another, it is also within the scope of the invention that one or more of these pylons (or other pylons where more three pylons are utilized) may be more closely spaced to one another or farther spaced from one another than other reference pylons. [0041] It is also within the scope of the present invention to mount wheels to the ring 16 , thereby allowing the infant activity center 10 to be made portable by the movements of the infant. [0042] As used herein, the term “infant” includes a baby, an infant, and a child. The terminology “infant activity center” includes, without limitation, infant walkers, infant exercisers, infant bouncers, infant toy centers, infant eating centers, etc. [0043] It should be noted that as used herein, the term “attached” includes directly attached and includes indirectly attached, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art. It is further noted that the terms “lower” and “upper” are used merely for differentiation and describe relative positioning in the use position, but not necessarily in the storage position. [0044] Following from the above description and invention summaries, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, while the methods and apparatuses herein described constitute exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the invention contained herein is not limited to this precise embodiment and that changes may be made to such embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the claims and it is not intended that any limitations or elements describing the exemplary embodiments set forth herein are to be incorporated into the interpretation of any claim element unless such limitation or element is explicitly stated. Likewise, it is to be understood that it is not necessary to meet any or all of the identified advantages or objects of the invention disclosed herein in order to fall within the scope of any claims, since the invention is defined by the claims and since inherent and/or unforeseen advantages of the present invention may exist even though they may not have been explicitly discussed herein.

An infant activity center comprising: (a) an infant-activity center tray having an infant seat; (b) a ring having a cushion extending across the diameter of the ring; and (c) a plurality of repositionable pylons concurrently mounted to the ring and the tray, the repositionable pylons being repositionable between a use position and a storage position, wherein the distance between the tray and the cushion is greater when the pylons are in the use position than in the storage position, and wherein each of the pylons cooperates with the ring to form a biased latch securing each pylon in at least the use position or the storage position, and wherein at least one of the cushion and the ring includes a catch operative to interact with the tray to secure the pylons in the storage position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to gum manufacturing methods and systems and more particularly relates to the forming and conditioning of gum products as a precursor to dividing the gum into individual slab, stick or pellet type units. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The process of making and packaging gum products involves a significant amount of machinery. For example, a substantially automated system and method for making slab/stick type gums, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,373 entitled Gum Processing and Packaging System, which is assigned to the predecessor of interest of the present assignee. As shown in the '373 patent, a process and apparatus for the continued production and processing and packaging of a final slab/stick type chewing gum is disclosed. The product is extruded as a continuous tape or ribbon and is eventually flattened into an approximate final cross-sectional size and shape and then inserted into a final gum sizing apparatus. Thereafter, the continuous strip of final chewing gum product is scored, cut into individual pieces and individually wrapped by a standard packaging machine. The present invention is directed towards improvements in the state of the art over such prior systems and equipment as shown in the '373 patent. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed toward improvements in the conditioning of chewing gum product to attempt to reach the optimal temperature, viscosity, and moisture content for quality and processing reasons, particularly when rolling and/or scoring the chewing gum product in sheet form. Such uniformity better insures that the correct amount of gum is in each individual unit of gum and that the shape, size and consistency is substantially the same. Achieving such uniformity and high volume production with such automation are a significant advantage for cost and quality reasons. A first patent aspect of the present invention is directed toward gum manufacturing machinery comprising a gum loafing machine have an inlet receiving finished gum product and a forming die providing an outlet proximate a knife that is adapted to generate loaves of finished gum product. A gum conditioner is arranged downstream of the gum loafing machine that has a conveyor running through an environmental enclosure with a temperature control. The conveyor is adapted to convey the loaves of finished gum through the environmental enclosure. According to the above aspect, the conveyor of the gum conditioner may include at least three conveyors arranged in a stacked vertical configuration with two different operational modes. In a first operational mode, the second conveyor runs in a first direction conveying loaves in a serpentine path over substantially the entire length of the second and third conveyors. In a second operational mode, the second conveyor runs in a second direction opposite the first direction to convey loaves in a cascading path thereby substantially bypassing the length of the second and third conveyors. As such, the residence time of the conveyor can be greatly varied by utilizing more or less of the overall gum conditioning conveyor length as may be desired (speed controls and speed changes to the conveyors may be additionally employed). Another different feature which may be employed with the first above aspect is that the gum loafing machine may be employed to prepare a generally uniform shape and thickness of the finished gum product to facilitate more uniform conditioning and avoid the otherwise non-uniform and irregularly shaped thicknesses that may be output, for example from a gum mixing extruder that forms the finished gum product. The size of the loaves may be optimized for conditioning as opposed to a form that is necessarily suitable for rolling operations. Further, after the finished gum product is loafed and conditioned within the gum conditioner, a second forming extruder may be employed having a die adapted to form a continuous ribbon from the individual loaves to facilitate further downstream rolling of the sheet by rollers that progressively reduce a thickness of the continuous gum ribbon for subsequent gum dividing operations. As such, conditioning may occur in one form, while rolling and scoring is accomplished in a different form. Another aspect of the present invention is directed toward gum manufacturing machinery comprising a gum mixer (e.g. at least one of a mixing extruder and a batch mixer) that receives a plurality of gum ingredients and mixes the gum ingredients into a finished gum product. A first forming extruder is arranged downstream of the gum mixer and receives the finished gum and forces the finished gum through a first forming die to generate a substantially uniform output shapes sufficient for conditioning. A gum conditioner is arranged downstream of the first forming extruder and has a conveyor running through an environmental enclosure with a temperature control. The conveyor is adapted to convey the substantially uniform output through the environmental enclosure. Further, and after such conditioning, a second forming extruder is arranged downstream of the gum conditioner that has a second forming die. The second forming extruder forces the finished gum through the second forming die to form a continuous gum ribbon. Rollers are subsequently arranged downstream of the forming extruder to progressively reduce a thickness of a the continuous gum ribbon for subsequent gum diving operations. A feature according to the above aspect is that a first forming extruder may provide a discontinuous output such as separate loaves to facilitate conditioning whereas the second forming extruder produces the ribbon to facilitate rolling operations. A further aspect of the present invention is directed toward a method of manufacturing gum comprising of mixing a plurality of gum ingredients into a finished gum; forming the finished gum into a substantially uniform output shape; conditioning the formed finished gum in a controlled temperature environment for a residence time; forming a continuous gum ribbon; progressively reducing the thickness of the continuous gum ribbon; and dividing the gum ribbon into individual pieces of gum. It is an advantage of this method and further feature that different gum batch recipes for different finished gum products may be run through the same gum line. For example, the method may further comprise running a first gum mixture at a first predetermined residence time for conditioning in a controlled temperature environment; and running a second gum mixture different than the first gum mixture using the same gum line as for the first gum mixture but at a second residence time different than the first residence time for the first gum mixture. This can be further facilitated by use of a conveyor having multiple vertically spaced conveyors with two different operational modes for generating a serpentine path and a cascading path as described previously. Significantly different conditioning residence times may therefore be employed for different gum batch recipes. Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of gum manufacturing machinery illustrating one operating mode with a cascading path of loaves through a gum conditioner in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1A shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment for mixing gum that may be substituted for the mixing extruder shown in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 2 is another schematic diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 but illustrated in a different operational mode with loaves spending a longer residence time with a serpentine path through the gum conditioner as illustrated; and FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for handling and processing finished gum product in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the FIGS. 1-2 , gum manufacturing machinery generally indicated at 10 for handling and processing finished gum product 12 is illustrated with, methodology of running through such machinery diagramed in FIG. 3 . The gum manufacturing machinery 10 generally includes a gum mixer which as illustrated in FIG. 1 may take the form of a gum mixing extruder 14 ; or alternatively as shown in FIG. 1A a batch mixer 16 . Each of these may be used to produce a finished gum product 12 . For example as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the gum mixing extruder 14 includes a plurality of gum ingredient inputs 20 along its length for receipt of gum base and other gum ingredients such as flavorings, sugars, sweeteners, fillers, various agents, and the like. These inputs 20 are arranged along the length of a single mixing screw 22 having different screw mixing elements for input and mixing at different stages during the mixing process. For example, gum mixing extruders or other gum mixers are disclosed for example in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/016,016; 61/036,626; and 61/045,764, which are assigned to the present assignee, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The output from the gum mixing extruder 14 is a finished gum product 12 that is readily suitable for consumption and chewing as it includes the water soluble sweeteners and flavorings desired by the consumer as well as the underlying chewable gum base to facilitate chewing. As illustrated, the output from a gum mixing extruder 14 may be generally irregular or otherwise non-uniform in shape in that it often will be output in an uneven stream of material having a non-uniform thickness of material. The same can be said of the output of a batch mixer 16 in that it is generally irregularly shaped without a consistent thickness. Thus, by producing finished gum product 18 , it may generate a non-uniform output 24 as diagrammed in FIG. 3 . Given that the temperature of the finished gum product is not yet suitable or optimal for rolling activities, and that the temperature may need to be cooled or otherwise adjusted to allow the material to set sufficiently, it can be appreciated that the non-uniform output 24 is not conducive to generating uniform conditioning of the finished gum product. As such, a feed conveyor 26 feeds the uneven output 12 into a loafing machine 28 (also referred to herein as a loafing extruder) that forms discrete loaves of finished gum product as in step 27 in FIG. 3 . The loafing machine 28 may include a forming extruder 30 that forces the finished gum product through a forming die, thereby forming a uniform extrusion 33 as in FIG. 3 , that is periodically cut off into separate loaves 34 with finished gum product loaves being indicated at 36 in FIGS. 1-2 . To facilitate the cutting operation 34 , a knife 32 is used that periodically moves laterally across the forming die to cut and slice off individual loaves 36 . An output conveyor 38 picks up the loaves cut off from the forming extruder 30 and runs at a slightly faster pace so as to space the individual loaves 36 at regular intervals as they are output from the forming extruder 30 and cut off by knife 32 . The forming extruder 30 includes only a single input and does not provide for input or mixing of additional ingredients into the finished gum product at this stage. Instead the loafing machine 28 and forming extruder 30 is merely employed to generate a relatively uniform and consistent thickness of material to facilitate more even conditioning of the finished gum product downstream. As illustrated, the individual loaves 36 generally take the shape of the extruding die at the output of the forming extruder 30 and may have separate loaves integrally connected by thin webs that may be produced by teeth on the extruding die as illustrated. The loaves may have a slight parallelogram shape or be of slight shape variations in width and length, but the thickness of the individual loaves 36 is preferably between about ½ and 2 inches thick (vertically) with the length and width being between about 6 inches and 18 inches. The length and width dimensions are not as critical or important as it is the minimum thickness in one dimension that controls heat transfer. Thus, the minimum thickness dimension is of importance as this determines the relative residence time necessary for achieving sufficiently uniform viscosity and temperature for forming a thin ribbon to facilitate subsequent rolling and scoring operations. The output conveyor 38 feeds the individual loaves 36 into a gum conditioner 40 that conditions the loaves of finished gum product 42 . More specifically, the gum conditioner 40 adjusts or otherwise conforms the temperature of the finished gum product 12 and attempts to obtain a substantially uniform temperature throughout. The gum conditioner 40 is arranged downstream of the gum loafing machine 28 for receiving the output thereof and includes three vertically stacked conveyors including a top conveyor 44 , an intermediate conveyor 46 and a bottom conveyor 48 that are all substantially contained and run through an environmental enclosure 50 , such as a long enclosed tunnel. Each of the conveyers 44 , 46 , 48 is contained in the environmental enclosure 50 , such that the gum product carried thereon is subjected to the temperature and humidity controlled environment within the enclosure 50 . The gum conditioner 40 includes a temperature control, a humidity control and a residence time control. The temperature and humidity control can set and/or adjust the temperature and humidity within the environmental enclosure such that it may be different than that of the room in which the machinery is contained. The residence time control is provided with a wide degree of residence time variability in part due to speed adjustment but also due to a unique aspect presented by the arrangement of three conveyors, 44 , 46 and 48 and the operational mode variance as illustrated when comparing FIGS. 1 and 2 . As a result, a residence time can be predetermined and set and/or adjusted based upon the gum batch recipe 52 as indicated in FIG. 3 . Typically, and depending upon the finished gum product, the raw output of the gum mixing extruder 14 will generally produce a gum output having an average temperature between 40 and 50° C. Within the environmental enclosure 50 of the gum conditioner 40 a generally uniform temperature is controlled to move the finished gum temperature to a substantially consistent and desirable temperature. Specifically, the environmental enclosure 50 may include a controlled temperature between 40° C. and about 50° C.; and a humidity of between about 20 and about 40%. Typically the temperature and humidity will be set at predetermined set points within those ranges depending upon the gum recipe and batch that is being run through the gum line at any particular instant. As for the residence time, the embodiment provides for a wide control possibility in residence time based on speed control and operational mode. In one embodiment, the residence time may be as fast as about two minutes and as slow as about 20 minutes to provide for a minimal residence time or a very long residence time depending upon the gum batch recipe to appropriately provide the gum in best condition for later processing, such as rolling and scoring into sheets. The conditioner preferably has a residence time control variance of at least 10 minutes during operation thereof that is at least about 1 minute and less than about 30 minutes. As can be seen in comparing FIGS. 1 and 2 , the gum conditioner 40 has two different operational modes. As shown in FIG. 2 , a first operational mode is provided in which the loaves follow a serpentine path substantially over the entire length of the intermediate and bottom conveyors, 46 and 48 . By having to travel the entire length of the lower two conveyors, the residence time is increased by virtual of the distance over which the finished gum product loaves must travel. However, if such a long residence time is not desired or needed, the distance can be short circuited as shown in FIG. 1 where a second operational mode is provided in which the loaves substantially bypass the length of the second and third conveyors. In this operational mode, the intermediate conveyor 46 runs in an opposite direction as that shown in FIG. 2 to prevent the loaves from reversing direction and instead the loaves cascade over the conveyors with a cascading path, thereby to substantially bypassing the length of the second and third conveyors. As shown, the second intermediate conveyor 46 has a portion that overlaps the top conveyor 44 to receive loaves that vertically drop down from the top conveyor onto the intermediate conveyor and likewise the bottom conveyor 48 has ends that overlap both of the ends of the intermediate conveyor for receipt of loaves that drop down on either the front or back end of the intermediate conveyor depending upon which operational mode is employed. Depending upon the gum recipe batch being run on the gum line, upon exiting the gum conditioner, the finished gum loaves may have a temperature of between about 40 and 50° C. However, residence time is important and formula dependent to develop crystal structure and/or otherwise set up the firmness of the gum product, even if little or no temperature change occurs. At this point, the loaves are also set up enough with a sufficiently uniform viscosity to facilitate further processing such as rolling and scoring. Accordingly at this point, a further conveyor 54 feeds the finished gum product loaves (at step 56 in FIG. 3 ) into a second downstream forming extruder 58 . The forming extruder 58 includes a forming die that is thin and elongated such that it produces a continuous finished gum product ribbon (at step 57 in FIG. 3 ) suitable for subsequent rolling and scoring operations. Specifically, the forming extruder 58 may include twin screws that break up the loaves and force the loaves through an elongate and thin forming die to produce the ribbon 60 . Upon exiting the forming extruder 58 , the continuous gum ribbon 60 may be subject to a dusting operation 62 in which a duster 64 sprinkles powdered sweetener on the surface of the continuous gum ribbon 60 so as to prevent sticking and to facilitate better processing during subsequent rolling and scoring operations. It is understood that while such dusting will add some component to the eventual packaged gum, a “finish gum product” is considered to be produced at the very first step illustrated in the output of the gum mixing extruder 14 and the dusting at this point is primarily a processing aid adding only some additional component to the gum. After passing through the duster 64 , the gum ribbon 60 is processed and run through a series of progressive rollers 66 that roll the continuous ribbon sheet to a uniform reduced thickness 68 . Once the gum ribbon 60 is progressively rolled to the desired thickness, then a scoring roller 70 may be employed as well as a lateral dividing roller 72 . These rollers 70 , 72 score and divide the gum ribbon 60 into individual scored sheets 74 as indicated at step 76 in FIG. 3 . From here, the scored sheets 74 are conveyed to a further gum conditioner 78 having a conveyor 80 and an environmental enclosure in the form of a tunnel 82 to facilitate cooling of the individual scored sheets to stiffen the gum material of the sheets sufficiently prior to stacking so as to maintain shape rather than allow material creep. The gum conditioner 78 conditions individual sheets 84 sufficient to facilitate stacking of sheets 86 where the sheets can be stacked and stored in a conditioning room 88 . The stacked sheets are then stored in the conditioning room 90 at a lengthy interval to fully condition the gum sheets and achieve a sufficiently cool temperature until such time that the sheets are ready to be divided into individual gum pieces such as stabs or sticks and then packaged as indicated in step 92 in FIG. 3 . All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Gum manufacturing machinery and method of manufacturing gum is illustrated in which a gum loafing machine generates loaves of finished gum that are then subsequently run through a gum conditioner to more uniformly set the temperature and viscosity of the gum material prior to further processing. Upon achieving the appropriate conditioning level, a further forming extruder may be used to generate a continuous gum ribbon for subsequent rolling and scoring operations. The gum conditioner may include vertically stacked conveyors that have different operational modes including a first mode that provides a serpentine path for a long residence time and a second mode that provides a cascading path that avoids or bypasses much of the length of some of the conveyors to provide a shorter residence time. The gum manufacturing machinery may be used in an adjustable manner so as to accommodate difference gum recipes for different batches of gum product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to multifocal spectacle lenses. Such lenses have a dioptric power varying according to the zone of vision on the lens, and are typically used for spectacle wearers suffering from presbyopia. Multifocal lenses comprise lenses known as progressive lenses adapted to vision at all distances. These lenses usually comprise a torical or spherical surface, that may be adapted to the wearer of the spectacle lenses, and an aspherical surface chosen from a family of surfaces. Each point of an aspherical surface is usually characterised by a mean sphere S and by a cylinder C. Mean sphere S is defined from the formula S = n - 1 2  ( 1 R 1 + 1 R 2 ) in which: R 1 and R 2 are the maximum and minimum radii of curvature expressed in meters, and n is the refractive index of the lens material. With the same definitions, cylinder C is given by the formula: C = ( n - 1 )   1 R 1 - 1 R 2  Progressive multifocal ophthalmic lenses comprise a far vision region, a near vision region, an intermediate vision region, and a main meridian of progression passing through the three regions. For such lenses, the addition value A is defined as the variation in mean sphere between a reference point in the far vision region and a reference point in the near vision region. Progressive multifocal ophthalmic lenses also comprise a main meridian of progression, also called principal line of sight; it is a line usually defined as the intersection of the line of sight with the aspherical surface of each lens when the wearer of the lenses fixes a point in the object space in front of him, at various distances. French patent application FR-A-2 699 294 comprises in its preamble more detailed definitions of the various elements of a progressive multifocal ophthalmic lens (main meridian of progression, far vision region, near vision region, power addition value, etc..); it also describes the work carried out by the applicant to improve wearer comfort of such lenses. One of the problems for multifocal lenses is the taking into account of binocularity. Indeed, human vision is the result of the combination of vision through two eyes, or fusion of the images provided by the two eyes. When the image of a point of the object space on the retina of the right and left eye is at two corresponding or homologous points, the images provided by both eyes are combined, so that the person wearing the spectacle lenses only sees one object point. There may be binocular vision with a single object point even if the two points are not perfectly homologous points, provided they are not too far from being homologous. One of the constraints facing the manufacturer of multifocal lenses is to design lenses that will provide appropriate power correction for one eye—that is provide appropriate power for any direction of sight-, and also allow proper fusion of the images of the two eyes, that is allow binocular vision. For lenses of the prior art that have symmetry with respect to the main meridian of progression, it is usual to partially rotate the lens by about 10° when fitting the lenses in the spectacle frame, so as to accommodate the accommodation convergence of the eyes. This solution is a very rough estimate, and is not fully satisfactory for ensuring binocular vision. U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,622 discusses the problem of fusion of the images provided by the two eyes of the wearer of multifocal spectacle lenses. This document notably discusses the problems of binocular vision in multifocal progressive lenses, and suggests to fit the lens with a non-straight principal line of sight. This line is inclined towards the nose at least in the near vision zone. The right and left lenses are symmetrical. For ensuring binocularity, it is suggested to consider lines of sight originating from the two eyes, for a given point in the object space, and to consider the curvature of the lens at the points of intersection of these lines with the two spectacle lenses; each line of sight extends on one of the temporal and nasal sides of a lens, and due to symmetry of the lenses, the difference in the curvature is thus only considered on one single lens. This document therefore suggests that the curvature of the lens be substantially symmetrical on opposite sides of the intercept of the principal line of sight to ensure a good foveal vision. U.S. Pat. No. 5,666,184 also discusses the problem of binocularity, and suggests to limit, in the near vision portion, the difference in astigmatism on a horizontal line, between points that are symmetric with respect to the prime line of sight. The solution of these two documents—asymmetrical design with a symmetry of astigmatism with respect to the principal line of sight—may be appropriate for static vision: the difference between the images of a point in the object space is sufficiently limited for allowing binocular vision in the far and near vision zone of a multifocal lens, so that the lenses ensure a good foveal vision in these zones. However, this solution does not bring a solution to the problem of dynamic vision, or vision of the wearer of the spectacle outside of the near and far vision zone. A number of wearers cannot adapt to multifocal lenses due to problems in dynamic vision, that may originate in bad or inappropriate binocular vision. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a solution to this problem. It proposes an optical lens which ensures correct dynamic vision, and appropriate fusion of the images provided by the eyes outside of the static vision fields. More specifically, the invention provides a pair of progressive ophthalmic spectacle lenses, each lens having an aspherical surface with a far vision zone, an intermediate vision zone and a near vision zone, and good monocular and binocular foveal vision along a principal meridian, each point M of the aspherical surface having a mean sphere defined by the formula: S = n - 1 2  ( 1 R 1 + 1 R 2 ) where R 1 and R 2 are maximum and minimum radii of curvature expressed in meters, and n is the refractive index of the lens material, wherein, for a given direction of sight, the absolute value of the difference between a binocularity parameter for two points in the object space is as small as possible, said binocularity parameter being defined, for a point (M) in the object space as the relative difference ΔS of the mean sphere for the points (M D , M G ) of the aspherical surface of the right and left lenses through which the wearer sees said point (M). In one embodiment of the invention, the relative difference ΔS is defined by the formula Δ     S = 100 × S D - S G ( S D + S G ) / 2 where S D and S G are the values of mean sphere at said points (M D , M G ) of the aspherical surface of the right and left lenses through which the wearer sees said point (M). The said two points in the object space may be sampled on a vertical plane. In this case, the vertical plane is preferably spaced about 80 cm from the lenses. In another embodiment of the invention, the said points in the object space are sampled from a set of points in the object space are sampled from a set of points in the object space chosen so that points of the aspherical surface through which the wearer sees said points of said set are distributed on each of the right and left lenses. Preferably, said given direction of sight corresponds to an object point in front of the wearer, at a distance of about 80 cm, and about 50 cm lower that the eyes of the wearer. In one embodiment of the invention, the aspherical surface of each lens has an addition (A) defined as the difference in mean sphere between a reference point of the near vision zone and a reference point of the far vision zone, and the relative difference ΔS is less than a maximum value, said maximum value being a function of said addition. In this case, said maximum value may be an increasing function of said addition. The maximum value is preferably within 30% of a function f of the addition, with f (A)=5.9×A−2.35 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more clear from the description which follows of one embodiment of the invention provided by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings, in which FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an eye-lens system according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows a top view of binocular vision of a point of the grid FIGS. 3 to 6 show values of the mean sphere on the aspherical surface of several lenses; FIGS. 7 to 9 show values of the binocularity parameter of the invention, for several pairs of spectacle lenses. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention proposes to improve the behaviour of the lenses in peripheral vision, for lenses which already have good foveal monocular or binocular vision on at least the principal line of sight or principal meridian. The invention proposes taking into account, for defining ophthalmic spectacle lenses, a binocularity parameter which is defined for a given fixation point. This fixation point may be any point in the object space, since its only function is to allow the pupils to rest in a fixed position. For one point in the object space, the binocularity parameter is defined as the difference in mean sphere on the aspherical surfaces of the lenses between points of the surfaces corresponding to rays originating from both pupil centers and directed towards said point. Over the aspherical surface lens, that is for the whole vision field, the invention teaches that this difference should be as small as possible. The invention also gives an upper limit or maximum value for this difference; when the difference lies below this limit for all points of the aspherical surface of the lens, or for the different peripheral directions, acceptable binocular vision is ensured for the whole field of vision of the lens, and the wearer of the spectacle lenses benefits from correct dynamic vision. The maximum value depends on the addition (A). The maximum value is an increasing function of the addition (A). The maximum value of the binocularity parameter depends on the addition (A), to ensure an acceptable binocular vision over the aspherical surface of the lens, that is for the whole field of vision. The rest of the present description discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention, where a grid is used for assessing the difference in mean sphere between the right and left lenses of a pair of spectacle lenses. FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an eye-lens system according to the invention, showing the grid. On FIG. 1 is shown the right eye 1 , the spectacle lens 2 for the right eye and the grid used for the definition of the lenses according to the invention. FIG. 1 shows a set of Cartesian coordinates (O. x, y, z), the origin of which is point O, defined as follows. The origin O is the center of the rear surface of the right lens. It is located in the horizontal plane containing the center of rotation of the right eye, at a distance d of 27 mm from the center of rotation of the right eye. This distance d corresponds to the mean distance between the center of rotation of the eyes and their respective spectacle lenses, so that the center of each of the spectacle lens is in the (x, y) plane. The distance between the lenses is chosen identical to the mean distance between the pupils of the left and right eyes, that is at a value of 65 mm. The x-axis is directed from the lens to the eyes; the y-axis is vertical, and the z-axis is horizontal and directed from the right to the left. In the set of coordinates thus defined: the center of the left eye is set at the coordinates (d, 0, 65 mm); the center of the right eye is set at the coordinates (d, 0, 0 mm); the center of the surface of the left spectacle lens facing the wearer is at the coordinates (0, 0, 65 mm); and the center of the surface of the right spectacle lens facing the wearer is at the coordinates (0, 0, 0 mm), by definition of the origin. In this set of coordinates, the invention proposes to use a vertical grid, the center of which is at a point G set at the coordinates (−800; 0; 32.5), in mm. In other words, the grid is at a distance of the surface of the spectacle facing the wearer of 80 cm, and is located in front of the wearer of the spectacle lenses, in the sagittal plane, in the horizontal direction of sight. In the grid, a set (G, u, v) of coordinates is defined as follows. The u-axis is parallel to the z-axis defined above and the v-axis is parallel to the y-axis. In the drawing of FIG. 1, the eye is directed so as to look at a given point F, the coordinates of which are (−800; −500; 32.5), or (0, −500) in the set of coordinates in the grid. The choice of this point F is representative of the position of the pupil. The exact choice of this point is not particularly essential for the invention, and the results of the invention are achieved for different choices of the point in the object space toward which the eye is directed. FIG. 2 shows a top view of binocular vision to a point of the grid. FIG. 2 shows the grid 5 —that constitutes an object plane in this case, and a point M in this object plane. It also shows the right and left spectacle lenses 6 and 7 , as well as the pupils 8 and 9 of the right and left eyes. The sagittal plane is symbolised on FIG. 2 by the horizontal line passing through point F of the grid. The points CROD and CROG are the center of rotation of the right and left eyes. The point marked CRT is the center of rotation of the head. FIG. 2 shows rays originating from point F, and rays originating from the point M, outside of the sagittal plane. The rays originating from point F pass near the center of the lenses, and through the center of the pupil of each eye. They are not exactly parallel, and form corresponding images on the retina, which are normally combined for ensuring binocular vision. Due to the presence of spectacle lenses, rays originating from the point M are bent when passing through the spectacle lenses; they pass through the center of the pupil of the respective eye and reach the retina of the right and left eyes in positions which may not be combined to ensure binocular vision. The interrupted line going from the right lens to the point M 1 OD is representative of the position in the object plane where the right eye of the wearer sees the object point M. Similarly, the point M 1 OG is the point where the left eye sees the point M. In order to ensure binocular vision, that is combination of the images in the right and left eye of a given point M into a single image, the invention suggests considering the difference in mean sphere between the points M D and M G of the aspherical surface of the lenses, where rays originating from the object point M impinges on the aspherical surface of the lenses. The invention suggests setting an upper limit for this difference, for a set of points in the object space. This limit varies with the addition A to ensure good binocular vision, not only in static vision, but also in dynamic vision. In other words, for a given point M in the object space, the invention suggests considering the rays originating from M and going to the center of the pupils of the right and left eyes, and determining the difference of mean sphere at the points of intersection of these rays with the aspherical surface of the lens. These two points of intersection are actually the points of the aspherical surface of the right and left lens through which the wearer sees said point M, in his perifoveal visual field. Turning back to the example of the grid represented in FIG. 1, it is possible to consider a grid having a size of 3000×3000 mm; as for the set of points, it is sufficient to consider a set of 21×21 points, that is to consider 21 possible values of the each of the coordinates u and v. A different number of points, or a different distribution of the points does not change the results of the invention. This size of the grid, and the choice of the point toward which the eye is directed is sufficient in the examples to ensure that most peripheral directions for a lens of 50 mm radius are covered. In other words, the binocularity parameter may be calculated for a set of points distributed in the perifoveal visual field of the wearer of the lenses, or distributed over the surface of each lens. The difference in mean sphere may then be calculated for each of these points in the object space. Results of these calculations are shown and discussed below. In the example discussed in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention suggests using a fixed direction of sight—that is a fixed position of the pupil, and further suggests selecting a set of points in the object space and calculating the difference in mean sphere for this fixed position of the eye. This ensures that the limitation to the mean sphere difference is indeed representative of the quality of dynamic vision. FIGS. 3 to 6 show the values of the mean sphere on the aspherical surface of the lens, for each point of the grid; more specifically, FIGS. 3 to 6 show lines of points of the grid for which value of the mean sphere on the aspherical surface is the same. The horizontal axis shows in mm the position of each point along the z-axis, while the vertical axis shows in mm the position of each point along the y-axis. FIGS. 3 and 4 correspond respectively to the left and right eyes, for a lens of the prior art. FIGS. 5 and 6 correspond respectively to the left and right eyes, for a lens according to the invention. The lenses of FIGS. 3 to 6 have an addition of one diopter. FIGS. 3 to 6 essentially show that the values for the left and right eyes are symmetrical; this is not surprising inasmuch as the lenses of the figures are symmetrical, a lens for the left eye being the image of a lens for the right eye with respect to the sagittal plane. In other words, the limitation according to the invention of the difference between the mean sphere of the right and left lenses also causes an overall limitation of the absolute value of the mean sphere gradient of each lens. FIGS. 7 to 9 show different values of the mean sphere difference for several lenses. The coordinates on the horizontal and vertical axis are the same as those of FIGS. 3 to 6 . These figures show the lines formed of points having the same relative value of the difference in mean sphere; more specifically, for a given point M of the grid, the rays to the right and left eyes through the right and left spectacle lenses are calculated. This provides values S D and S G of the mean sphere on the aspherical surface of the lens, at the point of intersection with the rays originating from point M. The figures show a plot of the relative sphere difference ΔS, also called here binocularity parameter, defined by the formula: Δ     S = 100 × S D - S G S _ = 100 × S D - S G ( S D + S G ) / 2 where {overscore (S)} is the half sum of the values S D and S G of the mean sphere for the right and left spectacle lenses. All figures are plotted for points of the grid corresponding to a spectacle lens having a diameter of 50 mm, centered on the looking point F. FIG. 7 shows the relative values of the mean sphere difference for a lens of the prior art having an addition of one diopter. The peak to valley value of the binocularity parameter ΔS, that is the difference between the highest and the lowest value of ΔS over the lens is 6.49. FIG. 8 shows the relative values, for a first embodiment of a lens according to the invention, that also has an addition of one diopter. In this case, the peak to valley value amounts to 3.01. FIG. 9 shows a view of a second embodiment of a lens according to the invention. The peak to valley value reaches 3.28 on the lens. FIGS. 7-9 are essentially symmetrical with respect to a vertical line. This is due to the definition of ΔS; ΔS is calculated for a looking point F of the grid in the sagittal plane, the right and left lenses being symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane. Thus, ΔS is equal to zero for points of the object space in the sagittal plane. The diagrams of FIGS. 8 and 9 do not show high values of the difference ΔS, contrary to the one of FIG. 7 . For an addition of two diopters, a peak to valley of 8 is appropriate. The limitation of the invention on the mean sphere difference between pairs of points on the aspherical surface associated with the same point in the object space may be calculated for a pair of lenses, as explained above. This limitation depends on the addition A. As discussed above, it is is an increasing function of the addition (A). Preferably, the maximum value for the mean sphere difference is within 30% of a function f of the addition, which may be written f (A)=5.9×A−2.35 Where the right and left lenses are chosen to be symmetrical with respect to the sagittal plane, one point on the nasal side of a lens is the image of a point of the temporal side of the lens in the symmetry with respect to the sagittal plane. The lenses of the invention may be defined using a theoretical wearer of the spectacles, having optometric parameters—distance between the eyes, position of the spectacle lenses, etc.—corresponding to the mean values of these parameters among possible wearers of the lens. Such parameters are known to the person skilled in the art. The invention may be used for defining spectacle lenses, using optimisation processes known per se. As known per se, the surface of the lenses is continuous and continually derivable three times. The surface of progressive lenses may be obtained by digital optimization using a computer, setting limiting conditions for a certain number of lens parameters. The invention suggests to use as one of the limiting conditions the maximum value of the difference ΔS. It should be understood that the grid system described above is but a solution for defining pairs of points on the aspherical surfaces of lenses, which correspond to a given point in the object space. One could use different points in the object space for defining pairs of points; the tests and experiments conducted by the applicant have shown that the choice of the set of points in the object space did not change the results of the invention; the set of points should only be representative of the area of the object field for which dynamic vision and binocularity is to be achieved. The looking point or fixation point F could also be different from the one selected in the preferred embodiment. In the example of FIG. 2, the aspherical surface of the lens is directed away from the wearer, so that the mean sphere difference is measured for points of the outer surface of the lenses. The invention may as well be carried out for lenses where the aspherical surface is the surface facing the wearer. The contents of European Patent Application entitled “Pair of Multifocal Progressive Spectacle Lenses,” having applicant Essilor International and inventors Bernard Bourdoncle and Sandrine Francois, and filed on Oct. 16, 1998 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The invention relates to a pair of progressive ophthalmic spectacle lenses; each lens has an aspherical surface with a far vision zone, an intermediate vision zone and a near vision zone, and good monocular and binocular foveal vision along the principal meridian. At each point of the aspherical surface there is a mean sphere which is proportional to the half sum of the maximum and minimum radii of curvature expressed in meters, and to the refractive index of the lens material. The invention suggests reducing, for a given direction of sight, the absolute value of the difference between a binocularity parameter for two points in the object space. The binocularity parameter is defined for a point in the object space as the relative difference ΔS of the mean sphere for the points of the aspherical surface of the right and left lenses through which the wearer sees said point.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY The present disclosure relates to a separator having a vertical axis of rotation and a drum with solids discharge openings in a single-cone or double-cone centrifugal space. The separator also includes a disk stack of super-imposed conical disks. The discs have bores forming at least one channel in the disk stack. The separator includes a distributor having a shaft concentrically surrounding a drum axis and a lower base section which expands radially. In the lower base section, one or more distributor channels are distributed in the form of bores. It has been known for a long time to arrange disc stacks consisting of a plurality of discs situated axially above one another in the direction of the disc axis concentrically to the machine or drum axis in centrifugal drums of separators. This is known from the field of separators with drums with a vertical axis of rotation and solids discharge openings in a pulp space outside the disc stack. In the case of separators with a vertical axis of rotation, a feeding of the product into the centrifugal drum takes place along the drum axis through a feeding pipe and radial distributor channels connected behind the feeding pipe. The product enters the centrifugal drum into the disc stack consisting of separating discs which are generally situated closely above one another but are nevertheless spaced relative to one another in the area of the essential disc surfaces and, as a rule, are conical. At the discs, heavier solids generally accumulate on the bottom side and move to the outer circumference of the disc stack, while the liquid flows toward the interior, in, for example, a two-phase liquid-solid separation. For the implementation of a liquid-liquid-solid separation, that is, a three phase liquid-solid separation, it is also known to provide the disc stack with so-called rising channels, which are formed of bores in the discs of the disc stack situated directly or with a twist (see German Patent Document DE 100 55 398 A1) above one another. From U.S. Patent Document US 993,791, a chamber centrifuge is known which has no solids discharge openings and in which the diameter of the bores changes within a disc stack. Or, the orientation of the openings is changed from one disc to the next in that a disc holding contour sloped toward the axis of rotation is arranged, for example, at the shaft. The discharge of the liquids generally takes place in areas radially on the inside or radially on the outside with respect to the discs of the disc stack. It is also known to construct discharge channels for the liquid phase(s) by means of bores particularly close to the inner circumference as well as close to the outer circumference of the disc stack in the disc stack (see, for example, German Patent Document DE 284640). It is also known to equip the discs with so-called spacers in the manner of webs and/or small tips or points which, on the one hand, provide a mutual spacing of the discs and, on the other hand, influence the flow conditions in the disc stack. Spacers can be placed between the discs which preferably are separate from the discs. The discs are generally held in grooves on a distributor shaft or in other disc holders. The present disclosure relates to optimizing the flow conditions in the drum of a separator by simple constructive devices. The present disclosure further relates to a separator having a vertical axis of rotation and a drum with solids discharge openings in a single-cone or double-cone centrifugal space. The separator also includes a disk stack of super-imposed conical disks. The discs have bores forming at least one channel in the disk stack. The separator includes a distributor having a shaft concentrically surrounding a drum axis and a lower base section which expands radially. In the lower base section, one or more distributor channels are distributed in the form of bores. A diameter of the at least one channel inside the disc stack, located above the disc which is the lowest in a flow direction, is not constant and/or is arranged to be sloped with respect to an axis of rotation of the drum. The bores of the at least one distributor channel are not radially oriented with respect to the drum axis in the drum. Illustrative embodiments are described herein. As noted above, a diameter of the at least one channel, within the disc stack above the lowermost disc in a flow direction, is not constant and/or the at least one channel is arranged in a sloped manner with respect to the axis of the drum. The bores of the at least one distributor channel do not have a radial orientation to the drum axis in the drum. According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible, for example, in the case of a centrifuge with a pulp space outside the disc stack, with a piston valve arrangement or solids discharge nozzles to optimize the flow conditions in the drum. Further, according to the present disclosure, a combination of one or more of the above-noted features, that is distributor and channel geometry and/or channel orientation, may be utilized for optimizing the flow conditions in the centrifuge in a constructively simple manner and to optimally adapt them to the product to be processed. It is noted that German Patent Document DE 38 80 19 shows a centrifuge of a different type with an inlet pipe which is not concentrically arranged. A geometry of the bores of the discs of the at least one channel, which may be a rising channel, varies in the channel in such a manner that, during the operation, gaps between the discs are uniformly charged with liquid over the entire height of the disc stack. As a result of this advantageous measure, the flow conditions in the centrifuge are clearly optimized. Thus, not only a simple widening of the bores “from one disc to the next” is implemented but a flow-dependent optimization, in the case of which the bores can be designed to be constant over several discs and will then, for example, widen. In this manner, each disc separately can have an optimal design. On the production side, this can be easily implemented by laser cutting the bores in the metal sheet of the discs. For example, the diameter of the channel can change in steps at a distance of several discs or continuously from one disc to the next and decrease in the flow direction. It is expedient for the diameter to decrease, for example, continuously, in the flow direction. The bores may have an arbitrary shape. An optimal shape is determined by a person skilled in the art by tests as a function of the product. Thus, the bores may have a polygonal or round or curved shape in any alignment. In an illustrative embodiment, each channel includes several bores which, in turn, advantageously may also form a perforated pattern for example, distributed on the circumference on a circle or an ellipse in the discs. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the at least one channel, which may be sloped, extends in a curved manner with respect to the drum axis in the disc stack. In such an embodiment, the at least one channel may comprise a rising channel for feeding the product into the disc stack and/or, at least one discharge channel for discharging the liquid phase from the disc stack. The optimized design of rising and discharge channels also contributes to improving the flow conditions. One of the discharge channels for discharging various liquid phases is constructed close to the inner circumference or close to the outer circumference of the disc stack and/or is constructed inside the disc stack. The flow direction extends in the direction of the liquid discharges of the drum, with the vertical orientation generally in the upward direction. Based upon the present disclosure, it becomes possible to optimize the further development of the channels of a separator with a vertical axis of rotation as a function of the product and the machine in order to improve the parallel connection of the discs of the disc stack and to optimize the flow conditions. That is done in order to, for example, compensate separating zone displacements because of pressure differences in the disc stack, for example a radial position and to reduce instabilities in the disc stack, for example, in the circumferential direction. The present disclosure also includes providing a distributor with at least one distributor channel constructed as a bore in a distributor base. Such a distributor channel is not oriented radially in the drum, which, in turn, optimizes the flow conditions in a simple manner as a function of the product. According to the present disclosure, the distributor channels may be oriented in a sloped manner against the rotating direction of the drum or under certain circumstances in the rotating direction of the drum. The distributor channels, which are formed by bores relative to the radial line through the drum axis in a radially interior bore section against the rotating direction of the drum, advantageously may be oriented to be sloped in a lagging manner. As a result of that orientation, the flow conditions are further optimized in combination with the measure that the distributor channels lead in a further bore section into the drum, which bore section is oriented upwards in the drum and leads out directly below a rising channel of the disc stack into the drum. In addition, a more careful acceleration and an optimal entry of the centrifugal material into the rising channels is ensured. The distributor channels may have an expanding round or a slot-type outlet which extends tangentially in or against the rotating direction of the drum and/or is directed upward in the drum. Other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following descriptions when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top view of a partial area of a known disc for disc-type centrifuges having a vertical axis of rotation. FIGS. 2 to 8 are top views of a partial area of embodiments of different discs for disc-type separators or centrifuges having a vertical axis of rotation, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a separator having two distributor channels, according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a top view of a distributor for the separator of FIG. 7 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows a top view of a partial area of a known disc 1 of a disc stack for a separator. According to FIG. 1 , the discs 1 each have a disc bore 2 . The bores 2 or holes of the discs 1 , in cooperation with several discs 1 arranged above one another, form a rising channel 3 which is situated radially in an area of a separating zone T between a lighter and a heavier liquid phase. In an area 4 , a discharge of a light liquid phase takes place radially on an inside with respect to the discs 1 , and a discharge of a heavier liquid phase takes place in an area 5 radially outside the disc 1 . Solids exit a disc stack 26 toward an outside (not shown) and can be discharged there in a known manner, for example, through nozzles or a piston valve arrangement from a centrifugal drum. The disc stack 26 or the individual discs 1 are pushed onto a distributor shaft 16 which includes, on its outer circumference, a plurality of webs 17 directed radially from the shaft 16 to an outside, which webs 17 protrude beyond an inner circumference I of the discs 1 and thereby non-rotatably secure the discs 1 on the distributor shaft 16 relative to the shaft 16 . As a radial extension of the webs 17 , radially directed spacers or lugs 18 are arranged between the discs 1 , which spacers 18 divide the discs 1 completely into segments 19 with an opening angle α, in which one bisecting line W is situated. The area 4 for discharging the light phase is formed by grooves 20 in the outer circumference of the distributor shaft 16 between the webs 17 , which grooves 20 are placed symmetrically with respect to the bisecting lines W in the distributor shaft 16 . According to FIG. 2 , the rising channel 3 has a cross-section which is not constant. That is, a diameter of the bores 2 of the discs 1 of the disc stack 26 , which form the rising channel 3 , is not constant. The diameter changes over an entire height of the disc stack 26 and it is reduced continuously along the entire height of the disc stack 26 in a flow direction F (see FIG. 9 ). It is noted that it is known from British Patent Document GB 264,777 to provide the lowermost disc with a different hole or bore arrangement than the upper discs in order to cover a portion of the discs and be able to thereby radially displace the rising channel by exchanging the lowermost disc. The diameter of the bore 2 , as shown in FIG. 2 , for a drum with a vertical axis of rotation, continuously decreases in an upward direction (indicated by a broken line), so that the diameter of the rising channel 3 is also reduced in the upward direction. In addition, the rising channel 3 , as shown in FIG. 2 , is not situated parallel to a drum axis M which is perpendicular to a plane of the figure. As a result, the bores 2 of discs 1 situated above one another are no longer aligned completely but only in sections, so that the rising channel 3 may, for example, extend in the upward direction radially from the outside farther toward the inside and/or in or against a rotating direction in a circumferential direction and may therefore have a twist. According to FIG. 2 , the groove 20 in the distributor shaft 16 for forming a discharge channel or discharge area 4 is not symmetrically aligned with respect to the bisecting line W of each disc segment 19 but is asymmetrically laterally offset. This can also optimize the flow conditions in the disc stack 26 . According to FIGS. 3 to 5 , discharge channels 6 , 7 are constructed directly in the disc stack 26 . That is, a first discharge channel 6 for a light liquid phase is constructed radially outside the inner circumference I of the discs 1 in the disc stack 26 , and a second discharge channel 7 for a heavier liquid phase is constructed radially inside the outer circumference A of the discs 1 . These channels 6 , 7 also may be aligned not only symmetrically but also asymmetrically with respect to the bisecting line W of each disc segment 19 . This also applies to the rising channels 3 for the product feed. The discharge channels 6 , 7 are formed analogously to the rising channels 3 by bores 8 , 9 in the discs 1 situated above one another, which bores 8 , 9 are situated close to the inner I or outer A circumference of the discs 1 . The discharge channels 6 , 7 may again have a diameter which is not constant and/or may not be situated directly above one another but offset with respect to one another relative to a drum axis M. To this extent, all of the arrangements of the bores 2 for the rising channels 3 mentioned above or below can be analogously utilized also when further developing the bores 8 , 9 for the discharge channels 6 , 7 . According to FIG. 3 , the bores 8 of the inner discharge channel 6 for the light liquid phase and/or the bores 9 of the discharge channel 7 for the heavier phase and/or the bores 2 of the rising channel 3 may include several bores 2 , 8 , 9 in a manner of a multiple perforation 10 . In this case, individual bores can be arranged, for example, in a circle 12 , in a radially oriented straight line or in a curve oriented in the circumferential direction or a straight line 13 . The curves or straight lines may be arbitrarily oriented in an angular and/or offset manner with respect to the bisecting line W of the segment 19 or to other radial lines through the drum axis M of the centrifuge depending on the application. According to the present disclosure, a division of the product flow into many small channels represents an improvement with respect to the uniform charging of the disc stack 26 s and optimizes the flow conditions in the disc stack 26 . The individual bores 2 , 8 , 9 may have any geometry. Thus, a circular shape or a polygonal shape, for example, a triangular or square shape, as shown in FIG. 4 or a curved shape, as shown in FIG. 5 . The polygon or the other geometrical shapes can be oriented at any angle with respect to the bisecting line W of the angle. It is advantageous to mutually adapt the geometry of the bores 2 , 8 , 9 of a rising channel 3 such that gaps between the discs 1 are uniformly charged with liquid over the entire height of the disc stack 26 or the rising channel 3 . This can be achieved by tests and/or theoretical considerations, such as computer simulations. FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate that, by an optimized development of the distributor, it becomes possible to further optimize the flow conditions in the drum 21 (see FIG. 9 ) as well as in the disc stack 26 . A one-piece distributor 22 (see FIG. 10 ) is provided with distributor channels 14 which are not radially oriented. The channels 14 are constructed as a bore (see FIG. 9 ) and, first extend in a first bore section in the drum 21 in a sloped manner from an inside to an outside in a downward direction and end in a bore section which is constructed as an expanding or geometrically changing distributor outlet 15 a . This distributor outlet 15 a is directed upward in the drum 21 and leads directly below one of the rising channels 3 . Its outlet area may have a circular or, for example, slot-type shape. Slot-type distributor outlets 15 b (see FIG. 7 ) from the bores of the distributor channels 14 may then, in turn, extend relative to a remaining distributor channel tangentially to radial line R in the rotating direction r of drum 22 ( FIG. 7 ) or against ( FIG. 8 ) the rotating direction r of the drum 22 , or may advance or lag. It thus becomes possible to optimize the flowing of product into the drum 22 as well as into the disc stack 26 in a very targeted manner while a feeding bore cross-section is optimized. This is in order to achieve an improved separation of particles and, if required, improve a parallel connection of the discs 1 . FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a schematically illustrated self-discharging separator having a drum 21 with a vertical axis of rotation D, which has a distributor 22 . A feeding pipe, which is not shown, leads from above into the distributor 22 . The distributor 22 has the upper distributor shaft 16 , which is oriented concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation D. The distributor 22 includes distributor channels 14 which are constructed as bores and each lead into one of the distributor outlets 15 (as shown in FIG. 9 ) or 15 a,b,c (as shown in FIG. 10 ). A piston valve 23 is used for the opening and closing of solids discharge openings 24 . The liquid discharge from the drum 24 takes place by grippers or centripetal pumps (not shown). FIG. 10 is a top view of the distributor 22 with the distributor shaft 16 and the lower, radially expanding, almost disc-type base section 25 . Section 25 is penetrated by, for example, three distributor channels 14 , shown here by broken lines, and leading into the distributor outlets 15 a,b,c. Straight bores, which form the distributor channels 14 in the one-piece distributor 22 , are not arranged radially but relative to the radial line R through the drum axis M (congruent with the axis of rotation D) in a lagging manner with respect to the rotating direction r, which permits a careful inflow of the centrifugal material. The holes of the rising channel 14 are designed not to be constant over the height of the disc stack 26 . The holes are designed in an optimized manner with respect to the flow conditions to not be constant, that is, to be variable. An angle β between the distributor channels 14 and the radial line R, which extends through a starting area of the distributor channel 14 at an inner circumference of the distributor 22 , amounts to between 15 and 85°, particularly between 25° and 65°, in order to achieve a careful inflow of the centrifugal material into the drum 21 . The distributor outlets 15 a,b,c may have various geometries which are also adapted to the rising channels 3 and which may be oriented to be lagging 15 b , advancing 15 c or “neutral” 15 a relative to a lagging distributor arm (see also FIG. 10 ). Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that this is done by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The scope of the present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

A separator including a vertical axis of rotation, a drum having solids discharge openings and a conical centrifugal space, and a disc stack located in the conical centrifugal space. Also included is a plurality of conical discs super-imposed on one another and having disc bores forming at least one rising channel in the disc stack. Further included is a drum, a distributor and a lower base section which expands radially, and on which lower base section are one or more distributor channels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to an ultrasonic device to monitor, measure and control tie bar stresses and strain in machines that use tie bars as a basic part of the design of the machine, such as die casting machines, injection molding machines, and all other machines that use tie bars. In this device, an ultrasonic system is used to measure stress and strain in the bars, due to tension, bending, or stress imparted to the bars or stresses caused by temperature changes within the die, the platens, or the bars themselves. This ultrasonic detection system produces an electrical signal, the output of which can be used to automatically adjust an individual tie bar for strains, or in the case of an overload, to sound an alarm, and/or shut down the machine. Large die casting machines such as those used in the manufacture of aluminum automotive drive train components use a plurality of very large threaded tie bars on which one half of a precision die slides to allow the die halves to open and close during each casting cycle. It will be appreciated that the precision die must be evenly loaded during a casting cycle to insure proper formation and dimensional accuracy of the part being cast and to prevent molten metal from leaking into the seam between the die halves. Once solidified, this metal becomes "flash". Accordingly, in such die casting machines which frequently operate on an almost continuous basis during operation, it is important that the tie bar tension from bar to bar remain within preselected limits to maintain part quality and to prevent tie bar failure from uneven loads, and to prevent excessive wear on dies and the machine itself. During operation of these machines, even if the initial tie bar tension is accurately provided for the desired operation of the machine, the tension in the several tie bars will subsequently vary. This variation is due largely to the thermal effect of the material introduced into the die. This heating effect can cause the preselected tensile forces on the several tie bars to change dramatically resulting in uneven closing of the die; and it may result in undesirable forces on closing of the die halves. Of course, all of these events can lead to defective product, broken tie bars, and/or cracked dies. In addition, the flash can become coined into the die face, which shortens the die life. Even a small amount of flash build-up can cause uneven tie bar and die face loading. As the machine cycles, the uneven loading will fatigue the tie bars and warp the die. This can be extremely expensive since a replacement die can incur costs of about $750,000 and a replacement tie bar can cost about $20,000. In addition, other repair costs associated with damage caused by uneven tie bar and die face loading include lost revenue from down time and labor costs incurred during repairs. Typically, with most tie bar machines, it has been necessary to frequently manually and individually adjust each of the tie bars during operation to assure that the product quality remains relatively constant with changing temperatures, and that tension on the tie bars of the machine remain even. Of course, such adjusting will shut down operation of the machinery and is costly in terms of lost production. Monitoring systems for conventional tie bar machines are in use, but unfortunately all suffer from certain drawbacks and disadvantages. For example, one method involves connecting strain gauges with associated analog dial readouts to each of the tie bars. However, this system is inadequate because the response time of the analog readouts and the inability to track bending in the tie bars can result in premature failure of the tie bars and/or die. An example of a tie bar monitoring system employing strain gauges associated with an electrical circuit for detecting and controlling tie bar tension is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,166, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Still another system for monitoring tie bar tension is disclosed in a paper entitled "The Locking End - Tie Bar Adjustments" by Barry Upton, published in Die Casting Management, Nov.-Dec. 1986, pages 18-22. This system utilizes a plurality of linear variable displacement transformer (LVDT) devices. However, the LVDT system is also inadequate because of the delicate mechanical mechanisms required to implement this system and the difficulty in retrofitting existing machines with this type of tie bar monitoring equipment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above-discussed and other problems and deficiencies of the prior art are overcome or alleviated by the system of the present invention for monitoring and adjusting tie bars in such machines including die casting machines. In accordance with the present invention, an ultrasonic system employing multiple transducers for each tie bar is used to monitor stress and strain due to load, bending and temperature changes in each of the tie bars. The signal from this ultrasonic system can be used to adjust the tie bar load, or sound an alarm and/or shut down the machine if bending in individual tie bars exceeds a predetermined limit, or if the load on any one tie bar exceeds, or falls below, a predetermined critical limit. The tie bar monitoring system of the present invention is comprised of an ultrasonic device that monitors changes in tie bar length with applied load, transducers that send and receive the ultrasonic signals from the tie bar, a microprocessor to select the proper transducer and log the data, and a multiplexer that switches the transducer signals on command from the controlling microprocessor. To obtain bending measurement, the tie bars are preferably instrumented with four equally spaced transducers. Also in a preferred embodiment, the four equally spaced transducers are positioned such that one transducer is in each quadrant; and each transducer is mounted between the center and the peripheral area of the tie bar. The present invention will monitor both loading on a single tie bar as well as loading between all of the tie bars. On start-up of the system, the initial length readings for each transducer on each bar are taken and logged in by the computer. As the tie bars are loaded, the computer ultrasonically monitors the change in length seen by each transducer. If bending occurs in a tie bar, the variance of the four averaged readings of the transducers on one tie bar at any one time may exceed the acceptable limit. The system will then adjust the load, alert the operator and/or shut down the machine. Also, an averaged reading for each individual bar will be measured and compared to the other averaged bar readings. The variance of these readings equates to uneven loading on the die face. If this loading exceeds a predetermined variance, the computer will again adjust the load, and/or shut the system down. This process is repeated for each cycle of the machine. It will be appreciated that any change in the initial load of the tie bars during the continued operation of the machine may be due to thermal conditions or flash in the die. Thus, differential heating conditions can be monitored by the present invention; as well as changes in the overall initial load lengths of the four tie bars. In addition, thermally induced loading variances can be tracked during the operation of the machine. Also, dynamic loads (resulting, e.g. from the injected material into the mold) can be monitored. Still another feature of the ultrasonic system of the present invention is that of continuous monitoring for cracks in each tie bar. A crack in a tie bar at an intermediate position will result in a drastic change in the ultrasonic reading. If a crack is sensed by a transducer, the system can be shut down and/or the operator alerted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the invention and its advantages may be more readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, one embodiment thereof will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The single FIGURE of the drawings is a schematic perspective view of a die casting machine employing the ultrasonic tie bar monitoring system of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the single FIGURE, a die casting machine is shown generally at 10 incorporating the tie bar load monitoring system of the present invention. Die casting machine 10 includes a front stationary plate 12, a rear stationary plate 14, and a movable plate 16 positioned between the front and rear plates and movable therebetween. On the rearward facing surface of front plate 12, there is attached one half of a die (not shown) while the corresponding mating half of the die is mounted on the front surface of movable plate 16. Plate 16 is slidably mounted on unthreaded sections of four spaced threaded tie bars 18, 20, 22, and 24. Plate 12 is secured to one end of each of the tie bars 18, 20, 22, 24. Plate 14 is movable relative to the tie bars and reacts against geared nuts 34 threaded onto the tie bars, whereby the reaction force of the die casting operation is transmitted to the tie bars through nuts 34. Die casting machine 10 also includes a hydraulic ram (not shown) coupled between rear plate 14 and a toggle linkage (not shown) extending between rear plate 14 and movable plate 16 for advancing movable plate 16 into a locked up casting position with the die halves closed and for retracting movable plate 16 away from plate 12 opening the die for removal of the cast part. Die casting machine 10 has a generally well known construction and is of the same general type as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,407,685, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Mounted to the rear surface of rear plate 14 for rotation in a conventional fashion by means of an axle 26 is a bull gear 28 having outwardly extending peripheral teeth 30. Teeth 30 of centrally located bull gear 28 engage longitudinally movable idler gears 32, one each associated with one of the four tie bars. Gears 32 in turn selectively engage adjustment nuts 34 which are associated with and threaded onto each of the tie bars such that when bull gear 28 rotates and an idler gear 32 is engaged with the associated adjustment nut 34, the tie bar lockup tension will be changed by rotation of the bull gear. The tension adjustment to the tie bars is accomplished during the die open position of operation while the result of the adjustment is monitored during lockup. In accordance with an essential feature of the present invention, ultrasonic transducers are utilized for monitoring the load on the four tie bars 18, 20, 22 and 24. The technology, including apparatus and methods, of ultrasonically measuring the elongation of bolts to determine load or tightening of the bolt is well known. Apparatus and methods of varying degrees of sophistication are shown, for example in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,759,090, 3,810,385, 3,969,810, 4,413,518 and 4,471,651 (this list of prior art patents being intended merely as a sampling and not intended to be a comprehensive listing of prior art patents in the field). Regardless of the level of sophistication of the technology described in these patents, it all uses an ultrasonic transducer in contact with a bolt whose load induced elongation is to be ultrasonically measured. In response to electronic input pulses, the transducer sends an ultrasonic pulse along the length of the bolt, senses the echo from the end of the bolt, and delivers a measurement signal to the measuring and detecting circuitry of the apparatus to determine the change in length of the bolt relative to an unloaded measurement. It is to be noted that these prior art systems use only one transducer in a bolt and are concerned only with measurement of changes in length of one bolt to determine the load on that bolt. Referring again to the FIGURE, preferably four (4) transducers 36 are mounted on the head of each tie bar 18, 20, 22 and 24 (which tie bars are essentially large, elongated bolts). Transducers 36 should be equally spaced and are preferably arranged orthogonally in the four quadrants of each tie bar. In addition, each transducer is preferably positioned between the center and the peripheral area of the tie bar, that is, about midway along the radius in its quadrant in each tie bar. Transducers 36 may be any suitable ultrasonic transducer such as shown, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,759,090, 3,810,385, 3,969,810, 4,413,518 and 4,471,657, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, transducers 18, 20, 22 and 24 are 5-10 megahertz piezo electric transducers. The monitoring system of the present invention further comprises an ultrasonic or extensometer unit 38 for monitoring changes in tie bar length with applied load from the plurality of transducers 36 which send and receive the ultrasonic signals in the tie bars, a microprocessor controller (e.g. computer) 40 for selecting the proper transducer and logging the data, a multiplexer or other suitable electronic interface 42 which switches the transducer signals on command from the controlling microprocessor 40, and a die cast machine operation interrupt 44 (which may be associated with a light and/or siren) which communicates with interface 42. An electrical signal transmission line 46 extends between each ultrasonic transducer 36 and a transducer cable interface unit 48. In turn, transducer cable interface 48 communicates with multiplexer 42. Extensometer unit 38 is the signal generating, receiving, amplifying and processing unit. Extensometer unit 38 generates the pulses which sequentially trigger each ultrasonic transducer 36 to produce an ultrasonic signal to sequentially traverse the quadrants of tie bars 18, 20, 22 and 24; and unit 38 receives, amplifies and processes the echo signals from the ultrasonic transducer to provide measurements of elongation under load. Examples of ultrasonic transducer units are shown, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,759,090, 3,810,385, 3,969,810, 4,413,518 and 4,471,651 all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The system operates as follows. The microprocessor controller 40 will communicate with multiplexer 42 to select the transducer 36 to be activated. This activation signal is sent back through multiplexer 42, transducer cable interface 48 and signal line 46 to the selected transducer 36. After the selected transducer has made a measurement, a return signal from the selected transducer is returned through the cable interface 48 and multiplexer 42 to ultrasonic unit 38 for processing. After unit 38 processes the signal to determine transit time, the time signal is transmitted back to multiplexer 42 and into microprocessor 40 for deciphering of the measurement. To be more specific, ultrasonic extensometer 38 is constantly sending ultrasonic pulses to multiplexer 42. Upon selection of a transducer to be pulsed, the next pulse from extensometer 38 is delivered by multiplexer 42 to the selected transducer. The transit time of the ultrasonic pulse in a tie bar quadrant is sensed by extensometer 38. That transit time measurement is then delivered to microprocessor 40 (through multiplexer 42) where it is compared with an initial or zero load transit time measurement for the transducer being operated. The difference between a loaded transit time measurement and the initial or zero load measurement (which is caused by a change in length for that quadrant of the tie bar) is converted to a change in load in that quadrant of the tie bar. After a measurement is received from unit 38 from the selected transducer, the microprocessor control 40 will proceed to select another transducer 36 via multiplexer 42, and the above described process will be repeated for all 16 transducers for one measurement cycle. Upon start-up, the initial (i.e. unloaded) tie bar length is measured by each transducer 36 and stored in microprocessor 40. As the machine 10 loads (e.g. tensions) the tie bolts, computer 40 will ultrasonically monitor the change in length of each tie bar 18, 20, 22 and 24 by selectively reading each transducer 36 to compare readings under load with the unloaded (zero) readings, and thereby obtain load data. It will be understood from the foregoing that respective cycles of readings of transducers 1-16 are taken in sequence. The first cycle is at the no-load condition to establish a reference base for subsequent readings. Subsequent cycles are taken under loaded conditions to monitor both bending and total load in each tie bar. The present invention can monitor both uneven tie bar loading in a single tie bar (e.g. bending); as well as uneven tie bar loading between tie bars. In measuring uneven loading or bending in a single tie bar, at least two and preferably four transducers 36 (one in each of the four quadrants) are employed. The microprocessor measures the initial length (with no tensioning or loading) and then monitors the change in length subsequent to loading at each transducer 36 in a single tie bar. Next, the differences between the measured initial lengths and the measured lengths after loading are compared. If bending occurs in that particular tie bar, the variance (standard deviations of the four transducer readings divided by the mean of the four readings) of the four compared readings of the transducers on the one tie bar will exceed an acceptable limit. If the variance exceeds the acceptable limit, microprocessor 40 signals multiplexer 42 to deliver a signal to initiate operation of diecast interrupt 44. The system will then shut down and/or the operator may be alerted by a light, siren, or other signal. In order to measure uneven tie bar loading between tie bars (in other words, uneven loading on the die), the following steps are effected by microprocessor 40: (1) the mean of the four individual transducer readings on each tie bar is determined to obtain a load value for each tie bar; (2) the mean and standard deviation for the four tie bar loads are then determined; (3) the variance between the four tie bar loads is then determined. If the variance exceeds a predetermined limit, interrupt 44 is activated to shut down the system. The above-discussed processes are repeated for each stroke of the machine 10. It will be appreciated that any change in the initial (zero) load length during the continued operation of the machine 10 is due to flash in the die or thermal conditions. The utilization of a plurality of equally spaced transducers (preferably four) on each tie bar permit the monitoring of differential heating across each tie bar as well as changes in the overall initial (zero) load lengths of the four tie bars. The monitoring system of the present invention also permits the tracking of thermally induced loading variances during the operation of the machine. Still another important feature of the present invention permits the continuous monitoring for cracks in each tie bar. In this case, each transducer 36 is positioned to cover a pre-selected area or of the tie bar so that the entire bar may be monitored. If a crack appears in the area being monitored by a transducer, a drastic change in the ultrasonic reading will occur because the ultrasonic signal will be echoed off the crack. Microprocessor 40 is preferably programmed to shut the system down if the change in ultrasonic reading of a transducer exceeds the previous reading of that transducer by a preselected maximum amount. It is possible with present ultrasonic transducer technology to take all sixteen transducer readings in a short enough time (a matter of two to eight seconds), so that dynamic and/or thermal loads on the system can be monitored in real time. That time period can also be reduced by using faster or multiple extensometers. While the system of this invention preferably has four transducers on each tie bar, bending can also be monitored with two transducers on each tie bar. In that case, however, bending will only be measured on the axis between the two transducers, thus reducing the sensitivity of the system. Also, load comparison between the four tie bars can be effected with just one centrally located transducer on each tie bar, but system sensitivity will again be reduced. It will be appreciated that the various components making up the monitoring system including transducers 36, transducer cable interface 48, multiplexer 42, ultrasonic extensometer 38, microprocessor controller 40 and diecast machine interrupt 44 are all known and commercially available components. Also, the particular type die casing machine 10 shown in the FIGURE (employing a large central bull gear) is shown by way of example only, and in no way limits the present invention for use with that particular die casting machine. Thus, the tie bar monitoring system of the present invention is intended for use with any of the several types of available die casting machines. While the present invention has been discussed in terms of a die casting machine for casting molten metal, the present invention is also well suited and readily adaptable for use in conjunction with a tie bar monitoring system for other machines that use a tie bar system such as injection molding machines. While a single preferred embodiment has been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described in detail by way of illustration only and not limitation.

A system is presented for monitoring, measuring and controlling tie bars in, for example, a die casting machine. In this system, an ultrasonic device is used to monitor stress, strain, load, bending and temperature changes in each of the tie bars (typically four). This ultrasonic system will sound an alarm and/or shut down the die cast machine if bending in individual tie bars exceeds a predetermined limit, or if the variance in the combined tie bar loads exceeds a predetermined critical limit. The system of the present invention is comprised of an ultrasonic device that monitors changes in tie bar length with applied load, transducers that send and receive the ultrasonic signals to and from the tie bars, a microprocessor to select the proper transducer and log the data, and a multiplexer that switches the transducer signals on command from the controlling microprocesor. Preferably, the tie bars are instrumented with four equally spaced transducers. Also in a preferred embodiment, the four equally spaced transducers are positioned such that one transducer is in each quadrant and each transducer is mounted on the radius of the tie bar, between the center and the outer edge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a female element of a quick connection. It also relates to a quick connection for removably joining pipes conveying fluid under pressure, as well as to an installation for filling automobile vehicle tanks with gas under pressure, incorporating such a female element. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the domain of filling automobile vehicle tanks with gas under pressure, particularly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), it is known that each automobile vehicle may be equipped with a male connector constituting the end of a pipe connected to a tank, this connector being intended to cooperate with a female element belonging to a filling installation, such as a service station. This male connector and this female element together form a quick connection intended to be manipulated by a consumer, such as the driver of an automobile vehicle. Normally, the male connector of the automobile vehicle is equipped with an O-ring which ensures insulation between the channel for circulation of gas under pressure, formed by the coupled connection elements, and the ambient atmosphere. Now, it may happen that the O-ring, which should be present on the connector of an automobile vehicle, is absent due to wear and tear, cut, or further to an accidental ejection. The filling of a vehicle whose male connector is bereft of an O-ring is potentially dangerous, particularly due to the explosive nature of certain gases. Similar problems are raised in other domains where an O-ring is used on a male connection element. It is a more particular object of the present invention to overcome these drawbacks by eliminating, as far as possible, the risk of transit of fluid through the male and female elements of connections in the absence of an O-ring with which the male element must normally be equipped. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In that spirit, this invention relates to a female element of a quick connection provided with a closure valve, characterized in that the opening of this valve is controlled by an effort of reaction exerted by an O-ring disposed in an inner housing in the body of a male connection element adapted to be fitted in the female element, this effort resulting from the abutment of the valve on the O-ring further to the coupling of these male and female elements. Thanks to the invention, the female element is opened, by displacement of its valve, only further to the interaction of the latter with the O-ring of a male element. According to advantageous but non-obligatory aspects of the invention, a female connection element may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics: The valve is provided with a part adapted to be engaged in the inner volume of the body of a male connection element and to come into abutment against the O-ring of this male element when the male and female elements are coupled. Depending on the forms of embodiment under consideration, this part may be in one piece with or added on a principal part of the valve adapted to obturate an inner conduit of the female element. In addition, the part adapted to be engaged in the inner volume of the body of a male element of the connection is advantageously provided with an outer peripheral bevel for abutment against an O-ring, this bevel being convergent in a direction opposite to a zone of tight abutment of the valve on the body of the female element. The vertex angle of this bevel may present a value included between 60 and 175°, preferably between 80 and 160°, and preferably still, of the order of 120°. In a variant embodiment, in place of the bevel, the afore-mentioned part may be shaped as a portion of torus. This invention also relates to a quick connection for removably joining two pipes through which a fluid under pressure circulates, this connection comprising two elements, male and female, adapted to fit in each other axially, the male element being equipped with an O-ring disposed in a housing made in an inner surface of the body of this element, while the female element is as described hereinabove. Advantageously, in the absence of the O-ring in the housing of the male element, the coupling of the male and female elements does not lead to the valve moving in the sense of opening. Finally, this invention relates to an installation for filling automobile vehicle tanks with gas under pressure, each equipped with a male connection element provided with an O-ring disposed in a housing made on an inner surface of a body of this male element, this installation itself being equipped with a female connection element adapted to receive, fitted therein, one of the afore-mentioned male connection elements and provided with a closure valve. This installation is characterized in that the female element is as described hereinabove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more readily understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of two forms of embodiment of a female element, of a connection, and of a part of an installation in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an axial section through a male element and a female element of a connection according to the invention, in uncoupled configuration. FIG. 2 is a section similar to FIG. 1 , showing the connection in coupled configuration and when the male element is equipped with an O-ring. FIG. 2A is a view on a larger scale of detail D in FIG. 2 . FIG. 3 is a section similar to FIG. 2 in the absence of the O-ring in the male element of the connection, and FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2A for a connection and an element in accordance with a second form of embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, the connection shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises a female element or connector A and a male element or connector B respectively connected to an upstream pipe C 1 and to a downstream pipe C 2 . The upstream pipe C 1 is, itself, connected to a source of fluid under pressure (not shown). In the present case, the element A belongs to an installation such as a service station and is connected via the pipe C 1 , which is flexible, to a reservoir of liquefied petroleum gas. As for the connector B, it is mounted on an automobile vehicle and connected to the fuel tank of that vehicle. According to an aspect of the invention (not shown), the connector B may be equipped with an internal closure valve. The body 1 of the female element A is of substantially cylindrical and circular shape, centred on an axis X A –X′ A which is also the longitudinal axis of a conduit 11 inside the body 1 and in which is disposed a valve 2 mobile along axis X A –X′ A . The valve 2 is equipped with an O-ring 21 intended to come into abutment against an inner shoulder 12 of the body 1 in order to obturate the conduit 11 . The valve 2 is provided with an outer radial flange 22 on which a spring 3 in abutment against a second shoulder 13 of the body 1 exerts an elastic effort F 3 of closure of the valve 2 . The outer shape of the valve 2 is cylindrical, with circular base centred on axis X A –X′ A . It is provided with an axial bore 23 and with a plurality of radial bores 24 , of which two are visible in the Figures. The valve 2 comprises a head 25 disposed in the conduit 11 , upstream of the shoulder 12 . It also comprises a rod 26 disposed downstream of the shoulder 12 and of which 26 a denotes the end or “head” which projects with respect to the flange 22 , opposite the head 25 . Between the shoulders 12 and 13 , the body 2 is provided with a groove 14 for receiving an O-ring 15 against which the rod 26 bears. A manoeuvring sleeve 4 is disposed around the body 1 and elastically loaded by a spring 5 towards a position where it exerts a centripetal effort on balls 6 . Only one ball is visible in the Figures. In practice, the female element comprises a plurality of balls distributed about axis X A –X′ A . In a variant, the balls may be replaced by fingers or pawls performing, like the balls 6 , a function of locking the male connector in the coupled configuration shown in FIG. 2 . The outer shape of the body 101 of the male element B is substantially cylindrical and circular, centred on an axis X B –X′ B which is intended to merge with axis X A –X′ A when elements A and B are in coupled configuration. The body 101 defines a conduit 111 for circulation of gas under pressure and is provided with a groove 116 for receiving the balls 6 with a view to locking the elements A and B in coupled configuration. The body 101 is also provided with an inner radial groove 117 which borders the end part 111 a of the conduit 111 closest to its opening and in which an O-ring 102 is disposed. This O-ring 102 aims at ensuring an efficient insulation between the assembly constituted by conduits 11 and 111 , on the one hand, and the ambient atmosphere, on the other hand, when elements A and B are coupled. As the groove 117 is made inside the body 101 , the O-ring 102 is relatively protected from the mechanical and chemical aggressions coming from the outside. The groove 117 is adjacent an inner radial shoulder 112 of the body 101 and d denotes the distance between this shoulder 112 and the front face 118 of the body 101 . The head 26 a of the rod 26 is provided with an outer peripheral bevel 26 b of which the vertex angle α has a value of the order of 120°. In practice, the angle α may have a value included between 60 and 175°, preferably between 80 and 160°, and preferably still, of the order of 120°. When the elements A and B are to be fitted in each other, they are subjected to a movement of approach represented by arrow F 1 in FIG. 1 , this making it possible to attain the configuration of FIG. 2 where the head 26 a has penetrated in the end 111 a of the conduit 111 . In this configuration, the bevel 26 b bears against the O-ring 102 and exerts thereon an axial effort F 2 . Due to its stiffness, which is greater than that of the spring 3 , the O-ring 102 exerts on the bevel 26 b an effort of reaction F′ 2 which makes it possible to push the valve 2 against the effort F 3 , the valve 2 in that case attaining the position of FIG. 2 where the channels 24 and 23 allow the flow of gas under pressure from the upstream part of the conduit 11 towards the conduit 111 , as represented by arrows E. The value of the angle α influences the deformation of the O-ring 102 , its tightness and its durability. An angle α of the order of 120° gives satisfactory results and makes it possible to conciliate a clear-cut abutment of the head 26 a on the O-ring 102 , without degradation of the latter, with a clear-cut opening of the valve 2 . In the absence of O-ring 102 in the groove 117 , and as shown in FIG. 3 , the front face 26 c of the end 26 a does not bear against the shoulder 112 , with the result that the valve 2 remains in position of tight abutment against the shoulder 12 which serves as seat therefor. To that end, the length 1 26 of the end 26 a is less than the sum of the distance d and of the distance e between the front face 118 of the element B and the flange 22 , when the valve is in closed configuration. In view of the foregoing, a secured functioning of the connection formed by elements A and B is obtained, insofar as the valve 2 is efficiently displaced by the O-ring 102 when the elements A and B are coupled, while, in the absence of the O-ring 102 , the valve remains in abutment on its seat 12 , this avoiding the risks of leakage and allowing an efficient detection of the absence of O-ring. The invention has been represented when used in a service station for filling automobile vehicle tanks, but may be employed in other domains where similar problems are likely to occur. In the example shown, the head or end 26 a is in one piece with the head 25 and the rod 26 of the valve 2 . In a variant embodiment, this head may be added on this rod and fixed by any appropriate means, particularly by adhesion, screwing or welding. The head 26 a is not necessarily equipped with a bevel as shown in the Figures with reference 26 b . In the case shown in FIG. 4 , the zone of transition 26 b between its front face 26 c and its outer radial surface 26 d is preferably rounded, with a radius of curvature R greater than 0.3 mm, avoiding the O-ring 102 being marked by the head 26 a . The zone of transition 26 b is in that case in the form of a portion of torus. In addition, the diameter of the rod 26 in the vicinity of the channels 24 , i.e. in the vicinity of the shoulder 12 and of the O-ring 15 , is advantageously greater than the diameter of the head or end 26 a . In this way, the resultant of the pressure of the gas in the coupled connection tends to close the valve 2 . In practice, the diameter of the rod 26 may be slightly greater than that of the head 26 a , for example 0.2 mm.

A female element of a quick connection provided with a closure valve, wherein the opening of the valve is controlled by a reaction force exerted by an O-ring disposed in an inner housing of a body of a male connection element adapted to be fitted in the female element. The reaction force results from the abutment of the valve on the O-ring when the male and female elements are coupled together. Upon the failure of the O-ring, the valve is not displaced so that the risks of leakages are eliminated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to information printers of the dot-matrix type and, more particularly, to novel split-frame stackable blades for use in the printhead thereof. Known embodiments of printer blades for use in dot-matrix printers may be as described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,390, issued Dec. 12, 1978 to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. The printer blades described therein have a mount portion attached to an oval-shaped rim by a pair of resilient arms; a coil of conductive ribbon is wound about a substantially oval central member and is insulatively maintained within the oval rim. A printing tip, extending away from the coil-bearing rim, is caused to move and to impact an ink-retaining ribbon and ink-retaining media, when current flowing through the coil interacts with a transverse magnetic field. The interaction moves the integral combination of coil-rim-printing tip and results in deflection of the resilient arms with respect to the stationary mounting portion. This configuration, while having many desirable features, does experience connection failure at (a) the connective lead attachment at the inner, coil-bearing rim, at which point one end of the coil is attached, and (b) the coil connection to the outer rim, which is itself integrally joined to the resilient arms-mounting portion of the blade. A more reliable printing blade for use in a matrix-type printer head, is desirable. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the invention, a printhead for a dot-matrix printer comprises a plurality of stacked printing blades. Each blade has a stationary mounting portion attached to a common housing member of the printhead and also has a printing tip. The printing tips of all of the plurality of blades are arranged along a common line extending outwardly from the printhead for selectively and individually impacting a printing medium. Each print blade is formed of a single piece of resilient, conductive material and has a generally oval-shaped rim portion spaced from the mounting portion and supported by a pair of generally parallel resilient arms integrally joined between opposite locations on the rim and on the opposite ends of the mounting tab. A coil wound of flat conductor is positioned within the central opening of the rim; the outer end of the coil is joined to a first portion of the rim, to one side of an imaginary line passing through the center of rim and parallel to the arms, while a thin piece of conductive foil insulatively overlies the coil to connect the inner end of the coil to a second portion of the rim lying on the opposite side of the line. The coil is cemented in place within the rim and a thin insulating film is cemented across one surface of the coil-rim combination. Opposite sections of the rim, along the imaginary line, and the mounting portion are then split, to provide a pair of conductive blade portions, each acting as a conductive member connecting one end of the coil through an associated resilient arm to an associated part of the split mounting portion. In one preferred embodiment, the plurality of blades are stacked in side-by-side relationship, with insulative material placed between each pair of aligned mounting portions. Insulated members are utilized to fix the mounting portions to a frame member of the printing head. A common aligned tab on one part of each mounting portion provides for a first connection to each of the coils, while a set of indexed tabs positioned at a different point upon the remaining part of each mounting portion of each of the plurality of blades, provides separate connection points for the remaining end of the coil of each of the plurality of printing blades. A flow of current through the coil of a particular blade interacts with a magnetic field formed transverse to the coil plane of all of the stacked blades, to cause movement of the printing tip of the energized blade in a direction substantially parallel to the mounting portion, for impacting upon reception media for subsequent formation of characters, symbols and other indicia in dot-matrix fashion. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide novel split printing blades and methods of fabrication therefor, for use in a matrix printer head, wherein the printing blades provide highly reliable electrical connections to the coils of the blades. This and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1a is a plan view of a prior art printer blade; FIG. 1b is a prospective view of a prior art printer head, utilizing the printing blades of FIG. 1a; FIG. 2 is a plan view of a unitary printing blade member; and FIGS. 3a and 3b are respectively a plan view and an end view of a printhead utilizing a plurality of printing blades fabricated from the printing blade member of FIG. 2, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring initially to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a prior art printhead 10, as described and claimed in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,390, utilizes a plurality, illustratively seven in number, of printing blades 11. Each printing blade includes a printing tip 12 having translational motion when the printing tip is caused to move with respect to a mounting portion 14. The mounting portion 14 is relatively thick and has a plurality of apertures 15 each receiving a fixed pin 17 therethrough to facilitate stacking a plurality of blades 11 with their thickened mounting portions 14 in abutment with each other. Each printing blade is formed of a unitary frame including a central oval-shaped rim 20, of relatively lesser thickness than mount portion 14, and having an aperture 22 formed therethrough of similar oval-shaped, but of slightly smaller, dimensions in the non-magnetic, conductive blade member frame. A pair of substantially linearly elongated and substantially parallel resilient spring arms 24 and 25 respectively, couple opposite ends of mount portion 14 to one of outward extensions 20a and 20b formed on rim 20. Outward extension 20b is further extended to form a beam 26, below resilient arm 25, to position printing tip 12 at a selected distance therefrom. The printing tip is intentionally thickened to the same thickness as that of mount portion 14 to provide a substantially square printing surface 12a. A hub member 28 has an oval shape and has a central oval aperture 28a bridged by a thin tab 29 at one of a plurality of positions, shown in broken line by alternate tab positions 29a, 29b, etc. Non-interfering connection to each of the plurality of stacked blades is provided means of flexible leads 30, with each lead having a first end 30a connected, as by welding and the like processes, to one of tabs 29. Each lead 30 has a remaining end coupled to an insulated terminal 32 upon a cover 34 of the printhead housing 36. A single-layer coil 40, of wire with substantially rectangular cross-section, is wound about the periphery of central hub 28. A first end 40a of the coil is joined to the hub and the remaining coil end 40b is joined to rim 20. Thus, current may flow from a source (not shown) connected to one of terminals 32, through the associated flexible lead 30, to hub 28 and thence into coil 40 at first end 40a. The coil current exits at coil end 40b and flows through rim 20 and resilient arms 25 to mounting portion 14, forming a common connection for all stacked printing blades in a print head. The flow of currents through the coil interacts with magnetic field B 1 and B 2 , flowing in opposite directions through opposite portions of the coil, as provided by a set of magnets 45 external to the stack of printer blades, but within printhead 10. Thus, when current flows through coil 40, force is generated within the coil, causing the printing tip to move outward from housing 36, to impact printing media; upon cessation of coil flow, the energy stored in resilient arms 24 and 25 returns the printing blade to its original position. A stop member 48 is utilized to absorb the return energy of the printing blade and position the blade for the next current-pulse-altered printing movement. The connection, at point 30a, of one end of each lead 30 to the associated cross-tab 29, is prone to breakage, and renders the printhead unusable until delicate and time-consuming repair has been made. It is thus desirable to provide printing blades having improved coil connection means for use in a dot-matrix printer head of this type. Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2a, an improved printing blade 60 is fabricated by chemically etching a single sheet of a non-magnetic conductive material, such as beryllium copper and the like, to include a generally oval-shaped rim 62 having a generally oval-shaped aperture 63 formed centrally therein and having a pair of outward extensions 62a and 62b formed outwardly upon the respective parallel longer sides of rim 62. A pair of formation 65a and 65b are formed substantially opposite each other, along an imaginary line 65 cutting through aperture 63 and the shorter sides of oval-rim 62; each formation includes a slot 66a and 66b, respectively, cutting partially, but not completely, through the thickness of rim 62. A pair of linearly elongated and substantially parallel resilient spring arms 67 and 68, respectively, extend substantially parallel to the longer sides of oval rim 62, respectively from rim extensions 62a and 62b. A mounting member 70 is formed substantially transverse to, and between, the ends of resilient arms 67 and 68 furthest from rim extension 62a and 62b. Mounting member 70 is somewhat rectangular in shape and includes a pair of apertures 72a and 72b, for passing insulated-shank fastening means, to facilitate mounting a stack of a plurality of printing blades in a printer head housing, as more fully explained hereinbelow. A channel 74 is formed, during initial etching of the printer blade blank, to connect the interior mounting member edge 70a to the open area of one of the fastening means apertures, e.g. aperture 72b. An additional channel portion 76 may advantageously be formed from the open aperture interior of the same aperture (aperture 72b) and extends partially, but not completely, through the remaining width of mounting member 70 toward the remaining, outward edge 70b thereof. A plurality of indentations 78 are formed into outer mounting member edge 70b to define a series of substantially equally spaced tabs 80a-80i, each having a small aperture 82 formed therein for receiving a current-carrying lead (not shown). The number of formations 80 is equal to one more than the number N of blades to be utilized in a given printer head configuration. Advantageously, channel portion 76 is so positioned as to extend from one of the fastening means apertures (e.g. aperture 72b) toward the indentation 78 between the first and second tabs 80a and 80b for a purpose hereinbelow explained. One of outward rim extensions 62a and 62b, e.g. extension 62a, is provided with a flat portion 85, against which the stop member 48 (FIGS. 3a and 3b) may bear, while the other outward extension, e.g. extention 62b, continues outwardly of rim 62 to form a beam 87 carrying a printing tip 89 at the end thereof furthest from the rim. Printing tip 89 has a flat surface 90 for impacting against printing media, such as an ink ribbon and paper sheet (both not shown for reasons of simplicity). After printing blade blank 60 is etched to a shape in accordance with the above description, a flat coil 95 of conductive wire, wound to have a central aperture 96a and having the turns thereof insulated from each other, is positioned within aperture 63 formed in oval rim 62. Coil 95 is so formed that a first end 95a thereof is positioned along the periphery of interior coil aperture 96, substantially at one of the ends thereof having a smaller dimension. The remaining coil end 95b is positioned at the exterior periphery of coil 95. Advantageously, a portion 62c of the oval rim is slightly distorted outwardly, from an oval shape, to provide an area, adjacent to the location at which exterior coil lead 95b will be placed when the coil is positioned within blade aperture 63, to facilitate attachment of outer coil lead end 95b to rim portion 62c, as by welding, soldering and the like processes. Coil 95 is of thickness substantially equal to the thickness T (see FIG. 2a) of the blade member frame 60 and, when coil 95 is positioned within aperture 63 and cemented therein, the coil-bearing blade member has substantially the blade thickness T. A thin insulating film 98 is fastened in place across one surface of the coil 95 and blade rim 62 to provide insulation between adjacent printing blades in a stack of a plurality of such blades. The area of film 98 is of substantially oval shape, and of greater extent than the oval-shaped coil 95, but of slightly lesser extent than the outer periphery of rim 62 (see film 98 shown in broken line in FIG. 2). After cementing coil 95 in place and applying insulating film 98, a thin conductive foil strip 100 (FIG. 3a) is positioned between that end of coil aperture 96 at which coil end 95a is located and a portion 62d of the rim located upon the opposite side of imaginary line 65 from rim portion 62c at which the exterior coil lead 95b is connected. One end of foil strip 100 is electrically connected, as by welding, soldering and the like, at rim portion 62d, while the remaining end of foil strip 100 is electrically connected to interior coil lead 95a. Thus, the opposite ends of coil 95 are respectively in electrical connection to rim portions 62d and 62c, respectively. Advantageously, foil strip 100 is also cemented to coil 95 for greater mechanical stability. After the cement, utilized to hold coil 95 within aperture 63 and then hold film 98 to the surface of blank 60, has hardened to rigidly hold the blade rim and coil in planar relationship, the blade rim and mounting portions are split by the formation of additional channels 105a and 105b respectively in rim portions 65a and 65b, and by channel 105c in mounting member 70. Thus, rim channels 66a and 66b are extended completely through the rim portion by respective channels 105a and 105b, and mounting member 70 is split into a first mounting part 70c, having tab 80a thereon, and a second mounting part 70d, having the remaining mounting tabs 80b-80i thereon, by channel 105c continuing the break formed by channels 74 and 76 and by aperture 72b. All but one of the remaining N tabs 80b-80i on mounting part 70d are now removed; the particular tab remaining is associated with the position of a printer blade in a stack of a plurality thereof. Thus, in FIG. 3b, the eight stacked blades shown have, from left to right as illustrated, sequentially staggered tab positions 80b, 80c, 80d, 80e, 80f, 80g, 80h and 80i provided at the end of the sequentially arranged blades, whereby connection can be made in non-interfering and unique manner. It will be seen that current (from a current driving source not shown) will flow into a particular blade at one of the blade-position-associated tabs 80b-80i thereof, and will flow through mounting part 70d, upper resilient arm 67 and rim portion 62c to outer coil end 95b. The current flows through coil 95 and exits therefrom at interior coil end 95a, flowing through foil strip 100 to rim portion 62d, thence through lower resilient arm 68 to mounting part 70c and common contact tab 80a. The current thus flowing in coil 95 interacts with magnetic fields B 1 and B 2 provided by magnets 45, to generate a force F causing extension of printing tip 89 beyond the face of printing tip housing portion 36a, while temporarily twisting arms 67 and 68 to store force therein. Upon cessation of the current, the force stored in resilient arm 67 and 68 acts to return the blade towards its rest position, and against stop 48. The hollow rectangular housing 36 has a shelf-like formation 36b at one end of the central cavity thereof, for receiving the two parts of the mounting portion of each blade in a stack of a plurality of aligned blades. A thin sheet 110 of insulated material is placed between the aligned mounting portions 70 of each pair of adjacent blades in the stack and between the mounting portion 70 of bottom-most blade in the stack and the housing shelf-like formation 36b on which the stack mounts. Each sheet 110 has apertures formed therethrough in alignment with the apertures 72a and 72b in the aligned mounting portions. Fastening means, such as screws 115, having insulated shanks, are passed through the aligned mounting apertures 72a and 72b of the stack of blades and fastened into printer head housing shelf 36b to fasten the blade stack within the housing. Additional details concerning the housing and printer head may be found in the above-incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,390. One presently preferred embodiment of my novel improved printer blade, having split rim and mounting member, has been described herein. Many variations and modifications, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is my intent, therefore, to be limited only by the scope of the appending claims and not by the specific detail shown herein.

Flat, stackable printing blades for use in an impact printer head of the dot-matrix type, each blade including a conductive coil fastened within a central aperture of a conductive frame having a pair of arms resiliently connecting the coil frame to a stationary mounting portion. The mounting portion and the coil-retaining frame are split, with one of a pair of coil leads attached to each of the pair of electrically-isolated blade members thus formed, for facilitating a flow of current from one portion of the mounting tab, through one resilient arm and the coil, and thence through the remaining resilient arm to the remaining portion of the mounting tab. A stack of blades, having printing tips extending from the frame in a common direction, is arrayed to form a dot-matrix-type printhead.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/288,648 filed May 4, 2001. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to plates that cover mounting fasteners for hurricane shutters, and more particularly to plates that are designed to be stored about a window of a building and are easily moved into either a storage position or an in-use position over the fasteners. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] There are known arrangements that do not leave exposed studs, but unfortunately they do leave exposed bolt heads, or exposed tracks, or they fail to provide storage for the covers. The following patents are illustrative of these systems and are described below. [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,012,388 to Goodman discloses a storm shutter having a frame or sash attached with hinges around a building opening and having protruding studs, and a panel with elongate ports to fit over the studs. A problem with Goodman is that the sash may prove unattractive and conspicuous when the shutter panels are not in use. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,517 to Everson discloses a storm window that can be installed inside of a window opening in a building wall. The storm window is mounted close to the existing window, which may be of different dimensions. The Everson arrangement includes plastic extrusions which are fastened inside the window, plastic panels that are connected to the extrusions and form a closure inside the window, and vertical and horizontal supports over the window. Note, when it is desired to mount the storm window outside of the window opening, a header and sill member (FIGS. 3 - 4 and 8 - 9 ) are mounted on the inside vertical surface. However, in this embodiment, the fastening screws are visible when the panels are not installed. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,503 to Pullens discloses “L” shaped masking mats about the sides of storm shutters. The masking mats slide in and close around the storm shutters to protect the walls of the house from becoming soiled or marked when cleaning, finishing, refinishing or painting variously sized rectangular storm shutters. The adjustable mats of the Pullens device cover the area about the periphery of the shutter, but it does not lend itself to covering studs for storm shutters as there is no room provided for the studs and no convenient mounting means for the covers. [0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,452 to Taylor discloses storm covers for doors and windows. The disclosed Taylor apparatus includes a panel for fitting a window opening, and a brace member extending across the panel member to secure the panel to the opening, and securing means for removably securing an end of the brace member. The securing means is removably secured to the building by anchors which are spaced apart. The disclosure of Taylor does provide storm shutters and recognizes the problem of exposed studs, however the solution disclosed in Taylor simply eliminates the studs for supporting the panels. [0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,037 to Apostolo discloses a shutter device for installation onto an exterior building wall over a window for hurricane protection. The Apostolo system comprises two tracks mounted horizontally on upper and lower portions of a window and a panel piece that slides between the two tracks and locks in place so as to completely cover the window. This system uses bolts to mount the tracks to the wall and the bolt heads are visible at all times. There is no covering plate for concealing the presence of the fastening bolts. [0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,639 to Covington is directed to a storm shutter installation which has a plurality of panels received in parallel channels near the upper and lower edges of a window. The upper and lower supports are aluminum extrusions that form channels for receiving and supporting the structural panels (see FIG. 2). The supports have mounting flanges for attaching the supports to a building wall. The flanges receive fasteners, which are always exposed, i.e. there are not covering plates provided for the fasteners. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system that completely covers hurricane shutter mounting fasteners, in particular studs, when the fasteners are not in use and which easily moves away from the fasteners when the shutters are installed. [0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide cover plates for hurricane shutter mounting tracks and fasteners that lock in a position over the tracks when it is desired to conceal the shutter mounting system, and can be easily pivoted and locked in a position away from the shutter mounting system to allow access to the tracks and fasteners for installation of the hurricane panels. [0014] The present invention is a system for covering the attachment tracks and studs that extend outwardly from the window frames for the purpose of mounting storm shutters. The system comprises cover plates, which are typically installed in a horizontal orientation above and below a window so as to extend along the width of the window. However, the tracks and cover plates can also be installed in a vertical orientation adjacent the sides of the window. The cover plates are hingedly mounted at one longitudinal edge of the track, which allows the cover plates to be pivoted away from the track and to pivot toward the track when it is desired to conceal the track and fasteners. The cover plates can be painted in a variety of colors to match the color scheme of the house and shutters. This system conveniently covers unsightly tracks and fasteners in an attractive manner. [0015] The cover plates can be locked into either a covering (use) position or a storage (non-use) position with respect to the studs by means of cam surfaces formed on the hinge. This system includes stops on the hinge which limit the travel of the plates between the covering and storage positions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] The drawing figures are briefly described as follows: [0017] [0017]FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a system for covering hurricane panel mounting studs provided about a window with the cover plates in a use position; [0018] [0018]FIG. 1B is a front elevation view, which is similar to FIG. 1A except that the cover plates are in a non-use position; [0019] [0019]FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1B with hurricane panels partially installed; [0020] [0020]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the upper cover plate as shown in FIG. 1A; [0021] [0021]FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the upper cover plate as shown in FIG. 1B; [0022] [0022]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the lower cover plate as shown in FIG. 1A; [0023] [0023]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the lower cover plate as shown in FIG. 1B; [0024] [0024]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of an upper cover plate and track and the connection thereof to a building wall; [0025] [0025]FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a lower track connected to a wall of a building; [0026] [0026]FIG. 8A is a cross sectional view of the track shown, e.g., in FIG. 4; [0027] [0027]FIG. 8B is an enlarged cross sectional view of a male hinge member of the track shown in FIG. 8A; [0028] [0028]FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of the cover plate shown, e.g., in FIG. 4; and [0029] [0029]FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross sectional view of a female hinge member of the cover plate shown in FIG. 9A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0030] Hurricane storm panels are used in many parts of the country to protect windows from flying debris during heavy storms. One of the most common type of hurricane panel is formed of corrugated steel, aluminum or lexan, and includes through holes to permit the panels to be mounted about a window frame by means of studs. Unfortunately, when the panels are not installed, the studs are exposed and appear similar to bullet holes in the side of the building, thereby detracting from the appearance of the building. The present invention provides a system for allowing the studs to be placed about the window to hold the storm panels and then to be concealed when the panels are removed. [0031] [0031]FIG. 1 is a front elevation view showing the system of the present invention with upper and lower cover plates 7 A, 7 B deployed in a use (covering) position, and FIG. 1B shows the cover plates pivoted into a non-use position to expose panel fasteners 15 , which are provided in upper and lower mounting tracks 4 A, 4 B. In the non-use position, the cover plates extend generally in a perpendicular direction away from the building wall. As shown in FIGS. 2 - 3 , the upper cover plate 7 A is pivotally connected to an upper edge of the upper track 4 A. And, as shown in FIGS. 4 - 5 , the lower cover plate 7 B is pivotally connected to a lower edge of the lower track 4 B. [0032] [0032]FIG. 1C is a front elevation view of the window 2 with two hurricane panels 6 installed and a third panel positioned for installation over the window. [0033] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 - 5 , each of the panel fasteners include a stud 15 and a wing nut 16 for mounting the hurricane panels to the hurricane tracks 4 A, 4 B. FIGS. 1 A- 1 C illustrate the typical placement of hurricane panels and tracks about the window. However, the tracks can also be mounted in a vertical orientation adjacent the left and rights sides of the window. [0034] A first track, such as track 4 A, is mounted above the window while a second track, such as track 4 B, is mounted below the window. Each of tracks 4 A, 4 B includes a male hinge member 8 disposed along a longitudinal edge of the track. The tracks may be formed of aluminum or other suitable material. Note that the tracks are designated “upper and lower” even though the structure of the tracks is substantially the same. However, as shown in FIGS. 2 - 5 , the upper track 4 A is mounted with the male hinge member 8 at an upper edge of the track, while the lower track 4 B is mounted with the male hinge member 8 at a lower edge of the track. [0035] Each track contains a row of studs, such as studs 15 , which project orthogonally outward from the track and also out from the building when the tracks are installed thereon. The studs are preferably formed of stainless steel. The hurricane panels are preferably corrugated, and the portion of the corrugation in the panel that contacts the track contains holes through which the studs pass as the panels are pressed against the tracks. After a stud passes through a panel, a wing nut 16 is threaded onto the stud and tightened to hold the panel in place. Then, after the storm has passed, the panels are removed, which exposes the tracks and studs, as shown in FIG. 1B. This is the appearance that most typical hurricane panel installations leave once the hurricane panels have been removed. However, due to the construction of the present invention, the studs are quickly and simply removed from view by pivoting the cover plates 7 A and 7 B into the positions shown in FIGS. 1A, 2 and 4 to cover the unsightly studded tracks. [0036] As can be seen in FIGS. 2 - 3 , the upper cover plate 7 A is attached to the upper track 4 A along the upper edge of track 4 A. This attachment is by way of a special hinge that permits the cover plate to remain in its non-use or outward orthogonal position with respect to the track, and then it can be snapped down into its use position to cover the studs, where it will remain until it is desired to raise the cover plate back to the non-use position. The lower cover plate is similar to the upper cover plate, only its positioned is reversed. The lower cover plate is attached to the lower track along its lower edge and is snapped upward to cover the studs on the lower track. The cover plates may be constructed of aluminum, plastic material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or any other suitable material. [0037] FIGS. 8 A-B and 9 A-B show the details of the components of the hinge connection between the track and the cover plate. Note that only the lower track 4 B and lower cover plate 4 A are shown, however, as noted above, the upper and lower cover plates and tracks are identical except for their orientation. [0038] [0038]FIGS. 2 and 4 show the cover in its closed position, covering the studded plates, while FIG. 4B shows the cover plate in its open or outwardly orthogonal position, leaving the stud 5 C exposed. The cover plate follows an arcuate path when travelling between the open and closed positions. [0039] The track is a plate which has several longitudinal ribs on one side, such as stand-off ribs 5 that function to space the track away from the building surface, thereby providing sufficient space to accommodate the heads of the studs 15 . As shown in FIGS. 6 - 7 , the track is typically mounted to the building wall by driving fasteners 14 through holes in the track and into the wall. The type of fastener will be determined by the material forming the building wall. [0040] As indicated above, the tracks 4 A, 4 B are connected the cover plates 7 A, 7 B by means of a hinge formed of a female hinge member 9 , attached to the cover plate, and a male hinge member 8 , attached to a longitudinal edge of the track. Both hinge portions are approximately semi-circular in cross section. Further, at the open ends of the semi-circular sections are radial projections referred to as stops. The male hinge member 8 is formed with stop projections 10 that are directed radially outward, while the female hinge member is formed with stop projections 11 that are directed radially inward. [0041] As the cover plate is pivoted, the corresponding stop projections 10 , 11 will engage to prevent the cover plate from going beyond the open or the closed positions. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the male hinge member increases in diameter near the stops. These increased diameter portions cooperate with the stops on the female member to sufficiently lock or hold the cover plate in its open or closed position until this interference is intentionally overridden by manual force. Upon application of sufficient force, the stops on the female hinge will slightly deform so as to ride over the enlarged diameter portions on the male hinge member. [0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1 C, each of the tracks 4 A, 4 B is provided with end caps 17 , which provide the cover plate with an even more finished appearance. Although the caps are shown on the tracks, they can also be connected to the cover plates 7 A, 7 B. [0043] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. For example, a conventional hinge may be used with external stops and locks, and the components of the disclosed hinge could be reversed. Also, the cover plate may be connected to the track by means of alternate coupling arrangements. In particular, instead of the hinge connection, the cover place may be snap-fastened over the studded plate by snaps that grip the upper and lower edges of the plate. Alternatively the upper and lower edges of the cover plates may be slid behind the projections on the outward face of the tracks. Accordingly, the illustrated embodiment should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and reference should be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

A system for covering fasteners that are provided at an exterior building wall for mounting storm panels. The system includes cover plates that are located adjacent to the fasteners. The cover plates are mounted so as to be pivotable about one side of a mounting track. This permits the cover plates to pivot between a closed (use) position for covering the track and fasteners, and an open (non-use) position for permitting installation of storm panels. The cover plates can be painted in a variety of colors to match the building wall or the shutters, which permits the covers to blend into the exterior finish of the building. Thus, when the storm panels are removed, the present system conveniently covers the unattractive and conspicuous fasteners in an attractive manner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention generally relates to a substantially seamless brassiere, and a blank and method for making the brassiere. More specifically, the invention relates to a substantially seamless criss-cross brassiere which can be readily and easily manufactured, to have a variety of visual appearances. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Brassieres are generally designed to be close-fitting, and can represent a source of significant discomfort to the wearer. For example, in addition to being constrictive, the seams and narrow straps often forming a part of the brassieres can tend to press uncomfortably into the wearer's flesh, particularly after they have been worn for a length of time or when the wearer has been physically active. Because societal norms generally require that such garments should be worn, and many women must rely on them to provide a degree of support and coverage, the discomfort associated with them is typically viewed as something which must simply be tolerated. Furthermore, because the production of brassieres is generally a labor intensive process, their manufacturing costs can be relatively high. Therefore, manufacturers have attempted to find ways for simplifying the production of brassieres in order to reduce the costs associated therewith, in addition to looking for ways to improve wearer comfort. For example, commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,479,791 and 5,553,468 to Osborne, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference, describe circularly knit brassieres which, in addition to being capable of simplified manufacture, also provide enhanced wearer comfort. To this end, the brassieres described in the Osborne patents are each produced from a substantially seamless circularly knit tubular blank having a turned welt at one end thereof, with portions of the tubular portion of the blank being removed to define neck and arm openings, and the front and back sections of the tubular portions of the blank being sewn together at the shoulders. Banding is then provided at the neck and arm openings to form a finished brassiere. Another brassiere is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,525 to Richards. The Richards patent describes a brassiere blank made on a circular knitting machine and having a torso portion with a pair of breast cups and straps knit integrally with the torso portion and having turned welt portions at each end of the cylindrical blank. The tubular blank is slit on one side, laid flat for cutting neck and arm openings, and seamed at each side to form a brassiere. The brassieres described in this patent therefore have side seams which can tend to cause discomfort to the wearer. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The instant invention provides a brassiere which has only a minimal number of seams, and which can be readily and easily manufactured. In addition, the instant invention enables the individual support of each of the breasts of the wearer, thereby providing unique comfort and support. Furthermore, the instant invention enables the provision of unique visual and aesthetic properties to the brassieres. Initially, it is to be noted that while the garment is referred throughout this application as being a “brassiere”, this term is meant in a broad sense to thereby encompass any type of relatively close-fitting upper torso covering garment. For example, the brassiere can be worn under other items of clothing in the form of an undergarment, as a camisole, athletic top, bathing suit top, dancewear, shirt, halter top, or the like. The instant invention desirably has a crisscross construction, and is capable of being produced without side seams (which might bear uncomfortably on the wearer). In fact, in one aspect of the invention, the brassiere has two shoulder straps (one for covering each of the respective shoulders of the wearer), and only a single seam is provided along each of the shoulder straps, thereby resulting in a substantially seamless brassiere. As will be discussed more fully below, the seams can be provided to correspond to the tops of the wearer's shoulders, or they can be offset from the tops of the wearer's shoulders (such as by making the front strap portions longer than the rear strap portions or vice versa), so that when the ends of the strap portions are joined together, the seams are offset from the tops of the wearer's shoulders and positioned forwardly or rearwardly thereof. The substantially seamless brassiere is achieved by way of the blank being circularly knit in a substantially continuous manner to include a first series of knit courses defining a first tubular portion, a second series of courses integrally knit with the first series of courses and forming a cylindrical tubular portion (e.g., in the form of a turned welt), and a third series of courses defining a second tubular portion knit to the second series of courses. The resulting blank is in the form of an elongate, generally continuous tubular structure having a cylindrical welt extending outwardly from a central portion of the tube to thereby encircle the tubular structure. Portions of each of the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion are then removed to define right and left body covering portions, and one of the right and left body covering portions is inverted so that each of the right and left body covering portions extends from the cylindrical welt in generally the same direction. In order to minimize material waste in these portions which are to be removed during transformation of the blank into a brassiere, the portions designed to be removed are, in some aspects of the invention, formed so as to require less material input. For example, the stitches in these areas can be lengthened to produce a meshy fabric in the areas which will become waste, a less expensive yarn could be used to knit those areas, etc. Edges of the right and left body portions are finished, to thereby form a brassiere. As mentioned above, in one form of the invention, the right and left body covering portions include both front and rear portions, with these front and rear portions being secured together to form shoulder straps for the brassiere. In another aspect of the invention, the right and left body covering portions could include front covering portions which are adapted to cover both of the wearer's breasts, and which are adapted to be secured together to form a generally halter-shaped structure. Also, it is to be noted that the steps of inverting and finishing of the edges of the right and left body covering portions can be performed in any order found to be efficient by the manufacturer, within the scope of the instant invention. The blank can also include regions which are knit differently from other regions, to form discrete regions with more or less stretch than other of the regions of the respective blank portion, to provide select regions of more or less support. Furthermore, the first tubular portion can be knit so as to be visually distinct from the second tubular portion, for example, by using yarns of different colors in each of the regions, knitting in a visual pattern in one of the tubular portions, varying the knit stitch pattern or the like, etc., such that one breast cup of the brassiere has a different visual appearance from the other breast cup. Also, plating of the yarns could be used to provide different visual characteristics to each of the respective first and second tubular portions, whereby brassieres can be produced having different visual characteristics on each of the right and left sides. For example, one tubular portion could be knit to have stripes, while the other is knit as a solid color, to thereby produce a brassiere having a striped first breast covering side and a solid second breast covering side. As a further alternative, a spandex yarn could be plated while knitting the first and second tubular portions, such that when one of the portions is inverted to form the finished brassiere, one side has a shimmery effect due to the spandex appearing on the outer fabric surface of that side of the brassiere. As illustrated, because of the construction and manufacturing process forming a part of the instant invention, the provision of unique aesthetic appearances is enabled, while also providing a brassiere having the comfort of a generally seamless brassiere. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blank made according to the instant invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2 — 2 of FIG. 1, illustrating the manner in which the welt is secured to the first and second tubular portions; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the blank shown in FIG. 1, illustrating the lines along which the blank can be cut to form one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the blank shown in FIG. 3 after it has been cut along the lines shown in FIG. 3, and showing where banding can be added to finish the edges; FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating how the blank shown in FIG. 4 can be inverted and the front and rear portions seamed together; and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a finished brassiere according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. With reference to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a blank, shown generally at 10 , formed according to the instant invention. The blank 10 is desirably circularly knit to include a first tubular portion 12 having a first length a. A tubular, cylindrical welt 14 is integrally knit to the first tubular portion 12 so that it extends outwardly from the first tubular portion a distance b. In a preferred form of the invention, the tubular, cylindrical welt 14 will be in the form of a turned welt, such terminology being known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Such welts are generally formed by holding a set up course, drawing the fabric away until a sufficient length has been knit to form the double-thickness welt, then transferring the held course back onto the needles so that it is knit into the structure. A second tubular portion 16 is integrally knit to the tubular, cylindrical welt 14 . This second tubular portion 16 has a second length c. In many embodiments of the invention, this length c of the second tubular portion 16 will be approximately equal to the length a of the first tubular portion 12 . Each of the tubular portions 12 , 16 and the tubular cylindrical portion 14 desirably has a circumference which is sized to correspond with the size of the wearer who is expected to wear a brassiere made from the particular blank. In other words, the tubular circumference of the blank will generally be on the order of the same size as the circumference of a torso of a wearer for whom a brassiere is designed to fit, or somewhat smaller than the intended wearer's torso such that when the knit fabric gives through its natural extensibility, it provides a close fit about the wearer. For example, some extensibility may be provided through the particular knit stitch construction used, while stretch may also be provided by way of the incorporation of stretch yarns in the fabric, in addition to or instead of the stretch provided through the knit structure itself. Furthermore, it is noted that the amount of stretch can be varied at discrete points throughout the dimension of the tubular portions 12 , 16 and the cylindrical tubular portion 14 , for either aesthetic purposes or to vary the physical characteristics thereof. For example, it may be desirable to knit-in regions of less stretch to provide supplemental support regions on the finished brassiere, etc. As illustrated more clearly in FIG. 2, which is a cross-section taken along lines 2 — 2 of FIG. 1, the cylindrical welt 14 extends outwardly from the first and second tubular portions 12 , 16 , thereby defining a length b (with the actual length of fabric forming the welt being about two times length b). It is noted that the knit stitches illustrated have been simplified for purposes of clearly illustrating that the tubular, cylindrical welt 14 is formed by way of knit stitches and integrally formed with the first and second tubular portions 12 , 16 by way of the knitting process. Other knit fabric and stitch structures can be utilized within the scope of the instant invention. In fact, it is desirable that this tubular, cylindrical welt portion 14 is fashioned so as to be more resistant to stretch than the tubular portions 12 , 16 , since the welt portion 14 will form the lower band portion of the finished brassiere once it is fashioned from the blank 10 . The resistance to stretch can be done through alteration of the knit stitch construction, the feeding or floating in of additional stretch yarn(s) such as those made from spandex, natural rubber, or the like, or other methods conventionally known in the art for varying the stretch of knit fabrics. As noted above, the first tubular portion 12 and second tubular portion 16 desirably have lengths a and c which are substantially equal to each other in length. In this way, when a brassiere is cut from the blank 10 , it is relatively easy to ensure that the right and left portions of the brassiere are similarly sized, and that waste is minimized. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the tubular blank is desirably cut along lines 22 a , 22 b , 24 a , 24 b along first tubular portion 12 with portions 30 , 32 being removed as waste. Similarly, second tubular portion 16 of the blank 10 is cut along lines 26 a , 28 a , and in corresponding mirror image on the rear side of the tubular blank in the same manner as with the first tubular portion 12 . Following cutting, pieces 34 , 36 of the second tubular portion 16 are removed as waste. The cut edges formed at 22 a and 22 b will form one arm opening on one side of a finished brassiere, while the cut edges formed at 24 a and 24 b will form a portion of a neck opening on the finished brassiere. Likewise, the cut edge formed at 26 a and its corresponding edge on the rear side of the blank will form a second arm opening in the finished blank, while the cut edge formed at 28 a and the corresponding one on the rear of the blank will define a portion of a neck opening of the brassiere. As shown more clearly in FIG. 4, the remaining portions of the blank can then be finished to form a completed brassiere. In particular, the blank now defines a front right strap portion 40 and a rear right strap portion 42 formed from first tubular portion 12 while corresponding left front strap portion 44 and left rear strap portion 46 are formed from second tubular portion 16 . It is noted that in order to minimize waste, the portions 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 which are designed to be removed during the transformation of the blank into a brassiere, can be formed so as to include less yarn than the portions of the blank which will remain to form portions of the brassiere. For example, methods such as lengthening the stitches, using different-sized or less expensive yarns to form these waste portions, or the like (e.g. lessening the waste material in a manner like that described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,479,791 and 5,553,468) will desirably be utilized. The front and rear right strap portions 40 , 42 are then sewn or otherwise secured together, as shown at 66 , for example, so as to form a shoulder strap 60 . Likewise, the left front and rear strap portions 44 , 46 are sewn together to form a left shoulder strap 62 . In the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear right strap portions 40 , 42 , and likewise the front and rear left strap portions 44 , 46 are illustrated as being substantially the same size. Therefore, when the ends of the strap forming portions remote from the cylindrical welt 14 are sewn together, it results that the seam 66 formed by the securement of the straps together is positioned generally on top of a wearer's shoulder in the finished article. However, it is noted that the strap forming portions could be secured together at other portions such that the seam is offset from the top portion of the wearer's shoulder. Furthermore, they can be secured together in a releasable fashion as opposed to a more permanent fashion such as sewing. However, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the front and rear right strap forming portions are sewn together at their respective strap forming portion ends and the left strap forming portions are sewn together in like manner. The cut edges of the blank are then finished, preferably by sewing elastic banding to each of the cut regions, i.e., along cut region 50 (formed by cutting along lines 22 a and 22 b ) to form a right arm hole 68 and along line 52 (formed by cutting along lines 26 a and the corresponding line on the rear of the blank) to form a left arm hole 69 and along line 54 (formed by cutting along lines 24 a and 24 b ) to form the edge of the right strap portion and a portion of neck opening 72 , and along line 56 (formed by cutting along line 28 a and the corresponding line on the rear of the blank) to form the edge of the left strap portion and a portion of neck opening 72 . It is to be noted that the order in which the finishing steps are performed is a matter of manufacturing choice: for example, the strap forming portions can be secured together, then the banding added, or the banding can be secured to the cut edges first, and then the strap-forming portions secured together. Furthermore, the inverting step (discussed more specifically below) can be performed at any point during the process, the order being determined according to which achieves the most optimal manufacturing efficiencies for the particular manufacturer. One of the strap forming portions is inverted so that both straps extend upward from the turned welt 14 in the same direction in the manner shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. For example, in FIGS. 5, the left strap portion 62 is shown being inserted through the center of the tubular cylindrical welt 14 so that the right and left strap forming portions 60 , 62 , respectively are extending away from the tubular cylindrical welt in the same direction. The finished brassiere 70 provides individual breast support for the wearer, and is readily and easily manufactured. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 6, because of the criss-cross construction, in some embodiments of the invention the left portion of the brassiere can be shaped so that it crosses to provide under-breast support for the wearer's right breast, and the right portion of the brassiere can be likewise shaped so that it crosses to provide under-breast support for the wearer's left breast. In the shoulder strap version of the invention, the brassiere 70 desirably includes a right strap 60 , a left strap 62 , a right arm opening 68 , a left arm opening 69 , and a neck opening 72 . Alternatively, the right and left front portions could be tied or otherwise operatively secured together to form a halter-shaped brassiere. In one aspect of the invention, the first tubular portion 12 and second tubular portion 16 are formed from different colored yarns. In this way, when the finished brassiere is completed, one of the strap portions and breast cups has a first visual appearance while the other has a second distinct visual appearance. For example, yarns can be plated (e.g. with spandex appearing on one fabric surface) so that when one portion of the blank is inverted, the resulting garment has one side with a visually distinct appearance from the other (e.g. the spandex provides a more shimmery appearance.) Similarly, one side (e.g. the right side) can be knit to have polka dots or stripes, while the other side (e.g. the left side) is knit from a solid color. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, various other combinations of visual colors, patterns, etc. can be used within the scope of the instant invention. As a result, a virtually limitless range of visual appearances can readily and easily be provided to the brassiere. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains 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 other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

A brassiere having a minimal number of seams and allowing for independent breast support is described. The brassiere is produced from a circularly knit blank having a first tubular portion, and integrally knit cylindrical tubular welt portion, and an integrally knit second tubular portion. Portions of each of the first and second tubular portions are cut and removed to define right and left front portions, and the remaining portion of one of the first or second tubular portions is inverted so that the remaining parts of each of the first and second tubular portions extend away from the welt portion in generally the same direction. Banding can be attached to form neck and arm openings, and, where applicable, the front and rear strap portions can be secured together, thereby forming a finished brassiere. In this way, substantially seamless brassieres having right and left breast covering portions made to have visually distinct appearances can be readily and easily produced.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/178,770 filed Jul. 11, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,422,047. TECHNICAL FIELD The field of this invention relates to a lockable hinge for a floor panel system for use in motor vehicles. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Stowable seats in motor vehicles have long been a desired feature in motor vehicles where the seats in the second and third row may fold down to form a flat cargo floor in order to easily receive and maneuver large pieces of cargo. Recent developments have provided stowable seats that are stowed under the cargo area and covered by a flat panel system to provide the flat cargo floor. The flat panel system is also used as a floor surface for passengers' feet when the seats are deployed to their upright seating position. The flat panel system is made from a plurality of panels pivotably connected together to move between a flat closed position and a folded up open position. The cargo space under the panel system is usable as cargo storage space for other items when the seats are deployed in the upright seating position. A flat panel system can also be referred to as a stow-to-floor seat assembly door. One needs to open the panels to access the cargo space. Hence, the area above the panels must be free from obstruction, for example free from interference of another seat or center consul to allow room for the pivoting panels to freely operate in their intended fashion. In previous systems, either the entire motor vehicle needed to be extended to provide the necessary clearance for the panels or certain seats needed to be moved to a certain position to allow the panels to freely move between open and closed positions. Cargo space access needs to be convenient in order for the consumer to use the space in its intended fashion. Thus any interference or obstacle introduced by a movable seat or a seat track will limit the use of the cargo area. It is desirable to access the cargo area independent of any fore and aft adjustment of seats. Previous cargo panel systems were freely operational only if the front seats were in a forward position. What is needed is an improved panel system that can be adaptable to be substantially opened independent of any position of an adjacent seat for ease of access to the under panel cargo space. What is also needed is a cargo panel that has a hinge that can be either in a locked or release position. What is also needed is a lockable hinge in which the lock mechanism is substantially concealed under the panels. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a locking hinge assembly pivotably connects first and second panels. The hinge assembly has a first and second hinge member with respective mounting flange sections for mounting respective first and second panels at the bottom sides of the panels. Proximate wall sections of the first and second hinge member extend between the first and second panels and extend toward opposite upper sides of the panels. Hinge sections of the first and second hinge members engage each other between the two panels in proximity to the opposite upper sides for providing pivotal motion of one panel with respect to the other panel. A mounting flange section of the first hinge member has a recessed channel under the bottom side of the respective panel. A locking bar is slidably mounted between a locking position and a release position in the channel. The proximate wall section of the first hinge member has at least one respective aperture therethrough that receives at least one locking flange of the locking bar. The proximate wall of the second hinge member has locking surfaces axially spaced there along and release spaces interposed therebetween. Each locking flange has a distal lock section that is slidable between a release position to be aligned with the respective release spaces of the proximate wall section to allow the hinge members to pivotably move with respect to one another and a lock position misaligned from the released spaces and engagable with the locking surfaces to lock the first hinge member to the second hinge member. To help prevent rattling within the channel, the locking bar preferably has protrusions that extend downward from bar and the upper surface of the bar abuts against the bottom side of the first panel. It is also preferable that the locking bar has a width that substantially extends across the entire width of the channel. A leaf spring mounted is preferably installed under the bar to bias the bar to abut the bottom side of the first panel. It is preferable that the release spaces are in the form of apertures to allow the distal lock section to pass through the apertures and lock the hinge assembly when the panels are planar with respect to each other. The distal lock section is in the form of a hook to engage the proximate wall of the second hinge member at an opposing surface from the first hinge member. In one embodiment, the locking bar extends substantially the length of the hinge and has a handle at one end thereof. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a locking hinge assembly has first and second hinge members having a respective hinge section, proximate wall, and mounting flange section for mounting on respective first and second panels. The first and second hinge members are pivotably connected together at the hinge sections and are pivotably movable between a first position and a second position. The mounting flange section has a channel extending along the proximate wall section for slidably receiving a locking member. The locking member has at least one locking flange extending through aligned apertures in the proximate walls. The locking flange has a hook section at a distal end such that when the locking member slides to a locking position, the hook section engages a proximate wall to lock the hinge members in the first position. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a locking hinge assembly has a first hinge member and a second hinge member hingeably connected to the first hinge member along a pivot axis for pivotable motion between a first lockable position and a second position. The first and second hinge member have respective first and second proximate walls extending from the pivot axis and proximate to each other when in the first lockable position At least one aperture is in the first proximate wall aligned with at least one aperture in the second proximate wall when the hinge assembly is in the first lockable position. A locking member extends through at least one of the apertures of the first and second proximate walls and movable between a lock position to engage the proximate walls of the first and second hinge member and a release position where the locking member disengages from at least one of the proximate walls and allows the hinge assembly to pivot. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a foldable panel assembly for a storage area of motor vehicle has a first panel and a second panel being connected together along first and second edges of the respective panels. A hinge assembly has first and second hinge members each with a mounting plate mounted to an underside of the respective first and second panel. The first and second hinge members each have a respective proximate wall that abuts the first and second edges of the respective panels extending transversely from the mounting plates. The proximate walls each end with a hinge section that engages each other to pivotably connect the first panel to the second panel. The hinge section is in proximity to upper sides of the panels. A locking bar is slidably mounted to the mounting plate of the first hinge member under the first panel for sliding motion along the edges of the first panel between a first locking position and a second release position. The mounting plate of the second hinge member has a locking surface for engaging a flange of the locking bar when in the first locking position for preventing the hinge assembly from pivoting. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, a stow-to-floor seat assembly door has a first panel pivotably connected relative a second panel by a first hinge. A third panel is pivotably connected relative the second panel by a locking hinge. Pivotable movement of the second panel relative the third panel is restricted when the locking hinge is in a locked state. The third panel is pivotably connected to a vehicle floor by a second hinge to permit unobstructed access to a stowage cavity under the vehicle floor for stowing a collapsible stow-to-floor seat. The locking hinge includes a locking rod and a pivot pin that connects a first hinge panel and a second hinge panel. The locking rod traverses the first hinge panel and the second hinge panel. The locking rod includes locking tabs that extend through passages formed in the first hinge panel and second hinge panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference now is made to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a motor vehicle interior illustrating one embodiment of the panel assembly in the closed position according to the invention; FIG. 2 is perspective view of the panel assembly shown in FIG. 1 in an intermediate position; FIG. 3 is view similar to FIG. 2 showing the panel assembly in the first open mode with the hinge 32 in the locked position for retrieving and stowing the stowable seat; FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the panel assembly in a second open mode position; FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the hinge assembly in the locked position; FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the hinge assembly in the release position; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7 - 7 shown in FIG. 5 ; FIG. 8 is an enlarged close up view of a hook portion shown in the locked position; FIG. 9 is an enlarged close up view of a hook portion shown in the release position; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 10 - 10 shown in FIG. 5 ; and FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the lock bar handle in the release position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 , a motor vehicle 10 has front adjustable seats 12 and rear stowable seats 14 also referred to as collapsible stow-to-floor seats. Each seat can be stowed in a cargo space 16 also referred to as a stowage cavity under floor panel assembly 18 also referred to as a stow-to-floor assembly door. The panel assembly 18 forms part of a flat cargo area floor 19 when the rear seats 14 are stowed in the cargo space 16 and also form the floor for passengers' feet when the seats 14 are in the deployed upright seating position as shown in FIG. 1 . The panel assembly can move between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 , an intermediate position shown in FIG. 2 , a first open mode in FIG. 3 or a second open mode shown in FIG. 4 . The panel assembly 18 includes a rear flap 20 and three panels 22 , 24 , and 26 all connected together with piano hinge assemblies 28 , 30 , and 32 . Panel 22 may be referred to as a first panel, panel 24 may be referred to as a second panel and panel 26 may be referred to as a third panel. Hinge 28 may also be referred to as a flap hinge. Hinge 30 may also be referred to as a first hinge and hinge 32 may also be referred to as a locking hinge. The third panel 26 is pivotably connected to a floor rim assembly 34 through hinges 36 which can also be referred to collectively as a second hinge. The floor rim assembly 34 may also be considered part of the vehicle floor 19 . The entire panel assembly 18 lies flat to form the floor 19 with the hinge 28 completely concealed and hinges 30 , 32 mostly concealed with only pivoting hinge sections 39 visible between the panels 22 , 24 , 26 . Reference now is made to FIGS. 5-10 for describing the hinge assembly 32 i.e. the locking hinge. Hinge assembly 32 has a first hinge member 38 also referred to as a first hinge panel and a second hinge member 40 also referred to as a second hinge panel. Each member 38 and 40 has respective mounting flanges 42 , 43 mounted to the underside 44 , 45 of each first and second panel 24 and 26 . Fasteners or adhesive may be used to affix the mounting flanges 42 and 43 to the panels 24 and 26 . The mounting flanges 42 and 43 each are integrally formed with a proximate wall section 46 and 47 . Each section 46 and 47 extends upward transversely from the mounting flanges 42 , 43 between the two panels 24 and 26 and abuts the edges 48 and 49 of the two adjacent panels 24 and 26 . The hinge section 39 is formed by hinge sections 50 and 51 of member 38 and 40 pivotably connected together with a pin member 52 also called a pivot pin. Mounting flange section 42 has a channel section 54 spaced from the underside 44 of the panel to provide for a locking bar 56 to be slidably movable between a lock position also referred to as a locked state as shown in FIG. 5 and an unlock or release position in FIG. 6 . The bar 56 has a width that substantially extends across the entire width of the channel 54 , a height that spans substantially the entire distance between the channel 54 and underside 44 of panel 24 . The height may be made up by embossments 57 both axially spaced and laterally spaced along the bar to contact the channel 54 . Leaf springs 58 may be positioned in the channel 54 under the bar 56 to bias it upward against the underside 44 of panel 24 . This construction reduces any rattling from the bar 56 with respect to its surrounding members and mostly conceals bar 56 from above. The bar has three flanges 60 axially spaced therealong. Each flange 60 has a hook section 62 . These flanges 60 and hook sections 62 may also be referred to as locking tabs. Each proximate wall 46 and 47 has aligned apertures 66 , 67 that receive the flanges 60 and hook sections 62 . The flanges 60 extend through the apertures 66 , 67 and are slidably received in channel section 55 of mounting flange 43 of hinge member 40 beneath the underside 45 of panel 26 such that the locking rod traverses both the first and second hinge panel. When the bar is in the release position as shown in FIGS. 6 and 11 , the hook section 62 and flange 60 are free to laterally pass through the apertures 67 also called passages as the hinge members 38 and 40 pivotably move with respect to each other. When the bar is moved to the locked position also referred to as the locked state as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 , the hook abuts the proximate wall 47 at its opposing surface 53 to prevent the hinge members 38 and 40 from pivotably moving with respect to each other, thus causing pivotable movement of the second panel relative to the third panel to be restricted. The bar is moved between its release and locked position by a handle 64 that is situated at one end of the bar at a lateral edge of the panel assembly 18 . The handle 64 may extend upward to be accessible above the panels 24 and 26 . Alternatively and as shown in the drawings, the handle 64 may be located to be received in a recess 70 in rim assembly 34 as it moves to the release position as shown in FIG. 11 . Furthermore, panel 24 has a notch 72 to allow handle 64 to slide to the lock position as shown in FIG. 10 . With this construction, handle 64 is accessible by an operator but remains below the floor 19 when the panel 24 is in the closed position as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , 10 and 11 . The handle 64 may have a rubber or plastic cap 65 thereon that is color coordinated with the panels 24 and 26 . The locking bar may have an orange or other bright color indicator section 68 located in proximity to the handle that becomes visible at the lateral edge of the panels through notch 72 when the handle is in the release position. The color indicates, when visible through notch 72 , that the hinge is in the release or second open mode of operation. Conversely, when the section 68 is concealed, the hinge is in the locked or first open mode of operation. In operation, the panel can open in a first or second open mode. When the handle and locking bar are in the locked position, the hinged panels 24 and 26 are locked together as a single panel. When such a lockup occurs between the panels 24 and 26 , they then move as one. When one desires to deploy or stow the seat 14 from in the cargo space 16 , the hinge panels 24 and 26 are preferred to lock together by locked hinge 32 . The front seat 12 needs to be in a forward position to clear the front hinge 36 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , after the rear flap 20 and panel 22 are pivoted to the open position, the combined panels 24 and 26 are lifted to the first open mode position to provide unobstructed access to the cargo space i.e. stowage cavity. After the seat is either stowed or deployed as desired, the process is then reversed and the panels 24 and 26 close together flat with floor 19 . The panel 22 and rear flap 20 are then closed to again achieve the closed position shown in FIG. 1 . It is foreseen that the deployment and storage of the seats 14 are a relatively infrequent occurrence compared to the opening and closing of the panel assembly 18 for access to the cargo area 16 for other storage purposes. For these purposes, it is not necessary to move the front seats 12 forward to provide access to the cargo space 16 . The handle can be operated to move the bar to the unlock position which allows the panel 24 to pivot with respect to panel 26 , such that upon opening the rear flap 20 and first panel 22 as shown in FIG. 2 , the panel 24 can be pivoted open while panel 26 remains flat as illustrated in FIG. 4 to achieve a second open mode position. The open panels 22 and 24 along with flap 20 can rest over centered against the front seat 12 as the seat 12 may extend rearwardly as illustrated in FIG. 4 , over the panel 26 . Thus, even while the front seats 12 may be in the rear extended position and prevent panel 26 from opening at hinge 36 , the cargo area 16 can be accessed because a substantial portion of the panel assembly 18 may be opened in a second mode as shown in FIG. 4 . Panels 22 , 24 and 26 may have different widths than the widths shows and the hinge 32 may be aligned just rearward of the most rearward position of the front seats to allow the hinge 32 to pivot the panels 22 and 24 over center and allow the panels to rest in the open position. As such, the panel assembly may be opened in one of two modes, one for storing and deploying the stowable seat and the other for otherwise accessing the cargo space 16 . The front seats 12 need to be moved forward only when the stowable seats 14 need to be stowed or deployed. Otherwise, the cargo space 16 is accessible regardless of the position of the front seats 12 . Opening of the panel assembly 18 in the second open mode greatly increases the convenience and accessibility of the cargo space 16 . Variations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

A locking hinge assembly ( 32 ) has first and second hinge members ( 38, 40 ) having a respective hinge section ( 50, 51 ), proximate wall ( 46, 47 ) and mounting flange section ( 42, 43 ) for mounting on respective first and second panels ( 24, 26 ). The first and second hinge members are pivotably connected together at the hinge sections and are pivotably movable between a first position and a second position. The mounting flange section ( 42 ) has a channel ( 54 ) extending along the proximate wall section ( 48 ) for slidably receiving a locking member ( 56 ). The locking member ( 56 ) has at least one locking flange ( 60 ) extending through aligned apertures in the proximate walls. The locking flange has a hook section ( 62 ) at a distal end such that when the locking member slides to a locking position, the hook section engages a proximate wall to lock the hinge members in the first position.

This application is a US National Stage of International Application No. PCT/CN2013/072632, filed on 14 Mar. 2013, designating the United States, and claiming priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 201210121152.8, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on Apr. 11, 2012 and entitled “Air interface security method and device”, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of network security among information security technologies, and particularly to an air interface security method and device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The ISO/IEC 14443 standard includes four parts, i.e., physical characteristics, radio frequency interface energy and signal interfaces, initialization and anti-collision, and transmission protocols, and also includes two patterns, i.e., Type A and Type B. This standard solves the technical problems in the communication field of passive (no power supply in a card) and non-contact, and has the feature of more rapid and convenient communication. At present the ISO/IEC 14443 Type A has been widely applied to mobile payment, channel control, charging in public transportation, checking work attendance, access control, etc., and the Type B has been primarily applied to the second generation of resident identity cards in P. R. China, both of which have very broad application prospects. The ISO/IEC 14443 standard relates to communication via an air interface without any physical or visual contact, and this feature enables it to be widely applied but at the same time causes it to face a variety of security threats. For example, an attacker may listen to or illegally intercept information exchanged between a proximity card and a proximity coupling device; falsify the legal proximity card by duplicating or counterfeiting it; read remotely confidential information in the proximity card through the proximity coupling device at high radio-frequency power and then decipher the information in the proximity card by using a backend server for the purpose of obtaining illegally the information, etc., and various attacks have been emerging all the time. Due to the absence of a security protection mechanism for the air interface in the ISO/IEC 14443 standard, increasing applications of various products using this standard have come with a growing number of insecurity accidents of various applicable cards, including counterfeiting, information wiretapping, tampering, etc., thus endangering personal property and also causing social turbulence to thereby degrade public security. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the numerous technical problems in the prior art, an embodiment of the invention provides an air interface security method including the following steps in the transmission protocol process: 1) a proximity coupling device transmitting a security parameter request message to a proximity card; 2) the proximity card feeding back security parameters to the proximity coupling device after receiving the security parameter request message; and 3) the proximity coupling device and the proximity card setting up a secure link between them according to the security parameters. An embodiment of the invention further provides a proximity coupling device implementing the method described above, where the proximity coupling device is capable of performing the transmission protocol process and includes: a transmission unit configured to transmit a security parameter request message to a proximity card; a reception unit configured to receive security parameters fed back from the proximity card; and a link setup unit configured to set up a secure link with the proximity card according to the security parameters. An embodiment of the invention further provides a proximity card implementing the method described above, where the proximity card is capable of performing the transmission protocol process and includes: a reception unit configured to receive a security parameter request message transmitted by a proximity coupling device; a transmission unit configured to feed back security parameters to the proximity coupling device; and a link setup unit configured to set up a secure link with the proximity coupling device according to the security parameters. Through the introduction of the security mechanisms, the invention provides the security protection capability of the air interface to thereby provide the proximity coupling device and the proximity card with the identity authentication function so as to ensure the legality and authenticity of identities of both sides in communication without bring any additional hardware overhead of the proximity coupling device and the proximity card. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS No drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the invention more apparent, the invention will be further described below in details with reference to particular embodiments and drawings. The exemplary embodiments of the invention and the description thereof herein are used to explain the invention but not intended to limit the invention. With an air interface security method of the invention, security mechanisms of security parameter negotiation, identity authentication, confidential communication, etc., are introduced to the transmission protocol to thereby enhance the security protection capability of the air interface of the transmission protocol. The implementation process of the air interface security method of the invention includes: Step 1, a proximity coupling device transmits a security parameter request message, for example, including message codes, to a proximity card; Step 2, the proximity card feeds back security parameters to the proximity coupling device after receiving the security parameter request message; and Step 3, the proximity coupling device and the proximity card set up a secure link between them according to the security parameters. A particular embodiment of the step 1 described above can be as follows: When the proximity coupling device and the proximity card perform the ISO/IEC 14443 transmission protocol process, the proximity coupling device transmits a Request for Answer To Select (RATS) including the security parameter request message to the proximity card to initiate the security parameter negotiation with the proximity card. A particular embodiment of the step 2 described above can be as follows: When the proximity coupling device and the proximity card perform the ISO/IEC 14443 transmission protocol process, the proximity card returns an Answer To Select (ATS) to the proximity coupling device after receiving the RATS of the proximity coupling device, where the ATS includes information on a support condition of the proximity card for an authentication mechanism, a cipher algorithm and other security parameters. The authentication mechanism includes but will not be limited to an authentication mechanism based on a pre-shared key or an authentication mechanism based on a certificate, and the cipher algorithm includes but will not be limited to a symmetric cipher algorithm or an asymmetric cipher algorithm. A particular embodiment of the step 3 described above can be as follows: After the proximity coupling device negotiates about the security parameters with the proximity card (that is, the security parameters are requested and fed back in the steps 1 and 2), both of them perform identity authentication in accordance with the authentication mechanism among the security parameters as a result of the negotiation, e.g., the authentication based on the pre-shared key or the authentication based on digital certificate. The secure link between the proximity coupling device and the proximity card is thus set up upon successful identity authentication. In another implementation, the step 3 can further include: The proximity coupling device can negotiate with the proximity card in the identity authentication to generate a session key so that the proximity coupling device and the proximity card can encrypt and transmit data by the session key for confidential communication. Alternatively the session key can be generated in another way such as a pre-distribution way, that is, the session key is distributed in advance to the proximity coupling device and the proximity card prior to the confidential communication. Before the step 1, the method can further include step 0, in which the proximity card notifies the proximity coupling device of its security capability, particularly as follows: Step 0, the proximity card notifies the proximity coupling device that the proximity card has the air interface security protection capability in communication initialization and anti-collision processes. A particular embodiment of the step 0 is as follows: Step 01, the proximity coupling device transmits a select command to the proximity card in ISO/IEC 14443 protocol initialization and anti-collision processes; and Step 02, the proximity card returns a response including information indicating that it supports the air interface security protection capability after receiving the select command transmitted by the proximity coupling device. A particular embodiment of the step 02 described above can be as follows: In the ISO/IEC 14443 protocol initialization and anti-collision processes, the proximity card transmits a Select AcKnowledge (SAK) to the proximity coupling device after receiving the select command transmitted by the proximity coupling device, where the SAK includes the information indicating that the proximity card supports the air interface security protection capability, and the information can be carried by newly adding a value to the original values of the SAK to notify the proximity coupling device selecting the proximity card that the proximity card has the air interface security protection capability. Particular embodiments of the step 1 and the step 2 described above can be as follows: In a first example, in the step 1 described above, when the proximity coupling device and the proximity card perform the ISO/IEC 14443 transmission protocol process, the proximity coupling device transmits the RATS including the security parameter request message to the proximity card, where the message includes all of authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity coupling device and all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity coupling device; and in the step 2 described above, after receiving the RATS, the proximity card firstly selects a combination of one of all the authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity coupling device and one of all the cipher algorithms supported by the proximity coupling device according to a local strategy, and then returns the ATS including the combination of the authentication mechanism and the cipher algorithm to the proximity coupling device. In a second example, in the step 1 described above, when the proximity coupling device and the proximity card perform the ISO/IEC 14443 transmission protocol process, the proximity coupling device transmits the RATS including the security parameter request message to the proximity card; and in the step 2 described above, the proximity card returns the ATS to the proximity coupling device after receiving the RATS, where the ATS includes all of authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity card and all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity card, so that the proximity coupling device can select a combination of one of all the authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity card and one of all the cipher algorithms supported by the proximity card as the security parameters as a result of negotiation with the proximity card according to its local strategy. In a third example, in the step 1 described above, when the proximity coupling device and the proximity card perform the ISO/IEC 14443 transmission protocol process, the proximity coupling device transmits the RATS including the security parameter request message to the proximity card; and in the step 2 described above, after receiving the RATS, the proximity card selects a combination of one of all of its supported authentication mechanisms and one of all of its supported cipher algorithms as the security parameters as a result of negotiation with the proximity coupling device, and returns the ATS including the selected combination to the proximity coupling device. In a fourth example, in the step 1 described above, when the proximity coupling device and the proximity card perform the ISO/IEC 14443 transmission protocol process, the proximity coupling device transmits the RATS including the security parameter request message to the proximity card, where the message includes a combination of one of all of authentication mechanisms and one of all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity coupling device, both of which are selected by the proximity coupling device; and in the step 2 described above, after receiving the RATS, the proximity card judges whether it supports the combination of the authentication mechanism and the cipher algorithm in the RATS according to the local strategy and returns the judgment result to the proximity coupling device via the ATS. The invention further provides a proximity coupling device for implementing the air interface security method described above. The proximity coupling device includes a first transmission unit, a first reception unit and a first link setup unit. The first transmission unit of the proximity coupling device is configured to transmit a security parameter request message to a proximity card, the first reception unit is configured to receive security parameters fed back from the proximity card, and the first link setup unit is configured to set up a secure link with the proximity card according to the security parameters. A particular embodiment of the proximity coupling device can be as follows: In the transmission protocol process of the ISO/IEC 14443 protocol performed by the proximity coupling device, the first transmission unit of the proximity coupling device transmits an RATS including the security parameter request message to the proximity card to initiate the security parameter negotiation with the proximity card; the first reception unit receives an ATS transmitted by the proximity card, where the ATS includes information on a support condition of the proximity card for an authentication mechanism, a cipher algorithm and other security parameters; and the first link setup unit performs identity authentication on the proximity card in accordance with the authentication mechanism among the negotiated security parameters after negotiating with the proximity card about the security parameters. The secure link between the proximity coupling device and the proximity card is thus set up upon successful identity authentication. In another embodiment, the first link setup unit of the proximity coupling device can further negotiate with the proximity card in the identity authentication to generate a session key so that the proximity coupling device and the proximity card can encrypt and transmit data by the session key for confidential communication. Alternatively the session key can be generated in another way such as a pre-distribution way, that is, the session key is distributed in advance to the first link setup unit of the proximity coupling device and the proximity card prior to the confidential communication. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the proximity coupling device can further receive the security capability of which the proximity card notifies the proximity coupling device, that is, the proximity coupling device receives the information indicating that the proximity card has the air interface security protection capability, of which the proximity card notifies the proximity coupling device, in communication initialization and anti-collision processes. In a preferred embodiment, during the ISO/IEC 14443 protocol initialization and anti-collision processes, the first transmission unit of the proximity coupling device transmits a select command to the proximity card; and the first reception unit receives information indicating that the proximity card supports the air interface security protection capability, of which the proximity card notifies the proximity coupling device, where the information can be included in the SAK transmitted by the proximity card and can be carried by newly adding a value to the original values of the SAK. Particular embodiments of the first transmission unit and the first reception unit of the proximity coupling device can be as follows: In a first example, the first transmission unit transmits the RATS including the security parameter request message to the proximity card, where the message includes all of authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity coupling device and all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity coupling device; and the first reception unit receives the ATS transmitted by the proximity card, where the ATS includes a combination of one of all the authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity coupling device and one of all the cipher algorithms supported by the proximity coupling device, both of which are selected by the proximity card according to its local strategy. In a second example, the first transmission unit transmits the RATS including the security parameter request message to the proximity card; and the first reception unit receives the ATS transmitted by the proximity card, where the ATS includes all of authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity card and all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity card, so that the first link setup unit of the proximity coupling device can select a combination of one of all the authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity card and one of all the cipher algorithms supported by the proximity card as the security parameters as a result of negotiation with the proximity card according to the local strategy of the proximity card. In a third example, the first transmission unit transmits the RATS including the security parameter request message to the proximity card; and the first reception unit receives the ATS transmitted by the proximity card, where the ATS includes a combination of one of all of authentication mechanisms and one of all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity card, both of which are selected by the proximity card, as the security parameters as a result of the negotiation of the proximity coupling device with the proximity card. In a fourth example, the first transmission unit transmits the RATS including the security parameter request message to the proximity card, where the message includes a combination of one of all of authentication mechanisms and one of all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity coupling device, both of which are selected by the first link setup unit; and the first reception unit receives the ATS transmitted by the proximity card, where the ATS includes a result of judging by the proximity card whether it supports the combination of the authentication mechanism and the cipher algorithm in the RATS according to its local strategy. The invention further provides a proximity card for implementing the air interface security method described above. The proximity card includes a second reception unit, a second transmission unit and a second link setup unit. The second reception unit of the proximity card is configured to receive a security parameter request message transmitted by a proximity coupling device, the second transmission unit is configured to feed back security parameters to the proximity coupling device, and the second link setup unit is configured to set up a secure link with the proximity coupling device according to the security parameters. A particular embodiment of the proximity card can be as follows: In the transmission protocol process of the ISO/IEC 14443 protocol performed by the proximity card, the second reception unit of the proximity card receives an RATS including the security parameter request message transmitted by the proximity coupling device to initiate the security parameter negotiation with the proximity card; the second transmission unit transmits an ATS to the proximity coupling device, where the ATS includes information on a support condition of the proximity card for an authentication mechanism, a cipher algorithm and other security parameters; and the second link setup unit performs identity authentication in accordance with the authentication mechanism among the negotiated security parameters after negotiating with the proximity coupling device about the security parameters. The secure link between the proximity coupling device and the proximity card is thus set up upon successful identity authentication. In another embodiment, the second link setup unit of the proximity card can further negotiate with the proximity coupling device in the identity authentication to generate a session key so that the proximity card and the proximity coupling device can encrypt and transmit data by the session key for confidential communication. Alternatively the session key can be generated in another way such as a pre-distribution way, that is, the session key is distributed in advance to the second link setup unit of the proximity card and the proximity coupling device prior to the confidential communication. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the proximity card can further notify the proximity coupling device of its security capability, that is, the proximity card notifies the proximity coupling device that it has the air interface security protection capability in communication initialization and anti-collision processes. In a preferred embodiment, in the ISO/IEC 14443 protocol initialization and anti-collision processes, the second reception unit of the proximity card receives a select command transmitted by the proximity coupling device; and the second transmission unit returns information indicating that the proximity card supports the air interface security protection capability to the proximity coupling device, where the information can be carried by newly adding a value to the original values of the SAK and transmitted to the proximity coupling device via the SAK to notify the proximity coupling device that the proximity card has the air interface security protection capability. Particular embodiments of the second transmission unit and the second reception unit of the proximity card can be as follows: In a first example, the second reception unit receives the RATS including the security parameter request message transmitted by the proximity coupling device, where the message includes all of authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity coupling device and all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity coupling device; and the second transmission unit returns the ATS to the proximity coupling device, where the ATS includes a combination of one of all the authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity coupling device and one of all the cipher algorithms supported by the proximity coupling device, both of which are selected by the second link setup unit according to the local strategy of the proximity card. In a second example, the second reception unit receives the RATS including the security parameter request message transmitted by the proximity coupling device; and the second transmission unit returns the ATS to the proximity coupling device, where the ATS includes all of authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity card and all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity card, so that the proximity coupling device can select a combination of one of all the authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity card and one of all the cipher algorithms supported by the proximity card as the security parameters as a result of the negotiation with the proximity card according to its local policy. In a third example, the second reception unit receives the RATS including the security parameter request message transmitted by the proximity coupling device; and the second transmission unit returns the ATS to the proximity coupling device, where the ATS includes a combination of one of all of authentication mechanisms supported by the proximity card and one of all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity card, both of which are selected by the second link setup unit as the security parameters as a result of the negotiation with the proximity coupling device. In a fourth example, the second reception unit receives the RATS including the security parameter request message transmitted by the proximity coupling device, where the message includes a combination of one of all of authentication mechanisms and one of all of cipher algorithms supported by the proximity coupling device, both of which are selected by the proximity coupling device; and the second transmission unit returns the ATS to the proximity coupling device, where the ATS includes a result of judging by the second link setup unit whether it supports the combination of the authentication mechanism and the cipher algorithm in the RATS according to the local strategy of the proximity card. Through the introduction of security capability notification, security parameter negotiation, identity authentication, confidential communication and other security mechanisms, the invention can enhance the security protection capability of the ISO/IEC 14443 air interface, and provide the proximity coupling device and the proximity card with the identity authentication function so as to ensure the legality and authenticity of the identities of both sides in communication, and can further provide the proximity coupling device and the proximity card with the confidential communication function as needed to thereby prevent communication data from being stolen, tampered or the like. Also the invention can well solve the problem of compatibility so that the air interface security ISO/IEC 14443 protocol can be fully compatible with the original ISO/IEC 14443 protocol, and the secure communication can be performed in the method of the invention only if both the proximity coupling device and the proximity card support the ISO/IEC 14443 protocol enhancing the security protection capability of the air interface. In another situation where only the proximity coupling device supports the ISO/IEC 14443 protocol with the security protection capability of the air interface, or only the proximity card supports the ISO/IEC 14443 protocol with the security protection capability of the air interface or the like, the proximity coupling device and the proximity card still use the original ISO/IEC 14443 protocol for communication. Moreover the ISO/IEC 14443 protocol enhancing the security protection capability of the air interface improves the system security without bring any additional hardware overhead of the proximity coupling device and the proximity card. The objects, technical solutions and advantageous effects of the invention have been further described in details in the particular embodiments described above. It should be appreciated that the foregoing disclosure is merely the particular embodiments of the invention but not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and any modifications, equivalent substitutions, adaptations, etc., made without departing from the sprit and the principle of the invention shall come into the scope of the invention.

Provided is an air interface security method. In the process of protocol transmission, the method executes: 1) a short-range coupling device sending a security parameter request message to a short-range card; 2) after receiving the security parameter request message, the short-range card conduct security parameter feedback on the short-range coupling device; and 3) the short-range coupling device and the short-range card establish a security link according to a security parameter. Provided are a short-range coupling device, a short-range card, etc. for achieving the method. By introducing a security mechanism, the present invention provides a security protection capability for an air interface, can provide identity authentication for a short-range coupling device and a short-range card to ensure the validity and authenticity of the identities of both sides in the communications, and at the same time, will not bring additional hardware overhead to the short-range coupling device and the short-range card.

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/347,060 filed on Jan. 10, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,715,460, issued May 6, 2014. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP); more specifically, it relates to an apparatus for removing a pad from a platen and a method for removing a pad from a platen. BACKGROUND CMP is a process by which a substrate is placed against a rotating polishing pad while abrasive slurry is applied to the pad in order to etch/polish the substrate flush. Because of the forces involved the pad is adhesively (but removeably) secured to the platen making removal difficult. Because of the large size of the pad and strength of the adhesive various pad removal tools have been proposed. However, they do not work on CMP tools having recessed platens, must be attached to the CMP tool or present difficulties in removing the pad from the pad removal tool. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to eliminate the deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove. SUMMARY A first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus, comprising: a barrel assembly having a clamp assembly fixedly attached to a perimeter of the barrel assembly; a rotatable handle assembly nested within the barrel assembly; and a ratchet assembly nested between the handle assembly and the barrel assembly, the ratchet assembly configured to engage the handle assembly. A second aspect of the present invention is a method of removing a pad that is adhesively secured to a platen from the platen, comprising: placing a pad removal tool on the pad, the pad removal tool comprising: a barrel assembly having a clamp assembly fixedly attached to a perimeter of the barrel assembly; a rotatable handle assembly nested within the barrel assembly; and a ratchet assembly nested between the rotatable handle assembly and the barrel assembly, the ratchet assembly configured to engage the rotatable handle assembly; aligning the clamp assembly, the barrel assembly, the ratchet assembly and the rotatable handle assembly along a line passing through a center of the pad; clamping an edge of the pad in the clamp assembly; using the handle and the ratchet assembly, applying a force in a direction parallel to the line to rotate the barrel assembly in the direction and to roll a less than whole portion of the polishing pad onto the barrel assembly; and completely removing the pad from the platen. These and other aspects of the invention are described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an apparatus for removing an adhesively secured pad according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an internal view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the various components of the apparatus in more detail; FIG. 3 is an internal side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating a first position of the ratchet mechanism; FIG. 4 is an internal side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating a second position of the ratchet mechanism; FIG. 5 is an internal side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating a third position of the ratchet mechanism; FIG. 6 is a top view of a CMP tool with the pad removal tool of FIG. 1 in a starting position; FIGS. 7A through 7G are side views illustrating the various steps in using the apparatus of FIG. 1 to remove a pad from a platen; FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the steps to remove a pad from a platen according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 9 is an internal view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an apparatus for removing an adhesively secured pad according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 , pad removal tool 100 includes a barrel assembly 101 , a handle assembly 102 , a ratchet assembly 103 and a clamp assembly 104 . Barrel assembly 101 includes a side plate 105 A and an opposite and similar side plate 105 B having major surfaces facing each other and fixedly connected by rods 110 , 115 , 120 , 125 and 130 . Handle assembly 102 includes an L-shaped arm 140 A and an opposite and similar L-shaped arm 140 B having major surfaces facing each other and fixedly connected by rods 145 and a handle 155 . Each L-shaped arm has a first member extending inside of barrel assembly 101 and a second member extending outside of barrel assembly 101 . Ratchet assembly 103 includes a ratchet plate 165 A and an opposite and similar ratchet plate having major surfaces facing each other and fixedly connected by rods 170 and 175 . Handle assembly 102 is nested within barrel assembly 101 and ratchet assembly 103 is nested within handle assembly 102 . Because rods 170 and 175 do not extend past ratchet plates 165 A and 165 B, arms 140 A and 140 B are free to move between ratchet assembly 103 and barrel assembly 101 . In one example, rods 110 , 115 , 120 , 125 , 130 , 145 , 170 and 175 are fabricated from stainless steel and side plates 105 A and 105 B, arms 140 A and 140 B, and ratchet sides 140 A and 140 B are fabricated from anodized aluminum reducing weight. In one example, clamp assembly 104 may be fabricated from commercially available locking pliers, such as Vise-Grip™ (i.e., model 8R) manufactured by Irwin Industrial Tool Company of Huntsville, N.C. FIG. 2 is an internal side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the various components of the apparatus in more detail. In FIG. 2 , side plate 105 A is attached to the aforementioned rods 110 , 115 , 120 , 125 and 130 and includes a stop pin 135 . Arm 140 A is attached to the aforementioned rod 145 and handle 155 and further includes a hole 150 through which rod 110 passes. Thus, arm 140 A is free to rotatable about rod 110 , but is stopped from 360° rotation by rod 130 on which arm 140 A is shown resting on. Ratchet plate 165 A is attached top the aforementioned rods 170 and 175 and includes a hole 180 through which rod 130 passes. Thus, ratchet plate 165 A is free to rotate about rod 130 , but is stopped from 360° rotation by rod 145 on which ratchet plate 165 A is shown resting on and by a pin 135 in side 105 A. Ratchet plate 165 A also includes a first notch 185 closet to hole 180 and a second notch 190 furthest from hole 180 . A hole 192 in ratchet plate 165 A allows connection of a spring 195 between ratchet plate 165 A and rod 125 . Spring acts to hold ratchet plate 165 A against rod 145 . An internal view toward side plate 105 B, arm 140 B and ratchet plate 165 B (see FIG. 1 ) would present a mirror image of FIG. 2 and include a second spring 195 . Turning to clamp assembly 104 of FIG. 2 , clamp assembly 104 includes a fixed jaw 200 fixedly attached to rod 115 and a movable jaw 205 rotatable about rod 115 . Movable jaw 205 is moved toward fixed jaw 200 by a handle 210 that is hinged to movable jaw 205 . An adjustment screw 215 in a handle 220 (that is also fixedly attached to rod 115 ) allows adjustment of the clamping force between fixed jaw 200 and movable jaw 205 . A lever 225 in handle 210 allows the clamping force to be released. FIG. 3 is an internal side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating a first position of the ratchet mechanism. FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 except the dashed lines have been removed and some of the reference numerals to more clearly show the interaction of handle assembly 102 with ratchet assembly 103 . It should be understood that the positions and movements of arm 140 A and ratchet plate 165 A are duplicated by 140 B and ratchet plate 165 B (not shown). In the first position, arm 140 A rests on rod 180 and a bottom edge of ratchet plate 165 A between first notch 185 and hole 180 rests against rod 145 . Moving handle assembly 102 in the direction indicated on arm 140 A will cause a corresponding force on rod 130 causing the entire pad removal tool 100 to rotate about rod 110 in the clockwise direction indicated on side plate 105 A. FIG. 4 is an internal view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating a second position of the ratchet mechanism. In FIG. 4 , handle assembly 102 was rotated counter-clockwise about rod 110 while holding barrel assembly 101 in the same position as in FIG. 3 (i.e., while not rotating the barrel assembly) until rod 145 engages first notch 185 in ratchet plate 165 A. Ratchet plate 165 A has also rotated about rod 130 while arm 140 A was rotated. Moving handle assembly 102 in the direction indicated on arm 140 A will cause a corresponding force on rod 145 which is transmitted to rod 130 through ratchet plate 165 A causing the entire pad removal tool 100 to rotate about rod 110 in the clockwise direction indicated on side plate 105 A. FIG. 5 is an internal side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating a third position of the ratchet mechanism. In FIG. 5 , handle assembly 102 was rotated counter-clockwise about rod 110 while holding barrel assembly 101 in the same position as in FIG. 4 (i.e., while not rotating the barrel assembly) until rod 145 engages second notch 190 in ratchet plate 165 A. (Note the entire FIG. 5 has been rotated to fit on the drawing sheet.) Ratchet plate 165 A has also rotated about rod 130 while arm 140 A was rotated. Moving handle assembly 102 in the direction indicated on arm 140 A will cause a corresponding force on rod 145 which is transmitted to rod 130 through ratchet plate 165 A causing the entire pad removal tool 100 to rotate about rod 110 in the clockwise direction indicated on side plate 105 A. FIG. 6 is a top view of a CMP tool 250 with the pad removal tool of FIG. 1 in a starting position. In FIG. 6 , a CMP tool 250 includes a raised deck 255 around a well 260 with a platen 265 or polishing well positioned therein. Platen 265 can rotate around a center axis. CMP tool 250 also includes a polishing head 270 suspended from a moveable arm assembly 275 for holding and rotating circular wafers (the substrate used in semiconductor processing) that are pressed into a polishing pad 280 that is adhesively secured to platen 265 . CMP tool 250 also includes means (not shown) for dispensing a chemical etchant and abrasive slurry onto polishing pad 280 . CMP tool 250 may also includes means (not shown) for dispensing rinse solution onto polishing pad 280 . In FIG. 6 , arm assembly 275 is rotated out of the way preparatory to removing polishing pad 280 . Pad removal tool 100 is placed centered along an axis 285 that passes through the center of platen 265 so as to eliminate or minimize rotational force on platen 265 during the pad removal process. The pad is to be removed in the direction indicated by the arrow. Polishing pad 280 has a diameter PD. Pad removal tool 100 had a diameter D and a width W. It is preferred that W be selected to be wide enough to provide a stable footing (not easily tilted side to side) for barrel assembly 101 and yet be narrow enough to allow clamp assembly to be close (with a couple of inches) of the edge of polishing pad 280 (see FIG. 7A ). It is preferred that W be selected to be large enough to have most of the removed pad wrapped around barrel assembly 101 after removal without the pad overlapping itself, yet be small enough to leave as little pad still attached to the platen as possible (see FIG. 7E ). In one example, the ratio of W/PD is between about 0.20 and about 0.30 with about 0.25 preferred. In one example, the ratio of D/PD is between about 0.4 and about 0.6 with about 0.5 preferred. For polishing pads intended to CMP 200 mm diameter wafers PD is about 22 inches, making D about 10 inches and W about 5 inches. For polishing pads intended to CMP 300 mm diameter wafers PD is about 30 inches, making D about 15 inches and W about 7.5 inches. FIGS. 7A through 7G are side views illustrating the various steps in using the apparatus of FIG. 1 to remove a pad from a platen. The term “manually” is defined as a person using their hands to place the pad removal tool on the polishing pad, to grasp the polishing pad, to clamp the polishing pad, to apply a force to the handle of the pad removal tool by pulling or pushing on the handle of the pad removal tool, and to remove the pad removal tool from the CMP tool. In FIG. 7A , an edge of polishing pad 280 has been pulled up manually (about 10% of the total pad area) and manually clamped into clamp assembly 104 . Pad removal tool 100 is internally set as illustrated in FIG. 2 and handle assembling 102 is manually pulled clockwise to rotate barrel assembly 101 in the clockwise direction. This results in the orientation of pad 280 and pad removal tool 100 shown in FIG. 7B . In FIG. 7B , about a 35% of the total pad area of polishing pad 280 has been pulled from platen 265 and wrapped on barrel 101 by manually pulling on handle 155 (see FIG. 1 ) of arm assembly 102 . Pulling of arm assembly 102 has stopped prior to the arm assembly hitting polishing pad 265 . Arm assembly 102 is then rotated counterclockwise to internally set pad removal tool 100 as illustrated in FIG. 4 (rod 145 is engaged in notch 185 ) by manually pushing on handle 155 (see FIG. 1 ) of handle assembly 101 . This results in the orientation of pad 280 and pad removal tool 100 shown in FIG. 7C . In FIG. 7C , handle assembly 102 is again manually pulled in the clockwise direction resulting in the orientation of pad 280 and pad removal tool 100 shown in FIG. 7D . In FIG. 7D , about 60% of the total area of polishing pad 280 has been pulled from platen 265 and wrapped on barrel 101 . Pulling of arm assembly 102 has stopped prior to the arm assembly hitting polishing pad 265 . Arm assembly 102 is then rotated counterclockwise to internally set pad removal tool 100 as illustrated in FIG. 5 (rod 145 is engaged in notch 190 ) by again manually pushing on handle 155 (see FIG. 1 ) of the handle assembly. This results in the orientation of pad 280 and pad removal tool 100 shown in FIG. 7E . In FIG. 7E , handle assembly 102 is again manually pulled in the clockwise direction resulting in the orientation of pad 280 and pad removal tool 100 shown in FIG. 7F . In FIG. 7F , at least about 80% of the total area of polishing pad 280 has been pulled from platen 265 and wrapped on barrel 101 . Pulling of arm assembly 102 has stopped prior to the arm assembly hitting polishing pad 265 . The area of polishing pad 280 still attached to platen 265 is small enough to complete removal by simply manually lifting pad removal tool 100 and the attached polishing pad away from CMP tool 255 as illustrated in FIG. 7G . Alternatively, the pad may be unclamped, the pad removal tool removed, and the pad removed manually. Note, in FIG. 7G , polishing pad 280 is not completely wrapped around barrel assembly 101 and not wrapped around itself, making removal of polishing pad 280 from pad removal tool 100 easy. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the steps to remove a pad from a platen according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 300 , an operator raises the edge of the polishing pad from the platen and places the pad removal tool of the present invention placed on the polishing pad as illustrated in FIG. 6 . In step 305 , the operator clamps the pulled up edge of the polishing pad to the pad removal tool using the clamp assembly as in FIG. 7A . Internally, the ratchet assembly is set as in FIG. 3 . In step 310 , the operator rotates the barrel assembly in a first direction using the arm assembly as in FIG. 7B . In step 315 , the operator rotates the arm assembly in a second direction opposite to the first direction as in FIG. 7C to set the ratchet assembly as in FIG. 4 . In step 320 , the operator rotates the barrel assembly in the first direction using the arm assembly as in FIG. 7D . In step 325 , the operator rotates the arm assembly in the second direction as in FIG. 7E to set the ratchet assembly as in FIG. 5 . In step 330 , the operator rotates the barrel assembly in the first direction using the arm assembly as in FIG. 7E . In step 335 , the operator lifts the pad removal tool from the polishing tool thus removing the remainder of the polishing pad from the plate as in FIG. 7G . Then the polishing pad is removed from the pad removal tool by releasing the clamp assembly. FIG. 9 is an internal view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9 , a pad removal tool 100 A is similar to pad removal tool 100 of FIG. 2 except a barrel assembly 101 A includes oval (oval is defined to include elliptical) side plate 105 AA and an opposite oval side plate 105 BA (not shown). Rod 110 attaches the geometric center of side plate 105 AA to the geometric center of side plate 105 BA (not shown). Side plate 105 AA has a major axis 350 and a minor axis 355 . The width of side plate 105 AA is greater along axis 350 then along axis 355 . In a second alternative embodiment, side plate 105 AA is rotated 90° without rotating any other elements of FIG. 9 so the positions of the major and minor axes are exchanged. While the ratchet assembly has been illustrated having three positions (and two notches), the ratchet assembly may have more than three positions (and more than two notches). The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

A method and apparatus for removing a pad adhesively secured to a platen. The apparatus includes a barrel assembly having a clamp assembly fixedly attached to a perimeter of the barrel assembly; a rotatable handle assembly nested within the barrel assembly; and a ratchet assembly nested between the handle assemble and the barrel assembly the ratchet assembly configured to engage the rotatable handle assembly.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a hydraulically damped drive train mount, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a mount housing, in which an elastic mount body is disposed to be displaceable. The elastic mount body at least partially encloses a first fluid chamber and has a fluid-filled equalization chamber sealed by a sealing element that can be displaced in the mount housing. A membrane disposed in the mount housing separates the first fluid chamber from the equalization chamber. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION DE 40 21 039 C2 describes a hydraulically damping drive train mount having a working chamber or first fluid chamber disposed on top, and an equalization chamber or second fluid chamber disposed below. The working chamber is enclosed by a suspension spring that receives the weight of the drive unit. The two chambers are separated from one another by a wall having an annular channel. The hydraulic fluid can overflow from the working chamber into the equalization chamber by the annular channel when the drive train mount is pressurized. Conversely, the hydraulic fluid can flow back when the load is removed from the drive train mount. In addition to the internal friction of the suspension spring, a hydraulic damping of the drive train mount is also achieved in this manner. In particular, the annular channel can be designed in such a way that a vibration of the fluid column in the annular channel develops, which vibration is specifically adjusted to a specific low-frequency vibration of the drive unit. In this range of maximum damping, the fluid column moving back and forth in the annular channel behaves like a hydraulic absorber. The vertical vibrations of the drive unit generated by the roadway are to be counteracted by the natural frequency of the drive unit. The hydraulic damping of a drive train mount of this kind cannot be modified and cannot deal with all dynamic driving conditions and accelerations of the drive train to be mounted resulting therefrom. DE 41 21 939 A1 shows and describes a drive train mount, in which an annular mount body made of an elastomer material assumes the static load-bearing function of the drive train mount. A second rubber-elastic mount body is integrated in the annular mount body, which mount body in turn works together with a mount core. The drive train mount thereby has a hydraulic damping function and a switchable, hydraulic absorber system. EP 1 580 452 A1 describes a hydraulically damped drive train mount for motor vehicles having at least one first fluid chamber filled with hydraulic fluid and having at least one gas-filled equalization chamber. The drive train mount has a mount core that can be connected to the drive train that is to be mounted, such as an internal combustion engine. The mount core is housed in a body-mounted, cup-shaped mount housing. The drive train mount additionally has two functionally separated rubber-elastic mount bodies, to which the first fluid chamber and the equalization chamber are connected and divided by a nozzle body. The first fluid chamber faces away from the mount bodies or is separated by the nozzle body, respectively, and is pressurized with pressure from a pressurizing medium source or an unpressurized return line in defined frequencies. The drive train mount has numerous components that possess predetermined elastic properties and due to the structure thereof, in particular when using a throttle in the form of the nozzle body functioning as a damping element, that drive train mount is relatively slow in its response behavior, which response behavior may lead to deviations in the control response. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide an improved hydraulically damped drive train mount having low deviation in its control behavior with a large variance in the spring stiffness. This object is basically achieved by a hydraulically damped drive train mount where the pressure in the equalization chamber can be adjusted by the sealing element formed as an axially displaceable piston. A very direct acting control element that can create fine pressure differences is provided in the drive train mount on the one hand, and on the other hand a possibility is created for the membrane that delimits the first fluid chamber from the equalization chamber to be able to bend and roll accordingly to temporarily allow a high degree of spring stiffness in the entire drive train mount. Due to this structural feature, higher loads can be temporarily absorbed than in known drive train mounts. The installation space of the drive train mount is not increased thereby, and the production cost for the drive train mount is low. Unlike the prior art, an increase in the control accuracy and an improvement in the response sensitivity can be achieved by displacing the piston in the equalization chamber as a control element for the pressure control. Depending on the fill level in the equalization chamber, the piston crown of the piston can serve as a supporting surface for the membrane or for an annular bead of the membrane, so that in addition, the static properties of the drive train mount are improved. The piston itself is preferably not moved mechanically, but rather hydraulically. A second fluid chamber is disposed on the rear side of the piston crown, which can be pressurized by a pressurized fluid (liquid) or gaseous fluid. The first fluid chamber is preferably filled with a mixture of water and glycol. The equalization chamber is filled with a low-viscosity hydraulic oil, which oil is available on the market under the brand name Pentosin®. The mixture of water and glycol can, for example, be composed in the manner of a frost-protecting coolant and may have an ethylene-glycol component comprising 30 to 50% of the total quantity of fluid such that it is readily possible to operate the drive train mount at temperatures as low as −35° C. The elastomer materials used in the drive train mount are not affected thereby. The rubber swelling, as well, falls in a range similar to that when water is used. Preferably, the fluid that places a load on the piston to the equalization chamber is preloaded or pressurized in the second fluid chamber by a pressure transmitter. A pressure transmitter or pressure transformer is used especially in the case that supply or control pressures are to be reduced proportionally. In so doing, the pressure generated by the pressure transmitter is regulated at a fixed, constant ratio to the supplied pressure. For this purpose, the differential piston of the pressure transmitter is disposed in such a way, relative to the second fluid chamber, that the larger surface of the piston is directed towards the second fluid chamber. The fluid pressure for pressurizing the second fluid chamber and for moving the piston is provided by a pressurizing medium source, which comprises a pump and a pressure accumulator. A pressure-control valve controls the pressurization of the second fluid chamber with pressure or the outflow of fluid in an unpressurized return line in definable frequencies. It can be actuated electrically and is preferably controlled by digital circuitry. Here, the smoothing low-pass action of an inductor such as a solenoid coil known from control engineering can be used. By controlling the solenoid coil of a pressure-control valve of this kind can result in a pre-definable, very finely adjustable force on the armature of the valve and on the control piston. Thus, by applying this principle, the position of the control piston in the pressure-control valve, which is directly related to the armature position, can be finely controlled. The solenoid coil of the pressure-control valve can be controlled with digital circuitry, such as a microcomputer, which in turn may be part of an electronic control unit ECU of a motor vehicle. The control unit can measure the accelerations at the drive train mounted by the drive train mount and at the body of the motor vehicle by sensors, and actively counteract the movement and vibration in the drive train through appropriate pressure control by the pressure-control valve with a very fine resolution. This arrangement can reduce vibration in the body of a motor vehicle and increase driving comfort. To control the solenoid coil of the pressure-control valve, the control unit or the microcomputer generates a pulse-width modulated digital signal. The pulse-width modulation, abbreviated as PWM, is also referred to as pulse-duration modulation (PDM). According to the invention, a stop valve is provided between the drive train mount and in particular between the pressure transmitter and the pressure-control valve. In the event of any malfunction in the pressure control of the second fluid chamber or in the event of a failure of the power supply to the pressure-control valve, the current fill level in the second fluid chamber can then be retained. The pressure of the pressurizing medium source can be adjusted by a pressure control valve. To achieve a modular, simple structure of the drive train mount, advantageously the mount housing of the drive train mount is divided into multiple, individual segments, in particular in an annular shape. Advantageously a first segment can be rigidly connected with the elastic mount body. A second segment can preferably serve, on the one hand, to secure a membrane between the first and the second segment forming a seal, and on the other hand, to create an annular casing for the equalization chamber. The piston for the pressurization of the equalization chamber can be disposed in a third segment such that it is axially displaceable. The third segment can directly form a cylinder for the piston. In a fourth segment of the mount housing, the pressure transmitter or a piston that pressurizes the second fluid chamber can be housed, which piston, together with the piston that pressurizes the equalization chamber, forms the actual pressure transmitter. Similarly, the pressure-control valve can be disposed in the fourth segment. The segments of the mount housing can be assembled in a positive locking and releasable manner. Thus, threaded fasteners can be screwed through the respective casing of the first and third segments and can hold the segments disposed therebetween together in the manner of stud bolts. Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings that form a part of this disclosure: FIG. 1 is a schematic side view in section of a hydraulically damped drive train mount according to an exemplary embodiment the invention; FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a control system for the hydraulically damped drive train mount according to FIG. 1 ; and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hydraulically damped drive train mount according to FIG. 1 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section, not to scale, of a hydraulically damped drive train mount 1 for the active mounting of a drive train 17 as an internal combustion engine, not shown in greater detail, in a chassis of a motor vehicle. The drive train mount 1 has a cupular mount housing 2 with an annular cross section. A mount body 3 made of an elastomer material is disposed on the upper surface of mount housing shown in FIG. 1 from the perspective of the viewer, wherein the mount body 3 forms a ring having a double-T-shaped cross section. The mount body 3 is connected to a first annular segment 22 of the mount housing 2 by vulcanization in a manner that forms a seal and projects over the first segment 22 at the upper edge thereof with a protruding ridge. A sleeve-shaped mount core 25 is vulcanized centrally in the mount body 2 , from which a stud bolt 26 extends axially from the mount housing 2 upward. The stud bolt 26 serves, among other things, to connect the drive train mount 1 to the drive train 17 being mounted, for example in the form of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, which is shown only schematically in FIG. 1 . The radial edge of a membrane 7 is inserted into a circumferential groove 27 on a side of the segment 22 of the mount housing 2 that faces the ridge of the mount body 3 . The membrane 7 and the cross-sectional shape of the mount body 3 form a first fluid chamber 4 , which first fluid chamber is filled with an incompressible mixture of water and glycol. The membrane 7 itself has an annular bead 9 in the region of the annular mount body 3 , which bead protrudes axially away from the first fluid chamber 4 . The membrane 7 is disposed in the axial region of a second annular segment 22 ′ of the mount housing 2 , wherein the second segment 22 ′ encompasses approximately half of the outside of the lower half of the first segment 22 from below, so that the first segment 22 can be inserted into the second segment 22 ′ from above. A thickening of the wall, which is radially directed towards the inside of the mount housing 2 , is provided on the second segment 22 ′ in the region of the radial edge of the membrane 7 as a stop for the first segment 22 . A radial edge on the second segment 22 ′, in turn, protrudes in part over a third segment 22 ″ of the mount housing 2 , which is also annular. An O-Ring 28 as well as additional sealants, if necessary, are inserted in an annular groove on the outer circumference of the third segment 22 ″ in the area of overlap of the two segments to create a seal. The third segment 22 ″ of the mount housing 2 is formed as a cylinder for a piston 8 that is displaceable therein. The piston 8 has approximately the same cross sectional area as the mount body 3 . The piston 8 forms a sealing element 5 , which seals an equalization chamber 6 that lies between the membrane 7 and the piston 8 in the axial direction of the drive train mount 1 . When viewed in terms of its inner pressure, the equalization chamber 6 can thus be modified by the displacement of the piston 8 . The equalization chamber 6 is preferably filled with a low-viscosity hydraulic oil, in particular with Pentosin®. The annular bead 9 of the membrane 7 can move in the direction of the piston 8 in the case of any load peaks in the form of pressure applied to the mount body 3 . Thus, higher loads and vibration amplitudes that emanate from the drive train 17 to be mounted, as is known in the prior art, can thereby be absorbed by the drive train mount 1 . A fourth segment 22 ′″ of the mount housing 2 is formed as the base of the drive train mount 1 and has a cylindrical mating component 29 that protrudes axially downward to fix the drive train mount 1 to parts of a motor vehicle chassis, not shown in greater detail here. A cylindrical bore 30 is introduced in the center of the fourth segment 22 ′″ that serves as a guide for an additional pressure piston, in particular in the form of a high-pressure piston 13 . The high-pressure piston 13 can be displaced in the same direction as the piston 8 and is coupled with the piston 8 by a positive locking releasable, sealing connection. A pin 31 extends from the piston crown of the piston 8 . A lock washer 32 is inserted into a circumferential groove 33 of the pin 31 for the positive releasable, sealing connection. Diametrically opposed to the lock washer 32 , a sealing element formed as an O-ring 34 is inserted in an annular groove on an axial face 35 of the piston 13 and thereby seals the equalization chamber 6 . An additional seal 34 ′ is disposed on the high-pressure side of the arrangement between the chamber 11 and the chamber 45 on the outer circumference of the piston 13 . Pressure can be applied to the high-pressure piston 13 on the rear side thereof in the fourth segment 22 ′″ by a fluid 10 , in particular in the form of a hydraulic oil, by a pressurizing medium source 14 . Thus, the piston 8 , together with the high-pressure piston 13 , forms a kind of pressure transmitter 12 . A second fluid chamber 11 on the rear side of the high-pressure piston 13 can be connected to the pressurizing medium source 14 by a line 36 that passes radially through the fourth segment 22 ′″ of the mount housing 2 . All four segments 22 , 22 ′, 22 ″ and 22 ′″ of the mount housing 2 are connected to one another by a positive locking releasable connection using three threaded fasteners 24 (c.f. also FIG. 3 ). As the circuit diagram according to FIG. 2 shows, the pressurizing medium source 14 comprises in particular a pressurizing medium pump 19 that conveys pressurizing medium from a pressurizing medium container 37 (tank) to a pressure-control valve 15 for the respective drive train mount 1 , and to an accumulator block 38 together with a pressure accumulator 20 . A pressure-control valve 15 is allocated to each drive train mount 1 . The accumulator block 38 can be disconnected from the pressurizing medium pump 19 by a check valve 39 and has an electric drive for the filling of the pressure accumulator 20 and the pressurization of the drive train mounts 1 . A stop valve 18 is provided between each pressure-control valve 15 and the respective high-pressure piston 13 . The stop valve 18 is formed in particular as an electrically controlled 2/2-way valve and serves to block the fluid-conducting connection from the pressurizing medium pump 19 to the high-pressure piston 13 of each drive train mount 1 , for example in the event of a power failure or in the event that the drive train 17 being mounted is taken out of operation. An unpressurized return-flow line 40 is directed from each pressure-control valve 15 to the pressurizing medium container 37 . Thus, during operation, each pressure-control valve 15 alternatively connects a pressurized flow line 36 or the respective return-flow line 40 to the rear side of the high-pressure piston 13 and in this respect, to the second fluid chamber 11 . The delivery pressure of the pressurizing medium pump 19 can be adjusted in a conventional manner by a pressure control valve 21 . Each pressure-control valve 15 of each drive train mount 1 , shown FIG. 2 and supplied by a common pressurizing medium source 14 , is preferably formed as a pulse-width modulated, electrically controlled 3/2-way valve or pressure-reducing valve. Digital circuitry 16 , which can be part of a microcomputer of the motor vehicle, thereby provides a pulse-width modulated digital signal, which generates a very finely adjustable force on a magnetic armature (not shown) of the respective pressure-control valve 15 . The Position of a control piston of the pressure-control valve 15 is thus directly dependent on the respective position of the armature. The fact that a pressure transmitter 12 is formed in the drive train mount 1 , which controls the pressure on the equalization chamber 6 and the pressure that is thereby propagated in the first fluid chamber 4 permits controlling the drive train mount 1 very directly and in this way, applying very high thrust and/or pressure forces to the mount body 3 and the drive train 17 . Operating data from the internal combustion engine, such as the engine speed, accelerations in all axes of the drive train 17 and accelerations by the motor vehicle frame are supplied to the digital circuitry 16 . The respective pressure-control valve 15 can be individually controlled by an amplifier stage. The digital circuitry 16 may contain a control strategy to the extent that the pressure control in the second fluid chamber 11 is effected in such a way that a vibration reduction of the body of the motor vehicle and therefore a significantly increased driving comfort of the motor vehicle is achieved. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the drive train mount 1 in a compact design, in particular made possible by the fact that the pressure-control valve 15 as well as the stop valve 18 are integrated as part of the drive train mount 1 . The valves 15 , 18 of that sort are screwed into the fourth segment 22 ′″ of the mount housing 2 in the manner of a cartridge solution. Various filling ports can be seen on the outside of the mount housing 2 . Thus, a filling port 42 is provided for the Pentosin® in the equalization chamber 6 , as well as a filling port 43 that flows into the wall of the second segment 22 ′ for the mixed solution of water and glycol, which solution is received from the first fluid chamber 4 . In addition, an air vent 44 for the rear piston chamber 45 of the piston 8 can be seen. While one embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

A hydraulically drive train mount ( 1 ), in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a mount housing ( 2 ) in which an elastic mount body ( 3 ) is arranged in a partially movable manner. The elastic mount body at least partially encloses a first fluid chamber ( 4 ) and has a fluid-filled equalization chamber ( 6 ) sealed by a sealing element ( 5 ) that can be moved in the mount housing ( 2 ). A membrane ( 7 ) arranged in the mount housing ( 2 ) separates the first fluid chamber ( 4 ) from the equalization chamber ( 6 ). The pressure in the equalization chamber ( 6 ) can be adjusted by the sealing element ( 5 ) that is formed as an axially movable piston ( 8 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to dampers such as vehicle suspension shock absorbers, struts and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to a common hub design for piston and base valve arrangements enabling a more modular damper. [0002] Dampers such as shock absorbers and struts are used in vehicles to absorb inputs from the roadway to provide a desirable vehicle ride. Typically, vehicle dampers employ a piston that moves through a cylinder having hydraulic fluid. The fluid flows through fluid passageways and valves in the piston, which absorbs the roadway inputs in the form of heat. One common type of piston valve assembly uses deflection discs on either side of the piston. The deflection discs at least partially block the fluid passages in the piston to regulate the fluid flow rate through the passages during the compression and rebound strokes of the damper. [0003] The piston and deflection discs are secured in abutment with one another by the piston rod and nut. The rod includes a shoulder with a neck extending from the shoulder to support the piston and deflection discs. An end of the neck is threaded to receive the nut. The nut is tightened onto the rod to a predetermined torque so that the deflection discs are held securely against the piston. The damping characteristics of the damper are adversely affected if the deflection discs are not properly loaded against the piston. The load on the deflection discs may decrease even after the predetermined torque has successfully been achieved and the damper has passed the final test. Base valves in dampers may experience the same problem. Therefore what is needed is a damper design that provides more consistent loading of the damper valve bodies. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES [0004] One example of the present invention provides a piston valve assembly for a damper comprising a piston having a central hole and a fluid passageway spaced from the hole. A deflection disc having a central aperture is aligned with the hole. The deflection disc is arranged adjacent to the piston and at least partially blocks the fluid passageway for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid between the fluid chambers when installed in the damper. A hub arranged between the rod and piston includes a neck that is arranged in the hole and the aperture of the deflection disc. However, the inventive clamping arrangement may also use a rod directly supporting the piston. A retainer abuts an unthreaded outer surface of the hub. Said another way, a line parallel to a hub axis extends along the outer surface and lies in a plane tangential to the outer surface. In one example embodiment, the outer surface is cylindrical in shape having a smooth surface. During assembly, the retainer is received on the cylindrical outer surface in a slip fit relation. The retainer is secured to the outer surface by a securing material such as a weld bead. The same configuration maybe used for a base valve. [0005] The inventive piston valve assembly is manufactured using an inventive method of manufacturing. In one example, the method of manufacturing comprises the steps of providing a hub and installing a deflection disc and piston on the hub. Of course, multiple deflection discs using various configurations may be arranged on either side of the piston. Furthermore, valve components other than deflection discs, such as wire spring biased valves, may be used. The deflection disc and pistons are loaded to a predetermined clamp load. A retainer is placed on the hub in a slip fit relationship thereto and secured to the hub while the deflection disc and pistons are maintained under the predetermined clamp load. The retainer is secured to the hub, for example, by welding. [0006] Accordingly, the above mentioned provides a damper design that provides consistent loading of the damper valve bodies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] Other advantages of the present invention can be understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: [0008] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a fully assembled damper manufactured according an inventive manufacturing process for the inventive piston valve assembly; [0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an inventive piston valve assembly including a common inventive hub; [0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inventive piston valve assembly having a floating compression deflection disc and a fixed rebound deflection disc; [0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inventive piston valve assembly having fixed compression and rebound deflection discs with a fixed stop on the compression side and a spring loaded biasing member on the rebound side; [0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a base valve for a twin tube shock absorber using the inventive clamping arrangement; [0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a base valve using the inventive clamping arrangement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0014] A twin tube shock absorber 2 is shown in FIG. 1 . The shock absorber 2 schematically depicts a cylinder head 3 at one end slidingly receiving a rod 4 , as is well known in the art. An end of the rod 4 is secured to the inventive piston valve assembly 10 , which is arranged in a fluid chamber 6 . During a compression stroke, the piston valve assembly 10 moves towards a base valve 8 , which regulates the flow of fluid from the fluid chamber 6 to an outer chamber 7 . As will be appreciated from the description below, the piston assembly 10 and base valve 8 incorporate an inventive hub 12 , which is shown in FIGS. 2-6 . [0015] A piston valve assembly 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2 . The assembly 10 may be used in a monotube or a twin tube shock absorber. The assembly 10 includes a hub 12 that is designed to be used with different sized pistons and deflection discs to facilitate a more modular damper assembly. However, it should be understood that the inventive clamping arrangement may also be used directly with a rod. The hub 12 includes a first end 14 that is adapted to receive a piston rod. The first end 14 includes a shoulder 16 and a neck 18 extending from the shoulder 16 to a second end 20 . [0016] A piston 22 having a hole 24 is installed onto a longitudinal member such as the hub 12 , in the example showing or the rod 4 , with the neck 18 received in the hole 24 . The neck 18 has a generally uniform cylindrical circumference along its length. The piston 22 includes an outer circumference 26 that engages the inner wall of the damper cylinder, as is well known in the art, when the damper is assembled. [0017] The piston 22 includes one or more fluid passages 28 extending between compression 30 and rebound 32 sides of the piston 22 . One or more compression deflection discs 34 are arranged on the rebound side 32 of the piston, and one or more rebound deflection disc 36 are arranged on the compression side 30 of the piston 22 . The discs 34 and 36 include a central aperture that receives the neck 18 . The discs 34 and 36 regulate the fluid flow through the fluid passages 28 to provide a desired damping characteristic as the piston valve assembly 10 moves through the fluid chambers and the damper. The discs 34 and 36 deflect upward and away from the sides 32 and 30 as the fluid within the fluid passage 28 exerts pressure on the discs 34 and 36 , as is well known in the art. If the discs 34 and 36 are not firmly retained against the piston 22 , the discs 34 and 36 will open under lower pressures resulting in undesired damping characteristics. [0018] The neck 18 includes an outer surface 40 at the end 20 . The surface 40 is preferably smooth, cylindrical, and unthreaded. The end 20 may have a shape different than the rest of the neck 18 , if desired. The surface 40 may also have a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The surface 40 has a line extending along a length parallel to a hub axis A. The line lies in a plane tangential to the outer surface. A retainer 38 includes a portion having a generally cylindrical inner surface 42 that is received in a slip fit relationship on the outer surface 40 of the neck 18 . The slip fit relationship enables the retainer 38 to be moved axially along the surface 40 during loading, as described below. To achieve the slip fit relationship, for example, in the case of a cylinder the smallest diameter along the inner surface 42 is greater than the largest diameter along the outer surface 40 so that the retainer 38 can slide along the neck 18 . However, this should not be construed to exclude a configuration in which there is a slight interference fit. [0019] The piston 22 and retainer 38 are loaded to a predetermined clamp load L to force the discs 34 and 36 firmly into abutment with the piston 22 , shoulder 16 and retainer 38 , in the example shown. As one of ordinary skill will appreciate, it is preferred to have a slip fit relationship between the retainer 38 and neck 18 so that the predetermined clamp load L may be more easily determined. A slight interference fit, while permissible is not as preferred, because the predetermined clamp load L is more difficult to determine since some of the applied load is used to overcome the interference fit, which may vary from one assembly to the next. While the assembly 10 is maintained under a predetermined clamp load L, a securing material 44 is used to secure the retainer 38 to the neck 18 . The securing material 44 is a material separate from that of hub 12 or retainer 38 , such as a weld bead, in the example shown. At this point in the piston valve assembly manufacturing process, a completed sub-assembly is provided. [0020] Different size piston rods may be installed onto the assembly 10 . The hub 12 includes a collar 46 extending from the shoulder 16 . The collar 46 includes an inside surface 48 and an outside surface 50 . A solid rod 52 , for example 12 mm in diameter, may be received in the collar 46 in close fitting relationship to the inside surface 48 . The rod 52 may be impulse welded to the inside surface 48 forming a weld bead 54 . The rod 52 may also be laser welded forming a weld bead 56 about the circumference of the rod 52 where it meets the collar 46 to form a seal past which fluid will not leak. Alternatively, the hub 12 may be eliminated and the rod 52 may be used to directly support the piston 22 and deflection discs 34 , 36 . For this type of configuration, the rod 52 provides the shoulder and the end having the surface to which the retainer 38 is attached. [0021] As will be appreciated from the description of FIGS. 3-6 , the inventive common hub 12 may be used in any number of configurations of piston valve assemblies 10 or base valves 8 . Referring to FIG. 3 , a floating-fixed disc arrangement is shown in which the compression side discs 34 are permitted in their entirety to move axially along the axis provided by the hub 12 or float. A spring retainer 60 supporting an end of a spring 62 is received on the neck 18 and is in an abutting engagement with the shoulder 16 . The spring 62 biases the compression deflection disc 34 into engagement with the piston 22 . The spring retainer 60 also acts as a guide upon which the deflection discs 34 may move axially relative thereto. The rebound side has a fixed disc configuration. Specifically, the rebound discs 36 are captured between a guide 72 such that the deflection discs 36 are axially fixed at the inner periphery. The inventive clamping arrangement is first used for the assembly shown in FIG. 3 to provide a predetermined of the deflection disc 36 by applying the load to the shoulder 16 and guide 72 . The guide 72 is secured to the hub 12 in the same manner described relative to the retainer 38 in FIG. 2 . [0022] A plate 70 is slidingly received on the guide 70 , and the spring 68 is captured between the retainer 70 and plate 74 . The inventive clamping arrangement is also used to apply a desired preload to the outer periphery of the discs 36 by compressing the spring 68 to a desired load. The spring 68 is loaded to a desired spring load and the retainer 70 secured to the hub 12 , as described above relative to the retainer 38 in FIG. 2 . A retainer 70 is secured to an end 20 of the neck 18 , in the same manner described above relative to FIG. 2 , to capture a spring 68 between the plate 66 and retainer 70 . The inventive hub 12 and retainer 70 arrangement provides the unique advantage of enabling a preload to be used to load the spring 68 to a desired spring load prior to securing the retainer 70 to the end 20 . Similar to the clamp load applied in FIG. 2 , the end of the hub 12 is retained and the retainer 70 is loaded to achieve the desired spring load 68 , which enables variation in spring loads due to tolerance stack-ups experienced in manufacturing the piston valve assembly to be eliminated. Once the desired spring load on the spring 68 is achieved, the retainer 70 is welded to the hub 12 . [0023] FIG. 4 depicts a piston valve assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 3 , except the compression side includes a fixed disc configuration. The hub 12 includes a shoulder having the same diameter as the shoulder 16 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 . However, the piston valve assembly 10 additionally includes a stop 76 arranged between the shoulder 16 and piston 22 . A spacer 78 is arranged between the stop 76 and compression discs 34 so that the compression discs 34 pivot about the spacer 78 until they engage the stop 76 . The stop 76 need not be affixed or welded to the hub 12 loading the shoulder 16 and guide 72 to a predetermined clamp load applies a desired load to both the discs 34 , 36 . The guide 72 and retainer 70 are secured in a manner similar to that described relative to FIG. 3 . [0024] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the inventive hub 84 for use with base valves 8 . Referring to FIG. 5 , the hub 84 includes a base valve head 86 received by a neck 90 of the hub 84 . The head 86 abuts a hub shoulder 88 . A guide 94 extends radially from the hub 84 and is spaced axially from the shoulder 88 away from the head 86 . A spring 100 is arranged between the spring retainer 94 and rebound deflection disc 98 biasing the deflection disc 98 with the head 86 . On the compression side, a retainer 106 are loaded to a desired clamp load and secured to the hub 84 in the manner described relative to FIG. 2 . Compression disc 102 engages the head 86 , and a spacer 104 is arranged between the compression deflection disc 102 and the retainer 106 . [0025] The base valve 8 shown in FIG. 6 uses a fixed rebound disc arrangement so that the hub 84 does not need the spring retainer shown in FIG. 7 . A spacer 108 is arranged between the shoulder 88 and rebound discs 98 . [0026] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

A piston valve assembly for a damper comprises a piston having a central hole and a fluid passageway spaced from the hole. A deflection disc having a central aperture is aligned with the hole. The deflection disc is arranged adjacent to the piston and at least partially blocks the fluid passageway for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid between the fluid chambers when installed in the damper. A hub, common across different dampers, includes a neck that is arranged in the hole and the aperture of the deflection disc. A retainer abuts an unthreaded outer surface of the hub. During assembly, the retainer is received on the cylindrical outer surface in a slip fit relation. The deflection disc and pistons are loaded to a predetermined clamp load. The retainer is secured to the outer surface by a securing material such as a weld bead.

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/291,441, filed on Nov. 11, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND [0002] Hammer unions are commonly employed to join pipe segments together. Typically, the wing nut component of the hammer union, which has a wing nut pipe segment with a threaded wing nut having integrated lugs, is tightened onto a male threaded pipe component by hammering upon the lugs. When the wing nut becomes unusable, it is usually necessary to remove the entire wing nut pipe segment from service. [0003] It is standard practice to capture the wing nut on the wing nut pipe segment which prevents users from removing or replacing the wing nut. Once captured, the wing nut and the wing nut pipe segment are generally inseparable. [0004] Often, before the full, useful life of the wing nut pipe segment is reached, one or more lugs on the wing nut will become deformed. A wing nut with one or more deformed lugs cannot reliably be mated to a male threaded piece of piping equipment. The piping equipment, however, would generally still be usable if the wing nut is replaced. At this time, there is no safe, field-installable wing nut that can be used to replace deformed, damaged or worn-out wing nuts which are captured on the wing nut pipe segment. [0005] Currently, when a wing nut becomes deformed due to damaged or deformed lug(s), the end of the wing nut pipe segment on which the wing nut is installed is cut off, the deformed wing nut is replaced with a new wing nut, and the pipe is machined and welded together. Unfortunately, this repair approach often has quality problems. These quality problems lead to safety issues. [0006] Safety of a joined hammer union is a major concern because hammer unions are often used to connect piping carrying large volumes of fluid under high pressures. Due to the internal forces on the pipe joint, hammer union joints commonly fail in an explosive manner. A misaligned wing nut on a hammer union joint may hold pressure for a period of time, but may ultimately fail as the pressure pushes against the joint. [0007] An attempted field repair of a wing nut using common cutting and welding techniques creates a significant risk for misaligned or poorly welded joints. In normal field situations, there are few or no field personnel qualified to perform the highly skilled welding and machining operations required for a safe repair. Additionally, there is usually an absence of qualified welding and machining standards for field personnel to follow. [0008] Since field repairs may result in significant down time, there is also an economic impact when removing a pipe section to replace a deformed wing nut. In manufacturing and drilling operations, down time directly impacts a company's cost of operations. [0009] As identified herein, there is a need for a hammer union wing nut that does not require welding or machining. Additionally, there is a need for a field replaceable hammer union wing nut that may be easily and efficiently installed by field personnel. SUMMARY [0010] This disclosure provides a wing nut that requires no welding or machining operations. The wing nut may be installed in the field. [0011] One embodiment discloses a wing nut including an arcuate body, an arcuate insert, a retaining ring, and a support member. The arcuate body defines a first portion of a mounting thread and the arcuate insert defines a second portion of a mounting thread. The arcuate insert is complementary to the arcuate body such that when connected to the arcuate body, the arcuate body and arcuate insert define an upper ring and a collar and the first and second portions of the mounting thread define a complete mounting thread for receiving a threaded male pipe end. The retaining ring is for securing the collar, and the support member is for securing the upper ring. [0012] Another embodiment discloses a wing nut including an arcuate body, an arcuate insert, a retaining ring, and a support member. The arcuate body defines a first portion of a mounting thread. The arcuate insert defines a second portion of a mounting thread. The arcuate insert is complementary to the arcuate body such that when connected to the arcuate body, the arcuate body and arcuate insert define an upper ring and a collar and the first and second portions of the mounting thread define a complete mounting thread for receiving a threaded male pipe end. The retaining ring is disposed about the collar for securing the collar, and the support member is disposed about a pilot on the upper ring for securing the upper ring. [0013] Still another embodiment discloses a wing nut including a first arcuate body, a second arcuate body, a retaining ring, and a support member. The first arcuate body has a first portion of a mounting thread thereon. The first arcuate body defines a radial arc greater than 180 degrees. The first arcuate body has a first and second clearance end defining a circumferential gap therebetween that is large enough for the first arcuate body to receive a pipe therethrough, wherein the first and second clearance ends have an acute angle. [0014] The second arcuate body of this embodiment has a second portion of a mounting thread thereon. Further, the second arcuate body defines a radial arc complementary to the radial arc of the first arcuate body that when connected to the first arcuate body defines an upper ring and a collar. Still further, the second arcuate body has first and second mating ends for engaging the first and second clearance ends, wherein the first and second mating ends have an obtuse angle. [0015] Continuing with this embodiment, the retaining ring is disposed about the collar defined by the connected first and second arcuate bodies. The first and second threaded portions define a complete connecting thread for receiving a threaded male pipe when the first and second arcuate bodies are connected. Further, the support member is adapted to engage a pilot on the upper ring that is defined by the connection of the first and second arcuate bodies. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the wing nut. [0017] FIG. 2 depicts a top plan view of an embodiment of an arcuate body. [0018] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the wing nut. [0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the wing nut taken from FIG. 3 along line 4 - 4 . [0020] FIG. 5 is an exploded plan view of an embodiment of the wing nut with a pipe section. [0021] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view depicting an embodiment of the assembled wing nut. [0022] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the wing nut installed on an un-threaded pipe segment with a shoulder. [0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the wing nut including a support member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0024] This disclosure is directed to a wing nut that requires no welding or machining operations. The wing nut installation does not require any special qualifications or procedures, and can easily be accomplished by field maintenance personnel in normal field situations. [0025] Generally, wing nut 10 is selected to correspond to a defined nominal pipe diameter. It is anticipated that a series of wing nuts 10 will be available for different sizes of pipes being employed. [0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-8 wing nut 10 is generally comprised of arcuate body 12 , arcuate insert 14 , retaining ring 16 , and attachment devices 18 . Attachment devices 18 are used to connect, or join, arcuate insert 14 with arcuate body 12 . Arcuate body 12 may also be referred to as the first arcuate body 12 , and arcuate insert 14 may also be referred to as the second arcuate body 14 . [0027] Wing nut 10 is preferably an alloy or carbon steel piece capable of withstanding high pressure when fully assembled and installed. Arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 are preferably manufactured out of the same material. A non-limiting example of the material to form arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 is to use a circular metal slug of hot-rolled grade 4340 steel. Retaining ring 16 may be manufactured from the same material as arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 . However, retaining ring 16 is preferably manufactured out of a material different than that of arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 . A non-limiting example is to use grade 4140 steel tubing for retaining ring 16 . Furthermore, retaining ring 16 preferably has material properties with specific capabilities as described herein. Wing nut 10 may be fabricated from other types of materials. These materials are preferably matched to a pipe size and have a desired pressure containment capability. [0028] As depicted in the drawings, assembled wing nut 10 defines an annular body 20 with at least one lug 22 thereon. Annular body 20 , which may be referred to as upper ring 20 , has inner diameter 21 and first outer diameter 24 , and in the embodiment shown has three lugs 22 defined thereon. Assembled wing nut 10 has a collar 26 extending longitudinally from annular body 20 . Collar 26 may be referred to as lower ring 26 . Collar 26 has second outer diameter 28 , which is preferably smaller than first outer diameter 24 , so that shoulder 30 is defined by, and extends between, first and second outer diameters 24 and 28 . Wing nut 10 has a length 32 . Collar 26 has a collar length 34 that is shorter than length 32 . Collar 26 has a threaded inner surface 38 extending along collar length 34 to define mounting or connecting threads 40 , and has a collar thickness 42 . Wing nut 10 is thus compatible with a male thread 36 , and will receive a threaded male pipe segment as will be described in more detail herein. [0029] As depicted in FIG. 2 , arcuate body 12 has an arc that is preferably equal to or greater than arcuate insert 14 , and that is at least circumferentially 180 degrees. The embodiment shown has an arc of approximately 220 degrees. Arcuate insert 14 will complement arcuate body 12 so that when assembled, arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 comprise wing nut 10 and define upper ring 20 and collar 26 thereon. [0030] Arcuate body 12 has a first clearance end 44 and a second clearance end 46 defining a gap or space 48 therebetween. Gap 48 will receive a pipe segment 50 therethrough. When pipe segment 50 is received through gap 48 , and arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 are connected, the assembled wing nut 10 will provide fluid communication between pipe segments 50 and 52 when connecting threads 40 are properly mated with male threads 36 on pipe segment 52 . [0031] Arcuate insert 14 has first and second mating ends 54 and 56 . First clearance end 44 of arcuate body 12 will mate with first mating end 54 of arcuate insert 14 . Second clearance end 46 of arcuate body 12 will mate with second mating end 56 of arcuate insert 14 . First and second seams, or joints 58 and 60 , are formed when arcuate insert 14 is inserted or positioned in gap 48 with first clearance end 44 adjacent to and engaging first mating end 54 , and second clearance end 46 adjacent to and engaging second mating end 56 . [0032] Joints 58 and 60 are designed to ensure a tight seal between arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 . Thus, it is preferred that joints 58 and 60 have a radially straight seam as depicted in FIGS. 2 , 3 and 6 . However, the shape of the seam between joints 58 and 60 is not limited to any particular shape or configuration. Joint 58 preferably has an exemplary angle 62 of about 13 degrees. However, it is understood that angle 62 may be any angle that allows arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 to be joined. Similarly, joint 60 preferably has an exemplary angle 66 of about negative 13 degrees. It is also understood that angle 66 may be any angle that allows arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 to be joined. In FIG. 2 , angles 62 and 66 are measured relative to horizontal centerline 64 . [0033] Referring to FIG. 5 , attachment openings 68 and 70 are preferably threaded, countersunk attachment openings centered on joints 58 and 60 , and, referring to FIG. 3 , having a radial center point 72 positioned on upper surface 74 of assembled wing nut 10 . Preferably, radial center point 72 is positioned between first outer diameter 24 and inner diameter 21 . Attachment devices 18 are threaded connectors that will hold arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 in place so that connecting threads 40 may receive male thread segment 36 , such as that on pipe segment 52 , to connect pipe segments 50 and 52 . [0034] Arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 each define a portion of connecting threads 40 as depicted in FIGS. 1 , 6 and 7 . Arcuate body 12 has first thread portion 76 of mounting thread 40 thereon, while arcuate insert 14 has second thread portion 78 of mounting thread 40 thereon. When arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 are connected and aligned, first and second threaded portions 76 and 78 form connecting or mounting thread 40 . The alignment of first and second mounting thread 76 and 78 to form connecting thread 40 is facilitated by the insertion of attachment devices 18 into attachment openings 68 and 70 . In the preferred embodiment, connecting threads 40 are preferably machined into arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 while they are joined. As will be understood, arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 may be threaded prior to being machined from a single piece into the separate arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 . Connecting threads 40 may also be part of a cast or forged wing nut 10 . As described above, connecting threads 40 are located on threaded inner surface 38 of collar 26 . [0035] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-8 , three lugs 22 are employed. A minimum of one lug 22 is required. The maximum number of lugs 22 is limited by the available circumferential space on annular body 20 . However, it is anticipated that the number of lugs 22 will typically be between two and four. Lugs 22 extend radially outward from annular body 20 . The spacing between lugs 22 is not critical in that lugs 22 may be uniformly spaced or not uniformly spaced. [0036] FIG. 5 depicts a plan view of wing nut 10 with three lugs 22 and wing nut pipe segment 50 . FIG. 5 depicts wing nut pipe segment 50 positioned to be received by arcuate body 12 through gap 48 . In the preferred embodiment, wing nut pipe segment 50 is able to pass through gap 48 without external force applied. In other words, gap 48 has sufficient clearance for pipe segment 50 to pass therethrough. [0037] Retaining ring 16 , depicted in FIGS. 1 , 7 , and 8 , is designed to secure arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 in the assembled state. Retaining ring 16 is preferably comprised of a material having properties sufficient to resist the circumferential stress exerted upon it by arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 , once installed. It is preferred that retaining ring 16 have a coefficient of thermal expansion sufficient to allow it to expand to an inner diameter that is greater than second outer diameter 28 of collar 26 when heated. The same coefficient of thermal expansion of retaining ring 16 allows it, when cooled to an ambient temperature, to return to an inner diameter less than second outer diameter 28 of collar 26 . Thus, when retaining ring 16 is heated and placed over collar 26 and then cooled, it will apply an inwardly directed radial force to collar 26 , and hold arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 in place. Retaining ring 16 , when installed, will preferably have a thickness 82 about equal to the width 84 of shoulder 30 , and as such will have an outer diameter about the same as first outer diameter 24 of upper ring 20 . Retaining ring 16 preferably has a length similar to collar length 34 of collar 26 . [0038] Referring generally to FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment of wing nut 10 includes support member 90 associated with upper ring 20 for securing upper ring 20 . Support member 90 holds arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 in place on an opposite side of wing nut 10 from collar 26 and retaining ring 16 . Support member 90 enhances the connection of arcuate body 12 with arcuate insert 14 to preclude any potential separation from the previously described radial and inwardly directed force applied to collar 26 by retaining ring 16 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 , support member 90 is a ring-shaped member. However, support member can have different shapes and configurations for securing upper ring 20 , as discussed below. The materials described above for the manufacture of arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 are also suitable for support member 90 . [0039] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8 , upper ring 20 has pilot 94 adapted to engage support member 90 for securing upper ring 20 , However, alternative embodiments for associating support member 90 with upper ring 20 are suitable as long as support member 90 engages both arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 . By way of non-limiting example, support member 90 can engage both arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 with pins or threaded fasteners. [0040] Continuing with FIG. 8 , first portion 98 of arcuate body 12 and second portion 102 of arcuate insert 14 define pilot 94 when arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 are connected to one another. Pilot 94 is shown as an integrally machined portion of upper ring 20 having a length that extends from an opposite side of upper ring 20 than collar 26 , described above. However, pilot 94 may alternatively be a separately connected component. In this embodiment, outer diameter 106 of pilot 94 engages inner diameter 110 of support member 90 for securing upper ring 20 , As shown, outer diameter 106 of pilot 94 is less than first outer diameter 24 of upper ring 20 . [0041] As depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 8 , wing nut 10 has fasteners 112 for securing support member 90 to upper ring 20 . Fasteners 112 may be countersunk such that the head or surface of each fastener 112 resides below an outer surface of support member 90 and wing nut 10 when support member 90 is secured to upper ring 20 . As shown, fasteners 112 insert through mating lugs 114 around the circumference of support member 90 and connect to corresponding mounting holes 115 disposed in lugs 22 of upper ring 20 . Fasteners 112 may be, for example, any threaded fastener known in the art suitable for the environment and forces that will be applied to wing nut 10 in a particular application. Further, the present disclosure contemplates other methods for securing support member 90 to upper ring 20 , such as, for example, by welding or pinning. [0042] Without limitation to any particular number of mating lugs 114 , FIG. 8 depicts three mating lugs 114 on support member 90 that connect to a corresponding number of lugs 22 on upper ring 20 . As shown, arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 each define a lug 22 corresponding to a mating lug 114 on support member 90 . Securing support member 90 to both arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 in this manner enhances the connection between arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 . [0043] Support member 90 may include stakes 116 to preclude loosening of fasteners 112 . In the embodiment shown, stakes 116 are portions of an outer surface of support member 90 deformed onto fasteners 112 . Although three stakes 116 are shown for each fastener 112 , the present disclosure is not limited to any particular number of stakes 116 . Stakes 116 may be provided in any convenient manner known in the art, such as, for example, by using a drift punch and a hammer to deform an outer surface of support member 90 onto fasteners 112 . [0044] Similar to fasteners 112 , attachment devices 18 may be countersunk such that they reside below an outer surface of upper ring 20 and wing nut 10 when arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 are connected to one another. Further, upper ring 20 of wing nut 10 may include stakes 116 that deform an outer surface of upper ring 20 onto attachment devices 18 to preclude loosening. Stakes 116 are not limited to any particular number and may be provided in any convenient manner as previously described. [0045] A method of installing wing nut 10 may require initially removing a deformed or damaged wing nut from a wing nut pipe segment 50 . The damaged wing nut may be removed at any time prior to installing retaining ring 16 . Alternatively, the damaged wing nut may be moved axially on pipe segment 50 and left in place a sufficient distance from the end of pipe segment 50 to allow wing nut 10 to be installed. To install wing nut 10 , arcuate body 12 radially receives pipe segment 50 through gap 48 . Once pipe segment 50 is in place, arcuate insert 14 is inserted into gap 48 so that first and second clearance ends 44 and 46 of arcuate body 12 engage first and second mating ends 54 and 56 of arcuate insert 14 . Attachment devices 18 are threaded into attachment openings 68 and 70 , and are also used to align first and second mounting threads 76 and 78 . Once first and second thread portions 76 and 78 are aligned to form connecting thread 40 , the combined unit of arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 is longitudinally moved along pipe segment 50 until it is positioned at pipe segment end 80 , thereby making collar 26 accessible. [0046] Retaining ring 16 is heated to a temperature that allows it to expand to an inner diameter greater than second outer diameter 28 of collar 26 . The heated and expanded retaining ring 16 is slipped over collar 26 , and allowed to cool to an ambient temperature. In one non-limiting example, retaining ring 16 is heated to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is preferred that retaining ring 16 be uniformly heated in a field oven or similar device. However, it is also acceptable to heat retaining ring 16 in any manner that creates near uniform thermal expansion without changing the material properties. After retaining ring 16 has radially retracted, pipe segment 52 may be threaded into collar 26 of wing nut 10 . Wing nut 10 is thus a field replaceable wing nut that requires no welding, or machining, and requires no special training of field personnel. [0047] In the embodiments of wing nut 10 that include circular support 90 , an operator positions circular support 90 over pipe segment 50 prior to the step of installing arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 as described above. Support member 90 is moved longitudinally along the length of pipe segment 50 and away from pipe segment end 80 to permit installation of arcuate body 12 and arcuate insert 14 between circular support 90 and pipe segment end 80 . After retaining ring 16 has been slipped over collar 26 and allowed to cool, as described above, inner diameter 110 of support member 90 is engaged with outer diameter 106 of pilot 94 . Subsequently, support member 90 is secured to upper ring 20 using fasteners 112 . Each fastener 112 connects through a mating lug 114 and into a mounting hole 115 disposed in a lug 22 on upper ring 20 . [0048] Thus, it is shown that the apparatus and methods of the present disclosure readily achieve the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. While certain preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, numerous changes in the arrangement and construction of parts and steps may be made by those skilled in the art. All such changes are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

The present disclosure provides a wing nut including an arcuate body, an arcuate insert, a retaining ring, and a support member. The arcuate body defines a first portion of a mounting thread and the arcuate insert defines a second portion of a mounting thread. The arcuate insert and the arcuate body are complementary to one another such that when connected, the arcuate insert and the arcuate body define an upper ring and a collar and the first and second portions of the mounting thread define a complete mounting thread for receiving a threaded male pipe end. The retaining ring is for securing the collar, and the support member is for securing the upper ring. The wing nut is designed to replace an existing wing nut on a hammer union connection that has deformed lugs. The wing nut can be safely replaced in the field without any special equipment or training.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to devices for producing circular seams on a workpiece using a sewing machine driven in a controlled manner. The present application claims the priority of Application No. P 39 02 333.8, filed in the Federal Republic of Germany on Jan. 27, 1989. Markers in the form of marking tools which have electrically heated branding tools and pens which are displaceable against a spring are known from DE-OS 24 49 121, and are used for making collars in the production of shirts and blouses having attached collars and comprising a plurality of layers of material. The branding tools and the cartridges are lowered onto the collar, and as a result the attaching edge of the under-collar is provided with burnt-in marks and the edge of the over-collar is provided with colored marks which can be washed off. When the collar is sewn on, the marks are aligned by hand with the shoulder seams which end at the neck hole of the body part. An automatically controlled sewing machine having a program-controlled working cycle is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,038,931, in which a contactless proximity switch acts as a proximity sensor to produce an output signal in dependence upon irregularities in the workpiece. By way of this output signal, intervention is effected into the control program responsible for the automatic sequence of operations, which program controls the working cycles for the workpieces being sewn. In this device, irregularities in the workpiece include, for example, unintentional folds in the material, creases, and bunching. It is the aim of this device to detect unwanted faults during the sewing operation in order to prevent damage to the workpiece. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A principal feature of the present invention is the provision of an improved method and a device for producing circular seams with overlapped ends. The method of the present invention produces the overlapped ends of the seam on a workpiece using a sewing machine driven in a controlled manner, comprising the steps of applying a mark to the workpiece in the region of the seam, and sewing the workpiece until the mark is detected by a sensor. Another feature of the invention is that the end of the seam of the workpiece is coordinated with the start of the seam in a manner to enable different diameters of the workpiece to be taken into account automatically. Yet another feature of the invention is that the end of the sewing operation is initiated by the sensor in dependence upon a particular number of oversewn stitches. Still another feature of the invention is that the circular seams may be produced on workpiece openings such as the neck and leg. In accordance with the present invention, the sewing machine produces the circular seams with overlapped ends on a workpiece having a marker for applying a mark to the workpiece, and a sensor for sensing the mark. A feature of the present invention is that the sewing machine has a controller for controlling the sewing machine such that the sewing operation is terminated by the sensor in dependence upon the number of oversewn stitches. Another feature of the invention is that the sensor may be disposed in a predetermined spaced relationship to the marker such that the application and detection of the mark may take place in one operating cycle. Still another feature of the invention is that the sewing machine may automatically sew, for example, circular neck and leg openings of different sizes on bathing costumes, in a simplified manner. Yet another feature of the invention that once the mark has been effectively detected by the sensor, a control operation for driving the sewing machine is triggered during the sewing operation or during one operating cycle. A feature of the invention is that the control operation initiates termination of the seam on the workpiece and matches it to the start of the seam. Another feature of the invention is that the sewing machine is then stopped, the sewing threads are severed, and the workpiece is removed. A feature of the invention is that in the case of a flat workpiece, the workpiece is also positioned independently of the number of sewn stitches on a location predetermined by means of the mark following detection of the mark by the sensor. Another feature of the invention is that the marking agent can be sprayed onto the workpiece from a supply tank by means of a pump. Still another feature of the invention is that the marking agent may be applied to the workpiece by a marker pen. Yet another feature of the invention is that a proximity switch may be used as the sensor to detect the mark. A feature of the invention is that the marking agent may comprise a vaporizable medium, for example water, since proximity switches which react capacitively respond to drops of water which subsequently dry out on the workpiece. Another feature of the invention is that the marking agent may contain a luminophor and the sensor may be in the form of a luminescence detection. A feature of the invention is that the luminophor or luminous agent may be invisible to the human eye. Further features will become more fully apparent in the following description of the embodiments of this invention and from the appended claims. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a sewing machine for sewing circular workpiece openings in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of a pump in a supply tank in the sewing machine of claim 1; FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevational view, taken partly in section, of a workpiece feed device in the sewing machine of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially as indicated along the line 4--4 of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the sewing machine of the present invention for sewing a flat workpiece; and FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view on an enlarged scale, taken partly in section, of a movable marker pen in the sewing machine of FIG. 5 in the form of a marker pen. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a sewing machine 1 mounted on table top 2 which is supported by a frame 3. The sewing machine has a motor drive and brake 4 having a control box 5 for controlling the working cycle for the sewing machine which is flange mounted onto the frame 3. The table top carries a control panel 6 for entering sewing-specific data, for example the operating speed, and for switching on the sewing machine which is driven by the motor drive 4 by means of a belt 7. The sewing machine has a workpiece feed device 8 which conveys a circular workpiece 9, as shown in FIG. 1, or a flat workpiece 10, as shown in FIG. 5. The sewing machine has a needle bar 11 driven by a suitable device in a reciprocating manner, and a needle head 12 which carries a needle 13. The sewing machine 1 has a reciprocating presser bar 14 disposed next to the needle bar 11, and has a presser foot 15. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the presser foot 15 carries part of a marker 16 which applies a mark 17 to the workpiece 9 or 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the sewing machine 1 has a sensor 18 which is disposed in a predetermined relationship A relative to the marker 16. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the sensor 18 is electrically connected by a control line 19 to the control box 5 through the control panel 6. The sensor 18 may also be disposed on the level of the marker such that there exists no spacing in the direction of sewing. As shown in FIG. 1, the sewing machine 1 has a compressed air line 21 connected to a pressure reducer 22 and a solenoid valve 23, with the valve 23 being secured to the control box 5, and with the valve 23 being actuated by the control box 5 through an electrical lead 24. The line 21 extends to a supply tank 25 which is secured to the frame 3 by a holder 20. The supply tank 25 and the marker retain a marker agent 26 which may comprise water. The marker has a pump 27 located in the supply tank 25, and the pump 27 supplies the marker agent 26 in a controlled manner through a line 28 and sprays it onto the workpiece. The sewing machine 1 has a exhaust air line 29 which ventilates the pump 27. With reference to FIG. 2, the compressed air passes through the line 21 through a hollow union 31 to a pump member 32 and into a bore 33, with the bore 33 being closed by a screwed-in closure plug 34. The pump 27 has a plunger 35 slidably received in the bore 33, and urged by a compression spring 36 in its resting position against the plug 34. The plunger 35 has an elongated stem 37 guided in the pump member 32 such that it is in fluid tight relationship to the marking agent 26 in a pump chamber 38, with the chamber 38 being filled with the marking agent 26 and being closed by a plug 39. The marking agent 26 passes from a chamber of the supply tank 25 through an opening 40 of a one-way valve member 41, and through an inlet bore 42 into the pump chamber 38. A transverse pin 43 retains a valve ball 44 in the valve member 41. The valve member 41 permits passage of fluid from the chamber of the supply tank to the pump chamber, but prevents passage of fluid from the pump chamber to the chamber of the supply tank. The pump 27 also has a one-way outlet valve comprising an outlet bore 45 communicating with the pump chamber 38, with the valve and bore being closed during a suction stroke by a compression spring 48 which biases a ball 46 against a seat surrounding the bore 45. The outlet valve permits passage of fluid from the pump chamber 38 through a bore 49 of a hollow union 47, and prevents passage of fluid from the bore 49 to the pump chamber 38. As the compressed air passes into the bore 33 of the pump 27, the plunger 35 is moved from a first position against the plug 34 to a second position toward the pump chamber 38 against the force of the spring 36, and the stem 37 moves into the pump chamber 38 and compresses the marker agent 26 in the pump chamber 38 in order to close the valve member 41, and open the outlet valve and permit passage of the marker agent through the bore 49 and the line 28 towards the workpiece 9. The exhaust air line 29 is connected to a hollow union 51 on the pump member 32. When the air pressure from line 21 is removed from the bore 33, the plunger 35 is biased by the spring 36 in order to open the valve member 41 and permit passage of fluid into the pump chamber 38, and close the outlet valve. As shown in FIG. 3, the workpiece feed device 8 is surrounded by a slit hub 52 which secures connecting bar 99 to (see also FIG. 4 in the Proposed Amendment to the Drawings) to the presser bar 14 as screw 53 is tightened. A presser foot 15 is connected to the connecting bar 99 by a pin 54 in an articulated manner. The sensor 18, which comprises a capacitive proximity switch, is secured to a rear end of the foot 55 in a position to detect the mark 17 on the workpiece 9 in the region of the seam during feeding of the workpiece. The sewing machine 1 has a feed dog 58 projecting through a throat plate 57, with the feed dog 58 conveying the workpiece 9 in the workpiece feed direction. The marker 16 has a cross bore 59, and the marker agent flows in a controlled manner through the bore 59 in order to apply a mark 17 to the workpiece 9 through one or more nozzles 61 communicating with the bore 59. As shown in FIG. 4, The presser foot 15 has a hollow union 62 which retains one end of the flexible line 28. The presser foot 15 has a chamber 63 filled with a marking agent, with a ball 65 being biased by a helical spring 64 in order to close the chamber 63, and prevent the marker fluid 26 from escaping into the cross bore 59 during the actual sewing operation. As shown, the cross bore 59 has one end closed by a pin 66. As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 18 comprises a luminescence detector 68 which is fastened by a holder 67 to the sewing machine 1. The marker 16 is adjustably secured at a reference distance B to a platform 69, with the platform 69 being connected to a holder 71 to the table top 2. The marker in this form may comprise a marker pen 72. As shown in FIG. 6, compressed air from line 21 is connected to a chamber 74 of a marker member through a solenoid valve 73, with the valve 73 being controlled by the control box 5 by the line 24 for operation of the marker pen 72. The marker pen 72 has a container 77 which is prestressed by a spring 76, and is filled with a marker agent 26, such that the container 77 moves towards the workpiece 9. The marker pen 73 has a felt nib 78 in order to transfer the marker agent 26, which contains luminophor, to the workpiece 10 and hence forms the mark 17. The sewing machine 1 of FIG. 1 operates in the following manner. First, when the circular workpiece 9 is inserted in the sewing machine 1, the presser foot 15 is raised. The solenoid valve 23 is actuated at substantially the same time the presser foot 15 is lowered, and hence the marker agent 26 is sprayed onto the workpiece 9 by the marker 16. The mark 17 of FIG. 3 is not evaluated by the sensor 18, which is disposed at the reference spacing A, during the sewing operation by a control operation in the control box 5 until it detects it for the second time. Thus, the circular workpiece is sewn round completely. The oversewing of the seam may be adjusted at the control panel 6 after a particular number of desired oversewn stitches have been sewn. If the sensor 18 is disposed in front of the marker 16 instead of behind the marker 16, the mark 17 may in this case be evaluated the first time it is detected. Once the sewing threads have been severed and the presser foot 15 has been raised, the workpiece 9 may be removed from the sewing machine 1. The sewing machine of FIG. 5 operates in the following cycle. The workpiece 10 is placed on the presser foot 15, and shortly before or during the start of the sewing operation the marker 16, which is disposed at a predetermined reference distance B, applies marking agent containing luminophor to the workpiece 10, with the marking agent being detected by the luminescence detector 68 as a mark 17 during the second run-through of the sewing operation, as described in conjunction with FIG. 1. The mark 17 is evaluated by a control operation in the control box 5, which, for example, can be used to send a signal to a termination means (e.g., a motor brake) to stop the sewing machine. The foregoing detailed description is given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

For the production of circular seams with overlapped ends on a workpiece, a sewing machine driven in a controlled manner and provided with a marker for applying a mark, and a sensor for detecting the mark after marking the workpiece with a mark. The workpiece is sewn until the mark is effectively detected by the sensor which is disposed in a predetermined relationship to the marker, and thus initiates a control operation which initiates the end of the sewing operation in dependence upon a particular number of oversewn stitches. The mark may be applied and detected on the work material in one operating cycle. Thus, for example, circular workpiece openings may be sewn in such a way that the seam end is matched to the start of the seam in spite of different diameters of the work piece opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This is a division of identically titled application Ser. No. 10/867,532, filed Jun. 14, 2004. SEQUENCE LISTING [0002] A printed Sequence Listing accompanies this application, and has also been submitted with identical contents in the form of a computer-readable ASCII file on a CD-Rom. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The present invention is broadly concerned with novel, low cost vaccine preparations, methods of preparing such vaccines and uses thereof. More particularly, the invention is concerned with vaccines and methods wherein the vaccines comprise recombinantly modified and killed microorganisms including therein recombinant DNA encoding at least one protective protein (e.g., an antigenic protein) and which has been expressed by the microorganism prior to killing thereof. These killed recombinant microorganisms can be directly administered as effective vaccines without the necessity of separation of the expressed protective protein(s) from the microorganisms, which has heretofore been considered essential. [0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0006] A vast array of vaccines have been developed in the past to provide varying degrees of immunity against diseases. Generally speaking, prior vaccines have been in the form of preparations of dead or attenuated pathogenic microorganisms or antigenic substances extracted from them. In the case of bacterial vaccines, it has been known to genetically engineer bacteria to enhance their value as vaccines. Recombinant DNA techniques can also be used to generate attenuated strains, by deletion of pathogenesis-causing genes, or by engineering the protective epitope from a pathogen into a safe bacterium. It is also common to produce antigens or other protective proteins using conventional recombinant DNA techniques, wherein a plasmid or other appropriate vector is inserted into a bacterial host (e.g., E. coli ) which then expresses the desired protein. While such engineered proteins can be effective biopharmaceutical vaccines, it has heretofore been thought essential that the expressed proteins be fully separated from the host recombinant microorganism(s) as a part of vaccine production. However, it is sometimes difficult and time consuming to perform such protein separations, and this significantly increases vaccine costs. [0007] Bordetella bronchiseptica is a respiratory tract pathogen of dogs, pigs, cats, laboratory animals and humans. B. bronchiseptica can cause canine respiratory disease in the absence of prior or concurrent viral respiratory tract infection. Clinically, dogs with bordetellosis (“kennel cough”) exhibit a soft, dry to severe paroxysmal cough and can develop extensive histopathological lesions including edema of the bronchial and retropharyngeal lymph nodes, marked polymorphonuclear infiltration of the respiratory tract mucosa and epithelial necrosis. Canine bordetellosis is remarkably similar to pertussis (whooping cough) caused by Bordetella pertussis infection of humans in terms of clinical disease, pathology and epidemiology. See, Keil, Canine Bordetellosis: Improving Vaccine Efficiency Using Genetic and Antigenic Characterization of Bordetella Bronchiseptica Isolates from Dogs (1999). [0008] Kennel cough affects dogs of all ages, has a worldwide distribution, and can have an incidence as high as 50-90% in facilities housing large numbers of dogs. Outbreaks of kennel cough in vaccinated racing greyhounds and other dogs indicate that the disease continues to be a significant problem and that better vaccines are needed. Indeed, outbreaks in well-vaccinated dogs at racing tracks and kennels result in significant economic losses to the greyhound racing industry and at the very least are a periodic nuisance to dog owners, kennel managers and track administrators. [0009] Current vaccines to prevent kennel cough include low-virulent live strains, whole-cell bacterins and undefined antigenic extracts, which are administered by various routes including parenterally and intranasally. Concerns about the efficacy and safety of current kennel cough vaccines have spurred the development of multivalent, acellular vaccines to prevent the disease. However, present-day vaccines do not provide sufficient disease control. [0010] Filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) is a secreted (but membrane associated) protein conserved within the genus Bordetella (Leininger et al. Inhibition of Bordetella pertussis Filamentous Hemagglutining-mediated Cell Adherence with Monoclonal Antibodies . FEMS Microbiology Letters 1993; 106:31-8.). The structural gene for the FHA of B. pertussis fhaB) has been cloned and sequenced (Relman et al., Filamentous hemagglutinin of Bordetella pertussis: nucleotide sequence and crucial role in adherence . Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1989 Apr;86(8):2637-41). FHA is essential for bacterial adherence to eukaryotic cells (Relman et al., Filamentous hemagglutinin of Bordetella pertussis: nucleotide sequence and crucial role in adherence . Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1989 Apr;86(8):2637-41). Additionally, the immunologic response against FHA is protective in animal models of infection with B. pertussis (Locht et at. The Filamentous Hemagglutining, a Multifaceted Adhesin Produced by Virulent Bordetella . Supplemental Molecular Microbiology 1993; 9:653-60.; Brennan M J, and Shahin S. Pertussis. Antigens That Abrogate Bacterial Adherence and Elicit Immunity . American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine 1996; 154: S145-S149.). [0011] While the protective benefits of FHA have been recognized for some time, the immunodominant regions have only recently been identified. Using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, Leininger et al. found two immunodominant domains (type I domain located near the COON-terminus, type II domain located near the NH 2 -terminus) within the FHA protein (Leininger et at. Immunodominant Domain Present on the Bordetella pertussis Vaccine Component Filamentous Hemagglutining . Journal of Infectious Disease 1997; 175:1423-31.). Pepscan analysis, using monoclonal antibodies that recognized the type I immunodominant domain, indicated that the epitope for these antibodies was within the amino acid sequence RGHTLESAEGRKIFG (SEQ ID No. 1). Finally, convalescent whooping cough serum, as well as post vaccination serum, contained antibodies that specifically recognize the type I region of FHA. [0012] In order to further characterize the antigenic makeup of the FHA of B. pertussis , Wilson et al. characterized polyclonal anti-FHA reactive clones identified in a phage display library (Wilson et al. Antigenic Analysis of Bordetella pertussis Filamentous Hemagglutinting with Phage Display Libraries and Rabbit Anti-filamentouts Hemagglutining Polyclonal Antibodies . Infectious Immunology 1998;66:4884-94.). They determined that the portion of FHA between residues 1929-2019 contained the most immunodominant linear epitope of FHA. They also concluded that because this region contains a factor X homologue (Sandros and Tuomanen. Attachment factors of Bordetella pertussis: mimicry of eukaryotic cell recognition molecules. Trends Microbiol, 1993 Aug;1(5):192-6.) and the type I domain peptide defined by Leininger et al. (RGHTLESAEGRKIFG) (SEQ ID No. 2) peptides derived from this region are strong candidates for future protection studies. [0013] Pertactin is the other protein used by B. bronchiseptica to adhere to the respiratory tract. Pertactin gets its name from the fact that it is the only protein that is capable, by itself, of inducing protective immunity against disease. Variations in nucleotide sequence, predicted amino acid sequence, and size of the pertactin proteins expressed in canine B. bronchiseptica isolates have been identified and have been confirmed from researchers working with swine strains of B. bronchiseptica as well as with strains of B. pertussis isolated from whooping cough cases. It is clear that canine vaccine strains of B. bronchiseptica and field isolates from vaccinated dogs with kennel cough do not express the same types of pertactin protein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0014] The present invention provides relatively low cost yet effective vaccines for administration to living subjects (e.g., mammals and birds) which comprise a quantity of recombinantly modified and killed microorganisms including therein recombinant DNA encoding at least one protective protein which has been expressed by the microorganism prior to killing thereof. The protective protein(s) are operable to prevent or reduce the severity of a disease of the subject. [0015] In one aspect, the invention is predicated upon the discovery that safe and effective vaccines can be produced by administration of such killed, recombinantly modified microorganisms without the need for costly separation of the proteins expressed by the microorganisms. It has heretofore been thought that administration of these whole microorganisms would elicit unwanted immune responses or toxic reactions in the subjects, i.e., E. coli and other gram-negative bacteria contain endotoxic cell membrane components and other toxic proteins which would deleteriously affect a living subject if administered. [0000] Vectors and Host Cells The vaccines of the invention are usually in the form of cellular microorganisms containing therein a recombinant vector. A vector is a replicon, such as a plasmid, phage, or cosmid, into which another DNA segment maybe inserted so as to bring about the replication of the inserted segment. The vectors of the invention are expression vectors, i.e., a vector that includes one or more expression control sequences that controls and regulates the transcription and/or translation of another DNA sequence. [0016] In the expression vectors of the invention, the nucleic acid is operably linked to one or more expression control sequences. As used herein, “operably linked” means incorporated into a genetic construct so that expression control sequences effectively control expression of a coding sequence of interest. Examples of expression control sequences include promoters, enhancers, and transcription terminating regions. A promoter is an expression control sequence composed of a region of a DNA molecule, typically within 100 nucleotides upstream of the point at which transcription starts (generally near the initiation site for RNA polymerase II). To bring a coding sequence under the control of a promoter, it is necessary to position the translation initiation site of the translational reading frame of the polypeptide between one and about fifty nucleotides downstream of the promoter. Enhancers provide expression specificity in terms of time, location, and level. Unlike promoters, enhancers can function when located at various distances from the transcription site. An enhancer also can be located downstream from the transcription initiation site. A coding sequence is “operably linked” and “under the control” of expression control sequences in a cell when RNA polymerase is able to transcribe the coding sequence into mRNA, which then can be translated into the protein encoded by the coding sequence. [0017] Suitable expression vectors include, without limitation, plasmids and viral vectors derived from, for example, vacteriophage, vaculoviruses, tobacco mosaic virus, herpes viruses, cytomegalovirus, retroviruses, poxyviruses, adenoviruses, and adeno-associated viruses. Numerous vectors and expression systems are commercially available from such corporations as Novagen (Madison, Wis.), Clontech (Palo Alto, Calif.), Stratagene (La Jolla, Calif.), and Invitrogen/Life Technologies (Carlsbad, Calif.). [0018] The invention also provides host cells containing vectors of the invention. The term “host cell” is intended to include prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells into which a recombinant expression vector can be introduced. Usually the host cells are themselves non-pathogenic, but this is not essential. As used herein, “transformed” and “transfected” encompass the introduction of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g., a vector) into a cell by one of a number of techniques. Although not limited to a particular technique, a number of these methods are well established within the art. Prokaryotic cells can be transformed with nucleic acids by, for example, electroporation or calcium chloride mediated transformation. Nucleic acids can be transfected into mammalian cells by techniques including, for example, calcium phosphate co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, lipofection, electroporation, or microinjection. Suitable methods for transforming and transfection host cells are found in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: a Laboratory Manual (2nd edition), Cole Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY (1989), and reagents for transformation and/or transfection are commercially available (e.g., Lipofectin (Invitrogen/Life Technologies); Fugene (Roche, Indianapolis, Ind.); and SuperFect (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.)). [0019] In particularly preferred forms, the microorganisms of the invention are selected from the group consisting of bacteria and yeast, with bacteria such as E. coli being commonly employed. The vector of choice is normally an appropriate plasmid which expresses a fusion protein containing an antigenic protein or fragment. Vaccines in accordance with the invention may be monovalent or polyvalent as required. The vaccines may be administered to a variety of living subjects, especially those selected from the group consisting of mammals and birds, for example humans, livestock and domestic pets. [0020] In the case of the preferred kennel cough vaccines of the invention, the vaccines include microorganisms which have recombinant DNA therein encoding protective proteins selected from the group consisting of pertactin and filamentous hemagglutinin proteins, fragments of such proteins, and mixtures thereof. Especially preferred kennel cough vaccines include killed E. coli having expression vectors therein which encode for fusion proteins having protein fragments selected from the group consisting of SEQ IDS Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, and mixtures thereof. Complete Vaccines [0021] The vaccines of the invention can also include various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or adjuvants. For example, complete vaccines can include buffers, stabilizers (e.g., albumin), diluents, preservatives, and solubilizers, and also can be formulated to facilitate sustained release. Diluents can include water, saline, dextrose, ethanol, glycerol, and the like. Additives for isotonicity can include sodium chloride, dextrose, mannitol, sorbitol, and lactose. Compositions can be formulated for particular routes of administration, including, for example, oral, intranasal, intramuscular, intra-lymph node, intradermal, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration, or for a combination of routes. [0022] In some embodiments, the vaccines can include an adjuvant. Suitable adjuvants can be selected based, for example, on route of administration and number of planned administrations. Non-limiting examples of adjuvants include mineral oil adjuvants such as Freund's complete and incomplete adjuvant, and Montanide incomplete seppic adjuvant (ISA, available from Seppie, Inc., Paris, France); oil-in-water emulsion adjuvants such as the Ribi adjuvant system (RAS); TiterMax®, and syntax adjuvant formulation containing muramyl dipeptide; or aluminum salt adjuvants. Administration of Vaccines [0023] The vaccines of the invention can be administered orally, transdermally, intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intraocularly, intraperitoneally, intrarectally, intravaginally, intranasally, intragastrically, intratracheally, intrapulmonarily, or any combination thereof. The most preferred administration route is subcutaneous, especially for the kennel cough vaccines. [0024] Suitable doses of the vaccine elicit an immune response in the subject but do not cause the subject to develop severe clinical signs of the particular viral infection. The dose required to elicit an immune response depends on the route of administration, the nature of the composition, the subject's size, weight, surface area, age, and sex, other drugs being administered, and the judgment of the attending practitioner. Wide variations in the needed dose are to be expected in view of the variety of compositions that can be produced, the variety of subjects to which the composition can be administered, and the differing efficiencies of various routes of administration. For example, oral administration would be expected to require higher doses than administration by intravenous injection. Variations in these dose levels can be adjusted using standard empirical routines for optimization, as is well understood in the art. Encapsulation of the composition in a suitable delivery vehicle (e.g., polymeric microparticles or implantable devices) may increase the efficiency of delivery, particularly for oral delivery. [0025] To determine if an immune response was induced in the subject, a biological sample from the subject can be examined to determine if it contains detectable amounts of antibodies having specific binding affinity for one or more antigens of the particular organism the subject was vaccinated against. The biological sample can be blood (e.g., serum), a mucosal sample (e.g., saliva or gastric and bronchoalveolar lavages), or meat juice or meat exudate (i.e., the liquid that escapes from extra- and intracellular spaces when muscle tissues are frozen and thawed). Methods for detecting antibodies, including IgG, IgM, and IgA, are known, and can include, for example, indirect fluorescent antibody tests, serum virus neutralization tests, gel immunodiffusion tests, complement fixation tests, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) or Western immunoblotting. In addition, in vivo skin tests can be performed on the subjects. Such assays test for antibodies specific for the organism of interest. If antibodies are detected the subject is considered to be seropositive. [0026] Vaccinated subjects also can be tested for resistance to infection by the relevant organism. After immunization (as indicated above), the test subjects can be challenged with a single dose or various doses of the disease causing microorganism. The test subjects can be observed for pathologic symptoms familiar to those in the art, e.g., restlessness, dyspnea after exercise, neurological signs such as posterior weakness, paresis, ataxis, lameness, head pressing or hanging, aggressive behavior, morbidity, and/or mortality. Alternatively, they may be euthanized at various time points, and their tissues (e.g., lung, brain, spleen, kidney or intestine) may be assayed for relative levels of the virus using standard methods. The data obtained with the test subjects can be compared to those obtained with a control group of subjects. Increased resistance of the test subjects to infection relative to the control groups would indicate that the test vaccine is an effective vaccine. Thus, in some embodiments, a vaccinated subject is resistant to an infection upon challenge. That is, the subject does not develop severe clinical signs of the infection after being challenged with a virulent form of the disease causing microorganism. In other embodiments, a vaccinated subject exhibits an altered course of the infection. In still other embodiments, overall mortality from a particular microorganism in a group of subjects may be reduced. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0027] The following examples set forth preferred procedures for the development of recombinant microorganisms useful in the context of the invention, and in the production of specific vaccines against kennel cough. It is to be understood, however, that these examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and nothing therein should be considered as a limitation upon the overall scope of the invention. Example I Development Of Pertactin Clone (PRN2) [0028] Step 1—Growth of Bordetella bronchiseptica and Isolation of Enomic DNA [0029] In this procedure, a known strain of B. bronchiseptica is struck for isolation on a room temperature Bordet-gengou plate, which was then incubated for 48 hr at 37° C. The plate was inspected at 24 and 48 hr to assure that growth is pure and colonies are isolated. B. bronchiseptica should form small, glossy, white, isolated colonies and appear mucoid where growth is dense. If growth was very heavy or the plate contaminated, the plate was restreaked for isolation from an area of least growth. [0030] Pure, isolated colonies were observed, a single colony was inoculated into a 2 ml aliquot of 2 ml sterile nutrient broth in a 15 ml centrifuge tube. The tube was then capped tightly and vortexed. Next, the tube was incubated for 48 hr at 37° C., with shaking at 200 rpm. Thereupon, the culture was transferred to a 2 ml microcentrifuge tube. As a further assurance of purity, a loopful of the culture was separately streaked onto a BG plate and incubated for 24 hr The microcentrifuge tube was harvested by centrifugation at 13,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant was discarded, leaving an easily visible cell pellet. [0031] One microliter (1 ml) of sterile purified water was added to the pellet and the tube was capped tightly and vortexed thoroughly to resuspend the pellet. The resulting suspension was then heated in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. The heated product was then centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 minutes and the supernatant was collected for use as template DNA in PCR. [0000] Step 2—PCR of Pertactin Gene from Genomic DNA [0032] This procedure involves amplification of the pertactin gene (PR/V) from genomic DNA of B. bronchiseptica using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). After analysis, the PCR product obtained is used for cloning. [0033] The following cocktail was mixed in a microcentrifuge tube: [0000] 10X PCR buffer (without MgCl 2 ) 25 μL MgCl 2 (25 mM) 5 μL dNTPs (equal volume of all nucleotides) 2 μL Forward PCR primer (10 μM) 6.25 μL Reverse PCR primer (10 μM) 6.25 μL Taq DNA polymerase 2.5 μL Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 25 μL Water 150 μL [0034] The forward primer had the sequence 5′-CGCGGATCCCTCCCATCATCAA-GGCCGGCGAGC-3′ (SEQ ID No. 3), whereas the reverse primer had the sequence 5′-TGCTCTAGACTTTCGGCGTACCAGAGCGTCC-3′ (SEQ ID No.4, and are based upon GenBank X54815 B. bronchiseptica sequence). [0035] 24 μL of the cocktail was aliquoted into each of 10 PCR tubes. 1.0 μL of water was added to the first tube, which served as a negative control. 1.0 μL of the genomic DNA from Step 1 was added to each of the remaining tubes. All tubes were then placed in a thermocycler. Amplification of PRN was carried out with the following thermocycler program: preheating at 95° C. for 3 minutes, followed by 30 amplification cycles of 20 seconds at 95° C., 30 seconds at 58° C. and 3 minutes at 72° C. The reaction was concluded with an extension cycle of 70° C. for 7 minutes. Step 3—Analysis and Quantification of DNA by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis [0036] In this protocol, the pertactin PCR product was analyzed using gel electrophoresis. [0037] The casting gel was first prepared by pouring TBE into a large flask followed by addition of sufficient agarose needed to make a 1.2% gel (1.2 gm agarose per 100 mL of TBE). The suspension was then heated in a microwave oven until completely melted which generally involved microwaving the suspension for 20-30 seconds, followed by gentle swirling and further heating in 10-15 second bursts alternated with gentle swirling until the agarose melted When the product was cool to the touch (approximately 55° C.) 2 μL Ethidiun bromide stock solution was added followed by thorough swirling with the avoidance of bubble creation. Next, the mixture was slowly poured into a prepared casting stand, again without bubble creation. A comb was inserted into the agarose before it began to set, and the gel was allowed to solidify. [0038] Following the instructions for the electrophoresis unit, the solidified gel was submerged in 1× TBE. Next a small aliquot (2-10 μL) of each sample, including markers, was prepared for electrophoresis by adding DNA loading dye in a ration of at least 1:6 dye to sample. The samples were then loaded into the wells, taking care not to overfill or allow bubble formation. This loading was done so as to ensure that the samples sank into the submerged wells. The unit was electrophoresed until the dye front moved two-thirds to three-fourths the length of the gel. Using a commercially available molecular weight marker (Lambda DNA digested with Eco RI and Hind III) the gel ran until the 1.904 Kb and 2.027 Kb bands separated. The gel was then gently separated from the casting tray and placed on a UW transilluminator and the size of the product was confirmed; at 1.7 Kb, (e.g. the pertactin PCR product was between the 1.904 Kb and 1.584 Kb marker bands. [0039] Quantification of DNA was performed using a calibrated molecular weight marker in one of the agarose gel lanes. All-Purpose Hi-Lo DNA Marker was used. Conventional gel analysis software was employed to estimate the amount of DNA. Step 4—Purification of PCR Products [0040] In this step the PCR products were purified using a commercially available QIAquick Purification Kit. [0041] First, the PCR products from Step 2 were pooled to obtain 100 μL of product. This was purified by following the kit manufacturer's instructions. In brief PB buffer was added to the combined PCR product and the mixture was loaded into a QIAquick spin-column. This column was centrifuged with flow-through being discarded. The spin-column was washed with buffer PE and the PCR product was eluded with 50 μL purified water. A vacuum-equipped centrifuge was then used to dry the sample and the dried sample was resuspended in 10 μL purified water. As set forth above, the product was quantitated by electrophoresing. Step 5—Quantification of DNA by UV Spectrophotometry [0042] The spectrophotometer was warmed up following the manufacturer's directions, and the DNA was diluted in water to the volume required for the cuvettes being used. The spectrophotometer was zeroed using water as a no DNA reference control and absorbance of the samples were taken at 200 nm. The OD values were then converted to concentration of nucleic acid. Step 6—Growth and Isolation of Plasmid DNA [0043] Initially, a culture of E. coil containing expression vector plasmid pProEX Htb was prepared. A vial of the vector was thawed on ice, and the vector was streaked on room temperature LB agar supplemented with 50 μg/ml ampicillin. The streaked agar was incubated at 37° C. for 24 hr. The plate was then visually inspected to ensure that growth was pure and that colonies were isolated. The colonies were large (1-2 mm diameter), white, and smooth. If the growth were very dense, the plate was restreaked for isolation from an area of least growth. If the culture were deemed contaminated, it was discarded and the process begun again with frozen stock. [0044] Next, 2 ml of the LB medium supplemented with 50 μg/ml ampicillin were aliquoted into a sterile, disposable, 15 ml tube. The tube was then inoculated with a single pProEX Htb colony, capped tightly and vortexed. The tube was then inoculated for 24 hr at 37° C. with shaking at 200 rpm. The 24 hr culture was then transferred to a 2 ml microcentrifuge tube. The culture was turbid, indicating a dense growth of bacteria. In order to confirm culture purity, a loopful of the culture was streaked onto a BG plate for isolation, followed by incubation at 37° C. for 24 hr. The microcentrifuge tube was centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 minutes, in order to harvest cells. The supernatant was then discarded, leaving an easily visible pellet of 4-5 mm in diameter. [0045] Plasmid DNA was isolated using a commercially available kit (QIAprep Miniprep by Qiagen) following the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, the harvested cell pellet was treated with buffer P1, followed by buffer P2 and buffer N3. The resulting solution was passed through a spin-column and the column was washed with PE buffer. The plasmid DNA was then eluted in 50 ML purified water. A vacuum-equipped centrifuge was employed to dry the sample and the sample was then resuspended in 10 μL purified water. The 1 ML of resuspended plasmid DNA was quantified by electrophoresing as described above. Because plasmid DNA can be found in three states (linearized, circularized, or convoluted) the agarose gel may show up to three bands in the plasmid lane. Linearized plasmid runs slowest, so the band is at full length (ex. 4.2 kb). Circularized plasmid runs at about half-length (ex. 2.1 kb). Convoluted plasmid runs at about quarter-length (ex. 1 kb). A very good plasmid preparation with few broken, linearized plasmids, will not exhibit a full length band, and thus only half-length or half and quarter-length bands may appear. [0046] If the concentration is greater than 100 ng/μL, the volume is adjusted with purified water so that the final concentration is 100 ng/μL. If the concentration is between 20 ng/μL and 100 ng/μL, the sample is discarded and the isolation sequence is repeated. Step 7—Restriction Digestion of DNA [0047] This procedure involves preparation of PCR product and vector for ligation using restriction enzyme digestion. The work is done on ice with water baths of 37° C. and 65° C. The restriction digestion of the PCR product was performed prior to ligation, and therefore the digestion of the PCR product and plasmid DNA were performed simultaneously. Two replicates of the plasmid DNA digestion were prepared, one to receive the PCR product insert and one for reference. [0048] In the first step, 500 ML microcentrifuge tubes were labeled and chilled. The following was placed into each tube: 2 μL 10× Multicore buffer and sterile purified water. The tubes were mixed by tapping or using a pipette tip, and then returned to ice. Restriction enzymes (0.5 μL each BamHI and XbaI) were added to each tube, with mixing and an immediate return to ice. DNA samples were then added to the appropriate tubes, with mixing and immediate return to ice. The tubes were sealed with paraffin and placed in a floating tube rack, followed by incubation for three hours in the 37° C. water bath. The restriction enzymes were then inactivated by transferring the tubes to the 65° C. water bath for 10 minutes. A vacuum-equipped centrifuge was then employed to dry the samples. The dehydrated samples were then resuspended in 10 μL purified water. The samples were then quantified by electrophoresing 1 μL of the resuspended digested DNA as described above. If the concentration is greater than 10 ng/μL, the volume is adjusted with purified water to give a final concentration of 10 ng/μL. If the concentration is between 2 ng/μL and 10 ng/μL the sample may be used without further dilution. If the concentration is less than 2 ng/μL, it is discarded. Step 8—Ligation of Restriction Digested DNA [0049] This procedure describes the ligation of PCR product into a vector. The resultant recombinant DNA molecule is then introduced into E. coli . All work was done on ice, and the digested samples are the products from Step 7. The total volume of the ligation reaction mixture is 10 μL. In order to maximize the chances of success, ligations in several stoichiometric ratios of plasmid DNA to PCR product in the range of 1:2 top 1:10. First, microcentrifuge tubes were labeled and chilled. Using a DNA ligation kit the ligation was performed following manufacturer's instructions. This involved addition of 1 μL of 10× ligation buffer, 1 μL 10 mM rATP, purified water, digested PCR product (50 ng), digested plasmid DNA and 0.5 μL T4 DNA ligase (4 U/μL). In a no insert control, no PCR product was added. The tubes were incubated overnight at 4° C. [0000] Step 9—Transformation of Recombinant DNA into E. coli Host [0050] This procedure describes the cloning of recombinant DNA molecules into E. coli. Work was done on ice and competent cells were stored at −80° C. and protected from temperature fluctuation. Vials of cells were taken from the −80° C. freezer and placed on dry ice unless they were to be rapidly thawed for use as described below. [0051] One 1.5 μL microcentrifuge tube was labeled and chilled for each ligation mixture from Step 8. A vial of competent cells (Maximum Efficiency E. coli : DH5α F′ IQ) was removed from dry ice and thawed rapidly by rubbing between hands. 100 μL of cells were immediately dispensed into each chilled microcentrifuge tube. 5 μL of ligation mixture (from Step 8) were added to one tube, with mixing and immediately returned to ice. These steps were repeated with the ligation control mixture (self-ligation). The cell suspensions were maintained on ice for 10 minutes. The cells were then heat shocked by transferring the tubes to a 42° C. water bath for 2 minutes, whereupon the tubes were returned to ice. 1 mL LB broth (without ampicillin) was added to each tube, followed by incubation for 1 hr at 37° C., with shaking for each transformation reaction, an LB agar plate supplemented with 50 μg/mL ampicillin was labeled, and the plates were warmed to room temperature (if the agar surfaces were moist, they were placed in a hood with the lids opened for 5-10 minutes or until the agar surfaces appeared dry). After the 1 hr incubation 100 μL of each culture were transferred to the appropriate plate, using a sterile glass “L” or sterile disposable spreader to spread the cultures evenly over the agar surfaces. If the agar appeared wet, the lids were opened until the surfaces dried. The cultured plates were incubated for 12-16 hr at 37° C. [0000] Step 10—Screening of E. coli Colonies for Recombinant DNA [0052] In this step the E. coli colonies are screened for the presence of recombinant DNA molecules. [0053] The cultured plates from Step 9 were counted, and the number of colonies on each plate was recorded. More colonies were apparent on the PCR-plasmid plates than on self-ligation plates. Colonies were selected for screening, and for each such colony a 15 mL sterile, disposable centrifuge tube was prepared and labeled. 2 mL of LB broth supplemented with 50 μg/μL ampicillin was added to each tube, and each tube was inoculated with a single isolated colony. The tubes were then capped and vortexed, followed by incubation overnight at 37° C., with shaking at 200 rpm. Each culture sample was aseptically transferred to an appropriately labeled 2 mL microcentrifuge tube, which is capped and stored at 4° C. until completion of screening. The tubes were centrifuged at 13,000 rpm for 10 minutes to harvest the cells. Plasmid DNA is isolated from each sample using the QIAprep Miniprep Kit following the manufacturer's instructions, as indicated in Step 6. Next, the DNA was quantified as described in Step 3. The isolated DNA samples were digested with Ba HI and XbaI following the procedure of Step 7. Agarose gels were prepared as described in Step 3. 5 μL of each digested sample was mixed with 5 μL DNA loading dye, and this mixture was loaded onto the gels as described in Step 3. Colonies that released 1.7 kb fragments upon BamHI-XbaI digestion were considered to be positive clones. The positive clones were retained whereas the remaining tubes were discarded. Samples of the positive clones were streaked onto LB agar plates supplemented with 50 mg/mL ampicillin, and the plates were incubated at 37° C. for 24 hr. The plates were checked for growth and stored at 4° C., until the clones were checked for protein expression. [0054] The positive clones expressed a fusion protein containing a pertactin clone having a pertactin fragment partially characterized by SEQ ID No. 5, which is an immunoprotective region which corresponds with positions 281-408 of the GenBank sequence of B. bronchiseptica strain AY376325. Buffers and Reagents [0055] The following describe the preparation of various buffers and reagents used in the foregoing procedure: [0056] Ampicillin stock (50 mg/ml): Dissolve 0.5 g of ampicillin powder (sodium salt) in 9 ml water. Adjust the volume to 10 ml after the powder dissolves completely. Filter sterilize. Aliquot and store at −20° C. [0061] DNA loading dye: 25 mg Bromophenol blue. 25 mg Xylene cyanol. 3 ml (v/v) Glycerol. Adjust volume to 10 ml with purified water. Mix thoroughly. Aliquot and store at 20° C. [0068] Ethidium bromide: Dissolve 1 g of Ethidium bromide in 10 ml purified water. Stir for several hours to ensure dye is dissolved. Aliquot. Store in dark at room temperature. Add 1 μl of to each 10 ml molten agarose. [0074] Luria-Bertani (LB) Agar: Dissolve 25 g of LB Broth powder in 950 ml purified H2O. Add 25 g Bacto-Agar. Mix thoroughly Adjust volume to 1 1. Aliquot into autoclavable containers. Autoclave LB agar at 121° C., 15 psi for 30 minutes. Pour plates immediately after agar has cooled to about 50° C. or store at room temperature in tightly closed bottles. To melt agar that has solidified, microwave (alternate 15-30 sec microwave “bursts” with swirling until agar is melted). Cool the medium to 50° C. and immediately pour into Petri plates. [0083] Loria-Bertani (LB) agar supplemented with ampicillin: Add ampicillin stock to 50° C. LB agar to a final concentration of 50 μg/ml. Ampicillin stock=50 mg/ml, thus, 100 μL of stock is added to 100 ml of agar. Alternatively, 25 μL of stock can be spread on the surface of an agar plate. [0087] Luria-Bertani (LB) Broth: Dissolve 25 g of LB Broth powder in 950 ml purified H2O. Adjust volume to 1 1. Autoclave LB Broth at 121° C., 15 psi for 30 minutes. Store at room temperature in tightly closed bottles. [0092] Luria-Bertani (LB) Broth supplemented with ampicillin: To sterile LB Broth, add ampicillin stock as needed just before inoculation. [0094] Nutrient Broth: Dissolve 8 gm of Nutrient Broth powder in 1 1 of purified water. Mix well. Aliquot into autoclavable bottles. Autoclave at 121° C., 15 psi for 15 minutes. Store at room temperature in tightly closed bottles. [0100] 10× TBE: Pre-measured TBE salts are purchased from Amresco. One package of 10× TBE salts is dissolved in 950 ml purified water. Adjust volume to 1 1 with purified water. Mix well. Aliquot into autoclavable bottles. Autoclave at 121° C., 15 psi for 15 minutes. Store at room temperature in tightly closed bottles. [0108] 1× TBE: 1× TBE can be obtained by diluting 10× TBE 1:10 with purified water (10 ml of 10× TBE plus 90 ml of purified water to make 100 ml of 1× TBE). cl Example II Development of Pertactin Clones (PRN 1, 3 and 4) [0110] In this example, three other pertactin clones were generated using three different B. bronchiseptica strains. The procedures of Example I were followed, including the use of the forward and reverse PCR primers (SEQ IDS Nos. 3 and 4). [0111] The positive clones were found to express fusion proteins having pertactin fragments with the sequences of SEQ ID Nos. 6 (PRN 1), 7 (PRN 3) and 8 (PRN 4), which are respectively sequences of immunoprotective regions which corresponds with positions 281-408, 281-408 and 281-418, respectively, of the GenBank sequence of B. bronchiseptica strain AY376325. Example III Development of Filamentous Hemagglutinin Truncated Protein (FHAt) [0112] A truncated fusion protein (FHAt) was prepared which included a conserved domain homologous to the immunodominant region of FHA of B. pertussis . FHAt was shown to be safe and antigenic in rabbits and reduced the formation of antibodies that inhibited the hemagglutination associated with full length B. pertussis FHA. Briefly, polyclonal anti- B. pertussis FHA antiserum was used to identify an immunoreactive clone (PDK1) from the DNA library of a B. bronchiseptica field isolate. The insert of pDK1 was subcloned into a prokaryotic protein expression vector, to produce the FHAt fusion protein. The details of the procedure are set forth in the above-cited and incorporated by reference 1999 Keil thesis, Section V. [0113] This fusion protein had the sequence of SEQ ID No. 9, which is an immunoprotective region which corresponds with positions 1620-2070 of Genebank sequence M60351. Example IV Vaccine Preparation [0114] The positive E. coil clones produced pursuant to Examples I-III respectively bear plasmids which express protective B. bronchiseptica proteins, namely PRN2, PRN3 and FHAt. [0115] Vaccine formulations were produced under standard commercial vaccine production conditions using the two pertactin clones (PRN2 and PRN3) and one filamentous hemagglutinin clone (FHAt). Briefly, the E. coli host cells bearing the PRN2, PRN3 and FHAt plasmids were grown in sterile culture media. Expression of the protective proteins was induced without extracellular secretion by the addition of IPTG. When the cultures reached log phase, growth was stopped by the addition of phenol to the media to kill the E. coli . After neutralization of the phenol, the cell suspensions were repeatedly washed with sterile saline, and the suspension(s)—either concentrated or diluted—to achieve a standard concentration. Three vaccine formulations were prepared, using equal volumes of the clones which were then combined with equal volumes of adjuvant (FHA) (proprietary light oil and water adjuvant). [0116] The specific vaccine formulations were as follows: [0117] Formulation 1=PRN2+FHAt [0118] Formulation 2=PRN3+FHAt [0119] Formulation 3=PRN2+PRN3+FHAt. [0120] In order to assess the safety of the vaccines a 10× dose (10 ml) of Formulation 3 was injected into each of four dogs subcutaneously. Formulation 3 was used because it contained all of the components of the various formulations. The animals were observed for the onset of acute reactions every one to two hours over a period of four hours then with decreasing frequency. No systemic reactions occurred and all dogs remained normal in all regards. At 30 hr after injection, localized mild swelling was noted at the injection site of two animals. At one week, these two animals had developed sterile, localized, firm, non-painful swellings at the injection sites. These localized reactions were opened to allow for cleaning after which they healed rapidly. [0121] In order to assess the immunogenicity of the vaccines, young Greyhounds were injected three times at approximately two week intervals with lx doses (1 ml) of a formulation. Ten dogs received three doses of Formulation 1; nine received three doses of Formulation 2; and ten received three doses of Formulation 3. As with the previous experiment, all dogs that were vaccinated remained healthy and exhibited no systemic reactions to the vaccine formulations. In a few dogs, localized, firm, non-painful swellings developed at the injection site which resolved spontaneously without intervention. The reactions were characteristic of a type-III hypersensitivity reaction commonly associated with the use of some adjuvant in dogs. [0122] Serum was collected from each dog prior to the first injection, at the time of each subsequent injection, and ten days after the final injection. Immune responses to the vaccines were assessed by purified protein ELISA. [0123] In brief, ELISAs were performed as follows: PRN and FHA clones were grown and induced as described above. When the cultures reached log phase, the cells were harvested by centrifuigation and lysed by ultrasonic exposure. PRN2, PRN3, and FHAt were separated from the cell lysates by nickel column chromatography. Wells of assay plates were coated with the purified proteins. Serum samples were diluted and applied in triplicate to the coated wells. Enzyme-linked secondary antibody was applied, followed by ABTS (calorimetric agent). Reactions as a measure of antibody concentration were evaluated by measuring the optical density of each well and averaging the triplicate wells. [0124] The attached tables represent the results of the assays. The four serum samples from each Greyhound were tested against the antigens included in the vaccine the animal received. The results demonstrate that the animals' immune responses to the antigens increased after vaccination. Immune response to these antigens has-been shown to be protective against Bordetella bronchiseptica infection. [0125] All of the references noted herein are specifically incorporated by reference.

Improved, low cost vaccines for administration to living subjects such as mammals and birds are provided, which include killed recombinantly modified microorganisms (whole cell recombinant bacterin vaccine), the latter including recombinant DNA encoding at least one protective protein (e.g., an antigenic protein) which has been expressed by the microorganisms prior to killing thereof. The protective protein(s) are operable to prevent or reduce the severity of a disease of the subject. The vaccine preparations of the invention do not require separation of the protective protein(s) from the host recombinant microorganism(s), thereby materially decreasing the complexity and cost of the vaccine formulations. A preferred vaccine against kennel cough includes recombinantly modified microorganisms which express protective antigens containing pertactin and filamentous hemagglutinin protein products.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to an anticorrosion system and in particular, a coating system for metals and a pigment therefor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In metallic components and in particular the bodies of motor vehicles, various corrosion problems occur, the first being a corrosion from the outside in, where the corrosion causes subcoating rust to develop. This corrosion is more cosmetic in nature. [0003] There is also a corrosion from inside out, which occurs in crimped and flanged regions and frequently leads to occurrences of rust breakthrough. [0004] According to the prior art, metallic components are temporarily protected from corrosion by means of an undercoating, a so-called anticorrosion primer. Currently, organic, metallic, and inorganic anticorrosion pigments are built into these organic paint systems, e.g. zinc, silicates, phosphates, chromates, etc., which are intended to protect the substrate surface by means of various mechanisms (e.g. ion exchange). [0005] But in continuously moist areas, these paint systems break down and bubbles form due to corrosion of the substrate, which causes a peeling of the paint that further accelerates the corrosive action. The conventional anticorrosion systems on metals appear as follows in the example of steel: a metallic coating is provided, which is applied electrolytically or by means of a hot-dip coating process. The most frequently used coating metal is zinc, followed by zinc-aluminum coatings and aluminum coatings. Sheet metals of this kind are pretreated by means of chromating, pretreated in a chromate-free fashion, or pretreated by means of phosphating, then the known anticorrosion primer is applied, to which a single-layer or multilayer topcoat is applied. [0006] An extremely wide variety of systems and in particular, an extremely wide variety of primers, are known from the prior art. [0007] DE 103 007 51 A1 has disclosed a method for coating metallic surfaces, coating compounds, and coverings manufactured in this way. The essentially organic compounds described therein also contain organic and/or inorganic corrosion inhibitors and optionally, other additives such as pigments. The corrosion inhibitors should be anticorrosion pigments and compounds based on titanium, hafnium, zirconium, carbonate, and/or ammonium carbonate; preferably, the anticorrosion pigments should be based on silicic acids, oxides, and/or silicates, e.g. earth alkali-containing anticorrosion pigments. Examples of these include in particular calcium-modified silicic acid and silicate pigments. Furthermore, anticorrosion pigments, each based on at least one respective oxide, phosphate, and/or silicate, can be used as the anticorrosion pigments. [0008] EP 1 030 894 B1 has disclosed a conductive, organic coating used as a so-called anticorrosion primer, which should have a favorable degree of weldability. [0009] For this purpose, it contains fine-grained conductive fillers such as powdered zinc, powdered aluminum, graphite and/or molybdenum sulfite, carbon black, iron phosphite, or barium sulfate doped with tin or antimony. In addition, it can contain anticorrosion pigments such as zinc-calcium-aluminum-strontium-polyphosphate-silicate hydrate, zinc-boron-tungsten-silicate, or doped CO 2 . [0010] DE 25 60 072 has disclosed the manufacture of pigment based on iron oxide and its use for corrosion protection; in addition to iron, this pigment can also contain magnesium and/or calcium oxides, which in addition to calcium and/or magnesium, can also contain zinc through substitution of the corresponding molar quantities. [0011] DE 102 47 691 A1 has disclosed a mixture for applying a polymeric, corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant, formable coating and a method for manufacturing this coating. For example, it should be possible to apply the mixture to a galvanized steel sheet; the mixture contains electrically conductive and/or semiconducting elements selected from the group of electrically conductive and/or semiconducting particles, but also contains iron phosphite or metallic zinc as well as optionally, up to 5 wt. % graphite and/or molybdenum sulfite. These should have a certain grain size distribution. These electrically conductive and/or semiconducting particles should be selected from among those based on boride, carbide, oxide, phosphide, phosphate, silicate, and/or silicide, for example based on aluminum, chromium, iron, calcium, calcium-magnesium, manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper, lanthanum, lanthanide, molybdenum, titanium, vanadium, tungsten, yttrium, zinc, tin, and/or zirconium. [0012] DE 102 17 624 A1 has disclosed a mixture for applying a polymeric, corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant, formable coating and a method for manufacturing this coating, which essentially corresponds to those in the already-cited DE 102 47 691 A1. [0013] EP 1 050 603 B1 has disclosed a surface-treated sheet steel with excellent corrosion resistance. This coated sheet steel includes a sheet steel that is coated with zinc or a zinc alloy or a sheet steel that is coated with aluminum or an aluminum alloy and a composite-oxide coating that is formed on the surface of the coated sheet steel, as well as an organic coating that should be situated on the composite-oxide coating. In addition to fine oxide particles, the composite-oxide coating contains at least one metal, selected from the group comprising magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium, including possible combinations or alloys, and phosphoric acid or a phosphoric acid compound; the organic coating includes a product of a reaction between a film-forming organic resin and a compound laden with active water; part or all of the compound is a hydrazine derivative. It is assumed that even if defects occur in the coating, a cathodic reaction of OH − ions is released, which shifts the surface into the alkaline range and magnesium ions and calcium ions are released in the form of magnesium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide, which, as airtight, only slightly soluble reaction products, produce a seal around the defects. The hydrazine derivative in this case should be able to form a stable passive layer by means of a powerful bond with the surface of the first layer and rearranges the zinc ions, which are released in a corrosion reaction, thus forming an insoluble, gelled layer. [0014] GB 846904 has disclosed a pigment composed of a binary zinc-magnesium alloy that can be used in paints. This pigment should be particularly stable in relation to corrosion so that with this pigment in the paint, it should be possible to achieve a certain barrier against corrosion. In order to protect the pigments in the paint from corrosion, it should be advantageous to protect the paint with an additional coating. [0015] The object of the invention is to create an anticorrosion system that reliably prevents corrosion and when corrosive action occurs, develops an additional protective mechanism. [0016] Another object of the invention is to create a pigment for the anticorrosion system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0017] According to the invention, an organic matrix, e.g. a paint, a glue, or a so-called anticorrosion primer contains alloyed metallic pigments, e.g. zinc-magnesium alloyed pigments or alloyed zinc-aluminum-magnesium pigments, optionally with zinc pigments mixed into them. An organic matrix of this kind is used, for example, as an anticorrosion primer on autobody sheets, as an adhesive for autobody sheets or also for applications other than in motor vehicles, or in paints such as paints used in the household appliance industry, the automotive industry, or the like. According to the invention, these pigments in an organic matrix can also be used in heavy-duty anticorrosion applications such as shipbuilding. [0018] Surprisingly and without a clear explanation of the effects, it has turned out that with the use of alloyed metallic pigments, i.e. pigments not in an inorganic, mineral, or ionic form, e.g. zinc-magnesium alloyed pigment particles or zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloyed pigment particles, an entirely unexpected reaction takes place with the occurrence of corrosive action. [0019] It has been possible to determine that with occurrences of corrosive action, the particles in the organic matrix are released, the released metal migrates to the surface of the metal substrate or to a surface of the steel substrate coating composed metal and precipitates a passive layer there. What takes place, therefore, is a corrosion-induced rearranging of the pigment metals and formation of the passive layer. The mechanism is so effective that the zinc coating on sheet steel and the paint coating thickness can be reduced, so that the cosmetic corrosion, the corrosion in continuously moist areas, and flange corrosion occur to a considerably lesser degree than in all of the known anticorrosion systems in the prior art. [0020] The invention permits a secondary anticorrosion measure, e.g. for eliminating or significantly reducing the need for flooding with wax preservatives or cavity preservatives. [0021] In addition, it is possible to use new designs that are more advantageous in manufacture (without hidden edges) and are subject to fewer limitations in the manufacture of components. [0022] In comparison to the conventional ratio of 1:4 to 1:6, the bonding agent-to-pigment ratio in the system according to the invention can even be set to 1:1 to 1:4, in particular 1:1 to 1:2, particularly preferably 1:1.6. [0023] Furthermore, hydrophobizing agents and waxes can be used as forming additives; for example silanes can be used as hydrophobizing agents and for example carnauba can be used as a forming additive. [0024] The achievable paint layer thickness can be reduced to 1 to 4 μm, in particular to 1.5 to 3.5 μm, in lieu of the conventional 3 to 5 μm. Furthermore, a reduced non-volatile matter density of <2.0 (conventionally approx. 3.5) yields an increase in the paint coverage rate (up to 30% less paint consumption). [0025] In addition, the paint system according to the invention can be formable and therefore have a significantly lower tool wear. [0026] The invention succeeds surprisingly well in combining the intrinsically contradictory goals of weldability on the one hand and corrosion protection on the other. [0027] In particular, the invention relates to an anticorrosion system for metals, which is composed of at least one covering or coating to be applied to a metal; the covering or coating contains an organic matrix; the organic matrix also contains anticorrosion pigments; the anticorrosion pigments are finely distributed in the organic matrix, and the anticorrosion pigments are made of a metal alloy composed of at least two metals and possibly unavoidable impurities. [0028] Also in the invention, the anticorrosion pigments are made of a metal alloy composed of at least three metals and possibly unavoidable impurities. [0029] The invention also relates to the organic matrix, which is an undercoating for a paint structure and/or an anticorrosion primer for a paint structure and/or a chromophoric paint of a paint structure and/or a topcoat of a paint structure and/or a paint for coating a metal and/or an adhesive for joining metal sheets and/or an oil and/or a wax and/or an oil/wax emulsion. [0030] The invention also relates to an anticorrosion system, which includes a metallic covering for the metal substrate; the metallic covering, functioning as a protective layer, provides a cathodic corrosion protection or a barrier corrosion protection. [0031] The invention also relates to a cathodic protective layer, which is a zinc layer and/or a zinc-aluminum layer and/or a zinc-chromium layer and/or a zinc-magnesium layer and/or a galvannealed layer (zinc-iron layer) or another cathodically acting protective layer. [0032] The invention also relates to a barrier protective layer, which is composed of aluminum and/or aluminum alloys and/or tin and/or copper and/or other metals that are electrochemically more inert than the covered metal substrate. [0033] According to the invention, the protective layer can be a protective layer that is deposited onto the substrate by means of electrolysis and/or the hot-dip method and/or the PVD method and/or the CVD method. [0034] Also according to the invention, at least one of the alloy metals of the anticorrosion pigment corresponds to a metal or the metal of the metallic anticorrosion layer. [0035] The invention also relates to at least two of the metals composing the alloy of the anticorrosion pigment, which can be alloyed with each other. [0036] The invention also relates to the elements composing the anticorrosion pigment; the elements are from different main groups of the chemical periodic system. [0037] According to the invention, as alloy components, the anticorrosion pigments contain elements of the third, fourth, and fifth periods of the second, third, and fourth main groups and subgroups. [0038] In one embodiment, the anticorrosion pigments are an alloy of metals of the second main group and the second subgroup. [0039] The invention also relates to the alloy for the anticorrosion pigments; the alloy contains metals of the fourth period of the eighth subgroup. [0040] According to the invention, this alloy can contain zinc, iron, aluminum, magnesium, cerium, lanthanum, and/or chromium. [0041] The invention also relates to other metallic pigments; for example, the pigments contain copper, tin bronze, zinc pigment mixtures, or graphite. [0042] The invention also relates to other pigments that contain copper, tin bronze, zinc pigment mixtures, or graphite. [0043] The invention also relates to a substrate; the substrate onto which the anticorrosion system is applied is a sheet steel. [0044] The invention also relates to an intermediate or pretreatment layer, which is situated between the metallic protective layer and the protective layer containing the anticorrosion pigments and is composed of a chromating or phosphating, in particular with magnesium, aluminum, or silicon phosphates. [0045] The invention also relates to metals in the pigment; these metals are electrochemically more inert metals such as copper, silver, platinum, or gold. [0046] The invention also relates to an organic matrix; the organic matrix is essentially a polyester paint. [0047] The invention also relates to the organic matrix; in order to improve paint adhesion, the matrix contains 1 to 5% melamine resins and/or epoxy resins and/or blocked isocyanate resins. [0048] The invention also relates to the use of the anticorrosion system as an anticorrosion primer and/or paint; the anticorrosion system is applied to the substrate in paint layer thicknesses of 1 to 4 μm. [0049] The bonding agent-to-pigment ratio can be from 1:1 to 1:4. [0050] Preferably, the bonding agent-to-pigment ratio is from 1:1 to 1:2. [0051] Even more preferably, the bonding agent-to-pigment ratio is from 1:1.4 to 1:1.6. [0052] The invention also relates to the organic matrix; in addition to a paint component and/or resin component, the matrix contains waxes as forming additives. [0053] Also according to the invention, hydrophobizing agents can be included; the hydrophobizing agents are contained in the matrix. [0054] Also according to the invention, silanes can be included as hydrophobizing agents. [0055] The invention also relates to an anticorrosion pigment for use in an anticorrosion system, particularly for use in an organic matrix for protecting a coated or uncoated metal substrate; the pigment is made of a metal alloy composed of at least two metals and possibly unavoidable impurities. [0056] The invention also relates to the anticorrosion pigment; the anticorrosion pigment is made of a metal alloy composed of at least three metals and possibly unavoidable impurities. [0057] The invention also relates to at least one of the alloy metals of the anticorrosion pigment; the alloy metal corresponds to a metal or the metal of the metallic anticorrosion layer. [0058] According to the invention, at least two of the metals composing the alloy of the anticorrosion pigment can be alloyed with each other. [0059] The invention also relates to the elements composing the anticorrosion pigment; the elements are from different main groups of the chemical periodic system. [0060] Also according to the invention, alloy components of the pigment can include elements of the third, fourth, and fifth periods of the second, third, and fourth main groups and subgroups. [0061] The invention also relates to the anticorrosion pigment; the anticorrosion pigment is an alloy of metals of the second main group and the second subgroup. [0062] In one embodiment of the invention, the alloy contains metals of the fourth period of the eighth subgroup. [0063] According to the invention, zinc, iron, aluminum, magnesium, cerium, lanthanum, and/or chromium can be used as the metals composing the alloy. [0064] The invention also relates to a pigment; the pigment is essentially a zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloy. [0065] The invention also relates to the alloy of the anticorrosion pigment(s); the anticorrosion pigment also contains metals that are electrochemically more inert than the essential alloy components in order to stimulate the breakdown of the alloy components that form the passive layer. [0066] According to the invention, copper, silver, platinum, or gold are contained as metals that are electrochemically more inert than the essential alloy components. [0067] The invention relates to the use of anticorrosion pigments in an anticorrosion system for coating metals as an anticorrosion layer. [0068] The invention will be described by way of example in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0069] FIG. 1 shows a first layer construction for use as a paint system in the automotive field. [0070] FIG. 2 is a comparison of the corrosion mechanisms in the prior art and in the invention. [0071] FIG. 3 shows cross-sectional electron microscope images after the occurrence of a corrosive action according to DIN EN ISO 9227 (500 hours) in the prior art and in the invention. [0072] FIG. 4 shows an electron microscope image of an anticorrosion pigment according to the invention. [0073] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional electron microscope image of a layer structure according to the invention before an occurrence of corrosive action and the cross section of the layer structure according to the invention after an occurrence of corrosive action. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0074] The layer structure according to the invention ( FIG. 1 ) includes a metal substrate 1 , for example a sheet metal such as sheet steel, which is to be protected from corrosion. [0075] A metallic protective layer 2 can be applied to the substrate 1 . The metallic protective layer 2 is for example a protective layer 2 that functions as a cathodic protection or a barrier protection. [0076] For the case in which it is a cathodic protective layer 2 , the protective layer 2 is for example a zinc layer, a zinc-aluminum layer, a zinc-chromium layer, a zinc-magnesium layer, or another cathodically acting protective layer such as a galvannealed layer. [0077] The cathodic protective layer 2 can be deposited onto the substrate 1 by means of the hot-dip method, electrolysis, or other known methods such as the PVD method or the CVD method. [0078] For the case in which the protective layer 2 is a barrier protective layer, this barrier protective layer 2 is composed, for example, of aluminum, aluminum alloys, tin, or similar metals. [0079] A barrier protective layer 2 can also be deposited by means of the hot-dip method, electrolytically, or by means of the CVD or PVD method. [0080] The layer 2 can also be embodied as multilayered and metallic. [0081] Optionally, but not necessarily, a pretreatment layer 3 can be provided in order to improve paint adhesion. The pretreatment layer 3 can be a chromating or phosphating and is preferably a chromate-free pretreatment using magnesium phosphates. [0082] A so-called primer 4 is applied to the pretreatment layer 3 ; the primer 4 contains the anticorrosion pigments according to the invention. The primer 4 contains an organic component and the anticorrosion pigments according to the invention as well as optional fillers and additives. [0083] The organic components are for example monomers, oligomers, and polymers that can preferably be at least partially hardened anionically, cationically, and/or radically. Additional optional ingredients include organic solvents or water or alcohols. The organic component is in particular composed of organic components that comprise typical paints or anticorrosion primers of the type known from the prior art, in particular single-component or multi-component synthetic resins. [0084] Preferably, a polyester paint is used as an organic component or as an organic bonding agent. Up to now, polyester paints of this kind have not been used in mass-produced anticorrosion paint systems. In addition, this paint can contain 1 to 5% melamine resins, epoxy resins, or blocked isocyanate, which significantly improves paint adhesion. [0085] The selection according to the invention achieves a significantly improved paint flow and therefore a significantly improved surface. This also makes it possible to reduce the paint layer thickness so that when the system according to the invention is used, this also improves the weldability. [0086] Additives can include, for example, thixotropy-influencing substances, adhesion agents, paint pigments, other metallic pigments functioning as welding additives, and other substances usually contained in anticorrosion primers. [0087] In a particularly preferred embodiment according to the invention, forming additives such as waxes or hydrophobizing agents can be used. The waxes used here can be the waxes usually used as forming additives such as carnauba wax; preferably, silanes are used as the hydrophobizing agents. [0088] Other metallic pigments such as copper, tin bronze, graphite, and in a particularly preferable embodiment, zinc pigment mixtures can also be present. [0089] The anticorrosion pigments according to the invention are finely distributed in the organic matrix, both in the fluid form and in the hardened form, and are composed of an alloy of at least two metals. [0090] If a protective layer 2 is provided, preferably at least one of the metals corresponds to the metal used as a protective coating 2 that covers the steel substrate 1 . Depending on the protective layer 2 , the anticorrosion pigments are thus composed of zinc-magnesium and/or zinc-aluminum and/or aluminum-magnesium and/or zinc-chromium alloys; alloys composed of three of the above-mentioned metals are also possible. In lieu of the metals mentioned above, it is also possible to use metals that are situated close to or are related to these metals in the electrochemical series and/or in the periodic system of elements, e.g. metals of the same main group. [0091] In a purely general way, it can be said that the elements composing the anticorrosion pigment can come from different main groups or subgroups of the chemical periodic system; for example, the anticorrosion pigments are an alloy composed of metals of the second main group and the second subgroup. In particular, the alloy can contain or be composed of metals of the fourth period of the eighth subgroup and also, as an alloy component, elements of the third, fourth, and fifth periods of the second, third, and fourth main groups and subgroups. [0092] With the use of zinc-containing anticorrosion pigments, it has surprisingly turned out that a reduction of the pigment content in the paint in favor of the proportion of bonding agent does not in fact change the anticorrosion properties for the worse but instead, significantly improves the weldability in a surprising way. The basis for this mechanism is unknown at this time. It is assumed that this effect is based on the low number of contact points that is conversely accompanied by an increased current passage per contact point. [0093] The pigments can be surface treated or surface coated. For example, the pigments can be hydrophobized, in particular by means of silanization, which facilitates the intermingling into the organic matrix. [0094] In another advantageous embodiment, in addition to the claimed metals, the layer 4 contains a certain proportion of metals that are electrochemically more inert or much more inert, e.g. Sn-bronze, copper, silver, gold, or platinum. It has been possible to determine that the presence of more inert metals stimulates or more precisely stated, accelerates, the breakdown of the pigments. [0095] The layer 4 according to the invention can also be composed of a plurality of sublayers; for example, the sublayers contain anticorrosion pigments composed of different metals so that for example a first sublayer contains anticorrosion pigments according to the invention, e.g. composed of a zinc-magnesium alloy, and a second sublayer applied thereon contains anticorrosion pigments according to the invention, e.g. composed of aluminum-magnesium or zinc-chromium. Naturally, it is also possible for there to be a plurality of layers; the plurality of layers naturally increases the corrosion resistance, but also increases the corresponding costs. [0096] A single-layer or multilayer topcoat, in particular a chromophoric topcoat, is applied to a layer 4 according to the invention that is embodied in this way; according to the invention, topcoats of this kind can optionally also contain anticorrosion pigments, possibly also in other granularities and/or concentrations. [0097] FIG. 2 shows the different reactions to the occurrence of corrosive action in the prior art and according to the invention. In the prior art, upon occurrence of a corrosive action, a direct corrosive action on the zinc layer occurs, thus generating zinc corrosion products. [0098] By contrast, the anticorrosion pigments according to the invention, which according to the invention are contained in the primer 4 , are dissolved from a ZnAlMg alloy by means of a corrosive action; a diffusion in the direction toward the surface of the protective layer 2 or 3 clearly occurs and an additional passive layer 5 forms on the surface of this protective layer. This passive layer 5 increases the corrosion resistance and protects the underlying layers from corrosive action. [0099] How this reaction and the formation of the passive layer occur has not yet been conclusively explained. [0100] FIG. 3 shows the differences in the structure and function of conventional coatings. The cross-sectional image on the left shows the prior art, in which a conventional anticorrosion primer that contains zinc pigments has been attacked by corrosion in a 500-hour salt-spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227. It is clear that the zinc pigments are more or less unharmed while zinc corrosion products have built up on the steel substrate and only a small amount of residual zinc is still present. [0101] By contrast, in the cross-sectional image on the right, it is clear that the zinc layer remains largely unchanged after the same corrosive action and the corrosion has in no way penetrated down to the steel. In addition, some residual zinc-magnesium pigments are still present in the primer. [0102] In FIG. 4 , a pigment of this kind is shown in close-up; the anticorrosion pigment contains light and dark phases, which are composed of zinc phases and zinc-magnesium alloy phases, and in addition, an oxide layer is present on the outside. [0103] For further illustration, the right side of FIG. 5 once again shows a cross section through the layer structure according to the invention in which, before the corrosive action, the anticorrosion pigments are situated in the organic matrix (black). After the corresponding corrosive action according to DIN EN ISO 9227 (500 hours), it is clearly evident that the anticorrosion pigments have disappeared. However, a thin (light-colored) additional layer has formed on the zinc layer, namely the passive layer that has clearly succeeded in protecting the zinc layer from corrosion. [0104] According to the invention, the above-mentioned pigments can also be contained in adhesives for bonding sheet metals, in particular autobody sheets or sheet metals used for household appliances, thus preventing a corrosion of the joining connection and preventing a detachment of the adhesive due to corrosion of the sheet metal. [0105] In addition, the anticorrosion pigments can naturally also be present in topcoats. If a paint structure of the kind used in autobody sheets is not present, but instead, a simple paint structure is provided of the kind used for example in household appliances and similar applications, then the anticorrosion pigments can also be present in the paint alone. [0106] The invention thus successfully provides an active anticorrosion primer or layer structure that reacts to a corrosive action by precipitating a passive layer, thus making it possible to protect the actual anticorrosion layer. By means of this, this passive layer is then available as a cathodic anticorrosion layer for a cathodic corrosion protection after layer damage (stone impacts, scratches) or in the event of an even more powerful corrosive action. [0107] Consequently, the invention creates a layer structure and anticorrosion pigments that enable a significantly extended service life in the presence of corrosive action. [0108] With the invention, it is also advantageous that by contrast with conventional systems, the weldability is significantly improved and nevertheless, an attractive paint flow is achieved for bodyshell applications. The paint coverage rate is significantly increased, with an outstanding corrosion protection at reduced paint layer thicknesses of 1 to 4 μm, by contrast with the prior 3 to 5 μm. It turned out that it is possible to bridge the gap between corrosion protection on the one hand and weldability on the other, thus enabling a significant improvement in terms of perforation corrosion (flange corrosion) while maintaining the required weldability. In addition, the formability is significantly improved and, through the addition of melamine resins, epoxy resins, or blocked isocyanates, the paint adhesion is also significantly improved. [0109] It is environmentally relevant that by contrast with conventional systems, which required a pretreatment with sometimes carcinogenic contents (chromates, cobalt nitrates), a single-stage, chromate-free pretreatment is possible. In this case, the system can be applied to an extremely wide array of substrates and an extremely wide array of coatings of metals, e.g. Al, Fe, Zn and their alloys. [0110] Another advantage has turned out to be the fact that with the use of the anticorrosion system or structure according to the invention, the baking temperature (peak metal temperature—PMT) of 190° to 240° C. PMT can be reduced to approximately 160° C. PMT so that extremely strong, bake-hardening steels can be painted using coil processing. [0111] A sample composition of a suitable pigment (a pigment with conductive and anticorrosion properties) is given below (all indications in M-%): [0112] Zn/Mg from 90/10 to 99.5/0.5, preferably from 95/5 to 99/1, particularly preferably 98/2. [0113] Zn/Al from 80/20 to 99.5/0.5, preferably from 95/5 to 99/1, particularly preferably 98/2. [0114] If need be, traces of other elements can be present. [0115] The following table illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention. [0000] Composition Proportion range in wt. % Bonding agents calculated based on bonding agent/ preferred polyester resin (branched) 30.00-50.00%/40% polyester resin (linear) 15.00-30.00%/20% epoxy resin 5.00-30.00%/10% melamine resin (hexamethoxymethyl 10.00-25.00/15% melamine) HMMM blocked isocyanate (hexamethyl 10.00-25.00/15% diisocyanate) HDI Additives calculated based on overall recipe humectant 0.050-1.000%/0.1% antifoaming agent 0.100-1.000%/0.25% wetting additive 0.050-1.000%/0.1% flow-control agent 0.100-1.000%/0.2% catalyst 0.500-2.500%/1% Pigments conductive pigments 25.000-40.000%/30% org. Zn-corrosion inhibitors 0.250-2.000%/1% anticorrosion agent 4.000-8.000%/6.5% antisettling agent 0.050-1.000%/0.1% hydrophobizing agent (wax) 0.250-2.000%/0.5% Organic solvents solvent (ester) 5.000-10.000/7.5% solvent (glycol) 1.000-10.000/2 1% solvent (aromatic hydrocarbon) residual trace to 100.000/28.2% <1% naphthalene

The invention relates to an anti-corrosion system for metals consisting of at least one finish or coating that can be applied to a metal, said finish or coating comprising an organic matrix. The organic matrix also contains anti-corrosion pigments, which are finely distributed throughout the organic matrix. The anti-corrosion pigments are formed from a metal alloy of at least two metals and optionally from inevitable impurities. The invention also relates to a corresponding anti-corrosion pigment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of Application Ser. No. 09/522,784 filed Mar. 10, 2000. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Electrostatic coating processes rely on a charge differential between an article to be coated and what is used to coat that article. In such processes, the article is typically grounded whereas the coating to be applied is endowed with a charge. When the article and coating are then brought into contact with one another, the result is that the coating adheres to the article. It is estimated that more than 10,000 facilities for accomplishing this exist in the US alone. [0003] Most such coating procedures and facilities employ a variety of steps, i.e., a cleaning step, a drying step, a coating step, and a heating step wherein the adhered coating is cured to afford a more desirable and permanent coat. These steps usually take place sequentially using batch operations commonly employed in the art, or else in specialized stations connected by a continuous conveyor line. [0004] Conveyor lines can be of varying length depending on the facility. Articles to be coated are hung from these lines via spaced electroconductive racks or hangers that serve to ground articles attached thereto. Racks and hangers are popular that have the capacity to hang multiple articles. This is accomplished by multiple hooks, usually spot welded at set distances from one another on the same rack. Such rack and hook configurations vary widely in shape, size, and configuration to support different types and sizes of articles. [0005] Once attached, the hangers or racks bearing grounded articles are conveyed through a coating station followed by a curing station. Once coating and curing are finished, the coated objects are removed and the process begins anew. [0006] The hangers and racks of such systems, being expensive, are typically re-used. After passing through the painting station a number of times, that portion or portions of the hanger which contact the article gradually becomes fouled by coating. The net effect is interference with grounding capacity, with consequent poor transfer efficiency and an eventual possibility for spark or fire. This necessitates periodic replacing or cleaning, which is both time-consuming and expensive. [0007] In the case of recycling, conventional cleaning methods include chemical stripping, molten bath stripping, burning, and mechanical stripping, i.e., sandblasting, hammering, and filing. These processes reduce the useful life and capacity of racks by compromising their structural integrity over time. For example, it is the Applicants' experience that hooks break off fairly regularly, thereby lessening the capacity and desirability of continuing with that rack. [0008] The art has thus far failed to provide a cost-effective alternative. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] The invention provides a surprisingly efficient solution to the long-felt need described above. [0010] It is an object of the invention to provide an electrically conductive intermediate at an interface or contact point between the hanger and article to be coated. This intermediate may be conveniently replaced or recycled at a comparatively small cost relative to existing procedures and implements. [0011] In a first aspect, the invention features a system for extending the operating life of hangers or racks associated with electrostatic coating. This is accomplished by use of a relatively cheap, electrically conductive, and preferably pliable, intermediate that is suitable for grounding an article to be coated. The intermediate is interposed at a contact junction of the article and electroconductive hanger. [0012] In exemplary embodiments, the intermediate slideably engages, wraps, or clamps to the hanger and may even adapt in shape or be engineered to accommodate the particular shape of a hook. In most preferred embodiments the article, via an orifice or recess, envelops at least a portion of the hook and intermediate attached thereto. [0013] Various embodiments contemplate different conductive materials and configurations, including shape, of the intermediate. By way of materials, rubber, plastic, tape, and metalic foils all exist that are conductive and suitable, depending on the precise application. The intermediate may be a silicone sleeve or cap having a hollow interior for receiving a hook portion of a hanger. The article to be coated then fits over or engages this enveloped portion of the hook, usually via an orifice of sufficient dimension. [0014] Concentric “layers” of pliable sleeves are also envisioned for some coating applications wherein one sleeve is positioned over another for rapid exposure of fresh contact surfaces as appropriate. A spent layer is simply peeled away or cut off thereby exposing a fresh one. One such embodiment contemplates a tape. Other embodiments contemplate a plurality of hollow tubes, one over the top of the next. These may be slit lengthwise and deposited one over the top of the next, or else constructed in multiplied layers which are then curled and fixed in form to wrap or clamp to a hanger of interest. Of course, the diameter differential associated with this technique must accordingly be accommodated by the article. [0015] In other embodiments, at least a portion of the hanger itself comprises a nonmetallic material such as a conductive silicone rubber or plastic. This new material can be conductively and integrally fixed during manufacture, e.g., by injection molding. Preferably, the material is pliable or bendable with the hands or other gentle means to quickly release or free unwanted deposits of coating that hinder contact and hence grounding ability. In such embodiments, the sleeve or intermediate is recyclable. [0016] In still other embodiments, the sleeve intermediate is disposable. Of course, everything including hangers are disposable at a cost, but what distinguishes the present invention is the relatively low cost of the intermediate relative to the cost of replacing or recycling a hanger or rack. In embodiments where the intermediate is integrally a part of the hanger, the novelty resides in the hanger being easily cleaned relative to conventional hangers, e.g., metal ones, and more durable or receptive to cleanings. [0017] In exemplary embodiments, the intermediate bridges a hanger and an article to be coated. This bridge may occur in a variety of configurations as one of skill will appreciate. It may occur as described above, or else it may occur by a more comprehensive envelopment, not only of the hanger but also of the entire juncture, including a portion of the article itself. U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,709 issued to Torefors describes one such example. However, instead of a conductive bridge, Torefors specifies a non-conductive (“dielectric”) cover. The present invention, by contrast, serves a dual function in further providing a conductive bridge to facilitate grounding and suitable coating, while simultaneously preserving the operative part of the hanger or hook for future use. [0018] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an intermediate member is designed for fitting over a horizontal cross-bar type of workpiece hanger which suspends large size panels or the like for electrostatic coating, and comprises a longitudinal, hollow sleeve of pliable, electrically conductive material having a longitudinal slit extending along its length so that the sleeve can be engaged transversely over a cross bar extending between two vertical hangers via the slit. An article to be coated, such as a large flat panel, can then be suspended from the cross bar via conductive hooks which engage over the sleeve. [0019] The elongate sleeve may be of any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, or octagonal. The slit may form a longitudinal gap or slot in the sleeve, or may be a simple linear cut along the length of the sleeve. Alternatively, the sleeve may have opposite longitudinal edges which are overlapped along the length of the sleeve, so that there is no opening in the sleeve after it has been engaged over the cross bar. In another alternative, the sleeve may have no slit, for engagement over hook like hanger. [0020] In an alternative embodiment, the intermediate may be a sheet or strip of pliable, electrically conductive material which is secured on top of a hanger by an electrically conductive adhesive, such that an article to be coated engages the strip or layer. The pliable strip may have any suitable cross-sectional and peripheral shape, such as square, rectangular, circular, triangular, and the like, and may be solid or may have a through bore. The adhesive may cover all or only part of an inner face of the strip. [0021] The intermediate may suitably be made of a conductive material, preferably rubber, plastic, tape, foil, or grease that can be conveniently removed, disposed of, replaced, or recycled. The intermediate may have resistance of less than 6 megaohms, or one or less megaohms, or 0.5 megaohms, and in one example has a resistance of about 0.1 megaohms or less. [0022] In exemplary embodiments, such intermediates are also heat resistant to temperatures up to 600° F., and may be heat resistant in ranges of between about 250° F. and 450° F. [0023] At present, the favorite known material for the intermediate is conductive silicone, which may be fashioned by mixing different conductive and nonconductive commercially available grades in certain proportions testable by one of skill in the art, using routine experimentation to arrive at a final suitable product. Alternatively, fully conductive commercially available conductive silicone alone can be used that, while more expensive, still represents an improvement in the art. [0024] The material used, e.g., silicone, may be molded to fit the myriad different sizes and shapes of hooks available, or else a universal piece may be used that fits a variety of hook shapes and sizes by conforming pliably in shape. Preferably, these sleeves or caps pull on and off conveniently with minor effort, but are not too loose as to permit undue amounts of coating to seep inside. Looseness is not known to otherwise disadvantage the system, provided there is some contact through which a ground may be established. [0025] A second aspect of the invention features methods for electrostatic coating that make use of the above embodiments, either singularly or, where appropriate, combined. One method of providing an electrostatic pliable coating layer on one or more hanger members comprises dipping at least part of at least one hanger member in a bath of liquid electroconductive material, such as conductive silicone, so that the dipped surface is coated with a layer of electroconductive material, and then lifting the hanger member out of the bath and allowing the coating layer to cure in order to form a pliable, electroconductive coating layer. Some or all of the hanger member may be dipped, and entire hanger racks for use in electrostatically coating many parts at once may be dipped and coated with the pliable electroconductive intermediate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] The present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of some exemplary embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which: [0027] [0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rack with conductive sleeves according to a first embodiment of the invention; [0028] [0028]FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 2 - 2 of FIG. 1; [0029] [0029]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a sleeve with rectangular configuration, according to another embodiment of the invention; [0030] [0030]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative, cylindrical sleeve; [0031] [0031]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sleeve with a flange for ease of fastening and removal from a hook; [0032] [0032]FIG. 6 is a side view of the flanged sleeve mounted on a hook; [0033] [0033]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a different type of hanger rack and an attached conductive sleeve according to another embodiment of the invention; [0034] [0034]FIG. 8 is a cross-section on the lines 8 - 8 of FIG. 7; [0035] [0035]FIG. 9 is a section similar to FIG. 8 illustrating a modified sleeve for use with the rack of FIG. 7; [0036] [0036]FIG. 10 illustrates another modified sleeve; [0037] [0037]FIG. 11 is a section similar to FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrating another modified sleeve; [0038] [0038]FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrating a modified sleeve shape; [0039] [0039]FIG. 13 illustrates a sleeve according to another embodiment; and [0040] [0040]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIGS. 8 to 13 illustrating yet another modified sleeve. [0041] [0041]FIG. 15 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 2 illustrating a hanger with an intermediate strip or layer according to another embodiment of the invention; [0042] [0042]FIG. 16 is a cross-section on the lines 16 - 16 of FIG. 15; [0043] [0043]FIG. 17 is a cross-section similar to FIG. 16 illustrating an alternative shape for the strip; [0044] [0044]FIG. 18 is a cross-section similar to FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrating another alternative shape; [0045] [0045]FIG. 19 is a cross-section similar to FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrating an intermediate strip engaged over a cross bar of the hanger rack of FIG. 7; [0046] [0046]FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the inner face of an alternative version of an intermediate strip for adhering over a hanger member; [0047] [0047]FIG. 21 is a cross-section illustrating the stip of FIG. 20 adhered to a hanger with an article suspended over the strip; [0048] [0048]FIG. 22 is a rear plan view of a intermediate strip illustrating an alternative shape for the strip; [0049] [0049]FIG. 23 is a rear plan view of a strip similar to that of FIG. 22 but with a different adhesive arrangement; [0050] [0050]FIG. 24 is a plan view similar to FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrating an alternative shape; [0051] [0051]FIG. 25 is a plan view similar to FIGS. 22 to 24 illustrating another alternative shape for the strip; [0052] [0052]FIG. 26 is a perspective rear view of an alternative arcuate strip; [0053] [0053]FIG. 27 is a schematic side elevational view illustrating a method for coating part or all of a hanger member with a pliable electroconductive cover layer; [0054] [0054]FIG. 27A illustrates the hanger end of a hanger member coated according to the method of FIG. 27; [0055] [0055]FIG. 27B illustrates a hanger member fully coated according to the method of FIG. 27; [0056] [0056]FIG. 28 illustrates an entire hanger rack coated with a pliable electroconductive coating layer according to the method of FIG. 27; [0057] [0057]FIG. 29 illustrates another type of hanger member partially coated with an electroconductive cover layer according to the method of FIG. 27; [0058] [0058]FIG. 30 is a cross-section on the lines 30 - 30 of FIG. 29; [0059] [0059]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of an end cap of pliable electroconductive material according to another embodiment of the invention; [0060] [0060]FIG. 32 illustrates the end cap of FIG. 31 in use during an electrostatic coating process for an automobile hood or the like; [0061] [0061]FIG. 33 illustrates a modified, open-ended cap; and [0062] [0062]FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating a pliable electroconductive intermediate according to another embodiment of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0063] The invention makes use of novel intermediate components for use in electrostatic coating processes. The intermediate is conductive and relatively inexpensive in cost and practice, allowing for ready cleaning and/or replacement with a concomitant more efficient operation afforded to the overall system. The object is the preservation of proper grounding and the protection and preservation of more expensive implements used in the process, e.g., hangers, hooks, and racks. [0064] As used herein, and in the claims, the following terms have the following meanings: [0065] A “system” includes, but is not limited to, traditional apparatuses used in electrostatic coating processes. [0066] The term “electrostatic coating” embraces any powder, paint, or electroplating procedure wherein a charge differential is established to facilitate coating of an object to be coated. This includes but is not limited to the use of thermoplastics and teflon-type additions. Those of skill in the art know the broad latitude of the term, which can apply to different charging techniques and systems. [0067] By “intermediate” refers to an object which interfaces in some fashion with both an article to be coated and an electrically conductive hanger. The shape is not to be construed as limited by the drawings or discussion herein, so long as one or more objects of the invention are otherwise met. The intermediate is typically hollow or capable of being made so, e.g., in the case of foil by wrapping it around a hook to be used in an electrostatic coating process of the invention. In tubular embodiments, this can be a uniform, hollow piece of varying internal and external dimensions, additionally including in some embodiments one or more flanges or grips that allow easy placement and replacement, in addition to providing leverage or mechanical manipulation and recycling. The intermediate can be a sleeve or cap, with the difference being that a sleeve has opposing free ends while a cap does not. [0068] The terms “suitable for grounding”, “grounding” and “conductive” are to be understood jointly. “Conductive” means capable of passing a charge, e.g., a stream of electrons, and can mean any substance having suitable resistance and capable of fulfilling one or more objectives of the invention. Preferably, the material should have between about 0 and 6 megaohms of resistance, more preferably less than 1 megaohm of resistance, still more preferably less than 0.5 megaohm of resistance, and most preferably having about 0.1 megaohm or lower resistance. The more preferred parameters respect, although are not limited by, National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) standards and rationale: “To minimize the possibility of ignition by static electric sparks, powder transportation, application, recovery equipment, work pieces and all other conductive objects shall be grounded with a resistance . . . not exceeding one megaohm.” NFPA Bulletin No. 33, Ch. 13, paragraph 13-4c. [0069] “Ground” or “grounding” is a phenomenon that describes an equilibration of charge approximating that of the earth's surface. It is a reference standard by which more or less charge is gauged. For purposes of the invention, however, ground can also embrace situations where the hanger possesses a charge opposite to that of the coating material such that electrostatic bonding is achieved and promotes good transferability and coating. [0070] The term “hanger” is not meant to be geometrically or materially limiting and may embrace a variety of structures and compositions known in the art, including but not limited to conventional metal hangers, racks, hooks, combinations of racks and hooks, and any other instrument useful in securing or supporting an article to be electrostatically coated. Of course, the piece must also be electroconductive and otherwise suitable for electrostatic coating processes. Magnetic systems and applications are also envisioned. [0071] The terms “slideably engages”, “wraps”, and “clamps” are each broad terms descriptive of many potential, not necessarily mutually exclusive embodiments. Besides what are shown in the instant drawings, another non-limiting example of a clamp, for instance, includes that disclosed in U.S. Pat. 5,897,709, herein incorporated by reference. Although the clamp described there is nonconductive, the geometry and-other functions can be recruited for purposes of the instant invention. [0072] The terms “silicone”, “plastic”, “tape”, and “foil” similarly have many acceptable permutations that are envisioned to be suitable for the invention, and which are either known in the art, or can be readily determined and implemented without undue experimentation by one of ordinary skill. These are discussed in greater detail below. [0073] The term “integral with said hanger during manufacture” denotes either the conjoining of multiple individual components during manufacture of the hanger itself, or else embodiments where the hanger itself is made entirely of a homogeneous material, e.g., conductive silicone, which presents durability and cleaning advantages over previous compositions, systems, and methods. [0074] The terms “disposable” and “recyclable” are meant to demonstrate alternative, not necessarily mutually exclusive, embodiments. Thus, at the discretion of the end-user a disposed of intermediate may also be suitably recycled. In other embodiments, there can be mutual exclusivity, e.g., where the sleeve, cap, etc., is engineered to fulfill its grounding and protective function only once, and then degrades, e.g., during the heating/curing step. Other Features of the Intermediates [0075] The conductive intermediates of the invention preferably withstand a temperature in the range of temperatures 200° F. to 600° F., most preferably 450° F., and over course of time about ten (10) or more minutes. Conforming intermediates are preferably pliable adapt in shape to envelop at least that portion of the hanger or rack to which the article to be coated is fastened or hangs. The point of this contact may represent substantially the whole of the exterior surface area of the intermediate, or else may represent any subfraction or portion thereof. [0076] The intermediate may assume the shape of a prophylactic cap or sleeve, e.g., tubular or hollow, that has one or more exposed hanger or rack portions flanking its point of engagement with the hanger. Also, the shape of the intermediate may appear much different in appearance when affixed to the hanger relative to when not affixed. This owes to the intermediate's pliability and/or ready ability to conform in shape to the shape of the hook or subportion thereof to which the intermediate attaches. However, as noted, in certain embodiments the fit can be engineered to be more or less precise, so that pliability is not as great a consideration. [0077] A further aspect is that the intermediate may be readily engaged and detached with minimal effort, e.g., peeled, unwrapped, scraped, or slideably disengaged as needed, and conveniently replaced or recycled so as to economically promote proper grounding and coating efficiency. This is, at least in part, because the cost of the intermediate is typically a fraction of the cost of the other system hardware, e.g., the racks, hooks, and hangers. [0078] The ease with which recycling (where appropriate) is accomplished depends on the physical characteristics of the intermediate. In most preferred embodiments, the intermediate is a conductive silicone having suitable thermal stability. The intermediate is ideally elastomeric or pliable, easily engageable with the hanger, e.g., by sliding over, wrapping, or impaling a surface thereof, and readily disengageable as well. [0079] A further embodiment, as mentioned, is the layered intermediates, wherein a plurality of intermediates overlaying one another are positioned on the rack and peeled off as needed to expose fresh contact area for new objects to be coated or recoated. This layered effect may result either from tape or from layers deposited one atop another. In tubular formats, multiple tubes may be stretched substantially over one another while the bottom most tube directly contacts the hanger/hook/rack and the subsequent added layers indirectly contact it via electrical conductance across the layers. Assumed is that the means for attachment of the article to the intermediate can accommodate a range of thicknesses supplied by the additional layers, and that sufficient contact and hence conductance between the layers can be maintained. [0080] Characteristic of preferred recycling embodiments is that by using minimal or mild perturbation the intermediate can be easily regenerated, i.e., freed of unwanted coating deposits. This is especially so for silicone sleeve embodiments, but not advised for metalic foil embodiments. In the latter case, disposal, or recycling by burning or chemical stripping is preferred. Recycling and nonrecyling embodiments, as stated, are not necessarily mutually exclusive and may be at the discretion of the operator using the system. Such intermediate may therefore be suitable for either process. [0081] It is also anticipated that the inherent benefits of the invention will find additional merit in automation. This will be more or less practicable depending on the specific embodiment used. At present, conductive silicone sleeves or caps are envisioned to best perform the task. They are easily mounted via sliding, clamping, or adhering, and similarly disengageable. [0082] In summary, prior to the invention racks and hangers in the art required frequent replacement or cleaning which entailed considerable cost and labor. Down-time associated with these processes was unacceptable and/or, in the case of recycling, exacted a heavy toll on one or more of the following factors: structure and usable life of the racks and hangers, labor allocation, environmental impact, and energy consumption. With the teachings of the invention, these concerns are overcome, simplifying the overall coating and manufacturing process. The net result is increased efficiency and profit, which may in turn be passed on to the consumer. EXAMPLE 1 Determining Suitable Ground and Resistance [0083] A common device used to measure continuity to ground, and which may be used to further optimize parameters and configurations suitable for the invention, is an ohm meter having a megaohm scale. This can be a volt/ohm meter (VOM) or a Megger. A VOM is adequate for checking electrical circuits, but its low voltage power source makes it less suited for checking the proper grounding of a coating system. The best device is the Megger which has a power source of 500 volts or higher. This higher voltage provides the current required to accurately measure the resistance to ground. [0084] An exemplary technique for measuring resistance is to start at the end of the process and work backward. The meter is connected between a known building ground and the uncoated part to be tested using a long test lead. This procedure is used to determine that the part is correctly ground through the entire spray booth. The amount of resistance to ground can be read on the meter, as one of skill aware. [0085] Because the meter is attached to a known ground and to a clean part on the conveyor in the booth, all the devices in between (hanger, conveyor, swivels, etc.) are in the circuit and the resistance to proper ground can be measured. If the reading is less than one megaohm, the grounding is ideal. [0086] If the resistance reading is greater than one megaohm, one can verify by hooking the lead to the contact point on the hanger and read it again. Then, by repeating the procedure and working back through the system (swivel or conveyor hook, conveyor) until the resistance reads in the proper range. By this method it can be determined which device needs corrective action. [0087] A similar technique can be used to check for proper grounding of other objects and equipment in the coating area and system. EXAMPLE 2 Silicone Sleeve or Cap [0088] A prototype intermediate was designed and built as follows: Three quarter parts conductive silicone rubber compound (Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Japan; part KE3611U) combined with one quarter part nonconductive silicone paste (Shin-Etsu; part KE961U) was mixed, compression molded, and cured in the form of tubing having a wall thickness of about 0.1 cm and an overall tubing diameter of about 1 cm. With reference to FIG. 2 or 6 , the resulting tubing was then cut to approximately 5 cm in length and the resulting sleeve intermediate 1 slideably coaxed over and along the shaft of a metal conductive hook 2 via a free end 3 of said sleeve intermediate 1 . This was done until the sleeve 1 substantially covered the hook 2 , or at least that portion fated to engage and contact a workpiece or article to be coated. [0089] The overall concept, e.g., for a multi-hooked rack, is illustrated in FIG. 1, which depicts one configuration of sleeve mounted onto a plurality of hooks of a single rack. Each work-piece hook in FIG. 1 is analogized to the individual configurations demonstrated in FIGS. 2 and 6. With reference to FIG. 1, the article or articles to be coated 4 engage the hooks 1 by virtue of one or more orifices or recesses 6 in said article(s) 4 having suitable dimensions for receiving the intermediate sleeve/hook combination 7 . At the vertically highest point in the figure is another hook 8 to which the overall rack of the Figure is typically grounded. The hanger diameter for this prototype measured approximately 0.6 cm, although the particular dimensions are not limiting and merely illustrative of one workable embodiment. For this particular prototype, the depth of curve of said portion of the hanger measured 6 cm, and the vertical length of the hanger, not including curve, measured about 55 cm. Analogy may be had with reference to FIG. 1 for other rack and hook configurations. [0090] Coating and curing then proceed as standard in the art. Upon coating, the coated article is removed, an uncoated article added, and the process repeated. Between coatings, typically every 3-5 rounds, the sleeve/fitting is examined for paint build-up and manipulated gently to peel away or relieve unwanted coating build-up on the intermediate, thereby re-establishing a suitable ground for the electrostatic process. If desired, the recycling can take place in situ, or else can first entail removal of the rack or hanger from the conveyor. The latter is preferred so that new racks can be added as the intermediates on the old racks are serviced, thereby promoting a more continuous operation. “Used” sleeves may be replaced with unused ones, followed by a resumption of coating operations, or else the individual sleeves can be removed, gently manipulated to recycle them, and replaced. [0091] For purposes of the prototype, the Applicants formulated the 75:25 mix to decrease costs. Higher ratios of conductive silicone, e.g., 76-100% will also work and still be more economical than previously described art methods, and the Applicants further believe that lower ratios can also be determined without undue experimentation, and using routine procedures. [0092] As one of skill in the art is aware, however, conductive silicones exist that vary in constituents. This may have a bearing on the relative success of the precise functional ratios used. Moreover, as one of skill is also aware, there can be lot-to-lot variations in silicone performance. However, as stated, one of skill may easily determine suitability using minimal, routine experimentation. Indications of some of the variations that exist and methods for preparation of the same may be found, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,010,646, 6,013,201, 5,217,651, 5,164,443, 5,135,980, 5,082,596, 4,957,839, 4,898,689, 4,672,016, 4,571,371, 4,552,688, pertinent disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. [0093] Besides Shin-Etsu, other current commercial vendors of conductive and nonconductive silicones include Dow Corning (Indianapolis, Ind.) and Toshiba (JP). No doubt other vendors also exist and improvements in silicone structures and characteristics are anticipated. EXAMPLE 3 Flanged Prototype [0094] Electrostatic coating is performed as per Example 2, except that instead of a uniformly dimensioned sleeve or cap, the sleeve or cap possesses a flange or rib for gripping or otherwise facilitating the process. This is demonstrated by the prototype exhibited in FIG. 5. The dimensions shown (mm) are designed to fit over a wire hook 2.35 mm in diameter. The internal diameter of the tubing is 2.75 mm, the length is 75.00 mm, the diameter of the flange is 13.00 mm, the flange thickness 1.6 mm, and the tube wall thickness 0.8 mm. This particular embodiment demonstrates a cap format wherein a flange exists on an end opposing the capped (closed) end . When positioned onto the wire hook, this flanged cap or sleeve resembles the format shown in FIG. 6. EXAMPLE 4 Foil Intermediates [0095] Electrostatic coating is performed as per Example 2, except that instead of using the silicone sleeve fitting, conductive metalic foil, e.g., tin or aluminum, is substituted and wrapped around the bare or otherwise conductive hook to provide an equivalent effect. EXAMPLE 5 Hybrid Hanger Comprising Conductive Silicone [0096] In this embodiment, hangers are produced via compression molding that are comprised, at least in part, of conductive rubber, e.g., silicone, as described above. The silicone portion, if a minority, is preferably localized to that portion of the hanger as described for Examples 2 and 3. Thus, sleeve fittings as described above are either eliminated or else rendered redundant to the process, with the latter embodiment also anticipated to have independent advantage. [0097] [0097]FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an intermediate sleeve 40 of electrically conductive, pliable material according to another embodiment of the invention. The sleeve 40 is an elongate, cylindrical, tubular member which is open at both ends and which has a longitudinal slit 42 extending between its opposite ends. It is designed for fitting over a different type of rack 44 for suspending workpieces such as large, flat panels 45 to be electrostatically coated, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The rack 44 has a pair of vertical posts 46 having grounding hooks 48 for attachment to a conveyor or grounding system, and a cross bar 50 extending between the posts and from which the workpiece 45 is suspended via conductive hooks 52 . The elongate conductive sleeve 40 can be fitted over the cross bar 50 via the slit 42 , as indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this example, the slit 42 is defined between opposite longitudinal side edges 54 which are spaced apart to form a gap. [0098] [0098]FIG. 9 illustrates a modified cylindrical sleeve 56 in which a simple longitudinal slit 58 is cut, with no gap between opposing side edges of the cut. FIG. 10 illustrates another alternative sleeve configuration 60 in which opposite longitudinal side edges 62 of the sleeve are overlapped. Due to the pliable nature of the sleeve material, opposite side edges of the sleeve can be urged apart in both of the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10 while the sleeve is inserted transversely over cross bar 50 , and then released to close the slit as in FIGS. 9 and 10, for added security. FIG. 11 illustrates a modified cylindrical sleeve 64 similar to that of FIG. 8 but with a thicker wall. [0099] FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate some alternative cross-sectional shapes for the elongate tubular sleeve 40 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 12, the elongate tubular sleeve 66 for fitting over a cross bar 50 is of square, rather than circular, cross-section, and has a longitudinal slit 68 extending along one side of the sleeve. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the sleeve 70 is of triangular cross-section and has a slit 72 at one apex of the triangle. Finally, in FIG. 14, the sleeve 74 is of octagonal cross-section and has a slit 75 . In each of these cases, the slit may define a gap as in FIG. 8, or no gap as in FIG. 9, or have overlapping side edges as in FIG. 10. Many other alternative cross-sectional shapes may be used if desired. [0100] Each of the sleeves of FIGS. 8 and 11 to 13 may be provided without any longitudinal slit, for use on racks with hangers having free ends over which the sleeve can be engaged. The sleeve may be closed at one end, as in the embodiments of FIGS. 2 to 6 , or may be open ended. [0101] [0101]FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate another alternative embodiment, in which the intermediate comprises a strip or piece 80 of calendared, pliable conductive silicone adhered to an upper surface of a hanger 5 or cross bar 50 of a rack by a backing layer 82 of conductive adhesive. The strip 80 may be secured over only that region of the hanger or support bar which is engaged by the part, or by a hanger or hook 15 or 52 for the part. [0102] Strip 80 may be of rectangular cross-section, as indicated in FIG. 16. However, any cross-sectional shape may be used, such as a strip 84 of circular cross-section, as in FIG. 17, or a strip 85 of triangular cross-section, as in FIG. 18, or any other shape. FIG. 19 illustrates a pliable strip 86 adhered over the upper face of the cylindrical cross bar 50 of the rack in FIG. 7, in place of sleeve 40 . [0103] [0103]FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate a rectangular or square shape strip 90 of pliable electroconductive material such as conductive silicone in which, instead of a backing layer of conductive adhesive extending over the entire inner face of the strip, stripes 92 of adhesive material are provided along the opposite side edges 93 of the strip, each stripe 92 being covered with a peel-off cover layer 94 of paper or the like to protect the adhesive stripe until the strip is to be applied to a hanger member. The strip 90 may be provided in a continuous length for cutting to a desired size by an end user. As illustrated in FIG. 21, after removing the cover layers 94 , the strip 90 may be adhered to a hanger member 5 using the side stripes 92 of adhesive. An article to be coated can then be suspended from the hanger member, with a portion 95 of the article engaging over the center of the strip 90 so as to press the central portion directly against the hanger member, as indicated in FIG. 21. Thus, the conductive silicone strip 90 forms a direct junction between the article 95 and the electroconductive hanger member, with no intervening adhesive. In this case, the adhesive need not be electroconductive. [0104] The adhesive-backed pliable electroconductive member may have one or more adhesive coating layers covering all or part of its inner surface, and may be of any desired peripheral shape. Some alternative shapes are illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 26 . In FIGS. 23 and 24, an electroconductive member 96 of circular shape is provided. The member 96 has a central stripe 97 of adhesive in FIG. 23, and a peripheral layer 98 of adhesive extends around an annular portion of the periphery of member 96 in FIG. 24. Alternatively, the inner face may be completely coated with an adhesive layer. [0105] [0105]FIG. 24 illustrates an electroconductive member 100 of alternative, trapezoidal shape with side stripes 102 of adhesive material. In FIG. 25, the electroconductive pliable member is a flat, generally diamond shaped panel 104 coated with an inner layer 105 of adhesive. In each case, the panel or electroconductive member may have an adhesive layer completely or partially coating its inner surface, with the adhesive provided in any desired region or regions. FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative electroconductive strip member 106 which is of rectangular shape but generally arcuate cross-section, for conforming to the outer surface shape of a round bar or rod like hanger. Member 106 is provided with strips 108 of adhesive along its opposite side edges, in a similar manner to the embodiment of FIG. 20, although the adhesive may completely coat the inner surface of member 106 in alternative examples. [0106] In each of the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 26 , the adhesive material may be any suitable electroconductive adhesive, such as a silicone base adhesive available from Kirkhill Rubber of Los Angeles, Calif., or a high temperature acrylic adhesive. The alternatives which have only side strips of adhesive may not require the adhesive to be conductive, which will increase the choice of possible high temperature adhesives for use in these embodiments. [0107] [0107]FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative method of providing an electroconductive pliable intermediate at a junction between an electrically conductive, rigid hanger and an article to be coated. In this method, instead of engaging a pre-formed sleeve, tube or adhesive backed strip on the hanger, part or all of a hanger member 110 is dipped into a bath 112 containing a liquid form 114 of the electroconductive, pliable material. The surface of the hanger member which is submerged in the liquid will be coated with the material, and the hanger member is then removed from the bath into a drying station at a suitable temperature for curing the coating layer of electroconductive pliable material. Where the material is electroconductive silicone, the curing temperature will be at or around room temperature. FIG. 27A illustrates one alternative where the hanger member has been partially dipped in bath 112 , to form a coating layer 116 of pliable electroconductive material on the hanger end of the member only. FIG. 27B illustrates a second alternative where the entire hanger member 110 is submerged in the bath to form a coating layer 118 extending over its entire length. [0108] Instead of dipping an individual hanger 110 in bath 112 and subsequently hanging the hanger from a-coating rack, an entire rack 120 as illustrated in FIG. 28 may be dipped in the bath 112 so that it is completely covered with a layer of the conductive silicone material 114 . Rack 120 comprises a framework of side rails 122 and cross rails 124 , with a plurality of spaced hangers 125 secured on each cross rail. After the rack is dipped and coated, and the coating layer is allowed to cure, an intermediate, pliable coating will cover the entire surface of the rack, forming a conductive bridge between any article hung from the rack and the rigid conductive material of the rack. Because the coating layer is soft and pliable, it can be pinched and kneaded in order to remove any powder build up as a result of the electrostatic coating process. It will be understood that the same procedure may be used for coating racks and hangers of any shape or size. [0109] [0109]FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate an alternative, loop-type hanger 126 which has been coated with an outer layer 128 of a pliable electroconductive material such as conductive silicone. As illustrated in FIG. 29, a series of spaced, loop hangers 126 are welded or otherwise secured to a conductive cross bar 130 of a rack or the like. The hangers 126 may be dipped in a bath 112 of liquid electroconductive material in the manner illustrated in FIG. 27, so that each loop 126 becomes coated with a layer of the material, which is subsequently allowed to cure at room temperature to form an electroconductive, pliable coating layer 128 or intermediate. [0110] [0110]FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate an electroconductive, pliable cap or sleeve 130 according to another embodiment of the invention. Cap 130 is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, except that it is of shorter length and of round, rather than rectangular, cross-section. It basically comprises a short tubular portion with one closed end 132 and an annular flange 134 at the opposite end for ease of handling and placement. The cap is formed of an electroconductive pliable material such as conductive silicone. Cap 130 may be placed over the end of a metal conductive hook 135 , as indicated in FIG. 32, with a series of such hooks with caps being used to support a large item 136 to be coated, such as a car hood or body. It has been found that, without such a protective cover, the paintwork of the hood or body may be scratched when it is lifted off the hooks, by the metal ends of the hooks. With this arrangement, the pliable caps 130 will protect the paint from such scratches. FIG. 33 illustrates a modified cap 138 which has a through bore open at both ends and an annular flange 139 at one end. The caps 130 and 138 may be made in various different lengths and diameters, depending upon the application. [0111] Finally, FIG. 34 illustrates an alternative electroconductive sleeve or tubular member 140 according to another embodiment of the invention. Unlike the sleeves of FIGS. 2 to 6 , sleeve 140 is not of uniform thickness along its length. Instead, the sleeve 140 has a through bore 142 of uniform diameter, but has a stepped outer diameter, with a first end portion 144 of a first diameter and a second end portion 145 of a second, larger diameter, with an annular flange 146 at the end of the larger diameter portion 145 . The sleeve may be closed at its smaller diameter end. The sleeve is of a suitable electroconductive pliable material, for example electroconductive silicone. This version may be used in cases where a stepped diameter hanger or support for electrostatic coating is required. Rather than making the metal hanger or rod of stepped diameter, the pliable cover sleeve is stepped, so that a simple, uniform diameter hanger rod may be used, which will be less expensive. [0112] Although exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described above by way of example only, it will be understood by those skilled in the field that other embodiments are also possible and that significant modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

The invention relates to an intermediate component for protecting hangers associated with electrostatic coating processes. The component is an electrically conductive, pliable, tubular member, and inexpensive relative to the hanger which it serves to protect. The component lessens the cost associated with traditional hanger cleaning and preserves hanger life and integrity. The tubular member may have a longitudinal slit for installing the member over a cross bar of a hanger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an ultraviolet ray absorbing agent (UV absorber) comprising a spiro compound specific in structure, as an active ingredient. Up to now several benzophenone compounds and benzotriazole compounds have been disclosed as UV absorbers and some of them have been commercialized already. However, these known UV absorbers involve such problems that some of them exhibit low UV absorption power, some are inferior in light resistance, some have colors which will result in color contamination of materials when incorporated thereinto for shielding, and some have low light stability, high sublimability, or low affinity for organic materials. Thus, satisfactory effect has not always been obtained with these UV absorbers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Such being the case, the present inventors made intensive studies aiming at development of a UV absorber which will solve the above problems, and as a result were successful in developing spiro compounds of specific structure superior in UV absorptive power, of course, and specially in sublimation resistance (volatility resistance) and heat resistance, and have accomplished the present invention. According to the invention, there is provided a UV absorber comprising as an active ingredient a spiro compound having a spiro ring structure in the molecule, said spiro compound being represented by the general formula, ##STR4## wherein, Y is ##STR5## A is ##STR6## R 1 is hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, carboxyl, or sulfo, R 2 is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R 3 and R 4 are alkyls of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, X is methylene, oxygen, imino, sulfur, sulfinyl, or sulfonyl, and n is an integer of 1 to 12. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 shows results of measuring volatilities of different UV absorbers by using a thermobalance, with weight losses (%) as ordinate and heating temperatures as abscissa. In the FIGURE, the numbers 1 to 4 mean the following compounds: 1: UVA compound No. 1, 2: UVA compound No. 2, 3: Known compound-1, 4: Known compound-2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The spiro compound of general formula (I) above specified according to the invention has the property of absorbing effectively ultraviolet rays of 200 to 400 nm wavelengths which degrade or break down organic substances while not absorbing rays of wavelengths exceeding 400 nm at all, and hence exhibits a strong ultraviolet-shielding action and remarkably less develops color. Thus the present spiro compound has the superior properties of not only being effective as a UV absorber even when used in a trace amount of about 0.001% by weight of the material to shield but also resulting in no color contamination of the material to shield when used in large amounts. Moreover the present spiro compound is excellent in heat stability (resistance to decomposition and sublimation). None of known benzophenone compounds and benzotriazole compounds surpass the present spiro compound in these properties. The spiro compound specified according to the present invention can be readily obtained from 3,9-bis(1,1-dialkyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane represented by the general formula, ##STR7## (wherein R 3 and R 4 have the same meaning as in formula (I)) and an acid derivative or ester derivative of benzophenone or benzotriazole compound represented by the general formula, ##STR8## (wherein A, R 2 , X, and n have the same meaning as in formula (I) and Z is hydroxyl, alkoxyl, or halogen) by reacting them in accordance with the normal esterification method. Examples of the present spiro compound of general formula (I) are given in Tables I and II. TABLE 1______________________________________ ##STR9##UVA No. R.sub.1 R.sub.2 X R.sub.3 R.sub.4 n______________________________________ 1 H H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 1 2 H H O C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 2 3 H H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 3 4 H H O CH.sub.3 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 1 5 H H O C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.6 H.sub.13 1 6 4-Cl H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 1 7 4-t-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 1 8 H H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 0 9 H H O C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 010 H H NH CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 011 H H NH CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 112 H H NH CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 213 H H NH CH.sub.3 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 114 4-Cl H NH CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 115 H H S CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 116 H H SO.sub.2 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 117 H 3'-t-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 118 H 5'-CH.sub.3 O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 119 4-Cl 5'-CH.sub.3 O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 120 4-Cl 3'-t-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 O C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.12 H.sub.25 121 4-SO.sub.3 H 5'-CH.sub.3 O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 1______________________________________ TABLE 2______________________________________ ##STR10##UVA No. R.sub.1 R.sub.2 X R.sub.3 R.sub.4 n______________________________________22 H H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 123 H H O C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 224 H H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 325 H H O CH.sub.3 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 126 H H O C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.6 H.sub.13 127 4-Cl H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 128 4-SO.sub.3 H H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 129 4-t-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 130 H H O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 031 H H O C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 032 H H NH CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 033 H H NH CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 134 H H NH CH.sub.3 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 135 4-Cl H NH CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 136 H H S CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 137 H H SO.sub.2 C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 138 H 5'-CH.sub.3 O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 139 H 3'-t-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 O C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 140 4-Cl 5'-CH.sub.3 O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 141 4-Cl 3'-t-C.sub.4 H.sub.9 O C.sub.2 H.sub.5 n-C.sub.12 H.sub.25 142 4-SO.sub.3 H 5'-CH.sub.3 O CH.sub.3 CH.sub.3 1______________________________________ The spiro compound specified according to the present invention is effective as a UV absorber for; various high molecular organic compounds including synthetic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, MMA resin, ABS resin, polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, polyamide, polyester, polyurethane, and polyacetal, synthetic rubbers such as butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, isoprene-isobutylene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, and ethylene-propylene-(diene) rubber, natural rubber, wool, silk, hemp, and cellulose; and other various organic materials including lubricating oil and other petroleum products, oil and fat, wax, and grease; particularly for high molecular organic compounds. For using the spiro compound of the present invention as a UV absorber, methods of incorporating conventional UV absorbers are adaptable. Such methods include, for example; that of melt-mixing a powder of the spiro compound with an organic material powder before or during molding; that of blending the spiro compound into a feed monomer in advance of the polymerization thereof; that of adding the spiro compound to a polymer solution, followed by solvent removal; that of blending the spiro compound into an aqueous dispersion of a polymer; and that of impregnating a fibrous polymer with the spiro compound. Also other optional methods are applicable to use the present spiro compound. When used, two or more of the present spiro compounds may be combined and if necessary, joint use of various common additives is possible which include a softening agent, antioxidant, heat stabilizer, pigment, etc. When the present spiro compound is used as a UV absorber, its amount can be selected on the basis of of objective organic material, properties thereof, the application form and manner thereof, the kind of spiro compound used, etc. Generally speaking, however, the suitable amounts are from 0.001 to 10%, particularly from 0.05 to 5%, by weight based on the objective organic material. Even if used in excessive amounts, the present spiro compound does not produce such unfavorable effect as contamination or coloration of the objective organic material. As stated above, the present spiro compound is such superior in heat stability (resistance to decomposition and volatility) as to be enough fit for use at high temperatures of 350° C. and higher. Therefore, the present spiro compound can be used advantageously even when organic polymers are processed at high temperatures. The following examples illustrate the present invention. PREPARATION EXAMPLE 1 UVA COMPOUND NO. 1 A mixture of 3.8 g (0.0124 mole) of 3,9-bis(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane, 8 g (0.028 mole) of methyl 4-(4-benzoyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)acetate, and 0.02 g (0.0009 mole) of catalyst lithiumamide was stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere at temperatures of 140°-150° C. for about 3 hours and subsequently under reduced pressures of 4-5 mmHg at the same temperatures for about 4 hours to complete the reaction. Then a suitable amount of toluene was added, the mixture was washed with water and dehydrated, and the toluene was expelled. Subsequent recrystallization from acetone gave a yellow-white powder of the objective compound, yield 8.2 g (81.5%), HPLC purity 99.0%, m.p. 169°-170.5° C. ______________________________________Anal. Calcd. (for C.sub.45 H.sub.48 O.sub.14) Found______________________________________C (%) 66.49 66.66H (%) 5.95 6.06______________________________________ PREPARATION EXAMPLE 2 UVA COMPOUND NO. 27 A mixture of 4 g (0.013 mole) of 3,9-bis(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro[5,5]undecane, 9.6 g (0.029 mole) of 2-[2-hydroxy-4-(2'-methoxy-2'-one-ethoxy)phenyl]-5-chlorobenzotriazole, and 0.02 g (0.0009 mole) of catalyst lithiumamide was stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere at temperatures of 140°-150° C. for about 3 hours and subsequently under reduced pressures of 4-5 mmHg at the same temperatures for about 5 hours to complete the reaction. Then a suitable amount of toluene was added, the mixture was washed with water and dehydrated, and the toluene was expelled. Subsequent recrystallization from methyl ethyl ketone gave 9.2 of a yellow white crystalline powder of the objective compound, yield 78.0%, m.p. 217°-218° C. ______________________________________Anal. Calcd. (for C.sub.48 H.sub.44 O.sub.12 N.sub.6 Cl.sub.2) Found______________________________________C (%) 56.89 56.81H (%) 4.89 4.92N (%) 9.26 9.16Cl (%) 7.81 7.81______________________________________ EXAMPLE 1 (Thermal coloring test) About 1.0 g of a UV absorber (UVA) sample is placed in a test tube and heated in an oil bath at 270±5° C. for 30 minutes. After allowing to cool, 500 mg of the sample is dissolved in 50 ml of dioxane (solution A). On the other hand, 500 mg of the untreated sample is dissolved in 50 ml of dioxane (solution B). Solutions A and B are measured for visible ray transmittance at wavelengths of 450, 500, and 550 nm. ##EQU1## at 450, 500, and 550 nm are regarded as percentage decreases in transmittance for these wavelengths. With these values, the UVA is evaluated for the degree of thermal degradative coloring. Results of the test are shown in Table 3. Known compounds 1 and 2 used for comparison are both commercial UV absorbers having the following respective structures: ##STR11## TABLE 3______________________________________Percentage decrease in transmittanceUVA No. T 450 nm T 500 nm T 550 nm Rating______________________________________1 10.1 5.4 2.5 +++2 10.4 5.3 2.4 +++4 11.1 5.9 2.9 +++5 11.3 6.0 3.1 +++6 10.8 5.7 2.7 +++11 20.8 9.6 6.5 ++14 21.9 10.2 7.8 ++22 11.2 6.8 2.8 +++23 11.5 6.8 2.7 +++25 12.0 7.0 3.2 +++27 12.1 7.1 3.2 +++28 13.8 8.4 5.0 +++32 23.1 11.5 8.0 ++35 23.5 11.7 8.5 ++37 10.2 5.2 2.5 +++Known 71.5 49.3 32.3 0compound 1Known 70.9 47.5 30.2 0compound 2______________________________________ Note: The larger number of + marks means the higher heat resistance. EXAMPLE 2 (Volatility resistance test) Volatilities of four compounds: UVA compound No. 1, UVA compound No. 2, known compound 1, and known compound 2 were measured by using a thermobalance. Results of the measurements are shown in FIG. 1. Measuring method: Measuring instrument: Standard type of desk differential thermobalance (supplied by Rigaku Denki Co., Ltd.) Measurement conditions TGA sensitivity: 10 mg Rate of heating: 10° C./min Chart speed: 8 mm/min Recorder sensitivity Heating curve: 20 mV Weight loss curve: 10 mV EXAMPLE 3 Various UV absorbers were each dissolved in a 25% urethane dope (composed of 25 parts by weight of a polyurethane resin, 3.75 parts by weight of dimethylformamide, and 71.25 parts by weight of tetrahydrofuran) to a concentration as shown in Table 4. Each solution was applied on a nylon film and then dried in an oven at 45° C. for 1 hour to prepare a sheet (10 cm×5 cm). Light resistance tests on the prepared sheets were conducted by Fade-Ometer (supplied by Toyo Seiki Co., Ltd.) irradiation. The darkening degree of each sheet was judged by visual observation. Results thereof are shown in Table 4. Figures in Table 4 represent darkening degrees of the sheets judged by visual observation on the basis of rating the shade of the unirradiated sheet as 0 and rating that of a thoroughly blackened sheet as 10 to grade the degrees into ten steps according to the blackened degrees. TABLE 4______________________________________UV absorber Addi-UVA tion Degree of darkening by ir-Compound amount radiation for a period ofNo. (%) 0 hr 15 hr 30 hr 45 hr______________________________________Example ofpresentinvention 1 1.0 0 2 2-3 3 2.0 0 1 1-2 2 2 1.0 0 2 2-3 3 2.0 0 1 1-2 2 4 1.0 0 2 3 5 2.0 0 1 1-2 2-3 5 1.0 0 1 3 4 2.0 0 0-1 2 2-3 6 1.0 0 2 3 5 2.0 0 1 2 311 1.0 0 1 2 4 2.0 0 1 1-2 314 1.0 0 1 2-3 3-4 2.0 0 1 2 2-322 1.0 0 1 3 5 2.0 0 0-1 1-2 323 1.0 0 1 3 5 2.0 0 1 2 3-425 1.0 0 1 3 5 2.0 0 0-1 1-2 327 1.0 0 1 2-3 3-4 2.0 0 0-1 2 328 1.0 0 1 3 4-5 2.0 0 1 2-3 332 1.0 0 1 2-3 3-4 2.0 0 0-1 2 335 1.0 0 1 3 5 2.0 0 1 2-3 3ComparativeExampleKnown 1.0 0 3 5 6-7compound 1 2.0 0 2 4 5-6Known 1.0 0 3 5 7compound 2 2.0 0 2 5 6None -- 0 5-6 6-7 8______________________________________ EXAMPLE 4 A dry mixture of 50 parts by weight of an isotactic polypropylene and 0.25 part by weight each of different UVA's was compression-molded in the ordinary way at a temperature of about 204° C. and a pressure of 2,000 psi for 6 minutes to prepare 2.0-mm thick sheets, which were then cut into pieces of 5 cm square. These test pieces (and those similarly prepared without incorporating any UVA) were irradiated in a weather-ometer, and their discoloration degrees were examined. Results of the examination are shown in Table 5. TABLE 5______________________________________ Irradiation periodUVA No. 500 hr 1000 hr 1500 hr______________________________________None Pale yellow Yellow Brown 1 Not dis- Not dis- Little colored colored discolored 9 Not dis- Not dis- Little colored colored discolored22 Not dis- Not dis- Little colored colored discolored33 Not dis- Not dis- Little colored colored discoloredKnown compound 1 Not dis- Pale Yellow colored yellowKnown compound 2 Not dis- Pale Yellow colored yellow______________________________________ The above polypropylene test sheet containing each of UVA Nos. 1, 9, 22, and 23, even after 1000 hour's exposure, gave no indication of embrittlement in a 180° C. bending test and showed neither fine surface cracks nor discoloration. On the other hand, the sheet containing no UVA and the sheet containing each of known compounds 1 and 2 broke in the bending test after 300 to 400 hour's exposure and after 700 to 800 hour's exposure, respectively. Tests similar to the above were conducted by using severally a polyethylene resin and a terephthalate resin in place of the polypropylene resin, giving nearly the same results. EXAMPLE 5 ______________________________________Polyvinyl chloride (P-1100) 100 parts by weightDioctyl phthalate 50 parts by weightKV-33K (Ca--Ba type stabilizer) 1.5 parts by weightCalcium stearate 0.6 part by weightBarium stearate 0.2 part by weightEach of different UVA's 0.1 part by weight______________________________________ Mixtures of the above compositions were each kneaded on a 6-inch roll mill at 150° C. for 5 minutes to form 0.5-mm thick sheets. These sheets (and those similarly prepared without incorporating any UVA) were exposed out of doors, and the discoloration-inhibiting effect of each UVA was evaluated by visual observation. Results of the evaluation are shown in Table 6. TABLE 6______________________________________ Irradiation period 6 12 18 24 30UVA No. months months months months months______________________________________None Yellow Yellow Slight Slight Dark tinged tinged dark dark brown yellow brownKnown compound 1 Color- Color- Color- Yellow Yellow less less less tinged tingedKnown compound 2 Color- Color- Color- Yellow Yellow less less less tinged tinged 1 Color- Color- Color- Color- Color- less less less less less 9 Color- Color- Color- Color- Yellow less less less less tinged22 Color- Color- Color- Color- Color- less less less less less33 Color- Color- Color- Color- Yellow less less less less tinged______________________________________ EXAMPLE 6 A solution composed of 15 parts by weight of an acetylcellulose having an average 2.5 acetoxy groups per one unit of glucose, 0.3 part by weight of UVA No. 1, 2.0 parts by weight of dibutyl phthalate, and 82.7 parts by weight of acetone was spread on glass plates, and the solvent was removed to form films. These 0.04-mm thick films (and those similarly prepared without incorporating any UVA) were exposed in a Fade-Ometer for 1000 hours, and their embrittlement degrees were examined. The results were as follows: ______________________________________UV absorber Flexural property of film______________________________________UVA No. 1 FlexibleNone Fragile______________________________________ EXAMPLE 7 A fine powder of UVA No. 22 was admixed with a disperse dye for polyester-purposes, to a concentration of 5% by weight, and a Tetron cloth was dyed with the resulting dye composition according to the normal method. The obtained dyeing was improved in light fastness by one or two classes over a dyeing similarly prepared without incorporating any UVA. The same effect is obtainable also by dispersing UVA No. 22 in water using a surfactant and adding the dispersion suitably to a dyeing bath at the time of dyeing. Dyeings of other synthetic fibers can also be improved in light fastness by applying the same or analogous method, that is, by mixing or using the present UV absorber jointly with various dyes or pigments at the time of dyeing the fibers. EXAMPLE 8 Polyacrylonitrile fibers were treated with 0.03% by weight of UVA No. 29 in a bath ratio of 1:30 at temperatures of 95°-100° C. for 60 minutes, then soaped, rinsed with water, and dried. The light resistance of the fibers themselves was markedly enhanced by this treatment as compared with that of the untreated fibers. In this treatment, it is also possible to use jointly a dye, an optical whitening agent, or an oxidizing agent such as sodium chlorite, whereby the light fastness of the applied dye or optical whitening agent is also improved by one or two classes.

An ultraviolet ray absorbing agent comprising as an active ingredient a spiro compound having a spiro ring structure in the molecule, said spiro compound being represented by the general formula ##STR1## wherein, Y is ##STR2## A is ##STR3## R 1 is hydrogen, halogen, lower alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, carboxyl, or sulfo, R 2 is hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R 3 and R 4 are alkyls of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, X is methylene, oxygen, imino, sulfur, sulfinyl, or sulfonyl, and n is an integer of 1 to 12.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to cabinets generally and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to novel cabinet and sliding drawer with improved roller construction, improved manufacturability, and a drawer that remains essentially horizontal when fully extended from the cabinet. 2. Background Art Cabinets with one or more drawers are universally used for the storage and ready accessibility of a wide variety of materials, small parts and business papers being common examples of such materials. Some such cabinets and drawers are constructed with telescoping two- or three-piece drawer slides, with one of the slides being attached to the drawer and another of the slides being attached to the inside of the cabinet, such a drawer slide assembly being employed on either side of the drawer. In may cases, the slides have one or more wheels, or rollers, disposed between adjacent ones of the slides, the roller(s) being mounted inside the smaller of the slides. This greatly reduces the sliding friction between the slides, but the diameter of the roller is necessarily limited and, therefore, the reduction in sliding friction is limited to the capabilities of a roller having a given diameter. The width of the slides in which the rollers are mounted is somewhat narrow, leading to instability and the tendency for the roller and its corresponding slide to become disengaged. Cabinet drawer slides are typically horizontally attached to the drawer and to the inside of the cabinet. This arrangement results in the outer end of the drawer dropping somewhat downwardly when the drawer is fully or nearly fully withdrawn from the cabinet, due to the weight of the drawer and because the slides have a certain amount of "play" therebetween as a result of wear or intentional design clearances, the latter being required so that the slides move freely. Cabinets are typically constructed of metal, with an outer housing having side, rear, top, and bottom walls formed or permanently attached together, sometimes with front rails or a front wall extending between the side walls, separate members being welded together. Slides are usually spot welded to the inside surfaces of the side walls. If an error or defect in one of the members is discovered during manufacture or at final inspection, the entire work to that point must usually be discarded. Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved drawer slide for a cabinet in which the slide has at least one roller having a diameter which can be greater than the internal height of the smaller slide and a width which can be greater than the width of the slide in which it would conventionally be mounted. It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved cabinet and drawer with which the drawer is substantially horizontal when fully or nearly fully withdrawn from the cabinet. It is an additional object of the invention to provide an improved cabinet and drawer slide construction that reduces the amount of material that must be discarded due to defects. It is another object of the invention to provide an improved cabinet in which the foregoing features are economically manufactured. Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated in, or be apparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention achieves the above objects, among others, by providing, in one preferred embodiment, a cabinet with a sliding drawer, comprising: a housing; two opposing outer slides attached to inner surfaces of opposite sides of said housing; two inner slides attached to said sliding drawer and disposed in and telescopingly engaging said outer slides; and two first rollers contacting said inner slides and having their axes attached to said sides of said housing, with said axes of said first rollers spaced below a lower edge of said outer slide. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a cabinet with a sliding drawer, comprising: a housing having opposite side panels and front and rear ends; two opposing slide mechanisms attached to inner surfaces of said side panels and to sides of said sliding drawer; and said slide mechanisms being downwardly sloped from said front end of said housing toward said rear of said housing a degree sufficient to compensate for sagging from horizontal said sliding drawer may experience when extended from said housing. In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a cabinet, comprising: a generally hollow, rectilinear housing having opposite sides and top, back, and bottom walls; said side panels having rearwardly facing U-shaped channels formed along front edges thereof; inner side panels attachable to said side panels by insertion of front edges thereof into said U-shaped channels and rotating said inner panels about said U-shaped channels to parallel proximity with inner surfaces of said side panels and being removably secured in such position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Understanding of the present invention and the various aspects thereof will be facilitated by reference to the accompanying drawing figures, submitted for purposes of illustration only and not intended to define the scope of the invention, on which: FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, side elevational view, partially cutaway, of one embodiment of a cabinet with sliding drawer, constructed according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, side elevational view, partially cutaway, of another embodiment of a cabinet and sliding drawer, constructed according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cutaway, side elevational view of a cabinet with sliding drawers showing another aspect of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side elevational view, in cross-section, of an external wrap for a cabinet, constructed according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, top plan view showing a step in the manufacture of the cabinet. FIG. 7 is a front elevational view showing a partially completed cabinet. FIG. 8 is a cutaway side elevational view of the completed cabinet. FIG. 9 is a side elevational, cross-sectional view of a partially completed cabinet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference should now be made to the drawing figures, on which similar or identical elements are given consistent identifying numerals throughout the various figures thereof, and on which parenthetical references to figure numbers direct the reader to the view(s) on which the element(s) being described is (are) best seen, although the element(s) may be seen also on other views. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cabinet and sliding drawer constructed according to the present invention, the cabinet being generally indicated by the reference numeral 20 and the drawer being generally indicated by the reference numeral 22. As shown, drawer 22 includes a compartment parts box 30 mounted covered with a hinged lid 32 for access to the interior of the box. Box 30 is attached to front and rear cradle members 34 and 36, respectively, by means of tabs, as at 38, the front and rear cradles being connected by a centrally disposed crossmember 40 extending therebetween and attached thereto. Cabinet 20 and drawer 22 are arranged so that box 30 may be fully withdrawn from the cabinet. It will be understood that the above is only one of a number of conventional cabinet/drawer arrangements with which the present invention may be employed. Attached to the inner surface of cabinet 20 is a horizontal outer slide member 50 and attached to the one side of drawer 22 is an inner slide member 52. As with conventional drawer slides, inner slide 52 telescopingly engages the interior of outer slide 50. Accidental complete withdrawal of drawer 22 from cabinet 20 is prevented by the engagement of a loop 54 formed on inner slide 52 engaging a stop 56 attached to outer slide 50. In the case of the present invention, there is no roller disposed between outer and inner slides 50 and 52. Rather, the present invention provides a roller 60 engaging inner slide 52, but having its axis disposed externally to outer slide 50. Roller 60 has its axle 62 attached to the inner surface of cabinet 20 and contacts the lower edge of inner slide 52 through an opening 64 defined through the lower edge of outer slide 50. FIG. 2 more clearly illustrates aspects of this arrangement. A ball bearing (not shown) may be disposed between roller 60 and axle 62. FIG. 3 illustrates the elements of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the addition of a second roller 70, having its axle 72 disposed externally to outer slide 50, and contacting the upper edge of inner slide 52 through an opening 74 defined through the outer slide. Such an arrangement is particularly useful when the drawer is to contain heavy materials and, especially, when it is to be fully withdrawn as is shown on FIGS. 1 and 3. When used with two or more drawers, roller 70 can be offset rearwardly from roller 60 (as shown) to nest behind the equivalent of roller 60 (not shown) contacting an inner slide (not shown) above roller 70, in space not otherwise used. The use of external rollers 60 (FIGS. 1 and 2) or rollers 60 and 70 (FIG. 3) offers several advantages over conventionally constructed cabinet/drawer arrangements. One of these is that wider rollers may be employed. In the typical construction, tabs 38 protrude into inner slide 52, limiting the width of a roller disposed within the inner slide. Use of external rollers 60 or 60 and 70 permits use of rollers of much larger diameters than internally disposed rollers. This permits a significantly higher O.D./I.D. ratio with inherently reduced friction. With the use of an external roller 60 or rollers 60 and 70, the rollers can be made wider, thus providing more stability while decreasing the I.D. requirement for a given load and enhancing the above ratio and reducing friction. FIG. 4 illustrates a cabinet with sliding drawers, generally indicated by the reference numeral 80, and constructed according to another aspect of the present invention. Cabinet 80 is shown as having a plurality of drawers, as at 82, which are similar to drawer 22 (FIGS. 1-3), although it will be understood that this aspect of the invention is not so limited and the invention may be used, as well, with other types of drawers and any number of drawers, including a single drawer. Cabinet 80 is also shown as employing external rollers, as at 84, although it will be understood that the invention may be used, as well, in cabinets using no rollers or cabinets with conventional rollers disposed internally of slides. Cabinet 80 includes a plurality of outer and inner slides 90 and 92, respectively, having the same form and function of outer and inner slides 20 and 22 (FIGS. 1-3). Again, the present invention is not limited to the types of slides shown. As can be observed from FIG. 4, slides 90 and 92 are canted such that they slope downwardly inwardly from the front of cabinet 80. The angle of cant is chosen such that, when drawer 82 is withdrawn fully or nearly fully from cabinet 80, the drawer will be essentially horizontal, the angle of cant compensating for any wear or intentional design clearances. In the present case, the fronts of boxes 94 remain orthogonal to the major axes of the boxes, the lips 96 of the lids 98 of the boxes offsetting the canted fronts appearancewise. With drawers having greater height and/or with a cabinet with a front panel, it may be desirable to mount the fronts of the drawers at an angle so they lie in the same plane as the front of the cabinet. FIGS. 5-9 illustrate an aspect of the present invention whereby construction of a cabinet with sliding drawers is easily performed, while minimizing the amount of defective materials that must be discarded. FIG. 5 illustrates an external wrap for a cabinet constructed according to the present invention, the wrap being generally indicated by the reference numeral 110. Wrap 110 includes a back panel 120 which will become the back panel of the cabinet and top and bottom panels 122 and 124 which will become, respectively, the top and bottom panels of the cabinet. The front edges of top and bottom panels 122 and 124 have rearwardly open U-shaped channels 126 and 128, respectively, formed therealong. It should be noted that wrap 110 is symmetrical about its central axis such that bottom panel 124 can serve as the top panel of the cabinet. This feature is advantageous when, for example, panel 122 is found to contain a visual defect that would preclude its use as a top panel for the cabinet. Wrap 110 can then be inverted 180 degrees, thus avoiding discarding the wrap. FIG. 5 also shows inwardly bent tabs 130 formed in back panel. FIG. 6 illustrates back panel 120 with a right side panel 140 spot welded to the right edge of the back panel. It will be understood that there is a left side panel (not shown on FIG. 6), which is a mirror image of right side panel 140, and which is similarly attached to the left edge of the back panel. Right side panel 140 includes a rearwardly facing U-shaped channel 142 formed along the front edge thereof. An inner panel 144 has an outer slide 146 attached thereto and has a sidewardly offset lip 148 formed along the front edge of the panel. To attach inner panel 144 to right side panel 140, lip 148 is inserted in channel 142, as indicated by the broken arrow on FIG. 6. Then, inner panel 144 is rotated about lip 148, as indicated by the solid arrow on FIG. 6 and until the rear edge (not shown) of the inner panel snaps behind the ends of tabs 130. Inner panel 144 can be easily removed by depressing tabs 130 and swinging the inner panel away from right side panel 140. FIG. 7 illustrates wrap 110 with right side panel 140 attached thereto and inner panel 144 attached to the right side panel. Also shown is a left side panel 150 attached to wrap 110 in the same manner as right side panel 140 and an inner panel 152 attached to the left side panel. The front edge of inner panel 152 is attached to left side panel 150 in the same manner as inner panel 144 is attached to right side panel 140; however, the rear of inner panel 152 is removably attached to wrap 110 by means of tabs 154 formed on inner panel 152 snapping behind tabs 156 formed on the wrap. It will be understood that to maintain wrap 100 in a symmetrical shape, only one type of attachment means will be used on both sides of the wrap. No slides are shown; however, the usual method of construction is to attach slides to inner panels before attachment of inner panels to cabinet sides. FIG. 8 illustrates that inner panels 144 and 152 are symmetrical and identical. It will be understood that, although drawers and rollers are shown which are identical to those described above, this aspect of the invention is applicable to cabinets with any type of drawers and with or without rollers. Registration holes, as at 160 are defined through the front and rear ends of the slides and through inner panel 152 to properly align the slides on the panel with a suitable fixture (not shown). When inner panel 152 is used as inner panel 144 (FIG. 6 and 7), the same registration holes 160 will be used for the same purpose; however, when rollers are used, a second set of holes, at 162, are provided in the panel for the axles of the rollers so that the panel can be used on either side of the cabinet. Outer and inner slides 164 and 166 are also symmetrical about their major axes, so that they may be used on either right or left inner side panels. FIG. 9 illustrates that symmetry can be provided even when inner panels are to be used with canted slides (FIG. 4). Here, a left side inner panel 170 has attached thereto a canted outer slide 172. Inner panel 170 is provided with registration holes 174 defined therethrough for locating the front ends of outer slides 172 regardless of whether the inner panel is used on the left or the right side of a cabinet. If rollers are to be used, axle holes 176 are provided for use when panel 170 is used on the left side of a cabinet and axle holes 178 are provided for use when the panel is used on the right side of a cabinet. In a similar manner, registration holes are provided for the rear end of outer slides 172 so that panel 170 can be used on either the left or the right side of a cabinet, with registration holes 180 for left side use and registration holes 182 for right side use. In conventional cabinet construction, final painting is done after assembly. This means that sliding surfaces are painted also; however, this increases friction between the surfaces. The present invention permits the slides and inner panels to be "finished" with zinc primer which provides greatly improved sliding friction. The snap-in feature of the inner panels provides for more economical manufacturing and permits the inner panels to be easily removed for repair or replacement. Virtually all components are "mirrored" designs, such that right and left side components are the same parts used twice and the wrap can be used right side up or upside down. Repairs at the manufacturing, distributor, or consumer level can be made via panel or shell replacement, as required. Conventional cabinets cannot be repaired or, at least, not easily repaired in most cases, resulting in discarded completed or partially completed cabinets. The decision whether to use or not to use rollers in a particular cabinet can be made near the final step in manufacture or even easily changed in the event of a mistake, making overall production control a more efficient task. It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those elucidated in, or made apparent from, the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown on the accompanying drawing figures shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

A a cabinet with a sliding drawer, including: a housing; two opposing outer slides attached to inner surfaces of opposite sides of the housing; two inner slides attached to the sliding drawer and disposed in and telescopingly engaging the outer slides; and two first rollers contacting the inner slides and having their axes attached to the sides of the housing, with the axes of the first rollers spaced below a lower edge of the outer slide. Further, a cabinet with a sliding drawer, including: a housing having opposite side panels and front and rear ends; two opposing slide mechanisms attached to inner surfaces of the side panels and to sides of the sliding drawer; and the slide mechanisms being downwardly sloped from the front end of the housing toward the rear of the housing a degree sufficient to compensate for sagging from horizontal the sliding drawer may experience when extended from the housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet finisher constructed integrally or separately from a copier, printer or similar image forming apparatus for executing sorting, stacking, jogging, stapling, center stapling and binding, punching or similar processing with sheets carrying images thereon and then discharging the sheets, and an image forming system made up of the sheet finisher and image forming apparatus. 2. Description of the Background Art A sheet finisher configured to automatically execute processing of the kind described above with sheets sequentially driven out of an image forming apparatus has been proposed in various forms in the past. Particularly, various methods have been proposed for the movement of a stapler. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 9-235070, for example, discloses a sheet finisher including a stapler mounted on a guide shaft, which extends between the front and rear side walls of a staple tray. The stapler is movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance and slidable in the direction of sheet conveyance as well. More specifically, in the above conventional sheet finisher, after the trailing edge of a sheet stack has been positioned by being abutted against a reference fence located below the staple tray, a hook affixed to a timing belt or similar band-like drive transmitting means lifts the trailing edge of the sheet stack for thereby causing the sheet stack to be driven out to a tray. The stapler is allowed to slide in the direction of sheet conveyance such that it does not contact a pulley or similar rotary member, which drives the drive transmitting means, when moving in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance. However, to allow the stapler to move in both of the direction of sheet conveyance and the direction perpendicular thereto, the conventional sheet finisher needs a number of parts and is therefore sophisticated in configuration. In addition, such a number of parts increase the cost of the sheet finisher. Technologies relating to the present invention are also disclosed in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos. 2000-169028, 2001-171898 and 2002-273705. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet finisher allowing a stapler to move in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance without contacting a pulley or similar rotary member with a simple configuration, and an image forming system including the same. It is another object of the present invention to provide a sheet finisher capable of reducing drive loads necessary for a stapler to move in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance and angularly move about a guide shaft and desirable in durability, and an image forming system including the same. A sheet finisher of the present invention, which executes preselected processing with a sheet introduced thereinto from an image forming apparatus and then discharges it, includes a stacking device configured to temporarily stack sheets sequentially delivered thereto. Jogger fences jog each sheet within the stacking device. A stapler staples the sheet stack jogged in the stacking device. The stapler is supported by a guide shaft such it is movable along the guide shaft in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance and angularly movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of guide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a view showing an image forming system embodying the present invention and made up of a sheet finisher and an image forming apparatus; FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing a shifting mechanism included in the sheet finisher; FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a shift tray elevating mechanism included in the sheet finisher; FIG. 4 is an isometric view showing a outlet section included in the sheet finisher for discharging sheets to a shift tray; FIG. 5 is a front view showing a staple tray included in the sheet finisher, as seen in a direction perpendicular to a sheet conveying surface thereof; FIG. 6 is an isometric view showing the staple tray, a driving mechanism associated therewith, and an exclusive drive source assigned to a knock roller; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a mechanism included in the sheet finisher for discharging a sheet stack; FIG. 8 is a front views showing a relation between the staple tray, a stapler, and a guide shaft shown in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a relation between the staple tray, a guide stay, and a cam groove; FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a relation between the guide shaft, the stapler, the guide stay, and the cam groove; FIGS. 11 and 12 are respectively a plan view and a front view showing a relation between the guide shaft, the stapler, a bracket and a stapler rotation bracket shown in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 13 shows a relation between a cam surface and a guide roller included in the sheet finisher; FIG. 14 shows a comparative relation between the cam surface and the guide roller; FIG. 15 is a fragmentary front view showing a relation between the guide shaft, the stapler, the guide stay, an auxiliary plate and a compression spring shown in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system included in the illustrative embodiment, particularly a controller for controlling the sheet finisher; FIG. 17 is an isometric view showing a guide shaft representative of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 18 is a section showing a mechanism included in the alternative embodiment for causing the guide stay to slide on the guide shaft. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an image forming system embodying the present invention is shown. As shown, the image forming system is generally made up of a sheet finisher PD and an image forming apparatus PR. The sheet finisher PD is connected to one side of the image forming apparatus RP, so that a sheet or recording medium driven out of the latter is introduced into the former. The sheet introduced into the sheet finisher PD is conveyed along a path A on which finishing means for finishing a single sheet is positioned. In the illustrative embodiment, the finishing means is implemented as a punch unit or punching means 100 . The path A merges into a path B terminating at an upper tray 201 , a path C terminating at a shift tray 202 , and a path D terminating at a staple tray or processing tray F, which performs positioning and stapling. Path selectors 15 and 16 each steer the sheet coming out of the path A to designated one of the paths B through D. A stack of sheets positioned and stapled on the staple tray F is guided to either one of the path C and a fold tray or processing tray G by a guide plate and a movable guide 55 , which constitute steering means. The sheet stack stapled on the fold tray G is driven out to a lower tray 203 via a path H. A path selector 17 is positioned on the path D and constantly biased by a light-load spring to a position shown in FIG. 1 . An arrangement is made such that after the trailing edge of the sheet has moved away from the path selector 17 , among rollers 9 and 10 and a stapler inlet roller 11 , at least the roller 9 can be rotated in the reverse direction to introduce the trailing edge of the sheet into a prestacking section E. This allows a plurality of sheets sequentially stacked in the prestacking section E to be conveyed together. An inlet sensor 301 responsive to the sheet, an inlet roller 1 , the punch unit 100 , a hopper 101 for storing sheet scraps, a roller 2 and the path selectors 15 and 16 re sequentially positioned on the path in the direction of sheet conveyance. Springs, not shown, bias the path selectors 15 and 16 to positions shown in FIG. 1 . When solenoids assigned to the path selectors 15 and 16 , respectively, are turned on, the path selectors 15 and 16 are angularly moved upward and downward, respectively, for thereby steering the sheet to designated one of the paths B through D. More specifically, to steer the sheet to the path B, the path selector 15 is held in the position of FIG. 1 while the solenoids are turned off. To steer the sheet to the path C, the solenoids are turned on to move the path selectors 15 and 16 upward and downward, respectively. Further, to steer the sheet to the path D, the solenoid assigned to the path selector 16 is turned off while the solenoid assigned to the path selector 15 is turned on to move the path selector 15 upward. The reference numerals 3 , 4 , 5 , 7 and 8 designate rollers for conveying the sheet. The sheet finisher PD is capable of selectively punching a sheet with the punch unit 100 , jogging and edge-stapling sheets with a pair of jogger fences 53 and an edge-stapler S 1 , jogging and center-stapling sheets with the jogger fences 53 and center staplers S 2 , sorting sheets with the shift tray 202 or folding sheets with a fold plate 74 and fold rollers 81 and 82 , as desired. In the illustrative embodiment, using an electrophotographic process, the image forming apparatus PR optically scans a photoconductive drum or similar image carrier in accordance with image data to thereby form a latent image, develops the latent image with toner, transfers the resulting toner image to a sheet, fixes the toner image on the sheet, and then drives the sheet or pint out of the apparatus. Such an image forming apparatus is conventional and will not be shown or described specifically. Of course, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus may be replaced with an ink jet printer or any other image forming apparatus known in the art. A shift tray outlet section I, located at the most downstream side of the sheet finisher PD, includes an outlet roller pair 6 , a return roller 13 , a sheet surface sensor 330 , the shift tray 202 , a shifting mechanism J (see FIG. 2 ), and a shift tray elevating mechanism K (see FIG. 3 ). As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 , the return roller 13 presses the trailing edge of the sheet driven out by the outlet roller pair 6 against an end fence 32 , FIG. 2 , for thereby positioning the sheet. The return roller 13 is driven by the shift roller pair 6 . A limit switch 333 adjoins the return roller 13 and turns on when the shift tray 202 is elevated to push the return roller 13 upward, thereby turning off a tray motor 168 . This prevents the shift tray 202 from overrunning. As shown in FIG. 1 , the sheet surface sensor or sheet surface position sensing means 330 also adjoins the return roller 13 and senses the surface position of a sheet or a sheet stack driven out to the shift tray 202 . As shown in FIG. 3 , the sheet surface sensor 330 includes a lever 30 and sensors 330 a and 330 b assigned to a staple mode and a non-staple mode, respectively. The lever 30 is angularly movable about its shaft portion and includes a contact portion 30 a contacting the top sheet stacked on the shift tray 202 and a sectorial interrupter portion 30 b . The upper sensor 330 a and lower sensor 330 b are mainly used for staple discharge control and non-staple discharge control, respectively. More specifically, the sensors 330 a and 330 b each turn on when the optical path thereof is interrupted by the interrupter portion 30 b of the lever 30 . When the shift tray 202 is elevated while causing the contact portion 30 a of the lever 30 to move upward, the sensors 330 a and 330 b are sequentially turned off in this order. When the sheet stack on the shift tray 202 reaches a preselected height, as determined by the sensors 330 a and 330 b , the tray motor 168 is driven to lower the shift tray 202 by a preselected distance. Consequently, the sheet surface on the shift tray 202 is held at substantially the same height. The shift tray elevating mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. 3 . As shown, a drive unit L causes the shift tray 202 to move upward or downward via a drive shaft 21 . Timing belts 23 are passed over the drive shaft 21 and a driven shaft 22 via timing pulleys under preselected tension. A support plate 24 supports the shift tray 202 and is affixed to the timing belts 23 . In this configuration, the unit including the shift tray 202 is suspended from the timing belts 23 in such a manner as to be movable up and down. The drive unit L includes a worm gear 25 in addition to the tray motor 168 , which is a reversible motor or drive source. The output torque of the tray motor 168 is transferred to the last gear of a gear train affixed to the drive shaft 21 via the worm gear 25 , moving the shift tray 202 upward or downward. The worm gear 25 present in the driveline allows the shift tray 202 to remain at a preselected position and obviates the fall or similar accident of the shift tray 202 . An interrupter 24 a is formed integrally with the support plate 24 and turns on or turns off a full sensor 334 and a lower limit sensor 335 , which are positioned below the interrupter 24 a . The full sensor 334 and lower limit sensor 335 are responsive to the full condition and lower limit position of the shift tray 202 , respectively. The full sensor 334 and lower limit sensor 335 are implemented as photosensors, and each turns on when the optical path thereof is interrupted by the interrupter 24 a . The outlet roller pair 6 is not shown in FIG. 3 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the shifting mechanism assigned to the shift tray 202 includes a shift motor or drive source 169 and a cam 31 . The shift motor 169 causes the shift tray 202 to move in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet discharge via the cam 31 . A pin 31 a is studded on the cam 31 at a position remote from the axis of the cam 31 by a preselected distance. The fee end of the pin 31 a is loosely fitted in an elongate slot 32 b formed in an engaging member 32 a , which is affixed to the rear surface of the end fence 32 where the shift tray 202 is absent. In this configuration, the engaging member 32 a and therefore shift tray 202 moves in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet discharge in accordance with the movement of the pin 31 a of the cam 31 . The shift tray 202 is caused to stop at the front and rear positions as seen in the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of FIG. 1 . To control the stop of the shift tray 202 , the shift motor 169 is selectively turned on or turned off in accordance with the output of a shift sensor 336 responsive to a notch formed in the cam 31 . Ridges 32 c are formed on the front surface of the end fence 32 while the rear end of the shift tray 202 is engaged with the ridges 32 c to be movable up and down. The shift tray 202 is therefore supported by the end fence 32 in such a manner as to be movable up and down and in the direction perpendicular to the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet discharge, as needed. The end fence 32 additionally serves to guide and position the rear edges of sheets stacked on the shift tray 202 . FIG. 4 shows the section for discharging the sheet to the shift tray 202 more specifically. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the outlet roller pair 6 is made up of a drive roller 6 a and a driven roller 6 b . The driven roller 6 b is rotatably supported by the free end of a guide plate 33 , which is angularly movable up and down about its upstream end in the direction of sheet discharge. The driven roller 6 b is held in contact with the drive roller 6 a due to its own weight or by a biasing force, so that a sheet or sheet stack is driven out to the shift tray 202 by the two rollers 6 a and 6 b . When a stapled sheet stack is to be driven out, the guide plate 33 is moved upward and then lowered at preselected timing in accordance with the output of a discharge sensor 303 . The guide plate 33 is brought to a stop at a position determined by the output of a guide plate open/close sensor 331 and is driven by a guide plate motor 167 , which is, in turn, driven in accordance with the ON/OFF of a guide plate limit switch 332 . The staple tray F will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 through 7 in detail. As shown in FIG. 6 , sheets are sequentially conveyed to and stacked on the staple tray F by the stapler inlet roller 11 . Every time a sheet is laid on the staple tray F, a knock roller 12 knocks the sheet to thereby position it in the vertical direction or direction of sheet conveyance. Subsequently, the jogger fence 53 positions the sheet in the horizontal direction or direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance. During the interval between consecutive jobs, i.e., between the last sheet of a sheet stack and the first sheet of the next sheet stack, a controller 350 (see FIG. 16 ) sends a staple signal to the edge stapler S 1 , causing the stapler S 1 to staple a sheet stack. The stapled sheet stack is immediately conveyed to the outlet roller pair 6 by a belt or timing belt 52 and then driven out to the tray 202 , which is located at a receiving position. As shown in FIG. 7 , a belt HP (Home Position) sensor 311 senses a hook 52 a brought to a home position. More specifically, two hooks 52 a are position on the outer surface of the belt 52 in such a manner as to face each other, and each turns on and turns off the belt HP sensor 311 . The hooks 52 a alternately move sheet stacks brought to the staple tray F one after another. If desired, the belt 52 a may be moved in the reverse direction, as needed, so that the two hooks 52 a can position the leading edge of the sheet stack laid on the staple tray F with their backs. In this sense, the hooks 52 a play the role of positioning means for positioning a sheet stack in the direction of sheet conveyance as well. As shown in FIG. 5 , a motor 157 drives a drive shaft 65 for causing the belt 52 to move. The belt 52 and a drive pulley 62 over which the belt 52 is passed are positioned on the shaft 65 at the center in the widthwise direction of a sheet. Rollers 56 are affixed to the drive shaft 65 symmetrically with respect to the drive pulley 62 . The rollers 56 each are rotated at a higher peripheral speed than the belt 52 . The output torque of the motor 157 is transferred to the belt 52 via a timing belt and timing pulleys. The drive pulley or timing pulley 62 and rollers 56 are mounted on a single shaft 65 . When the relation in speed between the rollers 56 and belt 52 should be varied, an arrangement may be made such that the rollers 56 are capable of idling on the shaft 65 while the output torque of the motor 157 is divided and transferred to the rollers 56 . This arrangement provides the setting of a speed reduction ratio with freedom. The circumferential surfaces of the rollers 56 are formed of rubber or similar material having high frictional resistance. The rollers 56 exert a conveying force on a sheet or a sheet stack in cooperation with driven rollers 57 , which are pressed against the rollers 56 due to its own weight or by a biasing force. There are also shown in FIG. 5 a front and a rear side wall 64 a and 64 b included in the sheet finisher PD, a stack branch motor for driving the movable guide 55 , and cams 61 included in the drive mechanism. As shown in FIG. 6 , a knock solenoid 170 causes the knock roller 12 to swing about a fulcrum 12 a like a pendulum, thereby causing a sheet arrived at the staple tray F to abut against a rear fence 51 . In FIG. 6 , the knock roller 12 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. The knock roller 12 is driven by a knock motor 156 , which is driven by a CPU 360 (see FIG. 16 ) via a motor driver independently of the other drive sources, as will be described specifically later. In the illustrative embodiment, the knock motor 156 is implemented as a stepping motor. The knock solenoid 170 is also driven by the CPU 360 via a driver. The jogger fences 53 are driven back and forth by a reversible jogger motor 158 via a timing belt in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance. As shown in FIG. 5 , a reversible stapler shift motor 159 causes the edge stapler S 1 to move via a timing belt 46 (see FIG. 10 ) in the widthwise direction of a sheet, thereby stapling a sheet stack at a preselected edge position. A stapler HP sensor 312 , FIG. 1 , responsive to the home position of the edge stapler S 1 is positioned at one end of the movable range of the edge stapler S 1 . The edge-stapling position is controlled on the basis of the displacement of the edge stapler S 1 from the home position. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 through 10 , the edge stapler S 1 moves in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance on a guide shaft 40 , which is parallel to the rear fence 51 . The edge stapler S 1 is guided by a cam slot or stapler guide 41 a formed in a guide stay 41 . The cam slot 41 a is configured to cause the edge stapler S 1 to move in the following manner. The edge stapler S 1 is angularly moved about the guide shaft 40 to a position indicated by a phantom line in FIG. 8 when moving below the lower edge of the staple tray 50 , FIG. 9 , and a discharge idle pulley 56 a , and then returned to a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 8 . As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , a member 45 is affixed to the timing belt 46 , nipped by a stapler shift bracket 43 , and movable on the guide shaft 40 in the widthwise direction of a sheet. In this configuration, when the member 45 is moved along the guide shaft 40 , the bracket 43 , a guide roller 42 mounted on the bracket 43 , a stapler rotation bracket 44 and the edge stapler S 1 move integrally with each other. The stapler shift bracket 43 , stapler rotation bracket 44 and edge stapler S 1 angularly move along the locus of the guide roller 42 , which roll on cam surfaces 41 b , 41 d and 41 c forming part of the cam slot 41 a . However, the member 45 does not angularly move because it is affixed to the timing belt 46 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the surface of the guide roller 42 contacting the cam surfaces 41 b through 41 d is provided with curvature, so that the contact point between the guide roller 42 and cam surfaces 41 b through 41 d varies when the edge stapler S 1 angularly moves. For comparison, FIG. 14 shows a condition wherein the guide roller 42 not provided with curvature contacts the cam surfaces 41 b through 41 d . As shown, the guide roller 42 constantly contacts the cam surfaces 41 b through 41 d at its edge. The guide roller 42 may, of course, be replaced with a spherical, rotary body. As FIGS. 9 and 10 indicate, the guide roller 42 contacts and rolls on the cam surface 41 b (first cam surface 41 b hereinafter), so that the edge stapler S 1 moves in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance for stapling the edge of a sheet stack. At this instant, as shown in FIG. 8 , the edge stapler S 1 slidably hangs down from the guide shaft 40 and causes the guide roller 42 to contact the first cam surface 41 b due to gravity and roll thereon while sandwiching the edge portion of the sheet stack to be stapled. In this condition, the position of the stapler S 1 is determined by the position of the guide shaft 40 and the position of the guide roller 42 contacting the first cam surface 41 b. In the illustrative embodiment, in the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8 , the guide roller 42 rolls on the first cam surface 41 b with the bracket 43 being inclined (see line L 2 , FIG. 15 , as also shown in FIG. 9 . On the other hand, in the position indicated by the phantom line in FIG. 8 , the guide roller 42 rolls on the cam surface 41 c (second cam surface 41 c hereinafter) without the bracket 43 being inclined (line L 1 , FIG. 15 ; perpendicular direction or direction of gravity). When the guide roller 42 rolls on the first cam surface 41 b , the edge stapler S 1 moves while sandwiching the sheet stack and can therefore staple the sheet stack at a preselected position. When the guide roller 42 rolls on the second cam surface 41 c , the edge stapler S 1 is retracted from the discharge idler pulley 56 a. As stated above, the guide roller 42 rolls on the cam surfaces 41 b and 41 c under the action of gravity, causing the edge stapler S 1 to angularly move over an angle α between the lines L 1 and L 2 , FIG. 15 . However, the edge stapler S 1 has a large mass. Consequently, when the guide roller 42 rolled on the first cam surface 41 b rolls on the inclined cam surface 41 d (third cam surface 41 d hereinafter) preceding the second cam surface 41 c , acceleration ascribable to the weight of the edge stapler S 1 increases and is apt to exert a heavy shock on the second cam surface 41 c . This shock causes the guide roller 42 to hit against the surface of the guide slot 41 a opposite to the second cam surface 41 c . As a result, the guide roller 42 moves along the guide slot 41 a while repeatedly hitting against the opposite surfaces of the cam slot 41 a . The above shock not only produces noise, but also causes the structural elements to vibrate and thereby lowers reliability of operation. Further, when the guide roller 42 rolls from the second cam surface 41 c to the other third cam surface 41 d preceding the other first cam surface 41 b located at the stapling side, the guide roller 41 hits against a corner 41 e between the cam surfaces 41 c and 41 d , also resulting in a heavy shock. Moreover, a great force is necessary for moving the stapler S 1 having a large mass along the third cam surface 41 d , so that the stapler motor 159 must output a great torque and therefore needs a great drive current. In light of the above, as shown in FIG. 15 , a compression spring 41 g and an auxiliary plate 41 h are provided on the vertical edge 41 f of the guide stay 41 while a roller 41 i coaxial with the guide roller 42 is provided that rolls on the auxiliary plate 41 h . The auxiliary plate 41 is angularly movable about a shaft 41 j while the compression spring 42 g damps the angular movement. Further, when the guide roller 42 moves from the second cam surface 41 c to the third cam surface 41 d , the impact to act on the third cam surface 41 e is absorbed by the compression spring 42 g . Therefore, a small driving force suffices for causing the guide roller 42 to easily move from the third cam surface 41 d to the first cam surface 41 b . This successfully reduces the output torque and therefore drive current required of the stapler motor 159 , contributing to energy saving. The compression spring 41 g may be replaced any other suitable mechanism so long as it can damps the angular movement of the auxiliary plate 41 h and reduce the motor output torque necessary for causing the guide roller 42 to roll on the third cam surface 41 d. As shown in FIG. 15 , assume that the vertical line L 1 , extending from the axis of the guide shaft 40 , is one axis while a line extending from the above axis perpendicular to the vertical line L 1 (horizontal line) is another axis. Then, the angle α between the lines L 1 and L 2 lies between the above two axes, i.e., in the fourth quadrant, obviating wasteful angular movement. Five different sheet discharge modes are available with the illustrative embodiment in accordance with the finishing mode, as will be described hereinafter. In a non-staple mode a, sheets are sequentially discharged to the upper tray 201 via the paths A and B. In a non-staple mode b, sheets are sequentially delivered to the shift tray 202 via the paths A and C. In a sort/stack mode, sheets are sequentially delivered to the shift tray 202 via the paths A and C; the shift tray 202 is repeatedly shifted in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet discharge to thereby sort the sheets. In a staple mode, sheets are delivered to the staple tray F via the paths A and D, positioned and stapled on the tray F, and then discharged to the shift tray 202 via the path C. Further, in a center staple, bind mode, sheets are delivered to the staple tray F via the paths A and D, positioned and stapled at the center on the tray F, folded at the center on the fold tray G, and then driven out to the lower tray 203 via the path H. The staple mode will be described in detail hereinafter. The other modes will not be described specifically. In the staple mode, a sheet sheered from the path A to the path D by the path selectors 15 and 16 is conveyed to the staple tray F by the rollers 7 , 9 and 10 and stapler inlet roller 11 . When a preselected number of sheets are stacked on the staple tray F, the edge stapler S 1 staples the sheet stack. Subsequently, the hook 52 a lifts the stapled sheet stack to the downstream side in the direction of sheet conveyance, and then the shift outlet roller 6 conveys it to the tray 202 . More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the jogger fences 53 each move from its home position to a stand-by position 7 mm remote from the width of a sheet. When the stapler inlet roller 11 conveys a sheet until the trailing edge of the sheet moves away from the staple discharge sensor 305 , each jogger fence 53 is further moved by 5 mm inward of the stand-by position. The staple discharge sensor 305 , sensed the tailing edge of the sheet, sends its output to the CPU 360 . In response, the CPU 360 starts counting pulses output from a conveyance motor, not shown, which drives the stapler inlet roller 11 . On counting a preselected number of pulses, the CPU 360 turns on the knock solenoid 170 for thereby causing the knock roller 12 to knock the sheet, as stated earlier. The sheet is therefore abutted against the rear fence 51 and positioned thereby. Every time a sheet moves away from the inlet sensor 101 or the staple discharge sensor 305 , the CPU 360 increments the count of sheets. On the elapse of a preselected period of time since the turn-off of the knock solenoid 170 , the jogger motor 158 moves each jogger fence 53 further inward by 2.6 mm, thereby positioning the sheet in the horizontal direction. Subsequently, the jogger motor 158 moves each jogger fence 53 outward by 7.6 mm to the stand-by position and causes it to wait for the next sheet. This operation is repeated up to the last sheet of a job. Thereafter, the jogger motor 158 again moves each jogger fence 53 inward by 7 mm to thereby nip the opposite edges of the sheet stack. On the elapse of a preselected period of time since the above step, the stapler motor drives the edge stapler S 1 for thereby stapling the edge of the sheet stack. If the sheet stack should be stapled at two or more positions, then the staple motor 159 further moves the edge stapler S 1 to an adequate position along the lower edge of the sheet stack. After the stapling operation, the discharge motor 157 is driven to move the belt 52 with the result that the hook 52 a lifts the stapled sheet stack. At the same time, the discharge motor is driven to rotate the shift discharge roller 6 , so that the sheet stack lifted by the hook 52 a is conveyed by the roller 6 . At this instant, the jogger fences 53 are controlled in a different manner in accordance with the number or the size of sheets stapled together. For example, if the number or the size of sheets is smaller than a preselected value, then the jogger fences 53 continuously nip the sheet stack therebetween when the sheet stack is being lifted by the hook 52 a. Subsequently, when the CPU 360 counts a preselected number of pulses after a sheet presence/absence sensor 310 or the belt HP sensor 311 has outputs a sense signal, the jogger fences 53 are moved outward by 2 mm to release the sheet stack. The preselected number of pulses corresponds to an interval between the time when the hook 52 a contacts the trailing edge of the sheet stack and the time when the hook 52 a moves away from the ends of the jogger fences 53 . If the number or the size of the sheets stapled together is larger than the preselected value, then the jogger fences 53 are moved outward by 2 mm before the discharge of the stapled sheet. In any case, as soon as the sheet stack moves away from the jogger fences 53 , the jogger fences 53 are further moved outward by 5 mm to the stand-by positions to prepare for the next sheet stack. Restraint to act on the sheet stack may be adjusted on the basis of the distance between the sheet stack and the jogger fences 53 . As shown in FIG. 16 , the controller 350 is implemented as a microcomputer including an I/O (Input/Output) interface in addition to the CPU 360 . The outputs of switches arranged on a control panel, which is mounted on the body of the image forming apparatus PR, and the outputs of the inlet sensor 301 , upper sheet outlet sensor, shift discharge sensor 303 , prestack sensor, stapler inlet sensor 305 , sheet presence/absence sensor 301 , belt HP sensor 311 , staple HP sensor 312 , jogger fence HP sensor, stack arrival sensor 321 , movable rear fence HP sensor, fold sensor, lower outlet sensor, sheet surface sensor 330 and so forth are input to the CPU 360 via the I/O interface 370 . The CPU 360 controls, in accordance with the above inputs, the tray motor 168 , guide plate open/close motor shift motor 169 , knock motor 156 , solenoids including the knock solenoid 170 , motor for driving the rollers, outlet motor for controlling outlet motors, belt motor 157 , stapler shift motor 159 , jogger motor 158 , stack branch motor 161 and so forth. The CPU 360 counts the output pulses of the staple conveyance motor assigned to the stapler outlet roller 11 for controlling the knock solenoid 170 and jogger motor 158 . An alternative embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18 . In the previous embodiment, the edge stapler S 1 is moved along the guide slot or stapler guide 41 a and shifted between the stapling position and the retracted position thereby. In the alternative embodiment, the guide shaft 40 is configured to serve as a stapler guide shaft. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the guide shaft, labeled 40 ′, is formed with a guide groove or cam groove 40 a corresponding to the cam slot 41 a of the previous embodiment. The guide groove 40 a is made up of first guide grooves 40 b corresponding to the first cam surfaces 41 b , second guide grooves 40 c corresponding to the second cam surface 41 c , and third cam grooves 40 d corresponding to the third cam surfaces 41 d . The guide grooves 40 b through 40 d are contiguous with each other. As shown in FIG. 18 , a guide member (bearing) is provided with a ball 41 k . When the guide stay 41 moves along the guide groove 40 a together with the ball 41 k , the edge stapler S 1 is shifted between the position at which it moves while sandwiching a sheet stack and the position retracted from the idler pulley 56 a , as stated earlier. In the illustrative embodiment, the edge stapler S 1 moves back and forth in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance while being retracted from the idle pulley 56 a as in the previous embodiment. Again, the guide shaft 40 ′ supports the stapler S 1 alone, so that the damping means included in the previous embodiment should preferably be used. As for the rest of the configuration, the illustrative embodiment is identical with the previous embodiment. The illustrative embodiment makes it needless to position a cam below the stapler S 1 for thereby saving space in the up-and-down direction. In summary, in accordance with the present invention, stapling means can move in the direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance while being retracted from a pulley or similar rotary member. A cam surface and a member contacting it are prevented from wearing due to friction and noticeably reducing the life of the stapling means. In addition, a load to act on the stapling means during movement is reduced. Further, a single guide shaft can guide both of the above movement and angular movement of the stapling means, so that the number of parts is reduced. Moreover, the configuration of the present invention is simple and therefore low cost. Various modifications will become possible for those skilled in the art after receiving the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

A sheet finisher for executing preselected processing with a sheet introduced thereinto from an image forming apparatus and then discharging the sheet is disclosed. The sheet finisher includes a stacking device configured to temporarily stack sheets sequentially delivered thereto. Jogger fences jog each sheet within the stacking device. A stapler staples the sheet stack jogged in the stacking device. The stapler is supported by a guide shaft such it is movable along the guide shaft in a direction perpendicular to the direction of sheet conveyance and angularly movable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of guide.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention is related to a kneading ball for washing clothes by vibration, and especially to a kneading ball of which the housing is provided with a vibration generating device, and a lot of kneading protrusions are provided on the surface thereof. The ball can generate disturbance of the liquid detergent having the clothes dipped therein for hand washing, thus can be used as a kneading ball for assisting in dealing with clothes for hand washing or the like. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Cleaning modes of clothes are varied in pursuance of the nature of the clothes, the invention of washing machines has largely saved manpower, however, elevation of quality as well as fashions of clothes increases the limitation to washing; various washing nets, washing bags etc. being auxiliary of a washing machine can not suit all kinds of clothes. Clothes not suitable for placing in a stirring washing machine can be washed by kneading softly by manpower; and even some clothes are merely dipped in liquid detergent in waiting for decomposition of dirt. However, these modes are power and time exhausting. The motive of the present invention is to provide a kneading ball for assisting in dealing with clothes for hand washing or the like by vibration. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a kneading ball for washing clothes by vibration, the ball generates vibration automatically when clothes are dipped in liquid detergent; and a lot of kneading protrusions are provided on the surface of the housing thereof, vibration can generate water flow for hand washing of clothes. [0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a kneading ball structure for washing clothes by vibration, which ball is compact and waterproofing, and can be directly used in liquid detergent, a vibration generating device enclosed in the housing thereof can be kept dry to elongate the life of use of the kneading ball, and can avoid electric leakage, thereby safety can be improved. [0007] To acquire the above stated objects, in the present invention, the vibration generating device, the housing and a waterproof cover are combined altogether. The housing is provided on the surface thereof with a hole for combining of the waterproof cover therewith. The vibration generating device is mounted in the housing; a base seat of the vibration generating device is connected with the hole of the housing. The vibration generating device has an electric motor with rechargeable batteries to drive an eccentric wheel and in turn to make vibration of the housing, the charging pin of the vibration generating device is mounted in the housing near the hole, so that the waterproof cover can be detached from the hole in favor of electric charging. The housing can be formed by combining two semispherical half-housings by supersonic wave melting under high frequency, thereby the two semispherical half-housings can be tightly combined with each other, and a waterproof rubber ring is provided between the two tightly combined half-housings to enhance the effect of waterproofing. A lot of kneading protrusions are provided at intervals on the surface of the housing, the kneading protrusions can increase disturbance of liquid when the ball is used in liquid detergent by vibration of the housing and can increase the friction and kneading-washing effect on the clothes being washed. [0008] The present invention will be apparent in its features and structure after reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof in reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] [0009]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0010] [0010]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0011] [0011]FIG. 3 is a sectional schematic view showing the structure at the joint of the two semispherical half-housings of the housing of the present invention; [0012] [0012]FIG. 4 is an electric circuit diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0013] [0013]FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0014] [0014]FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the other preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0015] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the kneading ball for washing clothes by vibration of the present invention is comprised of a housing 1 , a vibration generating device 2 and a waterproof cover 3 etc. [0016] Referring simultaneously to FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing 1 is made of waterproof material, and is formed by combining two semispherical half-housings 11 ; the end walls at the openings of the two semispherical half-housings 11 are both provided with a connecting member 15 making connection under high frequency, these high frequency connecting members 15 can make combining of the two semispherical half-housings 11 by supersonic wave melting under high frequency; and a waterproof rubber ring 14 is provided between the two high frequency connecting members 15 , thereby, the two semispherical half-housings 11 are combined to form perfectly the integral housing 1 . [0017] The housing 1 is provided on the surface thereof with a hole 13 at the top of one of the two semispherical half-housings 11 . [0018] The housing 1 is provided with a lot of kneading protrusions 121 at intervals on the surface thereof, which kneading protrusions 121 are further integrally provided on a plurality of arched wings 12 ; each wing 12 is extended from the top of a semispherical half-housing 11 to the opening of the half-housing 11 , this half-housing 11 does not have the hole 13 , so that when the two semispherical half-housings 11 are combined with each other to form the integral housing 1 , the wings 12 extend from the top of a semispherical half-housing 11 to the other half-housing 11 ; the length of each wing 12 is about ⅓ of the peripheral length of a diametrical circle, the curvature of each wing 12 is the same as that of the housing 1 . [0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 1 is provided therein with a vibration generating device 2 which is comprised of a base seat 21 , a motor 22 , a set of rechargeable batteries 23 , a charging pin 24 and an eccentric wheel 25 . [0020] The vibration generating device 2 is connected with the hole 13 of the housing 1 through the base seat 21 , the motor 22 of the vibration generating device 2 is mounted on the base seat 21 and is located in the housing 1 . The rechargeable batteries 23 are arranged at one side of the motor 22 , to provide power for the motor 22 to render the motor 22 to drive the eccentric wheel 25 attached thereon. The charging pin 24 is mounted on the base seat 21 and exposed to the outside of the hole 13 of the housing 1 . [0021] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the waterproof cover 3 is made of waterproof material, it is closely coincident with the structural shape of the hole 13 of the housing 1 , and is provided with a pick-up lobe 31 to allow a user to mount the waterproof cover 3 on or detach it from the hole 13 of the housing 1 at will. [0022] As shown in FIG. 4, when the rechargeable batteries 23 have been charged, just activate the switch, the motor 22 rotates; when the rechargeable batteries 23 are exhausted of electricity, it needs only to insert the charging pin 24 in to a charging seat for charging till the batteries 23 are fully charged and ready for use. [0023] With the above stated elements constructing the kneading ball for washing clothes by vibration, the present invention can have a feature of rendering the vibration generating device 2 to drive the eccentric wheel 25 through the motor 22 , rotation of the eccentric wheel 25 makes vibration of the housing 1 . The user can place the vibrational kneading ball for washing clothes in a washbasin loaded with liquid detergent having clothes dipped therein for hand washing, the vibrational kneading ball for washing clothes can automatically stir the liquid. The arched wings 12 on the surface of the housing 1 can enhance the stirring action of the liquid when in using the vibrational kneading ball for washing clothes. The protrusions 121 on the arched wings 12 can assist in helping generation of waves in the water. By cooperation of the vibration generating device 2 with the arched wings 12 on the surface of the housing 1 and the protrusions 121 thereon, soft stirring can be effected for washing the clothes, removing dirt and help a user in dipping and hand washing the clothes; in this mode, an object of getting the effect of washing by mild kneading without hurting the clothes can be achieved. [0024] The two high frequency connecting members 15 can make firm combining of the two semispherical half-housings 11 by supersonic wave melting to prevent water permeation into the housing 1 . A waterproof rubber ring 14 is provided between the two high frequency connecting members 15 and is closely stuck on the end walls of the openings of the two semispherical half-housings 11 . Thereby, tightness of combining of the two semispherical half-housings 11 can be improved to surely prevent liquid permeation into the integral housing 1 . [0025] When in application, the user can conveniently mount the waterproof cover 3 on or detach it from the hole 13 of the housing 1 at will. By the fact that the charging pin 24 of the vibration generating device 2 is provided inside of the hole 13 , after using of the vibrational kneading ball for washing clothes, the waterproof cover 3 can be removed for electric charging through the hole 13 . Besides, the waterproof cover 3 and the hole 13 are mutually complementary in shape, they can be combined with each other tightly without leakage, this arrangement and the provision of the two high frequency connecting members 15 as well as the waterproof rubber ring 14 are all for preventing liquid permeation into the housing 1 and for protecting the vibration generating device 2 . Thereby, the reliability of the product and the life of use of the present invention can be increased, thus the practicality of the present invention can be largely improved. [0026] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 1 of the present invention is provided with a lot of kneading protrusions 16 at intervals on the surface thereof, which kneading protrusions 16 are a lot of separated protruding stubs, and can render the kneading ball for washing clothes to generate water disturbance in the liquid detergent having clothes dipped therein and to increase the frictional kneading washing function by vibration of a vibration generating device 2 , and thereby the effect of vibrational kneading washing can be increased. [0027] The present invention thereby has the following advantages: [0028] 1. The present invention can create disturbance in liquid detergent for washing clothes by an automatic vibrating function and by providing the delicate wings integrally with a lot of kneading protrusions or providing a lot of mutually separate protruding stubs, thereby, an effect of kneading washing is obtained without damaging the clothes. It is convenient for dipping or hand washing clothes with an effect of mild washing, and can save manpower, increase the efficiency of washing, and get practicability. [0029] 2. The present invention is provided with a waterproof cover, two high frequency connecting members and a waterproof rubber ring to provide plural protecting functions to prevent liquid permeation into the housing, and a vibration generating device is enclosed in the housing without attacking on the liquid detergent to powerfully protect quality and increase the life of use of the present invention. [0030] 3. The present invention is small and convenient for operation, a user can place one or more than one vibrational kneading balls for washing clothes in pursuance of the volume of a washbasin, the amount of the clothes as well as the quality of material of the clothes etc. [0031] In conclusion, the present invention not only gets rid of the defects resided in the conventional clothes washing balls which can only be used in a washing machine, but also can generate vibration automatically and can be used in dipping and hand washing clothes by mild kneading; and by providing the high frequency connecting members, the waterproof cover and the waterproof rubber ring, the present invention can perfectly protect the vibration generating device in the housing and to increase the life of use of the present invention. Thereby, the practicability of the present invention can be largely increased, the batteries can be repeatedly charged for use, and more than one vibrational kneading balls can be used simultaneously without limitation by time and space.

A kneading ball for washing clothes by vibration comprising: a housing, a vibration generating device and a waterproof cover, wherein, the housing is provided thereon with a lot of kneading protrusions for creating disturbance of the liquid detergent having clothes dipped therein for washing in cooperation with the vibration generating device to mildly knead the clothes dipped therein to be hand washed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/840,055, filed Apr. 24, 2000, entitled “Live Component System,” which claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/199,133 to DEGROOTE et al., filed on Apr. 24, 2000, entitled “Live Component System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to the field of Web application development. More specifically, to the development of interactive live components for inclusion on web pages. [0003] Displaying and storing mathematics electronically has been of interest to the academic and publishing industries for years. Solutions to this problem including: TeX; LaTeX; and MS Equation; allow a user to specify, through a series of commands, how to display a mathematical equation. [0004] Calculating mathematics electronically has also been of interest to the engineering, financial and consumer markets for many years. Solutions to this problem have included handheld calculators, custom programs, and generalized calculation programs. [0005] Handheld calculators such as those manufactured by Hewlett Packard Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif. and Texas Instruments of Dallas, Tex. allow a user to punch a series of key commands to perform a calculation. Some calculators are programmable, wherein the calculation sequences may be automated. Unfortunately, these programs will only run the specific calculator or simulators and are constrained by the small display often associated with a handheld calculator. [0006] Custom programs, written by programmers, allow very application specific calculations and displays to be performed by a user. These programs require the combined skill of a programmer and one skilled in the calculation or algorithm being programmed. [0007] Generalized calculation programs often include programs that make it easy for a person to customize a specific class of calculations such as financial and math calculations. An example of a program like this includes Excel by Microsoft Inc. of Redmond, Wash. [0008] Another type of generalized calculation program is designed to perform math calculations using symbolic computational systems. This type of program allows a user to describe a mathematics equation symbolically and may generate symbolic and/or numeric results. Some examples of programs like these include: MathCAD by Mathsoft, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass.; MatLAB by The Mathworks, Inc. of Natick, Mass.; Maple by Waterloo Maple Inc. of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; and Mathmatica by Wolfram Research, Inc. of Champlaign, Ill. None of these programs can generate live calculations that can operate on a generic browser or operate on non-numeric data types with string based or web enhanced live calculations. [0009] With the advent of the World Wide Web, several viewers have been developed that allow non-live mathematics to be displayed. Methods for achieving live calculations have included custom programming on either the server side of the web connection or as an applet or script file on the client side. These solutions require that the web developer be a skilled programmer, putting this kind of function out of reach for many developers. [0010] An area that has not been solved, is how to easily produce live components that can not only perform calculations, but can also link web pages and embedded systems. Such a generalized program should allow nonprogrammers to design interactive systems containing live components that may include generic computers running web browsers, embedded systems comprising dedicated hardware, network hardware, and server hardware. [0011] What is needed is a system that can generate live components for use on target systems, wherein the target systems may include browsers and embedded systems. Preferably, this system will be capable of operating on a multitude of data types (numeric and non-numeric), be useable by non-programmer developers, and produce code that is efficient, small, and fast. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] One advantage of the invention is that it generates live components for use on target systems, wherein the target systems may include browsers and embedded systems. [0013] Another advantage of this invention is that is capable of operating on a multitude of data types including both numeric and non-numeric data types. [0014] Yet a further advantage of this invention is that it may be useable by non-programmer application developers. [0015] Yet another advantage of this invention is that it may scale the live components, to produce efficient code that is small and fast. [0016] Yet another advantage of this invention is that it's live component description file may use standard file formats such as XML. [0017] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, in accordance with all of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, an apparatus for generating a live component comprising a resource library, a live component editor for allowing a user to edit the live component utilizing resources from the resource library, a library of pre-built application modules, a viewer generator for creating a live component viewer from the pre-built application modules directed by the live component editor, and a component description generator for creating a live component description file directed by the live component editor. The live component editor may include a live component simulator capable of simulating the live component. [0018] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the live component may be downloaded from a server to a local system, wherein algorithms in the live component are executed on the local system. The pre-built application modules and live component viewer may include computer executable instructions such as compiled code, assembled code, and interpreted script. [0019] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the live component description file may includes live component viewer instructions. The live component viewer instructions may include XML, data links, mathML, mathML extensions. The live MathML extensions may comprises a bi-directional equals operator, an edit attribute indicating if a value is editable, and a display attribute indicating a name and format for a display. [0020] A further aspect of the invention, the resource library may include rules, definitions, default values, and resources. [0021] In yet a further aspect of the invention, a method for generating a live component comprising the steps of: opening an initial live component with a live component editor; iteratively updating the live component by; selecting an operand for modification; selecting a step from the group of steps consisting of: modifying the properties of the selected operand; and inserting an additional operation, selected from a library of pre-built application modules that operates on the operand using predetermined rules that correspond to the additional operation; saving the modified live component by: creating a live component viewer using the pre-built application modules directed by the rules based editor; and creating a live component description file directed by the rules based editor. The initial live component may be a default live component. The method may further include downloading the live component from a server to a local system, wherein algorithms in the live component are executed on the local system. [0022] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a live component system. [0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a live component pre-built module developer's environment for an embodiment of the invention. [0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the relationships between a web site developer's platform, a web site and a browser. [0026] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a Live Component editor utilizing XML. [0027] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating live component viewer(s) usage in a browser. [0028] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an MathML element subclass hierarchy. [0029] FIG. 7A shows an example equation. [0030] FIG. 7B shows a MathML representation of a example equation. [0031] FIG. 7C shows an internal representation of a example equation as per the present invention. [0032] FIG. 8A shows an example equation containing a variable. [0033] FIG. 8B shows a MathML representation of a example equation containing a variable. [0034] FIG. 8C shows an internal representation of a example equation containing a variable as per the present invention. [0035] FIG. 9A shows a screen shot of an example equation. [0036] FIG. 9B shows a screen shot of an example equation containing a variable. [0037] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the propagation of an event through a live MathML component document object hierarchy. [0038] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the propagation of an event through a live MathML component document object hierarchy that contains a variable linking two equations together. [0039] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a portion of the operation subclass hierarchy as per an aspect of the current invention implemented in JAVA. [0040] FIG. 13 is a conversion subclass hierarchy diagram. [0041] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an XML parser. [0042] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an XML parser creating an XML document. [0043] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of an XML parser reading an XML node. [0044] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of an XML parser creating an XML node. [0045] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing examples of layout object alignment positions and layout object measurement values. [0046] FIG. 19A shows an alignment coordinate system [0047] FIG. 19B shows relative constraints objects as per an aspect of the invention. [0048] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary example of superscript alignment. [0049] FIG. 21 shows an exemplary example of a nested relative layout manager. [0050] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of the layout manager laying out a layout object. [0051] FIG. 23 a flow diagram showing an algorithm to set a component location. [0052] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a class table and class usage. [0053] FIG. 25 is a screen shot of a property panel. [0054] FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention which generates custom XML viewer and related files. [0055] FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of a build procedure used to create an embodiment of the present invention. [0056] FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing components included in an embodiment of the present invention. [0057] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of an example resource tree as used by an embodiment of the present invention. [0058] FIG. 30 is a resource hierarchy diagram as per an embodiment of the present invention. [0059] FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing embodiments of the present invention interacting over a network. [0060] FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing typed compound borders. [0061] FIG. 33 is a class hierarchy diagram of value classes that may be used to represent a value in a live component. [0062] FIG. 34 is a diagram of components that subclasses of a value class may contain. [0063] FIG. 35 is an expansion of FIG. 11 showing multiple equations sharing a variable. [0064] FIG. 36 shows a development environment containing an embedded system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0065] We will now make reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a live component system. This live component system block diagram illustrates an embodiment of the present invention including component authoring, publishing and end use. An author 100 uses a component application generator 102 to create “live” components that may be made part of a web page 120 which may then be accessed by a user 140 through a browser 130 . The author 100 inputs data into a rules based live components editor 104 that uses rules, definitions, and resources 106 to output component descriptions to a component description generator 110 and a viewer generator 112 . Rules may specify information for creating live components. These rules may be specified globally for a live component, or for any subcomponent of a live component. Examples of rules may include operations, parameters, display information, types of values, hierarchy structures, decorations, and where various operators may be located in the layout. A decoration may define additional non-functional visual aspects of a live component. The component description generator 110 may generate a component description which may be XML that may be output to a web page 120 . The viewer generator 112 may accept input from the rules, definitions, and resources 106 , the rules based editor 104 , and pre-built application modules 108 . The viewer generator 112 then creates viewer module(s) which may be included in a web page(s) 120 . Now the user 140 may view the web page 120 with its live components through a browser 130 . [0066] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a live component pre-built module developer's environment for an embodiment of the invention. The purpose of the developer's environment is to create files for distribution to a web designer ( 270 and 280 ). The developer's environment may include editor source code 200 , viewer source code 210 , a source editor 230 , a compiler 240 , and a JAR file creator 250 . The editor source code 200 further includes editor specific code 202 and common code 204 . The editor specific code may include an XML editor and a property editor. The common code 204 may include dynamically loaded classes 206 and utility classes 208 that may be shared with the viewer. The dynamically loaded classes 206 may include conversions, displays, XML specific tag functions, operations, values, resources, and Java functions. The utility classes 208 may include an XML parser and layout manager. [0067] A source editor 230 accepts as input the common code 204 from the editor source code 200 and generates edited common code 214 to be included as part of the viewer source code 210 . The edited common code may have functionality of common code 214 removed or new functionality added. For example, the ability to edit a live component may be removed from edited common code 214 . The edited common code 214 may further include edited dynamically loaded classes 216 and edited utility classes 218 . The viewer source code 210 may also include XML viewer code 212 . [0068] A compiler 240 may compile source code into executable modules and accepts as input editor source code 200 and viewer source code 210 . The executable modules compiled by the compiler 240 are output to a .JAR creator 250 which assembles the collection of executable modules into an editor .JAR file 270 and a viewer .JAR file 280 . The editor .JAR file 270 includes editor executables 272 that may further include a compiled XML editor 274 , dynamically loaded classes 276 , and utilities 278 . The viewer .JAR file 280 includes viewer executables 282 that may further include a compiled XML viewer 284 , dynamically loaded classes 286 , and utilities 288 . The editor .JAR file 270 and the viewer .JAR file 280 may be distributed to web designers for use in creating live components. [0069] FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates the relationships between a web site developer's platform 300 , a web site 310 and browser 320 as per an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram represents an XML specific implementation of the present invention (as per FIG. 1 ). The web developer's platform 300 includes a viewer .JAR file 301 which may include a collection of viewer executable files. The viewer .JAR file 301 is preferably input to an XML editor 302 (an XML specific version of 104 ), which may edit XML files 303 and outputs applet .JAR files 304 . The web developer's platform 300 may also include an HTML editor 305 which may edit HTML files 306 intended for use on a web site 310 . The web site 310 is preferably housed on a web server and includes XML files 311 , applet .JAR files 312 , and HTML files 313 which may be read and displayed by a browser 320 . The HTML files 313 define the HTML frame 321 which may contain applets 322 . The applets 322 may be contained in the applet .JAR files 312 and use data contained in the XML files 311 and the applet .JAR files 312 . The applets may also be JAVA beans. [0070] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a XML editor as per an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention. The XML editor 410 preferably accepts input from: a user 400 ; resources 401 ; a viewer .JAR file 402 ; and tag classes 403 . The XML editor 410 preferably processes the inputs and generates for output .JAR file(s) 460 and XML files(s) 470 . A user 400 observes a display and utilizing a keyboard and mouse generates events that may be handled by an event handler 430 . The event handler 430 preferably interprets the events to determine which display object 420 needs action. The display objects 420 may include a document display panel 421 , a properties panel 422 , buttons 423 , menus 424 , and status bars 425 . When a display object is modified an action may be generated. Actions 411 may include file I/O actions 412 , editing actions 413 , and display actions 414 . Some actions may require parsing XML from resources 401 by XML parser 450 . Some actions may cause XML document objects 440 to be modified. [0071] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating live component viewer(s) usage in a browser. Jar file(s) 500 , XML file(s) 501 and HTML file(s) 502 may contain the content required to generate a live web page on the browser 510 . The browser 510 generates an HTML display frame 511 that may contain the live components as described by the files 500 , 501 , and 502 . The live components may be applet(s) 512 . Each applet may contain an XML parser 513 which preferably parses the XML files(s) 502 into XML document objects 514 when the applet 512 is initialized. The XML document object may be an internal representation of an XML object(s). A document display panel 515 displays the XML document object(s) 514 to a user 518 based on instructions coming from the event handler 516 . The event handler generates the instructions from events that are input from a user 518 . Events may include mouse input, and keyboard inputs such as value changes. [0072] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a MathML element subclass hierarchy as per an aspect of the current invention implemented in JAVA. MathML is a specific example of an XML type that may be implemented by the present invention, and JAVA is an example of a specific language that may be used to implement the present invention. One skilled in the art will be able to see that different programming languages other than JAVA and different description languages including other types of XML may also be used. This hierarchy at its highest levels contains JAVA classes representing XML related modules. For example the highest level modules include an XML viewer 600 , and XML editor 610 and an XML Node 620 . [0073] The XML viewer 600 class contains the code to implement a generic XML viewer. Subclasses of the XML viewer 600 may add code to implement additional functionality. For example, a MathML viewer 601 may implement additional functionality for a MathML specific viewer. The XML editor 610 class contains the code to implement a generic XML editor. Subclasses of the XML editor 610 may add code to implement additional functionality. For example, a MathML editor 611 may implement additional functionality for a MathML specific editor. [0074] The XML node 620 class contains the code to implement a generic XML node. An XML node may be any point on an XML hierarchy as is known by those skilled in the art familiar with XML and other related concepts. Subclasses of the XML node 620 may include code to implement additional functionality. For example, additional functionality may be added to the XML element 621 , XML document 631 , and XML comment 641 classes. The XML element 621 may be further subclassed adding more additional functionality with each level in the hierarchy as shown in elements 622 , 623 , 624 , 625 , 626 , 627 , and 628 . In the presently illustrated example, a MathML element 622 is subclassed into a display class 623 which is further subclassed to add more display specific functionality. Also illustrated is a MathML document 632 which is a subclass of XML document 631 . Some examples of display functionality that may be added to display classes include new image displays based on value ranges such stop lights, meter gauges, and switch displays. [0075] An example equation 700 that will be used to illustrate the internal structures that may be used by an aspect of the current invention is shown in FIG. 7A . As those skilled in the art will recognize, FIG. 7B shows a MathML representation 710 of the example equation 700 . FIG. 7C shows an internal representation of the MathML 710 shown in FIG. 7B as per the present invention. An XML document 720 includes a MathML element 730 that further includes other objects that together represent the equation 700 . The objects include a MathML elements 740 and 753 , a Tag 756 , and a display value 760 . [0076] XML tags are command elements that may be one of three types: a start tag, an end tag, or an empty element tag. Start and end tags come in pairs and may contain child elements between them. An empty element tag contains no children. [0077] Tag 756 is a string object that contains the MathML tag string “rein”, which indicates that the MathML element 730 represents the MathML relation operation. The MathML element 753 further contains the tag “eq” which indicates that the specific type of relation operation is an equals operation. [0078] The display value 760 may include a tag object 761 , an attributes object 764 and a data object 768 . The tag 761 contains a “cn” string which indicates that it implements a MathML numeric constant display function. The data field 768 contains the result of the equals operation. The attribute object 763 may contain attributes which further specify the operation the display value 760 . The current example contains a result attribute 764 set to “true” which sets the display value 760 as the result side of the equals operation, and an editable attribute 766 set to “false” which sets the display value 760 to not accept changes by the user. [0079] The MathML element 740 may be the source of the equals operation contained in the MathMLElement 730 and contains a Tag 746 and two display values 741 and 748 . The Tag 746 indicates that the MathMLElement should perform an addition operation on the two display values 741 and 748 . The display values 741 and 748 each include tags 742 and 749 indicating that they implement the MathML “cn” function, and further include data fields 744 and 751 containing the values “5” and “7” which may be added by the addition operation contained in the MathMLElement 704 (further detailed by Operation plus 1026 ). The result of the addition operation may then be stored in the result display value 760 . [0080] MathML and most XML markup languages do not currently support live interactivity. One aspect of this invention that differs from MathML is that MathML extensions may be incorporated to add “live” functionality. In MathML, the “eq” tag would instruct a viewer to display an “=” sign. The current invention adds live functionality. The “=” sign may have several functions: assignment from left to right; an assignment from right to left; bi-directional assignment; and no assignment. In addition, the “=” sign may return a result from the equals operation. Such a result may, in the case of an assignment, return the most recently assigned value; or, in the case of no assignment, may return a boolean value indicating if the two operands are equal or not. The result may also be returned to higher levels of the hierarchy. Also, the result and editable attributes may be extensions to standard MathML to support live functionality. [0081] FIG. 8A shows an example equation 800 containing a variable. This equation is similar to the equation 700 , except that the 7 is replaced by a variable X 1 . FIG. 8B shows a MathML representation 810 of the example equation 800 . The main difference between FIG. 7B and FIG. 8B is that the “<cn>7</cn>” line is replaced with a “ci” element and its children which is a MathML description of the X 1 variable. [0082] FIG. 8C shows an internal representation of the MathML 810 shown in FIG. 8B as per the present invention. The main difference between FIG. 7C and FIG. 8C is that the display value 748 is replaced by display name 830 . Display name 830 contains a “ci” tag 832 and a MathML element 833 . A “ci” tag is a MathML representation for a variable. The MathML element 833 contains a “msub” tag 839 and two display values 834 and 841 . The display values 834 and 841 each include “mi” tags 835 and 842 indicating that data values 837 and 844 are MathML presentation items. The “msub” tag is the MathML representation for a subscript, so that data object 844 will display as a subscript to data object 837 . [0083] FIG. 9A shows a screen shot of an example equation being generated. [0084] FIG. 9B shows a screen shot of an example equation containing a variable being generated. [0085] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the propagation of an event through a live MathML component document object hierarchy. Example equation 700 from FIGS. 7 A, 7 B, and 7 C are illustrated. One purpose of event propagation may be to recalculate an equation when an element of an equation changes. In the presently illustrated example, the data in text field 1024 is modified to a value of “5”. The value “5” is converted by a conversion object 1023 from a displayed representation to an internal representation that may be operated on and stored in value object 1022 . Any value object that has changed may notify other objects that may be listening of the change. In this example, value object 1022 notifies MathML element 740 that it has changed and MathML element 740 notifies plus operation object 1026 to recalculate and store its result in value 1025 . Now that value object 1025 has changed, it notifies its listener MathML element 730 that it has changed. MathML element 730 then notifies equals operation object 1040 to recalculate and store its logical result in value object 1010 . Because the result 764 ( FIG. 7C ) was set to true, the numerical result is stored in value object 1051 . The conversion object 1052 then converts the value stored in value object 1051 from an internal representation to a display representation and stores that result in text field 1053 . [0086] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the propagation of an event through a live MathML component document object hierarchy that contains a variable linking two equations together. A MathML element 1100 represents the equation “5+X=12” and a MathML element 1150 represents the equation “X=7”. The two equations are linked by the variable “X”, and the MathML elements are linked internally by the two values 1153 and 1121 . When an element of an equation changes, the equation is recalculated by an event which propagates through the equation hierarchy. In the presently illustrated example, the data in text field 1161 is modified to a value of “7”. The value “7” is converted by a conversion object 1160 from a displayed representation to an internal representation in value object 1159 . Now that value object 1159 has changed it notifies its listeners (MathML element 1150 ) that it has changed. MathML element 1150 then notifies equals operation object 1157 to recalculate and store its logical result in value object 1151 . In the present example, display value 1152 contains a result attribute set to true (not shown), the numerical result is stored in value object 1153 . Now that value object 1153 has changed it notifies its listeners (value object 1121 ) that it has changed. Value object 1121 in turn notifies its listeners (MathML element 1110 ) of the change. MathML element 1110 then notifies plus operation 1117 to recalculate and store its numerical result in value object 1111 . Now that value object 1111 has changed it notifies its listeners (MathML element 1100 ) that it has changed. MathML element 1100 then notifies equals operation 1125 to recalculate and store its logical result in value object 1101 . In the present example, the display value 1130 contains a result attribute set to true (not shown), the numerical result is stored in value object 1131 . The conversion object 1132 then converts the value stored in value object 1131 from an internal representation to a display representation and stores that result in text field 1134 . [0087] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a portion of the operation subclass hierarchy as per an aspect of the current invention implemented in JAVA. The top level Operation class 1200 contains Java methods common to all operations, and methods which must be included in operation subclasses (abstract methods). The common methods may include class instance constructors and methods to return operations given the operation name and type. A method to return operations (getOperation( )) may create new operations or return cached operations. The abstract methods may include a method to compute an operation (compute( )) and a method to return the type of operation (getTypeName( )). The method to compute the result of the operation may contain two arguments, a vector object of operand values to perform the operation on and a result value to store the result of the operation in. [0088] The abstract methods may be implemented by subclasses of the operation class 1200 which may be categorized by the type of value the specific operation returns. Two categories of subclasses are shown, a real operators category 1210 and an integer operators category 1220 , each containing a subclass of the operation class 1200 . The Operation_real 1211 subclass implements those operations which return real values, represented internally in the present invention by the Java data type “double”. The Operation_real subclass implements the getTypeName( ) method which returns the string “real”. The Operation_integer 1221 subclass implements those operations which return integer values, represented internally in the present invention by the Java data type “long”. The Operation_integer subclass implements the getTypeName( ) method which returns the string “long”. [0089] The Operation_real subclass 1211 is further subclassed by a OperationTwoOperands subclass 1212 which implements the compute( ) method required by the operation class 1200 and contains a new abstract compute( ) method which takes two double arguments and returns a double result. The new compute( ) method is called by the compute( ) method implemented by the OperationTwoOperands subclass 1212 . The new compute method may be implemented by subclasses of OperationTwoOperands 1212 . [0090] The OperationTwoOperands subclass 1212 is further subclassed by a Operation_times subclass 1213 and a Operations_power subclass 1214 . The Operation_times subclass 1213 implements the compute( ) method required by the OperationTwoOperands subclass 1212 and calculates the product of the two double arguments and returns the double result. The Operation_power subclass 1214 implements the compute( ) method required by the OperationTwoOperands subclass 1212 and returns the double result of raising the double value 1 to the power of double value 2 . [0091] The Operation_integer subclass 1221 is further subclassed by a OperationTwoOperands 1222 subclass which implements the compute( ) method required by the operation class 1200 and contains a new abstract compute( ) method which takes two integer arguments and returns an integer result. The new compute( ) method is called by the compute( ) method implemented by the OperationTwoOperands subclass 1222 . The new compute method may be implemented by subclasses of OperationTwoOperands 1222 . [0092] The OperationTwoOperands subclass 1222 is further subclassed by a Operation_times subclass 1223 and a Operations_minus subclass 1224 . The Operation_times subclass 1223 implements the compute( ) method required by the OperationTwoOperands subclass 1222 and calculates the product of the two integer arguments and returns the integer result. The Operation_minus subclass 1224 implements the compute( ) method required by the OperationTwoOperands subclass 1222 and returns the integer result of subtracting the integer value 2 from the integer value 1 . [0093] Other operations specific to different areas of interest such as other specialized XML types may be implemented in this hierarchy and may include: real time operations such as timers; math operations such as trigonometric functions; input and output functions such as get, put, mail and fax; algorithmic functions such as loops; and time and date functions such as days until. [0094] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a portion of the conversion subclass hierarchy as per an aspect of the current invention implemented in JAVA. The top level Conversion class 1300 contains Java methods common to all conversions, and methods which must be included in conversion subclasses (abstract methods). The common methods may include a method to return conversions given the conversion name, type and format. The method to return conversion may create new conversions or return cached conversions. [0095] One subclass of the conversion class 1300 is shown. The Conversion_string subclass 1310 may contain a method to get a new Conversion_string instance given a type and a display format name, and abstract methods to convert a String to a Value (toValue( )) and to convert a Value to a String (fromValue( )). [0096] Conversion_string 1310 is further subclassed by Conversion_double 1320 which implements the abstract methods of Conversion_string 1310 and defines the abstract method toValue( ) and fromValue( ) which operate on Java double values instead of Value objects. The toValue( ) and fromValue( ) methods implemented by Conversion_string 1310 in turn call the new abstract toValue( ) and fromValue( ) methods which may be implemented by subclasses of Conversion_double 1320 . [0097] Conversion_double 1320 is further subclassed by Conversion_Binary 1330 which implements the abstract methods of Conversion_double 1320 and defines the abstract method toValue( ) and fromValue( ) which convert Java double values to and from Java Strings. The Strings contain a String representation of the binary value of the Java double value. [0098] Conversion_double 1320 is further subclassed by Conversion_FloatingPoint 1340 which implements the abstract methods of Conversion_double 1320 and defines the abstract method toValue( ) and fromValue( ) which convert Java double values to and from Java Strings. The Strings contain a floating point representation of the Java double value. [0099] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an XML parser. This parser may be part of the development environment and part of the live component that may run on a client. An important aspect of the parser allows the live component to preferably be scaled to a minimum size. Only those parts of the parser that are needed on the client side are included, determined by the specific XML tags used by the live components. The input to the parser 1430 may include the XML 1400 to be parsed, parsing resources 1410 , and tag classes 1420 . The parsing resources may include translations from XML tags to the name of the tag classes 1420 needed to load an XML node. The parser 1430 contains a document creator 1434 which parses each node of the XML and creates an XML document 1440 . The document creator 1434 calls a comment creator 1431 , an element creator 1432 , and an attribute processor 1433 as needed for each node in the parsed XML. The comment creator 1431 creates an XML node which holds an XML comment. This preserves comments from the XML structure so that the XML may be recreated later. The element creator 1432 recognizes XML elements in the XML 1400 and converts them into XML element objects which are then included in the XML document object 1440 . The attribute processor 1433 recognizes attributes in XML 1400 and converts them into XML node attributes which are then included in the XML elements of the XML document object 1440 . [0100] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an XML parser creating an XML document. The XML parser is a basic aspect of the present invention that allows the XML to be parsed into its basic elements and converted into an internal representation of the live component. Step S 1502 may get an XML string such as MathML and prepares it to be parsed. Step S 1504 creates an empty XML document object that may be used to store parsed XML. Next, a decision loop starts with step S 1506 which determines if any nodes in the XML need to be parsed. If false the algorithm ends. If there are XML nodes that need to be parsed, then the next XML node is read at step S 1508 and then added to the XML document object at step S 1510 . Finally the loop returns back to step S 1506 where a determination is made again if any more nodes need parsing. [0101] The flow diagram in FIG. 16 is an expansion of step S 1508 showing how an XML parser may read an XML node. Step S 1602 gets a token from the prepared XML obtained in step S 1502 . Next, step S 1604 decides if the token is a tag. A non-tag may start with either “<!” (comment) or “<?” (processing instruction). If the token was determined to be a non-tag node at step S 1604 , then step S 1612 determines what type of non tag node to create. Then step S 1614 creates the non-tag node as determined in step S 1612 . If the token is a tag node, then processing proceeds to step S 1606 where the tag name and tag attributes are extracted from the XML. Step S 1608 then determines from the extracted tag name and tag attributes what type of XML node to create. Step S 1610 then creates the XML node as determined by step S 1608 . The created node is returned so that step S 1510 may add the XML node to the XML document object. [0102] FIG. 17 is an expansion of step S 1610 showing a flow diagram of how an XML parser may create an XML node. Step S 1701 creates a new empty XML node. Step S 1702 selects the new node's resources from the parsing resources 1410 . The selected resources may be based on the type of node created (as per S 1608 ). Step S 1704 then processes the node's attributes and configures the XML node appropriately. Next, step S 1706 decides if the current node contains any child nodes. If there are no child nodes the current node is returned so that S 1510 may add the XML node to the XML document object. If there are child nodes step S 1708 then reads the next XML node. Step S 1708 may be a recursive call to step S 1508 ( FIG. 16 ). Next, step S 1710 adds the newly read child XML node to the current XML node. Finally the loop returns back to step S 1706 where a determination is made again if there are any more child nodes. [0103] Now we will discuss another important aspect of the present invention, the layout manager. The layout manager may freely position objects relative to other objects while many other layout managers layout objects explicitly based on a grid. Relative positioning allows for finer positioning without having to explicitly specify an object's position. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing examples of layout object alignment positions and layout object measurement values. A layout object 1800 may be positioned by the layout manager and may contain a displayed character string 1810 , which is shown with layout object alignment positions and layout object measurement values. The alignment positions are places on the layout object 1800 that the layout manager may use to position components and may include the bottom 1824 , top 1822 , left 1825 , or right 1827 edges of the layout object 1800 ; the base 1823 of the layout object; or the horizontal position of a particular character 1826 in the character string 1810 . The base 1823 position may be the base from the character string 1810 's font. The layout object measurement values are aspects of the layout object 1800 that the layout manager may measure to assist with the layout and may include the layout object 1800 width 1820 , or height 1831 , or the character string 1810 's font width 1821 , ascent 1828 , descent 1829 , or height 1830 . [0104] FIG. 19A shows an alignment coordinate system which may be used by the layout manager to position objects. [0105] FIG. 19B shows relative constraints objects as per an aspect of the invention. Each layout object 1800 being laid out by the layout manager may have a relative constraints object 1910 associated with it which describes how the layout object 1800 should be positioned. The relative constraints objects 1910 may contain a component name 1917 which may contain the name of the layout object 1800 ; X constraints 1911 which may further contain X alignment 1912 constraints and X baseline 1913 constraints; and Y constraints 1914 which may further contain Y alignment 1915 constraints and Y Baseline 1916 constraints. The X alignment 1912 , Y alignment 1915 , X baseline 1914 , and Y baseline 1916 constraints are all Relative alignment constraint objects 1920 . The X alignment 1912 specifies a X position on another layout object, X baseline 1913 specifies a X position on the current layout object 1800 , Y alignment 1915 specifies a Y position on another layout object, and Y baseline 1916 specifies a Y position on the current layout object 1800 . [0106] Each Relative Alignment 1920 constraint object may contain measure type 1921 , fraction 1922 , component name 1923 , component 1924 , character 1925 , and relative to 1926 objects. Component name 1923 and component 1924 may specify another layout component and a name that the layout manager will align the layout component 1800 to. Measure type 1921 may specify a type of measurement (as described in FIG. 18 above) and a fraction 1922 that may specify a multiplier to scale the measurement made by the layout manager. The relative to object 1926 may specify an alignment position (also described in FIG. 18 above) that the layout manager may use as a reference point when the measurement is made. Character 1925 may specify a character in the character string whose X position may be used as an alignment point if the alignment type is character 1826 . [0107] FIG. 20 shows an exemplary example of layout manager object alignment. A layout object 2004 contains layout objects 2002 and 2003 . Layout object 2003 (containing a “3”) is being positioned as a superscript of layout object 2002 (containing a “2”). Layout object 2002 may have been positioned previously or may not be positioned. The layout manager positions layout object 2003 relative to layout object 2002 using the relative constraint object 2000 . The X baseline object 2060 contains a “Relative To” object 2061 which specifies the LEFT edge of the layout object 2003 as its X alignment position. The X alignment object 2050 contains a “Relative To” object 2052 and a component name 2051 which indicates that the RIGHT edge of the layout object named “2” (layout object 2002 ) should be used as the X alignment position. Layout object 2003 is positioned so that its X alignment position is aligned with layout object 2002 's X alignment position. The Y baseline object 2030 contains a “Relative To” object 2033 , a fraction 2032 , and a “Measure Type” object 2031 which specifies layout object 2003 's Y alignment position as the middle of its ASCENT measurement (BASE position +−0.5*ASCENT size). The Y alignment object 2020 contains a “Relative To” object 2024 , a component name 2023 , a fraction 2022 , and a “Measure Type” object 2021 which specifies that the top of the ASCENT measurement (BASE position +−1.0*ASCENT size) of a layout object named “2” (layout object 2002 ) should be used as the Y alignment position. Layout object 2003 is positioned so that its Y alignment position is aligned with layout object 2002 's Y alignment position. [0108] FIG. 21 shows an exemplary example of a nested relative layout manager. A layout object 2100 contains layout objects 2004 , 2105 , and 2108 . Layout object 2004 (the layout of which is described above in FIG. 20 ) is being positioned to the left of layout object 2105 (containing a “=”). The layout of layout object 2108 is not described in this example. The layout manager positions layout object 2004 relative to layout object 2105 using the relative constraint object 2100 . [0109] The X baseline object 2160 contains a “Relative To” object 2161 which specifies the RIGHT edge of the layout object 2004 as its X alignment position. The X alignment object 2150 contains a “Relative To” object 2152 and a component name 2151 which indicates that the LEFT edge should be used as the X alignment position of the layout object named “=” (layout object 2105 ). Layout object 2004 is positioned so that its X alignment position is aligned with layout object 2105 's X alignment position (the RIGHT of 2004 is aligned with the LEFT of 2105 ). [0110] The Y baseline object 2130 contains a “Relative To” object 2131 which specifies layout object 2004 's Y alignment position as its BASE position. A nested layout object may specify an additional relative constraints object (not shown) which may indicate another layout object within itself to make measurements from. In the present example the layout object 2004 contains an additional relative constraints object to indicate that its BASE position is the BASE position of layout object 2002 . The Y alignment object 2120 contains a “Relative To” object 2122 and a component name 2121 which specifies that the BASE position should be used as the alignment position of a layout object named “=” (layout object 2105 ). Layout object 2004 is positioned so that its Y alignment position is aligned with layout object 2105 's Y alignment position (the BASE of 2004 and 2002 are aligned with the BASE of 2105 ). [0111] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of the layout manager laying out a layout object. Step S 2200 resets the position of each component in the layout to a known position. Step S 2202 then sets each component to its preferred size. If a component uses a layout manager such as the relative layout manager it may be laid out in step S 2202 (by recursively calling the present algorithm) so that its preferred size may be determined. Step S 2204 may set the location of each component relative to the other components. Step S 2206 normalizes the component locations so components with the smallest X and Y coordinates are positioned at zero. Step S 2208 then calculates the size of the layout based on the normalized positions and the maximum X and Y coordinate positions. Step S 2212 then calculates the character and base offsets of the layout, which may be used by layout managers at higher levels in a nested layout manager hierarchy. [0112] FIG. 23 is an expansion of step S 2204 showing a flow diagram of an embodiment of an algorithm to set a component location. Step S 2302 determines whether the component is visible. If the component is not visible its position is not set and the algorithm returns. If the component is visible then step S 2304 updates the relative alignment constraints 1920 for the component, which may find a component with the name specified in 1923 and may save a pointer to the component in 1924 . Step S 2306 may set the location of the alignment component by recursively calling the present algorithm. Next, step S 2308 calculates the location of the current component by adding the offset on the alignment component to the current component's location and subtracting the offset on the current component. Step S 2310 then moves the component to the new location. [0113] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a class table and class usage. A class table 2400 may be used to build a table of all the classes that may be used or referenced in an object hierarchy. The class table class 2400 contains a class table 2410 to hold the list of classes and several methods that may assist in building the class table. These methods may include a load class in use method 2421 , an add skip package method 2422 , a load class name method 2423 , a remove interfaces method 2424 , and an add load package method 2425 . An object 2440 may have super classes and interfaces 2430 and subclasses 2450 . Any subclasses 2450 may have further subclasses 2460 . Each object may implement the ClassUsage interface which may indicate that the class contains load classes in use methods ( 2441 , 2451 , and 2461 ), and remove interfaces methods ( 2442 , 2452 , 2462 ). The load classes in use method 2441 may pass a sub object 2450 to the load class in used method 2421 . The load class in use method 2421 may then call the sub object 2450 's load classes in use 2451 and remove interfaces 2452 methods. The remove interfaces method 2452 may then call the remove interface method 2424 . This process may continue recursively as each object in the object hierarchy may pass its sub objects to the load class in use method 2421 . In this way all of the classes used in an object hierarchy may be added to the class table. The remove interfaces methods ( 2442 , 2452 , 2462 ) and remove interface method 2424 may specify interfaces implemented by objects that should not be included in the class table. The add skip package method 2422 may specify package names of classes that should be skipped and not added to the class table. The add load package method 2425 may specify package names of classes that should be loaded into the class table. The load class name method 2423 may specify explicit class names that should be added to the class table. [0114] FIG. 25 is a screen shot showing a property panel 2500 . [0115] FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention which generates custom XML viewers and related files. An XML viewer generator 2610 may generate an XML file 2650 , an HTML file 2660 , and a viewer applet 2670 . The XML viewer generator 2610 may accept an existing XML file 2600 as input and may contain, or be used in conjunction with, an XML editor. The XML viewer generator 2610 may further accept XML Viewer Generator Resources 2640 as input to direct the creation of the viewer applet 2670 . The XML viewer generator resources 2640 may contain parsing and style resources 2641 , tag classes 2642 , and custom components 2643 . The parsing and style resources 2641 may contain resources trees (described below in FIG. 29 ) which may direct XML parsing, and applet viewer formatting and style. The tag classes 2642 may contain modules, which may be JAVA, to handle the creation of components of the viewer applet 2670 specific to a particular XML tag in the XML file 2650 . The custom components 2643 may contain JAVA classes for possible inclusion in the viewer applet 2670 . Custom components 2643 may contain classes which may internally represent and display XML nodes (described above in FIG. 6 ), may further contain conversion classes (described above in FIG. 13 ), and operation classes (described above in FIG. 12 ). The XML viewer generator resources 2640 may be manually or automatically created, and may be created from a DTD 2620 and an XSL file 2630 . The viewer applet 2670 may display the XML file 2600 with “live” or “static” components. Multiple XML viewers may be combined into a single viewer. Components of the viewer applet 2670 may also be integrated with other software such as a browser or other applet viewer. [0116] FIG. 27 is a flow diagram of a build procedure used to create an embodiment of the present invention. In S 2702 the editor source code 200 is built. Next in S 2704 the source editor 230 is run which creates the viewer source code 210 . In S 2706 the viewer source code 210 is built and in S 2708 the viewer .JAR file 280 is created. In S 2710 the editor .JAR file 270 is created. Next, in S 2712 the install application is created, and in S 2714 the install application is published. [0117] FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing components included in an embodiment of the present invention. Objects and extensions to JAVA that may be independently used 2800 may contain a layout manager 2810 (described above in FIGS. 18 through 23 ), an XML editor/viewer 2820 , a resource tree 2830 ( FIG. 29 ), an XML parser 2840 ( FIGS. 14 through 17 ), component borders 2850 ( FIG. 32 ), a class usage table 2860 ( FIG. 24 ), and a property panel 2870 . The XML editor/viewer 2810 may further contain an operations library 2821 ( FIG. 12 ), a conversions library 2822 ( FIG. 13 ), a displays library 2823 ( FIG. 6 ), a values library 2824 ( FIG. 33 ), and a styles library 2825 . The components borders 2850 may further contain a typed compound border 2851 ( FIG. 32 ), and a URL border 2852 . [0118] FIG. 29 is a block diagram of an example resource tree as used by an embodiment of the present invention. A resource tree is shown that contains examples of various properties that may be used by an exponent operation (Tag_power). The directory structure of the example resource tree is shown in 2900 . The top-level resources directory 2900 contains a subdirectory 2910 named “_math” and a subdirectory 2950 named “_real”. The subdirectory 2910 further contains a subdirectory 2930 named “_real” that further contains a subdirectory 2940 named “_string”. The subdirectory 2950 further contains a subdirectory 2960 named “_string”. Each directory and subdirectory in the present example contain three properties files, contents.properties ( 2901 , 2920 , 2931 , 2941 , 2951 , 2961 ), Tag.properties ( 2902 , 2921 , 2932 , 2942 , 2952 , 2962 ), and Tag_power.properties ( 2903 , 2922 , 2933 , 2943 , 2953 , 2963 ). [0119] Properties files at each level of the resource tree may inherit properties from their sibling, parent, and cousin properties files. A sibling properties file may be a properties file at the same directory level with the last section of the name removed. In the present example the Tag_power.properties file 2943 has a sibling properties file Tag.properties 2942 . A parent properties file may be a properties file in the parent directory level with the same name. In the present example the Tag_power.properties file 2943 has a parent properties file Tag_power.properties 2933 . A cousin properties file may be a properties file in the directory level with the same directory path with the highest level directory level removed. In the present example the Tag_power.properties file 2943 has a cousin properties file Tag_power.properties 2963 . [0120] The contents.properties files may contain a list of directories and files contained in the same directory. Contents.properties file 2951 may contain properties 2981 which may include a “directories” property set to the name of the “_string” subdirectory and a “files” property set to the names of the Tag.properties and Tag_power.properties files. The contents.properties file 2951 may be used to determine the files contained in the directory structure 2950 without the need for potentially slow or unnecessary network requests. Tag.properties file 2962 is an example of some properties 2971 that may be in a properties file. These properties may include formatNames listing the names of allowable display formats, and formatDefault indicating the default display format. [0121] FIG. 30 is a resource hierarchy diagram as per an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram shows one branch of a resource hierarchy. Each level of the hierarchy may more finely describe a particular XML node and may contain resources to control and display that node. The highest level of the resource hierarchy is the XML type 3002 , which may indicate the particular type of XML (MathML, ChemicalML, MusicML, SpeechML, etc.) contained in that branch of the hierarchy. A style 3004 level of the hierarchy may indicate a particular display style (Math, Java, Fortran, hierarchy) for the current XML type 3002 . A value type 3006 level of the hierarchy indicates the type of data (such as real, string, integer.) represented by an XML node. A display type 3008 level of the hierarchy indicates the type of data (such as string, integer, vector) used to display an XML node. A display format 3010 level of the hierarchy indicates the display format of a displayed XML node. Various formats may be implemented, such as different ways to represent a binary value including Intel format, Motorola format, Hexadecimal format, octal format, or binary format. [0122] FIG. 31 is a block diagram showing embodiments of the present invention interacting over a network. Live components may exist on various nodes of a network. It is a feature of the live components that they may reference each other by data links. Data links may include locations to either receive or transmit data. The location may be identified by any network addressing scheme such as URL's. This data may include values such as numeric values, text values, and link values. These values may be a dynamically calculated per an algorithm performed by the live component. For example, a link's values may change dynamically based on the algorithm performed by the live component. [0123] Also, live components may be downloaded to different nodes by reference. For example, a web page may include a live component which gets loaded on the browser of a site connected to the web page. In the present illustration, computer 3102 , computer 3100 , internet appliance 3104 and internet appliance 3106 are nodes on the network 3100 . Live components may run on a computer or an internet appliance. Live components may be used to control or report the status of an internet appliance. [0124] FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing typed compound borders. A typed compound border may be a border on a component 3200 . The typed compound border may contain other typed compound borders in a nested border hierarchy. The typed compound borders may be assigned a border type including error border type 3210 , real border type 3208 , selection border type 3206 , hierarchy border type 3204 , and cursor border type 3202 . The border hierarchy may be restricted to one compound border of a particular type and the hierarchy may further be restricted to a particular border type order. When a new compound border is inserted in a border hierarchy it may be inserted into the hierarchy in a position that adheres to the restricted order, and may also replace an existing border if one already exists in the border hierarchy of the same border type. Real border types may represent a border around an element of a live component and may include bracket borders (such as square brackets, parenthesis brackets, and squiggle brackets), beveled borders, etched borders, lined borders, titled borders and URL borders. Selection border types may represent currently selected elements in a live component hierarchy (typically used to designate which elements a command will apply to). Hierarchy borders may be used to indicate visually the hierarchy of a live component which otherwise may not be visible. Cursor border types may be used to indicate the current insertion point while editing a live component. [0125] FIG. 33 is a class hierarchy diagram of the value classes that may be used to represent a value object(s) in a live component hierarchy. A value object holds a data value which may be of various types including logical, integer, real, string, vector, URL, error tracking, and infinite precision. A value class 3302 may contain modules that may be included in all subclasses of value class 3302 . The value class 3302 may be sub classed by a logical value 3304 , an integer value 3306 , a real value 3308 , a string value 3310 , a vector value 3312 , and other values 3314 . Each subclass may contain an internal representation of a value in a live component and other methods specific to the type of data being represented. [0126] FIG. 34 is a diagram of some components that all subclasses of value class 3302 may contain. These components may include a value 3402 used to hold a value's internal representation (Boolean, long, double, String, Vector, etc.), a parent document name 3410 indicating the XML document the value is contained in, a listener list 3411 containing any object that may be notified when the value changes, a name invalid 3412 flag indicating the value's name is not valid and must be updated, an override 3413 and override name 3414 containing another value and its name if the current value has been overridden (is a variable), a references table 3415 containing a list of other values that are overridden by this value (linked variables), a URL 3416 indicating that this values internal representation should be obtained from a network, and a visit flag 3418 indicating that this value is currently being accessed or computed. [0127] FIG. 35 is an expansion of FIG. 11 showing multiple equations sharing a variable. The display value 1152 contains an attribute “source” set to “true” which indicates that it is the source of the variable's value. The display value 1120 does not contain a “source” attribute so its value is overridden by the variable. The value 1153 is the value of the variable and contains the value name 3572 (“X” as specified by text field 1155 ) and a reference table 3573 which lists all references to the variable “X”. In the present example the reference table 3573 contains an entry for Value 1121 . Value 1121 contains an override name 3532 which holds the name of the override value (“X”) and the override 3533 which points at value 1153 . Text field 1123 specifies the value of override name 3532 . A MathML document 3510 contains the MathML element 1150 and also a variable table 3560 that contains a list of all of the variables defined in the document. In the present example the variable table 3560 contains one entry for the value 1153 indexed by its name “X”. When the override name 3532 is set the variable table 3560 is scanned for a value of the same name and that value is placed in override 3533 . Also when the variable name 3572 is set the value is added to the variable table 3560 and any references to the value 3572 listed in the reference table 3573 have their override name 3532 and override 3533 changed. [0128] FIG. 36 shows a development environment containing an embedded system. An embedded target 3610 may contain a controller 3612 , executable code 3614 , and I/O 3616 . The controller target 3640 may contain a browser 3642 that further contains an HTML file 3642 , an applet 3644 , and I/O 3642 . The development environment 3600 contains a GUI editor 3620 , simulation classes 3622 , and execution classes 3624 which together are used to create and simulate algorithms and executable code 3614 . The development environment 3600 further contains a GUI editor 3630 , simulation classes 3632 , and execution classes 3634 which together are used to create and simulate an applet 3644 . The interaction of the embedded target 3610 and the controller target 3640 may be simulated in the development environment 3600 . When the desired operation of the algorithms represented in the GUI editor 3620 and the controller live components represented in the GUI editor 3630 is reached, the developers environment 3600 creates the executable code 3614 and the applet 3644 which may be transferred to the embedded target 3610 and the controller target 3640 . [0129] The present invention may have numerous potential applications. Applications may include but are not limited to interactive electronic texts; live web pages; live URL linking; mathematics; command and telemetry; live documents; timesheets; financial reports; mathematics calculations; simulations; embedded systems; command and control; embedded code generation; system modeling; extending XML to include live components; MathML; MusicML; ChemicalML; business to business application linking; automated data transfer; local calculations; intelligent data entry; and generation and distribution of electronic documents with encapsulated viewer(s). [0130] Although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the present invention discusses creating live equations for use on web applications. One skilled in the art will recognize that live equations may be used on any type of computing device, whether or not is connected to a network. Therefore, unless such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention, they should be construed as being included therein.

Disclosed is a rules based editor configured to edit an equation related element where the rules based editor may use at least one rule related to a pre-built application module that is included in a viewer module. The viewer module may include rendering and equation evaluation instructions. The edited equation related element may be configured to be included in a component description file. The combination of the viewer module and the component description file may be configured to be used to display a version of the equation related element that is analytically related to an input value.

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. Application Ser. No. 09/586,616, filed Jun. 2, 2000, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/CA98/01126, entitled “BREATHING MASK FOR A HELMET”, filed on Dec. 3, 1998. The International Application claims priority to Canadian Patent Application No. 2,223,345, entitled “BREATHING MASK FOR A HELMET”, which was filed on Dec. 3, 1997, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to a breathing mask for a helmet which is particularly well suited for use when the temperature is below a certain point, i.e. the point under which the breath of an operator condenses inside the helmet and causes the advent of water on the lens of the eyeglasses of the operator or on the shield of the helmet. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] A prior art helmet comprises a first part which protects the head of a wearer, as a conventional helmet; a second part, which is integrated with and forms a projection with the first part and protects the lower part of the face of the wearer, more particularly the jaw; and a shield, which is situated between an upper front section of the first part and an upper section of the second part to protect the face of the wearer. [0004] Due to its structure, the helmet has a small interior chamber where the wearer can breath. This interior chamber is usually insulated from the atmosphere to protect the wearer from cold air. At a certain temperature, air which contains saturated particles of water will condense and create condensation. Because the temperature of the lens of the eyeglasses of the operator wearing the helmet or the shield of the helmet can reach the condensation point of the breath of the wearer, water will form on the eyeglass lens or on the shield. [0005] In order to avoid the problem of condensation, it is possible to open the shield to allow outside air to flow into the helmet until condensation is eliminated. This however presents a problem in that the wearer may be exposed to cold air which is uncomfortable and may be dangerous to health. Furthermore, the wearer has to use one hand to open the shield which may be hazardous when he or she is steering the vehicle being driven. The shield could also involuntarily close by impact or sudden movement. Thus, there is a need to provide a device which is capable of avoiding or eliminating the condensation created inside a full face helmet. [0006] A prior art helmet provides some protection against sun rays. However, the shield of a prior art helmet is either clear or tinted and no adjustment of the tint is possible. On a bright sunny day, the wearer of a prior art helmet must also wear tinted eyeglasses to protect himself against the intensity of light if the shield of his helmet is clear. In changing weather conditions, the wearer may have to put the tinted eyeglasses on and off as the intensity of light changes. Thus, there is also a need to provide a helmet adapted to adjust the protection of the eyes of the wearer from sun rays. OBJECTS AND STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION [0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a breathing mask for a helmet which reduces the formation of water on the lens of eyeglasses or the shield of the helmet. [0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a helmet that overcomes or at least reduces the deficiencies associated with a prior art helmet. [0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a helmet comprising a breathing mask which reduces the formation of water on the lens of eyeglasses or the shield of the helmet. [0010] A further object of the invention is to provide a helmet including a tinted inner shield which is adapted to adjust the protection of the eyes of the wearer from sun rays as he or she requires. [0011] As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a breathing mask adapted to fit the contours of the face of a wearer, said breathing mask adapted to be mounted to a helmet, said breathing mask comprising at least one breathing channel through which air may circulate and a binding member; said at least one breathing channel adaptable to said helmet and said binding member adapted to connect and secure said breathing mask to said helmet, and to position said breathing mask in relation to said face. [0012] As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a helmet adapted to receive and retain a breathing mask, said helmet comprising: [0013] a head portion; [0014] a jaw shield mounted to said head portion, said jaw shield including at least one passage adapted to receive an exterior end of said breathing channel, [0015] a binding member adapted to secure said breathing mask to said helmet, whereby the breathing mask is substantially hermetically adapted to the face of the wearer and the breath of the wearer may be expelled from inside said jaw shield. [0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the novel helmet comprises a head portion adapted to protect the head of the operator, a shield portion comprising a jaw shield adapted to protect the lower portion of the face of the wearer or operator; the shield portion being mounted to the head portion and adapted to move from an open position to a closed position and a optional latching mechanism which locks the jaw shield of the shield portion to the head portion. The optional latching mechanism is actuated with two lever buttons located at the front of the jaw shield and sufficiently close to one another so that one hand can actuate both buttons and in the same movement pull the jaw shield from the closed position to the open position. The jaw shield has passages that are connected, when the jaw shield is in the closed position, to a breathing mask through flexible tubes thereby linking the breathing mask to the outside through which the wearer may breath and the moisture content of his or her expelled breath can circulate and be evacuated. This arrangement prevent or at least greatly reduces condensation and fogging of the eye shield of the shield portion and of the eyeglasses of the wearer. [0017] The breathing mask comprises a mask body, surrounding the nose and mouth of the wearer and including a port on each side adjacent the mouth; a flexible tube which connects said port to said passage when said face portion is in the closed position, a binding member adapted to secure said breathing mask to said helmet, and resilient straps. [0018] The binding member connects said breathing mask to the helmet, wherein said breathing mask is substantially hermetically adapted to the face of the wearer and the breath is restricted from entering the inside chamber. The binding member is preferably a snap-holder located at one end of the flexible tubes. The binding member may also be a hook and loop (velcro) device, a clip or a strap; all these elements being capable of connecting and securing the breathing mask to the head portion of the helmet. [0019] Advantageously, the shield portion further comprises an eye shield including a see-through shield and a tinted shield; said tinted shield being movable from a first position to a second position, said tinted shield adapted, in said first position, to be housed and partially hidden inside an upper chamber, and in said second position, to be in front of the eyes of the wearer whereby said tinted shield protects the eyes of the wearer from intense light. The tinted shield includes a lever protruding from a narrow slot of the upper chamber, this lever is adapted to maneuver said tinted shield from said first position to said second position. [0020] As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a filter for a breathing mask comprising a thin layer of material adapted to isolates the skin of a wearer from said breathing mask, said layer of material shaped to fit a given contour of said breathing mask. [0021] Another object of the invention is to provide a filter adapted to be positioned between the mask body and the face of the wearer whereby said filter isolates the skin of the wearer from the breathing mask. Advantageously, the filter is a supple thin cloth of felt-like material. [0022] As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also provides a breathing mask kit comprising: [0023] a mask body adapted to fit the contours of the face of a wearer, said mask body including at least one port; [0024] at least one hollow flexible tube including an interior end and an exterior end; [0025] a binding member including an aperture; said binding member adapted to secure said breathing mask to a helmet and to align said aperture with a passage on said helmet; [0026] said interior end being adapted to engage said at least one port of said mask body and said exterior end being adapted to engage said aperture of said binding member whereby when said at least one hollow flexible tube is engaged to said at least one port of said mask body and to said aperture of said binding member, said at least one hollow flexible tube acts as a conduit through which the breath of a wearer may circulate. [0027] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided herein below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0029] [0029]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a full face helmet constructed in accordance with the invention; [0030] [0030]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a full face helmet constructed in accordance with the invention; [0031] [0031]FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of a breathing mask constructed in accordance with the invention; [0032] [0032]FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the breathing mask constructed in accordance with the invention; [0033] [0033]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the full face helmet showing the full face helmet in an open position worn by a wearer with the breathing mask partially removed; [0034] [0034]FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a full face helmet in an open position worn by a wearer with the breathing mask put on; [0035] [0035]FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a full face helmet worn by a wearer with the jaw shield lowered into the closed position and the shield in the open position; [0036] [0036]FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the full face helmet constructed in accordance with the invention; [0037] [0037]FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the eye shield removed from the full face helmet; and [0038] [0038]FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the full face helmet showing the motion of the shield portion. [0039] In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0040] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the novel helmet which is generally designated by the reference number 10 . The helmet 10 comprises a head portion 12 , a shield portion 13 pivoting about axis A, and having a pair of passages 16 through which the breath of a wearer may circulate, a see-through shield 18 , an inside chamber 20 , a breathing mask 22 , and a pair of lever buttons 23 located at the front of the shield portion 13 . The shield portion 13 comprises a jaw shield 14 pivotally connected to the head portion 12 , pivoting about axis A, and having a pair of passages 16 through which the breath of a wearer may circulate and an eye shield 52 that has a see-through shield 18 . [0041] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the breathing mask 22 comprises a mask body 24 preferably made of a supple material so as to embrace the contours of the face. The mask body 24 preferably features a port 26 on both sides, adjacent to the mouth of the wearer. Flexible tubes 28 are provided to connect the ports 26 to the passages 16 of the jaw shield 14 (FIGS. 1 and 2). As can be seen in FIG. 3, the flexible tube 28 has an interior end 30 and an exterior end 32 . The interior end 30 is adapted to be engaged into port 26 and the exterior end 32 is adapted to be hermetically connected with the passage 16 . The flexible tube 28 is assembled to the mask body 24 by inserting the last rib of the interior end 30 into port 26 . The exterior end 32 is inserted through the aperture 46 of the snap-holder 36 so that the exterior end 32 protrudes through the aperture 46 of snap-holder 36 . The exterior end 32 is provided with an annular lip 31 in order to create an hermetic seal with the passage 16 of the jaw shield 14 when these two components ( 32 and 16 ) are aligned. The flexible tube 28 is also preferably made of a supple material and features an array of ribs enabling the flexible tube 28 to assume various lengths for ease of assembly and to provide freedom of movement when the breathing mask 22 is put on or taken off. The flexible tubes 28 are of course hollow to provide adequate circulation of air. [0042] A filter 70 adapted to fit inside the breathing mask 22 is provided optionally to isolate the skin of the wearer from the mask body 24 . The filter 70 is a supple thin layer of material like a cloth or a felt, adapted to permit airflow while stopping dust particles. The material is preferably soft so as not to irritate the skin of the wearer. The filter 70 is positioned inside the mask body 24 before the breathing mask 22 is put on. It may be discarded after use and replaced by a new one or it may be re-used as often as one wishes. The filter 70 features an opening 72 , for example a V-shaped opening, which facilitates the installation of the filter 70 into the mask body 24 and prevents folding of the filter 70 when positioned over the nose of the wearer. Folding of the filter 70 could allow the breath to escape into the inside chamber 20 . Advantageously, the filter 70 protects the skin of the wearer from possible irritation when the breathing mask 22 is worn for an extended period of time. This filter 70 also serves as an hygienic device if the full face helmet 10 is to be used by more than one person. [0043] A frontal cover 34 is mounted to the front portion of the mask body 24 in order to hold, and maintain in position, a pair of resilient straps 40 . The resilient straps 40 are engaged at each end to slender apertures 48 of the snap-holders 36 . The resilient straps 40 are provided to adjust the length of each flexible tube 28 thereby adjusting the distance between the mask body 24 and the snap-holders 36 . The adjustment is achieved by setting the length of the resilient straps 40 using standard buckles 45 . From FIG. 3, it can be seen that snap-holders 36 are elongated components featuring at one end, a substantially circular aperture 46 , a pair of slender apertures 48 and at the other end, a snap button 38 . [0044] Referring to FIG. 5, the head portion 12 comprises a pair of side covers 80 fastened to the side of the head portion 12 featuring an aperture 82 which opens onto a snap 84 on which the snap button 38 of the snap-holder 36 will be engaged. The side covers 39 features a second aperture 86 shown in dotted lines configured to receive an optional latching mechanism 90 also shown in dotted lines which locks the jaw shield 14 to the head portion 12 when the jaw shield 14 is in the closed position. Each of the side covers 39 has a curved section 88 provided to fit the circular contour 37 of the snap-holder 36 . The combination of configuration of the circular contour 37 of the snap-holders 36 and of the curved section 88 of the side covers 39 enables proper positioning of the snap-holders 36 in relation to the head portion 12 , to the jaw shield 14 and more specifically, to the passages 16 when the jaw shield 14 is in the closed position. FIG. 7 shows how the passage 16 and the circular aperture 46 of the snap-holders 36 are aligned when the jaw shield 14 is in the closed position. [0045] To put the full face helmet 10 on with the breathing mask 22 , the wearer must have the jaw shield 14 in the opened position. As shown in FIG. 5, the wearer first attaches one of the snap-holders 36 to the head portion 12 and then puts the head portion 12 over his or her head. The filter 70 previously described may be positioned inside the mask body 24 before the breathing mask 22 is put on. Advantageously, the filter 70 protects the skin of the wearer from possible irritation when the breathing mask 22 is worn for an extended period of time. Once the filter is positioned inside the breathing mask 22 , the wearer then puts the breathing mask 22 over his mouth and nose and engages the remaining snap-holder 36 to the other side of the head portion 12 as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 also shows the filter 70 installed thereby isolating the skin of the wearer from the mask body 24 and preventing any direct contact between the skin and the mask body 24 . [0046] Referring to FIG. 7, once the breathing mask 22 is installed, the wearer can lower the jaw shield 14 . In the fully closed position, the optional latching mechanism 90 located on both sides of the jaw shield 14 engages the aperture 86 of the side covers 39 thereby locking the jaw shield 14 onto the head portion 12 and preventing the jaw shield 14 from unduly opening because of a wind gust or from an impact at which time, it is critical that the jaw shield 14 remains properly positioned in order to efficiently protect the wearer. The locking mechanism 90 may be disengaged by simply pressing simultaneously the two lever buttons 23 located at the front of the jaw shield 14 . The two lever buttons 23 are actuated by pressing them in the direction illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 8. Advantageously, the lever buttons 23 are positioned close enough to each other so that they can be actuated with a single hand. This feature is very useful at times when the wearer wishes to raise the jaw shield 14 while driving a vehicle. It could be dangerous to let go of the steering even for a short period of time. This feature allows him or her to keep one hand on the steering while raising the jaw shield 14 . Moreover, once the two lever buttons 23 are pressed and the latching mechanism 90 is disengaged, the same two lever buttons 23 serve as gripping elements enabling the hand to apply the necessary force to raise the jaw shield 14 . [0047] As shown in FIG. 7, the wearer may also choose to keep the jaw shield 14 in the closed position and instead, raise the eye shield 52 which is pivotally mounted to the jaw shield 14 . The eye shield 52 comprises the see-through shield 18 and two small handle grips 54 located at the bottom of the eye shield 52 which enable the wearer to take hold of the eye shield 52 in order to raise it. Referring to FIG. 9, the eye shield 52 advantageously features a jagged surface 55 surrounding the pivoting points which enable the eye shield 52 to be partially opened and remain in a partially opened position due to the added friction provided by the jagged surface 55 . [0048] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the eye shield 52 also advantageously comprises an upper chamber 56 in which a tinted shield 58 is housed and adapted to be raised or lowered with a lever 60 guided by a narrow slot 62 (FIG. 8). The tinted shield 58 is pivotally mounted to the eye shield 52 as the dotted lines in FIG. 9 show. The tinted shield 58 is an integral part of eye shield 52 ; if the eye shield 52 is raised or lowered, the tinted shield 58 will follow the motion. The tinted shield 58 is provided to protect the eyes of the wearer from sun rays or reflexions. The tinted shield 58 , in the closed position, is hidden away inside upper chamber 56 . To lower the tinted shield 58 , the wearer simply has to grip the lever 60 and pull it downward in order for the tinted shield 58 to come over the eyes of the wearer as shown by the dash-dot-dash arrows of FIGS. 9 and 10. The tinted shield 58 comes down inside the full face helmet 10 providing an excellent protection against sun rays. The tinted shield 58 thereby allows a practical adjustment means for eyes protection against sun rays or bright reflexions. Because it is never in contact with the exterior elements, the tinted shield 58 is protected and remains almost always clean and free of scratches. [0049] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the full face helmet 10 also includes an air entry 63 located at the front of the jaw shield 14 that can be controlled by a gate 64 to permit or restrict air flow into the inside chamber 20 of the fill face helmet 10 . Another air passage 65 is provided at the back of the full face helmet 10 also featuring a gate 66 to permit or restrict air flow into the full face helmet 10 . [0050] The above description of preferred embodiments should not be interpreted in a limiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinements are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

A breathing mask is provided for a helmet which reduces the formation of water on the lens of the eyeglasses of the wearer or on the shield of the helmet. The helmet comprises a head portion, a shield portion, and a breathing mask. The shield portion comprises a jaw shield and an eye shield. The breathing mask is hermetically adapted to the face of the wearer to evacuate the wearer's breath outside the helmet through breathing channels. The jaw shield can be pivotally opened or closed and is locked to the head portion in the closed position. The eye shield is pivotally connected to the head portion and includes a see-through shield and a tinted shield. The tinted shield can be lowered inside the helmet to protect the wearer from sun rays and reflexions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Insects and acarina destroy growing and harvested crops. In the United States alone, agronomic crops must compete with thousands of insect and acarid species. In particular, tobacco budworms, southern armyworms and two-spotted spider mites are especially devasting to crops. Tobacco budworms cause tremendous economic losses in agronomic crops. In particular, budworms devastate cotton crops by feeding on green bolls. Control of budworms is complicated by their resistance to many common insecticides, including organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids. Also, budworm larvae are difficult to control with currently available insecticides once they reach the third instar. Two-spotted spider mites attack many plant species, raspberry plants for example, by removing sap from leaves. When raspberry plants are heavily infested, canes and leaves become stunted. With a severe infestation, fruiting canes are damaged, resulting in reduced yield and fruit quality. In spite of the commercial insecticides and acaricides available today, damage to crops, both growing and harvested, caused by insects and acarina still occurs. Accordingly, there is ongoing research to create new and more effective insecticides and acaricides. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for controlling insects and acarina by contacting said insects and acarina, their breeding ground, food supply or habitat with an insecticidally or acaricidally effective amount of a diaryl(pyridinio or isoquinolinio)boron compound. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for protecting growing plants from attack by insects and acarina by applying to the foliage of said plants or to the soil or water in which they are growing an insecticidally or acaricidally effective amount of a diaryl(pyridinio or isoquinolinio)boron compound. These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description thereof set forth below. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention describes insecticidal and acaricidal diaryl(pyridinio and isoquinolinio)boron compounds. The insecticidal and acaricidal diaryl(pyridinio and isoquinolinio)boron compounds useful in the methods of the present invention have the following structural formula I: ##STR2## wherein X and Y are each independently hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 8 alkyl, C 1 -C 8 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 8 alkoxy or C 1 -C 8 haloalkoxy; m and n are each independently an integer of 0, 1, 2 or 3; R is C 1 -C 8 alkyl, C 1 -C 8 alkoxy, halogen or hydroxy; R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently hydrogen, C 1 -C 8 alkyl, C 1 -C 8 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 8 alkoxy, C 1 -C 8 haloalkoxy, halogen, cyano, nitro, C(O)R 4 , NR 5 R 6 or phenyl optionally substituted with one to three halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy or NR 5 R 6 groups, and when taken together, R 2 and R 3 may form a ring in which R 2 R 3 is represented by the structure: --(CH 2 ) p -- or ##STR3## R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are each independently hydrogen or C 1 -C 4 alkyl; p is an integer of 3 or 4; and L, M, Q and W are each independently hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy or nitro. This invention also relates to compositions containing those compounds and methods for using those compounds and compositions. Advantageously, it has been found that diaryl(pyridinio and isoquinolinio)boron compounds, and compositions containing them, are effective insecticidal and acaricidal agents for the control of insects and acarina and for the protection of plants from attack by insects and acarina. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method for controlling insects and acarina by contacting said insects and acarina, their breeding ground, food supply or habitat with an insecticidally or acaricidally effective amount of a formula I, diaryl(pyridino or isoquinolinio)boron compound. The present invention also provides a method for protecting growing plants from attack by insects and acarina by applying to the foliage of said plants or to the soil or water in which they are growing an insecticidally or acaricidally effective amount of a formula I, diaryl(pyridinio or isoquinolinio)boron compound. The insecticidal and acaricidal diaryl(pyridinio and isoquinolinio)boron compounds of the present invention have the following structural formula I: ##STR4## wherein X and Y are each independently hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 8 alkyl, C 1 -C 8 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 8 alkoxy or C 1 -C 8 haloalkoxy; m and n are each independently an integer of 0, 1, 2 or 3; R is C 1 -C 8 alkyl, C 1 -C 8 alkoxy, halogen or hydroxy; R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently hydrogen, C 1 -C 8 alkyl, C 1 -C 8 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 8 alkoxy, C 1 -C 8 haloalkoxy, halogen, cyano, nitro, C(O)R 4 , NR 5 R 6 or phenyl optionally substituted with one to three halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy or NR 5 R 6 groups, and when taken together, R 2 and R 3 may form a ring in which R 2 R 3 is represented by the structure: --(CH 2 ) p -- or ##STR5## R 4 , R 5 and R 6 are each independently hydrogen or C 1 -C 4 alkyl; p is an integer of 3 or 4; and L, M, Q and W are each independently hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl, C 1 -C 4 alkoxy, C 1 -C 4 haloalkoxy or nitro. Preferred formula I insecticidal and acaricidal agents of the present invention are those wherein X and Y are each independently hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 8 alkyl or C 1 -C 8 haloalkyl; m and n are each independently an integer of 0, 1 or 2; R is C 1 -C 8 alkyl, C 1 -C 8 alkoxy, halogen or hydroxy; R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently hydrogen, C 1 -C 8 alkyl, C 1 -C 8 haloalkyl, halogen, cyano, C(O)R 4 or phenyl, and when taken together, R 2 and R 3 may form a ring in which R 2 R 3 is represented by the structure: --(CH 2 ) 4 -- or ##STR6## R 4 is C 1 -C 4 alkyl; and L, M, Q and W are each independently hydrogen, halogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, C 1 -C 4 haloalkyl or nitro. More preferred formula I compounds of this invention which are especially effective insecticidal and acaricidal agents are those wherein X and Y are each independently hydrogen, halogen or C 1 -C 8 alkyl; m and n are each independently an integer of 0, 1 or 2; R is C 1 -C 8 alkyl; R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are each independently hydrogen, C 1 -C 8 alkyl, halogen, cyano, C(O)R 4 or phenyl, and when taken together, R 2 and R 3 may form a ring in which R 2 R 3 is represented by the structure : --(CH 2 ) 4 -- or --CL═CH--CH═CH--; R 4 is C 1 -C 4 alkyl; and L is hydrogen or nitro. Still more preferred formula I compounds are those wherein X and Y are each independently hydrogen, halogen or C 1 -C 4 alkyl; m and n are each independently an integer of 0, 1 or 2; R is C 1 -C 4 alkyl; and R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 are each independently hydrogen, C 1 -C 4 alkyl, halogen, or phenyl, and when taken together R 2 and R 3 may form a ring in which R 2 R 3 is represented by the structure: --CH═CH--CH═CH--. The term halogen used herein includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. Advantageously, it has been found that the formula I compounds of the present invention are especially useful for the control of tobacco budworms, southern armyworms and two-spotted spider mites. Insecticidal and acaricidal diaryl(pyridinio and isoquinolinio)boron compounds of formula I wherein R is C 1 -C 8 alkyl may be prepared by reacting a diarylborinic acid ethanolamine ester of formula II with an alkyl magnesium halide of formula III to form an intermediate of formula IV and reacting said formula IV intermediate with a pyridine or isoquinoline of formula V as shown in Flow Diagram I. ##STR7## wherein X, Y, m, n, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as described hereinabove for formula I; R is C 1 -C 8 alkyl; and X 1 is chlorine, bromine or iodine. Insecticidal and acaricidal diaryl(pyridinio and isoquinolinio)boron compounds of formula I wherein R is C 1 -C 8 alkoxy, halogen or hydroxy may be prepared by reacting a diarylboron compound of formula VI with a pyridine or isoquinoline of formula V as shown in Flow Diagram II. ##STR8## wherein X, Y, m, n, R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as described hereinabove for formula I; and R is C 1 -C 8 alkoxy, halogen or hydroxy. The formula I diaryl(pyridinio and isoquinolinio)boron compounds are effective for controlling insects and acarina. Those compounds are also effective for protecting growing or harvested crops from attack by insects and acarina. Advantageously, it has been found that the formula I compounds of the present invention are especially effective against tobacco budworms, southern armyworms and two-spotted spider mites. In practice generally about 10 ppm to about 10,000 ppm and preferably about 100 ppm to about 5,000 ppm of a formula I diaryl(pyridinio or isoquinolinio)boron compound, dispersed in water or another liquid carrier, is effective when applied to the plants, the crops or the soil in which said crops are growing to protect said crops from attack by insects and acarina. The formula I compounds of this invention are also effective for controlling insects and acarina, when applied to the foliage of plants and/or to the soil or water in which said plants are growing in sufficient amount to provide a rate of from about 0.1 kg/ha to 4.0 kg/ha of active ingredient. While the formula I compounds of this invention are effective for controlling insects and acarina when employed alone, they may also be used in combination with other biological chemicals, including other insecticides and acaricides. For example, the compounds of this invention may be used effectively in conjunction or combination with arylpyrroles, pyrethroids, phosphates, carbamates, cyclodienes, endotoxin of bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), formamidines, phenol tin compounds, chlorinated hydrocarbons, benzoylphenyl ureas and the like. The formula I compounds of this invention may be formulated as emulsifiable concentrates, flowable concentrates, or wettable powders which are diluted with water or other suitable polar solvent, generally in situ, and then applied as a dilute spray. Said compounds may also be formulated in dry compacted granules, granular formulations, dusts, dust concentrates, suspension concentrates, microemulsions and the like all of which lend themselves to seed, soil, water and/or foliage applications to provide the requisite plant protection. Such formulations include the compounds of the invention admixed with an inert solid or liquid carrier. For example, wettable powders, dusts, and dust concentrate formulations can be prepared by grinding and blending together about 25% to about 85% by weight of formula I compounds and about 75% to about 15% by weight of a solid diluent such as bentonite, diatomaceous earth, kaolin, attapulgite, or the like, about 1% to 5% by weight of a dispersing agent such as sodium lignosulfonate, and about 1% to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, such as octylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol, nonylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol or the like. A typical emulsifiable concentrate can be prepared by dissolving about 15% to about 70% by weight of a diaryl(pyridinio or isoquinolinio)boron compound in about 85% to about 30% by weight of a solvent such as isophorone, toluene, butyl cellosolve, methyl acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, or the like and dispersing therein about 1% to 5% by weight of a nonionic surfactant such as an alkylphenoxy polyethoxy alcohol. In order to facilitate a further understanding of the invention, the following examples are presented to illustrate more specific details thereof. The invention is not to be limited thereby except as defined in the claims. EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of (5,6,7,8-Tetrahydroisoquinolinio)methyldiphenylboron ##STR9## A solution of methyl magnesium chloride in methylene chloride (5.11 mL of a 3 molar solution) is added dropwise to a solution of diphenylborinic acid ethanolamine ester (1.15 g, 5.11 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran. The reaction mixture is stirred for three hours at room temperature, treated with 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinoline (2.04 g, 15.33 mmol), stirred overnight at room temperature, treated with 5% hydrochloric acid and diluted with ether. The phases are separated and the organic phase is washed sequentially with 5% hydrochloric acid and water, dried over Na 2 SO 4 and concentrated in vacuo to obtain the title product as a white solid (1.41 g, mp 120°-121° C.). Using essentially the same procedure, and employing methyl magnesium chloride or methyl magnesium bromide and the appropriately substituted pyridine or isoquinoline, the following compounds are obtained: ______________________________________ ##STR10##X Y R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 mp °C.______________________________________F F H CHCHCHCH 146-150F F Br CHCHCHCH oilF F H CCHCHCH oil w NO.sub.2H H H H (CH.sub.2).sub.3 CH.sub.3 oilH H H CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 H 155-156H H H H CH.sub.3 85-86H H H CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3 oilH H H CHCHCHCH 130-132H H H CN H 85H H H C.sub.6 H.sub.5 H 145-146H H Br H H 132H H H C(O)CH.sub.3 H oilH H H C(CH.sub.3).sub.3 H 165-168______________________________________ EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of Chloro(isoquinolinio)di-p-tolylboron ##STR11## Isoquinoline (0.25 mL, 2.13 mmol) is added to a solution of chloro-di-p-tolylborane (0.5 g, 2.19 mmol) in ether. The reaction mixture is stirred overnight at room temperature and concentrated in vacuo to give the title product as a pale orange oil, 0.7 g, which is identified by 1 HNMR spectral analysis. EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of Hydroxy(3-butylpyridinio)diphenylboron ##STR12## A mixture of diphenylborinic acid (0.5 g, 2.73 mmol) and 3-butylpyridine (0.37 g, 2.74 mmol) in ether is stirred at room temperature for two hours, dried over Na 2 SO 4 and concentrated in vacuo to give the title product as a pale yellow oil, 0.76 g, which is identified by 1 H and 13 CNMR spectral analyses. Using essentially the same procedure, but substituting 4-isopropylpyridine for 3-butylpyridine, hydroxy(4-isopropylpyridinio)diphenylboron is obtained as a pale yellow oil. EXAMPLE 4 Preparation of Butoxy(4-methylpyridinio)diphenylboron ##STR13## A mixture of butyl diphenylborinate (0.5 g, 2.09 mmol) and 4-picoline (0.206 mL, 2.18 mmol) in ether is stirred for thirty minutes at 0° C. and concentrated in vacuo to obtain the title product as a pale yellow oil, 0.51 g, which is identified by 1 HNMR spectral analysis. Using essentially the same procedure, and employing the appropriately substituted pyridine, the following compounds are obtained and characterized by 1 HNMR spectral analyses: ______________________________________ ##STR14##R.sub.2 R.sub.3______________________________________H CH.sub.3 yellow oilCH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 H yellow oil______________________________________ EXAMPLE 5 Insecticide and acaricide evaluations The following tests show the efficacy of the compounds as insecticides and acaricides. The evaluations are conducted with solutions of test compounds dissolved or dispersed in 50/50 acetone/water mixtures. The test compound is technical material dissolved or dispersed in said acetone/water mixtures in sufficient amounts to provide the concentrations set forth in Table I below. All concentrations reported herein are in terms of active ingredient. All tests are conducted in a laboratory maintained at about 27° C. The rating system employed is as follows: ______________________________________RATING SYSTEM______________________________________0 = no effect 5 = 56-65% kill1 = 10-25% kill 6 = 66-75% kill2 = 26-35% kill 7 = 76-85% kill3 = 36-45% kill 8 = 86-99% kill4 = 46-55% kill 9 = 100% kill= No evaluation______________________________________ The test species of insects and acarina used in the present evaluations along with specific test procedures are described below. Spodoptera eridania 3rd instar larvae, southern armyworm A sieva lima bean leaf expanded to 7 to 8 cm in length is dipped in the test suspension with agitation for 3 seconds and placed in a hood to dry. The leaf is then placed in a 100×10 mm petri dish containing a damp filter paper on the bottom and 10 3rd instar caterpillars. The dish is maintained for 5 days before observations are made of mortality, reduced feeding or any interference with normal moulting. Tetranychus urticae (OP-resistant strain), 2-spotted spider mite Sieva lima bean plants with primary leaves expaned to 7 to 8 cm are selected and cut back to one plant per pot. A small piece is cut from a leaf taken from the main colony and placed on each leaf of the test plants. This is done about 2 hours before treatment to allow the mites to move over to the test plant and to lay eggs. The size of the cut piece is varied to obtain about 100 mites per leaf. At the time of the treatment, the piece of leaf used to transfer the mites is removed and discarded. The mite-infested plants are dipped in the test formulation for 3 seconds with agitation and set in the hood to dry. Plants are kept for 2 days before estimates of adult kill are made. Heliothis virenscens, 3rd instar tobacco budworm Cotton cotyledons are dipped in the test formulation and allowed to dry in a hood. When dry, each is cut into quarters and ten sections placed individually in 30 mL plastic medicine cups containing a 5 to 7 mm long piece of damp dental wick. One 3rd instar caterpillar is added to each cup and a cardboard lid placed on the cup. Treatments are maintained for 3 days before mortality counts and estimates of reduction in feeding damage are made. Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, 3rd instar southern corn rootworm One cc of fine talc is placed in a 30 mL wide-mouth screw-top glass jar. One mL of the appropriate acetone test solution is pipetted onto the talc so as to provide 1.25 mg of active ingredient per jar. The jars are set under a gentle air flow until the acetone is evaporated. The dried talc is loosened, 1 cc of millet seed is added to serve as food for the insects and 25 mL of moist soil is added to each jar. The jars are capped and the contents thoroughly mixed on a Vortex Mixer. Following this, ten 3rd instar rootworms are added to each jar and the jars are loosely capped to allow air exchange for the larvae. The treatments are held for 6 days before mortality counts are made. Missing larvae are presumed dead, since they decompose rapidly and can not be found. The concentration used in this test corresponds to approximately 50 kg/ha. The data obtained for the above described evaluations are reported in Table I. TABLE I______________________________________Insecticide And Acaricide Evaluations Tobacco Southern Southern OP. Bud- Corn Army- Res. worm Root- worm Mites Larvae worm (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) (kg/ha)Compound 300 1000 300 300 50______________________________________(4-Isopropylpyridi- 8 -- 8 8 0nio)methyldiphenyl-boron(Isoquinolinio)- 9 -- 8 8 9methyldiphenylboron(3-Ethyl-4-methyl- -- 9 8 -- 9pyridinio)methyldi-phenylboron(4-Bromoisoquino- -- 9 9 -- 5linio)bis(p-fluoro-phenyl)methylboron(3-Bromopyridinio)- -- 9 7 -- 0methyldiphenylboronMethyl(3-methylpyri- -- 9 9 -- 9dinio)diphenylboron______________________________________

There are provided insecticidal and acaricidal diaryl(pyridinio and isoquinolinio)boron compounds having the structural formula ##STR1## Further provided are compositions and methods comprising those compounds for the protection of plants from attack by insects and acarina.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the general field of MEMS structures with particular reference to cantilever beams. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION MEMS (micro electromechanical systems) sensors and actuators, such as accelerometers, pressure sensors, and gyroscopes are manufactured using either a bulk micromachining process or a surface micromachining process. “Bulk” micromachining refers to structures formed by deep anisotropic etching. “Surface” micromachining refers to structures formed from thin film layers deposited or grown on the surface of a substrate. Surface micromachining has advantages over the previous bulk micromachining process of fabricating IC sensors and actuators because it permits smaller devices and may be integrated with other circuits on an IC (integrated circuit). One form of bulk micro-machining typically involves etching in a silicon substrate deep trenches between 10 microns to 100 microns deep. The resulting silicon structures (called “beams”) are partially released (i.e., detached) from the silicon substrate by known processes such as wet or dry etching. This deep trench technology is described, for example, in Klaassen, et al. “Fusion Bonding and Deep Reactive Ion Etching: A New Technology for Microstructures”, Transducers '95, Stockholm, Sweden, 1995. The contents of this article are incorporated herein by reference. A variety of methods that have been discussed in the literature have been devised for fabricating micromachined structures such as accelerometers. However, most such processes require multiple masking steps, wafer-to-wafer bonding, or the use of wet chemistry. It has been found, however, that the use of such multiple masks and bonding techniques can introduce alignment errors, which reduce yield and increase device cost, making such processes unsuitable for submicron structures. A routine search of the prior art was performed with the following references of interest being found: U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,595 (Isolation process for surface micromachined sensors and actuators) discusses a method of fabricating MEMS sensors/actuators using a process wherein deep trenches are etched and released beams formed by using oxide spacer to protect beam sidewall. The key feature of this patent is that it provides a novel method of forming trenches which are filled with isolation oxide so as to form silicon islands on three sides while the fourth side is connected to the sensor/actuator beams. Recently, another patent application has been filed in IME, namely, “A High Aspect Ratio Trench Isolation Process for Surface Micromachined Sensor and Actuators (PAT00-005/MEMS001)” which uses a novel process to form an isolation island that can be used in fabrication of MEMS sensors/actuators. U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,343 describes a method of fabricating accelerometers utilizing a modified version of the Single Crystal Reactive Etching. And Metallization (SCREAM) process which is also described in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/013,319, filed Feb. 5, 1993. As stated in that application, the SCREAM-I process is a single mask, single wafer, dry etch process which uses optical lithography for fabricating submicron micro-electromechanical devices. In that process, a silicon dioxide layer is deposited on a single crystal silicon wafer, this oxide layer serving as the single etch mask throughout the process. Photolithography is used to pattern a resist, and then dry etching, such as magnetron ion etching, is used to transfer the pattern of the accelerometer structure into the oxide. Once the resist material is removed, the patterned oxide masks the silicon substrate to allow a deep vertical silicon RIE (reactive ion etching) on exposed surfaces to produce trenches having predominately vertical side walls and which define the desired structure. Next, a conformal coating of PECVD oxide is deposited for protecting the side walls of the trenches during the following release etch. The trench bottom oxide is removed within an isotropic RIE, and a second deep silicon trench etch deepens the trenches to expose the sidewall silicon underneath the deposited side wall oxide. The exposed silicon underneath the defined structure is etched away, using an isotropic dry etch such as an SF6 etch to release the structure and leave cantilevered beams and fingers over the remaining substrate. In the SCREAM-I process, aluminium is deposited by sputtering to coat the sidewall of the released beams and fingers to thereby form the capacitor plates for the accelerometer. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,035,714, a high sensitivity, Z-axis capacitive micro-accelerometer having stiff sense/feedback electrodes and a method of its manufacture are provided. The micro-accelerometer is manufactured out of a single silicon wafer and has a sili-con-wafer-thick proofmass, small and controllable damping, large capacitance variation and can be operated in a force-rebalanced control loop. The multiple stiffened electrodes have embedded therein-amping holes to facilitate both force-rebalanced operation of the device and controlling of the damping factor. Using the whole silicon wafer to form the thick large proofmass and using the thin sacrificial layer to form a narrow uniform capacitor air gap over a large area provide large capacitance sensitivity. The structure of the micro-accelerometer is symmetric and thus results in low cross-axis sensitivity. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,680, a method of forming polysilicon structures using silicon trenches with partially trench-filled oxide as molds has been described. The oxide layer acts as the sacrificial layer to release the polysilicon structures. BOSCH Polysilicon (Epi-poly) process: This process makes use of thick epitaxial polysilicon (20-30 microns) grown on a silicon substrate. This poly layer is then used in forming beams of various depths for forming MEMS structures. This process uses an epi reactor and hence is quite expensive. For thick poly, residual stress is still a potential issue. Additional references of interest were: U.S. Pat. No. 6,133,670 (Rodgers) shows a poly beam (finger) in a MEMS device. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,170 B1, Kota et al. show another poly finger MEMS device and process while, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,881 B1, Fujii shows another MEMS device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has been an object of the present invention to provide a cost-effective process for manufacturing IC sensors and/or actuators that completely electrically isolates the sensor beams from the substrate that supports them. Another object of the present invention has been to provide a process for manufacturing IC sensors and/or actuators that have low parasitic capacitance. Yet another object of the present invention has been to provide a process for manufacturing IC sensors and/or actuators that is compatible with CMOS processes. These objects have been achieved by providing a process which makes use of polysilicon beam as the structural material instead of single crystal silicon for the fabrication of MEMS sensors/actuators. The invention describes the process for fabricating suspended polysilicon beams by using deep trenches etched into silicon substrate as molds to form polysilicon beams. The polysilicon beams are subsequently released by isotropically etching away the silicon surrounding the polysilicon beams. This results in free standing polysilicon members, which form the MEMS structures. In addition to the general process, three approaches to making electrical contact to the beams are presented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1-4 illustrate how trenches may be etched, lined with insulation and then filled with polysilicon. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate how a mask is used to etch a cavity around the filled trenches. FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views of the cantilever beams that are formed after the pedestals are released from the cavity floor. FIG. 9 is a plan view of which FIG. 8 is a cross-section. FIG. 10 illustrates the first of three embodiments that teach how electrical contact may be made to the cantilever beams. FIGS. 11 and 12 show two steps in implementing the second of three embodiments that teach how electrical contact may be made to the cantilever beams. FIG. 13 illustrates the last of the three embodiments that teach how electrical contact may be made to the cantilever beams. FIGS. 14-15 illustrate the formation of the busbar island area. FIG. 16 is a plan view of three silicon beams connected through a busbar mask. FIGS. 17-19 illustrate steps in the formation of the busbar island mask. FIG. 20 illustrates beam release within the busbar island area. FIG. 21 shows how space between the beams of FIG. 20 gets filled with oxide. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Most of the prior art described above make use of a deep trench etch process to define the beams and subsequently release the silicon beams while using oxide spacers to protect the sidewalls. This press has the following limitations: It is difficult to get a conformal spacer layer for high aspect ratio trenches (>20). This makes it difficult to protect beam sidewalls during pre-release and final release etch. This makes the beam sidewall very irregular due to ‘mouse bites’ at these sites. In order to solve this problem, thicker spacer oxide is deposited. This in turn compels designers to widen the trench openings thus reducing the sensitivity of the actuator/sensor. The release etch process after releasing the beams, further erodes the beam thus reducing the beam depth. This results in Joss of beam depth across the wafer. The sidewall spacer also hangs like a tail where the beams have been encroached. This oxide tails act as a potential sources of contamination due to their flimsy nature. During operation they may even break off and be redeposited between the sensing fingers, causing devices to behave unpredictably. In the case of the SCREAM process, a metal layer is deposited over the beams to make the sensor/actuator beams conductive. However, it is not possible to get conformal aluminum deposition inside deep trenches. We now provide a detailed description of the process of the present invention, presented as four embodiments thereof: 1 st Embodiment (general process) Referring to FIG. 1 we show there a schematic cross-section of solid body 11 (preferably, but not necessarily, of silicon, with other possibilities including other semiconductors and metals such as aluminum, copper, gold, etc. in which deep trenches such as 12 have been etched to a depth between about 60 and 70 microns. As shown in FIG. 2, the floors and sidewalls of these trenches are then coated with a layer of an insulating material 21 which could be any of several possible materials such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, etc., with silicon oxide being preferred. The trenches are then just filled (by overfilling and then planarizing) with one or more layers of conductive material. Although only a single conductive filling material such as polysilicon, aluminum, copper, gold, etc. could be used, our preferred process has been to first under-fill with low resistivity (achieved by doping with phosphorus oxychloride) polysilicon layer 31 followed by overfilling with polysilicon layer 32 , as shown in FIG. 3 . Layer 31 of polysilicon is deposited to a stress level that is below about −1×10 8 dynes per sq. cm while the second layer of polysilicon is deposited to a stress level that is below this. The first deposited layer of polysilicon had a resistivity between about 10 and 12 ohm-cm while the second layer of polysilicon had a resistivity between about 11 and 13 ohm-cm, after an annealing cycle to distribute the phosphorus uniformly across the thickness of the polysilicon. It is also possible, in principle to fill the trenches with a magnetic material for use in, for example, detecting and measuring magnetic fields. In general, filling of the trenches with conductive material may be implemented using any of the known methods for doing so, including chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, and electroplating. The next step, as illustrated in FIG. 4, is the deposition of insulating layer 41 over the entire surface. A mask 51 is then formed on the surface of layer 41 . This mask serves to protect the filled trenches 31 / 32 as well as to define an opening, said opening being disposed so that the filled trenches lie partly inside and partly outside it. Then, through mask 51 , conductive body 11 is etched to form a cavity 61 (see FIG. 6) that extends downwards to a depth between about 75 and 80 microns so that it is greater than the depth of the filled trenches, resulting in the formation of pedestals. With mask still in place, all exposed conductive material is removed, using a release etch, which results in the formation of cantilever beams 71 , as shown in FIG. 7 (seen following the removal of mask 51 ). This is followed by the selective removal of all exposed insulating material as shown in FIG. 8 . FIG. 9 is a plan view, with FIG. 8 being a cross-section made through 8 — 8 . As can be seen in this example, four cantilever beams 31 / 32 extend away from conductive body 11 and are suspended within cavity 61 . They are physically embedded in conductive body 11 but are electrically insulated from it by insulating layer 21 . Three different ways of then making electrical contact to the beam are the basis for the next three embodiments: 2 nd Embodiment (busbar island formation) This embodiment uses the general process of the first embodiment with the following additional steps: We refer now to FIG. 14 which is a plan view of the cross-section shown in FIG. 18 . Prior to starting the general process, layer of silicon oxide 97 (see FIG. 18) is deposited on the upper surface to a thickness between about 2 and 3 microns and then patterned to form a busbar island mask. Silicon substrate 11 is then etched to form trenches 98 to a depth between about 60 and 70 microns. Layer of silicon oxide 96 (5-7,000 Å thick) is deposited and then etched-back using RIE as shown in FIGS. 18 and. Using an isotropic release etch silicon beam 99 is released to form the suspended silicon beams 100 as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. Later, silicon oxide is deposited to fill the trenches as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. Using contact mask 102 and metal mask 103 , an electrical connection is made between the interconnect metal and busbar silicon 100 on polysilicon beam 31 / 32 as seen in FIGS. 10 and 16. Finally, mask 51 is opened to etch silicon that is surrounding the polysilicon beams to form cavity 61 as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 . 3 rd Embodiment (liner oxide isolation) This embodiment uses the general process of the first embodiment with the following additional steps: Referring now to plan view FIG. 11, at the time of forming the trenches that are to act as molds for the cantilever beams, an additional trench 111 is formed. This trench touches the other trenches (three in this example) and is at right angles to them. When cavity 61 is formed it is positioned so that trench 111 lies outside the opening 61 while trenches 31 / 32 lie entirely inside the opening (see FIG. 12 ). The liner oxide of the first embodiment is used as electrical insulation between the polysilicon inside trench 111 and silicon substrate 11 . Liner oxide 21 is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. After depositing oxide layer 41 , as shown in FIG. 4, a contact window is opened on the polysilicon 111 . Later, metall is deposited and patterned ( 103 ) as shown in FIG. 10 . Finally, mask 51 is etched and silicon surrounding polysilicon beams 31 / 32 is etched to form 61 , as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. 4 th Embodiment (oxide bar lateral isolation) This embodiment uses the general process of the first embodiment but begins with the formation of a single trench to a depth between about 60 and 70 microns that is then just filled with silicon oxide. This is shown in FIG. 13 as trench 131 . In a similar manner to the third embodiment, one or more trenches 31 / 32 that run at right angles to the oxide filled trench are then formed, as shown in FIG. 13 . These touch the oxide filled trench and are used for the formation of the polysilicon beams as in all the previous embodiments. Before the lafter are formed, a metallic contact pad 132 that lies on trench 131 is formed. Said pad has ‘fingers’ that extend outwards part way along each beam's top surface in order to make electrical contact. The four embodiments described above have been found to exhibit the following characteristics: Compressive stress for low stress polysilicon after deposition was about −1.28×10 8 dynes/cm 2 . After POCl 3 doping, the second polysilicon deposition, and a final anneal, it dropped to about −2.69×10 7 dynes/cm 2 . The sheet resistance of the polysilicon after anneal was about 12.97 ohms/square. In summary, the invention that we have described above offers the following advantages over the prior art: (i) It is possible to achieve deep polysilicon beams with low residual stress as the polysilicon beams are formed by folding the film vertically. (ii) Very large thicknesses of polysilicon beams can be achieved by depositing only between 1 to 3 micron thick polysilicon films. This results in low cost of production. In contrast, thick polysilicon beams have been traditionally achieved by thick depositions and etching the polysilicon away from the required structures (see, for example, the Bosch process). (iii) Beam depth is uniform across the wafer as the beams are formed from a silicon mold. (iv) No spacer oxide-tail issue arises in this process, as compared to the SCREAM or LISA processes. The present invention is CMOS compatible and hence can be integrated with a CMOS processes. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

A process has been described which makes use of polysilicon beam as the structural material instead of single crystal silicon for the fabrication of MEMS sensors/actuators. The invention describes the process for fabricating suspended polysilicon beams by using deep trenches etched into silicon substrate as a kind of a mould to form polysilicon beams. The polysilicon beams are subsequently released by isotropically etching away the silicon surrounding the polysilicon beams. This results in free standing polysilicon members, which form the MEMS structures. In addition to the general process, three approaches to making electrical contact to the beams are presented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to novel heterocyclic substituted phenoxyalkylpyrazines, to methods of preparation thereof and to methods of use thereof as antipicornaviral agents; and to intermediates in their preparation and the use of those intermediates as antipicornaviral agents. 2. Information Disclosure Statement U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,539 to Diana et al., issued Aug. 15, 1989, discloses compounds of the formula; ##STR2## wherein: Y is an alkylene bridge of 3-9 carbon atoms; Z is N or HC: R is hydrogen or lower-alkyl of 1-5 carbon atoms, with the proviso that when Z is N, R is lower-alkyl; R 1 and R 2 are hydrogen, halogen, lower-alkyl, lower-alkoxy, nitro, lower-alkoxycarbonyl or trifluoromethyl; and Het is selected from; ##STR3## which are stated to be useful as antiviral agents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,791 to Diana et al., issued Aug. 29, 1989 discloses compounds of the formula: ##STR4## wherein R to R 8 represent various radicals and y. The compounds are stated to be useful as antiviral agents, in particular against picornaviruses. U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,924, to Diana, issued Sep. 7, 1993 from application filed Jul. 2, 1992, discloses compounds of the formula: ##STR5## wherein Y is a bond, or C 1 -C 6 alkylene; R 1 is hydrogen or C 1 -C 3 lower-alkyl; R 2 and R 3 are each independently hydrogen, C 1 -C 3 lower-alkyl or halogen; R 4 is hydrogen, or C 1 -C 3 lower-alkyl; or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof which are stated to be useful as antiviral agents, particularly against picornaviruses. European Patent Application 435381, published Jul. 3, 1991, discloses pyridazinamines of formula: ##STR6## wherein R 1 is hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl, halo, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, C 1-4 alkoxy, C 1-4 alkylthio, C 1 -alkylsulfinyl, C 1-4 alkylsulfonyl, C 1-4 alkyloxycarbonyl, C 1 -alkylcarbonyl or aryl; R 2 and R 3 are hydrogen or C 1-4 alkyl; Alk is C 1-4 alkanediyl; R 4 and R 5 are hydrogen, C 1-4 alkyl or halo; and Het is ##STR7## wherein R 6 is hydrogen, C 1-6 alkyl; hydroxyC 1-6 alkyl; C 3-6 cycloalkyl; aryl; arylC 1-4 alkyl; C 1-4 alkyloxyC 1-4 alkyl; C 3-6 cyclo- alkylC 1-4 alkyl; trifluoromethyl or amino; each R 7 independently is hydrogen; C 1-6 alkyl; C 3-6 cyclo-alkyl; aryl; arylC 1-4 alkyl; C 1-4 alkyloxyC 1-4 alkyl; C 3-6 cyclo- alkylC 1-4 alkyl or trifluoromethyl; and each aryl independently is phenyl or phenyl substituted with 1 or 2 substituents each independently selected from halo, C 1-4 alkyl, trifluoromethyl, C 1-4 alkyloxy or hydroxy. The compounds are stated to have antiviral activity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has now been found that compounds of Formula I and II are effective antipicornaviral agents. Accordingly, the present invention relates to compounds of the formula; ##STR8## wherein: Y is an alkylene bridge of 3-9 carbon atoms; R 1 and R 2 are each independently chosen from hydrogen, halo, alkyl, alkenyl, amino, alkylthio, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkyl sulfinyl alkyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, alkoxy, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, alkyl aminoalkyl, aminoalkyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl or cyano; R 3 and R 4 are each independently chosen from hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyhaloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkanoyl, alkanoyloxy, alkylsulfinylalkyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, cyanomethyl, fluoroalkyl, or halo; R 5 is alkoxycarbonyl, alkyltetrazolyl, phenyl or heterocyclyl chosen from benzoxazolyl, benzathiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, imidazolyl, dihydroimidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrazolyl, oxazolinyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, furyl, triazolyi, thiophenyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl or substituted heterocyclyl or substituted phenyl; wherein the substitution is with alkyl, halo, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, furyl, thienyl or fluoroalkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. The present invention also relates to compounds of the formula; ##STR9## wherein: Y is an alkylene bridge of 3-9 carbon atoms; R 1 and R 2 are each individually chosen from hydrogen, halo, alkyl, alkenyl, amino, alkylthio, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, alkylsulfinyl alkyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, alkoxy, nitro, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, aminoalkyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl or cyano; R 3 and R 4 are each independently chosen from is hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkanoyl, alkanoyloxy, alkylsulfinylalkyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, cyanomethyl, fluoroalkyl, or halo; and R 5 is alkoxycarbonyl, alkyltetrazolyl, phenyl or heterocyclyl chosen from benzoxazolyl, benzathiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, imidazolyl, dihydroimidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, furyl, triazolyl, thiophenyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl or substituted heterocyclyl or substituted phenyl; wherein the substitution is with alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, halo, alkoxy, hydroxy, furyl, thienyl, fluoroalkyl or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The invention also relates to compositions for combating picornaviruses comprising an antipicornavirally effective amount of a compound of Formula I or II with a suitable carrier or diluent, and to methods of combating picornaviruses therewith, including the systemic treatment of picornaviral infections in a mammalian host. In addition to their use as antipicornaviral agents, the compounds of formula II are useful as intermediates for preparing the compounds of formula I. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Compounds of Formula I and II are useful as antipicornaviral agents, and are further described hereinbelow. Alkyl and alkoxy refer to aliphatic radicals, including branched radicals, of from one to five carbon atoms. Thus the alkyl moiety of such radicals include, for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, secbutyl, t-butyl, pentyl and the like. Alkoxy refers to alkyloxy, such as methoxy, pentoxy and the like. Cycloalkyl means an alicyclic radical having from three to seven carbon atoms as illustrated by cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclohexyl; and Halo means bromo, chloro, iodo or fluoro. Heterocyclyl or Het refers to a 5 or 6 membered carbon based heterocycle radical, having from one to about four nitrogen atoms and/or one oxygen or sulfur atom, provided that no two oxygen and/or sulfur atoms are adjacent in the heterocycle. Examples of these include furyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl, pyridyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, triazinyl, pyrimidinyl and the like. The term heterocyclyl includes all known isomeric radicals of the described heterocycles unless otherwise specified, for example, thiadiazolyl encompasses 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 1,2,4-thiadiazol-5-yl, and 1,2,4-thiadiazol-3-yl; thiazolyl encompasses 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolylyl and 5-thiazolyl and the other known variations of known heterocyclyl radicals. Thus any isomer of a named heterocycle radical is contemplated. These heterocycle radicals can be attached via any available nitrogen or carbon, for example, tetrazolyl contemplates 5-tetrazolyl or tetrazolyl attached via any available nitrogen of the tetrazolyl ring; furyl encompasses furyl attached via any available carbon, etc. The preparation of such isomers are well known and well within the scope of skilled artisan in medicinal or organic chemistry. Certain heterocycles can exist as tautomers, and the compounds as described, while not explicity describing each tautomeric form, are meant to embrace each and every tautomer. For example, pyridazin-6-ones and 6-hydroxypyridazines are tautomers. Thus the compounds of formula I depicted as hydroxypyridazines (R 3 =OH) are understood to include the tautomeric pyridazinones. In the use of the terms hydroxyalkyl and alkoxyalkyl, it is understood that the hydroxy and alkoxy groups can occur at any available position of the alkyl. Thus hydroxyalkyl and alkoxyalkyl include, for example, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxyisopropyl, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-hydroxypentyl and the like; alkoxy refers to the corresponding alkyl ethers thereof. In the use of the term hydroxyalkoxy, it is understood that the hydroxy group can occur at any available position of alkoxy other than the C-1 (geminal) position. Thus hydroxyalkoxy includes, for example, 2-hydroxyethoxy, 2-hydroxypropoxy, 2-hydroxyisopropoxy, 5-hydroxypentoxy and the like. Alkylene refers to a linear or branched divalent hydrocarbon radical of from 1 to about 5 carbon atoms such as methylene, 1,2-ethylene, 1,3-propylene, 1,4-butylene, 1,5-pentylene, 1,4-(2-methyl)butylene and the like. Alkylene also includes the above group having an alkene or alkyne linkage therein. Halogen refers to the common halogens fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. As used herein, the term haloalkyl refers to a halo substituted alkyl, such as fluoroalkyl, chlorofluoroalkyl, bromochloroalkyl, bromofluoroalkyl, bromoalkyl, iodoalkyl, chloroalkyl and the like where the haloalkyl has one or more than one of the same or different halogens substituted for a hydrogen. Examples of haloalkyl include chlorodifluoromethyl, 1-chloroethyl, 2,2,2 -trichloroethyl, 1, 1-dichloroethyl, 2-chloro, 1,1,1,2 -tetrafluoroethyl, bromoethyl and the like. As used herein the term fluoroalkyl is a preferred subclass of haloalkyl, and refers to fluorinated and perfluorinated alkyl, for example fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1,2-difluoroethyl, 1-fluoroethyl, 1,1-difluoroethyl, 1,1,2,3-tetrafluorobutyl and the like. The compounds of Formula I wherein R 5 is a basic nitrogen containing heterocycle are sufficiently basic to form acid addition salts and are useful both in the free base form and the form of acid-addition salts, and both forms are within the purview of the invention. The acid-addition salts are, in some cases, a more convenient form for use, and in practice the use of the salt form inherently amounts to the use of the base form. The acids which can be used to prepare the acid-addition salts include preferably those which produce, when combined with the free base, medicinally acceptable salts, that is, salts whose anions are relatively innocuous to the animal organism in medicinal doses of the salts so that the beneficial properties inherent in the free base are not vitiated by side effects ascribable to the anions. Examples of appropriate acid-addition salts include the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate, acid sulfate, maleate, citrate, tartrate, methanesulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate, dodecyl sulfate, cyclohexanesulfamate, and the like. However, other appropriate medicinally acceptable salts within the scope of the invention are those derived from other mineral acids and organic acids. The acid-addition salts of the basic compounds can be prepared by dissolving the free base in aqueous alcohol solution containing the appropriate acid and isolating the salt by evaporating the solution, or by reacting the free base and an acid in an organic solvent, in which case the salt separates directly, is precipitated with a second organic solvent, or by concentration of the solution or by any one of several other known methods. Although medicinally acceptable salts of the basic compounds are preferred, all acid-addition salts are within the scope of the present invention. All acid-addition salts are useful as sources of the free base form even if the particular salt per se is desired only as an intermediate product, as, for example, when the salt is formed only for purposes of purification or identification, or when it is used as an intermediate in preparing a medicinally acceptable salt by ion exchange procedures. The structures of the compounds of the invention were established by the mode of synthesis, by elemental analysis, and by infrared, ultraviolet, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. The course of the reactions and the identity and homogeneity of the products were assessed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) or gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) or other art accepted means. As described herein a noninteracting solvent can be N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP), methylene chloride (CH 2 Cl 2 ), tetrahydrofuran (THF), benzene or any other solvent that will not take part in the reaction. In a preferred method, the preparation of compounds of the invention is done in dried solvents under an inert atmosphere. Certain reagents used in example preparations are specified by abbreviation: triphenylphosphine (TPP), m-chloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA) triethylamine (TEA), diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA), and diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD). Ether is diethyl ether unless otherwise specified. Compounds of Formula I can be prepared by several different methods: Compounds of formula I can be prepared by the reaction of the appropriate hydroxyalkyl furan and the appropriate R 1 -R 2 -4-R 5 -phenol, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,924, and 5,051,437 incorporated herein by reference, giving a compound of formula II. The compound of formula II is then reacted with a peroxide, such as m-chloroperbenzoic acid (MCPBA) and then reacted with hydrazine, providing a compound of formula I. Compounds of formula I can also be prepared by reaction of the appropriate R 1 -R 2 -4-R 5 -phenol and the appropriate furanylalkylhalide as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,241, incorporated herein by reference, to form a compound of formula II which is then treated with an oxidizing agent such as dimethyldioxirane, MMPA or MCPBA and then reacting this oxidized intermediate with hydrazine as described above. A compound of formula I can be prepared from a R 1 -R 2 -4-R5-phenol and ω-pyrazinyl alkynol (wherein the alkyne linkage preferably is proximal to the pyridazine ring) by the reaction methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,924 incorporated herein by reference. Such compounds of formula I have an alkynyl linkage in Y, the alkylene bridge. These linkages can be partially reduced to yield alkenyl linkages or reduced to provide a preferred saturated alkylene bridge. Compounds of formula II wherein R 5 is heterocyclyl can be prepared by the reaction of a hydroxyalkyl furan or furanylalkylhalide with a R 1 -R 2 -4-functionalized phenol. The 4-substituted is then converted to the heterocycle as described hereinbelow. Likewise, compounds of formula I wherein R 5 is heterocyclyl can be prepared by reaction of the R 1 -R 2 -4-functionalized phenol and a ω-pyridazyl alkynol, then elaboration of the R 5 heterocycle deferred to the final steps of the synthesis. For example, if R 5 is a heterocyclic ring, the heterocycle can be elaborated or substituted on to the phenyl ring by means of the appropriate 4-functionalized phenoxyalkyl furan or pyridazine. In this method, the heterocycle on the phenoxy ring can be elaborated in the final step to yield a compound of formula II or formula I as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,075,187 incorporated herein by reference. Suitable functionalization of the 4-phenoxy position will depend upon the heterocycle sought in the final product. (It will be understood that this method, when applied to a suitably protected 4-functionalized phenol, the product is a suitably protected R 1 -R 2 -4-heterocyclyl phenol, which can then be deprotected. The resulting phenol is then used to prepare a compound of formula I or II.) For example, where Her is 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl ##STR10## compounds are prepared from either the appropriate 4-Z-O-R 1 -R 2 -benzonitrile (where z is alkyl or benzyl if the target compound is a phenol intermediate), where z is -Y-furan if the target compound is the compound of formula II, or when z is -Y-pyridazine if the target compound is a compound of formula I. The benzonitrile is reacted with, for example, hydroxylamine hydrochloride in a noninteracting solvent, preferably an alkanol, for example; methanol, ethanol, n-butanol and the like, in the presence of a base, such as potassium carbonate, or in a preferred method, an alkali metal salt of a carboxylic acid such as sodium trifluoroacetate or sodium acetate, at a temperature between ambient and the boiling point of the solvent. The product thus obtained can then be reacted with for example an acid anhydride of formula (R'CO) 2 O, (where R' is alkyl, haloalkyl and the like), for example, trifluoroacetic anyhdride, or acetic anhydride, at a temperature between ambient temperature and the boiling point of the reaction mixture in a basic solvent such as pyridine. The R' appears on the R 5 of the product. The product of the reaction is a 4-ZOR 1 -R 2 -phenyloxadiazole, where the starting material is the 4-ZO-R 1 -R 2 -benzonitrile. The product is a compound of formula II where the starting material is the 4-cyanophenoxyalkylfuran (or formula I where 4-cyanophenoxyalkyl pyridazine issued; or a suitably protected 4-heterocyclyl phenol, if Z is a protective group) . Alternatively, the compounds of formula I and II can be prepared by reaction of a R 1 -R 2 -R 5 -phenol with, for example, an ω-functionalized haloalkane. The resulting functionalized alkoxy-R 1 -R 2 -R 5 -phenyl moiety is then reacted with a suitably functionalized furan or pyridazine to provide compounds of formula II or formula I respectively. This method for preparing compounds of the invention is analogous to the preparation of furanyl alkylhalides, hydroxyalkylfurans, and ω-pyridazyl alkynols discussed hereinbelow. Thus it will be appreciated that neither the timing of the elaboration of the heterocyclic substituents or pyridazine nor the order of assembly of the intermediate; is crucial to the successful synthesis of compounds of Formula I or II. By judicious choice of reactants one can prepare any of the compounds of Formula I or II. The R 1 -R 2 -4-R 5 -phenols used to prepare compounds of Formula I and of Formula II wherein R 5 =heterocyclyl or alkoxycarbonyl are known in the art. Their preparation is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,942,241; 4,945,164; 5,051,437; 5,002,960; 5,110,821; 4,939,267; 4,861,971; 4,857,539; 5,242,924; or 4,843,087 incorporated herein by reference. Any 4-alkoxycarbonyl phenol or any 4-heterocyclyl phenol disclosed in these patents, or others which are known in the art, can be reacted with a hydroxyalkylfuran or furanyl alkylhalide by the methods described (or incorporated above) to prepare compounds of formula II, which can be elaborated to pyridazines of formula I. R 1 -R 2 -R 5 -phenols can be reacted with pyridazine alkynols, to form compounds of formula I directly. Other known phenols can be used to prepare compounds of formula I or II, including for example any 4-phenyl phenol, or 4-alkoxyphenol, substituted or unsubstituted as described above, each is well known and useful. R 1 -R 2 -4-R 5 -phenols wherein R 5 is heterocyclyl can be prepared from the suitably protected phenol, such as the phenoxyalkyl ether or phenoxybenzyl ether which has been suitably functionalized at the 4- position by a functional group such as cyanide, aldehyde, halide, acetyl, acid chloride group or other suitable functional group, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,241; 4,945,164; 5,051,437; 5,002,960; 5,110,821; 4,939,267; 4,861,971; 4,857,539; 5,242,924; or 4,843,087 each incorporated herein by reference, to obtain the heterocyclyl phenoxyalkyl ether or heterocyclyl phenoxybenzyl ether which is then cleaved to the corresponding phenol by means well known in the art. It is preferred for certain R 5 heterocycles that they be attached to a suitably protected phenol precursor by standard coupling methods. For example, when R 5 is pyrimidyl, phenyl, pyridyl and the like, a protected R 1 -R 2 -4-hydroxyphenyl borate can be reacted with a haloheterocycle, such as bromopyridine, to prepare a suitably protected 4-pyridyl phenol, which is then deprotected, to liberate the pyridyl phenol. The skilled practitioner will realize certain heterocyclyls, such as oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl and the like are easiest prepared by elaborating functional groups attached to the phenol, thus forming the R 5 heterocycle "in situ" rather than attaching it to the phenol or suitably protected phenol. This method of preparing R 5 heterocycles is also applicable to 4-functionalized phenoxyalkyl furans and 4-functionalized phenoxy alkyl pyridazines, which upon elaboration of the R 5 heterocycle are compounds of formula II and I respectively. Furanyl alkyl halides and hydroxyalkyl furans are known, or prepared by known methods. See Katritsky and Rees, Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry, Vol. 14. Useful starting materials in the preparation of hydroxyalkyl furans and furanyl alkylhalides, as well as compounds of formula II are furans. As described above, the furanyl radical can be attached via any available carbon on the furanyl ring to the Y moiety (the alkylene bridge portion of the molecule) . Many furans are commercially available, such as 2-furaldehyde, 3-furaldehyde, 3-furaldehyde diethyl acetal, 2-furaldehyde dimethyl hydrazone, 2-furanyl acrolein, 2-furylacrylic acid, 3-furylacrylic acid, 2-furanacrylonitrile, 2,5-furan dimethanol, furfuryl alcohol, furfuryl mercaptan, 3-furan methanol, furfuryl acetate. These and other known furans can be functionalized by known methods. The preparation of the ω-hydroxy or ω-haloalkyl furans are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,942,241; 4,945,164; 5,051,437; 5,002,960; 5,110,821; 4,939,267; 4,861,971; 4,857,539; 5,242,924; or 4,843,087 incorporated herein by reference. These processes are useful for preparing the hydroxyalkyl furans and furanyl alkylhalide intermediates, as well as in preparing compounds of formula II directly. Pyridazine alkynols can be prepared by any known method. A preferred method of forming the alkynol is by the reaction of a suitably protected ω-alkyn-1-ol with the appropriate halo, hydroxy or other suitably functionalized pyridazine, for example, under Heck conditions (PdCl 2 (P.O slashed. 3 ) 2 , CuI, base such as Et 3 N), or using known tin coupling chemistry. Where R 3 is halo, this method is particularly useful as the product has the halide present and need not be added later. Of course other useful starting materials in the preparation of ω-pyridazinylalkynols, pyridazinyl alkyl halides and of course, compounds of formula I are pyridazines. As described above, the pyridazinyl radical can be attached via any available carbon on the pyridazinyl ring to the Y moiety (the alkylene bridge portion of the molecule). Many pyridazines are commercially available, others are known or can be prepared by known methods, and they can be functionalized by known methods. See for example, Katritzky and Rees Comprehensive Heterocyclic Chemistry, Vol 3, and Castle Heterocyclic Compounds Vol 27-28. Pyridazine species may be reacted with terminally unsaturated species, other than alkynes and alkanols. For example, a tin-pyridazyl species can be reacted with an acrylic ester, which can later be reduced to the alkanol and then used to prepare compounds of formula I. The pyridazines described above are commercially available, known or are prepared by known methods. For example, they may be formed directly by ring closure reactions especially preferred reactions provide pyridazinones which can be used to prepare a host of intermediates or compounds of formula I. 6-hydroxy pyridazines are prepared by known methods, for example the reaction of a zinc/β iodoester and an ω-R 1 -R 2 -R 3 -phenoxy acylhalide or a ω-protected acylhalide which forms a γ-dione which is elaborated to the pyridazine by reaction of hydrazine. Such pyridazines are useful in preparing final products or intermediate compounds of formula I wherein R 3 is halo, thio, sulfinyl, sulfonyl, alkoxy, alkanoyloxy. Where R 3 is halo, other than fluoro, it is preferred to react the ω-pyridazine alkyn-1-ol with the heterocyclyl phenol and if desired to reduce the alkynyl linkage after ether formation. The skilled artisan will also appreciate the advantage of reacting the phenol with the alkyn-1-ol before the pyridazine is attached. The advantage in protecting the alcohol functionality of the alkyn-1-ol is that any unwanted side reactions of the alcohol with the π deficient ring are avoided. This method advantageously provides for a more "flexible" synthetic route to many different products. Where R 3 is hydroxy, these are preferably prepared from the appropriate ω-(hydroxy furan) alkanol preferably wherein the alkanol has already been suitably protected, by protecting the hydroxy on the furan ring. This can be done by reaction of the furan with dimethyldioxirane to form the 2-hydroxy-5, 6-dihydro-5-pyran-5-on-2-yl compound. If the alkanol has been protected, it is deprotected and reacted with the R 1 -R 2 -R 5 -phenol or R 1 -R 2 -4-functionalized phenol. The resulting compound can be reacted with hydrazine to yield the corresponding hydroxy pyridazine compound. Simple chemical transformations which are conventional and well known to those skilled in the art of chemistry can be used for effecting changes in functional groups in the compounds of the invention. For example, acylation of hydroxy- or amino-substituted species to prepare the corresponding esters or amides, respectively; alkylation of phenyl or furyl substituents; preparation of thionyls from carbonyls; cleavage of alkyl or benzyl ethers to produce the corresponding alcohols or phenols; and hydrolysis of esters or amides to produce the corresponding acids, alcohols or amines, the preparation of fluoroalkyls from corresponding alkanols and ketones; oxidation of hydroxyls to carbonyls, oxidation of thiols to sulfinyls to sulfonyls, preparation of anhydrides, acid halides, aldehydes, simple aromatic alkylation and the like as desired can be carried out. Moreover, it will be appreciated that obtaining the desired product by some reactions will be better facilitated by blocking or rendering certain functional groups non reactive. This practice is well recognized in the art, see for example, Theodora Greene, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis (1991). Thus when reaction conditions are such that they can cause undesired reactions with other parts of the molecule, the skilled artisan will appreciate the need to protect these reactive regions of the molecule and act accordingly. Starting materials used to prepare the compounds of Formula I are commercially available, known in the art, or prepared by known methods. Many of the preparations of starting materials herein are incorporated by reference from the patent literature. EXEMPLARY DISCLOSURE For the purpose of naming substituents in Formula I, the phenyl ring of any compound of formula I shall be numbered; ##STR11## Thus when a compound of formula I has substitution on the phenyl ring, it is referred to by this numbering system regardless of how the compound may be named. For example, if a compound is prepared and the designation R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, this means ##STR12## regardless of whether 3,5-dimethyl or 2,6-dimethyl appears the name of the compound. For the purpose of naming substituents in compounds of formula I the pyridazine ring of any compound of formula I shall be numbered: ##STR13## Thus when a compound of formula I has a substituted pyridazine ring, substitution thereof is referred to by the numbering system above regardless of how the compound might otherwise be named, for example; ##STR14## is denoted (R 3 =5-bromo, R 4 =6-acetyl) and not (R 3 =3-bromo; R 4 =2-acetyl) regardless of how the compound might properly be named by IUPAC or other commonly used nomenclature conventions. Likewise, for the purpose of naming substituents attached to the furan in compounds of formula II, the furan ring is numbered; ##STR15## Thus when a compound has substitution on the furanyl ring, it is referred to by this numbering system when describing the compound of formula I regardless of how the compound may be named for other purposes. For example, ##STR16## is a 2-furanyl compound with R 3 =5-acetyl and R 4 =4-bromo, regardless of whether the conventional name is 2-acetyl-3-bromo-5-(Y)furan or 5-acetyl-4-bromo-2-Y-furan. PREPARATION OF INTERMEDIATES Intermediate 1 methyl 3-(5-ethyl-2-furanyl)prop-2-enoate a) To a solution of trimethylphosphonoacetate (16.2 g; 89 mmol) in 200 mL of THF cooled to -78° C. under nitrogen with stirring 89 mL (89 mmol) of lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide was added dropwise over a 1/2 h period. The reaction mixture was stirred continuously at -78° C. for 1 hr. To the mixture was added 10 g (81 mmol) of 2-ethyl-5-furfural and 3 mL of THF over a 10 rain period with stirring. After 1/2 hr, stirring was stopped and the reaction mixture was allowed to stand for 3 days. An aqueous solution of saturated ammonium chloride was added to a gel like solid with stirring, and 20 mL of water was added to dissolve the precipitated salts into solution. The organic layer was separated, washed with 300 mL water, 300 mL brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to yield 20 g of crude product. The product was passed through silica gel and eluted with hexane (400 mL), ethyl acetate/hexane (1:9) (200 mL), and ethyl acetate/hexane (2:8), and the appropriate fractions were concentrated in vacuo to afford 14.8 g of methyl 3-(5-ethyl-2-furyl)propenoate. b) methyl 3-(5-ethyl-2-furanyl)propionate To a suspension of ethanol (200 mL) and 300 mg of 5% palladium on carbon was added 14.8 g (82.1 mmol) of 3-(5-ethyl-2-furanyl)propenoate at room temperature and the mixture was placed on a Paar hydrogenator and hydrogenated with H 2 . Palladium on carbon was filtered off by passing the reaction mixture through a filter aid, Super-Cel™ and the residue was washed with ethanol several times. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo, methylene chloride was added to the residue and the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford 14.9 g methyl 3-(5-ethyl-2-furanyl)propanoate. This ester was used without further purification. 3-(5-ethyl-2-furanyl)propan-1-ol c) To a mixture of 3.42 g (90.1 mol) of LAH in THF under nitrogen and stirring at 0° C., was added dropwise 14.9 g (81.9 mmol) of methyl 3-(5-ethyl-2-furyl)propanoate in THF. The reaction mixture was quenched with 3.4 mL of water, 3.4 mL of sodium hydroxide solution, and 10.2 mL of water. Magnesium sulfate was added to the mixture with stirring, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was passed through silica gel and eluted with ethyl acetate/hexane (2:8) to yield 10.7 g (85%) of the desired product as a clear colorless oil, used in the next preparation without further purification. Intermediate 2 1-chloro-3- (2-furanyl)propane a) To 16 mL of furan (0.208 mmol) in 300 mL of THF, cooled to -78° C., was added 100 mL of n-butyllithium in hexane (2.5 M), and then 71 mL(0.4081 mol) of hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA), 22 mL (0.2148 mol) 1-bromo-3-chloropropane and 120 mL of THF were slowly added to the above mixture. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and allowed to react overnight. The above reaction mixture was partitioned between water (250 mL and ethyl acetate (250 mL), and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (200 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with water (2×100 mL) and brine (200 mL), dried (MgSO 4 ), and concentrated in vacuo to afford a brown oil. The oil was distilled under diminished pressure (0.05-0.1 mm) to afford 11.106 g (37%)of 5-(3-chloropropyl)furan. Intermediate 3 a) 2-furanyl-2-methyl-1, 3-dioxolane A mixture of 4 mL (139.6 mmol) 2-acetylfuran, 8.7 mL (156 mmol) of ethylene glycol, 198 mg (1 mmol) of ptoluenesulfonic acid monohydrate, and 22 mL (132.3 mmol) of triethyl orthoformate was reacted at room temperature under N 2 for 3 days. The reaction mixture was poured into a mixture of ethyl acetate (100 mL) and water (100 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 mL), and the combined organic layer was washed with water (100 mL), sodium bicarbonate solution (150 mL), and brine (100 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO 4 , concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was distilled under reduced pressure (1.5 tort) to afford 9.98 g (50%) of 2-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-furan, as a clear oil, b.p. 24° C./1.5 min. b) 5 2- 5-(3-chloropropyl)-2-furanyl!-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane To 9.98 g (64.74 mmol) of 2-furanyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane in 125 mL of THF, cooled to -78° C., was added 46 mL (78.2 mmol) of t-butyllithium in hexane (2.5 M) while maintaining the reaction temperature below -60° C. and then 23 mL (132.2 mmol) of hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA), 7 mL (68.35 mmol) of 3-bromopropyl chloride in 100 mL of THF were slowly added to the above mixture at or below -60° C. After addition reaction mixture allowed to come to room temperature overnight. The above reaction mixture was poured into water (100 mL), and the aqueous layer was extracted with ether (100 mL). The organic layer was washed with water (5×100 mL) and brine (100 mL), and concentrated in vacuo. The residue contaminants were distilled away under vacuum (1.5 tort 23°-93° C.) to afford 7 g (46%) of the described compound. Intermediate 4 a) Methyl 3-(5-propyl-2-furanyl)prop-2-enoate To a solution of trimethylphosphonoacetate (13.09 mL; 66 mmol) in 500 mL of THF cooled to -78° C. under nitrogen with stirring, 132 mL (61.6 mmol) of 0.5 M potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in toluene was added dropwise over 1/2 h period. The reaction mixture was stirred continuously at -78° C. for 1 hr. To the mixture was added 6.66 g (66 mmol) of 5-propylfuryl-2-carboxaldehyde and 3 mL of THF over a 10 rain period with stirring. After 1 h, stirring was stopped and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over a 2 h period. The reaction mixture was quenched with an aqueous solution of saturated ammonium chloride with stirring, and water was added to dissolve the precipitated salts into solution. The THF/aqueous solution was washed with ether (200 mL), and the aqueous layer was washed again with 100 mL of ether. The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo and distilled (130°-135° C./16 mm) to yield 8 g (87.9%) of methyl-3-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)prop-2-enoate. b) Methyl 3- (5-propyl-2-furanyl)propionate A mixture of ethyl methyl-3-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)prop-2-enoate (8 g) in methanol (200 mL) and 1.5 g of 5% palladium on carbon was placed on a Paar hydrogenator and hydrogenated with H 2 . Palladium on carbon was filtered off by passing the reaction mixture through Super-Cel™ (filter agent) and the residue was washed with ethanol. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield 8 g of methyl 3- (5-propyl-2-furanyl)propionate. c) 3-(5-methyl-2-furyl)propan-1-ol To a solution of methyl 3-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)propionate (3.6 g, 20 mmol) in 50 mL of THF at 0° C. was added dropwise under nitrogen 8 mL of diisobutylaluminum hydride (1M in hexane), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature over-night. The resulting solution was diluted with 2 mL of water in 10 mL of THF and brine, and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. The solid was removed by filtration, and the filtrate was diluted with 20 mL of water, extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by passing through MPLC column (ethyl acetate/hexane) to afford 1.11 g of 3-(5-methyl-2-furyl) propan-1-ol. Intermediate 5 Preparation of 2-methyl-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrazole a) A mixture containing 325 g of 4-cyanophenol, 346 mL of benzyl chloride and 758 g of potassium carbonate in 1.2 L of NMP was heated at 95° C. with stirring for 1.5 hrs. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and poured into 5L of cold water. The resulting white solid was collected, washed with water and hexanes and dried at 70° C. in vacuo giving 570.0 g of 4-benzyloxybenzonitrile. b) A mixture of 285 g of the nitrile, 262.5 g triethylamine hydrochloride and 124 g of sodium azide in 1.5 L of DMF under nitrogen was stirred under reflux for 18 hrs. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, poured into 4 L of cold water and acidified with 3N HCl. The resulting white solid was collected, washed with water and dried at 60° C. in vacuo for 48 hrs to give 337 g of 5-(4-benzyloxyphenyl)-tetrazole. c) To a stirred solution containing 337 g of the tetrazole and 362 mL of DIPEA in 1 L of NMP cooled to 18° C. under N 2 was added dropwise over 1.5 hrs 200 g of methyl iodide in 170 mL NMP. After stirring an additional hour at room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with 340 mL of water and cooled to 18° C. The resulting solid was collected, washed with water, recrystallized from ethanol and dried in vacuo at 50° C. to give 232.3 g of 2-methyl-5(4-benzyloxyphenyl)tetrazole. d) A mixture containing 214.2 g of the methyl tetrazole, 140 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid and 1.08 L of glacial acetic acid was heated under reflux for 19 hrs. Most of the acetic acid was removed by evaporation under reduced pressure at 60° C. and the resulting slurry was diluted with 1.5 L of cold water. The resulting solid was collected, washed with water and dried. Recrystallization from ethanol afforded, after drying at 60° C. for 20 hrs, 104.3 g of 2-methyl-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrazole. Intermediate 6 Preparation of 2-methyl-5-(3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)tetrazole was prepared by the procedure described above for Intermediate 5 starting with 2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenol. Intermediate 7 3-(3,5-Difluoro-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4,-oxadiazole 0.1 mol 3, 5-difluoro-4-methoxybenzonitrile, 0.3 mL of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and 0.3 mol of potassium carbonate were added to 400 mL ethanol and refluxed overnight. The product was filtered and recrystallized from methanol giving 3.04 g of 3,5-difluoro-4-methoxybenzamide oxime. This product was dissolved in 5 mL pyridine and 5.6 mL of trifluoroacetic anhydride was added dropwise at room temperature. Upon cooling the product solidified and was rinsed with water yielding 4.1 g of the product. Intermediate 8 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole 13.32 g (0.1 mol) 4-methoxybenzonitrile, 20.85 g (0.3 mol) of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and 41.40 g (0.3 mol) potassium carbonate was added to 400 mL absolute ethanol and refluxed 21 hours. The product was filtered and recrystallized from methanol to give 3.12 g (0.02 mol) of 4-methoxybenzamide oxime. This product was dissolved in 5 mL pyridine and 5.7 mL (0.04 mol) of trifluoroacetic anhydride was added dropwise at room temperature. Upon cooling, the mixture solidified and was rinsed with water yielding 4.3 g of a product wherein R 1 =R 2 =hydrogen; R 5 =5-trifluoromethyl-oxadiazol-3-yl. Intermediate 9 0.384 g of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl borate and 4 mL 2 M Na 2 CO 3 in methanol and 0.4 mL of 2-chloropyridine was combined in 35 mL toluene. 0.260 g (Pφ 3 ) 4 Pd was added and the mixture was refluxed for 24 hours. The mixture was purified by MPLC in ethyl acetate and hexane. The resultant methoxy phenyl compounds taken up in 25 mL CH 2 Cl 2 and 3.8 mL of BBr 3 added, and the mixture stood overnight. The mixture was diluted with 400 mL CH 2 Cl 2 and extracted with brine, dried and concentrated in vacuo giving 1.38 g (37%) 4-(2-pyridyl)2, 6-dimethylphenol. The following phenols were made using the above procedure but substituting the appropriate R 5 X species. ______________________________________R.sub.5 Z Yield M.P.______________________________________4 pyrimidyl Br 42% 89.5 (wet)2 pyrimidyl Br 42% --______________________________________ The following R 5 X are contemplated to be useful in preparing phenols of the invention. ______________________________________R.sub.5 X______________________________________3 pvrimidyl bromo3 pvridyl bromo4 pyridvl bromo3 pyrazyl bromo2 fluorophenyl bromo3 fluorophenyl bromo4 fluorophenyl bromo4 methoxyphenyl bromo______________________________________ As well as other known bromo- and iodo-aromatic species. PREPARATION OF EXAMPLE COMPOUNDS OF FORMULA I EXAMPLE 1 a) Preparation of 3- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!phenyl!-5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole. ##STR17## Diethyl azodicarboxylate(DEAD, 1.15 mL; 7.3 mmol) was added dropwise over a 3 min period to a solution of triphenylphosphine (1.91 g; 7.3 mmol), 3-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)propanol (see Ex. 9c) prepared according to the method of Intermediate 1 (1.2 g; 8.56 mmol), and 2,6-dimethyl-4- 3-(5-methyl) 1,2,4-oxadiazol)-yl!phenol (1.5 g; 7.3 mmol) prepared by the method of Intermediate 8, but substituting the appropriate starting materials therefor at room temperature under nitrogen (mild exotherm), cooled to room temperature, and was added to ethyl acetate/hexane. The precipitated triphenyl phosphate oxide (0.2 g) was removed by filtration. The filtrate was washed succesively with water (1x), dil. sodium hydroxide (2×50mL), water (1x), and brine (1×50 mL), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield 5.3 g of a white solid. The solid product was chromatographed on silica gel while eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:9). The appropriate fractions were concentrated in vacuo to afford 1.2 g (50%) of 2-methyl-5- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl-phenoxy)!-propyl!-furan, as a clear colorless oil. b) Preparation of 8- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenoxy!oct-3-en-2,5-dione 0.71 (2.2 mmol) of 2-methyl-5- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl -phenoxy)propyl!-furan in 8 mL of ethanol was added to 0.68 g (1.1 mmol) of magnesium monoperoxyphthalate (MMPP) at room temperature under nitrogen with stirring and allowed to stir for 3 hours. The mixture was then allowed to stand overnight. An additional MMPP (0.14 g) was added to the mixture and then dilute sodium bicarbonate solution was added. The reaction mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2x), the organic layer was dried (MgSO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.664 g of the title compound which was used in the next step without further purification. c) Preparation of 3- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(6-methyl-3-pyridazinyl)propyl!oxy!phenyl!-5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole ##STR18## Hydrazine hydrate (0.060 mL; 1.94 mmol) was added solution of 0.664 g (1.94 mmol) of 6- 2- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-methyl-1, 2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl-phenoxy)!-ethyl!-hex-3-en-2,4-dione in methanol. Water and methylene chloride were added to the reaction mixture. The organic layer was separated, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield a yellow oil, which crystallized. The product was passed through silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (4:6) and then gradiated to 100% ethyl acetate. The resulting product was rechromatographed on the silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to afford 436 mg (66%) of a compound of formula I (Formula I; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 -6-methyl, R 4 =-hydrogen, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3 propylene), as a yellow solid, m.p. 106°-107.5° C. EXAMPLE 2 a) Preparation of 4- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!benzonitrile Potassium iodide (1.43 g; 8.6 mmol) was added to a mixture of 2-(3-chloropropyl)-furan (Intermediate 2) (11.1 g; 76.8 mmol) from preparation 4 in 100 mL of NMP, and the reaction mixture was allowed to react for 10 min. To the above mixture was added 2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenol (11.29 g; 76.71 mmol) and potassium carbonate (11.79 g; 85.3 mmol), and the reaction mixture was warmed. Cooled to room temperature, turned into ice K 2 CO 3 extracted with EtOAc (4×200 mL), the combined organics were washed with H 2 O (2×100 mL), dried over MgSo and filtered and concentrated in A5 vaccuo and purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 5% ethyl acetate/hexane, 15.56 g (79%) of 2- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!furan, as a clear oil, was obtained. b) Preparation of N-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!benzenecarboximidamide. ##STR19## To a solution of 4.997 g (19.57 mmol) of 4- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!benzonitrile in 120 mL of ethanol was added at room temperature potassium carbonate (13.43 g; 97.17 mmol) and 6.92 g (79.58 mmol) of hydroxylamine hydrochloride and the mixture was stirred for 70 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered, the filtrate concentrated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, and the organic layer was washed with water (2×25 mL) and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate The ethyl acetate solution was concentrated in vacuo to yield 6.0 g of a crystalline product which upon recrystallization from methylene chloride/hexane afforded 5.07 g (89.9%) of N-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!benzenecarboximidamide, as a crystalline solid, m.p. 100.5°-101° C. c) Preparation of 3- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3(2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!phenyl!-5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole ##STR20## Pyridine (15 mL) was added at room temperature to 1.19 g (4.15 mmol) of N-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!benzenecarboxyimidamide and then 0.45 mL of acetyl chloride was added slowly (slightly exothermic) to the above mixture. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 4 h. The above reaction mixture was poured into water, the aqueous mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (5×50mL), the combined organic layers were washed with water (4×50 mL), brine (50mL), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The brown oil was purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 10% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 0.759 g (59%) of 3- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3(2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!phenyl!-5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole (Formula II; R 3 =R 4 =hydrogen, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl), as a crystalline solid, m.p. 44°-45° C. It is contemplated that a compound of formula I is prepared by the method of Example 1b and 1c. d) Preparation of 4- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(3-pyridazinyl)propyl!oxy!benzonitrile ##STR21## To a solution of 3- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3(2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!phenyl!-5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole (2.18 g; 8.93 mmol) from 2a (above) in 60 mL of acetone at room temperature was added 17 mL of 0.05M dimethyldioxirane in acetone, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 h. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in methylene chloride under nitrogen at room temperature with stirring, and 0.35 mL 85% hydrazine hydrate was added to the methylene chloride solution. The desired product was isolated by the procedure of Example 8e and purified by chromatography (2x) on MPLC eluting with ethyl acetate then 90% ethylacetate/hexane followed by 70% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 1.069 g of 4- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(3-pyridazinyl)propyl!oxy!benzonitrile. e) Preparation of N-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(3-pyridazinyl!propyl!oxy!benzenecarboximidamide ##STR22## To a solution of 4- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(3-pyridazinyl)propyl!oxy!benzonitrile (1.069 g; 3.99 mmol) in 5 mL of ethanol was added 2.76 g (19.97 mmol) of potassium carbonate followed by 1.39 g hydroxylamine hydrochloride (20 mmol) at room temperature and the mixture was stirred for 2.5 days. The reaction mixture was filtered, the filtrate concentrated in vacuo, and the residue collected was dissolved in 100 mL of water. Sodium chloride was added to the aqueous solution, and the resulting aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (5×100 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO 4 , filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.745 g (62%) of N-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(3-pyridazinyl!propyl!oxy!benzenecarboximidamide, as a white solid. f) Preparation of 5-difluoromethyl-3- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(3-pyridazinyl)propyl!oxy!phenyl!-1,2,4-oxadiazole. ##STR23## A mixture of 0.745 g (2.48 mmol) of 4- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(3-pyridazinyl)propyl!oxy!benzonitrile and 0.8 mL (8.0 mmol) of ethyl difluoroacetate in 8 mL of NMP was heated to 100° C. under nitrogen with stirring for 4 days. The mixture was poured into 200 mL of water, and the aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate(5×100 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with water (2×100 mL) and brine (1×100 mL), dried (over MgSO 4 ), and concentrated in vacuo to yield a clear oil. The oil was purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 60% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 0.255 g (29%) of 5-difluoromethyl-3- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(3-pyridazinyl)propyl!oxy!phenyl!-1,2,4-oxadiazole. (Formula I; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =R 4 -hydrogen, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3 propylene). Recrystallization from ether yields a crystalline solid, m.p. 94°-95° C. g) Preparation of 5-trifluoromethyl-3- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(3-pyridazinyl)propyl!oxy!phenyl!-1,2,4-oxadiazole. ##STR24## A mixture of 0.654 g (2.18 mmol) of the compound of Example 2e, above, 0.45 mL of ethyl trifluoroacetate, and 0.66 g (4.78 mmol) of potassium carbonate in 8 mL of NMP was heated to 100° C. under nitrogen with stirring for 24 hrs. The mixture was poured into 500 mL of water, and the aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate(5×100 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with water (5×100 mL) and brine (1×100 mL), dried (over MgSO 4 ), and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 80% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford a compound of formula I, R 3 =R 4 =hydrogen, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R5=5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3 propylene, as a crystalline solid, m.p. 50.5°-51.5° C. EXAMPLE 3 a) Preparation of 5- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4- 3-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl)!phenoxy!propyl!-2-furancarboxaldehyde ##STR25## A solution of the compound prepared in example 2C, (0.84 g; 2.69 mmol) dissolved in 10 mL of DMF (dried over molecular sieves) with stirring under nitrogen was chilled in an ice-bath and 0.5 mL (5.38 mmol) of phosphorus oxychloride was added dropwise and the resulting reaction mixture was 5 stirred for 30 min, and then the ice bath was removed. The reaction mixture was diluted with 100 mL of water, basified (to pH 10) with 2 N sodium hydroxide solution, and the solid that formed was filtered, and dried to yield 0.85 g of yellow solid. Recrystallization from ether, after treatment with charcoal, yielded a bright yellow solid, 0.58 g (63%) of a compound of formula II, (Formula II; R 3 =5-formyl, R 4 =hydrogen, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene) (OGL-2298-88; WIN 68774), m.p. 68°-69° C. It is contemplated that by blocking the carbonyl and then using the methods of Example 1b and 1c, then deblocking, the corresponding compound of formula I is obtained. b) Preparation of 5-difluoromethyl-2- 3- 2, 6-dimethyl-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!-furan ##STR26## The compound prepared in example 3a (1.74 g; 5.11 mmol) and 3 mL of diethylaminosulfurtrifluoride (DAST) were combined at room temperature with stirring under argon. After stirring 5 days at room temperature, the above solution was diluted with methylene chloride and the mixture was slowly poured onto ice. The organic layer was separated, washed with water(1x) and brine (1x), decolorized with charcoal, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield a brown oil. The brown oil was chromatographed on silica gel column eluting with 10% hexane/methylene chloride and then methylene chloride to afford 1.17 g (63%) of a compound of Formula II, R 4 =hydrogen, R 3 =5-difluoromethyl, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl; Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, as a viscous yellow oil, which upon recrystallization from methanol, yielded off-white needles, m.p.38°-39° C. c) Preparation of ##STR27## The compound prepared in example 3b (0.92 g; 2.54 mmol) was dissolved in 30 mL of acetone under argon at room temperature with stirring. To the above solution, 30 mL (2.7 mmol) of dimethyldioxirane (0.09 M) in acetone, chilled to -80° C., was added in one portion. Additional dimethyldioxirane (0.09 M) in acetone (2×10 mL) was added, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 days, and the mixture was concentrated in vacuo at 40° C. The residue was dissolved in 10 mL of methylene chloride under nitrogen at room temperature with stirring, and 0.3 mL (8.2 mmol) of 85% hydrazine hydrate was added to the methylene chloride solution. The reaction mixture was diluted with methylene chloride and shaken with water. The mixture was filtered, the organic layer was washed with water (1x), brine (1x), dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.74 g of a viscous yellow oil. Chromatography on silica gel eluting with 60% hexane/ethyl acetate yielded 80 mg (8%) of a compound of formula I, (Formula I; R 4 =6-difluoromethyl, R 3 =hydrogen, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, Y-1,3 propylene, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) a yellow oil that crystallized on standing. EXAMPLE 4 a) 5-propyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde To a solution of 13.04 g (0.118 mol) of 2-propylfuran in 800 mL of ether cooled at 0° C. with stirring under nitrogen was added dropwise 52 mL (0.130 mol) of 2.5 M n-butyllithium. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and then refluxed for 40 min. The reaction mixture was cooled to -60° C. 10.1 mL (0.130 mol) of DMF in 10 mL of ether was added, and the resulting mixture was stirred at -60° C. for 45 min, and warmed to room temperature. The above mixture was quenched with 10 mL of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride, diluted with water to form a clear aqueous layer, and the organic layer was washed with water, and brine. The organic layer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, treated with a small amount of a charcoal, filtered, and concentrated to yield 13.95 g of a crude oil. The kughelrohr distillation of this oil (75°-105° C.) afforded 10.5 g (64.5 %) of 5-propyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde. b) Methyl 3-(5-propyl-2-furanyl)prop-2-enoate To a solution of trimethylphosphonoacetate (12.34 g; 61.6 mmol) in 500 mL of THF cooled to -78° C. under nitrogen with stirring, 136 mL (61.6 mmol) of 0.5 M potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide was added dropwise over a 1/2 h period. The reaction mixture was stirred continuously at -78° C. for 1 hr. To the mixture was added 8.5 g (61.6 mmol) of 5-propyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde and 3 mL of THF over a 10 min period with stirring. After 1 h, stirring was stopped and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over a 2 h period. The reaction mixture was quenched with an aqueous solution of saturated ammonium chloride with stirring, and water was added to dissolve the precipitated salts into solution. The THF/aqueous solution was washed with ether (200 mL), and the aqueous layer was washed again with 100 mL of ether. The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to yield 10.95 g (87.9%) of methyl 3-(5-propyl-2-furanyl)prop-2-enoate. c) Methyl 3-(5-propyl-2-furanyl)propionate A solution of the compound from (b) above, (12.57 g, 64.5 mmol) in ethanol (200 mL) was added to a suspension of 500 mg of 5% palladium on carbon in 100 mL of ethanol, and the mixture was placed on a Paar hydrogenator and hydrogenated with H 2 . Palladium on carbon was filtered off by passing the reaction mixture through Super-Cel™ (filter agent) and the residue was washed with ethanol. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield 13 g of an oil. After the Kughelrohr distillation, the oil (40°-75° C.) was purified by passing through flash silica column (hexane, 20% ether/hexane) followed by MPLC chromatography (5% ethyl acetate/hexane ) to yield 6.5 g (51.4 % ) of methyl 3-(5-propyl-2-furanyl)propionate. d) 3-(5-propyl-2-(furan)propan-1-ol To a mixture of 1.25 g (33 mmol) of LAH in THF under nitrogen with stirring at 0° C. 6 g (31 mmol) of methyl 3-(5-propyl-2-furyl)propionate in THF was added dropwise, and the mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was quenched with 1.25 mL of water, 1.25 mL of 15% sodium hydroxide solution, and 3.75 mL (x3) of water. The white mixture was filtered to remove the solid, and water, ether, and ethyl acetate were added to the filtrate. The organic layer was separated, dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was passed through a dry flash silica column to afford 4.63 g (88.8 %) of the desired product. e) 5-Propyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!fura Diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD, 3.88 g; 22.3 mmol) was added under nitrogen to a stirred and cooled (-10° C.) solution of triphenylphosphine (5.84 g; 22.3 mmol), of the compound prepared in d, above, (3.75 g; 22.3 mmol), and Intermediate 8 (5 g; 24.5 mmol) and the mixture was stirred for 20 min. Water and methylene chloride (25 mL) were added to the mixture and the layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with 2N NaOH solution (2x), HCl solution, brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield a white solid (13 g) . The white solid was purified by a large dry flash silica column (hexane, 30% and 70% ethyl acetate/hexane) followed by a medium size MPLC column chromatography (15% and 30% ethyl acetate/hexane) to afford 6.64 g (84%) of a compound of formula II, (Formula II; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =hydrogen, R 4 =5-n-propyl, R 5 =2-methyltetrazol-5-yl), m.p. 38°-39° C. EXAMPLE 5 a) Preparation of 2-ethyl-5- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!furan ##STR28## Diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD, 12 g; 69 mmol) was added to a solution of triphenylphosphine (18 g; 69 mmol), 2-ethyl-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)furan (Intermediate I) (10.7 g; 69 mmol), and 4-cyano-2,6-dimethylphenol (11.2 g; 76 mmol) in 150 mL of methylene chloride at 10° C. The mixture was stirred for 10 min. The reaction mixture was then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. Solids were removed by filtration. Water was added to the filtrate, layers were separated, the organic layer was washed with dilute sodium hydroxide solution and brine (2×100 mL), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield a brown solid (40 g) . The brown solid was passed through a silica gel eluting first with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:9) and followed by ethyl acetate/hexane (4:6). The appropriate fraction was concentrated in vacuo to afford 20 g of the product which was chromatographed (3x) through a medium size MPLC column eluting with 5% ethyl acetate/hexane (1st), 5% ethyl acetate/hexane (2nd), and hexane (3rd) followed by 5% ethyl acetate/hexane, respectively, to afford 9.2 g (42.7%) of 2-ethyl-5- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!furan. b) The cyano moiety is then elaborated to a suitably substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl or 5-tetrazolyl moiety as in the preparation of Intermediates 7-8 and 5-6 respectively, giving a compound of formula II, wherein Y is 1,3-propylene, R 1 , R 2 is 3,5-dimethyl, R 3 is ethyl, R 4 is hydrogen and R 5 is as described above. c) Preparation of 3-ethyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-pyridazine ##STR29## The magnesium salt of monoperoxyphthalic acid (MMPP, 2.9 g; 5.85 mmol) in 25 mL of water was added to a solution of 1.1 g (3.9 mmol) of the compound prepared in 5b above in 50 mL of ethanol at room temperature and under nitrogen with stirring. After 1 hr, 50 mL of dilute sodium bicarbonate solution and ether were added to the mixture. The ether layer was separated, washed with water and brine. Hydrazine hydrate (1.5 mL) was added to the ether solution. The ether layer was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed (2x) on a small alumina column eluting with ethyl acetate to afford 0.352 g (30.6%) of the described product, as a yellow oil. d) Preparation of 3-ethyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-aminohydroximinomethylphenoxy)-propyl-pyridazine ##STR30## 0.672 g (2.27 mmol) of the pyridazine prepared in 5c, above, 0.789 g (11.35 mmol) of hydroxylamine hydrochloride, 1.57 g (11.35 mmol) of potassium carbonate, and 25 mL of ethanol were combined at room temperature under nitrogen with stirring, and the mixture was warmed to reflux for 24 hr. The reaction mixture was allowed to stand overnight at room temperature. The next day it was filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.66 g (88.6%) of 3-ethyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxyimideamide-phenoxy)-propyl!-pyridazine, as a yellow solid. e) Preparation of 3-ethyl-6- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl-phenoxy)!-propyl!-pyridazine ##STR31## 0.5 g (1.5 mmol) of hydroxyimideamide prepared in 5d above, 0.207 g (1.5 mmol) of potassium carbonate were combined in 10 mL of N-methylpyrrolidine (NMP) at room temperature and under nitrogen with stirring. 0.11 mL (1.5 mmol) of acetyl chloride was added to the reaction mixture (the brown suspension became yellow and solids went into solution). The mixture was (slowly) heated to 100°-105° C. where it remained for 45 min, cooled to room temperature, and water was added to the mixture. The resulting suspension was filtered, the filtrate was washed with ether (2×50mL), and the combined organic layers were washed with ice-water (3×50mL) and brine (1×50mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to afford a brown oil. The brown oil was chromatographed on a small MPLC column to yield 0.23 g of clear oil which was rechromatographed on a neutral alumina column eluting with hexane/ethyl acetate (8:2) to afford a colorless oil (0.22 g) . This oil was crystallized from warm ether/pentane to yield 120 mg of 3-ethyl-6- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl-phenoxy)!-propyl!-pyridazine (Formula I; R 1 , R 2 =3,5dimethyl, R 3 =hydrogen, R 4 =6-ethyl, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl), as colorless needles, m.p. 72°-75° C. f) The N-oxide of 5e was by exposing Example 5e to MCPBA; m.p. 135°-136° C. EXAMPLE 6 a) Preparation of 2-methyl-5- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl)furan ##STR32## Diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD, 11.9 mL; 75.6 mmol) was added dropwise over a 10 rain period to a solution of triphenylphosphine (19.8 g; 75.6 mmol), (2-methyl-5-furanyl)propanol (ex 1a, 9c and 12a) (10.6 g; 75.6 mmol), and 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl-benzonitrile (12.2 g; 83.2 mmol) in methylene chloride cooled in an ice-bath under nitrogen with stirring. After 10 rain, a solid formed. Additional methylene chloride (50 mL) was added to the mixture and the resulting suspension was filtered. The filtrate was washed with water (2×100mL) and brine (1×100mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield a brown oil which crystallized on standing. The solid product was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (2:8), and the appropriate fractions were concentrated in vacuo to afford 16.43 g (81%) of 2-methyl-5- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy) -propyl)furan. The cyano moiety is then elaborated to a suitably substituted 5-tetrazolyl moiety as in the preparation of Intermediates 5-6 or oxadiazolyl as in Intermediates 7-8, giving a compound of formula II wherein R 3 is methyl, R 4 is hydrogen, R 1 , R 2 is 3,5-dimethyl Y is 1,3-propylene and R 5 is as described. b) Preparation of 3-methyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl)-pyridazine ##STR33## The compound prepared in 6a (9.6 g; 35.6 mmol) in 125 mL of ethanol was added to MMPP (26.38 g; 53.4 mmol) in 75 mL of water at room temperature under nitrogen with stirring. After 1 hr, dilute sodium bicarbonate solution was added and the mixture was stirred for 1 hr. The reaction mixture was extracted with ether (2×250 mL), organic layer was separated, and 7 mL of hydrazine (aqueous) was added to the ether solution. The organic layer was washed with brine (1×100mL), dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to yield a yellow oil. The oil was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (3:7) first and then gradiating to 100% ethyl acetate. The appropriate fractions were concentrated in vacuo to afford 6.55 g (65.5%) of 3-methyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl)pyridazine. c) Preparation of 3-methyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-aminohydroxyiminomethyl-phenoxy)-propyl!pyridazine ##STR34## A mixture of 3-methyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)propyl)pyridazine from example 6b (1.21 g; 4.3 mmol), 1.49 g (21.5 mmol) of hydroxylamine hydrochloride, and 2.97 g (21.5 mmol) of potassium carbonate in ethanol was stirred at room temperature for 10 days. The reaction mixture was filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.57 g (43%) of 3-methyl-6- 3-(2, 6-dimethyl-4-aminohydroxyiminomethyl-phenoxy)-propyl!pyridazine, as a yellow solid. d) Preparation of 3-methyl-6- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl -phenoxy)!-propyl!pyridazine ##STR35## A mixture of 0.60 g (1.91 mmol) of 3-methyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-amino-hydroxyiminomethyl -phenoxy)-pyridazine from example 6c and 0.57 mL (5.73 mmol) of ethyl difluoroacetate in 7 mL of NMP was briefly heated to 120° C. and then heated at 100° C. for 2.5 days. Upon cooling ether and water were added to the mixture and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with ether (2×30mL). The combined organic layers were washed with cold water (1×50mL) and brine (1×50 mL), respectively, and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to yield a yellow oil (120 mg;16.8%). This oil was combined with a previous sample prepared by the same method and purified by TLC preparative plate eluting with ethyl acetate to afford 171 mg of a yellow oil which crystallized on standing. This solid was chromatographed on MPLC small column eluting with ethyl acetate to afford 151 mg of a compound of formula I wherein R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 4 =hydrogen, R 3 =6-methyl, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene, as a light yellow solid, m.p. 102.5°-103° C. EXAMPLE 7 a) Preparation of 4- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(5-furanyl-2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!benzonitrile ##STR36## To a stirred solution of 4.43 g (17 mmol) of 2- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!furan, prepared in example 2a in dry DMF cooled to 0° C. under nitrogen was slowly added 3.3 mL (35 mmol) of phosphorus oxychloride dropwise, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 rain and then was allowed to warm to room temperature. After standing overnight the reaction mixture was poured into 400 mL of water, 10% NaOH solution was added in portions until the pH was 9.0, and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. A yellow solid formed was filtered and dried to afford 4.65 g (95%) of 4- 3,5-dimethyl-4- 3-(5-furanyl-2-furanyl)propyl!oxy!benzonitrile. The yellow solid was recrystallized from methanol to afford 3.97 g of the nitrile, m.p. 61°-62° C. The compound can be protected and the cyano moiety elaborated to a suitably substituted 1,2, 4-oxadiazole or 5-tetrazolyl moiety as in the preparation of Intermediates 7-8 or 5-6, respectively, giving a compound of formula II, which can be further elaborated to a compound of formula I using the method of Example 1b and 1c. b) Preparation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2- 3-(2, 6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-furan ##STR37## 5-Formyl-2- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-furan from example 7a (21.69 g; 76 mmol) was dissolved in 200 mL of methanol/THF (1:1) with stirring under nitrogen, and the solution was chilled in an ice-water bath for 30 rain and 2.88 g (76 mmol) of sodium borohydride was added in one portion. The resulting mixture was stirred in the ice-water bath. The mixture was quenched with 10% NaOH solution after 10 min and allowed to stand overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between methylene chloride and water. The organic layer was washed with water (1x) and brine (1x), dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered through Super-Cel™, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield 20.96 g of an orange oil. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 5-6% ethyl acetate/methylene chloride to afford 11.32 g (52%) of 5-hydroxymethyl-2- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-furan, as a viscous oil which crystallized on standing; m.p. 37°-38° C. The alcohol is protected, then the 4-cyano moiety is then elaborated to a suitably substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl or 5-tetrazolyl moiety as in the preparation of Intermediates 7-8 or 5-6, respectively, giving a compound of formula II, which can be further elaborated to the corresponding compound of formula I. c) Preparation of 5-methoxymethyl-2- 3-(2, 6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-furan ##STR38## A solution of 5-hydroxymethyl-2- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-furan from example 7b (0.44 g: 1.54 mmol) in 5 mL of dioxane with stirring under nitrogen was heated to 40° C., and 0.28 g (5 mmol) of crushed KOH was added. To the above reaction mixture dimethylsulfate (0.15 mL; 1.59 mmol) was added dropwise with stirring. After 1 hr, additional dimethylsulfate (0.15 mL) was added to the mixture, and the reaction mixture was allowed to react at 40° C. for 2 h and then at room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered through Super-Cel™ the residue was washed with methylene chloride, the filtrate was washed with water (1x) and brine (1x), and dried over magnesium sulfate. The solvent was concentrated in vacuo to yield 0.48 g of a yellow oil which was purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with a gradient of 20% 10% and 0% hexane/methylene chloride to afford 0.4 g (87%) of 5-methoxymethyl-2- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-furan, as a clear viscous oil. The cyano moiety can be elaborated to a suitably substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl or 5-tetrazolyl moiety as in the preparation of Intermediates 7-8 or 5-6, respectively, giving a compound of formula II. d) Preparation of 5-Methoxymethyl-2- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-furan; (4.23g prepared as in 1c) was dissolved in 50 mL of acetone under nitrogen with stirring at room temperature, and 100 mL (1.35 mmol) of chilled (to -78° C.) dimethyldioxirane (0.09 M) in acetone was added to the above solution and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 16h. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo to yield, 0.75g of a viscous yellow oil. e) Preparation of 3-methoxymethyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-pyridazine ##STR39## The compound from example 7d was dissolved in 25 mL of methylene chloride at room temperature under nitrogen with stirring, and 1 mL of 85% hydrazine hydrate was added. The resulting yellow solution was stirred for 30 rain and then was allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with methylene chloride, the organic layer was washed with water (4×50mL) and brine (1×50mL), dried over MgSO 4 , and concentrated in vacuo to yield 0.33 g of a viscous orange oil. The orange oil was purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with ethyl acetate to afford 750 mg of 3-methoxymethyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-pyridazine, as an orange viscous oil. f) Preparation of 3-methoxymethyl-6- 3-2,6-dimethyl-4-aminohydroximino-methylphenoxy)-propyl!-pyridazine ##STR40## 3-Methoxymethyl-6- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!pyridazine from example 7e (750 mg; 2.4 mmol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (830 mg; 12 mmol), potassium carbonate (1.66 g; 12 mmol), and 20 mL of ethanol were combined at room temperature under nitrogen with stirring. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 24 h at room temperature, diluted with ethyl acetate, filtered, and the solid residue was washed with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layer was concentrated in vacuo to afford 720 mg (87%) of 3-methoxymethy16- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-aminohydroximino-methylphenoxy)-propyl!-pyridazine, as a yellow solid. g) Preparation of 3-methoxymethyl-6- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol -2-yl-phenoxy)!-propyl!-pyridazine ##STR41## The compound prepared in example 7f (720 mg; 2.09 mmol) was dissolved in 10 mL of dry N-methylpyrrolidinone with stirring under nitrogen, and 0.63 mL (6.27 mmol) of ethyl difluoroacetate was added in one portion and the resulting mixture was heated at 100° C. for 3.5 days. The brown solution was diluted with brine, extracted with ether, and the aqueous layer and the organic layer were separated. The ether solution was washed with water (1x) and brine (1x), dried over MgSO 4 , and concentrated in vacuo to yield 0.24 g of an oil. The aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride (1x), and the organic layer was washed with water (1x) and brine (1x) . The methylene chloride solution was dried (MgSO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to yield 0.13 g of an oil. The combined product was purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with hexane/ethyl acetate (4:96) to afford 77 mg (9%) of a compound of formula I, 3-methoxymethyl-6- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl) -phenoxy!-propyl!pyridazine, (Formula I; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =hydrogen, R 4 =6-methoxymethyl, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, Y=1,3-propylene) as a solid, m.p. 79°-81° C. (after drying in vacuo). EXAMPLE 8 a) Preparation of 5-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-2- 3-(2, 6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy) -propyl!furan. ##STR42## To a mixture of 5-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-2-(3-chloropropyl)-furan (7.0 g; 30.34 mmol) (Intermediate 3b) and potassium iodide (0.506 g; 3.04 mmol) in NMP heated to 50° C., was added potassium carbonate (4.71 g; 34.08 mmol) and 2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenol (4.62 g; 31.39 mmol) and the reaction mixture was allowed to react at 50° C. for 4 days. The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature poured into water (100 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with water twice, then brine, then dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo. The product was further purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 12% ethyl acetate/hexane 6.87 g (74%) of 5-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-2- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!furan, as a clear oil was obtained. The cyano moiety is then elaborated to a suitably substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl or 5-tetrazolyl moiety as in the preparation of Intermediates 7-8 or 5-6, respectively, giving a compound of formula II or can be used in the next step. b) Preparation of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl !-pyridazine ##STR43## Following a procedure similar to that described in Example 3c, 5-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-2- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!furan; (1.05 g; 3.08 mmol), 48 mL (0.06 M) of dimethyldioxirane in acetone, and 10 mL of acetone were reacted. The resulting product was dissolved in methanol and reacted with 85% hydrazine hydrate (0.15 mL; 4.49 mmol) then purified by chromatography on silica gel with 65% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 0.511 g (47%) of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy) -propyl!-pyridazine. c) Preparation of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3-(2, 6-dimethyl-4-hydroxyimideamidephenoxy)-propyl!pyridazine ##STR44## To a solution of the compound prepared in example 8c, 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-cyanophenoxy)-propyl!-pyridazine (0.511g; 1.45 mmol) in 9 mL of ethanol was added potassium carbonate (1.09 g; 7.05 mmol) and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (490 mg; 12 mmol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir overnight at room temperature, concentrated in vacuo, and the residue was dissolved in 50 mL of water. The aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (4×50 mL), and the combined organic layer was washed with water (1×50mL) and brine (1×50mL), and dried over MgSO 4 . The organic layer was concentrated in vacuo to afford 502 mg (89.6%) of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl) -3- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-aminohydroximinomethylphenoxy) -propyl!-pyridazine, as a white solid. d) Preparation of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl-phenoxy)!-propyl!-pyridazine ##STR45## Following a procedure similar to that described in Example 2f, 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-aminohydroximinomethylphenoxy) -propyl!-pyridazine from example 8c (1.023 g; 2.65 mmol), 5 drops of dry Nmethylpyrrolidine, and 5 mL of ethyl difluoroacetate were combined with stirring under nitrogen, and the resulting mixture was heated at 100° C. for 3 days. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, ethyl acetate solution was washed with water (5×50 mL) and brine (1×50mL) and dried over MgSO 4 . The organic solvent was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 70% ethyl acetate/hexane and ethyl acetate to afford the desired product 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-difluoromethyl -1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenoxy!-propyl!pyridazine. e) Preparation of 6-acetyl-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl) -phenoxy!-propyl!pyridazine ##STR46## A mixture of 0.24 g (0.538 mmol) of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenoxy!-propyl!-pyridazine from example 8d, 20 mL of acetic acid, 5 mL of water, and 5 mL of 2 M HCl solution was heated to reflux for 24 hr. The reaction mixture was added to a freshly prepared sodium bicarbonate solution, the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (4×50mL), and the combined organic layer was washed with water (50mL) and brine (100mL), dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 30% ethyl acetate/hexane followed by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 165 mg (76%) of 6-acetyl-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-difluoromethyl -1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!-pyridazine (Formula I; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 -6-acetyl, R 4 =hydrogen, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, Y=1,3-propylene), m.p. 95°-96° C. f) Preparation of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!-pyridazine ##STR47## Following a procedure similar to that described in Example 8d, to a solution of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3-(2,6-dimethyl-4-aminohydroximino-methylphenoxy)-propyl!pyridazine (0.502 g; 1.3 mmol) dissolved in 8 mL of dry N-methylpyrrolidine was added 0.36 g (2.6 mmol) of potassium carbonate and 0.28 mL (1.98 mmol ) of trifluoroacetic anhydride, and the mixture was heated to 70° C. One additional equivalent of trifluoroacetic anhydride was added and the mixture was heated to 70° C. The mixture was poured into 200 mL of water, the aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (5×50 mL), and the combined organic layer was dried and concentrated in vacuo to residue. The residue was taken up and was purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 50% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 0. 395 g (65%) of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl-phenoxy)!-propyl!-pyridazine. g) Preparation of 6-acetyl-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl) -phenoxy!-propyl!pyridazine ##STR48## A mixture of 0.5 g (1.08 mmol) of 6-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenoxy!-propyl!-pyridazine from example 8f, 8 mL of acetic acid, and 2 mL of water was heated to reflux. After adding acid solution, the reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 h. Upon cooling, the above reaction mixture was added to a freshly prepared sodium bicarbonate solution with stirring. The product was isolated and purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 30-50% ethyl acetate/hexane and recrystallized from hexane to afford 0.30 g (66 %) of 6-acetyl-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-phenoxy!-propyl!pyridazine (R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-acetyl, R 4 =hydrogen, R 5 =5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, Y=1,3-propylene), as a crystalline solid, m.p. 86°-87° C . h) Preparation of 6-(1,1-difluoro-ethyl)-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl) phenoxy!-propyl!-pyridazine ##STR49## To a mixture of 220 mg (0.523 mmol) of 6-acetyl-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-trifluoromethyl -1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!-pyridazine (from Example 8g) in 2 mL of methylene chloride was added 0.1 mL of diethylaminosulfur trifluoride (DAST) and the mixture was left at room temperature for 3 days. Additional DAST was added (1.0 mL) and the mixture heated to reflux then left at room temperature for 2 days. Finally DAST (4 mL) were added and the mixture heated to reflux until starting material was not evident by TLC. The product was purified by chromatography on MPLC eluting with 30% ethyl acetate/hexane to afford 6-(1,1-difluoroethyl)-3- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!-pyridazine (Formula I; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-1,1-difluoroethyl, Y=1,3-propylene, R 4 =hydrogen, R 5 =5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl), as a crystalline solid, m.p. 54.5° C. i) Using the methods described above, for reacting DAST with a carbonyl of compound I, and the compound of example 8e as a substrate compound of formula I was obtained wherein R 1 , R 2 are 3, 5 dimethyl, R 3 =6-1,1 difluoroethyl, R 4 is H, Y is 1,3-propylene and R 5 is 5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, m.p. 73.5°-74° C. EXAMPLE 9 a) Methyl β0(5-methyl-2-furanyl)-propenoate To a solution of trimethylphosphonoacetate (13.09 mL; 66 mmol) in 500 mL of THF cooled to -78° C. under nitrogen with stirring, 132 mL (61.6 mmol) of 0.5 M potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide in toluene was added dropwise over a 1/2 h period. The reaction mixture was stirred continuously at -78° C. for 1 hr. To the mixture was added 6.66 g (66 mmol) of 5-methyl-2-furanyl-2-carboxaldehyde and 3 mL of THF over a 10 min period with stirring. After 1 h, stirring was stopped and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over a 2 h period. The reaction mixture was quenched with an aqueous solution of saturated ammonium chloride with stirring, and water was added to dissolve the precipitated salts into solution. The THF/aqueous solution was washed with ether (200 mL), and the aqueous layer was washed again with 100 mL of ether. The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo and distilled (130°-135° C./16 mm) to yield 8 g (87.9%) of the desired product. b) Methyl 3-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)propionate A mixture of ethyl β-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)acrylate (8 g) in methanol (200 mL) and 1.5 g of 5% palladium on carbon was placed on a Paar hydrogenator and hydrogenated with H 2 . Palladium on carbon was filtered off by passing the reaction mixture through Super-Cel™ (filter agent) and the residue was washed with ethanol. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to yield 8 g of methyl 3-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)propionate. c) 3-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)propanol (Example 1a, 6a and 12a) To a solution of ethyl 3-(5-methyl-2-furanyl)propionate (3.6 g, 20 mmol) in 50 mL of THF at 0° C. was added dropwise under nitrogen 8 mL of diisobutylaluminum hydride (1M in hexane), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature over-night. The resulting solution was diluted with 2 mL of water in 10 mL of THF and brine, and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. The solid was removed by filtration, and the filtrate was diluted with 20 mL of water, extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by passing through MPLC column (ethyl acetate/hexane) to afford 1.11 g of the desired product. d) 5-methyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl) phenoxy!-propyl!furan Diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD, 1.4 g in 20 mL of THF) was added dropwise under nitrogen to a stirred and cooled (-10° C.) solution of triphenylphosphine (2.09 g) , 3-(5-methyl-2-(propanol)furanyl) (1.11 g; 8 mmol), and 4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,6-dimethylphenol (1.632 g; 8 mmol)in 50 mL of THF and the mixture was stirred for 20 min. The mixture was diluted with 200 mL of water, extracted with ether (3×50 mL), and the organic layer was washed with water (3×25 mL), 10% NaOH solution, and water. The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield an oil which was passed through MPLC column (ethyl acetate/hexane 3:7) to afford 1.75 g (67.1%) of 5-methyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!furan (Formula II; R 3 =5-methyl, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl R 4 =hydrogen, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =2-methyltetrazol-5-yl). e) 5-Methyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!-2,5 dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran Sodium carbonate (1.2 g) was added to a cooled (-10° C.) solution of 5-methyl 2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyltetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!furan from example 9d (780 mg, 2.4 mmol) in 18 mL of methanol with stirring, and then bromine (0.135 g, 14 mmol) in 8 mL of methanol was added dropwise until the brown color persisted, and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to stir at -10° C. for 45 min. To the mixture was added brine, extracted with ether (3×25 mL), and the organic layer was washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield an oil which was purified by MPLC chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane 3:7) to afford 820 mg (76.3 %) of 5-methyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!propyl!2,5-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran. f) 3-Methyl-6- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenoxy!-propyl!-pyridazine Under nitrogen with stirring 5-methyl-2- 3- 2, 6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl) phenoxy!-propyl!-2,5-dimethoxy-2,5-dihydrofuran (820 mg, 1.8 mmol), 0.8 mL of methanol, and 1.5 mL of 1% aqueous acetic acid solution were combined at room temperature, refluxed for 10 min, and then cooled to room temperature. To the above solution was added hydrazine hydrate (0.26 mL) over a 2 min period, and the mixture was allowed to reflux for 1 h, and cooled to room temperature. The mixture was diluted with water, the aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride, and the organic layer was washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to afford 180 mg (29 %) of 3,methyl-6- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyltetrazol-5-yl)-phenoxy!propyl !-pyridazine (Formula I; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-methyl, R 4 =hydrogen, R 5 =2-methyltetrazol-5-yl), m.p. 114°-115° C. EXAMPLE 10 a) 5-Ethyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!furan Diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD, 4.84 g; 27.8 mmol) was added under nitrogen to a stirred and cooled (-20° C.) solution of triphenylphosphine (7.37 g; 27.8 mmol), 5-ethyl-2-(3-hydroxypropyl)furan (Intermediate 1c) (3.9 g; 25.3 mmol) , and 4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,6-dimethylphenol (5.69 g; 27.8 mmol). The mixture was stirred at -20° C. for 1/2 h, and then was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (50 mL) was added to the mixture and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with ether (3×50 mL), the organic layer was washed with 10 % NaOH solution (3×50 mL), water, and dried over magnesium sulfate. The solvent was concentrated in vacuo to yield a residue and purified by MPLC column chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane, 3:7) to afford 5.63 g (65 %) of 5-ethyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!furan (Formula II; R 3 =5-ethyl, R 4 =hydrogen, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 5 =2-methyltetrazol-5-yl, Y=1,3-propylene). b) The compound prepared in 9e was transformed into a compound of formula I by the method of Example 1b and 1c. (R 3 =6-ethyl, Y=(CH 2 ) 3 , R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 4 =hydrogen, R 5 =2-methyltetrazol-5-yl). EXAMPLE 11 a) 5-Propyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!furan Diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD, 3.88 g; 22.3 mmol) was added under nitrogen to a stirred and cooled (-10° C.) solution of triphenylphosphine (5.84 g; 22.3 mmol), 3-(5-propyl-2-(furanyl)propanol (Intermediate 4c) (3.75 g; 22.3 mmol), and 4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)-2,6-dimethylphenol (5 g; 24.5 mmol) and the mixture was stirred for 20 min. Water and methylene chloride (25 mL) were added to the mixture and the layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with 2N NaOH solution (2x), HCl solution, brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield a white solid (13 g) . The white solid was purified by a large dry flash silica column (hexane, 30% and 70% ethyl acetate/hexane) followed by a medium size MPLC column chromatography (15% and 30% ethyl acetate/hexane) to afford 6.64 g (84%) of 5-propyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!furan (Formula II; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, Y=1,3-propylene, R 3 =5-propyl, R 4 =hydrogen, R 5 =2-methytetrazol-5-yl), m.p. 38°-39° C. b) 1-Propyl-4- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl-phenoxy)!-propyl!but-2-en -1,4-dione Sodium carbonate (6.32 g, 60 mmol) was added to a cooled (-10° C.) solution of 5-propyl-2- 3- 2, 6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy!-propyl!furan (4.46 g, 13 mmol) in 35 mL of methanol with stirring, and then bromine (2.23 g, 14 mmol) in 10 mL of methanol was added dropwise, and the resulting reaction mixture was allowed to stir at -10° C. for 45 min. To the mixture was added brine and water, and the mixture was extracted with ether (3x), the organic layer was washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to yield 4.74 g of a yellow oil. The oil was purified by a large dry flash silica column (2x) chromatography (hexane, 30% ethyl acetate/hexane) to afford 1-propyl=4- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl-phenoxy)!-propyl!but-2-en -1,4-dione as a 2nd fraction and 5-propyl-2- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5yl)-phenoxy!-propyl!-2,5-dimethoxy -2,5-dihydrofuran, as a first fraction. c) 3-Propyl-6- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenoxy!-propyl!-pyridazine Under nitrogen with stirring 1-propyl-4- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl-phenoxy) !-propyl!but-2-en-1,4-dione (1.42 g, 3.8 mmol), 1.42 mL of methanol, and 2.63 mL of 1% aqueous acetic acid solution were combined at room temperature, refluxed for 10 min, and then cooled to room temperature. To the above solution was added hydrazine hydrate (0.29 mL; 9.5 mmol) over a 2 min period, and the mixture was allowed to reflux for 1 h, and cooled to room temperature. The mixture was diluted with water, the aqueous layer was extracted with methylene chloride (3x), and the organic layer was washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to afford 1.4 g of a yellow oil. The oil was passed through a silica column eluting with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1) to afford 0.25 g (17.98 %) of 3-propyl-6- 3- 2,6-dimethyl-4-(2-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl)-phenoxy!-propyl!pyridazine (Formula I; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, Y=1,3-propylene, R 4 =hydrogen, R 3 =6propyl, R 5 =2-methyltetrazol-5-yl), as a yellow oil. This oil was further purified by MPLC column chromatography and flurosil column chromatography (ethyl acetate/hexane) to yield a clear oil which crystallized, m.p.78°-80° C. EXAMPLE 12 Using the protocols described above, and the appropriate intermediates the following compounds of formula I were prepared. __________________________________________________________________________FORMULA I R.sub.3,R.sub.4Ex Pyridazyl R.sub.1 R.sub.2 Y = R.sub.5 M.P.__________________________________________________________________________a 6-propyl-3- 3,5-dimethyl (CH.sub.2).sub.3 5-CHF.sub.2 -1,2,4- 124-125 pyridazyl oxadiazolylb 6-propyl-3- 3-CH.sub.3 H (CH.sub.2).sub.3 5-CHF.sub.2 -1,2,4- 131.5-136.5 pyridazyl oxadiazolylc 6-ethyl-3- 3,5-dimethyl (CH.sub.2).sub.3 5-CHF.sub.2 -1,2,4- 82.5-83.5 pyridazyl oxadiazolyld 6-ethyl-3- 3-CH.sub.3 H (CH.sub.2).sub.3 5-CHF.sub.2 -1,2,4- 85.5-86 pyridazyl oxadiazolyle 6-ethyl-3- H H (CH.sub.2).sub.3 5-CF.sub.3 -1,2,4- 111.5-112 pyridazyl oxadiazolylf 6-ethyl-3- 3,5-dimethyl (CH.sub.2).sub.3 5-CF.sub.3 - 60-60.5 pyridazyl 1,2,4 oxadiazolylg 6-methyl-3- 3,5-dimethyl (CH.sub.2).sub.3 5-CF.sub.3 -1,2,4- 68.5-70 pyridazyl oxadiazolylh 6-methyl-3- 3,5-dimethyl 1,3propylene 5-CHF.sub.2 - 67.5-69 pyridazyl 1,2,4-oxadiazolyli 6-methyl-3- 3-CH.sub.3 H 1,5pentylene 5-CHF.sub.2 - 70.8-72.3 pyridazyl 1,2,4-oxadiazolylj 6-propy,1-3- 3,5-dimethyl 1,3propylene 5-cyclopropyl -- pyridazyl 1,2,4-oxadiazolylk 6-propy,1-3- 3-CH.sub.3 H 1,3propylene 5-cyclopropyl 75.6-77.2 pyridazyl 1,2,4-oxadiazolyll 6-ethyl-3 3-CH.sub.3 H 1,3propylene 5-CF.sub.3 - 91-91.5 pyridazyl 1,2,4-oxadiazolylm 6-ethyl-3 3-CH.sub.3 H 1,3propylene 5-CF.sub.2 H-1,2,4- 90.5-91.5 pyridazyl oxadiazolyl__________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 13 a) A slurry of 19 g of 2-acetyl furan (Aldrich), 57.8 g of aluminum chloride and 17.7 mL and bromine was heated to 65° C. for 2 hours. A resulting dark brown slurry was poured over ice and extracted with an ether. The organic phase was then washed twice with water and dried over potassium carbonate. Concentration of the organic phase provided 25 g of the dark brown oil. Distillation (0.5 mmHg 62° C. to 69° C.) provided 13.1 g. (28%) of a pale yellow oil which crystallized upon standing and was used without further purification. b) To a solution of 13 g. of the product prepared in A above in 100 mL of 70% acetic acid, 3.6 g. of zinc powder was added slowly over 30 minutes. The mixture was filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The dark red mixture was diluted with ether and washed with water followed by sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic phase was dried over potassium carbonate and concentration of the organic phase provided 9 g. of the dark red oil. Crystallization from isopropyl acetate and hexanes provided 3.4 g. of a tan solid product melting point 57° C. to 59° C. c) A solution of 3.4 g of 3-bromo 5-acetyl furan, 1.23 g of ethylene glycol and a catalytic amount of tosyl acid in 50 mL of benzene was refluxed under nitrogen with a Dean Stark Trap for 3 days. Upon cooling, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo, diluted with ether and washed with dil bicarbonate solution. The organic phase was dried over K 2 CO 3 . Concentration provided 4.2 g of the product as a viscous red liquid. Used without further purification (Quantitative). d) To a solution of 4.2 g. of the product produced in B, C above in 100 mL of ether at -78° C. under nitrogen was added 1.9 mL of 10 M n-butyl lithium. After 15 minutes the brown slurry was quenched with 4 g. of 3-chloro-1-iodopropane in 10 mL of HMPA. Upon warming to room temperature, the mixture was poured into water and washed four times. The organic phase was dried over potassium carbonate. Concentration of the organic phase provided 3.7 g. of crude product which was distilled (0.1 mmg; 91°-95° C.) to provide 0.9 g. of the corresponding propylchloride product used without further purification. e) A suspension of 1.2 g. of the phenol of Example 1a, 1.5 g. of the alkyl chloride prepared in 13d above, 0.4 g. of powdered potassium hydroxide and 0.9 g. of potassium iodide in 40 mLs of acetonitrile was refluxed under nitrogen for 20 hours. Filtration, concentration and flash filtration through kieselgel 60 with 2;1 hexane/EtOAc provided 3.7 g. of an orange oil which was subjected to MPLC affording 0.53 g. of the product as a yellow viscous oil. f) To a solution of 0.53 g. of the dioxolane prepared in above in 20 mL of acetone was added 0.1 g. of PPTs. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 14 hours, followed by reflux under nitrogen for 5 hours, concentration and extraction with ethyl acetate followed by a water wash and drying of the organic phase over potassium carbonate provided 0.48 g. of the product as a pale yellow viscous oil. Crystallization from isopropyl acetate and hexane provided 245 mg of the product as a tan powder, melting point 95° C. to 97° C., which can be reacted with MCPBA and hydrazine to prepare a compound of Formula I after the blocking of the acetyl moiety (Formula I R 1 , R 2 =3,5 dimethyl, R 3 =6-acetyl, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, Y=1,3 propylene)m.p. 99°-100.5° C. EXAMPLE 14 As further examples of the invention, the following antipicornavirally effective 2-furanyl compounds of formula II can be elaborated to the corresponding pyridazines of formula I using the procedures previously described. __________________________________________________________________________ExampleR.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 R.sub.4 Y R.sub.5 M.P.__________________________________________________________________________a H H H 5-acetyl (CH.sub.2).sub.5 ethoxy-carbonyl 85-87b H H H H (CH.sub.2).sub.5 ethoxy-carbonyl oilc H H H H (CH.sub.2) ethoxy-carbonyl 59-61d 3-bromo,H H 5-acetyl (CH.sub.2).sub.5 4,5-dihydro 91-92 oxazolee 3,5-dichloro H H (CH.sub.2).sub.5 4,5-dihydro oil oxazolef 3,5-dimethyl H 5-acetyl (CH.sub.2).sub.5 2-methyl-5- 77-78 tetrazolylg 3,5-dimethyl H 5-(hydroxy) (CH.sub.2).sub.5 2-methyl-5- 92-94 ethyl tetrazolylh 3,5-dimethyl H 5-formyl (CH.sub.2).sub.5 2-methyl-5- 63-65 tetrazolyli 3,5-dimethyl H 5-hydroxy (CH.sub.2).sub.5 2-methyl-5- 74-75 methyl tetrazolyli 3-bromo,H H 5-propyl (CH.sub.2).sub.3 phenylk 3-bromo,H H H (CH.sub.2).sub.3 phenyll 3,5-dimethyl H 5-ethyl (CH.sub.2).sub.3 4-fluorophenyl__________________________________________________________________________ The following Examples of compounds of formula I were prepared by the method of 1b-c described above: ______________________________________14m 3-bromo, H H 6 propyl (CH.sub.2).sub.3 phenyl 102.6-103.114n 3-bromo, H H H (CH.sub.2).sub.3 phenyl --______________________________________ o. Using Example 14j in the method of 1b and 1c one obtains a compound of formula I wherein R 1 =3-bromo, R 2 , R 4 =H, R 3 =propyl, R 5 =phenyl and Y=1,3 propylene. p. Using the method of example 14o, example 141 was transformed to the corresponding compound of formula I, m.p. 114°-116° C. EXAMPLE 15 a. 0.5 g of 5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl-2,6-dimethyl-phenol was dissolved in 5 mls of THF and 0.11 g of propargyl alcohol and 0.81-g of triphenylphosphine was added. The reaction was cooled to 0° C. and DEAD (0.54 g) in 5 mls of THF was added slowly. The mixture was stirred and allowed to come to room temperature overnight. This mixture was absorbed onto silica gel and eluted using 2:1 hexane/EtOAc yielding 0.6 g of a yellow solid used without purification in the next step. The product obtained above was taken up in 8 mL of triethylamine and combined with 0.53 g of 3-iodo-6-methoxy pyridazine. To this mixture 14 mg of PdCl 2 (φ3P) 2 and 11 mg of CuI was added. The mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature and the methoxy was allowed to stir at room temperature for 3 days. The mixture was filtered through Celite and absorbed onto silica gel eluted with a hexane/EtOAc mixture. The appropriate fractions were concentrated at a yield of 0.86 g or an amber oil that crystallized upon standing. Upon purification via MPLC 0.68 g of a compound of formula I wherein R 3 is methoxy, R 4 =hydrogen, R 5 is 5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, R 1 , R 2 represent 3,5-dimethyl and Y is 1,3-propyl-1-yne. b. 0.58 g of the compound described above was exposed to Lindlar catalyst in EtOAc to provide a compound of formula I wherein R 3 is methoxy, R 4 is hydrogen, R 1 , R 2 represent 3,5-dimethyl, R 5 is 5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl and Y is 1,3-propylene, (m.p. 91°-93° C.) c. Using the method of example 15a, but substituting a compound the appropriate materials of formula I was obtained; Y=1,3-propyl-1-yne, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-methoxy, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, m.p. 110°-112° C. d. Upon reduction as described in 15, one obtains the corresponding compound of formula 1 where Y=1,3-propylene, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-methoxy, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol -3-yl, m.p. 59°-61° C. EXAMPLE 16 a. 3-(4-cyano-2,6-dimethylphenoxy)propionic acid (20.02 g) was combined with 45 mls of SOCl 2 in methylene chloride at room temperature and was allowed to stir overnight. Zn-Cu in 500 mL benzene, 39 mL DMA and 1.3 equiv. of ethyl-(3-iodo)propionate was heated to 69° C. for 3 hours, 1 equiv. of Pd Pφ 3 ! 4 was added, after cooling 5 minutes, the acid chloride was added, and the mixture sat overnight. Upon workup ethyl (6-(4-cyano-2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-3-keto hexanoate is obtained in 80% yield, m.p. 45°-46° C. b. 20.76 g of the product of 16a was taken up in 200 mL EtOH and 3.2 mL hydrazine was added. The mixture was then heated to reflux for 2 hours. Upon workup one obtains 6-(3-(4-cyano-2,6-dimethylphenoxy) propyl)-4,5-dihydro-pyridazin-3-one (93%), m.p. 124.5° C. c. 5.713 g of the dihydro pyridazinone from 16b was taken up in 90 mL EtOAc and 1.4 mL Br 2 added. Upon workup 6-(3-(4-cyano-2,6-dimethylphenoxy)propyl)-3-hydroxypyridazine was obtained quantitative yield. d. Using the method of example 6c and d a compound of formula I where R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-hydroxy, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene was obtained. e. The compound obtained in 16d was exposed to POCl 3 to afford a compound of formula I wherein R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-chloro, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene, (87% yield), m.p. 100.5°-101.5° C. f. The compound of 16d was exposed to POBr 3 yield a compound of formula I wherein R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6bromo, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene, m.p. 91°-92° C. g. 2.1 g of the compound of 16d was taken up in THF and 1.93 g of Lawesson's reagent added, the mixture was refluxed until starting material is no longer present. Upon workup a compound of formula I was obtained, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-thio, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene, m.p. 146°-148° C. h. 200 mg of the compound of example 16g was taken up in DMF and 80 mg CH3I and 56 mg Et3 N added, and after 1 hour the mixture was worked up yielding a compound of formula I, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-methylthio, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol -3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene, (m.p. 98°-101 ° C.). i. 32 g of the compound of 16h was treated with 0.285 g of 50-60% MCPBA. Upon workup 0.167 g of a compound of formula I was obtained, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-methylsulfinyl, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene, m.p. 87°-89° C. j. The compound of 16c was transformed to a compound of formula I by the method of example 6c and then 8f giving a compound of formula I (53%) (R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-hydroxy, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-trifluoromethyl-2,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene. k. The compound of 16g was exposed to POCl 3 yielding (48%) of a compound of formula I, (R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-chloro, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene), m.p. 96°-98° C. l. The compound of 16j was acetylated to give a compound wherein Y=1,3 propylene, R 1 , R 2 =3,5 dimethyl, R 3 -acetoxy, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, m.p. 69°-71° C. EXAMPLE 17 a. 130 mL of trifluoro acetic anhydride (chilled) was added to 50 g of 1-valine and allowed to warm to room temperature. The resulting material was vacuum distilled at 69°-71° C. giving 68.05 g of (81%) of 2-trifluoromethyl-2,5-dihydro-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxazalone. b. 54.64 g of the oxazalone obtained in 17a was taken up in 150 mL of CH 2 Cl 2 , chilled and 50 mL of t-butylacrylate added followed by 50 mL Et 3 N, dropwise. The reaction stirred overnight giving a yellow oil, yielding 95.9 g of the desired product 1,1-dimethylethyl 3- 2-(2-trifluoromethyl-2,5-dihydro-4-methylethyl-5-oxooxazolinyl) !propionate. c. The product obtained above was taken up in 500 mL glacial acetic acid and 100.5 g of hydrazine hydrochloride added then the mixture was refluxed for 2 hours. Upon workup 6-trifluoro 4,5-dihydro-pyridazin-3-one was obtained in 59% yield. This product was treated with bromine in glacial acetic acid yielding 77.5%, 3-hydroxy-6-trifluoromethyl pyridazine. This product was exposed to POBr 3 giving 7.92 g 3-bromo-6-trifluoromethyl pyridazine. d. The pyridazine above was reacted with propargyl alcohol (under Heck conditions), the product was then reacted with 4-cyano-3,5-dimethyl-phenol (according to the method of example 6a then reduced with palladium and carbon and elaborated to the 5-difluoromethyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl species according to the method of 6c and d. To give a compound of formula I (R 3 =CF 3 , R 4 =H, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) m.p. 80°-81° C. e. The following compound of formula I was prepared using the materials and methods described above. Each compound has the formula R 3 =CF 3 , R 4 =H, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene, and R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, m.p. 147°-148° C. EXAMPLE 18 a. 4-pentyne-1-ol was protected with t-butyldimethylsilychloride, the protected pentynol was reacted with 2-chloro-2-propen-1-ol under Heck Conditions. The resulting product was exposed to potassium t-butoxide in 18-crown-6 to yield 2-(3-(t-butyl dimethylsilyloxy)propyl)-4-methyl furan (15%) . This product was then acid-deprotected. b. 0.68 g of the furan alkanol and 0.88 g of 5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl was reacted under conditions of example 5, giving a compound of formula II in 67% yield. c. The compound of example 18b was reacted with dimethyl dioxane and then hydrazine according to the method of example 3c to provide a compound of formula I wherein R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =5-methyl, R 4 =H, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, m.p. 73°-74° C. EXAMPLE 19 a. To 42.1 g 3,6-dichloro pyridazine in acetone 10.5 g of NaI followed by 105 mL HI catalyst (Aldrich 21002-1) was added and left at room temperature for three days, upon workup a quantitative yield of 3,6-diiodopyridazine was obtained. b. 5 g of 3,6-diiodopyridazine was dissolved in 30 mL DMSO with 0.6 g KF. The mixture was refluxed for 4 hours upon cooling. The mixture was taken up in CHCl 3 , washed with water twice, then brine and dried over MgSO 4 , and then concentrated in vacuo. The product was recrystallized from isopropylacetate giving 2.21 g (75%) of 3-iodo-6-fluoropyridazine. c. 1.16 g of the product of 19b and 0.75 mL propargyl alcohol were reacted under Heck conditions (CuI, PdCl 2 (Pφ 3 ) 2 , Et 3 N) for 36 hours at room temperature. The product was absorbed onto silica, which was washed with hexane, then eluted with 1:1 EtOAc/hexane and used without purification in the next step. d. 1.2 g of the alcohol obtained above was taken up in EtOAc and hydrogenated with Pd/carbon (0.5 g) under H 2 . Solids were filtered off and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to yield 3-(6-fluoro-3-pyridazyl)propanol. e. 0.43 g of 4-(5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl) 2,6-dimethyl phenol in 10 mL THF was combined with 0.53 g triphenyl phosphine and 0.35 g of DEAD at -50° C., and the 0.26 g of the fluoropyridazinyl alkanol of 19d was added. Upon warming the mixture was absorbed on silica and eluted with 2:1 hexane/EtOAc, the crude product was then purified on MPLC yielding 200 mg of an oil that crystallized upon standing. The product was recrystallized from t-butylmethylether (m.p. 86°-87° C.) to give a compound of formula I; Y=1,3-propylene, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 5 =5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, R 4 =H, R 3 =6-fluoro. f. Using the method of 19e, the alcohol of 7d was reacted with 4-(5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) 2,6-dimethylphenol to provide a compound of formula I wherein R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-fluoro, R 4 =H, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl; m.p. 92°-94° C. g. 10.55 g of 3,6-dichloropyridazine was taken up in 100 mL Et 3 N and CuI (0.676 g), and PdCl 2 (Pφ 3 ) 2 (2.5 g) added (Heck conditions). To this propargyl alcohol (4.2 mL) was added in 30 mL of Et 3 N upon work up 10.4 g of the chloropyridazyl alcohol was obtained. h. 0.479 g of the unsaturated alcohol obtained in 19 g was reacted with 0. 422 g of 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethyl benzonitrile using the method of example 19e to provide 0.448 (53%) of the corresponding phenoxy ether. The product was transformed into a compound of formula I by the method of 2e and 2f; (formula I; R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-chloro, R 4 =H, Y=1,3-propyl-1-yne, R 5 =5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl), m.p. 118°-118.5° C. The acetylene linkage in Y can be reduced using Lindlar catalyst and the like to provide the corresponding compound of formula I wherein Y is 1,3-propylene. i. Using the diiodo pyridazine of example 19A and the method of example 15A one obtains a compound of formula I wherein R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, Y=1,3,-propylene, R 3 =6-iodo, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, m.p. 113°-114.5° C. EXAMPLE 20 a. 2-acetyl 5-(3-(4-cyano-2,6,-dimethylphenoxy)propyl) furan was prepared from example 8A by deprotection of the carbonyl moiety. 21.42 g of this material was dissolved in 200 mL of 1:1 methanol/THF at 0° C., 2.88 g of NaBH 4 was added. After 5 minutes the reaction was quenched with 10% NaOH. Upon workup 11.32 g (52%) of the hydroxy ethyl compound is obtained. b. 0.434 g of the compound of formula 20A was taken up in mL acetone and was exposed to 26 mL dimethyl dioxyrane at room temperature forming the corresponding 2-hydroxy-5,6-dihydro-5-pyran-5-on-2-yl compound. (m.p. 104°-105° C., after workup). c. 7.25 g of the compound as prepared in 20B was taken up in 66 mL of 1:1 THF/H 2 O and 27.60 mL hydrazine was added. The mixture was diluted with 200 mL CH 2 Cl 2 . The mixture was washed with water, then brine, dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated in vacuo, to an oil and used without further purification. d. The 6-(1-hydroxyethyl)pyridazine formulation formed in 20c above was protected using diphenyl-t-butyl silylchloride. The product (an oil) was obtained in 99% yield. e. Using the method of example 20D and finally deblocking the compound of formula I was obtained wherein R 3 =1-hydroxyethyl, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 4 =hydrogen, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol -3-yl and Y=1,3-propylene (71%). f. 0.468 g of the compound of 20E was taken up in 20 mL CH 2 Cl 2 and 0.16 mL DAST added. A compound of formula I was obtained (R 3 =1-fluoroethyl, R 4 =H, R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) m.p. 85° C. (66% yield). g. 0.680 g of the compound of example 20F was exposed to 0.72 g of MnO 2 in EtOAc yielding the compound of example 8C; formula I (R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-acetyl, R 4 =H, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-difluroromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl); in quantitative yield. h. Using 0.7 g of the compound of example 20G and exposing it to 2 equivalents of DAST as described in 7F, a compound of formula I wherein R 1 , R 2 is 3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =1,1-difluoromethyl, R 4 =H, R 5 =5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, Y=1,3-propylene (68%), m.p. 73.5°-74° C. Using the methods described herein the following compounds of formula I were prepared, wherein R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, Y is 1,3-propylene, R 4 is H, R 5 is 5-R 1 -1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl. ______________________________________Example 6-R.sub.3 R.sup.1 M.P. Yield______________________________________i 1 fluoroethyl CH.sub.3 41-42° C. 67%j acetyl CH.sub.3 99.5-100° C. --k 1,1-difluoroethyl CH.sub.3 137-140° C. 66%l 1 hydroxyethyl CF.sub.3 143° C. --m 1 fluoroethyl CF.sub.3 48.5-50° C. --n 1,1-difluoroethyl CF.sub.3 54-55° C. --______________________________________ -- = not recorded EXAMPLE 21 a. 7.5 g of the compound prepared in example 7B was treated with dimethyl dioxyrane as in example 20B, then hydrazine as in 20c yielded the corresponding hydroxy methyl pyridazine compound (77%) as an oil. The hydroxy methyl moiety was protected with pyran and the benzonitrile portion of the molecule elaborated to difluoromethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl using the method of example 7F and G to give, upon deprotection of the hydroxy methyl, a compound of formula I wherein R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-hydroxymethyl, R 4 =H, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-difluoro-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, m.p. 120°-150° C. b. The compound in 21A, when treated with MnO 2 according to example 20g yields the compound of formula I wherein R 1 , R 2 =3,5-dimethyl, R 3 =6-formyl, R 4 =H, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-difluoro-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, m.p. 107-109. c. The compound of 21B when treated with DAST according to example 21h yields a compound of formula I wherein R 3 =6-difluoromethyl, R 4 =H, Y=1,3-propylene, R 5 =5-difluoro-1,2,4- oxadiazol-3-yl, m.p. 75°-76.3° C. Using the methods described above, compounds of formula I were obtained wherein Y is 1,3-propylene, R 1 , R 2 are 3,5-dimethyl, R 4 is hydrogen and R 5 is 5-R 1 -1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl; ______________________________________Example 6-R.sub.3 R.sup.1 M.P.______________________________________d hydroxymethyl propyl 106-107° C.e formyl propyl 95-96° C.f methoxymethyl CF.sub.3 61-62° C.g methoxymethyl CH.sub.3 57-59° C.h CF.sub.2 H Ethyl 125-129° C.i hydroxymethyl CF.sub.3 149-150° C.______________________________________ EXAMPLE 22 As further examples, phenols described only generally thus far can be reacted with any known furan alkanol, furanyl alkyl halide or those described herein using the methods previously described herein to provide a compound of formula II, which can then be transformed into a compound of formula I. It is contemplated that any phenol disclosed in allowed application Ser. No. 07/869,287, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,068 incorporated herein by reference, is elaborated to a pyridazine of formula I, using the methods described above. For the reader's convenience the same nomenclature conventions described herein for compounds of formula I are adhered to, and a literature reference describing the known phenol is included. __________________________________________________________________________ ReferenceR.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.5 U.S. Pat.__________________________________________________________________________H H 1,2,4-oxadiazol-2yl 4,857,539H H 4,2-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl 4,857,539H H 2-benzoxazolyl 4,857,5393,5 dichloro 3-furanyl 4,857,5393,5 dichloro 2-furanyl 4,857,5393,5 dichloro 2-thienyl 4,857,5393,5 dichloro 2-pyridinyl 4,857,5393,5 dichloro 1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2yl 4,857,5393,5 dichloro 3-thienyl 4,857,5393,5 dichloro 4-pyridinyl 4,857,5393 nitro H benzothiazol-2-yl 4,857,539H H 2-(4,5-dihydro-4 methyl)oxazolyl 4,843,0873 methyl H 2-oxazolyl 4,843,0873 bromo H 2-oxazolyl 4,843,0873,5 dimethyl 3-methyl-5-isoxazolyl 4,843,0872,6 dimethyl 3-methyl-5-isoxazolyl 4,843,087H H 5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl 4,942,241H H 4-hydroxy phenyl (Aldrich)H H phenyl (Aldrich)H H 5-ethyl-thiazol-2-yl 5,100,893H H 4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl 5,100,893H H 2-ethyl-thiazol-4-yl 5,100,893H H 5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl 5,100,893H 3-Cl 3-ethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl 5,100,893H H 3-cyclopropyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl 5,100,893H H 3-tbutyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl 5,100,893H H 5-ethyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl 5,100,893H H 3-cyclopropyl,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl 5,100,893H H 3-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-5-yl 5,100,893H H 3-(2hydroxy)propyl- 5,100,893 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-ylH H 4-ethyl-3-thiazol-2-yl 5,100,893H H 5-ethyl-3-thiazol-2-yl 5,100,8933-chloro H 3-ethyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl 5,100,893H H 4,5-dimethyl-3-thiazol-2-yl 5,100,8932-methoxy H 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0873-methoxy H 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0873-chloro H 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0873-hydroxy H 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0873,5 di-t-butyl 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0873-difluoromethyl H 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0873-hydroxymethyl H 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0873-carboxy H 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0872-methyl 3-hydroxy 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0872,6 dichloro 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0873,5 difloro 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,0873-chloro 5-ethynyl 4,5dihydro oxazol-2-yl 4,843,087__________________________________________________________________________ EXAMPLE 23 It is contemplated that any of the furans disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,857,539 and 4,861,791 can be used as starting materials for preparing compounds of formula I. Examples of these furans follow; numbering of rings is the same as in other examples, all furans are furans (attached at the x! position) where R 4 is Hydrogen and y is of the formula (CH 2 )n __________________________________________________________________________n = R.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 X = R.sub.5__________________________________________________________________________a 5 H H 5 acetyl 2 Ethoxy carbonylb 5 H H 5 acetyl 2 2-4,5dihydrooxazolec 7 H H H 2 2-4,5dihydrooxazoled 5 3-bromo H 5 acetyl 2 2-4,5dihydrooxazolee 5 3,5-dichloro H 2 2-4,5dihydrooxazolef 5 3,5-dichloro H 2 2-4,5dihydrooxazoleg 5 H H H 2 Ethoxy carbonylh 7 H H H 2 Ethoxy carbonyli 5 3,5-dimethyl 5-hydroxy- 2 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-yl methylj 5 3,5-dimethyl 2 acetyl 3 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-ylk 5 3,5-dimethyl 5 acetyl 2 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-yll 6 H H H 2 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-ylm 5 3,5-dimethyl 5-ethoxy 2 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-yln 3 3,5-dimethyl 5-acetyl 2 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-ylo 5 3,5-dimethyl 5-formyl 2 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-ylp 3 3,5-dimethyl 5-methyl 2 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-ylq 2 H H H 2 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-ylr 3 3,5-CH.sub.3 5-ethyl 2 2-methyl-5-tetrazol-yls 2 3-NO.sub.2 H 5-(2 methyl- 2 2-benzothiazole 5-isoxazolyl)t 2 H H 5-(2 methyl- 2 2 methyl 5 tetrazolyl 5-isoxazolyl)u 3 3,5-dimethyl 5-acetyl 2 5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolylv 3 3,5-dimethyl 3-acetyl 2 5-methyl-1 2,4-oxadiazolylw 3 3,5-dimethyl 3-acetyl 2 5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolylx 3 3,5-dimethyl 3-propionyl 2 5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyly 3 3,5-dimethyl 5-propionyl 2 5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolylz 3 3,5-dimethyl 4 acetyl 2 5-methyl-1 2,4-oxadiazolylaa 3 3,5-dimethyl 5 methoxy 2 5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolyl carbonylbb 3 3,5-dimethyl 5 cyano 2 5-difluoromethyl-1,2,4- oxadiazlyl__________________________________________________________________________ BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION Biological evaluation of representative compounds of formula I has shown that they possess antipicornaviral activity. They are useful in inhibiting picornavirus replication in vitro and are primarily active against picornaviruses, including enteroviruses, echovirus and coxsackie virus, especially rhinoviruses. The in vitro testing of the representative compounds of the invention against picornaviruses showed that viral replication was inhibited at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.033 to 0.659 micrograms per milliliter (μg/mL). The MIC values were determined by an automated tissue culture infectious dose 50% (TCID-50) assay. HeLa cells in monolayers in 96-well cluster plates were infected with a dilution of picornavirus which had been shown empirically to produce 80% to 100% cytopathic effect (CPE) in 3 days in the absence of drug. The compound to be tested was serially diluted through 10, 2-fold cycles and added to the infected cells. After a 3 day incubation at 33° C. and 2.5% carbon dioxide, the cells were fixed with a 5% solution of glutaraldehyde followed by staining with a 0.25% solution of crystal violet in water. The plates were then rinsed, dried, and the amount of stain remaining in the well (a measure of intact cells) was quantitated with an optical density reader. The MIC was determined to be the concentration of compound which protected 50% of the cells from picornavirus-induced CPE relative to an untreated picornavirus control. In the above test procedures, representative compounds of formula I were tested against some the serotypes from either a panel of fifteen human rhinovirus (HRV) serotypes, (noted in the table as panel T) namely, HRV-2, -14, -1A, -1B, -6, -21, -22, -15, -25, -30, -50, -67, -89, -86 and -41 or against some of the serotypes from a panel of 10 human rhinovirus serotypes namely HRV-3, -4, -5, -9, -16, -18, -38, -66, -75 and-67, (noted in the table as panel B) and the MIC value, expressed in micrograms per milliliter (mg/mL), for each rhinovirus serotype was determined for each picornavirus. Then MIC 50 and MIC 80 values, which are the minimum concentrations of the compound required to inhibit 50% and 80%, respectively, of the tested serotypes were determined. The compounds tested were found to exhibit antipicornaviral activity against one or more of these serotypes. The following Table gives the test results for representative compounds of the invention. The panel of picornaviruses used in the test appears before the the MIC 80 and MIC 50 figure and the number of serotypes which the compound is tested against (N) is indicated after the MIC 80 and MIC 50 figure. TABLE______________________________________Ex Panel Mic.sub.50 Mic.sub.80 N______________________________________1c T 0.241 0.272 151d T 0.459 2.216 102c T 0.475 0.83 22f B 0.1315 -- 102g B 0.071 -- 73a B 0.446 3.087 103b B 0.659 -- 73c B 0.074 0.129 104e T 0.453 -- 155a T 0.313 -- 105e B 0.0555 0.116 106d B 0.033 0.067 97g B 0.078 -- 78e B 0.07 0.189 98g B 0.1405 0.17 108i B 0.02 0.07 109d T 0.128 0.25 69f T 0.055 0.44 1010a T 0.453 99 1110b T 0.055 0.098 1411a T 0.453 -- 1111g T 0.068 0.161 1412c B 0.26 1.414 712f B 0.515 0.103 1012g B 0.036 0.117 1012h B 0.05 0.11 1012i B 0.23 0.63 912j B 0.05 0.19 912k B 0.14 0.40 912l B 0.08 0.16 1012m B 0.64 -- 1013f B 0.14 0.67 1014p B 0.01 -- 1015b B 0.03 0.15 1015c B 0.29 -- 815d B 0.09 0.28 1016d B 0.05 2.16 916e B 0.02 0.03 1016f B 0.02 0.05 1016g B 0.05 0.18 1016h B 0.03 0.15 1016k B 0.03 0.67 916l B 0.20 -- 1017d B 0.03 0.10 1018c B 0.58 -- 919e B 0.08 0.44 1019h B -- -- 1019i B -- -- 820f B 0.02 0.06 1020g B 0.04 0.19 1020h B 0.10 0.31 820i B 0.05 0.15 1020j B 0.04 0.13 1021a B 0.15 1.39 1021b B 0.05 0.33 921c B 0.01 0.03 921d B 0.02 0.44 921f B 0.10 0.14 921g B 0.15 0.44 1021h B 0.07 0.18 10______________________________________ -- insufficient data or inactive The compounds of formula I can be formulated into compositions, including sustained release compositions together with one or more non-toxic physiologically acceptable carriers, adjuvants or vehicles which are collectively referred to herein as carriers, in any conventional form, using conventional formulation techniques for preparing compositions for treatment of infection or for propylactic use, using formulations well known to the skilled pharmaceutical chemist, for parenteral injection or oral or nasal administration, in solid or liquid form, for rectal or topical administration, or the like. The compositions can be administered to humans and animals either orally, rectally, parenterally (intravenous, intramuscularly or subcutaneously), intracisternally, intravaginally, intraperitoneally, locally (powders, ointments or drops), or as an aerosal, for example as a nasal or a buccal spray. Compositions suitable for parenteral injection can comprise physiologically acceptable sterile aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions and sterile powders for reconstitution into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include water, ethanol, polyols (propyleneglycol, polyethyleneglycol, glycerol, polyalkylene glycols and the like), suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils (such as olive oil) and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions and by the use of surfactants. These compositions can also contain adjuvants such as preserving, wetting, emulsifying, and dispensing agents. Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be ensured by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents, for example sugars, sodium chloride and the like. Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the use of agents that delay absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin. Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, lozenges and granules which may be dissolved slowly in the mouth, in order to bathe the mouth and associated passages with a solution of the active ingredient. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound is admixed with at least one inert customary excipient (or carrier) such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate or (a) fillers or extenders, as for example, starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol and silicic acid, (b) binders, as for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sucrose and acacia, (c) humectants, as for example, glylcerol, (d) disintegrating agents, as for example, agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain complex silicates and sodium carbonate, (e) solution retarders, as for example paraffin, (f) absorption accelerators, as, for example, quaternary ammonium compounds, (g) wetting agents, as for example, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate, (h) adsorbents, as, for example, kaolin and bentonire, and (i) lubricants, as, for example, talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate or mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the dosage forms can also comprise buffering agents. Certain solid dosage forms can be delivered through the inhaling of a powder manually or through a device such as a SPIN-HALER used to deliver disodium cromoglycate (INTAL). When using the latter device, the powder can be encapsulated. When employing a liquid composition, the drug can be delivered through a nebulizer, an aerosol vehicle, or through any device which can divide the composition into discrete portions, for example, a medicine dropper or an atomizer. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be formulated for use in soft and hard gelatin capsules, using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethyleneglycols, and the like. Solid dosage forms such as tablets, dmgees, capsules, pills and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells, such as enteric coatings and others well known in the art. They can contain opacifying agents, and can also be of such composition that they release the active compound or compounds in a certain part of the intestinal tract in a delayed manner. The active compounds can also be in micro-encapsulated form, if appropriate, with one or more of the above-mentioned excipients. Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. Also solid formulations can be prepared as a base for liquid formulations. In addition to the active compounds, the liquid dosage forms can contain inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers, as for example, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propyleneglycol, 1,3-butyleneglycol, dimethylformamide, oils, particularly cottonseed oil, ground-nut oil, corn germ oil, olive oil, castor oil and sesame oil, glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethyleneglycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan or mixtures of these substances, and the like. Besides such inert diluents, the composition can also include adjuvants, such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents. Suspensions, in addition to the active compounds, can contain suspending agents, as for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol, polyethyleneglycols of varying molecular weights and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminum metahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar and tmgacanth, or mixtures of these substances, and the like. Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are preferably suppositories which can be prepared by mixing the compounds of the present invention with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such as cocoa butter, polyethyleneglycol or a suppository wax, which are solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at body temperature and, therefore, melt in the rectum or vaginal cavity and release the active component. Compositions for administration as aerosols are prepared by dissolving a compound of Formula I in water or a suitable solvent, for example an alcohol ether, or other inert solvent, and mixing with a volatile propellant and placing in a pressurized container having a metering valve to release the material in usefule droplet size. The liquefied propellant employed typically one which has a boiling point below ambient temperature at atmospheric pressure. For use in compositions intended to produce aerosols for medicinal use, the liquefied propellant should be non-toxic. Among the suitable liquefied propellants which can be employed are the lower alkanes containing up to five carbon atoms, such as butane and pentane, or a alkyl chloride, such as methyl, ethyl, or propyl chlorides. Further suitable liquefied propellants are the fluorinated and fluorochlorinated alkanes such as are sold under the trademarks "Freon" and "Genetron". Mixtures of the above mentioned propellants can suitably be employed. Preferred liquefied propellants are chlorine free propellants, for example 134a (tetrafluoroethane) and 227c (heptafluoropropane) which can be used as described above. Typically, one uses a cosolvent, such as an ether, alcohol or glycol in such aerosol formulations. The specifications for unit dosage forms of this invention are dictated by and directly dependent on (a) the unique characteristics of the active material and the particular effect to be achieved and (b) the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active material for use in humans and animals, as disclosed in detail in this specification, these being features of the present invention. Examples of suitable unit dosage forms in accord with this invention are capsules adapted for ingestion or, aerosols with metered discharges, segregated multiples of any of the foregoing, and other forms as herein described. Compounds of the invention are useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of infections of suspected picornaviral etiologies such as aseptic meningitis, upper respiratory tract infection, enterovirus infections, coxsackievirus, enteroviruses and the like. An effective but non-toxic quantity of the compound is employed in treatment. The dosage of the compound used in treatment depends on the route of administration, e.g., intra nasal, intra bronchial, and the potency of the particular compound. Dosage forms for topical administration include ointments, powders, sprays and inhalants. The active component is admixed under sterile conditions with a physiologically acceptable carrier and any preservatives, buffers or propellants as may be required. Opthalmic formulations, eye ointments, powders and solutions are also contemplated. It will be appreciated that the starting point for dosage determination, both for prophylaxis and treatment of picornaviral infection, is based on a plasma level of the compound at roughly the minimum inhibitory concentration levels determined for a compound in the laboratory. For example a MIC of 1 μg/mL would give a desired starting plasma level of 0.1 mg/dl and a dose for the avemge 70 Kg mammal of roughly 5 mg. It is specifically contemplated that dosage range may be from 0.01-1000 mg. Actual dosage levels of the active ingredient in the compositions can be varied so as to obtain an amount of active ingredient that is effective to obtain a desired therapeutic response for a particular composition and method of administration. The selected dosage level therefore depends upon the desired therapeutic effect, on the route of administration, on the desired duration of treatment and other factors and is readily determined by those skilled in the art. The formulation of a pharmaceutical dosage form, including determination of the appropriate ingredients to employ in formulation and determination of appropriate levels of active ingredient to use, so as to achieve the optimum bioavailability and longest blood plasma halflife and the like, is well within the purview of the skilled artisan, who normally considers in vivo dose-response relationships when developing a pharmaceutical composition for therapeutic use. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the appropriate dosage to achieve optimum results of therapy is a matter well within the purview of the skilled artisan who normally considers the dose-response relationship when developing a regimen for therapeutic use. For example the skilled artisan may consider in vitro minimum inhibitory concentrations as a guide to effective plasma levels of the drug. However, this and other methods are all well within the scope of practice of the skilled artisan when developing a pharmaceutical. It will be understood that the specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the body weight, general health, sex, diet, time and route of administration, rates of absorption and excretion, combination with other drugs and the severity of the disease being treated and is readily determined by the skilled clinician. When administered prior to infection, that is, prophylactically, it is preferred that the administration be within about 0 to 48 hours prior to infection of the host animal with the pathogenic picornavirus. When administered therapeutically to inhibit an infection it is preferred that the administration be within about a day or two after infection with the pathogenic virus. The dosage unit administered will be dependent upon the picornavirus for which treatment or prophylaxis is desired, the type of animal involved, its age, health, weight, extent of infection, kind of concurrent treatment, if any, frequency of treatment and the nature of the effect desired. The compound of the invention also finds utility in preventing the spread of picornaviral infection. the compounds can be used in aerosol sprays applied to contaminated surfaces, to disposable products, such as tissues and the like used by an infected person. In addition the compounds can be used to impregnate household products such as tissues, other paper products, disposable swabs, and the like to prevent the spread of infection by inactivating the picornavirus. Because compounds of the invention are able to suppress the growth of picornaviruses when added to a medium in which the picornavirus is growing, it is specifically contemplated that compounds of the invention can be used in disinfecting solutions, for example in aqueous solution with a surfactant, to decontaminate surfaces on which polio, Coxsackie, rhinovirus and/or other picornaviruses are present, such surfaces including, but not limited to, hospital glassware, hospital working surfaces, restuarant tables, food service working surfaces, bathroom sinks and anywhere else that it is expected that picornaviruses may be harbored. Hand contact of nasal mucus may be the most important mode of rhinovirus transmission. Sterilization of the hands of people coming into contact with persons infected with rhinovirus prevents further spread of the disease. It is contemplated that a compound of the invention incorporated into a hand washing or hand care procedure or product, inhibits production of rhinovirus and decreases the likelihood of the transmission of the disease.

Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein: R 1 and R 2 are independently hydrogen, halo, alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyhaloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkynyl, hydroxyalkoxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkylsulfinylalkyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, amino, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy or cyanomethyl, nitro, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl or cyano; Y is alkylene of 3 to 9 carbon atoms; R 3 and R 4 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, hydroxy, cycloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, hydroxyhaloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, hydroxyalkoxy, alkylthioalkyl, alkanoyl, alkanoyloxy, alkylsulfinylalkyl, alkylsulfonylalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, cyanomethyl, fluoroalkyl, cyano, phenyl, alkynyl, alkene, or halo; R 5 is alkoxycarbonyl, alkyltetrazolyl, phenyl or a heterocycle; or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof; N-oxides thereof, are useful as antipirconaviral agents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an arrangement and method whereby, in a communications system, resources are allocated to a number of competing resource consumers having preferably different assignment priorities. This is done without requiring a deterministic operating system, such as a real-time operating system, or a defined communications protocol in the form of a handshake protocol. In particular, services of a switching device are assigned via a CTI interface to service features or applications in a decentralized device of the communications system. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Various interfaces between switching devices and external control computers are known. By way of example, the CSTA, TAPI or JTAPI protocol can be used on a CTI connection (Computer Telephony Integration). [0005] This involves CTI protocols from different manufacturers. The specific meanings of the abbreviations are as follows: [0006] CSTA: Computer Supported Telephony Application. A protocol specified by the ECMA (European Computer Manufacturers Association). [0007] TSAPI: Telephony Services Application Programming Interface, an adaptation of CSTA by Novell. [0008] TAPI: Telephony Application Programming Interface, an interface from Microsoft. [0009] JTAPI: Java Telephony Application Programming Interface. A protocol specified by the ECTF (Enterprise Computer Telephony Forum). [0010] At present, in the case of CTI applications, actions are triggered by event messages on the part of the switching device. The event messages are multiplexed and made available to the relevant applications. These applications either react with services to the event messages or else behave passively. A conflict occurs if a number of mutually competing applications wish to react differently to an event message. In the case of a number of applications running in parallel, with different response times governed by the operating system, principally the following two problems arise: [0011] 1. It is not certain that the first application which receives the event message x is also the first application which responds thereto. [0012] 2. It cannot be determined in advance when all of the applications have concluded their actions in respect of the event message x, since no acknowledgement mechanism is provided as standard via the CTI interface. [0013] These problems have not been avoided hitherto with the currently known protocols CSTA, TAPI or JTAPI. As a rule, the assignment of resources and resource consumers has been effected deterministically. There are essentially three solution variants that are considered for such deterministic assignment. [0014] First, by using a real-time operating system, it can be ensured that event messages sent first are actually answered first. Prioritizable processing by the resource requesters can be ensured here by the event messages first being delivered to higher-priority resource requestors. In this case, a resource requestor having the lowest priority is the last to receive a corresponding event message. [0015] Prioritizable assignment likewise can be ensured by a handshaking mechanism. In this case, it is assumed that each received event message must be acknowledged by a corresponding potential resource requester. This acknowledgement can be effected either by outputting a resource request or by outputting a simple confirmation of reception. In a solution of this type, a central assignment device collects the acknowledgements. By access to a priority list which is present for the potential resource requestors, a respective resource is then made available to that resource requestor which has the highest priority. [0016] Likewise, it is possible to agree to a fixed time period in which all potential resource requestors have to respond to an event message. After this time period has elapsed, a central resource assignment device can then assume that all resource requests from the individual resource requestors must have arrived. Using a priority list, the resource is then assigned to that resource requestor which has the highest priority. Resource requestors of this type may be, for example, applications or service features. [0017] The above-described alternatives have various disadvantages, however. Temporal sequential processing of event messages and resource requests across process boundaries is not ensured by a standard operating system, for which reason a proprietary solution would have to be chosen. A proprietary solution would likewise have to be used if the intention were for a handshaking mechanism to ensure the prioritization, because no CTI specification contains the requirement that received event messages have to be acknowledged. Adherence to a defined time period as waiting time produces unnecessarily long delays and, moreover, is prone to errors. [0018] The present invention is therefore directed to a method and a arrangement which enable prioritizable assignment of resources requested by competing resource requesters and which do not have the disadvantages described above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0019] Accordingly, the method of to the present invention advantageously affords the security of a handshake method without exhibiting the disadvantages of the numerous messages of a handshake protocol, because after a resource request it is only necessary to interrogate those potential resource requestors which have a higher priority than that resource requestor which has currently output its request. As such, depending on the number of allocated priorities and the number of potential resource requests, a corresponding number of acknowledgement messages are saved. [0020] In another embodiment of the method, a resource request is sent directly to an assignment device because the latter can undertake the comparison of the priorities, (the sending of the interrogations to be acknowledged and the evaluation of the responses). The CTI connection to the switching device is being burdened by the control command for the resource assignment which has been determined by the assignment device as a consequence of its evaluation. [0021] In a further embodiment of the method the message traffic with respect to the individual potential resource requests is controlled by the assignment device and event messages which arrive via the CTI connection from the switching device are duplicated and sent to the individual potential resource requestors. In this way, a defined and resource-sparing message traffic is ensured, without this necessitating additional devices. [0022] In an advantageous manner, the potential resource requesters process the event messages one after the other, for example in a manner effected by a message queue, because this ensures in the system interconnection that, in connection with a response to be acknowledged, a resource request of a higher priority potential resource requestor is output to the assignment device prior to the acknowledgement of the inquiry to be acknowledged. [0023] In another embodiment of the method the resources of a switching system are assigned to service features via a CTI connection because a service-feature server for customary switching devices can be provided in a simple manner, which server permits prioritized processing of service features. [0024] A system having the ability to carry out the method according to the present invention is particularly advantageous because a switching device with a service-feature server is provided in this way, which server permits fast, optimal processing of resource requests without necessitating a real-time operating system or a complete handshake mechanism for its control. [0025] In an embodiment of the system described, a decentralized device is connected to a switching device via a CTI connection, service-feature processes which require resources of the switching device running in the decentralized device. A development of this type enables prioritized service-feature control in a switching device without resulting in an increased message volume via the CTI connection. [0026] In a further embodiment of the system described, individual resource requestors have memories for storing event messages which allow successive processing of these messages by the corresponding processes. This ensures that potential resource requesters, after receiving an inquiry to be acknowledged from the assignment device, output a resource request before they acknowledge the corresponding message. [0027] Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments and the Drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] [0028]FIG. 1 shows a message sequence as is shown in the prior art; [0029] [0029]FIGS. 2 through 4 show message sequences according to the method of the present invention, in which resources are requested by resource requestors having a different assignment rank level; and [0030] [0030]FIG. 5 shows an example of the system of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0031] [0031]FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic illustration, a switching device PBX, an assignment device LM and individual potential resource requestors PRA1 to PRA3. The assignment device LM contains, for example, one or 5 more priority lists which specify assignment ranks, i.e. priorities of the individual potential resource requesters, in order for messages to be sent first to higher-priority potential resource requestors. By way of example, the switching device PBX and the assignment device LM are connected to one another via a CTI interface and a corresponding connecting line. [0032] A message sequence according to the handshaking method is shown in this example. Such a concept corresponds to the prior art but is not possible with currently available CTI protocols. [0033] As can be discerned, the switching device PBX initially outputs an event message Event x to the resource assignment device LM. The latter sends this message in accordance with the allocated priorities for the potential resource requestors first to PRA1, then to PRA2 and last to PRA3, because PRA3 has the lowest priority. As a reaction to receiving this event message, PRA3 outputs an assignment request Service3 Request to the resource assignment device LM. Afterward, PRA1 acknowledges reception of the event message by Event x received. The reception of this acknowledgement message is interpreted in the resource assignment device LM to the effect that PRA1 does not require any resources at the moment. After the acknowledgement message just described, a resource request Service2 Request is issued by the device PRA2. Since PRA1 having the highest priority does not request any resources and PRA2 having the second-highest priority does require resources, the resource request from PRA2 and not that from PRA3 is forwarded by the resource assignment device to the switching device, whereupon the switching device PBX confirms the assignment by Service2 Ack to the assignment device, which forwards this message to the potential resource requestor PRA2. Consequently, the request from PRA3 is turned down with Service3 Ack (negative). [0034] [0034]FIG. 2 shows an example of resource assignment in accordance with the present invention, and of the associated message traffic. The designations of the messages and of the individual devices should understood to be analogous to FIG. 1. As a reaction to the event message Event x, PRA3 requests resources of the switching device PBX with Service3 Request via the assignment device LM. Subsequently, in evaluation of a priority list which is accessible to the assignment device LM and contains the rank order of PRA1 to PRA3 with regard to the assignment of resources of the switching device, an inquiry to be acknowledged, Forced Reply Request, is issued first to PRA1 having the highest assignment priority. The potential resource requester PRA1 acknowledges Event x with a resource request Service1 Request and the inquiry Forced Reply Request with the acknowledgement Forced Reply Ack. The message pair Forced Reply Request and Forced Reply Ack is used by the resource assignment device LM to ascertain whether PRA1 has sent a resource request Service1 Request in respect of the Event x. This is not the only possible reaction. Since PRA1 processes all messages one after the other, the message Service1 Request must necessarily arrive before the message Forced Reply Ack. LM can thus derive the following conclusions. [0035] If a Service1 Request arrives before Forced Reply Ack, then PRA1 is interested in resource allocation. [0036] If no Service1 Request arrives before Forced Reply Ack, then PRA1 is not interested in resource allocation. [0037] The resource can, thus, be assigned as required to PRA2 or PRA3. [0038] The resource assignment device LM forwards the resource assignment Service1 Request to the switching device, which confirms reception of this message with Service1 Ack to the resource assignment device LM, whereupon the latter once again outputs a message Service1 Ack to PRA1. Since PRA1 has a higher assignment priority of resources than PRA3, in a further step the resource assignment device LM outputs a message Service3 Ack (negative) to PRA3. It can be discerned in this message sequence that, in connection with message traffic of this type, message queues within the potential resource requesters PRA1 to PRA3 are advantageous. The following is ensured by the inquiry to be acknowledged (inquiry: Forced Reply Request, acknowledgement: Forced Reply Ack): [0039] If a Service1 Request arrives before Forced Reply Ack, then PRA1 is interested in resource allocation. [0040] If no Service1 Request arrives before Forced Reply Ack, then PRA1 is not interested in resource allocation. [0041] The resource can, thus, be assigned as required to PRA2 or PRA3. [0042] [0042]FIG. 3 shows, in an analogous manner to FIG. 2, the message traffic in a method according to the present invention in the case where the potential resource requester PRA1 does not require any resources, the potential resource requester PRA2 likewise not requiring any resources in this case. The higher-priority potential resource requesters PRA1 and PRA2 in this case output the acknowledgement messages to the resource assignment device LM. No resource request is made. In this example, the resource request of the low-priority resource requestor PRA3 can be satisfied by the assignment of resources of the switching device. In general, it should be noted that the response to a message Event x will be ServiceX Request if there is interest in resource assignment. The acknowledgement Forced Reply Ack is always issued in respect of the inquiry Forced Reply Request. [0043] [0043]FIG. 4 shows a message traffic in which the potential resource requester PRA2 responds with a resource assignment inquiry Service2 Request as a reaction to the event message Event x from the resource assignment device LM. For this reason, a resource request made first by PRA3 is likewise turned down negatively. [0044] In this case, a message traffic is shown in which PRA3, the potential resource requestor having the lowest priority, is the first to register its requirement at LM with Service3 Request. [0045] However, LM sent the event message to PRA1 and PRA2 as well. The latter have not yet answered; for example, for propagation time reasons. LM therefore sends Forced Reply Request first to PRA1 having the highest priority, and receives only the acknowledgement Forced Reply Ack from PRA1 as a response. From this LM infers that PRA1 has not requested a service as a reaction to Event x. LM therefore sends Forced Reply Request to PRA2 having the second-highest priority and receives Service2 Request from PRA2 as a reaction to Event x as a response. LM receives the acknowledgement Forced Reply Ack from PRA2. From this LM infers that PRA2 requested a resource as a reaction to Event x. LM forwards the resource request Service2 Request from PRA2 to PBX. LM receives a positive acknowledgement from the switching device PBX and passes this on to PRA2 LM then acknowledges the resource request Service3 Request from PRA3 negatively with Service3 Ack (negative), since the resource has been allocated to PRA2. [0046] In principle, it does not matter what inquiries to be acknowledged are sent from the resource assignment device LM to the potential resource requestors in the case where a resource request is present. What is important with regard to these messages is that a standard-conforming inquiry and response pair is selected for them. In the case of a CSTA application, such an inquiry/response pair would be, for example, “System Status”. Message checks and message sending and also access to assignment rank lists are advantageously provided in customary fashion in switching devices, or in service-feature servers or in combinations thereof. [0047] As shown in FIG. 5, a system with prioritizable resource assignment includes a switching device PBX. The latter is connected to a resource assignment device LM via a CTI interface CTI. Potential resource requestors PRA1, PRA2 and PRA3 communicate with this resource assignment device LM via lines 10 , 20 and 30 . Although it is shown here that the potential resource requesters are arranged separately as individual computers and connected to LM via a network, in other configurations they may be situated in the same computer as LM and be processed there as different processes. PRA1 to PRA3 must ensure that the messages are processed one after the other, for example in a manner effected by message queues for which queue memories M 1 , M 2 and M 3 are present in the potential resource requesters PRA1, PRA2 and PRA3. The message exchange explained above takes place in the arrangement shown. [0048] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the hereafter appended claims.

A system and method with which competing resource requests can be processed in accordance with a predefined priority list of the different requesting processes, without necessitating a real-time operating system or a complete handshake protocol mechanism for processing the messages between an assignment device and requesting devices or processes. The methods and systems can be used in service-feature servers of switching devices which are preferably connected via a CTI interface to the switching device.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 08/445,168 filed May 19, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,824,561. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. [Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a thermoelectric device and a method of making thereof which make possible electric generation by temperature difference (thermal power generation) by the Seebeck effect and thermoelectric cooling and heat generation by the Peltier effect. 2. [Prior Art] A thermoelectric device is made by bonding a P-type thermoelectric material and a N-type thermoelectric material via an electrically conductive electrode such as a metal to thereby form a couple of PN junctions. The thermoelectric device generates thermal electromotive force based on the Seebeck effect by a temperature difference applied between ends of the junction couple. Therefore, it has applications for a power generating device and conversely, a cooling device and a fine temperature control device utilizing the so-called Peltier effect in which one side of a junction is cooled and the other side generates heat by making electric current flow in the device and the like. Generally, a thermoelectric device is used as a module in which a plurality of couples of PN junctions are connected in series to promote its function. In the structure of this module pieces of P-type and N-type thermoelectric materials (called thermoelectric material chip) having a shape of a rectangular parallelopiped of which size ranges from several hundred μm to several mm are interposed by two sheets of electrically insulative substrates of alumina, aluminium nitride or the like, the P-type thermoelectric material chips and N-type thermoelectric material chips are PN-coupled by electrodes of an electrically conductive substance such as a metal formed on the substrates and at the same time the thermoelectric material chips are connected in series by these junctions. FIG. 16 illustrates views showing an arrangement of electrodes of substrates and thermoelectric material chips at a section cut in a direction in parallel with the substrates and respective sections in a direction orthogonal to the substrates of a conventional thermoelectric device (hereinafter called a thermoelectric device including a module in which the above-mentioned plurality of thermoelectric chips are arranged) having such a structure. FIG. 16A is a view showing an arrangement of electrodes and thermoelectric material chips on the substrate at a section in parallel with the substrates of the conventional thermoelectric device. In other words, it is a perspective view for indicating the arrangement of the electrodes and the thermoelectric material chips from above the substrate. An electrode pattern shown by bold lines indicates an electrode 161 of a top substrate whereas an electrode pattern shown by dotted lines indicates an electrode 162 of a bottom substrate. Further, a hatched quadrangle at the inside of a portion in which the electrode 161 of the top substrate intersects with the electrode 162 of the bottom substrate indicates a portion in which a P-type thermoelectric material chip 163 or a N-type thermoelectric material chip 164 is disposed. FIGS. 16B, 16C, 16D are views showing respective longitudinal sections of FIG. 16A taken along lines X1-X1', X2-X2' and Y1-Y1'. As is apparent from FIG. 16, the arrangement of the thermoelectric material chips in the conventional thermoelectric device is in a lattice form arranged on the substrate and the P-type thermoelectric material chips and the N-type thermoelectric material chips are always arranged alternately in respective rows (X direction and Y direction in FIG. 16A) constituting the lattice. An explanation will be given of a method of making the conventional thermoelectric device comprising a plurality of the thermoelectric material chips as follows. FIG. 17 illustrates views showing an outline of working thermoelectric material in manufacturing the conventional thermoelectric device by longitudinal sections thereof. FIG. 17A shows a section of a thermoelectric material 171 which has been worked in plate-like form or rod-like form. Layers 172 are formed for soldering by Ni etc. on both faces of the thermoelectric material to be bonded to the substrates by a plating method (FIG. 17B). Next, P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips 173 each having the layers 172 for soldering on its both faces are formed by cutting the thermoelectric material (FIG. 17C). Successively, each of the thermoelectric material chips formed as above is disposed on a predetermined electrode on the substrate by using jigs or the like and a bonding is performed thereby forming the thermoelectric device. FIG. 18 illustrates views showing a conventional method of manufacturing a thermoelectric device by using the thermoelectric material chips and substrates provided with electrodes. FIG. 18A shows relationship between the substrates 181 and thermoelectric material chips 182 before bonding. Electrodes 183 forming PN junctions and bonding materials 184 for bonding the thermoelectric material chips 182 to surfaces of the substrates are formed on the substrates 181 in layers. FIG. 18B shows a longitudinal sectional view in which a thermoelectric device 185 is formed by bonding the respective portions. Each thermoelectric material chip used for a thermoelectric device is a rectangular parallelopiped having sides with a size ranging from several hundred μm to several mm. However, in recent years, in an device used at around room temperature under a temperature difference of several tens degrees it has high function when its size and thickness ranges from several tens to several hundred μm. For example, such a content is described in, The "Transaction of the Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers C-II, Vol. J75-C-II, No. 8, pp. 416-424 (JAPAN)" (in Japanese) and the like, while importance of design with respect to heat is set forth in the same paper. Further, the number of couples of thermoelectric material chips in one thermoelectric device has been several hundreds at most and its density has been approximately several tens couples/cm 2 . However, to increase the number of couples of thermoelectric material chips is one of very important factors in promoting its function and expanding its application. Especially, in power generation using a small temperature difference, generated electromotive force is in proportion to the number of couples of thermoelectric material chips and therefore, it is desirable to increase as many as possible the number of thermoelectric material chips connected in series in a thermoelectric device to generate a high voltage. Furthermore, also in case where a thermoelectric device is used as a cooling device or a temperature controlling device, electric current flowing in an device is enhanced when the number of thermoelectric material chips connected in series is small and it is necessary to enlarge wirings or to enlarge power sources. Accordingly, it is desirable to arrange as many thermoelectric material chips as possible in series. As state above, miniaturizing, thinning, thermal design and an increase in the number of the couples of the thermoelectric material chips connected in series in a single thermoelectric device amount to high function of the thermoelectric device and at the same time are becoming points of expanding its application. However, in making thermoelectric devices having the conventional structure shown in FIG. 16 by the manufacturing method shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, it is necessary to handle the thermoelectric material chips one by one and there is a limitation for reducing the size of the chip and the size of the device considering the operational performance and the working accuracy. Especially, thermoelectric materials having good function including Bi-Te series materials, Fe-Si series material and the like are substances having low mechanical strength. Therefore, in making a thermoelectric device in which the size of the thermoelectric material chip is no more than several hundreds μm or the number of chips is extremely large, the handling of the thermoelectric material is difficult and it is difficult to make thermoelectric device having the conventional structure by the conventional manufacturing method. Further, when a large number of thermoelectric elements are line-up in series with one another, if there is a discontinuity even at just one part of the electrodes or the thermoelectric materials, the function of the device is impaired. This problem lowers the manufacturing yield and at the same time is considered important from the point of view of cost. It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermoelectric device which is small in scale and high in function and a method of making thereof by reducing the size of the thermoelectric material chips and increasing the number of thermoelectric material chips per unit area (chip density). SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention allows to adopt a new manufacturing method by improving the arrangement of thermoelectric material chips in the conventional thermoelectric device on substrates and provides a thermoelectric device in which the size of thermoelectric material chips is reduced and the chip density is enhanced. Outline of the present invention is as follows. The first object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric device comprising two sheets of substrates each having electrodes and at least one of couples of P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips interposed by the two sheets of substrates and PN-coupled via the electrodes, wherein a sectional shape of each of the thermoelectric material chips cut by a plane in parallel with the two sheets of substrates is quadrangular and the thermoelectric material chips and electrodes for PN junctions are arranged such that a positional and directional relationship between a straight line connecting centers of quadrangles of the electrically coupled P-type and N-type thermoelectric materials and each of four sides constituting the quadrangle that is the sectional shape of each thermoelectric material chip forming a couple of PN junction is not in an orthogonal or parallel relationship. In other words, above mentioned "positional and directional relationship" means that a distance between the centers of quardrangles of the electrically conpled P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips is ranged from a half to equal distance between the centers of quadrangles of the same type chips which are disposed mostly closed. Another object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric device comprising two sheets of substrates each having electrodes and at least one of couples of P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips interposed by the two sheets of substrates and PN-coupled via the electrodes, wherein a sectional shape of each of the thermoelectric chips cut by a plane in parallel with the two sheets of substrates is quadrangular, at the same time the thermoelectric material chips are arranged in a lattice form on the substrates in side directions of a quadrangle that is the sectional shape of each of the thermoelectric material chips, the P-type thermoelectric material chips and the N-type thermoelectric material chips are alternately arranged at a first side constituting the lattice arrangement of the chips and rows of only the P-types thermoelectric material chips or only the N-type thermoelectric material chips are alternately arranged at a second side thereof. According to the thermoelectric device described above, degree of freedom of design and manufacturing method of thermoelectric devices having a plurality of PN junctions can be broadened by the positional relationship between the P-type thermoelectric material chips and the N-type thermoelectric material chips as well as the directional relationship between the P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips and electrodes for PN junctions, and therefore, a thermoelectric device comprising thermoelectric material chips of several hundred μm or less can be manufactured. Another object of the invention is to provide the thermoelectric device according to above mentioned device, wherein dummy thermoelectric material chips which are not electrically connected are bonded and included in the device other than the thermoelectric material chips having PN junctions and constituting the device. According to the thermoelectric device described above, the mechanical strength of the thermoelectric device can be enhanced by bonding the electrically isolated thermoelectric material chips to the substrates. Another object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric device as set forth above wherein the thermoelectric device has electrodes each of which is connected with a plurality of chips of a same type among the electrodes formed on the substrates for forming couples of PN junctions. According to the thermoelectric device described above, the thermoelectric material chips having a same type are bonded to an electrode for PN junction and therefore its mechanical strength is enhanced and the device can achieve the function even if one of them is destroyed. Another object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric device comprising two sheets of substrates each having electrodes and at least one of couples of P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips interposed by the two sheets of substrates and PN-coupled via the electrodes, wherein a sectional area or width of each of the thermoelectric material chips is changed in a width thereof in a direction orthogonal to the substrate. According to the thermoelectric device described above, in case where the Peltier effect is utilized, it is possible to prescribe a location of generating Joule heat caused by flowing current depending on the sectional shape. Further, in making the thermoelectric device, a thermoelectric device comprising thermoelectric material chips of several hundreds μm or less can be manufactured and its yield can be promoted. Another object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric device comprising two sheets of substrates each having electrodes and at least one of couples of P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips interposed by the two sheets of substrates and PN-coupled via the electrodes, wherein structures are provided proximate to portions of a surface of at least one of the substrates at which the thermoelectric material chips and the substrate are bonded. According to the thermoelectric device described above, a bonding material such as solder is prevented from oozing in bonding the substrates to the thermoelectric materials and at the same time the positioning of the thermoelectric materials to the substrates is facilitated by the structures proximate to bonding portions of the substrates. As another object of the invention, the sizes or shapes of the structures proximate to the bonding portions on a single substrate are different depending on the portions in which the P-type thermoelectric material chips or the N-type thermoelectric material chips are disposed and therefore, the bonding can be performed without taking wrong types of the thermoelectric materials. Further, when the thermoelectric device is manufactured by a step of performing PN junction by firstly bonding the P-type thermoelectric material chips and N-type thermoelectric material chips to the respectively separate substrates and thereafter by opposing the substrates, the positional accuracy of bonding can be promoted by making smaller the structures used for positioning in the first bonding, allowance is provided to the positioning in the second bonding (PN bonding) and at the same time the bonding material can be prevented from oozing by making larger the structures used in the positioning therefor. As another object of the invention, the sizes or shapes of the structures provided on the substrates are different with respect to a same thermoelectric material chip depending on the two sheets of substrates and therefore, the bonding can be performed without taking wrong types of thermoelectric materials. Further, in case where the thermoelectric device is manufactured by the step of performing PN junction by firstly bonding the P-type thermoelectric material chips or the N-type thermoelectric material chips to the respectively different substrate and thereafter opposing the substrates, the positional accuracy of bonding can be promoted by making smaller the structures used for positioning in the first bonding, allowance is provided to the positioning in the second bonding (PN bonding) and at the same time the bonding material can be prevented from oozing by making larger the structures used in the positioning therefor. As another object of the invention, the structures proximate to the bonding portions on the substrates are made of a high polymer material having poor thermal conductivity and therefore, heat can be prevented from flowing from a high temperature end to a low temperature end of the thermoelectric device by which the function of the device is not lowered. As another object of the invention, the structures proximate to the bonding portions on the substrates are made of a cured photosensitive resin by which a miniaturization can be achieved by photolithography and therefore, the structures are effectively operated in manufacturing a thermoelectric device comprising thermoelectric material chips of several hundreds μm or less. Another object of the invention is to provide a thermoelectric device comprising two sheets of substrates each having electrodes and at least one of couples of P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips interposed by the two sheets of substrates and PN-bonded via the electrodes, wherein at least one of the two sheets of substrates are made of silicon. According to the thermoelectric device described above, a fine working can be performed by using silicon for the substrates and therefore, a thermoelectric device comprising thermoelectric material chips of several hundred μm or less can be manufactured. Further, the thermal conductivity of silicon is higher than that of ceramics such as alumina as well as higher than that of a metal such as aluminium at low temperatures, an effective absorption of heat from the substrates can be carried out and therefore, the function of the thermoelectric device can be promoted. Another invention is to provide a thermoelectric device comprising two sheets of substrates each having electrodes and at least one of couples of P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips interposed by the two sheets of substrates and PN-coupled via the electrodes, wherein compositions of bonding materials for bonding the thermoelectric material chips to electrodes formed on the two sheets of substrates in bonding thereof on at least one of the two sheets of substrates are respectively different depending on a difference in types of the thermoelectric material chips. According to the thermoelectric device described above, in the bonding for forming the couples of PN junctions after bonding the P-type thermoelectric material chips and the N-type thermoelectric material chips to the respective separate substrates, the bonding can be facilitated. Another invention is to provide a thermoelectric device comprising two sheets of substrates each having electrodes and at least one of couples of P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips interposed by the two sheets of substrates and PN-coupled via the electrodes, wherein the thermoelectric material chips and first electrodes formed on the two sheets of substrates for forming PN junctions are bonded through protruded second electrodes. According to the thermoelectric device described above, the PN junctions can easily be formed by the protruded second electrodes and therefore, a method of making a thermoelectric device comprising thermoelectric material chips having a size of several hundred μm can be adopted. As another object of the invention, the protruded electrodes are provided with a solder bump structure formed on the thermoelectric materials and therefore, even if heights of the P-type thermoelectric material chips and the N-type thermoelectric material chips are made different, the difference in the heights can be canceled by the solder due to melting of solder in bonding and the thermoelectric element can easily be manufactured. Another object of the invention is to provide electrodes connecting to the electrodes for PN junctions formed on the substrates sandwiching the thermoelectric material chips so as to connect the chips in series within the device. These electrodes not only junction the thermoelectric material chips but also establish connection with outside device or with other electrodes within the device. By providing above mentioned electrodes, when there is a defect such as a discontinuity in the thermoelectric material chips within the device or the electrodes for PN junctions on the substrate at the time of device assembly or after module assembly, if the electrodes are electrically connected so as to avoid the electrically defective portion it is possible to allow the apparatus to function as a device although the performance of the entire apparatus is reduced by the function of the removed portion. Also, by using these electrodes as inspection electrodes, the existence and position of defects such as discontinuities within the module can be identified. The electrodes of the present invention can therefore be used as input/output electrodes. Another invention is to provide a method of making a thermoelectric device comprising two sheets of substrates each having electrodes and at least one of couples of P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips interposed by the two sheets of substrates and PN-coupled via the electrodes wherein P-type and N-type plate-like or rod-like thermoelectric materials (hereinafter, plate-like or rod-like thermoelectric materials are called wafer-like thermoelectric materials or thermoelectric material wafers) are bonded to each of the two separate sheets of substrates having predetermined electrodes to form PN junctions. Next, portions of each of the bonded thermoelectric material wafers are cut and eliminated in accordance with the necessity to show up electrodes to which thermoelectric material chips having respective different types are to be bonded. At this occasion, portions of the substrate or the electrodes are cut in accordance with the necessity. By these steps two sheets of the substrates are formed; in one of the substrates, the P-type thermoelectric material chips are bonded to the predetermined electrodes and the electrodes to which the N-type thermoelectric material chips are to be bonded, come into view on its surface, and in the other one of the substrates, the N-type thermoelectric material chips are bonded to the predetermined electrodes and the electrodes to which the P-type thermoelectric material chips are to be bonded, come into view on its surface. Next, with respect to the two sheets of the substrates, their faces bonded with the thermoelectric material chips are opposed, the respective thermoelectric material chips and the electrodes of the substrates are positioned to predetermined locations and the distal ends of the respective thermoelectric material chips and the electrodes for PN bonding on the substrates are bonded whereby couples of PN junctions interposing the electrodes of a metal or the like are formed and the thermoelectric device is finished. According to the method of making a thermoelectric device described above, after separately bonding the P-type and N-type thermoelectric material wafer respectively and separately to the two sheets of substrates each of which is previously provided with predetermined electrode wirings for forming the PN junctions, predetermined portions of the bonded thermoelectric material wafers are cut and eliminated thereby forming thermoelectric material chips bonded to the substrates. At this instance, the electrodes to be bonded to the thermoelectric material chips of different types show up. The substrate in a state in which the P-type thermoelectric material chips are bonded thereto and the substrate in a state in which the N-type thermoelectric material chips are bonded thereto both formed thereby are opposed and bonded together at predetermined locations by which the thermoelectric device can be manufactured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view showing outlook of a thermoelectric device according to the present invention. FIGS. 2A-B illustrate views showing sections of major portions taken along lines A-A' and B-B' of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is view showing a relationship between arrangement of thermoelectric material chips and electrodes of a thermoelectric device shown in EMBODIMENT-1 of the present invention. FIGS. 4A-E illustrate views showing outline of steps of manufacturing the thermoelectric device according to the EMBODIMENT-1 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view showing a relationship between arrangement of thermoelectric material chips and electrodes of a thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-2 of the present invention. FIGS. 6A-F illustrate views showing outline of steps of manufacturing a thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-2 of the present invention. FIGS. 7A-E illustrate views showing outline of steps of manufacturing a thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-3 of the present invention. FIGS. 8A-F illustrate views showing outline of steps of manufacturing a thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-4 of the present invention. FIGS. 9A-B illustrate views showing sections of the thermoelectric material wafer after a grooving step among steps of manufacturing the thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-4 of the present invention. FIGS. 10A-B illustrate views showing sections of major portions after a cutting and eliminating step among steps for manufacturing the thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-4 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view showing a finished section of the thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-4 of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a thermoelectric device having the structure related to the thermoelectric device of EMBODIMENT-4 of the present invention. FIGS. 13A-E illustrate views showing outline of steps of manufacturing a thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-5 of the present invention. FIGS. 14A-E illustrate views showing outline of steps of manufacturing a thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-6 of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a view showing a relatioship between arrangement of thermoelectric material chips and electrodes of a thermoelectric device according to EMBODIMENT-7 of the present invention. FIGS. 16A-D illustrate views showing a relationship between arrangement of thermoelectric material chips and electrodes of a conventional thermoelectric device. FIGS. 17A-C illustrate views showing outline of working thermoelectric material in manufacturing the conventional thermoelectric device in its longitudinal sectional view. FIGS. 18A-B illustrate views showing a method of making the conventional thermoelectric device wherein the thermoelectric device is manufactured by using thermoelectric material chips and substrates provided with electrodes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A detailed explanation will be given of the present invention based on embodiments in reference to the drawings. Embodiment-1 FIG. 1 is a view showing appearance of a thermoelectric device according to the present invention. The basic structure of a thermoelectric device 11 shown in FIG. 1 comprises substrates 12, P-type thermoelectric material chips 13, N-type thermoelectric material chips 14 and electrodes 15 for PN junction. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are views showing sections of major portions taken along lines A-A' and B-B' of FIG. 1 showing appearance of the thermoelectric device, respectively. In the sectional views of FIG. 2, in addition to the major portions of the thermoelectric device, structures 23 of the present invention are formed on the substrates 21 at the surroundings of bonding portions. In FIG. 2A that is a sectional view taken along the line A-A' of FIG. 1, the P-type thermoelectric material chips and the N-type thermoelectric material chips are arranged alternately whereas in FIG. 2B that is a sectional view taken along the line B-B' of FIG. 1, only P-type thermoelectric material chips or N-type thermoelectric material chips are arranged. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an electrode pattern and a positional relationship among the thermoelectric material chips viewing the thermoelectric device of FIG. 1 from above. (Appearance and concept are shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and dimensions, a number of the thermoelectric material chips and the like are determined in accordance with the purpose). In FIG. 3, among lines showing electrodes, bold lines show electrode patterns 32 of a top substrate and dotted lines show electrode patterns 33 of a bottom substrate. Incidentally, the expression of top substrate or bottom substrate is for convenience of explanation and naturally, any substrate can be a top or bottom one in the thermoelectric device. Further, quadrangles having two kinds of hatched lines respectively show a P-type thermoelectric material chip 34 and a N-type thermoelectric material chip 35. An explanation will be given of a thermoelectric device and a method of making thereof according to the present invention having such a structure with respect to a small-scaled thermoelectric device in which the size of the thermoelectric material chip is 100 μm. As thermoelectric material, a sintered body of Bi-Te series material that is excellent in properties around room temperature was used. As main characteristics of the thermoelectric material, in P-type, the Seebeck coefficient was 205 μV/deg, the specific resistivity was 0.95 mΩ cm and the heat conductivity was 1.5 W/m•deg whereas in N-type, the Seebeck coefficient was 170 μV/deg, the specific resistivity was 0.75 mΩ cm and the heat conductivity was 1.5 W/m•deg. As material for the substrate, a silicon wafer having the thickness of 300 μm that was electrically insulated by thermally oxidizing the surface was used. With respect to the size of the element and the like, the height of the thermoelectric material chip was 500 μm, the shape of a section of the thermoelectric material chip in parallel with the substrate was a square having a length of a side of 100 μm as mentioned above, a distance between nearest thermoelectric material chips of a same type in FIG. 3 was 200 μm (300 μm in center distance), a distance between nearest thermoelectric material chips of different types was 70 μm (300/√2=about 210 μm in center distance) and a number of element couples arranged in a single device in series was 125. FIG. 4 illustrates views showing outline of steps for making the thermoelectric device of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the method of making is grossly classified into five steps. An explanation will be given thereof in due order. In a bump forming step (A), a photoresist having the thickness of 50 μm was coated on both faces of respective thermoelectric material wafers 40 of P-type and N-type having the thickness of 500 μm and made of Bi-Te series sintered bodies. A resist layer having circular openings each having the diameter of opening of 90 μm, the arrangement of which was in a desired pattern, was formed by exposing and developing the photoresist. The desired pattern was determined based on the above dimensions to be conformed to the arrangement of the thermoelectric material chips specified in FIG. 3. Next, after cleaning by an acid or the like, a nickel plating of 40 μm was performed on the openings by an electric plating method to form so-called nickel bumps. Next, a solder plating was performed on the nickel layer similarly by an electric plating method to form a solder layer of 30 μm. The solder plating was performed to form a solder of tin and lead having a composition ratio of 6:4. Next, after removing the photoresist, a rosin group flux was coated on the solder-plated layer, and a reflow treatment was performed at 230° C. by which spherical solder bumps 41 having the diameter of approximately 100 μm could have been formed on the both faces of the thermoelectric material wafer 40. In an electrode forming step (B), films of chromium, nickel and gold in this order from the substrate respectively having the thicknesses of 0.1 μm, 3 μm and 1 μm were formed by a sputtering method on the surface of a silicon wafer substrate 42 having the thickness of 300 μm on which an oxide layer of 0.5 μm was formed by thermal oxidation. Next, electrodes 43 were formed on the top and bottom substrates by photolithography conforming to the electrodes pattern of FIG. 3. Further, two kinds of doughnut-shaped structures 44 of a polyamide group photoresist were formed by photolithography at the surroundings of portions thereof to which the P-type thermoelectric material and the N-type thermoelectric material were bonded through the solder bumps. With respect to the size of the structure 44 comprising the polyamide group photoresist, in the two sheets of substrates constituting the thermoelectric device, the inner diameter of the doughnut shape was 120 μm, the outer diameter was 150 μm and the height was 30 μm at a position where the P-type thermoelectric material chip was disposed and the inner diameter was 140 μm, the outer diameter was 170 μm and the height was 30 μm at a position where the N-type thermoelectric material chip was disposed in one substrate, whereas in the other substrate, the inner diameter was 140 μm, the outer diameter was 170 μm and the height was 30 μm at a position where the P-type thermoelectric material chip was disposed and the inner diameter was 120 μm, the outer diameter was 150 μm and the height was 30 μm at a position where the N-type thermoelectric material chip was disposed. In a bonding step (C), the thermoelectric material wafer 40 having the bumps 41 formed in the bump forming step (A) was opposed to the substrate 42 having the electrodes 43 and the doughnut-shaped structures 44 in the vicinity of the bonding portions formed by the electrodes forming step (B), predetermined positioning was performed and the thermoelectric material wafer 40 and the substrate 42 were bonded by melting the solder. Further, in the bonding of the P-type thermoelectric material wafer to the substrate, the solder bumps formed on the surface of the P-type thermoelectric material wafer were inserted into the inside of the smaller doughnut-type structures having the inner diameter of 120 μm, the outer diameter of 150 μm and the height of 30 μm which had been formed on the substrate thereby positioning the thermoelectric material wafer 40 to the substrate 42. Similarly, in bonding the N-type thermoelectric material wafer to the substrate, the solder bumps formed on the surface of the N-type thermoelectric material wafer were inserted into the smaller doughnut-shaped structures having the inner diameter of 120 μm, the outer diameter of 150 μm and the height of 30 μm which had been formed on the substrate thereby positioning the thermoelectric material wafer 40 to the substrate 42. In this procedure, smaller ones of the doughnut-shaped structures having two kinds of sizes which had been formed on the substrate in bonding the thermoelectric material wafer 40 to the substrate 42 to dispense with incorrect bonding positions and to promote mutual positioning accuracy. In a cutting and eliminating step (D), portions of the thermoelectric material wafer 40 bonded to the substrate 42 were formed into thermoelectric material chips 45 bonded to the substrate 42 by cutting and eliminating other portions of the thermoelectric material wafer. At this instance, portions of the substrate 42 or the electrodes 43 might simultaneously be cut and eliminated in accordance with the necessity. In this embodiment, the cutting and eliminating step (D) was performed by using a dicing saw that was used in cutting silicon semiconductors and the like. A blade having a thickness of 200 μm was used in the cutting and eliminating step. The thickness of the blade was selected under conditions wherein the length of the side of the thermoelectric material chip 45 in this embodiment was 100 μm, the center distance between the nearest thermoelectric material chips of a same type was 300 μm and the thermoelectric material chips of different types were bonded in the positional relationship prescribed in FIG. 3. The cutting and eliminating of unnecessary portions of the thermoelectric material was performed at central portions between the solder bumps 41 and at the same time the height of the blade was adjusted so as not to destruct the electrodes 43 on the substrate by utilizing a gap between the thermoelectric material wafer 40 and the substrate 42 comprising nickel bumps having the height of 40 μm. With respect to the thermoelectric material of each type, the substrate 42 bonded substantially with 125 pieces of the thermoelectric material chip 45 was manufactured by longitudinally and transversely cutting and eliminating other portions by the blade of the dicing saw. With regard to the substrate 42 bonded substantially with 125 pieces of the thermoelectric material chips 45, the 125 pieces thereof were substantially related to PN junctions in view of their arrangement when the rectangular thermoelectric material wafer was used under the arrangement and the constitution of the thermoelectric material chips prescribed in FIG. 3 and when the solder bumps were formed in 11 rows in the longitudinal direction by 12 rows in the transverse direction (132 pieces in total). In this case, with regard to unnecessary chips at outer peripheral portions, if any means of bonding was not provided, they were eliminated in the cutting and eliminating step resulting in no problem. However, they might be preserved by bonding them to the substrate by any means since mechanical enforcement and electric reliability of the formed thermoelectric device could be promoted by preserving the unnecessary chips by bonding them to the substrate. In this case, when enhancing of strength of the formed thermoelectric device was aimed, the thermoelectric device could be manufactured with no hindrance in steps if bonding pads for electrically isolated dummy chips were previously formed on the substrate in forming the electrodes and bonded thereto as in the other bumps. Further, by bonding bumps of the unnecessary chips to the substrate in which pads wired to shortcircuit near electrodes were previously formed, it was possible to preserve the chips and to achieve the mechanical reinforcement and the promotion of electric bonding reliability of the thermoelectric material chips at the outermost peripheral portions. In an integrating step (E), two sheet of the substrates 42 respectively bonded with the thermoelectric material chips 45 of different types are opposed, the solder bumps formed on the distal ends of the respective chips and the electrodes 43 formed on the substrate were positioned to locations for bonding, the assembly was pressed and heated to melt the solder whereby the thermoelectric material chips 45 and the electrodes 43 on the substrate 46 were bonded thereby finishing the thermoelectric device having the PN junctions on the top and the bottom substrates. Further, positioning in bonding was performed by inserting the solder bumps 41 formed on the distal ends of the thermoelectric material chip 45 of respective types into the inside of the doughnut-shaped structures of the remaining larger ones (internal diameter; 140 μm, outer diameter; 170 μm, height; 30 μm) among the structures 44 formed on the substrate of different types to be bonded. Larger ones of the doughnut-shaped structures were selected in the positioning to facilitate the positioning of the thermoelectric material chips and the electrodes of the substrate and to prevent the solder from oozing in this embodiment, whereby their effect as well as that of the smaller doughnut-shaped structures in the bonding step (C) were sufficiently provided. With respect to the final outer dimensions of the thermoelectric device formed as above, the thickness was approximately 1.2 mm (as for the components of the thickness, the thickness of the thermoelectric material chip was 0.5 mm, the thickness of the top and the bottom substrates respectively was 0.3 mm, the heights of the bonding material and the nickel bump in sum at the top and the bottom bonding portion were respectively 0.05 mm), the size was 4 mm×4 mm in the size of the lower substrate provided with input and output electrodes and electrically the internal resistance was 120 Ω. The size of the thermoelectric device of this embodiment having the thermoelectric material chips and the positional and arranging relationships of the electrodes for PN bonding as shown by FIG. 3 and manufactured by the method of making thereof, could not be achieved by the conventional manufacturing method in which the thermoelectric device was formed by forming the thermoelectric material chips and inserting them between the top and the bottom substrates. When lead wires were connected to input and output electrodes of the thermoelectric device and respective characteristics were investigated, the following results was provided. With respect to the power generation function based on the Seebeck effect, the open voltage between the substrates in a temperature difference of 2° C. was 90 mV and an output of 80 mV-70 μA was obtained by attaching a load resistor of 1 KΩ to the outside when a temperature difference of 2° C. was provided between the substrates. Further, when 16 pieces of the thermoelectric devices having 125 couples of PN junctions were connected in series and was carried by enclosing them in a quartz oscillator type electronic wrist watch, the watch could be driven at room temperature of 20° C. With respect to the function of a cooling and heat generating element based on the Peltier effect, when an aluminium radiating plate was adhered to the substrate on the heat generating side by a silicone adhering agent having high thermal conductivity and a voltage of 6 V was applied between input electrodes, electric current of approximately 50 mA flowed and a phenomenon was caused on the surface of the substrate on the heat absorbing side in which moisture in the air was instantaneously frozen by which it was proven that the function of the thermoelectric device as a Peltier device was very excellent. Embodiment-2 FIG. 5 is a perspective view viewing from a top substrate for explaining outline of electrodes and thermoelectric material chips on a substrate of a thermoelectric device in accordance with EMBODIMENT-2. In FIG. 5, among lines showing electrodes, bold lines indicate an electrode pattern 50 of a top substrate and dotted-lines indicate electrode pattern 51 of a bottom substrate. Incidentally, the expression of top substrate or bottom substrate is for convenience of explanation and naturally, any substrate may be a top or bottom one in the thermoelectric device. Further, quadrangles provided with two kinds of hatched lines respectively indicate a P-type thermoelectric material chip 52 and a N-type thermoelectric material chip 53. Further, thermoelectric material chips provided at the outer peripheral portions of the thermoelectric device that are not related to PN junctions (hereafter called dummy chips), are bonded and fixed to the top substrate and the bottom substrate by dummy electrodes 54 of the top substrate and dummy electrodes 55 of the bottom substrate. In FIG. 5, the dummy chip is connected to the dummy electrode on one substrate and connected to the electrode performing PN junction on the other substrate, however, there may be dummy electrodes connected to both of the substrates. In either case, the dummy chips perform mechanical reinforcement of the thermoelectric device comprising small-scaled thermoelectric material chips manufactured in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, with regard to the arrangement of the thermoelectric material chips in the thermoelectric device of this embodiment, in viewing a certain row in the X direction, only P-type thermoelectric material chips or only N-type thermoelectric material chips are arranged and the rows of the P-type thermoelectric material chips and the rows of the N-type thermoelectric material chips are alternately arranged. Meanwhile, in the Y direction, in viewing a certain row, the P-type thermoelectric material chips and the N-type thermoelectric material chips are alternately arranged. In this embodiment, a thermoelectric device was manufactured having such a structure and the arrangement of the thermoelectric material chips in which the size of the thermoelectric material chip in a section in parallel with the substrates was 500 μm, the height was 500 μm, the center distance between nearest thermoelectric material chips was 1,000 μm and the number of the thermoelectric material chips (including dummy chips) was 64 pieces in sum of the P-type and N-type ones. As the thermoelectric material, a sintered body of Bi-Te series material which was the same as that in EMBODIMENT-1 and of which function was excellent at around room temperature, was used. As major characteristics of the thermoelectric material, in P-type, the Seebeck coefficient was 205 μV/deg, the specific resistivity was 0.95 mΩ cm, the heat conductivity was 1.5 W/m•deg, and in N-type, the Seebeck coefficient was 170 μV/deg, the specific resistivity was 0.75 mΩ cm and the heat conductivity was 1.5 W/m•deg. Alumina having the heat conductivity of 20 W/m•deg was used as substrate material. FIG. 6 is a view showing outline of steps for manufacturing the thermoelectric device. An explanation will be given to respective steps in reference to FIG. 6 as follows. In a bonding layer forming step (A), a nickel plating was performed on both faces to be bonded to the substrate among surfaces of a thermoelectric material wafer 60 having the thickness of 500 μm by a wet plating method by which a nickel layer 61 having the thickness of 10 μm was formed. One of the faces on which the nickel layers were formed was masked, solder plating having the solder composition of tin:lead=1:9 was performed on the other face by a wet plating method by which a solder layer 62 having the thickness of 30 μm was formed. Next, the plating mask was stripped, the solder layer 62 having the solder composition of tin:lead=1:9 was masked and a solder plating having the solder composition of tin:lead=6:4 was performed on another nickel layer 61 by a wet plating method by which a solder layer 63 having the thickness of 30 μm was formed, and by stripping the plating mask a thermoelectric material wafer having the solder layer 62 with the solder composition of tin:lead=1:9 on one face and the solder layer 63 with the solder composition of tin:lead=6:4 on the other face, was formed. Next, a rosin group flux was coated on the solder layer 62 and 63 on the both faces and the solder was reflowed at 350° C. by which the solder layers were made uniform and the surfaces thereof were cleaned. Incidentally, in regard of steps, the reflow treatment may be performed after a grooving step that is successive to the bonding layer forming step. In a grooving step (B), a dicing saw was used by which grooving was performed longitudinally and transversely on the side of the solder layer 62 having the solder composition of tin:lead=1:9 up to the depth of 90 μm from the surface of the solder layer 62 by a blade having the blade width of 1.5 mm. The feed of the blade between grooves was determined to be 2 mm such that an interval of a protrusion formed between the grooves became 0.5 mm that was the size of the thermoelectric material chip. The depth of grooving was determined to be 90 μm from the surface of the solder layer such that contiguous protrusions were not shortcircuited in a later bonding step and the grooves produced a gap between the thermoelectric material wafer and the substrate that was necessary in a later step of chip formation by cutting and eliminating. In an electrode forming step (C), a copper plate having the thickness of 0.1 mm on an alumina substrate 64 having the thickness of 0.5 mm having the thickness of 0.1 mm was worked into electrodes 65 by photoetching constituting the top substrate or the bottom substrate pattern as shown in FIG. 5. In a bonding step (D), protrusions 68 of the thermoelectric wafer 60 and the electrodes 65 were positioned and the solder layer 62 having the composition of tin:lead=1:9 of the protrusions was molten by which the electrodes 60 and the thermoelectric wafer were bonded. The bonding temperature at this instance was 340° C. In a cutting and eliminating step (E), cutting and eliminating were performed by using a dicing saw with a blade having the blade width of 1.5 mm with respect to cutting in the X direction specified in FIG. 5 and with a blade having the blade width of 0.5 mm with respect to cutting in the Y direction without destructing the electrodes 65 on the substrate 64 in which blade edges were disposed at grooves (recess) 67 formed in the grooving step thereby forming the thermoelectric material chips 66. In an integrating step (F), two sheets of the substrates 64 respectively bonded with the thermoelectric material chips 66 of different types are opposed, the solder layer 63 having the solder composition of tin:lead=6:4 formed on the distal ends of the respective chips and the electrodes 65 formed on the substrate 64 were positioned at locations at which the both were to be bonded, the assembly was heated while being pressed to melt the solder whereby the thermoelectric material chips 66 were bonded to the electrodes 65 on the substrate 64 by which the thermoelectric device having the PN junctions on the top and the bottom substrates could have been finished. Further, the temperature in bonding was determined to be 230° C. at which the solder having the composition of tin:lead=1:9 for the previous bonding was not molten. Accordingly, the integrating step could be performed without toppling or shifting the thermoelectric material chips even if structures were not provided around the bonding portions. The thermoelectric device of this embodiment was made by the manufacturing method essentially similar to that in making the thermoelectric device described in EMBODIMENT-1. Although the locations and arrangement of the thermoelectric material chips and the arrangement of the electrodes for PN bonding in EMBODIMENT-1 are preferable when the thermoelectric material chips are extremely small, the locations and arrangement of the thermoelectric material chips and the arrangement of the electrodes for PN boding of this embodiment are preferable to enhance the density of the thermoelectric material chips in the thermoelectric device. Further, the thermoelectric device and the method of making thereof according to this embodiment are preferable to restrict the amount of the thermoelectric material to be removed in the cutting and eliminating step. With regard to the final outer dimensions of the thermoelectric device formed as above, the thickness was approximately 1.5 mm and the size was 9 mm×8 mm in the size of the bottom substrate provided with input and output electrodes and electrically the internal resistance was 1 Ω. Its function as a cooling and heat generating element based on the Peltier effect was investigated by connecting lead wires to input electrodes of the thermoelectric device. When an aluminum radiating plate was adhered to the substrate on the heat generating side by a silicone adhesive agent having high conductivity and when voltage of 1 V was applied between the input electrodes, current of approximately 1 A flowed and a rapid cooling was caused on the side of the heat absorbing substrate. A ratio of input power to an amount of heat absorbing, so called COP (coefficient of performance) was 0.55 at a temperature difference of 20° C. which proved that this thermoelectric device has excellent function. Embodiment-3 An explanation will be given of making a small-scaled thermoelectric device in which the size of thermoelectric material chips is 50 μm with respect to a thermoelectric device having an electrode pattern similar to that in EMBODIMENT-1. As the thermoelectric material, a sintered body of Bi-Te series material was used which was the same as that in EMBODIMENT-1 and was excellent in its function around room temperature. With regard to major characteristics of the thermoelectric material, in P-type, the Seebeck coefficient was 205 μV/deg, the specific resistivity was 0.95 mΩ cm and the heat conductivity was 1.5 W/m•deg and in N-type, the Seebeck coefficient was 170 μV/deg, the specific resistivity was 0.75 mΩ cm, and the heat conductivity was 1.5 W/m•deg. As substrate material, a silicon wafer having the thickness of 300 μm which was electrically insulated by thermally oxidizing the surface was used. With regard to the size of the device and the like, the height of the thermoelectric chip was 500 μm, the shape of a thermoelectric material chip at a section in parallel with the substrate was a square, the length of which side was 50 μm as above, the center distance between nearest thermoelectric material chips of a same kind in FIG. 3 was 100 μm (150 μm in center distance), the distance between nearest thermoelectric material chips of different types was 35 μm (150/√2=about 110 μm in center distance) and a number of element couples arranged in series in a single element was 51. FIG. 7 is a view showing outline of steps for manufacturing the thermoelectric device of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the manufacturing method is grossly classified into five steps. An explanation will be given thereto in due order. In a bump forming step (A), a photoresist having the thickness of 20 μm was coated on the both faces of thermoelectric material wafers 70 respectively of P-type and N-type having the thickness of 500 μm each of which was made of a Bi-Te series sintered body. A pattern of the resist was formed by exposing and developing the photoresist such that circular openings each having the diameter of opening of 45 μm were formed and their arrangement was in a desired pattern. The desired pattern was determined based on the above-mentioned dimensions such that the pattern conformed to the arrangement of the thermoelectric material chips in FIG. 3. A nickel plating of 20 μm was firstly performed on the openings to form so-called nickel bumps by an electric plating method after cleaning them by an acid or the like. Next, a solder plating was performed on the nickel layer similarly by an electric plating method to form a solder layer of 30 μm. Here, the solder plating was performed such that the ratio of tin:lead became 6:4. Next, when a rosin group flux was coated on the solder-plated layer after stripping the photoresist and a reflow treatment was performed thereon at 230° C., spherical solder bumps 71 having the diameter of approximately 50 μm could be formed on the both faces of the thermoelectric material wafer 70. In an electrode forming step (B), films of chromium, nickel and gold respectively having the thicknesses of 0.1 μm, 2 μm and 1 μm in this order from the side of the substrate were formed by a sputtering method on the surface of a silicon wafer substrate 72 having the thickness of 300 μm of which surface is provided with an oxide layer of 0.5 μm by thermal oxidation. Next, electrodes 73 were formed on the top and bottom substrates by photolithography such that they conformed to the electrode patterns of FIG. 3. Further, two kinds of structures 74 each having a bonding portion in a hollow cylindrical form around a portion of the electrode to be bonded to the P-type thermoelectric material or the N-type thermoelectric material through the solder bumps were formed by photolithography using a thick film photoresist. With regard to the shape and the size of the structures 74 constituted by the thick film photoresist, in one substrate among two sheets of substrates constituting the thermoelectric device, the diameter of the cylinder at a location where the P-type thermoelectric material chip was disposed was 60 μm, the diameter thereof at a location where the N-type thermoelectric material chip was disposed was 70 μm and the other portions of the substrate was covered with the resist having the thickness of 40 μm. In the other substrate, the diameter at a location where the P-type thermoelectric material chips was disposed was 70 μm, the diameter at a location where the N-type thermoelectric material chip was disposed was 60 μm and the other portion of the substrate was covered with the resist having the thickness of 40 μm. Here, the thickness of the resist was determined to be 40 μm to use the structures formed thereby to produce a gap in a successive step (C) of bonding the thermoelectric material wafer 70 to the substrate 72 and a step (D) successive to step (C) of cutting and eliminating the thermoelectric material wafer 70. In EMBODIMENT-1, the gap was produced by the nickel bumps. In EMBODIMENT-4, the gap between the thermoelectric material wafer 70 and the substrate 72 necessary in the cutting and eliminating step (D) was 30 μm or more. By contrast, in forming the bumps 71 on the thermoelectric material wafer 70 in the preceding step, it was difficult to render the height of the nickel bumps producing the gap to be 20 μm or more due to a limitation of photolithography technology and plating technology. In a bonding step (C), after performing a predetermined positioning between the thermoelectric material wafer 70 attached with the solder bumps 71 formed in the bump forming step (A) and the substrate 72 on which the electrodes 73 and the structures 74 in the vicinities of the bonding portions both were formed in the electrode forming step (B), the solder was molten and the thermoelectric material wafer 70 was bonded to the substrate 72. Further, in bonding the P-type thermoelectric material wafer to the substrate, the positioning between the thermoelectric material wafer 70 and the substrate 72 was performed by inserting the solder bumps formed on the surface of the P-type thermoelectric material wafer into the inside of openings for bonding of the structures 74 having the diameter of 60 μm that were formed on the substrate. Similarly, in bonding the N-type thermoelectric material wafer to the substrate, the positioning between the thermoelectric material wafer 70 and the substrate 73 was performed by inserting the solder bumps formed on the surface of the N-type thermoelectric material wafer into the inside of openings for bonding of the structure 74 having the diameter of 60 μm that were formed on the substrate. The smaller ones of the openings for bonding of the two kinds of structures 74 that were formed on the substrate were used in bonding the thermoelectric material wafer 70 to the substrate 72 to dispense with wrong bonding locations and to promote the mutual positioning accuracy. In a cutting and eliminating step (D), the thermoelectric wafer 70 bonded to the substrate 72 was transformed into thermoelectric material chips 75 bonded to the substrate 72 by cutting and eliminating portions of the thermoelectric material wafer. At this instance, portions of the substrate 72 might be cut and eliminated in accordance with the necessity. In this embodiment, the cutting and eliminating step (D) was performed by using a dicing saw that was used in cutting silicon semiconductors and the like. A blade having the thickness of 100 μm was used in the cutting and eliminating step. The thickness of the blade was selected under conditions in which the length of a side of a square of the thermoelectric material chip 70 in this embodiment was 50 μm, the center distance between nearest thermoelectric material chips of a same kind was 100 μm and the thermoelectric material chips of different kinds were bonded in the positional relationship in FIG. 3. The cutting and eliminating unnecessary portions of the thermoelectric material was performed at central portions between the solder bumps 71 and at the same time by adjusting the height of the blade so as not to destruct the electrodes 73 on the substrate by using a gap between the thermoelectric material wafer 70 and the substrate 72 formed by the structures 74 having the height of 40 μm. The substrate 72 substantially bonded with 51 pieces of thermoelectric material chips 75 was manufactured with respect to the thermoelectric materials of respective types by longitudinally and transversely cutting and eliminating the portions by the blade of the dicing saw. Here, substantially 51 pieces of the thermoelectric material chips 75 were bonded to the substrate 72, in which, in case where a rectangular thermoelectric material wafer was used in the arrangement and the constitution of the thermoelectric material chips in FIG. 3 and the solder bumps in 8 rows in the longitudinal direction by 7 columns the transverse direction (56 pieces in sum) were formed, in regard of the arrangement, 51 pieces were substantially related to PN junctions. In this case, unnecessary portions of chips at outer peripheral portions were removed by the cutting and eliminating step resulting in no problem if no bonding measure was performed. However, the unnecessary chips might be connected to the substrates and preserved since the mechanical reinforcement and the electrical reliability could be promoted by bonding them to the substrate in preserving them. In this case, when the enhancement of the strength of the manufactured thermoelectric device was aimed, the thermoelectric device could be manufactured with no hindrance in steps if connecting pads for electrically isolated dummies are previously provided on the substrate in making the electrodes and bonded thereto as in the other bumps. Further, by short circuiting the pads to near electrodes at which unnecessary chips are bonded to the substrate, the chips could be preserved and the mechanical reinforcement and the electrical bonding reliability of the thermoelectric material chips at outermost peripheral portions could be promoted. In an integrating step (E), two sheets of the substrates 72 respectively bonded with the thermoelectric material chips 75 of different types were opposed, the solder bumps 71 formed on the distal ends of the respective chips and the electrodes 73 formed on the substrates were positioned to locations to be bonded, the assembly was heated while being pressed to melt the solder, whereby the thermoelectric material chips 75 and the electrodes 73 of the substrate 72 were bonded by which the thermoelectric device having the PN junctions on the top and the bottom of the substrates could have been finished. Further, the positioning in bonding was performed by inserting the solder bumps 71 formed on the distal ends of the thermoelectric material chips 75 of respective types into the inside of the remaining larger ones (70 μm in diameter) among the openings for bonding of the structures 74 formed on the substrates of different types to be bonded. The larger ones of the openings for bonding of the structures 74 were selected in positioning to facilitate the positioning of the thermoelectric material chips and the substrate electrodes and to prevent the solder from oozing and in this embodiment, the effect as well as that of the smaller openings for bonding of the structure 74 in the bonding step (C) were sufficiently provided. With respect to the final outer dimensions of the thermoelectric device manufactured as above, the thickness was approximately 1.2 mm, the size was 2 mm×2 mm in the size of the bottom substrate provided with input and output electrodes and electrically the internal resistance was 180 Ω. When lead wires were connected to the input and output electrodes of the thermoelectric device and respective properties were investigated, the following result was provided. With regard to the power generating function based on the Seebeck effect, the open voltage between the substrates in a temperature difference 2° C. was 35 mV and an output of 30 mV-30 μA was provided when a load resister of 1 KΩ was attached to the outside and a temperature of 2° C. was given between the substrate. Further, when 49 pieces of the thermoelectric device having 51 couples of the PN junctions were connected in series and the assembly was carried in a wrist watch, the watch could be driven at room temperature of 20° C. With respect to the function as a cooling and heat generating element based on the Peltier effect, an aluminum irradiating plate was adhered to the substrate on the heat generating side of the substrate by a silicone adhesive agent having high thermal conductivity and a voltage of 2 V was applied between the input electrodes, current of approximately 10 mA flowed and a phenomenon in which moisture in the air was instantaneously frozen on the surface of the substrate at the heat absorbing side was caused by which it was proved that the function of the thermoelectric device as a Peltier device was very excellent. Embodiment-4 As explanation will be given of making a small-scaled thermoelectric device having structure in which the sectional shape of a thermoelectric material chip is thick (70 μm) on the side of one substrate and thin (50 μm) on the side of the other substrate in a thermal device having structure of electrodes as in EMBODIMENT-1. As the thermoelectric material, a sintered body of Bi-Te series material was similarly used. As substrate material, a silicon wafer having the thickness of 300 μm that was electrically insulated by thermally oxidizing its surface was used. With respect to the size of the element and the like, the height of thermoelectric material chips was 500 μm , the shape of the thermoelectric material chip at sections in parallel with the substrate was a square, the length of the side of the square at a section was 50 μm as mentioned above and that at a section proximate to one bonding portion was 70 μm. The center distance between nearest thermoelectric material chips of a same kind in FIG. 3 was 270 μm, the center distance between nearest thermoelectric material chips of different types was 270/√2=about 190 μm and a number of element couples arranged in a single element in series was 51. (The calculation of distance was performed with the size of the chip as 70 μm). FIG. 8 illustrates views showing outline of steps for manufacturing the thermoelectric device of EMBODIMENT-4. As shown in FIG. 3, the manufacturing method is grossly classified into 6 steps. An explanation will be given thereto in due order. In a bump forming step (A), a photoresist having the thickness of 10 μm was coated on both faces of respective thermoelectric material wafers 40 of P-type and N-type each comprising a Bi-Te series sintered body having the thickness of 500 μm. A resist layer having circular openings of which diameter of opening was 40 μm on one face, of which diameter of opening was 60 μm on the other face and the arrangement of which is in a desired pattern, was formed by exposing and developing the photoresist. Further, the desired pattern was determined based on the above dimensions such that the pattern conformed to the arrangement of the thermoelectric material chips in FIG. 3. Next, a nickel plating of 10 μm was performed firstly on the both faces of the openings by an electric plating method after cleaning them by an acid or the like by which so-called nickel bumps were formed. Next, a solder plating was performed on the nickel layer similarly by an electric plating method to form a solder layer of 30 μm. The solder plating was performed such that a ratio of tin to lead was 6:4. Next, when a rosin group flux was coated on the solder plated layer after removing the photoresist and a reflow treatment was performed at 230° C., spherical solder bumps 81 having the diameter of approximately 50 μm on one face and the diameter of 70 μm on the other face could be formed on the both faces of the thermoelectric material wafer 80. In a grooving step (B), different grooving operations were performed on the P-type thermoelectric material wafer and the N-type thermoelectric material wafer. FIG. 9 illustrates views showing the width and the depth of the grooving in the grooving step of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, firstly, grooving of the depth of 150 μm was longitudinally and transversely performed at central portions between the solder bumps by a dicing saw attached with a blade having the blade width of 160 μm on surfaces on which the solder bumps having the diameter of 70 μm were formed with respect to the P-type thermoelectric material wafer. Thereby, grooves having the width of 160 μm and the depth of 150 μm could be formed and therefore, the P-type thermoelectric material wafer in which the solder bumps having the diameter of approximately 70 μm were formed on protrusions having the length of a side of 70 μm and the height from the bottom of the groove of 150 μm could be formed. Grooving of the depth of 350 μm was performed longitudinally and transversely at central portions between the bumps by a dicing saw attached with a blade having the blade width of 180 μm on surfaces on which the solder bumps having the diameter of 50 μm were formed with respect to the N-type thermoelectric material wafer. Thereby, grooves having the width of 180 μm and the depth of 350 μm could be formed and therefore, the N-type thermoelectric material wafer in which the solder bumps having the diameter of approximately 50 μm were formed on protrusions having the length of a side of 50 μm and the depth from the bottom of the groove of 350 μm could be formed. The reason of the grooving formed in such a way was that in addition to forming a gap between the thermoelectric material wafer and the substrate that is necessary in a bonding step (D) and in a cutting and eliminating step (E) in FIG. 8 that are later steps, by changing the sectional shape of the thermoelectric material chip in direction orthogonal to the substrates, in case where the manufactured thermoelectric device was used as a Peltier element, Joule heat by flowing current was to be generated as much as possible on the side of a heat radiating substrate and heat flow to the side of a heat absorbing substrate was to be prevented. In an electrode forming step (C) in FIG. 8, films of chromium, nickel and gold in this order from the substrate respectively having the thicknesses of 0.1 μm, 1 μm and 0.1 μm were formed by a sputtering method on the surface of a silicon wafer substrate 82 having the thickness of 300 μm and provided with an oxide layer of 0.5 μm on its surface by thermal oxidation. Next, electrodes 83 were formed to conform to the electrode pattern specified in FIG. 3. On one of the substrate, doughnut-shaped structures 84 having the internal diameter of 80 μm, the outer diameter of 110 μm and the height of 30 μm were formed by photolithography using a cured thick film photoresist at the surroundings of portions to be bonded by the solder bumps. On the other ones of the substrates, doughnut-shaped structures 84 having the internal diameter of 60 μm, the outer diameter of 90 μm and the height of 30 μm were formed by photolithography using a thick film photoresist at the surroundings of portions to be bonded by the solder bumps. In a bonding step (D) in FIG. 8, the thermoelectric material wafer 80 attached with the solder bumps 81 formed by the bump forming step (A) and the substrate 82 formed with the electrodes 83 and the doughnut-shaped structure 84 in the vicinity of the bonding portions which had been made in the electrode forming step (C) were positioned at predetermined locations and thereafter, the solder was molten by which the thermoelectric material wafer 80 and the substrate 82 were bonded. In the bonding, the solder bumps on the surface of the thermoelectric material wafer 80 on which the grooving had been performed and the doughnut-shaped structures 84 on the substrate 82 were positioned at predetermined locations and heating and bonding were performed while pressing the substrate 82 from outside. The P-type thermoelectric material wafer was bonded to the substrate in which the structures having the internal diameter of 80 μm, the outer diameter of 110 μm and the height of 30 μm were formed by the solder bumps having the diameter of 70 μm which had been formed on the surface on which the grooving had been performed and the N-type thermoelectric material wafer was bonded to the substrate on which the structures having the inner diameter of 60 μm, the outer diameter of 90 μm and the height of 30 μm were formed by the solder bumps having the diameter of 50 μm formed on the surface on which the grooving had been performed. In a cutting and eliminating step (E), the thermoelectric material wafer 80 bonded to the substrate 82 was formed into thermoelectric material chips 85 bonded to the substrate 82 by cutting and eliminating portions of the thermoelectric material wafer. At this instance, portions of the substrate 82 might simultaneously be cut and eliminated in accordance with the necessity. As in EMBODIMENT-1, also in this embodiment, the cutting and eliminating step (E) was performed by using a dicing saw that was used in cutting silicon semiconductors and the like. With respect to a blade used in the cutting and eliminating step, a blade having the blade thickness of 180 μm was used in cutting and eliminating portions of the P-type thermoelectric material wafer and a blade having the blade thickness of 160 μm was used in cutting and eliminating portions of the N-type thermoelectric material wafer. In the P-type thermoelectric material wafer, the grooves having the width of 160 μm had been cut by 150 μm from the side of the substrate in the grooving step and therefore, in the cutting and eliminating step (E), the cutting and eliminating was performed by a blade having the blade thickness of 180 μm and up to the depth of 350 μm from the surface of the remaining portion of the thermoelectric material wafer on the opposite side thereof wherein the grooves having the width of 160 μm and the depth of 150 μm had been cut. In the N-type thermoelectric material wafer, the grooves having the width of 180 μm had already been cut by 350 μm from the side of the substrate in the grooving step and therefore, in the cutting and eliminating step (E), the cutting and eliminating was performed by the blade of 160 μm from the surface of the remaining portion of thermoelectric material wafer having the thickness of 150 μm on the opposite side hereof wherein the grooves having the width of 180 μm and the depth of 350 μm had been cut. FIG. 10 illustrates sectional views of the substrates to which the thermoelectric material chips made by this operation had been bonded in a direction orthogonal to the substrates. As shown in FIG. 10, in the P-type thermoelectric material chip, the size of a side is 70 μm up to 150 μm from the substrate and the size is 50 μm for the remaining portion of 150 μm to 500 μm therefrom and in the N-type thermoelectric material chip, the size is 50 μm up to 350 μm from the substrate and the size is 70 μm for the remaining portion of 350 μm to 500 μm therefrom. In an integrating step (F) in FIG. 8, two sheets of the substrates 82 respectively bonded with the thermoelectric material chips 85 of different types were opposed, the solder bumps 81 formed on the distal ends of the respective chips and the electrodes 83 formed on the substrates were positioned at locations to be bonded and the assembly was heated while being pressed to melt the solder whereby the thermoelectric material chips 85 were bonded to the electrodes 83 on the substrates 82 by which the thermoelectric device having the PN junctions on the top and the bottom substrates could have been finished. Further, the positioning in this bonding was performed by the structures 84 formed on the substrates of different types to be bonded to the solder bumps 81 which had been formed on the distal ends of the thermoelectric material chips 85 of respective types. FIG. 11 is a view indicating outline of the thermoelectric device made by the series of step. Although the constitution of the device is similar to the device manufactured in EMBODIMENT-1, the sectional shapes of the P-type thermoelectric material chip 110 and the N-type thermoelectric material chip 111 are not in a single rectangular form and those in both of the P-type and the N-type are thick on the side of one substrate 116 and thin on the side of the other substrate 113. To investigate the function of the thermoelectric device of EMBODIMENT-4, thermoelectric devices respectively having sizes of thermoelectric material chips of 50 μm and 70 μm and having the same number of PN junctions and the outer dimensions were manufactured and the function as a Peltier element was compared among the three devices. Then, the device of this embodiment indicated a value of the COP (coefficient of Performance) superior to those of the respective comparison samples by approximately 10% showing the most excellent function. In a Peltier device, Joule heat is generated by flowing current in addition to heat generation on the side of a radiating substrate caused by the transfer of heat by the Peltier effect. As is well known, in the Joule heat generation, in case where the section of a substance in which current flows is uniform, a central portion thereof is mostly heated and generates heat. In the thermoelectric device of this embodiment, by making current flow such that the substrate having the thinner thermoelectric material chips became a heat radiating substrate, the Joule heat generation was caused centering on the portions in which the thermoelectric material chips are thinned. Therefore, the generated heat was smoothly transferred from a nearer substrate, that is, the heat radiating substrate and accordingly, heat could be prevented from flowing to a heat absorbing substrate on the opposite side by which the thermoelectric device was provided with high function. Further, although the sectional view showing of the outline of the thermoelectric device in EMBODIMENT-4 is illustrated in FIG. 11, considering the easiness of manufacturing a thermoelectric device, especially the positioning or the bonding of the thermoelectric material chips to the substrate in the integrating step, a sectional shape shown in FIG. 12 is also effective. Embodiment-5 An explanation will given of an embodiment of manufacturing a small-scaled thermoelectric device in which thermoelectric material and substrates are bonded by a method other than the solder bump method in a thermoelectric device having an electrode pattern similar to that in EMBODIMENT-1. The size of thermoelectric material chips, a number of couples of PN junctions, used material and the like are the same as those in EMBODIMENT-1. FIG. 13 illustrates views showing outline of steps for manufacturing a thermoelectric device of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the manufacturing method is grossly classified into five steps. An explanation will be given thereto in due order. In a protruded electrode forming step (A), a photoresist having the thickness of 50 μm was coated on both faces of respective thermoelectric material wafers 130 of P-type and N-type each comprising a Bi-Te series sintered body having the thickness of 500 μm. A resist layer having circular openings of which diameter of opening was 90 μm and the arrangement of which was in a desired pattern was formed by exposing and developing the photoresist. The desired pattern was determined based on the above-mentioned dimensions such that it became the arrangement of thermoelectric material chips specified in FIG. 3. Next, a nickel plating of 50 μm was performed on the openings by an electric plating method after cleaning them with an acid or the like thereby forming a protruded nickel layer. Next, a gold plating was performed on the nickel layer similarly by an electric plating method thereby forming a gold layer of 1 μm. Next, the protruded electrodes 131 comprising nickel-gold was formed by removing the resist. Here, the gold layer was provided to prevent the surface of nickel from being oxidized and to facilitate soldering in a later step and therefore, the gold layer was not always necessary if there was no concern of oxidation. In an electrode forming step (B), films of chromium, nickel and gold in this order from the side of a substrate respectively having the thicknesses of 0.1 μm, 3 μm and 1 μm were formed by a sputtering method on a silicon wafer substrate 132 having the thickness of 300 μm on the surface of which an oxide layer of 0.5 μm had been provided by thermal oxidation. Next, electrodes 133 were formed on each of top and bottom substrates by photolithography to form the electrode pattern specified in FIG. 3 and a solder paste was printed on the electrodes 133 thereby finishing the electrode wirings 133. In a bonding step (C), the thermoelectric material wafer 130 having the protruded electrodes 131 formed in the protruded electrode forming step (A) and the substrate 132 on which the electrodes 133 had been formed in the electrode forming step (B), were positioned at predetermined locations and solder was molten whereby the thermoelectric material wafer 130 and the substrate 132 were bonded. (Incidentally, the terms top or bottom have been provided for convenience of expression only as mentioned above and there is no top or bottom in the substrates of this thermoelectric device). In a cutting and eliminating step (D), the thermoelectric material wafer 130 bonded to the substrate 132 was formed into thermoelectric material chips 134 bonded to the substrate 132 by cutting and eliminating portions of the thermoelectric material wafer 130. At this instance, portions of the substrate 132 might simultaneously be cut and eliminated in accordance with the necessity. In this embodiment, the cutting and eliminating step (D) was performed by using a dicing saw used in cutting silicon semiconductors and the like. A blade used in the cutting and eliminating had the thickness of 200 μm. The thickness of the blade was selected under conditions in which the length of a side of the square thermoelectric material chip 134 in this embodiment was 100 μm, the center distance of nearest thermoelectric material chips of a same type was 300 μm and the thermoelectric material chips of different types were bonded conforming to the positional relationships specified in FIG. 3. Unnecessary portions of the thermoelectric material were cut and eliminated at central portions between the protruded electrodes 131 and the height of the blade was adjusted by using a gap between the thermoelectric material wafer 130 and the substrate 132 produced by the protruded electrodes 131 having the height of 50 μm so as not to destruct the electrodes 133 on the substrate. The substrate 132 substantially bonded with 125 pieces of the thermoelectric material chips 134 was made for respective type of the thermoelectric material by longitudinally and transversely cutting and eliminating using the blade of a dicing saw. In an integrating step (E), two sheets of the substrates 132 respectively bonded with the thermoelectric material chips 134 of different types were opposed and the protruded electrodes 131 respectively formed on the distal ends of the chips and the electrodes 133 formed on the substrates and comprising solder layers were positioned at locations to be bonded and the assembly was heated while being pressed to melt the solder whereby the thermoelectric material chips 134 and the electrodes 133 on the substrates 132 were bonded by which the thermoelectric device having PN junctions on the top and the bottom substrates could have been finished. With respect to the final outer dimensions of the thermoelectric device manufactured as above, the thickness was approximately 1.2 mm, the size was 4 mm×4 mm in the size of the bottom substrate having input and output electrodes, electrically the internal resistance was 120 Ω and the basic characteristics thereof were the same as those in the thermoelectric device manufactured in EMBODIMENT-1. Embodiment-6 An explanation will be given of an embodiment of manufacturing a small-scaled thermoelectric device in which thermoelectric material and substrates are bonded by the solder bump method and a method using an electrically conductive adhesive agent in a thermoelectric device having an electrode pattern similar to that in EMBODIMENT-1. The size of a thermoelectric material chip, a number of couples of PN junctions, used material and the like are the same as those in EMBODIMENT-1. FIG. 14 illustrates views showing outline of steps in manufacturing a thermoelectric device of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the manufacturing method is grossly classified into five steps. An explanation will be given thereto in due order. In a bump forming step (A), a photoresist having the thickness of 50 μm was coated on one face of each of thermoelectric material wafers 140 of P-type and N-type comprising a Bi-Te series sintered body having the thickness of 500 μm. A resist layer having circular openings of which diameter of opening was 90 μm and the arrangement of which was in a desired pattern was formed by exposing and developing the photoresist. The desired pattern was determined based on the above dimensions to conform to the arrangement of thermoelectric material chips specified in FIG. 3. A plating resist was coated on the other face not coated with the photoresist. Next, firstly, a nickel plating of 40 μm was coated on the openings by an electric plating method after cleaning them by an acid or the like to form so-called nickel bumps. Next, a solder plating was performed on the nickel layer similarly by an electric plating method to form a solder layer of 30 μm. In the solder plating, a ratio of tin to lead was 6:4. Next, after removing the photoresist and the plating resist, a rosin group flux was coated on the solder-plated layer and a reflow treatment was performed at 230° C. whereby spherical solder bumps 141 having the diameter of approximately 100 μm were formed on the one face of the thermoelectric material wafer 140. In an electrode forming step (B), films of chromium, nickel and gold in this order from the side of a substrate respectively having the thicknesses of 0.1 μm, 3 μm and 1 μm were formed on the surface of a silicon wafer substrate 142 having the thickness of 300 μm the surface of which was provided with an oxide layer of 0.5 μby thermal oxidation. Next, electrodes 143 were formed on the top and the bottom substrates by photolithography to form the same electrode pattern as in FIG. 3. Further, two kinds of doughnut-shaped structures 144 were formed at the surroundings of portions to which a P-type thermoelectric material and a N-type thermoelectric material were to be bonded through solder bumps by photolithography using a polyamide group photoresist. The structures 144 comprising the polyamide group photoresist were provided with a doughnut shape having the internal diameter of 120 μm, the outer diameter of 105 μm and the height of 30 μm at locations to which the P-type thermoelectric material chips were disposed and the internal diameter of 150 μm, the outer diameter of 170 μm and the height of 30 μm at locations to which the N-type thermoelectric material chips were disposed in one of two sheets of the substrates constituting the thermoelectric conversion element and in the other substrate, they were provided with a doughnut shape having the inner diameter of 150 μm, the outer diameter of 170 μm and the height of 30 μm at locations to which the P-type thermoelectric material chips were disposed and the internal diameter of 120 μm, the outer diameter of 150 μm and the height of 30 μm at locations to which the N-type thermoelectric material chips were disposed. In a bonding step (C) the thermoelectric material wafer 140 and the substrate 142 in which the electrodes 143 and the doughnut-shaped structures in the vicinities of bonding portions formed in the electrode forming step (B) were opposed at predetermined locations and the solder was molten whereby the thermoelectric material wafer 140 and the substrate 142 were bonded. Further, in bonding the P-type thermoelectric material wafer and the substrate, the positioning of the thermoelectric material wafer 140 and the substrate 142 was performed by inserting the solder bumps formed on the surface of the P-type thermoelectric material wafer into the inside of the smaller doughnut-shaped structures 144 having the inner diameter of 120 μm, the outer diameter of 150 μm and the height of 30 μm formed on the substrate. Similarly, in bonding the N-type thermoelectric material wafer and the substrate, the positioning of the thermoelectric wafer 140 and the substrate 142 was performed by inserting the solder bumps formed on the surface of the N-type thermoelectric material wafer into the inside of the smaller doughnut-shaped structures 144 having the inner diameter of 120 μm, the outer diameter of 150 μm and the height of 30 μm formed on the substrate. Here, the smaller structures among the doughnut-shaped structures having two sizes formed on the substrate were used in bonding the thermoelectric material wafer 140 and the substrate 142 to dispense with wrong bonding locations and to enhance mutual positioning accuracy. In a cutting and eliminating step (D), the thermoelectric material wafer 140 bonded to the substrate 142 were formed into thermoelectric material chips 145 bonded to the substrate 142 by cutting and eliminating portions of the thermoelectric material wafer. At this instance, portions of the substrate 142 might simultaneously be cut and eliminated in accordance with the necessity. In this embodiment, the cutting and eliminating step (D) was performed by using a dicing saw used in cutting silicon semiconductors and the like. A blade used in the cutting and eliminating had the thickness of 200 μm. The thickness of the blade was selected under conditions in which the length of a side of the square thermoelectric material chip 145 of this embodiment was 100 μm, the center distance between nearest thermoelectric material chips of a same kind was 300 μm and the thermoelectric material chips of different kinds were bonded in the positional relationship specified in FIG. 3. Unnecessary portions of the thermoelectric material were cut and eliminated at central portions between the solder bumps 141 and at the same time the height of the blade was adjusted by utilizing a gap between the thermoelectric material wafer 140 and the substrate 142 produced by the nickel bumps having the height of 40 μm so as not to destruct the electrodes 143 on the substrate. The substrate 142 substantially bonded with 125 pieces of the thermoelectric material chips 145 was made for each type of the thermoelectric materials by longitudinally and transversely cutting and eliminating thereof by the blade of a dicing saw. In an integrating step (E), an electrically conductive adhesive agent having silver particles and epoxy resin as major components was made adhere to distal ends of the thermoelectric material chips 14 by stamping in two sheets of the substrates respectively bonded with the thermoelectric material chips 145 of different types, they were opposed, the distal ends of the thermoelectric material chips 145 and the electrodes 143 formed on the substrates 142 were positioned at locations to be bonded and the assembly was heated while being pressed whereby the electrically conductive adhesive agent was cured and the thermoelectric material chips 145 and the electrodes 143 on the substrates 142 were bonded by which the thermoelectric device having PN junctions on the top and the bottom substrates could have been finished. Further, the bonding was performed at the insides of the remaining doughnut-shaped structures 144 and the electrically conductive adhesive agent could be prevented from oozing in bonding by using the doughnut-shaped structures 144. With regard to the final outer dimensions of the thermoelectric device manufactured as above, the thickness was approximately 1.2 mm, the size was 4 mm×4 mm in the size of the bottom substrate having input and output electrodes, electrically the internal resistance was 120 Ω and its basic characteristics were the same as those in the thermoelectric device manufactured in EMBODIMENT-1. In this embodiment, in the step of forming the bumps on the thermoelectric material, the plating resist was not formed on the both faces by photolithography and therefore, there was no need of coating a photoresist on the both faces and using both a face aligner and an exposure device which could simplify apparatuses and steps. As stated above, although the explanation has been given to the present invention with respect to the embodiments, the present invention is not restricted to the above embodiments and a broad application is conceivable. For example, although the sintered body of a Bi-Te series thermoelectric material was used in the respective embodiments as thermoelectric material, the present invention is naturally not restricted to this thermoelectric material and various thermoelectric materials of Fe-Si series material, Si-Ge series material, Co-Sb series material and the like are applicable. Further, although the description has been given to small-scaled thermoelectric devices and their methods of making in the respective embodiments, according to the thermoelectric device and the method of making thereof of the present invention, the present invention is also applicable to a comparatively large thermoelectric device which is manufactured by the conventional method in which thermoelectric material chips are interposed by two sheets of substrates after they have been formed. Embodiment-7 The present invention will now be described on the basis of one embodiment thereof and with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 15 is a view showing only a metal wiring part of a thermoelectric device produced by sandwiching between two alumina substrates a PN junction comprising a P-type thermoelectric material and an N-type termoelectric material connected through a metal, with the view being taken from above one of the substrates. In FIG. 15, solid line parts 1 show an electrode pattern for the PN junctions provided on the top substrate and dashed lines 152 show electrode patterns for the PN junction provided on the bottom substrate. The P-type thermoelectric materials chips 153 and the N-type thermoelectric materials chips 154 mutually disposed at the parts where these continuous lines and dashed lines cross and are linked in series between two input/output electrodes 155 (hereinafter, between two electrodes will be refered to as between electrodes). Electrodes 156 are provided at the outer periphery of the wiring on the bottom substrate as device repair and inspection electrodes for the present invention. The existence of defects such as disconnections existing between the electrodes 156 (for example, between the electrodes 156-a and 156-b in FIG. 15) can be investigated by providing a number of electrodes 156 and by connecting with inspection probe electrodes between the electrodes. Also, if a defect exists between the electrodes 156, the defective part can be electrically isolated by making electrical connections between the electrodes and a device can be formed just using non-defective parts. For example, if there is a disconnection at the point A in FIG. 15, the device can be made to function by electrically making a short-circuit between the electrode 156-a and the electrode 156-b. In FIG. 15, several tens thermoelectric material chips are sandwiched between the substrates but this diagram is for simplifying the explanation. The inventor carried out experiments for a heat difference power generating comprised of 50 rows in the X-direction of FIG. 15 and 10 rows in the Y-direction so that a disconnection at one place results in the elimination of tow rows (10 pairs of elements) in the X-direction, and the reduction of the power-generating performance is proportional to the ratio of the number of elements eliminated. Reductions in performance change depending on the purpose of the but with devices where the object is temperature difference power generation or refrigeration where the number of elements has been made large a reduction in the number of elements of a few to 10% is not a problem. However, this problem can be resolved by anticipating the number of defective elements beforehand and increasing the number of elements by this portion. In the case of a device having the kind of wiring structure in FIG. 15, the ratio of the number of elements which do not operate with respect to the overall number of elements upon the occurrence of defects such as discontinuities, can be made small, by adopting a wiring structure where the number of elements in the Y direction in the drawing is reduced to as great an extent as possible and the number of elements in the X direction is increased. As explained above, according to the inventions described in embodiments, a thermoelectric material wafer and PN bonding electrodes on a substrate are bonded under a positional relationship of thermoelectric material chips and the PN bonding electrodes, the thermoelectric material chips bonded to the substrate are formed by cutting and eliminating unnecessary portions of thermoelectric material, the substrates respectively bonded with the thermoelectric material chips of different types are opposed and PN junctions are formed by bonding distal ends of the thermoelectric material chips and the PN bonding electrodes on the substrate. Therefore, there is an effect capable of manufacturing a thermoelectric device in which the size of the thermoelectric material chip is small and the density of a number of the thermoelectric material chips per unit area is high. Further, according to the present inventions, by forming electrodes as wiring on a substrate of a thermoelectric device, inspection of the thermoelectric device can be carried out and it is possible to investigate defects such as disconnections or defective connections. Further, when defects exist, the functioning of a thermoelectric device can still be exhibited by connecting electrodes so as to exclude the defective portion. As a result of this, the device construction yield rate is markedly increased and costs are reduced. Further, each thermoelectric device manufactured as above which is small and thin and is provided with a number of couples of PN junctions of the thermoelectric material chips, achieves a considerable effect in power generating in a small temperature difference. In EMBODIMENT-1, an example has been shown in which an electronic wrist watch was driven by using the thermoelectric devices each having couples of PN junctions of a number capable of outputting approximately 1 V or more. However, the number of devices can considerable be decreased when a step-up circuit is attached thereto or CMOS-ICs are driven at a low voltage and therefore, the thermoelectric device is applicable not only to the electronic wrist watch but to many carrying electronic instruments. Further, in using the small-scaled thermoelectric device manufactured by the present invention as a cooling device an enormous effect is provided. For example, when the current density per thermoelectric material chip is made constant to equalize cooling function, the cooling capacity can be enhanced by increasing the voltage since the sectional area of the thermoelectric material chip can be small and many thermoelectric material chips can be arranged in series. For example, the cooling function is determined by power inputted to a thermoelectric device and in a conventional thermoelectric device, power supply causes low voltage and high current since the sectional area of a thermoelectric material chip is large. By contrast, with regard to the thermoelectric device of the present invention, power can be supplied at low current since the sectional area of the thermoelectric material chips can be reduced. Thereby, it is not necessary to make thick wirings for inputting and outputting and to provide a large current-type power source for use. Further, a multi-stage element called a cascade type can easily be manufactured since electric wirings can be made thin by which an extremely low temperature can be achieved. Further, although the size of the thermoelectric material chip was 500 μm or less in the embodiments, with respect to the size, the present invention is naturally applicable to the size of several hundred μm to mm order that is a general size. Although the description has been given of making individual thermoelectric devices in the embodiments, it is possible to manufacture a plurality of devices in one operation by using large-scaled substrates and thermoelectric material wafers. Therefore, the present invention achieves an enormous effect in manufacturing small-scaled thermoelectric devices in view of the production cost.

A thermoelectric device comprises a pair of substrates each having a surface, electrodes disposed on the surface of each of the substrates, and P-type and N-type thermoelectric material chips interposed between the pair of substrates. Each of the thermoelectric chips has a first distal end connected to one of the electrodes of one of the substrates and a second distal end connected to one of the electrodes of the other of the substrates. Support elements are disposed over the surface of each of the substrates for supporting and aligning the thermoelectric material chips on the respective electrodes and between the pair of substrates.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom comprising a surface, which moves in one direction and retains a weft yarn thereon, and a feed nozzle, which ejects the weft yarn together with a fluid, such as air, onto the weft yarn retaining surface. PRIOR ART In a jet loom, a predetermined amount of weft yarn, fed from a weft yarn supply, is required to be measured and stored at every weft inserting operation. Conventionally the following devices have been generally used as weft yarn storing devices: an air pool type storing device, wherein a weft yarn is continuously measured by a measuring roller or rollers and is ejected into and stored by a storing pipe; and a drum pool type storing device, wherein a weft yarn is wrapped around a drum to measure and store the weft yarn. However, in the former device, i.e., the air pool type weft yarn storing device, since the weft yarn is stored in a U-shaped loop along the inside of the storing pipe by way of air, the weft yarn resists the air flow ejected from the feed nozzle when it is withdrawn as the weft inserting operation takes place. Accordingly, a large resistance occurs upon withdrawal of a stored weft yarn, which resistance will be referred to as "withdrawal resistance" hereinafter. Further, since the withdrawal resistance is the largest at the time when the stored weft yarn starts to be withdrawn from the storing pipe, the tension in the weft yarn varies considerably. The variation in the weft tension may easily result in flight faults of a weft yarn, which is ejected from a weft yarn inserting main nozzle into a weft yarn guide passage formed by a plurality of weft yarn guides disposed on a slay. Accordingly, the weft yarn may escape during the inserting operation from the slit which is designed to allow the weft yarn to slip out from the weft yarn guide passage before being beaten up, or the weft yarn may form a loop within the weft yarn guide passage and may cause a faulty picking. Therefore, there may occur problems such that the quality of the woven fabric is degraded. Furthermore, since the resistance is large when a weft yarn is withdrawn from the storing pipe, it is necessary to enhance the pressure of air ejected from the weft yarn inserting main nozzle so as to increase the propelling force of the weft yarn. As a result, there may occur other problems, for example, that the compressed air consumption is increased, or that the weft yarn is broken in the weft yarn inserting main nozzle if its strength is not large. Contrary to this, in the latter weft yarn storing device, i.e., the drum pool type weft yarn storing device, ballooning may occur during the unwinding of the weft yarn from the drum. Accordingly, the withdrawal resistance of a weft yarn may become large. In order to eliminate the problems, it is necessary when using the drum pool type weft yarn storing device, as well as the above-mentioned air pool type weft yarn storing device, to enhance the pressure of air ejected from the weft yarn inserting main nozzle so as to increase the propelling force of the weft yarn. As a result, there may occur similar problems, such as the increased compressed air consumption or the weft yarn breakage. U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,123 discloses an example of a weft yarn storing device, which is intended to obviate the above-described problems. In this conventional device, a weft yarn is ejected from a feed nozzle onto an endless belt extending between a drive roller and a driven roller and is retained in a coil-like shape on the endless belt. A cover plate rests on the entire weft yarn retaining surface of the belt. The weft yarn is deposited on the belt and is led to a portion below the plate together with the movement of the belt, and it is stored there until commencement of the weft inserting operation while it is subjected to pressing by the weight of the plate. As a result, the weft yarn storing conditions on the weft yarn retaining surface are protected by the plate from being adversely affected by external influences, such as flying flies, and there is no throwing of turns of stored weft yarn upon its withdrawal. It is necessary for the weft yarn to be appropriately deposited and stored on the weft yarn retaining surface so as to be withdrawn in good order from the weft retaining surface. In order to securely attach the weft yarn ejected from a feed nozzle to the weft yarn retaining surface, the pressure of the fluid (air) ejected from the feed nozzle must be set at a considerably high level. However, if fluid having such a high pressure collides with the weft yarn retaining surface, it is scattered there. Accordingly, the weft yarn, which has been deposited and stored on the weft retaining surface, is disordered. As a result, withdrawal of such a disordered weft yarn cannot be performed in good order, and there may be a problem that turns of weft yarn are thrown together. In order to eliminate such a problem, the inventors of the present invention tried to enhance the moving speed of the belt so that the deposited weft yarn is promptly moved away from the region affected by the ejected fluid. However, the density of the stored weft yarn on the weft yarn retaining surface is decreased in this method, and accordingly, an increase of the storing area is necessary, and the enlargement of the mechanism and the increase of the power consumption are unavoidable. In order to maintain the above-described storing conditions, the retaining surface of the above-described conventional device has to be made of, for example, moquette or raised woven fabric, so that it effectively retains the weft yarn ejected thereonto. Since the entire stored weft yarn is pressed against the retaining surface by the weight of the plate and is withdrawn in a horizontal direction from a portion between the belt and the plate, it is impossible to avoid an increase of the withdrawal resistance of the weft yarn upon the inserting operation regardless of the weight of the plate. Accordingly, the above-described conventional device cannot fully eliminate the problems of the enhancement of the pressure of air ejected from the weft yarn inserting main nozzle, which are inherent to the conventional air pool type or drum pool type weft yarn storing devices as described above and which result in the weft yarn breakage or the increased compressed air consumption. Further, in this conventional device, the weft yarn retaining surface is formed by moquette or raised woven fabric, or a suction means is disposed at the back surface of the gas pervious member so as to suck the weft yarn onto the pervious member. Thus, floating flies are readily deposited onto the weft yarn retaining surface. As a result, the weft yarn may be easily contaminated with flies deposited on the weft yarn retaining surface, and when it is brought into a weft yarn inserting main nozzle from the weft yarn retaining surface, the flies may cause clogging of the nozzle, or the flies may be woven in the woven fabric and cause defects in woven fabric. The above-described United States Patent discloses an embodiment wherein a plate is rested on the weft yarn retaining surface so as to prevent external effects, such as deposition of floating flies, and wherein air is ejected to the weft yarn retaining surface so as to prevent the floating flies from depositing thereon. However, this embodiment is unpreferable because the construction may be complicated. Furthermore, since the stored weft yarn is entirely subjected to the weight of the plate, the withdrawal resistance is almost constant from the commencement to the completion of the withdrawal from the retaining surface, and thereafter, the withdrawal resistance is suddenly changed when the weft yarn is directly fed from the feed nozzle to the inserting main nozzle just after all the stored weft yarn has been exhausted, even if the withdrawal resistance can be remarkably reduced. As a reaction to the sudden change in the resistance, the front end of the inserting weft yarn may escape through the slit of the weft yarn guides. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom, which can obviate the problems inherent to the conventional devices. More specifically, an object of the present invention is to achieve unexpected advantages in that it can appropriately store the weft yarn on the weft yarn retaining surface and in that it can prevent a weft yarn breakage or a faulty picking from occurring. According to one aspect of the present invention, a weft yarn stored on a weft yarn retaining surface is mainly protected from the influence of air ejected from a feed nozzle. According to another aspect of the present invention, an appropriate withdrawal resistance is applied to the weft yarn while it is withdrawn from the weft yarn storing device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the first aspect of the present invention, a device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom is provided. The device comprises a surface, which moves in one direction and retains a weft yarn thereon, and a feed nozzle, which ejects the weft yarn together with a fluid, such as air, onto the weft yarn retaining surface, the fluid ejected from the feed nozzle impingement upon the weft yarn retaining surface at a an impingement point. The device further comprises a means for blocking or deflecting the ejected fluid which is disposed at a position slightly displaced from the impingement point towards a start position where the weft yarn withdrawal operation is started. The blocking means may be a plate extending transverse to the moving direction of the weft yarn retaining surface, and a lower end of the plate may be slightly spaced from or may be pressed to the weft yarn retaining surface. The lower end of the plate may be curved toward or away from the fluid impingement point. The lower front edge of said plate may be formed in an arc seen in said moving direction of said weft yarn retaining surface. The plate may have a plurality of holes penetrating and upwardly directed from one side facing the impingement point to the other side facing towards the start point. The fluid blocking means may be a roller extending transverse to the moving direction of the weft yarn retaining surface, and the roller may be pressed against the weft yarn retaining surface. The weft yarn retaining surface and the fluid blocking means may be contained in a container comprising a container body and a cover pivoted to the container body, at least one of either the cover or the container body having a withdrawal opening formed therein for guiding the weft yarn withdrawn from the weft yarn retaining surface, which withdrawal opening may be communicated with the outside at a free end of the cover. According to the other aspect of the present invention, a device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom is provided. The device comprises a surface, which moves in one direction and retains a weft yarn thereon, and a feed nozzle, which ejects the weft yarn onto the weft yarn retaining surface, the fluid ejected from the feed nozzle striking the weft yarn retaining surface at an impingement point. The device further comprises a withdrawal resistance applying means which engages the weft yarn during at least a part of the inserting operation. The withdrawal resistance applying means may be a guide bar extending in the moving direction of the weft yarn retaining surface and engaging the weft yarn while the weft yarn is withdrawn. The guide bar may be pressed against the weft yarn retaining surface at a position laterally away from a weft yarn retaining zone on the weft yarn retaining surface. An end of the guide bar, near the fluid impingement point, may be bent transverse to the weft yarn retaining surface, and the bent portion may be pressed against the weft yarn retaining surface. The weft yarn retaining surface and the resistance applying means may be contained in a container comprising a container body and a cover, at least one of either the cover or the container body having a withdrawal opening formed therein for guiding the weft yarn withdrawn from the weft yarn retaining surface, which withdrawal resistance applying means may be formed at the withdrawal opening. In this case, it is preferable that the withdrawal opening be formed as an elongated hole, and the withdrawal resistance applying means be a guide bar extending along the elongated hole. The withdrawal resistance applying means may be constructed with a flexible belt pressed against the weft yarn retaining surface at a position laterally away from a weft yarn retaining zone on the weft yarn retaining surface and movable in the moving direction of the weft yarn retaining surface. The withdrawal resistance applying means may be a plate extending over the weft yarn retaining surface and inclined in such a manner that a front edge thereof is pressed against the weft yarn retaining surface at a position away from a weft yarn retaining zone on the weft yarn retaining surface. Alternatively, the withdrawal resistance applying means may be a cover member, one end of which is engaged with the weft yarn retaining surface at a position adjacent to the feed nozzle, and a gap is formed between the weft yarn retaining surface and the cover member, which gap increases as a position moves away from the fluid impingement point towards a start point where the stored weft yarn is withdrawn. It is preferable that the cover member is transparent. Further, the withdrawal resistance applying means may be a yarn guide for guiding the weft yarn withdrawn from the weft retaining surface, and the location of the yarn guide can be adjusted relative to the weft yarn retaining surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the essential parts of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of the essential parts of the embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a cylinder type weft yarn storing device; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a still other embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the container is closed; FIG. 11 is a perspective view, wherein the container is open; FIGS. 12 through 15 are perspective views of other embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 16 is a cross sectional side view of the FIG. 15 embodiment; FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 are elevation views of the essential parts of other embodiments; FIGS. 20 through 25 are perspective views of cover members which are applicable to a belt type weft yarn storing device; FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a disc type weft yarn storing device; FIG. 27 is an elevation view of a cylinder type weft yarn storing device; and FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the weft yarn flying conditions in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 and in conventional air pool type and drum pool type weft yarn storing devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will now be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. A weft yarn Y is supplied from a cheese 1 via a yarn guide 2 to a measuring roller mechanism 3, and it is continuously measured there. The measuring roller mechanism 3 comprises a drive roller 5, which is continuously driven in synchronism with the rotation of the weaving loom, a driven roller 6, which is pressed to the drive roller 5 and is driven by the drive roller 5, and a guide bar 7, which is provided with guide grooves 7a. The weft yarn Y is wrapped around the driven roller 6 and the guide grooves 7a, and it is continuously withdrawn from the cheese 1 at a constant speed. Then, the weft yarn Y is introduced into a weft yarn storing device 4 due to the rotation of the drive roller 6. The construction of the weft yarn storing device 4 will now be explained in detail. A drive roller 9 and a driven roller 10 are horizontally spaced a certain distance from each other and are supported by the front surface, i.e., the side facing the weft inserting mechanism, of a support frame 8. The support frame 8 is vertically fixed to a stationary mounting, such as a side frame of a weaving loom. The rollers 9 and 10 are driven at a predetermined speed by a drive mechanism (not shown). An endless belt 11 is wrapped around the drive roller 9 and the driven roller 10 and has moquette 12 disposed on the outer surface thereof which, together with the rigidity of the belt 11, forms a weft yarn retaining surface 13. The drive roller 9 is driven in a clockwise direction in FIG. 2, and the upper side of the endless belt 11 is moved in a direction designated by an arrow in FIG. 2. A feed nozzle 14 penetrates the support frame 8 in a direction parallel to the axis of the drive roller 9 at a position above the drive roller 9 and is supported by the support frame 8. The front end of the feed nozzle 14 is bent downwardly so that it is directed towards the weft yarn retaining surface 13 above the drive roller 9. The weft yarn Y is fed from the measuring roller mechanism 3 and is introduced into the feed nozzle 14, where it is continuously ejected together with a fluid, such as air, towards the weft yarn retaining surface 13. A pair of support brackets 15 and 16 are shaped in a form of an angle and are adjustably secured to the front surface of the support frame 8 by means of screws 17 and 18. A cover member 19 formed as a flat plate has a pair of brackets 20 and 21 shaped in a form of an angle and secured to the upper surface thereof. The brackets 20 and 21 are adjustably secured to the support brackets 15 and 16 by means of screws 22 and 23 and nuts 24 and 25, so that the cover member 19 covers the weft yarn retaining surface 13. The left lower edge 19a of cover member 19 is founded, and provides a narrow fluid blocking means, for deflecting ejected fluid from the nozzle 14. The edge 19a is located near a fluid impingement position T, where the axis of the feed nozzle 14 intersects the weft yarn retaining surface 13, and is slightly displaced from the impingement position T toward the driven roller 10. In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the left lower edge 19a of the cover member 19 is pressed onto the moquette 12 forming the weft yarn retaining surface 13 at a position near the feed nozzle 14, and the cover member 19 is inclined in such a manner that the cover member 19 is gradually away from the weft yarn retaining surface 13 as a position moves in a moving direction of the endless belt 11, i.e., in a direction designated by an arrow in FIG. 32, so that a narrow wedge shaped gap H is formed between the lower surface of the cover member 19 and the weft yarn retaining surface 13. In front of the weft yarn storing device 4, there are disposed a yarn guide 26, a gripper 27, and a weft yarn inserting main nozzle 28. The gripper 27 and the main nozzle 28 are actuated in synchronism with the crank angle of the weaving loom to perform a weft yarn inserting operation. The weft yarn Y ejected from the feed nozzle 14 is introduced into the weft yarn inserting main nozzle 28 via the yarn guide 26 and the gripper 27, and then, it is ejected into the weft yarn guide passage S formed by a plurality of weft yarn guides 29 mounted on a slay (not shown). The weft yarn Y is ejected from the feed nozzle 14 at a predetermined speed on to the weft yarn retaining surface 13 located above the drive roller 9 and is deposited in a coil-like shape and attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13. The weft yarn Y thus attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13 is moved below the cover member 19 as the weft yarn retaining surface 13 moves. At this time, the weft yarn Y is so pressed to the weft yarn retaining surface 13 that it enters between the tufts of the moquette 12 by the pressing action between the lower surface 19a of the introducing end of cover member 19 and the moquette 12. As a result, the weft yarn Y is more evenly and securely attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13 as compared to the attachment by only ejecting force from the feed nozzle 14. The weft yarn Y, which has been forcedly attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13, is conveyed toward the driven roller 10 as the endless belt 11 moves, and it is stored on the weft yarn retaining surface 13 under the condition that it is covered by the cover member 19 until it is commenced to be inserted. As the gripper 27 is actuated in accordance with the inserting timing program, the weft yarn inserting main nozzle 28 is operated, and the weft yarn Y, which has been stored on the weft yarn retaining surface 13 starts to be withdrawn from the portion which is located near the driven roller 10 and on the weft yarn retaining surface 13. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the stored weft yarn Y is withdrawn slightly upwardly in a direction substantially parallel to the weft yarn retaining surface 13. When the stored weft yarn Y, which is located inside the wedge shaped gap is withdrawn, the withdrawal resistance is not so large because the stored weft yarn Y is not pressed to the moquette 12 by means of the cover member 19. Accordingly, the weft yarn withdrawing speed can be increased without enhancing the ejecting pressure of the weft yarn inserting main nozzle 28, and weft yarn breakage in the weft yarn inserting main nozzle 28 can be prevented from occurring. Further, since the weft yarn can be evenly attached to the moquette 12 by means of the pressing action of the cover member 19, the stored weft yarn Y is successively withdrawn in good order regardless of the low withdrawal resistance. Accordingly, there is no danger that turns of the stored weft yarn Y are thrown together, and faulty picking can be prevented from occurring. As the point of withdrawal of the stored weft yarn Y moves toward the feed nozzle 14 from the withdrawal start point, the height of the wedge shaped gap H converges to zero, and then such a condition occurs as that the stored weft yarn Y is pressed and held by the cover member 19 and moquette 12. The holding action is increased as the point of the withdrawal nears the weft yarn introducing end 19a of the cover member 19, and is the highest at the weft yarn entrance. In other words, the withdrawal resistance of the stored weft yarn Y increases as the withdrawing operation proceeds. After the stored weft yarn Y is exhausted, the weft yarn Y is directly fed from the feed nozzle 14 and is inserted while its withdrawal is restrained by the feeding speed of the feed nozzle 14. Therefore, the weft yarn inserting speed is decreased upon transfer from the insertion by the withdrawal of the stored weft yarn Y to the above-described restrained weft yarn insertion. However, due to the gradual increase of the withdrawal resistance around the exhaust of the stored weft yarn, the sudden decrease of the weft inserting speed is relieved. Therefore, the disorder of the front end of the weft yarn due to the sudden decrease of the weft yarn inserting speed is prevented from occurring, and the front end of the weft yarn is also prevented from slipping out from the weft yarn guide passage S. The front end of the weft yarn Y shows a flying line illustrated in a curve C in FIG. 28. The sign θ1 in FIG. 28 designates a crank angle of the weaving loom when the gripper 27 opens, and θ2 designates a crank angle of the weaving loom when the gripper 27 closes, l designates and inserting length which depends on the width of the woven fabric, and L designates an amount of the weft yarn fed from the measuring roller mechanism 3. The point designated by A on the curve C corresponds to the time, when the stored weft yarn is exhausted by withdrawal and the condition is changed to that wherein the weft yarn is flown at a feeding speed of the measuring roller mechanism 3. According to the present invention, the weft yarn Y is gradually braked just before the transit from the insertion of the stored weft yarn by the restrained insertion as described above, and the weft yarn speed is gradually decreased as illustrated in a broken line. Furthermore, the curve C1 shows a flying condition of the weft yarn fed from an air pool type weft yarn measuring device obtained at the same ejecting pressure as that for curve C, and the curve C2 shows a flying condition of the weft yarn fed from a drum pool type weft yarn measuring device obtained at the above-described condition. As will be apparent from curves C, C1, and C2, it is shown in FIG. 28 that, in the weft yarn measuring device of the present invention, the withdrawal resistance of the weft yarn can be minimized while the weft yarn, which has been stored on the weft yarn retaining surface, is inserted. Further, as described above, the weft yarn is braked as it nears the condition A, and the weft yarn speed is gradually lowered. The increase of the tension in the weft yarn can be small at the moment when the inserting condition is changed to the restrained inserting condition. Accordingly, the device of this embodiment of the present invention can minimize problems, such as entanglement of the weft yarn in the weft yarn inserting main nozzle 28, or slipping of the weft yarn from the weft yarn passage S through the slits of the weft yarn guides. According to the present embodiment, the cover member 19 prevents the weft yarn retaining surface 13 or the stored weft yarn from being attached to by fluffs and the weft yarn, which has already been deposited, from being disordered by air flow ejected from the feed nozzle 14. Furthermore, if the locational arrangements of the support brackets 15 and 16 and the brackets 20 and 21 are appropriately adjusted, the pressing condition between the weft yarn entrance of the cover member 19 and the moquette 12 can be set at an optimal condition in accordance with the kind and count of the weft yarn, and the shape of the wedge shaped gap H can also be adjusted as desired. Incidentally, the fluid ejected from the feed nozzle 14 collides with the belt 11 and scatters in all directions along the belt surface 11. However, in this embodiment, the fluid scattered in the moving direction of the belt 11 is blacked by the blacking means provided by the front edge 19a of the cover member 19. Accordingly, the fluid ejected from the feed nozzle 14 does not adversely affect the weft yarn Y which has been deposited on the weft yarn retaining surface 13 and which has been conveyed toward the withdrawal starting position blacking. Therefore, there is no danger that the deposited condition of the stored weft yarn Y is disordered. More specifically, due to the cooperation between the ejecting action of the feed nozzle 14 and pressing action of the lower end 19a of the cover member 19, the weft yarn is evenly deposited on the weft yarn retaining surface 13 and retained there. Thus, a preferable depositing condition is maintained until just before the commencement of the weft yarn insertion. Accordingly, the stored wefy yarn Y is withdrawn in good order from the weft yarn retaining surface 13 during the weft yarn inserting operation, and there is no danger of a faulty picking. As described above, the fluid blacking means obviates the adverse effects of the fluid ejected from the feed nozzle 14 on the stored weft yarn Y, and therefore, there is no danger such as adverse effects of the ejected fluid on the stored weft yarn, even when the moving speed of the belt 11 is decreased. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the density of the stored weft yarn by decreasing the moving speed of the belt 11. Therefore, the storing device can be compact. Due to the compact mechanism and the decrease of the moving speed of the belt 11, the power consumption can be reduced. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower edge 19a of the blacking is pressed against the moquette 12 forming the weft yarn retaining surface 13. However, the effect of blacking the ejected fluid may be fully achieved even if the lower edge 19a of the blacking means is slightly spaced from the weft yarn retaining surface 13. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Alternatives will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 through 8. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, a weft yarn retaining surface 13 is formed on the inner surface of a rotating cylinder 66, and a weft yarn Y is ejected onto the weft yarn retaining surface 13 from a feed nozzle 14, which is disposed inside the cylinder 66. The feed nozzle 14 has fluid blacking means 52g secured thereto and formed in an arc. Although in this embodiment, the cylinder 66 is rotated, the feed nozzle 14 and the blacking means 52g may be rotated about the axis of the cylinder 66 in place of the cylinder 66. Alternatively, the weft yarn retaining surface may be formed on the outer surface of the cylinder 66. In the above-described embodiments, the ejecting direction of the feed nozzle 14 is set substantially perpendicular to the weft yarn retaining surface 13, however, the axis of the feed nozzle 14 may be inclined with respect to the weft yarn retaining surface as long as the weft yarn is not prevented from depositing onto the weft yarn retaining surface 13. According to the above-described embodiments of the present invention, a weft yarn ejected from a feed nozzle is deposited onto a weft yarn retaining surface in a coil-like shape, and the deposited weft yarn is led to a portion between the weft yarn retaining surface and the means for blacking the ejected air as the weft yarn retaining surface 13 moves. The fluid (air) ejected from the feed nozzle collides with the weft yarn retaining surface and is scattered. However, the ejected fluid (air) is prevented from scattering toward the portion, where the weft yarn is withdrawn, by means of the ejected fluid blacking means. Accordingly, the weft yarn, which has been deposited and stored on the weft retaining surface, is prevented from being disordered. As a result, turns of weft yarn are not thrown together, and the withdrawal of the stored weft yarn can be effected in good order. Other embodiments of the present invention will now be explained. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, a roller is pressed against the weft yarn retaining surface and serves as a means for blacking ejected fluid. On the front surface of a support frame 8, a first weft yarn storing device 71 and a second weft yarn storing device 72 are vertically superposed. Since the first weft yarn storing device 71 and the second weft yarn storing device 72 have the same construction except that they are horizontally, i.e., parallel to and perpendicular to the support frame, displaced so as to enhance operability upon occurrence of yarn breakage, only the first weft yarn storing device 71 will now be explained, and the parts of the second weft yarn storing device 72 are designated by the reference numerals, which are used to designate the corresponding parts of the first weft yarn storing device, together with a subscript "a", and further explanation of the second weft yarn storing device 72 is omitted here. Similar to the above-explained embodiments, a drive roller 9 and a driven roller 10 are driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) and are spaced a certain distance from each other on the upper front surface of the support frame 8. An endless belt 11 is wrapped around the drive roller 9 and the driven roller 10 and has moquette 12 disposed on the roller surface thereof to form a weft yarn retaining surface 13. The drive roller 9 is driven in a clockwise direction in FIG. 5, and the upper side of the endless belt 11 is moved in a direction designated by an arrow in FIG. 5. A feed nozzle 14 perpendicularly extends from the support frame 8 at a position above the drive roller 9 and its position is vertically adjustable. The front end of the feed nozzle 14 is bent downwardly so that it is directed toward the weft yarn retaining surface 13 above the drive roller 9. A weft yarn Y fed from the measuring roller mechanism (not shown) is introduced into the feed nozzle 14 and is continuously ejected thereby towards the weft yarn retaining surface 13. A support bracket 73 is secured to the front surface of the support frame 8 at the side of the feed nozzle 14 near the drive roller 9, and its front portion 74 has a support plate 75 secured thereto adjustably in horizontal and vertical directions. The support plate 75 has a press roller 76 rotatably mounted thereon, and the lower outer surface of which is pressed to the moquette 12 forming the weft yarn retaining surface 13. The press roller 76 is rotated in a direction designated by an arrow as the weft yarn retaining surface 13 is moved in a direction designated by an arrow. The first and second yarn storing devices 71 and 72 are surrounded by a cover 77 and a guard 78 illustrated in FIG. 6 in order to avoid depositing of flies on the stored weft yarn Y. The cover 77 is pivoted on the frame 8 by means of hinges 79. The cover 77 has upper and lower withdrawal openings 80a and 80b horizontally formed on the front surface thereof. During normal operation, the weft yarn Y stored in the first weft yarn storing device 71 is withdrawn through the upper withdrawal opening 80a, and the weft yarn Y stored in the second weft yarn storing device 72 is withdrawn through the lower withdrawal opening 80b, and they are introduced to the respective main nozles (not shown). The guard 78 is secured to the frame 8, and its height is set in such a manner that a part of the upper edge forms a lower edge of the lower withdrawal opening 80b and that the guard forms the lower portion of the cover 77. A vertical slit 80c is formed between the upper withdrawal opening 80a and lower withdrawal opening 80b so that the weft yarn, which has been stored in the first weft yarn storing device 71 and which has been withdrawn through the upper withdrawal opening 80a, can escape through the vertical slit 80c, when the cover 77 is open upon yarn breakage. The weft yarn Y is ejected from the feed nozzle 14 at a predetermined speed against the weft yarn retaining surface 13 located above the drive roller 9 and is deposited in a coil-like shape and attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13. The weft yarn Y thus attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13 is moved below the press roller 76 as the weft yarn retaining surface 13 moves. At this time, the weft yarn Y is so pressed against the weft yarn retaining surface 13 that it enters between the tufts of the moquette 12 by the pressing action between the lower surface of the press roller 76 and the moquette 12. As a result, the weft yarn Y is more evenly and securely attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13 as compared with the attachment by only the ejecting force from the feed nozzle 14. The weft yarn Y, which has been forcedly attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13, is conveyed toward the driven roller 10 as the endless belt 11 moves, and it is stored on the weft yarn retaining surface 13 until it starts to be inserted. As described above, since the weft yarn Y can be evenly attached to the moquette 12 by means of the pressing action of the press roller 76 to the moquette 12, the stored weft yarn Y is successively withdrawn in good order upon ejection of the main nozzles (not shown). Accordingly, there is no danger that turns of the stored weft yarn Y are thrown together, and faulty picking can be prevented from occurring. Further, because the roller 76 is disposed near the feed nozzle 14, the stored weft yarn Y is prevented from being disordered by air flow ejected from the feed nozzle 9. Further, if the locational arrangement of the press roller 76 is appropriately adjusted in a vertical direction, the pressing condition can be set at an optimal condition in accordance with the kind and count of the weft yarn. In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is carried out in a device for mixing use, which device is provided with the first weft yarn storing device 71 and the second weft yarn storing device 72. However, the present invention may be naturally applied to a device for a single weft yarn, which device is provided with only the first weft yarn storing device 71. Examples of such a device are illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the drive roller 9 and the press roller 76b are operably connected to each other by means of a crossed belt 81 so as to positively rotate both the rollers in opposite directions. According to this construction, the peripheral length of the rotated press roller 76b can be always the same as the moved distance of the weft yarn retaining surface 13 without causing any slip therebetween. Accordingly, the weft yarn Y can be evenly pressed by blocking means in the form of roller 76b without being twisted on the weft yarn retaining surface 13. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the ends of the blocking means formed by press roller 76c are rotatably supported by the support arms 82, and the base portions of the arms 82 are pivoted on support mountings 83 and are connected to springs 84 so that the press roller 76c always resiliently presses the weft yarn retaining surface 13. According to this construction, the force for pressing the weft yarn Y can be adjusted as desired by adjusting the urging force of the springs 84. The present construction of the present invention may be applied to a weft yarn storing device wherein a disc is used in place of a belt as a weft yarn retaining surface. Please note that the surface material of the press roller 76c is not limited as long as it does not cause any fluffs in the weft yarn Y during the pressing of the weft yarn against the retaining surface. For example, metallic material, rubber, glass, ceramics, carbon, or bakelite may be used for a press roller in accordance with the material of the weft yarn Y. Further, the feed nozzle was perpendicularly bent in the above-described embodiments, however, the bent angle may be altered as desired. In FIG. 9, a forked support bracket 85 is hung down from the upper inside of a cover 77, and a roller 76d is rotatably supported between the forked pieces of the bracket 85 to also serve as a blocking means. The roller 76d is slightly pressed against the weft yarn retaining surface 13 when the container is closed. Accordingly, the weft yarn ejected from a feed nozzle 14 and deposited on the weft yarn retaining surface 13 is forcedly attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13 by means of the roller 76d as the weft yarn retaining surface 13 is moved. Accordingly, the weft yarn Y is evenly attached to the weft yarn retaining surface 13. When the container is open, the roller 76d is lifted together with the cover 77 and is spaced from the weft yarn retaining surface 13, thus the adjustment of the weft storing condition can be readily performed. As described above, the adverse effect of the fluid ejected from the feed nozzle 14 to the stored weft yarn Y is avoided by means of the press roller, and therefore, there is no danger such as the adverse affection of the ejected fluid on the stored weft yarn, even when the moving speed of the belt 11 is decreased. Further, while a weft yarn ejected from a feed nozzle is deposited onto a weft yarn retaining surface, the deposited weft yarn is led to a portion between the weft yarn retaining surface and the press roller as the weft yarn retaining surface moves. At this time, the stored weft yarn is subjected to pressing between the roller and the weft yarn retaining surface, and the weft yarn is surely retained by weft yarn retaining surface. The weft yarn is moved from the pressed position and is stored on the retaining surface until just before the commencement of the weft yarn insertion. Accordingly, the withdrawal resistance during the weft yarn inserting operation depends on only the attaching conditions between the stored weft yarn and the weft yarn retaining surface. Further, the stored weft yarn is appropriately retained by the weft yarn retaining surface. Other embodiments will now be explained, wherein the weft yarn retaining surface is covered by a container and a weft yarn withdrawal resistance applying means is disposed on the container. In FIG. 10, weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are supplied from a pair of cheeses (not shown) and are introduced into a weft yarn storing device 4 via a measuring mechanism (not shown). The weft yarn storing device will now be explained in detail a container body 78 is fixed on a side frame of a weaving loom. A pair of drive rollers 8 and 9' are driven by a drive mechanism (not shown). A pair of driven rollers 10 and 10' are correspondingly disposed to the drive rollers 9 and 9'. Endless belts 11 and 11' are wrapped around the rollers 9 and 10, and the rollers 9' and 10', respectively. The belts 11 and 11' have moquette 12 disposed on the outer surfaces thereof to form weft yarn retaining surfaces 13 and 13'. The drive rollers 9 and 9' are driven in a clockwise direction in FIG. 10, and the endless belts 11 and 11' are moved in a direction desiganted by a dot arrow in FIG. 10. The lower belt 11' is displaced forwardly and to the left relative to the upper belt 11. A feed nozzle 14 perpendicularly extends from the container body 78 at a position above the drive roller 9 and the front end of the feed nozzle 14 is bent downwardly so that it is directed to the weft yarn retaining surface 13 on the drive roller 9. A weft yarn Y1 is fed from the measuring mechanism and is introduced into the feed nozzle 14, from where it is continuously ejected towards the weft yarn retaining surface 13. Similarly, a feed nozzle 14' perpendicularly extends from the container body 78 at a position above the drive roller 10' and the front end of the feed nozzle 14' is bent downwardly so that it is directed to the waft yarn retaining surface 13' on the drive roller 10'. A weft yarn Y2 fed from the measuring mechanism is introduced into the feed nozzle 14' and is continuously ejected thereby towards the weft yarn retaining surface 13'. The weft yarns Y1 and Y2 ejected onto the weft yarn retaining surfaces 13 and 13' are deposited on the weft yarn retaining surfaces forming a coil-like shape as the movement of the belt 11 and 11' progresses. A cover 77 is pivoted on the front surface of the container body 78 by means of hinges 79 so as to be vertically privotal and the front portion of the container body can be open. More specifically, a container is constructed with the container body 78 and the cover 77, which is capable of being open, and contains the feed nozzles 14 and 14' and the weft yarn retaining surfaces 13 and 13'. The cover 77 has a horizontally elongated opening 80a at a position facing the weft yarn retaining surface 13 when it is closed, and also has a groove 80b in parallel with the opening 80a at a lower front edge, i.e., free end, of the cover 77 facing the weft yarn retaining surfce 13', and the opening 80a and the groove 80b are communicated with each other by a slit 80c. In other words, the opening 80a is communicated with the outside through the slit 80c and the groove 80b. When the cover 77 is closed, the opening 80a, the slit 80 c and the groove 80b form a closed yarn threading hole, and the weft yarn Y1 fed from the feed nozzle 14 is withdrawn through the opening 80a, and the weft yarn Y2 fed from the feed nozzle 14' is withdrawn through the groove 80b (which will be referred to as "opening 80b" hereinafter). A weft yarn guide plate 101, which has a guide hole 101a having a similar shape as that of the openings 80a and 80b and slit 80c and a width slightly smaller than that of the openings 80a and 80b and slit 80c, is secured to the inside of the front wall of the cover 77 by screws 102 and nuts (not shown), so that the guide hole 101a is aligned with the holes 80a amd 80b and the slit 80c. Similarly, a guide plate 103 formed in an elongated plate is secured to the inside of the front wall of the container body 78 by means of screws 104 and nuts (not shown). The upper surface of the guide plate 103 slightly projects from the upper edge of the front wall, and thus closed guide hole 101a is formed together with the guide plate 101. In front of the weft yarn storing device, there is disposed a first weft yarn inserting device comprising a yarn guide 26, a gripper 27, and there is also a second weft yarn inserting device disposed in parallel with the first weft inserting device comprising a yarn guide 26', a gripper 27' and a weft yarn inserting main nozzle 28'. The weft yarns Y1 and Y2 withdrawn through the weft yarn withdrawal openings 80a and 80b are introduced into the weft yarn inserting main nozzles 28 and 28', which are alternatively located at a weft inserting position on the basis of the predetermined weft inserting pattern, and the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 are inserted into the weft yarn guide passages S, which are formed by a plurality of weft guides 29 disposed on a slay (not shown), from the main nozzles 28 and 28' in accordance with the weft inserting pattern. In this embodiment, the weft yarns Y1 and Y2, withdrawn from the weft yarn withdrawal openings 80a and 80b, are slightly upwardly withdrawn, and accordingly, the weft yarn Y1 contacts the upper edge of the guide hole 101a corresponding to the weft withdrawal opening 80a, and the weft yarn Y2 contacts the upper edge of the guide hole 101a corresponding to the weft withdrawal opening 80b on the left of the slit 80c, while they are withdrawn. Therefore, the withdrawal resistance can be adjusted at a desired level, when an appropriate material is selected for the guide plate 101. During normal operation of the weaving loom, the container is closed. The weft yarn Y1, which has been stored on the weft yarn retaining surface 13, is withdrawn while it is traversed to and fro along the weft yarn withdrawal opening 80a. Similarly, the weft yarn Y2, which has been stored on the weft yarn retaining surface 13', is withdrawn while it is traversed to and fro along the weft yarn withdrawal opening 80b, which is located on the left of the slit 80c. Under such a condition, invasion of floating flies are allowed only through the withdrawal openings 80a and 80b and the slit 80c. However, at the same time, air is always ejected within the container from the feed nozzles 14 and 14' and leaks through the withdrawal openings 80a and 80b and the slit 80c. Accordingly, the invastion of floating flies into the container is substantially prevented from occurring. As a result, deposition of floating flies on the weft yarn retaining surfaces 13 and 13' is prevented, and there is no danger that the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 introduced into the weft yarn inserting main nozzles 28 and 28' are contaminated with floating flies. As a result, clogging by flies in the main nozzles 28 and 28', which may cause a faulty picking, is prevented, and defects in woven fabric, which may caused by such flies, is prevented from occurring. When a faulty picking or weft yarn breakage occurs, in order to prepare for re-starting the weaving loom, the weft yarn storing conditions on the weft yarn retaining surfaces 13 and 13' are adjusted by opening the cover 77 so as to expose the inside of the container as illustrated in FIG. 11. At this time, the weft yarn Y1, which has been passed through the withdrawal opening 80a, can be taken out through the slit 80c and the withdrawal opening 80b, and thus, the adjusting operation can be immediately started under the condition wherein the container is open. Accordingly, operability is very high. The operability is also high with regard to the repair of the weft yarn Y2. When the container, which has been open, is closed, threading operation of the weft yarns Y1 and Y2 into the withdrawal openings 80a and 80b can be readily performed, and troublesome threading operation, wherein an end of the weft yarn is pierced into the withdrawal opening 80a or 80b, can be omitted. The present invention is not limited to the above-explained embodiment and can be carried out in other embodiments, for example, those illustrated in FIGS. 12 through 14. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 12, like the above described embodiment, a pair of weft yarn retaining surfaces 13 and 13' are vertically spaced relative to each other. In FIG. 12, weft yarn withdrawal openings 80a and 80b formed on the front wall of cover 77 corresponding to the weft yarn retaining surfaces 13 and 13' independently communicate with the outside. Accordingly, entanglement of weft yarns Y1 and Y2 is prevented from occurring when the cover 77 is pivoted to open the container. In FIG. 13 a side frame 106 is formed in a square box shape and is secured to the front wall of a support frame 105. The frame 105 has a feed nozzle 14 and drive and driven rollers 9 and 10 mounted thereon. A cover 77 is pivoted to the front portion of the side frame 106 by a hinge 79. The lower edge of the cover can be attached to the side frame 106 by means of, for example, a magnet. The cover 77 has an elongated weft yarn withdrawal opening 80a horizontally formed therein, which is communicated with the outside via a slit 80c perpendicularly connected thereto. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 the front end of a feed nozzle 14 upwardly penetrates a stationary table 108 and is then bent downwardly to a position near the upper surface of a disc 109. The disc 109 is rotated by a drive mechanism (not shown). An annular circular weft yarn retaining surface 109a is formed on the disc 109, and the front end of the feed nozzle 14 is directed to the weft yarn retaining surface 109a. Further, a container body 78 is connected to the stationary table 108, and a hemispherical cover 77 is detachably engaged with the container body. A weft yarn withdrawal opening 80a is formed at the connecting portion of the cover 77 and the container body 78. More specifically, the weft yarn Y is ejected from the feed nozzle 14 and is deposited on the rotating weft yarn retaining surface 109a at a position corresponding to the weft yarn withdrawal opening 80a, and it is withdrawn through the opening 80a upon the weft yarn insertion. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 16, a weft yarn retaining surface 111a is formed on the inner surface of a rotary cylinder 111, a weft yarn Y is ejected to the weft yarn retaining surface 111a from a feed nozzle 14 disposed at the center of the cylinder 111. A circular disc 112 is secured by a screw 113 to a support arm 14a extending along the axis of the cylinder 111 from the bent portion of the feed nozzle 14, and a circular gap 114 serving as a weft yarn withdrawal opening is formed between the periphery of the disc 112 and the cylinder 111. Assembling and detaching operation will be easy if the disc 112 is engaged onto the arm 14a so that the front end of the arm 14a projects from the disc 112 and a snap ring or the like is inserted onto the projecting end of the arm 14a. Due to the above-described construction, the invasion of floating flies into the container is only possible through the withdrawal opening. Incidentally, air is always ejected from the feed nozzle in the container and leaks through the withdrawal opening, and accordingly, invasion of floating flies through the withdrawal opening is substantially prevented from occurring, and thus, deposition of floating flies on the weft yarn retaining surface within the container is effectively prevented. When a weft yarn breakage or a faulty picking occurs, the cover is open to adjust the weft yarn storing condition on the weft yarn retaining surface to a suitable condition for re-starting the weaving loom. In this case, the weft yarn, which has been withdrawn from the container, can be taken out through the weft yarn withdrawal opening, which is communicated with the outside, without causing breakage of the weft yarn. Similarly, when the cover is closed, the weft yarn can be easily threaded into the weft yarn withdrawal opening. Thus, the device of the present invention has a high operability. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be applied to other embodiments, for example, those illustrated in FIGS. 17 through 27. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, a pair of brackets 30 and 31 are fixed at the right and left portions of the front surface of the support frame 8 and have adjust screws 32a and 33a extending vertically, respectively. The brackets 30 and 31 and the cover member 19 are connected to each other by means of tension springs 34 and 35, which are inserted onto the screws 32a and 33a, respectively. Set screws 32b and 33b are meshing with the screws 32a and 33a, respectively. Accordingly, the pressing condition of cover member 19 to the moquette 12 and the inclination of cover member 19 can be set as desired by adjusting the meshing lengths of the screws 32 and 33. Further, when the weft yarn is withdrawn while it is in contact with the front edge 19a of the cover member 19, the withdrawal is damped by the action of the springs. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, adjust screws 32a and 33a are engaging with a pair of brackets 30 and 31, which are fixed at the right and left portions of the front surface of the support frame 8, and have nuts 32b and 33b meshing therewith. The heads of the screws 32a and 33a located at the lower ends thereof are engaging with brackets 45 and 46, which are fixed to the upper surface of the cover member 19. Compression springs 47 and 48 are inserted between the brackets 32a and 33a and the brackets 45 and 46, respectively. Accordingly, the pressing condition of cover member 19 to the moquette 12 and the inclination of cover member 19 can be set as desired by adjusting the lengths of the screws 32a and 33a. Further, the withdrawal of the stored weft yarn is damped. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the cover member 19 has a weft yarn entrance 19b formed in an arc for introducing weft yarn and an upwardly projecting bracket 36 secured to the other end of the arc. The bracket 36 has a vertically elongated hole 36a around a position corresponding to the center of the arc and is adjustably secured to the support frame 8 by means of a screw 37 inserted into the elongated hole 36. Accordingly, the inclination of the cover member 19 can be adjusted by pivoting it about the screw 37, and its pressing condition to the moquette 12 can be adjusted by sliding it along the elongated hole 36a. FIGS. 20 through 25 illustrate various alternatives of the cover member 19. In FIG. 20, the cover member 19 is made of a transparent synthetic resin and has a transverse bar 38 at the lower surface of the weft yarn entrance thereof, which bar is made of a durable material, such as ceramics, piano wire having chromium plating on the surface thereof. Accordingly, the cover member 19 of this embodiment has advantages that the abrasion of the cover member 19 is prevented from occurring and that the weft yarn storing condition can be readily observed. In FIG. 21, a bar 49 similar to the above-described bar is also disposed at the front end of the cover member 19 so that the abrasion of the cover member 19 is prevented from occurring while the stored weft yarn is withdrawn. The cover member 19 illustrated in FIG. 22 is formed in a convex shape except for the weft yarn entrance. Its portion, which contacts the moquette 12, is hard chromium plated. Contrary to this, in FIG. 23, the cover member 19 is formed in concave shape. In the cover member 19 illustrated in FIG. 24, the portion except for the entrance is inclined and twisted relative to the weft yarn entrance. In the cover member 19 illustrated in FIG. 25, the front corner edge of the weft yarn entrance is bent upwardly, so that the weft yarn, which is fed from the feed nozzle 14, does not contact the cover member 19 during the inserting operation upon the completion of the withdrawal of the stored weft yarn, so that the resistance of withdrawal of the stored weft yarn is smoothly continued to the resistance of withdrawal under restrained condition, and so that the decrease of the weft inserting speed is more relieved. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 26, a disc 40 is rotated in a direction designated by an arrow around a stationary shaft 39 and has the moquette 12 formed in a annular shape and disposed thereon to form a weft yarn retaining surface 13. The shaft 39 has a support ring 41 rotatably and vertically slidably engaging therewith, and the ring 41 is adjustably secured to the shaft 39 by means of a screw 42. A cylindrical arm 41a horizontally extends from the side surface of the ring 41 and is located at the side of the feed nozzle in the direction of the rotation of the disc 40. The arm 41a has the cover member 19 turnably fitted at the lower side thereof by inserting the cover member 19 into the notch portion of the ring 41, and the cover member 19 is secured by a screw 43. The cover member 19 is formed from a fan shaped plate by bending the inserting end at a right angle, and the bent portion is used as a weft yarn entrance and the other end is gradually away from the weft yarn retaining surface 13. According to this embodiment, advantages similar to those achieved by the above-described embodiments can be achieved. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27, a weft yarn retaining surface 13 is formed on the inner surface of a rotating cylinder 44, and a weft yarn Y is ejected onto the weft yarn retaining surface 13 from a feed nozzle 14, which is disposed inside the cylinder 44. The feed nozzle 14 has a cover member 19 secured thereto and formed in an arc. It is, of course, possible to adjustably arrange the location of the cover member 19. Although in this embodiment, the cylinder 44 is rotated, the feed nozzle 14 and the cover member 19 may be rotated about the axis of the cylinder in place of the cylinder 44. Alternatively, the weft yarn retaining surface 13 may be formed on the outer surface of the cylinder 44. A weft yarn ejected from a feed nozzle is deposited onto a weft yarn retaining surface, which moves relative to the feed nozzle, to form a coil-like shape. The deposited weft yarn is led to a portion between the weft yarn retaining surface and the cover member as the weft yarn retaining surface moves. At this time, the stored weft yarn is subjected to pressing between the one end of the cover member and the weft yarn retaining surface, and the weft yarn is surely retained by the weft yarn retaining surface. The weft yarn, which has been retained by the surface in a foregoing manner, is stored below the cover member just before the commencement of the weft yarn insertion, and it is withdrawn as soon as the weft yarn insertion is commenced. The gap between the cover member and the weft yarn retaining surface is so selected that the gap increases as a position moves away from the weft yarn feed nozzle along the weft yarn retaining surface, and that the weft yarn, located at the side where it starts to be withdrawn, is not pressed to the waft yarn retaining surface by means of the cover member. Accordingly, the withdrawal resistance upon the commencement of the withdrawal of the stored weft yarn depends on only the attaching conditions between the stored weft yarn and the weft yarn retaining surface. The stored weft yarn is subjected to pressing by the weft yarn introducing end of the cover member and is appropriately attached to the weft yarn retaining surface. Accordingly, throwing of turns of the weft yarn is prevented from occurring. As the stored weft yarn located near the weft yarn introducing end of the cover member is withdrawn, the withdrawn weft yarn is subjected to pressing by the cover member, and the withdrawal resistance increases. The increase of the withdrawal resistance continues until the completion of the withdrawal. As soon as the withdrawal of the stored weft yarn is completed, the weft insertion takes place while the feeding speed is kept at a constant speed by means of the feed nozzle. Accordingly, sudden decrease of the waft yarn inserting speed is relieved upon the transfer from the withdrawal of the stored weft yarn to the weft yarn insertion under the control of the feed nozzle, and thus, faulty picking is prevented from occurring. As described above, the weft yarn storing device of the present invention achieves unexpected advantages that it can appropriately store the weft yarn on the weft yarn retaining surface and that it can prevent a weft yarn breakage or a faulty picking from occurring.

A device for storing a weft yarn for inserting in a jet loom, which is provided with a weft yarn retaining surface, is movable relative to a feed nozzle, for receiving a weft yarn ejected from the feed nozzle. The device is characterized in that a blacking member is arranged in such a manner that one end of the member is engaged with the weft yarn retaining surface at a depositing zone adjacent to the feed nozzle so as to block the fluid from the nozzle as would otherwise disturb the yarn deposited on the retaining surface. A gap is formed between the weft yarn retaining surface and the cover, which gap increases as a position moves away from the depositing zone towards the side where the stored weft yarn is withdrawn.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Reference is made to commonly-assigned copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/896,582, filed May 17, 2013, entitled METHOD FOR AUTHENTICATING UV ABSORBING SECURITY MARK, by Pawlik et al.; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/949,304, filed Jul. 24, 2013, entitled METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING AN ITEM, by Pawlik et al.; the disclosures of which are incorporated herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to security marks printed with UV absorbent ink on non-fluorescent media with a UV fluorescent overcoat. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Applying invisible covert marks to product packaging is a well establish method for authenticating products and thus combating counterfeiting. In addition, when variable invisible information is printed, batch-level and item-level tracking of products can be accomplished in a covert manner. Common covert marking materials are ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent inks The security mark is invisible under normal lighting, but is revealed when a UV light source is used. One limitation of this approach is that printed cartons and packaging materials can have a UV curable overprint varnish applied to help improve the durability of the surface, for example add scuff resistance; change the gloss finish of the surface; or protect the inks from unintentionally washing off or intentionally being removed, in the case of covert tracking information. These overprint varnishes (also referred to as overcoat varnishes) typically contain optical brighteners that can interfere with the UV fluorescence of the security marks. One example of such a varnish is InX International Procure (TM) UV 10090 LP overprint varnish. U.S. Publication No. 2009/0104373 (Vanbesien) describes applying a radiation curable varnish to a document and authenticating the document via the radiation curable fluorescent varnish. However, in their case the hidden information is applied to the document by image-wise printing of the radiation curable varnish using a digital press. This can pose problems when there is an imperfect match of the gloss of the varnish with the gloss of the substrate which would make the invisible mark visible to the unaided eye as a gloss differential. This is undesirable because it exposes the hidden mark. Digitally printing a radiation curable ink can also pose hardware problems such as jetting of a high viscosity liquid and clogging of inkjet nozzles because of cross-linking of the varnish. Another way of adding a security mark is to use a UV absorbing ink on a print surface that contains an optical brightener, thereby creating a negative (dark) image. This can work well on label stock, which often has optical brighteners. Typical carton stock used in packaging, however, often does not contain such optical brighteners; therefore this simple approach is not feasible. It is therefore highly desirable to have a solution that allows covert embedding of information via a robust printing method on substrates that are not optically brightened, and that can also subsequently be treated with an overprint varnish to protect the package. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, according to one aspect of the present invention, information (e.g. text, logos, numbers, or barcodes) is printed using a UV-absorbent ink onto the substrate which may be carton stock that does not contain optical brightener, and subsequently a UV curable varnish that fluoresces under UV illumination is applied. If this coating is sufficiently thin, a fraction of UV light will be transmitted. In areas absent of UV absorber, this UV light will be reflected back (assuming a bright surface). The reflected UV light will lead to additional visible fluorescence. In areas with UV absorber, the reflection will be attenuated. Thus, the UV absorber printed mark will appear darker under UV light. Because the security mark is printed under the UV-cured overcoat, it is very hard to remove. It can be printed using a variable data printer (e.g. inkjet) for a serialized mark. In one embodiment of the invention, the security mark is printed with a UV absorber which can be easily formulated into a low viscosity inkjet ink, and the overcoat can be applied uniformly using standard offset or flexographic printing techniques. The gloss is therefore uniform across the printed item and the security mark only becomes visible under UV illumination. This is especially useful if variable data are printed. If static information is printed, the UV absorber can be formulated into either an ink jet ink or a conventional flexographic or offset ink. In a second embodiment of the invention, the security mark is similarly printed using a UV-absorbent ink, but in contrast to the first embodiment, there is either no overcoat varnish applied after printing or the overcoat varnish that is applied does not contain UV fluorescent materials. For authentication, a transparent sheet containing UV fluorescing materials is placed in contact with the carton stock before illuminating with UV light. This approach is useful when a higher level of security is required. Because two devices are required to authenticate, a UV light source and a UV fluorescing transparent sheet, it becomes more difficult for a counterfeiter to detect that a security feature is present and therefore it is not replicated on the counterfeit packaging. For both embodiments, authentication of the package is accomplished by illuminating the package with a UV light source to visually inspect for the hidden information and comparing the revealed image to a known or expected image. Alternatively, a device (e.g. a mobile phone with a digital camera) can be used to capture the revealed image and compare it to a predetermined image, decode it, or transmit the image data or code to a remote location for comparison to a known or expected image or code that is stored in a database. The invention and its objects and advantages will become more apparent in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment presented below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic of a substrate with a security mark printed with a UV absorbing ink and a UV fluorescing overcoat layer. FIG. 2 is a schematic of a substrate with a security mark printed with a UV absorbing ink and a UV fluorescing overcoat layer and depicting the difference in reflected light as a function of the presence or absence of the UV absorber. FIG. 3 is a schematic of a substrate with a security mark printed with a UV absorbing ink and a UV fluorescing transparent sheet. FIG. 4 is a schematic showing the concept of capturing and processing the image of the security mark using an image sensor and a microprocessor. FIG. 5 is a schematic showing the concept of transmitting information to a remote location for authentication. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be directed in particular to elements forming part of, or in cooperation more directly with the apparatus in accordance with the present invention. It is to be understood that elements not specifically shown or described may take various forms well known to those skilled in the art. Referring now to FIG. 1 , it shows a cross-section of the authentic item comprising a reflective substrate 100 that reflects a substantial fraction of incident radiation. An image comprising a security mark 102 is printed on the substrate using UV absorbing ink. The security mark can be a picture, text, number, logo, barcode, or combinations thereof. UV absorbing inks typically absorb radiation in the 200 nm-to 400 nm range. Examples of UV absorbing ink are available from BASF under the trade name Tinuvin. While most examples of Tinuvin require organic (co-) solvents, there are water-based nanoparticle dispersions available, for example Tinuvin 99-DW (clear) or Tinuvin 477-DW (slight yellow). The printed image is then coated with a varnish 104 that contains UV fluorescent components. Chemical components that exhibit fluorescence under UV irradiation may include fluorescent dyes, fluorescent pigments and inorganic surface functionalized quantum dot materials. Examples of fluorescent dyes suitable for use herein include those belonging to the dye families known as rhodamines, fluorescenes, coumarine, napthalimides, benzoxanthenes, acridines, azos, mixtures thereof and the like. In particular optical brighteners that convert UV radiation to blue visible radiation such as 2,5-Bis(5-tert-butyl-benzoxazol-2-yl) thiophene are suitable materials. Other suitable fluorescent materials are pigments available from Risk Reactor, for example the PFC class, specifically PFC-03 which switches from invisible to red when exposed to UV light; or the PF class, for example PF-09 which switches from invisible to violet when exposed to UV light. Other suppliers of fluorescent materials include Beaver Luminescers from Newton, Mass. and Cleveland Pigment & Color Co. from Akron, Ohio. Some clear varnishes that are cured using UV radiation are also UV fluorescent, for example Flint Group UV LP High Gloss Coating 30# (UVB01073). The coating thickness and composition of the varnish is chosen such that a substantial fraction, ideally between 30% and 70%, of the incident UV illumination is transmitted through the varnish coating and another significant fraction, ideally between 30% and 70%, is absorbed by the UV fluorescent compound and converted to visible light. When the item containing a security mark is illuminated with UV light 110 in an area where no image is printed with UV absorbing ink, the fraction of UV light that is transmitted through the varnish and reflected back as UV light 112 . The visible light 114 originates from fluorescence created by UV light that is absorbed by the UV fluorescent compound of the UV fluorescent varnish 104 either through absorption of a fraction of the incident UV light 110 or of the reflected UV light 112 . Referring now to FIG. 2 , which shows the illumination of the security mark with UV light 120 in an area where UV absorbing ink is present as part of the image of the security mark. The composition and coating thickness of the UV absorbing ink is chosen such that a large fraction of the incident UV light, ideally more than 50%, is absorbed. Consequently, the intensity of the reflected UV light 122 is reduced and the total emitted visible fluorescence light 124 is reduced compared to that of 114 in FIG. 1 where no UV absorbing ink was present. This intensity difference is visible to the eye. Consequently, the image printed with UV absorbing ink that is invisible to the eye under normal (non UV-containing) illumination will become visible under UV illumination. The image itself can be a picture, number, text, logo, barcode or combinations thereof. FIG. 3 shows a variant of this invention where the UV fluorescent compounds are part of a separate transparent sheet 130 . This sheet is transparent to visible light, but absorbs a fraction of incident UV light and emits visible fluorescence light. The authentic item only consists of a substrate 100 , the security mark printed with UV absorbing ink 102 and optionally a clear varnish without UV fluorescent compounds (not shown in FIG. 3 ). Under UV illumination this security mark will not be visible to the eye because the eye is not sensitive to UV light and there are no UV fluorescent compounds in the authentic item that would convert the UV light to visible light. Only when the transparent sheet 130 that contains UV fluorescent compounds is placed in contact with the authentic item and illuminated with UV light will the security mark printed with UV absorbing ink become visible. The transparent UV fluorescent sheet 130 acts as a key to unlock the security mark. Authentication of the item is accomplished by illuminating the item with a UV light source to visually inspect for the reduced fluorescence image of the security mark and comparing the revealed mark to a known or expected mark or image. Alternatively, a device (e.g. a mobile phone with a digital camera) can be used to capture the reduced fluorescence image of the security mark and compare it to a predetermined image, decode it, or transmit the image of the security mark or code to a remote location for comparison to a known or expected image or code. For example, if the security mark is an item-level serial number, the serial number can be transmitted to a remote server containing a database and then cross referenced in the database to either verify the serial number is valid or ascertain additional information associated with that specific item, for example its expected location in the distribution chain. The outcome of the remote authentication step can be transmitted back to the original transmitting device. Referring now to FIG. 4 , which shows the security mark of the authentic item 132 being revealed under illumination with UV light 110 from a UV illuminator 134 . The image of the security mark is captured with an image sensor 136 and the image data is processed by a microprocessor 138 . The microprocessor can, for example, compare the captured image to a predetermined image and base the authentication of the item on the result of the image comparison. Alternatively, the microprocessor can decode the image information if it is a machine readable code such as a barcode. Referring now to FIG. 5 , once revealed with UV illumination, a mobile device with a digital camera 140 , for example a smart phone, can capture an image of the security mark 146 and transmit the image data or a code derived from the image data via a network 142 to a remote server 144 for authentication. The result of the authentication can be displayed on the device's display 148 . The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention. PARTS LIST 100 substrate 102 security mark printed with UV-absorbing ink 104 UV fluorescent varnish 110 UV light illuminating print media 112 UV light reflected from print media 114 visible fluorescence light emitted from varnish 120 UV light illuminating security mark 122 UV light reflected from security mark 124 visible fluorescence light emitted from varnish 130 UV fluorescent transparent sheet 132 authentic item 134 UV illuminator 136 image sensor 138 microprocessor 140 mobile device with digital camera (smart phone) 142 network 144 remote server 146 security mark/hidden information 148 display

A system of authenticating an item with a security mark includes a substrate ( 100 ); wherein the security mark is printed on the substrate with invisible ultraviolet (UV) absorbing ink ( 102 ); a coating comprised of UV fluorescent varnish ( 104 ) applied over the security mark and substrate; wherein an area comprising the security mark and coating with is illuminated with UV light; wherein a reduced fluorescence image of the security mark is identified; wherein the reduced fluorescence image is compared with the security mark; and wherein the item is authenticated if the reduced fluorescence image matches the security mark.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/977,029 filed Oct. 29, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/269,669 filed Oct. 11, 2002, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/661,693, filed Sep. 14, 2000, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/327,814 filed Jun. 8, 1999, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/277,424, filed Mar. 26, 1999, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/079,652 filed on Mar. 27, 1998, the benefit of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120 and the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions, and more particularly to pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration of a medicament, which contain an effervescent agent for enhancing oral drug absorption across the buccal, sublingual, and gingival mucosa. DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART [0003] Effervescents have been shown to be useful and advantageous for oral administration. See Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets Volume I, Second Edition. A. Lieberman. ed. 1989, Marcel Dekker, Inc. As discussed in this text, and as commonly employed, an effervescent tablet is dissolved in water to provide a carbonated or sparkling liquid drink. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,102,665 and 5,468,504 to Schaeffer, herein incorporated by reference. In such a drink, the effervescent helps to mask the taste of medicaments. [0004] Effervescent compositions have also been employed for use as taste masking agents in dosage forms which are not dissolved in water prior to administration. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,639,368 describes a chewing gum containing a medicament capable of absorption through the buccal cavity and containing a taste masking amount of an effervescent. [0005] More recently effervescents have been employed to obtain rapid dissolution and/or dispersion of the medicament in the oral cavity. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,178,878 and 5,223,264. The effervescent tends to stimulate saliva production thereby providing additional water to aid in further effervescent to a faster onset of action and/or improved bioavailability action. These dosage forms give an agreeable presentation of the drug, particularly for patients who have difficulty in swallowing tablets or capsules. PCT application WO 97/06786 describes pre-gastric absorption of certain drugs using rapidly-disbursing dosage forms. [0006] Various proposals have been advanced for oral mucosal administration of various drugs. When drugs are absorbed from the oral mucosa, they bypass the gastrointestinal and hepatic metabolism process. This can lead of a drug. However, many compounds do not rapidly penetrate the oral mucosa. See, e.g., Christina Graffner, Clinical Experience with Novel Buccal and Sublingual Administration; NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY AND ITS THERAPEUTIC APPLICATION, edited by L. F. Prescott and W. S. Nimmo (1989); David Harris & Joseph R. Robinson, Drug Delivery via the Mucous Membranes of the Oral Cavity; JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, Vol. 81 (Jan. 1992); Oral Mucosal Delivery, edited by M. J. Rathbone, which are herein incorporated by reference. The compounds which may be well absorbed per-orally (through the gastrointestinal tract) may not be well absorbed through the mucosa of the mouth because the oral mucosa is less permeable than the intestinal mucosa and it does not offer as big a surface area as the small intestine. [0007] Despite these and other efforts toward increasing the permeation of medicaments across the oral mucosa, there have been unmet needs for improved methods of administrating medicaments across the oral mucosa. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise an orally administrable medicament in combination with an effervescent agent used as penetration enhancer to influence the permeability of the medicament across the buccal, sublingual, and gingival mucosa. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0009] One aspect of this invention is to use effervescent as penetration enhancers for influencing oral drug absorption. Effervescent agents can be used alone or in combination with other penetration enhancers, which leads to an increase in the rate and extent of absorption of an active drug. It is believed that such increase can rise from one or all of the following mechanisms: 1. reducing the mucosal layer thickness and/or viscosity; 2. tight junction alteration; 3. inducing a change in the cell membrane structure; and 4. increasing the hydrophobic environment within the cellular membrane. [0014] The present dosage forms should include an amount of an effervescent agent effective to aid in penetration of the drug across the oral mucosa. Preferably, the effervescent is provided in an amount of between about 5% and about 95% by weight, based on the weight of the finished tablet, and more preferably in an amount of between about 30% and about 80% by weight. It is particularly preferred that sufficient effervescent material be provided such that the evolved gas is more than about 5 cm 3 but less than about 30 cm 3 , upon exposure of the tablet to an aqueous environment. However, the amount of effervescent agent must be optimized for each specific drug. [0015] The term “effervescent agent” includes compounds which evolve gas. The preferred effervescent agents evolve gas by means of a chemical reaction which takes place upon exposure of the effervescent agent (an effervescent couple) to water and/or to saliva in the mouth. This reaction is most often the result of the reaction of a soluble acid source and a source of carbon dioxide such as an alkaline carbonate or bicarbonate. The reaction of these two general compounds produces carbon dioxide gas upon contact with water or saliva. Such water-activated materials must be kept in a generally anhydrous state and with little or no absorbed moisture or in a stable hydrated form, since exposure to water will prematurely disintegrate the tablet. The acid sources may be any which are safe for human consumption and may generally include food acids, acid and hydrite antacids such as, for example: citric, tartaric, amalic, fumeric, adipic, and succinics. Carbonate sources include dry solid carbonate and bicarbonate salt such as, preferably, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate, magnesium carbonate and the like. Reactants which evolve oxygen or other gasses and which are safe for human consumption are also included. [0016] The effervescent agent(s) of the present invention is not always based upon a reaction which forms carbon dioxide. Reactants which evolve oxygen or other gasses which are safe for human consumption are also considered within the scope. Where the effervescent agent includes two mutually reactive components, such as an acid source and a carbonate source, it is preferred that both components react completely. Therefore, an equivalent ratio of components which provides for equal equivalents is preferred. For example, if the acid used is diprotic, then either twice the amount of a mono-reactive carbonate base, or an equal amount of a di-reactive base should be used for complete neutralization to be realized. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the amount of either acid or carbonate source may exceed the amount of the other component. This may be useful to enhance taste and/or performance of a tablet containing an overage of either component. In this case, it is acceptable that the additional amount of either component may remain unreacted. [0017] The present dosage forms may also include in amounts additional to that required for effervescence a pH adjusting substance. For drugs that are weakly acidic or weakly basic, the pH of the aqueous environment can influence the relative concentrations of the ionized and unionized forms of the drug present in solution according to the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. The pH solutions in which an effervescent couple has dissolved is slightly acidic due to the evolution of carbon dioxide. The pH of the local environment, e.g., saliva in immediate contact with the tablet and any drug that may have dissolved from it, may be adjusted by incorporating in the tablet a pH adjusting substances which permit the relative portions of the ionized and unionized forms of the drug to be controlled. In this way, the present dosage forms can be optimized for each specific drug. If the unionized drug is known or suspected to be absorbed through the cell membrane (transcellular absorption) it would be preferable to alter the pH of the local environment (within the limits tolerable to the subject) to a level that favors the unionized form of the drug. Conversely, if the ionized form is more readily dissolved the local environment should favor ionization. [0018] The aqueous solubility of the drug should preferably not be compromised by the effervescent and pH adjusting substance, such that the dosage forms permit a sufficient concentration of the drug to be present in the unionized form. The percentage of the pH adjusting substance and/or effervescent should therefore be adjusted depending on the drug. [0019] Suitable pH adjusting substance for use in the present invention include any weak acid or weak base in amounts additional to that required for the effervescence or, preferably, any buffer system that is not harmful to the oral mucosa. Suitable pH adjusting substance for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, any of the acids or bases previously mentioned as effervescent compounds, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and the equivalent potassium salt. [0020] The active ingredient suitable for use in the present dosage forms can include systematically distributable pharmaceutical ingredients, vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, as well as non-systematically distributable drugs. Preferably, the active ingredient is a systemically active pharmaceutical ingredient which is absorbable by the body through the oral mucosa. Although the dosage forms can be employed with a wide range of drugs, as discussed below, it is especially suitable for drugs and other pharmaceutical ingredients which suffer significant loss of activity in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract or in the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract during absorption process or upon passage through the liver after absorption in the intestinal tract. Absorption through the oral mucosa allows the drug to enter the systemic circulation without first passing through the liver, and thus alleviates the loss of activity upon passage through the liver. [0021] Pharmaceutical ingredients may include, without limitation, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, antipyretics, antibiotics, antimicrobials, laxatives, anorexics, antihistamines, antiasthmatics, antidiuretics, antiflatulents, antimigraine agents, antispasmodics, sedatives, antihyperactives, antihypertensives, tranquilizers, decongestants, beta blockers; peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides and other substances of biological origin, and combinations thereof. Also encompassed by the terms “active ingredient(s)”, “pharmaceutical ingredient(s)” and “active agents” are the drugs and pharmaceutically active ingredients described in Mantelle, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,957, in columns 18 through 21. That text of Mantelle is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively or additionally, the active ingredient can include drugs and other pharmaceutical ingredients, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements as the same are defined in U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,878, the disclosure of which is also incorporated by reference herein. [0022] The dosage form preferably includes an effervescent couple, in combination with the other ingredients to enhance the absorption of the pharmaceutical ingredient across the oral mucosa and to improve the disintegration profile and the organoleptic properties of the dosage form. For example, the area of contact between the dosage form and the oral mucosa, and the residence time of the dosage form in the oral cavity can be improved by including a bioadhesive polymer in this drug delivery system. See, e.g., Mechanistic Studies on Effervescent-Induced Permeability Enhancement by Jonathan Eichman (1997), which is incorporated by reference herein. Effervescence, due to its mucus stripping properties, would also enhance the residence time of the bioadhesive, thereby increasing the residence time for the drug absorption. Non-limiting examples of bioadhesives used in the present invention include, for example, Carbopol 934 P, Na CMC, Methocel, Polycarbophil (Noveon AA-1), HPMC, Na alginate, Na Hyaluronate and other natural or synthetic bioadhesives. [0023] In addition to the effervescence-producing agents, a dosage form according to the present invention may also include suitable non-effervescent disintegration agents. Non-limiting examples of non-effervescent disintegration agents include: microcrystalline, cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone, starches, corn starch, potato starch and modified starches thereof, sweeteners, clays, such as bentonite, alginates, gums such as agar, guar, locust bean, karaya, pecitin and tragacanth. Disintegrants may comprise up to about 20 weight percent and preferably between about 2 and about 10% of the total weight of the composition. [0024] In addition to the particles in accordance with the present invention, the dosage forms may also include glidants, lubricants, binders, sweeteners, flavoring and coloring components. Any conventional sweetener or flavoring component may be used. Combinations of sweeteners, flavoring components, or sweeteners and flavoring components may likewise be used. [0025] Examples of binders which can be used include acacia, tragacanth, gelatin, starch, cellulose materials such as methyl cellulose and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose, alginic acids and salts thereof, magnesium aluminum silicate, polyethylene glycol, guar gum, polysaccharide acids, bentonites, sugars, invert sugars and the like. Binders may be used in an amount of up to 60 weight percent and preferably about 10 to about 40 weight percent of the total composition. [0026] Coloring agents may include titanium dioxide, and dyes suitable for food such as those known as F.D.&C. dyes and natural coloring agents such as grape skin extract, beet red powder, beta-carotene, annato, carmine, turmeric, paprika, etc. The amount of coloring used may range from about 0.1 to about 3.5 weight percent of the total composition. [0027] Flavors incorporated in the composition may be chosen from synthetic flavor oils and flavoring aromatics and/or natural oils, extracts from plants, leaves, flowers, fruits and so forth and combinations thereof. These may include cinnamon oil, oil of wintergreen, peppermint oils, clove oil, bay oil, anise oil, eucalyptus, thyme oil, cedar leave oil, oil of nutmeg, oil of sage, oil of bitter almonds and cassia oil. Also useful as flavors are vanilla, citrus oil, including lemon, orange, grape, lime and grapefruit, and fruit essences, including apple, pear, peach, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, pineapple, apricot and so forth. Flavors which have been found to be particularly useful include commercially available orange, grape, cherry and bubble gum flavors and mixtures thereof. The amount of flavoring may depend on a number of factors, including the organoleptic effect desired. Flavors may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 3 percent by weight based upon the weight of the composition. Particularly preferred flavors are the grape and cherry flavors and citrus flavors such as orange. [0028] One aspect of the invention provides a solid, oral tablet dosage form suitable for sublingual, buccal, and gingival administration. Excipient fillers can be used to facilitate tableting. The filler desirably will also assist in the rapid dissolution of the dosage form in the mouth. Non-limiting examples of suitable fillers include: mannitol, dextrose, lactose, sucrose, and calcium carbonate. METHOD OF MANUFACTURE [0029] Tablets can either be manufactured by direct compression, wet granulation or any other tablet manufacturing technique. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,178,878 and 5,223,264, which are incorporated by reference herein. The tablet may be a layered tablet consisting of a layer of the active ingredient sandwiched between a bioadhesive layer and an effervescence layer. Other layered forms which include the ingredients set forth above in layers of diverse compositions. [0030] Effervescence Level: Between 5% - 95% [0031] Tablet size: Between 3/16″-⅝″ [0032] Tablet hardness: Between 5N and 80N [0033] Route of administration: Sublingual, Buccal, Gingival [0034] The dosage form may be administered to a human or other mammalian subject by placing the dosage form in the subject's mouth and holding it in the mouth, either adjacent a cheek (for buccal administration), beneath the tongue (for sublingual administration) and between the upper lip and gum (for gingival administration). The dosage form spontaneously begins to disintegrate due to the moisture in the mouth. The disintegration, and particularly the effervescence, stimulates additional salivation which further enhances disintegration. EXAMPLE 1 [0035] The dosage form should include Fentanyl, an effervescent and pH adjusting substance so that the pH is adjusted to neutral (or slightly higher) since the pKa of fentanyl is 7.3. At this pH, the aqueous solubility of this poorly water-soluble drug would not be compromised unduly, and would permit a sufficient concentration of the drug to be present in the unionized form. [0036] Two fentanyl formulations, each containing 36% effervescence, were produced. These tablets were compressed using half-inch shallow concave punches. FORMULATION COMPONENT QUANTITY (MG) SHORT Fentanyl, citrate, USP 1.57 DISINTEGRATION Lactose monohydrate 119.47 TIME Microcrystalline 119.47 Cellulose, Silicified Sodium carbonate, 46.99 anhydrous Sodium bicarbonate 105 Citric acid, anhydrous 75 Polyvinylphrrolidone, 25 cross-linked Magnesium stearate 5 Colloidal silicon dioxide 2.5 Total tablet mass 500 LONG Fentanyl citrate, USP 1.57 DISINTEGRATION Lactose monohydrate 270.93 TIME Sodium carbonate, 40.00 anhydrous Sodium bicarbonate 105 Citric acid, anhydrous 75 Magnesium stearate 5 Colloidal silicon dioxide 2.5 Total tablet mass 500 EXAMPLE 2 [0037] The dosage form included prochlorperazine (pKa=8.1), an effervescent and pH adjusting substance so that a slightly higher pH is produced to facilitate the permeation enhancement. [0038] With respect to prochlorperazine, an anti-emetic drug, two formulations, buccal and sublingual, were developed. The buccal tablets were compressed as quarter inch diameter biconvex tablets, whereas the sublingual tablets were three-eighths inch diameter biconvex tablets. These dimensions were chosen to give a comfortable fit in the respective part of the oral cavity for which they were designed. The formulae for these tablets are as follows: FORMULATION COMPONENT NAME QUANTITY (MG) BUCCAL Prochlorperazine 5.00 Sodium Bicarbonate 15.52 Citric Acid, Anhydrous 11.08 Sodium Bicarbonate 45.78 HPMC K4M Prem 5.00 Dicalcium phosphate 5.00 dihydrate Mannitol 11.67 Magnesium Stearate 0.95 Total 100.00 SUBLINGUAL Prochlorperazine 5.00 Sodium Bicarbonate 61.25 Citric Acid, Anhydrous 43.75 Sodium Bicarbonate 95 Sodium carbonate 91.25 HPMC Methocel K4M Prem 40 Mannitol 60 Magnesium Stearate 3.75 Total 400

A pharmaceutical dosage form adapted to supply a medicament to the oral cavity for buccal, sublingual or gingival absorption of the medicament which contains an orally administrable medicament in combination with an effervescent for use in promoting absorption of the medicament in the oral cavity. The use of an additional pH adjusting substance in combination with the effervescent for promoting the absorption drugs is also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to an automatic cable attenuation compensation system. As a consequence of the skin effect, coax cable attenuation expressed in dB increases with the frequency of the transmitted signal in proportion to the root of this frequency. The attenuation is further dependent on, inter alia, the length and the diameter of the cable. Such an attenuation is especially disturbing when baseband video signals are transmitted, while in the case of transmission of double-sided amplitude modulated signals, the relatively less attenuated left side-band and the relatively more attenuated right side-band can be combined to obtain a substantially flat amplitude characteristic. Such an easy compensation is not available when baseband video signals are transmitted. 2. Description of the Related Art In applications where video signals have to be transmitted over relatively long coax cables of variable length, (semi-)automatic cable attenuation compensation systems are used. DE-A-31.48242 discloses a system which determines the cable length at power-up to switch on a fixed compensation suitable for compensating the frequency-dependent attenuation within certain limits for one type of coax cable in steps of several meters. This step-wise compensation entails the drawback that any cable attenuation which is within the resolution of the attenuation compensation system is not compensated for, so that no optimal flat frequency characteristic for intermediate cable lengths is obtained. Further, such step-wise cable attenuation compensating systems may only be operative directly after power-up, because a step-wise adjustment of the compensation at a later stage would result in a disturbed picture. This entails the drawback that any temperature-dependent attenuation caused by temperature changes cannot be compensated for. On the other hand, U.S. Pat. No. 3,431,351 discloses an automatic frequency characteristic correction system which provides a continuous compensation of the frequency-dependent attenuation. The compensation range of such a continuously operative compensator is, however, rather small, so that no adequate compensation is obtained when the attenuation effected by the cable falls outside this range. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, inter alia, an object of the invention to provide an improved automatic cable attenuation compensation system. For this purpose, a first aspect of the invention provides an automatic cable attenuation compensation system comprising a fixed compensation part (FC-R/G/B) providing a stepwise adjustable attenuation compensation for substantially compensating cable attenuation, the stepwise adjustable attenuation compensation of the fixed compensation part being set after power-up, and an adaptive compensation part (VC-R/G/B) providing a continuously active compensation for a further compensation of the cable attenuation. As a consequence of the addition of the adaptive compensation part providing a continuously active compensation for a further accurate compensation of the cable attenuation, to the prior an stepwise adjustable fixed compensation pan, both the remaining cable attenuation falling between the steps of the stepwise fixed compensation, and any temporal (temperature-dependent) variations in the attenuation, are corrected, while the overall system has a large correction range. If the cable is a multi-core cable having a plurality of channels for, for example, R, G, and B signals, the adaptive compensation part advantageously includes a separate, independent adaptive compensator for each channel to avoid that mutual differences between the channels are not compensated for when the attenuation of only one channel is measured to obtain a control signal for all channels. In the compensation system of U.S. Pat. No. 3,431,351, the compensation to be applied to one wire of the cable is based on a DC attenuation measured in another wire of the cable, with the disadvantage that the mutual differences between the wires are not taken into account. A high quality flat frequency response is obtained if the adaptive compensation pan includes a first automatic gain control for compensating for an attenuation of a low-frequency test signal included in the signal transmitted over the cable, and a high-frequency automatic gain control for compensating for an attenuation of a high-frequency test signal included in the signal transmitted through the cable. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an automatic cable attenuation compensation system in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a compensation section for use in the embodiment of FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 shows a block circuit diagram of an automatic gain control circuit for use in the embodiment of FIG. 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In one embodiment of the invention, a first test signal having a continuous amplitude equal to the maximum value of the video signal is added to the video signal during at least one active line period in the vertical blanking interval, while a second test signal forming a sine wave of the same amplitude and a frequency of about 2/3 of the maximum pass-bandwidth is added to the video signal during at least one other active line period in the vertical blanking interval. For example, when the pass-bandwidth is 30 MHz, a frequency of 18 MHz is chosen, while a frequency between 3 and 5 MHz can be chosen with a pass-bandwidth of 5.5 MHz. The automatic cable attenuation compensation system shown in FIG. 1 comprises, in each channel R, G, B, a fixed compensation part FC-R, FC-G, FC-B, respectively, as well as variable compensation parts VC-R, VC-G, VC-B, respectively. The fixed compensation parts include a plurality of switchable compensation sections CS each capable of compensating for a predetermined amount of cable attenuation. At the highest frequency of the video band, one compensation section CS may compensate for 1 dB, 2 dB, 4 dB, 8 dB or 16 dB. The compensation section (CS 16 dB) providing the largest compensation may appear more than once. In at least one channel, the blue channel B in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the cable attenuation compensation system comprises a sample and measuring circuit M furnishing enabling control signals EN through a control signal bus to enable the switchable compensation circuits CS. The line numbers of the first and second test signal lines are known to the system, so that the corresponding sampling signals for the test signals can be generated. The required switchable cable attenuation compensation is automatically determined at power-up. The compensation starts at 0 dB and is increased by steps of 1 dB (at the maximum frequency) until a reference level in the sample and measuring circuit M is obtained. The enabling control signals EN furnished by the sample and measuring circuit M ensure that this state is maintained. The start-up procedure is repeated after each interruption of the signal. More specifically, the amplitude of the sine wave second test signal is measured, and compensation sections CS are switched on and off in steps of 1 dB until the sine wave amplitude of the transmitted second test signal just exceeds the maximum video signal amplitude. Then, the measurement is finished and the measuring circuit M freezes its output control signals EN. If the video signal disappears, the measuring circuit M resets itself, so that the measurement is repeated when the video signal re-appears. The variable compensation sections VC-R, VC-G, VC-B of the cable attenuation compensation system comprise in each channel R, G, B, a continuous (wide-band) automatic gain control amplifier WB-AGC for the complete signal and a continuous automatic gain control amplifier HF-AGC for the high-frequency part of the signal, whose amplification increases with the root of the frequency. Both AGC circuits HF-AGC, WB-AGC include sample circuits for the continuous amplitude first test signal and the sine wave second test signal, respectively, as well as the required continuous control circuits. The maximum 1 dB deviation in the frequency-characteristic caused by the compensation magnitude of the smallest compensation section (CS 1 dB) of the fixed compensation parts FC-R, FC-G, FC-B, plus the mutual differences in cable attenuation of the different coax cables used in the multi-core cable, and the cable attenuation variations appearing during operation of the system caused, for example, by temperature variations of the cables or of the circuits employed, are measured in each channel R, G, B during each field period and compensated for by means of the two continuous AGC amplifiers in the variable compensation parts VC-R, VC-G, VC-B, so that the frequency characteristics of the signals remain optimally flat. A novel feature provided by the present invention is the addition of continuously operational cable attenuation compensation systems in the variable compensation parts VC-R, VC-G, VC-B. The new system comprises the following major features: 1. The video signal compensation is fully automatic. 2. The video signals are individually and optimally compensated with a maximally flat frequency characteristic, notwithstanding mutual spread in properties of the coax cables used. 3. This optimal compensation operates continuously to remove attenuation variations in cables and circuits which are caused, for example, by temperature variations. 4. The system is capable of working with other cables without adjustments as long as the maximum cable attenuation is within the total range of the compensation circuits. 5. The system can be used in two directions, so that return video signals from the camera processing unit to the camera, such as viewfinder and teleprompter signals, are corrected too. FIG. 2 shows an example of a compensation section CS suitable for use in the fixed compensation part of FIG. 1. The input of the section is coupled to an inverting input of an amplifier AMP through the parallel circuit of a resistor R6 and the series circuit of a filter RC and a switch SW controlled by the enabling control signal EN of the compensation section CS. The amplifier AMP is fed back by means of a resistor R7. The non-inverting input of the amplifier AMP is connected to ground, and its output is connected to the output of the compensation section CS. In dependence on the enabling control signal EN, such a section operates as an inverting buffer or as a cable compensation section. The RC filters R1, C1, R2, C2, R3, C3, R4, C4, R5 are designed in such a way that one section CS yields a maximal compensation of 16, 8, 4, 2 or 1 dB at 30 MHz, while the transfer function is proportional to the root of the frequency. FIG. 3 shows a block circuit diagram of a combination of AGC circuits HF-AGC, WB-AGC suitable for use in the variable compensation pans VC-R, VC-G, VC-B. The input of the circuit HF-AGC is coupled to the inverting input of a differential amplifier (subtracter) DA through a low-pass filter LPF and to the non-inverting input of the amplifier DA through a high-pass filter HPF and an AGC circuit AGC1. The output of the amplifier DA forms the output of the circuit HF-AGC which is connected to the input of the circuit WB-AGC. The control signal for the circuit AGC1 is derived from the output signal of the automatic cable attenuation circuit at the output of the circuit WB-AGC in the following manner. The output signal is full-wave rectified by a rectifying circuit D, and subsequently sampled by a sampling circuit S11 which samples the continuous maximum amplitude first test signal and by a sampling circuit S2 which samples the sine wave second test signal. The difference between the sampled amplitudes of the first and second test signals is determined and integrated by a circuit Int1 which furnishes the control signal for the AGC circuit AGC1. The circuit WB-AGC comprises an AGC circuit AGC2 whose input is coupled to the output of the circuit HF-AGC and whose output furnishes the output signal of the automatic cable attenuation circuit. The control signal for the circuit AGC2 is derived from this output signal by a sampling circuit S12 which samples the continuous maximum amplitude first test signal, and by a circuit Int2 which determines and integrates the difference between the sampled amplitude of the first test signal and a reference signal having the maximum amplitude of the video signal. In a preferred embodiment of the automatic cable attenuation in accordance with the present invention, one of the goals was to automatically compensate for any cable length. This is realized by dividing the total compensation into a fixed part and an adaptive part. The fixed part can compensate any cable length with a resolution of 12.5 m. This length is determined at power-up, by means of a successive approximation measurement, viz. the total compensation in the fixed part is increased until the (18 MHz) HF-burst signal amplitude in the vertical gap of one video channel is its original, known, value. The adaptive part, which is independent in each channel and continuously active, has two functions: 1. It has to compensate the last few meters of the multi-core cable which are within the resolution of the fixed part. 2. It has to compensate (frequency dependent) loss differences which might be caused by, for instance, temperature changes of the multi-core cable and/or differences between the individual coaxes. The invention thus provides a system for automatic continuous individual cable attenuation with optimum flat frequency response for baseband video signals transmitted via coax or multi-core cable. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

In an automatic cable attenuation compensation system comprising a fixed compensation part (FC-R/G/B) providing a stepwise adjustable attenuation compensation for substantially compensating cable attenuation, the stepwise adjustable attenuation compensation of the fixed compensation part being set after power-up, an adaptive compensation part (VC-R/G/B) is provided for a continuously active compensation for a further accurate compensation of the cable attenuation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to processes for purification of molten salt electrolytes by passing a direct current between an anode and a cathode immersed in the electrolyte. Preferably, the electrolytes to be purified according to the invention are those containing magnesium chloride which are intended for use in the production of magnesium metal and chlorine gas. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Magnesium metal is usually obtained by electrolysis of molten magnesium chloride (MgCl 2 ). The electrolysis reaction is carried out in one or more electrolysis cells, into which a molten salt electrolyte comprising magnesium chloride and one or more carrier salts is charged. In addition to magnesium metal, the electrolysis reaction also produces an off-gas of which the major component is chlorine (Cl 2 ). In order to optimize energy efficiency and recovery of magnesium metal from the electrolysis process, it is desired that the magnesium chloride fed to the electrolysis cells be substantially free of water and other oxygen-containing impurities. The presence of such materials in the molten salt electrolyte will result in diminished current efficiency, increased power consumption per tonne of magnesium produced, an increase in the rate of consumption of carbon electrodes used in the electrolysis cell, and reduced metal recovery due to increased sludge formation. Water primarily enters the molten salt electrolyte during charging of magnesium chloride, which is not completely anhydrous. Any water which is not immediately removed from the molten salt electrolyte reacts with magnesium chloride to form magnesium oxide (MgO) and hydrogen chloride gas (HCl), which combine to form the soluble complex of magnesium hydroxychloride (MgOHCl). The presence of magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxychloride in the molten salt electrolyte will have a detrimental effect on the subsequent electrolysis process and therefore it is desired that these compounds be removed as completely as possible. In presently used processes, water contained in the magnesium chloride feed is removed either by chlorine gas with addition of a reducing agent or by sparging hydrogen chloride acid gas into the molten electrolyte in order to ensure that the reaction equilibrium that results in the creation of magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxychloride will be driven towards the destruction of these compounds. Although the use of chlorine-based gases for the above purpose is somewhat effective, the complete destruction of magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxychloride would require a large excess of the gas, and is therefore not practical. Therefore, even after this purification step, an amount of magnesium hydroxychloride typically remains in the molten salt electrolyte which will have a detrimental impact upon the operation of the electrolysis cell. Specifically, the presence of this compound will result in increased formation of sludge, the chief component of which is magnesium oxide, and generation of hydrogen gas in the electrolysis cell. A number of processes for destruction of oxygen-containing impurities such as magnesium hydroxychloride are known in the prior art. Some of these are now discussed below. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,418,223 and 3,562,134 to Love relate to a continuous process for producing high purity magnesium and chlorine gas by electrolysis of anhydrous magnesium chloride salt. The process disclosed by Love starts by feeding solid blocks of substantially anhydrous magnesium chloride into a melt cell. A gas containing hydrogen chloride is fed into the melt cell through a pipeline to remove some of the surface moisture from the magnesium chloride. The melt cell contains two sets of electrodes: a first set of electrodes energized by an alternating current source and a second set of electrodes energized by a low voltage, direct current source of up to about 2 volts, the second set of electrodes being comprised of carbon. According to Love, the first set of electrodes melts the magnesium chloride blocks and the second set of electrodes decomposes oxygen-bearing compounds in the salt and converts the decomposed oxide to carbon monoxide gas which is evolved from the melt cell. Following purification, the magnesium chloride is transferred from the melt cell to a charging cell, from which it is transferred to the electrolysis cells. U.S. Pat. No. 4,510,029 to Neelameggham et al. discloses a process for electrolytic purification of magnesium chloride in which direct current electrolysis is used to reduce impurities to low levels. Iron is mentioned as the primary impurity of interest in the Neelameggham patent. The purification process takes place in a steel tank having a refractory lining and provided with a main anode and a main cathode, between which are provided a number of bipolar electrodes having apertures provided therein for passage of electrolyte. Iron sludge is deposited on the cathodic faces of the bipolar electrodes, which are periodically removed for cleaning. U.S. Pat. No. 2,375,009 to Lepsoe discloses a process for purification of molten magnesium chloride, which takes place in a purification furnace. Metallic magnesium carried by sludge removed in a settling furnace is transferred to the purification furnace. Lepsoe discloses that the metallic magnesium is effective in replacing metallic chloride impurities contained in the molten magnesium chloride. U.S. Pat. No. 3,997,413 to Fougner is similar to Lepsoe in that the magnesium chloride is contacted with magnesium metal to remove impurities. However, in Fougner, the magnesium used for purification is in the form of a vapor which condenses on the molten salt. The condensed magnesium is intimately mixed with the magnesium chloride under conditions of vigorous agitation. According to Fougner, the purpose of the vaporized magnesium is to displace metal chloride impurities. Also mentioned is the use of hot molten cell bath material for admixture with the molten magnesium chloride in order to dry the magnesium chloride and reduce the amount of magnesium hydroxychloride produced by reaction of magnesium chloride with water. U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,602 to Wheeler discloses a method for removing hydrogen and oxygen-containing impurities from magnesium chloride by feeding powdered, spray dried magnesium chloride to the electrolysis cell. Although the spray dried magnesium chloride contains water, magnesium hydroxychloride and magnesium oxide, Wheeler discloses that the powder melts instantaneously when it contacts the magnesium chloride and a substantial portion of the hydrogen-containing impurities are flash vaporized. The magnesium oxide and remaining water are kept in suspension by a high electrolyte circulation rate and are chlorinated by the cell chlorine produced at the anode. In practice, it has been found that many methods for purification of magnesium chloride-containing electrolytes are either ineffective or impractical, and therefore the need remains for an effective method for purification of such molten salt electrolytes. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a process for purification of molten salt electrolytes in which oxygen-containing impurities are destroyed both electrolytically and chemically. According to the process of the invention, a direct current is passed through a magnesium chloride-containing molten salt electrolyte. As in the Love process, the direct current results in destruction of hydroxychloride ions at the anode, thereby electrolyzing some of the magnesium hydroxychloride present in the electrolyte. However, in contrast to the Love process, the direct current voltage and amperage in the process of the present invention are sufficient to cause electrolysis of a small proportion of the magnesium chloride present in the electrolyte to thereby produce finely dispersed magnesium droplets in the electrolyte. These droplets of magnesium metal react chemically with the magnesium hydroxychloride present in the electrolyte to produce magnesium chloride and an amount of magnesium oxide which is removed by settling from the electrolyte melt prior to the electrolysis reaction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The first preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a process for purification of a molten salt electrolyte containing magnesium chloride, the purification process being performed prior to use of the molten salt electrolyte in an electrolysis cell for production of elemental magnesium. Preferably, a molten salt electrolyte for use in the production of elemental magnesium comprises from about 15 to 45% by weight magnesium chloride, with the balance comprising one or more carrier salts, for example potassium chloride, sodium chloride and calcium chloride. The carrier salts are not electrolyzed during the electrolysis of magnesium chloride and are typically recycled after the electrolysis reaction, during which the molten salt electrolyte becomes depleted of magnesium chloride. In a typical process for preparing a molten salt electrolyte, solid magnesium chloride-containing feed material is fed into a salt melt which preferably comprises depleted electrolyte from an electrolysis cell, and which contains one or more carrier salts and some amount of magnesium chloride. Sufficient solid magnesium chloride-containing feed is added to the salt melt to bring the magnesium chloride content to about 15 to 45% by weight. Throughout this application, the term “salt melt” refers to a mixture of molten carrier salts, preferably a depleted electrolyte obtained from an electrolysis cell in which magnesium chloride is converted to elemental magnesium. Accordingly, the salt melt typically contains some amount of magnesium chloride. Throughout this application, the term “molten salt electrolyte” refers to a salt melt in which the content of magnesium chloride is sufficient for the production of elemental magnesium in an electrolysis cell, preferably in the range of from about 15 to 45% by weight. It is during the addition of solid magnesium chloride-containing feed that water is typically introduced into the molten salt electrolyte. Some of the water entering the electrolyte is introduced by the magnesium chloride itself, which is typically in the form of a hydrate. Water may also be introduced by exposure of the molten salt electrolyte to atmospheric moisture. At the temperatures employed during addition of the magnesium chloride, typically above 500° C., much of the water contained in the magnesium chloride hydrate is flash vaporized and removed from the molten salt electrolyte in the off-gas. However, at the temperatures employed in the production of the electrolyte, some of the water reacts with magnesium chloride before it can be driven off. The following chemical equation represents the chemical reaction between magnesium chloride and water: MgCl 2 +H 2 O MgO+2HCl In the reaction depicted above, it is important to note that the reactants on the left side of the equation are in equilibrium with the products on the right side of the equation. The equilibrium can be driven in either direction by varying the relative amounts of the reactants and the products. At the temperatures involved, magnesium oxide is a solid which has greater density than the molten salt electrolyte. Accordingly, magnesium oxide settles out from the electrolyte as sludge which is easily separated therefrom. However, a portion of the water present in the magnesium chloride-containing feed reacts with magnesium chloride according to the following reaction: MgCl 2 +H 2 O MgOHCl+HCl The magnesium hydroxychloride formed according to the above reaction is soluble in the electrolyte and is therefore a particularly undesirable impurity. The presence of magnesium hydroxychloride in the electrolyte has a detrimental impact on the operation of the electrolysis cell, resulting in abnormal operation of the cell due to increased sludge formation and generation of hydrogen gas in the electrolysis cell. The presence of magnesium hydroxychloride in the electrolyte also results in increased power consumption per tonne of magnesium produced, as well as an increase in the rate of consumption of carbon electrodes used in the electrolysis cell. In order to drive the above equilibrium reactions towards destruction of magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxychloride, substantially anhydrous hydrogen chloride or chlorine gas is added to the molten salt electrolyte. The addition of chlorine-containing gases results in conversion of a portion of the magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxychloride to magnesium chloride and water, which is removed in the off-gas. The use of this purification method alone, particularly with hydrogen chloride gas, requires an excess of gas to be used in the production of the electrolytic cell feed and thus may not be practical. In the method of the present invention, it is preferred to use chlorine-containing gases to remove the bulk of the moisture from the feed, and to utilize the electrochemical purification of the present invention, as more completely described below, to further purify the cell feed. In the preferred process of the present invention, the electrolyte is purified by passing therethrough a direct current between an anode and a cathode, both of which are preferably comprised of carbon. As known in the prior art, the direct current will destroy oxygen-containing impurities such as magnesium hydroxychloride at the anode, producing an off-gas containing chlorine, hydrogen chloride and oxygen, with the oxygen typically reacting with the carbon electrodes to produce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. However, in the purification processes utilized in the prior art, the voltage of the direct current is low enough, typically about 2 volts, so as not to bring about electrolysis of magnesium chloride in the electrolyte. The inventors of the present invention have appreciated that it is desirable to also use magnesium metal to chemically destroy oxygen-containing impurities such as magnesium hydroxychloride by the following reaction: MgOHCl+Mg MgCl 2 +MgO The magnesium oxide produced in the above reaction is precipitated as sludge which is preferably separated from the electrolyte prior to transfer to the electrolysis cell. The use of magnesium metal to chemically destroy magnesium hydroxychloride is known in the prior art discussed above, i.e. the Lepsoe, Fougner and Wheeler patents. However, no prior art processes generate magnesium directly from the electrolyte using a low voltage direct current which is also used to electrolyze magnesium hydroxychloride. In the process of the present invention, the voltage and amperage of the direct current are preferably high enough to cause formation of elemental magnesium in the electrolyte, but low enough not to cause significant electrolysis of the magnesium chloride present in the electrolyte so as to have a negative impact on the yield of magnesium metal recovered from the electrolysis cell. The inventors have found that the amperage of the direct current required in the process of the present invention is determined according to the magnesium hydroxychloride content of the melt and the cell throughput. In general, the amperage of the direct current is minimized so that the amount of elemental magnesium generated will be sufficient to react with the magnesium hydroxychloride in the electrolyte without adversely impacting the recovery of magnesium metal from the electrolysis cell. Therefore, the amperage of the direct current is low compared with that required for the electrolysis cell, typically no greater than about 10% of the amperage required for the electrolysis cell operation. The voltage of the direct current utilized in the method of the invention is equal to or greater than the decomposition voltage of magnesium chloride in the melt. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the voltage drop between the anode and the cathode immersed in the molten salt electrolyte is greater than about 2.75V, and is preferably no greater than about 5V. In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above-described process for purifying a molten salt electrolyte is incorporated into a process for preparation and purification of a molten salt electrolyte. According to the second preferred embodiment, a salt melt is provided containing one or more carrier salts, the salt melt having the composition described above and preferably comprising depleted electrolyte recycled from an electrolysis cell. To this salt melt is added solid magnesium chloride-containing feed which melts and combines with the salt melt to form a molten salt electrolyte having a composition as described above. During addition of the solid magnesium chloride-containing feed, anhydrous gaseous hydrogen chloride or chlorine gas with a reducing agent is preferably added to the molten salt electrolyte in an amount sufficient to substantially completely drive off water from the electrolyte. Following this dehydration step, the electrolyte is purified as described above by passing a direct current through the electrolyte between an anode and a cathode. As illustrated in the chemical reaction above, one of the products of the purification process is magnesium oxide, which is allowed to settle from the electrolyte as sludge, which is separated from the electrolyte prior to transfer to the electrolysis cell. In a third preferred embodiment of the invention, the above-described process for preparing and purifying a molten salt electrolyte is incorporated into a process for preparing elemental magnesium. In the process for preparing elemental magnesium, the molten salt electrolyte is prepared and purified as described. The electrolyte is then transferred to an electrolysis cell where it is electrolyzed to convert magnesium chloride to elemental magnesium and chlorine gas. In a preferred process for preparing elemental magnesium, the depleted molten salt electrolyte is removed from the electrolysis cell and is recycled for preparation of fresh electrolyte containing magnesium chloride. Although the invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which may fall within the scope of the following claims.

A process for purification of molten salt electrolytes containing magnesium chloride in which oxygen-containing impurities such as magnesium hydroxychloride are destroyed both electrolytically and chemically. The process comprises passing a direct current through a magnesium chloride-containing molten salt electrolyte, thereby electrolyzing a portion of the oxygen-containing impurities at the anode. In addition, the voltage and current of the direct current are sufficiently high to cause electrolysis of a small proportion of the magnesium chloride present in the electrolyte to thereby produce finely dispersed droplets of elemental magnesium in the electrolyte. The droplets of elemental magnesium react chemically with oxygen-containing impurities present in the electrolyte. The purified electrolyte is transferred to an electrolytic cell for the production of magnesium metal and chlorine gas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to an eye fundus blood flow meter for measuring a blood flow in a blood vessel on the fundus of an eye to be examined. 2. Related Background Art FIG. 1A of the accompanying drawings shows an example of an eye fundus blood flow meter according to the prior art which is an improvement over a slit lamp generally used for ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment. An illuminating optical system is disposed on an optical path K1, and a white beam of light from an illuminating light source 1 is reflected by an apertured mirror 2 and illuminates a blood vessel Ev on the fundus Ea of an eye E to be examined through a slit 3, a lens 4 and a contact lens 5 which offsets the refractive power of the cornea of the eye E to be examined to thereby enable the fundus Ea of the eye to be observed. A laser light source 6 for measurement emitting He-Ne laser light is disposed on an optical path behind the apertured mirror 2, and the probing beam from the laser light source 6 for measurement passes through the central opening portion of the apertured mirror 2, is made coaxial with the beam of light from the illuminating light source 1 and irradiates the fundus Ea of the eye in the form of a point. A beam of light scattered and reflected by Red blood cells flowing through the blood vessel Ev and the wall of the blood vessel passes through the objective lenses 7a, 7b of a light detecting optical system for stereoscopic observation disposed on optical paths K2 and K3 forming an angle α'therebetween, is reflected by mirrors 8a, 8b and mirrors 9a, 9b and is observed as the image of the fundus of the eye by an examiner through eyepieces 10a, 10b, and the examiner selects a measured region while looking into the eyepieces 10a, 10b and observing the fundus Ea of the eye. FIG. 1B of the accompanying drawings shows the image of the fundus of the eye observed by the examiner. When in an area I being illuminated by the illuminating light, the blood vessel Ev which is the object of measurement is aligned with a scale SC prepared in advance on the focal plane of the eyepieces 10a, 10b, the probing beam from the laser light source 6 for measurement and the blood vessel Ev are aligned with each other, and the measured region is indicated by a spot beam of light PS formed by the laser light source 6 for measurement. At this time, the reflected beam of light of the probing beam by the fundus Ea of the eye is detected by photomultipliers 12a, 12b through optical fibers 11a, 11b. This detection signal by photomultipliers includes a beat signal component created by a component Doppler-shifted by a blood flow flowing through the blood vessel Ev and a component reflected by the stationary blood vessel wall interfering with each other, and this beat signal is frequency-analyzed to thereby find the speed of the blood flow in the blood vessel Ev. FIG. 1C of the accompanying drawings shows an example of the result of the frequency analysis of the detection signal by the photomultipliers 12a, 12b, and in this figure, the axis of abscissas represents a frequency Δf and the axis of ordinates represents the power ΔS thereof. The relation among the maximum shift Δfmax of the frequency, the wave number vector κi of the incident beam of light, the wave number vector κs of the received beam of light and the speed vector ν of the blood flow can be expressed as Δfmax=(κs-κi)·ν. (1) Accordingly, modifying expression (1) by the use of the shifts Δfmax1 and Δfmax2 of the frequency calculated from the respective light detection signals by the photomultipliers 12a and 12b, the wavelength λ of the laser light, the refractive index n of the measured region, the angle α formed between light detecting optical axes K2 and K3 in the eye and the angle β formed between a plane made by the light detecting optical axes K2 and K3 in the eye and the speed vector ν of the blood flow, the maximum speed Vmax of the blood flow can be expressed as Vmax={λ/(nα)}·|Δfmax1-Δfmax2.vertline./cos β. (2) Thus, by effecting measurement from two directions, the contribution in the direction of incidence of the probing beam is offset, whereby a blood flow in any region on the fundus Ea of the eye can be measured. Also, to measure the true speed of the blood flow from the relation between the line of intersection A of the plane made by the two light detecting optical paths K2, K3 with the fundus Ea of the eye and the angle β formed between this line of intersection A and the speed vector ν of the blood flow, it is necessary to make the line of intersection A coincident with the speed vector ν with β=0° in expression (2). Therefore, in the example of the prior art, the entire light detecting optical system is rotated or an image rotator is disposed in the light receiving optical system, thereby making the line of intersection A optically coincident with the speed vector ν. In the above-described example of the prior art, however, the maximum value Δfmax of the Doppler shift is detected as the interference signal between the component shifted by the blood flow and the stationary blood vessel wall and thus, the maximum shift Δfmax obtained by frequency analysis becomes |Δfmax| which lacks sign information. Thus, when measuring the blood flows in blood vessels in different regions of the fundus Ea of the eye, there are cases where the signs of the maximum frequency shifts Δfmax1 and Δfmax2 both have the positive sign, both have the negative sign, and have the positive and the negative sign, respectively. Accordingly, this gives a rise to a problem that depending on the area to be measured, it becomes impossible to determine the maximum blood flow speed Vmax by expression (2). This problem will now be described by the use of FIG. 1D of the accompanying drawings. When in FIG. 1D, signal light enters from the center hi=0 of the pupil Ep and scattered light is received from the predetermined regions hs1 and hs2 of the pupil Ep, the angle at which the predetermined regions hs1 and hs2 are subtended from the fundus Ea of the eye is the angle α formed between the light detecting optical axes in the example of the prior art shown in FIG. 1A. Considering now a case where a blood vessel Ev1 at the center of the fundus Ea of the eye and a blood vessel Ev2 in the marginal region of the fundus Ea of the eye are to be measured, when the measurement of the blood vessel Ev1 is effected, the maximum frequency shift Δfmax1 obtained by the light reception signal from the direction of the region hs1 and the maximum frequency shift Δfmax2 obtained by the light detection signal from the direction of the region hs2 assume different signs. In this case, the signal light is incident on the blood vessel Ev1 perpendicularly thereto and thus, the frequency shift caused by the direction of the signal light is null and the frequency shift obtained is only caused by the direction of observation. Considering here the speed vector υ of the blood flow in the blood vessel Ev1, the wave number vector κs1 in the direction of hs1 and the wave number vector κs2 in the direction of hs2, these exist in different directions relative to the perpendicular to the speed vector υ and therefore, the inner product thereof assumes a different sign and frequency shifts of different signs occur. On the other hand, when the measurement of the blood vessel Ev2 in the marginal region is effected, the direction of hsl and the direction of hs2 exist in the same direction relative to positive reflected light κ' whose frequency shift is 0 and thus, frequency shifts of the same sign occur. Here, the angle formed between a straight line linking the center Eo of the fundus Ea of the eye and the blood vessel Ev2, i.e., the perpendicular at the blood vessel Ev2 of the fundus Ea of the eye, and the direction of the wave number vector κi of the signal light is φi, and a wave number vector indicative of the positive reflected light of the vector κi being at an angle φc with respect to the perpendicular and facing in opposite direction to the vector κi is κi'. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-noted problems and to provide an eye fundus blood flow meter which can effect the detection of the above-described sign determining area and can always effect correct measurement irrespective of the region and direction of the blood vessel on the fundus of an eye. Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of some embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A shows the construction of an example of the prior art. FIG. 1B is an illustration of the image of the fundus of an eye observed. FIG. 1C is a graph of the frequency distribution of a light reception signal. FIG. 1D is an illustration of the arrangement of beams of light in the eye. FIG. 2 shows the construction of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an illustration of the arrangement of beams of light on the pupil. FIG. 4 is an illustration of the image of the fundus of an eye observed. FIG. 5 shows the construction of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an illustration of the arrangement of optical fibers and photomultipliers. FIG. 7 is an illustration of the arrangement of beams of light in the pupil. FIG. 8 is an illustration of the image of the fundus of an eye observed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will hereinafter be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. Referring to FIG. 2 which shows the construction of an eye fundus blood flow meter according to the present embodiment, a band-pass filter 23 transmitting only yellow and green beams of light therethrough, a condenser lens 24, a mirror 25, a field lens 26, a ring slit 27, relay lenses 28, 29, an apertured mirror 30 and an image rotator 31 are disposed on an optical path leading from an illuminating light source 21 comprising a tungsten lamp or the like emitting white light to an objective lens 22. Light detecting optical system 35 in which a pair of small mirrors 32a, 32b, a pair of lenses 33a, 33b and a pair of photomultipliers 34a, 34b are disposed on optical paths extending upwardly in two directions from the opening portion of the apertured mirror 30. In FIG. 2, in order to avoid duplication, only the members on the optical axis of the small mirror 32a of the pair of small mirrors 32a, 32b are shown. An image stabilizer 36 is disposed on an optical path behind the apertured mirror 30, and lenses 37, 38, a galvanometric mirror 39, lenses 40, 41 and a galvanometric mirror 42 are disposed in succession in the image stabilizer 36. The galvanometric mirrors 39 and 42 are rotatable by means of an operating rod 43, the galvanometric mirror 39 is rotated about a rotational axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing sheet of FIG. 2 and the galvanometric mirror 42 is rotated about a rotational axis parallel to the plane of the drawing sheet orthogonal to the first-mentioned rotational axis. A focusing lens 45, a lens 46 and a dichroic mirror 47 which are movable along the optical axis are disposed on an optical path behind the galvanometric mirror 42, and a half mirror 48, a lens 49 and a television camera 50 are disposed on an optical path in the direction of reflection of the dichroic mirror 47, whereby an observation optical system 52 is constituted, and the output of the television camera 50 is connected to a television monitor 51. Also, a mirror 53, a lens 54, a filter 55 and a one-dimensional CCD array sensor 56 with an image intensifier are disposed on an optical path in the direction of reflection of the half mirror 48, whereby a blood vessel detecting system 57 is constituted. The dichroic mirror 47 is made conjugate with the galvanometric mirrors 39 and 42. At the passage side of the dichroic mirror 47, there are disposed a lens 59, an aperture 60 lying at a location conjugate with the fundus Ea of an eye E to be examined, an imaging lens 61 and a laser optical system for measurement emitting laser light which is signal light. The laser optical system for measurement is constituted by an aperture 62 with two holes, a fixed mirror 63 disposed rearwardly of one of the holes in the aperture 62, an optical path switching mirror 64 disposed rearwardly of the other hole in the aperture 62, and a laser light source 65 for measurement disposed rearwardly of the switching mirror 64, and the aperture 62 with two holes is at a location substantially conjugate with the dichroic mirror 47, the pupil of the eye E to be examined and the two galvanometric mirrors 39, 42. The output of the CCD array sensor 56 is connected to a control circuit 66 which has a blood vessel image analyzing circuit constituted by a tuning memory circuit, a memory processing circuit, a control unit, etc. and whose output is connected to the galvanometric mirror 39. The output of a system control unit 67 is connected to the control circuit 66, and the output of the system control unit 67 is also connected to mirror driving means 68 for driving the optical path switching mirror 64. The outputs of the photomultipliers 34a and 34b are connected to the system control unit 67. FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of beams of light relative to the pupil of the eye E to be examined. The image 27' of the ring slit 27 indicates the position of the illuminating beam of light for the whole of the fundus Ea of the eye, the images 32a' and 32b' of the pair of small mirrors 32a and 32b indicate the positions of the received beams of light of a Doppler signal, and the images 62a' and 62b' of the two hole portions 62a and 62b of the aperture 62 with two holes in the laser optical system for measurement indicate the positions of the incident beams of light of laser light which is signal light. Also, the image 30' of the opening portion of the apertured mirror 30 and the image 47' of the dichroic mirror 47 indicate the positions of beams of light for observation. The illuminating beam of light from the illuminating light source 21 is imaged on the opening portion of the ring slit 27 via the band-pass filter 23, the condenser lens 24, the mirror 25 and the field lens 26, and is again imaged on the apertured mirror 30 by the relay lenses 28, 29, whereafter it passes through the image rotator 31 and the objective lens 22, is imaged as the slit ring image 27' on the pupil of the eye E to be examined, and substantially uniformly illuminates the fundus Ea of the eye. The reflected light by the fundus Ea of the eye is taken out from the image 30' of the opening portion of the apertured mirror 30, returns along the same optical path, passes from the opening portion of the apertured mirror 30 and through the lenses 37, 38, galvanometric mirror 39, lenses 40, 41 and the galvanometric mirror 42 of the image stabilizer 36, is reflected by the dichroic mirror 47 via the focusing lens 45 and the lens 46, passes through the half mirror 48 and the lens 49, is imaged as an eye fundus image Ea' on the television camera 50 and is displayed on the television monitor 51. An examiner effects the alignment of the apparatus and the selection of a measured region while observing the television monitor 51. Also, the beam of light reflected by the half mirror 48 passes through the mirror 53, lens 54 and filter 55 of the blood vessel detecting system 57 and is received by the CCD array sensor 56 as a blood vessel image Ev' more enlarged than the eye fundus image Ea' picked up by the television camera 50. The output signal from the CCD array sensor 56 is processed into data indicative of the amount of movement of the blood vessel Ev, in the blood vessel image analyzing circuit in the control circuit 66, whereafter the galvanometric mirror 39 is driven and controlled so that said amount of movement may be compensated for by the control circuit 66. On the other hand, the signal light from the laser light source 65 for measurement passes through one hole 62a in the aperture 62 with two holes because the optical path switching mirror 64 deviates from the optical path, whereafter it passes through the aperture 60 for specifying the measured region by the image lens 61, and thereafter reversely returns along the above-mentioned optical path and is projected onto the blood vessel Ev on the fundus Ea of the eye E to be examined with the position of the beam of light specified by the image 62a' of the opening portion of the aperture 62 with two holes on the pupil through the objective lens 22. The hole portions 62a and 62b of the aperture 62 with two holes are imaged outside the image 47' of the dichroic mirror 47 lying at the conjugate location and therefore, the signal light is not eclipsed by the dichroic mirror 47 and the reflected beam of light from the blood vessel Ev returns along the same optical path and a part thereof is reflected in two directions by the pair of small mirrors 32a and 32b. The beams of light reflected by the pair of small mirrors 32a and 32b, respectively, are beams of light taken out from mirror images 32a' and 32b' on the pupil, and are imaged on the photomultipliers 34a and 34b, respectively, via the lenses 33a and 33b. These light reception signals are sent to the system control unit 67 for the measurement of flow speed, and frequency analysis is effected therein as in the example of the prior art. On the other hand, the beam of light which is not reflected by the pair of small mirrors 32a and 32b is a beam of light taken out from the opening image 30' on the pupil, and passes through the opening portion of the apertured mirror 30, the image stabilizer 36, the focusing lens 45 and the lens 46, and a part of it is reflected by the dichroic mirror 47 and is formed as a spot image on the television camera 50 via the half mirror 48 and the lens 49, and is displayed on the television monitor 51 with the eye fundus image Ea' by the illuminating light source 21 and acts on the index mark of the measured region. The reflected beam of light on the fundus Ea of the eye by the laser light source 65 for measurement enters the blood vessel detecting system 57 via the half mirror 48, but since the filter 55 intercepts the wavelength of the laser light source 65 for measurement, the CCD array sensor 56 picks up only the blood vessel image Ev' by the illuminating light source 21. The probing beam from the laser light source 65 for measurement is imaged on the focal plane of the aperture 60 in which the imaging lens 61 is conjugate with the fundus Ea of the eye E to be examined, and that conjugate relation is adjusted by the focusing lens 45. Accordingly, when the examiner operates a focusing knob, not shown, to thereby effect focusing, the focusing lens 45 is moved along the optical axis and the image pickup surface of the television camera 50, the image pickup surface of the CCD array sensor 56 and the focal plane of the aperture 60 of the lens 61 become conjugate with the fundus Ea of the eye at a time, and a spot image PS is also focused with the eye fundus image Ea'. At this time, the eye fundus image Ea' is displayed on the television monitor 51, as shown in FIG. 4. The above-mentioned spot image PS is fixed at the center of the field of view and therefore, the selection of the measured region is effected by bringing the spot image PS into coincidence with a predetermined measured region by means of the operating rod 43, rotating the image rotator 31 and aligning the blood vessel image Ev' which is the object of measurement with an axis A. The direction of the coordinates axis A indicates the direction of the line of intersection of a plane linking the centers of the pair of small mirrors 32a and 32b with the fundus Ea of the eye, and is displayed on the television monitor 51 as an index mark for adjusting the image rotator 31. When the examiner rotates the image rotator 31, the image Ea' of the fundus of the eye E to be examined rotates as indicated by arrow C. By bringing the blood vessel Ev into coincidence with the axis A to thereby provide β=0° in FIG. 1B, there are obtained the following advantages (a), (b) and (c): (a) When from expression (2), β=90°, that is, cos β=0, it becomes impossible to obtain the absolute value of the maximum blood flow speed Vmax from the maximum frequency shifts Δfmax1 and Δfmax2, but if the eye fundus image Ea' is rotated so that β=0°, the unmeasurable position can be avoided. (b) Since it becomes unnecessary to measure the angle β, error factors decrease and the work is simplified. (c) As described with respect to the example of the prior art, the blood flow speed is found from the interference signal between the scattered reflected light from the blood vessel wall and the scattered reflected light in the blood and therefore, even when during measurement, the fundus Ea of the eye moves in the direction of the axis A, the result of measurement will not be affected if the blood vessel Ev is made substantially parallel to the direction of the axis A. On the other hand, when the fundus Ea of the eye moves in the axial direction orthogonal to the axis A, the signal light from the laser light source 65 for measurement deviates from the blood vessel Ev in the measured region and the measured value becomes unstable, but in such case, the amount of movement of the blood vessel Ev can be detected only with respect to that direction and therefore, in the present embodiment, tracking only in that one direction is effected by the blood vessel detecting system 57 and the image stabilizer 36. In this tracking, to measure the blood flow speed accurately and quickly with respect to any blood vessel Ev to be detected, the CCD array sensor 56 for detecting the amount of movement of the blood vessel image Ev' can be disposed perpendicularly to the blood vessel image Ev' which is the object of measurement, and further by providing β=0°, it becomes unnecessary to use any two-dimensional sensor. In the present embodiment, the elements of the CCD array sensor 56 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the axis A, and when the selection of the measured region has been completed as shown in FIG. 3, the CCD array sensor 56 of the blood vessel detecting system 57 enlarges the eye fundus image Ea' indicated by a bar-like area I in the direction orthogonal to the axis A and picks it up as the blood vessel image Ev'. When the examiner depresses a measuring switch, not shown, to start measurement after the alignment has been thus completed, the system control unit 67 receives this signal and imparts a tracking start command to the control circuit 66. At the same time, the signals of the photomultipliers 34a and 34b are introduced into the system control unit 67 and the maximum frequency shifts |Δfmax1| and |Δfmax2| by the signal light entering from the location of the hole portion image 62a' of the aperture 62 on the pupil of the eye E to be examined are first found. The maximum frequency shift |fmax1| is the result of the processing of the output signal from the photomultiplier 34a, and the maximum frequency shift |Δfmax2| is the result of the processing of the output signal from the photomultiplier 34b. Here, the incident signal light is located on the hole portion image 62a' and is provided at a location in the same direction relative to the positions 32a' and 32b' of the received beams of light and therefore, if usual, the maximum speed Vmax will be found by providing cos β=1 in expression (2) and by Vmax={λ/(nα)}·∥Δfmax1|-.vertline.Δfmax2∥, but depending on the location of the blood vessel Ev on the fundus of the eye, there is also a case where the true flow speed must be Vmax={λ/(n/α)}·∥Δfmax1|+.vertline.Δfmax2∥. In the present embodiment, at first, as pre-measurement, the maximum speed Vmax by expression (2) is calculated in this state, whereafter the optical path switching mirror 64 is inserted into the optical path by the output of the system control unit 67 and the signal light is caused to enter from the other hole portion 62b of the aperture 62 with two holes to thereby effect measurement. The hole portion image 62b' which this hole portion 62b makes on the pupil of the eye E to be examined is disposed so as to have its center on a straight line passing through the center of the other hole portion image 62a' and parallel to a straight line linking the centers of the images 32a' and 32b' of the pair of small mirrors 32a and 32b, as shown in FIG. 3, and particularly in the present embodiment, the spacing thereof is selected so as to be greater than the distance between the centers of the images 32a' and 32b' and so that a straight line linking the midpoints of two straight lines (a straight line linking the centers of the images 32a' and 32b' and a straight line parallel thereto and passing through the center of the hole portion image 62a') is orthogonal to the straight line linking the respective centers. After the position of the incident beam of light has been switched from the hole portion image 62a' of the aperture 62 to the thus selected hole portion image 62b', the system control unit 67 again introduces signals from the two photomultipliers 34a and 34b, calculates respective maximum frequency shifts |Δfmax1'| and |Δfmax2'| and calculates the maximum speed Vmax in accordance with expression (2), and when the maximum speed Vmax at this time is placed as Vmax', it becomes possible to select the incident beam of light as described above to thereby separate the area of the angle φi in FIG. 1D in which the signs of the maximum frequency shifts |Δfmax1| and |Δfmax2| are switched and an area in which the signs of the maximum frequency shifts |Δfmax1'| and |Δfmax2'| are switched. In an area wherein the signs are not switched, Vmax≅Vmax'. Also, in an area wherein the sign of one of the maximum speeds Vmax and Vmax' is switched, it becomes possible to create the relation that (the side on which the switching of the sign does not take place)>(the side on which the switching of the sign takes place). Accordingly, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, the system control unit 67 can determine the direction of incidence of appropriate signal light for finding a true maximum flow speed, by comparing the two maximum speeds Vmax and Vmax' with each other. By this information, the system control unit 67 brings the optical path switching mirror 64 into an appropriate state (for example, when Vmax≠Vmax', it brings the optical path switching mirror 64 into a state in which the greater speed has been detected) and controls it so as to effect main measurement, and in the main measurement, it repeats the measurement and calculation of the maximum speed Vmax or Vmax' at suitable time intervals, whereby continuous measurement is effected. In the present embodiment, there has been shown a method of judging the maximum speeds Vmax and Vmax' before the main measurement, but instead of this, it is also possible to cope with the situation using software for measuring and calculating the maximum speeds Vmax and Vmax' before the main measurement, and then checking the presence or absence of the reversal of the sign and for example, reversing the sign of the calculation of expression (2) by the presence or absence of the reversal of the sign. As described above, according to the eye fundus blood flow meter of the above-described embodiment, when detecting the Doppler shifts created from two directions by the blood flow on the fundus of the eye, it becomes possible to switch the direction of incidence of the probing beam therefor and effect the measurement of the blood flow speeds, and compare the results of the measurement with each other to thereby avoid the problem of the reversal of the sign of the measurement signal. Thus, it is possible to measure always a correct blood flow speed for any blood vessel existing at any location and in any direction in the eyeball. A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 although the description may include some duplication with the description of the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5 which shows the construction of a second embodiment of the eye fundus blood flow meter of the present invention, a band-pass filter 123 transmitting only yellow and green beams of light therethrough, a condenser lens 124, a mirror 125, a field lens 126, a ring slit 127, relay lenses 128, 129, an apertured mirror 130 and an image rotator 131 are disposed in succession on an optical path leading from an illuminating light source 121 such as a tungsten lamp emitting white light to an objective lens 122. In the opening portion of the apertured mirror 130, there are provided optical fibers 132a, 132b and 132c for directing scattered light from the fundus Ea of the eye as shown in FIG. 6, and photomultipliers 133a and 133b selectively connected to the optical fibers 132a, 132b and 132c are further disposed, whereby a light receiving optical system 134 is constituted. In FIG. 5, only the optical fiber 121a and photomultiplier 133a are shown to avoid duplication. An image stabilizer 135 is disposed on an optical path behind the apertured mirror 130, lenses 136, 137, a galvanometric mirror 138, lenses 139, 140 and a galvanometric mirror 141 are provided in succession in the image stabilizer 135, the galvanometric mirrors 138 and 141 are rotatable by means of an operating rod 142, the galvanometric mirror 138 has a rotational axis in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the drawing sheet of FIG. 5, and the galvanometric mirror 141 has a rotational axis in a direction parallel to the plane of the drawing sheet of FIG. 5. Further, the output of control means 143 is connected to the galvanometric mirror 138. A focusing lens 144, a lens 145 and a dichroic mirror 146 which are movable along the optical axis are disposed on an optical path behind the galvanometric mirror 141, a half mirror 147, a lens 148 and a television camera 149 are disposed on an optical path in the direction of reflection of the dichroic mirror 146, and the output of the television camera 149 is connected to a television monitor 150, whereby an observation optical system 151 is constituted. The dichroic mirror 146 is made conjugate with the galvanometric mirrors 138 and 141. At the passage side of the dichroic mirror 146, there are disposed a lens 152, an imaging lens 153 whose focal plane is at a location conjugate with the fundus Ea of the eye, and a probing beam source 154 emitting laser light which is signal light. Also, a mirror 155, a lens 156, a filter 157 and a CCD array sensor 158 with an image intensifier are disposed on an optical path in the direction of reflection of the half mirror 147, whereby a blood vessel detecting system 159 is constituted. The output of the CCD array sensor 158 is connected to the control means 143, in which is contained a blood vessel image analyzing circuit constituted by a tuning memory circuit, a memory processing circuit, a control unit, etc. Further, the photomultipliers 133a, 133b and the control means 143 are connected to a system control unit 160. The entrance ends of the three optical fibers 132a, 132b and 132c are arranged on a straight line in the opening portion of the apertured mirror 130 as shown in FIG. 6, and the exit ends thereof are fixed likewise on a straight line with the gaps therebetween widened. Rearwardly of the exit ends, the photomultipliers 133a and 133b are individually supported by a support member 161 for movement in the direction of arrow C. There is shown a state in which the emergent light from the optical fiber 132a is received by the photomultiplier 133a and the emergent light from the optical fiber 132b is received by the photomultiplier 133b, but when the support member 161 is moved by an actuator, not shown, with the aid of the system control unit 160, the state changes over to a state in which the emergent light from the optical fiber 132b is received by the photomultiplier 133a and the emergent light from the optical fiber 132c is received by the photomultiplier 133b. The illuminating beam of light from the illuminating light source 121 is imaged on the opening portion of the ring slit 127 via the band-pass filter 123, the condenser lens 124, the mirror 125 and the field lens 126, and is once imaged on the apertured mirror 130 by the relay lenses 128 and 129, whereafter it passes through the image rotator 131 and the objective lens 122, is imaged on the pupil of the eye E to be examined and illuminates the fundus Ea of the eye substantially uniformly. FIG. 7 shows the positions of the beams of light relative to the pupil of the eye E to be examined, the image 127' of the ring slit indicates the position of the illuminating beam of light on the entire fundus Ea of the eye, the images 132a', 132b' and 132c' of the end surfaces of the light receiving optical fibers indicate the positions of the received beams of light, the image F of the focal plane of the imaging lens 153 of the measuring laser optical system indicates the position of the incident beam of light of the laser light, and the image 130' of the apertured mirror 130 and the image 146' of the dichroic mirror 146 indicate the position of the beam of light for observation. The reflected light on the fundus Ea of the eye is taken out from the image 130' of the apertured portion of the apertured mirror 130 in the pupil and returns along the same optical path, passes through the apertured portion of the apertured mirror 130, passes through the lenses 136, 137, galvanometric mirror 138, lenses 139, 140 and galvanometric mirror 141 of the image stabilizer 135, is further reflected by the dichroic mirror 146 via the focusing lens 144 and the lens 145, passes through the half mirror 147 and the lens 148, is imaged as an eye fundus image Ea' on the television camera 149 and is displayed on the television monitor 150. The examiner effects the alignment of the apparatus and the selection of a measured region while observing the television monitor 150. The beam of light reflected by the half mirror 147 passes through the mirror 155, lens 156 and filter 157 of the blood vessel detecting system 159, and is received by the CCD array sensor 158 as a blood vessel image more enlarged than the eye fundus image Ea' picked up by the television camera 149. The output signal from the CCD array sensor 158 is processed into data representative of the amount of movement of the blood vessel Ev in the blood vessel image analyzing circuit, whereafter the control means 143 drives and controls the galvanometric mirror 138 so as to compensate for that amount of movement. On the other hand, the signal light from the measuring laser light source 154 is condensed by the imaging lens 153 and returns along the previously described optical path, and is projected from the position F of the beam of light shown in FIG. 7 onto the blood vessel on the fundus Ea of the eye E to be examined through the objective lens 122. This position F of the beam of light is disposed outside the dichroic mirror 146 lying at a conjugate location and therefore, the signal light is never eclipsed by the dichroic mirror 146. The reflected beam of light from the blood vessel returns along the same optical path and a part of it is directed to the light receiving optical system by the optical fibers 132a, 132b and 132c. When the light receiving optical system is in the state shown in FIG. 6, the beams of light received by the photomultipliers 133a and 133b are beams of light located at 132a' and 132b' in FIG. 7 on the pupil, and as in the example of the prior art, frequency analysis for the measurement of the blood flow speed is effected by the use of this light reception signal. On the other hand, the beam of light not received by the optical fibers 132a, 132b and 132c is a beam of light taken out from the opening image 130' on the pupil, and passes through the opening portion of the apertured mirror 130, the image stabilizer 135, the focusing lens 144 and the lens 145, and a part of it is reflected by the dichroic mirror 146, is formed as a spot image by the television camera 149 via the half mirror 147 and the lens 148, is displayed on the television monitor 150 with the eye fundus image Ea' by the illuminating light source 121 and acts as an index mark for the measured region. The reflected beam of light on the fundus Ea of the eye by the measuring laser light source 154 enters the blood vessel detecting system 159 via the half mirror 147, but since the filter 157 intercepts the wavelength of the measuring laser light source 154, only the blood vessel image by the illuminating light source 121 is picked up by the CCD array sensor 158. The measuring laser beam is condensed by the focal plane of the imaging lens 153 and the conjugate relation thereof is adjusted by the focusing lens 144. Accordingly, when the examiner operates a focusing knob, not shown, to effect focusing, the focusing lens 144 is moved along the optical axis and the image pickup surface of the television camera 149, the image pickup surface of the CCD array sensor 158 and the focal plane of the imaging lens 153 become conjugate with the fundus Ea of the eye at a time, and with the focusing of the eye fundus image Ea', the focusing of the spot image is done. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the eye fundus image Ea' is displayed on the television monitor 150. The spot image PS is fixed at the center of the field of view, and for the selection of the measured region, the spot image PS is brought into coincidence with a predetermined measured region by the operating rod 142, the image rotator 131 is rotated and the blood vessel image Ev' which is the object of measurement is aligned with the axis A. The direction of the coordinates axis A indicates the direction of the line of intersection of a plane linking the centers of the optical fibers 132a, 132b, 132c in the direction of incidence with the fundus Ea of the eye, and is displayed on the television monitor 150 as an index mark for the adjustment of the image rotator 131. When the examiner rotates the image rotator 131, the image Ea' of the fundus of the eye to be examined rotates as indicated by arrow C. Bringing the blood vessel Ev into coincidence with the axis A to thereby provide β=0° leads to the obtainment of the following advantages (d)-(f). (d) When from expression (2), β=90°, that is, cos β=0, is provided, it becomes impossible to find the absolute value of the maximum blood flow speed Vmax from only the maximum frequency shifts Δfmax1 and Δfmax2 and therefore, if β=0° is provided and the eye fundus image Ea' is rotated so as to provide cos β=1, an unmeasurable position can be avoided. (e) It becomes unnecessary to measure the angle β and thus, error factors decrease and the work is simplified. (f) As described with respect to the example of the prior art, the principle of speed detection is obtained from the interference signal between the scattered reflected light from the blood vessel wall and the scattered reflected light in the blood and therefore, even when during measurement, the fundus Ea of the eye moves in the direction of the axis A, the result of measurement will not be affected if the blood vessel Ev is made substantially parallel to the direction of the axis A. On the other hand, when the fundus Ea of the eye moves in the axial direction orthogonal to the axis A, the signal light from the measuring laser light source 154 deviates from the blood vessel Ev in the measured region and the measured value becomes unstable, but in that case, the amount of movement of the blood vessel Ev can be detected with respect only to that direction, and in the present embodiment, tracking is effected only in that one direction by the blood vessel detecting system 159 and the image stabilizer 135. In this case, to measure the blood flow speed accurately and quickly with respect to any blood vessel EV to be examined, it will be good if the CCD array sensor 158 for detecting the amount of movement of the blood vessel image Ev' is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the blood vessel image Ev' which is the object of measurement, and this leads to an advantage that β=0° is provided, whereby it becomes unnecessary to use any two-dimensional sensor. In the present embodiment, the elements of the CCD array sensor 158 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the axis A, and when as shown in FIG. 8, the selection of a measured region has been completed, the CCD array sensor 158 of the blood vessel detecting system 159 enlarges the eye fundus image Ea' indicated by a bar-like area I in the direction orthogonal to the axis A and picks it up as the blood vessel image Ev'. When the examiner depresses a measuring switch, not shown, to start measurement after the alignment has thus been completed, the system control unit 160 gives a tracking start command by the control means 143. At the same time, the signals of the photomultipliers 133a and 133b are introduced into the system control unit 160, and the maximum frequency shifts |Δfmax1| and |Δfmax2| by signal lights received from the positions 132a' and 132b' of the received beams of light on the pupil of the eye E to be examined are first found. The maximum frequency shift |Δfmax1| is the result of the processing of the output from the photomultiplier 133a, and the maximum frequency shift |Δfmax2| is the result of the processing of the output signal from the photomultiplier 133b. Here, the incident signal beam of light is located at F in FIG. 7 and is provided at a location in the same direction relative to the positions of the received beams of light (the position 132b' is at an angle 0) and therefore, if usual, cos β=1 is provided in expression (2) and the maximum blood flow speed Vmax is found from Vmax={λ/(n·α)}·∥Δfmax1-.vertline.Δfmax2∥, but depending on the location of the blood vessel Ev, there is also a case where the true blood flow speed must be Vmax={λ/(n·α)}·∥Δfmax1.vertline.+|Δfmax2∥. In the present embodiment, at first, as pre-measurement, the maximum blood flow speed Vmax by expression (2) is calculated in this state, whereafter the support member 161 is driven by an actuator, not shown, to thereby move the locations of the photomultipliers 133a and 133b and switch the positions of the received beams of light from the set of 132a' and 132b' to the set of 132b' and 132c'. In the present embodiment, the signals from two adjacent ones of the three optical fibers 132a, 132b and 132c are selectively received by switching the locations of the photomultipliers 133a and 133b, and the three optical fibers 132a, 132b and 132c are disposed at equal intervals and are made symmetrical with respect to the incidence position of the probing beam. The switching method can be arbitrarily set as by providing four optical fibers and selecting and receiving the signals of two of the four optical fibers. After the switching of the locations of the photomultipliers 133a and 133b has been effected, the system control unit 160 again introduces signals from the two photomultipliers 132a and 132b, calculates respective maximum frequency shifts |Δfmax1'| and |Δfmax2'| and calculates the maximum blood flow speed Vmax in accordance with expression (2). Assuming that the speed calculated at this time is Vmax', by selecting the set of the positions of the received beams of light as described above, it becomes possible to separate areas in which the signs of the maximum frequency shifts |Δfmax1| and |Δfmax2| switch, i.e., the area φi in FIG. 1D and the area in which the signs of |Δfmax1'| and |Δfmax2'| switch, and Vmax≅Vmax' is provided in the area wherein the signs do not switch. Also, in the area wherein the sign of one of the speeds Vmax and Vmax' switches, it becomes possible to create the relation that (the side on which the switching of the signs does not take place)>(the side on which the switching of the signs takes place). Thus, in the apparatus of the present embodiment, the system control unit 160 can compare the two maximum blood flow speeds Vmax and Vmax' with each other to thereby determine the appropriate set of the directions of reception of the signal lights in order to find the true maximum blood flow speed. By this information, the system control unit 160 brings the locations of the photomultipliers 133a and 133b into an appropriate state (for example, when Vmax≠Vmax', the photomultipliers 133a and 133b are disposed in a state in which the greater one has been detected) and effects main measurement. In the main measurement, the measurement and calculation of the maximum blood flow speed Vmax or Vmax' are repeated at suitable time intervals, whereby continuous measurement is effected. In the present embodiment, there has been shown a method of judging the maximum blood flow speeds Vmax and Vmax' before the main measurement, and determining the direction of light reception in the main measurement, but instead of the switching of the direction of light reception, it is also possible to cope with the situation using software for specifying the sign of expression (2), or using software for measuring the blood flow speeds Vmax and Vmax' always or alternately during the main measurement, checking the presence or absence of the reversal of the sign after the measurement or at the interval of switching, and selecting the sign of the calculation of expression (2). If the situation is coped with by the software, it will be possible to further simplify the construction of the apparatus. Also, the present embodiment adopts an approach in which the locations of the photomultipliers 133a and 133b are moved for the switching of the direction of light reception, but alternatively, the photomultipliers may be fixedly disposed at the exit ends of the respective optical fibers and the output signals thereof may be electrically selected. Further, the light directing system is not restricted to the optical fibers, but for example, the use of a small mirror and a lens is also possible if there is a space therefor. Also, in the present embodiment, two adjacent directions of light reception are selected from three directions of light reception, but the selection thereof may also be effected from more directions of light reception. The entrance ends of the light receiving optical fibers may be made movable and the locations thereof may be changed to thereby obtain a similar effect. Also, it is for simplifying the subsequent calculating process that the selected directions of light reception are made symmetrical with respect to the direction of incidence of the probing beam, and this is not restrictive, but any disposition is possible. However, it is necessary in avoiding the duplication of the sign reversing area to design the directions of light reception so as not to overlap each other. As described above, in the eye fundus blood flow meter according to the above-described embodiment, when detecting the Doppler shifts created from two directions by the blood flow on the fundus of the eye, the direction of reception of the probing beam thereof is switched and the results of the measurement of the respective blood flow speeds are compared with each other, whereby it becomes possible to avoid the problem of the sign reversal of the measuring signal. Accordingly, a correct blood flow speed can always be measured for a blood vessel at any location and in any direction in the eyeball.

An eye fundus blood flow meter has probing beam applying device for applying probing beam to a blood vessel on the fundus of an eye to be examined, a light receptor for receiving the scattered light of the probing beam from the vicinity of the blood vessel from two different directions of light reception, a signal processor for obtaining the information of the blood flow speed in the blood vessel on the basis of Doppler shift information in the output from the light receptor, and changing device for changing the angle of incidence of the probing beam onto the fundus of the eye or the two directions of light reception of the light receptor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of provisional application 60/881,917, filed 22 Jan. 2007 and entitled Method for Supporting Intuitive View Specification In The Free Viewpoint Television Application, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application is related to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/462,327, filed 3 Aug. 2006 and entitled Virtual View Specification and Synthesis in Free Viewpoint (the '327 application), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present system relates to implementing Free-viewpoint Television (FTV) with minor revision to typical television (TV) infrastructure and related viewer experiences. In addition to home entertainment, FTV can be used in other environments, such as gaming and education. When viewing typical TV, the viewpoint is predetermined during the production of the particular program being watched by the placement of an acquisition camera. Unlike typical TV, FTV provides the viewer the freedom of choosing his own viewpoint by supplying the viewer's television set, or other display device, with multiple video streams captured by a set of cameras, each depicting a different view of a single scene, and by using the provided ‘real’ views to create a continuum of ‘virtual’ views, as described in detail in the '327 application. However, the multiple video streams of a single scene may not contain explicit information about their spatial positioning relative to one another, so it is desirable for FTV to determine the relative spatial positioning of the video streams in order to select which video streams to use as the basis in creating the virtual view. Thus, the spatial positioning relationships are extrapolated from the data that is contained in the video streams. A variety of virtual view specification techniques utilize existing, image-based rendering techniques. For example, in a fully calibrated system where the relative spatial relationships between all the video streams are known the virtual view determination may be done through geometry. An alternative technique uses a viewer's manual selection of a variety of points, including the projection of the virtual camera center. Another technique determines the virtual viewpoint using a rotation matrix and a translation vector with respect to a known camera. However, these approaches require a fully calibrated system with known camera positioning or calibration input from a viewer. The '327 application describes a technique for specifying a virtual view between any two viewer-chosen real basis views in an uncalibrated system. This allows virtual viewpoint specification using only a single user specified parameter, thereby permitting a virtual view to be defined by indicating a one dimensional directional shift, e.g. to the left, to the right, up, or down, from a current view. One limitation of the above two view based specification is the requirement for the viewer to choose the two basis views. This selection requirement may be non-intuitive for the viewer and tends to disrupt the TV viewing experience. For example, every time the viewer begins viewing a new scene it may be necessary to first display the available basis views for that scene and prompt the viewer to select the initial basis views. Thus a more ‘user friendly’ technique for selecting the basis views is desirable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary camera layout, demonstrating the difference in viewpoint between cameras. FIG. 2 illustrates the geometrical relationship of two cameras arranged in a standard stereo setup. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a FTV application at a given point in time the viewer sees the current view, just as in a typical TV system. Unlike typical TV, the viewer may selectively “shift away” from the current view. The viewer should experience the viewpoint shift in a relatively seamless manner. From the viewer's perspective, the viewpoint shift may appear as though the acquisition camera recording the current view physically shifted in the desired direction. Although multiple real views may be provided, the number of real views may be lower than the number of potential virtual views. Thus, whenever the user pushes an arrow button on a remote control (or otherwise indicates by some manner) to shift the viewpoint, the new view may be a virtual one and this requires a virtual view synthesis. Without sufficient calibration, it is not feasible to use a distance or an angle relative to the current view to specify the new view. However, determining or using a relative spatial relationship among the basis views permits using the single-parameter-based technique described in the '327 application to specify the virtual view. Referring to FIG. 1 , if the current viewpoint is real view b, and it is known that the nearest real view to the relative right of view b is view c, then when the viewer pushes a right-arrow button, the technique described in the '327 application may be used to parameterize a virtual view b′ based on view b (left) and view c (right). For purposes of illustration in the foregoing description only the horizontal relationship between the views is described. The vertical relationship is done in a similar fashion. Once the two appropriate basis views are determined, then the technique described in the '327 application is applicable. However, the appropriate basis views are first selected without the assistance of the viewer. In a preferred embodiment of the technique one of the basis views is defined by the current view (view cur ) on display at the time the viewer indicates a desire to shift away from that view. If view cur is a real view, then view cur will itself be used as a basis view. If view cur is a synthesized virtual view then one of the basis views used to synthesize view cur is known and this view may be used as one of the basis views for the new virtual view. Since there may be multiple views to either side of view cur , the preferred technique identifies the one that is closest. For example, again referring to FIG. 1 , if view cur is real view b and the viewer indicates a desire to shift the viewpoint to the right, then view b should be one of the two basis views. What should be determined is whether view a or view c is preferably the second of the two basis views. A preferred embodiment of the present technique utilizes two techniques for making a determination of which view should be used, each using a different assumption. The first technique estimates the pair-wise left-right relations of two images. The second technique estimates a closeness measure among multiple views. Although the two techniques share some common elements, including the use of conventional feature point detection and correspondence techniques, the estimation of a fundamental matrix, and comparable computational costs, they are fundamentally different as they rely on different assumptions. The main assumption of the first technique of pair-wise left-right relations is that a camera's intrinsic matrix can be estimated by a relatively simple and conventional technique, described below. This, in turn requires that the acquisition process be typical, e.g., without asymmetric cropping of the images, uses a known or reasonable range of zoom factors, etc. If the assumption is satisfied, this technique is relatively straightforward to use because it directly provides the necessary translation vector between two views. The main assumption of the second technique of the closeness factor is that a feature correspondence algorithm will be able to detect more background feature points than foreground ones. Scenes with relatively small foreground objects on a relatively far background, for example two people standing on a street, naturally satisfy this assumption. On the other hand, scenes with a close shot of an object, for example a close shot of a bouquet, violate this assumption. In the first preferred technique, the fundamental matrix F of the known basis view and one of the potential basis views is estimated. This may preferably be done using known feature correspondence techniques. For example, the random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm could be used in conjunction with a Harris Corner Detector to estimate the fundamental matrix. A single intrinsic matrix K for the cameras may also be estimated. This may preferably be done by assuming the principal points are located at the center of the image and setting the focal length f as equal to the image width w multiplied by the zoom factor x (which is set to 1 if unknown). This initial estimate of K may be further refined by a conventional approach based on the reprojection errors in the feature points. Thus: K = [ f 0 p x 0 f p y 0 0 1 ] , p x = w / 2 p y = h / 2 The essential matrix E of the cameras may now be computed using the estimated fundamental matrix F and intrinsic matrix K: E=K −1 FK Applying single value decomposition techniques to the essential matrix E yields the rotation and translation matrices for the two views. There are 6 parameters recovered from this process, 3 for the rotation matrix and 3 for the translation matrix, represented by R x , R, y R z , t x , t y and t z . The relative left-right relationship of the two views can be determined by examining t x , if t x >0 then view 1 is on the right; otherwise, it is on the left. This technique is advantageous because the value of t x can be used to further sort multiple views. For example, if view a and view b are both on the left of view c, the magnitude of t x will determine which one is closer to view c. However, this technique works well only as long as the estimates for the fundamental and intrinsic matrices are accurate. The accuracy of the estimation is dependent on the strength of the feature correspondence algorithm. Practically speaking, using the image center to approximate the principal point of a camera is a good estimate, unless, for instance, the image is cropped significantly and largely asymmetrical. Also, because the distance between the two cameras under consideration may be reasonably large, small errors in the principal points will not significantly affect the estimated translation matrix. The second preferred technique relies on computing the average and median disparity values (defined as the average of the maximum and the minimum disparities). Although a fully calibrated system cannot be assumed, it is helpful to describe how the view disparities can be used to determine pair-wise left-right relationship of two views in such a system, such as a standard stereo setup. By definition, in a standard stereo setup all disparities between the views are horizontal and the magnitude of the disparity for a given point is a function of the point's depth in the field of view, with the magnitude approaching zero as the depth approaches infinity. FIG. 2 illustrates two views, d and e, positioned in a standard stereo setup. For a given point m in the scene each camera views a respective matching point m d , m e at respective coordinates x d,m , y d,m and x e,m , y e,m . Because of the standard stereo setup, y d,m will equal y e,m but there will be a horizontal disparity: d m =x e,m −x d,m . Because view d is on the left of view e, the disparity for all points in these two views will be greater than zero. This is true regardless of the location of the point m in the field of view. Conversely, if view d were on the right of view e, the disparity would be less than zero. Yet a practical embodiment should account for all the available views being in general positions, not a standard stereo setup. It is feasible, given some assumptions, to use known techniques to rectify two uncalibrated views to create an approximation of a fully calibrated standard stereo setup. A preferred technique for selecting an appropriate basis view using image rectification begins, as did the technique described above, with estimating the fundamental matrix F of the two images. Using the fundamental matrix F, the two images may be rectified such that all epipolar lines become horizontal and aligned. For a description of such a rectification technique, see J. Zhou and B. Li, “Image Rectification for Stereoscopic Visualization Without 3D Glasses,” International Conference on Content-Based Image and Video Retrieval, 2006. The feature points may then be transformed to the rectified image coordinate system and disparities for the feature points may be calculated. In the rectified image coordinate system, all disparities will be one dimensional (e.g. horizontal, with zero vertical disparity). After rectification however, the horizontal distance between the two image planes is still unknown. This is equivalent to adding an unknown constant to all the image disparities. This consequently introduces some ambiguity in determining relative camera position because, for example, the addition of the constant may cause there to be both positive and negative disparities. To resolve the ambiguity, the technique assumes more feature points were detected in the background than the foreground. Given a disparity set D={d i }, i=1, . . . , n, the average disparity is defined as Avg ⁢ ⁢ ( D ) = 1 n ⁢ ∑ i = 1 n ⁢ d i and the median disparity as Median ⁢ ⁢ ( D ) = Max ⁡ ( d i ) + Min ⁡ ( d i ) 2 If there are more background points than foreground points, it follows the average depth of those points is closer to the background and the average disparity will be closer to the minimum disparity than the maximum and, consequently, the average disparity will be less than the median disparity. This relationship is not influenced by the shifting of disparities due to the rectification ambiguity. Therefore, if the average disparity is less than the median disparity, then first image is on the left, otherwise it is on the right. The terms and expressions which have been employed in the foregoing specification are used therein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims which follow.

A method of selecting first and second basis views from a group of at least three provided views where the first and second basis views are used in synthesizing a third virtual view. The group of provided views are spatially offset from one another in at least one dimension.

This application is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Ser. No. 561,434 filed Mar. 24, 1975, now abandoned. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION a process is provided for preparing mono-7-HER (mono-O-β -hydroxyethyl-7-rutoside) which has the formula: ##STR4## The process of the invention comprises contacting rutoside of the formula: ##STR5## in a solvent which is an at least partially aqueous medium with a boric acid alkali salt in an amount substantially not exceeding the amount necessary to form a boron complex of formula: ##STR6## Sodium may be mentioned as the alkali metal; the aforesaid boron complex is then reacted with ethylene oxide to form a hydroxyethoxy compound of the formula: ##STR7## This hydroxyethoxy compound is then treated in an at least partially aqueous acid medium to yield the desired mono-7-HER. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The known hydroxyethylation of rutoside for example by means of ethylene chlorhydrin and employing stoichiometric quantities of alkali, or by means of a great excess of ethylene oxide in the presence of alkali always leads to a more or less complex mixture of O-β-hydroxyethyl derivatives of rutoside from which one or other of the components cannot be isolated on an industrial scale. Only ethylene oxide as hydroxyethylation agent enables production of the 7-mono-etherified derivative of rutoside in practically pure state according to a known process teaching the use of hydro-alcoholic solvents or water-dioxane mixtures to slow the speed of hydroxyethylation. In this known process, the duration of the reaction leads to the formation of different hydroxyethyl derivatives which successively pass from the mono-derivatives to di- and tri-derivatives and even tetra-derivatives. It was thus necessary to permanently control the reaction and to be able to interrupt it after the formation of mono-7-HER, this being a delicate operation. The process according to the invention does not have this drawback, as the reaction cannot continue beyond mono-etherification and because of this the yield obtained is superior. According to the known process, the temperature of the reaction was relatively high, namely above 50° C. and preferably between 80 and 90° C., whereas in the process according to the present invention, the reaction temperature preferably remains below 50° C., and can be kept between 30° and 40° C. According to the process of the invention, the consumption of ethylene oxide is reduced and it is used in safer conditions. According to the known process, several successive crystallisations are required. According to the new process, the quantitative hydroxyethylation of rutoside is controlled and there is formed, beside the mono-7-HER, only traces of di-0β-hydroxyethyl-5,7 rutoside and tri-0-hydroxyethyl-7,3',4' rutoside, the two latter substances being soluble in water and hence easy to eliminate by a single crystallisation which leaves the chromatographically pure mono-7-HER. The soluble rutoside complex used in the process of the invention may be obtained by reacting preferably practically equimolar quantities of borax. The reaction solvent may be aqueous or partially aqueous. The complex may be directly prepared before hydroxyethylation and need not necessarily be isolated from the reaction medium before proceeding to the hydroxyethylation. For example, in water, formation of the borax-rutoside complex may be controlled by visible spectrography (rutoside absorbs at 359 nm and the rutoside-borax complex at 379 nm) or by ultraviolet spectrography (rutoside absorbs at 255 nm with a shoulder at 260 nm whereas the rutoside-borax complex absorbs at 268 nm with a shoulder at 330 nm). In partially aqueous or polar organic media, such as in mixtures of water with methanol or ethanol, the rutoside-boric acid complex may for example be detected by ultraviolet-visible spectrography. Hydroxyethylation is carried out directly on the complex by means of a measured quantity of ethylene oxide, preferably 2.5 moles or more per mole of rutoside; it is favourized in aqueous media by a slight excess of borax, and in organic polar media by a weak base such as sodium acetate. The process according to the invention may be carried out in the laboratory in an autoclave and industrially in a reactor, for example of the Grignard type able to be hermetically closed. The etherification reaction takes place at a relatively low temperature, below 50° C., preferably between 30° and 40° C. At higher temperatures, there is a risk of decomposition of the complex, which would lead to a non-sought mixture of 0-β-hydroxyethyl derivatives of rutoside. The reaction can take place in relatively concentrated solutions of the complex, for example above 30% by weight. Progression of the reaction can be controlled chromatographically on a thin film of cellulose by means of a butanol-n-methanol-water mixture (10:1:3 by volume). The reaction is finished upon the quantitative disappearance of rutoside. Then, while cooling to ambient temperature, the residual ethylene oxide is removed, for example by passing an inert gas such as nitrogen into the reactor; this drives off the residual ehtylene oxide which can be taken up by bubbling it in an aqueous solution of 6N hydrochloric acid. The solution is then acidified, preferably to a pH comprised between 1 and 3, for example by means of a concentrated acid solution, preferably a mineral acid such as 20% hydrochloric acid. This acidity destroys the previously formed complex. Isolation of the desired substance may for example be obtained as follows: in water, the mono-7-HER derivative precipitates whereas in partially aqueous and organic polar solvents, the reaction solvent is replaced by water and the pH of the solution is controlled to be brought to between 1 and 3, which enables precipitation of the mono-7-HER. At this stage, the yield of practically pure mono-7-HER in purely aqueous reaction media is of the order of 97-98%, i.e. far superior to the known process. Moreover, it is possible to easily remove the impurities which are soluble in water. A simple recrystallisation in water leads to chromatgraphically pure mono-7-HER. The purity of the produce can be controlled chromatgraphically on a thin layer of polyamide by using as solvent a butanol-n-methanol-water mixture (10:1:3 by volume) or by chromatographing its aglucon (obtained by acid hydrolysis) on S+S 2034 bmgl paper by means of formic acid-water solvent (7:3 by volume) according to the descending technique. The produce is also confirmed by mass spectrography in the presence of various reactants such as sodium acetate, sodium methylate, sodium acetate/boric acid mixture, aluminium chloride with or without hydrochloric acid. The produce considered, mono-7-HER, notably has the following pharmacological properties: normalization of the capillary permeability, increase of the capillary resistance, action on the metabolism of the conjunctive tissue, action on the energetic metabolism of the vascular wall and an anti-inflammatory action. It has multiple medical applications: the treatment of circulatory troubles in particular troubles in the veins and capillaries, and of certain troubles of the metabolism of the conjunctive tissues. It is possible to incorporate it in various pharmaceutical presentations, in determined and fixed proportions. EXAMPLE 209 g i.e. 0.55 mole of borax Na 2 B 4 O 7 .10 H 2 O is dissolved in 1150 ml of distilled or demineralised water, and 310 g i.e. 0.51 mole of rutoside is added and progressively passes into solution to form the rutoside-borax complex. The solution is stirred and held at 40° C. in an autoclave. By pumping out ambient air, the autoclave is placed under slight vacuum, and 62.5 ml i.e. 56 g or 1.275 mole of ethylene oxide is added by injection with nitrogen under slight pressure, and normal pressure is re-established with nitrogen. Stirring is continued at the temperature of 40° C. during 24 hours, the time required for entire disappearance of the rutoside. Heating is stopped, and a stream of nitrogen passed during 2 hours to drive off the residual ethylene oxide which is trapped by passing the stream of gas through a washing bottle containing 1 liter of 6N hydrochloric acid. After transfer to a 2-liter erlenmeyer flask the reaction solution is brought to pH 2.0 by adding 180 ml of 20% hydrochloric acid (5.5N HC1): the precipitation of mono-7-HER begins during acidification. The solution is left at 4° C. overnight then the precipitate is separated by filtration, and washed with cold water. The dried substance weighs about 320 g, i.e. a yield of 97%.

A process is provided for preparing mono-O-β-hydroxyethyl-7-rutoside of the formula: ##STR1## which comprises contacting rutoside of the formula: ##STR2## in a solvent which is an at least partially aqueous medium with a boric acid alkali salt in an amount substantially not exceeding the amount necessary to form a boron complex of formula: reacting said boron complex with ethylene oxide to form a hydroxyethoxy compound of the formula ##STR3## and treating said hydroxyethoxy compound in an at least partially aqueous acid medium, whereby there is produced said mono-O-β-hydroxyethyl-7-rutoside.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the invention relate to riserless mud return systems used in the oil production industry. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a novel system and method for riserless mud return using a subsea pump suspended along a rigid mud return line. Top hole drilling is generally the initial phase of the construction of a subsea well and involves drilling in shallow formations prior to the installation of a subsea blowout preventer. During conventional top hole drilling, a drilling fluid, such as drilling mud or seawater, is pumped from a drilling rig down the borehole to lubricate and cool the drill bit as well as to provide a vehicle for removal of drill cuttings from the borehole. After emerging from the drill bit, the drilling fluid flows up the borehole through the annulus formed by the drill string and the borehole. Because, conventional top hole drilling is normally performed without a subsea riser, the drilling fluid is ejected from the borehole onto the sea floor. When drilling mud, or some other commercial fluid, is used for top hole drilling, the release of drilling mud in this manner is undesirable for a number of reasons, namely cost and environmental impact. Depending on the size of the project and the depth of the top hole, drilling mud losses during the top hole phase of drilling can be significant. In many regions of the world, there are strict rules governing, even prohibiting, discharges of certain types of drilling fluid. Moreover, even where permitted, such discharges can be harmful to the maritime environment and create considerable visibility problems for remote operated vehicles (ROVs) used to monitor and perform various underwater operations at the well sites. For these reasons, systems for recycling drilling fluid have been developed. Typical examples of these systems are found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,745,851 and W.O. Patent Application No. 2005/049958, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. Both disclose systems for recycling drilling fluid, wherein a suction module, or equivalent device, is positioned above the wellhead to convey drilling fluid from the borehole through a pipeline to a pump positioned on the sea floor. The pump, in turn, conveys the drilling fluid through a flexible return line to the drilling rig above for recycling and reuse. The return line is anchored at one end by the pump, while the other end of the return line is connected to equipment located on the drilling rig. Positioning the pump on the sea floor requires that the pump be designed and manufactured to withstand hydrostatic forces commensurate with the depth of the sea floor. Also, positioning the pump on the sea floor may be undesirable in certain conditions due to the time needed to retrieve the pump in the event that the pump needs maintenance or bad weather occurs Thus, embodiments of the invention are directed to riserless mud return systems that seek to overcome these and other limitations of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Systems and methods for drilling a well bore in a subsea formation from an offshore structure positioned at a water surface and having a drill string that is suspended from the structure and including a bottom hole assembly adapted to form a top hole portion of the well bore. A drilling fluid source on the offshore structure supplies fluid through the drill string to the bottom hole assembly where the fluid exits from the bottom hole assembly during drilling and returns up the well bore. A suction module is disposed at the sea floor and collects the fluid emerging from the well bore. A pump module is disposed on a return line, which is in fluid communication with the suction module, at a position below the water surface and above the sea floor. The pump module is operable to receive fluid from the suction module and pump the fluid through the return pipe to the same or a different offshore structure, Thus, embodiments of the invention comprise a combination of features and advantages that enable substantial enhancement of riserless mud return systems. These and various other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and by referring to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a drilling rig with a riserless mud return system comprising a subsea pump suspended along a rigid mud return line in accordance with embodiments of the invention; FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic representations of the docking joint depicted in FIG. 1 ; and FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the subsea pump module depicted in FIG. 1 , DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Various embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used for like parts throughout the several views. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form, and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to riserless mud return systems used in the recycling of drilling fluid. The invention is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. There are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results. Referring now to FIG. 1 , drilling rig, 5 includes drill floor 10 and moonpool 15 . An example of an offshore structure, drilling rig 5 is illustrated as a semi-submersible floating platform, but it is understood that other platforms or structures may also be used. For example, offshore structures include, but are not limited to, all types of rigs, barges, ships, spars, semi-submersibles, towers, and/or any fixed or floating platforms, structures, vessels, or the like, Suction module 20 is positioned on the sea floor 25 above borehole 30 . Drill string 35 is suspended from drill floor 10 through suction module 20 into borehole 30 . Deployment and hang-off system 40 is disposed adjacent to moonpool 15 and supports the return string 45 , which is secured to the sea floor 25 by anchor 50 . Although this exemplary embodiment depicts return string 45 coupled to drilling rig 5 , it is understood that, in other embodiments, return string 45 may be coupled to and supported by the same or another offshore structure and can return fluid to the same offshore structure as coupled to the drill string 35 or to a second offshore structure. Return string 45 further includes upper mud return line 55 , pump module 60 , docking joint 65 , lower mud return line 70 , and emergency disconnect 75 . Upper and lower mud return lines 55 , 70 are both formed from pipe, such as drill pipe or other suitable tubulars known in the industry. Mud return lines 55 , 70 are preferably formed from a series of individual lengths of pipe connected in series to form the continuous line. In preferred embodiments, mud return lines 55 , 70 are rigid, having only inherent flexibility due to their long, slender shapes. As it is used herein, the term “rigid” is used to describe the mud return lines as being constructed from a material having significantly greater rigidity than the coiled tubing or flexible hose conventionally used in mud return lines. In other embodiments, mud return lines 55 , 70 may be non-rigid or flexible, for example coiled tubing, flexible hose, or other similar structures. Upper mud return line 55 is connected at its upper end to deployment and hang-off system 40 and at its lower end to docking joint 65 , which is located below sea level 80 . Pump module 60 is releasably connected to docking joint 65 . Lower mud return line 70 runs from docking joint 65 and is secured to the sea floor by anchor 50 . In certain embodiments, emergency disconnect 75 may releasably couple lower mud return line 70 to anchor 50 . Suction hose assembly 85 extends from suction module 20 to lower mud return line 70 so as to provide fluid communication from the suction module to the mud return line. Prior to initiating drilling operations, return string 45 is installed through moonpool 15 . Installation of return string 45 includes coupling anchor 50 and emergency disconnect 75 (if desired) to lower mud return line 70 . Anchor 50 is lowered to sea floor 25 by adding individual joints of pipe that extend the length of lower mud return line 70 . As return string 45 is installed, docking joint 65 and upper mud return line 55 are added. Pump module 60 may be run with return string 45 or after the string has been completely installed. Upon reaching the sea floor 25 , anchor 50 is installed to secure return string 45 to the sea floor 25 . Return string 45 is then suspended from deployment and hang-off system 40 and drilling operations may commence. During drilling operations, drilling fluid is delivered down drill string 35 to a drill bit positioned at the end of drill string 35 . After emerging from the drill bit, the drilling fluid flows up borehole 30 through the annulus formed by drill string 35 and borehole 30 . At the top of borehole 30 , suction module 20 collects the drilling fluid. Pump module 60 draws the mud through suction hose assembly 85 , lower mud return line 70 , and docking joint 65 and then pushes the mud upward through upper mud return line 55 to drilling rig 5 for recycling and reuse. During operation, anchor 50 limits movement of return string 45 in order to prevent the return string from impacting other submerged equipment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic representations of one embodiment of a docking joint 65 as depicted in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 2A , docking joint 65 includes housing 100 , inlet line 105 , outlet line 110 , isolation valves 115 , 120 , and upper connecting pipe 122 . Housing 100 includes fluid outlet port 125 at its upper end 128 and a fluid inlet port 130 at its lower end 132 . Housing 100 includes a first internal passage that provides fluid communication between fluid inlet port 130 and inlet line 105 and a second internal passage that provides fluid communication between outlet line 110 and fluid outlet port 125 . Housing 100 may be formed from a single block of material or may be constructed from separate pieces as a fabricated assembly. Inlet line 105 further includes inlet 140 that is coupled to housing 100 , outlet 145 that connects to pump module 60 , and flowbore 150 providing fluid communication therebetween. Similarly, outlet line 110 further includes inlet 155 that connects to pump module 60 , outlet 160 coupled to housing 100 , and a flowbore 165 providing fluid communication therebetween. Isolation valves 115 , 120 are positioned along flowbore 150 , 165 , respectively, in order to selectively allow fluid communication along inlet line 105 and outlet line 110 . Mud return line 70 is coupled to housing 100 at lower end 132 via a threaded connection or other suitable type of connection. Upper connecting pipe 122 couples mud return line 55 to housing 100 at upper end 128 via threaded connections or other suitable type of connections known in the industry. Referring now to FIG. 2B , connecting pipe 122 further includes helix 138 , which is configured to align pump module 60 with docking joint 65 . Cover 170 provides a surface 180 on which pump module 60 is seated when pump module 60 is installed. Cover 170 further includes cut-outs 175 , which permit pump module 60 , when installed, access to isolation valves 115 , 120 , inlet line 105 and outlet line 110 . FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a subsea pump module 60 that is operable to interface with docking joint 65 , as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B . Pump module 60 includes pump assemblies 200 , flowlines 205 , and isolation valves 210 , all assembled and contained within frame 215 . Pump assemblies 200 are arranged in series so that flowlines 205 provide fluid communication through pump module 60 that allows fluid from return line 70 to be successively pressurized by each pump assembly 200 . Valves 210 allow for the flow to be directed to the pump assemblies 200 as desired for a particular application. Pump assemblies 200 are illustrated as disc or, alternatively, centrifugal pump units but it is understood that any type of pump can be used in pump module 60 . Power for pump-motor assemblies 200 may be provided by electrical wiring from drilling rig 5 . In some embodiments, isolation valves 210 may be electrically actuated also via electrical wiring from drilling rig 5 . Additionally, isolation valves 210 may be manually actuated during operations involving ROVs. Frame 215 protects pump assemblies 200 and their piping components and provides attachment points for lifting pump module 60 and facilitating the installation and retrieval of the module. Frame 215 includes an opening 220 , which permits pump module 60 to be inserted over mud return line 55 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A ) and lowered along mud return line 55 to docking joint 65 during installation. Frame 215 is also configured to interface with helix 138 so as to align pump module 60 with docking joint 65 during installation of the pump module. As described above in reference to FIG. 1 , docking joint 65 is installed with mud return lines 70 , 55 to form return string 45 . Prior to the installation of pump module 60 , isolation valves 115 , 120 on lines 105 , 110 of docking joint 65 may be closed to prevent circulation of seawater into return string 45 . Pump module 60 may then be installed along return string 45 with docking joint 65 or independently of docking joint 65 . During normal deployment procedures, pump module 60 may be installed with docking joint 65 . In this scenario, pump module 60 is coupled to docking joint 65 and the two components are then lowered to the desired depth. To enable these procedures, docking joint 65 is designed to allow pick-up of pump module 60 without breaking return string 45 . Installation of pump module 60 with docking joint 65 in this manner is less time consuming than conventional methods because it is not necessary to break return string 45 . Retrieval of pump module 60 using docking joint 65 is also more efficient for this same reason. Alternatively, during maintenance and/or emergency procedures, pump module 60 may be installed independently of docking joint 65 . For example, when pump module 60 requires maintenance and/or bad weather approaches, it may be necessary to retrieve pump module 60 while return string 45 , including docking joint 65 , remains in place. After maintenance of pump module 60 is completed or the bad weather has passed, pump module 60 may be lowered along return line 55 to engage docking joint 65 . In either scenario, installation of pump module 60 preferably includes inserting mud return line 55 into opening 220 and lowering pump module 60 over the mud return line 55 to docking joint 65 . As pump module 60 is lowered over connecting line 122 of docking joint 65 , pump module 60 engages helix 138 , causing pump module 60 to rotate as pump module 60 descends toward docking joint 65 such that when pump module is seated on docking joint 65 , pump module 60 is aligned with cover 170 and engaged with inlet line 105 and outlet line 110 . Aligning pump module 60 with cover 170 allows pump module 60 access, via cut-outs 175 , to isolation valves 115 , 120 . In some embodiments, seating pump module 60 on docking joint 65 automatically actuates isolation valves 115 , 120 from closed positions to open positions. Conversely, unseating pump module 60 from cover 170 of docking joint 65 actuates isolation valves 115 , 120 to closed positions. In other embodiments, seating and unseating of pump module 60 in this manner may not actuate isolation valves 115 , 120 . Rather, a signal transmitted to the isolation valves 115 , 120 from a remote location, erg drilling rig 5 , actuates isolation valves 115 , 120 . Additionally, isolation valves 115 , 120 may be manually actuated during operations involving ROVS. After pump module 60 is installed and isolation valves 115 , 120 are opened, a fluid flowpath is established through pump module 60 . Once pump module 60 is operational and top hole drilling operations begin, drilling fluid is permitted to flow from mud return line 70 into docking joint 65 through fluid inlet port 130 . The drilling fluid then passes through inlet line 105 , entering at inlet 140 and exiting at outlet 145 . Upon exiting inlet line 105 , the drilling fluid flows through pump module 60 to outlet line 110 at inlet 155 . After exiting bypass line 110 through outlet 160 , the drilling fluid then flows from docking joint 65 through fluid exit port 125 , upward through connecting line 122 , and into mud return line 55 . As described above, top hole drilling operations may commence after pump module 60 is installed. While operational, pump assemblies 200 of pump module 60 draw drilling fluid from the suction module 20 through suction hose assembly 85 , mud return line 70 , and bypass line 110 of docking joint 65 . Pump-motor assemblies 200 preferably then push the mud through flowlines 205 , through bypass line 110 of docking joint 65 , and upward through return line 55 to drilling rig 5 for recycling and reuse. Isolation valves 210 are actuated, as needed, to direct the flow of the drilling fluid through flowlines 205 and back into docking joint 65 . In the event that pump module 60 requires maintenance and/or bad weather occurs necessitating the retrieval of pump module 60 , drilling operations cease. The flow of drilling fluid through pump module 60 is discontinued, and isolation valves 115 , 120 are actuated to closed positions. Pump module 60 is then disengaged from docking joint 65 and returned to drill floor 10 of drilling rig 5 , either for maintenance or safe stowage. Closure of isolation valves 115 , 120 prevents drilling fluid from dispersing into the surrounding water after pump module 60 is disengaged from docking joint 65 . Retrieval of pump module 60 in this manner is expedited for at least two reasons. First, pump module 60 may be disengaged from docking joint 65 without the need to break the return string 45 . Second, pump module 60 is suspended above the sea floor 25 , rather than seated on it. Once maintenance has been performed on pump module 60 and/or bad weather has passed, pump module 60 may be redeployed by lowering pump module 60 along return string 45 to docking joint 65 where, again, pump module 60 engages docking joint 65 , as described above. Subsequent redeployment of pump module 60 is also expedited for these same reasons. The terms “couple,” “couples,” and “coupled” and the like include direct connection between two items and indirect connections between items. While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or teachings herein. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only and are not limiting. Many variations and modifications of the systems are possible and are within the scope of the invention. For example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the materials from which the various parts are made, and other parameters can be varied. In particular, the subsea pump module may comprise fewer or more pump-motor assemblies as needed to convey drilling fluid from the suction module through the return string to the drilling rig. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the claims that follow, the scope of which shall include all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

Systems and methods for drilling a well bore in a subsea formation from an offshore structure positioned on a water surface with a drill string that is suspended from the structure and includes a bottom hole assembly adapted to form a top hole portion of the well bore. A drilling fluid source on the offshore structure supplies drilling fluid through the drill string to the bottom hole assembly where the drilling fluid exits from the bottom hole assembly during drilling and returns up the well bore. A suction module is disposed at the sea floor and collects the drilling fluid emerging from the well bore. A pump module is disposed on a return line, which is in fluid communication with the suction module, at a position below the water surface and above the sea floor. The pump module is operable to receive drilling fluid from the suction module and pump the drilling fluid through the return pipe to the same offshore structure or a different offshore structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a United States National Phase application of International Application PCT/EP2008/001895 and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Patent Application DE 10 2007 013 175.7 filed Mar. 20, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention pertains to a process and an automatic commissioning unit for filling an order container by means of ejectors and a conveyor belt. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] An automatic commissioning unit with ejectors for commissioning products onto a conveyor belt, in which the products commissioned onto the conveyor belt are transported to an order container and are released into this order container, is known from EP 0 213 360 A1. A product storage means, which extends as a vertical shaft slightly inclined in relation to the vertical direction of the automatic commissioning unit, is arranged in front of and above each ejector. Products of the same class are stacked up in direct contact one on top of another in the vertical shaft. The horizontal ejector located at the deepest point of the product stack pushes out, when necessary, the lowermost product of the stack in the direction of the conveyor belt. If the lowermost product has been pushed out, the product stack is displaced downward by the height of one product under its own weight. Products can thus be ejected or commissioned in a separate manner. The drawback is, besides the limited height of the product stack or product storage capacity, especially that only stackable products can be stored and commissioned, mostly in a cuboid form. Bulky products cannot be handled. If bulky, i.e., nonstackable products shall be jointly commissioned, these products must be commissioned by a human operator manually from a storage container and either placed on the conveyor belt or introduced directly into the order container. [0004] The object of the present invention is to create a process and an automatic commissioning unit of the type mentioned in the introduction for filling an order container, in which bulky, i.e., nonstackable products can also be commissioned reliably, rapidly and effectively. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] The basic object of the present invention is accomplished by a process and commissioning unit according to the invention. [0006] The essence of the present invention in a process and automatic commissioning unit mentioned in the introduction for filling an order container by means of ejectors and a conveyor belt is that products to be commissioned are stored in the ejectors themselves, which are designed as a circulating belt, as a horizontal product row when the circulating belt is stopped, and are released onto the conveyor belt or directly into the order container by actuating the circulating belt. The ejector is consequently designed according to the present invention itself as a (main) product storage means of the automatic commissioning unit—not as, e.g., an auxiliary storage means, for example, adjoining a flow shelf. The ejector according to the present invention does not have to extend exactly horizontally. It is obvious that it may also be inclined and hence arranged obliquely in relation to the horizontal. Identical products belonging to the same class are primarily stored in a single product storage means. When the circulating belt is actuated, a minimum filling level of products stored on the circulating belt is automatically measured and the circulating belt is automatically stopped for refilling products [0007] In particular, the circulating belt can be moved backwards for refilling products by a predetermined amount automatically or by manual actuation. The minimum filling level of products being stored on the circulating belt can be displayed optically or/and acoustically. [0008] Each product to be commissioned may preferably be introduced into and stored, separately, on a product storage place of the circulating belt, preferably in a product compartment, and the products being stored on the product storage places, especially in the product compartments, may be released separately. [0009] When speaking of a circulating belt, this may also be a circulating link chain, a cleat belt or nap belt or the like within the framework of the present invention. [0010] In particular, bulky, irregularly configured products—products for which handling cannot be automated with the ejectors known from the state of the art described in the introduction—can be stored and commissioned into an automatic commissioning unit by the present invention in such a manner that this can be handled by means of an automatic commissioning unit. The handling of products of nearly any desirable dimensions or shapes can be automated, such as teddy bears, peanut bags, coffee packs, gauze bandages and the like. Cuboid dimensions are not necessary. Stackability of the products is not a prerequisite. [0011] One or more products are thrown onto the conveyor belt positioned at the head end of the circulating belt if necessary. The conveyor belt is preferably the central belt of the automatic commissioning unit itself. The ejector may be actuated with conventional central belt technology. Products are now thrown onto an area of the central belt that is assigned to an order at the correct point in time. [0012] It is, furthermore, advantageous that the manual operation of filling the product storage means is uncoupled in time from the commissioning operation (“stock in the pipeline”). Refilling guided by filling level display at the end of the pipeline is possible. The present invention makes possible any desired design combination with existing automatic central belt units (modular design). Essentially horizontal product storage means are possible not only next to each other, arranged at a distance or without a distance from one another, but also in two or more levels one on top of another. Various pipeline widths and different distances between naps or transverse walls may be set up depending on the dimensions of the products. [0013] The products stored in product compartments may be preferably released partly sliding onto the conveyor belt under their own weight. Conventional product columns with stackable products may also be stored in vertical shafts in the automatic commissioning unit and fed to the conveyor belt by means of lower, conventional pushing ejectors. [0014] The ejector according to the present invention may be used for filling level management and/or automatic inventory control. [0015] The product storage places, especially the product compartments, may also be defined as virtual deposition sites for products. [0016] The present invention will be described in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings attached. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] In the drawings: [0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an automatic commissioning unit according to the present invention with a central conveyor belt and ejectors in the form of horizontal product storage means located in one plane; [0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a product storage means according to FIG. 1 ; [0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view through a product storage means with omission of the longitudinal side walls; [0021] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the automatic commissioning unit according to FIG. 1 with another plane of horizontal product storage means; [0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of an automatic commissioning unit according to the present invention together with adjacent overstock shelves; [0023] FIG. 6 a is a product storage means according to FIG. 4 shown in one of four positions of a filling of products from the rear according to the right side of the drawing; [0024] FIG. 6 b is a product storage means according to FIG. 4 shown in another one of four positions of a filling of products from the rear according to the right side of the drawing; [0025] FIG. 6 c is a product storage means according to FIG. 4 shown in another one of four positions of a filling of products from the rear according to the right side of the drawing; [0026] FIG. 6 d is a product storage means according to FIG. 4 shown in another one of four positions of a filling of products from the rear according to the right side of the drawing; and [0027] FIG. 7 is a detail view taken from the right-hand part of FIG. 2 . DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0028] Referring to the drawings in particular, According to FIGS. 1 , 4 and 5 , an automatic commissioning unit 1 comprises ejectors in the form of horizontal product storage means for commissioning products 3 onto a conveyor belt 2 , wherein the products 3 commissioned onto the conveyor belt are transported to an order container 10 and are released into this order container. The order container contains the products of a single commissioned order. [0029] The automatic commissioning unit 1 is a so-called automatic central belt unit and has such a lower, horizontal conveyor belt 2 in the form of a so-called central belt, which extends longitudinally centrally in relation to the A-frame 8 of the automatic commissioning unit. [0030] Assigned to the automatic commissioning unit 1 are overstock containers or shelves 11 , 12 on one longitudinal side of the automatic commissioning unit 1 proper according to the top part of FIG. 5 , and overstock containers or shelves 13 on the other longitudinal side according to the bottom part of FIG. 4 , namely, in the reaching area of the hands of human operators, who fill the automatic commissioning unit with products on both sides. It can be seen that a minimum product filling level has been reached during a commissioning. [0031] The longitudinal side of the automatic commissioning unit 1 located to the left of the A-frame 8 in FIG. 4 is filled with stackable products from the overstock shelf 13 as in the state of the art described in the introduction. The products are then located in a stack in vertical commissioning shafts, which are located in the left oblique plane of the A-frame 8 according to FIG. 4 . [0032] The longitudinal side of the automatic commissioning unit 1 located to the right of the A-frame 8 in FIG. 4 is filled according to the present invention, by contrast, with bulky, i.e., nonstackable products 3 from the overstock shelves 11 and 12 , as will be described below. [0033] The horizontal product storage means according to the present invention is a drivable circulating belt 4 , which can be actuated for the separate ejection of a product 3 onto the conveyor belt 2 , with product storage places, especially with product compartments 5 , which extend in a dense row along the circumference. [0034] The product compartments 5 have vertical naps, bars or transverse walls 6 according to FIGS. 2 and 7 , which extend over the entire width of the circulating belt 4 , preferably at right angles to the circulating belt. [0035] In another embodiment variant, the product storage places, especially the product compartments 5 , may be arranged in a dense row along the circulating length of the circulating belt 4 and defined as virtual deposition sites for products 3 . [0036] The distance between adjacent naps, bars or transverse walls 6 is adjustable. [0037] The circulating belt 4 according to FIG. 3 has a profile 4 ′ having a double T-shaped cross section, which is displaceably guided in a self-supporting aluminum profile 14 and is driven by a motor M on the head side of the circulating belt 4 according to FIG. 4 . Brackets 21 are arranged laterally from the profile 4 ′ for a sensor system as well as lateral guides (not shown) and covers. The aluminum profile 4 ′ transmits the weight of the products 3 to a module bracket or the A-frame 8 . The weight of the products 3 is supported at the rear longitudinal end E 2 of the circulating belt 4 on the floor via vertical supports 9 . [0038] The sensor system of each circulating belt 4 comprises four sensors. A refill sensor 15 according to FIG. 2 , which is shown in an enlarged detail view in FIG. 7 , is located in the rear part of the circulating belt. An empty sensor 16 and an ejection sensor 17 according to FIGS. 2 and 6 a through 6 d are located in the front head part of the circulating belt 4 on the upper side of the circulating belt, and a positioning sensor 18 or nap sensor, which is needed for accurately positioning the circulating belt, are located on the underside. [0039] The circulating belt 4 may be composed of chain links [0040] Individual chain links may be designed as transverse walls, which can be installed at desired longitudinal distances to form an individual product compartment 5 . [0041] The carrying run of the circulating belt 4 has stationary vertical longitudinal side walls 7 according to FIG. 2 . [0042] The distance between the two longitudinal side walls 7 may optionally be made adjustable. [0043] One longitudinal end E 1 of the circulating belt 4 is located above or in the area of the conveyor belt 2 , and each product storage place, especially each product compartment 5 , is provided for a single product 3 . [0044] In the top view, the circulating belt 4 extends at right angles or obliquely to the conveyor belt 2 . [0045] The product storage places, especially the product compartments 5 , of the carrying run of the circulating belt 4 can be equipped with products. [0046] A plurality of horizontal circulating belts 4 are arranged preferably directly next to one another, as this can be seen especially in FIG. 1 . [0047] According to FIG. 5 , an operating space B for laterally filling the product storage means by a human operator may be provided between circulating belts 4 arranged next to each other. [0048] Even though only a single horizontal plane is shown in FIG. 1 at horizontal circulating belts in one embodiment variant, a plurality of horizontal circulating belts 4 are arranged one on top of another in another embodiment variant, as this is schematically shown in FIG. 4 . [0049] Circulating belts 4 located higher are optionally placed obliquely and are located deeper on the side facing away from the conveyor belt 2 . [0050] The aforementioned, essentially horizontal circulating belts 4 are shown in the arrangement according to the top left part of FIG. 5 . A human operator fills these circulating belts 4 , if necessary, from the rear longitudinal end E 2 of the circulating belts, from the longitudinal side L or from the operating space B. The human operator brings the nonstackable products 4 needed for filling from the overstock shelves 11 located within reach. The human operator confirms the performed filling by actuating a button. [0051] Furthermore, circulating belts 4 , which are operated by a human operator, are provided in the nearly vertical plane of the A-frame 8 of the automatic commissioning unit 1 in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5 on the upper longitudinal commissioning side, on the right side. The human operator fills these vertical circulating belts 4 when needed with nonstackable, rarely commissioned products (“slow turnover items”), which are kept ready in the overstock shelves 12 located within easy reach. [0052] To fill an order container 10 in an automatic commissioning unit 1 by means of ejectors and conveyor belt 2 , products 3 to be commissioned are stored in the ejector itself, designed as a circulating belt 4 , as a horizontal product row R preferably when the circulating belt 4 is stopped and released onto the conveyor belt 2 or directly into the order container 10 by actuating the circulating belt. [0053] Each product 3 to be commissioned is entered separately, on a product storage place each of the circulating belt 4 , preferably into a product compartment 5 of the circulating belt, and stored, and the products being stored on the product storage places, especially in the product compartments, are released separately. [0054] The products 3 being stored in the product compartments 5 are released during commissioning onto the conveyor belt 2 according to FIG. 4 under their own weight, partly sliding. [0055] A filling operation of a circulating belt 4 from the rear end E 2 will be described below on the basis of FIGS. 6 a through 6 d. [0056] With the circulating belt 4 actuated, a minimum filling level F of products 3 being stored on the circulating belt is automatically measured and the circulating belt, which is moving counterclockwise during a commissioning operation according to FIG. 6 a , is automatically stopped. Stopping is brought about according to FIG. 6 a by the empty sensor 16 , which recognizes the empty space of the assigned product compartment in the absence of a product 3 and it not only stops the circulating belt but also sends an optical and/or acoustic message to the half-empty display 19 at the rear end of the circulating belt 4 . The human operator then recognizes from the half-empty display the fact that the minimum degree of filling is not reached and is directed to this circulating belt. A button 20 for requesting filling, with which the horizontal product row of the minimum filling level F is moved in the direction of the arrow according to FIG. 6 a into the rearmost position of the circulating belt according to FIG. 6 b , is arranged at the rear end of the circulating belt. The refilling sensor 15 recognizes there the presence of the product row and moves again to the left by one product compartment according to the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6 b . According to FIG. 6 c , the human operator now fills a product 3 into the rearmost product compartment, and the refill sensor 15 moves the circulating belt by one product compartment in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 6 c . The human operator now fills one product 3 after another, always into the rearmost product compartment, until the ejection sensor 17 at the head of the circulating belt recognizes the filled frontmost product compartment and stops the circulating belt. If the circulating belt or the product storage means is filled according to FIG. 6 d , the human operator is prompted by the display 19 to again confirm the performed filling with the button 20 . The ejector is inactive for the duration of filling. Since filling usually takes place outside the commissioning times, this is not a problem. [0057] Consequently, the circulating belt 4 is moved backwards by a predetermined amount automatically or by manual actuation for refilling products 3 , and the minimum filling level F of products being stored on the circulating belt 4 is displayed optically and/or acoustically. [0058] The ejector may be used to manage the filling level and/or to automatically control inventory. [0059] In particular, the ejector manages the degree of filling by counting the ejections that have taken place since the last filling by means of the ejection sensor 17 and relating them to the overall pipeline length or product storage means length. [0060] The control computer of the automatic commissioning unit can prompt the pipeline or product storage means for inventory for an automatic inventory control. The pipeline now moves its product row R backwards and again forwards only once and counts the free product compartments. [0061] The needed feeding of products can also be detected. The refilled quantity is automatically detected by the guided filling of the pipelines at the rear end and a report on this quantity can be passed on to a higher-level inventory management system. [0062] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

A method and an automatic picking machine is provided for filling an order container by means of an ejector and conveyor belt. An ejector is provided configured as a revolving belt directly as a substantially horizontal product storage element. The stored products ( 3 ) to be picked are placed onto the conveyor belt ( 2 ) or directly into the order container ( 10 ) upon actuation of the revolving belt. The preferably bulky non-stackable products ( 3 ) are located preferably individually in product compartments ( 5 ) of the ejector and are ejected individually.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of PCT/EP2007/010405, filed Nov. 30, 2007, which in turn claims priority to DE 10 2006 057 885.6, filed on Dec. 1, 2006, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a method for generating, processing and analyzing a temperature or a signal correlated to the temperature at a cooker or at a hob during an operating state of the cooker and to a corresponding device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various methods are known for recording temperatures at a hob, both for protection of the hob plate against overheating and for performing so-called automatic cooking programs, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,105, EP 858 722 A, DE 103 29 840 A, DE 199 061 15 C or DE 103 56 432 A. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One problem addressed by the present invention is to provide alternative methods of the type mentioned at the outset, and also a corresponding device, with which in particular a value recorded using a temperature sensor device can be provided as a starting value that can be further processed or used in the best way possible. This problem is solved in one embodiment by a method and by a corresponding device. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the further claims and are explained in greater detail in the following. Some features apply both for the methods and for the device. They are in some cases only explained once, but can however apply independently of one another both for the method and the device. The wording of the claims is made the substance of the description by express reference. It is provided that the temperature of the cooker or of the hob, of a cooking utensil placed thereon or heated up during operation and/or of a cooking utensil content contained therein such as a foodstuff is recorded over time using a temperature sensor device. The temperature signal recorded by the temperature sensor device is differentiated once by time and then inverted and raised to the power of a number or an exponent between 0.5 and 1, advantageously between 0.6 and 0.8. From this a value is obtained as a starting value for further processing and analysis. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the starting value is used to deduce or determine the quantity of the cooking utensil contents. Based on this, prior determination of the boiling point is possible when the supplied heating energy is known. This can be done in different ways, preferably by measuring means in a control system. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the temperature signal is, for a time before the boiling point is reached, recorded and analyzed preferably long, but with certainty shortly before the boiling point is reached, for example in the case of standard power outputs in the range from about 1200 W to 4000 W, for a period of up to about 300 seconds after the start of the cooking process or the start of heating. Since the water quantity can be advantageously determined in this way, it is for example possible, as previously stated, to avoid excessive temperatures or to better control certain cooking programs or automatic processes. This information is advantageously available during the cooking process before the boiling point is reached and it can be very helpful for further analysis even at an early stage in the cooking process. Subsequent further analysis is possible, for example, for precise determination of the boiling point. However, the aforementioned determination of the water quantity is then already completed. The calculation method and further possibilities to do so are described in DE 10 2005 045875.0 of the applicant, the substance of which is here made the substance of the present patent application by express reference. Expressed as formulas, the previously described method means that the starting value A(t) is formed as found in Eq. 1 below. A ⁡ ( t ′ ) = ( Δ ⁢ ⁢ t ⁡ ( t ′ ) Δ ⁢ ⁢ T ⁡ ( t ′ ) ) ⁢ c = const . Equation ⁢ ⁢ 1 with the variable c being positive, constant and selected from the interval 0.5 to 1 or less than 1, advantageously from the interval 0.6 to 0.8. The time intervals Δx(t′)=x(t 1 )−x(t 2 ) are selected long enough not to come into conflict with the noise from the measured values. This would otherwise, under unfavorable circumstances, create so much noise around the starting value that a control unit would be very highly prone to faults. T(t′) corresponds here to the signal of the temperature sensor and t(t′) corresponds to the time during the measurement. The temperature signal is advantageously analyzed in a time window of 50 to 200 seconds after the start of the cooking process. Analysis is particularly advantageous in a time window of about 60 to 120 seconds, with a heating power of more than 1500 W in an induction heater. This results in a relatively fast analysis, i.e. in a relatively short time or shortly after the start of the cooking process. Further process steps can thus have access to and make use of this analysis relatively quickly. If a radiator is used for heating and operated in cycles, it is possible that the Δt/ΔT slope on which the starting value is based is negative. In this case, the amount in brackets is used. In addition, the prefixed sign of the value inside the brackets can be incorporated separately into the equation. In view of this, the prefixed sign of the starting value can be understood as the prefixed sign that would result for the case of c=1. It should be pointed out here that for the starting value such minor changes are very noticeable due to the fact that the temperature change is in the denominator of the starting value. This applies in particular in those cases in which the temperature changes are only very minor. In the framework of the invention, it became evident that in the manner mentioned above, a very readily analyzable curve is obtained by processing, in accordance with the invention, of the temperature signal recorded in the relatively short time period, and above all considerably before the boiling point is reached. This curve has characteristic properties and is very well suited for further analysis. The quantity of the cooking utensil contents is advantageously deduced or determined in accordance with the invention from the starting value, where the point in time at which the boiling point is reached can be approximately predetermined from this when the heating energy supplied by the electric cooker is known. This can be, for example, used for adjustment of a further boiling point detection process. In this way, the time that the boiling point is reached can be approximately predetermined in a particularly advantageous way and before the boiling point is reached the supplied heating energy can be reduced to prevent boiling of the cooking utensil contents if this is required. This can be a part of a selected cooking program. The exponent is advantageously about ⅔, and particularly advantageously precisely ⅔. In the framework of the invention, it became evident that with this exponent an almost linear curve and hence a particularly readily processable and analyzable starting value are obtained. Formally, the value ⅔ is obtained from a consideration of the dynamic development of temperature signals. The effect that a change in the temperature of the cooked material is not directly reflected at a sensor, for example in the vicinity of the heating conductor, is therefore taken into account. For electronic recording of the time curve of the temperature signal, various temperature sensors and corresponding measuring arrangements are suitable and are known to the person skilled in the art. In an embodiment of the invention, the time curve of the required heating power is additionally or further monitored during the entire operation. In this way, it can be additionally detected whether a rise or fall in the temperature matches the time curve of the heating power or whether there could be an error in the temperature recording. If, for example, a rise in the temperature is ascertained at a time when no heating power is being supplied, this can be evaluated as an error in the temperature recording. This can be displayed to an operator. In addition, this cooking area of the hob can be switched off. In a further embodiment, the cooling down of the temperature sensor while a lower power is being supplied can be evaluated. This permits a better analysis behavior to be achieved. A signal of this type can for example be achieved by a deliberate power reduction during operation of an induction heater, in particular when turning down “instant operation” with power outputs exceeding 2500 W, by cyclic operation of a radiator or by a reduction of the gas quantity in a gas heater. It can be provided that cooling down during cyclic operation of a heater operated in cycles on the one hand, and cooling down as a consequence of reducing the power to the value “zero” on the other hand, are treated with separate calculation methods. The distinction allows the calculation to be adapted. It is however deemed more advantageous when the power is supplied continuously. The absolute values of the temperature sensor can also be incorporated into the analysis. This applies in particular for a comparison with predetermined standard values. As a general principle, the method described in this application is not dependent on the heater type and can be transposed from the aforementioned induction or radiation heaters to any heater types, for example thin-film or thick-film heater elements or tubular heaters. Furthermore, the method can be used for gas burners in which the supplied energy can be ascertained from the supplied gas quantity. The method is also transposable to electric appliances, for example to a baking oven or steam cooker. These and further features are shown not only in the claims, but also in the description and in the drawings, where the individual features can each be implemented singly or severally in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields, and represent versions that are advantageous and protectable per se, for which protection is claimed here. The sub-division of the application into intermediate headings and individual sections does not restrict the general validity of the statements made thereunder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention are shown diagrammatically in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following. The drawings show in: FIG. 1 a sectional view through a hob with an induction heater and a temperature sensor; FIG. 2 a diagram for the development of the heating capacity Cp over time for approx. 300 seconds with various filling quantities in a first cooking vessel, and FIG. 3 a view corresponding to FIG. 2 with a second cooking vessel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a hob 11 as an electric cooker. It has a hob plate 12 underneath which a standard induction heating device is arranged as an induction heater 14 . A cooking utensil 13 or a cooking pot is placed on the hob plate 12 above the induction heater 14 in order to heat up or boil the contents. A temperature sensor S is arranged on the underside of the hob plate 12 in the area above the induction heater 14 . This can be a normal standard Pt1100 on a thick-film basis. In an alternative embodiment, it can be a tungsten sensor or an optically measuring sensor, in particular a so-called thermopile with sensitivity in a suitable wavelength range. The temperature sensor S passes the temperature T or a corresponding temperature signal to a control unit 16 . The temperature sensor S can be polled electronically via the control unit 16 . This means therefore that the temperature signal T is present in the control unit 16 and can be further processed. This further processing is performed in the specified manner by differentiating the temperature signal T by time. This result is inverted and the result of the inversion is raised to the power of ⅔. The result is a starting value A 1 that is used for further analysis activities and/or the performance of a cooking program or the like. It is also advantageous because it has a largely linear curve. Changes can be particularly easy to recognize from this. If in the case of the hob 11 characteristic temperature curves are now recorded, and the curves thereby obtained of the starting value ascertained as described above are stored in the control unit 16 or in an associated memory, not shown, the starting value A ascertained during operation can be compared with it. If it is possible to recognise, based on the current curve of the starting value during a certain cooking process on the hob, a known pattern from the memory, or if it corresponds to a known pattern, the control unit 16 can analyse the result. Possibilities for using the control unit 16 to perform a cooking program, emit warning signals or the like, or emit other signals that are known to the person skilled in the art, in particular also from the aforementioned documents of the prior art. To that extent, they do not need to be dealt with in further detail here. Advantageously, the control unit 16 also monitors the power supply to the induction heater 14 . It is thus possible to run a reasonableness check with regard to the generated temperature curve or to the recorded temperature level at the temperature sensor S by recording of the time curve of the supplied electrical energy. If for example at a certain point in time no heating power or only a very low power is generated by the induction heater 14 , while the temperature at the temperature sensor S rises, an error state must be present. This applies in particular when the temperature at the temperature sensor S is so high that it can only be generated by operation of the induction heater 14 and not by, for example, placing a still very hot cooking utensil on the hob plate 12 above the temperature sensor S. It is then possible here to emit a warning signal or in some circumstances to switch off the induction heater 14 or even the entire hob 11 . In this case, there is an error either in the induction heater 14 , in the control unit 16 or at the temperature sensor S. Each of these error sources is relatively serious, for which reason shutdown should follow. The system shown in FIG. 1 represents together with the cooking utensil 13 placed on it the system whose heating capacity Cp can be calculated in the manner stated. This is then compared with the same system without the cooking utensil 13 placed on it, i.e. practically an empty cooking area. FIG. 2 shows the time curve of the starting value or the heating capacity recorded using an arrangement according to FIG. 1 with a first pot or cooking vessel. The quantity of water in the pot is varied here, with 0.25 liters, 0.5 liters, 1 liters, 2 liters, and 2.5 liters. The temperature for these values is recorded using the temperature sensor S underneath the glass ceramic plate 12 . The supplied power was more than 1500 W. It can be seen that shortly after the start of recording of the values for Cp the values from 0.25 liters to 2 liters are clearly distinguishable. The curve for 2.5 liters runs between those for 1 liter and 2 liters. A slightly restricted distinguishability only however impairs the accuracy of the method to a minor extent, since the difference is not particularly large here, nor in the existing quantity, and a rough determination of the quantity in this range is already very advantageous. It can be seen that the five curves can be distinguished to some extent in the time range between 50 seconds and about 130 seconds. For a certain time phase between about 130 seconds and 300 seconds, they again converge, until they start to become similarly distinct after about 300 seconds. From here however, the values rise very steeply. Furthermore, up to this point in time five minutes have already passed, and in the framework of the invention it is regarded as particularly advantageous when the values are available considerably earlier than that. Hence the previously mentioned range between about 50 seconds and 130 seconds is regarded as particularly favorable for an analysis. FIG. 3 shows the same sequence, however with another second cooking vessel 13 . It can be seen here how, in approximately the same time range as before, the five curves for the different quantities of water in the cooking vessel can be readily distinguished and are here too separated appropriately to the quantities, i.e., quantity determination can work very well. Up to a time from about 250 to 300 seconds, the curves again widely differ. With longer periods, they would diverge again, similar to FIG. 2 and again be readily distinguishable, however with the same above restrictions or drawbacks, above all due to the late point in time. It can be seen from the curve developments in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 that the curves for the heating capacity Cp ascertained on the basis of the recorded temperature can be distinguished, even in time intervals that are brief in accordance with the invention, after the start of a cooking process or heating operation, for example after one to two minutes. It is of course necessary now for the control unit 16 to know the curve developments or a kind of reference curve development. To do so, it is conceivable to record certain reference curves once and hence store them in the control unit. This can be advantageously done by the factory during manufacture. Alternatively, it can be attempted to deduce them from the time behavior of the values for the heating capacity Cp, in particular in the period before about 120 seconds, in particular due to the drop in the curve and the achieved absolute values. A further possible method can be for one operator to store reference curves from specific cooking vessels used. Mathematical Representation To make clear the ideas described above, this section is intended to briefly set out again the train of thought using mathematical formulas. For greater clarity of the representation, the case described is exponent=1, without loss of generality. The following relationships are known: E=P*Δt   (1), where E=energy, P=power and t=time, Cp = Δ ⁢ ⁢ E Δ ⁢ ⁢ T ( 2 ) where Cp is the heating capacity and ΔT a temperature change. For Cp, the formula Cp=Cp_pot+Cp_water+Cp_cooking area applies in a good approximation. Of these factors, water has the highest specific heating capacity and it can be assumed as an approximation for large water quantities that Cp is approximately Cp_water. According to the definition of the specific heating capacity, what applies then is Cp=cp _specific_H2O* m   (3), where m is the water quantity. With a known cp_specific_H 2 O, it follows that the water quantity can be determined if Cp is measured according to m = Cp cp_spezifisch ⁢ _H 2 ⁢ O . ( 3 ⁢ a ) Within the framework of the idea, the power P and the temperature T are determined at a time t1 relatively soon after switch-on. Δt1 is the time from the switch-on time to t1. ΔT relates to the temperature difference proceeding from the starting temperature. It then follows that Cp ⁡ ( t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ) = P ⁡ ( t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ) ⋆ Δ ⁢ ⁢ t ⁢ ⁢ 1 Δ ⁢ ⁢ T ⁡ ( t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ) ( 4 ) If however a certain temperature increase ΔT2 is required, e.g. 80° C. starting from about 20° C. starting temperature, the analogous relationship applies for this. A changeover of the above relationship can be used to calculate the time Δt2 at which the temperature increase ΔT2 will be achieved: Δ ⁢ ⁢ t ⁢ ⁢ 2 = Cp ⁡ ( t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ) ⋆ Δ ⁢ ⁢ T2 P ⁡ ( t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ) ( 5 ) As long as the water is not yet boiling, the heating capacity does not substantially change and equation (4) can be incorporated into equation (5) to obtain Δ ⁢ ⁢ t ⁢ ⁢ 2 = Δ ⁢ ⁢ t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ⋆ Δ ⁢ ⁢ T ⁢ ⁢ 2 Δ ⁢ ⁢ T ⁡ ( t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ) . ( 6 ) The particular feature of this equation is that the “boiling point” Δt2 only depends on factors already known at the time t1. The “boiling point” can therefore already be calculated early on using equation (6) as soon as a largely stable value for Cp(t1) has been ascertained. A generalization with a power P′ which is changed at the time t1 can be achieved simply. It then follows that Δ ⁢ ⁢ t ⁢ ⁢ 2 = P ⁡ ( t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ) ⋆ Δ ⁢ ⁢ t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ⋆ Δ ⁢ ⁢ T ⁢ ⁢ 2 Δ ⁢ ⁢ T ⁡ ( t ⁢ ⁢ 1 ) ⋆ P ′ ( 7 ) A measurement at different times t can of course be performed to check the stability of the result.

According to the invention, an improved analysis method for temperature monitoring of a hotplate ( 11 ) as a cooker with a temperature sensor (S) may be achieved by means of differentiating once over time and inverting the electronically interrogated temperature signal (T). The result of the inversion is raised to the power of ⅔ to give an output value (A). This output value is used in further processing wherein, in the second processing, the output value is compared with stored values for an output value for defined events. The recording of the output value (A) occurs for a maximum time of up to 300 seconds after starting a cooking process, advantageously 60 to 120 seconds, and then said recording and analysis is terminated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The subject of the present invention is equipment for loading of an exchange platform or container onto a truck or trailer and for removing same from the truck or trailer and for dumping the exchange platform or container. Such equipment comprises a rear frame mounted pivotably by means of a transverse, horizontal shaft or articulated joints placed at the rear end of the frame beams of the truck or trailer, to which rear frame a middle frame of the loading equipment is pivotably mounted at one of its ends by means of a transverse, horizontal shaft or articulated joints. At one end, or in immediate proximity of one end, of the middle frame an angle piece is pivotally mounted by means of a transverse, horizontal shaft or articulated joints around the rear end of its horizontal part or parts. The vertical part of the angle piece is at its upper end provided with a grasping means, such as, e.g., a hook, for the purpose of engaging a corresponding grasping component at the front wall of the exchange platform or container. A main cylinder or two parallel main cylinders for operating the loading equipment are arranged so that their one end is fastened to the frame of the truck or trailer and the other end to the middle frame of the loading equipment. For the purpose of pivoting the angle piece independently in relation to the middle frame, a cylinder-piston device is arranged arranged between the angle piece and the middle frame. An equipment of this type is described in the Finnish Patent Application No. 783401. The object of the present invention is to make the functions of the equipment more versatile so that, by means of the equipment, in addition to the loading and unloading and dumping of an exchange platform or container, it is also possible to raise the exchange platform or container to a distance above the frame beams, preferably as so-called level raising. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The equipment in accordance with the invention is mainly characterized in that, in order to raise the exchange platform or container to a horizontal position above the level of the transport position, the middle frame of the loading equipment is arranged so that it can be raised to a horizontal position at a distance above the frame beams of the truck or trailer. This raising takes place by means of the main cylinder or main cylinders and is guided at least by the rear frame of the loading equipment, whereby, as viewed from the side, the middle frame and the rear frame form an obtuse angle between 90° and 180° opening towards the frame beams of the truck or trailer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The invention comes out more closely from the following description and from the attached drawings, wherein FIGS. 1 to 4 are schematic side views of a truck provided with a loading equipment of the hook device type at different stages of loading, FIG. 5 is a side view of the loading equipment, FIG. 6 shows the loading equipment as viewed from above, FIG. 7 shows a truck provided with a loading equipment as a side view with the exchange platform in the dumped position, FIGS. 8 to 11 are schematic side views of different stages of the level raising of the exchange platform taking place by means of the loading equipment of the hook device type, FIG. 12 shows the arrangement of an additional cylinder-piston device for the loading equipment shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, and FIG. 13 shows an alternative constructional embodiment for the loading equipment shown in FIGS. 8 to 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The loading equipment comprises three frame parts: the rear frame 3, the middle frame 4, and the angle piece 5. The rear frame 3 is at its rear part, by means of articulated joints 6, fastened to the rear end of the frame beams 1 of a truck. The rear frame 3 can pivot around the articulated joints 6 in relation to the frame beams 1, i.e. the rear frame 3 can be pivoted in relation to the frame beams 1 into the ordinary dumping position. As is shown in the figures, the rear end of the rear frame 3 is provided with support rollers 19 for supporting and guiding the exchange platform 2 during loading. The rear frame 3 also includes a locking device 18 for locking the exchange platform onto the loading equipment. A middle frame 4 is at one of its ends pivotally fastened to the rear frame 3 by means of a transverse, horizontal shaft 7 or articulated joints. Two parallel main cylinder-piston devices 13 are arranged between the middle frame 4 and the frame beams 1 of the truck. An angle piece 5 is fastened to the front end of the middle frame 4 or to immediate proximity of the front end of the middle frame 4 and is pivotable at the rear ends of the horizontal parts 9 in relation to a transverse horizontal shaft or to articulated joints 8. The vertical part 10 of the angle piece 5 is at the upper end provided with a grasping means, such as a hook 11, for engaging the corresponding grasping component 12 at the front wall of the exchange platform 2 or container. For the purpose of pivoting the angle piece 5 independently in relation to the middle frame 4, a cylinder-piston device 14 is arranged between the angle piece 5 and the middle frame 4. The front end of the middle frame 4 extends forwards beyond the articulated joint 8 between the angle piece 5 and the middle frame 4 a distance substantially corresponding to the length of the horizontal parts 9 of the angle piece 5. The cylinder piston device 14 placed between the angle piece 5 and the middle frame 4 is at one of its ends fastened to the vertical part 10 of the angle piece 5 and at the other end to the front end of the middle frame 4 ahead of the articulated joint 8 between the angle piece 5 and the middle frame 4 so that the cylinder-piston device 14 is positioned in the intermediate space between the branches of the angle piece 5 (FIG. 6). In FIG. 1, an exchange platform 2 is placed on the frame beams 1 of a truck in the transport position. The bottom beams of the exchange platform 2 lie, at their rear ends, on the support rollers 19 in the rear part of the rear frame 3 and, at their front ends, on the supports 20 placed on the sides of the middle frame 4. Moreover, the hook 11 of the angle piece 5 is engaged on the grasping component 12 of the exchange platform 2. The exchange platform 2 is at the bottom edges of its bottom beams, which are, e.g., I-beams, at the outer edges locked by means of a locking device 18 in relation to the rear frame 3. When the locking means 18 are opened in the stage shown in FIG. 1, the exchange platform 2 can be shifted backwards by bending the angle piece 5 to the position shown in FIG. 2. The length of the span corresponding to the maximum length of the track of the shape of an arc of a circle of the grasping means 11 of the angle piece 5, produced by the stroke length of the cylinder-piston device 14 placed between the angle piece 5 and the middle frame 4, is substantially double as compared with the length of the horizontal part or parts 9 of the angle piece 5, and the vertical part 10 of the angle piece 5 is essentially longer than the horizontal part or parts 9 of the angle piece 5. From the stage shown in FIG. 2, by means of the main cylinders 13, the middle frame 4 can be pivoted in relation to the horizontal shaft 7 to the position shown in FIG. 3 and further to the position shown in FIG. 4, at which the exchange platform is removed from the truck chassis down onto the ground. When the truck is driven forwards from said stage (FIG. 4), the hook 11 of the angle piece 5 is detached from the grasping component 12 of the exchange platform 2. The pulling of an exchange platform 2 from the ground onto the chassis of a truck takes place in the order opposite to that described above. First, the grasping component 12 of the exchange platform 2 is engaged by the hook 11 (FIG. 4), the middle frame 4 is pivoted in relation to the horizontal shaft 7 (FIG. 3) by means of pulling movement of the cylinder-piston device 13 until the stage shown in FIG. 2 is reached. Hereupon the angle piece 5 is pivoted by means of the cylinder-piston device 14 so that the exchange platform 2 is pulled to the front position (FIG. 1), at which position the exchange platform 2 is locked by means of the locking device 18. If one wishes to dump the exchange platform 2 by means of the loading equipment, in the stage of FIG. 1 or of FIG. 2 the locking device 18 is kept in the locked position and the dumping movement is performed by means of the main cylinders 13 as shown in FIG. 7. Then, consequently, the loading equipment is, at the rear frame 3, locked by the locking device 18 to the bottom beams of the exchange platform, and the three parts of the loading equipment, i.e. the angle piece 5, the middle frame 4, and the rear frame 3, as supported by the exchange platform, are pivoted in relation to the articulated joints 6. Reference numeral 20 denotes the support pieces of the exchange platform 2, fastened to the middle frame 4. For the purpose of performing the level raising of the exchange platform 2, front support arms 15 are fastened to the frame beams 1 of the truck by means of articulated joints. The articulated joints 16 between the front support arms 15 and the frame beams 1 are stationary. At their opposite ends the front support arms 15 are fastened to the front end of the middle frame 4 by means of articulated joints 17. The articulated joints 17 are designed to be openable so that, when the loading or unloading of an exchange platform 2 in accordance with FIGS. 1 to 4 or the dumping of an exchange platform 2 in accordance with FIG. 7 is performed by means of the loading equipment, the front support arms 15 are at their front ends detached from the middle frame 4 and lie on the frame beams 1. For the purpose of level raising of the exchange platform 2 the front ends of the front support arms 15 are fastened to the middle frame 4. The articulated joints 17 must, of course, be simply and rapidly openable and lockable and, moreover, they must have some play in the longitudinal direction of the front support arms 15 to facilitate the raising of the middle frame 4 at the initial stage of the raising. When the front support arms 15 are fastened to the middle frame 4 and the middle frame 4 is raised by means of the main cylinder-piston devices 13, the middle frame rises in the horizontal position as guided by the front support arms 15 and the rear frame 3. The front support arms 15 and the rear frame 3 are parallel to each other. When level raising of the exchange platform 2 is performed, the locking device 18 of the rear frame 3 must, of course, be in the open position. When level raising is performed, as viewed from the side, the middle frame 4 and the rear frame 3 form an obtuse angle between 90° and 180° opening towards the frame beams 1 of the truck or trailer. After the exchange platform 2 has been raised up to the position shown in FIG. 10, the support legs 21 of the exchange platform 2 are fitted or pivoted to the support position and the exchange platform is lowered onto the legs 21. Hereupon the truck is driven forwards and, at the same time, the angle piece 5 is pivoted as shown in FIG. 11. When the angle piece 5 is pivoted to a sufficient extent and the middle frame is additionally lowered as required, the grasping hook 11 can be detached from the grasping component 12 of the platform 2 and the truck can be driven away from underneath the platform. The loading of a platform 2 standing on its legs 21 takes place in the order opposite to that described above. For extremely heavy service, an additional cylinder-piston device 22 can be mounted to the loading equipment in accordance with FIG. 12. The additional cylinder-piston device 22 is fastened to the frame beams 1, but it is not fastened to the arm construction of the loading equipment, but the arm construction has, at the rear part of the middle frame 4 or at the front part of the rear frame 3, preferably near the articulated joint 7, a counter-point operative with the free upper end of the piston rod of the additional cylinder-piston device 22, whereby the contact face between these can be, e.g., part of a spherical face. FIG. 13 shows a construction alternative to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, in which no front support arms 15 are needed at all. In this embodiment a locking means, such as a cylinder-piston device 23, is fitted between the rear frame 3 of the loading equipment and the frame beams 1 in order to lock the rear frame 3 into a certain angle in relation to the frame beams 1. In this embodiment the level raising of the exchange platform 2 can be performed by using the main cylinders 13 and the cylinder-piston device 23 simultaneously. In this embodiment it is also possible to first keep the locking device 18 of the rear frame 3 in the locked position so that the exchange platform 2 is dumped in the normal way as shown in FIG. 7. Hereupon the rear frame 3 is locked by means of the cylinder-piston device 23 to the frame beams 1 and the locking device 18 of the rear frame 3 is opened, whereupon, with the aid of the main cylinders 13, the middle frame 4 and the exchange platform 2 can be pivoted downwards in relation to the articulated joints 7 until the middle frame 4 is in the horizontal position.

Equipment for loading an exchange platform onto a vehicle includes a rear frame pivotally mounted to the rear of the vehicle and a middle frame pivotally mounted on the rear frame. An angle piece has a horizontal portion pivotally mounted to the middle frame and a vertical portion with a grasping device at its upper end. A cylinder for operating the loading equipment is connected between the vehicle and the middle frame. In addition, a link arm and/or a second cylinder is provided between the vehicle and either the rear or middle frames to enable the exchange platform to be raised above the vehicle in a horizontal position.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present disclosure relates to safety connectors for use in medical applications, particularly for use with compression therapy devices. The present disclosure also relates to discriminating safety connector apparatus and, more particularly, to a discriminating safety connector apparatus for fluidly coupling at least two lumens capable of forming a non-leaking fluid circuit. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] In a medical environment, many devices have tubing adapted for manual connection in order to provide a fluid connection between devices or between a device and a patient including enteral feeding pumps and intravenous feeding lines. Each of these devices includes one or more connectors that a user or practitioner may inadvertently connect together. This may result in the successful connection of incompatible devices or the supply of fluid or nutrient to an improper intravenous line or a device such as an inflatable bladder used in deep vein thrombosis therapy. Successful connection of incompatible devices may harm patients or damage equipment. [0003] When connecting a medical device to a fluid supply, a non-leaking seal must be made between compatible devices and/or fluid sources. Thus, connections must be designed to provide an adequate seal between sealing surfaces when the devices and/or supply are compatible. Typical devices have a male and female connector that, when pressed together, form a fluid tight seal. The connectors come in different sizes and shapes and typically have O-rings or gaskets to help create a fluid tight seal. [0004] Examples of a medical device connected to a fluid supply include compression therapy devices that are wrapped around a limb to prevent peripheral edema and conditions that form blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis. These devices typically include at least one air bladder that is sized and shaped for being applied around the limb. The bladder is sequentially inflated and deflated to artificially stimulate blood flow throughout the appendage that would normally result from, for example, walking. An example of such a device that is configured for disposal about a foot is shown in U.S. Pub. No. 2005/0187499. Typically, these compression devices are connected to a tube set which provides fluid communication from a pressure source to the compression device. A controller is employed to regulate the flow of fluid from the pressure source to the compression device. [0005] The compression device, tube set and controller each contain connections for connecting and disconnecting the compression device from the pressure source. It is desirable to avoid erroneous connection of a medical device other than the compression device, for example an intravenous needle, to the pressure source. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention is directed to a compression therapy device for use with a source of air pressure having a male connector. The compression therapy device comprises at least one air bladder sized and shaped for being applied to an appendage of a patient and a female connector in fluid communication with the air bladder. The female connector is adapted for connection to the male connector for inflating the air bladder to apply compression to the appendage. The female connector comprises a receptacle having an open outer end and being sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the male connector therein, a stop generally at an inner end of the receptacle for engaging the mating connector upon insertion in the receptacle to set the maximum distance of insertion of the male connector, and a sealing member located in the receptacle at a location spaced from the shoulder toward the open outer end of the receptacle. Upon insertion of the male connector into the receptacle, a non-sealing surface of the male connector engages the sealing member in non-sealing relation, passes by the sealing member and brings a sealing surface of the male connector into sealing relation with the sealing member for preventing inadvertent sealing connection with a connector other than the male connector. [0007] The present invention is also directed to a tube set for use in making discriminating fluid connection between a source of fluid and a fluid-receiving object. The tube set comprises a tube, a first connector connected to the tube at a first end thereof. The first connector includes at least one sealing surface and at least one non-sealing surface. The non-sealing surface is located closer to a free end of the first connector than the sealing surface. The non-sealing surface is sized and shaped for engaging a sealing surface of another connector simultaneously at least at three points, each point being spaced at least about 90 degrees from the other two points, without forming a fluid seal with the sealing surface. [0008] The present invention is also directed to a compression therapy device controller for controlling the supply of fluid from a source of pressurized fluid to a compression therapy device. The controller comprises a housing, a fluid port in the housing and a connector for the fluid port having at least one sealing surface and at least one non-sealing surface. The non-sealing surface is located closer to a free end of the connector than the sealing surface. The non-sealing surface is sized and shaped for engaging a sealing surface of another connector simultaneously at least at three points, each point being spaced at least 90 degrees from the other two points without forming a fluid seal with the sealing surface. [0009] The present invention is also directed to a system for providing vascular compression. The system comprises a controller, a tube set, and a compression therapy device. The controller includes a first connector having at least one sealing surface and at least one non-sealing surface. The non-sealing surface is located closer to a free end of the first connector than the sealing surface. The compression therapy device includes a second connector including a sealing member. The tube set includes a tube and a third connector at one end of the tube having a sealing member adapted to engage the non-sealing surface and sealing surface of the first connector of the controller upon connection of the first and third connectors. The tube set further comprises a fourth connector having at least one sealing surface and at least one non-sealing surface located closer to a free end of the fourth connector than the sealing surface. The non-sealing surface of the fourth connector is adapted to engage the sealing member of the second connector upon connection of the second and fourth connectors. [0010] The present invention is also directed to a connector apparatus comprising a first connector having an internal sealing surface and an array of protrusions on an outer surface. Each protrusion is at least one of circumferentially spaced and axially spaced of the first connector from the other protrusions for defining fluid flow paths on an outer surface of the first connector for preventing fluid tight connection of any tube in which the outer surface of the first connector may be received. The connector apparatus further comprises a second connector, adapted for sealing engagement with the internal sealing surface of the first connector for forming a fluid tight connection with the first connector. [0011] The present invention is also directed to a method of connecting a first device to a second device. The method comprises providing a first device having a first connector, the first connector including an attachment portion and a coupling portion, wherein the coupling portion includes a sealing surface at a second end and a non-sealing surface at a first end. The method further comprises providing a second device having a second connector, the second connector including a sealing member configured to receive the coupling portion. The method further comprises attaching the first connector to the second connector and positioning the first and second connectors such that the sealing surface of the coupling portion contacts the sealing member of the second portion forming a fluid tight seal between the first and second connectors. [0012] The present invention is also directed to a connector apparatus comprising a first connector having an attachment portion and a coupling portion. The coupling portion has at least one sealing surface and at least one non-sealing surface. The connector apparatus further comprises a second connector having an attachment portion and at least one sealing member and is configured to receive the coupling portion. The at least one sealing member slides beyond the at least one non-sealing surface to create a fluid tight seal between the at least one sealing surface and the at least one sealing member. [0013] The present invention is also directed to a connector apparatus comprising a first connector having a housing, an attachment portion, and a coupling portion. The coupling portion includes a key. The connector apparatus further comprises a second connector having a housing and an attachment portion. The housing has a mating cavity formed therein for capturing the key of the first connector when the first and second connectors are mated in sealing relation. [0014] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the drawings wherein: [0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective of a connector apparatus with a first and second connector of the connector apparatus engaged; [0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the connector apparatus with the first and second connector separated; [0018] FIG. 2A is a perspective of a “Y” connector releasably attachable to the first or second connector; [0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective longitudinal section of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 1 ; [0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective of the first connector of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 1 seen from an end and to a side; [0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective of the first connector seen substantially from the end; [0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 1 having tubing attached; [0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective of an alternate embodiment of the connector apparatus showing two separated connectors with tubing attached; [0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective longitudinal section of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 7 ; [0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective of another alternative embodiment of the connector apparatus with tubing attached; [0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective longitudinal section of the connector apparatus as shown in FIG. 9 ; [0027] FIG. 11 is a side elevation of another alternative embodiment of the connector apparatus with the first and second connectors engaged; [0028] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal section of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 11 ; [0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective of the first connector of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 11 ; [0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective of the second connector of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 11 ; [0031] FIG. 15 is a side elevation of another alternative embodiment of the connector with the first and second connectors engaged; [0032] FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 15 ; [0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective of the first connector of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 15 ; [0034] FIG. 18 is a perspective of the second connector of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 15 ; [0035] FIG. 19 is perspective longitudinal section of the engaged first and second connector of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 9 ; [0036] FIG. 19A is a perspective of the first and second connector separated of the connector apparatus shown in FIG. 9 ; [0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective of a compression therapy device showing an inflatable bladder and an enlarged view of the connector; [0038] FIG. 21 is a perspective of a compression therapy device controller with an enlarged view of the connector; and [0039] FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective of a tube set. [0040] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0041] Referring now to the drawings, a connector apparatus 30 constructed according to the principles of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to comprise a first connector 36 and a second connector 38 . As described more fully hereinafter, the first and second connectors 36 , 38 are capable of discriminating connection to preferentially achieve fluid-tight connection of the connectors, and avoid fluid-tight connection with non-complying connectors. The connector system 30 may be used, for example, to connect a controller 2 to a compression therapy device 1 for cyclically supplying air pressure to a bladder 4 of the device (see, FIGS. 20 and 21 ). The compression therapy device 1 illustrated in FIG. 20 is of the type which is applied to the foot for repeatedly compressing the foot to force blood out of the foot and discourage pooling of blood in the foot that can lead to clots. Although a foot compression therapy device 1 is illustrated, other types of compression therapy devices can be employed, such as those that are applied to the leg. Other examples of foot and leg devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,626,556 and 5,795,312. Moreover, the connector apparatus 30 can be used for other types of medical fluid connections such as the connection of an enteral feeding bag to a patient. [0042] In the illustrated example, a tube set 20 ( FIG. 22 ) is used to selectively interconnect the compression therapy device 1 and the controller 2 . The first connector 36 is attached to a first tubing 32 of the tube set 20 , and the second connector 38 is attached to a second tubing 34 extending from the bladder 4 of the compression therapy device 1 ( FIG. 20 ). A third connector 10 having substantially the same construction as the first connector 36 is attached to the controller 2 ( FIG. 21 ), and a fourth connector 26 having substantially the same construction as the second connector 38 is attached to the opposite end of the tubing 32 of the tube set 20 ( FIG. 22 ). In order to make fluid connection for delivering of pressurized air from the controller 2 to the compression therapy device 1 , the fourth connector 26 of the tube set 20 is engaged with the third connector 10 of the controller, and the first connector 36 of the tube set is engaged with the second connector 38 of the compression therapy device. Because of the structural identity of the first connector 36 and third connector 10 , and of the second connector 38 and the fourth connector 26 , only the first and second connectors will be described in detail hereinafter. [0043] Referring to FIGS. 1-6 , the first connector 36 has an attachment portion 40 that accepts the tubing 32 . However, the attachment portion 40 could be directly connected to an object other than tubing, such as the third connector 10 is directly connected to the controller 2 ( FIG. 21 ). The second connector 38 has an attachment portion 80 and a receptacle 78 . The receptacle 78 has a roughly hourglass shape, so the user can grasp and hold the connector apparatus 30 and to aid the user in engaging the second connector 38 to the first connector 36 , as shown in FIG. 1 . [0044] Referring to FIG. 2 , a coupling portion 42 of the first connector 36 has a first end 44 and a second end 46 . The second end 46 is suitably attached to the attachment portion 40 , such as by solvent bending or RF welding, or may be formed as one piece of material with the attachment portion. The attachment portion 40 is sealingly received in the tubing 32 of the tube set 20 ( FIG. 22 ). The coupling portion 42 includes a sealing surface 48 and a non-sealing surface 52 . The sealing surface 48 extends around the perimeter of the coupling portion 42 at the second end 46 . The shape and contour of the coupling portion 42 is not restricted to that of the illustrated embodiment, so long as the coupling portion can engage and form a seal with the second connector 38 , as will be described. The non-sealing surface 52 has a greater diameter than the sealing surface 48 . A number of circumferentially spaced channels 58 in the non-sealing surface 52 extend lengthwise of the first connection 36 . Two of the channels 58 communicate with openings 60 extending radially through the fist connector 36 to an inner surface 54 thereof. The channels 58 and openings 60 operate to inhibit the formation of a sealing connection. [0045] The receptacle 78 of the second connector 38 has an interior surface 74 and an annular shoulder 75 at the inner end of the interior of the receptacle ( FIG. 3 ). The shoulder 75 defines a stop surface that limits the distance the first connector 36 can be inserted into the receptacle 78 and axially positions the first connector 36 with respect to the receptacle 78 . An annular sealing flange 76 projects radically inward of the inner surface 74 of the receptacle 78 near the open end of the receptacle. As illustrated, the sealing flange 76 is formed as one piece of material with the receptacle 78 . However, a sealing member (not shown) may be formed separately from the receptacle (e.g., as an O-ring) and secured to the receptacle such as by being received in a circumferential groove formed in the inner surface of the receptacle. [0046] The user must push, in the direction of the arrow “A” in FIG. 2 , the first end 44 of the first connector 36 into the receptacle 78 of the second connector 38 , such that the non-sealing surface 52 passes beyond the sealing flange 76 . Unless the user pushes the connectors 36 , 38 together, a fluid tight seal will not form because of longitudinal channels 58 disposed about the outer surface of coupling portion 42 . The sealing flange 76 cannot conform into the channels 58 that extend past the flange allowing fluid to pass the flange on the non-sealing surface 52 of the first connector 36 . However, when the sealing surface 48 moves into registration with the sealing flange 76 , the flange is able to sealingly conform to the sealing surface to make a fluid tight connection with the sealing surface. [0047] The open space defined by the longitudinal channels 58 prevents flush engagement of coupling portion 42 with the surface of a non-compliant connector or fluid conduit (lumen). The longitudinal channels 58 may have widths, depths, or lengths other than illustrated herein. One or more longitudinal channels 58 may be oriented parallel, offset, or undulating with the longitudinal axis of the connector 30 . The longitudinal channels 58 can be replaced with a raised surface or roughness on the non-sealing surface 52 . In addition, the openings 60 defined through a wall 62 help prevent a fluid seal between the first connector 36 and a non-compliant connector. An opening 60 is not limited to size and shape provided the opening leaks with a non-compliant connector attached to the first connector 36 . One or more openings 60 diametrically opposed about the wall 62 facilitate leakage with a non-compliant connector. [0048] An inner surface 54 of the first connector 36 and inner surface 74 of the second connector 38 form a fluid pathway therethrough. The inner surfaces ( 54 , 74 ) are formed to pass fluid according to the particular flow requirements of a medical system such as the controller 2 and compression therapy device 1 . Attachment portion 40 or attachment portion 80 is not restricted to one port. A “Y” connector 84 ( FIG. 2A ) is releasably attachable to the attachment portion ( 40 , 80 ) of either connector 36 , 38 to increase the number of fluids or divert pressurized air to more than one bladder, in the case of compression sleeve. [0049] FIG. 3 illustrates the connector apparatus engaged, without the tubing 32 , 34 attached. In use, the first tubing 32 (not shown in FIG. 3 ) is sealingly attached to an inner surface 82 of the attachment portion 80 . The second tubing (not shown in FIG. 3 ) is attached to attachment portion 40 . The point contact “P” seals the connector apparatus 30 upon contact between the sealing flange 76 and the sealing surface 48 of the first connector 36 . The tubing 32 , 34 is attached in a suitable manner such as by using solvent bonding, RF welding, or other attaching means known in the art. [0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a transverse wall 68 at the first end 44 of the first connector 36 . The transverse wall 68 has a longitudinal cavity 70 across its face. The transverse wall 68 extends along the longitudinal axis for substantially the length of the non-sealing surface 52 and inhibits the insertion of tubes or other connectors (not shown) into the first connector 36 . One or more longitudinal cavities 72 extend along the inner surface 56 at the first end 44 . The non-sealing surface 52 has a first face 64 with transverse cavities 66 disposed at spaced locations around the perimeter of the first face 64 . Each transverse cavity 66 connects to a corresponding one of the longitudinal channels 58 formed in the wall 62 of the coupling portion 42 of first connector 36 . This allows fluid to escape between the first connector 36 and a non-compliant connector. Likewise, the openings 60 allow fluid to escape when a seal is not formed with the sealing surface 48 . The number and arrangement of channels 58 , openings 60 and cavities 66 may be other than described without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0051] The cavities 66 prevent a seal between the first face 64 and a surface of a non-compliant connector. Each cavity 66 aligns with its corresponding outer longitudinal channels 58 to provide a path for leakage when the first connector 36 is inserted into a non-compliant connector. The transverse wall 68 prevents inserting a non-compliant connector into the first connector 36 . The cavity 70 helps prevent a sealing surface between the first face 64 and a surface of a non-complaint connector. Likewise, inner longitudinal cavities 72 and the openings 60 though the wall 62 help prevent sealing with a non-compliant connector on the inside or outside of the first connector 36 . The open spaces defined by the cavities 66 prevent flush engagement with coupling portion 42 and a surface of a non-compliant connector. A cavity or channel ( 66 , 70 , 72 , 58 ) is not limited to a specific width, depth, or length. A cavity or channel ( 66 , 70 , 72 , 58 ) is not restricted to orientation and can be parallel, offset or undulating. The present invention is not restricted to one non-sealing surface 52 or one sealing surface 48 . [0052] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative connector apparatus 130 . Parts of the connector apparatus 130 generally corresponding to those of the connector apparatus 30 will be given the same number, plus “100.” A first connector 136 of the connector apparatus 130 has a first end 144 and a second end 146 . Located generally between the first and second ends 144 , 146 is a sealing surface 148 . The coupling portion 142 is rectangular with rounded corners and sized to fit into the opening of a second connector 138 , in the direction of arrow “A”. The second connector 138 defines a receptacle in a housing of the second connector to receive the first connector 136 . An outwardly flared non-sealing surface 152 is located at the open end of the second connector 138 . Triangular channels 158 in the non-sealing surface provide fluid communication paths to locations outside the connectors 136 , 138 to inhibit sealing. [0053] The user holds the second connector 138 using raised ribs 178 to grip and insert the first connector 136 into the second connector 138 . In addition to functioning as grips, the ribs 178 also prevent a sealing connection between the second connector 138 and a tube or the like (not shown) received over the exterior of the second connector. The first connector 136 is inserted with its first end 144 passing beyond a sealing flange 176 located inside the second connector 138 . The resilient sealing flange 176 conforms to the sealing surface 148 to form a fluid tight seal, after the sealing surface 148 passes beyond the non-sealing surface 152 and engages the flange 176 . The user stops applying force when the face of the first end 144 abuts a shoulder 175 a distance beyond the sealing flange 176 of the second connector 138 . A bar 181 is located at the inner end of the second connector 138 to inhibit a tube (not shown) from sealingly abutting a first tube 132 inserted inside an attachment portion 180 of the second connector. [0054] The first tubing 132 forms a sealing interference fit with the inner surface 182 of the attachment portion 180 . A second tubing 134 is inserted over an attachment portion 140 ( FIG. 8 ), at the second end 146 of the coupling portion 142 . The first and second tubings 132 , 134 are attached in suitable ways to the first and second connectors 136 , 138 . This forms a fluid conduit as part of a medical system when properly connected. [0055] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a connector apparatus 230 comprising a key 252 and a mating cavity 290 . Parts of the connector apparatus 230 corresponding to those of the connector apparatus 30 are given the same reference numeral, plus “200.” When the key 252 is positioned in the cavity 290 , the user has established a fluid-tight seal within the connector apparatus 230 . The connector apparatus 230 comprises a first connector 236 and a second connector 238 . The first connector 236 has a tubular attachment portion 240 secured to an interior of a housing 241 of the first connector. The attachment portion 240 can be sealingly received in a (second) tubing 234 . The second connector 238 has an attachment portion 280 that can attach the second connector to a (first) tubing 232 . The second connector 238 includes a housing 281 that mounts the attachment portion 280 by way of a flange 283 of the attachment portion. A gasket 276 (broadly, “a sealing member”) mounted by the housing 281 is generally tubular in shape and includes ears 276 a that are received in correspondingly shaped openings 277 in the housing 281 . The gasket 276 is received around and sealingly engages an exterior surface of the attachment portion 280 axially inward of the mounting flange 283 . [0056] Coupling portion 242 is slidingly and sealingly received by a first end of second connector 238 into the gasket 276 to form a sealing connection between the first and second connectors. The key 252 snaps into the mating cavity 290 to releasably lock the first and second connectors 236 , 238 is sealing connection. To release the first connector 236 , the user depresses a button 286 , with raised edges, and pulls the first connector 236 from the second connector 238 , while holding the second connector 238 . Depressing the button 286 deforms the first connector and moves the key 252 laterally out of the cavity 290 . The key 252 prevents engagement with a non-compliant connector (not shown). [0057] An alternate embodiment of a keyed connector apparatus 530 illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 19A is similar to the keyed connector apparatus 230 of FIGS. 9 and 10 . Parts of the connector apparatus 530 corresponding to those of the connector apparatus 30 are given the same reference numeral, plus “500.” The first connector 536 comprises a key 552 , guide flanges 553 and an inner rigid lumen or conduit 548 including an attachment portion 540 . The second connector 538 comprises a mating cavity 590 , an inner sealing member 588 , and finger grips 578 An attachment portion 580 located within the second connector 538 includes an inner part 580 a that is sealingly attached to the sealing member 588 , and an outer part 580 b that can be attached to tubing (not shown). In operation, the user grips the second connector 538 at the finger grips 578 , grips the first connector 536 and then pushes the key 552 toward the cavity 590 until it snaps into the cavity. The flanges 553 engage the second connector 538 and help guide the first connector 536 into sealing engagement with the second connector. The inner end of the conduit 548 is received in the sealing member 588 and seals with the sealing member by engagement with an annular protrusion 576 in the sealing member. In this way, a sealing connection of the first and second connectors 536 , 538 can be made. [0058] FIGS. 11-14 illustrate still another alternate embodiment of a connector apparatus 330 . Parts of the connector apparatus 330 corresponding to those of the connector apparatus 30 are designated by the same reference numerals, plus “300.” Connector apparatus 330 comprises a first connector 336 ( FIG. 13 ), and a second connector 338 ( FIG. 14 ). First connector 336 has an attachment portion 340 ( FIG. 12 ) that accepts tubing (not shown) on the inner surface 341 of the attachment portion 340 . The second connector 338 ( FIG. 14 ) has an attachment portion 380 at a first end and a cap 374 at the second end. A second tubing (not shown) can be received on attachment portion 380 . Spaced a distance from the second end is a deformable O-ring 376 around the perimeter of the cap 374 . The O-ring 376 is releasably attached to the cap 374 . It will be understood that a sealing member can be formed in any suitable manner such as an O-ring (as shown) or a raised surface of deformable plastic. [0059] The first connector 336 further comprises a coupling portion 342 with at least one longitudinal channel 372 therethrough ( FIG. 13 ). A plurality of non-sealing surface 352 areas ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) are disposed on the inside of the coupling portion 342 . The non-sealing surfaces 352 have longitudinal channels 358 disposed on the inner surface of the first connector 336 to prevent a fluid seal with a non-compliant connector. The axially inner longitudinal channels 358 are also disposed on both sides of a groove 349 that defines the sealing surface 348 ( FIG. 13 ). At the face of the coupling 342 are disposed a plurality of longitudinal channels 372 ( FIG. 13 ). The open space defined by the channels 372 prevents the coupling portion 342 from forming a fluid seal with a surface of a non-compliant connector. [0060] In operation, the user inserts the cap 374 into the opening at the coupling portion 342 . The O-ring 376 is deformed as it moves over the non-sealing surfaces 352 under the force of the user. The O-ring 376 comes to rest in the groove 349 and engages the sealing surface 348 ( FIG. 13 ), to form a fluid tight seal. [0061] FIGS. 15-18 illustrate a further embodiment of a connector apparatus 430 . Parts of the connector apparatus 430 corresponding to those of the connector apparatus 30 are given the same reference numerals, plus “400.” Connector apparatus 430 includes a first connector 436 and a second connector 438 . The first connector 436 has an attachment portion 440 that can be attached to a lumen (not shown) which fluidly communicates with a fluid source. A lumen (or tubing) is received on an outer surface of attachment portion 440 and forms a fluid-tight seal therewith. The first connector 436 has a coupling portion 442 comprising a sealing surface 448 and a pair of non-sealing surfaces 452 and each non-sealing surface 452 having longitudinal channels 458 ( FIG. 17 ) disposed on the inner and outer surfaces of the coupling portion 442 . The longitudinal channels 458 are disposed on either side of the sealing surface 448 . The longitudinal channels 458 prevent a sealing engagement with the coupling portion 442 by a non-compliant connector. A longitudinal channel 458 can be oriented anywhere along the perimeter of the coupling portion 442 and can be of varying length, width or depth. A generally annular detent 479 (broken by channels 458 ) extends around the first connector 436 . [0062] The non-sealing surface 452 includes a first face 464 . The first face 464 includes a transverse wall 468 that extends across the diameter of coupling portion 442 . Transverse wall 468 is configured to prevent sealing engagement of the surface of coupling portion 442 with a non-compliant connector. [0063] The second connector 438 comprises an attachment portion 480 , a cap 474 , an O-ring 476 inside the cap and sealingly mounted on the cap, and a flex collar 477 ( FIGS. 16 and 18 ). In operation, the user pushes the second connector 438 onto the coupling portion 442 , with the first face 464 entering the opening of the second connector 438 , at the flex collar end. The O-ring 476 engages the leading non-sealing surface 452 and does not establish a sealing connection with the non-sealing surface because of the channels 458 . The O-ring 476 next engages the sealing surface 448 as the first connector 436 is advanced farther into the second connector 438 and establishes a sealing connection between the first and second connectors. The detents 479 of the first connector 436 are received in annular grooves 478 on the interior of the flex collar 477 . The flex collar, which has been deflected from its relaxed position, bears against the detents 479 and holds them in the grooves 478 for securing the first and second connectors 436 , 438 together. [0064] For the preferred embodiments described herein, the connectors are fabricated from semi-flexible and flexible materials suitable for vascular compression therapy such as, for example, polymeric materials, depending on the particular vascular therapy application and/or preference. Urethanes and silicones may also be used. One skilled in the art, however, will realize that other materials and fabrication methods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in accordance with the present disclosure, also would be appropriate. A number of alternating sealing and non-sealing surfaces is possible depending on the size and shape of the connector apparatus. [0065] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. [0066] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. [0067] As various changes could be made in the above embodiments and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

A connector apparatus includes first and second mating connectors that can be joined to make a fluid connection. The connectors are constructed to discriminate improper connectors so that no fluid tight connection can be formed with improper connectors. The connector apparatus can be used with a system for compression therapy to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. §§119(a)-(d) or (f) of United Kingdom patent Application No. 0220861.9 filed on Sep. 7, 2002 under the title PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION, which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of data management, in particular to methods and systems for user interaction with a data management system to filter and manage data. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Elements of data within many systems have associated attributes and such systems may provide an interface via which a user may interact to select a data element. The system may further provide an interface via which a user may view and/or change the attributes of a particular element. Data elements may be presented in a list format, such as in a window or a box on a computer screen which may be scrolled up and down to allow a user to view and select elements. However, for a long list of elements, the task of viewing and selecting elements becomes difficult and time-consuming. The system may use attributes of the data elements to filter the list of elements to reduce the size of the list. For example, option buttons, search boxes, organisation into a hierarchy or a spreadsheet format may be used to reduce the size of the lists. However, each of these methods has significant disadvantages: option buttons are limited to the attributes that are predefined by the software, search boxes normally only accept words that exist in the text of the items, hierarchical methods do not work very well when it is desired to filter using attributes in combination with one another and spreadsheets can only filter lists according to the value of data fields within each item, new attributes independent of the data in the list cannot be created and allocated to items in the list for use in filtering. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects of the invention are outlined in the independent claims and preferred features of the aspects are outlined in the dependent claims. According to one aspect, there is provided a method of displaying information correlating a list of items and a list of their attributes comprising: displaying the list of items as a column of rows, each row displaying the name of an item in the list of items; displaying to the side of the column a set of vertical strips extending the length of the column, each strip being associated with a different attribute of the list of attributes; and displaying markers in the strips at selected positions where the strips cross rows, said positions being selected in accordance with whether the item named in the crossed row has (or alternatively has not) the attribute associated with that strip; wherein the strips extend beyond the column of rows of items and have horizontal extensions themselves forming a column of rows, each row displaying the name of an attribute in the list of attributes. Preferably, the method further comprises storing the name of each item in the list of items and information identifying the attributes of each item; wherein the horizontal extensions of each attribute strip further displays a filter option indicator; and wherein the method further comprises receiving user input to select at least one filter option, storing the selected filter options and displaying the or each corresponding filter option indicator; filtering the list of items according to the or each filter option selected by the user; redisplaying the filtered list of items in the column of rows and the associated markers in the selected positions of the strips. According to one aspect, there is provided a method of managing data elements in a computer system, each data element having at least one associated attribute, the method comprising: storing identifiers of each data element and information identifying the attributes of each data element; displaying identifiers associated with each of the data elements in a list as a column of rows, displaying a set of attribute strips extending along at least one side of the column of rows, each attribute strip being associated with a possible attribute for the data element, wherein each attribute strip has a first section containing an identifier of a possible attribute of a data element, a second section comprising a filter option indicator and wherein each attribute strip further comprises attribute marker sections for each data element; displaying a marker in the attribute marker section of each attribute strip if the data element possesses the attribute associated with that attribute strip based on the stored data; receiving user input to select at least one filter option; storing the selected filter options and displaying the or each corresponding filter option indicator; filtering the data elements according to the or each filter option selected by the user; redisplaying the filtered data elements in the column of rows and the associated markers in the attribute marker section of each attribute strip. Hence the data elements may be associated visibly with attributes by the markers displayed in the attribute marker sections and the user may filter the data elements according to the attributes by using the filter option indicators provided. The results of the filtering may then be displayed to the user and further filtering may be performed by the user if necessary. Hence the method may allow interactive data management and filtering of a list of data elements according to the element's attributes. As described in more detail below, the data elements may comprise, for example, font types, text articles such as encyclopaedia articles, websites, information stored on a distributed system or data files stored, for example, on a hard drive of a computer. Thus, rather than using multiple display and selection steps, a set of data elements can be displayed and selected efficiently, reducing the requirement for processing steps and display area/pages to achieve a desired data element selection. This may enable selection of data more efficiently on a simpler processing platform than with prior art processing arrangements. An attribute may be defined for the purposes of this invention as any property of the data elements, but preferably the attributes are binary attributes, i.e., they can be either possessed (‘on’) or not possessed (‘off’) by a data element. Attributes are preferably not limited to the data in the items being listed. Use of attribute strips may allow the attributes to be listed in an easy-to-read manner separately from the list of items. Attributes may be predefined by the computer program and, in a preferred embodiment, attributes may also be defined by the user. Preferably, the method further comprises receiving user input to create a new attribute and assign the new attribute to selected data elements. For example, as described in more detail below, a user may select an attribute strip and may be provided with a text input box, which may allow the input of the name of the new attribute. The user may then select the data elements to which he wishes to assign the new attribute, for example by clicking in the attribute marker section formed at the intersection between the attribute strip for the new attribute and the data element row. Preferably, data elements can be filtered on the presence or on the absence of a selected attribute. Hence a user may filter the elements by positive or negative selection of attributes. However, in the case of non-binary attributes, data may be filtered based on a value or criteria, preferably by binary comparison to a threshold, for example by determining whether a value is greater than or less than the threshold. Preferably, the data elements may be filtered using a combination of positively or negatively selected attributes. For example filtering of a list of font types may allow a user to view all fonts that are Roman (serifs) fonts of medium width that are not in heavy type. Preferably, the method further comprises storing information indicating whether each data element possesses each attribute. Preferably, the attribute marker sections of the attribute strips are provided at the intersection between each attribute strip and each row in the column of rows. Hence the attribute marker sections may be used to determine whether each data element possesses each attribute. Preferably, the method further comprises allowing a user to select or deselect an attribute for a data element. Hence some selectable attributes may be added to or removed from data elements by a user. Preferably, the attributes can be selected or deselected by setting the marker on or off in the attribute marker section at the intersection of the data element row and the attribute column. This may allow a user to set an attribute on and off for each data element with one mouse click. Alternatively or additionally, other input means, such as a keyboard, may be used to allow a user to set attributes for the data elements. Hence at least some attributes of at least some data elements may be changed by the user at the filtering interface. Preferably, some attributes are read-only attributes and are not selectable, i.e., they cannot be added to or removed from a data element by the user. The attributes that are selectable may be identifiable on the user interface, for example they may be highlighted, for example by displaying the attribute identifier in a bold typeface or by adding a border to the attribute strip. In the embodiment of a font management system, attributes that are selectable may include attributes such as the font type, for example “Swiss” or “Roman”, since many font files do not have these attributes set even though the fonts clearly belong to one group of font types. Attributes that are read-only may include attributes such as “bold”, “italic” or “fixed pitch”. Preferably, the method further comprises storing a first table separately from the data elements, wherein the table comprises an identifier of each attribute and a filtering flag indicating whether the attribute has been selected for filtering. The first table, or attribute table, may be implemented as a single table listing all attributes or may be implemented as a plurality of tables. For example, separate attribute tables may be provided for attributes displayed to the left and to the right of the screen. In addition or alternatively, separate attribute tables may be provided for each page of attributes, i.e., for each set of attributes that is displayed together on a single screen to the user. The first table may further store a pointer to the attribute strip in which each attribute identifier is displayed. This may be particularly advantageous if all of the attributes are listed within a single table. The pointer may indicate whether the attribute is to be displayed on the left or on the right side of the screen, the order in which the attributes are displayed and on which page of attributes the attribute is displayed. Preferably, the flag further indicates whether the attribute has been selected for filtering on the presence or on the absence of the attribute. Preferably, the method further comprises providing a second table for storing information associated with the data elements wherein the table comprises a pointer to each data element and an attribute flag for each attribute in the first table showing whether the attribute is on or off. The second table is preferably implemented as a single table, but may alternatively be implemented as a plurality of tables. Preferably, the method further comprises initialising the first table with attribute identifiers. Hence data may be stored in the table to allow the attribute strips to be displayed with the attribute identifiers. Pointers to attribute strips may further be stored. Preferably, the method further comprises generating entries in the second table for each data element. As described in more detail below, each data element may have an associated identifier indicating whether it should be listed in the user display based on the filtering options selected by a user. This identifier may be updated in the second table as the filtering options are changed and may allow the display screen to be redrawn quickly without requiring the program to calculate which data elements should be displayed each time. Preferably, the method further comprises updating the filtering flags in the first table according to input from the user. For example, the filtering details in the first table may be updated when a user selects or deselects an attribute for filtering. According to a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises updating the attribute flags in the second table according to input from the user. Hence a user may add or remove attributes from a data element. For example, the attribute “Roman font-type” may be set for a font data element and this attribute may be added to the font data element information in the second table. In a preferred embodiment, the identifiers of each data element comprise the names of the data elements. This may allow the data elements to be filtered using the text field of the data element identifier. For example, for a font management embodiment, the identifiers may comprise the names of the fonts and a user may search for fonts with an identifier including “Arial” by entering the text into a search box, which is preferably further provided. Storing the name of the data element as the data element identifier in an item table, described in more detail below, may allow text searching to be performed without the data element names being retrieved from each data element file on the disk. As the user enters each letter of the search term, for example into a search box provided in an attribute strip, a marker may be set against each data element that meets the criteria. If the user then selects the filter option indicator, the flags can be set against the filtered elements and the list of data elements can be quickly redrawn. In an alternative embodiment, the identifiers of each data element further comprise an indication of the data content of each data element. For example, for a font management embodiment, the identifiers may comprise a section of text rendered in the corresponding font and displaying at least some of the attributes associated with that font (for example, the font may be displayed as bold or in narrow format). According to one embodiment, the attribute strips may be arranged vertically down at least one side of the column of rows. This arrangement of the data elements and the attribute strips may advantageously provide a compact and easy-to-read interface for the system. In particular, this layout may allow the presence or absence of particular attributes to be displayed by attribute markers in the attribute strips for each data element. According to a highly preferable embodiment, the attribute strips have horizontal extensions, a plurality of the horizontal extensions forming a second column of rows, wherein the horizontal extension of each attribute strip includes the first section containing the attribute identifier and the second section containing the filter option indicator. This may allow the attributes to be listed in a compact and easy-to-read manner one above the other separately from the list of items. However, alternative layouts of the screen display may be used. For example, the attribute names and option indicators may be displayed at the top of the vertical attribute strips and the horizontal sections of the strips may be omitted or the list of data elements may be presented as a row of columns rather than as a column of rows and the attribute markers may be presented in further rows above or below the data elements. According to a preferable embodiment, each attribute strip may be mutually visibly distinct. Each attribute strip may be patterned or shaded in a different way to distinguish it from the other attribute strips however, in a preferable embodiment, a plurality of attribute strips may be displayed in a rainbow of colours. The rainbow of colours may comprise, for example red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet and these colours may advantageously clearly distinguish the attribute bars. In particular, each colour may allow a user to visually connect the attribute name and option indicator in the horizontal section of the attribute strip with the attribute markers. According to one embodiment, a first set of attribute strips may extend along one side of the column of rows and a second set of attribute strips may extend along the other side of the column of rows. Hence two sets of attribute strips may be provided. One set of attribute strips, for example, the attribute strips on the left hand side, may be used for system-defined attributes and the other set of attribute strips, for example that on the right, may be used for user-defined attributes. The attributes may be arranged in different configurations, for example any user-defined attributes may simply be displayed on a different page to the system-defined attributes as described in more detail below. In an alternative embodiment, the attribute bars may be provided only on one side. This may be useful, for example if the user is viewing the system on a small screen such as the screen of a PDA. In the present embodiment, system-defined attributes are displayed in the left-hand attribute bars and user-defined attributes are displayed in the right-hand attribute bars, but the attributes may be arranged in different configurations. Preferably, the attribute strips have horizontal extensions, a plurality of the horizontal extensions forming a further column of rows above the column of rows containing the identifiers associated with the data elements. Preferably, the first set of attribute strips may be associated with predefined attributes, for example with system-defined attributes. Preferably, the second set of attribute strips may be associated with user-defined attributes. Hence, a user may define attributes and then use these attributes to filter the data elements. Preferably, the method further comprises providing a plurality of sets of attribute strips associated with a plurality of sets of attributes and providing selection means for a user to select one or more sets of attribute strips to be displayed. Hence the attributes may be displayed in one or more pages of attribute strips. Preferably, at least three attribute strips are provided for each page of attributes. Further preferably, at least five attribute strips are provided for each page of attributes. A system could be implemented with two or fewer attributes, but other systems may also be used if there are only one or two attributes. Preferably, fewer than about ten attribute strips are provided for each page of attributes. If more than about ten attributes are provided for each page of attributes, the user interface for viewing, managing and filtering the data may become cumbersome. Preferably, 8 or fewer attribute strips are provided for each page of attributes. Displaying 8 or fewer attribute strips may allow the system to be coded efficiently, since up to 8 bits of information relating to binary attributes may be stored in a byte of data. If 7 attribute strips are provided, the 8 th bit of data may be used, for example as a parity bit. In a preferred embodiment, seven attribute strips may be provided for each page of attributes. Preferably, the seven attribute strips are coloured in a rainbow of colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet). It has been found that seven attribute strips per page is an optimum number of strips to allow a user to filter the data by selected attributes whilst still providing a clear interface for a user to link easily the attribute markers relating to each data element with the attribute names and option indicators. A further attribute strip may be provided, for example in grey, and may be used to indicate whether a particular data element is available or is installed. The further attribute strip may be arranged to remain visible irrespective of which page of attributes has been selected. The attribute strip may further be used to enable a user to install or uninstall a selected data element, for example by a user clicking on the attribute marker section formed by the intersection of the attribute strip and the data element row. Other functionality may also be provided by the further attribute strip, or in a separate attribute strip. For example, a “show/hide” functionality may be provided, which may allow direct filtering of the data elements by the user. A user may select the “show/hide” attribute for a data element positively or negatively to indicate that he wishes either to select an element for further viewing, perhaps in an expanded or more detailed view, or to select elements that he does not want to look at further. This may allow a user to positively or negatively select data elements without having to set up a specific attribute. Preferably, identifiers of data elements that are not installed are displayed. This may allow a user to view and filter a wide range of data elements without taking up significant system resources by installing every data element. For example, for a font management system, both installed and uninstalled fonts may be displayed in the list of data elements. This may allow a user to organise and filter a large collection of fonts, in one embodiment thousands of fonts, while keeping only a relatively small number of fonts, in one embodiment hundreds of fonts, installed at any one time. This may provide greater efficiency for the operating system and may allow the method and system to work within the limits of the computer operating system. For example, in most systems, there is a physical limit (imposed by the size of the Registry) of about 1000 on the number of font files that can be stored at any one time. Programs within these systems that display fonts generally only display the fonts that are installed whereas the present method and system may also display uninstalled fonts, which may provide the user with a greater choice of fonts. Preferably, each row in the column of rows displays various information pertaining to the item, wherein the first and second sections of the attribute strips comprise a set of horizontal differently coloured strips set one above the other across the top of the column of rows and the attribute marker sections comprise a matching set of vertical coloured strips down one or both sides of the column of rows, and wherein the horizontal and vertical strips enclose the column of rows, each vertical strip forming a right-angle with its correspondingly coloured horizontal strip, together forming a rectangular approximation to a rainbow; wherein the identifier of a possible attribute for the data elements comprises the name of an attribute that the data elements may possess and wherein the filter option indicator allows filtering of the list on the presence or absence of the attribute; wherein the attribute marker sections comprise the rectangles formed by the intersection of a vertical coloured strip and a horizontal item row; wherein the method further comprises using this rectangle, where the user is allowed to set the attribute, to accept a mouse click from the user to toggle the attribute on or off for the data element; wherein the method further comprises: allocating a first table separately from the data elements to be listed, each element of the first table to contain an attribute name, a pointer to the coloured strip the name is to appear on, and a flag indicating whether the attribute has been selected for filtering, and if so whether positively or negatively; allocating a second table for storing as many second table elements as there are data elements to be listed, each second table element containing a pointer to the data element, as well as a flag for each attribute in the first table showing whether the attribute is on or off; initialising the first table with attribute names and pointers to coloured strips; generating entries in the second table for each data element to be listed; updating the filtering flags in the first table according to input from the user; updating the attribute flags in the second table according to input from the user; displaying the attributes together with the list of data elements or a subset thereof according to the two tables. According to a further aspect, there is provided a font management tool comprising: means for displaying identifiers associated with a plurality of fonts; means for displaying attributes of each of the fonts; means for selecting one or more attributes on which to filter the fonts; means for filtering the fonts according to the selected attributes; means for redisplaying the identifiers associated with the filtered fonts. Preferably, the font management tool further comprises means for receiving user input to create a new attribute and assign the new attribute to selected fonts. According to a further aspect, there is provided a file management tool comprising: means for displaying identifiers associated with a plurality of files; means for displaying attributes of each of the files; means for selecting one or more attributes on which to filter the files; means for filtering the files according to the selected attributes; means for redisplaying the identifiers associated with the filtered files. Preferably, the file management tool further comprises means for receiving user input to create a new attribute and assign the new attribute to selected files. Preferred features of the method aspect may be applied to the font management tool and file management tool aspects and corresponding advantages may be provided. Apparatus and systems for carrying out the methods described herein may further be provided. In particular, a computer program may be provided comprising instructions for carrying out a method described herein and computer program products and computer-readable devices including instructions for carrying out the methods described herein may further be provided. Modifications of detail will be apparent to one skilled in the art and may be provided. Preferred features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects of the invention and may be provided independently unless otherwise stated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A description of embodiments of the invention now follows with reference the drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a screen display and associated tables according to one embodiment; FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of generating and operating a system according to one embodiment; FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of building an item table from available items; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of adding an attribute; FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of removing an attribute; FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of setting the attribute option indicator; FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of setting the items' “list me” flags; FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of processing the attribute flag; FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method of redrawing the display area; FIG. 10 shows the top half of one embodiment of a display showing two sets of strips for listing attributes and provision for a column of rows for listing items; FIG. 11 shows the top left-hand corner of one embodiment of a display; FIG. 12 shows the top right-hand corner of one embodiment of a display; and FIG. 13 shows one embodiment of a display similar to that of FIG. 10 but adapted to provide for more than two sets of strips. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One preferred embodiment of the system and method will now be described. The method comprises three main elements; a screen display, in this embodiment a specific format of screen display is used which may be termed the “rainbow interface”, tables, which may be stored internally in computer memory, and instructions to enable a computer program to allow a user to operate the interface by use of the tables. While the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed in the context of a font management application, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present invention may be applied to any list of items for which attributes can be defined. For example, the data elements may be pages of a website which may have attributes defined, for example by metatags or by the text or content of the page. Hence one embodiment of the present invention may be used as a search engine to filter websites with particular attributes or content. In an alternative embodiment, the data elements may be used to filter text elements, for example encyclopaedia articles, newspaper articles or journal articles, which may have attributes such as the contents and subject matter, the date on which the article was written, the author of the article and the publication in which the article was published. In a further embodiment, the data elements may comprise files on the hard drive of a computer, or stored on a distributed network. Attributes of such files may include the file type, the date of creation or modification of the file or an identifier of the creator of the file. Further applications of the system described herein in relation to the font management application are obvious to one skilled in the art. Referring now to FIG. 1 , which illustrates one embodiment of a screen display for a font management application, the relationship between the various screen areas of the ‘rainbow interface’ and the underlying internal tables is shown. In one embodiment of the system 100 , a screen display 150 is maintained in conjunction with a left attribute table 125 , a right attribute table 130 , and an item table 135 . Referring to the screen display 150 , the items to be listed, for example data elements such as fonts, are arranged in the centre of the display in area 180 . The items in the list may be numbered and the total count of items in the list may be displayed. The total count may be refreshed when the user makes a change to any of the option boxes contained in the horizontal attribute strips above the list of items 180 . In the present embodiment, the names of the attributes 155 are arranged in horizontal rows, or attribute strips, across the top of the display, the system-generated attributes in the left area 105 , and the user-defined attributes in the right area 110 . Markers 165 for each attribute are displayed in vertical rows in areas 115 and 120 . A coloured background strip 106 links each marker with its attribute (forming a right-angle between them). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, these coloured background strips may be arranged to form a rectangular approximation to a rainbow, which, in this embodiment, is divided into a left half and a right half. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , seven attribute strips 106 are displayed per screen view, although more or fewer strips may be displayed in alternative embodiments as discussed in more detail below. In order to allow more than seven system-generated attributes, and more than seven user-defined attributes, each half of the rainbow may be used to display a plurality of sets of seven attributes, each set being referred to as a ‘page’. Pages of left rainbow may be displayed as required in the present embodiment by use of the command buttons 145 , and the same method with a different set of navigation buttons may be provided for the right rainbow. In a preferred embodiment, the user may make up his own attributes, each of which may be displayed on a horizontal coloured strip 175 on the right side of the rainbow along with its option indicator. In a preferred embodiment, the user may establish a new attribute by clicking in a horizontal coloured strip 175 which does not already have an attribute associated with it. The user may then define a name and properties for the attribute. Preferably, the user can use the option indicators for the user-defined attributes to search according to these attributes. In one embodiment, the user may set any attribute on or off for an item by clicking in a vertical coloured strip 170 (on either side of the rainbow) in the rectangle formed by the intersection of the vertical coloured strip and the horizontal row containing the item he wishes to affect. If the attribute is currently ‘on’, signified by a marker being shown in the rectangle, it will be toggled to ‘off’, and vice-versa. Hence in the present embodiment, each rectangle formed by the intersection of a vertical coloured strip and a horizontal item row thus effectively becomes an individual ‘control button’, allowing attributes to be set on or off, for example with a single mouse click. Referring now to the relationship between the screen display areas and the internal tables, the attribute names 155 from each page of the left rainbow may be stored internally in one element of the Left Attribute table 125 , and those from each page of the right rainbow may be stored in one element of the Right Attribute table 130 . In the present embodiment, each element of these tables contains seven occurrences of attribute information. Each of these occurrences may contain at least a text field, in which is stored an attribute name, and also an option flag which is an internal representation of the attribute's option indicator 160 . The position of the attribute name and option flag within these seven occurrences may be arranged to equate to the position of these items on the rainbow. For example, an attribute in the first occurrence may appear in the first (for example, a red) coloured strip. An empty attribute name field in any of the seven occurrences may be used to indicate that no attribute should be displayed on the respective coloured strip. By the use of such empty fields, attributes may be ‘grouped’ as desired; for example a rainbow page might display the three attributes ‘Narrow’, ‘Medium’, ‘Wide’, followed by an empty row, followed by the three attributes ‘Light’, ‘Medium’, ‘Heavy’. In the present embodiment, another table, the ‘Item table’ 135 , is used to hold information about, and a pointer to, the items in the list. One element of this table may hold information relating to one item, including all ‘left rainbow’ attribute flags and all ‘right rainbow’ attribute flags. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, each entry in the Item table contains 4 fields of significance to the invention, which are as follows: A pointer to the item The path and file name of the font file. ‘Left rainbow’ attribute As many sets of 7 1-bit attribute flags as there flags are allocated pages of left rainbow. ‘Right rainbow’ As many sets of 7 1-bit attribute flags as there attribute flags are allocated pages of right rainbow. A ‘list me’ indicator A Boolean value to indicate whether the item should be listed according to the option indicator settings and the item's attribute settings. In addition to the four fields listed above, several extra fields may be stored which may hold copies of various pieces of information relating to each font. These fields may be used to increase the speed of filtering by saving file accesses. Use of this item table to ‘drive’ the display of the list on screen, as well as storing the attribute flags, may allow for faster filtering and scrolling than would be obtained if the program had to traverse the items themselves, as the item pointers stored in the table allow the program to access the items directly (for example, font files) without having to search for them. A method of managing and filtering the data elements according to one embodiment will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9 . Referring now to FIG. 2 , the drawing shows one embodiment of high-level logic which may be implemented in a program according to the invention. According to a preferable embodiment, an internal table of items may be maintained separately from the items themselves and, if the system is implemented in this way, the program should first check, when it is started up, that this table exists 200 . 01 . For example, when the program is first run after being installed, the table of items will not have been created yet. If it does not exist, control may pass to process 210 by which available items may be scanned and the table created. In a preferred embodiment, this process may also be invoked by the user, for example when new font files are loaded onto the hard drive, in which case the table can be updated to show these new files. Once the normal program initialisation is done ( 200 . 02 and process 260 ), control may pass to item 200 . 03 to wait for a user command. A user may scroll the list of items in the display up or down by methods that are well known to view the items. User actions may be tested for in the present embodiment by items 200 . 04 , 200 . 05 , 200 . 06 , 200 . 07 , 200 . 12 , and 200 . 16 , which are outlined separately below. 200 . 04 Control may pass to process 220 if a ‘add new attribute’ command is detected. 200 . 05 Control may pass to process 230 if a ‘remove attribute’ command is detected. 200 . 06 Processes 240 , 250 , and 260 may be invoked if a user clicks in an attribute option indicator 160 . 200 . 07 If the user clicks in a vertical colour bar 170 then a further test 200 . 08 may be performed to see if an attribute has been set up for the colour bar clicked on, no action being taken if it has not, and the attribute being toggled on or off (item 200 . 09 ) if it has. This ‘toggling’ process may necessitate a further check 200 . 10 to see whether the option indicator relating to this attribute is set, or in other words whether the user is filtering the list on this attribute. If not, then the items in the list may remain in place, and the only screen redrawing which needs to be done is to remove or display the attribute marker in the relevant vertical colour bar. This may allow the screen redrawing process (and therefore the response to the user) to be much faster than a complete redraw of the screen. This feature may be particularly advantageous in the case of the present font type embodiment, where rendering of various lines of text in different fonts may be very time-consuming. If however the attribute that has been toggled is being used as a filter, then the item whose attribute has been reversed must not now appear in the displayed list, and a complete screen redraw (process 260 ) may be performed. 200 . 12 This action may allow the user to select a different set of seven attributes for display (either left or right). The program steps that may be implemented are 200 . 13 to update the program's internal pointer to the current visible rainbow page (either left or right in this embodiment), 200 . 14 to present a new set of attribute names and option indicators, and 200 . 15 to present a new set of attribute markers. In the present embodiment, this action does not change the actual item information listed in area 180 . 200 . 16 Because the item table (containing pointers to the items) may be held separately from the items themselves, the table is preferably updated whenever the items being pointed to change. If this is not done, it is possible that the program will not be able to resolve a pointer when it comes to display an item which has been moved or deleted. In the preferred embodiment, if this happens, a suitable error message may be displayed suggesting that the user take this option to update the program's table. Process 210 may be invoked, the screen re-initialised, and the program waits for further user input. In the present embodiment, a command button is provided to allow the user to take this option so that the list can reflect for example new font files which are loaded onto the computer's hard drive. The list of the present embodiment may cover all font files on a drive. Referring now to FIG. 3 , process 210 may be invoked to build an internal item table from all available items. In the preferred embodiment, ‘all available items’ means all font files on a particular computer disk drive, but it will be appreciated that the scope of this expression could encompass any group of items which could be repeatedly searched for, and for which pointers can be established. Other examples might include websites, encyclopaedia articles, or even all the files on a drive as discussed above. These items could then be organized according to their attributes in the manner of a relational database, rather than in a hierarchy of folders as is commonly the way at present. A test 210 . 01 may be made to see if the item table exists. In the preferred embodiment, the table will not exist the first time the program is run after being installed. If it does exist, it may be copied away to a work table before being cleared down ready to be created afresh. ( 210 . 02 and 210 . 03 ). Otherwise, an empty table may be allocated 210 . 04 . In the preferred embodiment, the table may be created as a C++ Collection, which allows memory to be dynamically allocated as each new element is added. For each new item found, a table element may be allocated and a pointer to the item written into it ( 210 . 06 , 210 . 07 and 210 . 08 ). Control may then return to the invoking process when all available items have been processed ( 210 . 05 ). Each item found may be looked up in the work table created earlier 210 . 09 . If found, the attribute flags may then be copied from the work table into the newly created item ( 210 . 10 and 210 . 12 ), thus preserving the settings of the user attribute flags for the item, and saving the work of calculating the settings of the system attribute flags. Any additional information may also be copied 210 . 14 . If the item was not found in the work table, then the program-defined attribute flags may be calculated 210 . 11 , the user attribute flags set to ‘off’ 210 . 13 , and any additional information set up 210 . 15 . Once all other table items are in place, the item's ‘list me’ flag may be calculated by process 250 and the next available item may be sought. Turning to FIG. 4 , one embodiment of a process for adding a user-defined attribute 220 will now be described. The required location, for example the colour bar and rainbow page may be obtained by user input 220 . 01 and a required attribute name may also be obtained from a user 220 . 02 . The attribute name may then be written into the requested location in the left or right attribute table 220 . 03 . Referring to FIG. 5 , a process for removing an attribute will now be described. The attribute name and option flag may be cleared from the left or right attribute table 230 . 01 and the relevant attribute flag may be set to “off” for all items in the table 230 . 02 . FIG. 6 describes one embodiment of a process 240 which may be invoked to set the attribute option indicator. The process is the one adopted by a preferred embodiment, and alternative methods will be apparent to one skilled in the art. The general object may be to provide a mechanism by which an option indicator can be set either positively (to specify that items listed must possess the attribute concerned) or negatively (to specify that items listed must not possess the attribute). The preferred embodiment uses a left mouse click to set the option positively if it was clear, or else to clear it if it was already set. A right mouse click may be used to set the option negatively, whether the option was clear or already set positively. Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 , which may be read together, the process 250 and its sub-process 251 may be invoked to set the table items' ‘list me’ flags. This may be done by comparing each attribute's option flag with its respective flag setting in each item. In more detail, to set an item's “list me” flag 250 , the item may be obtained from the item table 250 . 01 and the item's “list me” flag may be initialised to a default position of “Y”, indicating that the item should be listed. Attribute flags for the items may be successively obtained 250 . 04 , 250 . 05 and each attribute flag may be processed 251 to determine whether that attribute has been selected for positive or negative filtering. Based on this processing 251 , the “list me” flag of the item may be left as “Y” or may be set to “N” to indicate that the item should not be listed. Turning to FIG. 8 , an example of a method of processing the attribute flags (corresponding to process 251 of FIG. 7 ) will now be described in more detail. The option flag for each attribute may be retrieved from the left or right attribute table 251 . 01 and the process may determine whether the option flag is blank 251 . 02 . If it is blank, the user is not filtering on this attribute and a further attribute flag may be retrieved. If the option flag is not blank, then the process determines whether the option flag is positive (“Y”) 251 . 03 , if it is positive, then, according to the present embodiment, listed items or elements must have this attribute. If the attribute flag for a particular element 251 . 04 is on, the “list me” indicator should be left in the default “Y” position or set to this position. If the attribute flag is not on, then the “list me” indicator should be set to false 251 . 05 . Returning to process 251 . 03 , if the option flag is not positive and not blank, then it must be negative. The process determines whether an attribute flag is on for a particular element 251 . 06 . If the attribute flag is not on, the “list me” indicator remains at its default “Y” value, if the attribute flag is on, the “list me” indicator is set to false 251 . 07 . Referring now to FIG. 9 , process 260 may be invoked to perform a complete redraw of the screen display, which comprises, in this embodiment, the horizontal coloured strips at the top, the vertical coloured strips at each side, and the items themselves in the middle. In some embodiments, the screen may not be entirely redrawn, for example elements such as the horizontal coloured strips at the top may not be redrawn. The screen display area may be cleared 260 . 01 and the current page numbers (n) for the left and right attribute bars (See FIG. 1 , 140 ) may be set 260 . 02 , 260 . 04 . The horizontal sections of the left attribute bars may be drawn with reference to the nth elements of the left attribute table. Successive items or elements may then be obtained from the item table 260 . 07 and the process may determine whether the item's “list me” indicator is set to positive (“Y”) 260 . 08 . In the present embodiment, if the “list me” indicator is not positive, then the item is not displayed. If the “list me” indicator is positive, then the item is displayed and the vertical colour bars and attribute markers for that data element may be displayed with reference to the attribute information in the item table 260 . 09 . The font file may be accessed using a pointer or link in the item table 260 . 10 . If the font file is not found, the file name may be displayed with an error message 260 . 12 . If the font file is found, the process may determine whether the font has been installed 260 . 13 . If the font has been installed, a sample text may be rendered in that font 260 . 15 and may be displayed to the user. If the font file has not been installed, font file may be installed temporarily 260 . 14 and sample text may be rendered in the font 260 . 16 . The font file may then be uninstalled from the system 260 . 17 . This may allow uninstalled fonts to be displayed. In an alternative embodiment, an error message may be displayed to the user if the font has not been installed. The right vertical colour bars and the attribute markers may then be displayed with reference to the item table information 260 . 18 . The process may finally check whether the screen display area is full 260 . 19 and may continue to process items or elements of data until it is full. A description of one embodiment of a display layout which may be produced by the system described herein is now provided. This description is not intended to be limiting and alternative layouts and may be implemented. A method of correlating a list of items and a list of their attributes is described herein and may comprise: a) displaying the list of items as a column of rows, each row displaying the name of an item in the list of items, b) displaying to the side of the column a set of vertical strips extending the length of the column, each strip being associated with a different attribute of the list of attributes, and c) displaying markers in the strips at selected positions where the strips cross rows, said positions being selected in accordance with whether the item named in the crossed row has (or alternatively has not) the attribute associated with that strip. Each strip of the set of strips may be displayed in a distinctive colour, for example the colours of the rainbow. The strips may extend beyond the column of rows of items and have horizontal extensions themselves forming a column of rows, each row displaying the name of an attribute in the list of attributes. A first set of strips may extend along one side of the column of rows displaying the names of the list of items and a second set of strips each strip of which is associated with a different attribute of a further list of attributes may extend along the other side of the said column of rows. The strips of the second set of strips may extend beyond the column of rows of items and may have horizontal extensions themselves forming a second column of rows, each row may display the name of an attribute in the further list of attributes. A plurality of alternative sets of strips may be made available and selection means may then be displayed for selecting any one set of said alternative sets for display. Display means for carrying out the method described above may also be provided and are described herein. Referring to FIG. 10 , the five main areas of one non-limiting embodiment of a display, the respective areas being referenced 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 . Areas 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 are each made up of seven strips in the colours of the rainbow. Areas 1 and 2 comprise two sets of seven strips arranged horizontally across the top of the display. Area 1 on the left is used to display those attributes pre-allocated by a computer program. Area 2 on the right is used to display any attributes created by the user. The third and fourth sets of colour strips 3 and 4 are arranged beneath the horizontal sets to form a rectangular approximation to a rainbow. These sets of vertical strips 3 and 4 are used to display markers against each item in a list of items where an attribute is present, as well as to accept mouse clicks from the user to toggle attributes on and off. The fifth area 5 is placed inside the approximate rainbow formed by areas 1 to 4 . Area 5 contains a column of rows in which the names of a list of items are placed. In the example considered the items comprise fonts and their names are displayed row by row. The names 10 of the attributes of fonts are displayed on the horizontal colour strips in the top of the display, e.g., in the right part of display area 1 and/or in the left part of display area 2 ( FIG. 10 ). Alongside each attribute name is an option box 11 inside which the user can click to filter the list of items having that attribute, either negatively or positively. For example a left mouse click would select only font names possessing the attribute, and a right mouse click would select only font names not possessing the attribute. Option box 11 displays any current selection status 14 , for example a tick for positive selection or a cross for negative selection. In order to toggle an attribute on or off the user clicks in the rectangle 13 formed by the intersection of the appropriate vertical colour strip and the horizontal item display. To create a new attribute, a user clicks inside a horizontal colour strip 20 shown in FIG. 12 which is currently empty. The program then prompts the user for the attribute name, and displays it alongside an option box. Such an option box would be similar to the option boxes 11 shown in FIG. 11 . If more than seven attributes are required to be shown on each side of the screen, further sets of seven attributes can be set up which are displayed on request by the user, for example clicking on numbered navigation buttons 30 . The rainbow strips relating to each set can be overlaid with a large number 31 for identification. The particular embodiment(s) hereinbefore described may be varied in construction and detail, e.g., interchanging (where appropriate or desired) different features of each.

A method and system for managing data elements with associated attributes in a computer system is described. Identifiers of each data element and information identifying the attributes of each data element are stored and the identifiers associated with each of the data elements are displayed in a list. The identifiers of the data elements are visibly associated with attributes by displaying markers in attribute strips along at least one side of the list of data elements. A user may filter the data elements according to their attributes and a filtered list of data elements may be redisplayed. This can facilitate processing of numerous data elements, simplifying processing and/or display requirements to achieve a given selection based on user criteria.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of domestic priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/071,748 filed May 15, 2008, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0002] Disclosed herein are materials comprising carbon nanotubes that are spun into yarns, threads, ropes, fabrics and the like. Methods of making such materials, as well as composites comprising such materials are also disclosed [0003] Metals and plastics have long been favorites for many technical applications because of their versatile physical and chemical properties including malleability, strength, durability, and/or corrosion resistance. However for an increasing number of applications, ultra-light materials exhibiting comparable or higher strength, durability and/or conductivity are needed. To date, the need for these materials has been primarily limited to high-tech applications, such as high performance aerospace and high-end electronics. However, they are becoming increasingly needed in other areas as well, such as ballistic mitigation applications (e.g. bulletproof vests, armor plating), and a wide range of commercial applications involving heat sinks, air conditioning units, computer casings, and vehicle bodies, to name a few. [0004] Recent advances in materials science and nanotechnology have led to the creation of a new class of carbon nanotube-based materials with strength to weight ratios never before possible. Carbon nanotubes and their unique properties have been known for some time. Examples of literature disclosing carbon nanotubes include, J. Catalysis, 37, 101 (1975); Journal of Crystal Growth 32, 35 (1976); “Formation of Filamentous Carbon”, Chemistry of Physics of Carbon, ed. Philip L. Walker, Jr. and Peter Thrower, Vol. 14, Marcel Dekker, Inc, New York and Base 1, 1978; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,230, issued Dec. 6, 1984. However, recent interest in carbon filamentary material was stimulated by a paper by lijima (1991) which made producing these materials possible. These early studies and the work that has developed from them has resulted in the discovery of a material with remarkable mechanical, electrical and thermal properties that can be produced on the industrial scale. [0005] All of the carbon nanotube yarns produced to date, using the techniques discussed above, were comprised of relatively short carbon nanotubes (<1 mm), that did not specifically employ chemical-linking between adjacent carbon nanotubes in order to improve the strength of the yarn. The resulting prior art products are unable to take advantage of the full benefits associated with carbon nanotube. For example, while carbon nanotubes embedded in a polymer matrix do add some multifunctional properties to the composite, such as vibration dissipation, the polymer does not add any improved property to the nanotube itself. Indeed, it is typically difficult, if not impossible, to take advantage of the properties of the carbon nanotube, such as tensile strength, when they are dispersed in a polymer. [0006] Furthermore, the prior art does not teach covalent bonding of a substantially pure spun carbon nanotube thread with carbon nanotubes in the millimeter length range. Present carbon nanotube-based yarns, therefore, do not take advantage of the full benefits associated with carbon nanotube. Thus, there is a need to produce high strength yarns comprising carbon nanotubes that do not suffer from the deficiencies of currently available yarns, including a required polymer matrix to hold them together. SUMMARY [0007] In view of the foregoing, there is disclosed a material comprising an assembly of at least one spun yarn substantially comprising carbon nanotubes, wherein a majority of the carbon nanotubes are longer than one millimeter, and are chemically interlinked one to another. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are arranged in the morphology of spiral configurations. [0008] There is also disclosed materials, such as thread, rope, fabric and composite materials constructed from the carbon nanotube yarns. The unique ability to spin carbon nanotubes in the form of yarns without employing a polymer matrix between adjacent carbon nanotubes leads the inventive materials to have a wide range of application heretofore were unavailable. Such applications are able to take advantage of the novel physical and chemical properties derived from those of the carbon nanotubes. [0009] Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings provided below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 . SEM image of the raw carbon nanotube material as-received from Nanotech Labs. [0011] FIG. 2 . Schematic drawings showing generic methods for producing carbon nanotube yarn directly from aligned carbon nanotube forest. (a) The carbon nanotube forest is being spun while the yarn is drawn. (b) The aligned carbon nanotube forest is kept stationary while the yarn is being drawn and twisted. [0012] FIG. 3 . SEM images of (a) a single ply (left), a double-ply (middle), quandruple-ply (right) (b) a collection of single ply carbon nanotube thread containing chemically linked carbon nanotubes. [0013] FIG. 4 . A schematic drawing of the production of an aligned carbon nanotube thin film by rolling. Left: A piece of carbon nanotube forest impregnated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is sandwiched between two layers of paper; middle: Rolling is used to press the carbon nanotube forest into a thin carbon nanotube film; Right: The resulting carbon nanotube thin film is sandwiched between two layers of paper. The paper was made from a mixture of glass fibers and bi-component polymer fibers. [0014] FIG. 5 . SEM images of a carbon nanotube thin film. Left: low magnification (50×). Right: high magnification (3000×). [0015] FIG. 6 . A schematic showing carbon nanotube threads being produced from aligned carbon nanotube ribbons. [0016] FIG. 7 . SEM images of two spools of carbon nanotube threads made from aligned carbon nanotube ribbons. Left: single ply thread, Right: a double ply thread. [0017] FIG. 8 . Two SEM images of a braided carbon nanotube material. [0018] FIG. 9 . A schematic drawing of a piece of carbon nanotube fabric. [0019] FIG. 10 . SEM images of carbon nanotube-based fabric made from one ply threads (left) and two ply threads (right). [0020] FIG. 11 . Chemical reactions involved in the carbon nanotube cross-linking through functionalization with vinyl-triethoxysilane. [0021] FIG. 12 . Chemical reactions involved in the carbon nanotube cross-linking through functionalization with vinyl-triethoxyaminosilane. [0022] FIG. 13 . Chemical reactions involved in the carbon nanotube functionalization with carboxyl groups followed by cross-linking with a diamine. [0023] FIG. 14 . Chemical reactions involved in the carbon nanotube carboxylation followed by thermal cross-linking. [0024] FIG. 15 . Stress-strain curves for CNT strips showing the relative mechanical behavior of the three types of media. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions [0025] The term “carbon nanotubes” or “CNTs” are defined herein as crystalline structures comprised of one or many closed concentric, locally cylindrical, graphene layers. Their structure and many of their properties are described in detail in Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Structure, Properties, and Applications, Topics in Applied Physics . (Vol. 80. 2000, Springer-Verlag, M. S. Dresselhaus, G. Dresselhaus, and P. Avouris, eds.) which is herein incorporated by reference. Carbon nanotubes have demonstrated very high mechanical strengths and stiffness (Collins and Avouris, 2000, “Nanotubes for Electronics”. Scientific American: 67, 68, and 69.) They also have very high electrical conductivity which allow current densities of more than 1,000 times that in metals (such as silver and copper). These properties, including the high specific strength and stiffness, will be beneficial to the materials disclosed herein. [0026] The term “yarn” is defined as a bundle of filaments approximately spirally arranged to form a very-high aspect ratio, approximately cylindrical structure. The filaments within the yarn are substantially parallel, in a local sense, to neighboring filaments. [0027] The phrase “carbon nanotube yarn” is a yarn composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. [0028] The terms “thread” and “rope” are defined as high aspect ratio, approximately cylindrical structures composed of more than one strand of yarn. The term “rope” is defined as a high aspect ratio approximately cylindrical structure composed of one yarn or thread surrounded by additional carbon nanotubes forming the mantle or outer sheath. [0029] The present disclosure relates to high-strength, materials comprising thread-like structures made from long carbon nanotubes (CNTS) and the derived materials constructed from them. More specifically, this invention relates to yarn, thread, rope, fabric and composite materials employing long CNTs, bound and twisted. [0030] Unlike the prior art, the materials of this disclosure relates to carbon nanotube yarn containing (1) long or ultra-long carbon nanotubes (>1 mm), that are (2) twisted about the longitudinal axis of the yarn, and (3) chemically-linked together. The benefit of combining these three characteristic is that they allow the construction of ultra-light carbon nanotube based yarns with significantly enhanced mechanical and/or electrical properties over composite structures. [0031] The present disclosure also describe carbon nanotube based yarns, threads and ropes made from commercially available carbon nanotubes with lengths in excess of 1 mm ( FIG. 1 ), which are spirally arranged about the longitudinal axis of the yarn and chemically linked to adjacent neighboring carbon nanotubes. [0032] In one embodiment, high quality, ultra-long, such as greater than 1 mm, such as greater than 3 mm, or even greater than 1 cm, such as greater than cm and small (<50 nm) diameter carbon nanotubes are used, and the degree of helicity and chemical-linking (described below) between the carbon nanotubes within the yarn is optimized to achieve high performance. In addition, fabric materials made by combining multiple strands of the disclosed yarn, thread or rope are also considered part of this disclosure. [0033] Covalent, ionic and metallic bond could be created between adjacent carbon nanotubes to achieve chemical linkage and hence to enhance the strength of yarn, thread, rope and fabric. As an example, two carbon atoms from backbone of adjacent carbon nanotubes can be bound together to create a covalent bond. Two neighbor adjacent carbon nanotubes could also be chemically linked by introducing moieties in between carbon nanotubes. [0034] Molecules and their derivatives or substances containing hydrogen, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, yttrium, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, indium, tin, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, gold, lead, and bismuth could be employed for chemically linked the adjacent carbon nanotubes via covalent, ionic and metallic bonds. [0035] In one embodiment, there may be attached to the carbon nanotubes disclosed herein, at least one functional chemical group, thereby forming a functionalized carbon nanotube. Non-limiting examples of how such functionalized carbon nanotubes may be formed are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,419,601 and 7,211,320, both of which are herein incorporated by reference. [0036] There are two methods for making yarns directly from aligned carbon nanotube forest, and their schematic drawings showing these generic methods are shown in FIG. 2 . In the first method, the carbon nanotube forest is spun while the yarn is drawn and the in the second method the carbon nanotube forest is kept stationary while the yarn is twisted while it is being drawn. Typically carbon nanotubes with the morphology shown in FIG. 1 could be made into yarns by this method. [0037] The first method was used for producing carbon nanotube yarn according to this disclosure. Once the preliminary yarn (called singly ply thread) is made, the yarn can be spun into multiple-ply thread. SEM images of single, double and quadruple-ply threads made in Example 1 are shown in FIG. 3 . As described in Example 1, these threads were made from high quality carbon nanotubes and the individual carbon nanotube measures 3 to 5 mm in length. The yarn and thread shown in this disclosure incorporating the three new features: long carbon nanotubes, twisted and chemically linked together. [0038] In Example 2, an alternative way of making carbon nanotube yarns and threads are described. This is a two-step process, which comprises: (1) making thin film of aligned carbon nanotubes and (2) making yarn and thread out of the thin film. [0039] A method of making thin film with aligned carbon nanotube by rolling is shown in FIG. 4 . In this embodiment, a piece of carbon nanotube forest impregnated with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) is initially sandwiched between two layers of paper; then a roller is used to press the carbon nanotube forest into a thin carbon nanotube film. Next, a carbon nanotube thin film will be formed sandwiched between the two layers of paper. The paper used in this process is a nonwoven paper made from a mixture of glass fibers and bi-component polymer fibers. [0040] The SEM images of the thin film made by the rolling technique are shown in FIG. 5 . Low magnification SEM image of carbon nanotube ribbon shows that the total width of the ribbon of ˜1.5 mm. High magnification SEM image shows carbon nanotubes alignment within the film. Once the thin film is made, it can be made into yarns and threads. A schematic drawing showing carbon nanotube yarns being produced from aligned carbon nanotube ribbons is shown in FIG. 6 . Both a single ply and a double ply carbon nanotube threads were made from the thin film shown in FIG. 6 . [0041] In one embodiment, the yarn can be made by twisting and pulling the aligned carbon nanotube ribbons. SEM images of two spools of carbon nanotube yarn and thread made from aligned carbon nanotube ribbons is shown in FIG. 7 . [0042] A new type of yarn made from the blended material of above disclosed carbon nanotube yarns and natural or synthetic fibers may exhibit significantly different physical properties compared to those of the original component yarns. This new blended yarn could also be used in the making of other disclosed materials in this invention for different applications. [0043] Thread and rope may be made from the yarns disclosed above primarily using two different techniques known as (1) counter-spinning and (2) braiding. Chemical-linking of carbon nanotubes between adjacent yarns may also be done after the threads and ropes have been made in order to achieve a higher degree of interaction between adjacent neighboring carbon-nanotubes strands. [0044] For the threads made by counter-spinning, some of the images have been shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 . In addition, a braided material (braided by three strands of double spun carbon nanotube threads) was made by hand and SEM images of it are shown in FIG. 8 . [0045] High strength fabrics may also be constructed from the above mentioned yarns, threads or ropes. These fabrics can be either woven or nonwoven. Chemical-linking of carbon nanotubes may also be done after fabrics are made in order to achieve a higher degree of mechanical attachment between adjacent neighboring yarns, threads or ropes to enhance the strength of the material. [0046] Schematic drawings and SEM images showing the structure of the carbon nanotube fabric made by weaving yarn and thread together are shown in FIG. 9 , and FIG. 10 , respectively. The woven fabric in FIG. 10 was made by hand with a loom and a mixture of single ply and double ply thread was used. The diameter of the threads in the fabric is in the range of 20 to 50 um. [0047] Composite materials can also be made from the above mentioned yarns, threads, ropes and fabrics with the incorporation of other constituent materials. The constituent materials could be chosen from metals, natural and synthetic polymeric materials, ceramic materials and their combinations. There are many methods of making composites from these materials including: (1) impregnation of the carbon nanotubes with organic and/or inorganic molecules in solution; (2) dipping the materials into solutions or suspensions of organic and inorganic molecules followed by the evaporation of the solvent; (3) coating or filling the carbon nanotubes with metals, organic or other inorganic compounds in a gas phase technique. [0048] Chemical-linking between carbon nanotubes and other constituent materials could also be achieved via covalent bond, ionic bond and metallic bond. These could further improve performance by increasing the interaction between various components. [0049] The non-limiting examples of polymeric materials are chosen from single or multiple component polymers including nylon, polyurethane, acrylic, methacrylic, polycarbonate, epoxy, silicone rubbers, natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, vulcanized rubbers, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, Nomex (poly-paraphylene terephtalamide), Kevlar poly (p-phenylene terephtalamide), PEEK (polyester ester ketene), Mylar (polyethylene terephthalate), viton (viton fluoroelastomer), polyetrafluoroethylene, polyetrafluoroethylene), halogenated polymers, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyester (polyethylene terepthalate), polypropylene, polychloroprene, and multi-component polymers, and combination thereof. [0050] The non-limiting examples of metallic and ceramic materials that can be used in the composite materials described herein are chosen from boron carbide, boron nitride, boron oxide, boron phosphate, spinel, garnet, lanthanum fluoride, calcium fluoride, silicon carbide, carbon and its allotropes, silicon oxide, glass, quartz, aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride, zirconium oxide, zirconium carbide, zirconium boride, zirconium nitrite, hafnium boride, thorium oxide, yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, phosphorus oxide, cordierite, mullite, silicon nitride, ferrite, sapphire, steatite, titanium carbide, titanium nitride, titanium boride, molybdenum, nickel, silver, zirconium, yttrium, and alloys or combination thereof. [0051] One of the carbon nanotube cross-linking approaches described herein could utilize silane chemistry. In this embodiment, the process could be described as: (1) attachment of vinyltrialkoxysilanes to carbon nanotube sidewall via a free radical reaction; (2) hydrolysis of the trialkoxysilane moiety; and (3) thermal process between 120-150° C. The hydroxysilane groups will form siloxane —Si—O—Si— bridges between the outer shells of adjacent nanotubes after this process ( FIG. 11 ). [0052] A similar process using amino groups for cross-linking carbon nanotubes is shown in FIG. 12 . It is known that in acidic water solutions amines exist in protonated, that is positively charged form. Such property of amino groups grafted to nanotubes could assist in building up positive surface charge. The functionalization and cross-linking steps are shown in FIG. 12 . [0053] Another approach for cross-linking of carbon nanotubes is shown in FIG. 13 . The process could be described as: (1) Oxidization of carbon nanotubes in order to render their surface negatively charged due to the carboxyl groups. (2) Linkage between the carboxyl groups attached to the adjacent nanotubes via a diamine. Similar cross-linking could also be achieved by the reaction between a carboxyl group and an amino group resulting in the formation of amide moiety (also shown in FIG. 13 ). [0054] Other than the techniques mentioned above, post treatment of the disclosed materials could be achieved via high temperature thermal annealing, passing high electric current through the disclosed materials, electron beam and/or ion radiation (chemical reactions involved in these process are shown in FIG. 14 ). Further improvement of the thermal annealing method could be attempted by introducing additional source of carbon into the thread prior the annealing. [0055] Two of the above mentioned cross-linking approaches were employed in Example 5 and mechanical testing results from three types of materials are shown in FIG. 15 . Clearly, mechanical performance of the materials could be enhanced as expected by the used chemical-linking approaches between carbon nanotubes. [0056] The above mentioned yarns, threads or ropes made with carbon nanotubes having differing characteristics can be woven together to create unique materials that take advantage of the incredibly diverse properties of the carbon nanotube. For example, depending on the application, carbon nanotubes that exhibit unique electrical, thermal, electromagnetic, strength, and filtration/detection properties can be combined in a yarn to be woven into a multifunctional material. [0057] The invention will be further clarified by the following non-limiting examples, which is intended to be purely exemplary of the invention. EXAMPLES Example 1 Carbon Nanotube Yarn and Thread from Dry Process [0058] Raw carbon nanotubes were provided by NanoTech Labs (Yadkinville, N.C. 27055) in clusters typically measuring 3 to 5 mm thickness, 1-2 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. They were used for carbon nanotube yarns making with individual carbon nanotube measuring 3-5 mm in length. Yarns according to this example were made by: a) continuously and sequentially pulling carbon nanotubes from the as-received carbon nanotube clusters; b) twisting the carbon nanotube fibers to make the yarn; c) winding the resulting yarn on to the collecting spool; d) carboxyl functionalization of the spool of yarn; e) heat treating at 500° C. for 30 min to achieve cross-linking within the yarn. The twisting and collection was performed automatically to achieve uniformity. [0059] The yarns shown in FIG. 3 were made by using the first method (shown in FIG. 2 ), which comprised spinning the carbon nanotube forest while the yarn was drawn. By using counter-spinning technique, the yarn (also called singly ply thread) could be spun into multiple-ply thread. SEM images of single, double and quadruple-ply threads are shown in FIG. 3 . These threads were made from high quality carbon nanotubes and the individual carbon nanotube measures 3 to 5 mm in length. The yarn and thread shown in this disclosure incorporating the three new features: long carbon nanotubes, twisted and chemically linked together. Example 2 Wet Spun Carbon Nanotube Yarns [0060] The carbon nanotube yarns according to this example were produced by: a) impregnating carbon nanotube material with PEG-2000; b) removing the excess PEG from the carbon nanotube material to make carbon nanotube dough; c) sandwiching the resulting carbon nanotube dough between two layers of paper; d) producing thin film by repeatedly running roller over the carbon nanotube dough; e) slitting the carbon nanotube thin film into narrow ribbons; f) twisting the narrow ribbons into yarns; g) baking the resulting yarns at 220° C. for half an hour; h) carboxylation of the spool of yarn; i) heating at 500° C. for 30 mins to achieve cross-linking within the yarn. [0061] The method for making carbon nanotube thin film is depicted in FIG. 4 and the SEM images of the resulted thin film are shown in FIG. 5 . Low magnification SEM image of carbon nanotube ribbon shows a total width of the ribbon of ˜1.5 mm. High magnification SEM image is showing carbon nanotubes alignment within the film. [0062] The method for making carbon nanotube yarns from aligned carbon nanotube ribbons is depicted in FIG. 7 . SEM images of two spools of carbon nanotube yarn and thread made from the above aligned carbon nanotube ribbons are shown in FIG. 8 . These yarn and thread were made by twisting and pulling the aligned carbon nanotube ribbons and both a single ply and a double ply carbon nanotube yarn and thread were made from the thin film shown in FIG. 6 . Example 3 Braided Carbon Nanotube Materials [0063] By using the techniques shown in example 1, some double ply threads were made. Using the conventional technique, under optical microscope, a piece of braided material was made by tweezers. Two SEM images of a braided carbon nanotube material are shown in FIG. 8 and three strands of double spun carbon nanotube yarns were used in this braided material. Example 4 Carbon Nanotube Fabric [0064] By using the techniques shown in example 1, some single ply and double ply threads were made. A schematic drawing of a piece of carbon nanotube fabric is shown in FIG. 9 . Under optical microscope, a home made loom was used for the weaving of the fabric. SEM images of the piece of woven fabric are shown in FIG. 10 . The fabric was woven from a mixture of single and double spun carbon nanotube yarns. The diameter of the yarns is in the range of 20 to 50 um. Example 5 Chemical-Linking of Carbon Nanotubes [0065] The experiments on cross-linking of carbon nanotubes were performed over carbon nanotube strips. The same process could be applied to the disclosed materials in this invention. [0066] Long CNTs (3-5 mm in length) with diameters of 30-50 nm provided by NanoTechLabs were used as received. The detail procedure of the experiments is described as: [0067] I. Thermal Annealing [0068] (1) Long CNTs were acid washed and dispersed. [0069] (2) Suspension of carbon nanotubes were deposited onto carbon cloth substrate discs. [0070] (3) Carbon nanotube membrane was peeled off the substrate, pressed with a hand roller and dried. [0071] (4) Seven thin strips of roughly 0.25 mm thickness were slit from the central part of each membrane. These strips were called untreated. [0072] (5) Four of the seven strips were annealed at 500° C. for half an hour. These strips were called heat treated. [0073] II. Chemical Treatment [0074] (1) Vinyltrialkoxysilanes were attached to the long carbon nanotube sidewall via free radical reaction. [0075] (2) Functionalized carbon nanotubes from step 1 were dispersed. [0076] (3) Suspension of carbon nanotubes were deposited onto carbon cloth substrate discs. [0077] (4) Carbon nanotube membrane was peeled off the substrate, pressed with a hand roller and dried. [0078] (5) Carbon nanotube membrane was thermal processed at 120-150° C. to form siloxane —Si—O—Si— bridges between the outer shells of the adjacent nanotubes. [0079] All 10 strips were tested with an MTS Insight Tensile Tester under uniaxial tensile loading and the stress-strain curves for each strip are shown in FIG. 15 . The early mechanical behavior of both types of cross-linked strips is very similar (nearly equal slope) with the chemically linked strips being able to withstand higher applied stresses. Both types of treated strips were shown to consistently carry a higher tensile loading before breaking and have a steeper stress-strain relationship, conclusively demonstrating an improvement in the mechanical behavior in tensile strength. [0080] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

There is disclosed a material comprising an assembly of at least one spun yarn substantially comprising carbon nanotubes, a majority of which are longer than one millimeter, such as longer than one centimeter, chemically interlinked one to another, and arranged in the morphology of spiral configurations. The disclosed materials may take the form of a yarn, thread, rope, or fabric. There are also disclosed composite materials constructed from the disclosed materials.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a string of electrically powered ornaments such as a string of lights used for such purposes as decorating Christmas trees and other symbolic things including commercial branding, showroom displays, etc. More particularly, the invention relates to electrically wired ornament strings and provides means to assist in determining which of the various ornaments in a string has failed. In the following description, the invention is described as it applies particularly to a string of Christmas lights, but it is to be understood that this particular application of the invention is only exemplary of its many uses, and the invention is not to be so narrowly construed except as recited in the appended claims. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Light strings frequently are made with fifty or more lights, and when a light fails generally the others remain lit. Occasionally, however, something happens to a bulb that breaks the electrical circuit and all of the lights in the string go out. When that occurs, it is necessary to check each bulb in the string to find the one that failed. When that light is replaced, the entire string will light. Light testers are available to assist in checking all the lights in a string, but it is often difficult to follow the string when it is wound about the branches of a tree and/or used in close proximity with other strings. A primary object of the present invention is to provide means to assist a person in tracing a light string so that the bulbs may be tested in order without skipping any of the lights in a string or unknowingly retesting any of them. Another object of the present invention is to assist a person using a light tester so that it may be used most efficiently. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, the string of ornaments, whether they be lights or other electrically powered elements, are sequentially identified by applying indicia to each ornament in the string such as by numbering or lettering each of the ornaments in sequence. This will enable one to sequentially trace the ornaments in a particular string regardless of how the string is displayed or presented so that each ornament in the string may be tested to identify and replace the failed ornament, to reactivate all of the ornaments in the string. These and other objects and features of the invention will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description of selected embodiments thereof, presented for purposes of illustration and shown in the accompanying drawing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical Christmas tree illustrating how a number of intertwined or interlaced light strings are typically applied to the tree; FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a string of lights constructed in accordance with the present invention and sequentially numbered to enable the string to be traced even when wound on a tree in the manner generally suggested in FIG. 1 or in any other location; FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a single light including both a socket and lamp carrying indicia, in this case, a letter, so as to enable a series of such lights to be traced to locate a failed bulb so that it may be replaced and thereby render the entire string operative; and FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevation view of a string of lights with indicia applied to tags attached to the wires connecting them in the string. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In FIG. 1, a Christmas tree 10 is suggested on which are hung a number of string lights 12 , 14 , 16 , . . . , each composed of a substantial number of ornaments 20 . As suggested above, while ordinarily the failure of one bulb will not effect the other lights in a string, occasionally the failure of one will cause the entire string to go dark. The single string, 22 suggested in FIG. 2 includes a plug 21 at one end for connecting the string to a power source. The plug is merely representative of a number of different electrical connectors that may be used. It is not uncommon to have fifty or more lights in a single string, and in large displays a single string may have a very large number, even exceeding 100 or more lights. It is not difficult to appreciate that when all the lights in a string go dark, it is a difficult and time consuming task to locate the failed bulb that caused it, and this task is made more difficult because of the need to trace the string and test the bulbs in sequence. While various sophisticated circuits have been developed that will indicate where failure has occurred and so as to avoid the necessity for tracing along an entire string, they are expensive and not fully reliable. In accordance with the present invention, sequential indicia is associated with each of the lights in a string. Thus, as FIG. 2 suggests ‘n’ lights in the string, they are consecutively numbered 1-“n”. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the indicia may be applied to the sockets as suggested in FIGS. 2 and 3, but it should be appreciated that the indicia may alternatively be applied to the wiring adjacent each socket by an inconspicuous tag or label 30 wrapped on the wiring as in FIG. 4, or alternatively the wiring itself between adjacent sockets may be sequentially marked so as to assist a person in tracing the string from one end to the other if necessary to locate the failed bulb or other ornament. While in FIG. 2 the indicia is in the form of consecutive numbers applied to the series of lights in sequence, the numbers may be replaced by sequential letters of the alphabet or any other sequential indicia that a person will readily recognize so as to assist him or her to follow the ornaments in series in the string. While in the foregoing description, the invention has been described as applied to a series of Christmas tree lights in a string, the lights may be replaced by any other electrically powered ornament or device. While in the foregoing description the lights carry sequential indicia throughout the string, for convenience in manufacturing and to reduce costs, particularly in long strings, an indicia sequence may be repeated. For example in a string of 50 lights, a sequence of 1 through 10 may be repeated five times, or a different sequence may be repeated a sufficient number of times to cover the entire string. In many applications, that arrangement will be adequate to enable a person to trace the string so as to locate the failed light or other ornament. Having described this invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous modifications may be made of this invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the breadth of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, the breadth of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

A string of electrically powered ornaments such as lights connected in a series and sequentially identifiable indicia is applied sequentially in association with each ornament in the string to enable a person to trace the string for testing each ornament.

The present invention relates generally to an improved system and method for notifying a cashier if an item is present in an obscured area of a shopping cart. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Bottom of Buggy (BOB) is a common grocery and general retail industry term. BOB is a key phrase that retail managers use to express their desire for cashiers to pay close attentions to a bottom storage area of shopping carts in order to spot items that need to be processed through the cash register or other point of sales terminal. Point of sales terminals are known in the art and need not be described in great detail. Generally speaking, they comprise a software package operating a collection of hardware devices including a keyboard, monitor, barcode scanner, weight scale, and electric payment terminal device. The point of sale terminal reads in objects, usually by barcode or unique identification number and optionally by weight, as they are presented to a cashier and keeps a running total payable for purchased products. The bottom storage area of the shopping cart refers to a flat storage area, typically just above the wheels, which runs the length of the shopping cart and is located underneath the main package storage area. This area is a concern for retail managers because it is often obscured from the cashier's view. Therefore, items placed on the bottom of the cart may be missed by the cashier and losses may be incurred by a store. Losses through missed items on the bottom of the cart can occur for a number of different reasons. The customer may forget that there is an item on the bottom of the shopping cart and either is never aware that the item has not been properly processed through the store's Point Of Sale system or decides not to return to the store once they are aware of the unprocessed items. Alternately, an unscrupulous customer may attempt to hide the existence of items located on the bottom of the buggy. This can be accomplished in many different fashions, including: covering the bottom of the main package storage area with a flyer or articles of clothing so as to shield the bottom of the buggy from the cashier's view; placing articles of clothing over top of items located on the bottom of the shopping cart, concealing the items underneath; pushing the shopping cart through the checkout aisle quickly enough so as not to give the cashier time or opportunity to check the bottom of the shopping cart. Yet further, some cashiers may be negligent in their duty to practice due diligence in checking for items in the bottom of the shopping cart. Worse yet, unscrupulous cashiers may act in coercion with customers known to them personally and purposely not process items placed on the bottom of the shopping cart, in effect defrauding the retailer. This is often referred to as a form of “sweet hearting”. The retail industry, most notably the retail grocery industry, has long suffered these types of losses despite the several inventions designed to reduce them. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,006 issued to Allen describes a detection mechanism that uses photodetectors to detect the presence of objects located on the lower storage section of a shopping cart as it moves past a checkout station, an audio and/or video alarm for alerting the cashier to the detected object, and a video camera for recording a video image of the object that was detected. Allen discloses that once the alarm state is entered, the cash register draw is commanded to close, thereby preventing any further transactions. The alarm state remains until nullified by depressing a push-button at the checkout station. However, locking the cash register typically occurs after the customer has been checked out. Therefore, the cashier may not notice that there is an item on the lower storage cart until it is too late, The cashier would then have to ring the items in separately which is time consuming and tedious for both the cashier and customer. Another example of a prior art attempt to solve this problem is described by U.S. application Ser. No. 2003/0184440, filed by Ballantyne. The application describes an item detection apparatus that uses an optical line generator, an area-imaging sensor, and a pattern analyzer to determine the presence or absence of items on the bottom tray of a cart as it moves through a checkout aisle. The pattern-recognition algorithm used by the pattern analyzer determines a differential image process to remove the impact of ambient lighting on the analysis. If an item is detected on the bottom tray of the cart, an audible alarm may be triggered and a secondary system, such as a wheel brake, may be activated that physically prevents further movement of the cart through the checkout aisle. Similar to the previous solution, the cashier may not notice that there is an item on the lower storage cart until it is too late. The cashier would then have to ring the items in separately which is time consuming and tedious for both the cashier and customer. Further, Canadian Patent No. 2,283,382 issued to Ballantyne describes an inspection apparatus that uses a sensor for detecting the presence of a shopping, a video camera for capturing an image of the lower portion of the shopping cart, and an image display for displaying the image to the cashier. If the presence of a shopping cart is detected, the image of the lower portion of the shopping cart is displayed on the image display. The image display remains until the cash register drawer is closed. The present solution simply displays the bottom of the buggy to the cashier while the transaction is taking place. Typically, however, as the cashiers become accustomed to the display, they will begin to pay less attention to it, reducing its effect. Yet another example of prior art attempt to solve this problem is described by U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,968 issued to Welch. The patent describes a fraud-detection system that uses a colour video camera to identify the items that are contained in a shopping cart. The system uses a colour-normalization technique to improve the accuracy of the item identification process. The system also takes an overhead image of the checkout station and the adjacent cart aisle to determine whether the shopping cart is empty. If, at the end of the transaction, the shopping cart is found to be not empty, the system determines whether the transaction involved the purchase of any items that are considered to be too large to be placed on the take-away belt of the checkout station. An “event” is generated if the shopping cart is found to be not empty, but the transaction record contains no “large” items. However, the patent does not explain the ramifications of such an event being generated. Accordingly, even with such a proliferation of solutions, Bottom Of Buggy product detectors have achieved only a very limited success in the marketplace since there has been a continuing need for improvement. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of facilitating a checkout at a shopping cart checkout station, comprising the steps of: inhibiting processing of items on the shopping cart in the event of a detection of a non-empty obscured section of the shopping cart; and processing the items upon receipt of a command input from an operator at the checkout station. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shopping cart checkout station, comprising: detector for detecting a non-empty obscured section of a shopping cart, the detector being configured to generate a halt command upon the detection of the non-empty obscured section; and computer processor for processing items on the shopping cart for checkout, the processor being in communication with the detector and being configured to inhibit the processing of the items on the shopping cart upon receipt of the halt command from the detector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a top view of a checkout counter; FIG. 2 is a side view of the checkout counter shown in FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a side view of a shopping cart barcode scanner; FIG. 4 is a front view of the shopping cart barcode scanner shown in FIG. 3 ; and FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating operation of the checkout counter in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT For convenience, like numerals in the description refer to like structures in the drawings. Referring to FIG. 1 , an overhead view of a checkout station (or counter) is illustrated generally by numeral 100 . The checkout counter 100 comprises an entry counter or conveyor belt 102 , a combination weight scale/barcode scanner 104 , a keyboard 106 , a cashier display monitor 108 , an exit counter or conveyor belt 110 , a bagging area 112 , a customer display monitor 114 , a handheld barcode scanner 116 and a cashier workspace 118 . Typically, customer traffic flows as indicated by arrow 101 in FIG. 1 , as each customer passes through a cashier lane The general process is described as follows. The customer removes their products from the shopping cart and places them on the entry counter or moving conveyor belt 102 . The cashier is then responsible for passing all items past the combination weight scale/barcode scanner 104 for scanning or weighing the items as required. This operation is typically part of the Point Of Sale system and under control of the point of sale software. The handheld barcode scanner 116 , which is also part of the Point Of Sale system provides the cashier with the ability to scan barcoded items that are too big to be passed through the combination weight scale/scanner 104 . The handheld barcode scanner 116 is typically on a cord long enough for the cashier to reach over the counter 100 and access the product. Further, the cashier may need to enter information for non-barcoded items, such as produce for example. Accordingly, the cashier uses the keyboard 106 to enter their Product Look Up (PLU) numbers. The keyboard 106 is also used for entering miscellaneous Point Of Sale information such as tender amounts. While the cashier is checking out the customer's products, information is displayed to the cashier on the cashier display monitor 108 . The cashier display monitor 108 is typically a Point Of Sale computer monitor aimed at the cashier, for displaying various items of information about the current transaction, such as a list of items already checked out and a running total of dollar amount of the transaction. The same or similar information is displayed to the customer on the customer display monitor 114 . After the cashier has processed a product through the point of sale system, the cashier typically places the product on the exit counter or conveyor belt 110 . The products are moved into the bagging area 112 , where they are placed into bags by one or more of the cashier, the customer, or a bagging clerk. Although the above description illustrates a typical checkout process at a typical checkout counter, various modifications can be implemented. For example, instead of providing both a cashier display monitor 108 and a customer display monitor 114 , a single display monitor may perform both functions. Further, the bagging process may differ in that the cashier places the products into bags before placing them onto the exit counter 110 . In this case the bagging area 112 may not be necessary. Yet further, the handheld barcode reader 116 may be cordless, or may not be provided at all. These and other modifications will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Referring to FIG. 2 , a side view of the checkout counter 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown. As seen from this perspective, the checkout counter 100 further includes a camera housing 202 , a camera view port 204 , and a shopping cart barcode reader 206 . The camera housing 202 is used to house a camera (not shown). The camera model used in the present embodiment is the Logitech 4000 Pro web camera. The Logitech camera is a slightly higher end web camera and other cameras such as the Creative PD1130 would likely function equally as well. The camera housing 202 is used both for protecting the camera from physical harm, as well as protecting it from having its angle of view altered after installation. In the present embodiment, the camera housing 202 is bolted down to a rear vertical surface under the checkout counter 100 . The camera housing 202 includes the camera view port 204 , which is basically a hole facing out towards the area whereby the shopping cart will pass. The camera is positioned such that its lens aims out of the camera view port 204 . The camera view port 204 may also be covered by a clear material such as glass or plastic in order to protect the camera's lens. The shopping cart barcode reader 206 comprises a laser beam barcode reader and is mounted so that the laser beam, which scans the barcodes, is in a generally vertical configuration. The laser beam is directed towards the area through which the shopping cart will pass for reading a barcode affixed to the shopping cart. The camera housing 202 and the shopping cart barcode reader 206 are spaced apart such when the shopping cart barcode reader 206 detects a barcode on the shopping cart, the lower level storage area of the shopping cart will be positioned in from of the camera. Referring to FIG. 3 , a side view of the shopping cart barcode reader 206 is shown. In the present embodiment, the shopping cart barcode reader 206 comprises a scanner 302 , a laser beam 304 , and a cord assembly 306 . The cord assembly includes a power cable and a communications cable. The cord assembly 306 leads into an interface/junction box, which splits the power and communications into two separate cables. The cord assembly 306 exits from the rear of the scanner 302 and is typically attached to the checkout counter to avoid causing problems. As can be seen from the drawing, the laser beam is emitted from the scanner 302 towards the cashier aisle through which the shopping cart will be passing. Referring to FIG. 4 a front view of the shopping cart barcode reader is shown. In this figure the laser beam 304 being emitted from the barcode scanner is aimed directly at the viewer. All shopping carts in the store are affixed with a barcode. The barcode is placed on the cart such that it can be scanned by the shopping cart barcode reader 206 . In the present embodiment, the barcode is placed on the lower storage level of the shopping cart. Further, it is preferable that the location of the barcode for shopping carts of similar size and shape is similar. The actual barcodes affixed to the shopping cart can vary depending on the implementation. For example, all shopping carts may share a common barcodes or each shopping cart may have a unique barcode. In the present embodiment, the shopping carts have unique barcodes comprising a common five-digit prefix. Referring to FIG. 5 , the checkout process in accordance with the present embodiment is illustrated generally by numeral 500 . In step 501 , the shopping cart barcode scanner 206 scans for a shopping cart barcode to pass in front of it. Once a barcode is detected, the process proceeds to step 502 where several tests are, optionally, performed on the barcode to verify the presence of a shopping cart. These tests are described as follows. The barcode may be verified to ensure that the prefix of the shopping cart barcode matches the predefined common prefix assigned to all shopping carts. Further, the barcode may be checked to ensure that it differs from the previously scanned shopping cart barcode. This reduces any adverse effects of the same shopping cart being moved back and forth in front of the scanner during the same transaction. Duplicate entries may be checked by control logic contained in the scanner itself, or the software used to implement the checkout process. If either of these tests fails, the process returns to step 501 , otherwise it continues to step 504 . When the barcode is detected the process proceeds to step 504 . In step 504 , the camera takes a picture of the lower storage area of the shopping cart and captures the image. Once again, the placement of the camera in relation to the shopping cart barcode scanner 206 and the barcode affixed to the shopping cart result in the camera taking the picture as soon as the barcode is detected. The process then proceeds to step 506 , wherein the captured image is processed to determine whether or not a product is present on the lower storage area of the cart. The image processing is performed as follows. A predefined region is specified within the camera's view area for analysis. Typically, this is the region in which the product would be located. Anything in the captured image appearing outside of this region is ignored for the purposes of image analysis. The image is converted to a saturated, 256 grayscale image to assist with the image processing. Although the image is captured in colour, the image processing is performed in grayscale for increasing the processing accuracy. When an image is converted into saturated grayscale, details such as textures and patterns are washed out, while edges are emphasized. This allows features such as the wire grating of the shopping cart itself or the lines of tile on a floor, to be practically ignored when comparing images, so items on the bottom of the cart are emphasized. It also reduces the effects of varying light conditions. The converted image is compared against a stored image, also a saturated 256 grayscale image, of an empty shopping cart. The stored image is not necessarily stored as a saturated grayscale image, but may be converted from a colour image during a system startup routine. The differences between the images are analysed using a Mean Square Error formula Although other image comparison algorithms may also be used effectively, this method protects the process from varying light conditions that are common throughout the day in a retail store where outside lighting affects the quality and hue of the light indoors. The image processing used in the present embodiment is provided Intrepid Control Systems. The Mean Square Error algorithm is applied to the captured and stored images to determine whether or not an item exists within the predefined region. In step 508 , once the comparison has been made, the process determines whether or not an item was detected on the lower storage area of the cart. If no item was detected, the process returns to step 502 and waits for the next shopping cart. If an item was detected, the process continues to step 512 , where the cashier is notified of existence of an item on the bottom of the shopping cart. In the present embodiment the cashier is notified via a popup window that displays an image of the item, captured by the camera, on the cashiers display screen 108 . Further, in addition to displaying an image of the item, the Point Of Sale terminal is halted. Accordingly, the cashier is prevented from any further processing of the transaction, including scanning items or tendering the sale, until that notification screen is acknowledged by the cashier. In the present embodiment, operation of the point of sale terminal is halted as follows. When the notification screen is sent to the cashier, a “PostMessage” Windows® API call is made to the point of sale terminal with the following parameters to deactivate the scanning equipment: the parameter “wParam” is set to 1; the parameter “msg” is set to a unique id obtained through the Windows® API call “RegisterWindowMessage”; and the parameter “lParam” is set to a pointer addressing the barcode of the shopping cart. In this manner, not only in the transaction halted, but the point of sale terminal is updated with the barcode of the corresponding shopping cart. In step 514 , the process pauses until the cashier provides acknowledgement of the existence of items on the bottom of the shopping cart. In the present embodiment, this is achieved by pressing a predefined key on the keyboard 106 . Once the key has been pressed, the process continues to step 516 in which the point of sale terminal is allowed to proceed as normal. In the present embodiment, the point of sale terminal is reactivated using a second “PostMessage” Windows® API call with the following parameters: the parameter “wParam” is set to 0; the parameter “msg” is set to a unique identifier obtained through the Windows® API call “RegisterWindowMessage”; and the parameter “lParam” is set to null. If the cashier determined that the item on the bottom storage area of the shopping cart was not a product sold by the store, for example the customer's purse, the cashier can continue to scan the remaining items, if any. Alternately, if the cashier determined that the item on the bottom storage area of the shopping cart was product sold by the store, the cashier can scan the product and then continue to scan the remaining items, if any. For the present embodiment, the software required to implement the process is stored on the point of sale Terminal, but is separate from the point of sale software. This provides flexibility to integrate the process with various types of point of sales terminals. Accordingly, it can be seen that the present embodiment provides a store manager with a tool for alerting cashiers to potential products stores in the lower level storage area of a shopping cart. The method forces the cashier to take note of the lower level storage area of a shopping cart if an item is detected, and allows the cashier to easily include the product in the transaction. In an alternate embodiment, further control is exercised by the store manager by providing a central computer for monitoring all of the point of sale terminals. In the present embodiment, all the point of sale terminals are connected via a network to the central computer. As described in the previous embodiment, the bottom storage area of the shopping cart is scanned for items. When an item is detected, in addition to displaying the item image to the cashier, the item image is communicated from the point of sale terminal to the central computer. In addition to the item image, other information may be transmitted as well including the date, time, a point of sale terminal identifier, a cashier identifier, shopping cart barcode, a list of items checked out, and the like. Depending on the implementation, shopping cart barcodes can be linked to the transaction by one of the following two methods. In a first method, the barcode scanned by the shopping cart barcode scanner 206 is sent to the Point Of Sale terminal to be stored, along with the transaction, in the Point Of Sale database. In a second method, the shopping cart includes an additional copy of the barcode on an upper portion of the cart. The cashier can then scan the additional barcode, using the handheld scanner 116 , which is connected to and controlled by the Point Of Sale terminal. Accordingly, it can be seen that storing a list of items checked out along with the picture of the bottom of the cart for later review by a store manager will likely discourage cashiers from attempting to ignore, purposefully or otherwise, detection of items on the lower storage area of the shopping cart. Further, the shopping cart serial numbers can be shown on customer transaction receipts as well as stored in Point Of Sale historical databases on the central computer for later review. This indicates to the customer that the retailer has technology in place to safe guard against unpaid items, which are placed on the bottom of the shopping cart, leaving the store. Additionally, the customer display monitor 114 may be configured to display a notice to the customers indicating that this type of technology is in place. Such warnings may deter some customers from trying to sneak products through the checkout counter. Additionally, having a record of the shopping cart serial numbers provides a digital record for the retailer to identify which shopping cart left the building with which customer. Such information would be valuable where once missing carts are retrieved throughout the neighborhood and returned to the retailer. Therefore, it can be seen that the central computer provides valuable statistical information tracking all shopping cart movement, and making all images available for analysis. Further it can be seen that by recording point of sale transaction information along with an item's image, and forcing a cashier to acknowledge these transactions by interrupting a point of sale terminal's operation, a store manager has a tool to hold cashiers accountable for products placed on the bottom of shopping carts that move through their checkout station. Additionally, having a record of shopping cart traffic as they move through the cashier stations, regardless of an item detected or not, allows the store manager to monitor the health of their shopping cart inventory. Furthermore, head office personnel are presented with a tool that may assist in transferring shopping cart inventory out of one store and into another. For example, if the cart traffic data shows that 20 percent of the carts get used 80 percent of the time, it may indicate that there is an excess of shopping carts at a particular location. This provides the store with an opportunity to save money by transferring carts to a different store location that is in need, instead of ordering new carts. Likewise, if the reverse were true, it would indicate that there is a shortage of shopping carts. Yet further, cart traffic data may also indicate problem carts. If a cart has not been pushed through a cashier station for quite some time, typically well below the store average rate, it may indicate a cart is in need of repair. Although the previous embodiments have been described as detecting items stored on the lower storage area of the cart, the present invention is not limited as such Rather, the invention can be equally applied to another area that may be obscured from the cashier's view, as will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art. While the invention has been described in connection with a specific embodiment and in a specific use, various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. The terms and expressions which have been employed in the specification are used as terms of description and not of limitations, there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention. The present invention is intended to be defined according to the following claims and their equivalents.

A method of facilitating a checkout at a shopping cart checkout station is provided, comprising the steps of: inhibiting processing of items on the shopping cart in the event of a detection of a non-empty obscured section of the shopping cart; and processing the items upon receipt of a command input from an operator at the checkout station. A checkout station and apparatus for implementing the method are also provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to a screw assembly and method for controlling tolerances related to stacking components, and more particularly to a screw assembly and method which can provide for interlocking of adjacent components, while maintaining locational tolerances such as a constant spacing between the components. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Various mechanical applications involve adjacent structural components, some of which may be in contact with one another, and others which may instead be spaced apart from one another. In some situations where adjacent structural components are spaced apart, tight locational tolerances may play a significant role in performance or effectiveness of the particular application. That is, maintaining a particular spacing between components in some systems or applications may be important to the functionality of the system. [0005] In some of these applications, a particular spacing between adjacent components may be difficult to establish and maintain without slight variations, for example, minor increases or decreases in the gap or spacing size. In these cases, it may be difficult to establish a stable structural connection between components, or a desired gap or spacing may be either too large or too small to create a sturdy or effective connection using traditional methods. [0006] One such application may be in the field of phased array antennas, which have seen an increase in the range of application in recent years in fields such as the defense market, including applications in communications and radar systems, as well as in various other commercial markets. For example, a phased array antenna developed by the Raytheon company, may include a radiator having a plurality of transmit/receive integrated microwave module (TRIMM) plates or columns arranged in a column assembly, and a plurality of radiating elements extending from each of the columns in the column assembly. Polarization of such a phased array antenna depends on, for example, the orientation or the alignment of the electric field radiated by the phased array antenna. A particular array orientation generates a fixed electric field alignment across all the elements of the assembly, and as such, small variations in spacing between the columns in the column assembly may have a large impact on the effectiveness, stability, and/or optimization of certain performance characteristics of the phased array antenna. Therefore, positional precision is more important for certain portions of such column assemblies, for example, the radiating elements. [0007] In these phased array antennas, if adjacent plates or columns are stacked to contact one another, the relative positioning between radiating elements may be affected by manufacturing variations in the plates or columns, for example, variations or inconsistencies in plate thicknesses. Furthermore, in such column assemblies, as the number of columns in the column assemblies increases, any plate inconsistencies may cause additional deviations from a desired spacing between the radiating elements, as error may be compounded based on the increased number of columns, and performance degradation of the antenna as a whole may further be magnified. As such, it may be desirable to provide a certain amount of clearance between adjacent plates, in order to eliminate or reduce spacing inconsistencies between the radiating elements that may be caused by manufacturing variations of the columns. In such arrangements, the columns can therefore be aligned according to positioning of the radiating elements, and the plates may then be secured in the desired positions to eliminate or reduce such variations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a screw assembly and method for more effectively controlling tolerances related to stacking and interlocking components. [0009] According to aspects of an embodiment of the present invention, a screw assembly for maintaining a substantially constant gap between adjacent components includes a first screw including: an exterior surface including a first threaded surface; and an inner wall defining a bore, the bore being coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the first screw, the inner wall including a second threaded surface, wherein one of the first threaded surface or the second threaded surface is arranged with a right-hand thread, and the other one of the first threaded surface or the second threaded surface is arranged with a left-hand thread. [0010] The first screw may have a first end and a second end, and may further have a head portion positioned at the first end adjacent to the first threaded surface, wherein the bore has an opening at the first end on the head portion and extends towards the second end. The head portion may be substantially cylindrical. The opening may include a countersink. [0011] At least one of the first threaded surface or the second threaded surface may include a flange portion. [0012] The screw assembly may further include a second screw including: a shaft portion including a threaded surface; and a head portion positioned on one end of the shaft portion, wherein an outer diameter of the shaft portion corresponds to the an inner diameter of the bore of the first screw and the threaded surface of the second screw is arranged with a thread that corresponds to the thread of the second threaded surface of the first screw, and wherein an outer diameter of the head portion is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the shaft portion. [0013] The second screw may have a first end and a second end, wherein the head portion is positioned on the first end, and wherein a friction device is arranged on the shaft portion adjacent or near the second end. [0014] The screw assembly may further include a first component and a second component, wherein the first screw is positioned in the first component and the second screw is positioned in the second component, and wherein the first screw and the second screw are configured to engage. The second screw may be configured to advance into the bore of the first screw when rotated in a first direction, and the first screw may be configured to advance out of a bore of the first component when rotated in the first direction. In an initial position the first screw may be positioned in a first bore of the first component and the second screw may be positioned in a second bore of the second component, and in a clamped position, the first screw and the second screw may be engaged such that an end of the first screw abuts the second component to prevent movement of the second component towards the first component, and the head portion of the second screw abuts the second component to prevent movement of the second component away from the first component. [0015] According to aspects of another embodiment of the present invention, a method for maintaining a substantially constant gap between a first component and a second component includes: inserting a first screw into a bore of the first component, the first screw including an exterior threaded surface having a left-hand thread corresponding to a threaded surface of the bore of the first component, and an inner wall defining a bore and including a second threaded surface having a right-hand thread; aligning the second component to be adjacent to and separated by a gap from the first component, wherein a bore of the second component is substantially aligned with the bore of the first component; inserting a second screw into the bore of the second component and towards the first component, the second screw including a threaded surface having a right-hand thread corresponding to the second threaded surface of the first screw, and a head adjacent to the threaded surface; rotating the second screw in a clockwise direction to engage with the first screw; further rotating the second screw in the clockwise direction, wherein the second screw rotates the first screw in the clockwise direction and advances the first screw towards the second component until the first screw contacts a first surface of the second component; further rotating the second screw in the clockwise direction to advance the second screw into the bore of the first screw, until the head of the second screw contacts a second surface of the second component opposite the first surface. [0016] An alignment device may align the second component with the first component and to maintain the gap. [0017] The method may further include connecting the first component and the second component with at least a third screw spaced apart from the first screw and the second screw. [0018] A third screw configured to be substantially the same shape as the first screw may be inserted into the second component, and a fourth screw configured to be substantially the same shape as the second screw may be inserted into a third component, wherein the third screw and the fourth screw engage and clamp the second component and the third component together while maintaining a substantially constant gap corresponding to the substantially constant gap between the first component and the second component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The accompanying drawings, together with the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention, of which: [0020] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a portion of a column assembly of a phased array antenna in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0021] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of a column assembly of a phased array antenna in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0022] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a screw assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0023] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a side view and a cross-sectional view of a set screw from the screw assembly of FIG. 3 ; [0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a screw from the screw assembly of FIG. 3 ; [0025] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a method of interlocking adjacent components using a screw assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and [0026] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a method of interlocking adjacent components using a screw assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0027] Hereinafter, certain exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Some of the elements that are not essential to the complete understanding of the present invention are omitted for clarity. In addition, similar elements that appear in different drawings may be referred to by using the same or similar reference numerals. [0028] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a column assembly of a phased array antenna in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a top view of an assembled column assembly of a phased array antenna in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Phased array antennas having column assemblies similar to the column assemblies 101 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 have been developed by the Raytheon company, and include a plurality of TRIMM plates or columns 111 , which may be arranged adjacent to each other and spaced apart from one another. Each of the plates or columns 111 may include a plurality of supports 113 for inserting or installing radiating elements associated with the phased array antenna. Other elements may be associated with the phased array antennas, for example, feeds for electrically connecting the plates or columns 111 , and interconnecting elements 115 for holding the plates or columns 111 together and/or spaced apart at a substantially constant distance from one another. [0029] In a phased array antenna such as the one described above, polarization of the antenna depends on the orientation and/or alignment of the electric field radiated by the elements of the phased array antenna. This, in turn, may depend on, for example, a spacing between the plates and/or their associated radiating elements, the electrical and/or mechanical intercommunication between the various elements, and/or the shape of the radiating elements. For example, in the phased array antenna of FIGS. 1 and 2 , when the column assembly 101 is in an assembled state, gaps 201 may exist between adjacent columns 111 . Such gaps may be used, for example, to provide clearance for feeds located between the columns which electrically connect the columns and their associated radiating elements and/or other elements that are positioned between the columns, or for example, to provide an exact spacing to accomplish a desired alignment between said radiating elements. Since accurate alignment of the radiating elements, rather than of the columns, is typically desirable, the gaps 201 may also serve to reduce or eliminate variations in the spacing of the radiating elements from, for example, inconsistencies or discrepancies between the thickness of the columns 111 due to, for example, manufacturing variances. Therefore, the gaps 201 can insure a more accurate spacing of the radiating elements, independent of the actual shapes or spacing between the columns 111 themselves. Additionally, the gaps 201 may exist between adjacent columns 111 , for example, to improve electrical communication between columns across the feeds, and to discourage potential cross-talk between other portions or elements of the columns themselves. [0030] After installation of a particular phased array antenna, arrangement of the antenna elements will result in a fixed electric field alignment across all the elements of the array assembly. As such, small variations in spacing between the columns in the column assembly will affect the fixed electric field. Furthermore, as the number of plates or columns 111 in a column assembly increases, any variations exhibited between any two of the columns 111 in an assembly may be compounded and magnified across the entire column assembly, having a large and potentially debilitating impact on the effectiveness, stability, and/or optimization of certain performance characteristics of the phased array antenna. Accordingly, an accurate positioning between the radiating elements of adjacent columns becomes even more significant. [0031] Therefore, in an application such as the phased array antenna described above, it may be desirable to implement a screw assembly which can maintain a desired or predetermined gap or distance 201 between two adjacent elements (e.g., columns 111 in the above example), such that any undesired variations between such spacing can be reduced or minimized, in order to improve performance of the system or application. Furthermore, with an adjustable screw assembly, variations in the gaps 201 between the columns 111 themselves can be more readily navigated, such that the screw assembly can be adjusted to bridge a wide range of distances between adjacent columns 111 , and then effectively maintain a particular distance. While the above system serves as an example in which embodiments of the present invention can be applied, it is to be understood that the application of the embodiments of the present invention should not be limited to the above system, and that the present invention can be applied to various other applications in which it may be desirable, for example, to maintain and effectively control tolerances associated with a preferred spacing between adjacent stacked elements. [0032] Description of a screw assembly including set screw 301 and screw 311 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention will be described herein, with reference to FIGS. 3-5 . FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a screw assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3 , an embodiment of the screw assembly includes a set screw 301 and a screw 311 . FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a set screw, for example, the set screw 301 from FIG. 3 , while FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a set screw, for example, the set screw 301 from FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Meanwhile, FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a screw, for example, the screw 311 from FIG. 3 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0033] Referring to FIGS. 3 , 4 A, and 4 B, set screw 301 includes a threaded shaft 303 . In some embodiments, such as in the illustrated embodiments, the set screw 301 may include a substantially cylindrical head region 305 on one end of the shaft 303 . In some embodiments, the head region 305 may have a diameter that is substantially equal to or larger than a diameter of the threaded shaft 303 . In these embodiments, the substantially cylindrical head region 305 may have a substantially smooth exterior. The set screw 301 may also include a threaded bore 307 that is arranged to be substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the set screw 301 . The threaded bore 307 may extend along an entire length of the set screw 301 , including the threaded shaft portion 303 , as well as the head portion 305 in embodiments which include such a head portion. As such, the threaded bore 307 may include openings on opposite ends of the set screw 301 . In some embodiments, the threaded bore 307 may include a countersink approximate at least one of the openings (e.g., as seen near the opening on the head portion 305 in FIGS. 3 and 4B ). The countersink may promote or facilitate alignment and mating of the screw 311 upon insertion of the screw 311 into the bore 307 of the set screw 301 . [0034] In embodiments of the present invention, the set screw 301 may be configured such that the thread on threaded shaft 303 is arranged to be threaded in a different direction than the thread on the threaded bore 307 . That is, in embodiments where the threaded shaft 303 on the outside of set screw 301 is a left-hand thread, the threaded bore 307 on the inside of set screw 301 will be arranged to have a right-hand thread. Correspondingly, in the above-described embodiment, the screw 311 is configured to have its own threaded shaft portion 313 which is threaded with a right-hand thread and sized to correspond to the threaded bore 307 of the set screw 301 . That is, the threaded shaft 303 of set screw 301 and the threaded shaft 313 of screw 311 will be arranged in opposite directions. [0035] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5 , in addition to the threaded shaft 313 , the screw 311 may also include a head portion 315 . The head portion 315 may also be substantially cylindrical and have a diameter that is greater than or equal to a diameter of the threaded shaft 313 of screw 311 . Generally, a maximum diameter of screw 311 will be equal to or smaller than a maximum diameter of the set screw 301 . The head portion 315 of screw 311 may include one of a number of different interfaces for rotation or advancement of the screw 311 . The interface of screw 311 illustrated in FIG. 3 is illustrated in the form of a hexagonal socket 317 , but in other embodiments, the interface may be, for example, a flathead socket, a Philips socket, or various other types of interfaces. The structure of the screw 311 is generally solid, and screw 311 typically will not have a bore similar to the bore 307 implemented into set screw 301 . Furthermore, the screw 311 may also include a friction device 319 on threaded shaft 313 , for increasing friction with the set screw 301 upon engagement with the set screw 301 . The friction device 319 may be one of a variety of different devices which may cause friction upon contact with threaded bore 307 of set screw 301 , for example, a fastener coating such as Nylok, or for example, a change or inconsistency in the threads of the threaded shaft 313 . Various other types of friction devices 319 may also be applied to screw 311 , and as such, friction device 319 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 as a block. [0036] Operation of the screw assembly will now be described, with reference to FIGS. 6A-6D and 7 . FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate steps for a method of interlocking adjacent components using a screw assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, including cross-sectional views of two adjacent housings and incorporation of a screw with a set screw of a screw assembly. FIG. 7 is a corresponding block diagram showing a method of interlocking adjacent components using a screw assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0037] Referring to FIG. 7 , in block 701 , a set screw is inserted and screwed into a threaded bore of a first housing. An example is illustrated in FIG. 6A , where set screw 301 is inserted into a threaded bore 603 of a first housing 601 . First housing 601 may be one of two adjacent plates, for example, plates similar to plates 111 as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , or may be any of various other types of components or housings. Bore 603 is threaded to correspond to threaded shaft 303 of set screw 301 . In some embodiments, set screw 301 may be inserted into bore 603 during manufacture of housing 601 . In other embodiments, set screw 301 may be inserted into bore 603 just prior to installation of the screw assembly to hold two adjacent housings together. In embodiments where threaded shaft 303 of set screw 301 is a left hand-thread, screwing-in of set screw 301 into housing 601 involves counter-clockwise rotation of set screw 301 . [0038] In block 703 , the first housing 601 is aligned with a second housing 611 , as also illustrated in FIG. 6A . The first housing 601 and the second housing 611 may be aligned and held, such that a preferred gap or distance separates them, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 . Maintaining of a constant desired distance may be achieved, for example, by an alignment jig that maintains the distance between two adjacent housings during assembly of the column assembly. In other embodiments, various other structures and methods may be used to hold adjacent plates or housings together prior to installation of the screw assemblies. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the bores 603 of housings 601 may be below or outside a visual surface of the housing 601 , such that when an adjacent housing 611 is positioned at a desired spacing from housing 601 , the set screws 301 that were inserted in housing 601 may be concealed from view. [0039] In block 705 , a screw 311 is inserted into a bore 613 of the second housing 611 , which is sized to correspond to the threaded shaft 313 of screw 311 . Referring to FIG. 6A , insertion of screw 311 into bore 613 of housing 611 advances screw 311 towards set screw 301 . In some embodiments, bore 613 of second housing 611 may be threaded, with a right-hand thread to correspond to threaded shaft 313 of screw 311 . In other embodiments, bore 613 may not be threaded, and may be sized, for example, to be slightly larger than a largest diameter of the threaded shaft 313 of screw 311 , such that screw 311 can freely move in bore 613 . [0040] In block 707 , the screw is rotated in a first direction with, for example, a screwing-in tool corresponding to an interface or socket on the screw, to engage the screw with the set screw. In these embodiments, bore 613 of housing 611 will be substantially aligned with bore 603 of first housing 601 . Referring to previously described embodiments where the threaded shaft 311 of screw 313 is a right-hand thread, upon contact of screw 311 with set screw 301 , clockwise rotation of screw 311 will cause screw 311 to engage set screw 301 and advance a first distance into bore 307 of set screw 301 , for example, as illustrated in FIG. 6B . In the previously described embodiments in which set screw 301 is out of view after alignment of housings 601 and 611 , engagement of screw 311 with set screw 301 may further be facilitated by a countersink at the opening of bore 307 of set screw 301 as previously described. In these embodiments of the present invention, blind access and adjustment control of the screw assembly can be achieved, such that engagement and adjustment of the screw assembly can be accomplished while the set screw 301 and the interface between set screw 301 and screw 311 are out of view. [0041] As previously discussed, in some embodiments, at least a portion of threaded shaft 313 of screw 311 and/or approximate bore 307 of set screw 301 may be coated with, for example, Nylok, or any of various other fastener coatings or compounds which may serve to increase a frictional force between the surfaces of threaded shaft 313 of screw 311 and threaded bore 307 of set screw 301 . Friction may alternatively be established, for example, by a manipulation or variation in the thread or thread spacing of either the threaded shaft 313 of screw 311 or the threaded bore 307 of set screw 301 , or by any of various other friction devices 319 . This may induce, for example, a temporary hold between screw 311 and set screw 301 , such that continued rotation of the screw 311 will also result in corresponding rotation of the set screw 301 . [0042] In block 709 , rotation of screw 311 continues in a same direction as the rotation in block 707 . That is, in previously described embodiments, since screw 311 was rotated in a clockwise direction, rotation of screw 311 continues in the clockwise direction in block 709 . Conversely, in embodiments in which screw 311 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction in block 707 , continued rotation of screw 311 in the counter-clockwise direction would occur in block 709 . Due to the friction between screw 311 and set screw 301 caused by, for example, the friction device 319 on screw 311 or set screw 301 as described in reference to block 707 , continued rotation of screw 311 will also cause a corresponding rotation of set screw 301 . As described above with respect to FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 6 A, in embodiments where threaded shaft 313 of screw 311 is a right-hand thread, threaded shaft 303 of set screw 301 will conversely be a left-hand thread. Therefore, rotation of set screw 311 in a clockwise direction will cause the screw 311 /set screw 301 combination to advance away from first housing 601 , such that set screw 301 begins to rotate out of bore 603 of first housing 601 and towards a surface 615 of second housing 611 that faces first housing 601 , as seen in FIG. 6C . Continued rotation of the screw 311 /set screw 301 combination in the clockwise direction will eventually result in substantially cylindrical head portion 305 of set screw 301 contacting or abutting against the surface 615 of the second housing 611 . Upon contact of the head portion 305 of set screw 301 against the surface 615 of the second housing 611 , advancement of the set screw 301 away from the first housing 601 stops. At this point, a substantially fixed positioning is established between the first housing 601 and the set screw 301 , such that and end of the set screw 301 nearest to the second housing 611 serves as an abutment or support for maintaining a minimum distance or gap between the first housing 601 and the second housing 611 . [0043] In block 711 , after abutment of set screw 301 against surface 615 , rotation of screw 311 is further continued in the same direction as rotation in blocks 707 and 709 . Therefore, in the embodiments previously described, rotation of set screw 311 continues on a clockwise direction. Here, a force of the second housing 611 pushing against the set screw 301 and preventing further advancement of the set screw 301 away from the first housing 601 is generally greater than a force holding the screw 311 and set screw 301 together, for example, by the friction device 319 as previously described. Furthermore, since the distance between the first housing 601 and the second housing 611 may be additionally fixed or supported by, for example, an alignment jig in some embodiments, such additional support may also deter or prevent further movement of the set screw 301 away from the first housing 601 . [0044] Accordingly, after abutment of head portion 305 of set screw 301 with surface 615 of the second housing 611 , the abutment causes release of the temporary hold between screw 311 and set screw 301 (e.g., from the friction device 319 ), such that screw 311 may thereafter freely rotate independent of set screw 301 . As described above, at this point, set screw 301 is deterred from further advancement away from the first housing 601 and maintains a minimum distance or gap between first housing 601 and second housing 611 . After release of the temporary hold between screw 311 and set screw 301 , the continued clockwise rotation of screw 311 therefore advances screw 311 further into bore 307 of set screw 301 , as seen in FIG. 6D . Rotation of screw 311 is continued until a side of head portion 315 of screw 311 comes into contact with a second side or face 617 of the second housing 611 adjacent to the bore 613 . In other words, screw 311 may be advanced into set screw 301 until screw 311 has been tightened against side 617 of the second housing 611 . [0045] Such a tightened configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 6D , can be viewed as a clamped position, where the distance between the first housing 601 and the second housing 611 has been substantially fixed, such that the head portion 305 of the set screw 301 substantially prevents movement of the second housing 611 any closer to the first housing 601 , while the head portion 315 of the screw 311 substantially prevents movement of the second housing any further away from the first housing 601 . As such, a desired or preferred gap between the first housing 601 and the second housing 611 can be maintained. Thereafter, in embodiments where an alignment jig or other device or mechanism was utilized to hold the housings together during application of the screw assembly, said device or mechanism can be removed. [0046] In embodiments where multiple adjacent columns or components are stacked, implementation of the screw assembly or assemblies can be sequentially performed, such that after two adjacent components have been clamped together, a third component can then be clamped to one of the two adjacent components, and a fourth component can then be clamped to the third component, etc. Such assembly can continue until the desired number of components have been stacked and clamped together, such that a constant column to column tolerance gap can be achieved and maintained. As discussed above, it is generally understood that, as the number of components or elements in a particular assembly increases, the gap variations and tolerances between each pair of adjacent components causes the total variance in the assembly to increase and get compounded. Where performance of a particular application is dependent on, for example, an exact spacing between components, such as with respect to column assemblies for phased array antennas as described above, the screw assemblies in accordance with aspects of the present invention can reduce or minimize errors or variations associated with the gaps between adjacent components, such that a significant number of additional components may be added to the stack, while maintaining the desired tolerance control, such that performance of the phased array antennas can be improved. [0047] In embodiments of the present invention, a screw assembly can be utilized to stack components and to control tolerances associated with maintaining a preferred distance or gap between adjacent components in a stack. By utilizing an adjustable screw assembly according to embodiments of the present invention, components may be held at a desired distance, independent of and irrespective of manufacturing tolerances of the components themselves. Such a screw assembly may also be beneficial, for example, where a desired gap between components may be too great to maintain and keep substantially constant when no additional structural connections are implemented. Furthermore, in certain applications, the additional structural tie between components provided by the screw assemblies according to embodiments of the present invention may improve the stability of column assemblies or other structures, and to help them meet certain performance characteristics, such as tactical vibration requirements. [0048] In some embodiments, the assemblies described above may be modified, or additional features may be added to or supplement the assemblies, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, flanges may be used on one or more of the screw elements instead of screw threads. In other embodiments the screw assemblies may further be supplemented by regular screw elements positioned at other portions of adjacent components. In such embodiments, the screw assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention may first be installed to maintain a particular distance or gap between adjacent components, and regular screw elements may then be installed to provide additional structural support between the adjacent components after the desired gap has been established. [0049] While the present invention has been described in connection with certain exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.

A screw assembly for maintaining a substantially constant gap between adjacent components includes a first screw including: an exterior surface including a first threaded surface; and an inner wall defining a bore, the bore being coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the first screw, the inner wall including a second threaded surface, wherein one of the first threaded surface or the second threaded surface is arranged with a right-hand thread, and the other one of the first threaded surface or the second threaded surface is arranged with a left-hand thread.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the construction of dental handpieces and, in particular, to the provision of a handpiece assembly removably coupled to the supply hose. In recent years, the epidemic of blood carried diseases, such as AIDS, has placed a severe problem in the hands of dentists and dental technicians. Cleaning and sterilizing dental instruments, especially the handpiece, using the old conventional methods are no longer safe and secure. To remove any apprehension that contaminated blood would remain on or in the handpiece being transferred from one patient to the next, it would be desirable to have individual handpieces assigned to and used only by single, individual patients. Burs are made to be detachable from the handpiece in order to rapidly change to a different bur. Burs, however, are small and not the only part of the handpiece entering the mouth and coming into contact with blood and other contaminants. The head of the handpiece and part of the sheath enters the mouth as well. Because the handpiece is manipulated with great force and is required to undergo twisting and rotative movements in the mouth, the sheath is normally connected to the supply hose in a permanent manner. Thus, even if it is possible to remove the bur, the equally contaminated sheath cannot easily be removed either for replacement or for cleaning and sterilization. It is an object of the present invention to provide a handpiece in which the foregoing problem is obviated by constructing a handpiece assembly which is easily detachable from the supply hose. Among the advantages of the present invention is the ability to provide each patient with his or her own assembly which the patient will take home and bring back on each visit to the dentist. The patient may then clean and sterilize the assembly so that the patient will have complete assurance that it will not be contaminated with another patient's blood. In order to obtain a detachable handpiece, it is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved coupling by which the handpiece is held to the supply hose. These objects and advantages, together with others, will be apparent from the following disclosure of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention the dental handpiece, normally provided with a hose having an array of conduits connected to sources of air, water and chip blower is detachably coupled to the rear end of the sheath to which the handpiece carrying the bur is attached. The detachable coupling includes within the sheath a conforming array of tubes or conduits which interfit with the corresponding members in the hose and a screw sleeve which interlocks the sheath and the hose causing the conduits to mate one within the other. Preferably, the ends of the conduit in the hose and the ends of the ducts in the sheath fit together as plug and socket members whereby additional seal means will not normally be required. Full details of the present invention are set forth in the following description and illustrated in the drawings appended hereto. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dental handpiece and supply hose embodying the present invention; FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the coupling for securing the handpiece to the supply hose; FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view in side elevation showing the coupling detached from the handpiece; FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the coupling attached; and FIG. 5 is yet a similar view showing the coupling locked in place. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Briefly, as seen in FIG. 1, the handpiece assembly, generally referred to by the numeral 10, comprises a sheath 12 which, according to the present invention is detachably connected by a coupling generally depicted by the numeral 14 at its rear end to a supply hose 16. At the forward end of the sheath 12, there is an angularly disposed neck 18 at the free end of which is mounted the handpiece head 20 in which is held the bur 22. The elements of the handpiece may be formed of metal and/or plastic as is conventional this art. The material from which the elements are formed is not critical to this invention although they should, of course, conform to the requirement of sanitation, strength, stability and sterilization common in this field. Further, the structure of the handpiece and the manner in which it is connected to the neck is also not critical here and may also follow any common or conventional form. The coupling 14 as seen in FIG. 1 requires that the rear end of the sheath 12 be reduced in outer diameter to provide a smooth outer surface male element 30 provided with a screw thread 32 and terminating in a shoulder 34. The male element 30 is adapted to slide into a sleeve-like thimble female element 36 provided on its interior surface with a thread 38 matching that of the thread 32 on the sheath 12, and a smooth bore section 40 toward the rear. The supply hose 16, in which is located three flexible conduits 42, 44 and 46 for water, air under pressure and chip blower, respectively, terminates in a ferrule 48, also provided with an internal thread 50. A large ring washer 52, fits over the protruding ends of the conduits 42, 44 and 46 abutting against the face of the ferrule 48. Passing through the thimble female element 36 is a hollow bushing 54 having a collared closure 56 at its forward end through which the three conduits 42, 44 and 46 pass and held fixedly in place. The collar 56 serves to prevent entry of dirt or contaminants into the hose when the handpiece is removed from it. Preferably the portions of the conduits extending out of the collared closure 56 are covered by thin metallic or rigid plastic sleeves, indicated by the reference numerals 42a, 44a and 46a respectively so as to form shape retaining plugs. The rear end of the bushing 54 is formed with a thread 58 which meshes with the thread 50 in the ferrule 48 so that the bushing may be secured to the ferrule holding the conduits firmly in place. As the bushing 54 passes through the thimble element 36, the thimble element will be able to freely slide between the ring 52 and the collar closure 54. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the sheath 12 is itself provided with conforming conduits 42b, 44b and 46b; water, air and chip blower, arranged in and held securely by a bulkhead 60 in alignment with the corresponding conduits in supply hose 16. The conduits 42b, 44b and 46b have an inner diameter equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the corresponding conduit sleeves 42a, 44a and 46a so that the two sets of conduit ends act like plug and sockets when the conduits in the supply hose fit within the conduits in the sheath and make a firm, secure connection without leakage. In connecting the sheath 12 to the supply hose the two are brought into axial alignment as seen in FIG. 3 and the conduit ends 42a, 44a and 46a pushed into the conduit ends 42b, 44b and 46b respectively. Simultaneously, the thimble sleeve is made to slide over the reduced diameter end of the sheath 12 and the threads 32 and 38 engaged as seen in FIG. 4. Upon fully threading the sleeve 36 over the end of the sheath 12, the collar closure 56 seats firmly against the bulkhead 60 being wedged in place by the nut-like head on the rear end of sleeve 36. Since the bushing 54 and its collar closure 56 are fixedly joined to the supply hose, the supply hose thus becomes fixedly coupled to the handpiece. Coupling is easy and can be swiftly accomplished. Similarly, decoupling or detachment is equally easy and swift by reversing the process. By arranging the conduit 42, 44 and 46 in a standard array in both the supply hose and the sheath, interchangeable replacement and substitution of handpieces is no problem. Above all, the present construction does not modify the size, weight or outer arrangement of the handpiece. Therefore, the user or technician will not sense any change or deviation from the norm to which they have heretofore become accustomed. After removing the handpiece, the instrument may be given to the patient, who is then responsible for its care. This responsibility on the part of the patient is desirable, since there can be no question of inadvertent misuse of the instrument or mix-up with those of other patients. A small package or box may be provided to house the instrument when not in use. Of course, the instrument should be washed, cleansed and sterilized, if desired, after each use. The patient will, of course, return to the dentist with the instrument for each visit. The cost of providing handpieces for each patient is negligible in view of the very real and understandable risk of contacting diseases such as AIDS and would not present any real problem. The handpiece is made preferably from brass coated with a silver finish. Other materials may be used. Various modifications, changes and the like have been disclosed herein. Others will be apparent to those skilled in this art. Accordingly, the description herein is to be taken as illustrative only and not as limiting of the invention.

The dental handpiece is removably coupled to the hose supplying air, water, etc. The coupling includes a bushing for interconnecting the conduits in the hose directly to the dental handpiece.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a low temperature method for making a photovoltaic material. In particular, the present invention describes a low temperature method for the deposition in vacuo of successive layers of materials required for a photovoltaic device. The present invention uses ion beam assisted processes in which a selected silicon containing precursor film is controllably converted to an amorphous silicon and carbon mixture. Ion beams are used to control the hydrogen content and thereby control the electrical conductivity of the material. The present invention further comprises the addition of a dopant and the deposition of the electrical contacts, both by thermal evaporation. 2. Description of the Prior Art Photovoltaic materials, such as solar cells, have been made from amorphous hydrogenated mixtures of silicon and carbon. Prior art methods for making photovoltaic materials have involved depositing such amorphous hydrogenated mixtures by plasma activated chemical vapor deposition (PA CVD) from gaseous mixtures of silane and hydrocarbon. In the prior art, electrical doping of the photovoltaic material has been achieved by introducing diborane, phosphine, or arsine vapor into the plasma. Prior art substrate materials have comprised glass or metal. There are several drawbacks to prior art methods of photovoltaic material fabrication. The gases used are environmentally hazardous and dangerous to handle. The temperature of deposition is typically at least 250° C. This high temperature precludes the use of polymers as substrate materials. Polymers are cheaper and more flexible than the glass and metal used in the prior art. Prior art methods of photovoltaic material fabrication have also comprised the forming of electrical connections by evaporation of metal film, such as nickel or aluminum. The vacuum evaporation of metal contacts and electrodes is carried out in a separate facility from the PA CVD in prior art methods of fabrication. This use of separate facilities increases the cost of manufacturing photovoltaic materials using the methods of the prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes these drawbacks of the prior art by providing a nontoxic, low temperature method of making photovoltaic materials that can take advantage of polymers as substrate material. Also, the present invention provides for the deposition of electrical connections by thermal evaporation that need not be performed in a separate facility from where the doping takes place. The present invention provides a method for making photovoltaic material in which a selected silicon containing precursor film is controllably converted to the required amorphous silicon and carbon mixture, known in the prior art as α-Si x C 1-x :H. In this designation, x is the proportion of silicon relative to carbon. The photovoltaic material made by the process of the present invention has three regions or layers, a bottom or first conducting layer, an intermediate layer, and a top or second conducting layer. The top and bottom conducting layers are of opposite conductivity. It is known in the prior art that the factor that most strongly controls the electrical conductivity of this class of materials is the hydrogen content. In the PA CVD process of the prior art, hydrogen content is not easily controlled. The present invention is advantageous because it provides for the control of hydrogen content by use of a beam of hydrogen ions or by use of another ion beam for conversion of the precursor. In the present invention, the value of x is a control parameter that is interrelated to the proportion of hydrogen in the layer or film. The proportions of hydrogen and silicon, together, determine the electrical resistivity and optical properties of the photovoltaic material. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the value of x will lie in a range of 0.3-0.5. The first step of the present invention is coating a substrate with a transparent conducting film. This step may take place outside of a vacuum at atmospheric pressure conditions. The next sequence of steps is aimed at depositing a first p-type conducting layer on the transparent conducting film. This sequence of steps may be performed at a single work station. The next step of the present invention is directing a vapor stream of carbonaceous precursor in a vacuum toward the conducting film. The phrase "in a vacuum," as used herein, is intended to mean pressure conditions less than 10 -4 Torr. The next step of the present invention is exposing the conducting film and precursor to a flux of atoms of a species suitable to produce a p-type conducting layer in the film in a vacuum. Simultaneously with exposing the conducting film and precursor to a flux of atoms, the conducting film and precursor are bombarded with an ion beam having energies in the range of 1-20 KeV for a sufficient period of time to rupture a substantial number of carbon to hydrogen (C-H) bonds in the precursor and to form an amorphous p-type carbonaceous residue. This results in a solid amorphous residue having a thickness of 100-200 nm that consists mainly of carbon with 10-15 atomic percent hydrogen and preferably 1-10 atomic percent boron dopant. This film possesses high electrical conductivity required for the p-type electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is then transported to a second work station where the next sequence of steps aimed at depositing the intermediate layer of the photovoltaic material are performed. In the next step of the present invention, a vapor stream of siloxane precursor is directed toward the p-type conductor layer in a vacuum. Simultaneously with directing a vapor stream of siloxane precursor toward the p-type conductor layer, the p-type conductor layer and precursor are bombarded with a beam of hydrogen ions having energies in the range of 0.5-2.0 KeV for a sufficient period of time to produce a siloxane film. The purpose of this stage of deposition is to achieve a high resistivity film without the use of dopant. The incorporation of silicon raises the optical band gap. It is the aim of the present invention that by controlling the silicon and hydrogen content in the manner described above, an optical band gap of approximately 1.5 eV can be achieved. This is viewed as the optimum optical band Gap for the absorption of solar energy. The optical band gap may be determined by means known as a Tauc Plot. The Tauc Plot method is well known in the atomic physics arts. The Tauc Plot comprises measuring the optical absorption of the film to be used as a photovoltaic material at several different wavelengths. The square root of the product of the measured absorption coefficient and the photon energy is plotted as a function of the absorption energy. This plot is extrapolated to the Y-axis to determine the optical band gap. The value of the optical band gap is a function of the percentage of hydrogen and of silicon in the carbonaceous film. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate may be moved to a third work station for the deposition of the top conducting layer. The next step of the present invention is directing a vapor stream of carbonaceous precursor at the siloxane film in a vacuum. The next step of the present invention is exposing the siloxane film and precursor to a flux of atoms of the species suitable to produce an n-type conducting layer above the siloxane film in a vacuum. Simultaneously with the preceding step, the carbonaceous precursor is bombarded with a beam of argon or nitrogen ions for a sufficient amount of time to produce an n-type conductor layer with a low-hydrogen content. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is then transported to a fourth work station where an evaporated stream of metal atoms is deposited onto the n-type conductor layer in at least two defined strips. This step may also be carried out at the third work station. The above-described method of the present invention will produce a photovoltaic material whose bottom layer, intermediate layer, and top layer form a p-i-n structure. By making a minor modification in two of the above steps, the present invention can produce a photovoltaic material having an n-i-p structure. The first modification involves exposing the conducting film and precursor to a flux of atoms of a species suitable to produce an n-type conducting layer, rather than a p-type conducting layer, in the film in a vacuum. The second change involves exposing the siloxane film and carbonaceous precursor to a flux of atoms of a species suitable to produce a p-type conducting layer, rather than an n-type conducting layer, in the layer above the siloxane film in a vacuum. The temperature at which the steps of the present invention are carried out is dependent upon the materials used in practicing the invention. The first material constraint is the substrate material. The temperature must be low enough such that the particular substrate material does not reach its softening temperature. The next material constraint is the precursor material. As explained above, the precursors are volatilized and then condensed on the surface to be coated. The surface to be coated must be held at a temperature sufficiently below the vaporization temperature of the particular precursor material, so that the condensed precursor molecules will not evaporate. This can be achieved by maintaining the temperature of the surface to be coated at least 40°-50° C. below the vaporization temperature of the precursor. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 80°-90° C. is believed to be a preferred temperature range for practicing the present invention with siloxane and carbonaceous precursors, as disclosed above. An alternative temperature range for practicing this embodiment of the invention is less than 90° C., if the narrower range cannot be achieved. The temperature at which the present invention is practiced can be controlled by controlling the amount of heat that is transferred to the vacuum chamber via thermal radiation from (1) the reservoir from which the precursor is released by vaporization, or (2) the ion source. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of heat transferred by thermal radiation from the reservoir may be controlled by inserting a planar heat shield having a high thermal resistivity between the reservoir and the substrate. The heat shield would have a slot or aperture through which the stream of vapor could be directed toward the substrate material. The surface area of the aperture would be proportional to the amount of heat transferred by thermal radiation. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG 1a is block diagram of the steps of one embodiment of the present invention involved in the deposition of the first conducting layer. FIG. 1b is a block diagram of the steps of one embodiment of the present invention involved in the deposition of the intermediate layer. FIG. 1c is a block diagram of the steps of one embodiment of the present invention involved in the deposition of the top conducting layer and the metallic conductor strips. FIG. 2a is block diagram of the steps of a second embodiment of the present invention involved in the deposition of the first conducting layer. FIG. 2b is a block diagram of the steps of a second embodiment of the present invention involved in the deposition of the intermediate layer. FIG. 2c is a block diagram of the steps of a second embodiment of the present invention involved in the deposition of the top conducting layer and the metallic conductor strips. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a method of the present invention using more than one selected precursor to control the silicon to carbon ratio in the siloxane film. FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for use in practicing the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS There are two major embodiments of the present invention. The first major embodiment is a method of producing a photovoltaic material with a p-i-n structure. This method is depicted in FIGS. 1a-1c. The second embodiment is a method for producing a photovoltaic material with an n-i-p structure. This method is depicted in FIGS. 2a-2c. The two embodiments differ in the selection of the species of doping atoms used during the deposition of the bottom and top conducting layers. As shown in block 10 of FIG. 1a, the first step of the first embodiment of the present invention is coating a substrate with a transparent conducting film such as indium tin oxide (ITO). In a preferred embodiment, ITO is sprayed onto the surface of the substrate using a solution of mixed chlorides of tin and indium in a ratio of approximately 10/1. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate material is glass which is maintained a temperature of 400°-500° C. during the coating process such that the mixed chlorides of tin and indium are converted to a mixed oxide. In an alternative embodiment, an aluminum doped zinc oxide may be used in place of ITO. In the embodiments of the invention described herein, it is preferred that all ion and atom fluxes are directed vertically upward toward the substrate material to be processed into a photovoltaic material. It is also preferred that the substrate material be horizontally transported above the sources of ion and atom fluxes described in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1a, the second, third, and fourth steps of the first embodiment of the present invention take place in a vacuum. The next step of this embodiment of the invention is directing a vapor stream of a low vapor pressure carbonaceous precursor, such as polyphenyl ether, toward the conducting film, as shown in block 12 of FIG. 1a. In a preferred embodiment, the polyphenyl ether is released from an electrically heated vessel equipped with a nozzle to direct the vapor stream uniformly toward the conducting film. The next two steps of the first embodiment of the present invention are performed simultaneously. The first of these steps, as shown in block 14 of FIG. 1a, is exposing the conducting film and precursor to a flux of atoms of a species suitable to produce a p-type conducting layer. In a preferred embodiment, the flux of atoms used to produce a p-type conducting layer are boron atoms. In a preferred embodiment, the boron atoms are released as a controllable flux from an electron beam heated hearth. The rate of arrival of boron atoms is dependent upon the electron beam power that is supplied. The temperature of the hearth will be regulated so that the flux of boron atoms is suitable for the speed at which the conducting film and precursor pass through the boron atom flux. The next step of the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in block 16 of FIG. 1a, is bombarding the conducting and precursor with an ion beam having energies in the range of 1-20 KeV for a sufficient period of time to rupture a substantial number of C-H bonds in the precursor and to form amorphous p-type carbonaceous residue having a thickness of 100-200 nanometers. In a preferred embodiment, the ion beams used to bombard the precursor comprise argon or nitrogen ions. In a preferred embodiment, the argon or nitrogen ions are produced in a Kaufman-type ion source. In a preferred embodiment, the argon or nitrogen ions have an energy level of approximately 10 KeV. In another preferred embodiment, the amorphous p-type carbonaceous residue comprises approximately 10-15 atomic percent hydrogen and approximately 1-10 atomic percent boron. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the coated substrate may then be moved to a second work station. The steps carried out at the second work station are performed at vacuum conditions, as shown in FIG. 1b. The next step of the present invention, as shown in block 18 of FIG. 1b, is directing a vapor stream of siloxane precursor toward the p-type conductor layer. In a preferred embodiment, the siloxane precursor is generated by vaporization at a temperature of approximately 145° C. from pentaphenyl tri-methyl siloxane. The next step of the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in block 20 of FIG. 1b, is bombarding the p-type conductor layer and precursor with a beam of hydrogen ions having energies in the range of 0.5-2.0 KeV for a sufficient period of time to produce a siloxane film comprising 15-40 percent hydrogen and having a thickness of 500-1000 nanometers. In a preferred embodiment, this ion bombardment takes place at a temperature in the range of 50°-70° C. The atomic percent of hydrogen is controllable by controlling the magnitude of the ion flux and/or the temperature of the substrate. The steps depicted in blocks 18 and 20 of FIG. 1b are performed simultaneously. These steps may be performed using an apparatus of the type depicted in FIG. 4. The vapor stream of siloxane precursor comes from a precursor vapor source 60. The hydrogen ions come from an ion source 62. The deposition steps depicted in blocks 18 and 20 of FIG. 1b are directed toward producing a high resistivity film without the use of a dopant. It is an objective of the present invention that the residual hydrogen content in the central region or the "i" region of the photovoltaic material will be higher than the residual hydrogen content in the p-type or the n-type electrode layers. The preferred method for determining residual hydrogen content is by elastic recoil detection, a method well known in the atomic physics art. In the elastic recoil detection method, energetic heavy ions are projected toward a target at a grazing angle to the surface of the target. These ions cause the recoil of protons which are detectable in a particle detector, such as a silicon surface barrier detector. The elastic recoil detection method can be used quantitatively in conjunction with other electrical measurements to determine residual hydrogen content. In the present invention, the residual hydrogen content can be controlled by the selection of a precursor with an appropriate carbon-to-hydrogen ratio (C:H ratio). In a preferred embodiment, the C:H ratio is in the range of 1:1-1:2. The second means of controlling hydrogen content is regulating the hydrogen ion flux used to bombard the condensed film of precursor material. Approximately 5-10 atomic percent of additional hydrogen can be incorporated into a film by the use of ion implantation. Selectively controlling the hydrogen content provides for control of the optical band gap as well as the electrical resistivity in the intermediate layer. Silicon is used to raise the optical band gap in the intermediate layer to a level that is considered optimum for the absorption of solar energy. In a preferred embodiment, the siloxane film has an optical band gap of approximately 1.5 eV. In a preferred embodiment, the silicon to carbon, Si:C, ratio is controlled to achieve the desired optical band gap. In another embodiment, the desired optical band gap is achieved by using several thin successive intermediate layers having different Si:C ratios. Different Si:C ratios are achieved by using different precursors, such as polydimethyl siloxane and pentaphenyl trisiloxane. In this embodiment, the substrate is moved such that a vapor stream from a selected precursor is directed toward the first conducting layer during the formation of each of the successive intermediate layers. In this embodiment, the successive intermediate layers are preferably 1-5 nanometers thick. The overall Si:C ratio in the intermediate layers can be controlled by the selection of precursor as well as by the thickness of each successive layer. An example of this method using two precursors is shown in FIG. 3. This method involves directing a vapor stream from a first precursor having a first Si:C ratio toward the p-type conducting layer to form a first thin layer 1-5 nanometers thick, as shown in block 50 of FIG. 3, and then directing a vapor stream from a second precursor having a second Si:C ratio toward the p-type conducting layer to form a second thin layer 1-5 nanometers thick, as shown in block 52 of FIG. 3. It can be seen that n precursors having n Si:C ratios can be used to form n intermediate layers. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the coated substrate may then be moved to a third work station. The steps carried out at the third work station are performed at vacuum conditions, as shown in FIG. 1c. The next step of the present invention, as shown in block 22 of FIG. 1c, is directing a vapor stream of carbonaceous precursor at the siloxane film. The next step of the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in block 24 of FIG. 1c, is exposing the siloxane film and precursor to a flux of atoms of a species suitable to produce an n-type conducting layer, such as antimony or phosphorus, above the siloxane film. The next step of the present invention, as shown in block 26 of FIG. 1c, is bombarding the siloxane film precursor with a beam or argon or nitrogen ions for a sufficient amount of time to produce an n-type conductor layer with a low hydrogen content and high electronic conductivity. In a preferred embodiment, this conductor layer is 200-300 nanometers thick and the argon or nitrogen ions have an energy level of approximately 10 KeV. The hydrogen content should preferably be in the range of 1-10 atomic percent and the desired electronic conductivity should be at least 100/Ohm-cm. It is the intent of the present invention that the steps depicted in blocks 24 and 26 of FIG. 1c are performed simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substrate is transported to a fourth work station where an evaporated stream of metal atoms, such as nickel, is deposited onto the n-type conductor layer in at least two defined strips, as shown in block 28 of FIG. 1c. The preferred method for the deposition of these conductor strips is by thermal evaporation from an electron beam heated hearth operating at a volatilization temperature of approximately 1200° C. The second embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 2a-2c. As shown in blocks 10 and 12 of FIG. 2a, the first two steps of the second embodiment of the present invention are the same as the first two steps of the first embodiment of the present invention. The next step of the second embodiment is exposing the conducting film and precursor to a flux of atoms of a species suitable to produce an n-type conducting layer, such as antimony or phosphorus, as shown in block 34 of FIG. 2a. This step is performed simultaneously with bombarding the conducting film and precursor with an ion beam having energies in the range of 1-20 KeV for a sufficient period of time to rupture a substantial number of C-H bonds in the precursor and to form an amorphous n-type carbonaceous residue having a thickness of 100-200 nanometers and a hydrogen content of 10-15 atomic percent. The steps depicted in blocks 12, 34, and 36 of FIG. 2a are performed at vacuum conditions, as shown in FIG. 2a. In a preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the invention, the substrate material is moved to a second work station where a vapor stream of siloxane precursor is directed toward the n-type conductor layer, as shown in block 38 of FIG. 2b. This step is performed simultaneously with bombarding the n-type conductor layer and precursor with a beam of hydrogen ions having energies in the range of 0.5-2.0 KeV for a sufficient period of time to produce a siloxane film comprising 10-15 atomic percent hydrogen and having a thickness of 500-1000 nonometers, as shown in block 40 of FIG. 2b. The steps shown in blocks 38 and 40 are performed at vacuum conditions, as shown in FIG. 2b. In a preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the invention, the substrate is moved to a third work station where a vapor stream of carbonaceous precursor is directed toward the siloxane film, as shown in block 22 of FIG. 2c. The next step of the second embodiment is exposing the siloxane film and precursor to a flux of atoms of a species suitable to produce a p-type conducting layer, such as boron, as shown in block 44 of FIG. 2c. This step is performed simultaneously with bombarding the precursor with a beam of argon or nitrogen ions for a sufficient amount of time to produce a p-type conductor layer with a hydrogen content of less than 10 atomic percent and an electronic conductivity of at least 100/Ohm-cm, as shown in block 46 of FIG. 2c. In a preferred embodiment of the second embodiment, the substrate is moved to a fourth work station where an evaporated stream of metal atoms, such as nickel, is deposited onto the p-type conductor in at least two defined strips, as shown in block 48 of FIG. 2c. As shown in FIG. 2c, the steps depicted in blocks 22, 44, 46, and 48 are performed at vacuum conditions. The present invention also encompasses the products produced by the methods disclosed herein, including the methods depicted in FIGS. 1a-1c and 2a-2c. As previously explained, the temperature at which the present invention is practiced depends upon the precursor and substrate materials used. As shown in FIGS. 1a-1c and 2a-2c, a preferred temperature for practicing the present invention with hydrocarbon and siloxane precursors on a substrate coated with an ITO film is less than 80° C. Many modifications and variations may be made in the embodiments described herein and depicted in the accompanying drawings without departing from the concept of the present invention. Accordingly, it is clearly understood that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are illustrative only and are not intended as a limitation upon the scope of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a low temperature method for making a photovoltaic material. In particular, the present invention describes a low temperature method for the deposition in vacuo of successive layers of materials required for a photovoltaic device. The present invention uses ion beam assisted processes in which a selected silicon containing precursor film is controllably converted to an amorphous silicon and carbon mixture. Ion beams are used to control the hydrogen content and thereby control the electrical conductivity of the material. The present invention further comprises the addition of a dopant and the deposition of the electrical contacts, both by thermal evaporation.

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/642,913, entitled “Polymer Composition and Method of Rapid Preparation In Situ” filed on Aug. 18, 2003, which is a continuation application claiming priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/946,996, entitled “Polymer Composition and Method of Rapid Preparation In Situ” filed on Sep. 5, 2001, the entire contents of both being hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND [0002] The present invention relates to a polymer composition and an in situ method of producing a polyurea to create an almost instantaneous, nonreversible, predictable, adjustable, and substantial viscosity increase in a thermosetting polymeric resin admixture. [0003] Conventional methods of making particle filled thermosetting resin molded parts typically experience difficulties with particles either sinking or floating in the resin admixture used to mold the desired parts. The tendency for particulate fillers to sink or float in the resin admixture used to mold such parts has the effect of destroying the homogeneity of the resin admixture, thereby causing unwanted density gradients in the final molded parts. [0004] Previously, those skilled in the art used thixotropic agents such as fumed silica or certain clays to build viscosity in the resin admixture and keep the particulate fillers suspended. However, these agents were of limited utility because the amount of viscosity build was limited, and because special high shear mixing equipment was required to shear the thixotropic agents into the resin prior to addition of the fillers. This high shear mixing equipment has a tendency to damage fragile, hollow, spherical glass bubble fillers, making them useless. Further problems occur due to the fact that the resin admixtures have to be kept constantly sheared to prevent the mix viscosity from starting to build before the resin admixture is transferred to the mold. Frequently, air entrapment or filler migration occurs because the thixotropic agent is not completely effective. Conventional thixotropic agents simply build viscosity without “freezing” the filler particles in place. [0005] In some thermosetting resins, particularly polyurethanes and epoxies, said thermosetting resins get very hot, and actually undergo a substantial heat induced viscosity decrease before they gel. This heat induced viscosity decrease, prior to the gellation of the resin admixture, tends to exacerbate the tendency of the light or heavy filler particles to sink or float, thereby decreasing the ability of the molder to make molded parts without density gradients. SUMMARY [0006] The present invention pertains to a polymer composition prepared from a thermosetting polymeric resin admixture having a subcomponent gelled phase or polyurea. The gelled phase or polyurea is capable of trapping particles of widely differing particle densities within the resin admixture, thereby preventing these particles from either sinking or floating. Subsequent to this rapid viscosity increase, the resin admixture can be cured in the normal fashion, yielding a useful filled polymer molded part. Because a very rapid and substantial viscosity build is accomplished in said resin admixture, and particles of widely varying densities are trapped in place, their movement through the resin admixture is prevented, resulting in the homogeneity of the resin admixture density being preserved, without any appreciable density gradients being formed in the resin admixture, or the resulting molded part. The gelled polyurea of the resin admixture is generated in situ and is evenly distributed throughout the resin admixture. [0007] In contrast to conventional methods which rely upon thixotropic agents, the user of the current resin admixture can change the amounts and types of reactants used to cause the thickening to occur, giving the user precise control over the time and degree of viscosity build that occurs. This control over the timing and degree of viscosity build that occurs in the resin admixture is unavailable to a user of conventional thixotropic agents. [0008] The rapid, suddenly-induced increase in viscosity of the resin admixture can be timed to occur in the mold, after it is filled, to fix the low or high density particles in place without density gradients. Thus, the resin admixture can first be mixed, de-aerated, and pumped or poured easily into the mold while still in a low viscosity state and without trapping excessive air bubbles. This eliminates the need for high shear mixing equipment and other equipment viscosity limitations. Once the resin admixture has been transferred to the mold, and the density has been fixed without density gradients, the resin admixture can be gelled and cured in the usual manner to produce the finished polymer composition. [0009] The thermosetting resin admixture can utilize a combination of several reactive polymers, including but not limited to polyurethanes, epoxies, and unsaturated polyesters, and a combination of both low and high density fillers, either mineral or synthetic. The gelled polyurea phase within the resin admixture has the ability to trap, and hold in suspension, particulate matter or fillers of widely varying densities and in a wide range of amounts. The particulate matter may have a substantially higher, higher, lower, or substantially lower density than the density of the resin admixture, or may have a mixture of densities. [0010] The ungelled phase of the resin admixture is composed of various thermosetting resins which can be solidified into a rigid resinous mass for the purpose of casting a wide variety of useful objects, these objects containing evenly distributed particulate matter, or blends of particulate matter, which impart desirable characteristics to the molded part. The desirable characteristics may include weight gain, weight reduction, increased or decreased abrasion resistance and wear properties, increased strength or toughness, improved impact resistance, increased or decreased coefficient of friction, increased or decreased coefficient of restitution, increased or decreased oil absorption properties, increased or decreased dielectric properties, or combinations of these properties. [0011] The polymer composition is particularly useful in the production of bowling balls, although it is may be used in any molded polymer parts. The gelled polyurea phase maintains the uniformity of fillers and additives incorporated during the preparation of the molded polymer part. The fixation of the particulate matter within the gelled phase allows for the dramatic slowing of the gel and cure rate of the resin polymer used in the resin admixture, which subsequently results in a finished molded part which is much less likely to have defects such as burns and cracks. The burning and cracking are generally caused by an over-accelerated gel and cure rate. Surface quality is also improved, due to the reduced porosity caused by air entrapment. [0012] Without wanting to be bound by theory, the technology behind the polymer composition in the thermosetting resin admixture is predicated on the relative kinetics of competing chemical reactions, and the excess amount of certain of those chemicals to limit molecular weight development of some products while at the same time providing a chemical supply for subsequent secondary reactions. Reactive components must be separated in different vessels prior to mixing, which initiates the chemical reactions. Inert fillers are maintained uniformly dispersed within the fluids of the individual vessels by continuous mixing or recirculation techniques commonly used and commercially available to those in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0013] FIG. 1 shows a general view of a method and apparatus for preparing the polymer composition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0014] The present invention relates to a polymer composition in a thermosetting resin admixture which includes as a subcomponent a gelled or polyurea phase. The in situ generation of the polyurea phase produces a substantial and controllable viscosity increase that enables the trapping and fixation of particulate matter within the resin admixture, eliminating density gradients. The resin admixture is useful for the production of any molded parts containing particulate matter, and particularly for the production of bowling balls. [0015] Although other very rapidly gelling polymers could be used, the gelled phase within the resin admixture preferably comprises a polyurea. Polyurea (RNHCONHR) is a product of the reaction between an isocyanate (OCN—R) and a companion reactant such as an amine (RNH 2 ), carboxylic acid (RCOOH), or water (H 2 O). In the presence of an excess amount of either isocyanate or companion reactant, the polyurea formed is of low molecular weight and is essentially a dimer. In the presence of approximately equal or non-limiting amounts of either isocyanate or companion reactant, the polyurea formed will be of higher molecular weight and will impart higher viscosity to the mixture. In preferred embodiments, the polyurea has a low number average molecular weight, from about 200 g/mole to about 2000 g/mole, and more preferably from about 200 g/mole to about 300 g/mole. Unless otherwise stated, molecular weight means number average molecular weight. [0016] The polyurea gelled phase is produced in situ when all of the components for the resin admixture are mixed together. In a preferred embodiment, the polymer composition is prepared by mixing compounds comprising a polymer resin material, an isocyanate, a companion reactant, a filler material, and a plasticizer or diluent material. Only the isocyanate and the companion reactant react to form the polyurea. [0017] Once the components are mixed, a primary and a secondary reaction occur. In the primary reaction, the polyurea is generally formed within 1 to 30 seconds. This allows the polyurea to be formed at the time of the molding, or just after the mold is filled. At this point, the polyurea is in a gelled phase but is still capable of being incorporated into the backbone of the polymer matrix. In the secondary reaction, polymerization occurs within the thermosetting resin admixture. With the appropriate selection of reactants and properties, the gelled polyurea holds the particulate filler mix in suspension while the secondary reaction proceeds. Upon completion of the secondary reaction, the gelled polyurea and any particulate filler contained therein are evenly dispersed throughout the cured polymer. [0018] The primary reaction between the isocyanate and the companion reactant forming the polyurea is much faster (from 100 to 1000 times faster) than other competing reactions which could take place with the isocyanate, such as reactions with a primary alcohol (ROH). The polyurea-forming reaction is also much faster than other reactions with an amine, such as reactions with an epoxide. Thus, there is no reasonable likelihood that the secondary reaction or any competitive reaction will consume one of the essential reactants needed to produce the polyurea. Furthermore, there is no reaction between an isocyanate and an epoxide, or between an amine and a hydroxyl containing compounds, which allows for convenient separation of the reactants until polymerization and polyurea formation is desired. The formation of polyurea is accomplished in situ, which allows formation of the polyurea at the time of application or molding. After gellation, the polyurea is available to be incorporated into the backbone of the polymer matrix. [0019] The polymer composition making up the resin admixture is preferably prepared by mixing compounds comprising, based on volume, from about 40 to about 68 percent of a polymer resin material, from about 0.1 to about 5 percent of an isocyanate, from about 2 to about 15 percent of a companion reactant such as an amine, from about 0.1 to about 13 percent of a filler material, and optionally from about 20 to about 35 percent of a plasticizer material and from about 0 to about 20 percent of a diluent material. A preferred embodiment utilizes a ratio of isocyanate to amine ranging from about 1:10 to about 1:40 based on volume. [0020] Preferably, the components of the resin admixture are held separately in different vessels until the time that mixing and reaction is desired. In a preferred embodiment, a first vessel will contain a polymer resin material and an isocyanate. A second vessel may then contain an amine and a plasticizer or diluent material. A filler material may be present in either vessel. When the contents of the vessels are mixed, a polyurea of low molecular weight is formed immediately as a result of the primary reaction. The polyurea gel matrix then holds the filler in suspension during the interval required for the secondary reaction of the polymer resin to proceed to completion. The resulting polymer composition that is formed preferably contains by volume from about 1 to about 3 percent polyurea, from about 55 to about 75 percent cured epoxy polymer, from about 0.2 to about 30 percent particulate filler, and from about 0 to about 40 percent inert plasticizer or diluent material. These volume amounts may vary depending on the desired properties of the final polymer. The resulting polymer composition can be analyzed using a combination of techniques such as FTIR Spectroscopy, NMR Spectroscopy, HPLC, Mass Spectrometry and other analytical techniques commonly used in plastics characterization. [0021] The polymer resin material may be a mixture of one or more epoxies, unsaturated polyesters, polyurethanes, or various other thermosetting plastics. Epoxies are monomers or pre-polymers that further react with curing agents to yield high performance thermosetting plastics. Epoxy resins are characterized by the presence of a three membered cyclic ether group. Unsaturated polyesters are macromolecules with polyester backbones derived from the interaction of unsaturated dicarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids or anhydrides and polyhydric alcohols. Polyurethanes contain urethane groups in their backbone. They are obtained by the reaction of a diisocyanate or polyisocyanate with a macroglycol (polyol), or with a combination of a polyol and a short chain glycol extender. [0022] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer resin material is an epoxy resin material. Preferably, the epoxy resin material comprises a bisphenol-A epoxy resin. A bisphenol-A epoxy resin is the reaction product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol-A. Examples of a bisphenol-A epoxy resin include Dow DER-331 (Dow Chemicals, Midland, Mich.), Shell Epon-828 (Shell Chemical Corporation, Houston, Tex.), and Shell Epon-826 (Shell Chemical Corporation). The epoxy resin is preferably an aromatic epoxy that causes tight cross-linking. In preferred embodiments of the resin admixture, the epoxy resin ranges from about 40 to about 68 weight percent of the resin admixture, preferably from about 44 to about 62 weight percent of the resin admixture, and most preferably from about 48 to about 58 weight percent of the resin admixture. [0023] The isocyanate is preferably of low molecular weight and viscosity. An equivalent weight of from about 100 g/mole to about 140 g/mole is preferred. The viscosity of the isocyanate should preferably be below 200 cps at 25° C. Preferred examples of the isocyanate include aromatic poly (MDI) isocyanates, such as polymethylene polyphenylisocyanate, and aliphatic isocyanates, such as hexamethylene diisocyanate. Other preferred examples include 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, such as BASF M-20 MDI, a polymeric MDI (BASF Corporation, Wyandotte, Mich.). In preferred embodiments of the resin admixture, the diisocyanate ranges from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of the resin admixture, preferably from about 0.5 to about 3 weight percent of the resin admixture, and most preferably from about 1.5 to about 2 weight percent of the resin admixture. [0024] The companion reactant which reacts with the isocyanate to form the polyurea is preferably an amine. The amine is preferably an aliphatic amine, such as n-aminoethylpiperazine (“AEP”), diethylenetriamine (“DETA”), or triethylenetriamine (“TETA”). Other preferred amines include tris (dimethyl amino-methyl phenol), tetraethylene pentamine (“TEPA”), and ethylenediamine. In preferred embodiments of the resin admixture, the amine ranges from about 2 to about 15 weight percent of the resin admixture, preferably from about 4 to about 10 weight percent of the resin admixture, and most preferably from about 5 to about 7 weight percent of the resin admixture. Other suitable companion reactants include carboxylic acids, such as carboxylic acid terminated polyesters, and water. [0025] In further preferred embodiments, when used in combination with an epoxy resin having an equivalent weight of approximately 190, the amines can be used in the following amounts: AEP having an equivalent weight of about 43, at about 22.7 parts per hundred; DETA having an equivalent weight of about 20.7, at about 10.9 parts per hundred; TETA having an equivalent weight of about 24.5, at about 12.9 parts per hundred; tris (dimethyl amino-methyl phenol) at about 10 parts per hundred; TEPA having an equivalent weight of about 27, at about 14.2 parts per hundred; and ethylenediamine having an equivalent weight of about 60, at about 31.6 parts per hundred. Any combination of these amines may be used to cure an epoxy resin having an equivalent weight of approximately 190, so long as the equivalent weights of the amines add up to the amount needed to react with the resin. Thus, various blends of the listed amines can be used to develop the cure cycle and physical properties that are desired in the finished polymer. [0026] A preferred embodiment of the modified epoxy resin may also contain a filler material. The filler material can have a density ranging from about 0.009 g/ml, such as a thermoplastic microballoon, to about 11.3 g/ml, such as lead powder, and may comprise from about 0.2 percent to about 30 percent by volume of the total polymer composition. Preferred examples of the filler material include solid glass spheres, such as Potters 300A (otters Industries, Valley Forge, Pa.), hollow glass spheres, such as Potters 110P8, Potters Q-300, Potters 6014, or Potters 6048 (Potters Industries), hollow thermoplastic spheres, such as Potters 6545 (Potters Industries), ground pumice (Smith Chemical and Wax of Savannah, Savannah, Ga.), or a combination thereof. Additional examples of the filler material include talc, silica, calcium carbonate, fiberglass, ground glass, diatomaceous earth, polyethylene, wood flour, titanium dioxide, white rubber, calcium sulfate, gold mica, silver mica, lead powder, iron, iron oxide, carbon, or any other filler known in the art. Useful inert fillers are capable of enhancing various specific properties of the finished molded part, such as density, frictional properties, coefficient of restitution, fire resistance, abrasion resistance, dielectric properties, and magnetic properties. In preferred embodiments of the polymer composition, the filler material ranges from about 0.1 to about 13 weight percent of the resin admixture, preferably from about 0.2 to about 11 weight percent of the resin admixture, and most preferably from about 0.5 to about 9 weight percent of the resin admixture. [0027] Preferred embodiments of the polymer composition may contain one or more plasticizer or diluent materials. The plasticizer material can be made from one or more plasticizers. Various plasticizers may be added to modify the physical properties of elasticity, hardness, and flexibility of the molded part. The plasticizers may be incorporated at levels of between about 0 and 40 percent by volume, depending on the type of polymer used in the resin admixture, and the specific properties the user wishes to achieve in the finished molded part. Preferred examples of the plasticizer material include 2,2-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol-diisobutyrate, such as Eastman TXIB (Eastman Chemicals, Kingsport, Tenn.), a chlorinated paraffin hydrocarbon wax, such as Dover Chlorowax C-40 (Dover Chemicals, Dover, Ohio), dialkyl phthalate, such as BASF Palatinol 711-P (BASF Corporation), dibutyl phthalate, texanol ester alcohol, such as Eastman TEX (Eastman Chemicals), sucrose acetate isobutyrate, such as Eastman SAIB (Eastman Chemicals), dioctyl phthalate, dioctyl adipate, diisooctyl phthalate, ditridecyl phthalate, butyl benzyl phthalate, oleic acid, alphamethylstyrene, benzoate ester, such as Velsicol Benzoflex 2088 (Velsicol Company, Rosemount, Ill.), hydrocarbon polystyrene resin, such as Eastman Piccolastic A-5 (Eastman Chemicals), urethane polyether polyol, polyoxyalkylene polyol, such as BASF Pluracol GP-730 (BASF Corporation), polyhydroxy amine, such as BASF Quadrol (BASF Corporation), or Bayer Multranil 9157 (Bayer Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pa.), or a combination thereof. In preferred embodiments of the resin admixture, the plasticizer material ranges from about 20 to about 35 weight percent of the resin admixture, preferably from about 25 to about 33 weight percent of the resin admixture, and most preferably from about 28 to about 31 weight percent of the resin admixture. [0028] Preferred embodiments of the modified epoxy resin may also contain one or more diluents, such as Cardiolite Diluent NC-700 (Cardiolite Company). In preferred embodiments of the polymer composition, the diluent ranges from about 0 to about 20 weight percent of the resin admixture, preferably from about 0 to about 15 weight percent of the resin admixture, and most preferably from about 0 to about 10 weight percent of the resin admixture. [0029] As shown in FIG. 1 , a preferred method of preparing the polymer composition begins with placing the reactants which form the polyurea gelled phase in separate containers. A first vessel 100 can hold the isocyanate, or Reactant A, and a second vessel 101 can hold the amine, or Reactant B. In addition, between about 45 and 65 percent by volume of the liquid reactants, such as the epoxy resin material, can be placed into the first vessel 100 . The remainder of the liquid reactants, such as the plasticizer or diluent material, can be placed into the second vessel 101 . A particulate filler may be added to either or both vessels. The contents of both the first vessel 100 and the second vessel 101 are then mixed in a mixing chamber 102 , which initiates the primary and secondary reactions. The preferred manner of this mixing is with an impingement mixer, but in cases where low density, hollow glass or plastic fillers are being used, some of these fillers carmot withstand the shear generated by the impingement mixer without breakage. In these cases, a motorized mechanical mixing chamber may be used in place of the impingement mixer. In cases where very low density hollow glass or plastic fillers are being used, and impingement or motorized mixing chambers would fracture or collapse the hollow spheres, a simple static mixing tube may be used. The main advantage to the impingement mixer is its low contained volume, which makes it possible to utilize a fast-reacting polyurea. For the mechanical mixer and the static mixing tube methods, a slower reacting gel phase must be used to prevent gelling of the material in the mixing device. Frequent flushing of mix heads may also be useful, but this may require excessive solvent use and result in higher material costs. [0030] Finally, the mixed fluids are poured into a mold 103 in any desired shape. Alternatively, the fluids can be poured onto a substrate or core (such as a bowling ball inner core) within a mold, thus creating an outer layer for the substrate or core. The present invention also pertains to a bowling ball prepared by this method. [0031] The polymer composition can be used in the manufacture of various polymeric molded parts. The polymer composition can be applied especially well to the manufacture of bowling balls, and particularly to the manufacture of bowling balls which incorporate various particulate fillers and plasticizers to enhance bowling ball performance. It is understood by those of skill in the art that current types of bowling ball manufacturing equipment can be used to produce bowling balls incorporating the polymer composition. Neither additional new equipment nor modifications to existing equipment is required in most cases in order to make use of the polymer composition. [0032] Bowling balls containing an inner core and an outer core are known in the art. In addition, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the polymer composition can be applied to any typical bowling ball utilizing conventional materials. Such conventional shell materials may include, but are not limited to, unsaturated polyesters, polyurethanes, and epoxies of various types. One or more inner cores or outer shells of the same or varying compositions may be used within the bowling ball and provided for in the same manner as for a bowling ball having a single inner core and a single outer shell or layer. Both the inner core and the outer shell may be manufactured of such materials as are known in the art. The polymer composition can be used in both the inner core and in the outer shell to restrict the movement of particulate matter through the core or shell and thus prevent undesirable density gradients from being formed. [0033] Although the polymer composition has been described with reference to specific embodiments, and specifically to bowling balls, the polymer composition is generally and widely useful and is applicable to many other embodiments and products other than bowling balls. This description should not be limited or construed in a limited manner, but rather should be considered to pertain to a very general process which may be useful for a wide range of embodiments requiring density gradient control of polymeric resin admixtures containing a wide variety of particulate fillers. Various embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the description. EXAMPLE 1 Example Resin Admixtures Used to Produce Example Polymer Compositions [0034] The Tables below show nine different resin admixtures which were mixed according to the methods described in order to produce examples of the polymer composition. TABLE 1-1 Resin Admixture A First Vessel Second Vessel Ingredient % (wt) Ingredient % (wt) Epoxy resin (Epon 828) 53.0 Filler material (Mica) 3.8 Isocyanate 1.2 Plasticizer (Eastman TXIB) 32.0 Amine 10.0 (Aminoethylpiperazine) [0035] TABLE 1-2 Resin Admixture B First Vessel Second Vessel Ingredient % (wt) Ingredient % (wt) Epoxy resin 56.0 Filler material (solid glass spheres) 3.8 (Epon 828) Plasticizer (Velsicol Benzoflex 2088) 27.5 Isocyanate 1.2 Amine (Aminoethylpiperazine) 11.5 [0036] TABLE 1-3 Resin Admixture C First Vessel Second Vessel Ingredient % (wt) Ingredient % (wt) Epoxy resin 56.0 Filler material (Potters Q-300) 4.0 (Epon 828) Plasticizer (Eastman TXIB) 27.3 Isocyanate 1.2 Amine (Aminoethylpiperazine) 11.5 [0037] TABLE 1-4 Resin Admixture D First Vessel Second Vessel Ingredient % (wt) Ingredient % (wt) Epoxy resin (Epon 828) 53.0 Filler material (Pumice) 3.0 Isocyanate 1.5 Plasticizer (Eastman TXIB) 33.5 Amine 9.0 (Aminoethylpiperazine) [0038] TABLE 1-5 Resin Admixture E First Vessel Second Vessel Ingredient % (wt) Ingredient % (wt) Epoxy 58.0 Filler material (Potters Q-300) 4.0 resin (Epon 828) Filler material (Rubber) 1.0 Isocyanate 1.2 Plasticizer (Eastman TXIB) 25.8 Amine (Aminoethylpiperazine) 10.0 [0039] TABLE 1-6 Resin Admixture F First Vessel Second Vessel Ingredient % (wt) Ingredient % (wt) Epoxy 58.0 Filler material (Potters 6014) 1.2 resin (Epon 828) Filler material (Rubber) 9.0 Isocyanate 1.2 Plasticizer (Eastman TXIB) 20.6 Amine (Aminoethylpiperazine) 10.0 [0040] TABLE 1-7 Resin Admixture G First Vessel Second Vessel Ingredient % (wt) Ingredient % (wt) Epoxy 59.0 Filler material (Rubber) 9.0 resin (Epon 828) Plasticizer (Eastman TXIB) 18.3 Isocyanate 1.9 Amine (Aminoethylpiperazine) 11.8 [0041] TABLE 1-8 Resin Admixture H First Vessel Second Vessel Ingredient % (wt) Ingredient % (wt) Epoxy resin (Epon 828) 55.0 Plasticizer (Eastman TXIB) 33.9 Isocyanate 2.1 Amine 9.0 (Aminoethylpiperazine) [0042] TABLE 1-9 Resin Admixture I First Vessel Second Vessel Ingredient % (wt) Ingredient % (wt) Epoxy 57.0 Filler material (Potters 6545) 0.29 resin (Epon 828) Filler material (Rubber) 9.0 Isocyanate 1.7 Plasticizer (Eastman TXIB) 20.51 Amine (Aminoethylpiperazine) 11.5

A polymer composition in a thermosetting resin admixture having a subcomponent gelled phase or polyurea. The gelled phase or polyurea is capable of trapping particles of widely differing particle densities within the polymer composition, thereby preventing these particles from either sinking or floating. The polymer composition can be cured in the normal fashion, yielding a useful filled polymer molded part with a substantially homogeneous density of particulate filler throughout. The gelled polyurea phase of the resin admixture is generated in situ during the mixture of the components of the thermosetting resin admixture. The polymer composition is particularly useful for the production of bowling balls, but may be used in any molded polymer parts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process for the delignification and bleaching of a lignocellulose material by an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent and of an oxidation-reduction catalyst. The invention therefore relates to the technical field of wood and of paper pulp and also to that of natural or synthetic oxidation-reduction catalysts. 2. Background Art Many studies relate to processes for the degradation of wood lignin or paper pulp. As restated by A. Paszcynski et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 1988, 62-68, many of these studies are based on the study of natural wood degradation phenomena. Thus a specific strain of basidiomycetes, known under the name of "Phanerochaete chryosporium" and leading to white rot of wood, was particularly studied as regards the biochemical mechanisms which are involved in delignification. Two types of extracellular enzymes containing porphyrin groups are involved in the degradation of wood. These enzymes have in common the ability to decompose peroxides, which ability is characteristic of peroxidases; their catalytic cycle comprises the oxidation of the iron porphyrin by the peroxide and then the return to the initial state by virtue of electrons withdrawn from the molecules present in the medium. Ligninases capture an electron from the aromatic rings of lignin and thus form radical cation species which progress non-enzymatically and which lead to depolymerization of lignin. Manganese peroxidases oxidize Mn 2+ cations to Mn 3+ cations. The Mn 3+ cations diffuse into the structures of wood and capture an electron to restore Mn 2+ . The above writers treated wood shavings or paper pulp with a number of natural or synthetic iron porphyrins in the presence of an oxidizing agent chosen from hydrogen peroxide or tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH), in an aqueous medium. The experiments were carried out with a wood/water ratio by mass of 0.2% and a pulp/water ratio by mass of 0.1% at approximately 100° C. (reflux temperature of water) for 24 to 48 h. The chosen kraft pulp, treated with an iron hemin/TBH, sees its kappa number decrease from 36 to 2 with removal of 100% of the lignin and only 10% of the cellulose. On the other hand, wood shavings treated under identical temperature and time conditions with hydrogen peroxide alone or with the H 2 O 2 /hemin combination lead to the same results, namely a degradation of the lignin and cellulose which is non-selective and of the same order of magnitude. Heroin does not seem to play any specific role in the presence of H 2 O 2 . On the other hand, in the presence of TBH, by refluxing for 48 h, 38% of the lignin is removed with concomitant removal of 9.5% of the cellulose. In concluding their studies, these writers recognize that their process cannot be applied industrially. For their part, P. S. Skerker et al., Biotechnology in Pulp and Paper Manufacture, Chap. 18, 203-210, Butterworth, Heinemann (1990), have studied the biomimetic bleaching of kraft pulps using synthetic porphyrins in the presence of TBH. The porphyrin which is soluble in water and which is resistant to oxidation is mesotetra -(2,6-dichloro-3-sulphonatophenyl)-β-octachloroporphinatoiron(III). It should be noted that this porphyrin comprises 16 chlorine atoms substituting the phenyl and pyrrole rings and 4 sulphonato groups and that its synthesis is very expensive. Replacement of iron by manganese in this porphyrin structure does not substantially change the results. Having a pulp with a consistency of 2.5%, a delignification of better than 45% is obtained in 15 min at 80° C. in water with the above Fe(III) porphyrin, the kappa number decreasing from 23.5 to 18.7. However, these conditions lead to a decrease in the viscosity of the pulp by a factor of approximately 2, which is a sign of severe depolymerization of the cellulose. In their conclusion, these writers themselves recognize that their process cannot be operated industrially. Forrester et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol. 157, no. 3, 992-999, 1988, were concerned with the second type of enyzmes which are involved in the delignification caused by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. These writers have shown that a simpler biomimetic system, consisting of the Mn 3+ cation complexed with pyrophosphate and in the presence of reduced glutathione, oxidized veratryl alcohol to the corresponding aldehyde and also caused delignification of wood fibres. With veratryl alcohol, if hydrogen peroxide is added to the above reaction medium, approximately 3 times less veratraldehyde is obtained. Apart from the technical field of wood and paper pulp; other natural metal complexes involved in biological oxidations have formed the subject of publications. Saver, Acc. Chem. Res., 13, 249 (1980) and the references cited, restates that complexes containing two manganese atoms can be involved in biological oxidations. Hodgson et al., Inorganica Chemical Acta, 141 (1988), 167-168, reviews synthetic complexes containing two manganese atoms and describes, in particular, some in which the metal is in high oxidation states. The 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) complex of formula [(bpy) 2 MnO] 2 3+ and its 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) analogue are known. These complexes have been isolated in the form of stable solids in the Mn(III)/Mn(IV) oxidation state and have been studied in solution in their Mn(IV)/Mn(IV) complete oxidation state. The phen complex has been isolated as a solid in the Mn(IV)/Mn(IV) state and its structure characterized by M. Stebler et al., Inorg. Chem., 25, 4743 (1986). D. J. Hodgson et al., in the above publication, report the synthesis of a new complex (I): [TPA)Mn(III)O.sub.2 Mn(IV)(TPA)].sup.3+ (I) in which TPA is a tetradentate ligand consisting of tris(pyridyl-2-methyl)amine. The complex (I) is obtained by mixing TPA and MnSO 4 ·H 2 O in water and then adding hydrogen peroxide. By addition of sodium dithionate, the salt [(TpA)MnO] 2 ·(S 2 O 6 ) 3/2 ·7H 2 O crystallizes and its structure is determined by X-ray crystallography. Uehara et al., Chemistry Letters, 1988, 477-480, have isolated the complexes: [(TPA)Mn(III)O.sub.2 Mn(IV)(TPA)].sup.3+ (ClO.sub.4.sup.-).sub.3- H.sub.2 O (II) [(TPA)(Mn)(IV)O.sub.2 (Mn)(IV)(TPA)].sup.4+ (ClO.sub.4.sup.-).sub.4- CH.sub.3 CN·H.sub.2 O (III) (II) being obtained by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide and (III) by electrochemical oxidation of (II) in acetonitrile. Hodgson et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1990, 112, 6248-6254, restate that the possible use of bis(μ-oxo) dimanganese complexes as redox catalysts follows from the preliminary observations of Gref et al., Nouv. J. Chem., 1984, 8, 615-618, who electrochemically oxidized alcohols and ethers in the presence of bpy and phen complexes of manganese (see above), and from the studies by Ramaraj et al., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., 1986, 25, 825-827, who showed that the bpy complex oxidized water in the presence of a chemical oxidizing agent such as the cerium(IV) ion. In the above publication, D. J. Hodgson et al. restate or describe the preparation of complexes of the type of general formula (IV): [(L)MnO.sub.2 Mn(L)].sup.2+ or 3+ (IV) accessible from Mn(II) by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of the ligand (n) of general formula (V) or (VI): ##STR1## in which: R 1 =R 2 =H; X=C; (Bispicen) or R 1 =CH 3 ; R 2 =H; X=C; or R 1 =H; R 2 =CH 3 ; X=C; R 1 =H; X=N; or else: ##STR2## in which: R 1 =R 2 =H; n=1 [TPA]; or R 1 =CH 3 ; R 2 =H; n=2; or R 1 =R 2 =CH 3 ; n=1. The electrochemical properties of these complexes were studied by cyclic voltametry in acetonitrile. Hodgson et al., Inorg. Chem., 1990, 29, 2435-2441, have synthesized new ligands related to those above: -(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L 1 ), -(1-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L 2 ), -(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L 3 ), -(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L 4 ). These ligands L 1 , L 2 , L 3 and L 4 lead to di-Mn complexes of the type restated above and catalyse the epoxidation of cyclohexene in the presence of iodosobenzene, which acts as the primary oxidizing agent. The complex (L 3 ) Mn(III)O 2 Mn(IV)(L 3 ) (ClO 4 ) 3 was prepared by oxidation using hydrogen peroxide and then oxidized with NaOCl in acid medium to give the complex: (L.sub.3)Mn(IV)O.sub.2 Mn(IV)(L.sub.3)(ClO.sub.4).sub.4 Patent Application EP 0,458,398 (Unilever NV and plc) relates to a bleaching medium comprising a peroxy bleaching agent and a manganese coordination complex (or a precursor of the latter) for use in washing and bleaching substrates, especially for textile whitening or washing dishes. The latter coordination complex has the general formula (A): [L.sub.n Mn.sub.m X.sub.p ].sup.z Y.sub.q (A) in which: Mn is manganese in the IV oxidation state, n and m independently have the value of integers from 2 to 8, X can represent a coordinating or bridging group such as H 2 O, OH - , O 2 2- , HO 2 - , SH - , S 2- , -SO-, NR 2 - , RCOO - , NR 3 , Cl - , N 3 - , SCN - or N 3- , or a combination thereof, with R representing H, alkyl or aryl (optionally substituted), is a integer from 0 to 32, preferably 3 to 6, Y is a counterion whose type depends on the charge z of the complex; if z is positive, then Y represents an anion such as Cl - , Br - , I - , NO 3 - , ClO 4 - , NCS - , PF 6 - , RSO 3 - , RSO 4 - , CF 3 SO 3 - , BPh 4 - 0 or OAc - ; if z is negative, then Y is a cation of an alkali metal or alkaline-earth metal or alternatively an (alkyl)ammonium cation, z is a negative or positive integer, q=z/charge of Y, L is a ligand which is an organic molecule containing a certain number of heteroatoms (N, P, O and S), some of which are coordinated to the manganese atoms. Those which are preferred, from this family of complexes of formula (A), are of general formula (C): [(L)Mn(IV)(μ-O).sub.3 Mn(IV)(L)].sup.z Y.sub.q (C) in which L, Y, q and z are identical to those of the formula (A). A preferred class of ligands L which correspond to the formula (C) are tridentate ligands which coordinate each manganese(IV) centre with 3 nitrogen N atoms. Bis(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)amine appears among 19 of the latter (containing 3 nitrogen atoms). The peroxy bleaching agents used comprise hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), compounds which release or generate H 2 O 2 , especially sodium perborate, and peroxy acids and their salts. All the examples of this patent application (EP 0,458,398) relate to the bleaching, using these complexes, of stained cotton textile, at basic pH values between 10 and 11. The problem of selectively delignifying lignocellulose materials without excessively depolymerizing the cellulose and without having industrial effluents which are environmentally undesirable remains current. As restated by H. U. Suss, Bleaching, Vol. A4, 191-199, 1985, the bleaching of pulp in the paper industry by oxidizing agents exhibits disadvantages inherent in the properties of the oxidizing agent used or in the physicochemical conditions of the process employed. Oxygen, for example, has little selectivity and also severely degrades the cellulose in NaOH medium and, to a lesser degree, in the presence of magnesium salts. Chlorine is a relatively selective delignifying agent. Under the acidic conditions used, it causes oxidation but also electrophilic substitution of the aromatic rings of the lignin, producing dicarboxylic acids and chlorinated fragments of the lignin. The latter represent a potential danger to the environment. Hydrogen peroxide is used essentially in basic medium. This basic medium leads to a certain depolymerization of the cellulose. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aim of the present invention is the development of a new means for delignifying and bleaching lignocellulose material in suspension in an aqueous medium. Another, more specific, aim is to avoid the nucleophilicity of chlorine in bleaching paper pulp in order to eliminate potential environmental problems related to TOX ("total organically bound halogens"). A third aim is to use oxygen-containing oxidizing agents such as ozone, hydrogen peroxide or their mixtures in a delignification and a bleaching in acidic or neutral aqueous medium, by adjusting the oxidation potential of this medium to a chosen value. The present invention is a process for the delignification and bleaching of a lignocellulose material in suspension in an aqueous medium containing an oxidizing agent and an oxidation-reduction catalyst chosen from a family of ligand-containing manganese complexes, some of which have already been described, especially by D. J. Hodgson et al. More precisely, the present invention is a process for the delignification and bleaching of a lignocellulose material in which an aqueous solution of a redox catalyst and of an oxidizing agent is reacted with the said material, characterized in that the said catalyst contains an organometallic cation of general formula (VII): [(L)MnO.sub.2 Mn(L)].sup.n+ (VII) in which: Mn represents manganese in a Ill or IV oxidation state, it being possible for the two Mn atoms of this cation to form an pair in the III-III or III-IV or IV-IV oxidation state, n has the value 2, 3 or 4, O representing oxygen, L represents a ligand of general formula (VIII): ##STR3## in which either R 1 represents the radical: ##STR4## R 2 then representing the radical: ##STR5## R 3 , R' 3 and R" 3 each representing, independently of one another, a group chosen from hydrogen, C 1 to C 4 lower alkyl, C 1 to C 4 lower alkoxy or halogen, or R 1 represents the radical: ##STR6## R 2 and R' 2 then being identical and representing a group chosen from hydrogen or C 1 to C 4 lower alkyl, R 3 representing a group chosen from hydrogen, C 1 to C 4 lower alkyl, C 1 to C 4 lower alkoxy or halogen. In the above formula (VII), the counteranion is not represented but it can have, for example, the same meaning as that of Y of the above formulae (A) or (C). DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS This process has the advantage that the organometallic cation (VII) is very stable with respect to the oxidizing power of the medium and that the solution containing it can, after reaction, be recovered and reacted again with a new batch of lignocellulose material to which the oxidizing agent has been added. The pH of the aqueous solution is advantageously less than 7 and preferably between 2 and 5. Advantageously, in order to remove, by extraction, the oxidation products of the lignocellulose material, the latter, after the oxidation reaction ((VII)+oxidizing agent), is treated with a basic aqueous solution. This basic treatment can be preceded by a washing with water and/or a pressing of the lignocellulose material. The oxidizing agent is preferably chosen from ozone, hydrogen peroxide, an alkyl hydroperoxide, hypochlorous acid, chlorine, chlorine dioxide or their mixtures. The criterion in selecting these oxidizing agents consists in determining their ability to give the cation of general formula (VII), the two manganese atoms of which are in the III-III or III-IV or IV-IV oxidation states. The III-III state is not always isolated for all the complexes. For example, in the case where L is TPA, the oxidation state obtained in the synthesis of this complex where hydrogen peroxide is involved is III-IV. Likewise, when L is (6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)(2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl) (2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L 3 ), the cation (VII) obtained by the action of hydrogen peroxide is III-IV. Chemical oxidation of this complex with NaOCl placed in acidic medium gives the IV-IV oxidation state. On the other hand, in the case where L is bis(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, the oxidation state obtained with hydrogen peroxide is III-III. The preferred combinations of the redox cations of general formula (VII) with the oxidizing agents are those which lead to an III-IV and/or IV/IV oxidation state. The oxidizing agent is preferably added little by little to the solution of the redox catalyst (VII) in the presence of the pulp, so that there is no excess of oxidizing agent which can react directly with the lignocellulose material. The oxidation potential is then, as it were, buffered to that of the redox catalyst (VII) in its III-IV state or, according to the situation, its IV-IV state, it being known that the oxidation potential of the oxidizing agent is, in principle, always greater than that of the redox catalyst. The lignocellulose material reacted is advantageously wood fragments or paper pulp containing lignin. Preferably, each group R 3 , R' 3 and R" 3 is in the para position with respect to the doublet of the pyridine nitrogen. Advantageously, each group R 3 , R' 3 and R" 3 is chosen from lower alkyl or lower alkoxy. Advantageously, the ratio by weight of the redox catalyst to the lignocellulose material is between 0.1 and 10%. Preferably, in order to have sufficiently fast oxidation kinetics, the temperature of the said aqueous solution of oxidizing agent and of catalyst is between 80° C. and 100° C. Finally, the catalyst/oxidizing agent molar ratio is preferably between 0.1 and 4%. Advantageously, the ratio by weight of the lignocellulose material to the oxidizing agent is between 2 and 100. The ligands of general formula (VIII) are generally synthesized from the pyridine compounds of the general formula (IX): ##STR7## in which: R represents a group chosen from H, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy or halogen, R is in the 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-position on the pyridine ring and preferably in the 4-position, X represents a group chosen from -CH 3 , -CH 2 OH, -CH 2 Cl, -CHO, -CH═N-OH, -COCH 3 , -CO 2 H, -CO 2 R' with R' representing a lower alkyl, -CN or -CH 2 NH 2 . The various groups X above can be obtained by known reactions, from one to another, by functionalizations, reductions or oxidations. Some compounds (IX) are commercially available and appear, for example, in the Aldrich catalogue 1991-1992. These products are indicated in the following Table 1: TABLE 1______________________________________ R X______________________________________ H --CH.sub.3 H --CH.sub.2 OH H --CH.sub.2 Cl H --CHO H --CH═NOH H --COCH.sub.3 H --CO.sub.2 H H --CN H --CH.sub.2 NH.sub.2 3-CH.sub.3 --CH.sub.3 4-CH.sub.3 --CH.sub.3 5-CH.sub.3 --CH.sub.3 6-CH.sub.3 --CH.sub.3 6-CH.sub.3 --CHO 6-Cl --CH.sub.3______________________________________ Other compounds (IX) are known from the literature and are collated in the following Table 2: TABLE 2______________________________________R X Reference No.______________________________________3-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 OH 14-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 OH 15-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 OH 16-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 OH 23-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 Cl 3, 4, 64-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 Cl 35-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 Cl 3, 46-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 Cl 2, 3, 5, 65-CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 -- --CH.sub.2 Cl 3H --CH(Cl)CH.sub.3 63-CH.sub.3 -- --CHO 1, 7, 144-CH.sub.3 -- --CHO 1, 85-CH.sub.3 -- --CHO 1, 76-CH.sub.3 -- --CHO 1, 75-CH.sub.3 -- --COCH.sub.3 94-CH.sub.3 -- --CN 85-CH.sub.3 -- --CN 96-CH.sub.3 -- --CH═N--OH 106-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 NH.sub.2 103-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 CN 34-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 CN 35-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 CN 35-CH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 -- --CH.sub.2 CN 36-CH.sub.3 -- --CH.sub.2 CN 33-CH.sub.3 O-- --CH.sub.2 OH 114-CH.sub.3 O-- --CH.sub.2 OH 1, 126-CH.sub.3 O-- --CH.sub.2 OH 13-CH.sub.3 O-- --CHO 11, 134-CH.sub.3 O-- --CHO 1, 126-CH.sub.3 O-- --CHO 14-Cl-- --CH.sub.2 OH 1, 45-Cl-- --CH.sub.2 OH 156-Cl-- --CH.sub.2 OH 4, 12, 164-Br-- --CH.sub.2 OH 125-Br-- --CH.sub.2 OH 156-Br-- --CH.sub.2 OH 123-F-- --CH.sub.2 OH 155-F-- --CH.sub.2 OH 154-Cl-- --CH.sub.2 Cl 166-Cl-- --CH.sub.2 Cl 4, 164-Cl-- --CHO 15-Cl-- --CHO 156-Cl-- --CHO 124-Br-- --CHO 125-Br-- --CHO 156-Br --CHO 123-F-- --CHO 155-F-- --CHO 155-Cl-- --CH.sub.2 NH.sub.2 176-Cl-- --CO.sub.2 H 126-Br-- --CO.sub.2 H 12______________________________________ References 1. O. E. Schulz et al., Arch. pharm. (Weinheim) , 310, 128-136 (1977). 2. M. H. Newcomb et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 99:19, 6392-6398, (1977). 3. R. Cabill et al., Org. Magn. Resonance, 4, 259-281, (1972). 4. F. Haviv et al., J. Med. Chem., 26, 218-222, (1983). 5. I. Matsumono et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., 15, 1990-, (1967). 6. G. E. Jeromin et al., Chem. Ber., 120, 649-651, (1987). 7. T. Nagano et al., Free Rad. Res. Comm., 12-13, 221-227, (1991). 8. D. J. Hodgson et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 112, 6248-6254, (1990). 9. T. A. Crabb et al., Org. Magn. Resonance, 20, 4, 242-248, (1982). 10. 0. Fuentes et al., J. Org. Chem., 40, 9, 1210-1213, (1975). 11. F. A. French et al., J. Med. Chem., 17, 2, 172-181, (1974). 12. A. Ashimori et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., 38(9), 2446-2458, (1990). 13. D. L. Comins et al., J. Org. Chem., 55, 69-73, (1990). 14. D. L. Comins et al., Tetrah. Letters, 29, 7, 773-776, (1988). 15. E. J. Blanz et al., J. Med. Chem., 13, 6, 1124-1130, (1970). 16. J. H. Barnes et al., Tetrahedron, 38, 22, 3277-3280, (1982). 17. M. T. Edgar et al., J. Org. Chem., 44, 3, 390-400, (1979). The synthesis of the compounds (IX) with X=-CH 2 NH 2 can be carried out from the corresponding aldehyde by forming the aldoxime by reaction with hydroxylamine and then reducing this oxime by catalytic reduction, according to the above Reference 10, or with lithium aluminium hydride in an appropriate solvent, for example ether, according to the following scheme (1): ##STR8## The ligands of general formula (VIII) are synthesized by analogy with the processes used by A. R. Oki, J. Glerup and D. J. Hodgson, Inorg. Chem., 29, 2435-2441, (1990): 1) Synthesis of ligands (VIII A) of the TPA type according to the following scheme (3): ##STR9## 2) Synthesis of ligands (VIII B) of the substituted Bispicen type according to the following scheme (4): ##STR10## The catalysts (VII) in which n has the value 2 or 3 are obtained by mixing a salt containing the Mn 2+ cation, especially contributed by MnSO 4 or MnCl 2 , with a ligand L (VIII) in water in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, according to the processes described by D. J. Hodgson (see above). The complexes (VII) in which n has the value 4 are obtained by oxidizing the corresponding complexes in which n has the value 2 or 3 with more powerful oxidizing agents than hydrogen peroxide, for example hypochlorous acid (HClO), chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 ), chlorine or ozone. The present invention will be better understood with the aid of the following examples which are given purely by way of illustration. The delignification and bleaching tests are carried out on homogeneous batches of unbleached hardwood pulp (A) or of unbleached softwood pulp (B). The qualities of the paper pulp: kappa number (K) of the pulp and degree of polymerization of the cellulose (DP), are determined as specified below. The determination of the kappa number, an objective measurement of the lignin contained in the pulp, is carried out as follows: the lignin is oxidized with KMnO 4 in weakly acidic medium. The kappa number is defined (according to Standard NF/150-302) as the number of millilitres of a 0.02M KMnO 4 solution necessary to oxidize completely one gram (dry weight) of paper pulp. One kappa point therefore represents: 10 -3 ×(0.02×5)×e - , i.e. 0.1 electronic milliequivalent/g of pulp. The method for measuring the degree of polymerization consists in measuring the specific viscosity of a pulp solution in cupriethylene diamine and in deducing the mean degree of polymerization (DP) therefrom, according to French Standard NF T 12 005 (March 1953). The pulps are washed beforehand with water (90° C., 20 min) and dried in an oven (50° C., under vacuum) and then form the subject of a first determination of the kappa number and of the DP. The two pulps used then have the following characteristics collated in Table 3. TABLE 3______________________________________Nature of theinitial pulp Initial K Initial DP______________________________________Unbleached hardwood 19 1190pulp (A)Unbleached softwood 29 1350pulp (B)______________________________________ EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of the ligands (VIII B) of the Bispicen type N,N'-Dimethylethylenediamine is commercially available. The other diamines are obtained according to the publication Helvetica Chim. Acta, 57, 1974, p. 1036. The substituted chloromethylpyridines are prepared from the corresponding N-oxide compounds according to the following references: 18. E. C. Taylor Jr. and A. J. Crouetti, (1956), 36, p. 53 19. H. J. Hertog and W. P. Combe, Rec. Trav. Chim., (1951), 70, 581. 20. J. H. Barnes, F. R. Hartley and C. E. L. Jones, Tet., (1982), 38, (22), 3277. The die/nine (10 mmol) is dissolved in water (5 ml) and then picolyl chloride (20 mmol), which may or may not be substituted, is added. 5N sodium hydroxide solution is then added so as to maintain the pH from 9 to 9.5. If the reaction medium contains too much insoluble compounds, ethanol (5 ml) is added. When the pH of the medium no longer changes, basification is carried out to a pH greater than 12 and extraction is carried out either with ether or with dichloromethane. The organic phase is either distilled or chromatographed on basic alumina, the eluent being dichloromethane. The diamines can be converted to their hydrochlorides by bubbling HCl gas into their ether solutions. Diamine (VIII B-1) with R 2 =R' 2 =CH 3 and R 3 =H. Yellow oil, B.p.=120°-130° C./0.05 mm Hg. 1 H NMR, 90 MHz, CDCl 3 , in ppm: 2.10 (s, 6H), 2.4 (s, 4H), 4.3 (s, 4H), 7.2-8.3 (m, 8H). Diamine (VIII B-2) with R 2 =R' 2 =CH 3 and R 3 =4-Cl Hydrochloride (HCl), melting point=162°-164° C. 1 H NMR, 90 MHz, d 6 -DMSO, in ppm: 2.45 (s, 6H), 3.8 (s, 4H), 4.6 (s, 4H), 7.2-8.3 (m, 10H). Diamine (VIII B-3) with R 2 =R' 2 =CH 3 and R 3 =4-OEt Hydrochloride (HCl), melting point=168°-170° C. 1 H NMR, 90 MHz, CDCl 3 , in ppm: 1.09 (t, 6H), 2.03 (s, 6H), 2.4 (s, 4H), 4.35 (s, 4H), 4.52 (q, 4H), 6.6-8.2 (m, [lacuna]). EXAMPLE 2 1) Delignification and bleaching stage 400 ml of distilled water, then 207 mg (350 μmol) of the ligand TPA (tris (pyrid-2-ylmethyl)amine) and 59 mg (349 μmol) of MnSO 4 ·H 2 O and finally 5 g of wood pulp (i.e. in a theoretical ratio of 70 μmol of future redox catalyst [(TPA)Mn(III)O 2 Mn(IV)(TPA)] 3+ per 1 g of pulp) are placed in a glass receptacle with a double jacket for keeping the temperature at the chosen value. Hydrogen peroxide in solution in water is then added in a single step at the beginning of the reaction or else progressively over time, with stirring of the heterogeneous medium, The tests are carried out at different temperatures (60° C., 80° C., 90° C. and 98° C.) for a predetermined time. 2) Stopping the reaction and washing The preceding oxidation reaction is stopped by washing the pulp with 0.1M pyrophosphate buffer with a pH of 6.0. 3 ) Alkaline extraction After the preceding washing, the pulp is placed for 1 hour in a 0.25M sodium hydroxide solution at 60° C. The aim of this operation is to extract, from the pulp, the fragmented compounds, phenols and carboxylates, which are soluble in the hot alkaline solution. The pulp thus treated is copiously washed with water in order to remove all traces of base, filtered off and dried in an oven (50° C.) under vacuum. A new determination of the kappa number and also optionally of the DP is then carried out. Table 4 collates the H 2 O 2 contents and the kappa numbers obtained with or without manganese, at a temperature of 90° C., for a duration of oxidation of 3 hours and at a pH of 3.5. TABLE 4______________________________________ K obtained with 70 micromol K obtained of Mn.sup.2+ /g of without Mn pulp______________________________________Pulp (A) 12.5 3.3Initial K = 19H.sub.2 O.sub.2 = 1.85 mmol/gof pulpPulp (B) 20.5 3.4Initial K = 29H.sub.2 O.sub.2 = 2.8 mmol/gof pulp______________________________________ As it is known than 1 mmol of H 2 O 2 contributes 2 electronic milliequivalents, a theoretical amount of 1.9 milliequivalents/g of pulp, i.e. 1.9 mmol of H 2 O 2 /g of pulp, will be necessary for a pulp with a kappa number of 19 and 2.9 mmol of H 2 O 2 /g of pulp will be necessary for a kappa number of 29. It is noted that in the above tests the kappa number changes from 19 to 3.3 for the pulp A and from 29 to 3.4 for the pulp B. EXAMPLE 3 In this example, the influence of the pH of the reaction medium during the oxidation was studied. The two pulps A and B were treated analogously to Example 1, it being specified that the duration of Stage 1) is 3 h and the temperature is 90° C. The pH of the aqueous medium of Stage 1) is varied by virtue of the use of a buffered medium based on succinic acid and sodium hydroxide. The results obtained appear in Table 5 below: TABLE 5______________________________________ Pulp (A)Treatment of the pulps K______________________________________Without treatment 19With treatment 12.5pH = 3.5; without MnpH = 2; with Mn 72.5; with Mn 53.0; with Mn 4.33.7; with Mn 2.35.0; with Mn 5.96.0; with Mn 9.37.0; with Mn 10.3______________________________________ A maximum effect can be observed for the pulp A at a pH of 3.6. EXAMPLE 4 The effects of the temperature of the reaction medium of the delignification and bleaching stage (Stage 1), which is analogous to that of Example 2, were studied, the pH having the value 3.5 and the initial H 2 O 2 content being 1.85 mmol/g of pulp A for a duration of oxidation of 5 h. The results are collated in Table 6: TABLE 6______________________________________Oxidation temperature, K with 70 μM°C. K without Mn Mn.sup.2+ /g of pulp______________________________________60 13.0 6.480 12.1 4.790 12.5 2.598 10.4 2.6______________________________________ EXAMPLE 5 The effects of the duration of Stage 1) were studied, the conditions being, as regards the other parameters, identical to those of Example 3, the temperature being 90° C. The results appear in Table 7: TABLE 7______________________________________ K, without K with 70 μM/gDuration in hours Mn of pulp______________________________________0 18.5 18.51 14.7 5.42 14.2 4.53 n.d. 3.34 n.d. 2.95 n.d. 2.916 n.d. 2.5______________________________________ EXAMPLE 6 The effect of the redox catalyst content in μmol per g of pulp A was studied by taking the conditions of Example 4 for a duration of 3 h and at a temperature of 90° C. The results appear in Table 8 below: TABLE 8______________________________________Redox catalyst (TPAMnO).sub.2.sup.3+ content inmicromol/g 2 of pulp K______________________________________70 3.035 3.317.5 5.08.8 5.54.4 7.1______________________________________ EXAMPLE 7 The influence of the amount of pulp A was studied for the same amount of redox catalyst (TPAMnO) 2 3+ of 70 μmol/g of pulp, of H 2 O 2 1.85 mmol/g, at a pH of 3.5 and at a temperature of 90° C., for a duration of the oxidation stage of 3 h, in 400 ml of water. The results appear in Table 9: TABLE 9______________________________________Amount of pulp A in g K______________________________________5 3.310 3.520 3.8______________________________________ EXAMPLE 8 The influence of phosphate ions introduced by sodium hydrogenphosphate was studied with or without the (TPAMnO) 2 3+ complex with a buffered aqueous solution containing 1.85 mmol of H 2 O 2 /g of pulp A and maintained at 60° C. at a pH of 3.5 for a duration of oxidation of 5 hours. The results appear in Table 10: TABLE 10______________________________________Phosphate K, with Mn K without Mn______________________________________0.1M 4.8 14.8without 5.5 12.5______________________________________ It is noted that the presence of phosphate makes it possible to decrease the kappa number. EXAMPLE 9 The influence of recycling the catalyst was studied. The procedure is the following: Duration of reaction: 4 hours/cycle Temperature: 90° C. H 2 O 2 1.8 mmol/g of pulp Pulp: unbleached (kappa number=18.5), 5 g per cycle Complex: Mn(II)/TPA 75 μmol/g of pulp (determined for the 1st treatment). After a first treatment, the reaction medium is separated from the paper pulp by filtration. The kappa number is determined on the treated pulp. The reaction medium is brought into contact with a new batch of pulp. A new hydrogen peroxide solution is introduced continuously. It is estimated that from 40 to 50% of the catalyst is recovered after each cycle. The results obtained appear in Table 11: TABLE 11______________________________________Cycle number Kappa number______________________________________1 3.12 4.33 5.94 7.5______________________________________ EXAMPLE 10 The influence of the experimental conditions of the oxidation stage (Stage 1) was studied on the pulp A and emerges from the results which appear in Table 12 below: TABLE 12______________________________________70 μmol of complex and1.85 mmol of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 /g of pulp DP Kappa number______________________________________Influence of the duration in hours1 730 5.42 720 4.53 710 3.34 710 3.05 710 2.916 600 2.5Influence of the amount of pulpin g5 710 3.310 700 3.520 710 3.8Role of the complexing agents: 800TPA/Mn(II) molar ratio = 1.5: 860+0.5 equivalent of EDTA:Influence of the temp. in °C.60 750 6.480 760 4.790 710 3.098 720 2.6______________________________________ EXAMPLE 11 An unbleached hardwood pulp which has a kappa number equal to 13 is subjected to the same stages as Example 1 but with ligands of the Bispicen type. Table 13 below shows the role of the substituents on the kappa number obtained. TABLE 13______________________________________Ligands Kappa number______________________________________Bispicen 7VIII B-1 3.5VIII B-2 5.4VIII B-3 3.0______________________________________ Substitution of the two hydrogens of the two aliphatic nitrogen atoms of Bispicen by methyl groups (VIII B-1) improves the delignification. In contrast, substitution of each pyridyl ring by a chlorine in the 4-position (VIII B-2) increases the kappa number with respect to (VIII B-1) and thus is not favourable. An ethoxy radical (-OEt) in the 4-position leads to a slightly better result than (VIII B-1).

A method is provided for delignifying and bleaching a lignocellulose material, wherein an aqueous solution of a redox catalyst and an oxidant is reacted with the material. The catalyst comprises an organometallic cation of the general formula [(1)Mno 2 Mn(L)] n+ , wherein Mn is manganese (III) or (IV) oxide, the two Mn's of this cation may form a pair in a III-III, III-IV or IV-IV oxidative state, n is 2, 3 or 4, O is oxygen, and L is a ligand comprising 4 nitrogen atoms co-ordinating the manganese.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vehicle wheel attachment dynamically operable to compensate for wheel imbalance. 2. Description of the Prior Art Various forces acting upon a tire tend to cause wheel imbalance, particularly generally upwardly directed forces produced by road imperfections and bumps. The resulting tire bounce reduces the traction or "footprint" of the tire, causing rider discomfort, increased tire wear, less efficient transfer of propulsive torque from the tire to the road, and changes in wheel angular velocity. There is a consequent loss of fuel economy, impaired vehicle stability, and reduced braking efficiency. Other harmful effects of tire bounce are a reduced ability of the wheel to steer or track in a straight line, poorer traction in snow and ice, a greater tendency to hydroplane in rainy weather, and accelerated deterioration in vehicle front end alignment. Road hazards typically also produce a lateral force vector which acts against the tire side and tends to prevent proper wheel tracking. Even in instances in which a road is relatively smooth, forces are inherent in the rolling of a tire which produce wheel imbalance. In this regard, usual balancing of a wheel is done either by taking it off the vehicle and arranging it upon or spinning it in a balancing device, or by hoisting the vehicle and spinning the wheel in place. Small weights are placed on the wheel according to the imbalances detected. However, when a vehicle is on the road each tire is characteristically slightly flattened or deformed by the weight of the vehicle and the center of gyration of the wheel is no longer coincident with the axis of wheel rotation. This off-center relation introduces a vibration or wheel bounce characterized by the same undesirable consequences as the wheel bounce caused by road irregularities. Certain wheel covers of the prior art, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,312,505, issued Apr. 4, 1967 for "Wheel Cover," and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,178,041, issued to me on Dec. 11, 1979 for "Wheel Attached Balancing Device," are made relatively heavy to increase the angular momentum of the wheels to which they are mounted. This has the desirable effect of providing greater resistance to forces tending to change the angular momentum. There is a smaller angular deviation of the wheel axis for any applied force. This has a desirable gyroscopic effect in reducing the adverse consequences of side loads on the tire. However, there is an insufficient compensation for certain other types of wheel imbalance. In this regard, the wheel covers of the aforementioned patents include a central hub structure and radially extending spokes or sectors arranged to project axially in a shallow conical configuration. This conical configuration tends to flatten into a vertical plane when the associated wheel is rotating at relatively high speeds. as the flattening occurs the sectors pass outwardly against a trim ring mounted to the vehicle wheel. The cover is designed so that movement of the hub structure is directly translated into radial forces upon the sectors. This was intended to aid in holding the trim ring in place upon the wheel, and also was intended to load certain portions of the rim differentially, depending upon the stress being experienced by the associated sectors. This was supposed to reduce vibratory motion occurring from an unbalanced condition of the wheel. Neither of these objectives was satisfactorily accomplished. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, an imbalance compensating vehicle wheel attachment, preferably in the form of a decorative wheel cover, is provided which is deliberately designed to enable relatively free radial movement of a hub structure relative to a plurality of spokes or sectors extending radially from the hub structure. The radially outward extremities of the sectors are resiliently coupled to a surrounding rim structure which is attachable to the vehicle wheel, the resilience of the coupling tending to bias the sectors radially inwardly in opposition to forces, including centrifugal forces, which tend to move the sectors radially outwardly. With this arrangement, the centers of mass or gravity of the hub structure and each of the sectors is adapted to change dynamically in response to road shocks and tire rolling action, and furthermore, to change in a manner which it has been found establishes an instantaneous radius of gyration which tends to compensate for dynamically occurring wheel imbalances. In a preferred embodmient, the radially inwardly located extremities of the sectors are provided with enlarged openings through which project studs carried by the hub structure. Nuts snugly tightened upon the studs hold the sectors in position, but the nuts are not tight enough to prevent relatively easy relative movement between the hub structure and the individual sectors. Use of the present vehicle wheel attachment has been found to compensate for wheel imbalance. In addition, it has been found that such compensation is accompanied by a surprising improvement in fuel economy. The reduced tire bounce, better traction and increased vehicle stability appear to be very closely related to the surprising increase in vehicle miles traveled per gallon of fuel. Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the present vehicle wheel attachment; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view taken along the lines 2--2 of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an enlarged view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of portions of adjacent sectors and the trim ring, particularly illustrating a gripper element; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a partially diagrammatic view of certain of the wheel attachment components in their static condition, the upper third of the figure showing a cross section of the inner extremity of a sector and the interconnecting fastener; the middle third of the figure showing the inner extremity of the sector in elevation, with the fastener shown in cross-section; and the lower third of the figure showing a cross-section of portions of the trim ring and outer extremity of the sector; FIG. 7 is a showing similar to that of FIG. 6, but with the components in their dynamic state, as they would appear when the vehicle is in motion; and FIG. 8 is a showing similar to that of FIG. 7, but illustrating the components upon engagement of a road obstacle by the tire. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, there is illustrated a wheel attachment device or cover 10 according to the present invention and comprising, generally, a rim structure or trim ring 12 adapted for mounting to the tire rim 14 of a vehicle wheel 15; a hub structure 16 located centrally of the trim ring 12 and adapted for axial alignment of its center of gravity with the center of gravity and axis of rotation of the wheel 15; a plurality of generally triangularly shaped spokes or sectors 18 uniformly circumferentially arranged about and radiating outwardly from the hub structure 16, the radially outwardly located extremities of the sectors 18 being resiliently coupled, as will be seen, to the trim ring 12; and a plurality of mounting means, each comprising a nut 20 and a bolt 22, coupling the radially inwardly located extremities of the sectors 18 to the hub structure 16. The vehicle wheel 15 is typical of vehicle wheels having a plurality of openings to receive threaded bolts 24 by which the wheel 15 is attachable by lug nuts 26 in position adjacent the vehicle axle hub. The tire rim 14 of wheel 15 includes a circumferential main flange 28 having an outer face for seating a usual and conventional tubeless tire 30. The outer extremity of the main flange 28 is extended radially outward to form a bead flange 32 for constraining the tire 30 against lateral separation from the wheel, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The radially outward extremity of the bead flange 32 is curved axially outwardly to form a short flange or lip 34 which tends to follow the contour of the tire. The lip 34 is typically utilized as an attachment flange for the usual fastening clips of small balancing weights (not shown) used in conventional tire balancing systems. However, it is used for a different purpose in the present device, as will be seen. The trim ring 12 is preferably made of steel and comprises an annular band having a circumferential main flange 36 whose diameter is less than the diameter of the inner surface of the tire main flange 28 to define an annular space 29 therebetween. The outer extremity of the trim ring main flange 36 is radially outwardly formed to provide a bead flange 38 which rests against the wheel bead flange 32. A plurality of generally U-shaped fasteners or clips, one of which is illustrated at 40 in FIG. 2, are utilized to insure that the trim ring bead flange 38 is held in position against the wheel bead flange 32. The clips are made of spring material such that engagement of the opposed legs of each clip on the respective bead flanges 32 and 38 securely holds the trim ring 12 in position upon the wheel. The plurality of clips 40 are generally equally circumferentially spaced about the periphery of the trim ring bead flange 38. As best seen in FIGS. 3 through 5, in the area adjacent the radial joint between each pair of sectors 18, the trim ring main flange 38 is characterized by a pair of circumferentially spaced apart openings 42, one on each side of the joint defined between the adjacent side extremities of each pair of sectors 18. A gripper member 44 of U-shape is located adjacent each pair of openings 42 for engagement with the tire rim main flange 28 through the openings 42. Each gripper member 44 is made of relatively heavy gauge, high grade spring steel and its base 46 is attached by a pair of rivets, one of which is shown at 50 in FIG. 3, to the inner surface of the trim ring bead flange 38. The opposite legs 48 of the gripper member extend through the openings 40 and are characterized by sharp points directed radially and outwardly. The clearance between the trim ring flange 36 and the tire rim flange 52, and the resilient bowing of the gripper base 46, enables the trim ring to be pressed axially inwardly to mount it to the wheel 15 as illustrated. When this is done, the sides of the points of the gripper legs 48 scrape across the flange 28, but opposite or axially outward movement of the trim ring 12 is prevented because the points dig into the metal of the flange 28. As will be seen, the sectors 18 are urged outwardly by centrifugal and other forces and exert extraordinary forces on the gripper points to maintain the wheel cover 10 in mounted position. The use of the clips 40 is an extra or backup arrangement to make certain that the cover 10 cannot come off in normal operation. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the radially outwardly located extremities of each sector 18 are axially inwardly formed to define a resilient bias flange 52 characterized by a pair of inwardly directed, circumferentially spaced-apart recesses or seats 54 whose concave undersides closely receive complemental recesses or seats 56 formed in the trim ring 36. Although it is contemplated that this arrangement will provide sufficient integrity of connection between the sectors 18 and the trim ring 12 to hold the sectors in position during operation of the wheel cover 10, the seats 54 and 56 are preferably spot-welded together. The radially inwardly located extremity of each sector 18 includes an enlarged circular opening 58, as best seen in FIGS. 6 through 8. The considerably smaller diameter threaded bolt or stud 22 projects through the opening 58. The studs 22 for the various sectors 18 are circumferentially arranged upon and rigidly attached by welding or the like to a generally vertically oriented annular backplate 62 which forms a part of the hub structure 16. A resilient fibrous washer 64 is mounted on each stud 22 between the plate 62 and the sector 18, and a similar washer 66 is mounted on the stud between the sector 18 and the nut 20. The nuts 20 are tightened upon the studs 22 snugly but not tightly to secure the sectors 18 to the backplate 62. In one satisfactory embodiment, each nut 20 is tightened upon its associated stud 22 at approximately 50 pounds of torque. A separable dome 70 is integral with each nut 22, and is preferably dimensioned to separate or pop off the remainder of the nut 22 if the tightening torque exceeds the preferred 50 pounds. If the torque exceeds this value, the associated stud 22 engages and forces the dome 70 off the nut 20. Each sector 18 includes a ventilating opening 72 in its vertical face to provide adequate cooling of the adjacent vehicle brakes. In addition, the openings 72 allow access to the usual tire inflation valve (not shown) in five different circumferential positions of the cover 10 relative to the vehicle wheel 15. The bias flange 52 and trim ring main flange 36 include cutouts 74, as seen in FIG. 5, through which the tire valve can project. In addition, as seen in FIG. 4, the corners of the adjacent bias flanges 52 of each pair of sectors 18 are cut away to provide a rectangular opening 76 in alignment with the midportion or base 46 of the associated gripper member 44. This provides clearance between the base 46 of each gripper and the associated pair of sectors 18. However, the outer corners of the pair of sector 18 defining the opposite ends of each opening 76 rest upon the gripper member 44 above the legs 48. With this arrangement the sectors 18 exert a relatively great force upon the legs 48, as previously mentioned, when the sectors 18 move radially outwardly under the influence of centrifugal and other forces. The sectors 18 are preferably made of relatively heavy gauge steel, in the order of 0.048 inches in wall thickness. The hub structure 16 is also made of heavy gauge steel, preferably twice the wall thickness of sector 18, such that the sectors 18 and the hub structure 16 weigh approximately three and two pounds, respectively, for a 13 inch diameter vehicle wheel. The hub structure 16 is characterized by an axially outwardly projecting dome or hub 78 which may be decorated or otherwise ornamentally configured for aesthetic purposes. The wheel cover 10 is mounted to the wheel 15 by forcibly pressing the cover axially inwardly until the trim ring bead flange 38 bears up against the wheel bead flange 32, as seen in FIG. 2. The clips 40 are then placed in position to ensure that the cover 10 will remain in position at all speeds and despite heavy road shocks. As will be apparent from FIG. 2, the hub structure 16 is located centrally of the wheel 15 for static axial alignment of its center of gravity with the center of gravity and axis of rotation of the wheel and tire combination. In the mounted position of the cover 10, the points of the gripper legs 48 engage the wheel main flange 28 to aid in maintaining the cover 10 in mounted position. The general vertical orientation of the cover 10 provides optimum angular momentum to the wheel 15, as will be apparent. As will be seen, it is important for the studs 22 to be relatively freely movable relative to the margins defining the openings 58. In this regard, it is theorized that, as seen in FIG. 6, with the vehicle at rest the studs 22 are located in the radially outward portions of the openings 58. This is for the reason that the sectors 18, in a static condition, are biased radially inwardly by the flanges 52, which are cantilever mounted at the seats 54. When the vehicle is moving at a significant speed, such as at least 10 or 15 miles per hour, the centrifugal force imparted to the sectors 18 causes each sector 18 to move radially outwardly under the influence of centrifugal force so that its flange 52 is biased radially outwardly, and the stud 22 is then located in approximately the radially inward portion of the opening 58, as seen in FIG. 7. On encountering a road bump, for example, the sector or sectors 18 closest to the bump are relatively forcibly urged radially outwardly against the bias of their flanges 52, as seen in FIG. 8. There is a corresponding radially outward movement of the studs 22 of those sectors until they are located adjacent the radially outward portion of the opening 60, as seen in FIG. 8. It is theorized that the stud 22 of the sector 18 closest to the bump experiences the greatest relative movement, and that the studs 22 of the sectors 18 on either side also experience this relative movement, but to a lesser extent. The relative movement between the sectors 18 and the studs 22 of the hub structure 16 is permitted by virtue of the lack of complete tightening of the nuts 20, as previously described, and by virtue of the presence of the fibrous washers 64 and 66, which are characterized by a lower coefficient of friction than metal. The described movement of each particular sector 18 is substantially independent of the other sectors 18. However, it should be understood that the other sectors 18 are also undergoing relative movement, the extent and direction of such movement depending upon their positions relative to the point of engagement between the tire and the road surface, and relative to the location of any other unbalancing forces upon the wheel and tire combination. Although the foregoing description of the condition of the components in FIG. 8 has been made in conjunction with impact of the tire against a road bump, the same phenomenon is believed to occur as each sector rotates into adjacency with the road surface. It is believed that as a tire rotates into contact with the road surface, the resistance of that road surface to the tire tends to change the angular momentum of the tire and develops a deformation or outward bulge in the tire, something like the bow wave which develops at the bow of a ship passing through the water. This outward bulge is also like a road bump over which the tire must roll, and the same action of the wheel cover to compensate for imbalances generated by a road bump takes place to compensate for the tire deformation or bulge. That is, the radially extended sectors 18 adjacent the tire bulge, and the radially adjusted position of the hub structure 16, develop an instantaneous change in the center of gyration of the total mass that tends to thrust in the general direction of the deformation or bulge, helping to flatten or flex the tire as its rotation continues, and thereby reducing rolling resistance. The exact theory of operation is unknown and applicant offers the foregoing for possible assistance to those skilled in the art. Whether or not a device comes within the scope of applicant's invention is to be determined by the scope of the appended claims, and not by whether or not such devices operate according to the foregoing theory or theories. What is known is that the described structure of the wheel cover 10 provides a surprising improvement in fuel economy. Similary, FIGS. 6 through 8 are intended to illustrate how the cover components are adapted to move continuously, and how such dynamic movement is believed to establish instantaneous adjustments or changes in the radius of gyration to compensate for changes in the locations of the centers of gravity of the masses of the cover components, and to compensate for changes in the magnitude and character of the forces which develop against the tire and wheel as the tire encounters road bumps, and as it continually bulges adjacent the road surface, flexes and then flattens. From the foregoing, it is seen that a wheel cover has been provided which is operative to establish a radius of gyration to compensate for the changed location of the center of gravity and center of gyration of the tire/wheel combination attendant flexing of a tire over a road surface, and to a greater extent, to compensate for tire bounce from road bumps. As previously indicated, the center of gyration is adjusted downwardly toward the road surface to provide an additional force or better "footprint" of the tire against the road surface, and to reduce upward acceleration of the tire. The consequent more continuous and firmer tire traction is apparently responsible for much of the increase in vehicle fuel economy. Various modifications and changes may be made with regard to the foregoing detailed description without departing from the spirit of the invention.

An imbalance compensating vehicle wheel attachment having a rim structure for mounting to a vehicle wheel, and further having a plurality of spokes or sectors coupled to the rim structure and extending radially inwardly to a hub structure. A mounting arrangement is provided to couple the inward extremities of the sectors to the hub structure to enable radial slidable movement of the sectors relative to the hub structure whereby the masses of the hub structure and sectors are dynamically movable to establish a radius of gyration tending to compensate for any wheel imbalance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/130,995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,716, filed Oct. 4, 1993, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/625,699, filed on Dec. 12, 1990, which application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/317,589, filed on Mar. 1, 1989 (now abandoned). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a process for producing L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine by fermentation. L-tryptophan is an amino acid useful as a medicament, food, an additive for animal feed, etc.; L-tyrosine is an amino acid useful especially as a medicament; and L-phenylalanine is an amino acid useful in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Heretofore, various processes for producing L-tryptophan by fermentation using coryneform glutamic acid-tryptophan producing bacteria have been known; for example, a process using a microorganium belonging to the genus Corynebacterium, requiring L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine and being resistant to at least of tyrosine analogues and phenylalanine analogues (Japanese Published Examined Patent Application No. 19037/1976); a process using a microorganism resistant to tryptophan analogues, such as 5-methyltryptophan (Japanese Published Examined Patent Application Nos. 18828/1973, 38795/1976 and 39517/1978); a process using a microorganism requiring histidine (Japanese Published Examined Patent Application No. 4505/1972); and a process using a Brevibacterium strain whose pyruvate kinase activity is decreased or lacked (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 25339/1987). Further, various processes for producing L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine by fermentation using coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacteria have been known; for example, a process using an auxotrophic mutant strain requiring amino acids, a mutant strain resistant to amino acid analogues, a mutant strain whose pyruvate kinase activity is decreased or lacked, or a strain having these properties simultaneously [Nippon Nogeikagaku Kaishi, 50 (1), p.R 79 (1979); Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 128897/1986]. On the other hand, microorganisms capable of producing L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine have been constructed by recombinant DNA technique. As an example of L-tyrosine-producing microorganism, a strain carrying a recombinant DNA containing a gene coding for 3-deoxy-D-arabino-hepturosonate-7-phosphate synthase (hereinafter referred to as DS), a gene coding for chorismate mutase (hereinafter referred to as CM) and a gene coding for prephenate dehydrogenase or pretyrosine aminotransferase, is known (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 34197/1985). As an example of L-phenylalanine-producing microorganism, a strain carrying a recombinant DNA containing a gene coding for DS or genes coding for CM and prephenate dehydratase (hereinafter referred to as PD), are known (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application Nos. 24192/1985, 260892/1986 and 124375/1986). With the recent increase in the demand for L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine, improved processes for the industrial production thereof are desired. As a result of intensive studies to obtain a new strain with higher L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine productivity, the present inventors have found that if strains of coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacteria that are capable of producing L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine are mutated to be decreased or lacked in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (EC. 4.1.1.31) (hereinafter referred to as PC) activity, they acquire high productivity of these amino acids. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a process for producing L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine, which comprises culturing in a medium a coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacteium being capable of producing L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine and also decreased or lacked in PC activity, and recovering L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine accumulated in the culture broth therefrom. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacterium herein referred to is a microorganism belonging to the genus Corynebacterium or Brevibacterium. As the mutant strains of the present invention, all the coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacteria that are capable of producing L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine and also decreased or lacked in PC activity can be used. The mutant strains of the present invention can be derived from any coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacterium. Examples of the suitable parent strains are as follows. ______________________________________Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC13032Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum ATCC13870Corynebacterium herculis ATCC13868Corynebacterium lilium ATCC15990Brevibacterium flavum ATCC14067Brevibacterium lactofermentum ATCC13869Brevibacterium divaricatum ATCC14020Brevibacterium thiogenitalis ATCC19240______________________________________ L-tryptophan-producing strains can be derived from the above coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacteria by imparting requirements for tyrosine and phenylalanine and/or resistance to tryptophan analogues such as 5-methyltryptophan thereto. An example of the L-tryptophan-producing strain is Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 21851. L-tyrosine-producing strains can be derived from the coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacteria by imparting requirements for L-phenylalanine and/or resistance to amino acid analogues thereto, or by introduction of a recombinant DNA that contains genes coding for DS, CM, and prephenate dehydrogenase or pretyrosine aminotransferase (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 34197/1985). Furthermore, the L-tyrosine-producing strains can also be obtained by introducing, into an L-tryptophan-producing microorganism, a recombinant DNA comprising a DNA fragment involved in the genetic information of enzymes participating in the biosynthesis of L-tyrosine, such as DS and CM, and thereby converting the L-tryptophan-producing strain into an L-tyrosine-producing strain (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 94985/1988). L-phenylalanine-producing strains can be derived from the coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacteria by imparting requirements for L-tyrosine and/or resistance to amino acid analogues thereto, or by introduction of a recombinant DNA that contains genes coding for DS, or CM and PD (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application Nos. 24192/1985, 260892/1986 and 124375/1986). Furthermore, L-phenylalanine-producing strains can also be obtained by introducing, into an L-tryptophan-producing microorganism, a recombinant DNA comprising a DNA fragment involved in the genetic information participating in the synthesis of DS, CM and PD, and thereby converting the L-tryptophan-producing microorganism into an L-phenylalanine-producing strain (Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 105688/1988). The L-tryptophan-, L-tyrosine- or L-phenylalanine-producing microorganisms whose PC activity is decreased or lacked can be obtained from a known L-tryptophan-, L-tyrosine- or L-phenylalanine-producing strain through mutation that causes such a change in PC activity. Alternatively, the microorganisms of the present invention can also be obtained by imparting auxotrophy and/or resistance to amino acid analogues to a mutant strain whose PC activity is decreased or lacked. The microorganisms whose PC activity is decreased lacked may be obtained by mutagenizing cells with conventional methods, for example, ultraviolet irradiation and treatment with chemical mutagens such as N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (hereinafter referred to as NTG) and nitrous acid, followed by isolation as an L-glutamic acid requiring strain. A mutant strain decreased in PC activity may also be isolated as a strain more sensitive to an affinity labeling reagent of the enzyme, or as a prototrophic revertant of the L-glutamic acid-requiring strain lacking PC activity. The affinity labeling reagent, which is also called active-site-directed irreversible inhibitor, is a compound capable of specifically binding to the active center of an enzyme and thereby inactivating the catalytic activity. Examples of the strain whose PC activity is decreased or lacked are Corynebacterium glutamicum BPS-13 which is capable of producing L-tryptophan, Corynebacterium glutamicum K77 which is capable of producing L-tyrosine, and Corynebacterium glutamicum K78 which is capable of producing L-phenylalanine. Production of L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine by a microorganism of the present invention can be carried out in a conventional manner used for the production of amino acids. Either a synthetic medium or a natural medium can be used so long as it contains carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic substances, growth factors, and the like. As the carbon sources, carbohydrates such as glucose, glycerol, fructose, sucrose, maltose, mannose, starch, starch hydrolyzate and molasses; polyalcohols; and various organic acids such as pyruvic acid, fumaric acid, lactic acid and acetic acids may be used. Hydrocarbons and alcohols may also be used, depending on the assimilability of the microorganism to be used. Of these, cane molasses is preferably used. As the nitrogen sources, ammonia; various organic and inorganic ammonium salts such as ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, ammonium carbonate and ammonium acetate; urea and other nitrogen-containing compounds; and nitrogen-containing organic compounds, such as peptone, NZ-amine, meat extract, yeast extract, corn steep liquor, casein hydrolyzate, fish meal or its digested product are appropriate. As the inorganic compounds, mention is made of potassium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, magnesium sulfate, sodium chloride, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate and calcium carbonate. Culturing is carried out under aerobic conditions by shaking culture, aeration-stirring culture, etc. The preferred culturing temperature is generally from 20° to 40° C. The pH of the medium is maintained at around neutrality. The culturing time is generally in the range from 1 to 5 days. L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine can be isolated from the culture by removing the microbial cells through filtration or centrifugation, and recovering the amino acid from the filtrate or supernatant according to known procedures, such as crystallization by concentration, treatment with active charcoal and treatment with an ion-exchange resin. The following Examples will further illustrate the present invention. EXAMPLE 1 Isolation of a mutant strain whose PC activity is decreased (1) L-Tryptophan-producing strain Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC21851 capable of producing L-tryptophan was used as the parent strain. It was cultured in a complete medium (a medium containing 20 g/l powdered bouillon and 5 g/l yeast extract in water; pH 7.2) at 30° C. for 16 hours. The cells collected were washed with 0.05M phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.2) and suspended in the above-mentioned buffer solution to a concentration of 10 9 cells/ml. NTG was added to this suspension to a final concentration of 500 μg/ml, and the mixture was held at 30° C. for 20 minutes. The cells thus treated were washed with the above-mentioned buffer solution and spread on a minimal agar medium having a composition shown in Table 1, further containing 0.5 μg/ml 3-bromopyruvic acid (hereinafter referred to as 3BP), which is a compound known as an affinity labeling reagent for PC [J. Biochem., 86, 1251-1257 (1979)]. TABLE 1______________________________________Composition of Minimal Agar Medium______________________________________Glucose 10 g/l(NH.sub.4)H.sub.2 PO.sub.4 1 g/lKC1 0.2 g/lMgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O 0.2 g/lFeSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O 10 mg/lMnSO.sub.4.4-6H.sub.2 O 0.2 mg/lZnSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O 0.9 mg/lCuSO.sub.4.5H.sub.2 O 0.4 mg/lNa.sub.2 B.sub.4 O.sub.7.10H.sub.2 O 0.09 mg/l(NH.sub.4).sub.6 Mo.sub.7 O.sub.24.4H.sub.2 O 0.04 mg/lBiotin 0.05 mg/lp-Aminobenzoic acid 2.5 mg/lThiamin hydrochloride 1 mg/lL-Tyrosine 50 mg/lL-Phenylalanine 50 mg/lAgar 16 g/l (pH 7.2)______________________________________ Culturing was carried out at 30° C. for 5 to 10 days, and smaller colonies were picked up from the colonies grown on the plate medium. Strains more sensitive to 3BP than the parent strain were then selected, and a strain whose PC activity was decreased, Corynebacterium glutamicum BPS-13, was finally isolated from the mutant strains sensitive to 3BP. This strain was deposited on Mar. 2, 1988 with the Fermentation Research Institute, Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Japan (FRI), under deposition number of FERM BP-1777. The sensitivity to 3BP of the parent strain ATCC21851 and of the mutant strain BPS-13, and their activities of PC and pyruvate kinase (hereinafter referred to as PK) were shown in Table 2. The 3BP sensitivity was evaluated by spreading each of the two strains on the minimal agar medium having the composition shown in Table 1, further containing different concentrations of 3BP, culturing the strain at 30° C. for 4 days, and observing the degree of growth. The PC activity and PK activity were measured by the method described in J. Biochem., 66 (3), 297-311 (1969) and Agric. Biol. Chem., 48 (5), 1189-1197 (1984), using crude cell extracts. The crude cell extracts were prepared according to the procedure given below. Each of the strains was inoculated to a medium (pH 7.2) containing 30 g/l glucose, 0.5 g/l MgSO 4 .7H 2 O, 10 mg/l FeSO 4 .7H 2 O, 1 g/l KH 2 PO 4 , 1 mg/l MnSO 4 .4H 2 O, 4 g/l ammonium sulfate, 2 g/l urea, 50 μg/l biotin, 2.5 mg/l p-aminobenzoic acid, 1 mg/l thiamin hydrochloride, 50 mg/l sodium chloride, 50 mg/l L-tyrosine and 50 mg/l L-phenylalanine, and subjected to shaking culture at 30° C. for 24 hours. The grown cells were collected, washed twice with 0.2% aqueous potassium chloride solution, suspended in 0.1M Tris-HCl buffer solution (pH 7.5), and disrupted by ultrasonic waves. The resulting mixture was centrifuged, and the supernatant was dialyzed overnight against the above-mentioned buffer solution to obtain the crude cell extract. The values shown in Table 2 are given by calculating the specific activity per unit amount of protein contained in the crude extracts, and obtaining the relative value when the specific activity for the parent strain is defined as 100. TABLE 2______________________________________ Concn. of 3BP (μg/ml) PC PKStrain 0 1 3 10 30 (%) (%)______________________________________ATCC21851 ++ ++ + ± - 100 100(Parent strain)BPS-13 ++ ± - - - 25 138(FERM BP-1777)______________________________________ (2) L-Tyrosine-producing strain Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC21851 capable of producing L-tryptophan was transformed with recombinant plasmid pCDS-CMl containing DS and CM genes as described in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 94985/1988, and Corynebacterium glutamicum T6 strain (ATCC21851/pCDS-CM1) capable of producing L-tyrosine was isolated according to the procedure described in the same patent application as mentioned above. That is, the ATCC21851 strain was cultured in NB medium (a medium containing 20 g/l powdered bouillon and 5 g/l yeast extract in water; pH 7.2). Then, 4 ml of the seed culture thus obtained was inoculated to 40 ml of semi-synthetic medium SSM [a medium containing 20 g/l glucose, 10 g/l (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 , 3 g/l urea, 1 g/l yeast extract, 1 g/l KH 2 PO 4 , 0.4 g/l MgCl 2 .6H 2 O, 10 mg/l FeSO 4 .7H 2 O, 0.2 mg/l MnSO 4 .4-6H 2 O, 0.9 mg/l ZnSO 4 .7H 2 O, 0.4 mg/l CuSO 4 .5H 2 O, 0.09 mg/l Na 2 B 4 O 7 .10 H 2 , 0.04mg/l (NH 4 ) 6 Mo 7 O 24 .4H 2 O, 30 μg/l biotin and 1 mg/l thiamin hydrochloride in water; pH 7.2] further containing 100 μg/ml each of L-tyrosine and L-phenylalanine, and shaking culture was carried out at 30° C. The optical density (OD) at 660 nm was determined with a Tokyo Koden colorimeter and when the OD reached 0.2, penicillin G was added to a final concentration of 0.5 unit/ml. Shaking culture was further continued until OD reached 0.6. The microbial cells were collected, and suspended to a final concentration of about 10 9 cells/ml in 10 ml of RCGP medium [a medium containing 5 g/l glucose, 5 g/l casamino acid, 2.5 g/l yeast extract, 3.5 g/l K 2 HPO 4 , 1.5 g/l KH 2 PO 4 , 0.41 g/l MgCl 2 .6H 2 O, 10 mg/l FeSO 4 .7H 2 O, 2 mg/l MnSO 4 .4-6H 2 O, 0.9 mg/l ZnSO 4 .7H 2 O, 0.04 mg/l (NH 4 ) 6 Mo 7O 24 .4H 2 O, 30 μg/l biotin, 2 mg/l thiamin hydrochloride, 135 g/l disodium succinate and 30 g/l polyvinyl pyrrolidone (M.W.: 10,000) in water; pH 7.6] further containing 1 mg/ml lysozyme. The suspension thus obtained was transferred to an L-type test tube and gently shaken at 30° C. for 5 hours to induce protoplasts. The resulting protoplast-suspension (0.5 ml) was taken into a small test tube, and centrifuged for 5 minutes at 2,500×g, and the protoplasts collected were suspended in 1 ml of TSMC buffer solution (10 mM MgCl 2 , 30 mM CaCl 2 , 50 mM Tris and 400 mM sucrose; pH 7.5) and washed by centrifugation. The protoplasts were resuspended in 0.1 ml of TSMC buffer solution. Then, 10 μl of TSMC buffer solution containing 1 μg pCDS-CMl plasmid DNA was added to the suspension, and 0.8 ml of TSMC buffer solution containing 20% PEG6000 (Nakarai Chemicals) was further added. Then, 2 ml of RCGP medium (pH 7.2) was added 3 minutes after, and the mixture was centrifuged for 5 minutes at 2,500×g, to remove a supernatant. The precipitated protoplasts were suspended in 1 ml of RCGP medium. The suspension thus obtained (0.2 ml) was spread on RCGP agar medium (RCGP medium containing 1.4% agar; pH 7.2) further containing 400 μg/ml spectinomycin, and cultured at 30° C. for 7 days. The strain grown on the agar medium was isolated as a transformant. Corynebacterium glutamicum T6 strain thus obtained (ATCC21851/pCDS-CMl) was subjected to mutation in the same manner as described in Example 1 (1), and L-tyrosine-producing Corynebacterium glutamicum K77 strain whose PC activity was decreased was isolated as a 3BP-sensitive mutant strain. The K77 strain was deposited on Sep. 21, 1988 with FRI under deposition number of FERM BP-2062. 3BP-sensitivity, PC activity and PK activity of parent strain T6 and mutant strain K77 were measured in the same manner as in Example 1 (1). The results are given in Table 3. TABLE 3______________________________________ Concn. of 3BP (μg/ml) PC PKStrain 0 1 3 10 30 (%) (%)______________________________________T6 (parent strain) ++ ++ + ± - 100 100(ATCC21851/pCDS-CM1)K77 ++ + - - - 36 102(FERM BP-2062)______________________________________ (3) L-phenylalanine-producing strain L-phenylalanine-producing Corynebacterium glutamicum T17 strain (ATCC21851/pEaroG-pheA3) was obtained by transforming L-tryptophan-producing Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC21851 with the recombinant plasmid pEaroG-pheA3 containing DS, CM and PD genes of Escherichia coli as disclosed in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 105688/1988 in the same manner as in Example 1 (2), except that RCGP-agar medium containing 200 μg/ml kanamycin was used for the screening of transformant. L-phenylalanine-producing Corynebacterium glutamicum T17 strain (ATCC21851/pEaroG-pheA3) thus obtained was subjected to mutation in the same manner as in Example 1 (1), and L-phenylalanine-producing Corynebacterium glutamicum K78 strain whose PC activity was decreased was isolated. The K78 strain was deposited on Sep. 21, 1988 with FRI under deposition number of FERM BP-2063. 3BP-sensitivity, PC activity and PK activity of parent strain T17 and mutant strain K78 were measured in the same manner as in Example 1 (1). The results are given in Table 4. TABLE 4______________________________________ Concn. of 3BP (μg/ml) PC PKStrain 0 1 3 10 30 (%) (%)______________________________________T17 (parent strain) ++ ++ + ± - 100 100(ATCC21851/pEaroG-pheA3)K78 ++ ± - - - 22 96(FERM BP-2063)______________________________________ EXAMPLE 2 (1) Production test of L-tryptophan Corynebacterium glutamicum BPS-13 (FERM BP-1777) was inoculated in a 300-ml Erlenmeyer flask containing 20 ml of a seed medium (2% glucose, 1.5% polypeptone, 1.5% yeast extract, 0.25% sodium chloride, 0.1% urea, 200 mg/1 L-tyrosine and 200 mg/l L-phenylalanine; pH 7.2), and shaking culture was carried out at 30° C. for 24 hours on a rotary shaker set at 210 rpm. The seed culture thus obtained (2 ml) was then inoculated in a 300-ml Erlenmeyer flask containing 20 ml of a fermentation medium of the following composition, and cultured for 72 hours under the same conditions as above. The parent strain ATCC21851 was also cultured as control in the same manner as described above. After culturing, each of the culture filtrates was subjected to paper chromatography and after color formation with ninhydrin, the amount of L-tryptophan produced was measured by colorimetric quantitative determination. The result is shown in Table 5. Composition of fermentation medium: 6% glucose, 0.05% KH 2 PO 4 , 0.05% K 2 HPO 4 , 0.025% MgSO 4 .7H 2 O, 2% ammonium sulfate, 30 μg/l biotin, 10 mg/l MnSO 4 .7H 2 O, 0.5% corn steep liquor and 2% CaCO 3 (pH 7.2) TABLE 5______________________________________ Amount of L-tryptophanStrain produced (mg/ml)______________________________________ATCC21851 6.0(parent strain)BPS-13 7.8(FERM BP-1777)______________________________________ (2) Production test of L-tyrosine Corynebacterium glutamicum K77 (FERM BP-2062) was inoculated in a 300-ml Erlenmeyer flask containing 20 ml of a seed medium (2% glucose, 1.5% polypeptone, 1.5% yeast extract, 0.25% sodium chloride and 0.1% urea; pH 7.2), and shaking culture was carried out at 30° C. for 24 hours on a rotary shaker set at 210 rpm. The seed culture thus obtained (2 ml) was then inoculated in a 300-ml Erlenmeyer flask containing 20 ml of a fermentation medium having the same composition as in Example 2 (1), and cultured for 72 hours under the same conditions as mentioned above. Separately, the parent strain T6 (ATCC21851/pCDS-CM1) was also cultured as control in the same manner. After culturing, the culture broth thus obtained (1 ml each) was admixed with 50 μl of 6N-NaOH solution, and heated at 65° C. for 5 minutes to completely dissolve the L-tyrosine precipitated. The culture filtrate was subjected to paper chromatography and after color formation with ninhydrin, the amount of L-tyrosine produced Was measured by colorimetric quantitative determination. The result is shown in Table 6. TABLE 6______________________________________ Amount of L-tyrosineStrain produced (mg/ml)______________________________________T6 4.5(ATCC21851/pCDS-CM1)K77 5.8(FERM BP-2062)______________________________________ (3) Production test of L-phenylalanine Corynebacterium glutamicum K78 (FERM BP-2063) and its parent strain T17 (ATCC21851/pEaroG-pheA3) were cultured in the same manner as in Example 2 (2). After culturing, each of the culture filtrates was subjected to paper chromatography and after color formation with ninhydrin, the amount of L-phenylalanine produced was measured by colorimetric quantitative determination. The result is shown in Table 7. TABLE 7______________________________________ Amount of L-phenylalanineStrain produced (mg/ml)______________________________________T17 4.8(ATCC21851/pEaroG-pheA3)K78 6.0(FERM BP-2063)______________________________________

The invention relates to a bacterial process for producing L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine. The process utilizes a coryneform glutamic acid-producing bacterium being capable of producing L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine and also decreased or lacked in phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity. The mutant strain is then cultured in order to accumulate the amino acid in a medium and the amino acid is recovered therefrom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a modular condensation and thermal compression apparatus for use in power extraction systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular condensation and thermal compression apparatus for use in power extraction systems, where the modular apparatus or subsystem includes a plurality of heat exchangers, a plurality of pumps, a plurality of throttle control valves, and at least one separator, where the apparatus is designed to efficiently condense and thermally compress an in-coming, low pressure, multi-component working fluid to produce a high pressure, out-going, liquid, multi-component working fluid and where a composition of the in-coming fluid is the same as a composition of the out-going fluid. The present invention also relates to a method where an in-coming, low pressure, vapor multi-component working fluid is converted into a high pressure, out-going, liquid multi-component working fluid in a modular condensation and thermal system. 2. Description of the Related Art Power systems with thermodynamical power cycles utilizing multi-component working fluids can attain a higher efficiency than power systems utilizing single-component working fluids. Multi-component working fluids condense at variable temperatures. Such working fluids, unlike single component working fluids, have a thermodynamical potential to perform useful work even when sent into a condenser after expansion in a turbine. Therefore, in the prior art, several power systems that utilized a multi-component working fluid, were designed to have condensation occur in special subsystems which were referred to as distillation condensation subsystems. In this application, such a subsystems will be referred to as a Condensation and Thermal Compression Subsystems (CTCSS), a term that more accurately describes the nature of such subsystems. Such subsystems all work on the following principle: A stream of working fluid subject to condensation enters into the CTCSS at a pressure which is substantially lower than the pressure required for the complete condensation of such a stream at a given ambient temperature. The stream of working fluid is mixed with a recirculating stream of lean solution (i.e., a stream with a substantially lower concentration of the low-boiling component), forming a new stream which can be fully condensed at the given ambient temperature, (referred to as the “basic solution”). Thereafter, the basic solution stream is pumped to a pressure which is slightly higher than the pressure required for the condensation of the working fluid, and is subjected to partial re-vaporization, for which heat that was released in the process of condensation is utilized. Then, the partially vaporized basic solution stream is separated into a lean liquid stream having a reduced concentration of the low-boiling component and a rich vapor stream having a higher concentration of the low-boiling component. The lean liquid stream is then mixed with the condensing stream of working solution (as described above), while the rich vapor stream is combined with a portion of the basic solution stream to reconstitute the initial composition of the working fluid, which is then fully condensed. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,563, the most basic and elementary CTCSS has been described. In this very simple CTCSS, heat from rich vapor stream and lean liquid stream produced by partial re-vaporization is not recuperated, drastically reducing the efficiency of this simple CTCSS. In other prior art including U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,548,043; 4,586,340; 4,604,867; 4,763,480; 5,095,708; and 5,572,871, more complicated and elaborate CTCSSs were disclosed. However, all of these prior art CTCSS have one common drawback. In order to increase efficiency via better heat recuperation, they require multiple separate heat exchangers. In many cases, the complexity and high price of such CTCSS are not justified by the increased efficiency that the CTCSS provides. Thus, there is a need in the art for a Condensation and Thermal Compression Subsystem (CTCSS) that has improved efficiency off-setting the additional cost. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a system including a plurality of heat exchangers, a plurality of pumps, a plurality of throttle valves and at least one separator, where the system efficiently converts an in-coming, low pressure, multi-component working fluid stream into a high pressure, out-going, liquid multi-component working fluid stream. The system is ideally suited for condensation of a spent vapor multi-component working fluid stream derived from an energy extraction system or turbine system such as the extraction systems described in United States patent and Pending patent application Nos. The present invention also provides a minimally configured CTCSS system including five heat exchangers, one separator, two pumps, two throttle control valves, two mixing valves, three splitter valves. The CTCSS is supplied an incoming vapor multi-component working fluid stream which is then made lean via the addition of two lean liquid multi-component streams to form a partially condensed basic solution stream. The partially condensed basic solution stream is then fully condensed in one of the five heat exchangers using an external coolant. The fully condensed basic solution stream is then pressurized and split into two substreams. Heat is transferred from the lean streams to one of the pressurized basic solution streams, which is then separated into a rich vapor stream and the two lean liquid streams in three of the five heat exchangers. The rich vapor stream and the other pressurized basic solution stream is mixed to form a partially condensed outgoing multi-component stream, which is fully condensed in one of the five heat exchangers via a coolant stream and then pressurized to a desired high pressure to form a liquid, high pressure multi-component working fluid stream adapted for vaporization by an external heat source and energy extraction to generate electricity. The present invention provides a method condensing and thermally compressing a spent vapor, multi-component working fluid stream including the steps of forming a plurality of lean streams form the spent vapor, multi-component working fluid stream and transferring thermal energy from the plurality of lean streams to a basic solution stream to form a partially liquified, lower pressure basic solution stream. The partially condensed, lower pressure basic solution stream is then fully condensed with an external coolant stream. The fully condensed lower pressure basic solution stream is then pumped to a higher pressure and split into a first and second higher pressure basic solution substream. The first higher pressure basic solution substream absorbs the thermal energy from the plurality of lean streams. The heated first higher pressure, basic solution substream is then separated into a rich vapor stream and a lean liquid stream. The lean liquid stream is split into two lean liquid substreams. The first lean liquid substream is combined with the spent vapor, multi-component working fluid stream to form a first lean stream which transfers a portion of its thermal energy to the first higher pressure basic solution stream. The second lean liquid substream is mixed with the cooled spent, vapor multi-component working fluid stream to form a second lean stream, which is further cooled by transferring its thermal energy to the first higher pressure, basic solution stream to the partially liquified, lower pressure basic solution stream. The second higher pressure, basic solution stream is mixed with the rich vapor stream to form a liquid multi-component working fluid stream, which is fully condensed by a second coolant stream and pressurized to a desire higher pressure to form a high pressure, liquid multi-component working fluid stream. The present invention provides a method for converting thermal energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy including the steps of condensing a spent multi-component fluid stream to form a liquid multi-component fluid stream, vaporizing the liquid multi-component fluid stream to form a fully vaporized multi-component fluid stream and extracting energy from the fully vaporized multi-component fluid stream to form the spent multi-component fluid stream. The present invention provides a condensation and thermal compression system including: (1) a separation subsystem comprising a separator adapted to produce a rich vapor stream and a lean liquid stream; (2) a heat exchange subsystem comprising three heat exchangers and two throttle control valves; (3) a first condensing and pressurizing subsystem comprising a first condenser and a first pump; and (4) a second condensing and pressurizing subsystem comprising a second condenser and a second pump. The heat exchange subsystem is adapted to mix a pressure adjusted first portion of the lean liquid stream with an incoming stream to form a pre-basic solution stream, to mix a pressure adjusted second portion of the lean liquid stream with the pre-basic solution stream to form a basic solution stream, to bring a first portion of a pressurized fully condensed basic solution stream into a heat exchange relationship with the pre-basic solution stream to form a partially condensed basic solution stream. The first condensing and pressurizing subsystem is adapted to fully condense the partially condensed basic solution stream to form a fully condensed basic solution stream and to pressurize the fully condensed basic solution stream to form a pressurized fully condensed working fluid stream. The second condensing and pressurizing subsystem is adapted to mix a second portion of the fully condensed basic solution stream and the rich vapor stream to form an outgoing stream, to fully condense the outgoing stream and to pressurize the outgoing stream to a desired high pressure. The first portion of the lean liquid stream is pressure adjusted to have the same or substantially the same pressure as the incoming stream and where the second portion of the lean stream is pressure adjusted to have the same or substantially the same pressure as the pre-basic solution stream and where the streams comprise at least one lower boiling component and at least one higher boiling component and the compositions of the streams are the same or different with the composition of the incoming stream and the outgoing stream being the same. The second condensing and pressurizing subsystem can further comprise a heat exchanger adapted to cool the rich vapor stream and heating the high pressure outgoing working fluid stream. The present invention also provides a condensation and thermal compression system including: (1) a separation subsystem comprising two separators and one scrubber adapted to produce three rich vapor streams and three lean liquid stream and to forward the first rich vapor stream from the first separator to the scrubber; (2) a heat exchange subsystem comprising three heat exchangers and five throttle control valves; (3) a first condensing and pressurizing subsystem comprising a first condenser and three pumps; and (4) a second condensing and pressurizing subsystem comprising a second condenser and a fourth pump adapted to fully condense the partially condensed outgoing stream in the second condenser using a second external coolant stream to form a fully condensed outgoing stream and to pressurize the fully condensed outgoing stream to a desired high pressure to form an outgoing stream. The heat exchange subsystem is adapted: (1) to mix an incoming stream and a pressure adjusted, first portion of a first lean liquid stream from the first separator through the first throttle control valve to form a lean mixed stream, (2) to bring into a heat exchange relationship a heated first portion of a first pressurized basic solution substream and the lean mixed stream in a first heat exchanger to form a cooled lean mixed stream and a partially vaporized, pressurized basic solution stream, (3) to forward the partially vaporized, pressurized basic solution stream to the first separator, (4) to mix the cooled lean mixed stream and a pressure adjusted, second portion of the first lean liquid stream from the first separator through the second throttle control valve and a pressure adjusted, second lean liquid stream from the scrubber through the third throttle control valve to form a pre-basic solution stream, (5) to bring into a heat exchange relationship the pre-basic solution stream and a pre-heated, first portion of the first pressurized basic solution substream in the second heat exchanger to form a cooled pre-basic solution stream and the heated first portion of the first pressurized basic solution substream, (6) to forward a second portion of the pre-heated first pressurized basic solution substream to the scrubber, (7) to forward a third portion of the pre-heated first pressurized basic solution substream to the second separator through the fourth throttle control valve, (8) to bring into a heat exchange relationship the cooled pre-basic solution stream and the first pressurized basic solution substream in a third heat exchanger to form a cooler pre-basic solution stream and the pre-heated first pressurized basic solution substream, and (9) to mix the cooler pre-basic solution stream and a pressure adjusted third lean liquid stream from the second separation through the fifth throttle control valve to form a partially condensed basic solution stream. The first condensing and pressurizing subsystem is adapted: (1) to fully condense the partially condensed basic solution stream in the first condenser using a first external coolant stream to form a fully condensed basic solution stream; (2) to split the fully condensed basic solution stream into a first fully condensed basic solution substream and a second fully condensed basic solution substream; (3) to pressurize the first fully condensed basic solution substream through the first pump to form the first pressurized fully condensed basic solution substream; (4) to pressurize the second fully condensed basic solution substream through the second pump to form a second pressurized fully condensed basic solution substream; (5) to mix the second pressurized fully condensed basic solution substream and the second rich vapor stream from the second separator to form a pre-outgoing stream; (6) to pressurize the pre-outgoing stream in the third pump to form a pressurized pre-outgoing stream; and (7) to mix the pressurized pre-outgoing stream with the third rich vapor stream from the scrubber to form a partially condensed outgoing stream. The streams comprise at least one lower boiling component and at least one higher boiling component and the compositions of the streams are the same or different with the composition of the incoming stream and the outgoing stream being the same. The second condensing and pressurizing subsystem can further comprise a fourth heat exchanger adapted to bring the third rich vapor stream and the outgoing stream heating the outgoing stream to a desired higher temperature. The first condensing and pressurizing subsystem can further comprise a third condenser adapted to fully condense a pre-outgoing stream in the third condenser using a third external coolant stream to form a fully condensed, pre-outgoing stream prior to being pressurized in the third pump and mixed with the third rich vapor stream to form the partially condensed outgoing stream. With the modification to the first condensing and pressurizing subsystem, the second condensing and pressurizing subsystem further comprising a fourth heat exchanger adapted to bring the third rich vapor stream and the outgoing stream heating the outgoing stream to a desired higher temperature. The heat exchange subsystem can further comprise a fifth heat exchanger adapted to bring into a heat exchange relationship the first portion of the first lean liquid stream from the first separator and an external heat carrier stream to from a heated first portion of the first lean liquid stream prior to passing through the first throttle control valve and being mixed with the incoming stream. With this modification to the heat exchange subsystem the second condensing and pressurizing subsystem further comprising a fourth heat exchanger adapted to bring the third rich vapor stream and the outgoing stream heating the outgoing stream to a desired higher temperature. With this modification to the heat exchange subsystem, the first condensing and pressurizing subsystem further comprising a third condenser adapted to fully condense a pre-outgoing stream in the third condenser using a third external coolant stream to form a fully condensed, pre-outgoing stream prior to being pressurized in the third pump and mixed with the third rich vapor stream to form the partially condensed outgoing stream. With this modification to the first condensing and pressurizing subsystem, the second condensing and pressurizing subsystem further comprising a fourth heat exchanger adapted to bring the third rich vapor stream and the outgoing stream heating the outgoing stream to a desired higher temperature. The present invention provides a method including mixing an incoming stream and a pressure adjusted first portion of a lean liquid stream to form a pre-basic solution stream. The pre-basic solution stream is then brought into a heat exchange relationship with a first portion of a heated, pressurized basic solution stream to form a cooled pre-basic solution stream and a partially vaporized basic solution stream. The cooled pre-basic solution stream and a pressure adjusted second portion of the lean liquid stream are mixed to form a basic solution stream. The basic solution stream is brought into a heat exchange relationship with the first portion of a pressurized fully condensed basic solution stream to form a partially condensed basic solution stream and the heated, pressurized basic solution stream. The partially condensed basic solution stream is condensed using an external coolant stream to from a fully condensed basic solution stream. The fully condensed basic solution stream is pressurized to form the pressurized fully condensed basic solution stream. The partially vaporized basic solution stream is separated into a rich vapor stream and the lean liquid stream. The vapor steam and a second portion of the pressurized fully condensed basic solution stream are mixed to form a pre-outgoing stream. The pre-outgoing stream using a second external coolant stream is condensed to form a fully condensed, pre-outgoing stream. The fully condensed, pre-outgoing stream is pressurized to a desired high pressure to form an outgoing stream. The streams comprise at least one lower boiling component and at least one higher boiling component and the compositions of the streams are the same or different with the composition of the incoming stream and the outgoing stream being the same. The second bringing step includes a first heat exchange step where the basic solution stream is brought into heat exchange relationship with a partially heated pressurized basic solution stream to form a pre-partially condensed basic solution stream and the heated, pressurized basic solution stream, and a second heat exchange step where the pre-partially condensed basic solution stream is brought into heat exchange relationship with the first portion of the pressurized basic solution stream to from the partially condensed basic solution stream and a pre-heated, pressurized basic solution stream. The present invention also provides a method including mixing an incoming stream and a pressure adjusted, first portion of a first lean liquid stream to form a lean mixed stream. A heated first portion of a first pressurized basic solution substream and the lean mixed stream are brought into a heat exchange relationship to form a cooled lean mixed stream and a partially vaporized, pressurized basic solution stream. The partially vaporized, pressurized basic solution stream is forwarded to the first separator. The cooled lean mixed stream and a pressure adjusted, second portion of the first lean liquid stream from the first separator through the second throttle control valve and a pressure adjusted, second lean liquid stream from the scrubber through the third throttle control valve are mixed to form a pre-basic solution stream. The pre-basic solution stream and a pre-heated, first portion of the first pressurized basic solution substream are brought into a heat exchange relationship to form a cooled pre-basic solution stream and the heated first portion of the first pressurized basic solution substream. A second portion of the pre-heated first pressurized basic solution substream is forwarded to the scrubber. A third portion of the pre-heated first pressurized basic solution substream is forwarded to the second separator through the fourth throttle control valve. The cooled pre-basic solution stream and the first pressurized basic solution substream are brought into a heat exchange relationship in a third heat exchanger to form a cooler pre-basic solution stream and the pre-heated first pressurized basic solution substream. The cooler pre-basic solution stream and a pressure adjusted third lean liquid stream from the second separation through the fifth throttle control valve are mixed to form a partially condensed basic solution stream. The partially condensed basic solution stream in the first condenser using a first external coolant stream is fully condensed to form a fully condensed basic solution stream. The fully condensed basic solution stream is split into a first fully condensed basic solution substream and a second fully condensed basic solution substream. The first fully condensed basic solution substream through the first pump is pressurized to form the first pressurized fully condensed basic solution substream. The second fully condensed basic solution substream through the second pump is pressurized to form a second pressurized fully condensed basic solution substream. The second pressurized fully condensed basic solution substream and the second rich vapor stream from the second separator are mixed to form a pre-outgoing stream. The pre-outgoing stream in the third pump is pressurized to form a pressurized pre-outgoing stream. The pressurized pre-outgoing stream and the third rich vapor stream from the scrubber are mixed to form a partially condensed outgoing stream. The partially condensed outgoing stream is fully condensed in the second condenser using a second external coolant stream to form a fully condensed outgoing stream. The fully condensed outgoing stream is pressurized to a desired high pressure to form an outgoing stream. The streams comprise at least one lower boiling component and at least one higher boiling component and the compositions of the streams are the same or different with the composition of the incoming stream and the outgoing stream being the same. The present invention includes a power generation system including a modular condensation and thermal compression subsystem of this invention, a vaporization subsystem and an energy extraction subsystem. The present invention method includes a step of condensing a spent working fluid stream from an energy extraction subsystem to form a fully condensed working fluid stream, vaporizing the fully condensed working fluid stream using an external heat source stream to form a fully vaporizing working fluid stream, converting the thermal energy in the vaporized working fluid stream to a useable form of energy and repeating the cycle. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention can be better understood with reference to the following detailed description together with the appended illustrative drawings in which like elements are numbered the same: FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of Variant 1 a of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems; FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram of another preferred embodiment of Variant 1 b of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems; FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of Variant 2 a of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems; FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of Variant 2 b of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems; FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of Variant 3 a of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems; FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of Variant 3 b of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems; FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of Variant 4 a of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems; FIG. 8 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of Variant 4 b of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems; FIG. 9 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of Variant 5 a of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems; and FIG. 10 depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of Variant 5 b of a condensation and thermal compression subsystems. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The inventors has found that Condensation and Thermal Compression Subsystems (CTCSS) having an effective increase in efficiency that fully justifies the cost in terms of complexity and price of the proposed CTCSS can be realized for a wide variety of power producing plants. The inventor has designed the system of this invention to be modular, which allows one skilled in the art to choose to exclude specific modular components, simplifying the final system, and thus optimizing the system in term of efficiency, cost and complexity for each individual power system being designed. In many systems, apart from the heat potential of the condensing stream of working fluid, additional, external low-temperature heat is available. Such heat, which cannot be utilized directly in a power system, can be utilized by the proposed CTCSS of this invention, thus increasing the CTCSS efficacy. Preferred embodiments of the system of this invention, therefore, incorporate the optional use of such external heat to further enhance CTCSS efficiency. The present invention broadly relates to a Condensation and Thermal Compression Subsystems (CTCSS) including a plurality of heat exchanger, a plurality of pumps, a plurality of throttle control valves, a plurality of mixing valves and splitter valves, one or two separators, and an optional scrubber. In a minimal preferred embodiment, the CTCSS includes five heat exchangers, two pumps, two throttle control valves, three mixing valve, two splitter valves, and a separator. In a maximal preferred embodiment, the CTCSS includes eight heat exchangers, four pumps, five throttle control valves, two separators, and a scrubber. The present invention broadly relates to system including a Condensation and Thermal Compression Subsystems (CTCSS) of this invention, a multi-component vaporizing subsystem and an energy extraction subsystem. The present invention broadly relates to a method for condensation and thermal compression including the steps of supplying an incoming low pressure, vapor multi-component working fluid stream from an energy extraction subsystem. The incoming vapor multi-component working fluid stream is then made lean via the addition of a plurality of lean liquid multi-component streams to form a pre-basic solution stream and finally a partially condensed basic solution stream. The partially condensed basic solution stream is fully condensed using an external coolant in a first heat exchange process. The fully condensed basic solution stream is then pressurized and split into two substreams. Heat is transferred from the pre-basic solution and basic solution to one of the pressurized basic solution substreams in a plurality of heat exchange processes. The heated and pressurized basic solution substream is then separated into a rich vapor stream and the plurality of lean liquid streams. The rich vapor stream and the other pressurized basic solution stream is mixed to form a partially condensed outgoing multi-component stream, which is then fully condensed in another heat exchange process via a coolant stream and then pressurized to a desired high pressure to form a liquid, high pressure multi-component working fluid stream adapted for vaporization by an external heat source and energy extraction to generate electricity. The present invention broadly relates to a method for power extraction including the steps condensing a spent multi-component fluid stream to form a liquid multi-component fluid stream, vaporizing the liquid multi-component fluid stream to form a fully vaporized multi-component fluid stream and extracting energy from the fully vaporized multi-component fluid stream to form the spent multi-component fluid stream. The working fluid used in the systems of this inventions is a multi-component fluid that comprises a lower boiling point material—the low boiling component—and a higher boiling point material—the high boiling component. Preferred working fluids include, without limitation, an ammonia-water mixture, a mixture of two or more hydrocarbons, a mixture of two or more freons, a mixture of hydrocarbons and freons, or the like. In general, the fluid can comprise mixtures of any number of compounds with favorable thermodynamic characteristics and solubilities. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fluid comprises a mixture of water and ammonia. The present invention also includes piping interconnecting the components that make up the systems and includes mixing valves that combine two or more streams into a single stream and splitting valves that divide a single stream into two or more streams. These valves are generally a function of the exact CTCSS being designed and one of ordinary skill in the art will know the criteria of each valve for a given CTCSS configuration. CTCSS Variant 1 a Referring now to FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of a CTCSS of this invention, generally 100 , is shown and is referred to herein as Variant 1 a . Variant 1 a represents a very comprehensive variant of the CTCSSs of this invention. The operation of Variant 1 a of the CTCSS of this invention is now described. A stream S 100 having parameters as at a point 138 , which can be in a state of superheated vapor or in a state of saturated or slightly wet vapor, enters into the CTCSS 100 . The stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 is mixed with a first mixed stream S 102 having parameters as at a point 71 , which is in a state of a liquid-vapor mixture (as describe more fully herein), forming a first combined stream S 104 having parameters as at a point 38 . If the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 is in a state of saturated vapor, then a temperature of the stream S 102 having the parameters as at the point 71 must be chosen in such a way as to correspond to a state of saturated vapor. As a result, the stream S 104 having the parameters as at the point 38 will be in a state of a slightly wet vapor. Alternatively, if the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 is in a state of superheated vapor, then stream S 102 having the parameters of at the point 71 must be chosen in such a way that the resulting stream S 104 having the parameters as at a point 38 should be in, or close to, a state of saturated vapor, where close to means the state of the vapor is within 5% of the saturated vapor state for the vapor. In all cases, the parameters of the stream S 102 at the point 71 are chosen in such a way as to maximize a temperature of the stream S 104 at the point 38 . Thereafter, the stream S 104 having the parameters as at the point 38 passes through a first heat exchanger HE 1 , where it is cooled and partially condensed and releases heat in a first heat exchange process, producing a second mixed stream S 106 having parameters as at a point 15 . The stream S 106 having the parameters as at the point 15 is then mixed with a stream S 108 having parameters as at a point 8 , forming a stream S 110 having parameters as at a point 16 . In the preferred embodiment of this system, the temperatures of the streams S 108 , S 106 and S 110 having parameters of the points 8 , 15 , and 16 , respectively, are equal or very close, within about 5%. A concentration of the low-boiling component in stream S 108 having the parameters as at the point 8 is substantially lower than a concentration of the low boiling component in the stream S 106 having the parameters as at the point 15 . As a result, a concentration of the low boiling component in the stream S 110 having the parameters as at the point 16 is lower than the concentration of the low boiling component of the stream S 106 having the parameters as at the point 15 , i.e., stream S 110 having the parameters as at the point 16 is leaner than stream S 106 having the parameters as at the point 15 . The stream S 110 having the parameters as at the point 16 then passes through a second heat exchanger HE 2 , where it is further condensed and releasing heat in a second heat exchange process, forming a stream S 112 having parameters as at a point 17 . The stream S 112 having the parameters as at the point 17 then passes through a third heat exchanger HE 3 , where it is further condensed in a third heat exchange process to form a stream S 114 having parameters as at a point 18 . At the point 18 , the stream S 114 is partially condensed, but its composition, while substantially leaner that the compositions of the stream S 100 and S 104 having the parameters as at the points 138 and 38 , is such that it cannot be fully condensed at ambient temperature. The stream S 114 having the parameters as at the point 18 is then mixed with a stream S 116 having parameters as at a point 41 , forming a stream S 118 having parameters as at a point 19 . The composition of the stream S 118 having the parameters as at the point 19 is such that it can be fully condensed at ambient temperature. The stream S 118 having the parameters as at the point 19 then passes through a low pressure condenser HE 4 , where it is cooled in a fourth heat exchange process in counterflow with a stream S 120 of cooling water or cooling air having initial parameters as at a point 51 and final parameters as at a point 52 , becoming fully condensed, to form a stream S 122 having parameters as at a point 1 . The composition of the stream S 122 having the parameters as at the point 1 , referred to herein as the “basic solution,” is substantially leaner than the composition of the stream S 100 having the parameters at the point 138 , which entered the CTCSS 100 . Therefore, the stream S 122 having the parameters as at the point 1 must be distilled at an elevated pressure in order to produce a stream having the same composition as at point 138 , but at an elevated pressure that will allow the stream to fully condense. The stream S 122 having the parameters as at the point 1 is then divided into two substreams S 124 and S 126 having parameters as at points 2 and 4 , respectively. The stream S 124 having the parameters as at the point 2 enters into a circulating fourth pump P 4 , where it is pumped to an elevated pressure forming a stream S 128 having parameters as at a point 44 , which correspond to a state of subcooled liquid. Thereafter, the stream S 128 having the parameters as at the point 44 passes through a third heat exchanger HE 3 in counterflow with the stream S 112 having the parameters as at the point 17 in a third heat exchange process as described above, is heated forming a stream S 130 having parameters as at a point 14 . The stream S 130 having the parameters as at the point 14 is in, or close to, a state of saturated liquid. Again, the term close to means that the state of the stream S 130 is within 5% of being a saturated liquid. Thereafter, the stream S 130 having parameters as at point 14 is divided into two substreams S 132 and S 134 having parameters as at points 13 and 22 , respectively. The stream S 134 having the parameters as at the point 22 is then divided into two substreams S 136 and S 138 having parameters as at points 12 and 21 , respectively. The stream S 136 having the parameters as at the point 12 then passes through the second heat exchanger HE 2 , where it is heated and partially vaporized in counterflow to the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 16 as described above in a second heat exchange process, forming a stream S 140 having parameters as at a point 11 . The stream S 140 having the parameters as at the point 11 then passes through the first heat exchanger HE 1 , where it is further heated and vaporized in counterflow to the stream S 104 having stream 38 as described above in a first heat exchange process, forming a stream S 142 having parameters as at a point 5 . The stream S 142 having the parameters as at the point 5 , which is in a state of a vapor-liquid mixture, enters into a first separator S 1 , where it is separated into a saturated vapor stream S 144 having parameters as at a point 6 and saturated liquid stream S 146 having parameters as at a point 7 . The liquid stream S 146 having the parameters as at the point 7 is divided into two substreams S 148 and S 150 having parameters as at points 70 and 72 , respectively. The stream S 148 having the parameters as at the point 70 , then passes through an eighth heat exchanger HE 8 , where it is heated and partially vaporized in an eighth heat exchange process, in counterflow to an external heat carrier stream S 152 having initial parameters as a point 638 and final parameters as at a pint 639 , forming a stream S 154 having parameters as at a point 74 . Thereafter, stream S 154 having the parameters as at the point 74 passes through a fifth throttle valve TV 5 , where its pressure is reduced to a pressure equal to a pressure of the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 , forming the stream S 102 having the parameters as at the point 71 . Thereafter, the stream S 102 having the parameters as at the point 71 is mixed with the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 , forming the stream S 104 having the parameters as at the point 38 as previously described. The stream S 150 having parameters as at point 72 , then passes through a first throttle valve TV 1 , where its pressure is reduced, forming a stream S 156 having parameters as at a point 73 . The pressure of the stream S 156 having the parameters as at the point 73 is equal to a pressure of the streams S 106 , S 108 , and S 110 having the parameters as at the points 15 , 8 and 16 . Thereafter the stream S 156 having the parameters as at the point 73 is mixed with a stream S 158 having parameters as at a point 45 , forming the stream S 108 having the parameters as at the point 8 . The stream S 108 having the parameters as a the point 8 is then mixed with the stream S 106 having the parameters as at the point 15 , forming the stream S 110 having the parameters as at the point 16 as described above. Meanwhile, the vapor stream S 144 having the parameters as at the point 6 is sent into a bottom part of a first scrubber SC 1 , which is in essence a direct contact heat and mass exchanger. At the same time, the stream S 138 having the parameters as at the point 21 as described above, is sent into a top portion of the first scrubber SC 1 . As a result of heat and mass transfer in the first scrubber SC 1 , a liquid stream S 160 having parameters as at a point 35 , which is in a state close to equilibrium (close means within about 5% of the parameters of the stream S 144 ) with the vapor stream S 144 having the parameters as at the point 6 , is produced and removed from a bottom of the first scrubber SC 1 . At the same time, a vapor stream S 162 having parameters as at point 30 , which is in a state close to equilibrium with the liquid stream S 138 having the parameters as at the point 21 , exits from a top of the scrubber SC 1 . The vapor stream S 162 having the parameters as at the point 30 is then sent into a fifth heat exchanger HE 5 , where it is cooled and partially condensed, in counterflow with a stream S 164 of working fluid having parameters as at a point 28 in a fifth heat exchange process, forming a stream S 166 having parameters as at a point 25 . The liquid stream S 160 having the parameters as at the point 35 is removed from the bottom of the scrubber SC 1 and is sent through a fourth throttle valve TV 4 , where its pressure is reduced to a pressure equal to the pressure of the stream S 156 having the parameters as at the point 73 , forming the stream S 158 having the parameters as at the point 45 . The stream S 158 having the parameters as at the point 45 is then mixed with the stream S 156 having the parameters as at the point 73 , forming the stream S 108 having the parameters as at the point 8 as described above. The liquid stream S 132 having the parameters as at the point 13 , which has been preheated in the third heat exchanger HE 3 as described above, passes through a second throttle valve TV 2 , where its pressure is reduced to an intermediate pressure, (i.e., a pressure which is lower than the pressure of the stream S 130 having the parameter as at the point 14 , but higher than the pressure of the stream S 122 having the parameters as at the point 1 ), forming a stream S 168 parameters as at a point 43 , corresponding to a state of a vapor-liquid mixture. Thereafter, the stream S 168 having the parameters as at the point 43 is sent into a third separator S 3 , where it is separated into a vapor stream S 170 having parameters as at a point 34 and a liquid stream S 172 having parameters as at a point 32 . A concentration of the low boiling component in the vapor stream S 170 having the parameters as at the point 34 is substantially higher than a concentration of the low boiling component in the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 as it enters the CTCSS 100 as described above. The liquid stream S 172 having the parameters as at the point 32 has a concentration of low boiling component which is less than a concentration of low boiling component in the stream S 122 having the parameters as at the point 1 as described above. The liquid stream S 126 of the basic solution having the parameters as at the point 4 as described above, enters into a first circulating pump P 1 , where it is pumped to a pressure equal to the pressure of the stream S 170 having the parameters as at the point 34 , forming a stream S 174 having parameters as at a point 31 corresponding to a state of subcooled liquid. Thereafter, the subcooled liquid stream S 174 having the parameters as at the point 31 and the saturated vapor stream S 170 having the parameters as at the point 34 are combined, forming a stream S 176 having parameters as at a point 3 . The stream S 176 having the parameters as at the point 3 is then sent into an intermediate pressure condenser or a seventh heat exchanger HE 7 , where it is cooled and fully condensed in a seventh heat exchange process, in counterflow with a stream S 178 of cooling water or air having initial parameters as at a point 55 and having final parameters as at a point 56 , forming a stream S 180 having parameters as at a point 23 . The stream S 180 having parameters as at point 23 then enters into a second circulating pump P 2 , where its pressure is increased to a pressure equal to that of the stream S 166 having the parameters as at the point 25 as described above, forming a stream S 182 parameters as at a point 40 . The stream S 182 having the parameters as at the point 40 is then mixed with the stream S 166 having the parameters as at the point 25 as described above, forming a stream S 184 having parameters as at a point 26 . The composition and flow rate of the stream S 182 having the parameters as at the point 40 are such that the stream S 184 having the parameters as at the point 26 has the same composition and flow rate as the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 , which entered the CTCSS 100 , but has a substantially higher pressure. Thereafter, the stream S 184 having the parameters as at the point 26 enters into a high pressure condenser or sixth heat exchanger HE 6 , where it is cooled and fully condensed in a sixth heat exchange process, in counterflow with a stream S 186 of cooling water or air having initial parameters as at a point 53 and final parameters as at a point 54 , forming a steam S 188 parameters as at a point 27 , corresponding to a state of saturated liquid. The stream S 188 having the parameters as at the point 27 then enters into a third or feed pump P 3 , where it is pumped to a desired high pressure, forming the stream S 164 having the parameters as at the point 28 . Then the stream S 164 of working fluid having the parameters as at the point 28 is sent through the fifth heat exchanger HE 5 , where it is heated, in counterflow with the stream S 162 having the parameters as at the point 30 in the fifth heat exchange process, forming a stream S 190 having parameters as at a point 29 as described above. The stream S 190 having the parameters as at a point 29 then exits the CTCSS 100 , and returns to the power system. This CTCSS of this invention is closed in that no material is added to any stream in the CTCSS. In some cases, preheating of the working fluid which is reproduced in the CTCSS is not necessary. In such cases, the fifth heat exchanger HE 5 is excluded from the Variant 1 a described above. As a result, the stream S 162 having the parameters as at the point 30 and the stream S 166 having the parameters as at the point 25 are the same, and the stream S 164 having the parameters at the point 28 are the stream S 190 having the parameters as at the point 29 are the same as shown in FIG. 2 . The CTCSS system in which HE 5 is excluded is referred to as Variant 1 b. The CTCSSs of this invention provide highly effective utilization of heat available from the condensing stream S 100 of the working solution having the parameters as at the point 138 and of heat from external sources such as from the stream S 152 . In distinction from an analogous system described in the prior art, the lean liquid stream S 146 having the parameters as at the point 7 coming from the first separator S 1 , is not cooled in a separate heat exchanger, but rather a portion of the stream S 146 is injected into the stream S 100 of working fluid returning from the power system. When the stream S 136 of basic solution having the parameters as at the point 12 starts to boil, it initially requires a substantial quantity of heat, while at the same time its rise in temperature is relatively slow. This portion of the reboiling process occurs in the second heat exchanger HE 2 . In the process of further reboiling, the rate of increase in the temperatures becomes much faster. This further portion of the reboiling process occurs in the first heat exchanger HE 1 . At the same time, in the process of condensation of the stream S 104 having the parameters as at the point 38 , initially a relatively large quantity of heat is released, with a relatively slow reduction of temperature. But in further condensation, the rate of reduction of temperature is much higher. As a result of this phenomenon, in the prior art, the temperature differences between the condensing stream of working solution and the reboiling stream of basic solution are minimal at the beginning and end of the process, but are quite large in the middle of the process. In contrast to the prior art, in the CTCSS of this invention, the concentration of the low boiling component in stream S 108 having the parameters as at the point 8 is relatively low and therefore in the second heat exchanger HE 2 , stream S 108 having the parameters as at the point 8 not only condenses itself, but has the ability to absorb additional vapor. As a result, the quantity of heat released in the second heat exchanger HE 2 in the second heat exchange process is substantially larger than it would be if streams S 108 and S 106 having the parameters as at the points 8 and 15 , respectively, were cooled separately and not collectively collect after combining the two stream S 108 and S 106 to form the stream S 110 . As a result, the quantity of heat available for the reboiling process comprising the first and second heat exchange processes is substantially increased, which in turn increases the efficiency of the CTCSS system. The leaner the stream S 108 having the parameters at as the point 8 is, the greater its ability to absorb vapor, and the greater the efficiency of the heat exchange processes occurring in the first and second heat exchangers HE 1 and HE 2 . But the composition of the stream S 108 having the parameters at as the point 8 is defined by the temperature of the stream S 142 having the parameters as at the point 5 ; the higher the temperature of the stream S 142 having the parameters as at the point 5 , the leaner the composition of stream S 108 having the parameters at as the point 8 can be. It is for this reason that external heat derived from stream S 152 is used to heat stream S 148 having the parameters as at the point 70 , thus raising the temperature of the stream S 104 having the parameters as at the point 38 , and as a result also raising the temperature of the stream S 142 having the parameters as at the point 5 . However, increasing of the temperature of the stream S 142 having the parameters as at the point 5 , and correspondingly the temperature of the stream S 144 having the parameters as at a point 6 , leads to a reduction in a concentration of the low boiling component in the vapor stream S 144 having the parameters as at the point 6 . Use of the scrubber SC 1 , in place of a heat exchanger, for the utilization of heat from the stream S 144 having the parameters as at the point 6 allows both the utilization of the heat from the stream S 144 having the parameters as at the point 6 and an increase of the concentration of low boiling component in the produced vapor stream S 162 having the parameters as at the point 30 . The vapor stream S 162 having the parameters as at the point 30 has a concentration of low-boiling component which is higher than the concentration of the low boiling component in the vapor stream S 144 having the parameters as at the point 6 , and the flow rate of stream S 162 having the parameters as at the point 30 is higher than the flow rate of the stream S 144 having the parameters as at the point 6 . The concentration of low boiling component in the working fluid is restored in the stream S 184 having the parameters at the point 26 , by mixing the stream S 166 , a very rich solution, having the parameters as at the point 25 (or the stream S 162 having the parameters as at the point 30 , in the case of the Variant 1 b ), with the stream S 182 having the parameters as at the point 40 . The stream S 182 having the parameters as at point 40 has a higher concentration of low boiling component than the basic solution, (i.e., is enriched). Such an enrichment has been used in the prior art, but in the prior art, in order to obtain this enrichment, a special intermediate pressure reboiling process is needed requiring several additional heat exchangers. In the CTCSSs of this invention, all heat that is available at a temperature below the boiling point of the basic solution (i.e., below the temperature of the stream S 130 having the parameters as at the point 14 ) is utilized in a single heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger HE 3 . Thereafter, the vapor needed to produce the enriched stream S 182 having the parameters as at the point 40 is obtained simply by throttling the stream S 132 having the parameters as at the point 13 . In U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,871, a DCSS (CTCSS) required 13 heat exchangers and three separators, and did not provide for the potential utilization of external heat. In contrast, the CTCSS of the present invention, which does provide for the utilization of external heat, requires only eight heat exchangers, two separators and one scrubber (which is substantially simpler and less expensive than a heat exchanger.) A table of example parameters of all points for variant 1 b is presented in Table 1. Table 1 CTCSS State Points Summary (Variant 1b) Wetness X T P H S G rel (lb/lb/) or Point (lb/lb) (° F.) (psia) (Btu/lb) (Btu/lb-R) (G/G = 1) Phase T (° F.) Working Fluid 01 0.4640 65.80 30.772 −72.3586 0.0148 8.39248 Mix 1 02 0.4640 65.97 73.080 −72.0625 0.0151 8.39248 Liq  −45.53° F. 03 0.6635 103.77 73.080 180.1339 0.4592 0.49176 Mix 0.6584 04 0.4640 65.97 73.080 −72.0625 0.0151 8.08657 Liq  −45.53° F. 05 0.4640 191.03 100.823 234.3143 0.5229 1.83999 Mix 0.7351 06 0.9337 191.03 100.823 662.3343 1.2517 0.48733 Mix 0 07 0.2948 191.03 100.823 80.1075 0.2603 1.35266 Mix 1 08 0.2948 143.93 34.772 80.1074 0.2651 1.34681 Mix 0.93 11 0.4640 137.27 102.823 24.6957 0.1857 1.83999 Mix 0.9707 12 0.4640 133.62 104.823 2.9022 0.1490 1.83999 Mix 1 13 0.4640 133.62 104.823 2.9022 0.1490 5.99531 Mix 1 14 0.4640 133.62 104.823 2.9022 0.1490 8.08657 Mix 1 15 0.7277 143.93 34.772 463.0612 0.9967 1.23621 Mix 0.2994 16 0.5020 143.93 34.772 263.3857 0.6153 2.58302 Mix 0.6282 17 0.5020 138.62 33.772 247.8614 0.5906 2.58302 Mix 0.6417 18 0.5020 76.28 32.772 13.9449 0.1776 2.58302 Mix 0.8841 19 0.4640 80.93 32.772 −6.8178 0.1376 8.39248 Mix 0.9257 21 0.4640 131.71 100.823 2.9022 0.1490 0.25126 Mix 0.9964 22 0.4640 133.62 104.823 2.9022 0.1490 2.09125 Mix 1 23 0.6635 65.80 71.080 −56.4301 0.0224 0.49176 Mix 1 24 0.9337 191.03 100.823 662.3343 1.2517 0.48733 Mix 0 25 0.9911 131.71 100.823 600.2216 1.1578 0.50824 Mix 0 26 0.8300 87.68 100.823 277.4277 0.6017 1.00000 Mix 0.4842 27 0.8300 65.80 98.823 −17.0503 0.0497 1.00000 Mix 1 28 0.8300 70.73 1,900.000 −7.8325 0.0525 1.00000 Liq −256.82° F. 29 0.8300 70.73 1,900.000 −7.8325 0.0525 1.00000 Liq −256.82° F. 30 0.9911 131.71 100.823 600.2216 1.1578 0.50824 Mix 0 31 0.4640 65.97 73.080 −72.0625 0.0151 0.30591 Liq  −45.53° F. 32 0.4471 116.52 73.080 −16.0494 0.1167 5.80941 Mix 1 34 0.9919 116.52 73.080 595.1359 1.1849 0.18590 Mix 0 35 0.2948 191.03 100.823 80.1075 0.2603 0.23036 Mix 1 38 0.7277 196.03 35.772 775.0604 1.4862 1.23621 Vap     0° F. 40 0.6635 65.96 100.823 −56.1779 0.0227 0.49176 Liq  −19.53° F. 41 0.4471 82.91 32.772 −16.0494 0.1196 5.80941 Mix 0.9442 43 0.4640 116.52 73.080 2.9022 0.1498 5.99531 Mix 0.969 44 0.4640 66.12 109.823 −71.8156 0.0153 8.08657 Liq  −70.52° F. 45 0.2948 143.93 34.772 80.1075 0.2651 0.23036 Mix 0.93 70 0.2948 191.03 100.823 80.1075 0.2603 0.23621 Mix 1 71 0.2948 227.10 35.772 615.2057 1.0815 0.23621 Mix 0.4122 72 0.2948 191.03 100.823 80.1075 0.2603 1.11645 Mix 1 73 0.2948 143.93 34.772 80.1075 0.2651 1.11645 Mix 0.93 74 0.2948 284.54 98.823 615.2060 1.0182 0.23621 Mix 0.4545 138 0.8300 358.47 35.772 812.8197 1.5611 1.00000 Vap  181.2° F. External Heat Source 638 AIR 351.74 12.976 99.4176 0.5970 3.83489 Vap  666.2° F. 639 AIR 216.03 12.904 66.4582 0.5529 3.83489 Vap  530.5° F. Coolant 51 water 51.80 24.693 19.9498 0.0396 27.3421 Liq −187.56° F. 52 water 71.93 14.693 40.0672 0.0783 27.3421 Liq −140.03° F. 53 water 51.80 24.693 19.9498 0.0396 13.6854 Liq −187.56° F. 54 water 73.33 14.693 41.4676 0.0809 13.6854 Liq −138.63° F. 55 water 51.80 24.693 19.9498 0.0396 3.07700 Liq −187.56° F. 56 water 89.63 14.693 57.7573 0.1110 3.07700 Liq −122.32° F. The CTCSSs of this invention can be simplified by eliminating some “modular” components. For instance, it is possible to enrich the stream S 182 having the parameters as at the point 40 without using the intermediate pressure condenser, the seventh heat exchanger HE 7 . Such a system, with preheating of the stream S 164 of working fluid having the parameters as at the point 28 is shown in FIG. 3 , and referred to as Variant 2 a . A similar system, but without preheating the stream S 164 of working fluid having the parameters as at the point 28 , is shown in FIG. 4 , and referred to as Variant 2 b. In the Variant 2 a and Variant 2 b , in distinction to the Variant 1 a and Variant 1 b , the pressure of the stream S 168 having the parameters as at the point 43 is chosen in such a way that the when mixing the vapor stream S 170 having the parameters as at the point 34 and the liquid stream S 174 having the parameters as at the point 31 , the subcooled liquid stream S 174 having the parameters as at the point 31 fully absorbs the vapor stream S 170 having the parameters as at the point 34 , and the resulting stream S 176 having the parameters as at the point 3 is in a state of saturated, or slightly subcooled, liquid. Thereafter, the liquid S 176 having the parameters as at the point 3 is sent into the second pump P 2 , to form the stream S 182 having the parameters as at the point 40 , and is mixed with stream 25 . The simplification of the CTCSS of Variant 2 a and Variant 2 b reduces the overall efficiency of the CTCSSs of this invention, but at the same time, the cost is also reduced. Another possible modular simplification of the Variant 1 a and Variant 1 b can be used in a case where external heat is not available, or the choice is made not to utilize external heat. Such a variant of the CTCSS of this invention, with preheating of the stream S 164 of working fluid having the parameters as at the point 28 is shown in FIG. 5 , and is referred to as Variant 3 a . A similar CTCSS of this invention, but without preheating the stream S 164 of the working fluid having the parameters as at the point 28 , is shown in FIG. 6 , and referred to as Variant 3 b. In Variant 3 a and Variant 3 b , the stream S 148 having the parameters as at the point 70 is not heated, but rather simply passes through the fifth throttle valve TV 5 , to form the stream S 102 having the parameters as at the point 71 , and is then mixed with the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 , forming the stream S 104 having the parameters as at the point 38 . This mixing process is used only in a case where the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 is in a state of superheated vapor. The flow rate of streams S 148 and S 102 having the parameters as at the points 70 and 71 is chosen in such a way that the stream S 104 having the parameters as at the point 38 formed as a result of mixing the stream S 102 having the parameters as at the point 71 and the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 is in a state of saturated, or slightly wet, vapor. It is also possible to simplify Variant 2 a and Variant 2 b in the same manner than Variant 1 a and Variant 1 b are simplified to obtain Variant 3 a and Variant 3 b . This modular simplification of Variant 2 a and Variant 2 b , with preheating of the stream S 164 of the working fluid having the parameters as at the point 28 is shown in FIG. 7 , and is referred to as Variant 4 a ; while a similar simplification of Variant 2 b , without preheating the stream S 164 of the working fluid having the parameters as at the point 28 , is shown in FIG. 8 , and referred to as Variant 4 b. A final modular simplification is attained by eliminating the scrubber SC 1 , and the use of the stream S 182 having the parameters as at the point 40 without any enrichment, i.e., the composition of stream S 182 having the parameters as at the point 40 is the same as the composition of the basic solution. This modular simplification of Variant 4 a , with preheating of the stream S 164 of the working fluid having the parameters as at the point 28 is shown in FIG. 9 , and is referred to as Variant 5 a . A similar simplification of Variant 4 b , without preheating the stream S 164 of the working fluid having the parameters as at the point 28 , is shown in FIG. 10 , and referred to as Variant 5 b . It must be noted that the modular simplification of the Variant 5 a and Variant 5 b results in a substantial reduction of the efficiency of the CTCSS. Also in Variants 5 a and 5 b , the stream S 122 having the parameters as at the point 1 is not split into two substreams S 122 and S 124 which are then separately pressurized, but is pressurized in as a single stream in a pump P 5 forming a stream S 192 having parameters as at a point 46 . The stream S 192 is then split to form the stream S 128 having the parameters as at the point 44 and the stream S 182 having the parameters as at the point 40 . The CTCSSs of this invention is described in the five basic variants given above; (two of which utilize external heat, and three of which utilize only the heat available from the stream S 100 of the working fluid entering the CTCSSs of this invention). One experienced in the art would be able to generate additional combinations and variants of the proposed systems. For instance, it is possible to simplify Variant 4 a by eliminating the scrubber SC 1 , while retaining the enrichment of the stream S 182 having the parameters as at the points 40 . (Likewise it is possible to retain the scrubber SC 1 , and eliminate only the enrichment process for the stream S 182 having the parameters as at the points 40 .) However all such modular simplifications are still based on the initial Variant 1 a of the CTCSSs of this invention. The efficacy of the CTCSS of this invention, per se, can be assessed by its compression ratio; i.e., a ratio of the pressure of the stream S 184 having the parameters as at the point 26 (at the entrance to the high pressure condenser, heat exchanger HE 6 ) to the pressure of the stream S 100 having the parameters as at the point 138 (at the point of entrance of the stream of working solution into the CTCSS). The impact of the efficacy of the CTCSS on the efficiency of the whole system depends on the structure and parameters of work of the whole system. For assessing the CTCSSs of this invention, several calculations have been performed. A stream comprising a water-ammonia mixture having a composition of 0.83 weight fraction of ammonia (i.e., 83 wt. % ammonia), with an initial temperature of 1050° F. and an initial pressure of 1800 psia, has been expanded in a turbine with an isoenthropic efficiency of 0.875 (87.5%). The parameters of the vapor upon exiting the turbine correspond to the stream S 100 having the parameters at the point 138 . Such computations have been performed for all proposed “b” variants of the CTCSS of this invention described above, and for a simple condenser system as well. These calculations are presented in Table 2. It should be noted that the incremental enthalpy drop produced by using a CTCSS of this invention is specific to the exact parameters of pressure and temperature at the turbine inlet. If these parameters were to be lowered, then the percentage of increase in enthalpy drop would be substantially larger. TABLE 2 Efficacy of CTCSS Variants 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b Simple CTCSS CTCSS CTCSS CTCSS CTCSS Condenser Variant 1b Variant 2b Variant 3b Variant 4b Variant 5b pressure of 100.823 35.771 38.972 42.067 45.079 59.368 turbine outlet (point 138) (psia) compression 1.000 2.8181 2.5871 2.3967 2.2366 1.69827 ratio (P26:P138) turbine 337.3891 418.6930 412.5639 407.0011 410.8869 380.7543 enthalpy drop (btu/lb) incremental 0.000 81.3040 75.1748 69.6119 64.4978 43.3652 enthalpy drop (btu/lb) incremental 0.000 24.098 22.281 20.633 19.117 12.853 enthalpy drop (%) Comparison has shown that all variants of the CTCSSs of this invention have an efficacy that is higher or equal to comparable subsystems in the prior art. However, all of the proposed CTCSS are substantially simpler and less expensive than the subsystems described in the prior art. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference. While this invention has been described fully and completely, it should be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Although the invention has been disclosed with reference to its preferred embodiments, from reading this description those of skill in the art may appreciate changes and modification that maybe made which do not depart from the scope and spirit of the invention as described above and claimed hereafter.

New more efficient condensation and thermal compression subsystems for power plants utilizing multi-component fluids are disclosed that simplify the equipment needed to improve the overall efficiency and efficiency of the condensation and thermal compress subsystem.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present patent application is a continuation-in-part of, and hereby claims priority to, U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/660,694, filed Mar. 2, 2010 entitled “Three Dimensional Connection System For Bed Frame”, which in turn, claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/165,493 filed Mar. 31, 2009. The present application also hereby claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/339,226, filed Mar. 2, 2010 entitled “Bed Frame Having Protective Plastic Coating”. Applicants claim the benefits of 35 U.S.C. §120 as to said Non-Provisional Application, and the benefits of 35 U.S.C. §119 as to said Provisional Applications, and the entire disclosures of all applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a bed frame for supporting a mattress or mattress set and, more particularly, to a bed frame that has a protective plastic casing that covers the structural components of the bed frame. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There are currently in use conventional bed frame assemblies that are used for supporting a mattress or mattress set and such bed frame assemblies are normally made up of two side rails and at least one cross member. The bed frame supports the load of a mattress set by means of multiple support legs. [0004] With many bed frames, the side rails and cross members are made of a metal, generally iron or steel, and the overall frame therefore has multiple sharp edges for the metal components. Further, the use of metal makes the bed frame a difficult platform on which the box spring and mattress are slid in assembling a bed. The metal material for bed frames is not particularly lubricious and therefore hampers the sliding of a box spring over the assembled frame and there is the possibility that one of the sharp edges of the bed frame will cause a tear in the box spring or mattress material. [0005] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a covering for a bed frame that is both protective of sharp edges as well as facilitate the sliding of a box spring over the bed frame in the assembly of a completed bed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] A feature of the present bed frame is that the metal frame is encased in plastic, thereby allowing the box spring and mattress to easily slide in place on top of the frame without contact with the metal, that is, along some portion or all of the length of a side rail or cross rail, the rail is totally surrounded by a plastic shield. The side rails and the cross rails are encased in a plastic shield and there are plastic injection molded end caps. With the present invention, therefore, the side and/or cross rail for a bed frame can be encased with plastic shields at the point of manufacture such that the rails are shipped with the plastic shields assembled thereto. As such, each step of the assembly of the bed frame using a plastic shielded component can have the advantage of the present invention since that assembly does not need to deal with hard steel components. [0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the side rails are made from one or more rail steel angle iron pieces, however any structural metal beam can be used with the present invention including rolled tubing and folded strips. The plastic is a more lubricious surface than the steel and therefore the task is made simpler requiring less exertion and stress. Secondly, the plastic is not abrasive to the fabric of the bedding and so the material is protected from damage or wear. Thirdly, the plastic serves to make the frame quiet by inhibiting any metal on metal squeaking. The staples or tacks in the box spring can make sound on a metal bed frame. The plastic forms an entirely flat platform for supporting the bedding. In an exemplary embodiment, there may be grooves formed on the surface of the plastic that serve to further deaden any sounds and inhibit vibration. [0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the bed frame has a double angle iron side rail encased in a plastic extrusion. This side rail is more rigid because it has a tall vertical proportion. The plastic serves to dress the frame and make it more like traditional finished furniture as well as to make the steel more comfortable and safer to handle because it is softer and has few edges. [0009] The cross rails are preferred to also be made of two piece of angle iron covered by a plastic extrusion. This allows the cross rail to also present the appearance of a finished part. The ends of the cross rails are capped with an injection molded end caps. All metal rails, both assembled and unassembled, are encased by plastic. The plastic shield could be manufacture in many ways including injection molding, insert injection mold, and coating. A preferred method of manufacture is to extrude the shield. Ribs are utilized on the inside of the extrusion to support the shaping and hold the internal metal structure in place. These ribs can take a number of different configurations. The preferred rib configuration is to have two ribs hanging straight down from the curved surface to contact the metal structure. These would be positioned only about a 0.25 inch inboard of the outer edges of the metal. In this way, the ribs will not fall off the edge but are also as short as possible. This will help with the thickness and consistency during manufacture. [0010] In a further embodiment, the side rail of the bed frame is constructed of a single L shaped angle iron completely encased in plastic. The vertical flange of the angle iron extends upwardly to form a ridge to retain the bedding from side to side movement. The plastic extends downward below the horizontal portion of the angle. In this way, the side rail has a larger visual impact on the appearance of the bedding. Also this serves the function of covering the cut end of the cross rails at the point they connect to the side rails. [0011] In addition the plastic overhang allows for the addition of lighting where the wiring and the fixtures are shielded from view. This light serves as a safety feature but also makes the bed more visually exciting. The plastic shield could be manufactured in many ways including injection molding, insert injection mold, and coating. A preferred method of manufacture is to extrude the encasement. Ribs are required on the inside of the extrusion to support this shaping and hold the internal metal structure in place. These ribs can be provided in a number of different configurations. [0012] In a further embodiment, the side rail of the bed frame is constructed of a single L shaped angle iron completely encased in plastic with the vertical flange of the angle iron extending downwardly such that the leg of the angle perpendicular to the floor is positioned below the bottom surface of the bedding. In this case, the plastic is extended above the vertical member of the angle iron to form a ridge that retains the bedding against side to side movement. In this way, the side rail has a larger visual impact on the appearance of the bedding. [0013] Also the rail downward turned flange of the angle iron serves the function of covering the cut end of the cross rails at the point they connect to the side rails. In addition the plastic overhang allows for the addition of lighting where the wiring and the fixtures are shielded from view. As such, the geometry of the rail that allow for the rails rigidity is all below the bedding. [0014] The upstanding rigid portion can be much abbreviated in height because it is only a retainer. This is critical when the box spring has pull out storage drawers that can be blocked by tall side rails. The plastic shield could be manufactured in many ways including injection molding, insert injection mold, and coating. A preferred method of manufacture is to extrude the encasement. The upstanding ridge of plastic could take many forms. The preferred embodiment would be a hollow loop within extending from the main body of the plastic shield. Within the upstanding loop there is a ribbed reinforcement to provide strength to the otherwise unsupported member. [0015] As a still further exemplary embodiment, since the plastic shields are affixed to the bed frame component at the manufacturers location, the manufacturer can provide the bed shields in a variety of standard or custom colors so that the ultimate user may have a bed frame components that are of a particular color to match the room or to identify the component as applicable for a particular size or type of bed frame. Thus, the manufacturer can use a customer-selected color of plastic shield and that specific color bed frame components can be boxed up and shipped to the customer with the desired color. [0016] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent during the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating a cross rail bed frame member having a protective plastic end cap; [0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating a side rail bed frame member having a protective plastic end cap; [0019] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a side rail encased in plastic made with two angle irons; [0020] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a cross rail encased in plastic made with two angle irons; [0021] FIGS. 5 and 5A are a cross sectional view and an enlarged cross sectional view of a side rail having a plastic shield with surface grooves; [0022] FIGS. 6 and 6A are a cross sectional view and an enlarged cross sectional view of a cross rail having a plastic shield with surface grooves; [0023] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a mattress/foundation sliding on an entirely plastic encased bed frame; [0024] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a side rail made with an angle iron encased in plastic having one upturned flange with a plastic shield blocking the end of a cross rail; [0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating the visual difference between a raw angle iron and the plastic encasement covering the angle iron; [0026] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a side rail of FIG. 8 with a lighting strip concealed behind the plastic shield; [0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating bed frame and mattress with the concealed light of FIG. 10 ; [0028] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a side rail made with an angle iron encased in plastic having one downturned flange with a plastic shield blocking the end of a cross rail with a plastic lip for retaining the bedding; [0029] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of a side rail of FIG. 12 with a lighting strip concealed behind the downturned flange of the angle iron; [0030] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of a side rail of FIG. 12 having standing ribs to support the outer portion of the plastic shield; and [0031] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a side rail of FIG. 12 having a different configuration of outer portion of the plastic shield than the embodiment of FIG. 14 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0032] Turning to FIG. 1 , there is shown an exploded view illustrating a bed frame cross rail 10 having a protective plastic end cap 12 that fits over the end of the cross rail 10 to cover the sharp edges that are present at the ends of the cross rail 10 . As can be seen, the cross rail 10 is comprised of two angle irons 14 , 16 secured together by means such a rivets 18 to form a T-shape. As is well known, the ends of such cross rails result in sharp edges of the angle irons 14 , 16 that can be hazardous to a person striking a sharp edge. The end cap 12 is also therefore a T-shape and fits over the ends of the cross rails 10 and may include an enlarged pocket 20 to enable the end cap 12 to slip over a rivet where necessary. Although only one end cap 12 is illustrated, both ends of the cross rails 10 may be protected by an end cap 12 . [0033] Next, in FIG. 2 , there is an exploded view of a side rail 22 and a plastic end cap 24 that fits over the end of the side rail 22 . In this embodiment, again, there are two angle irons 26 , 28 that are secured together forming a combined vertical flange 30 and an overlapping inwardly directed horizontal flange 32 . There is also a plastic shield 34 that covers the external surface of the vertical flange 30 and abuts against the end cap 24 when the end cap 24 is slid onto the end of the side rail 22 , thereby fully covering the exterior surface of the vertical flange 30 . A fastener 36 can be used to secure the end cap 24 to the side rail 22 by passing though the end cap 24 and a hole 38 in the side rail 22 . The exterior surface 40 of the end cap 24 can be designed to be of the same curvature as the exterior surface 42 of the plastic shield 34 so that the two components meet in a smooth junction. [0034] Turning next to FIG. 3 , there is shown a cross sectional view of a side rail 44 that, again, is constructed of two angle irons 46 , 48 secured together. As can be seen, the combined angle irons 46 , 48 forms an overlapping horizontal flange 50 and a combined adding vertical flange 52 that is twice the length of a vertical flange of the angle irons 46 , 48 . A plastic shield 54 fully surrounds the cross section of the side rail 44 such that the metal side rail 44 is completely covered and thus the cold steel or other metal is easier to handle and is more esthetically pleasing. [0035] In the orientation of FIG. 3 , the plastic shield 54 has an exterior portion 56 that is held away or displaced from the vertical flange 52 by means of ribs 58 , 60 and which can be molded into the plastic shield 54 . Since the plastic shield 54 is, in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , unbroken, it can be slid along the longitudinal length of the side rail 44 in order to install the plastic shield 54 to the side rail 44 . [0036] Turning next to FIG. 4 , there is a cross sectional view of a cross rail 62 that is, again, made up of two angle irons 64 , 66 that are secured together. In this embodiment, since the bed frame component is a cross rail, the cross rail 62 is oriented such that the upper, horizontal flange 68 is twice the length of a single flange of either of the angle irons 64 , 66 and the vertical flange 70 overlaps the flanges of the angle irons 64 , 66 . Again, however, there is a plastic shield 72 that surrounds the entire cross section of the cross rail 62 so as to fully cover the metal angle irons 64 , 66 . [0037] It should be noted, that while the description of a cross rail or side rail component making up a bed frame may be described as being comprised of two angle irons secured together, the present invention is equally applicable to a side rail or cross rail being provided as a single, unitary construction. [0038] In FIGS. 5 and 5A , there is cross sectional view of a side rail and an enlarged cross section of a side rail 44 with the plastic shield 54 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , however, the external surface 74 of the exterior portion 56 is curved outwardly and has surface grooves 76 formed thereon. The surface grooves 76 serve to further deaden any sounds and inhibit vibration. In addition, since the plastic shields may be extruded and have a shiny exterior finish, the use of the surface grooves 76 creates a finish that is less susceptible to marring or surface damage. [0039] In FIGS. 6 and 6A , there is cross sectional view of the cross rail 62 and an enlarged cross section of the cross rail 62 with the plastic shield 72 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4 , however, the external surface 78 of the upper portion 80 of the plastic shield has surface grooves 82 formed thereon. [0040] Next in FIG. 7 , there is a schematic view of a box spring 84 being slid onto a bed frame 86 . As can be seen, the box spring 84 slides in the direction of the arrow A along the side rails 88 . In accordance with the present invention, the side rails 88 are fully covered by a plastic shield 90 , including end caps 92 such that the box spring 84 can slide easily and in a more lubricious manner than if the box spring 84 were sliding along raw steel side rails. The protective plastic end caps 92 prevent the otherwise sharp edges of the side rails 88 from cutting into the box spring and the smooth sliding action along the plastic shields 90 of the side rails 88 also minimizes damage to the box spring. [0041] Turning to FIG. 8 , there is shown a cross sectional view of a side rail 94 that is an L-shaped configuration, such as an angle iron, with a horizontal flange 96 positioned to underlie a box spring (not shown) and a vertical flange 98 extending upwardly from the horizontal flange 96 and adapted to be positioned proximate to, and run along, the outside edge of a box spring. Again, there is a plastic shield 100 that fully encases the side rail 94 so as to enclose the side rail 94 entirely. FIG. 8 also shows a cross rail 102 of a bed frame and, as can be seen, there is a downwardly directed portion 104 of the plastic shield 100 that extends below the horizontal flange 96 and which covers the outer end 106 of the cross rail 102 to provide protection again a person inadvertently encountering that outer end 106 and being injured. [0042] As such, the plastic shield 100 not only encases the side rail 94 for protection to make the side rail 94 easier to handle and maneuver, but when the side rail 94 is assembled in constructing a bed frame, the same plastic shield 100 affords protection for persons by covering the outer end 106 of a cross rail 102 . [0043] In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , there can also be seen a rib 108 that contacts the vertical flange 98 to position the exterior portion 110 of the plastic shield 100 outwardly from the vertical flange 98 and also a reinforcing rib 112 that adds strength and rigidity to the downwardly directed portion 104 . [0044] Turning then to FIG. 9 , then is shown a perspective view of the side rail 94 of FIG. 8 with a portion of the plastic shield 100 removed so that a distinction can be seen between the easily handled and protected portion of the side rail 94 protected by the plastic shield 100 and the bare portion of the side rail 94 where there is no such protection. [0045] Turning to FIG. 10 , there is a cross sectional view of a further exemplary embodiment of the side rail 94 of FIG. 8 . In FIG. 10 , a light 114 , such as a fluorescent light, is located underneath the horizontal flange 96 and thus is underneath the box spring and mattress and is located interior of the downwardly directed portion 104 and is therefore in a protective location where the light 114 cannot be easily kicked or otherwise struck by a person or objects nearing the bed frame. [0046] In FIG. 11 , taken along with FIG. 10 , there is a perspective view of a box spring 116 and showing the side rail 94 having a plastic shield 100 and illustrating the effect of the indirect lighting where the light rays 118 are directed downwardly and inwardly by the downwardly directed portion 104 of the plastic shield 100 thereby creating a desirable lighting effect. [0047] Turning next to FIG. 12 , there is shown a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a side rail 120 that is an L-shaped configuration, such as an angle iron, with a horizontal flange 122 positioned to underlie a box spring 124 and a vertical flange 126 extending downwardly from the horizontal flange 122 , that is, the vertical flange 126 extends beneath the box spring 124 and is adapted to be positioned proximate to, and run along, the outside edge of the box spring 124 . [0048] Again, there is a plastic shield 128 that fully encases the side rail 120 so as to enclose the side rail 120 entirely. FIG. 12 also shows a cross rail 130 of a bed frame and, as can be seen, there is a upwardly directed portion 132 of the plastic shield 128 that extends above the horizontal flange 122 and which is located proximate to the box spring 124 and prevents the box spring 124 from movement in a lateral direction. [0049] As such, the plastic shield 128 not only encases the side rail 120 for protection to make the side rail 120 easier to handle and maneuver, but when the side rail 120 is assembled in constructing a bed frame, the same plastic shield 128 affords stability against lateral movement of the box spring 124 as well as protection against persons contacting the sharp outer end 134 of the cross rail 130 . [0050] In the embodiment of FIG. 12 , there can also be seen a rib 136 that contacts the vertical flange 126 to position the exterior portion 138 of the plastic shield 128 outwardly of the vertical flange 126 and also a reinforcing rib 140 that adds strength and rigidity to the upwardly directed portion 132 . [0051] Turning then to FIG. 13 , there is shown a cross sectional view of the side rail 120 of FIG. 12 further including a light 142 that can be positioned beneath the horizontal flange 122 and behind the vertical flange 126 so as to protect the light 142 from damage by persons or objects striking the light 142 . [0052] In FIG. 14 , there is a side rail 120 that is constructed the same as in the FIG. 12 embodiment, that is, the side rail 120 is an L-shaped configuration, such as an angle iron, with the horizontal flange 122 positioned to underlie a box spring and the vertical flange 126 extending downwardly from the horizontal flange 122 . [0053] With the FIG. 14 embodiment, however the plastic shield 144 is of a slightly different configuration, that is, the upwardly directed portion 146 is more circular in appearance and the exterior portion 148 of the plastic shield 144 is concave inwardly in design and there are two ribs 148 that extend inwardly from the exterior portion 148 and contact the vertical flange 126 to add strength and rigidity to the plastic shield 144 . [0054] Finally, in FIG. 15 , there is a further embodiment wherein the plastic shield 152 has an outer portion 154 with a lower section 156 that is generally parallel to the vertical flange 126 with an upper section 158 that curves inwardly toward the vertical flange 126 , such that an upper rib 160 is shorter that a lower rib 162 . [0055] While the present invention has been set forth in terms of a specific embodiment of embodiments, it will be understood that the present plastic shielding system for a bed frame herein disclosed may be modified or altered by those skilled in the art to other configurations. Accordingly, the invention is to be broadly construed and limited only by the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

A bed frame wherein the side rail and/or cross rails are fully encased in plastic shields. A plastic shield or shields cover the entire cross sectional area of the side and cross rails so that the side rail and cross rails are easy to handle and esthetically pleasing. The system avoids the need for a person to handle cold, sometimes dirty, steel and the cross and side rails may be T-shaped or L-shaped angle irons, or other configurations and covered with plastic shields. With the plastic shields, the steel members need not be finished since the outer appearance of the steel is encased by the plastic shields and not seen by persons.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally relates to motor vehicle remote keyless entry systems, and more particularly relates to secure motor vehicle remote keyless entry systems that prevent an unauthorized entity from accessing an encryption key. BACKGROUND Remote keyless entry systems are widely used in connection with motor vehicles. The owner of the motor vehicle or another authorized person can, for example, unlock one or more of the vehicle doors, lock the vehicle doors, unlock the vehicle trunk, or sound an alarm by pressing one of a plurality of buttons on a remote keyless entry device, often referred to as a key fob or remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter. The key fob or RKE transmitter transmits a command signal, by some form of modulated electromagnetic radiation, to a receiver in the motor vehicle. The signal includes the command (e.g., unlock the driver door) and, at least, an identifier that identifies to the receiver that this particular RKE transmitter is authorized to send such a command to this particular motor vehicle. Although the RKE transmitter provides a great convenience to the vehicle owner, it also presents various security issues. In order to overcome these security issues, it is common to encrypt the transmission from the RKE transmitter to the receiver. Initial attempts at security used a fixed encryption key for the transmission. Unauthorized persons could monitor and record a transmission from the RKE transmitter and could use the recorded transmission to gain unauthorized access to the vehicle at some later time. To improve security, motor vehicle manufacturers adopted a “rolling code” method of encryption. The rolling code is base on some type of transmitter specific “secret” that is shared between the transmitter and the receiver. That secret information is used as an encryption key, or as the key to a message authentication code (i.e., a code that can only be generated by one in possession of the key). Some input to the encryption/authentication process is incremented in a manner known to both the transmitter and the receiver with the transmission of each message. That is, each time a command is transmitted from the RKE transmitter to the receiver in the motor vehicle, some input is incremented to insure that the encrypted message or authenticator changes with each transmission. By using the rolling code, the system cannot be defeated by simply intercepting a transmission and repeating it later. There are many ways to implement rolling code encryption. In one form of the rolling code both the RKE transmitter and the receiver are set to an initial code seed and rolling algorithm. Every time a command message is sent from the RKE transmitter to the receiver, both the RKE transmitter and the receiver update the code according to the rolling algorithm. Because the receiver will not always receive a transmission from the RKE transmitter (a blind transmission), for example when the receiver is beyond the range of the RKE transmitter, the receiver must be able to look ahead and react to codes that are within an acceptable future code window. Some mechanism must be provided to resynchronize the RKE transmitter and the receiver if the transmitted code is not within the acceptable window. The need for resynchronization can occur, for example, when a lost RKE transmitter is replaced or when for any other reason the transmitted code is outside the window. Such need for resynchronization is met by placing the RKE transmitter and the receiver in a training or program mode. The necessity for providing for a training mode, however, creates an additional security issue. During the training, the RKE transmitter must transmit the code secret, such as an encryption key, to the receiver. An unauthorized person in possession of the RKE transmitter could place the RKE transmitter in the training mode and cause the RKE transmitter to transmit the secret information. The unauthorized person could record the secret information and use it to gain access to the motor vehicle at a later time. Although there are a multitude of methods for implementing a rolling code encryption method for a motor vehicle remote keyless entry system, all of those methods are susceptible to the security issues presented by the necessity for a training mode. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide remote keyless entry devices, systems and methods that overcome the security issues attendant with prior devices, systems, and methods. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. BRIEF SUMMARY A remote keyless entry device is provided for sending secure commands such as for locking and unlocking a motor vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the remote keyless entry device comprises a key generating key, encryption means, and a transmitter. The key generating key is stored in and never transmitted from the remote keyless entry device. The encryption means uses the key generating key to generate a working key. The transmitter is configured to send a command encrypted with the working key. A secure method is provided for sending an encrypted command from a remote keyless entry device to a receiver in a motor vehicle. A key generating key is defined within the remote keyless entry device, and that key generating key is used to generate a working key. The working key is transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the receiver during a training session without transmitting the key generating key. After the training session, a message encrypted with the working key can be transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the motor vehicle receiver. Decryption means within the receiver decrypt the transmitted message using the working key. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a secure remote keyless entry system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a working key generator in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 3 illustrates, in flow chart format, a method for generating a working key in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a secure remote keyless entry system 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. System 10 includes a remote keyless entry device (RKE transmitter) 12 configured to transmit a secure command to a receiver 14 in a motor vehicle 16 . RKE transmitter 12 includes, in accordance with the invention, a working key generator 17 for generating a working key for encrypting a command transmitted from the RKE transmitter to receiver 14 . As illustrated schematically in FIG. 2 , the working key generator includes a key generating key 18 that is RKE transmitter specific. That is, key generating key 18 is unique to a particular RKE transmitter. Key generating key 18 provides one input to encryption circuitry 20 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an incrementable counter 22 provides a second input to encryption circuitry 20 . Preferably counter 22 is a non volatile counter. The encryption circuitry can be any circuit that implements an encryption algorithm such as a block encryption algorithm. Other encryption algorithms can also be employed. Although described as encryption circuitry, the function can be embodied in hardware or software in known manner. Regardless of how embodied, the functional embodiment will be referred to herein, without limitation, as a circuit. Similarly, counter 22 can be a circuit or software that incrementally generates numbers in known manner. Regardless of form, each of the sources of incremented numbers will be referred to herein, without limitation, as a counter, and more specifically as an incrementable counter. Encryption circuitry 20 combines key generating key 18 with the output of counter 22 to generate a working key 24 . As will be explained more fully below, a different working key is generated each time the remote keyless entry system is configured in the training mode. In the embodiment described above, different working keys are generated by incrementing counter 22 . A different working key is generated for each output of the incrementable counter. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the key generating key and the encryption circuitry together are configured as a pseudorandom number generator and the working key is a pseudorandom number. The pseudorandom number that is generated changes with each training session because the output of incrementable counter 22 is changed with each training session. Other mechanisms can be used to cause the pseudorandom number generator to generate a different pseudorandom number and hence a different working key each time a training session is enabled. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the encryption circuitry and the key generating key are configured as a random number generator and the resulting working key is a random number. Again, as above, the random number that is generated changes with each training session because the output of incrementable counter 22 is changed with each training session. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the generation of a random number is more difficult than the generation of a pseudorandom number, but provides a greater degree of security. Referring again to FIG. 1 , the RKE transmitter also includes a transmitter 26 and an antenna 28 . Transmitter 26 can be, for example, a low power radio frequency (RF) transmitter. Transmitter 26 can also be an infrared (IR) transmitter or other form of transmitter capable of transmitting information by the modulation of electromagnetic radiation. Antenna 28 must be compatible with the form of transmitter selected. For example, if transmitter 26 is an IR transmitter, antenna 28 might be a lens or other optical device for steering the IR radiation. For ease of description, transmitter 26 will hereinafter be referred to, without limitation, as an RF transmitter. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, RKE transmitter further includes a plurality of buttons 30 – 33 or other mechanisms for selecting a command to be transmitted to the motor vehicle. The commands with which the buttons are associated can be, for example, unlock the driver door, unlock all doors, lock all doors, unlock the trunk, and the like. Buttons 30 – 33 are coupled to provide input to a command assembler 36 within which the message that is to be transmitted is assembled. Command assembler 36 can be embodied in hardware or software. Also provided as an input to command assembler 36 is working key 24 generated by working key generator 17 . RKE transmitter 12 encrypts the command message assembled in command assembler 36 using working key 24 and any of the known rolling code encryption techniques. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a rolling code encryption can be accomplished as follows. The output of an incrementable counter 38 configured to provide an incremented number output is provided as a further input to the command assembler. Incrementable counter 38 can be similar to incrementable counter 22 described above. The output of counter 38 and the selected command are used to make up a plaintext message that is to be encrypted and then transmitted. The plaintext message is encrypted using the working key in an encryption algorithm 40 within command assembler 36 . Encryption algorithm 40 can be, for example, a block encryption algorithm or other know algorithm. Encryption algorithm 40 is preferably a nonlinear algorithm. A device identifier 42 such as a serial number may also be used as an input to the command assembler and as such becomes part of the plaintext message. Any part or all of the command message can be encrypted using encryption algorithm 40 . The encrypted message is coupled to transmitter 26 and is transmitted to receiver 14 . Receiver 14 includes an antenna 44 coupled to an RF receiver 46 (or other type of receiver corresponding to the type of transmitter used in RKE transmitter 12 ) for receiving the encrypted command message from the RKE transmitter. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a two step reception process is carried out within receiver 14 . The two step process includes decryption and verification. First the working key is used to decrypt the received message to recover the plaintext and then the received message is verified. Coupled to receive the output of RF receiver 46 is decryption circuitry 48 . The decryption circuitry can be embodied in either hardware or software. Included in decryption circuitry 48 is a decryption algorithm 50 that reversed the encryption done by encryption algorithm 40 . Inputs to the decryption circuitry are the encrypted command message received by RF receiver 46 and working key 24 . The output of the encryption algorithm is used as one input to verification circuitry 51 . A second input to the verification circuitry is the output of an incrementable counter 52 that is synchronized with incrementable counter 38 . Incrementable counter 52 can be similar to incrementable counters 22 and 38 described above. The verification circuitry checks to see if the recovered counter value from the transmitted message is within an acceptable window defined by the value of the output of counter 52 plus some acceptable incremental count. If the counter outputs match, the received message is verified to be a valid message from a valid transmitter, and is outputted as a plaintext command message 53 corresponding to the plaintext message originally encrypted by encryption algorithm 40 . Command message 53 generates appropriate signals that are transmitted, for example by a local area network or by a wiring harness illustrated by numeral 54 , to door locks 56 , and the like. The transmission of a message from the RKE transmitter to the motor vehicle can be accomplished by the following method, explained with continued reference to FIG. 1 . In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the plaintext command message created in an RKE transmitter 12 is based on a command generated in response to input from the individual possessing the RKE transmitter and the output of an incrementable counter 38 . The individual possessing the RKE transmitter is usually the owner of the motor vehicle or other authorized user. The input from that individual is generated, for example, by pushing one of buttons 30 – 33 on the RKE transmitter. The plaintext command message may also include an identifier 42 identifying the particular RKE transmitter. Part or all of the command message is encrypted by an encryption algorithm 40 using a working key 24 . The output of the encryption algorithm, a ciphertext version of the command message, is transmitted by transmitter 26 to a receiver 14 in motor vehicle 16 . Each time a message is transmitted by transmitter 26 , incrementable counter 38 is incremented so that the next command message encrypted by the working key and transmitted by transmitter 26 will include a different incrementable counter output. That is, the encrypted message changes for each subsequent command message transmission. Upon receipt by receiver 14 of a cipher message transmitted by transmitter 26 , decryption circuitry 48 decrypts the message to retrieve the plaintext command message. The decryption circuitry is configured with decryption algorithm 50 to reverse the encryption process of encryption algorithm 40 and to recover the output of incrementable counter 38 which has been included in the transmitted message. Incrementable counter 52 is initially synchronized to incrementable counter 38 . Each time a message is received by receiver 14 , decrypted by decryption circuitry 48 , and verified as a valid message from a valid transmitter by verification circuitry 51 , incrementable counter 52 is resynchronized to the value of incrementable counter 38 that was received in the encrypted message. The inputs to decryption circuitry 48 are the working key 24 , and the ciphertext command message received by receiver 14 . The manner in which decryption algorithm 50 receives the correct working key is described below. By incrementing incrementable counter 38 each time a message is transmitted by transmitter 26 and by resynchronizing incrementable counter 52 each time a message is received by receiver 14 , decrypted by decryption circuitry 48 , and verified to be a valid message, the two incrementable counters 38 and 52 stay substantially synchronized. Because incrementable counter 38 may be incremented without a corresponding incrementing of incrementable counter 52 , for example by a blind transmission by transmitter 26 , verification circuitry 51 is configured to accept messages based upon the current output of incrementable counter 52 as well as a predetermined window of future counts. Each time a message is successfully verified by verification circuitry 51 , incrementable counters 38 and 52 are resynchronized. The working key is used by and hence must be known by both the encryption circuitry and the decryption circuitry. The working key must be transmitted from the RKE transmitter to the receiver in the motor vehicle during a programming or training session. An effective remote keyless entry system must allow for multiple training sessions, for example to eliminate the need to replace transmitters if the receiver needs to be replaced. In prior art systems, the training process is a potential security issue. If an unauthorized individual gains temporary possession of the RKE transmitter (for example a valet at a valet parking facility), that individual might cause the RKE transmitter to go into its training mode and cause the prior art RKE transmitter to transmit its secret information including the encryption key. If this information was recorded by the unauthorized user, the information could be used at a later time to generate a valid keyless entry message to gain unauthorized access to the motor vehicle. The remote keyless entry system and method of the present invention overcome such a security issue while still allowing multiple training sessions. The method for generating a working key in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in flow chart format in FIG. 3 with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 . A cryptographic process is used to generate a stream of secure pseudorandom numbers which are then used as the shared information, i.e., the working keys, for the secure remote keyless entry system. Working key generator 17 includes a key generating key 18 such as an n-bit number that is loaded at the time of assembly at the factory or that can be selected and installed by the owner. The key generating key is unique and specific to one particular RKE transmitter. The key generating key, in accordance with the invention, is never transmitted, even during a training session. Working key generator 17 also includes a non volatile incrementable counter 22 that is configured to generate a series of incremented numbers. The list of incremented numbers produced by the counter is sufficiently long to prevent an unauthorized possessor of the RKE transmitter from recycling the counter within a reasonable period of time. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the process of training the transmitter and receiver in accordance with one embodiment of the invention begins at step 100 . The non volatile counter is incremented to output an incremented number (step 102 ), i.e., a number unique to this training session. The key generating key and the incremental number output from non volatile counter 22 are combined (step 104 ) in encryption circuitry 20 using the encryption algorithm embodied therein to produce a working key 24 . The output of the working key generator can be coupled directly to transmitter 26 for transmission (step 106 ) to receiver 14 . The receiver incorporates the working key into the decryption algorithm embodied in the decryption circuitry (step 108 ). The output of the working key generator, working key 24 , is also incorporated into encryption algorithm 40 in the RKE transmitter (step 110 ). The training session is then terminated (step 112 ). During the training session, only the working key is transmitted, not the key generating key. Each training process results in a new working key because the non volatile counter increments during each training session, outputting a new incremented number used in the generation of the new working key. Even if an unauthorized user has a complete description of the encryption algorithm, gains possession of the RKE transmitter, and is able to put it into the training mode, the information that can be gained will not provide access to the motor vehicle either currently (because the receiver would still be using the previous working key) or in the future (because any reprogramming undertaken by an authorized user would also result in the use of a different working key). The unauthorized user will be unable to generate either past or future keys because the ability to generate working keys depends on the key generating key which is kept secret and never transmitted. Although not illustrated, the training session can also be used to synchronize incrementable counters 38 and 52 . Such synchronization can also be accomplished in other know methods. In the foregoing, various elements have been described as “circuitry” and certain functions have been described as being implementable in either hardware or software. The various elements and functions can be implemented, for example, with a general purpose microcontroller unit (MCU) programmed in a known manner. While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof. For example, only one method has been described for implementing a rolling code encryption system. The invention is equally applicable to other rolling code systems that use a shared secret between a transmitter and a receiver. Further, those of skill in the art will recognize that other encryption algorithms can be used in implementing the inventive system and method.

Methods and apparatus are provided for sending an encrypted command message from a remote keyless entry device to a receiver in a motor vehicle. The method comprises defining a key generating key within the remote keyless entry device, and using that key generating key to generate a working key. The working key is transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the receiver during a training session without transmitting the key generating key. The working key is modified each time the remote keyless entry device is placed in the training mode. After the training session, a message encrypted with the working key can be transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the motor vehicle receiver where the encrypted message is decrypted with the working key.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/315,408 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,402,093), filed on Dec. 22, 2005, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND Email can be accessed and used at the workplace through various software programs and company servers or remotely viasa a web access program. Email accounts on home computers can be accessed through a software program such as MICROSOFT® Office OUTLOOK®, or from a web-access program, such as MICROSOFT® Office OUTLOOK® Web Access (OWA). Present email utilities can contain a feature whereby the user can partially enter an email address and the system automatically completes the entry, based on available data. Problems can arise when a user enters an email address that the system does not recognize. Current technologies attempt to reconcile ambiguous or unrecognized email addresses by redirecting the user to a different interface. Current processes are cumbersome and can be confusing. Methods for data entry, searches, confirmation, and other conventions used in the interface may vary from that of the email program. In addition, once the process starts, the user must remain in that interface until all ambiguous or questionable email addresses are resolved. The user cannot leave the interface to begin work on the email message until all address ambiguities are resolved. SUMMARY Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve the process for resolving data elements, such as email addresses. Some or all of these technologies and techniques can improve the speed and ease with which users can complete the resolution process, as well as perform the task within the same context as the rest of the program or activity. The user can remain in the program or activity without needing to move to a different screen. Furthermore, the user can start and stop the process as desired. By way of example and not limitation, the user can compose part or all of an email message before completing the resolution process. Non-limiting examples of this technology can be used to resolve other ambiguities, including those in non-email applications. As one non-limiting example, the process for scheduling rooms could be resolved using the same technology and techniques. These technologies and techniques can be used with other software programs, such as mapping applications, travel guides, or programs that evaluate patient names/data. This Summary was provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a computer system of one implementation. FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a data element resolution application of one implementation operating on the computer system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a high-level process flow diagram for one implementation of the system of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram for one implementation of the system of FIG. 1 illustrating the stages involved in resolving data elements. FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram for one implementation of the system of FIG. 1 illustrating the stages involved in resolving data elements based on various status identifiers. FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram for one implementation of the system of FIG. 1 illustrating the system's stages involved in allowing a user to resume the resolution process later. FIG. 7 is a process diagram for one implementation of the system of FIG. 1 that illustrating details of FIG. 6 in the stages involved in the resolution process when a user tries to finalize the activity. FIG. 8 is a simulated screen for one implementation of the system of FIG. 1 that illustrates user options when no match is found for a user-generated email address entry. FIG. 9 is a simulated screen for one implementation of the system of FIG. 1 that illustrates user options when no exact match is found for a user-generated email address entry. FIG. 10 is a simulated screen for one implementation of the system of FIG. 1 that illustrates user options when more than one match is found for a user-generated email address entry. FIG. 11 is a simulated screen for one implementation of the system of FIG. 1 that illustrates user options when a server error is encountered. DETAILED DESCRIPTION For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art. The system may be described in the general context as an application that improves the workflow process for resolving data elements, such as email addresses, but the system also serves other purposes in addition to these. In one implementation, one or more of the techniques described herein can be implemented as features within an email program such as MICROSOFT® Office OUTLOOK®, MICROSOFT® Office OUTLOOK® Web Access (OWA), AOL Anywhere, or from any other type of program or service that allows creation of email messages. In another implementation, one or more of the techniques described herein are implemented as features with other applications that deal with data elements that need resolved, such as conference rooms, postal addresses, and/or patient data, to name a few non-limiting examples. In one implementation, a user enters a particular data element, such as a plain text name, and the system attempts to resolve that data element to an identifier associated with the particular element, such as an email address. In another implementation, the user enters a particular data element and the system attempts to resolve that data element to make sure it matches something that exists. As shown in FIG. 1 , an exemplary computer system to use for implementing one or more parts of the system includes a computing device, such as computing device 100 . In its most basic configuration, computing device 100 typically includes at least one processing unit 102 and memory 104 . Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, memory 104 may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two. This most basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1 by dashed line 106 . Additionally, device 100 may also have additional features/functionality. For example, device 100 may also include additional storage (removable and/or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Such additional storage is illustrated in FIG. 1 by removable storage 108 and non-removable storage 110 . Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Memory 104 , removable storage 108 and non-removable storage 110 are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can accessed by device 100 . Any such computer storage media may be part of device 100 . Computing device 100 includes one or more communication connections 114 that allow computing device 100 to communicate with one or more servers, such as server with email data store 115 . Computing device 100 may also communicate with one or more computers and/or applications 117 . Device 100 may also have input device(s) 112 such as keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc. Output device(s) 111 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc. may also be included. These devices are well known in the art and need not be discussed at length here. Turning now to FIG. 2 with continued reference to FIG. 1 , an data element resolution application 200 operating on computing device 100 is illustrated. Data element resolution application 200 is one of the application programs that reside on computing device 100 . Alternatively or additionally, one or more parts of data element resolution application 200 can be part of system memory 104 , on other computers and/or servers 115 , or other such variations as would occur to one in the computer software art. Data element resolution application 200 includes business logic 204 , which is responsible for carrying out some or all of the techniques described herein. Business logic 204 includes logic for checking data elements entered by the user and determining whether they are unresolved 206 , logic for determining a list of potential data elements for unresolved item(s) 208 , logic for displaying a suggested list of potential data elements in the same context with rest of the application 210 , logic for allowing the user to continue working with the activity and resume the resolution process later 212 , logic for prompting the user with viable options for resolution 214 , and other logic for operating the application 220 . In one implementation, business logic 204 is operable to be called programmatically from another program, such as using a single call to a procedure in business logic 204 . In one implementation, business logic 204 resides on computing device 100 . However, it will be understood that business logic 204 can alternatively or additionally be embodied as computer-executable instructions on one or more computers and/or in different variations than shown on FIG. 2 . Alternatively or additionally, one or more parts of data element resolution application 200 can be part of system memory 104 , on other computers and/or applications 117 , or other such variations as would occur to one in the computer software art. The examples presented herein illustrate using these technologies and techniques with an email application in one implementation. However, as discussed previously, in other implementations these technologies and techniques are used with other systems for resolving other types of data elements, such as postal addresses, conference rooms, patient records, etc. Turning now to FIGS. 3-4 with continued reference to FIGS. 1-2 , the stages for implementing one or more implementations of data element resolution application 200 are described in further detail. FIG. 3 is a high level process flow diagram for data element resolution application 200 . In one form, the process of FIG. 3 is at least partially implemented in the operating logic of computing device 100 . The procedure begins at start point 240 with analyzing information the user inputs into one or more data element fields (stage 242 ), such as an email address entered into an address field in an email message. The system attempts to retrieve existing information from one or more data stores (stage 244 ). Data stores can include, but are not limited to, databases, files on a local and/or remote computer, and/or other data storage systems. As one non-limiting example, email addresses are retrieved from one or more central data stores of stored information known as “contacts.” Separate data stores can contain global and personal contact information. One example of a data store for global contacts is the email addresses for all employees in a company. Another non-limiting example of contacts is email information that each employee can enter into a personal contacts repository. Such original data sources can be used to obtain information, which can then be used by data element resolution application 200 . In another implementation, data elements are retrieved by data element resolution application 200 when accessed via a web server over the Internet. The information is analyzed (stage 246 ) and compared to user input. Information regarding potential matches is grouped together appropriately and displayed as a context menu (stage 248 ) within the application. Other types of menus or dialogs that allow the user to remain in the same context in the application and select a particular operation could also be used. The context menu includes one or more options of appropriate action to take to resolve an ambiguous data element (stage 260 ). When the user completes a valid action, resolution for that data element is complete (stage 264 ). The process ends at point 266 . FIG. 4 illustrates one implementation of a more detailed process for resolving data elements. In one form, the process of FIG. 4 is at least partially implemented in the operating logic of computing device 100 . The procedure begins at start point 280 with the user entering part or all of an address into one or more data element fields (stage 282 ). The user engages the resolution process (stage 284 ), which cues the system to compare the user's entries with data elements stored locally on the computing device 100 or remotely on a server 115 . In one implementation, the resolution process is engaged when the user selects a resolve option, such as upon selecting a check names option. In another implementation, the resolution process is engaged as the user types an address in the address field. Other variations are also possible for controlling how the user engages the resolution process. The presence of one or more ambiguous data elements causes a context menu to appear within the user's application (stage 286 ). The user reconciles the discrepancy by selecting from a list of close matches or by otherwise resolving the discrepancy (stage 288 ). The selected or keyed name replaces the ambiguous name in the address field (stage 290 ). If more than one data element is ambiguous, the process is repeated (stage 292 ) until all data elements are resolved. Then the user is allowed to finalize the activity, such as send the email, when the resolution process is complete (stage 294 ). The process ends at end point 296 . FIG. 5 illustrates the stages involved in resolving data elements based on particular status identifiers in one implementation. In one form, the process of FIG. 5 is at least partially implemented in the operating logic of computing device 100 . The user performs an action that activates the address resolution process (stage 321 ). The system recognizes user input into one or more address fields (stage 322 ). The system compares the input to available data stores of data elements (e.g. contacts) (stage 324 ) and determines if the user entry is ambiguous or is an exact match to one address in the data stores (decision point 326 ). If the address is not ambiguous because an exact match is found, the address is displayed in a resolved status (stage 327 ) and the system checks to see if there are any other data elements to resolve (decision point 350 ). If the address is ambiguous and no exact match is found (decision point 326 ), the system uses business logic 208 to generate a list of potential matches and appropriate actions to take (stage 328 ). The system displays a status message, a list of potential matches, and/or options for appropriate actions in a context menu in the same context as the rest of the application (stage 336 ). If the status is unresolved because no match was found (stage 338 ) the user resolves it by deleting the entry (stage 340 ) or by selecting from a list of potential matches (stage 346 ). If the status is ambiguous because more than one match was found, the user can select from a list of potential matches (stage 346 ). The resolution process is repeated until all data elements are resolved (decision point 350 ). When no more data elements remain to be resolved (decision point 350 ), the process then ends at end point 352 . FIG. 6 illustrates the process for resuming the resolution process in one implementation in more detail. In one form, the process of FIG. 6 is at least partially implemented in the operating logic of computing device 100 . The process starts at start point 370 when the user selects a data element resolution option (e.g. “Check Names”) (stage 372 ) to check the validity of all data elements entered into data element fields (decision point 374 ). In one implementation, a user enters a particular data element, such as a plain text name, and the system attempts to resolve that data element to an identifier associated with the particular element, such as an email address. In another implementation, the user enters a particular data element and the system attempts to resolve that data element to make sure it matches something that exists. If all data elements are recognized as valid (decision point 374 ), the process ends at end point 376 . If one or more data elements are questionable, or ambiguous, the user will see a context menu (stage 378 ) displaying a list of potential matches and actions to resolve the ambiguity without requiring the user to change context (e.g. without having to go to another screen, etc.). If the user wishes to continue working with the activity (e.g. email message) (decision point 380 ), they can work with it as desired (stage 381 ). While returning to work with the activity (e.g. email), the user can close the context menu (stage 380 ) by simply clicking elsewhere in the activity or message, by pressing a designated key or keys (such as Esc), and/or by other methods that cause the context menu to lose focus. The user can return to the context menu any time before attempting to finalize the activity, such as send the email. The resolution process can be resumed later by selecting the unresolved address in a particular fashion (e.g. right-click or other selection) to resolve the potential list of matches (stage 382 ). If the user does not wish to exit the resolution process to continue working with the activity (decision point 380 ), or if the user stops and then resumes the resolution process (stage 382 ), the user then selects a desired address from the list of potential matches and actions (stage 384 ). In one implementation, ambiguous data elements are differentiated from valid data elements by appearing on-screen in a different color and/or by appearing with a dashed underline instead of a solid underline. When the data element is resolved, the user will either be allowed to finalize the activity (e.g. send the email) or resolve the next ambiguous data element (if more than one is present). A new context menu with potential matches and actions will appear in turn for each ambiguous data element. When all data elements are resolved (decision point 386 ), the process ends at end point 388 . FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for one implementation that illustrates what happens when a user attempts to finalize an activity, such as by attempting to send an email message. In one form, the process of FIG. 7 is at least partially implemented in the operating logic of computing device 100 . FIG. 7 begins at start point 400 with the user selecting an option that instructs the system that the user wishes to finalize the activity (e.g. send an email). The system checks all data elements for ambiguity and resolution status (stage 412 ). The system then displays a context menu consisting of a status message and/or a list of actions that may be taken. Options for actions vary according to whether the system encountered an error in the process, whether the system found no match, one or more partial matches, or more than one exact match. In one implementation, the system does not check elements until the user activates that feature, such as by selecting a “check names” option. In another implementation, the system checks elements automatically at a pre-determined point in time, such as when the user exits the data element field (e.g. the address field). When the system checks an element and it matches a unique address in the data store, then the address name is considered resolved (stage 436 ). If a checked element cannot be matched to a data element in the data store (stage 418 ), the user must delete that name from the address field or reenter the name (stage 420 ). If one or more partial matches are found (stage 422 ), or if more than one exact match is found (stage 430 ), then the user can select the correct data element from a list that appears in the context menu ( 424 ). If a network or server error (stage 432 ) occurs during the checking process, then the user is instructed to try again (stage 434 ). The process may repeat itself (stage 426 ) as needed. The process ends at end point 428 when all data elements have been resolved. It will be appreciated that some, all, or additional stages than as listed in the figures herein could be used in alternate embodiments, and/or in a different order than as described. Turning now to FIGS. 8-11 , simulated screens are shown to illustrate a user interface that allows a user to view and interact with an email resolution context menu created using data element resolution application 200 . These screens can be displayed to users on output device(s) 111 . Furthermore, these screens can receive input from users from input device(s) 112 . When the user selects the data element resolution option (e.g. “Check Names”) (stage 372 ), the system analyzes all entered data elements against existing data store(s) (stage 324 ). The results of the analysis appear as a context menu. The information in the context menu can differ, as depicted in FIGS. 8-11 . FIG. 8 shows a simulated screen 500 that appears in one implementation when the resolution process cannot find a match for an ambiguous data element 510 . The context menu 520 displays one option given for resolving such an address, that is, to remove it without sending the email 530 . Clicking on this option deletes the ambiguous address from the address field indicated. Then the user can re-enter an address or send the email. FIG. 9 shows a simulated screen 600 of one implementation that appears when the resolution process finds no exact match, but finds partial or potential matches. The context menu 620 displays all potential matches that the user can select from 630 , plus the option of removing the data element 640 . If the user clicks on an address in the context menu, it replaces the ambiguous address 610 . FIG. 10 shows a simulated screen 660 of one implementation that appears when the resolution process finds more than one exact match for an ambiguous data element 670 . The context menu 680 lists potential matches is seen in 690 . If the user clicks on an address in the context menu, it replaces the ambiguous address 670 . As in all other context menus, the option for removing the data element is listed 695 . FIG. 11 shows a simulated screen 700 of one implementation that appears when a server error occurs. In the event that a system error prevents the analysis of a potential match, the user's options are to close the context menu 720 and try again 730 when system integrity is restored, or to delete the address without sending the email ( 740 ). In these simulated screens illustrated in FIGS. 8-11 , the resolution context menu is shown within the same context as the rest of the email application, thereby allowing the user to fix the problem without having to go through one or more other screens and/or lose the ability to keep working with the email and resume the resolution process later. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. All equivalents, changes, and modifications that come within the spirit of the implementations as described herein and/or by the following claims are desired to be protected. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the computer software art will recognize that the client and/or server arrangements, user interface screen content, and/or data layouts as described in the examples discussed herein could be organized differently on one or more computers to include fewer or additional options or features than as portrayed in the examples.

Various technologies and techniques are disclosed that improve the workflow process for resolving data elements, such as email addresses. These technologies and techniques allow the user to perform such tasks in the same context as the activity or message. In addition, user can start and stop the resolution process at any point in the process of composing the activity or email. The activity cannot be finalized, such as an email message being sent, until all of the data elements are resolved.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improved mounting mechanisms for gun sights for small arms which provides for simple and easy replacement. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional gun sight attachments in the form of “dove tail” joints are generally employed in semiautomatic pistols and other small arms. Dove tail joints are usually machined in the pistol slide transverse to the gun axis, providing clamping of the sight in vertical direction with the sight prevented from lateral and transverse movement by the contact of the dove tail walls. This arrangement, while providing a solid coupling between the pistol slide and the annexed sight, is expensive because of the required close tolerances. Furthermore, such dove tails require special tools to assemble and disassemble the sights. Should the machined tolerances be inadequate, the shocks and vibrations of shooting inevitably will lead to the loosening and possible failure of attachment. It is the object of the present invention to provide a gun sight attachment mechanism which makes the sight simple to assemble with and to disassemble from the pistol, with no special tools or skills required. The new mechanism is very simple, inexpensive, and permits alternative materials such as plastics to be employed for the gun sights. The new mechanism uses detent balls which lockingly register with sockets formed in the slide when engaged by a sliding lock pin. Detachment is achieved by removal of the lock pin. For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its attendant advantages, reference should be made to the drawings in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the front portion of a pistol slide having a front sight dovetail slot formed therein; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front sight bar having hollow passages formed therein to receive a locking pin and spherical detents for mounting the front sight to the slide; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front sight in the slide prior to insertion of the locking pin; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3 ; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 ; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rear sight having the detent lock of the invention adapted for mounting a rear sight on a multi-notched rear portion of a pistol slide; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 ; FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the rear sight of FIG. 6 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The gun sight mount of the invention includes a dove tail seat 10 formed on the front end of a pistol slide 11 provided with two lateral sockets 12 , 13 machined in the shape of half cylinders to engage and retain the two steel detent balls 14 , 15 , and a back rest surface 16 . A front bar sight 17 includes a transverse, cylindrical ball retention aperture 18 , a longitudinal, axial, cylindrical channel 19 for reception of a locking pin 20 (solid pin or spring pin) and a rear access aperture 21 for insertion of a punch or a like simple tool for engaging and expelling the locking pin 20 . The steel detent balls 14 , 15 when engaged in their respective sockets 12 , 13 secure the front sight bar to the slide by a detent action. In accordance with the principles of the invention, the special dove tail seat 10 , though somewhat similar in shape to a conventional dove tail groove, does not require tight machining tolerances. The retaining of the gun sight 17 in place is not provided by the friction generated by the dimensional interference between conventional dove tail groove and sight, but rather by the ball detents 14 , 15 engaging both in the sight 17 and in the dove tail seat. The sight 17 , with the two detent balls inside in the ball retention aperture 18 , is slidingly inserted in the dove tail seat 10 until it stops against the back rest surface 16 . At this point, the sight 17 , with the sockets 12 , 13 perfectly aligned with the ball retention aperture 18 , is ready to be secured in place by the insertion of the locking pin 20 in the longitudinal channel 19 and the consequent camming engagement with balls 14 , 15 to cause a lateral shift of the balls 14 , 15 into the sockets 12 , 13 ( FIG. 3 ). Importantly, the sight 17 is kept firmly secured, with no play or looseness, by the locking pin 20 engaging the steel balls 14 , 15 , as well as the bottom surface 9 of the dove tail seat 10 and the sight 17 . Alternatively, if a spring pin rather than a solid pin is employed as the locking pin 20 , the elastic compression of the spring will contribute to the locking of the sight to the slide. Escape of the locking pin, under the impact of the slide against the frame, is prevented by the rear access aperture 21 being of smaller diameter than that of longitudinal channel 19 . Disassembly is obtained by expelling the locking pin 20 from the channel 19 by a punch or similar tool inserted in the access aperture 21 permitting the detent balls 14 , 15 to retract from the sockets 12 , 13 into the channel 19 so that the unlocked sight bar 17 may be slid forwardly out of the dove tail slot 10 . The advantages of the new front sight mounting mechanism include easy assembly and replacement of the sight without special skills or special tools, a hammer and punch being the only tools needed. Given the innovative mechanical retaining system, free of previously required tight tolerances and previously required related hard compression and stress of the two coupled parts (sight and dove tail), alternative comparative inexpensive materials for the sights, such as plastics, may be employed. Moreover, an assortment of sights, providing any desired different settings of the line of sight in windage and elevation, may be provided at low cost. The principles of the invention may be adapted to usage in mounting a rear sight 30 having U-shaped sighting notch 29 and dovetail base 28 adapted to mate with transverse notch 27 . With reference to FIGS. 6-8 , a traditional transverse dove tail rear sight 30 is modified by machining a series of half-notches or sockets 31 - 35 each capable to receive a steel detent ball 36 inside the profile of the sight ( FIG. 6 , position 1 ). An equal number of half-notches or sockets 41 - 45 in the shape of hemispherical cavities are machined in the sight seat 38 , along the back edge 39 of the dove tail. The sockets 41 - 45 are differently spaced than the notches 31 - 35 in the sight. They are machined with a different pitch as shown in the top view of FIG. 8 . Specifically, central notch 33 of the sight is placed on the central axis of the sight while the central notch 43 of the seat is placed on the mid plane of the gun. The coincident location of notches 33 , 43 is shown in FIG. 8 , and represents a perfectly centered position of the sight with respect to the gun axis. The different location of the notch 42 on the sight seat with respect to the corresponding notch 32 on the sight shifts the rear sight slightly to the right, when the two notches 32 , 42 are assembled in registry. Similarly, notch 41 , provides an increased shift to the right. Notch positions 44 and 45 are symmetrical with those of notches 42 , 41 and provide for corresponding shifts to the left. In the illustrated mounting, there are five different selectable windage settings: two on the right, two on the left, plus the central “zero” position; however, it will be understood that variations may be obtained through different cylindrical arrangements of ball/notch diameter and position as may be desired. The rear sight can be kept firmly in place by insertion of a locking (or spring) pin 50 into transverse channel 52 , to cam the steel ball 36 out from position 1 to position 2 ( FIG. 7 ). The “multi notch” rear sight brings in the whole advantage of the steel ball detent system such as easy assembly/replacement (plus adjustability) and inexpensive construction due to the tight tolerance relief. It should be understood, of course, that the specific form of the invention herein illustrated and described is intended to be representative only, as certain changes may be made therein without departing from the clear teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, reference should be made to the following appended claims in determining the full scope of the invention.

An improved dove tail sight attachment system utilizing a displaceable spherical element to engage a mating hemispherical socket formed along the edge of a dove tail seat on a pistol slide.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to the field of carton forming, and more particularly to apparatus for forming and adhesively bonding a carton formed from a coated paperboard blank. Many types of cartons formed from folded paperboard or the like have been developed over the years. These cartons fall into two major groups, namely cartons which use interlocking corners and tabs to secure the carton in the erected position, and cartons which have an adhesive coating applied to selected portions of the paperboard blank. The latter cartons when erected, are secured in their erected position by the adhesive bond which forms between the panels. Carton blanks which are to be adhesively bonded generally include at least a base panel, wall panels attached to the base panel, and gussets or panels formed at the corners of the wall panels. Adhesive is coated on the corner panels, or alternatively on portions of the wall panels adjacent the corner panels, and the carton walls and corner panels erected and folded into contact with one another and secured together for a time sufficient to allow the adhesive to set. Prior art machines for performing such carton forming and gluing operations are exemplified by the patent to Hoyrup, U.S. Pat. No. 3,626,819 issued on Dec. 14, 1971 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. This patent shows a vertically reciprocating plunger disposed above a carton forming die. A movable carrier having a suction cup transfers the carton blank from a stack into contacting registration with the upper surface of the carton forming die. The die includes a number of vertical posts for controllably erecting and folding wall panels of a carton blank disposed over the die when the carton blank is forced therein by the motion of the plunger. Spots or strips of adhesive are applied to the under surface of the blank at the die mouth by a daubing applicator which rises from a pool of adhesive disposed next to the die. One disadvantage of this prior art type of apparatus is that when a number of spots of adhesive must be applied to a carton blank, such as a clam-shell type blank, the large number of adhesive applicators and associated mechanisms which would be required would interfere with the carton folding process. Also, the daubers are known to have to be cleaned frequently and this adds to the overall costs of the packaging operation. An alternative method of coating portions of a carton blank with adhesive involves the use of a spring-biased ball dispenser attached to a pivoting arm mounted adjacent the forming head, as shown in the patent to Zanetti, U.S. Pat. No. 1,965,274, issued on June 2, 1917. Adhesive applicators have also been placed on a separate glueing frame which swings across the carton blank before die forming, as shown in U.S. Pat. Application Ser. No. 3,854,385, issued on Nov. 14, 1961. Finally, the patent to Mosse, U.S. Pat. No. 3,008,386, shows a moving carrier for transferring a carton blank from a stack into registration over a carton forming die in which the carrier includes a resistance heater for activating a thermoplastic adhesive coating applied to portions of the blank. In order to increase the "throughput", or number of cartons which can be formed and glued within a given amount of time, it would be desirable to provide carton forming apparatus of the type described with some means for accurately and economically applying adhesive to a carton blank which would not interfere in any way with the carton forming apparatus itself. It is desirable to have such adhesive application means light in weight and relatively simple and inexpensive to construct and maintain. It is also desirable that such adhesive application means include some means to prevent application of adhesive when a carton blank is not registered over the mouth of the carton forming die. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide apparatus for rapidly forming an adhesive bonded carton having improved adhesive application means. It is another object to provide apparatus for rapidly forming an adhesive bonded carton having adhesive application means attached directly to the carton blank transfer frame. It is a further object to provide apparatus for rapidly forming an adhesive bonded carton having means for securing the adhesively bonded joints of a carton after forming. It is yet a further object to provide apparatus for rapidly forming an adhesive bonded carton including means for preventing actuation of the adhesive applicator means when no carton blank is attached to the carton blank transfer frame. These and other objects are achieved by the present invention wherein there is provided improved apparatus for adhesively bonding a carton. The paperboard clam-shell blank from which the carton is formed includes at least a base panel, wall panels attached to the base panel, and corner panels formed at the corners of the wall panels. The apparatus includes a carton forming die for receiving a paperboard blank, a reciprocating plunger mounted above the die for forcing the carton blank into the die to erect and form the carton, a movable frame having one or more vacuum assisted suction cups mounted thereto for lifting a carton blank from a stack, and means for moving the frame to transfer the carton blank held by the suction cups from the stack into registration over the forming die and for pressing the carton blank into contact with the die. The adhesive applying means includes one or more spring-loaded adhesive applicators connected to a pressurized source of liquid adhesive for applying adhesive to a selected portion of the carton blank when the carton blank is pressed into contacting registration with the die. A stacking cage disposed beneath the carton forming die receives and retains the erected and formed carton in a vertically stacked, nested arrangement, whereby the adhesive coated corners of the carton are retained in contact with adjacent carton wall panels by the pressure applied from the previous nested carton, for a time sufficient to allow an adhesive bond to form therebetween. The spring-loaded adhesive applicator of the invention, includes a hollow cylindrical feed tube connected to a source of pressurized liquid adhesive, a constricted opening formed in the feed tube, and a spring-biased ball valve disposed in the constricted feed tube opening. When the carton blank, carried by the movable frame, is pressed into contacting registration with the forming die, the spring biased ball valve is displaced by contact with the carton blank and pressurized adhesive flows therethrough onto the carton blank. Openings formed on the surface of the die cooperate with the adhesive applicators when no carton blank is secured to the movable transfer frame. As will be understood more fully below, the carton blank forms a bridge over the openings in order to lift the ball in the valve off the seat thereby providing the desired controlled spot of adhesive. The adhesive applicators of the present invention are small in size and light in weight, permitting a number of such applicators to be mounted on the carton blank transfer frame without unduly burdening the frame with excessive weight that would otherwise limit speed. These small size applicators can be used in the limited space available on the transfer frames in modern carton folding apparatus with a minimum amount of modification. The spring-loaded applicators are self-opening when contacting the carton, thus eliminating the need for complex and heavy solenoid or air-actuated adhesive valves. The adhesive applicators accurately dispense the proper amount of liquid adhesive to selected areas of the carton blank with little or no wastage or spilling of adhesive. The adhesively coated carton is rapidly set up by the reciprocating plunger of the apparatus of the present invention which forces the carton through the die to erect the carton walls and fold the corner panels of the carton into contact with adhesive coated portions of adjacent carton walls. When the reciprocating plunger reaches its lowest point of harmonic motion with respect to the forming die, the erected carton is ejected from the lower portion of the forming die into a stacking cage which retains the cartons in a stacked arrangement. The cartons are nested one above the other to secure the adhesive coated portions of the wall panels against the corner panels for a time sufficient to allow an adhesive bond to form therebetween. Since the adhesive sets while the erected carton is securely retained in the stacking cage by the pressure applied from neighboring nested cartons, the throughput of the carton forming apparatus is independent of the adhesive setting time. Thus, the number of cartons which can be set up and bonded within a given period of time depends mainly on how quickly a carton blank can be fed into the registration with the die and then forced therethrough by the reciprocating plunger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES These and other objects and features of the present invention are presented in the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein: FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred type of clam-shell carton blank for use with the apparatus of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carton blank of FIG. 1 showing it in its folded and erected position; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 showing it in its final, assembled and closed position; FIG. 4 is a right side cross-sectional view of a preferred apparatus for forming the carton of FIGS. 1 through 3; FIG. 5 is a top view of a carton blank transfer frame shown in its unactuated position holding a carton blank; FIG. 6 shows the carton blank transfer frame of FIG. 5 in its actuated position for initiating the folding of the articulated hinge of the clam-shell carton of FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the transfer frame of FIG. 5 taken along lines 7--7; FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the carton blank transfer frame of FIG. 6 taken along lines 8--8; FIG. 9 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the spring-loaded adhesive applicators which are mounted to the carton blank carrier frame shown in FIG. 8 taken along lines 9--9; FIG. 10 is a top view of the carton forming die shown in FIG. 4, illustrating the arrangement of the die, corner panel folding posts, and carton blank in its initial position; and FIG. 11 shows the carton blank of FIG. 10 as it is being progressively folded and erected in the carton forming die. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred form of a carton blank for use with the apparatus of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and includes a lefthand base panel 3, and a righthand base panel 5 connected to base panel 3 by a "living" (articulated) hinge 7. Hinge 7 is formed by lefthand hinge panel 9 and righthand hinge panel 11, which are respectively connected to base panels 3 and 5. Hinge panels 9 and 11 each include a pair of tabs 13 formed on opposite ends thereof. A pair of side wall panels 15 are attached to opposite sides of base panel 3. An end wall panel 17 is also attached to the remaining side of base panel 3. A locking flap 19, including a locking slit 21, is formed on the outer portion of wall panel 17. A pair of folding corner panels 23 are formed between left side wall panels 15 and left end panels 17. Similarly, a pair of wall panels 25 are attached to righthand base panel 5. A righthand end panel 27 is also attached to the remaining side of righthand base panel 5 and includes a locking tongue 29 which is adapted to fit into locking slit 21 when the carton blank is erected as shown in FIG. 3. A pair of folding corner panels 31 are formed between righthand wall panels 25 and righthand end panel 27. Corner panels 23 and 31 are separated from their respective adjacent wall panels 15 and 25 by a cut or slit, shown in solid lines in FIG. 1. The dashed lines in FIG. 1 indicate prescored areas of the carton blank adapted to be folded. It will be appreciated that a number of folding and gluing operations must be performed in order to form the paperboard blank of FIG. 1 into the completed, clam shell type carton shown in FIG. 2. The line between hinge panels 9 and 11 of hinge 7 must be properly prebroken and then folded, glue applied to areas of wall panels 15 and 25 adjacent tabs 13 and corner panels 23 and 31, and then the side and end walls of the carton folded and erected into the position shown in FIG. 2. Contact between tabs 13 and corner panels 23 and 31 and the bonded areas on the carton side walls must be maintained for a time sufficient to allow an adhesive bond to form therebetween. Because adhesive must be applied to at least eight areas of carton 1, it is desirable for the carton forming apparatus to include relatively simple means for precisely applying the adhesive to selected areas of the carton. Of primary importance is to insure that the operation does not substantially interfere with the speed of operation of the carton forming apparatus. To this end the carton forming apparatus of the present invention includes a paperboard blank carrier frame 33 to which is mounted a number of spring-loaded adhesive applicator assemblies 35 for applying a liquid adhesive under pressure to selected areas of the carton blanks as shown in FIG. 4 in conjunction with FIGS. 7-9, and will be described in detail below. The carton forming apparatus shown in FIGS. 4 through 11 includes a vertically reciprocating plunger 37, a carton forming head or die assembly 39 disposed directly beneath plunger 37 for receiving a carton blank, such as shown in FIG. 1, and a stacking cage 41 disposed beneath die 39. The cage 41 comprises a number of vertically disposed rails for receiving and retaining the carton blanks after they are erected. Carton blanks to be folded and erected are sequentially transferred from a stack of carton blanks 43 by means of one or more vacuum assisted suction cups 45 connected to the underside of carton blank carrier frame 33. A source of negative air pressure V (FIG. 7) is connected to suction cups 45 to pick up a carton blank from stack 43 (FIG. 4). Carton blank carrier frame 33 is mounted to a drive (not shown) for movement about an axis to transfer a single carton blank from stack 43, as shown by solid lines in FIG. 4, into registration directly over forming die assembly 39, as shown by broken lines in FIG. 4. Movable carton blank carrier frame 33 is then moved downwardly toward the upper face of die assembly 39. As shown clearly in FIG. 7, the carton blank carrier frame 33 includes a number of spring-loaded control plungers 47 designed to prevent the surface of the carton blank from applying unwanted pressure to spring-loaded adhesive applicators 35 before the die 39 is engaged. Also, spring-loaded plungers 47 cause carton blank 1 to be held in a slightly bowed position with respect to frame 33. Plungers 47 prevent carton blank 1 from contacting the tips of adhesive applicators 35 until the carrier frame and carton blank are fully registered into contact with the upper surface of forming die 39, as shown in FIG. 8. As frame 33 approaches the upper surface of forming die assembly 39, a pair of hinge folding blades 49 are pivoted into the position shown by solid lines in FIG. 4. Openings are formed in the side walls of die assembly 39 to allow for the pivoting motion of blades 49. Just prior to the point at which carton blank 1 is fully registered in contact with the surface of carton forming die 39 (FIG. 8), hinge 7 of carton blank 1 contacts the upper edge of hinge prebreaking blades 49. The continued downward motion of the frame carrier carton blank 1 causes hinge portion 7 of blank 1 to be folded into an inverted V-shape as shown in FIG. 8. As carton blank 1 is pressed into contact with the upper surface of forming die 39, as shown in FIG. 8, corner panels 25 and 31 of carton blank 1 are urged upwardly through contact with respective left and right hand erecting posts 55 and 57. Hinge 7 of carton blank 1 is formed through the downward motion of transfer frame 33 which forces hinge area 7 against blades 49. As a result, the outer edges of end panels 17 and 27 of carton blank 1 are drawn into engagement with respective left and right hand carton registration posts 69 and 61. Registration posts 59 and 61 include threaded portions formed thereon which engage the outer edges of carton blank end panels 17 and 27 to prevent misalignment or dislocation of the carton blank after carrier frame 33 is removed from contact therewith. Nearly simultaneously with the contacting engagement of carton blank 1 with the upper surface of forming die 39, respective left and right hand bumpers 67 and 69 causing the spring-loaded suction cups 45 carried on spring-biased pivoting activator arms 63 and 65, to be disengaged from contact with the surface of tray blank 1, as shown in FIG. 8. At this time the spring-loaded adhesive applicators 35 contact the surface of carton blank 1 and are activated. As shown clearly in FIG. 9, each adhesive applicator 35 comprises a hollow cylindrical feed tube 71 having a constricted opening or seat 73 formed at one end thereof. Each adhesive applicator 35 further includes a ball valve comprising a circular ball 75 biased by a spring 77 on the seat 73 to keep the applicator normally closed. Feed tube 71 of adhesive applicator 35 is connected to a manifold 70 which in turn is connected through a hose 81 to source of adhesive 83. The adhesive contained in pressurized adhesive source 83 preferably is a liquid adhesive, such as polyvinyl acetate. Thus, the downward motion of adhesive applicators 35, attached to movable carrier frame 33, causes ball 75 of applicators 35 to contact the upper surface of carton blank 1 and displace ball 75 upwardly to open the ball valve. The adhesive under pressure flows through tube 71 and nozzle 73 of applicator 35 to apply the adhesive to a selected area of carton blank 1 (shown as spots 87 in FIG. 10) directly below each applicator 35. As mentioned above, the apertures 85, disposed beneath each applicator 35, are formed in the upper surface of die 39 adjacent the mouth of the die. In the event that no carton blank 1 is secured to carrier frame 33, or if a carton blank is improperly registered on top of die 39, applicators 35 are received within apertures 85 to prevent the actuation of the adhesive applicator ball valve. Alternatively, an apertured backup plate can be placed directly over the upper surface of die 39 to serve the same purpose. In either case, accidental or unwanted actuation of adhesive applicators 35 is prevented without the need for complicated carton registration sensing apparatus, as is common in the prior art. This technique for preventing unwanted actuation of adhesive applicators 35 constitutes an important feature of the present invention. After adhesive has been applied to carton blank 1, the motion of movable frame 33 is reversed, drawing the frame upwardly away from die 39. Ball valves of adhesive applicators 35 automatically close and the movable frame 33 is pivoted into position (as shown in solid lines in FIG. 4) to pick up and transfer the next carton blank in stack 43. In FIG. 10, carton blank 1 is shown aligned in full contacting registration with the upper surface of die 39 and subsequent to the application of adhesive to selected areas 87 of the carton blank and removal of carrier frame 33. Side wall panels 15 and 25 of carton 1 are secured in a relatively horizontal position over die 39 by T-bar retaining devices 89 and 91. Once the blank is in the operative position with adhesive applied, as just described, blades 49 are pivoted downwardly into a standby position, shown by dashed lines in FIG. 4. Reciprocating plunger 37 is then actuated to move downwardly into contact with the upper surface of carton blank 1 disposed over die 39. The downward motion of plunger 37 forces carton blank 1 into the mouth of die 39 with corner panels 23 and 31 being fully folded and erected through contact with posts 55 and 57. As carton blank 1 is further urged into die 39, side and end panels 15, 25, 17 and 27 are erected. When carton 1 is fully erected, carton panels 23 and 31 and hinge tabs 13 are disposed adjacent to and in contact with the previously applied spots of adhesive 87 as shown in FIG. 11 (with plunger 37 removed for clarity). When plunger 37 reaches its lowest point of reciprocating harmonic motion with respect to die 39, the erected carton is ejected into a stacking cage 41, as shown in FIG. 4. Stacking cage 41 comprises a number of vertically disposed guide rails. Stacking cage 41 receives and retains the erected cartons in a nested fashion, one within the other. The exterior of a nested carton is in intimate contact with the interior of its next lower carton. This arrangement causes corner panels 23, 31 and tabs 13 to be securely held against glued areas 87 of wall panels 15 and 25 while the adhesive sets. Thus, the nested stacked arrangement of cartons 1 in stacking cage 41 allows the glued joints of carton 1 to be secured for a time sufficient to allow the adhesive to set without hindering the operating speed of the reciprocating plunger and carrier frame assembly. An important advantage of this arrangement is that the "throughput" or number of cartons which can be formed in a given amount of time by the present invention is independent of the adhesive setting time. In addition, no auxiliary apparatus is needed to clamp or hold the glued joints of the cartons since the stacking cage performs this function. Cartons 1 are reasily removed from the bottom of stacking cage 41 one by one or as needed. It can thus be seen that the present invention has many advantages over prior art adhesive bonding apparatus for cartons. The adhesive applicators of the present invention are small in size and light in weight which allow their use directly on a movable carton blank carrier frame. The small size of the adhesive applicators allows their use within the confined areas present on modern day carton forming apparatus. The spring-loaded ball valve of the adhesive applicators enables a precise quantity of liquid adhesive to be applied to selected areas of a carton blank without wastage or spillage of the adhesive. The adhesive applicators of the present invention are useful for applying adhesive to a wide variety of paperboard blanks. Any number of the adhesive applicators can be arranged about a carton blank carrier frame to accommodate different size cartons or particular gluing needs. The apertures formed around the periphery of the forming die advantageously prevent accidental or unwanted actuation of the adhesive applicators in the event that a carton blank has not been picked up by carrier 33 or if the carton blank is misregistered over the forming die. The nested stacking arrangement of the cartons in the stacking cage of the present invention allows the glued joints of the formed and erected carton to be securely held by the pressure of adjacent cartons for a time sufficient to allow the glued joints to set, thus dispensing with the need for auxiliary clamping apparatus which might interfere with the carton folding process. While the adhesive bonding apparatus of the present invention has been described in considerable detail, it is understood that various changes and modifications may occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Apparatus for adhesively bonding a clam-shell type carton formed from a paperboard blank includes a carton forming die for receiving the paperboard blank, a movable frame for transferring the carton blank from a stack into registration over the die and a reciprocating plunger mounted above the die for forcing the carton blank into the die to fold and erect the carton. The movable frame includes a number of vacuum assisted suction cups for lifting the carton blank from the stack and a plurality of spring-loaded adhesive applicators, connected to a pressurized source of adhesive, for applying a spot of adhesive to selected portions of the carton blank when the blank, carried by the movable frame, is pressed into registration over the forming die. A stacking cage is disposed beneath the carton forming die to receive and retain the erected and folded cartons in a vertically stacked, nested arrangement, with adjacent cartons bearing against one another so that the adhesive coated portions of each nested carton are retained in contact with adjacent panels of the carton for a time sufficient to allow an adhesive bond to form therebetween.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates in general to a quickly mountable and demountable tree stand for hunting or other purposes as well as to a portable chair, table, litter, cot, or a back pack. 2. Description of the Prior Art The use of tree stands for observing or hunting animals has been restricted in many States to units which will not injure the trees and which can be very rapidly assembled and disassembled. Prior art tree stands have used nails or spikes driven into the trees which are injurious to the tree and which are prohibited by law in many States. Certain stands of the prior art are subject to collapse and fall because they do not lock into the tree to prevent relative movement therebetween. Many tree stands of the prior art are awkward and heavy to carry and since such units must often be transported for long distances this renders them impractical and awkward to move, erect and dismount. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a tree stand or crows nest which can be very rapidly mounted and demounted from a tree which includes a plurality of telescoping members with a quick connect feature which allows the support arm to be wrapped around the tree with sleeves to make a quick disconnect which are held in place either by O-rings or by spring biased means. Included is a roller claw with teeth that are small enough not to damage smooth bark trees but strong enough and numerous enough so as to prevent slippage. A pair of rollers on the opposite side of the tree that makes the platform stable by virtue of the three-point contact formed in conjunction with the roller claw, which in turn allows the unit to be quickly mounted and demounted from a tree. A pole is provided which is receivable in the roller claw for pushing the unit up as desired on the tree and for lowering the stand. A folding ladder is provided from the unit to allow the user to climb up to the stand after which the ladder can be pulled up to the stand to provide a seat. A heater as well as a gun and bow holder are provided. Telescopically fitting pole members are provided which fit singly into the open ends of the framework. The poles are removable for the purpose of raising and lowering the stand to the desired height. Also, in a partially extended position they serve as the rear handles when the stand is used as a litter or when toting heaving loads with two or more people. The folding ladder along with the various telescoping members allow the unit to be made into a chair, a cot, a litter, a table or a back pack for use in carrying, sitting, lying or standing. The provision of telescoping supporting arms allows infinite adjustment of the various units so as to fit any tree. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following description of certain preferred models thereof taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings although variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure, and in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the stand mounted to a tree; FIG. 2 illustrates the ladder hanging down from the stand; FIG. 3 illustrates the stand and ladder formed into a chair; FIG. 4 illustrates the unit formed into a cot; FIG. 5 illustrates the stand in the folded position; FIG. 6 illustrates the ladder in the folded position; FIG. 7 is a side view of the folded unit excluding the ladder; FIG. 8 is a detailed view illustrating the bow and gun holder; FIG. 9 is a detailed sectional view of a latching means; FIG. 10 illustrates the quick connect structure; FIG. 11 is a detailed sectional view of a swivel joint; FIG. 12 illustrates the invention mounted on a tree in a second configuration; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modification; and FIG. 14 illustrates a back pack. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention comprises a tree stand which can be folded to form a back pack and which can be assembled so as to be mounted upon a tree or pole. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 12 a pair of side frame members 12 and 13 have first ends joined by a tubular portion 30 which attaches to the tubular members 12 and 13 and a platform 31 extends across between the members 12 and 13 adjacent the cross portion 30. A pair of rollers 14 and 16 are pivotally attached to the ends of the frame members 12 and 13 by a suitable support 15 and the rollers 14 and 16 are adapted to engage one side of a tree 11 as, for example, shown in FIG. 12. A generally U-shaped structure comprises a pair of support arms 17 and 39 which have their lower telescopic extension arms pivotally attached to the members 12 and 13 and which has a central portion 33 which passes around the tree 11. A pivot 43 is shown in detail in FIG. 11 and a quick disconnect joint 41 shown in detail in FIG. 10 allows the portion 33 to be broken at the joint 41 and the portion 33 passed around the tree such that the roller claw 34 mounted on the central portion 33 as shown in FIG. 1 and shown in plan view in FIG. 5 can be mounted such that its teeth 35 bite into and grip the bark or surface of the tree 11. Telescoping junctions 57 and 58 shown in detail in FIG. 9 allow the length of the support arms 17 and 39 to adjust on telescoping rods 61 and 62 to various lengths, so that the unit can be adapted to fit around trees having different diameters. Rods 61 and 62 are pivotally attached at brackets 20 and 21 to base members 12 and 13. A brace member is attached between each of the arms 17 and 39 to the base members 12 and 13. As shown in FIG. 1, a telescoping brace 24 comprises an upper portion which is pivotally attached by pin 23 to bracket 22 connected to arm 17 and a telescoping junction 27 connects a telescoped rod 26 formed with holes to allow adjustment and which has its opposite end connected by pin 28 to the bracket 29 mounted on the frame member 12. A corresponding telescoping brace 45 extends from member 39 to member 13. The roller claw 34 is provided with a socket 70 into which telescopic extension poles 71 and 72 can be fitted so as to push the unit up the tree and to remove the unit from the tree. A roller 37 is attached to the lower portion of the roller claw 34 and engages the surface of the tree as it is being pushed up the tree or is being lowered from the tree. In operation as you view FIG. 1, when extension pole 71 is moved toward the tree, as indicated by arrow, the roller 37, on the right, a well as rollers 14 and 16 on the left are all engaged to the tree and allow free up and down rolling movement. When one stops and moves pole 71 away from the tree the claw grips and holds at that point. When the tree stand is at the desired height and the extension pole removed, the weight of the stand at the opposite side of the tree transfers the point of contact from the roller 37 to the teeth 35 of roller claw 34. By adding weight to the platform 31, as in FIG. 1, such as climbing the ladder would do, greater bite is gained at teeth 35 and increased bearing is encountered by rollers 14 and 16 against the tree, which increases the stability of the unit. As seen in FIGS. 2 and 7, a ladder is pivotally connected in one of several pair of holes 131, 134, 132, 135, or 133, 136 formed in the bracket 21. The ladder extends downwardly from the support members 12 and 13 adjacent the platform 31 and is formed of a first portion 44 pivotally connected at its upper end to the members 12 and 13 and formed with a foot hole 46. A second ladder portion 47 is slightly narrower than the portion 44 and is pivotally connected to the portion 44 and is formed with a foot hole 48. A third ladder portion 49 is slightly narrower than the portion 47 and is pivotally attached to the lower end of the portion 47 and is formed with a foot hole 51. A fourth ladder portion 52 is slightly narrower than the portion 49 and is formed with a foot opening 53. A fifth ladder portion 54 has an opening into which the foot can be inserted and is narrower than the portion 52. A sixth latter portion 56 is pivotally connected to the lower end of the portion 54 and is open so that the foot may be inserted therein. As shown in FIG. 2, when the unit is in its desired position on the tree 11 the user may climb up the ladder comprising the members 56, 54, 52, 49, 47 and 44 emerge through the opening formed by members 12, 13, 106 and platform 31. When on platform 31 he may then pull the ladder through said opening and make it into a chair such as shown in FIG. 1 or alternatively such as shown in FIG. 12. The chair is formed by placing rings of ladder portion 49 onto hooks 137 and 138 of cross arm 106. Ladder portions 44 and 49 form the legs of chair while portion 47 forms the seat and 52, 54 and 56 form a back rest portion of the chair as they lean against the tree. Referring to portions 44, 47 and 49 of ladder, said portions may have attached thereto a web like material which will serve to support a person when using the ladder portions as part of the chair or cot concept. Webbing may be suitably reinforced where needed and may likewise be removable as for example by the use of snaps, hooks, and eyes or laces. The swivel joint 43 is illustrated in sectional view in FIG. 11. The tubular frame members 17 and 18 are provided with internal blocks 81 and 82. The block 81 is affixed to the end of tubular member 17 by welds 83 and 85. A pin 84 extends through the blocks 81 and 82 and has a head 86 which engages the block 81. A dowel 87 extends through the walls of the tubular member 18, block 82 and pin 84 so that when the member 18 is rotated relative to the member 17, the pin 84 likewise rotates within block 81 of tube 17. Thus, the members 17 and 18 can be rotated relative to each other about the axis determined by the pin 84. The members 38 and 39 are joined by the disconnect 41 as shown in FIG. 10. A first O-ring 88 is mounted about the member 39 and a second O-ring 89 is mounted about the member 38. The ends 91 and 92 of the members 38 and 39 are formed into half cylindrical mating portions and a pin 93 extends from portion 91 and is receivable in a mating opening 94 formed in portion 92. A slip over sleeve 96 is adapted to be slipped over the portions 91 and 92 after they are in engagement so as to lock the members 38 and 39 together. The O-rings 88 and 89 assure that the sleeve 96 will not move relative to the members 38 and 39 and the O-rings 88 and 89 can be moved against the ends of the sleeve 96 to hold it over the joint formed by the portions 91 and 92. Sleeve 96 is long enough to assure rigidity of members 38 and 39 when properly assembled. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, members 12 and 13 have open ends for receiving the pole 71 and other members 72 which can be stored therein. As shown in FIG. 7, slings 101 can be attached to the cross member 32 so as to convert to a back pack unit when the device is in a collapsed position. This allows the unit to be transported to and from the station where it is to be used. In a partially opened state such as seen in FIG. 14, the unit becomes a back pack for toting camping gear such as tents, bed rolls and cooking gear when going to and from camp sites. In such a configuration note that telescoping members 61 and 17 as well as corresponding members 62 and 39, interconnected by central portion 33, are partially extended and held in place by bracing members 24 and 45. Ladder members 44 and 47, respectively, hang downwardly from holes 131 and 134. Ladder member 49 in turn is connected to said member 47. Said member 49 being webbed forms the bottom as it rests upon roller claw 34 attached to cross portion 33. The remaining links 52, 54 and 56 of the ladder, protrude upwards from said section 49, to form a retainer for the load 153 contained therein. Said links 52, 54 and 56 may then be laced to frame members 12 and 13 with the cord 150 to contain said load. In the above described manner, the convertible tree stand becomes a useful tool to the members of a hiking party in that it comprises a back pack as well as a cot, a chair and a litter. FIG. 4 illustrates the unit set up as a cot wherein a stake 102 is placed into the ground and can be adjustedly attached to the ladder portions to obtain the desired elevation. A pillow can be placed on the platform portion 31 and a supporting member 103 can be mounted from the members 12 and 13, respectively, to the ground to support beneath the head. As shown in FIG. 12, a transverse member 106 extends between the portions 12 and 13 having hooks 137 and 138, best seen in FIGS. 5 and 7. FIG. 8 illustrates a holder 107 which is formed with ends 108 and 109 receivable in openings 110 and 111 of the platform 31 and are further provided with projections 112 and 113 which are receivable in openings 114 and 116, respectively, of the platform 31. The member 107 has legs 117 and 118 which extend upwardly and a bow engaging portion 119 is connected between the legs 117 and 118 so as to receive a bow 121 or cradle a gun. O-rings 125 and 127, as well as 128 and 130, respectively, are provided as an adjusting means for supporting the bow, since bows do vary in width. In use after the unit has been assembled and mounted to the tree at the proper height the user climbs up the ladder and draws it up through the opening between the members 12 and 13 and forms the chair as shown in FIG. 1 or, alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12. The platform 31 may have a compartment 59 for heating or cooking purposes and the user can stand on the platform 31 or sit on the chair formed from the ladder as shown in FIGS. 1 and 12. As shown in FIG. 1, second ladder portion 47 forms the seat while platform 31 forms the foot rest, whereas in FIG. 12 the seat is formed by platform 31 and the foot rest is formed by ladder portion 47. In this manner one can observe from behind the tree while being further hidden from large game animals. As shown in FIG. 7, holes 131, 132 and 133 and corresponding holes 134, 135 and 136 are provided for seat tilt adjustment. FIG. 9 illustrates the telescoping joints such as 57 and 58. Tubular member 61 fits into larger tubular member 17 and a locking sleeve 122 carries pins 124 and 126 which can be moved out of engagement with the holes formed in member 61 by depressing the sleeve 122 against the spring 123. This allows the member 61 to be adjusted relative to member 17. Sleeve 122 is guided in a guide means 139, 140 such as would be formed by angle or channel iron. Guides also serve to protect tubular member 122 from accidental bumping which could otherwise disengage the pins 124 and 126. Pins 124 and 126 may have their surfaces knurled for a more positive grip. After the unit has been used, the chair converts into a ladder again by dropping it through the opening between the members 12 and 13 and the user can climb down from the platform and lower the unit by inserting the pole 71 into the opening 70 of the member 34 to lower it from the tree. The coupling 41 is opened by moving the sleeve 96 from the members 91 and 92 and the portion 33 is removed from around the tree and the unit assembled as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. It is to be realized, of course, that the unit can be used on the ground as a chair as shown in FIG. 3, a cot as shown in FIG. 4 and can be used as a sling for transporting injured persons by two or more carriers. In FIG. 2 in the drawings, a rope 150 has a first end 151 tied to the bottom ladder link and loops around the base of the tree or pole. The rope is then tied to itself in slip fashion and the second end of said rope is looped through the mans belt, by means of a hook 152. The ladder may be staked into the ground as an alternate method. Staking or tying of the ladder, greatly stabilizes said ladder from swaying to and fro as well as sideways. When the individual reaches the top he may give the rope a slight tug, releasing the slip knot. Then dropping the second end to the ground he can proceed to pull the ladder seat up through opening or passage way. FIG. 13 illustrates a modification wherein a pressure pad 160 may be connected to roller claw 34 by using bolts which pass through pinning holes 161 and 162 and are received into pinning openings 163 and 164 of the pressure pad 160. The face 166 of pad 160 is covered by a rubber pad 167. The roller 37 is not covered by the pad 167. A further intention is that the vertical members of the links of the ladder are not parallel. This eliminates side sway when the user is climbing up the ladder. Although the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments it is not to be so limited as changes and modifications may be made which are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

A portable tree stand which can be used for hunting or other purposes and which can be pushed to any desired height with the use of a pole which fits into a receptacle and includes a pair of rollers mounted at an angle on one side of the tree and a roller locking claw on the other side of the tree which locks the stand at the desired height. A ladder extends downwardly from the stand and allows the hunter to climb up to the stand after which the ladder can be pulled upwardly to the stand to make into a chair. Heating means as well as gun and bow and arrow holding means are provided on the stand. Also, the stand can be used as a back pack, as a chair, a cot, a table or a litter for carrying injured persons, or when desired, for toting heavy loads.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the actuation and de-actuation of cylinders of an internal combustion engine by deactivation and activation of the gas-changing valve of the respective cylinder. [0002] U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,855 discloses a switching off of cylinder groups of an internal combustion engine by deactivation of the gas-changing valve. With motors with many cylinders, a driving situation exists in which the required power can be provided from a part of the cylinder. The switching off of one or more cylinders leads to the situation that the remaining operating cylinders are operated with an increased power and better efficiency. EP 37269 likewise shows a switching off of gas-changing valves. A continuous production of the valve stroke is known from DE 195 01 386. [0003] The deactivation and activation of cylinders should be as undetectable as possible for the driver. In particular, no irregular moment of rotation change should occur upon changing between complete engine operation in which all cylinders operate and partial engine operation, in which at least one cylinder is switched off. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention is based on the problem of realizing the most simple, undetectable switching on and off of cylinders as possible for the driver. [0005] According to the present invention, the change between full engine operation and partial engine operation of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, in which at least the intake valve or the escape valve of a cylinder or a group of cylinders in full engine operation are activated and in partial engine operation, are deactivated. In a first step, a throttling of the power of the cylinder to be deactivated takes place and simultaneously, an increased of the power of the other cylinders takes place, so that the total moment provided from the engine follows a provided desired engine moment. In a second step, a switching off of the throttled cylinder takes place via the actuatable intake or escape valve of this cylinder. [0006] For reactivation of the switched-off cylinder, that is, for changing from partial engine operation to full engine operation, a switching-on of the throttled cylinder takes place in a first step via the actuatable intake or escape valve and in a second step, an unthrottling of the power of the cylinder to be reactivate takes place, along with a simultaneous reduction of the power of the other cylinders, so that the total moment provided from the engine follows a provided ideal engine moment. [0007] With the above-described process, the advantage is provided that the change between partial and full engine operation does not occur through a sudden, abrupt and detectable actuation. In addition, the shift of the moment of rotation preparation from all cylinders on a part of the cylinder is at least approximately uniform and substantially temporal. [0008] In this manner, particular advantages with variable valve controls with high temporal tolerances in switching-off operation is provided, which will be described below. [0009] The change between partial and full engine operation and from full-to partial engine operation is accomplished through a control command. Between the time point of the change by means of the control command and the time point to which the changing is effective, a known time interval elapses, which is dependent on the constructive qualities of the valve control. A high tolerance or measure of deviation of this time interval has the result that between the change of the rotational moment from the other cylinders and the effective change between both types of engine operation, a time difference can occur, so that the changing over is detectable in an unwanted manner by the driver. Systems, for example, in which a variable valve stroke is determined by means of the relative positions of an opening cam shaft and a closing cam shaft, which are connected by means of a mechanical coupling gear, can have such temporal tolerances. A system with opening and closing cam shafts is described in the previously noted DE 195 01 386. The temporal range and uniformity of the shift between the cylinders provides, therefore, that also with temporal differences between the reduction of the moment of rotation of the cylinder to be switched off and the increase of the moment of rotation of the cylinders to be further operated, the entire moment of rotation change of a cylinder group is never suddenly operative. [0010] One form of the invention contemplates that an internal combustion engine includes a respective throttle valve or flap for the cylinder to be switched off as well as the cylinders to be further operated, or an individual throttle valve. In this embodiment example, the throttle of the power of the cylinder to be deactivated takes place via a closing of the associated first throttle device and the increase of the power of the cylinders to be further operated takes place via an opening of the throttle device of the associated cylinders to be further operated. [0011] To re-actuate the switched-off cylinder, an un-throttling of the cylinder to be reactivated takes place by means of an opening of the first throttle device and a reduction of the power of the remaining cylinders via a reduced opening of the throttle device of the remaining cylinders. [0012] This provides the advantage that the invention can be used also with valve operations, whose opening stroke can be determined only digitally between zero and completely open. [0013] A further form of the invention relates to an internal combustion engine with uniform or at least finely-staged adjustable stroke of the intake valve. Here, the throttling of the power of the cylinder to be deactivated takes place via a reduction of the lift of its intake valve, and the increase of the power of the cylinder to be further operated takes place via an enlargement of the lift of its intake valve. [0014] For reactivating the deactivated cylinder, an un-throttling of this cylinder takes place via an increase of the stroke of the intake place to be reactivated and a reduction of the power of the remaining cylinders takes place via a reduction of the stroke of the intake valve of the remaining cylinders. [0015] Therefore, a further, separate throttle device is insurable, as is required in the subject matter of the other embodiment described above. [0016] Further advantages are provided with engines with a control apparatus for switching off of the cylinders and the re-operating of the cylinders: these types of control apparatus are typically connected with a bus system. The information is exchanged via the bus system non-synchronously with the calculating program of the individual control apparatus, which runs synchronously with the movement of the crank shat of the engine. With a digital switching off of the cylinder groups, a time slowing of the digital increase of the power of the other cylinder groups can take place, which the driver detects as a jolt or jerk. [0017] With the invention, in contrast, a digital switching does not take place, rather, a uniform transition. Because of the uniformity of the transition, no jolt or jerk occurs, when a control apparatus begins this uniform transition somewhat earlier than the other control apparatus of the counter-running transition. [0018] In conclusion, the invention affects an optimization of the uniformity of the moment of rotation upon changing between full and partial engine operation with minimal demands on the constructive complication of the switching-off of the valve. [0019] The invention is directed also at an electronic control device for performing at least one of the above-described methods or one of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] [0020]FIG. 1 shows the technical environment of one embodiment of the present invention; [0021] [0021]FIG. 2 shows a gas-changing valve plate 2 . 1 as an essential component of the deactivatable gas-changing control 4 with a gas-changing valve 2 . 2 , an operating device 2 . 3 , and a valve spring 2 . 4 ; [0022] [0022]FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram as an example of an embodiment of the inventive method for changing between full engine operation and partial engine operation of a multi-cylinder combustion engine; [0023] [0023]FIG. 4 illustrates the development of the opening angle; and [0024] [0024]FIG. 5 shows how the valve lift curve of the remaining cylinders is increased such that again the entire moment of rotation provided by the engine is not changed upon transition from full engine operation into partial engine operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0025] In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 designates an internal combustion engine with a right roller beam 2 and a left roller beam 3 . The left roller beam connects activatable and deactivatable gas-changing valves via a gas-changing control 4 . The activation state of the gas-changing valves is determined from a control apparatus 5 . The control apparatus 5 further determines the opening angle alpha_ 6 of a throttle valve or flap 6 in a left vacuum pipe 7 . The right roller beam analogously connected via a gas-changing control 8 , which in the illustrated example is not deactivatable, and via a control apparatus 9 , which regulates the opening angle alpha_ 10 of the throttle flap, 10 in the right vacuum pipe. In the illustrated position of the throttle flap, the cylinders of the left roller beam 3 are deactivated. The throttle flap of the left roller beam therefore is closed, and the throttle flap of the right beam is opened, as in normal conditions. The control apparatus are connected via a bus system 11 in the illustrated example. [0026] Instead of these two control apparatus connected via a bus system, also a single control apparatus can regulated the activation state of the gas-changing valve and the degree of opening of the throttle flap. The control apparatus assume a further function, such as the processing of input signals via operating parameters of the internal combustion engine and the regulation of further quantities, in particular, of the fuel volume and the ignition. [0027] [0027]FIG. 2 shows a gas-changing valve plate 2 . 1 as an essential component of the deactivatable gas-changing control 4 with a gas-changing valve 2 . 2 , an operating device 2 . 3 , and a valve spring 2 . 4 . The numeral 2 . 6 represents a cylinder head with a gas channel 2 . 5 the connection of the gas channel to the combustion chamber 2 . 8 of a cylinder is opened or closed by the valve 2 . 2 . [0028] In the closed state, the sealing surface 2 . 9 of the valve plate 2 . 10 rests spring loaded on the valve seat 2 . 11 of the cylinder head 2 . 6 . The connection is opened by lifting up of the valve plate 2 . 11 at a valve stroke x by operating of the valve 2 . 2 against the spring force by means of the operating device 2 . 3 . [0029] The operating device, for example, can include an electrically controlled hydraulic or mechanism. It is essential in connection with the invention that the cylinder can be deactivated by means of an effect of the operating device by a deactivation of the gas-changing valve. [0030] [0030]FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram as an example of an embodiment of the inventive method for changing between full engine operation and partial engine operation of a multi-cylinder combustion engine. Block 3 . 1 represents a main program for engine control, in which injection times, ignition time points, and so on, are calculated and issued. Subsequently thereto, first the engine is operated in full engine operation with all cylinders. In the frame of the main program, the partial engine operation is initiated under predetermined conditions. These predetermined conditions, for example, can correspond with determined partial regions of the load number/rotational number spectrum. These partial regions show particularly that the supplied moment of rotation from the control apparatus in consideration of the driver's wishes already can be run from a partial volume of the cylinder. If a requirement for the partial engine operation exists in the control apparatus, the main program branches off to step 3 . 2 , which represents the start of the partial engine operation issuing from the full engine operation. Subsequently, in step 3 . 3 , first a reduction of the moment of rotation made ready from cylinder group 1 takes place, and a counter-running increase of the moment of rotation, or the power, from cylinder group 2 takes place. [0031] The cylinder group 1 designates here the group of the cylinders to be deactivated, and the cylinder group 2 represents here the group of the cylinders to be further operated. When the end value of the designed reduction, or increase, of the moment of rotation/power of the different cylinder groups are achieved from the actual values, the valves of the cylinder group 1 are deactivated. [0032] Subsequently, a further operation of the engine with a partial program for the partial engine operation takes place, represented by step 3 . 4 . If a demand for full engine operation exists in the control apparatus, for example, by means of the driver's wish for an increased moment of rotation, the program branches off to step 3 . 5 , which represents the start of the full engine operation. [0033] Subsequently, in step 3 . 6 , an activation of the gas-changing valve of the cylinder group 1 . 1 takes place (that is, the previously deactivated cylinder). An increase of the power of cylinder group 1 in step 3 . 7 and an opposite reduction of the power of cylinder group 2 are linked up. The manner of procedure of step 3 . 7 means that the moment existing before the wish for increased moment from cylinder group 2 is separated first again on the cylinder groups 1 and 2 , before, then, by means of an increase of the power/moment of rotation of both cylinder groups, the driver's wish for increased moment calculation is carried. [0034] Alternatively, also the power of the cylinder group 2 can be maintained in step 3 . 7 , and the power of the cylinder group 1 can be increased successively on the value of the power of cylinder group 2 . With this alternative, there is the advantage of a faster reaction to the driver's wish for increased moment. [0035] [0035]FIG. 4 illustrates the development of the opening angle from 2 , the throttle flap 6 s and 10 from FIG. 1 corresponding to power correcting elements in correlation with the activation state of the gas-changing valve of the cylinders to be deactivated upon transition from full engine operation to partial engine operation. [0036] In FIG. 4. 1 , the time period on the left corresponds from t0 of the full engine operation (VMB), in which both throttle flaps 6 , 10 have an opening angle alpha_ 0 . The time period right from t1 corresponds with the partial motor operation (TMB). The throttle flap 10 is opened at a greater angle alpha_ 10 in contrast to the angle alpha_ 0 ; the throttle flap 6 is opened or completely closed at a smaller angle alpha_ 6 . Between the time points t0 and t1, the transition from full engine operation into partial engine operation is completed, as far as the throttle flap positions are related, with the previously described closing of the throttle flap 6 and the opposite opening of the throttle flap 10 . The closing of throttle flap 6 corresponds in this embodiment to the reduction of the power of the cylinder group 1 from step 3 . 3 of the previously-described flow diagram, and the enlarging of the throttle flap angle alpha ( 10 ) corresponds to the increase of the power, or the moment of rotation, of cylinder group 2 , likewise in step 3 . 3 of the flow diagram. FIG. 4. 2 illustrates the activation state of the gas-changing valve of the cylinders to be deactivated in temporal correlation to the running of the throttle flap opening angle according to FIG. 4. 1 . [0037] At time point t0, the transition from full engine operation into partial engine operation with a control command is released. Correspondingly, the throttle flaps angles change in FIG. 4. 1 Based on the sluggishness of the gas-changing vale displacement or based on a programmed lag time, the gas-changing valves are deactivated the same by occurrence of the control command, that is, displaced from activation state 1 into activation state 0 . Rather, this occurs first at a later time point t1, specifically, when the previous reduction or increase of the power of the different cylinder groups is terminated. The embodiment described here relates to a device with two throttle flaps or valves and a gas-changing function, that can be switched binary over between the state 1 , corresponding to an activation of the gas-changing valve, and state 0 , corresponding to a deactivation of the gas-changing valve. [0038] When, in contrast, in another embodiment, the maximal valve stroke x can be varied constantly between the value 0 corresponding to a deactivation and a maximal value, other realization possibilities are offered by the present invention. Then, for example, with an internal combustion engine with two cylinder groups, of which one is deactivatable and with only one common throttle flap or valve for both cylinder groups, the power, or moment of rotation of the deactivatable cylinder is returned constantly via a constant reduction of the valve stroke, and simultaneously, the throttle flap for all cylinders can be opened oppositely so that the entire moment of rotation provided by the combustion engine is not changed upon transition from full engine operation into the partial engine operation. [0039] Likewise, the invention can be realized with a completely variable valve control, in which also the filling control of all cylinders is realized via the formation of the valve lift curve. In this case, the valve lift curves of the cylinders to be deactivated are reduced successively in height until they reach the value 0 . Oppositely, the valve lift curve of the remaining cylinders is increased such that again the entire moment of rotation provided by the engine is not changed upon transition from full engine operation into partial engine operation. This is shown in FIG. 5. The two curves designated with VMB correspond to the valve lift curves of the gas-changing valves of all cylinders in full engine operation. In this case, the valve lift curves are the same. In partial engine operation, the valve lift curve of a group of cylinders return to the value 0 and the valve lift curve of the other group of cylinders is increased parallel. In the illustrated example, this corresponds to the valve lift curves designated as TMB. [0040] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above. [0041] While the invention has been illustrated and described herein as a method for changing between full engine operation and partial engine operation, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. [0042] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

A method for changing between full engine operation and partial engine operation of a multi-cylinder combustion engine includes the step of activating at least the intake valve or the escape valve of a cylinder or a group of cylinders in full engine operation and deactivating the intake valve or escape valve or a cylinder or group of cylinders in partial engine operation. In a first step, a throttling of power of the cylinder to be deactivated takes place, and simultaneously, an increase of power of the other cylinders takes place, such that the entire moment produced by the engine follows a predetermined ideal engine moment. In a second step, a switching-off of the throttle cylinder takes place by means of the actuatable intake or escape valve. This method avoids undesired changes of the total moment of rotational produced by the engine. The invention is also directed at a device for performing the method.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to a foldable frame for creating a scoop, and more particularly to a scoop which is ideal for picking up animal fecal waste. Further, the present invention relates to a scoop which is inexpensive and disposable. The foldable frame may be easy stored and/or transported in a flat configuration and subsequently folded into a functional scoop configuration prior to use. [0002] A large number of family households have cats, dogs and/or other pets. Despite the joy these families receive from their pet(s), they are often left with the chore of cleaning up the waste from the pet. If the pet created the waste in a public area, such as a park, it is common that city laws or ordinances require the proper disposal of the animal's waste. If the animal created the waste on the owner's property, failure to clean up after the pet usually results in a diminished enjoyment of the owner's property. [0003] People generally agree that cleaning up after a pet is not a pleasant experience. To accomplish this, people have implemented numerous devices, perhaps the most common of which is the standard shovel. A problem with using a standard shovel to clean up after a pet is that most people return the shovel to their garage or backyard with some remnants of the animal waste on the shovel. This practice may lead to an undesirable odor around the house as well as the creation of unhealthy living conditions. Further, if the owner decides to take the pet on a walk around the block, it is unpractical for the pet owner to bring a standard shovel along with a pet. Even further, the use of a standard shovel to clean up animal waste still leads to the problem of scooping the waste into the shovel without the shovel merely pushing the waste forward. [0004] Alternatively, people often resort to cleaning up after the pet with a plastic bag. This practice, however, is also undesirable. The use of a plastic bag requires the owner to come into close contact with the animal's waste. Again, this may result in odor or disease passing from the waste to the human. [0005] Further devices for picking up and disposing of an animal's waste include the use of plastic bags attached to scoops or thongs for picking up waste. However, these and other devices and methods are not convenient to use, fail to protect users from contamination by the waste, or have other disadvantages or drawbacks. [0006] A need, therefore, exists for a foldable frame which coverts into a scoop which overcomes the foregoing problems and disadvantages. Further, a need exists for an improved animal waste scoop which may be stored in a flat configuration and easily folded into a functional configuration. A still further need exists for a scoop which is disposable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The present invention is directed toward a scoop for picking up and disposing of animal waste. More specifically, the scoop may be easy stored and or transported in a flat configuration and folded into the functional scoop prior to use. Further, the scoop may be made from a single substantially flat structure. [0008] The scoop may be constructed from a semi-rigid material, such as, for example, cardboard, heavy duty paper or the like. The scoop may be inexpensively manufactured so as to allow disposal thereof after a single use. In a preferred embodiment, the scoop may be constructed of a biodegradable material. [0009] Ideally, the scoop may be transported in a flat configuration and may be generally likewise stored in the flat configuration prior to use. Because the scoop may be transported and/or stored in a flat configuration, the scoop may be suitable for sale in a vending machine, for example, at a rest area, in a park or at a pet store. [0010] The scoop may be easily folded into the functional configuration by almost anyone in under one minute. Further, to aid the user in the folding of the scoop, folding directions may be printed directly on the scoop. As a result, the user may not have to worry about loosing the folding directions. The folding of the scoop from the flat configuration into the functional configuration may be aided by numerous score lines in the semi-rigid material. The score lines allow the folding of the material without compromising the durability of the functional scoop. [0011] A removable front section of the scoop may be separated from the scoop and aid the user into pushing the waste into the main scoop opening. As a result, the user may easily move the waste into the scoop without directly contacting the waste. After the waste is in the scoop, the removable front section, the waste and the scoop may then be disposed of in the proper manner. [0012] The rear section of the functional scoop has a durable handle capable of supporting the scoop filled with waste. In addition, the handle has a hole for hanging the scoop in the flat or functional configuration. Still further, hole in the handle may be used to secure a plastic bag into the handle. [0013] The scoop is suitable for use not only outside in, for example, a yard, sidewalk or park, but also may be used indoors in, for example, a litter box. Further, the scoop may be made of a material suitable for scooping up liquids in, for example, a litter box. More specifically, the scoop may be treated with a chemical which resists the absorption of liquids. [0014] To this end, in an embodiment, a novel device is provided. The device is a foldable frame for forming a scoop. The foldable frame has a first section having a first edge, a second edge, a front edge and a back edge. The foldable frame also has a second section attached to the front edge of the first section wherein the second section is separated from the first section by a score line and wherein the second section has a top surface. Still further, the foldable frame has a main handle section attached to the back edge of the first section and a first side panel and a second side panel attached to the second section. Finally, the frame has a removable section attached to the second section wherein the removable section is separated from the second section by a score line and wherein the removable section is completely removed from the second section and is used to scoop material onto the top surface of the second section. [0015] In an embodiment, the foldable frame has an opening in the main handle section. [0016] In an embodiment, the foldable frame has an opening in the first section. [0017] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the foldable frame is made from a biodegradable material. [0018] In still another embodiment of the present invention, the foldable frame has a score line separating the handle from the back edge of the first section. [0019] In an embodiment, the foldable frame has been sprayed with a fragrance. [0020] In an embodiment, the foldable frame has an adhesive strip for securing the foldable frame. [0021] In still another embodiment, the first section of the foldable frame is rotated with respect to the second section. [0022] In another embodiment, the first side panel of the foldable frame rotates from a substantially planer configuration with the second section to a substantially perpendicular configuration with the second section. [0023] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second side panel rotates from a substantially planer configuration with the second section to a substantially perpendicular configuration with the second section. [0024] In an embodiment, the first section rotates from a substantially planer configuration with the second section to a substantially perpendicular configuration with the second section. [0025] In an embodiment, the second section is substantially square is shape. [0026] In yet another embodiment, the foldable frame is substantially planar. [0027] In still another embodiment, directions for folding the foldable frame are printed directly on the foldable frame. [0028] In an embodiment, the frame is resistant to the absorption of liquids. [0029] In another embodiment, the main handle section of the foldable frame has a length between three and eight inches. [0030] In an embodiment, the removable section has a smaller surface area than the second section. [0031] In yet another embodiment, the second section has a larger surface area than the first section. [0032] In yet another embodiment, the main handle section has a first subpanel and a second subpanel wherein the first subpanel and second subpanel are separated from the main handle section by a first score line and a second score line; respectively. [0033] Finally, in another embodiment, the main handle section has a first subpanel and a second subpanel and wherein the first subpanel and second subpanel are separated from the main handle section by score lines and further, wherein the first subpanel and second subpanel rotate from a position substantially planar with the main handle section to a position substantially perpendicular to the main handle section. [0034] It is, therefore, an advantage of the present invention to provide a novel scoop device. [0035] A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a novel scoop device which may be transported and/or stored in a flat configuration prior to use. [0036] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a novel scoop device which is economical to produce and, therefore, may be used once and then discarded. [0037] An advantage of the present invention is to produce a scoop which is light-weight and small enough to be carried in, for example, a pocket or purse prior to use. The scoop may be carried easily in the folded configuration, in the flat configuration, or in a non-functional folded configuration. [0038] A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a scoop which may be dispensed in coin operated machines or the like. [0039] Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a scoop which has a fragrance or fights unpleasant odors. [0040] Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame which converts into a functional scoop by the use of score lines. [0041] A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide a foldable frame, which converts into a functional scoop, that has folding directions printed on the foldable frame. [0042] For a more complete understanding of the above listed features and advantages of the scoop, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and to the accompanying drawings. Further, additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and will be apparent from, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of the scoop in a folded configuration. [0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a top flat view of the a foldable frame in a flat configuration. [0045] FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a partially folded scoop of the present invention. [0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a partially folded scoop of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0047] The present invention generally provides a foldable frame for creating a scoop. The foldable frame for creating a scoop may be constructed from a semi-rigid material, such as, for example, cardboard, which may be both durable and foldable. The scoop may be used once and discarded or used for as long as the person desires. The scoop further has a removable section which may aid the user in the picking up of, for example, animal fecal waste. [0048] Referring to the drawing wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 illustrates a scoop 1 for picking up waste, for example, animal fecal waste. The scoop 1 has an opening 20 which receives the waste. The scoop 1 may be suitable for use outside in, for example, a park or backyard, or may be used indoors in, for example, a litter box. The scoop 1 is converted from a foldable frame 2 (as illustrated in FIG. 2 ). In the preferred embodiment, the scoop 1 may be made from cardboard, however, the scoop 1 may be made from, for example, plastic, metal, wood, heavy paper or any other suitable material. The foldable frame 2 may be a single sheet which may be semi-rigid, yet still has flexibility and the capacity to be scored and folded. [0049] The foldable frame 2 is preferably light weight and, as such, suitable for carrying on walks. The foldable frame 2 or the functional scoop 1 may be small and may fit in most purses, backpacks or other common carrying devices. If the user has limited space in which to carry the scoop 1 while on, for example, a walk, the foldable frame 2 may be transported compactly in a non-functional folded configuration and later converted into the functional scoop configuration. [0050] In production of the foldable frame 2 , a fragrance or odor reducing chemical may be added to reduce the unwanted odor of, for example, the animal waste. Alternatively, a fragrance or odor reducing chemical may be added to the foldable frame 2 or functional scoop 1 after production. In addition, the invention may have folding directions 80 printed directly on the foldable frame 1 (As illustrated in FIG. 3 ). The folding directions 80 may be, for example, written directions and/or a diagram(s). Printing the folding directions 80 directly on the foldable frame 2 may eliminate the problem of loosing the folding directions. Further, it may allow the user to give the foldable frame 2 to another person without the need to provide the person with a folding manual. [0051] Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 , while in the substantially flat configuration ( FIG. 2 ), the foldable flame 2 has a top 3 , a bottom 4 , a first side 5 , a second side 6 , a front 7 and a back 8 . As visible in FIG. 2 , the length of the foldable frame 2 may be greater than the width of the foldable frame 2 . The foldable frame 2 may be folded into the second configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1 . [0052] The foldable frame 2 has a plurality of score lines which enable the numerous sections of the foldable flame 2 to be rotated into the functional second configuration. More specifically, the foldable flame 2 has a first section 11 which may be folded upward approximately ninety degrees toward the top 3 of the foldable frame 2 via a single score line 44 which separates the first section 11 from a second section 12 . After the first section 11 has been rotated upward toward the top 3 of the foldable frame 2 and is in the upright position, at least a pair of symmetrical side supports 10 may be rotated forward toward the front 7 of the foldable frame 2 around a first pair of symmetrical score lines 40 . [0053] Extending from the second section 12 , toward the first side 5 and the second side 6 of the foldable frame 2 ; respectively, may be a pair of symmetrical side panels 15 . The symmetrical side panels 15 may be located closer to the front 7 of the foldable frame 2 than the side supports 10 . The side panels 15 may be rotated approximately ninety degrees upward via a second pair of symmetrical score lines 60 . After being rotated upward toward the top 3 of the foldable frame 2 , the side panels 15 may lay flat against the side supports 10 which have previously been rotated toward the front 7 of the foldable frame 2 . A third pair of symmetrical score lines 43 and fourth pair of symmetrical score lines 41 may then allow a pair of symmetrical interior panels 14 to be folded over the side supports 10 and substantially cover the side supports 10 . More specifically, the interior side panels 14 may rotate approximately one hundred and eighty degrees with respect to the side panels 15 . [0054] A pair of tabs 17 on the outermost portion of the interior panels 14 may then be secured into a pair of symmetrical tab receivers 16 located within the second section 12 . More specifically, the tab receivers 16 may be located within the second section 12 , near the first side 5 and second side 6 of the foldable frame 2 . The tabs 17 may be secured into the pair of tab receivers 16 by, for example, friction. After the scoop 1 is properly folded and the tabs 17 are properly secured into the tab receivers 16 , the side supports 10 , the side panels 15 and the interior panels 14 align in a substantially parallel position to each other. The use of the tabs 17 and tab receivers 16 of the scoop 1 allow the securing of the scoop 1 into the functional configuration without the need for an adhesive or other securing devices. Preferably, the tab receivers 16 have the approximately the same, or a slightly larger, length than the tabs 17 . Further, the tabs 17 may be removed from the tab receivers 16 if the user wishes to change the scoop 1 from the functional configuration of FIG. 1 into the flat configuration of FIG. 2 for the purpose of, for example, storage. [0055] While the tabs 17 are inserted into the tab receivers 16 , the interior panels 14 act as the sides of the scoop 1 and help prevent the waste from falling out of the scoop 1 . In the preferred embodiment the tabs 17 allow the foldable frame 2 to be secured into the functional scoop 1 configuration without the need for an adhesive strip 77 or other securing device, such as, a wire. However, in alternative embodiments, an adhesive strip 77 or other securing device may be implemented. [0056] The scoop 1 may also have a handle 62 having a main handle section 18 which may be folded backward from the first section 11 at a back score line 50 . The back score line 50 may be substantially parallel to the single score line 44 while the scoop 1 is in either the flat or folded configurations. The main handle section 18 may have a first side panel 21 and a second side panel 22 . The first side panel 21 and the second side panel 22 may each be attached to the main handle section 18 by a pair of symmetrical score lines 45 . The main handle section 18 may have an opening 19 which may, for example, allow the scoop 1 to be hung from, for example, a hook in either the substantially flat or folded configurations. Alternatively, the opening 19 may be used to secure a plastic bag (not shown) into the scoop 1 . [0057] The first side panel 21 of the handle 62 may have an opening 61 and a wing 23 . The wing 23 may be located further away from the main handle section 18 than the first side panel 21 while the scoop 1 is in the substantially flat configuration. The wing 23 may be rotated downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the first side panel 21 via a score line 46 . A section of the score line 46 , specifically the section in which the opening 61 may be present, completely lacks any connection between the first side panel 21 and the wing 23 . [0058] The second side panel 22 of the handle 62 may have a wing section 24 attached thereto via a score line 64 . The score line 64 may allow the wing section 24 to rotate downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the second side panel 22 . The wing section 24 of the second panel 22 may have a first tab 25 and a second tab 26 . The first tab 25 may be located further away from the main handle section 18 than the wing 24 while the scoop 1 is in the substantially flat configuration. The first tab 25 may be separated from the wing section 24 by a score line 51 . More specifically, the score line 51 may allow the first tab 25 to rotate downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the wing section 24 . [0059] The second tab 26 of the wing section 24 may be located closer to the front 7 of the scoop 1 then the wing section 24 while the scoop 1 is in the substantially flat configuration. A substantially rectangular slot 29 may be present between the wing section 24 and the second tab 26 . Preferably, the long sides of the rectangular slot 29 are substantially parallel to the long sides of the second tab 26 . [0060] The second tab 26 may be attached to the wing section 24 by a pair of substantially similar connectors 70 . More specifically, the rectangular slot 29 may be located between the substantially similar connectors 70 . [0061] To fold the handle 62 into a functional configuration, the wing 23 may be folded approximately ninety degrees downward with respect to the first side panel 21 . The first side panel 21 may be itself then rotated approximately ninety degrees downward with respect to the main handle section 18 . [0062] The first tab 25 of the wing section 24 may be rotated downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the wing section 24 along the score line 51 . Following this, the wing section 24 may be rotated approximately ninety degrees downward with respect to the second side panel 22 along the score line 64 . Next, the second side panel 22 may be rotated downward approximately ninety degrees with respect to the main handle section 18 along score line 45 . Upon rotating the second side panel 22 around the score line 45 , the first tab 25 of the wing section 24 will substantially align with the opening 61 . The first tab 25 may then be inserted into the opening 61 and secured by, for example, friction. While the first tab 25 is inside of the opening 61 , the first tab 25 will be substantially obscured from view by the first side panel 21 . [0063] To finally place the scoop 1 into the functional configuration, the second tab 26 of the wing section 24 may be inserted into an opening 27 within the first section 11 . To properly secure the second tab 26 of the wing section 24 within the opening 27 of the first section 11 , the opening 27 of the first section 11 may be divided by a center tab 28 which locks into the rectangular slot 29 . [0064] While in the functional configuration, the handle 62 acts as a sturdy means to support and carry the scoop 1 , either empty or filled with waste material. The handle 62 of the scoop 1 is preferable between three and eight inches long to comfortably accommodate the size of an average human hand; however the length of the handle 62 may vary depending on what purpose a particular scoop 1 is constructed for or may vary depending on the size of larger or smaller users. [0065] The front 7 of the scoop 1 has a removable section 13 attached to the second section 12 by a tear line 75 . When the user pulls on the removable section 13 of the scoop 1 , the force along the tear line 75 causes the tear line 75 to break and completely separate the removable section 13 from the second section 12 . The user may then scoop up waste, for example, animal fecal waste, by using the removable section 13 to push the waste into the opening 20 of the scoop 1 . Utilizing the removable section 13 to push the waste into the opening 20 of the scoop 1 may allow the user to avoid touching the waste with the user's own hand. The user may then discard the removable section 13 , the waste and the scoop 1 . Alternatively, the user may use the functional scoop 1 without removing the removable section 13 from the second section 12 . Still further, the user may use the functional scoop 1 to scoop up waste after removing the removable section 13 from the second section 12 , but without utilizing the removable section 13 to push the waste into the scoop 1 . [0066] Although steps for folding the foldable frame 2 into the functional scoop 1 are described above, it should be understood that other folding steps or other sequences of the same steps may be implemented to accomplish the same or a similar functional scoop. For example, the user may elect to fold the sections of the handle prior to the folding of the first section 11 with respect to the second section 12 . [0067] Although embodiments of the present invention are shown and described therein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

A foldable hand held scoop which is particularly suitable for picking up animal fecal waste. The scoop is formed from a substantially flat semi-rigid material, such as, for example, cardboard which may be easily folded into a functional configuration by utilizing score lines. In the flat configuration, the scoop may be easily transported and/or stored. The scoop has a bottom panel, a rear panel, two side panels, a handle and an opening section. Further, the scoop has a removable section that aids the user in scooping up the waste into the opening section of the scoop. The scoop may be inexpensive to manufacture and, therefore, suitable for disposal after one or few uses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/150,405 filed on Feb. 6, 2009 entitled “Double-Sided Slip-Resistant Material and Method of Making Same” which is incorporated fully herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to slip resistant material and more particularly, relates to a slip resistant, lightweight cloth-like material useful for products such as, but not limited to, a drop cloth for the moving and painting industry. BACKGROUND INFORMATION [0003] There is often a need for lightweight protective material such as drop cloths to cover floors and furniture during moving, construction or other activities such as painting and decorating. One problem that has consistently been struggled with for such material is the need of the material to be relatively impervious to liquids such as water and paint. [0004] The prior art has dealt with the problem of waterproofing lightweight cloth materials by placing a plastic coating on one or both sides of a paper or cloth material. Unfortunately, although this makes the product waterproof, it also makes it very slippery. If a painter cannot place a ladder on the material without fear that it will slip out from under him or her, they are not apt to use it. [0005] There have been some prior art attempts at making non-slip surfaces but this relates mostly to roofing materials or more permanent material such as floor tapes and the like. [0006] Accordingly, what is needed is a lightweight, reusable, puncture resistant, cloth like material that is generally impervious to water and other liquids while providing at least one surface that is a non-slip surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein: [0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a portion of a system for making the slip resistant material according to the present invention; and [0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the travel path of the double-sided slip resistant material of the present invention after the material has been blown showing incorporation of a machine direction orienter (MDO) in-line in the manufacturing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0010] The present invention features a two-sided slip resistant material made by the blown film process, which process is well known in the industry, comprising the co-extrusion of multiple layers to produce a finished film composite having the desired characteristics described herein. [0011] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a film blowing machine (not shown but well known in the art) produces a film “bubble” 10 comprising, in the preferred embodiment and without limiting the present invention, 3 layers or films: A, B and C. In the preferred embodiment, layer A, (the inside most layer of the bubble) is a heat sealable thermoplastic layer of approximately 0.2-2 mils in thickness having a softening point in the range of 110° to 200° F. which facilitates gluing of the two “A” layers together at a low temperature, as will be described below. Layer A may be an EVA, EMA, LDPE or POP resin based layer. An advantage of using an Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) layer is that the VA (vinyl acetate) content may be adjusted to achieve the desired softening point of the layer to facilitate its gluing to an adjacent similar layer. [0012] Layer B, the central or center layer, is preferably a flexible polyolefin layer having a thickness of approximately 0.5-2 mils. Suitable material for the center “B” layer include, LDPE, LLDPE, TPO, and POE. In addition to the resin this layer may also include a colorant, UV stabilizer, UV absorber and antioxidant, which will be exposed during the manufacturing process after the formation of the collapsed bubbles in the C layer. An example of a potential UV Stabilizer is Chimassorb 994™; examples of potential antioxidants include Irganox 1010™, Irganox 1076™ and Irgafos 168™; and an example of a potential UV Stabilizer is Cyasorb UV-531™. [0013] The C layer (the outermost layer of the film which forms the top and bottom of the finished film product) is also a flexible polyolefin layer. This layer, however, contains a “blowing” agent that causes the film to form many small “bubbles” on the exterior surface 12 of the C layer. The blowing agent creates a gas in the extruder during the melting process and this gas is distributed throughout the “C” layer and is soluble in the molten plastic due to the high extruder pressure. When the film exits the blown film die, there is a drop in pressure, and bubbles form in the “C” layer. By, stretching and cooling the film, the bubbles collapse forming a rough, nonslip open celled surface 12 . [0014] The blowing agent can be either a physical blowing agent (PBA) such as carbon dioxide or butane, or an exothermic or endothermic chemical blowing agent (CBA) such as a sodium bicarbonate and citric acid mixture, which decomposes under heat during the extrusion process and produces a gas. [0015] In the preferred embodiment, the preferred flexible polyolefin is a polyolefin elastomer (POE) such as Dow Chemical's “Engage” product preferably, Engage grade 8003. After considerable experimentation, it has been determined that not all polyolefin elastomers are suitable for the skid resistance application. A resin with appropriate melting point, and softness to create bubbles that are very rubbery, flexible and have a high Coefficient of Friction (COF) creating a surface with significant “slip” resistance is required. These characteristics, which can be found in the Engage 8003 product include: flexural modulus less than 200 MPa, and Durometer hardness (Shore A) less than 100. [0016] In addition to the polyolefin elastomer, layer C may also include a coloring agent, to color the finished product, a UV stabilizer, UV absorber and antioxidant, as well as a grit material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin which will adhere to the outside of the bubbles formed by the blowing agent and add additional slip resistance to the finished film. [0017] Near the top of the bubble 14 , two rollers 16 , 18 (top nip rollers) are utilized to “collapse” the bubble 14 causing both sides of the bubble to come together. In the preferred embodiment, one of the rollers is a rubber roller while the other is a metal nip roller, which is heated. The temperature of the nip is such that it is above the softening point of the resin in the “A” layer. This causes the two inside “A” layers to fuse together forming a single film structure. [0018] The processing of the fused film layer 20 is shown schematically in FIG. 2 . After the film 20 leaves the nip rollers 16 / 18 , the film enters a set of in-line rollers 24 - 30 , which serve as a Machine Direction Orienter (MDO) 22 . The MDO rollers 22 serve as a post treatment of the film, annealing or conditioning the film to take any stresses out of the film and to remove any variation in film thickness. The MDO section consists of 2 sets of 2 rollers each. The first two rollers 24 / 26 are heated to above the glass transition temperature of the resin of the inside A layer of the film 20 . These rollers operate at a speed, which is the same as the speed at which the blown film 20 is manufactured. [0019] The next two rollers 28 / 30 are cooling rollers operated at a temperature in the range of 80-100° F. In addition, the cooling rollers 28 / 30 are operated at a speed of 2% to 10% faster than the line or manufacturing speed at which the first 2 rollers 24 / 26 operate, thus causing the now fused, double-sided film to stretch in the region and direction indicated generally by arrow 32 . The MDO section anneals the film, gives it a second heat treatment annealing the film and relieving it of any stresses. [0020] The pair of cooling rollers 28 / 30 serve to cool the film down before it is wound into a roll for later use. Although the use of an MDO is known in the art, it is not known to place such a device “in line” in the manufacturing process. Typically, in the prior art, a film is blown, wound onto a roll, subsequently unwound into an MDO for stretching, and then rewound before use. Accordingly, the present invention provides a double-sided non-slip, waterproof, plastic film which is easy and relatively inexpensive to manufacture and which is very slip resistant on both sides, and can be used for numerous applications such as painter's drop cloths, non-slip protective coverings, moving cloths and the like. [0021] Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the allowed claims and their legal equivalents.

A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers are provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This patent application is related to a patent application filed concurrently herewith and assigned to the assignee of the instant invention, such patent application being entitled "Sewing Machine" by Sidney (NMI) Bass and Hubert Allen Rich, Ser. No. 761,381, filed Jan. 21, 1977. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The background of the invention will be discussed in two parts: 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to sewing machines and more particularly to a cartridge for sewing machines. 2. Description of the Prior Art Sewing machines utilizing cartridges or cassettes for carrying a spool of thread, or a spool of thread and a needle are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,385,247 and 3,749,039, both patents being described in the above-referenced co-pending application. Devices for feeding strips of ribbon or the like have been devised as attachments to or modifications of existing sewing machines, such devices being shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,731,074 issued Oct. 8, 1929 to Maier; 1,748,770 issued Feb. 5, 1930 to Horning; 1,849,797 issued Mar. 15, 1932 to Hake; 3,154,033 issued Oct. 27, 1964 to Roy; 2,961,186 issued Nov. 22, 1960 to Sayles; and 3,847,099 issued Nov. 12, 1974 Braun. The prior art known to applicant is listed by way of illustration and not of limitation, in a separate communication to the Patent Office. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge for a sewing machine. It is another object of this invention to provide a cartridge having means integral therewith for dispensing ribbon-like material. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The foregoing and other objects of the invention are accomplished by providing a sewing machine having a cartridge mounted in the side of the head, the cartridge containing therein a spool of thread and a pre-threaded needle on a needle carrier adapted for reciprocation within the cartridge with the needle passing out of the cartridge through an aperture in the bottom thereof. The cartridge is so dimensioned that the spacing between the aperture and the bed of the machine is in close relation generally to preclude entry therebetween of fingers. The cartridge is provided with a recess for rotatably receiving a spool carrying a strip of ribbon-like material, the strip passing through a channel formed in an edge of the cartridge in proximity to the aperture, the spool being positioned on the cartridge in a direction of rotation so that the tendency of the strip to resist unwinding automatically directs the strip inwardly toward the aperture. Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon a reading of the specification when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like referenced characters refer to like elements in the several views. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sewing machine having a cartridge according to the invention; FIG. 2 is an end view of the sewing machine of FIG. 1, partially in cross section and partially broken away to show the cartridge details; and FIG. 3 is a rear view of the cartridge used in the sewing machine of FIG. 1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a sewing machine which includes a main platform or work-supporting bed 10 having an integral upwardly extending standard 14, a bracket arm extending generally parallel to the bed 10 from the standard 14, the other end of which terminates in a vertically depending head 18. Generally the sewing machine is electrically operated by means of a switch 20 which connects batteries therein to a motor for operation of the machine. The structural details pertaining to the construction and operation of the sewing machine of FIG. 1 are fully shown and described in the above referenced co-pending application entitled "Sewing Machine". In any event, the head 18 is provided with a recessed portion 22 in the side thereof, the recess 22 having a planar vertical surface with an outwardly extending ledge portion 24, the ledge 24 being adapted to engage the lower edge of a cartridge member 26 with the rear surface of cartridge 26 abutting against recess 22. The cartridge 26 can be retained within the recess 22 by any conventional means such as detents or the like. The cartridge 26 contains therein a spool of thread 28 (see also FIG. 2) which is rotatably received on a shaft projection 30 integrally formed with the front transparent cover 25 of cartridge 26. The thread 32 from spool 28 is suitably wound about a tensioning device 34 formed within cartridge 26 and more fully described in the above referenced co-pending application, the thread 32 then being passed through the eye of a needle 36 secured to a needle carrier 38 mounted for reciprocating movement on a vertical line within cartridge 26 against the force of a bias spring 40. In side elevation, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the cartridge 26 has a right angled edge generally fitting within a mating portion of the recessed portion 22 with the edge of cover 25 adjacent the operator position diverging downwardly toward the lower portion of cartridge 26 which is provided with a neck portion 42 through which extends an aperture 44 through which the needle 36 passes during its reciprocation. The neck portion 42 extends through an aperture formed within the ledge 24 integral with the side of the head 18, the lower surface of ledge 24 being generally parallel to bed 10 with a space therebetween defining a throat 46 through which the fabric to be sewn is passed. A suitable material advance foot 48 is provided for incrementing the fabric during the stitching operation. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 the details pertaining to the construction of the cartridge 26 will be discussed. As previously mentioned the cartridge 26 has a transparent cover 25 engaging a generally planar rear surface or back wall 50. The back wall 50 is provided with an enlarged aperture 52 through which a crank pin extends from within the machine to actuate the needle carrier 38 by means of the crank pin engaging a crank pin groove 54 formed in the rear surface of the needle carrier 38 and accessible through aperture 52. The needle carrier 38 is vertically reciprocated with the upper portion of needle carrier 38 fitting between opposing parallel sidewalls 56 and the lower portion of needle carrier 38 sliding between opposing guide ribs 58. The needle 36 is of conventional configuration and is press fit into a suitably formed aperture within the bottom edge of needle carrier 38. The needle 36 is provided with an eye adjacent the point thereof through which the thread 32 passes out through the aperture 44 for grasping by an operator. As a consequence the cartridge contains a pre-threaded needle along with a full spool of thread 28 for immediate use by an operator. A more detailed description of the cartridge 26 and the operating of the sewing machine is provided in the above-referenced co-pending application entitled "Sewing Machine" which is incorporated herein by reference. The main surface of cover 25 is generally parallel to the rear surface or back wall 50 to form a housing with the interconnecting edges being generally perpendicular to back wall 50. The front edge 60 of cartridge 26 is downwardly tapered toward the needle 36 and formed integrally with the forward edge 60 at the lower end thereof is a slotted member or channel 62 in proximity to the aperture 44 formed within neck portion 42 of cartridge 26. Formed adjacent the upper front edge of cartridge 26 is a recess 64 between the inner surface of upper edge 66 of cartridge 26, the perpendicular outer surface of sidewall 56 and an integral outwardly extending short wall 68. The back wall 50 of cartridge 26 is suitably cut away to provide access to the recess 64 so-formed with the cartridge 26 separated or out of engagement with the recess 22 formed in the head 18 of the sewing machine. Extending inwardly into the recess 64 so-formed, from the front wall of the transparent cover 25 is an integral shaft projection 70 adapted for rotatably receiving thereon a spool 72 containing a strip of ribbon-like material 74 which is suitably fed through channel 62 to be in proximity to needle 36. The dimension of shaft 70 is equal to or less than the overall width of front edge 60 and by means of this construction the spool 72 is assembled within recess 64 with the cartridge 26 separated from the sewing machine. With the spool 72 in place and the cartridge 26 engaging the sewing machine head 18 within recess 22 the adjacent generally planar surface of recess 22 is generally parallel to the broad surface of transparent cover 25 thereby forming a compartment rotatably retaining spool 72 within recess 64 between the sidewalls of the compartment so-formed. As shown in FIG. 2 the spool 72 is preferably positioned on shaft 70 so that ribbon 74 is withdrawn from the spool 72 as spool 72 rotates in a clockwise direction. In this manner when the free end of ribbon 74 is positioned adjacent bed 10 the natural tendency of the ribbon 74 is to curve inwardly toward throat 46, thereby providing relative simplicity to the use of the cartridge. The position of channel 62 and, of course, ribbon 74 is directly in line with the line of travel of fabric passing through throat 46, the fabric moving from right to left as viewed in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2 the ribbon 74 is shown beneath advance foot 48 which would be the operative position for sewing the ribbon 74 on a fabric (not shown) which would normally be positioned between the ribbon 74 and the bed 10. The ribbon 74 may be any suitable spool of ribbon-like material or the like. The spool 72 is removable and replaceable within cartridge 26 to accomodate the matching of different colors of ribbons to the color of the thread contained on the spool 28 within cartridge 26. While there has been shown and described a preferred embodiment it is to be understood that various other adaptations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention.

A sewing machine having a cartridge containing a spool of thread and a pre-threaded needle mounted inside of the head, the cartridge having the lower end thereof terminating in proximity to the fabric to be worked upon. The cartridge is provided with integral means for receiving a spool carrying ribbon-like material, the cartridge having a channel means integral therewith adjacent the aperture of the cartridge through which the needle passes, the spool of ribbon being so mounted, and the channel so configured, that the natural unwinding tendency of the ribbon automatically positions the ribbon on the fabric in the path of the needle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a sewing machine for automatically forming a plurality of stitch patterns selected from among a large number of predetermined juxtaposed patterns. 2. Description of Related Art A sewing machine with which a plurality of stitch patterns selected from among a large number of predetermined patterns are juxtaposed is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 60-60890. The sewing machine includes a display device. The display device displays thereon a total length of the selected patterns, that is, a total length of a combination pattern, in a direction in which the patterns are juxtaposed. Such a direction will be hereinafter referred to as pattern arrangement direction. According to the sewing machine, an operator can confirm, before starting sewing, a total length of a combination pattern consisting of a plurality of selected patterns. Therefore, the operator can avoid forming a combination pattern that, when sewn, extends beyond a predetermined sewing area. While the sewing machine can display a total length of a combination pattern in its pattern arrangement direction, it cannot display a total length of a combination pattern in a direction perpendicular to its pattern arrangement direction. Such a perpendicular direction will be hereinafter referred to as pattern widthwise direction. In particular, in the sewing machine, no attention is paid to the protrusion of a combination pattern from the predetermined sewing area in a pattern widthwise direction. The operator cannot confirm the total length of a combination pattern in a pattern widthwise direction before starting sewing. Therefore, the sewing machine has a problem that a combination pattern may be formed that extends beyond the predetermined sewing area on a fabric or a combination pattern may be formed in a partially overlapping relationship in a pattern widthwise direction with another pattern previously formed on the fabric. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a sewing machine wherein a combination pattern can be prevented from being formed beyond a predetermined sewing area on a fabric in a pattern widthwise direction. In order to attain the object, according to the invention, there is provided a sewing machine capable of forming a plurality of stitch patterns, which comprises: size data storage means for storing therein size data related to sizes of a plurality of predetermined patterns; pattern selecting means for selecting a desired pattern from among the plurality of predetermined patterns; combination designating means for successively combining patterns selected by the pattern selecting means; stitch forming means for forming a plurality of patterns combined by the combination designating means to be juxtaposed in a pattern arrangement direction to form a combination pattern; pattern width calculating means for calculating a total length of a combination pattern to be formed by the stitch forming means in a pattern widthwise direction perpendicular to the pattern arrangement direction based on the size data stored in the size data storage means to determine a width of the combination pattern; and display means for displaying a width of the combination pattern calculated by the pattern width calculating means. In the sewing machine of the present invention, the size data storage means stores therein size data related to sizes of a plurality of predetermined patterns. The pattern selecting means selects a desired pattern from among the plurality of predetermined patterns. The combination designating means successively combines patterns selected by the pattern selecting means. The stitch forming means forms the patterns combined by the combination designating means to be juxtaposed in a pattern arrangement direction to form a combination pattern. The pattern width calculating means calculates, based on the size data stored in the size data storage means, a total length of a combination pattern to be formed by the stitch forming means in a pattern widthwise direction perpendicular to the pattern arrangement direction to determine a width of the combination pattern. The display means displays the width of the combination pattern calculated by the pattern width calculating means. According to the sewing machine of the present invention, a total length of a combination pattern in its pattern widthwise direction, i.e., a width of the combination pattern is displayed on the display means. Accordingly, an operator can confirm the width of the combination pattern before starting sewing. Therefore, a combination pattern selected can avoid protruding from a predetermined sewing area on a fabric in a pattern widthwise direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a sewing machine to which a first embodiment of the invention is applied; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the sewing machine; FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating operation of a CPU (central processing unit) of the sewing machine; FIG. 4 is a table illustrating stored contents of a ROM (read only memory) of the sewing machine; FIG. 5 is a table illustrating stored contents of a RAM (random access memory) of the sewing machine; FIG. 6 is an illustration showing a pattern formed by the sewing machine; FIG. 7 is an illustration showing a displaying condition of an LCD (liquid crystal display) of the sewing machine; FIG. 8 is a similar view but showing another displaying condition of the LCD of the sewing machine; FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating part of the operation of a CPU of a sewing machine to which a second embodiment of the invention is applied; FIG. 10 is a table illustrating stored contents of a ROM of the second sewing machine; FIG. 11 is a table illustrating stored contents of a RAM of the second sewing machine; FIG. 12 is an illustration showing a pattern formed by the second sewing machine; FIG. 13 is an illustration showing a displaying condition of an LCD of the second sewing machine; and FIG. 14 is a similar view but showing another displaying condition of the LCD of the second sewing machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. As shown in FIG. 1, a column portion 12 is provided uprightly on a bed portion 11 of a sewing machine 10. One end of an arm portion 14 is supported horizontally at the end of the column portion 12. A head portion 16 is formed at the other end portion of the arm portion 14. A needle bar 20 having a sewing needle 18 attached thereto is supported for upward and downward movement and also for rocking motion on the head portion 16. The needle bar 20 is driven to reciprocate in the upward and downward directions and the leftward and rightward directions in synchronization with rotation of a main shaft, not shown, provided in the arm portion 14. A presser foot 22 is supported for upward and downward movement on the head portion 16. The presser foot 22 can be moved between its lifted position and lowered position manually. A feed dog 24 is provided adjacent the location of the sewing needle 18, on the bed portion 11, and is driven to reciprocate in synchronization with the rotation of the sewing machine main shaft to feed a work fabric forwardly or rearwardly and/or leftwardly or rightwardly. A sewing machine motor, not shown, for rotating the main shaft is provided in the bed portion 11. A pattern display section 26 is provided on the face of the arm portion 14. A large number of patterns belonging to three groups A, B and C are displayed on the pattern display section 26, the patterns having sizes smaller than those of the stitch patterns actually formed on a work fabric, together with two digit pattern identification numbers (not shown). Patterns belonging to group B include continuous stitch patterns including practical stitches, such as a straight stitch and a zigzag pattern stitch, and ornamental patterns. Patterns belonging to the group A include characters, numeric figures, and symbols. Patterns belonging to group C include common series of patterns or series of characters, numeric figures, and symbols. Accordingly, patterns belonging to groups A or C are cyclic patterns, each of which is sewn separately. However, the subject matter of the groups, as described herein, is for purposes of explanation. Other groupings could just as easily be employed. A total of ten pattern selecting switches 28 for selecting a desired pattern are disposed below the pattern display section 26. A number is embossed on each of the ten pattern selecting switches 28. An LCD 30 is provided on the right-hand side of the pattern display section 26. The LCD 30 displays the name or shape of a pattern, the dimension of the pattern in a forward and rearward feeding direction (pattern arrangement direction) of a work fabric, and actual dimensions of the pattern in a needle rocking direction and a work fabric leftward and rightward feeding direction (pattern widthwise direction). A combination designating switch 34 is disposed on the right-hand side of the pattern selecting switches 28 and a start/stop switch 38 for starting or stopping the sewing machine 10 is provided at a lower end portion of the head portion 16. A speed setting device 40 for setting the speed of the sewing machine motor to a predetermined value is provided at a lower end portion of the column portion 12. The electrical structure of the sewing machine 10 described above will be described with reference to FIG. 2. A pattern selecting device 44 includes the pattern selecting switches 28. When a pattern selecting switch 28 is operated by an operator, the pattern selecting device 44 supplies a pattern code to a CPU 46 corresponding to the selected switch. A combination designating device 48 is constructed to include the combination designating switch 34. When the combination designating switch 34 is operated by an operator, the combination designating device 48 supplies a combination designating signal to the CPU 46. The CPU 46, when power is supplied to the sewing machine 10, operates as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 3. A ROM 50 has stored therein the programs for operating the CPU 46, stitch data for forming various patterns and display data for allowing the shapes of the patterns to be displayed. The ROM 50 further stores therein such uppermost position data and lowermost position data representative of sizes of various patterns in a pattern widthwise direction and pattern length data representative of sizes of the patterns in a pattern arrangement direction as seen in the table shown in FIG. 4. The RAM 52 stores pattern codes corresponding to selected patterns in an order in which they are to be combined. The RAM 52 further stores temporarily therein uppermost and lowermost position data and pattern length data of the patterns in the order in which they are to be combined as shown in the table shown in FIG. 5. It is to be noted that, in FIGS. 4 and 5, data are represented not in the form of actually stored data but in the form of actual patterns and sizes for convenience. Description will be given subsequently of a manner in which uppermost position data and lowermost position data are determined. In particular, a distance in the rightward direction from a reference line extending in the forward and rearward direction and indicated by an alternate long and two short dashes line in FIG. 6 is determined as uppermost position data. Meanwhile, a distance in the leftward direction from the reference line is determined as lowermost position data. A stitch forming apparatus 54 includes the sewing needle 18 and the feed dog 24. The stitch forming apparatus 54 drives the sewing needle 18 and the feed dog 24 in accordance with a signal supplied thereto from the CPU 46. It is to be noted that the detailed construction of an apparatus for causing rocking motion of the sewing needle 18 and another apparatus for causing forward and backward motion and leftward and rightward motion of the feed dog 24 are similar to those of an apparatus disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,867, issued Nov. 12, 1991 accordingly, detailed description thereof is omitted herein. The U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,867 is incorporated by reference. The LCD 30 displays, in accordance with a signal supplied from the CPU 46, the name or shape of a pattern, the dimensions of the pattern in a forward and rearward feeding direction (pattern arrangement direction) of a work fabric, and the dimensions of the pattern in a needle rocking direction and a work fabric leftward and rightward feeding direction (pattern widthwise direction). Operation of the sewing machine 10 having such a construction as described above will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 3. It is to be noted that the reading of the data from the ROM 50, the storing of the data into the RAM 52 and the outputting of the data to the stitch forming apparatus 54 upon pattern selection by the CPU 46 are similar to those of the apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 60-60890, and accordingly, detailed description thereof will be omitted herein. Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 60-60890 is incorporated by reference. After power is applied to the sewing machine 10, the CPU 46 executes an initializing operation at step SP1. The initializing operation also includes an operation of setting to 0001 an address value which designates an area of the RAM 52 into which pattern dimension data are to be stored. Subsequently, if an operator operates the pattern selecting switches 28 to select, for example, a pattern "A" in order to form a combination pattern, such as shown in FIG. 6, a pattern code representative of the pattern "A" is supplied from the pattern selecting device 44 to the CPU 46. When the CPU 46 judges selection of the pattern at step SP2, at step SP3 the CPU 46 stores the pattern code corresponding to the pattern "A" into the RAM 52. The CPU 46 then reads, from the ROM 50, display data for allowing a shape of the pattern "A" to be displayed and outputs the display data to the LCD 30. The CPU 46 then reads, from the ROM 50, uppermost position data (1.5), lowermost position data (0) and pattern length data (1.2), shown in FIG. 4, corresponding to the pattern "A". Then, the CPU 46 stores the uppermost position data (1.5), lowermost position data (0) and pattern length data (1.2), corresponding to the pattern "A", into a storage area of the address value 0001 of the RAM 54 as seen in FIG. 5. Subsequently, the CPU 46 selects, at step SP4, maximum values among the uppermost position data and lowermost position data stored in the storage areas of the address values of 0001 et seq. of the RAM 54. The CPU 46 adds the thus selected uppermost position data and lowermost position data to determine pattern height data and outputs the thus determined pattern height data to the LCD 30. In the case where only the pattern "A" is selected, only one uppermost position data and only one lowermost position data are stored in the storage areas of the address values of 0001 et seq. of the RAM 54, and accordingly, the CPU 46 adds the uppermost position data (1.5) and the lowermost position data (0) of the pattern "A" and outputs pattern height data (1.5) obtained by such addition. At step SP5, the CPU 46 adds all of pattern length data stored in the storage areas of the address values of 0001 et seq. of the RAM 54 and outputs the sum to the LCD 30. In the case where only the pattern "A" is selected, only one pattern length data is stored in the storage areas of the address value of 0001 et seq. of the RAM 54 and, accordingly, the CPU 46 outputs the pattern length data (1.2) of the pattern "A". As a result, the LCD 30 produces a display, as shown in FIG. 7, in accordance with the display data of pattern height data (1.5) and pattern length data (1.2) supplied thereto. It is to be noted that, since patterns in the present embodiment are arranged in a horizontal row in the forward and rearward direction, as viewed by an operator (FIG. 6), pattern height data are displayed as a distance in the leftward and rightward direction while pattern length data are displayed as a distance in the forward and rearward direction. If an operator operates the combination designating switch 34 in order to combine a pattern "n" with the pattern "A", then the combination designating switch 34 supplies a combination designating signal to the CPU 46. When such combination designating signal is received, the CPU 46 judges at step SP6 whether the combination designating switch 34 has been operated, and the control sequence advances to step SP7. At step SP7, the CPU 46 increments the address value 0001 to obtain a new address value 0002 which designates an area into which uppermost and lowermost position data and pattern length data of a next pattern are to be stored. Then, the CPU 46 returns the control sequence to step SP2. When the pattern "n" is selected as the next pattern, steps SP3, SP4 and SP5 are again executed. If the combination designating switch 34 is operated at step SP6, in order to combine a further pattern "g" with the pattern "n", the CPU 46 executes step SP7 and returns the control sequence to step SP2. After steps SP2 to SP7 are repeated to select and combine the patterns "A", "n", "g", "e" and "1", such data as seen in FIG. 5 are stored in the storage areas of the address values of 0001 through 00005, in order of entry, of the RAM 54. The shapes of the patterns and distances of the entire combination pattern in the leftward and rightward direction and also in the forward and rearward direction are displayed on the LCD 30 (FIG. 8). In this instance, the maximum uppermost position data among the patterns of the combination are the uppermost position data (1.5) of the pattern "A". Meanwhile, the maximum lowermost position data among the patterns of the combination are the lowermost position data (0.3) of the pattern "g". Accordingly, the uppermost position data (1.5) of the pattern "A" and the lowermost position data (0.3) of the pattern "g" are added to obtain pattern height data (1.8). The pattern height data (1.8) are displayed as a distance of the combination pattern in the leftward and rightward direction. Further, the pattern length data of all of the patterns (1.2, 0.8, 0.7, 0.5, 0.7) are added and a value of 3.9, obtained by the addition, is displayed as a distance of the combination pattern in the forward and rearward direction. Since an operator can identify the placement and dimensions of the combination pattern as applied to the work fabric by observing the values displayed on the LCD 30, accurate positioning of the work fabric with respect to the sewing needle 18 can be accomplished readily. Then, if the start/stop switch 38 is operated by the operator, the sewing machine starts the sewing operation to form the combination pattern (FIG. 6) at the predetermined position on the work fabric. A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 14. It is to be noted that description of elements common to those of the first embodiment will be omitted herein. In the present embodiment, the CPU 46 is constructed such that, when power is made available to the sewing machine 10, it operates in accordance with a flow chart shown in FIG. 9. The ROM 50 has stored therein a program for operating the CPU 46, stitch data for forming various patterns and display data for allowing the shape of a pattern to be displayed. The ROM 50 further has stored therein pattern width data and pattern length data representative of sizes of various patterns as shown in the table of FIG. 10. The RAM 52 stores therein pattern codes corresponding to selected patterns in an order in which the patterns are combined. The RAM 52 further stores temporarily therein pattern width data and pattern length data of patterns in an order in which the patterns are combined as seen in the table of FIG. 11. It is to be noted that, in FIGS. 10 and 11, data are represented not in the form of actually stored data but in the form of actual patterns and sizes for convenience. Operation of the sewing machine 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 9. After power is made available to the sewing machine 10, the CPU 46 executes an initializing operation at step SP11. The initializing operation also includes setting to 0001 an address value which designates an area of the RAM 52 into which pattern width and length data are to be stored. Subsequently, if an operator operates the pattern selecting switch 28 at step 12 to select, for example, a pattern "A" of a small size in order to start forming a combination pattern, as shown in FIG. 12, a pattern code representative of the small size pattern "A" is supplied from the pattern selecting device 44 to the CPU 46. At step SP13, the CPU 46 stores a pattern code corresponding to the small size pattern "A" into the RAM 52. The CPU 46 then reads, from the ROM 50, display data for allowing a shape of the small size pattern "A" to be displayed and outputs the display data to the LCD 30. The CPU 46 then reads, from the ROM 50, pattern width data (0.8) and pattern length data (0.7), shown in FIG. 10, corresponding to the small size pattern "A" and stores the pattern width data (0.8) and pattern length data (0.7), corresponding to the small size pattern "A", into the storage area of the address value 0001 of the RAM 54 as seen in FIG. 11. Subsequently, the CPU 46 selects, at step SP14, a maximum value among the pattern width data stored in the storage areas of the address values of 0001 et seq. of the RAM 54 and outputs the data to the LCD 30. In the case where only the small size pattern "A" is selected, only one pattern width data is stored in the storage areas of the address values of 0001 et seq. of the RAM 54 and, accordingly, the CPU 46 outputs the pattern width data (0.8) of the small pattern "A". Subsequently, the CPU 46 adds, at step SP15, all of pattern length data stored in the storage areas of the address values of 0001 et seq. of the RAM 54 and outputs the sum to the LCD 30. In the case where only the small size pattern "A" is selected, only one pattern length data is stored in the storage areas of the address values 0001 et seq. of the RAM 54 and, accordingly, the CPU 46 outputs the pattern length data (0.7) of the small size pattern "A". As a result, the LCD 30 displays the pattern width data and pattern length data supplied thereto. It is to be noted that patterns in the present embodiment are arranged in a horizontal row in the forward and rearward direction as viewed by an operator, shown in FIG. 12. Therefore, the pattern width data are displayed as a distance in the leftward and rightward direction while pattern length data are displayed as a distance in the forward and rearward direction. If the operator operates the combination designating switch 34, in order to combine a pattern "B" of a medium size with the small size pattern "A", the combination designating switch 34 supplies a combination designating signal to the CPU 46. When such combination designating signal is received, the CPU 46 judges at step SP16 that the combination designating switch 34 has been operated and the control sequence advances to step SP17. At step SP17, the CPU 46 increments the address value 0001 to obtain a new address value 0002 which designates the area into which pattern width data and pattern length data of the next pattern are to be stored. Then, the CPU 46 returns the control sequence to step SP12. When the medium size pattern "B" is selected as a next pattern, the steps SP13, SP14 and SP15 described above are executed. If the combination designating switch 34 is again operated at step SP16, in order to combine a further pattern "C" of a large size with the medium size pattern "B", the CPU 46 executes the processing at step SP17 described above and then returns the control sequence to step SP12. After the processings at steps SP12 to SP17 are repeated to select and combine the chosen patterns, such as the small size pattern "A", medium size pattern "B", large size pattern "C", medium size pattern "D" and small size pattern "E", of this example shown in FIG. 11, the pattern width and length data are stored in the storage areas of the address values of 0001 et seq. of the RAM 54. Further, the shapes of the patterns and the dimensions of the combination pattern in the leftward and rightward direction and the forward and rearward direction are displayed on the LCD 30 as shown in FIG. 14. In particular, the pattern width data (2.5) of the large size pattern "C" is displayed as a distance in the leftward and rightward direction. Further, the pattern length data of all of the patterns (0.7, 1, 2, 1, 0.7) are added, and a value of 5.4, obtained by the addition, is displayed. Since the operator can observe the dimensions of the entire combination pattern of the selected patterns displayed on the LCD 30, accurate positioning of the work fabric with respect to the sewing needle 18 can be performed quickly such that the finished, sewn pattern lies completely within the desired sewing area. Then, if the start/stop switch 38 is operated by the operator, the sewing machine starts a known sewing operation to form the combination pattern, shown in FIG. 12, at the predetermined position on the work fabric. The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described in detail hereinabove, and many changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein. For example, while a work fabric is fed by the feed dog 24 in the first and second embodiments, it may otherwise be fed using an embroidery frame or the like on which it is held.

In a sewing machine, a visual display provides the operator not only a representation of how a stitch pattern will appear but also provides dimension data in both the fabric feed direction and in a cross-feed, transverse, direction. The dimensions are determined by using width data for the widest element of the pattern, or the portion of the width of the elements extending above and below a reference line and adding the greatest uppermost and greatest lowermost extensions, and a sum of the length data for each element of the pattern.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/135,448 filed on Jul. 19, 2008, and entitled “Molding cycle enhancer”. The entire contents of the foregoing application are hereby incorporated by reference. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to blow molding plastics, more particularly, to systems, methods, and devices for forming, curing, and cooling blow molded plastics. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Blow molding is a plastic manufacturing process where a molten plastic, also called a parison, is placed in a mold and contacted with a compressed fluid, such that the parison is forced and/or stretched to conform to the mold when it is subjected to a pressure from the compressed fluid. These systems may be used to make a wide variety of plastic products, such as, milk jugs, carbonated beverage bottles, water bottles, watering cans, plastic storage cases, and the like. Blow molded products generally have hollow cavities enclosed within plastic structures, making blow molding an efficient process to produce large volumes of low cost plastic products. Once a blow molding process and system have been designed and built, the ability to decrease the cycle time, that is the time it takes to make a part or lot of parts, makes the blow molding process more efficient and economical. [0004] Typical blow molding systems include a blow stem coupled to a fluid supply, where the fluid supply is usually compressed air at room temperature. The system also includes a melted plastic supply configured to supply a parison to a mold. The mold is generally configured to couple with the blow stem, such that, the fluid supply provided through the blow stem may be applied to the parison to force or stretch the parison to conform to the interior dimensions of the mold. [0005] Typical blow mold systems also include an external mold cooler, such as a bath that provides water to the exterior of the mold, or to internal plumbing that circulates water through the structure of the mold to provide cooling. Generally, after the parison has been stretched or forced to conform to the mold, the parison must cool and harden to retain the shape of the mold. Cooling and hardening of the parison requires that the blow mold system maintain a pressure within the cavity created in the parison by the compressed air, such that the parison continues to conform to the mold until it is sufficiently cool and hard to retain the physical structure of the mold. [0006] These systems present challenges to blow mold plastic manufactures. Specifically, the manufacture must wait for the plastic to cure before removing the formed plastic part from the mold and making another plastic part. Although cure time varies depending on the plastic product being formed, a typical blow mold system that manufactures milk jugs (a approximately one gallon container) can require between, approximately 6.5 seconds and 8.0 seconds to allow the formed parison to cool and harden sufficiently to be removed from the mold. A typical blow mold system that manufactures bleach bottles (an approximately one gallon container) can require between, approximately 14 seconds and 18 seconds to allow the formed parison to cool and harden sufficiently to be removed from the mold. This time spent waiting for cooling slows down the process and is inefficient. As such, there is a need to reduce the cooling time for solidifying blow molded products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] The systems, methods, and devices discussed herein in exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a circulating cooling fluid to the internal cavity of the formed parison such that the formed parison may cool and harden sufficiently to be removed from the tool, in a time that is shorter than the time for a comparable product made without the disclosure of this application. As such, the present invention provides advantages over prior art blow molding systems. [0008] In various embodiments, a device for facilitating internal cooling within a mold during blow molding operations comprises a blow stem and a supply port forming part of the blow stem. The supply port is configured to supply fluid to the mold. The device further comprises an exhaust port forming part of the blow stem. The exhaust port is configured to exhaust fluid from the mold. [0009] In various embodiments, a plastic molding system comprises a fluid supply, a fluid exhaust, and a bidirectional blow stem. The bidirectional blow stem is configured to receive a fluid from the fluid supply and supply fluid to a parison to inflate the parison. The bidirectional blow stem is also configured to exhaust fluid from the parison to the fluid exhaust during cooling of the parison. [0010] In various embodiments a method of making blow molded plastics, comprises the steps of supplying a parison to a mold, supplying a blow stem with pressurized air, and forcing the parison to conform to the mold. Once the parison has conformed to the mold, the parison is allowed to stabilize within the mold. Then a cooling airflow is created within the mold to cool and cure the parison and cool the mold. Once the parison is cured the cured parison (blow molded plastic part) is removed from the mold. [0011] One object of the present invention is to decrease cycle time for manufacturing blow molded plastic products. The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein enable a decrease in cycle time of at least one second. The decrease in cycle time is provided by the introduction of a cooling air flow to the internal cavity of a blow molded parison. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the volume of the internal cavity of the blow molded parison effects the decrease in cycle time of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. In particular, the devices, systems and methods disclosed will provide decreased cycle times, between, approximately 10 percent and 35 percent. Various factors dictate the overall decrease in cycle time achieved by the disclosed devices, systems, and methods, including but not limited to, for example, the temperature of the parison, temperature of the supply air, wall thickness of the plastic part being formed, the geometry of the blow molded plastic part, the internal volume of the blow molded parison, the number, size, configuration, and shape of the blow stem(s), flow rate of the cooling fluid flow, the controls in use, the ambient conditions, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the cycle time for blow molding a thin walled one gallon plastic container is decreased by approximately 20 percent. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and: [0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a blow mold system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and; [0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a side-view cross section of an exemplary blow stem in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; [0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a top-view cross section of an exemplary blow stem in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; [0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary schematic of a blow mold system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; [0017] FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary schematic of a blow mold system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; [0018] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary schematic of a blow mold system in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; and [0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of blow molding. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0020] The following is a description of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope or applicability of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide convenient illustrations for implementing various exemplary embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made to methods, structures, topologies, and compositions described in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [0021] In general, systems, methods, and devices are suitably configured to facilitate the production of blow molded plastics. The production may provide for the rapid manufacture of plastic products with hollow internal cavities. Production of blow molded plastics may be facilitated, for example, through use of blow molding and/or blow forming, and in particular though extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, stretch blow molding and/or the like, such that the production results in a finished plastic part. [0022] For example, the device and/or system may be configured to provide a supply of compressed fluid to a parison such that the parison is forced and/or stretched to conform to a mold. Further, the device and/or system may be configured to exhaust the pressurized fluid from the internal cavity of the parison, while supplying a cooling fluid flow, such that a sufficient internal pressure is maintained to retain the shape of the parison in the mold. The cooling fluid flow may provide convective cooling and/or conductive cooling. This “internal” cooling, in addition to any other cooling that may be used, facilitates faster production of plastic parts compared to processes that do not use internal cooling processes. Once the parison has been sufficiently cooled, the system is configured to expel the plastic part from the mold. Consequently, the production devices, systems, and methods described herein may provide for reduced costs in the manufacture of blow-molded plastics and/or provide for higher production yields of blow molded plastics parts. [0023] Although described herein in the context of blow molded plastics, it should be understood that the techniques described herein may work in other contexts and that the description herein related to blow molded plastics may be similarly applicable to any manufactured product and or system, wherein the product produced has internal cavity formed by contacting the raw material with a compressed fluid such that the raw material is forced and/or stretched to conform to a mold and cooled to cure, in order to retain the shape of the mold. [0024] Blow mold systems exist in various configurations, with a variety of components and performance factors. Nevertheless, an exemplary blow mold system is briefly described here. An exemplary blow mold system may comprise one or more blow stems coupled to a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber may be coupled to a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet may be coupled to a compressed fluid supply and a controller, such that the compressed fluid supply is capable of providing a supply of compressed fluid to the fluid chamber in accordance with instructions from the controller. The fluid outlet may be coupled to a control module. The control module may also be coupled to a controller, such that the controller is configured to modulate the fluid outlet. Finally, an exemplary blow mold system may comprise a mold operatively coupled to the blow stem and configured to receive a parison. [0025] Referring to FIG. 1 , and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a blow molding system 100 may comprise a blow stem 110 . Blow molding system 100 may further comprise a mold 160 . Mold 160 may be in fluid communication with blow stem 110 . [0026] Blow stem 110 may be any structure comprising a supply port and an exhaust port. In various exemplary embodiments, blow stem 110 may be, for example, a blow pin, a blow stem, a blow needle, a stretch pin, and/or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, blow stem 110 is a bidirectional blow stem. As such, the bidirectional blow stem allows for airflow in at least two directions. Blow stem 110 may be a pair of pipes, tubes, and/or similar structures. Blow stem 110 may be configured to conduct a fluid from a fluid supply through a supply port to a mold. Further, blow stem 110 may be configured to exhaust a fluid from a mold through an exhaust port to a fluid outlet. [0027] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , and in one exemplary embodiment, blow stem 110 may comprise a flange 220 , one or more exhaust ports 210 , and one or more supply ports 200 . Flange 220 may be an annular structure coupled to supply port 200 and configured with one or more exhaust ports 210 . In one exemplary embodiment, flange 220 may be configured with any number of exhaust ports 210 , for example, one to twelve exhaust ports 210 . In one exemplary embodiment, flange 220 may comprise an attachment system, such as a thread, a set screw mechanism, a detent mechanism, a press fit configuration, a configuration suitable for applying a weld, braze, adhesive, and/or the like, and/or similar mechanical, electro-mechanical, and/or chemical attachment systems. The attachment system of flange 220 may be configured to allow blow stem 110 to be removably coupled to a fluid supply. Supply port 200 may be a nozzle, tube, and/or similar structure. Supply port 200 may be in fluid communication with a fluid supply and conduct the fluid supply to mold 160 containing a parison. Stated another way, supply port 200 may be configured to supply a fluid supply to inflate the parison with the mold. Exhaust port 210 may be a through hole, passage, channel, and/or the like. Exhaust port 220 may be configured to exhaust and conduct a fluid from mold 160 to a fluid outlet. [0028] Referring again to FIG. 1 , and in accordance with various exemplary embodiments, mold 160 is any structure with an internal cavity having an internal geometry conforming to the exterior of a part to be manufactured. Mold 160 may be in fluid communication with blow stem 110 and configured to receive a parison. As such, compressed fluid supplied through blow stem 110 stretches and/or forces the parison to conform to the internal cavity of mold 160 . In an embodiment, mold 160 may have an internal cavity that defines the exterior shape of a plastic part to be blow molded. As such, the internal cavity may take the shape of any plastic part capable of being blow molded, such as, for example, a milk jug, a carbonated beverage bottle, a watering can, a storage container, and/or the like. In an embodiment, mold 160 may be in fluid communication with one or more blow stems 110 . Mold 160 may be configured with a cooling system. The cooling system may be a channel contained between the internal cavity and the exterior surface, such that the channel may be configured to transport cooling fluid through the mold. The cooling system may also be a fluid bath, such that the exterior surface of the mold is bathed in a cooling fluid to provide conductive and/or convective cooling. [0029] In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, blow molding system 100 may further comprise a fluid inlet 140 , and a fluid outlet 150 . Fluid inlet 140 may be any structure suitable for supplying a fluid. Fluid inlet 140 may be, for example, a pipe, a tube, a hose, a conduit, a coupling, a fitting, a valve, and/or the like. Fluid outlet 150 may be any structure suitable for exhausting a fluid. Fluid outlet 150 may be, for example, a pipe, a tube, a hose, a conduit, a coupling, a fitting, a valve, and/or the like. The fluid may be any gas and/or liquid suitable for use in a system for blow molding plastics, such as, for example, air, nitrogen, water, and/or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid supplied to fluid inlet 150 is air. Although described hereinafter as air, it should be understood that this description is also applicable to other gases and fluids. Fluid inlet 140 may be in fluid communication with blow stem 110 at supply port 200 . In one exemplary embodiment, fluid inlet 140 may be configured to supply air to supply port 200 , such that, the supply stretches and/or forces a parison to conform to mold 160 . In various embodiments, fluid inlet 140 may be configured to supply compressed air at a temperature of between, approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 260 degrees Fahrenheit, where the temperature range provided, is the temperature range of the fluid prior to the air contacting the parison. Moreover, in various embodiments, the temperature of the air supplied to fluid inlet 140 may be any temperature suitable for cooling in parison. Fluid outlet 150 may be in fluid communication with blow stem 110 at exhaust port 210 . In one exemplary embodiment, fluid outlet 150 may be configured to exhaust air through exhaust port 210 , wherein, a cooling airflow is created within the parison, where the parison has conformed to mold 160 . [0030] Referring still to FIG. 1 , and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, blow molding system 100 may further comprise a fluid conduit 120 , a fluid control device 130 , and a controller 170 . Fluid conduit 120 may be operatively coupled to fluid inlet 140 and fluid outlet 150 . Further, fluid conduit 120 may be in fluid communication with blow stem 120 . Fluid control device 130 may be operatively coupled to fluid outlet 140 and controller 170 . [0031] Referring to FIG. 4 , and in accordance with various exemplary embodiments, fluid conduit 120 may be any structure capable of conducting and exhausting air to and/or from blow stem 110 . In an embodiment, fluid conduit 120 comprises a supply channel 400 and an exhaust channel 410 . Supply channel 400 may be in fluid communication with fluid inlet 140 and blow stem 110 . In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, supply channel 400 may be configured such that it conducts an air supply from fluid inlet 140 to blow stem 110 . Fluid conduit 120 is configured such that air can be supplied to supply port 200 to maintain a pressure within mold 160 for a specified time. Thereafter, the air is exhausted through exhaust port 210 . As a result, the exhausted air creates a cooling airflow. The cooling airflow is conducted through exhaust port 210 to fluid outlet 150 . The cooling airflow may be managed and/or modulated by fluid control device 130 in conjunction with controller 170 . [0032] In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, fluid control device 130 may be any structure capable of directing and/or modulating fluid flow. In an exemplary embodiment, fluid control device 130 comprises a pressure vessel coupled to one or more valves 420 . Fluid control device 130 may be coupled to controller 170 and fluid outlet 150 . Valve 420 may be a pressure regulator, for example, a flow control valve, a dump valve, and/or the like. Fluid control device 130 may be configured, such that a fluid exhausted through exhaust port 210 and exhaust channel 410 is managed and/or modulated by valve 420 . Valve 420 is configured to control the air flow from fluid outlet 150 and exhaust channel 410 , such that, a specified pressure is maintained in the parison and sufficient cooling air flow is provided to the parison. [0033] Referring still to FIG. 4 , and in accordance with various embodiments, controller 170 may be any structure or system configured to regulate, direct, control, command, organize, manage, and or the like, any variable or monitor-able component of a blow molding system. In one exemplary embodiment, controller 170 may be operatively coupled to fluid inlet 140 , fluid outlet 150 , fluid control device 130 and valve 420 . Controller 170 may be configured to monitor and/or modulate, at least one of fluid inlet 140 , fluid outlet 150 , and fluid control device 130 . Controller 170 may be, for example, a timer, a digital controller, an analog controller, a computer and/or the like. Selection of an appropriate controller will depend on many factors including the number of parameters to be managed and/or monitored, the configuration of variable components, and the outputs provide by monitor-able components, among other factors. In an exemplary embodiment, controller 170 is a JZ10-11-UN20 programmable logic controller and/or a JZ10-11-UA24 programmable logic controller provided by Unitronics, Inc., with an address at 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Mass., 02169. [0034] In various embodiments, the blow molding system may comprise one or more sensors (not shown). The sensors may be any monitoring device suitable for measuring system parameters, such as, for example temperature, pressure, fluid flow rate, and/or the like. The sensor may be operatively coupled to controller 170 . Controller 170 may be configured to monitor and/or record data associated with the system parameters monitored by the sensor. As such, controller 170 is configured to control the system parameters by adjusting one or more variable components of blow mold system 100 , such as, for example, fluid inlet 140 , fluid outlet 150 , and/or fluid control device 130 . [0035] In accordance with various embodiments, mold 160 may comprise a cooling system 430 . In one exemplary embodiment, cooling system 430 may be a channel within mold 160 , located between the interior cavity and the exterior surface of mold 160 . Alternatively, cooling system 430 may be a water bath. Cooling system 430 may be configured to supply cooling fluid to mold 160 . Mold 160 may further comprise parison 440 . Parison 440 may be in fluid communication with supply port 200 . When fluid is supplied through supply port 220 , parison 440 is stretched and/or forced to conform to the surface defining the internal cavity of mold 160 . Similarly, exhaust port 210 may be in fluid communication with the internal cavity of mold 160 and fluid control device 130 . As such, the blow molding system may be configured to create a cooling airflow in the internal cavity of mold 160 through exhaust port 210 where valve 420 is modulated by controller 170 . [0036] Referring to FIG. 5 , and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, blow molding system 100 may further comprise a pressure gauge 500 . Pressure gauge 500 may be operatively coupled to fluid control device 130 . Alternatively, pressure gauge 500 may be couple to fluid outlet 150 . In either embodiment, pressure gauge 500 may also be coupled to controller 170 . Controller 170 may be configured to monitor the pressure measured by pressure gauge 500 . Blow molding system 100 may also comprise an exhaust handler 510 . Exhaust handler 510 may be operatively coupled to fluid control 420 . Exhaust handler 510 may be configured such that air exhausted through fluid control 420 is conditioned by exhaust handler 510 . In accordance with various embodiments, exhaust handler 510 may be a muffler, a pressure vessel, and/or the like. [0037] Referring to FIG. 6 , and in accordance with an embodiment, blow molding system 100 may further comprise a fluid bypass 600 . Fluid bypass 600 may be coupled to fluid inlet 140 and fluid outlet 150 . Fluid bypass 600 may further comprise fluid control 610 coupled to fluid outlet 150 . Fluid control 610 may be a valve or other fluid control device. Fluid control 610 may be in fluid communication with fluid inlet 140 and fluid outlet 150 and operatively coupled to controller 170 . Fluid control 610 may be configured to manage and/or modulate a supply of fluid to exhaust channel 410 through fluid outlet 150 at a specified condition. As such, fluid control 610 is configured to provide supply air through fluid outlet 150 initially. Thereafter, fluid control 610 may be modulated to allow for exhaust flow through fluid outlet 150 . [0038] Referring to FIG. 7 , and in accordance with an embodiment, blow molding method 700 may comprise supplying parison 440 to mold 160 (step 710 ). Thereafter, pressurized air is supplied to blow stem 110 (step 720 ). The pressurized air, forces parison 440 to conform to mold 160 (step 730 ). Parison 440 is then allowed to stabilize in the mold (step 740 ). For example, the parison is allowed to stabilize in the mold sufficiently that air circulation within the parison would not cause the parison to deform significantly. Significant deformation would be any deformation outside of acceptable tolerances for the end product. After parison 440 is stabilized, an airflow is created within the internal cavity of mold 160 to cool and cure parison 440 (step 750 ). Parison 440 can then be removed from mold 160 (step 760 ). As such, the blow molding method 700 provides for efficient manufacturing of blow molded plastic products. [0039] The present invention may be described herein in terms of functional block components, optional selections and/or various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components suitably configured to perform the specified functions. For example, the present invention may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and/or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Similarly, the software elements of the present invention may be implemented with any programming or scripting language such as C, C++, Java, COBOL, assembler, PERL, Visual Basic, SQL Stored Procedures, extensible markup language (XML), with the various algorithms being implemented with any combination of data structures, objects, processes, routines or other programming elements. Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for data transmission, messaging, data processing, network control, and/or the like. [0040] For the sake of brevity, conventional data networking, application development and other functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections might be present in a practical blow molding system. [0041] The description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawing figures, which show the embodiments by way of illustration and not of limitation. While these 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 disclosure herein 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. Moreover, any of the functions or steps may be outsourced to or performed by one or more third parties. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component may include a singular embodiment. [0042] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements 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 the invention. The scope of the invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the claims that may be included in an application that claims the benefit of the present application, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, and C” may be used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Although certain embodiments may have been described as a method, it is contemplated that the method may be embodied as computer program instructions on a tangible computer-readable carrier and/or medium, such as a magnetic or optical memory or a magnetic or optical disk. All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

In various embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for blow molding plastics are provided. In particular, the present disclosure provides for devices, systems, and methods that are configured to create an internal cooling airflow, using conductive and convective cooling thermal properties, such that the cycle time for blow molding plastics is reduced. The decrease in cycle time provided for in accordance with the disclosed devices, systems, and methods are between, approximately 15 percent and 35 percent.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the purification of aqueous solutions, and more specifically, to electrochemical methods and more efficient and safer electrolytic apparatus for the destruction of pollutants in drinking water, industrial waste waters and contaminated ground water. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wastewater can be a valuable resource in cities and towns where population is growing and water supplies are limited. In addition to easing the strain on limited fresh water supplies, the reuse of wastewater can improve the quality of streams and lakes by reducing the effluent discharges they receive. Wastewater may be reclaimed and reused for crop and landscape irrigation, groundwater recharge, or recreational purposes. The provision of water suitable for drinking is another essential of life. The quality of naturally available water varies from location-to-location, and frequently it is necessary to remove microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, spores and other organisms like crypto sporidium; salts, heavy metal ions, organics and combinations of such contaminants. Over the past several years, numerous primary, secondary and tertiary processes have been employed for the decontamination of industrial wastewater, the purification of ground water and treatment of municipal water supplies rendering them safer for drinking. They include principally combinations of mechanical and biological processes, like comminution, sedimentation, sludge digestion, activated sludge filtration, biological oxidation, nitrification, and so on. Physical and chemical processes have also been widely used, such as flocculation and coagulation with chemical additives, precipitation, filtration, treatment with chlorine, ozone, Fenton's reagent, reverse osmosis, UV sterilization, to name but a few. Numerous electrochemical technologies have also been proposed for the decontamination of industrial wastewater and ground water, including treatment of municipal water supplies for consumption. While growing in popularity, the role of electrochemistry in water and effluent treatment heretofore has been relatively small compared to some of the mechanical, biological and chemical processes previously mentioned. In some instances, alternative technologies were found to be more economic in terms of initial capital costs, and in the consumption of energy. Too often, earlier electrochemical methods were not cost competitive, both in initial capital costs and operating costs with more traditional methods like chlorination, ozonation, coagulation, and the like. Earlier electrochemical processes required the introduction of supporting electrolytes as conductivity modifiers which adds to operating costs, and can create further problems with the disposal of by-products. Electrochemical processes in some instances have been ineffective in treating solutions by reducing concentrations of contaminants to levels permitted under government regulations. Heretofore, such electrochemical processes have often lacked sufficient reliability for consistently achieving substantially complete mineralization of organic contaminants, as well as the ability to remove sufficient color from industrial waste waters in compliance with government regulations. Notwithstanding the foregoing shortcomings associated with earlier electrochemical technologies, electrochemistry is still viewed quite favorably as a primary technology in the decontamination of aqueous solutions. Accordingly, there is a need for more efficient and safer electrochemical cell configurations and processes for more economic treatment of large volumes of industrial waste waters, effluent streams and contaminated ground water, including the decontamination of municipal water supplies making them suitable for drinking. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improved means for electropurification of aqueous solutions, particularly effluent streams comprising waste waters polluted with a broad spectrum of chemical and biological contaminants, including members from such representative groups as organic and certain inorganic chemical compounds. Representative susceptible inorganic pollutants include ammonia, hydrazine, sulfides, sulfites, nitrites, nitrates, phosphites, and so on. Included as organic contaminants are organometallic compounds; dyes from textile mills; carbohydrates, fats and proteinaceous substances from food processing plants; effluent streams, such as black liquor from pulp and paper mills containing lignins and other color bodies; general types of water pollutants, including pathogenic microorganisms, i.e., bacteria, fungi, molds, spores, cysts, protozoa and other infectious agents like viruses; oxygendemanding wastes, and so on. While it is impractical to specifically identify by name all possible contaminants which may be treated successfully according to the claimed methods, it will be understood that language appearing in the claims, namely “contaminated aqueous electrolyte solution”, or variations thereof is intended to encompass all susceptible pollutants whether organic, inorganic or biological. The electropurification methods and apparatus for practicing this invention are particularly noteworthy in their ability to effectively purify virtually any aqueous solution comprising one or more organic, certain inorganic and biological contaminants present in concentrations ranging from as low as <1 ppm to as high as >300,000 ppm. Only electricity is required to achieve the desired chemical change in the composition of the contaminant(s), in most cases. The conductivity of tap water is sufficient for operation of the improved cell design. Hence, it is neither required, nor necessarily desirable to incorporate additives into the contaminated aqueous solutions to modify the conductivity of the solution being treated to achieve the desired decomposition of the pollutant/contaminant. Advantageously, in most instances solid by-products are not produced in the electropurification reactions as to create costly disposal problems. The improved electrochemical processes of the invention are able to achieve complete or virtually complete color removal; complete mineralization of organic contaminants and total destruction of biological pollutants even in the presence of mixed contaminants, and at a cost which is competitive with traditional non-electrochemical methods, such as chlorination, ozonation and coagulation, and thereby meet or exceed government regulations. Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an electrolysis cell which comprises at least one anode and at least one cathode as electrodes positioned in an electrolyzer zone. The electrodes are preferably spaced sufficiently close as to provide an interelectrode gap capable of minimizing cell voltage and IR loss. Means are provided for directly feeding the contaminated aqueous electrolyte solution to the electrodes for distribution through the interelectrode gap(s). Means are provided for regulating the residency time of the aqueous electrolyte solution in the electrolyzer zone for modification of contaminants ether electrochemically by direct means and/or by chemical modification of contaminants to less hazardous substances during residency in the cell. Additional means are provided for collecting decontaminated aqueous electrolyte solution descending from the electrolyzer zone. It is also significant, the electrolysis cell according to the invention has an “configuration”. In addition to the electrochemical cell of this invention, further means are provided for practical and efficient operation, directly feeding contaminated aqueous electrolyte solution to the cell by pump means or by gravity; pretreatment means for the contaminated aqueous electrolyte solutions, for example, means for aeration, pH adjustment, heating, filtering of larger particulates; as well as means for post-treatment, for example, pH adjustment and cooling, or chlorination to provide residual kill for drinking water applications. In addition, the invention contemplates in-line monitoring with sensors and microprocessors for automatic computer-assisted process control, such as pH sensors, UV and visible light, sensors for biological contaminants, temperature, etc. It is still a further object of the invention to provide a system for purification of aqueous solutions, which comprises: (i) an electrolysis cell comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode as electrodes positioned in an electrolyzer zone. The electrodes are spaced sufficiently close to one another to provide an interelectrode gap capable of minimizing cell voltage and IR loss. Also included is a conduit means for directly feeding a contaminated aqueous electrolyte solution to the electrodes in the electrolyzer zone. The electrolysis cell is characterized by an open configuration. (ii) A control valve means for regulating the flow of contaminated aqueous-electrolyte solution to the electrodes directly via the conduit means of (i) above. (iii) Means are included for pumping contaminated aqueous electrolyte solution through the conduit means, and then (iv) rectifier means are included for providing a DC power supply to the electrolysis cell. The purification system may also include sensor means and computerized means for receiving input from the sensor means and providing output for controlling at least one operating condition of the system selected from the group consisting of current density, flow rate of contaminated aqueous solution to the electrolysis cell, temperature and pH of the contaminated aqueous electrolyte solution. Optional components include exhaust means for further handling of electrochemically produced gaseous by-products; means for pretreatment of the contaminated aqueous electrolyte solution selected from the group consisting of filtration, pH adjustment and temperature adjustment. As previously discussed, the electrochemical cells of this invention are especially novel in their “open configuration.” As appearing in the specification and claims, the expression “open configuration” or variations thereof are defined as electrochemical cell designs adapted for controlled leakage or discharge of treated and decontaminated aqueous electrolyte solution and gaseous or volatile by-products. The above definition is also intended to mean the elimination or exclusion of conventional closed electrochemical cells and tank type cell designs utilizing conventional indirect means for feeding electrolyte to electrodes. Closed flow type electrochemical cells, for example, are often fabricated from a plurality of machined and injection molded cell frames which are typically joined together under pressure into a non-leaking sealed stack with gaskets and O-rings to avoid any leakage of electrolyte from the cell. This type of sealed electrochemical cell is typically found in closed plate and frame type cells. Very close fitting tolerances for cell components are required in order to seal the cell and avoid leakage of electrolyte and gases to the atmosphere. Consequently, initial capital costs of such electrochemical cells, refurbishment costs, including replacement costs for damaged cell frames and gasketing from disassembly of closed plate and frame type cells are high. Because the configuration of the electrochemical cells of this invention is “open”, and not sealed, allowing for controlled leakage of aqueous electrolyte solution and gaseous by-products, sealed cell designs, including gaskets, O-rings and other sealing devices are eliminated. Instead, cell component parts are retained together in close proximity by various mechanical means when needed, including, for instance, clamps, bolts, ties, straps, or fittings which interact by snapping together, and so on. As a result, with the novel open cell concept of this invention initial cell costs, renewal and maintenance costs are minimized. In the open configuration cells of this invention, electrolyte is fed directly to the electrodes in the electrolyzer zone from a feeder which may be positioned centrally relative to the face of the electrodes, for example, where the contaminated solution engages with the electrodes by flowing through very narrow interelectrode gaps or spaces between the electrodes. During this period the contaminants in the aqueous solution are either directly converted at the electrodes to less hazardous substances and/or through the autogenous generation of chemical oxidants or reductants, such as chlorine, bleach, i.e., hypochlorite; hydrogen, oxygen, or reactive oxygen species, like ozone, peroxide, e.g., hydrogen peroxide, hydroxy radicals, and so on, chemically modified to substances of lesser toxicity, like carbon dioxide, sulfate, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. In some instances, depending on the compositional make-up of pollutants in the solution being treated, it may be desirable to add certain salts like sodium chloride at low concentration to the solution before treatment in the cell. For example, this could be used to generate some active chlorine to provide a residual level of sterilant in the treated water. Likewise, oxygen or air may be introduced into the feed stream to enhance peroxide generation. Because electrolyte is fed directly to the electrode stack usually under positive pressure, gases such as hydrogen and oxygen generated during electrolysis are less prone to accumulate over electrode surfaces by forming insulative blankets or pockets of bubbles. Gas blinding of electrodes produces greater internal resistance to the flow of electricity resulting in higher cell voltages and greater power consumption. However, with direct flow of electrolyte to the cell, the dynamic flow of solution in interelectrode gaps, according to this invention, minimizes gas blanketing, and therefore, minimizes cell voltages. The aqueous solution entering the cell by means of pumping or gravity feed, cascades over and through available interelectrode gaps, and on exiting the electrolyzer zone of the cell through gravitational forces, descends downwardly into a reservoir, for post treatment, for example, or discharged, such as into a natural waterway. Any undissolved gases generated by electrolysis, in contrast, are vented upwardly from the cell to the atmosphere or may be drawn into a fume collector or hood, if necessary, for collection or further processing. While the direct feed “open configuration” electrochemical cells, as described herein, preferably provide for the elimination of conventional cell housings or tanks, as will be described in greater detail below, the expression “open configuration” as appearing in the specification and claims, in addition to the foregoing definition, is also intended to include electrochemical cell designs wherein the directly fed electrodes are disposed in the interior region of an open tank or open cell housing. A representative example of an open tank electrochemical cell is that disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 4,179,347 (Krause et al) used in a continuous system for disinfecting wastewater streams. The cell tank has an open top, a bottom wall, sidewalls and spaced electrodes positioned in the tank interior. Instead of feeding the contaminated aqueous solution directly to the electrodes positioned in the tank the electrolyte, according to Krause et al, is initially fed to a first end of the tank where interior baffles generate currents in the wastewater causing it to circulate upwardly and downwardly through and between the parallel electrodes. Hence, instead of delivering electrolyte directly to the electrode stack where under pressure it is forced through interelectrode gaps between adjacent anodes and cathodes according to the present invention, the electrolyte in the open tank cell of Krause et al indirectly engages with the electrodes through a flooding effect by virtue of the positioning of the electrodes in the lower region of the tank where the aqueous solution resides. This passive, flooding effect is insufficient to achieve the mass transport conditions necessary for efficient destruction particularly of contaminants when present in low concentrations. Consequently, gaseous by-products of the electrolysis reaction can and often do result in the development of a blanket of gas bubbles on electrode surfaces. This generates elevated cell voltages and greater power consumption due to higher internal resistances. Accordingly, for purposes of this invention the expression “open configuration” as appearing in the specification and claims is also intended to include open tank type electrochemical cells wherein the electrode stack is positioned in the interior of an open tank/housing and includes means for directly feeding contaminated aqueous solutions to the electrodes. With direct feeding the housing does not serve as a reservoir for the contaminated aqueous solution which otherwise would passively engage the electrodes indirectly by a flooding effect. For purposes of this invention, it is to be understood the expression “open configuration” is also intended to allow for safety devices positioned adjacent to the electrochemical cells and purification systems, such as splash guards, shields and cages installed for minimizing the potential for injuries to operators. Hence, the confinement of the electrolysis cells or an entire water purification system of this invention inside a small room, for example, is also intended to be within the meaning of “open configuration” as appearing in the specification and claims. A further type of electrochemical cell design is disclosed by Beck et al in U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,047. The Beck et al cell design comprises a bipolar stack of circular electrode plates separated by spacers to provide interelectrode gaps ranging from 0.05 to 2.0 mm. Liquid electrolyte is fed directly to the electrode plates through a pipeline into a central opening in the electrode stack and then outwardly so it runs down the outside of the stack. However, the electrode stack is placed in a conjoint closed housing with a covering hood to avoid loss of gaseous reactants, vapors or reaction products. Thus, the closed configuration of the Beck et al cell does not meet the criteria of an “open configuration” cell according to this invention. While it has been pointed out the “open configuration” of the improved, highly economic electrochemical cell designs of this invention are based on the elimination of traditional closed cell designs, including plate and frame type cells and conventional tank type cells, as well as traditional partially open tank type cell designs, whether batch or continuous, it is to be understood, the expression “open configuration”, as appearing in the specification and claims, also contemplates electrochemical cells which may be modified with various inserts, barriers, partitions, baffles, and the like, in some instances positioned adjacent to cell electrodes, or their peripheral edges. Such modifications can have the effect of altering electrolyte circulation and direction, and increase residency/retention time, and therefore, affect the residency time and rate of discharge of electrolyte from the cell. Notwithstanding, such modified electrochemical cells which are made partially open fall within the intended meaning of “open configuration” when the electrodes per se remain substantially accessible. Representative modified electrochemical cell designs with electrodes which remain substantially accessible that are included within the definition for “open configuration” as appearing in the claims include modified, so called “Swiss roll cell” designs wherein, for example, the closed tubular containment for the electrodes, which are superimposed onto one another and rolled up concentrically, is removed, thereby forming an “open type Swiss roll cell”. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a more efficient electrochemical cell design which can be used in effectively treating a wide spectrum of both chemical and biological contaminants in aqueous media, but also of varying concentration (from less than a few ppm to several thousand ppm) which is both economically competitive in capital costs and power consumption to more conventional water purification systems. The electrochemical systems and methods of the invention have such significantly improved economics, as to be readily adaptable to treating via continuous processes, large volumes of industrial waste waters from manufacturing facilities, such as chemical plants, textile plants, paper mills, food processing plants, and so on. Lower cell voltages and higher current densities are achieved with the highly economic, open configuration, especially when configured as monopolar electrochemical cells equipped with electrodes having narrow capillary interelectrode gaps. Generally, the width of the gap between electrodes is sufficiently narrow to achieve conductivity without extra supporting electrolytes or current carriers being added to the contaminated aqueous solutions. Thus, the need for adding supporting electrolyte to the contaminated aqueous electrolyte solution as supporting current carrier can be avoided. Because of the open configuration, as defined herein, the electrochemical cells of this invention can be readily configured to a monopolar design. This is especially advantageous since higher current densities would be desirable ih electrolyzing contaminated aqueous solutions having relatively low conductivities while still also maintaining low cell voltages. Likewise, the improved electrochemical cells of this invention may have a bipolar configuration, especially for large installations to minimize busbar and rectifier costs. It is thus a further object of the invention to provide for improved, more economic and safer continuous, semi-continuous or batch methods for electropurification of contaminated aqueous solutions by the steps of: (i) providing an electrolysis cell comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode as electrodes positioned in an electrolyzer zone. The electrodes are spaced sufficiently close to one another to provide an interelectrode gap capable of minimizing cell voltage and IR loss. Means are provided for direct feeding a contaminated aqueous solution to the electrodes in the electrolyzer zone. Means are provided for regulating the residency time of the electrolyte solution in the electrolyzer zone during electrolysis for modification of the contaminants. The electrolysis cell is characterized by “open configuration” as previously described; (ii) directly feeding into the electrolyzer zone of the electrolysis cell a contaminated aqueous electrolyte solution, and (iii) imposing a voltage across the electrodes of the electrolysis cell to modify, and preferably destroy the contaminants in the aqueous electrolyte solution. It will be understood that generally the process will include the step of recovering a purified electrolyte solution from the electrolysis cell. However, the invention contemplates direct delivery of purified aqueous solutions to a watershed, for example, or optionally to other post-treatment stations. As previously mentioned, the methods is performed in an open configuration electrolysis cell which may be either monopolar or bipolar configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a further understanding of the invention and its characterizing features reference should now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a side elevational view illustrating a first embodiment of a direct feed, open configuration, controlled leakage electrochemical cell of the invention wherein the electrodes are positioned above a water collection vessel in a horizontal orientation; FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the electrochemical cell of FIG. 1 except the electrodes are in a vertical orientation; FIG. 3 is a side elevational view illustrating a second embodiment of a direct feed, open configuration, controlled leakage electrochemical cell of the invention wherein the electrodes are positioned in the interior of an open cell housing; FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the electrode cell stack of FIG. 1 . FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an electrode stack of the invention connected in a monopolar configuration; FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an electrode stack of the invention connected in a bipolar configuration; FIG. 7 is an elevational view of an electrode stack compartmentalized with a separator, and FIG. 8 illustrates the results of electropurification of an aqueous solution of phenol decontaminated according to the methods of the invention, as performed in Example I DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning first to FIG. 1 there is illustrated an electrochemical cell 10 for purification of contaminated aqueous solutions, as previously discussed, represented by contaminated water 12 passing through inlet 22 . The contaminated water 12 is treated in the electrolyzer zone 14 of cell 10 which is illustrated in a fully open configuration allowing gaseous by-products of the electrolysis reaction, such as oxygen and hydrogen 16 to be released to the atmosphere. It may be desirable in some instances to collect certain potentially hazardous gases generated during the electrolysis reaction to avoid discharging to the atmosphere. Chlorine, for example, may be generated at the anode during electrolysis of aqueous effluent streams containing brine or sea water. Such gases can be recovered, for instance, by a vacuum powered hood device of conventional design (not shown) positioned adjacent to electrochemical cell 10 . The electrolyzer zone 14 includes an electrode stack 17 shown in a horizontal orientation in FIGS. 1 and 4, and comprises at least one cathode 18 and at least one anode 20 . Anodes 20 , for example, may also serve as end plates 21 for holding an assembly of electrodes, spacers, and separators, whenever used, into an assembled electrode stack 17 . Non-conductive electrode spacers 23 positioned between electrodes provide the desired interelectrode gap or spacing between adjacent anodes and cathodes. While FIGS. 1 & 4 of the drawings may be shown with only a central cathode with anodes on opposite sides of cathode 18 , for example, it is to be understood the electrode stacks may be formed from several alternating anodes, spacers, cathodes, and so on, with bolting means 25 running through the stack and end plates for maintaining the components in a structurally stable assembly. The end plates, electrodes and spacers may have a generally rectangular geometry. However, any number of possible alternative geometrical shapes and sizes are within the purview of the invention, including square, round or circular configurations, to name but a few. Contaminated aqueous electrolyte solutions are fed directly to the electrodes in electrolyzer zone 14 via supply line 22 . Supply line 22 is shown centrally positioned relative to anode/end plate 21 . The electrodes, which may be solid and planar, are preferably mesh/screen-type materials. This enables the aqueous electrolyte solutions entering the electrode stack to directly engage with the electrodes, and in so doing flow radially across the face of the individual electrode surfaces within the stack toward their peripheral edges. In addition, the entering solution usually flows axially, or normal to the longitudinal axis of the plane of the electrodes, so the contaminated aqueous solution simultaneously cascades over and through the electrode stack in a fountain-like effect to maximize contact with electrode surfaces in the process. Purified water 24 , free or virtually free of contaminants exiting electrolyzer zone 14 , can be collected in an open tank 26 , or funneled into a discharge line (not shown) for emptying into a natural watershed, etc. It will be understood the direct feed of contaminated aqueous solutions to the electrolyzer zone need not be centrally positioned relative to the electrode stack, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Alternative direct feed routes include inverting the point of feed, so that contaminated aqueous solutions are fed from the bottom of the electrode stack, or at an oblique or obtuse angle to the planar surface of the electrodes. In addition, the direct feed entry point may also be axial with the edge of the planar surface of the electrodes wherein contaminated solution is delivered to the peripheral edge of an electrode stack. A convenient means for regulating the residency time of the contaminated aqueous solution in electrolyzer zone 14 and for controlling leakage of decontaminated and purified water 24 therefrom can be through valve 28 and/or pumping means of conventional design (not shown). The flow rate of contaminated water directly entering the electrode stack and exiting the stack as decontaminated water can be regulated through manual or automated flow control valve 28 of standard design. The flow rate (liters/minute)is adjusted, so it is sufficient to provide effective destruction of pollutants by the time the treated solution exits the electrolyzer zone. Persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will also recognize the performance of the electrochemical cells of this invention may be optimized by alternative means, such as increasing the path of the solution in the electrolyzer zone. The installation of baffles, for instance, can increase the dwell time of the solution in the electrolyzer zone. Alternative means include enlarging the surface area of the electrodes for reducing the residency time in the electrolysis zone. In practice, electrochemists skilled in the art will also recognize the performance of the cell can be increased with higher current densities. Because of cell geometry, and the ability to conveniently use both monopolar and bipolar configurations, practically any electrode material can be employed, including metals in the form of flat sheet, mesh; foam or other materials, such as graphite, vitreous carbon, reticulated vitreous carbon and particulate carbons. This also includes combinations of electrode materials, such as bilayer structures comprising two metal layers separated by appropriate insulating or conductive materials, and so on. Representative examples of useful anodes would include those generally known as, noble metal anodes, dimensionally stable anodes, carbon, vitreous carbon and graphite-containing anodes, doped diamond anodes, substoichiometric titanium oxide-containing anodes and lead oxide-containing anodes. More specific representative examples include platinized titanium noble metal anodes; anodes available under the trademark DSA-O 2 , and other anodes, such as high surface area type anodes like felts, foams, screens, and the like available from The Electrosynthesis Co, Inc., Lancaster, N.Y. Other anode materials comprise ruthenium oxide on titanium, platinum/iridium on titanium, iridium oxide on titanium, silver oxide on silver metal, tin oxide on titanium, nickel III oxide on nickel, gold, substoichiometric titanium oxides, and particularly the so called Magneli phase titanium oxides having the formula TiO x wherein x ranges from about 1.67 to about 1.9. A preferred specie of substoichiometric titanium oxide is Ti 4 O 7 . Magneli phase titanium oxides and methods of manufacture are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,917 (Hayfield) which teachings are incorporated-by-reference herein. They are also commercially available under the trademark Ebonex®. Where electrocatalytic metal oxides, like PbO 2 , RuO 2 , IrO 2 , SnO 2 , Ag 2 O, Ti 4 O 7 and others are used as anodes, doping such oxides with various cations or anions has been found to further increase the electrocatalytic oxidation behavior, stability, or conductivity of the decontamination reactions of this invention. The selection of appropriate anode materials is made by considering such factors as cost, stability of the anode material in the solutions being treated and its electrocatalytic properties for achieving high efficiencies. Suitable cathode materials include metals, such as lead, silver, steel, nickel, copper, platinum, zinc, tin, etc., as well as carbon, graphite, Ebonex, various alloys, and so on. Gas diffusion electrodes are also useful in the methods of this invention. In this regard, they may be used as cathodes in converting oxygen or air to useful amounts of peroxide, minimizing hydrogen evolution and/or for lowering cell voltages. The electrode material, whether anode or cathode, may be coated with an electrocatalyst, either low or high surface area. Higher surface area electrodes, for example, expanded metal screens, metal or graphite beads, carbon felts, or reticulated vitreous carbon are especially useful in achieving higher efficiencies for destruction of toxic or hazardous substances when present at low concentrations in the aqueous electrolyte. Specific anode and cathode materials are selected on the basis of cost, stability and electrocatalytic properties. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the art of electrochemistry will recognize which electrode material to select when it is desired to convert chloride to chlorine; water to ozone, hydroxyl radicals or other reactive oxygen species; oxygen or air to hydrogen peroxide or hydroxyl radicals via electrochemically generated Fenton's reagent using for instance, a slowly dissolving iron-containing_metal anode; and catalytic reduction of nitrate to nitrogen or of_organohalogen compounds to halide ions and organic moieties of lesser toxicity. Of special importance in the selection of electrocatalytic anode and cathode materials occurs when treating aqueous solutions comprising complex mixtures of pollutants wherein electrode materials may be selected for paired destruction of pollutants. For example, an aqueous stream contaminated with organics, microorganisms and nitrate pollutants may be treated simultaneously in the same electrochemical cell using paired destruction methods with a reactive oxygen species generating anode, such as platinum on niobium or Ebonex for destruction of microorganism and oxidation of organics. In addition, the same. cell could also be equipped with a lead cathode for nitrate destruction. As previously mentioned, non-conductive electrode spacers 23 provide the desired interelectrode gap or spacing between adjacent anodes and cathodes. The thickness of spacers 23 , which are non-conductive, insulative porous mesh screens fabricated from polymeric materials, such as polyolefins, like polypropylene and polyethylene, determines the width of the interelectrode gap. Alternatively, it is permissible to employ ionic polymer spacers which can effectively increase the ionic conductivity of the cell, so as to reduce cell voltage and operating costs further. Ion-exchange resins of suitable dimensions, like cation and anion exchange resin beads are held immobile within the gap between electrodes. For most applications, the interelectrode gap ranges from near zero gap, to avoid electrode shorting, to about 2 mm. More specifically, this very small capillary size gap is preferably less than a millimeter, ranging from 0.1 to <1.0 mm. The very small interelectrode gap makes possible the passage of current through relatively non-conductive media. This is the case, for example, in water contaminated with organic compounds. Thus, with the present invention it is now possible to destroy contaminants in solution without adding any current carrying inorganic salts to increase the ionic conductivity of the aqueous media. Furthermore, the very narrow interelectrode gap provides the important advantage of lower cell voltages which translates into reduced power consumption and lower operating costs. Hence, the combination of open configuration electrochemical cells and very narrow interelectrode gaps of this invention provide for both lower initial capital costs, as well as lower operating costs. This achievement is especially important in large volume applications, as in the purification of drinking water, and wastewater, according to the claimed processes. FIG. 2 represents a further embodiment of the electrochemical cells of this invention wherein the electrolyzer zone 30 is also in an open configuration. The electrolyte 32 is fed directly to the electrode stack 34 which is in a vertical orientation. As a result, treated aqueous solution 36 is shown exiting mainly from both the top and bottom peripheral edges of electrode stack 34 . This may be altered further depending on the use of baffles, for instance, in controlling residency time for the solution being treated. Purified solution is collected in vessel 38 below electrolyzer zone 30 . FIG. 3 represents still a: third embodiment of the invention wherein the electrolyzer zone 40 comprises an electrode stack 42 , as discussed above, positioned in the interior of an open housing/tank 44 . Housing 44 is open at the top allowing gaseous by-products of the electrolysis reaction, like hydrogen and oxygen, for instance, to be readily discharged into the atmosphere or collected through aid of an appropriate device, such as a hood (not shown). Aqueous contaminated electrolyte solution 46 is fed directly to electrode stack 42 positioned in open housing 44 , unlike other tank cells wherein the electrodes receive solution indirectly as a result of their immersion in the solution delivered to the tank. Purified water 48 cascading downwardly as a result of gravitational forces collects at the bottom of the interior of housing 44 , and is withdrawn. An important advantage of the open configuration electrochemical cells of this invention resides in their ability to be readily adaptable to either a monopolar or bipolar configuration. In this regard, FIG. 5 illustrates a monopolar open configuration electrochemical cell. In the monopolar cell of FIG. 5, anodes 52 , 54 and 56 each require an electrical connector as a current supply, in this case through a bus 58 as a common “external” supply line similarly, cathodes 60 and 62 each require an electrical connection shown through a common bus 64 . It is also characteristic of the monopolar cell design that both faces of each electrode are active, with the same polarity. Because water purification for a municipality, in general, is a large volume application, lowest possible cell voltages are essential in order to minimize power consumption. The open configuration, monopolar cell design of the present invention in combination with very narrow interelectrode gaps offers not only the benefits of lower initial capital costs, but also low operating costs, due to lower internal resistances, lower cell voltages and higher current densities. This combination is especially desirable when treating contaminated aqueous media of relatively low conductivity without the addition of inorganic salts as current carriers in accordance with certain embodiments of this invention, e.g., aqueous solutions contaminated with non-polar, organic solvents. The open configuration, monopolar, controlled leakage electrochemical cells with very narrow interelectrode gaps of this invention are particularly unique in light of the Beck et al cells of U.S. Pat. No. 4,048,047. The closed configuration of the electrochemical cells of Beck et al make it very difficult and costly to achieve a monopolar connection with high current densities associated with external electrical contacts to each electrode. By contrast, with the open configuration of the electrochemical cells of this invention electrical connections to individual electrodes are facilitated, irrespective of whether the cell is a monopolar or bipolar design. Thus, the closed, bipolar electrochemical cell configuration of Beck et al would not be economic and cost competitive with the improved electrochemical cells of the present invention, or with other non-electrochemical technologies used in high volume water purification processes. As previously indicated, the open configuration, controlled leakage electrochemical cells of this invention having very narrow capillary interelectrode gaps are also readily adaptable to bipolar configuration. FIG. 6 illustrates open configuration bipolar cell 70 , according to the present invention, requiring only two “external” electrical contacts 72 and 74 through two end electrodes/end plates 76 and 78 . Each of inner electrodes 80 , 82 and 84 of the bipolar cell has a different polarity on opposite sides. While the bipolar cell can be quite economic in effectively utilizing the same current in each cell of the electrode stack, one important aspect of the invention relates to treating solutions by passing a current through relatively non-conductive media using very narrow interelectrode gaps. That is, the contaminated aqueous solutions can have relatively low conductivities, about equivalent to that of tap water. In order to efficiently treat such solutions it would be desirable to operate at higher current densities. The monopolar cell configurations of the invention enable operating at desired low cell voltages and high current density. While not specifically illustrated, it will be understood standard power supplies are utilized in the electrolysis cells of the invention, including DC power supply, AC power supply, pulsed power supply and battery power supply. The invention also contemplates open configuration electrochemical cells with distributor means for contaminated aqueous electrolyte solutions, such as a length of pipe 81 with multiple openings or pores, or a feeder tube extending from the contaminated aqueous electrolyte feed inlet through the depth of the electrode stack in the electrolyzer zone. This can provide more uniform flow of solution to the electrode elements. Especially useful for stacks containing many electrode elements, these porous tubes of metal or plastic material, of sufficient porosity, diameter and length, are applicable to monopolar, bipolar, and for example, Swiss roll cells of open configuration. For deep cell stacks with electrode elements, each of larger surface area, more than one porous feeder tube may be provided, manifolded together with the feed inlet conduit. The open configuration, bipolar type, controlled leakage electrochemical cells of the present invention can be most effectively used in the purification of aqueous solutions possessing greater ionic conductivities than those previously discussed, allowing for economical operation at lower current densities. In each instance, the open configuration of the electrochemical cells of this invention facilitates their electrical connection, whether the cell is a monopolar or bipolar design. Most desirably, large volume applications like water purification require low capital and operating costs in order to be economically attractive. These inventors found that capital costs are largely reduced by eliminating the need for precision machined components, gasketing, costly membranes and cell separators. Lower operating costs can be achieved through lower cell voltages from narrow interelectrode gaps and lower IR from elimination of cell membranes and separators, i.e., undivided electrochemical cells. The smaller interelectrode gap, however, also makes possible the operation of the cells of this invention in an organic media, for example, containing low concentrations of supporting electrolyte, with a variety of electrode, insulator materials, and so on. Many of such applications would be readily adaptable to the open cell configuration of this invention, but with use of a cell divider forming anolyte and catholyte compartments, such as membranes or cell separators. Examples of useful processes for the electrochemical cells of this invention would include mediated reactions in electrochemical synthesis in which the objective of the membrane or separator would be to prevent reduction of anodically produced species at the cathode, and/or oxidation of cathodically produced species at the anode. FIG. 7 is a representative example of an open configuration electrochemical 90 having anode/end plates 92 and 94 with central cathode 96 and cation exchange membranes 98 and 100 positioned between the electrodes. Membranes 98 and 100 prevent mixing of the anolyte and catholyte in the cell while the solution is allowed to flow through opening 102 in the center of the membrane. Those embodiments of the electrochemical cells employing a diaphragm or separator are preferably equipped with ion-exchange membranes, although porous diaphragm type separators can be used. A broad range of inert materials are commercially available based on microporous thin films of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene-difluoride, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoro-ethylene (PTFE), polymer-asbestos blends and so on, are useful as porous diaphragms or separators. Useful cationic and anionic type permselective membranes are commercially available from many manufacturers and suppliers, including such companies as RAI Research Corp., Hauppauge, N.Y., under the trademark Raipore; E.I. DuPont, Tokuyama Soda, Asahi Glass, and others. Generally, those membranes which are fluorinated are most preferred because of their overall stability. An especially useful class of permselective ion exchange membranes are the perfluorosulfonic acid membranes, such as those available from E.I. DuPont under the Nafion® trademark. The present invention also contemplates membranes and electrodes formed into solid polymer electrolyte composites. That is, at least one of the electrodes, either anode or cathode or both anode and cathode, are bonded to the ion exchange membrane forming an integral component. In the purification of solutions the invention provides for the treatment of low conductivity media. However, it may be necessary to add very low concentrations of inert, soluble salts, such as alkali metal salts, e.g. sodium or potassium sulfate, chloride, phosphate, to name but a few. Stable quaternary ammonium salts may also be employed. As previously mentioned, ion exchange resin beads of appropriate size can be inserted in the spaces between the electrodes to increase conductivity. This will provide further reductions in cell voltage and total operating costs. Contaminated solutions entering the cell can range in temperature from near freezing to about boiling, and more specifically from about 40° to about 90° C. Higher temperatures can be beneficial in lowering cell voltages and increase rates of contaminant destruction. Such higher temperatures can be achieved, if needed, by preheating the incoming solution, or through IR heating in the cell, especially when solution conductivities are low, as for example in purification of drinking water. By suitably adjusting the cell voltage and residence time in the cell, beneficial temperatures in the above ranges are possible. As a preferred embodiment of the invention, as an undivided cell, for the purification of contaminated aqueous solutions a variety of useful anode and cathode species can be generated during electrolysis which in turn aid in the chemical destruction of contaminants and the purification of the aqueous solutions. They include such species as oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and other reactive oxygen species. Less preferred species, although useful in the process include the generation of chlorine or hypochlorite (bleach) through the electrolysis of brine or sea water. While not wishing to be held to any specific mechanism of action for the success of the processes in the decontamination, decolorization and sterilization of aqueous solutions contaminated with toxic organics and microorganisms, several processes, including those previously mentioned, may be occurring simultaneously. They include, but are not limited to the direct oxidation of contaminants at the anode; destruction of contaminants by direct reduction at the cathode; oxygenation of the feed stream by micro bubbles of oxygen produced at the anode; degasification of volatiles in the feed stream by oxygen and hydrogen micro bubbles; IR heating in the cell; aeration of the water stream exiting the open cell, and so on. A broad range of compounds, microorganisms and other hazardous substances as previously discussed are successfully destroyed in the open cell configuration of the invention employing the processes as described herein. Representative examples include aliphatic alcohols, phenols, nitrated or halogenated aromatic compounds, and so on. Color reduction or complete elimination of color can also be achieved, along with disinfection, including the destruction of viruses. The following specific examples demonstrate the various embodiments of the invention, however, it is to be understood they are for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be wholly definitive as to conditions and scope. EXAMPLE I A monopolar electrochemical cell having an open configuration was set up with an electrode stack comprising 316 stainless steel end plates each with a diameter of 12.065 centimeters and a thickness of 0.95 centimeters. The end plates were connected as cathodes. A central cathode was also assembled into the stack and consisted of 316 stainless steel mesh with 7.8×7.8 openings/linear centimeter, 0.046 centimeter wire diameter, 0.081 centimeter opening width and 41 percent open area. The anodes consisted of two platinum clad niobium electrodes manufactured by Blake Vincent Metals Corp. of Rhode Island. The anodes which were clad on both sides of the niobium substrate had a thickness of 635 micrometers, were expanded into a mesh with a thickness of about 0.051 centimeters, with 0.159 centimeter diamond shaped interstices. The spacers positioned between adjacent electrodes were fabricated from polypropylene mesh with 8.27×8.27 openings/linear centimeter, 0.0398 centimeter thread diameter, 0.084 centimeter opening and a 46 percent open area was supplied by McMaster-Carr of Cleveland, Ohio. The gap between the electrodes was approximately 0.04 centimeters, determined by the thickness of the polypropylene mesh. A schematic of the electrochemical cell corresponds to FIG. 1 of the drawings, except a hood was omitted. Recirculation of the aqueous solution between the glass collection tank and the cell was effected by means of an AC-3C-MD March centrifugal pump at a flow rate of about 1 liter/minute. A Sorensen DCR 60-45B power supply was used to generate the necessary voltage drop across the cell. A test solution was prepared containing 1 g of phenol in 1 liter of tap water. The solution was recirculated through the cell while a constant current of 25 amps was passed. The solution which was initially clear turned red after about 2-3 minutes into the treatment process, possibly indicating the presence of quinone-type intermediates. The initial cell voltage of 35 V decreased rapidly to 8-9 V, and the temperature of the solution stabilized at about 56-58° C. Samples taken were analyzed periodically for total organic carbon (TOC). The results, which are shown in FIG. 8, appear to suggest the decrease in TOC is from the phenol probably undergoing complete oxidation to carbon dioxide which is then eliminated as gas from the solution. EXAMPLE II In order to demonstrate color reduction in a textile effluent 1 liter of solution was prepared with tap water containing 0.1 g of the textile dye Remazol™ Black B (Hoechst Celanese), 0.1 g of the surfactant Tergitol™ 15-S-5 (Union Carbide) and 1 g of NaCl. The composition of the test solution was similar to that of typical effluents produced in textile dyeing processes where even very low concentrations of Remazol Black impart very strong coloration to solutions. Remazol Black is a particularly difficult to treat textile dye. Heretofore, other methods used to treat Remazol Black, such as by ozonation or with hypochlorite bleach have failed to produce satisfactory color reduction. The above solution containing Remazol Black was electrolyzed in the monopolar cell set up of Example I above, at a constant current of 25 amps. The cell voltage was about 25 V, and the temperature of the solution reached 52° C. The initial color of the solution was dark blue. After 10 minutes of electrolysis the color of the solution turned to pink, and after 30 minutes the solution was virtually colorless. EXAMPLE III A further experiment was conducted in order to demonstrate the decontamination of ground water. Humic acids are typical contaminants of ground water, produced by the decomposition of vegetable matter. Water containing humic acids is strongly colored even at low concentrations, and the elimination of the color can be difficult. A dark brown solution in tap water was prepared containing 30 ppm of the sodium salt of humic acid (Aldrich) without any additives to increase the electrical conductivity of the solution. The solution was recirculated through a monopolar electrochemical cell similar to that used in Example I, but equipped with only one anode and two cathodes. A constant current of 10 amps was passed for 2.5 hours. The cell voltage was 24-25 volts, and the temperature reached 58° C. At the end of the experiment the solution was completely clear, demonstrating the effective destruction of humic acid. EXAMPLE IV A further experiment was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the electrolysis cells and methods of this invention in the sterilization and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction in effluents from food processing plants. 250 ml of wastewater from a Mexican malt manufacturing company was treated using a monopolar, open electrochemical cell similar to that employed in Example I, except the total anode area of 6 cm 2 . The objectives were to reduce the COD, partial or total reduction of the color, elimination of microorganisms and odor. A current of 1 amp was passed for 150 minutes; the initial cell voltage of 22 V dropped to 17.5 V, and the temperature of the solution reached 44° C. The results are shown in the following Table: TABLE Initial Final COD 1700 ppm 27 ppm Color Yellow-Orange Clear Microorganisms Active Sterilized Odor Yes No EXAMPLE V A further experiment was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the electrolysis cells and methods of this invention in the removal of color in a single-pass configuration. A dark purple solution containing methyl violet dye in tap water at a concentration of 15 ppm was circulated through a monopolar, open electrochemical cell similar to that employed in Example 1, in single-pass mode, at a flow rate of 250 ml/minute. The objective was to achieve total reduction of the color. A current of 25 amp was passed; the cell voltage was 25 V, and the temperature of the solution reached 65° C. After a single pass through the cell a clear solution was obtained. EXAMPLE VI An experiment can be conducted to demonstrate the utility of the open configuration electrochemical cell in the electrosynthesis of chemicals, in this instance sodium hypochlorite. The electrochemical cell of Example I is modified by replacing the anodes with catalytic chlorine evolving anodes, such as DSA® anodes manufactured by Eltech Systems. A solution of brine containing 10 g of sodium chloride per liter is introduced into the electrolyzer zone wherein chlorine is generated at the anode and sodium hydroxide is produced at the cathode. The chlorine and caustic soda are allowed to react in the cell to produce a dilute aqueous solution of sodium hypochlorite bleach. While the invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments, they are illustrative only. Accordingly, many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art in light of the foregoing going detailed description, and it is therefore intended to embrace all such alternatives and variations as to fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Electropurification of contaminated aqueous media, such as ground water and wastewater from industrial manufacturing facilities like paper mills, food processing plants and textile mills, is readily purified, decolorized and sterilized by improved, more economic open configuration electrolysis cell designs, which may be divided or undivided, allowing connection as monopolar or bipolar cells. When coupled with very narrow capillary gap electrodes more economic operation particular when treating solutions of relatively low conductivity is assured. The novel cell design is also useful in the electrosynthesis of chemicals, such as hypochlorite bleaches and other oxygenated species.