abstract
stringlengths 73
3.51k
| description
stringlengths 1.1k
417k
| application_number
stringlengths 8
17
|
|---|---|---|
this invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that alkylated diphenylamines can be used in conjunction with nickel based catalyst systems which contain an organonickel compound , an organoaluminum compound , and a fluorine containing compound to produce cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene having reduced molecular weight and an increased level of branching . this results in the cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene exhibiting good processability without sacrificing cold flow characteristics . additionally , the alkylated diphenylamine which remains in the rubber acts in a manner which provides it with antioxidant protection . in other words , the use of alkylated diphenylamines accomplishes the three major objectives that are realized by employing para - styrenated diphenylamines . however , the utilization of alkylated diphenylamines , unlike para - styrenated diphenylamines , offers the additional advantage of being soluble in aliphatic solvents . by virtue of this increased level of solubility in aliphatic solvents , such as hexane , alkylated diphenylamines can be employed at greatly reduced levels of aromatic solvents . likewise , when mixed catalyst streams containing alkylated diphenyl amines are combined precipitation is minimized compared to para - styrenated diphenylamine significantly improving issues related to fouling . the subject invention more specifically discloses a process for producing cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene having a reduced molecular weight and improved processability which comprises polymerizing 1 , 3 - butadiene in the presence of an organonickel compound , an organoaluminum compound , a fluorine containing compound , and an alkylated diphenylamine ; wherein the alkylated diphenylamine has alkyl groups that contain from 2 to 18 carbon atoms , and wherein the organoaluminum compound and the fluorine containing compound are brought together in the presence of the alkylated diphenylamine . | the polymerizations of this invention will typically be carried out as solution polymerizations in a hydrocarbon solvent which can be one or more aromatic , paraffinic , or cycloparaffinic compounds . these solvents will normally contain from 4 to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule and will be liquids under the conditions of the polymerization . some representative examples of suitable organic solvents include isooctane , cyclohexane , normal hexane , benzene , toluene , xylene , ethylbenzene , and the like , alone or in admixture . para - alkylated diphenylamine will also act as molecular weight reducing agent in bulk polymerizations which are carried out with nickel based catalyst systems containing ( a ) an organonickel compound , ( b ) an organoaluminum compound , and ( c ) a fluorine containing compound . such bulk polymerizations are described in detail in british patent 2 , 186 , 880 . the teachings of british patent 2 , 186 , 880 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety . in the solution polymerizations of this invention , there will normally be from about 5 to about 35 weight percent monomers in the polymerization medium . such polymerization media are , of course , comprised of the organic solvent and the 1 , 3 - butadiene monomer . as the polymerization proceeds , monomer is converted to polymer and accordingly the polymerization medium will contain from about 5 to about 35 weight percent unreacted monomers and polymer . in most cases , it will be preferred for the polymerization medium to contain from about 10 to about 30 weight percent monomers and polymers . it is generally more preferred for the polymerization medium to contain from 20 to 25 weight percent monomers and polymers . polymerization is typically started by adding the nickel based catalyst system and the alkylated diphenylamine to the polymerization medium . however , it is critical for the organoaluminum compound and the fluorine containing compound to be brought together in the presence of the alkylated diphenylamine . the organonickel compound can be brought into contact with the alkylated diphenylamine either before or after it is brought into contact with the fluorine containing compound . in batch techniques , it is normally convenient to add the catalyst components and the alkylated diphenylamine to a polymerization medium which already contains 1 , 3 - butadiene monomer in an organic solvent . this is preferably done by sequentially adding ( 1 ) the organoaluminum compound , ( 2 ) the alkylated diphenylamine , ( 3 ) the organonickel compound and ( 4 ) the fluorine containing compound to the polymerization medium . another preferred batch technique involves the sequential addition of ( 1 ) the organoaluminum compound , ( 2 ) the organonickel compound , ( 3 ) the alkylated diphenylamine and ( 4 ) the fluorine containing compound to the polymerization medium . also , the alkylated diphenylamine can be prereacted with the fluorine containing compound with the resultant product being added to the polymerization medium . the alkylated diphenylamine that can be utilized in the practice of this invention can have alkyl groups in the ortho , meta , or para positions on the phenyl groups . the alkyl groups will typically contain from 2 to 18 carbon atoms and will preferably contain from 4 to 12 carbon atoms . the alkylated diphenylamine used in the practice of this invention will typically be alkylated in the para position and will accordingly be of the structural formula : wherein r represents alkyl groups which can be the same or different and which contain from 2 to 18 carbon atoms . mixtures of various alkylated diphenylamines which are substituted in the ortho , meta , and / or para positions can be used in the practice of this invention . the organoaluminum compounds that can be utilized in the practice of this invention are of the structural formula : in which r 1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups ( including cycloalkyl ), aryl groups , alkaryl groups , arylalkyl groups , alkoxy groups , hydrogen and fluorine ; r 2 and r 3 being selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups ( including cycloalkyl ), aryl groups , alkaryl groups , and arylalkyl groups . it is preferred for r 1 , r 2 and r 3 to represent alkyl groups which contain from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms . it is more preferred for r 1 , r 2 and r 3 to represent alkyl groups which contain from two to five carbon atoms . some representative examples of organoaluminum compounds that can be utilized are diethyl aluminum hydride , di - n - propyl aluminum hydride , di - n - butyl aluminum hydride , diisobutyl aluminum hydride , diphenyl aluminum hydride , di - p - tolyl aluminum hydride , dibenzyl aluminum hydride , phenyl ethyl aluminum hydride , phenyl - n - propyl aluminum hydride , p - tolyl ethyl aluminum hydride , p - tolyl n - propyl aluminum hydride , p - tolyl isopropyl aluminum hydride , benzyl ethyl aluminum hydride , benzyl n - propyl aluminum hydride , and benzyl isopropyl aluminum hydride , diethylaluminum ethoxide , diisobutylaluminum ethoxide , dipropylaluminum methoxide , trimethyl aluminum , triethyl aluminum , tri - n - propyl aluminum , triisopropyl aluminum , tri - n - butyl aluminum , triisobutyl aluminum , tripentyl aluminum , trihexyl aluminum , tricyclohexyl aluminum , trioctyl aluminum , triphenyl aluminum , tri - p - tolyl aluminum , tribenzyl aluminum , ethyl diphenyl aluminum , ethyl di - p - tolyl aluminum , ethyl dibenzyl aluminum , diethyl phenyl aluminum , diethyl p - tolyl aluminum , diethyl benzyl aluminum and other triorganoaluminum compounds . the preferred organoaluminum compounds include triethyl aluminum ( teal ), tri - n - propyl aluminum , triisobutyl aluminum ( tibal ), trihexyl aluminum , diisobutyl aluminum hydride ( diba - h ), and diethyl aluminum fluoride . the component of the catalyst which contains nickel can be any soluble organonickel compound . these soluble nickel compounds are normally compounds of nickel with a mono - dentate or bi - dentate organic ligands containing up to 20 carbon atoms . a ligand is an ion or molecule bound to and considered bonded to a metal atom or ion . mono - dentate means having one position through which covalent or coordinate bonds with the metal may be formed . bi - dentate means having two positions through which covalent or coordinate bonds with the metal may be formed . the term “ soluble ” refers to solubility in butadiene monomer and inert solvents . generally , any nickel salt or nickel containing organic acid containing from about 1 to 20 carbon atoms may be employed as the soluble nickel containing compound . some representative examples of soluble nickel containing compounds include nickel benzoate , nickel acetate , nickel naphthenate , nickel octanoate , nickel neodecanoate , bis ( c - furyl dioxime ) nickel , nickel palmitate , nickel stearate , nickel acetylacetonate , nickel salicaldehyde , bis ( cyclopentadiene ) nickel , bis ( salicylaldehyde ) ethylene diimine nickel , cyclopentadienyl - nickel nitrosyl , bis ( π - allyl nickel ), bis ( π cycloocta - 1 , 5 - diene ), bis ( π - allyl nickel trifluoroacetate ), and nickel tetracarbonyl . the preferred component containing nickel is a nickel salt of a carboxylic acid or an organic complex compound of nickel . nickel naphthenate , nickel octanoate , and nickel neodecanoate are highly preferred soluble nickel containing compounds . nickel 2 - ethylhexanoate , which is commonly referred to as nickel octanoate ( nioct ) is the soluble nickel containing compound which is most commonly used due to economic factors . the fluorine containing compound utilized in the catalyst system is generally hydrogen fluoride or boron trifluoride . if hydrogen fluoride is utilized , it can be in the gaseous or liquid state . it , of course , should be anhydrous and as pure as possible . the hydrogen fluoride can be dissolved in an inert solvent ; and thus , can be handled and charged into the reaction zone as a liquid solution . optionally , butadiene monomer can be utilized as the solvent . inert solvents include alkyl -, alkaryl -, arylalkyl -, and aryl - hydrocarbons . for example , benzene and toluene are convenient solvents . the boron trifluoride component of the catalyst can be gaseous boron trifluoride . it should also be anhydrous and as pure as possible . the hydrogen fluoride and / or boron trifluoride can also be utilized as complexes in the catalyst system as the fluorine containing compound . hydrogen fluoride complexes and boron trifluoride complexes can readily be made with compounds which contain an atom or radical which is capable of lending electrons to or sharing electrons with hydrogen fluoride or boron trifluoride . compounds capable of such associating are ethers , alcohols , ketones , esters , nitrites , amines , and water . wherein r ′ and r are selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals , cycloalkyl radicals , aryl radicals , alkaryl radicals , and arylalkyl radicals containing from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms ; and wherein r ′ and r can be the same or different . these ketones represent a class of compounds which have a carbon atom attached by a double bond to oxygen . some representative examples of ketones that are useful in the preparation of the ketone - hydrogen fluoride complexes or boron trifluoride complexes of this invention include dimethyl ketone , methylethyl ketone , dibutyl ketone , methyl isobutyl ketone , ethyl octyl ketone , 2 , 4 - pentanedione , butyl cycloheptanone , acetophenone , amylphenyl ketone , butylphenyl ketone , benzophenone , phenyltolyl ketone , quinone and the like . the preferred ketones that can be used to form the ketone - hydrogen fluoride compounds and the ketone - boron trifluoride compounds of this invention are the dialkyl ketones of which acetone is most preferred . the nitrile subclass can be represented by the formula rcn where r represents alkyl groups , cycloalkyl groups , aryl groups , alkaryl groups or arylalkyl groups that contain up to about 30 carbon atoms . the nitrites contain a carbon atom attached to a nitrogen atom by a triple bond . representative but not exhaustive of the nitrile subclass are acetonitrile , butyronitrile , acrylonitrile , benzonitrile , tolunitrile , phenylacetonitrile , and the like . the preferred hydrogen fluoride - nitrile complex or boron trifluoride nitrile complex is the hydrogen fluoride benzonitrile complex or the boron trifluoride benzonitrile complex . the alcohol subclass can be defined by the formula roh where r represents alkyl radicals , cycloalkyl radicals , aryl radicals , alkaryl radicals , or arylalkyl radicals containing from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms . these alcohols represent a class of compounds which have a carbon atom attached by a single bond to oxygen which is in turn attached to a hydrogen by a single bond . representative but not exhaustive of the alcohols useful in the preparation of hydrogen fluoride complexes and boron trifluoride complexes are methanol , ethanol , n - propanol , isopropanol , phenol , benzyl alcohol , cyclohexanol , butanol , hexanol and pentanol . the preferred hydrogen fluoride - alcohol complex or boron trifluoride alcohol complex is hydrogen fluoride phenolate complex or boron trifluoride phenolate complex . the ether subclass can be defined by the formula r ′ or where r and r ′ represent alkyl radicals , cycloalkyl radicals , aryl radicals , alkaryl radicals , and arylalkyl radicals containing from about 1 to about 30 carbon atoms ; wherein r and r ′ may be the same or dissimilar . the r may also be joined through a common carbon bond to form a cyclic ether with the ether oxygen being an integral part of the cyclic structure such as tetrahydrofuran , furan or dioxane . these ethers represent a class of compounds which have two carbon atoms attached by single bonds to an oxygen atom . representative but not exhaustive of the ethers useful in the preparation of the hydrogen fluoride complexes or boron trifluoride complexes of this invention are dimethyl ether , diethyl ether , dibutyl ether , diamyl ether , diisopropyl ethers , tetrahydrofuran , anisole , diphenyl ether , ethyl methyl ether , dibenzyl ether and the like . the preferred hydrogen fluoride - ether complexes or boron trifluoride - ether complexes are hydrogen fluoride diethyl etherate , hydrogen fluoride dibutyl etherate , boron trifluoride diethyl etherate , boron trifluoride dibutyl etherate complexes . wherein r and r ′ are selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals , cycloalkyl radicals , aryl radicals , alkaryl radicals and arylalkyl radicals containing from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms . the esters contain a carbon atom attached by a double bond to an oxygen atom as indicated . representative but not exhaustive of such esters are ethyl benzoate , amyl benzoate , phenyl acetate , phenyl benzoate and other esters conforming to the formula above . the preferred hydrogen fluoride - ester complex is hydrogen fluoride ethyl benzoate complex . the preferred boron trifluoride - ester complex is boron trifluoride ethyl benzoate complex . the hydrogen fluoride can also be utilized as a complex with the alkylated diphenylamine . in this case , the alkylated diphenylamine and hydrogen fluoride form a salt which is not only soluble in aromatic solvents , such as toluene but also soluble in aliphatic solvents such as hexane . when added to the polymerization system , the salt reacts with the organoaluminum compound to form alkylaluminum fluorides . such complexes are usually prepared by simply bubbling gaseous boron trifluoride or hydrogen fluoride into appropriate amounts of the complexing agent , for instance , a ketone , an ether , an ester , an alcohol , or a nitrile . this should be done in the absence of moisture , and measures should be taken to keep the temperature from rising above about 100 ° f . ( 37 . 7 ° c .). in most cases , boron trifluoride and hydrogen fluoride complexes are prepared with the temperature being maintained at room temperature . another possible method would be to dissolve the hydrogen fluoride or the complexing agent in a suitable solvent followed by adding the other component . still another method of mixing would be to dissolve the complexing agent in a solvent and simply bubble gaseous hydrogen fluoride or boron trifluoride through the system until all of the complexing agent is reacted with the hydrogen fluoride or boron trifluoride . the concentrations can be determined by weight gain or chemical titration . the four component catalyst system utilized can be preformed . if the catalyst system is preformed , it will maintain a high level of activity over a long period of time . the utilization of such a preformed catalyst system also results in the formation of a uniform polymeric product . such preformed catalyst systems are prepared in the presence of one or more preforming agents selected from the group consisting of monoolefins , nonconjugated diolefins , conjugated diolefins , cyclic nonconjugated multiolefins , acetylenic hydrocarbons , triolefins , vinyl ethers and aromatic nitriles . some representative examples of olefins that can be used as the preforming agent in the preparation of stabilized catalysts are trans - 2 - butene , mixed cis and trans - 2 - pentene , and cis - 2 - pentene . some nonconjugated diolefins that can be used as preforming agents are cis - 1 , 4 - hexadiene , 1 , 5 - heptadiene , 1 , 7 - octadiene , and the like . representative examples of cyclic nonconjugated multiolefins that can be used include 1 , 5 - cyclooctadiene , 1 , 5 , 9 - cyclododecatriene , and 4 - vinyl cyclohexene - 1 . some representative examples of acetylenic hydrocarbons which can be used as the preforming agent are methyl acetylene , ethyl acetylene , 2 - butyne , 1 - pentyne , 2 - pentyne , 1 - octyne , and phenyl acetylene . triolefins that can be used as the preforming agent include 1 , 3 , 5 - hexatriene , 1 , 3 , 5 - heptatriene , 1 , 3 , 6 - octatriene , 5 - methyl - 1 , 3 , 6 - heptatriene and the like . some representative examples of substituted conjugated diolefins that can be used include 1 , 4 - diphenyl butadiene , myrcene ( 7 - methyl - 3 - methylene - 1 , 6octadiene ), and the like . ethyl vinyl ether and isobutyl vinyl ether are representative examples of alkyl vinyl ethers that can be used as the preforming agent . a representative example of an aromatic nitrile that can be used is benzonitrile . some representative examples of conjugated diolefins that can be used include 1 , 3 - butadiene , isoprene , and 1 , 3 - pentadiene . the preferred preforming agent is 1 , 3 - butadiene . a method of preparing the preformed catalyst so that it will be highly active and relatively chemically stable is to add the organoaluminum compound and the preforming agent to the solvent medium before they come into contact with the nickel compound and the alkylated diphenylamine . the nickel compound and the alkylated diphenylamine are then added to the solution with the fluoride compound being added to the solution subsequently . as an alternative , the preforming agent and the nickel compound may be mixed , followed by the addition of the organoaluminum compound , the alkylated diphenylamine and then the fluoride compound or the hydrogen fluoride / alkylated diphenylamine complex . other orders of addition may be used but they generally produce less satisfactory results . the amount of preforming agent used to preform the catalyst may be within the range of about 0 . 001 to 3 percent of the total amount of monomer to be polymerized . expressed as a mole ratio of preforming agent to nickel compound , the amount of preforming agent present during the preforming step can be within the range of about 1 to 3000 times the concentration of nickel . the preferred mole ratio of preforming agent to nickel is about 3 : 1 to 500 : 1 . these preformed catalysts have catalytic activity immediately after being prepared . however , it has been observed that a short aging period , for example 15 to 30 minutes , at a moderate temperature , for example 50 ° c ., increases the activity of the preformed catalyst greatly . in order to properly stabilize the catalyst , the preforming agent must be present before the organoaluminum compound has an opportunity to react with either the nickel compound or the fluoride compound . if the catalyst system is preformed without the presence of at least a small amount of preforming agent , the chemical effect of the organoaluminum upon the nickel compound or the fluoride compound is such that the catalytic activity of the catalyst is greatly lessened and shortly thereafter rendered inactive . in the presence of at least a small amount of preforming agent , the catalytic or shelf life of the catalyst is greatly improved over the system without any preforming agent present . the four component nickel catalyst system can also be premixed . such premixed catalyst systems are prepared in the presence of one or more polymeric catalyst stabilizers . the polymeric catalyst stabilizer can be in the form of a liquid polymer , a polymer cement , or a polymer solution . polymeric catalyst stabilizers are generally homopolymers of conjugated dienes or copolymers of conjugated dienes with styrenes and methyl substituted styrenes . the diene monomers used in the preparation of polymeric catalyst stabilizers normally contain from 4 to about 12 carbon atoms . some representative examples of conjugated diene monomers that can be utilized in making such polymeric catalyst stabilizers include isoprene , 1 , 3 - butadiene , piperylene , 1 , 3 - hexadiene , 1 , 3 - heptadiene , 1 , 3 - octadiene , 2 , 4 - hexadiene , 2 , 4 - heptadiene , 2 , 4 - octadiene and 1 , 3 - nonadiene . also included are 2 , 3 - dimethylbutadiene , 2 , 3 - dimethyl - 1 , 3 - hexadiene , 2 , 3 - dimethyl - 1 , 3 - heptadiene , 2 , 3 - dimethyl - 1 , 3 - octadiene and 2 , 3 - dimethyl - 1 , 3 - nonadiene and mixtures thereof . some representative examples of polymeric catalyst stabilizers include polyisoprene , polybutadiene , polypiperylene , copolymers of butadiene and styrene , copolymers of butadiene and α - methylstyrene , copolymers of isoprene and styrene , copolymers of isoprene and α - methylstyrene , copolymers of piperylene and styrene , copolymers of piperylene and α - methylstyrene , copolymers of 2 , 3 - dimethyl - 1 , 3 - butadiene and styrene , copolymers of 2 , 3 - dimethyl butadiene and α - methylstyrene , copolymers of butadiene and vinyltoluene , copolymers of 2 , 3 - dimethyl - 1 , 3 - butadiene and vinyltoluene , copolymers of butadiene and β - methylstyrene , and copolymers of piperylene and β - methylstyrene . in order to properly stabilize the catalyst system by this premixing technique , the polymeric catalyst stabilizer must be present before the organoaluminum compound has an opportunity to react with either the nickel compound or the fluorine containing compound . the alkylated diphenylamine will , of course , be present when the organoaluminum compound is brought into contact with the fluorine containing compound . if the catalyst system is premixed without the presence of at least a small amount of polymeric catalyst stabilizer , the chemical effect of the organoaluminum compound upon the nickel compound or the fluoride compound is such that the catalytic activity of the catalyst system is greatly lessened and shortly thereafter rendered inactive . in the presence of at least a small amount of polymeric catalyst stabilizer , the catalytic or shelf life of the catalyst system is greatly improved over the same system without any polymeric catalyst stabilizer present . one method of preparing this premixed catalyst system so that it will be highly active and relatively chemically stable is to add the organoaluminum compound to the polymer cement solution and mix thoroughly before the organoaluminum compound comes into contact with the nickel containing compound . the nickel compound is then added to the polymer cement solution . alternatively , the nickel compound can be mixed with the polymer cement first , followed by the addition of the organoaluminum compound and the alkylated diphenylamine . then the fluorine containing compound is added to the polymer cement solution . this is not intended to preclude other orders or methods of catalyst addition , but it is emphasized that the polymer stabilizer must be present before the organoaluminum compound has a chance to react with either the nickel containing compound or the fluorine containing compound . the amount of polymeric catalyst stabilizer used to premix the catalyst system can be within the range of about 0 . 01 to 3 weight percent of the total amount monomer to be polymerized . expressed as a weight ratio of polymeric catalyst stabilizer to nickel , the amount of polymeric catalyst stabilizer present during the premixing step can be within the range of about 2 to 2000 times the concentration of nickel . the preferred weight ratio of polymeric catalyst stabilizer to nickel is from about 4 : 1 to about 300 : 1 . even though such premixed catalyst systems show catalytic activity immediately after being prepared , it has been observed that a short aging period , for example 15 to 30 minutes , at moderate temperatures , for example 50 ° c ., increases the activity of the preformed catalyst system . a “ modified in situ ” technique can also be used in making the four component nickel catalyst system . in fact , the utilization of catalysts made by such “ modified in situ ” techniques results in more uniform control of the polymerization and the polymeric product . in such a “ modified in situ ” technique , the organoaluminum compound is added to neat 1 , 3 - butadiene monomer with the nickel containing compound and the alkylated diphenylamine being added later . the butadiene monomer containing the organoaluminum compound , the alkylated diphenylamine and the nickel containing compound is then charged into the reaction zone being used for the polymerization with the fluorine containing compound being charged into the reaction zone separately . normally , the organoaluminum compound , the alkylated diphenylamine and the nickel containing compound are charged into the reaction zone soon after being mixed into the butadiene monomer . in most cases , the organoaluminum compound , the alkylated diphenylamine and the nickel containing compound are charged into the reaction zone within 60 seconds after being mixed in the butadiene monomer . it will generally be desirable to utilize organoaluminum compounds and nickel containing compounds which have been dissolved in a suitable solvent . the traditional three component nickel catalyst systems utilized in the practice of the present invention have activity over a wide range of catalyst concentrations and catalyst component ratios . the three catalyst components interact to form the active catalyst system . as a result , the optimum concentration for any one component is very dependent upon the concentrations of each of the other two catalyst components . furthermore , while polymerization will occur over a wide range of catalyst concentrations and ratios , the most desirable properties for the polymer being synthesized are obtained over a relatively narrow range . polymerizations can be carried out utilizing a mole ratio of the organoaluminum compound to the nickel containing compound within the range of from about 0 . 3 : 1 to about 300 : 1 ; with the mole ratio of the fluorine containing compound to the organonickel containing compound ranging from about 0 . 5 : 1 to about 200 : 1 and with the mole ratio of the fluorine containing compound to the organoaluminum compound ranges from about 0 . 4 : 1 to about 10 : 1 . the preferred mole ratios of the organoaluminum compound to the nickel containing compound ranges from about 1 to about 100 : 1 , and the preferred mole ratio of the fluorine containing compound to the organoaluminum compound ranges from about 0 . 7 : 1 to about 7 : 1 . the concentration of the catalyst system utilized in the reaction zone depends upon factors such as purity , the reaction rate desired , the polymerization temperature utilized , the reactor design and other factors . in order to facilitate charging the catalyst components into the reaction zone “ in situ ” they can be dissolved in a small amount of an inert organic solvent or butadiene monomer . preformed and premixed catalyst systems will , of course , already be dissolved in a solvent . the amount of alkylated diphenylamine that needs to be employed as a molecular weight reducing agent varies with the catalyst system , with the polymerization temperature , and with the desired molecular weight of the high cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber being synthesized . for instance , if a high molecular weight rubber is desired , then a relatively small amount of alkylated diphenylamine is required . on the other hand , in order to reduce molecular weights substantially , a relatively large amount of the alkylated diphenylamine will need to be employed . generally , greater amounts of the alkylated diphenylamine are required when the catalyst system being utilized contains hydrogen fluoride or is an aged catalyst which contains boron trifluoride . however , as a general rule , from about 0 . 25 phm ( parts by weight per hundred parts of monomer ) to about 1 . 5 phm of the alkylated diphenylamine will be employed . it is normally preferred to utilize 0 . 5 phm to 0 . 75 phm of the alkylated diphenylamine because at such concentrations good reductions in molecular weight can be realized . in such cases , the molecular weight of the rubber being synthesized can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of the fluorine containing compound to the organoaluminum compound . in other words , at constant levels of the alkylated diphenylamine within the range of 0 . 25 phm to 1 . 5 phm , the molecular weight of the polymer being synthesized can be controlled by varying the ratio of the fluorine containing compound to the organoaluminum compound . maximum reductions in molecular weight and maximum conversions normally occur at molar ratios of the fluorine containing compound to the organoaluminum compound which are within the range of 1 . 5 : 1 to 2 : 1 . at molar ratios of less than 1 . 5 : 1 and at molar ratios within the range of 2 : 1 to 2 . 75 : 1 , lesser reductions in molecular weight occur . the temperatures utilized in the polymerizations of this invention are not critical and may vary from extremely low temperatures to very high temperatures . for instance , such polymerizations can be conducted at any temperature within the range of about − 10 ° c . to about 120 ° c . the polymerizations of this invention will preferably be conducted at a temperature within the range of 30 ° c . to 110 ° c . it is normally preferred for the polymerization to be carried out at a temperature which is within the range of about 70 ° c . to about 95 ° c . such polymerizations will normally be conducted for a period of time which is sufficient to attain a high yield which is normally in excess of about 80 % and preferably in excess of about 90 %. the cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber made utilizing the techniques of this invention typically has a cis content in excess of about 95 %. for example , the cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber made utilizing the techniques of this invention will typically have a cis content of about 97 %, a trans content of about 2 %, and a vinyl content of about 1 %. after the polymerization is completed , the cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber may be recovered from the resulting polymer solution ( rubber cement ) by any of several procedures . one such procedure comprises mixing the rubber cement with a polar coagulating agent , such as methanol , ethanol , isopropylalcohol , acetone , or the like . the coagulating agent can be added at room temperature or below whereupon the liquified low molecular weight hydrocarbons will vaporize . if desired , gentle heat may be applied to hasten the removal of low molecular weight hydrocarbons , but not sufficient heat to vaporize the polar coagulating agent . the vaporized low molecular weight hydrocarbon solvents can then be recovered and recycled . the coagulated rubber is recovered from the slurry of the polar coagulating agent by centrifugation , decantation or filtration . another procedure for recovering the cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber is by subjecting the rubber solution to spray drying . such a procedure is particularly suitable for continuous operations and has the advantage that heat requirements are at a minimum . when such a procedure is used , the recovered polymer should be washed soon after recovery with a polar solvent in order to destroy the remaining active catalyst contained in the polymer . in such procedures the vaporized organic solvents are also easily recovered , but will normally require purification before being recycled . the practice of this invention is further illustrated by the following examples which are intended to be representative rather than restrictive of the scope of the subject invention . the following examples serve to demonstrate the unexpected finding that alkylated diphenylamines are as effective as para - styrenated diphenylamines at regulating molecular weight and polymer macrostructure in the polymerization of 1 , 3 - butadiene with a nickel based catalyst system . materials — butadiene was supplied by the goodyear tire & amp ; rubber company , and was freshly distilled prior to use . hexane was supplied from ashland chemicals and purified by passing over an activated bed of silica gel under a dry nitrogen atmosphere . nickel octanoate was provided by shepherd as a 58 weight percent solution in mineral oil which was diluted to 0 . 01m in hexane prior to use . triisobutylaluminum ( tiba ) was supplied by albemarle corp . as a 25 weight percent solution in hexane and used as received . hydrogen fluoride ( hf ) was supplied as a 25 wt % solution in butylether . hf was handled in teflon bottles using neoprene gloves . dilution to approximately 1 m in hexane was accomplished wearing neoprene gloves followed by titration with 0 . 101 n sodium hydroxide standard using phenolphthalein as an indicator . styrenated and alkylated diphenylamine ( sdpa ) modifiers were used as 0 . 25m solutions in toluene . polymerizations — small scale batch polymerizations were carried out in oven dried glass bottles sealed with perforated metal screw caps containing a rubber gasket and a teflon liner . premix ( 12 to 18 weight percent butadiene in hexane ) was charged into each bottle after it was first passed through a bed of silica gel under a nitrogen atmosphere . catalyst components were introduced via common syringe techniques and polymerizations were conducted in a parameter generation & amp ; control inc . ( pgc ) constant temperature water bath at 65 ° c . equipped with an adjustable speed motorized tumbler . polymerizations were terminated by treating the live polymer cement with an isopropanol / antioxidant solution . polymer was recovered by pouring the polymer cement into pans and drying in vacuo at 60 ° c . conversion data was determined gravimetrically . characterization — size - exclusion chromatography ( sec ) was performed using a wyatt technologies minidawn light scattering detector coupled with a hewlett packard 1047a refractive index detector . two polymer laboratories c microgel columns in series were utilized with tetrahydrofuran as the carrier solvent at a flow rate of 0 . 7 ml / min and a column temperature of 40 ° c . sample preparation involved filtering a 0 . 12 wt % solution of polymer in thf through a 1 . 0 μm filter prior to injection . polystyrene standards were used to calibrate the instrument . qualitative brookfield viscosity of 15 weight percent polymer / hexane cements was measured on a brookfield dv - e viscometer equipped with ha / hb spindle 6 at room temperature . quantitative values were determined on 10 weight percent solutions in toluene utilizing spindle 3 . experimental results — in this series of experiments the compounds identified in table 1 were studied as molecular weight regulators for use in conjunction with nickel based catalyst systems for the polymerization of 1 , 3 - butadiene monomer into cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene . three of the materials , additin rc 7135 , naugalube 635 and wingstay ® 29 are all styrenated diphenylamines . the fourth material , good - rite ® 3190 is an alkylated diphenylamine ( octylated with 2 , 4 , 4 - trimethylstyrene ). to evaluate the effectiveness of the four compounds at regulating molecular weight and branching in the polymerization of 1 , 3 - butadiene monomer into cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene with a nickel based catalyst system , a series of polymerizations were conducted in 4 oz ( 118 ml ) polymerization bottles . the series of bottles were charged sequentially with solutions of triisobutyl aluminum ( 40 eq ), nickel octanoate ( 1 eq ), amine ( 40 eq ), and finally hf ( 80 eq ) at a ni charge level of 0 . 015 phr . the polymerizations were conducted at 65 ° c . for 90 minutes reaching full conversion . as entry 1 in table 1 shows , a control bottle was also run without any amine modifier . in this control polymerization , a milky white polymer cement was generated yielding a very viscous solution as measured by brookfield viscosity ( 180 , 000 cp ) and high molecular weight . when wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine was added to the catalyst recipe however , as in entry 2 , a homogenous polymer cement results coupled with a significant reduction in cement viscosity ( 12 , 400 cp ) and molecular weight . such a finding is consistent with the prior art &# 39 ; s teaching that the use of styrenated diphenylamines will lower the molecular weight and increase branching compared to the control ni / hf system . surprisingly however , the good - rite ® 3190 alkylated diphenylamine also provided clear cements , reduced viscosities , and molecular weight profiles very similar to that of the styrenated controls . the following examples serve to demonstrate the unexpected finding that alkylated diphenylamines act as a general class of compounds effective at regulating molecular weight and polymer macrostructure in the polymerization of 1 , 3 - butadiene with a nickel based catalyst system . evaluation of the effectiveness of other alkylated diphenylamines at regulating molecular weight was accomplished by comparing the irganox - 5057 ® alkylated diphenylamine to both good - rite ® alkylated diphenyl amine and wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine . as shown in table 2 , following the polymerization procedure in the previous examples , but at slightly higher total catalyst levels , both alkylated diphenylamines were effective at reducing molecular weight compared to the controls . to gain a better understanding of the sensitivity of viscosity reduction on the level of amine modifier present , a series of bottle polymerizations were conducted that varied in the amount of amine used from 30 equivalents to 50 equivalents . polymerizations were again carried out at 65 ° c . for 90 minutes with a ni charge of 0 . 014 phr and a tiba : ni : amine : hf ratio of 40 : 1 : 30 – 50 : 80 . all polymerizations went to full conversion . again , as evident in table 3 , the alkylated diphenylamine modifier was as effective as the styrenated diphenylamines . for example , in all cases , 30 eq of amine was not enough to provide full reduction of cement viscosity . by 40 equivalents , however , all four amines provided very similar viscosities versus the unmodified control . this example serves to demonstrate the unexpected hexane solubility of alkylated diphenylamine / hf adducts and the significant process improvements that result related to the reduction of aromatic solvents and fouling concerns . as previous examples demonstrate , alkylated diphenyl amines ( adpa ) serve as functional equivalents to styrenated diphenyl amines ( sdpa ) in the polymerization of 1 , 3 - butadiene with a nickel based catalyst system . what is different about these two classes of amines , however , is the significantly increased hexane solubility of adpa / hf complexes compared to sdpa / hf adducts . for example , as shown in table 4 , ( entry 23 ), when a 50 / 50 weight ratio of wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine / hexane solution is treated with 2 equivalents of hf an insoluble precipitate is formed . the alkylated amines in stark contrast have been surprisingly found to form completely hexane soluble hf / amine adducts ( entries 24 – 29 ). the aliphatic insolubility of the sdpa / hf adduct necessitates the use of undesired aromatic solvents in the production process . for example , in entry 30 a 50 / 50 mixture of wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine ( ws29 ) and ethylbenzene ( eb ) that has been treated with 2 molar equivalents of hf is completely homogeneous . the reaction product in this case is soluble due to the presence of the aromatic solvent . unfortunately , even with the use of aromatic solvents , the sdpa / hf complex is sensitive to precipitation and fouling when exposed to pre - catalyst streams that contain aliphatic solvents . as shown in entry 30 , when the 50 / 50 ethylbenzene based sdpa / hf solution is exposed to a second pre - catalyst stream , containing nickel and tiba diluted with hexane , initially a precipitate forms . eventually a stable homogenous preformed catalyst solution remains . however , if the amount of eb is reduced ( which is desired due to cost and environmental issues ) by changing the weight ratio of ws29 / eb to 67 / 33 or 80 / 20 an insoluble preformed catalyst solution will result as in entries 31 and 32 . at a ratio of 80 / 20 very heavy clumping of the precipitate on the walls of the catalyst make - up reactor is observed . however , by repeating this series of experiments with the alkylated diphenyl amine it is apparent that the preformed catalyst solutions are completely soluble at all ratios of eb used ( entries 33 – 38 ). even at the extreme case of 80 / 20 there was no evidence of precipitation in any of the catalyst make - up steps . significant reduction in eb usage is therefore realized by switching to an alkylated diphenyl amine . an even more dramatic set of experiments ( entry 24 – 29 ) showed that the alkylated diphenylamines / hf adducts soluble in hexane remained soluble when exposed to the hexane based pre - catalyst streams . all three hexane weight ratios gave completely soluble and stable preformed catalyst solutions in the absence of aromatic solvents . the following examples serve to demonstrate the unexpected finding that alkylated diphenylamines are as effective as para - styrenated diphenylamines at regulating molecular weight and polymer macrostructure in the continuous polymerization of 1 , 3 - butadiene with a nickel based catalyst system . to model the polymerization conditions experienced in a continuous production scheme a series of continuous polymerizations were performed . the runs were designed to initially establish the prior art utilizing wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine as the molecular weight / macrostructure control agent . then an alkylated diphenyl amine would be used to produce polymer for comparison under the control conditions the polymerizations were conducted on a continuous reactor chain configured with three 2 gallon ( 7 . 57 liter ) reactors in series . polymerization was carried out in the first two reactors and the third reactor was used to terminate the polymerization . the primary premix used consisted of 50 % 1 , 3 - butadiene in hexane , was re - circulated through premix tank columns , and then passed over a large feed column before polymerization . an additional hexane stream was fed over a large feed column and the flow was controlled to maintain the desired monomer concentration to the chain . the catalyst stream was fed into the first reactor along with 1 , 3 - butadiene monomer as described above . the total catalyst level as well as individual component ratios can be adjusted as necessary to achieve the desired process control . after the appropriate resonance time in the first and second reactors , polymerization is terminated in the third reactor with a rosin acid shortstop ( 1 . 0 phr ) and wingstay ® k antioxidant ( 0 . 15 phr ) as a stabilizer . in the first experiment starting with wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine as the catalyst modifier flows were initiated and polymerization was observed within 2 hours after startup . the chain was allowed sufficient time to line out after which several process changes were made in order to produce the desired cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber having the desired mooney viscosity and level of branching . under these conditions , as shown in fig1 , the polybutadiene produced with wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine had a mooney viscosity between 35 and 45 for the run time 60 to 74 hours . conversion during this time period , shown in fig2 , remained very constant at 78 % in the first reactor and 90 % in the second reactor . with the chain at steady state , the amine modifier was changed from wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine to noveon &# 39 ; s good - rite ® 3190 nt alkylated diphenylamine . as is evident from fig1 and 2 , except for an initial drop in reactor conversion at run time 74 hours due to the disruption of the chain during change over , the effect the alkylated diphenylamine had on mooney viscosity and conversion was transparent . there was no indication that the alkylated diphenylamine based polymerization was any different than the styrenated diphenylamine process . a number of samples were finished from the above run and characterized as shown in table 5 . at equal mooney viscosities there was very little difference between the wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine based sample and the alkylated diphenylamine based sample . both materials had the same glass transition temperature ( tg ), molecular weight profile , and branching characteristics as measured by both rpa and solution brookfield viscosity . surprisingly , the alkylated diphenylamine was able to provide the same level of molecular weight regulation and macrostructural control as the styrenated amine without refinement or optimization . the following examples serve to further demonstrate the unexpected finding that alkylated diphenylamines act as a general class of compounds effective at regulating molecular weight and polymer macrostructure in the continuous polymerization of 1 , 3 - butadiene with a nickel based catalyst system . following the procedure outlined in examples 39 – 41 for a continuous polymerization both good - rite ® 3190 alkylated diphenylamine as well as irganox ®- 5057 alkylated amine were compared to the styrenated control . again through the use of two 2 gallon ( 7 . 57 liter ) reactors in series , as shown in table 6 , both alkylated diphenylamines exhibit the desired molecular weight regulation and macrostructural control when used in place of a styrenated diphenylamine . the following examples further serve to demonstrate the unexpected finding that alkylated diphenylamines provide the necessary molecular weight and macrostructural control necessary for improved cold flow , compound properties , and processing characteristics . a continuous polymerization was conducted as described in examples 39 – 41 to prepare a wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine control and a good - rite ® 3190 alkylated diphenylamine experimental material to be used for full compounding studies in representative tire formulations . as shown in table 7 characterization showed that the two samples had the same mooney viscosities , glass transition temperature ( tg ), and molecular weight profile regardless of the amine modifier . the two amine modified cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubbers prepared above ( example 45 – 46 ) were compared to commercial budene ® 1208 and budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber in raw polymer characterization as well as processing and compound properties . commercial budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber was included in the comparison to serve as an external control for the desired degree of branching and molecular weight obtained from a styrenated amine modified system . commercial budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber was included as a negative control due to its lower level of branching and lower level of processability as compared to budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene . for raw unfilled polymers , differences in branching manifests itself as measurable differences in brookfield viscosity , t80 times , amount of cold flow , rpa beta values , and the polymer &# 39 ; s hydrodynamic volume in solution . for compounded rubber , the degree of processability can be assessed through indicators such as mill band and smooth time , garvey die extrudate and spider mold flow testing . characterization of the comparative raw polymers , with a focus on macrostructure , is shown in table 8 . initially , mooney viscosity was measured to ensure each polymer was within the specification range of commercial budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber ( 35 – 45 ml 1 + 4 ). as expected commercial budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber had slightly higher mooney viscosity than the other four samples . more importantly this material had the shortest t80 time . t80 is a relaxation measurement extracted from the mooney experiment that relates to the amount of branching or entanglement in a polymer sample . materials with higher levels of branching relax slower ( longer t80 times ) than samples with little branching due to the reduced mobility of the polymer chains in the branched samples . many effects can dominate t80 values such as gel fraction , molecular weight distribution and chain length . typically in the same class of polymerization the higher the mooney the longer the t80 value . this trend is reversed for the case of budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber and budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber . the budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber with a higher mooney viscosity actually has a significantly faster t80 ( 0 . 05 min ) than the budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber having a lower mooney viscosity ( 0 . 14 min ). this is in indication that the budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene resists relaxation due to increased branching . likewise , the two experimental samples have the same mooney ( 40 ) with a t80 value of 0 . 09 minutes . although this t80 is slightly faster than commercial budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber it is slower than commercial budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber indicating that the alkylated diphenyl amine had the same effect on t80 as did the styrenated diphenyl amine in the continuous polymerization . another sensitive measure of branching is brookfield viscosity . at roughly equal mooney viscosity cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber made with ni / hf catalyst systems should display the same solution viscosity as measured on 10 weight percent solutions in toluene . however , commercial budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber solutions are significantly more viscous ( 6770 cp ) than solutions of budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene ( 1580 cp ). this difference is again related to the amount of branching found in budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber . the more branched the material the less the chains extend in solution resulting in lower overall solution viscosity than predicted by molecular weight . this phenomenon is also seen in the two experimental samples 45 and 46 having much lower brookfield viscosity ( 2110 cp and 2360 cp respectively ) than the commercial budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber that was employed as a control . differences in branching between similar elastomers can also be noted in the rate of cold flow that the uncured bulk rubbers display . cold flow , as a measure of low strain deformation , is most pronounced in linear polymers having a low mooney viscosity . typically , the higher the mooney viscosity the lower the cold flow due to differences in long chain entanglements . however , in the case of the budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber , with the slightly higher mooney viscosity , cold flow ( 1 . 48 mg / min ) is actually significantly higher than budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber having a lower mooney viscosity ( 0 . 36 mg / min ). as with t80 values , this difference is related to reduced chain mobility caused by the presence of polymer branching . the same effect is seen in the experimental polymers made continuously . at lower mooney viscosities than the budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene the experimental samples all had significantly less cold flow regardless of the amine modifier type . within the set of experimental samples , the good - rite ® alkylated amine based material actually experience less cold flow ( 0 . 58 mg / min ) than the wingstay ® 29 styrenated amine control ( 0 . 70 mg / min ). as a final measure of branching , the rpa beta values for the five samples were compared . beta values are extracted from an rpa frequency sweep measuring the change in tan delta as a function of frequency . the slope of this relationship provides the beta value , which correlates to branching . the smaller the value the more branching and vise versa ( dominated mostly by differences in chain mobility at low frequency for linear materials resulting in steep slopes ). for budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene this value was 0 . 168 while the budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber was 0 . 091 . both example 45 and 46 had similar betas of 0 . 113 – 0 . 116 . the identical beta values measured for the experimental samples reinforces the concept that alkylated diphenylamines are equally effective as styrenated diphenylamines at regulating the macrostructure in a cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene made with a nickel based catalyst system . to ensure the above analysis was not skewed by differences in molecular weight profiles the four comparative materials were subjected to size exclusion chromatography as shown in table 9 . examples 45 and 46 , regardless of amine type , had identical molecular weights , molecular weight distributions , and hydrodynamic volumes ( rw ). differences in hydrodynamic volume at equal molecular weight can be used to compare the level of branching present in a polymer . the more branched the polymer , the smaller the size the random polymer coil is in solution as measured by light scattering . linear budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber for example , has a larger measured radius of gyration in solution ( 38 . 7 nm ) while branched budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber and the experimental samples all have smaller radii ( 33 . 9 – 34 . 8 ). the final part of this study focused on comparing the compounded physical properties of the two experimental polymers 45 and 46 to the control budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber and budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber . the compound recipe , mixing and testing protocols followed astm method d 3189 – 99 for evaluation of solution polybutadiene rubber . testing focused on three aspects , vulcanizate properties , stress / strain properties , and processing characteristics with data shown in table 10 . all the samples tested had nearly identical vulcanizate properties . cure kinetics as measured as the time to 90 % cure ( tc 90 ) for the amine regulated polymers were all within 0 . 5 minutes of each other . scorch is also another important aspect of cure kinetics that is measured as ts 1 . in this study again all the amine regulated polymers had nearly identical ts 1 values regardless of the amine type . stress / strain properties for both experimental samples 45 and 46 were also very similar . the values for tensile , elongation , modulus , and hardness were nearly identical for these two polymers . process characterization was conducted by subjecting the compounds mixed above to both garvey die and spider mold tests ( table 11 ). it was expected that the linear budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber would perform poorly in these tests while the branched budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber type samples , including examples 45 and 46 , would excel . as shown in table 11 this was indeed the case . for garvey die , budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber managed to extrude just 86 inches of material weighing 189 grams , commercial budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber on the other hand achieved 93 inches and 207 grams . the two experimental rubber samples , regardless of amine type , both extruded nearly 220 grams and over 100 inches . similarly , budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber performed very poorly in the spider mold test barely filling the short arm and not filling the lower bar at all . conversely , all three amine regulated materials provided similar results with very good fill rates of 80 % for even the lower bar . these results indicate that the flow characteristics of the polybutadiene produced with the alkylated diphenylamine modifier was the same as the polymer produced with styrenated diphenylamine modifier . one of the more important tests used to predict processing characteristics of a polymer is a mill test . this test predicts time to banding and time to smoothing of a predetermined polybutadiene recipe on a rubber mill . the recipe and test results are shown below in table 12 for the four comparative samples . as expected , the budene ® 1208 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber performed poorly in mill banding and smoothing when compared to the budene ® 1280 cis - 1 , 4 - polybutadiene rubber . the experimental rubber samples 45 and 46 produced similar results indicative of a branched material . example 46 prepared from the alkylated diphenylamine exhibited excellent banding and smoothing times . while certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject invention , it will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject invention . | US-92997704-A |
polycrystalline materials containing crystallies of precursors to electrically conductive polymers and electrically conductive polymers are described which have an adjustable high degree of crystallinity . the intersticial regions between the crystallites contains amorphous material containing precursors to electrically conductive polymers and / or electrically conductive polymers . the degree of crystallinity is achieved by preparing the materials under conditions which provide a high degree of mobility to the polymer molecules permitting them to associate with one another to form a crystalline state . this is preferable achieved by including additives , such as plasticizers and diluents , to the solution from which the polycrystalline material is formed . the morphology of the polycrystalline material is adjustable to modify the properties of the material such as the degree of crystallinity , crystal grain size , glass transition temperature , thermal coefficient of expansion and degree of electrical conductivity . high levels of electrical conductivity are achieved in in the electrically conductive polycrystalline materials without stretch orienting the material . the enhanced electrical conductivity is isotropic as compared to a stretch oriented film which has isotropic electrical conductivity . | the present invention is directed toward electrically conducting polymer precursors and conducting polymers having adjustable morphology and in turn adjustable physical , mechanical , and electrical properties . the present invention is also directed toward controlling and enhancing the 3 - dimensional order or crystallinity of conducting polymer precursors and of conducting polymers . in addition , the present invention is directed towards enhancing the electrical conductivity of conducting polymers . this is done by forming an admixture of an electrically conducting polymer precursor or an electrically conducting polymer with an additive whereby the additive provides local mobility to the molecules so as to allow the conducting polymer precursor or conducting polymer chains to associate with one another and achieve a highly crystalline state . an example of such an additive is a plasticizer . a plasticizer is a substance which when added to a polymer , solvates the polymer and increases its flexibility , deformability , generally decreases the glass transition temperature tg , and generally reduces the tensile modulus . in certain cases , the addition of a plasticizer may induce antiplasticization , that is an increase in the modulus or stiffness of the polymer , an increase in tg . herein the additives can provide a plasticization effect , an antiplasticization effect or both effects . examples of polymers which can be used to practice the present invention are of substituted and unsubstituted homopolymers and copolymers of aniline , thiophene , pyrrole , p - phenylene sulfide , azines , selenophenes , furans , thianaphthenes , phenylene vinylene , etc . and the substituted and unsubstituted polymers , polyparaphenylenes , polyparaphenylevevinylenes , polyanilines , polyazines , polythiophenes , poly - p - phenylene sulfides , polyfuranes , polypyrroles , polythianaphthenes , polyselenophenes , polyacetylenes formed from soluble precursors and combinations thereof and copolymers of monomers thereof . the general formula for these polymers can be found in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 198 , 153 to angelopoulos et al . while the present invention will be described with reference to a preferred embodiment , it is not limited thereto . it will be readily apparent to a person of skill in the art how to extend the teaching herein to other embodiments . one type of polymer which is useful to practice the present invention is a substituted or unsubstituted polyaniline or copolymers of polyaniline having general formula shown in fig1 wherein each r can be h or any organic or inorganic radical ; each r can be the same or different ; wherein each r 1 can be h or any organic or inorganic radical , each r 1 can be the same or different ; x ≧ 1 ; preferable x ≧ 2 and y has a value from 0 to 1 . examples of organic radicals are alkyl or aryl radicals . examples of inorganic radicals are si and ge . this list is exemplary only and not limiting . the most preferred embodiment is emeraldine base form of the polyaniline wherein y has a value of approximately 0 . 5 . the base form is the non - doped form of the polymer . the non - doped form of polyaniline and the non - doped form of the other conducting polymers is herein referred to as the electrically conducting polymer precursor . in fig2 polyaniline is shown doped with a dopant . in this form , the polymer is in the conducting form . if the polyaniline base is exposed to cationic species qa , the nitrogen atoms of the imine ( electron rich ) part of the polymer becomes substituted with the q + cation to form an emeraldine salt as shown in fig2 . q + can be selected from h + and organic or inorganic cations , for example , an alkyl group or a metal . qa can be a protic acid where q is hydrogen . when a protic acid , ha , is used to dope the polyaniline , the nitrogen atoms of the imine part of the polyaniline are protonated . the emeraldine base form is greatly stabilized by resonance effects . the charges distribute through the nitrogen atoms and aromatic rings making the imine and amine nitrogens indistinguishable . the actual structure of the doped form is a delocalized polysemiquinone radical cation as shown in fig3 . the emeraldine base form of polyaniline is soluble in various organic solvents and in various aqueous acid solutions . examples or organic solvents are dimethylsulfoxide ( dmsq ), dimethylformamide ( dmf ) and n - methylpyrrolidinone ( nmp ), dimethylene propylene urea , tetramethyl urea , etc . this list is exemplary only and not limiting . examples of aqueous acid solutions is 80 % acetic acid and 60 - 88 % formic acid . this list is exemplary only and not limiting . polyaniline base is generally processed by dissolving the polymer in nmp . these solutions exhibit a bimodal or trimodal distribution in gel permeation chromatography ( gpc ) as a result of aggregation induced by internal hydrogen bonding between chains as previously described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 08 / 370 , 128 , filed on jan . 9 , 1995 , the teaching of which is incorporated herein by reference . the gpc curve for typical polyaniline base in nmp is shown in fig4 . polymers in general can be amorphous , crystalline , or partly crystalline . in the latter case , the polymer consists of crystalline phases and amorphous phases . the morphology of a polymer is very important in determining the polymer &# 39 ; s physical , mechanical , and electronic properties . polyaniline base films processed from nmp either by spin - coating or by solution casting techniques are amorphous as can be seen in fig5 a which depicts the wide angle x - ray scattering ( waxs ) spectrum for this material . amorphous diffuse scattering is observed . some crystallinity is induced in these films by post processing mechanical deformation especially if these films are derived from gels as described by a . g . macdiarmid et al in synth . met . 55 - 57 , 753 ( 1993 ). waxs of a stretch oriented film having been stretched ( l / lo = 3 . 7x ) derived from a gel is shown in fig5 b . some crystallinity has been induced as compared to the non - stretch oriented films as evidenced by the defined scattering peaks . doping the amorphous polyaniline base films ( those having structure shown in fig5 a ) with aqueous hydrochloric acid results in isotropic conductivity of 1 s / cm . such films are not crystalline . similar doping of stretch oriented films results in anisotropic conductivity where conductivity on the order of 10 2 s / cm is measured parallel to the stretch direction whereas conductivity on the order of 10 0 s / cm is measured perpendicular to the stretch direction . it should also be noted that some level of crystallinity is lost during the doping process in these films . according to the present invention , the interchain ( polymer chain ) registration is increased as compared to a stretch oriented film . fig7 and 8 show the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis ( dmta ) spectrum for a polyaniline base film processed from nmp alone . fig7 is the first scan where a tg of approx . 118 is observed as a result of the residual nmp which is present in the film . fig8 is the second thermal scan of the same film . this film has no residual solvent and a tg of ≅ 251 ° c . is measured for the polyaniline base polymer . when an additive such as a plasticizer , such as a poly - co - dimethyl propylamine siloxane , is added to the polyaniline base completely different properties and morphology is observed . the siloxane has a polar amine group which facilitates the miscibility of the polyaniline base and the plasticizer . the dmta of a polyaniline base film cast from nmp and containing 5 % by weight to polyaniline of the poly - co - dimethyl propyl amine siloxane exhibits a lower tg on the first thermal scan as compared to polyaniline base processed from nmp alone ( fig9 ) as a result of plasticization induced by the siloxane . however , on the second thermal scan of this film ( fig1 ), the polymer exhibits an increase in tg as compared to polyaniline processed from nmp . when the polysiloxane is added to a solution of polyaniline base , the siloxane due to the polar amine group can interact with the polymer chains and disrupt some of the polyaniline interactions with itself or some of the aggregation . thus , the polysiloxane first induces some deaggregation . however , the polysiloxane has multiple amine sites and thus , it can itself hydrogen bond with multiple polyaniline base chains and thus , the polysiloxane facilitates the formation of a cross - linked network . this cross - linked network accounts for the increased tg observed in the dmta . tg is characteristic of the amorphous regions of a polymer and in this case the amorphous regions consist of a cross - linked polyaniline / polysiloxane network . thus , the polysiloxane is inducing an antiplasticization effect in polyaniline base as the tg is increased . generally , plasticizers reduce tg . gpc data ( fig1 ) is consistent with this model . the addition of the poly - amino containing siloxane to a polyaniline base solution in nmp results in a significant increase in the high molecular weight fractions depicting the cross - linked network which forms between polyaniline and the plasticizer . in addition to the cross - linked network the siloxane induces in the amorphous regions , concomittantly it also is found to induce significant levels of crystallinity in polyaniline base as a result of the local mobility that it provides . fig5 c shows the waxs for a polyaniline base film processed from nmp containing 10 % of the poly amino containing siloxane . as can be seen highly crystalline polyaniline has been attained . much higher levels of crystallinity as compared to fig5 b for the stretch oriented films . thus polyaniline by the addition of the siloxane forms a structure depicted in fig6 where crystalline regions of highly associated polyaniline chains ( outlined by a rectangle ) are formed with intersticial amorphous regions . in most cases , the additive resides in the amorphous intersticial sites . the degree of crystallinity ( number of crystalline sites ) and the size of the crystalline domains as well as the degree of amorphous regions and the nature of the amorphous region ( aggregated , i . e . cross - linked or not ) can be tuned by the type and amount of additive . in turn , by controlling the above , the properties of the material can also be controlled . with the poly - co - dimethyl aminopropyl siloxane ( 5 % n content ), loadings ranging from 0 . 001 to 20 % by weight gives highly crystalline polyaniline . the highly crystalline polyaniline in turn exhibits increased modulus , stiffness , yield and tensile strengths , hardness , density and softening points . thus , the siloxane at these loadings is having an antiplasticization effect . above 20 % loading , the crystallinity begins to decrease . as the crystallinity decreases , the modulus , stiffness , yield and tensile strengths , hardness , density and softening points begin to decrease . thus , the siloxane at these loadings begins to have a plasticization effect . the siloxane content becomes high enough that it disrupts the polyaniline base interactions in the crystalline regions . with the poly co dimethyl aminopropyl siloxanes having 0 . 5 and 13 % n ratios , similar trends are observed but the particular amount of siloxane needed to have a plasticization effect or an antiplasticization effect varies . thus , the degree of crystallinity and the degree of amorphous regions and in turn the properties of polyaniline can be tuned by the nature of the additive as well as the amount of additive . indeed , using the same additive but simply changing the loading dramatically changes the morphology and in turn the properties of polyaniline . the electronic properties of the polymer are also impacted . the conductivity of a polyaniline base film cast from nmp and containing 1 % by weight poly - co - dimethyl aminopropyl siloxane which is doped by aqueous hydrochloric acid is 50 s / cm as compared to 1 s / cm for a polyaniline film with no plasticizer . this is isotropic conductivity . the doped film containing the polysiloxane retains the highly crystalline structure . the degree of crystallinity and the degree of amorphous regions and in turn the physical , mechanical , and electronic properties can be tuned by the particular additive used and by the amount of additive . for example , the tg of polyaniline can be increased or decreased by the amount and type of additive . the mechanical properties such as tensile properties , modulus , impact resistance , etc . can be tuned as described above . the additive can range from 0 . 001 to 90 % by weight , more preferably from 0 . 001 to 50 % and most preferably from 0 . 001 to 25 %. a list of plasticizers that can be used to practice the present invention is given in table 1 . the plasticizer can be small molecules , oligomeric or polymeric in nature as can be seen in table 1 . they can be monofuntional , bifunctional , and multifunctional . the additive can also be removed from the final film structure if so desired by appropriate extraction . polyaniline is synthesized by the oxidative polymerization of aniline using ammonium peroxydisulfate in aqueous hydrochloric acid . the polyaniline hydrochloride precipitates from solution . the polymer is then neutralized using aqueous ammonium hydroxide . the neutralized or non - dope polyaniline base is then filtered , washed and dried . polyaniline can also be made by electrochemical oxidative polymerization as taught by w . huang , b . humphrey , and a . g . macdiarmid , j . chem . soc ., faraday trans . 1 , 82 , 2385 , 1986 . the polyaniline base powder is readily dissolved in nmp up to 5 % solids . thin films ( on the order of a micron ) can be formed by spin - coating . thick films are made by solution casting and drying ( 70 ° c . in vacuum oven under a nitrogen purge for 15 hours ). these solutions and films have the properties described above . a . polyaniline base was first dissolved in nmp to 5 % solids and allowed to mix well . a poly - co - dimethyl , aminopropyl siloxane ( n content 5 % relative to repeat unit ) was dissolved to 5 % in nmp . the siloxane solution was added to the polyaniline base solution . the resulting admixture was allowed to mix for 12 hours at room temperature . a number of solutions were made having from 0 . 001 % to 50 % siloxane content ( by weight relative to polyaniline ). thin films were spin - coated onto quartz substrates ; thick films were prepared by solution casting and baking the solutions at 70 ° c . in a vacuum oven under a nitrogen purge for 15 hours ). the solutions and the films have the properties described above . b . the same experiment described in ( a ) was carried out except that the plasticizer was a poly - co - dimethyl , aminopropyl siloxane in which the n content was 13 %. c . the same experiment described in ( a ) was carried out except that the plasticizer was a poly - co - dimethyl , aminopropyl siloxane in which the n content was 0 . 5 %. d . the same experiment described in ( a ) was carried out except that the plasticizer was polyglycol diacid . e . the same experiment described in ( a ) was carried out except that the plasticizer was 3 , 6 , 9 - trioxaundecanedioic acid . f . the same experiment described in ( a ) was carried out except that the plasticizer was poly ( ethylene glycol ) tetrahydro furfuryl ether . g . the same experiment described in ( a ) was carried out except that the plasticizer was glycerol triacetate . h . the same experiment described on ( a ) was carried out except the plasticizer was epoxidized soy bean oil . the same experiment as described in ( a ) was carried out except that polyaniline base and the plasticizer was dissolved in nmp / m - cresol mixtures in which m - cresol ranged from 1 to 99 % the same experiment as described in ( a ) was carried out except that the polyaniline base was dissolved in m - cresol and the plasticizer was dissolved in m - cresol . polyaniline base was dissolved in m - cresol and in nmp / m - cresol combinations to 5 % solids . the m - cresol in the latter system being the additive ranged from 1 to 99 %. free - standing films were made by solution casting techniques . with increasing m - cresol content , the polyaniline exhibited a waxs similar to that shown in fig5 a except that the amorphous scattering peak became somewhat sharper indicative of some crystallinity . however , this was significantly less than observed with the siloxane plasticizer . polyaniline base films made as described above were doped by aqueous acid solutions of hydrochloric or methanesulfonic acid . the films were immersed in the acid solution for 12 hours for thin films and 36 hours for the thick films . the conductivity of a polyaniline base film processed from nmp and doped with these acid solutions is 1 s / cm . the conductivity of a base film processed from nmp and 1 % poly - co - dimethyl , aminopropyl siloxane ( 5 % n content ) was 50 s / cm . polyaniline base was dissolved in a solvent such as nmp or nmp / m - cresol combinations , etc . from 1 to 5 % solids . to this solution was added a dopant such as camphorsulfonic acid or acrylamidopropanesulfonic acid ( previously reported in u . s . patent application ser . no . 595 , 853 filed on feb . 2 , 1996 ). these solutions were used to spin - coat or solution cast films . in some experiments , the plasticizer such as the poly - co - dimethyl , aminopropyl siloxane in a solvent was added to the doped polyaniline solution . in certain other experiments , the plasticizer was first added to the pani base solution . the dopant was then added to the polyaniline solution containing the plasticizer . the teaching of the following u . s . patent applications are incorporated herein by reference : &# 34 ; cross - linked electrically conductive polymers , precursors thereof and applications thereof &# 34 ;, application ser . no . 595 , 853 , filed feb . 2 , 1996 ; &# 34 ; methods of fabrication of cross - linked electrically conductive polymers and precursors thereof &# 34 ;, application ser . no . 594 , 680 , filed feb . 2 , 1996 now abandoned ; &# 34 ; deaggregated electrically conductive polymers and precursors thereof &# 34 ;, application ser . no . 370 , 127 , filed jan . 9 , 1995 now u . s . pat . no . 5 , 804 , 100 ; and &# 34 ; methods of fabrication od deaggregated electrically conductive polymers and precursors thereof &# 34 ;, application ser . no . 370 , 128 , filed jan . 9 , 1995 now abandoned . while the present invention has been shown and described with respect to a preferred embodiment , it will be understood that numerous changes , modifications , and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | US-62061896-A |
a method of sending signals , including data and timing information , between transportation units on a communication bus of an integrated circuit , by generating clock triggers for every transportation unit on the bus , thereby initiating each preceding one of the transportation units to start sending the signals in a wave - front to an adjacent succeeding one of the transportation units , where the wave - front is initiated at each of the transportation units at a common point in time , and every transportation unit applying a timing adjustment to at least one of the data and timing information that it receives in the signals from the preceding transportation unit , to at least one of capture the data from the preceding transportation unit , relay the data without modification from the preceding transportation unit to the succeeding transportation unit on the communication bus , and load new data to the communication bus , with updated timing information in a succeeding wave - front . | the fundamental structure of the embodiments according to the present invention is a daisy chain of connected ports . fig1 shows two examples of four daisy chained ports . fig1 a depicts a ring - like daisy chain in a unidirectional loop . fig1 b depicts an open ended daisy chain configuration , where bidirectional connections make it a bidirectional loop . note , though , that while the chain flow in fig1 a is unidirectional , additional chain connections and transportation units could be added to the topology to make bidirectional connections . the basic forms of the design embodiments described herein according to the present invention are designated as a self - timed time division multiplexed ( tdm ) bus with a daisy chain loop configuration , similar to that as depicted in fig1 a , with wave - front relay self - timing , instead of a local very - high - frequency clock generator . the communication lines depicted herein , such as between the transportation units in fig1 , consist of two types of signals : data and self - timing clocks . synchronized data and self - timing clocks are sent out from one transportation unit to the next transportation unit along the flow path . data is self - timed and clocked by a delayed version of one of the self - timing clocks when it arrives at a unit , to provide for a reliable reception . if the data that arrives at the unit needs to be forwarded to a subsequent unit , then the data and the self - timing clocks are re - synchronized before the forwarding operation . the transportation unit has three main functions , which are ( 1 ) transmission , ( 2 ) reception , and ( 3 ) relay with data and clock re - synchronization . in addition to these functions , the transportation unit also has a function control block that communicates with the ports , and also loads data to and takes data from the tdm bus at the proper time . fig2 depicts a block diagram of the transportation unit . the transportation unit consists of clock selection circuits 213 and 227 , data path multiplexer 211 , control logic block 215 , relay data registers 212 , a new clock generation block 214 , three delay blocks 228 , 229 , 230 , and two selective adjustable delay blocks 218 and 219 . there is one system clock input signal 208 — the global unit clock — which is supplied to all the transportation units . fig3 gives an example of a signal timing diagram for some of the transportation unit signals , with a time multiplexing factor of four . the notation that is used in fig3 includes : dp 0 ˜ dp 3 : data from the previous port , in an ascending order of when it is sent . dp 2 _last , dp 3 _last , dp_ 0 _next : the dp 2 and dp 3 from the last global unit clock cycle , and the dp 0 for next global unit clock cycle . dsend : data to be sent from this transportation unit to the next unit . dsend_last , dsend_next : the dsend data from the last global unit clock cycle and the dsend data for the next global unit clock cycle . there are two types of signals between two neighboring transportation units , data and self - timing clocks . signal 202 is data to the next unit , which becomes signal 201 , data from the previous unit , when it arrives at the next unit . similarly , signal 207 , clocks to next unit , becomes signal 204 , clocks from previous units , when it arrives at the next unit . the data is fed in a multi - bit payload . self - timing clocks have m instances , where m is the number of relays that the units perform within one global unit clock cycle . the clock edge is defined as a rising or falling edge of signal 208 , either one of which can be used as the global clock event for the transportation units . one clock cycle is defined as the time between two consecutive ones of the selected type of clock edges ( rising or falling ). at any given time , only one out of m instances of the self - timing clocks are active . self - timing clocks are generated by block 214 , the new clock generation block , through an m bit rotating shift register . the shift register in 214 is reset to 2m − 1 using signal 232 during a system reset event . then the shift register in 214 shifts at every clock edge of the relay clock signal 203 . shift register outputs from 214 are sent out as signal 207 . the self - timing clock selection circuit 227 is used to select the currently - active self - timing clock from signal 221 — the delayed version of signal 204 . the selection is made through a delayed version of signal 231 , which is sent out by the control logic block 215 . the selected self - timing clock then becomes signal 225 , the data clock . the data clock 225 is sent to block 215 , in which there is a rotating shift register , which is reset to 1 during a system reset event , and which is clocked by the data clock signal 225 . the shift register outputs are sent out as signal 231 , the delayed version of which is anded with signal 221 , with the output then ored to generate the self - timing clock selection outputs signal 225 . by using different amounts of delay as specified by the delay unit 228 , the “ on ” time of the signal 225 can be adjusted , since the shift register is updated at the clock edge of signal 225 , and hence signal 221 is updated . as a result , signal 221 selects the next active self - timing clock in the queue , which is “ off ” at the time of the selection update , and thereby turns signal 225 “ off .” the “ off ” time of signal 225 is determined by the timing of the clock edge of the selected active clock . this design self - tracks the required “ on ” time of signal 225 by observing the shift register state change that is driven by signal 225 . delay that is added by block 228 adds margin to the minimum “ on ” time signal 225 , so that signal 225 meets a robust operation requirement from the flip - flops that are driven by it . signal 225 and the delayed version of signal 208 are selected by multiplex block 213 through a delayed version of signal 226 and a delayed version of an end of relay signal 226 from block 215 . the output of block 213 becomes signal 203 , the relay clock signal . delay 229 is added between the global unit clock signal 208 and the input of block 213 to allow sufficient setup time at the relay data registers 212 , when new data comes from the port or logic core on the global unit clock signal 208 . fig3 depicts the delay for these signals . when a delayed version of signal 208 is selected , the “ on ” time of signal 203 is also self - tracked through the state change of the end of relay signal 226 , which is driven by the relay clock signal 203 . delay 230 adds margin to the “ on ” time of signal 203 for robustness of the circuit . control logic block 215 controls the timing and data flow of the transportation unit . it sends a selection signal 205 at a proper time to the multiplex block 211 to select between signal 220 , the delayed version of signal 201 , which is data from the previous unit , and signal 206 , data to be sent , to be connected to internal data bus 209 . example timing can be found in fig3 . if signal 206 ( data to be sent ) is selected , then new data is loaded onto the bus , otherwise data from the previous unit is forwarded and made ready for the relay 212 . as governed by the relay clock signal 203 , the data on the bus 209 is clocked into the relay data registers 212 , the output of which becomes the data to next unit signal 202 . to avoid hold time violations at the next unit with the signal 201 , the transportation unit design optionally includes an adjustable delay block 218 , which can be inserted when the circuit delay in a given design is not sufficiently long so as to guarantee an appropriate hold time . the control logic 215 also captures data at the proper time ( synchronized to the data clock 225 ) from signal 220 when data addressed to this unit arrives . to ensure an appropriate setup time for the data capture , an optional adjustable delay block 219 can be applied to signal 204 before the selector block 213 , if the selected self - timing clock comes too early to guarantee an adequate setup time . the timing of loads delivered to the bus — and captures taken from the bus — an be programmable or hardwired . the control logic 215 contains a set of counter or shift registers . the counter or shift registers reset according to the global unit clock 208 . the timing of loads and captures are represented in one embodiment as counter values that get compared to counter states , or a set of register bits that are looked up according to the content of the shift register . the clock for the counter / shift registers is the relay clock signal 203 . the above mechanism can also be used to generate the end of relay signal 226 . signal 226 is reset to be asserted at a system reset . fig3 shows an example of how data is loaded to the bus at the first relay clock edge 203 after the signal 208 clock edge . data capture is enabled at the fourth relay clock edge 203 and captured at the fourth data clock edge 226 . finally , the end of relay signal 226 is also set at the fourth relay clock edge 203 . a pipeline architecture can be applied to the design . for example , signal 205 can be generated one local clock earlier than signal 206 can be clocked into the relay registers 212 . fig3 shows an example of that . block 215 also contains three sets of registers : transmission data registers 216 , receiving data registers 217 , and control registers 224 . the transmission registers 216 supply the data to be loaded on the bus , and the receiving registers 217 are a one level fifo that store data that is captured from the bus . control registers 224 contain control information . the control registers 224 are mostly configuration registers — for example , adjustable delay settings that drive signals 222 and 223 , flow control registers that control timing of loads and captures , and so forth . the registers are set or read by corresponding port logic elements or a host that communicates with them through the port communication channel 210 . when signal 202 is latched at the local clock , a new clock to next unit signal 207 is generated at the same time by block 214 as described earlier in this section . the transportation unit as described in this section can be implemented as multiple copies , each having a limited data bus width , if the overall width of the data bus is too large . each transportation unit along the daisy chain loop starts to transmit data and a sync bit ( or bits ) at the global unit clock edge . each unit receives data and clocks — self - timing information to use a more generic term — from a previous port according to the loop flow direction , including wire delay between the two ports . each unit then recovers and generates a relay clock from the received sync bits with an adjustable delay . the regenerated local relay clock then clocks in the received data and generates new sync bits at the same time , to send to the next port in the ring . this design allows transmitted data and sync bits to be relayed to the next port , as well as to be re - synchronized at each transportation unit . this relay process continues until the data reaches its destination . in some embodiments , all relay processes are finished within one global clock cycle . the above process then repeat with every global unit clock cycle . one example of the relay process is depicted in fig4 a - 4d , where : n = number of ports in the point - to - point communication system t = number of times slots on the bus ( s , d )= data from the source port s to the destination port d f (( s , d ))= distance between the source and destination ports =( d − 1 ) mod ( n ) tε ( 0 , 1 , . . . , t − 1 )= timeslot in this example there are nine transportation units labeled 0 - 8 , and depicted as numbered circles . however , it is appreciated that there could be a greater or lesser number of transportation units than this . to start the cycle , every port ( transportation unit ) sends data at the same time to a counterpart port that is four ports away in a clock - wise direction , which step ends when the data arrives at the destination port , three relay stages later . in fig4 a , t = 0 ( synchronized to the system clock ), and data departs from the source ports . as depicted in fig4 , the data at each given time is depicted en route between two ports , with the notation ( source port , destination port ). in fig4 b , t = 1 , and the data is in transit . in fig4 c , t = 2 and the data is still in transit . in fig4 d , t = 3 , and the data arrives at the destination ports . as mentioned above , point - to - point interconnection among n ports requires n *( n − 1 )* w connections , where w is the number of bits of information that are sent from one port to one other port , assuming w is the same across all of the ports . using the tdm bus proposed herein significantly reduces the required number of wire interconnections . one way to achieve this savings is to establish n − 1 separate daisy chains that connect n ports together . each daisy chain is w + n bits wide , where n is the number of synchronization bits that are used per daisy chain . the function of each daisy chain is listed in table 1 , below . in this embodiment , the distance between each destination port and each source port is the same for all of the ports in the chain . using the same assumptions as above , the number of connections for a direct point - to - point connection is n *( n − 1 )* w . the number of connections for a tdm point - to - point connection can be calculated as ( n − 1 )*( w + n ), as table 1 shows . so the “ wire savings ” is calculated as : the savings over a direct p2p connection as measured in the total connection length of the interconnects is not calculated here , because it depends significantly on the actual port locations and routing plan . the total connection length in a tdm p2p connection can be calculated as given below , assuming that the port to port routing distance is a constant 1 : total length l =( n − 1 ) 2 ×( w + n )× l table 1 demonstrates a simple way to establish a p2p connection using a tdm bus , and demonstrates a significant reduction in the number of connections as compared to a direct p2p connection . the number of connections can be further reduced to about half , through bus time sharing . in this embodiment , a chain designated for data that has port destinations that are far away from the source ports can be paired with a chain whose data destinations are closer to the source ports . table 2 depicts two embodiments of chain pairs that share one bus . the total number of chains reduces from n − 1 to something within the range of ( n − 1 )/ 2 to n / 2 + 1 , depending on whether n is odd or even , and the pairing scheme used . it is appreciated that there are other sharing schemes that are comprehended within the scope of the present invention that can be used to reduce the total number of interconnects . fig5 illustrates how the relay process works within the time share embodiment , with the same definitions for the terms as provided above in regard to fig4 . this example has n = 9 , with a first step destination of f = 3 and a second step destination of f = 1 . in fig5 a , t = 0 ( synchronized to the system clock ), and the data departs from the source ports . in fig5 b , t = 1 , and the data is in transit . in fig5 c , t = 2 and the data arrives at the destination ports for f = 3 , where the data is newly staged for f = 1 . in fig5 d , t = 3 , and the data arrives at the destination ports for f = 1 . modifications can be made to the transportation unit control block 215 ( as depicted in fig2 ) to facilitate the time share embodiment . for example , the control logic can be modified such that it can load and capture more than once within a single global unit clock cycle , at proper timings . correspondingly , the capacity of the registers 216 and 217 can be increased according to the chosen time share scheme , and the load and capture can be operated with the proper storage registers in a proper order . in some applications , the worst case delay for the proposed tdm bus , which is a result of passing through n − 1 relay stages , might be too long to meet the speed requirements of the interconnection . using a bi - directional tdm bus for chains that have a large number of relay stages can reduce the worst case number of relay stages from n − 1 to ( n − 1 )/ 2 when n is odd , and to n / 2 when n is even . table 3 provides an example of such a bi - directional tdm bus . it is appreciated that the bus time sharing technique described in the previous section can also be applied to a bidirectional tdm bus , to reduce the number of connections . with reference now to fig6 , there is depicted an embodiment of a portion of an n - port switch architecture , where each port 100 can handle m arbitration requests . each arbitration request goes to each port 100 , one of which ports 100 is depicted in fig6 . therefore , there are m * n arbitraion requests in each port 100 and m * n * n total arbitration requests for all of the n ports 100 . the n ports 100 can be connected as a bidirectional daisy chain as depicted in fig1 b , or in a unidirectional daisy chain loop or ring as depicted in fig1 a . in the embodiment depicted in fig6 , the daisy chain is configured as a unidirectional ring , such that port 0 transmits the arbitration requests to port 1 via physical wires , port 1 transmits to port 2 , and so on . port 0 receives the arbitration requests directly from port n − 1 . each port 100 includes a clock generator 102 that operates at a frequency that is k times greater than the signal that it receives from the chip clock 110 . the port 100 also has m banks of shift registers 104 , where each of the m banks has n shift registers , which are used for temporary storage . the port 100 also includes arbitration request registers 106 . each arbitration request is associated with one of the banks 104 of n shift registers . each register in the appropriate bank 104 of n shift registers stores a request that comes from one of the n ports 100 . by shifting the arbitration request from one register to another register within the appropriate bank 104 of shift registers , the n shift registers contain the corresponding arbitration requests from all of the ports 100 . as depicted in fig6 , signals arbreq 0 , arbreq 1 , . . . . arbreqm − 1 are arbitration requests that are generated from the arbitration unit , which requests go to the n ports 100 for arbitration . the requests are loaded into reg 0 of the appropriate bank 104 of shift registers at the rising edge of the chip clock 110 signal , when the load data ( ld ) signal is asserted . control block 108 outputs the load data signal to register reg 0 of every bank 104 of n shift registers , to initiate the loading of the arbitration requests into the ring structure . the load data signal is asserted when the clock generator 102 is disabled , which occurs when the chip clock 110 signal is low , and then the load data signal is de - asserted after the rising edge of the nclk signal . rqtin 0 , rqtin 1 , . . . . rqtinm − 1 are m ring signals that are received from the previous port 100 , and are routed to the input of register reg 0 of every one of the m banks 104 of n shift registers . the outputs of reg 0 ( rqt 0 _out 0 , rqt 1 _out 0 , . . . . rqtm − 1_out 0 ) are routed to the inputs rqtin 0 , rqtin 1 , . . . , rqtinm − 1 of the next port 100 in the ring or chain . after arbreq 0 , arbreq 1 , . . . arbreqm − 1 are loaded into the registers , the rqt 0 _out 0 , rqt 1 _out 0 , . . . . rqtm − 1_out 0 signals contain the arbitration requests 0 of the corresponding port 100 after the first clock signal from the clock generator 102 . the clock generator 102 is enabled on the rising edge of the chip clock 110 signal , and continues to be enabled until the internal counter in the control unit 108 reaches a pre - defined number of clock cycles . when the clock generator 102 is disabled , then no more clock signals are generated , and the clock signal nclk stays low until the next rising edge of the chip clock 110 signal . when the clock generator 102 generates a clock signal with n times the frequency of the chip clock 110 ( k = n ), then the internal counter in the control unit 108 disables the clock generator 102 when it counts to n and the arbitration requests from each port 100 are shifted to the desired port 100 . because this is accomplished in just one chip clock 110 cycle , the latency of the operation is one . similarly , this can also be accomplished when k = n / 2 or k = n / 4 , etc ., by modifying the control unit 108 . the only difference is that it would then take two or four chip clock 110 cycles for the arbitration requests to go to the desired port 100 . at the rising edge of the nclk signal , each port 100 receives the arbitration requests from the previous port 100 of the ring at reg 0 . these arbitration requests go to reg 1 of every one of the banks 104 of n shift registers on the next clock cycle . the output of req 1 goes to reg 2 on the next cycle , and so on . the output of the bank 104 of n shift registers goes to the arbitration request registers 106 , and is latched at the next rising of the chip clock 110 signal . because there are m banks 104 of n shift registers , there are m banks 110 of arbitration request registers . the output of the m banks 110 of arbitration request registers goes to the arbitration unit , to determine the connection between the ports 100 . fig7 depicts the timing diagram for how n shift registers 0 contain arbitration requests 0 from any of the n ports 100 at the end of the chip clock cycle , when ( k = n ), where subscripts indicate the port 100 number . thus , the various embodiments of the present invention newly describe a point - to - point tdm bus using a wave - front relay self - timing technique , a new design for a transportation unit , a tdm bus time share technique , and a bidirectional tdm bus . the p2p tdm bus described herein significantly reduces the number of connections that are required between ports , as compared to a direct - link point - to - point topology . specifically , the p2p tdm bus uses o ( n ) connections , while the direct p2p link bus requires o ( n 2 ) connections . further , the p2p tdm bus significantly reduces the overall routing area that is required for a p2p connection . the p2p tdm bus can reduce the impact of wire delay by increasing wire width and pitch in exchange for a lesser number of interconnections . the p2p tdm bus described herein also reduces interconnect power dissipation due to reduced wire loads . the wave - front relay self - timing technique described herein is a very effective technique for the p2p tdm bus . for every global unit clock cycle , all ports on the connected p2p network start by sending data and self - timing information to the next port down the chain . meanwhile , every port is ready to receive data and self - timing information from the previous port in the chain . each port uses the self - timing information to re - synchronize and then relay the data , and generates new self - timing information — along with the relayed data — to send to the next port down the chain . each port extracts the clock signal from the incoming self - timing information , and in doing so removes any need for a high speed ( multiple clock rate ) clock at each port . the wave - front relay self - timing technique described herein also reduces the matching requirement that is imposed by a local high frequency clock generator , and also removes any data / clock mismatching accumulation along the ports that are used for the synchronized relay . the wave - front relay self - timing technique also limits the relay process to just one global unit clock cycle , and re - synchronizes all of the relay process at the global clock edge , which prevents path mismatching accumulation from one relay process to the next . in addition , the wave - front relay self - timing technique increases daisy chain performance , because the relay delay is typically smaller than a local high frequency clock period . the transportation unit of the present design features sync detection , local clock generation , data path load and capture functions , and data / sync bit ( s ) resynchronization , all of which enable the wave - front relay self - timing technique . further , the transportation unit design as described herein features an additional delay between the unit clock and the start of the relay clock , which allows for the same unit clock cycle data to be used on the bus , and avoids extra clock cycle latency or extra storage . the transportation unit includes optional adjustable delays on the data path and the sync path , which allows the hold time and the setup time for relay to be adjusted separately . in addition , the transportation unit has a separate local clock for data relay and data capture , which allows more time for the data capture operation to finish , thus maximizing the use of the full unit clock cycle for transportation — this also permits a higher speed performance . as mentioned above , the tdm bus time share technique described herein reduces the number of p2p tdm interconnections by about half , while the bi - directional design also doubles the p2p tdm bus system performance . in alternate embodiments , the p2p tdm bus is simplified and modified for a crossbar application , with or without broadcasting . the p2p tdm bus can also be cascaded and bridged for multi - stage interconnects . if latency is allowed in a fast system , then the global unit clock speed can be reduce to multi system clock cycles , and the bus can be widened accordingly to meet the throughput requirement . the foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description . it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed . obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings . the embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application , and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated . all such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly , legally , and equitably entitled . | US-200813123124-A |
the present invention provides a method for enhancing an immune response in a mammal to facilitate the elimination of a chronic pathology . the method involves the removal of immune system inhibitors from the circulation of the mammal , thus , enabling a more vigorous immune response to the pathogenic agent . the removal of immune system inhibitors is accomplished by contacting biological fluids of a mammal with one or more binding partner capable of binding to and , thus , depleting the targeted immune system inhibitor from the biological fluids . particularly useful in the invention is an absorbent matrix composed of an inert , biocompatible substrate joined covalently to a binding partner , such as an antibody , capable of specifically binding to the targeted immune system inhibitor . | the present invention provides novel methods to reduce the levels of immune system inhibitors in the circulation of a host mammal , thereby , potentiating an immune response capable of resolving a pathological condition . by enhancing the magnitude of the host &# 39 ; s immune response , the invention avoids the problems associated with the repeated administration of chemotherapeutic agents which often have undesirable side effects ( e . g ., chemotherapeutic agents used in treating cancer ). the methods of the present invention generally are accomplished by : ( a ) obtaining a biological fluid from a mammal having a pathological condition ; ( b ) contacting the biological fluid with a binding partner capable of selectively binding to a targeted immune system inhibitor to produce an altered biological fluid having a reduced amount of the targeted immune system inhibitor ; and , thereafter ( c ) administering the altered biological fluid to the mammal . as used herein , the term “ immune system stimulator ” refers to soluble mediators that increase the magnitude of an immune response , or which encourage the development of particular immune mechanisms that are more effective in resolving a specific pathological condition . as used herein , the term “ immune system inhibitor ” refers to a soluble mediator that decreases the magnitude of an immune response , or which discourages the development of particular immune mechanisms that are more effective in resolving a specific pathological condition , or which encourages the development of particular immune mechanisms that are less effective in resolving a specific pathological condition . examples of host - derived immune system inhibitors include interleukin - 1 receptor antagonist , transforming growth factor - β , interleukin - 4 , interleukin - 10 , or the soluble receptors for interleukin - 1 , interleukin - 2 , interleukin - 4 , interleukin - 6 , interleukin - 7 , interferon - γ and tumor necrosis factors α and β . immune system inhibitors produced by microorganisms are also potential targets including , for example , complement inhibitors , and homologues of interleukin - 10 , soluble receptors for interleukin - 1 , interferons α , β , and γ , and tumor necrosis factors α and β . as used herein , the term “ targeted ” immune system inhibitor refers to that inhibitor , or collection of inhibitors , which is to be removed from the biological fluid by the present method . as used herein , the term “ mammal ” can be a human or a non - human animal , such as dog , cat , horse , cattle , pig , or sheep for example . the term “ patient ” is used synonymously with the term “ mammal ” in describing the invention . as used herein , the term “ pathological condition ” refers to any condition where the persistence , within a host , of an agent , immunologically distinct from the host , is a component of or contributes to a disease state . examples of such pathological conditions include , but are not limited to those resulting from persistent viral , bacterial , parasitic , and fungal infections , and cancer . among individuals exhibiting such chronic diseases , those in whom the levels of immune system inhibitors are elevated are particularly suitable for the treatment of the invention . plasma levels of immune system inhibitors can be determined using methods well - known in the art ( see , for example , adolf and apfler , supra ). those skilled in the art readily can determine pathological conditions that would benefit from the depletion of immune system inhibitors according to the present methods . as it relates to the present invention , the term “ biological fluid ” refers to the acellular component of the circulatory system including plasma , serum , lymphatic fluid , or fractions thereof . the biological fluids can be removed from the mammal by any means known to those skilled in the art , including , for example , conventional apheresis methods ( see , apheresis : principles and practice , mcleod , b . c ., price , t . h ., and drew , m . j ., eds ., aabb press , bethesda , md . ( 1997 )). the amount of biological fluid to be extracted from a mammal at a given time will depend on a number of factors , including the age and weight of the host mammal and the volume required to achieve therapeutic benefit . as an initial guideline , one plasma volume ( approximately 5 - 7 liters in an adult human ) can be removed and , thereafter , depleted of the targeted immune system inhibitor according to the present methods . as used herein , the term “ selectively binds ” means that a molecule binds to one type of target molecule , but not substantially to other types of molecules . the term “ specifically binds ” is used interchangeably herein with “ selectively binds ”. as used herein , the term “ binding partner ” is intended to include any molecule chosen for its ability to selectively bind to the targeted immune system inhibitor . the binding partner can be one which naturally binds the targeted immune system inhibitor . for example , tumor necrosis factor α or β can be used as a binding partner for stnfri . alternatively , other binding partners , chosen for their ability to selectively bind to the targeted immune system inhibitor , can be used . these include fragments of the natural binding partner , polyclonal or monoclonal antibody preparations or fragments thereof , or synthetic peptides . the present invention further relates to the use of various mixtures of binding partners . one mixture can be composed of multiple binding partners that selectively bind to different binding sites on a single targeted immune system inhibitor . another mixture can be composed of multiple binding partners , each of which selectively binds to a single site on different targeted immune system inhibitors . alternatively , the mixture can be composed of multiple binding partners that selectively bind to different binding sites on different targeted immune system inhibitors . the mixtures referred to above may include mixtures of antibodies or fractions thereof , mixtures of natural binding partners , mixtures of synthetic peptides , or mixtures of any combinations thereof . for certain embodiments in which it would be desirable to increase the molecular weight of the binding partner / immune system inhibitor complex , the binding partner can be conjugated to a carrier . examples of such carriers include , but are not limited to , proteins , complex carbohydrates , and synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol . additionally , binding partners can be constructed as multifunctional antibodies according to methods known in the art . for example , bifunctional antibodies having two functionally active binding sites per molecule or trifunctional antibodies having three functionally active binding sites per molecule can be made by known methods . as used herein , “ functionally active binding sites ” refer to sites that are capable of binding to one or more targeted immune system inhibitors . by way of illustration , a bifunctional antibody can be produced that has functionally active binding sites , each of which selectively binds to different targeted immune system inhibitors . methods for producing the various binding partners useful in the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art . such methods include , for example , serologic , hybridoma , recombinant dna , and synthetic techniques , or a combination thereof . in one embodiment of the present methods , the binding partner is attached to an inert medium to form an absorbent matrix ( fig1 ). as used herein , the term “ inert medium ” is intended to include solid supports to which the binding partner ( s ) can be attached . particularly useful supports are materials that are used for such purposes including , for example , cellulose - based hollow fibers , synthetic hollow fibers , silica - based particles , flat or pleated membranes , and macroporous beads . such inert media can be obtained commercially or can be readily made by those skilled in the art . the binding partner can be attached to the inert medium by any means known to those skilled in the art including , for example , covalent conjugation . alternatively , the binding partner may be associated with the inert matrix through high - affinity , non - covalent interaction with an additional molecule which has been covalently attached to the inert medium . for example , a biotinylated binding partner may interact with avidin or streptavidin previously conjugated to the inert medium . the absorbent matrix thus produced can be contacted with a biological fluid , or a fraction thereof , through the use of an extracorporeal circuit . the development and use of extracorporeal , absorbent matrices has been extensively reviewed . ( see , kessler , l ., blood purification 11 : 150 - 157 ( 1993 )). in another embodiment , herein referred to as the “ stirred reactor ” ( fig2 ), the biological fluid is exposed to the binding partner in a mixing chamber and , thereafter , the binding partner / immune system inhibitor complex is removed by means known to those skilled in the art , including , for example , by mechanical or by chemical or biological separation methods . for example , a mechanical separation method can be used in cases where the binding partner , and therefore the binding partner / immune system inhibitor complex , represent the largest components of the treated biological fluid . in these cases , filtration can be used to retain the binding partner and immune system inhibitors associated therewith , while allowing all other components of the biological fluid to permeate through the filter and , thus , to be returned to the patient . in an example of a chemical or biological separation method , the binding partner and immune system inhibitors associated therewith , can be removed from the treated biological fluid through exposure to an absorbent matrix capable of specifically attaching to the binding partner . for example , a matrix constructed with antibodies reactive with mouse immunoglobulins ( e . g ., goat anti - mouse igg ) would serve this purpose in cases where the binding partner were a mouse monoclonal igg . similarly , were biotin conjugated to the binding partner prior to its addition to the biological fluid , a matrix constructed with avidin or streptavidin could be used to deplete the binding partner and immune system inhibitors associated therewith from the treated fluid . in the final step of the present methods , the treated or altered biological fluid , having a reduced amount of targeted immune system inhibitor , is returned to the patient receiving treatment along with untreated fractions of the biological fluid , if any such fractions were produced during the treatment . the altered biological fluid can be administered to the mammal by any means known to those skilled in the art , including , for example , by infusion directly into the circulatory system . the altered biological fluid can be administered immediately after contact with the binding partner in a contemporaneous , extracorporeal circuit . in this circuit , the biological fluid is ( a ) collected , ( b ) separated into cellular and acellular components , if desired , ( c ) exposed to the binding partner , and if needed , separated from the binding partner bound to the targeted immune system inhibitor , ( d ) combined with the cellular component , if needed , and ( e ) readministered to the patient as altered biological fluid . alternatively , the administration of the altered biological fluid can be delayed under appropriate storage conditions readily determined by those skilled in the art . it may be desirable to repeat the entire process . those skilled in the art can readily determine the benefits of repeated treatment by monitoring the clinical status of the patient , and correlating that status with the concentration ( s ) of the targeted immune system inhibitor ( s ) in circulation prior to , during , and after treatment . the present invention further provides novel apparatus for reducing the amount of a targeted immune system inhibitor in a biological fluid . these apparatus are composed of : ( a ) a means for separating the biological fluid into a cellular component and an acellular component or fraction thereof ; ( b ) an absorbent matrix or a stirred reactor as described above to produce an altered acellular component or fraction thereof ; and ( c ) a means for combining the cellular fraction with the altered acellular component or fraction thereof . these apparatus are particularly useful for whole blood as the biological fluid in which the cellular component is separated either from whole plasma or a fraction thereof . the means for initially fractionating the biological fluid into the cellular component and the acellular component , or a fraction thereof , and for recombining the cellular component with the acellular component , or fraction thereof , after treatment are known to those skilled in the art . ( see , apheresis : principles and practice , supra .) in one specific embodiment , the immune system inhibitor to be targeted is stnfri ( seckinger , et al ., j . biol . chem . 264 : 11966 - 73 ( 1989 ); gatanaga , et al ., proc . natl . acad . sci . 87 : 8781 - 84 ( 1990 )), a naturally occurring inhibitor of the pluripotent immune system stimulator , tnf . stnfri is produced by proteolytic cleavage which liberates the extracellular domain of the membrane tumor necrosis factor receptor type i from its transmembrane and intracellular domains ( schall , et al ., cell 61 : 361 - 70 ( 1990 ); himmler , et al ., dna and cell biol . 9 : 705 - 715 ( 1990 )). stnfri retains the ability to bind to tnf with high affinity and , thus , to inhibit the binding of tnf to the membrane receptor on cell surfaces . the levels of stnfri in biological fluids are increased in a variety of conditions which are characterized by an antecedent increase in tnf . these include bacterial , viral , and parasitic infections , and cancer as described above . in each of these disease states , the presence of the offending agent stimulates tnf production which stimulates a corresponding increase in stnfri production . stnfri production is intended to reduce localized , as well as systemic , toxicity associated with elevated tnf levels and to restore immunologic homeostasis . in tumor bearing hosts , over - production of stnfri may profoundly affect the course of disease , considering the critical role of tnf in a variety of anti - tumor immune responses ( reviewed in , beutler and cerami , ann . rev . immunol . 7 : 625 - 655 ( 1989 )). tnf directly induces tumor cell death by binding to the type i membrane - associated tnf receptor . moreover , the death of vascular endothelial cells is induced by tnf binding , destroying the circulatory network serving the tumor and further contributing to tumor cell death . critical roles for tnf in natural killer cell - and cytotoxic t lymphocyte - mediated cytolysis also have been documented . inhibition of any or all of these effector mechanisms by stnfri has the potential to dramatically enhance tumor survival . that stnfri promotes tumor survival , and that its removal enhances anti - tumor immunity , has been demonstrated . in an experimental mouse tumor model , stnfri production was found to protect transformed cells in vitro from the cytotoxic effects of tnf , and from cytolysis mediated by natural killer cells and cytotoxic t lymphocytes ( selinsky , et al ., immunol . 94 : 88 - 93 ( 1998 )). in addition , the secretion of stnfri by transformed cells has been shown to markedly enhance their tumorigenicity and persistence in vivo ( selinsky and howell , unpublished ). moreover , removal of circulating stnfri has been found to provide clinical benefit to cancer patients , as demonstrated by human trials of ultrapheresis as discussed above ( lentz , m . r ., supra ). these observations affirm the importance of this molecule in tumor survival , and suggest the development of methods for more specific removal of stnfri as promising new avenues for cancer immunotherapy . the following examples are intended to illustrate but not limit the invention . production , purification , and characterization of the immune system inhibitor , human stnfri the stnfri used in the present studies was produced recombinantly in cell culture . the construction of the eukaryotic expression plasmid , the methods for transforming cultured cells , and for assaying the production of stnfri by the transformed cells have been described ( selinsky , et al ., supra ). the stnfri expression plasmid was introduced into hela cells ( american type culture collection # ccl 2 ), and an stnfri - producing transfectant cell line was isolated by limiting dilution . this cloned cell line was cultured in a fluidized - bed reactor at 37 ° c . in rpmi - 1640 , supplemented with 2 . 5 % ( v / v ) fetal bovine serum and penicillin / streptomycin , each at 100 micrograms per milliliter . stnfri secreted into the culture medium was purified by affinity chromatography on a tnf - sepharose - 4b affinity matrix essentially as described ( engelmann , et al ., j . biol . chem . 265 : 1531 - 1536 ). stnfri was detected and quantified in the present studies by capture elisa ( selinsky , et al ., supra ). in addition , the biological activity of recombinant stnfri , i . e ., its ability to bind tnf , was confirmed by elisa . assay plates were coated with human tnf - a ( chemicon ), blocked with bovine serum albumin , and stnfri , purified from culture supernatants as described above , was added . bound stnfri was detected through the sequential addition of biotinylated - goat anti - human stnfri , alkaline phosphatase - conjugated streptavidin , and p - nitrophenylphosphate . binding partners used in the present studies include an igg fraction of goat anti - human stnfri antisera ( r & amp ; d systems , cat . # af - 425 - pb ) and a monoclonal antibody reactive with stnfri ( biosource international , cat . # ahr3912 ). an additional monoclonal antibody , ot145 ( cat . # tcr1657 ), reactive with a human t cell receptor protein , was purchased from t cell diagnostics ( now , endogen ) and was used as a control binding partner . each of these respective binding partners was covalently conjugated to cyanogen bromide - activated sepharose - 4b ( pharmacia biotech ), a macroporous bead which facilitates the covalent attachment of proteins . antibodies were conjugated at 1 . 0 milligram of protein per milliliter of swollen gel , and the matrices were washed extensively according to the manufacturer &# 39 ; s specifications . matrices were equilibrated in phosphate buffered saline prior to use . depletion of the immune system inhibitor , stnfri , from human plasma using absorbent matrices normal human plasma was spiked with purified stnfri to a final concentration of 10 nanograms per milliliter , a concentration comparable to those found in the circulation of cancer patients ( gadducci , et al ., supra ). one milliliter of the spiked plasma was mixed with 0 . 25 milliliter of the respective absorbent matrices at 0 ° c . and a plasma sample was removed at time = 0 . the samples were warmed rapidly to 37 ° c ., and incubated with agitation for an additional 45 minutes . plasma samples were removed for analysis at 15 minute intervals and , immediately after collection , were separated from the beads by centrifugation . samples were analyzed by elisa to quantify the levels of stnfri , and to permit the determination of the extent of depletion . fig3 shows the results of the stnfri depletion . the absorbent matrix produced with the goat anti - human stnfri polyclonal antibody rapidly removed the stnfri from the plasma sample ; 90 % of the stnfri was depleted within 15 minutes . the residual 1 nanogram per milliliter of stnfri in these samples is within the range of stnfri concentrations found in healthy individuals ( aderka , et al ., supra ; chouaib , et al ., immunol . today 12 : 141 - 145 ( 1991 )). the matrix produced with the monoclonal anti - human stnfri antibody , in contrast , only removed approximately one - fifth of the plasma stnfri . the differences in the ability of these two matrices to deplete stnfri likely reflect the influence of avidity which is enabled by the heterogeneity of epitope specificities present in the polyclonal antibody preparation . the control matrix produced no reduction in stnfri levels , confirming the specificity of the depletion observed with the anti - stnfri antibody matrices . although the invention has been described with reference to the presently preferred embodiments , it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention . accordingly , the invention is limited only by the following claims . | US-21910008-A |
a beverage case is provided with two longitudinal and two lateral sides formed with enlarged central openings that will not serve to contain or confine articles smaller then milk cartons or beverage bottles . further , the beverage case of the invention is provided with a reinforcing rib structure to react the forces imposed on the beverage case generally and in particular , the forces that , to an extent , have been previously reacted by full sides . | the beverage case 2 of the present invention is illustrated as a rectangular beverage case configured to accommodate twelve ( 12 ) one - half gallon milk cartons , six ( 6 ) one gallon containers , twenty - four ( 24 ) quart or seventy - two ( 72 ) half - pint containers . however , the structure can be used in beverage cases having virtually any configuration or dimensions . as best seen in fig1 and 2 , the beverage case is provided with two longitudinal sides 4 and 6 and two lateral sides 8 and 10 . each longitudinal side 4 and 6 is similarly configured with a lower opening 12 , 12a and an upper opening 14 , 14a dominating the side . each longitudinal side has solid end panels 16 , 16a and 18 , 18a , lower horizontal panels 20 , 20a , intermediate horizontal panels 22 , 22a and upper horizontal panels 24 , 24a . similarly , the lateral sides 8 and 10 are configured the same with a lower opening 26 , 26a and an upper opening 28 , 28a . the lateral sides 8 and 10 also have solid end panels 30 , 30a and 32 , 32a , lower horizontal panels 34 , 34a , intermediate horizontal panels 36 , 36a and upper horizontal panels 38 , 38a . the solid end panels 16 , 16a , 18 , 18a of the longitudinal sides 4 and 6 are integrally formed with respective solid end panels 30 , 30a , 32 , 32a of the lateral sides 8 and 10 to provide four solid corner members . the vertical edges of the openings 12 and 14 and 12a and 14a are inclined at an angle of about 5 ° to the vertical . similarly , the vertical edges of the openings 26 and 28 and 26a and 28a are inclined at about the same angle of 5 ° to the vertical . the openings 14 , 14a , 28 and 28a terminate at the top in an inwardly extending radius . the beverage case 2 is provided with a rib structure or girdle , best seen in fig1 and 6 , to afford the durability and strength required for beverage cases the rib structure is integrally formed with the panel sections of the beverage case . the rib structure is comprised of four vertical ribs 40 , 42 , 44 and 46 extending diagonally from each corner of the beverage case 2 , two horizontal lower ribs 48 and 50 , two horizontal intermediate ribs 52 and 54 and three horizontal upper ribs 56 , 58 and 60 ; the horizontal ribs are continuously formed around the beverage case 2 . in addition , eight ribs 62 , 64 , 66 , 68 , 70 , 72 , 74 and 76 extend along the respective vertical edges of the openings in the longitudinal and lateral sides of the beverage case 2 . illustratively , edge ribs 62 and 64 are seen in fig2 extending from the bottom horizontal rib 48 along the vertical edge of the openings 12 and 14 to the lowest rib 56 of the three horizontal upper ribs and are provided with an upper radius section 78 to follow the edge of the upper opening 14 as seen also in fig7 . the vertical ribs 66 , 68 , 70 , 72 , 74 and 76 are formed along the edges of the respective openings 12a - 14a ; 26 - 28 and 26a - 28a in the same manner as vertical ribs 62 and 64 . in the embodiment of the rectangular beverage case 2 herein described and configured to accommodate six ( 6 ) one gallon milk cartons or seventy - two half - pint cartons , the lower longitudinal side openings 12 and 12a are 45 / 8 to 43 / 4 inches high and 127 / 8 to 13 inches wide at the bottom ( at ribs 50 ) and 131 / 2 to 135 / 8 inches wide at the top ( at rib 52 ). the upper longitudinal side openings 14 and 14a are 21 / 4 to 23 / 8 inches high and 137 / 8 to 14 inches wide at the bottom ( at rib 54 ) and 14 3 / 16 to 14 5 / 16 inches wide at the maximum width where the radius 78 begins . the lower lateral side openings 26 and 26a are 45 / 8 to 43 / 4 inches high and 71 / 8 to 71 / 4 inches wide at the bottom ( at rib 50 ) and 75 / 8 to 73 / 4 inches wide at the top ( at rib 52 ). the upper lateral side openings 28 and 28a are 21 / 4 to 23 / 8 inches high and 83 / 8 to 81 / 4 inches wide at the bottom ( at rib 54 ) and 83 / 8 to 81 / 2 inches wide at the maximum width where the radius 78 begins . in order to be able to stack three ( 3 ) tiers of one - half pint cartons , it is imperative that the opening 26 and 26a is no higher than 1 to 11 / 4 inches from the inside floor to longitudinal rib 50 and 45 / 8 to 43 / 4 inches from the inside floor to longitudinal rib 52 and 6 3 / 4 to 67 / 8 inches from the inside floor to longitudinal rib 54 and 91 / 8 to 91 / 4 inches from the inside floor to longitudinal rib 56 . the top of the beverage case 2 , best seen in fig4 is the flat surface of the upper continuous rib 60 in which are formed four recesses 80 . as seen in fig1 the recesses 80 are formed in the rib 60 with two recesses on each longitudinal side . directly below each recess 80 is a short vertical rib 82 that extends between the horizontal ribs 56 and 58 . the bottom of the beverage case 2 , best seen in fig5 is essentially the lower surface of the bottom horizontal rib 48 with a stacking ring 84 depending downwardly from the inner edge of the rib 48 . the stacking ring 84 is configured to fit within the inner periphery of the upper rib 60 of a similarly configured beverage case 2 when the beverage cases 2 are stacked . protrusions 86 extends from the bottom of the horizontal rib 48 on the longitudinal sides 4 and 6 of the beverage case 2 in alignment with the recesses 80 in the upper rib 60 . in the stacked mode , the protrusions 86 fit within the recesses 80 of a similarly configured beverage case 2 , and in combination with the stacking ring 84 securely maintain the beverage cases 2 in a stacked column . as best seen in fig4 and 5 , the bottom floor 88 of the beverage case is formed in a mesh - like configuration with diagonally extending members 90 defining openings 92 . the configuration of side wall openings and rib structure provides a structurally sound beverage case particularly well suited for accommodating beverage containers , but of little use for items not similarly sized . | US-13962487-A |
an adjustable curtain hanger which is fitted to the upper edge of a curtain and is hung on a curtain runner to suspend the curtain and having an adjustable connection between the hook and curtain engaging part which facilitates adjusting the height of the curtain with respect to the floor . | embodiments of the present invention shall be described with reference to the drawings . in the drawings , a curtain hanger ( 1 ) is shown and comprises a fitting part ( 2 ) to be fitted to the upper edge of a curtain and a hanging hook ( 3 ) movable up and down relatively to this fitting part ( 2 ) and engageable with a hanging ring of a curtain runner . as well shown in fig2 and 5 the fitting part ( 2 ) is made of a metal , synthetic resin or elastic rod material bent substantially in the middle . one half of the fitting part ( 2 ) forms an inserted rod ( 4 ) extending straight vertically upward to be inserted into the upper edge of a curtain and the other half consists of an adjusting rod ( 5 ) extending upward in parallel with the inserted rod ( 4 ) and a holding rod ( 6 ) continued upward of the adjusting rod ( 5 ) as bent tword the inserted rod ( 4 ). a plurality of locking means ( 7 ) are provided at vertical intervals on the adjusting rod ( 5 ) and each consists of locking projections ( 8 ) projecting in directions opposed to each other . the end ( 9 ) of the holding rod ( 6 ) is adjacent to the side of the inserted rod ( 4 ) so that a curtain ( 10 ) may be held in the upper edge ( 11 ) as shown in fig8 between the end ( 9 ) and the side of the inserted rod ( 4 ). as well shown in fig3 and 4 , the hanging hook ( 3 ) consists of a hook ( 12 ) formed of the rod material bent downward substantially in the middle and a fitting cylinder ( 13 ) to be fitted to the adjusting rod ( 5 ) of the fitting part ( 2 ). as well shown in fig3 and 4 , a through hole ( 14 ) is made in the center of the fitting cylinder ( 13 ) and two passing grooves ( 15 ) are made in positions opposed to each other along this through hole ( 14 ) so that , when the fitting cylinder ( 13 ) is fitted to the adjusting rod ( 5 ) of the fitting part ( 2 ), the projections ( 8 ) of the adjusting rod may pass respectively through the passing grooves ( 15 ). engaging recesses ( 16 ) are provided as opposed to each other in the direction intersecting at right angles with the passing grooves ( 15 ) in the upper part of the fitting cylinder ( 13 ) so that , when the hanging hook ( 3 ) is hung on a curtain runner , as shown in fig1 the projections ( 8 ) of the adjusting rod ( 5 ) may engage respectively with the engaging recesses ( 16 ) and the fitting cylinder ( 13 ) and adjusting rod ( 5 ) may be prevented from rotating relatively . therefore , when the fitting cylinder ( 13 ) is positioned between the two adjacent upper and lower projections ( 8 ) of the adjusting rod ( 5 ) and , as shown in fig6 the projections ( 8 ) and passing grooves ( 15 ) are made to respectively coincide with each other while rotating the fitting cylinder ( 13 ) with respect to the adjusting rod ( 5 ), the projections ( 8 ) will pass respectively through the passing grooves ( 15 ) and thus the hanging hook ( 3 ) will be able to be moved up and down with respect to the fitting part ( 2 ). when the position of the hanging hook ( 3 ) with respect to the fitting part ( 2 ) is adjusted , the fitting cylinder ( 13 ) is rotated by ( 90 ) degrees with respect to the adjusting rod ( 5 ), as shown in fig7 the engaging recesses ( 16 ) are made to coincide respectively with the projections ( 8 ) of the adjusting rod ( 5 ) and the projections ( 8 ) are engaged respectively with the engaging recesses ( 16 ). when the hook ( 12 ) is hung on the curtain runner , a force will be downwardly applied to the fitting part ( 2 ) by the weight of a curtain ( 10 ) and , as the hanging hook ( 3 ) is hung on the curtain runner , the projections ( 8 ) of the adjusting rod ( 5 ) will be engaged respectively with the engaging recesses ( 16 ) in the upper part of the fitting cylinder ( 13 ) of the hanging hook ( 3 ) and the fitting cylinder ( 13 ) will be prevented from rotating and will be fixed . another embodiment is shown in fig9 to 19 . the same as in the above described embodiment , this curtain hanger ( 101 ) consists of a fitting part ( 102 ) and a hanging hook ( 103 ) movable up and down with respect to this fitting part ( 102 ). as shown in fig1 , the fitting part ( 102 ) is formed of an elastic rod material as bent upward substantially in the middle and consists of an inserted rod ( 104 ) which is one half of the fitting part and is to be inserted into the upper edge of a curtain and an adjusting rod ( 105 ) which is the other half . a plurality of locking means ( 107 ) are provided at vertical intervals on this adjusting rod ( 105 ) and each consists of projections ( 108 ) provided to project as opposed to each other . as shown in fig1 and 12 , the hanging hook ( 103 ) consists of a downwardly bent hook ( 112 ) a fitting and cylinder ( 113 ) made of such elastic material as a synthetic resin and secured to one end part of the hook ( 112 ). as well shown in fig1 to 15 , this fitting cylinder ( 113 ) consists of a through hole ( 114 ) made in the axial direction in the center , passing grooves ( 115 ) made in positions opposed to each other along this through hole ( 114 ) and engaging grooves ( 116 ) and ( 116 &# 39 ;) provided along the through hole ( 114 ) so as to be opposed to each other in the direction at right angles with these passing grooves ( 115 ). these engaging grooves ( 116 ) and ( 116 &# 39 ;) end on the way within the fitting cylinder ( 113 ). one engaging groove ( 116 &# 39 ;) comes to the outer surface of the fitting cylinder ( 113 ) and a narrowed part ( 117 ) is formed in the upper part of the cylinder ( 113 ). therefore , when the fitting cylinder ( 113 ) is positioned between the adjacent projections ( 108 ) of the adjusting rod ( 105 ) and , as shown in fig1 , the passing grooves ( 115 ) are made to coincide respectively with the projections ( 108 ) while rotating the fitted cylinder ( 113 ) with respect to the adjusting rod ( 105 ), the projections ( 108 ) will be able to pass respectively through the passing grooves ( 115 ) and thus the hanging hook ( 103 ) will be able to be moved up and down relatively with the fitting part ( 102 ). when the hanging hook ( 103 ) is thus adjusted in the position with respect to the fitting part ( 102 ), the fitting cylinder ( 113 ) is rotated by 90 degrees with respect to the adjusting rod ( 105 ), as shown in fig1 , the engaging grooves ( 116 ) and ( 116 &# 39 ;) are made to coincide respectively with the projections ( 108 ) and the projections ( 108 ) are engaged respectively with both engaging grooves ( 116 ) and ( 116 &# 39 ;) while expanding the narrowed part ( 117 ) of one engaging groove ( 116 &# 39 ;), the hanging hook ( 103 ) will be prevented by the engaging grooves ( 117 ) from rotating with respect to the adjusting rod and also by the narrowed part ( 117 ) of one engaging groove ( 116 &# 39 ;) from moving up and down . when the curtain hangers ( 101 ) are thus fitted to the upper edge ( 111 ) of a curtain ( 110 ) as shown in fig1 , without removing and working the curtain ( 110 ) itself , the hanging hook ( 103 ) will be able to be moved up and down with respect to the fitting part ( 102 ) and the curtain ( 110 ) hanging position in the vertical direction will be able to be freely selected . | US-4772179-A |
a concrete additive includes expanded perlite with a volume weighted mean particle size of approximately 10 - 100 μm . the perlite further includes at least one additional component to improve workability and compensate for the natural tendency of expanded perlite to absorb water from the concrete mix . the additional component can include : water ; a superplasticizer such as polycarboxylates , naphthalene sulfonate , and melamine sulfonate ; or a hydrophobic compound such as salts of fatty acids , fatty acids , silanes , and siloxanes . the additive can be made in the form of a flowable powder or a flowable slurry . concrete containing this additive displays superior properties to conventional concrete , including extremely high thermal resistance and high strength , low chloride ion permeability , and good early strength . the expanded perlite is a readily available raw material and the finished concrete is extremely cost effective for applications where a high strength structural concrete must withstand high temperatures . | this invention comprises a novel use of ground expanded perlite as a pozzolan in structural concrete and mortar . previous uses of perlite have generally been in coarser form to act as a lightweight aggregate , although ground perlite is disclosed in some of the applications discussed above for oil well applications and a high temperature product with silica fume and hollow spheres . expanded perlite is a type of perlite that has been heated to temperatures typically in the range of 1650 to 1900 ° f ., at which point the glassy material softens . residual moisture vaporizes , expanding the softened glass to 7 - 15 times its original volume . the expanded material is typically bright white because of the reflectivity of the trapped gas bubbles . unexpanded ( raw ) perlite has a specific gravity of 2 . 2 to 2 . 4 . expanded perlite has a volume density on the order of 2 pounds per cubic foot . the invention addresses three key issues facing the structural concrete and mortar industry . these are the reduction of greenhouse gases , improving the durability of concrete and mortar , and doing so without adverse effects on strength . in addition , the material used in this invention is readily available and does not darken concrete as is the case with silica fume and some fly ashes . the invention reduces greenhouse gases by substituting for cement . the manufacture of the inventive material requires less heat than is used in cement production and in addition does not release additional carbon dioxide from the conversion of limestone to portland cement . in addition , strength is increased so overall cement levels can be decreased more , either by using less cement to meet strength requirements , or less concrete is needed at higher strength levels . durability is improved with a large unexpected decrease in permeability at relatively low doses for a material at this particle size . dosage rates are under 10 % cement replacement , whereas fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slags need to be used from 15 % and typically 25 % or more for fly ash and 40 % or more for slag to achieve permeabilities comparable to what is achieved with the invention , as will be shown in the examples that follow . unlike fly ash or slag there is not an early strength trade off and the product has one - day strengths equivalent to better than silica fume and maintains these strength advantages to at least 90 days of curing . the invention is a method of reducing the portland cement content in a mortar or concrete without reducing initial strength and increasing long term strength and reducing long - term and early permeability by use of the addition of ground expanded perlite as a cement replacement ( centerstar ). according to one preferred example , the size characteristics are 100 % of the particles less than 200 μm , 90 % below 80 μm , with a volume weighted mean of approximately 38 μm . it will be appreciated that the mean particle size can be varied over some range without departing from the spirit of the invention . this range may vary with particular intended applications as well as with the particular grinding processes and specifications of perlite manufacturers and may range from 10 to 100 μm . this is in contrast to fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slags that significantly lower the early strength development . the higher early strength is a benefit for removal of formwork and speed of construction operations . the higher long - term strength is useful for design allowing less concrete to be used to meet a given structural requirement , or less total cement to meet the requirements . advantages include both saving materials cost and reducing the amount of greenhouse gases associated with the concrete or mortar . in addition , the centerstar additive provides high early and late day strengths without darkening the concrete , providing a significant plus for higher performance concretes that need to be colored or used in decorative applications . a reference concrete was produced at a water / cement ratio of 0 . 45 and five additional concrete compositions were produced replacing cement with the centerstar additive at two replacement levels , type f fly ash , ground granulated blast furnace slag , or silica fume . the w / c level remained at 0 . 45 . the mixtures are shown in table 1 along with the plastic properties . a commercially available polycarboxylate high range water reducer ( grace adva140m ) at about 6 - 20 oz / cwt was used to provide workability and a commercially available air entrain agent ( grace daravair 1000 ) at about 4 . 4 %- 6 . 4 % was used to provide air typical of that added to concretes exposed to freezing and thawing . the centerstar mixtures display similar properties to the other mixtures demonstrating that they could be used in commercial production . table 2 provides the astm c39 strength data as a function of time . the centerstar mixtures at both cement replacements had higher one day strengths than the other mixtures . the 4 % replacement mixture was equivalent to or better than the other mixtures from 7 to 90 days . the 8 % replacement was significantly better than all the mixtures , including silica fume at the same replacement level . permeability reductions over time are shown in table 3 . note that lower coulomb values indicate a lower permeability and reduced rate of the ingress of chlorides . this is associated with better durability in deicing salt and marine environments . initial astm c 1202 ( rapid chloride permeability ) tests data show similar behavior to fly ash ( much higher dosage of fly ash ), but not as low as silica fume or slag . over time performance improved similarly to fly ash , and surpassed that of slag at the higher centerstar addition . levels were approaching silica fume which essentially stopped becoming less permeable at 56 days . these data show that the centerstar additive provides improved strength at all times and enhanced reduction in permeability over time . cement replacement rates are 3 to 10 times lower than that of fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag making this a very efficient material on the order of silica fume . centerstar additive in this example was added to increase the cementitious content over a cement only mixture , and sand was replaced to keep the volumes equal . table 4 provides the mixture proportions for the reference mix with portland cement and the portland cement plus centerstar additive , at 12 . 3 % of the cementitious content . the workability was reduced somewhat , so a naphthalene sulfonated high range water reducer ( basf , rheobuild 1000 ) at 25 oz / cwt was added to achieve equivalent workability for the centerstar concrete . compressive strength data for the formulations in the preceding example are given in table 5 . at early times , unlike a fly ash or slag mixture , strengths are equivalent to the control . at 28 days there is a significant increase in strength with the centerstar additive . if the material were inert then it would have been expected to behave in a similar manner to the sand that it replaced . however , the increase in strength indicates that it is behaving like a pozzolan and that the effective water / cement ratio dropped from 0 . 43 to 0 . 38 . this would account for some of the need for additional super plasticizer . another concrete mix was formulated with 1000 pounds of cement , 324 pounds of fly ash , 270 pounds of silica fume , 1647 pounds of sand , and 87 pounds of ground expanded perlite ( the same form as was used in the previous examples ). this was mixed with 432 pounds of water ( 51 gallons ) and up to 210 ounces of adva 140 ( w . r . grace ) super plasticizer to provide concrete of 3773 pounds / cubic yard . water / cement ratio was 0 . 27 . weight per cubic foot of fresh concrete was 139 pounds ( 3861 pounds / cubic yard ). this batch had a compressive strength of 4220 psi ( 5 days ), 4720 psi ( 7 days ), and 6770 psi ( 28 days ). a 2 inch tall slice of a 4 × 8 inch cylinder was placed in an 1800 ° f . forge with no spalling observed . another concrete mix was formulated with 1000 pounds of cement , 250 pounds of fly ash , 54 gallons of water , 1772 pounds of coarse aggregate , 357 pounds of fine aggregate ( sand ), 87 pounds of ground expanded perlite , and 238 ounces of adva 140 super plasticizer . this mix had 1 % air entrainment , a slump of 10 inches , density of 141 . 8 pounds / cubic foot ( 3847 pounds / cubic yard ). compressive strength by astm c39 was 7430 psi ( 7 days ) and 10660 psi ( 28 days ). flexural strength by astm c78 was 1225 psi . samples of this mix were poured into 8 inch thick × 24 inch diameter cylindrical molds for testing under simulated jet exhaust applied at mach 1 . [ details of the test facility and methods are described in technical report tr - 2065 - shr , development and analysis of the naval facilities engineering service center aviation engine simulation facility , by e . e . cooper ( 1996 ).] the inventive material passed the test and to applicants &# 39 ; knowledge only one other material also passed the test ; the other material , however , is prohibitively expensive (˜$ 2700 / cu yd or about ten times the cost of the inventive material ). another concrete mix was formulated with 770 pounds of cement , 193 pounds of fly ash , 37 gallons of water , 853 pounds of fine aggregate , 1685 pounds of coarse aggregate # 1 ( sg = 2 . 7 ), 87 pounds of coarse aggregate # 2 ( sg 2 . 36 ), 48 . 2 ounces wrda 64 additive ( w . r . grace ), and 77 ounces adva 170 additive ( w . r . grace ). slump was 6 inches and air content was 4 %. water / cement ratio was 0 . 32 . fresh density of the concrete was 144 . 3 pounds / cubic foot ( 3896 pounds / cubic yard ). two samples were cast in 4 inch diameter × 8 inch long cylinders . a third specimen was a rectangular plate . all three specimens were heated on one edge of the finished side using a propane torch ( approximately 1800 ° c . flame temperature ) and on the opposite edge using a mapp gas torch ( approximately 5300 ° c . flame temperature ). the areas were heated for 2 minutes at a distance of about 2 inches from the tips of the torches . all three specimens produced a slight red glow when heated with the propane , and a more intense glow when heated with the mapp gas . no violent pop outs or spalling were observed in the test specimens , in contrast to the behavior expected from a typical concrete sample . those skilled in the art of concrete will appreciate that the optimal composition of the mix will vary depending on the particular application . for example , the amount of ground expanded perlite replacing the cement may vary from 2 % to 25 %, preferably from 2 to 15 %, and more preferably from 4 to 15 %. for a standard 5000 psi concrete , the preferred amount of ground expanded perlite will range from about 25 to 100 pounds per cubic yard . in general , for many applications , the amount of cement plus perlite will be about 13 to 18 percent by weight of the total mix . for adequate strength in structural applications such as airport runways , a suitable coarse aggregate is needed . some examples of suitable aggregate materials include gravel , limestone , and crushed granite . the coarse aggregate preferably has a size range from ⅜ to ¾ inch and preferably comprises about 30 to 45 % by volume of the fresh concrete mix . the fine aggregate is preferably sand , but may contain other materials such as coal ash , slag , etc . as are known in the art . the fine aggregate preferably comprises 25 to 30 % by volume of the fresh concrete mix . the inventive concrete mixtures may have a range of fresh density , based on familiar variables such as the water / cement ratio , the nature and amount of coarse and fine aggregate , etc . in general , the fresh density is preferably in the range from about 135 to 145 pounds / cubic foot , or 3645 to 3915 pounds / cubic yard . the water / cement ratio can be varied over some range , as is known in the art , with the understanding that as the water / cement ratio decreases , there may be a need to add various conventional additives to improve workability or other properties . some of these additives and their functions are the following : w r grace advaflow 140m to increase workability and w r grace daravair 1000 to increase durability . in general , for the inventive mixtures , applicants prefer a water / cement ratio in the range of about 0 . 3 to 0 . 5 by weight . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the water to cement ratio must take into account the amount of both portland cement and perlite and any other supplementary cementitious material such as fly ash , silica fume , ground granulated blast furnace slag , and metakaolin . the foregoing examples show a number of surprising and useful properties of the inventive material compared to previously available materials , including previous materials that contain perlite in various forms : using a standard 5000 psi mix design , the inventive additive consistently produces concrete with more than twice the compressive strength of regular concrete . in addition , the flexural strength of the same material averages 60 % more than a comparable conventional 5000 psi concrete . the combination of high early strength and reduced permeability are desirable properties , which are not obtained with fly ash or slag ( which exhibit low early strengths ) or with silica fume ( permeability reduction tends to level off ). compared to perlite - containing grouts and wellbore fluids , the inventive materials contain coarse aggregate , which allows them to be used for structural applications . the inventive material is significantly stronger than low - density thermally insulating concrete , while markedly more spall resistant than conventional structural concrete . it will be understood that expanded perlite in the desired particle size range ( typically characterized by a volume weighted mean particle size of approximately 10 - 100 μm ) may be obtained by grinding expanded perlite to obtain the distribution or by separating the selected particle distribution from a larger sample of expanded perlite using any convenient size classification method . the high surface area and absorption characteristics of the expanded perlite ( ep ) increases the potential water demand in the production of concrete , mortars , and cementitious pastes . table 6 shows the additional amounts of high range water reducer or superplasticizer needed to get equivalent workability compared to conventional concrete mixes and those using alternative supplementary cementitious materials ( scm &# 39 ; s ). the higher superplasticizer levels increase the cost of the concrete and can increase retardation , offsetting some of the early age improvements . a batch 1 : control ; batch 2 : ep replacing 4 % of cement ; batch 3 : ep replacing 8 % of cement ; batch 4 : class f fly ash replacing 25 % of cement ; batch 5 : silica fume replacing 8 % of cement ; batch 6 : ground slag replacing 40 % of cement noticing the improvement of fly ash on workability , an experiment was conducted to use a high fly ash content to reduce water demand with the expanded perlite . a mix using 4 % ep replacement of cement and with 40 % replacement of cement by class f fly ash was compared to the control ( no ep and no fly ash ) and to a batch with fly ash but no ep . this approach was not completely successful ; the amount of air entrainment agent was similar ( 1 . 2 - 1 . 5 oz / cwt ) but the necessary superplasticizer dosage was still significantly higher ( 5 oz / cwt vs none in the control ). the higher dosages of superplasticizer increased setting times beyond that of the controls and other supplementary cementitious materials ( fly ash , silica fume , or slag ). this is not a desirable result . applicants realized that the extra water is needed because the large internal surface area of the ep causes the particles to absorb water from the mix . a series of experiments were then conducted to explore ways of adding water to the ep mix in ways that avoid the effects of simply adding more water to the mix during batch formation experiments were conducted to determine the water demand of the expanded perlite and applicants discovered , surprisingly , that ep with a 1 : 1 addition of water ( by weight ) still behaves as a flowable powder . so an additional group of tests were conducted to determine if adding extra water would improve workability without an adverse effect on other properties . the water was added to the normal water , sand and coarse aggregates , plus expanded perlite and mixed in before the cement and fly ash were added . this allowed the expanded perlite to absorb the water . table 7 shows that workability was achieved without additional superplasticizer even at a higher addition level of the expanded perlite . an alternative approach to reduce short - term water demand in mixing was to mix a hydrophobic material , hycrete w1000 , ( hycrete , inc ., carlstadt , n . j .) with additional water into the expanded perlite and then evaporate the additional water used in the mixing process . the hycrete was added at 20 % by total weight solids plus water to the expanded perlite and additional water at 74 % by mass of expanded perlite was used to have a uniform mixing . the material was dried at 110 ° c . to evaporate the water so that the hydrophobic compound was effectively applied to at least part of the accessible surface area of the expanded perlite . table 8 shows the effects of workability of this approach . a higher expanded perlite concentration than was used in example 10 was possible with a moderate level of superplasticizer . it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular hydrophobic material . through routine experimentation , the skilled artisan can adapt many other known hydrophobic materials such as salts of fatty acids ( e . g . butyl oleate or butyl stearate ), fatty acids , ( e . g ., oleic acid , steric acid ), metal salts of dioic acids , and silanes and siloxanes , and these would be expected to perform in a substantially similar way . it will be further appreciated that the mixture of water and hydrophobic material may be a solution , a suspension or emulsion , or some combination depending on the particular solubility characteristics of the compound ( s ) being used . furthermore , the starting hydrophobic material may contain solvents or thinning agents such as isopropanol or similar materials . table 9 shows the strength and resistivity of the mixes in examples 11 and 12 . there isn &# 39 ; t a large strength or resistivity increase with the addition of the expanded perlite to mixtures with high levels of fly ash replacement . thus , in this case we are determining if the improvements in workability , better air management , and lower setting times have a severe adverse effect on strength and resistivity where higher values represent better performance . the results show lower values at early times with extra water or a hydrophobic component , but improvements in time are high . the results indicate that minor modifications could correct this , and in the absence of the high replacement of cement with fly ash , the performance should be better as noted in the work without combinations of fly ash and expanded perlite . a possible explanation for the behavior is that the high quantity of fly ash is competing for the calcium hydroxide produced by the hydrating cement and thus limiting the reaction of the expanded perlite . in lieu of adding additional water to a concrete mixture , tests were run to determine if water or water plus a superplasticizer could be added to expanded perlite while still allowing the ep to be handled as a flowable powder . table 10 shows data for experiments where water or water plus a superplasticizer were added to expanded perlite . it was noted that the powders were partially consolidated after mixing , which has the surprising benefit of reducing the formation of airborne particulates during handling of dry ep at this particle size distribution . applicants prefer the ep to have a moisture content in the range of about 10 - 50 % by weight , and more preferably 25 - 50 % by weight ( i . e ., 25 - 50 % of the total mass is water in this example ). the materials were not tightly sealed and mass loss was determined . under such conditions , some weight loss occurred , but at a decreasing rate as seen in fig2 . in tightly packed bags moisture loss would be considerably less so this is a viable means of adding extra water . it will be appreciated that the added weight of the absorbed water would not significantly increase transportation costs , because the “ wet ” material is still fairly lightweight and shipping costs for such materials are based on volume and not weight . the combinations with superplasticizer had a lower percentage loss of water . this will improve stability in storage as well as improving workability . the percentage losses of added water are shown in table 11 . applicants prefer to use a superplasticizer in an amount equal to about 0 . 025 % to 0 . 8 % ( solids basis ), dependent upon the superplasticizer used and desired workability . it will be appreciated that various packaging strategies may be used to minimize water loss during shipping and storage . for example , the material may be packed in a pulpable bag with or without plastic wrap around the pallet or with bags that dissolve at ph above 11 to prevent moisture lost . alternatively , somewhat more water could be added to the ep prior to shipping to allow for some evaporative loss . applicants have further determined that expanded perlite can be premixed with a larger amount of water to form a flowable slurry . the minimum amount of water needed is approximately 5 to 6 parts to one part ep by mass . the slurry can be produced at the concrete plant before mixing with the other concrete ingredients . this eliminates the absorption of water by the ep during the concrete mixing and reduces dust . the water would count as mixing water for the calculation of water - to - cementitious ratio . | US-201313987975-A |
a pin tumbler lock is provided with one or more additional chambers for housing a secondary locking member for engagement with a portion of a key . the invention also provides a lock system comprising a plurality of locks , each lock including two chambers . the lock system has a potential of n chamber positions to provide a substantial increase in the number of effective unique pin tumbler combinations that can be produced on the same key section or profile by allowing the same pin tumbler combination to be repeated with different locations of these additional chambers . | as shown in fig1 , a lock arrangement comprising a pin tumbler cylinder is shown generally at 10 . as described in more detail below , the pin tumbler cylinder plug 20 includes one or more axially spaced pin tumbler bores 22 for housing a plurality of pin tumblers 40 , 42 . the pin tumblers 40 , 42 are oriented to intersect a keyway 24 and to operatively engage the blade 25 of a key 26 , as described in more detail . the cylinder plug 20 further includes one or more chambers 28 which intersect the keyway . the pin tumbler cylinder plug 20 is rotatably received in a cylindrical bore 29 of a shell 30 for rotation about an axis of the shell . the shell 30 comprises a first cylindrical portion 31 including the cylindrical bore 29 and a second portion 33 extending radially from said first cylindrical portion . the shell second portion 33 includes one or more shell bores 32 aligned with the one or more pin tumbler cylinder bores 22 of the pin tumbler cylinder 20 when the pin tumbler lock is in a first or locking position . as shown in fig1 , the shell bores 32 and pin tumbler bores 22 are spaced in parallel planes along the shell longitudinal axis . a plurality of pin tumblers 40 , 42 are received in respective portions of the bores 32 , 22 . spring 44 biases the pin tumblers 40 , 42 inward for mating engagement with a key blade 25 . the keyway 24 of the pin tumbler cylinder plug 20 extends radially inward from the outer surface of the pin tumbler cylinder plug and is aligned in the same plane as the pin tumbler cylinder bores 22 . the key blade 25 is received in the keyway 24 for axial movement toward and away from the fully inserted , locking position . the key 26 comprises an edge portion 27 having a bitted surface 27 a which cooperate with the pin tumblers 40 , 42 in the conventional manner . thus when the proper bitted key blade 25 is inserted into the keyway 24 , the pin tumblers held in the cylinder plug terminate at the interface 29 of the shell and cylinder plug creating a shear plane so that the pin tumblers do not block rotation of the cylinder plug . grooves 46 extend over the key sidewalls over its entire inserted length , wherein the grooves conformingly engage aligned sidewalls 48 of the keyway 24 to guide entry of the key blade into the keyway . the pin tumbler cylinder plug 20 further comprises one or more chambers 28 for housing a locking member 50 . preferably , the locking member is a ball bearing . more preferably , the locking member includes at least two ball bearings . the locking member may also comprise a cylindrical shape preferably having opposed spherically shaped ends ( not shown ). the locking member may also comprise a pin having opposed spherically shaped ends . however , ball bearings have an advantage over other shaped locking members in that the ball bearings provide significantly less friction , wear and do not require a bevel at the tip of the key to overcome resistance . the chamber 28 is preferably sized to have a depth d equal to or greater than the combined length of the locking member . if ball bearings are utilized , then the chamber depth should preferably be about equal to or greater than the combined diameters of the ball bearings . the chamber 28 is positioned to intersect a portion of the keyway 24 so that the locking member or ball bearings cammingly engage a receptacle 52 located in a sidewall of the key . the receptacles 52 of the key are preferably arcuately shaped , and thus have a radius of curvature which closely matches the ball bearing curvature . the chamber 28 is additionally aligned with a cavity 54 in the shell interior surface when the cylinder plug 20 is oriented in a locked position . thus if a fully inserted key has a properly aligned receptacle 52 which aligns with the chamber 28 , the locking member will be forced into the key receptacle and chamber by rotational torque applied to the key . if the fully inserted key does not have a receptacle , the locking member will be forced into the cavity 54 and the cylinder plug will be prevented from turning by a portion of the locking member being trapped in the cavity . the pin tumbler cylinder plug 20 preferably further includes a rib 60 which extends in a longitudinal direction and is positioned to prevent the locking member from entering and blocking the keyway . preferably , the rib 60 is located adjacent the keyway and the chamber , and more preferably , is located between the keyway 24 and the chamber 28 . see fig3 and 4 which show different positions of the rib 60 . the rib may comprise any desired cross - sectional shape such as a triangle , etc . the key includes a complementary shaped notch 62 which is in mating engagement with the rib 60 . preferably , the notch 62 is a v shaped groove . the key cross - sectional shape is not limited to what is shown in fig2 and 3 , as other shapes would also work for the invention as shown in fig2 b . however , the key must be shaped to engage the locking member and the rib . it is preferred that the locking member have a width or diameter less than the diameter of the pin tumblers so that the pin tumblers cannot be trapped in the chamber upon rotation of the cylinder . further , the chamber 28 need not be oriented perpendicular to the keyway as shown in fig2 and 3 . for example , see fig4 in which the orientation of the chamber intersects a portion of the keyway in a non - orthogonal angle φ . it is preferred that the orientation of the chamber be angularly inclined an angle φ in the range of about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees with respect to the plane of the keyway . with this different orientation of the chamber as shown in fig4 , the key receptacles are located on the opposite side of the key on the upper key groove 46 as shown in fig6 . a plurality of chambers 28 are preferably utilized in the cylinder plug 20 of the pin tumbler cylinder 10 and which are uniformly laterally spaced on intervals of the ball bearing radius or larger in the direction of the cylinder axis on either side of the keyway . the shell cavity 54 is preferably sized to have a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the ball bearings . the cavity may preferably be dish - shaped or arced as shown in fig2 in discrete locations or along the entire length of the shell . the cavity may also be a cast , broached , drilled or milled hole as shown in fig7 a - 7c and which is aligned with the bottom edge of the chamber when in the locked position . the invention also provides an improved locking system comprising a plurality of locks . each lock preferably has two chambers with a minimum of two ball bearings in each chamber . for each of the locks in the improved locking system , the chambers 28 are spaced on intervals along the plug cylindrical axis , preferably slightly larger than the radius of the ball bearings . the chambers may be located on one side of the keyway or on both sides of the keyway . the chambers may also be oriented at different angles . each key in the locking system has a corresponding receptacle which is also spaced on the same intervals as the chambers . if the chambers are located on the same side of the keyway , then it is preferred that adjacent positions not be used because of the close proximity of the ball bearings to each other . the improved locking system further provides for a service key 70 as shown in fig9 - 11 . the service key 70 has the same characteristics as described above , except that it has one or more slots 72 , 73 instead of receptacles 52 . the slots 72 , 73 are positioned to cooperate with the locking member or ball bearings so that they may be partially received within the slot so that the pin tumbler cylinder plug 20 can rotate . the slots may be sized or arranged to service a plurality of lock cylinders which have different combinations or arrangements of the locking member and chambers 28 . the length of the slot 72 , 73 dictates the number of locks which may be serviced . an example of the locking system of the present invention is as follows . a plurality of locks may be provided with each lock providing for five potential chamber positions located adjacent each other and labeled sequentially a , b , c , d , and e . each lock would have two chambers . it is preferred that adjacent chamber positions on the same side of the lock not be used . thus the a and b positions would not be used , however , it would be possible to use a and c on a first lock , chamber positions a and d on a second lock , positions a and e on a third lock . thus as set forth in table i below , having only five potential chamber / receptacle positions in a lock system will have the potential of producing six different unique combinations of receptacles on the key . table i example of chamber positions selected for lock system lock system chamber positions lock 1 a and c lock 2 a and d lock 3 a and e lock 4 b and d lock 5 b and e lock 6 c and e for example , in a lock having four standard pin tumblers that use 8 depths of cut there are 4 , 096 potential depth combinations . the lock system having five chamber locations as described above offers the ability to increase that number six - fold to a total potential of 24 , 576 unique combinations . thus by increasing the number of available chamber positions in a lock system , it is possible to increase the potential for different combinations of non - adjacent receptacles . for example , adding just one more chamber position to the five mentioned above will allow four additional position combinations of a - f , b - f , c - f , and d - f which would increase the number of positional combinations to ten and the overall potential combinations from 4 , 096 to 40 , 960 unique combinations . if the lock system having five chamber positions is used in conjunction with a six pin cylinder with the same bitting specifications , the number of unique combinations can be increased to 1 , 572 , 864 from 262 , 144 standard combinations . if six chamber positions are used , the number of possible combinations increases to 2 , 621 , 440 unique combinations . it is also possible to use in combination a plurality of chambers having different orientations ( i . e ., different φ &# 39 ; s ). each different orientation of the chamber would require a mating receptacle on the key . for example it is possible to intermix the chamber configurations as shown in fig2 and 4 . as shown in fig4 and 6 , if thirteen receptacle positions of a first type were utilized in conjunction with thirteen receptacle positions of a second type for the four pin tumbler described above , there would be a total of 301 additional unique arrangements which could be used . combining the 301 additional arrangements with the 4096 standard combinations for a 4 pin tumbler results in a total of 1 , 232 , 896 combinations . if a six pin tumbler is used , a total of 78 , 905 , 344 unique combinations may be realized . although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof , other embodiments are possible . therefore , the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiment contained herein . | US-40895503-A |
the specification and drawing figures describe and show a low profile mounting system that includes a at least one rail . a plurality of tracks is formed in the rail with opposing jaws . the opposing jaws define a slot . the opposing jaws are disposed in the rail asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the rail . at least one ledge monolithically extends from the rail for holding an object such as a solar panel . a coupler is provided for demountably connecting a solar panel to the rail . a cleat also is provided for attaching the system to a surface . a connector connects the rail to the cleat . this abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure , but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim . | as shown in fig1 through 13 , a low profile mounting system 10 is provided that in its broadest context includes at least one rail 12 . at least one track 14 is formed in rail 12 with opposing jaws 16 a , b . opposing jaws 16 a , b define a slot 18 . opposing jaws 16 a , b are disposed in rail 12 asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of rail 12 and to each other . at least one ledge 20 a monolithically extends from rail 12 for holding an object such as the frame 22 of a solar panel 24 . a coupler 26 is provided for demountably connecting solar panel 24 to rail 12 . a cleat 28 also is provided for attaching low profile mounting system 10 to a surface 30 . a connector 32 connects rail 12 to cleat 28 . as shown in fig1 , rails 12 a , b are mounted on a surface 30 . surface 30 is a roof 34 . fig1 also shows solar panels 24 a , b bounded by frames 22 a , b . during installation of frames 22 a , b are connected to rails 12 a , b . rails 12 a , b are secured to roof 34 . in general , rails 12 a , b are secured to roof 34 in part using footers or footings ( in this document , a “ footing 36 ”). a number of footings 36 a , b traditionally have been used to secure rails 12 a , b to roof 34 . footings 36 a , b may be l - shaped and constructed of metal or other materials . footings 36 a , b may be attached to roof 34 by inserting lag bolts ( not shown ) through passages ( not shown ) in footings 34 a , b into rafters 38 beneath roof 34 . as also shown in fig1 , in a conventional mounting configuration , solar panels 24 a , b are mounted top - down onto rails 12 a , b . this may present an aesthetically displeasing appearance because solar panels 24 a , b and rails 12 a , b present an undesirably excessive elevation . what is desirable is to easily , quickly , and securely mount solar panels 24 a , b on a surface 30 that produces a low profile that is comparatively inconspicuous and as indiscernible as possible . low profile mounting system 10 , as shown in different embodiments in fig2 through 13 , allows an installer to achieve a low profile that is comparatively inconspicuous and as indiscernible as possible . in the embodiment of low profile mounting system 10 illustrated by cross - reference between fig2 and 3 , rail 12 is shown to be mountable on a surface 30 known as a stanchion or stand - off ( in this document , a “ stanchion 40 ”) rather than on roof 34 . stanchion 40 is useful because of the aforementioned variety of materials used to manufacture a roof 34 and coverings for roof 34 . for example , if the covering for roof 34 is made of tile , bolting a rail 12 directly to a tile on roof 34 , through a tile ( not shown ), is undesirable because the tiles may crack or break . to avoid that problem , one or more tiles are removed , stanchion 40 is installed on roof 34 , and solar panel 24 is attached to stanchion 40 . to achieve a lower profile than conventional installation apparatus allow , in the embodiment of low profile mounting system 10 illustrated by cross - reference between fig2 and 3 , rail 12 is shown to include at least one ledge 20 . as shown , rail 12 is formed with an upper surface 44 , a lower surface 46 , and opposing walls 48 a , b monolithically connected to upper surface 44 and a lower surface 46 . at least one ledge 20 extends at a substantially right angle from opposing walls 48 a , b in opposite directions from the longitudinal axis through rail 12 . rather than mount solar panel 24 top - down , thus raising the total elevation of an installed mounting system , at least one ledge 20 b allows installation of frame 22 of solar panel 24 closer to surface 30 . as also shown in the embodiment shown in fig2 and 3 , rail 12 includes plurality of tracks 14 a , b . plurality of tracks 14 a , b is formed in rail 12 with opposing jaws 16 a - d defining slots 18 a , b . in addition , in the embodiment shown in fig2 and 3 , opposing jaws 16 a , b and opposing jaws 16 c , d are disposed in rail 12 asymmetrically to each other and to the longitudinal axis of rail 12 . the term “ asymmetrically ” as used in this document means that slot 18 a is directionally disposed differently than slot 18 b . as indicated , at least one coupler 26 is provided . coupler 26 includes an attachment device 50 . in the embodiment shown in fig2 and 3 , attachment device 50 is a first bolt 52 and a first nut 54 . coupler 26 also includes a clamp 56 . clamp 56 , as shown in fig2 and 3 , is substantially a u - shaped gutter 56 a formed with an orifice 58 and opposing fins 60 . the head 62 of first bolt 52 is slidably insertable into slot 18 a of track 14 to extend through opposing jaws 16 a , b and , by deploying first nut 54 on first bolt 52 , u - shaped gutter 56 a may be clamped into ducts 64 a , b formed on a conventional frame 22 of solar panel 24 . clamp 56 as shown in all embodiments of low profile mounting system 10 may be a short segment , or may extend the entire length of rail 12 to enhance the aesthetic appearance of an installed low profile mounting system 10 , and to aid in resisting wind and rain penetration into the components of low profile mounting system 10 . fig2 and 3 also show that a second bolt 66 and a second nut 68 are included . head 70 of second bolt 66 is slidably insertable into track 14 b to extend through slot 18 b . an opening 72 is provided in an extension 74 of stanchion 40 . second bolt 66 is inserted through opening 72 , second nut 68 is inserted on second bolt 66 , and the embodiment of low profile mounting system 10 as shown in fig2 and 3 is securely attached to stanchion 40 , which in turn has been attached to roof 34 . solar panel 24 thus provides a low visual profile . in the embodiment low profile mounting system 10 illustrated by cross - reference to fig4 and 5 , low profile mounting system 10 is shown to include a plurality of ledges 20 a , b on rail 12 . fig4 and 5 also show an embodiment of low profile mounting system 10 that includes at least one cleat 28 . further , the embodiment shown in fig4 and 5 shows a clamp 56 b in the form of a substantially flat planar surface or plate 76 . clamp 56 b is another embodiment of clamp 56 useful in providing a pleasing configuration to an assembled low profile mounting system 10 and for securing ducts 64 a , b of a plurality of frames 22 a , b on plurality of ledges 20 a , b on rail 12 . further , cleat 28 includes at least one hole 78 . as shown , cleat 28 includes holes 78 a , b , c . holes 78 a , b are used to attach cleat 28 to roof 34 using lag bolts or similar connectors . hole 78 a is used to attach cleat 28 to rail 12 by inserting second bolt 66 into slot 18 b and through hole 78 c , and attaching second nut 68 to second bolt 66 . as a result , a secure , easily installable , and aesthetically pleasing installation of low profile mounting system 10 is achieved . in another embodiment of low profile mounting system 10 , as shown in fig6 and 7 , an alternative clamp 56 is provided as clamp 56 c . clamp 56 c is useful in connection with variations of frame 22 formed with a plurality of ducts 64 a , b as shown best in fig7 . clamp 56 c also is formed as a gutter , but with opposing arms 80 a , b long enough to be removably insertable into ducts 64 a , b to hold frame 22 of solar panel 24 tightly against ledge 20 a , b when locked into position using attachment device 50 . in the embodiment of low profile mounting system 10 illustrated in fig8 and 9 , clamp 56 a , as shown by cross - reference between fig2 and 3 in connection with a single frame 22 of solar panel 24 being attached to stanchion 40 , is shown to be equally useful when disposed in a configuration in which a plurality of opposing frames 22 c , d are mounted on a rail 12 that in turn is mounted on cleat 28 for attachment to roof 34 . in another embodiment of low profile mounting system 10 , as shown by cross - reference between fig1 and 11 , rail 12 is shown with a track 14 b and a longitudinal cavity 82 formed in upper surface 44 of rail 12 c . as shown , longitudinal cavity 82 is shaped to receive an attachment device 50 . attachment device 50 , as shown in fig1 , includes first bolt 52 . a receptor body 84 also is monolithically formed adjacent longitudinal cavity 82 . as shown in fig1 , first threads 86 are formed in receptor body 84 for matable connection with second threads 88 formed on first bolt 52 . further , as also shown in fig1 , clamp 56 d is formed with a contoured cross - sectional configuration for both aesthetics and for gripping frame 22 of solar panel 24 a , b , and includes parallel nubs 90 a , b . parallel nubs 90 a , b are designed to fit tightly along exterior surfaces 92 a , b of longitudinal cavity 82 . in the embodiment of low profile mounting system 10 illustrated in fig1 and 13 , longitudinal cavity 82 a is shown to be useful as a scribe guide 94 for inserting into rail 12 an attachment device 50 in the form of a screw 50 e . as shown , receptor body 84 also includes a groove 96 . as also shown , two detents 98 a , b are formed in receptor body 84 . a variation of clamp 56 d , namely 56 e , is provided with comparatively longer parallel nubs 90 c , d that are insertable into two detents 98 a , b in receptor body 84 . receptor body 84 also includes opposing fins 100 a , b . screw 50 e is removably insertable through clamp 56 e into receptor body 84 . screw 50 e extends into the chamber 102 formed in rail 12 . screw 50 e is held in place in part by opposing fins 100 a , b . in all embodiments shown in fig1 through 13 , end plates 104 , as best shown in fig1 , may be placed across low profile mounting system 10 to further add to the aesthetic appearance of an assembled low profile mounting system 10 , and to preclude entry of water , wind , and other elements into low profile mounting system 10 . although fig1 through 13 shows embodiments of low profile mounting system 10 in which components of low profile mounting system 10 are in certain positions in relationship to one another , the components may be located in any number of other positions . although a number of alternative attachment devices and connectors are shown , other fasteners may be used . the low profile mounting system shown in drawing fig1 through 13 includes a number of non - exclusive embodiments that are merely illustrative of the disclosed low profile mounting system 10 . in addition , claim elements and steps in the following appended claims in this document have been numbered solely as an aid in readability and understanding . the numbering is not intended to , and should not be considered as intending to , indicate the ordering of elements and steps in the claims . means - plus - function clauses in the claims are intended to cover the structures described as performing the recited function that include not only structural equivalents , but also equivalent structures . thus , although a nail and screw may not be structural equivalents , in the environment of the subject matter of this document a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures . | US-14179208-A |
a method of and circuit for applying an electronic supply to two independent load circuits . an ac generator has a variable cyclic ratio . it is connected to two parallel rectifying circuits which are in series respectively with the two loads . the cyclic ratio of the alternating signal from the generator is altered . thus , modifying the power delivered to each of the loads , because the rectifying circuits only rectifies one alternation of the complete ac signal from the generator . the power from the generator may be delivered to one or the other load or even to both load simultaneously . | fig1 illustrates an electronic circuit comprising a generator 1 of an alternating signal , connected to rectifying means for feeding an electric supply to two loads 2 and 3 depicted in the form of electrical resistances . in accordance with the application proposed , this figure shows that these loads represent the cathodes of an x - ray tube 4 . the loads are independent in this figure , since their terminals are not interconnected . the presence of a common terminal 5 is predicated by the production conditions referred to above for x - ray tubes . it will be explained in the following that this common terminal 5 is not essential to the operation of the method of the invention and that , in particular , the loads 2 and 3 may then be totally separate . the means for rectifying the alternating signal supplied by the generator 1 comprises a transformer 6 and two diode circuits . the generator 1 is connected to the primary winding 7 of the transformer 6 , the two diode circuits being connected in this example to two separate points of the secondary winding 8 of the transformer , namely points a and b . the secondary winding 8 may have a different number of turns or a different structure as compared to the winding 7 , so that an increase and / or a reduction of the voltage produced by the generator 1 may possibly be obtained . a first circuit of diodes in series is connected between the point a and the load 2 , the second circuit of diodes being conneced between the point b and the load 3 . the waveforms of the electric signals supplied between the terminals a and c of this transformer are the same as those supplied between the terminals b and c . this being so , the fact that the polarities of the diode circuits may be reversed permits rectification of one only of the two alternations of the alternating signal of the generator in each of these diode circuits . the alternations rectified by each of the diode circuits are clearly different from each other . let the first diode circuit comprising the diodes 9 and 10 be that rectifying the positive alternation of the signal , since the cathodes of these diodes are situated towards the load 2 and their anodes towards the point a . it will be observed that the second diode circuit comprising the diode 11 rectifies the negative alternation of the signal since the cathode of its diode is situated towards the point b and its anode towards the load 3 . if another embodiment is adopted for the secondary winding 8 of the transformer 6 , it is obviously still possible to direct the diodes of the first diode circuit to a given polarity and the diodes of the second diode circuit to a polarity complementary to the first in order to enable rectification of the one and the other alternation , respectively . furthermore , in the case in which the loads are independent , especially in respect of their polarisation , their independence is assured by establishing two electrically independent sections in the secondary winding of the transformer 6 . it is perfectly possible for the tappings a and b of the secondary winding 8 to be merged into a single point . it will be observed in the following how a modification of the cyclic ratio makes it possible , even in this configuration , to perform the switching of the electric supply between the load 2 and the load 3 . the presence of the transformer 6 is then justified only by the application of a cathode biasing voltage vk to the common portion of the loads 2 and 3 representing cathodes of an x - ray tube in the example given . the transformer 6 then permits isolation of the generator 1 from this biasing voltage . apart from this example , it is possible to omit the transformer 6 and to connect the diode circuits in parallel to one of the terminals of the generator . fig2 a and 2b illustrate the waveforms of a pulsed alternating signal measured at different points of the electronic circuit of the invention . in this case , these pulsed signals have a rectangular shape which renders the cylcic ratio concept more comprehensible . this rectangular shape of the signals is not however an essential condition for the operation of the method of the invention , and in particular , the flanks of these pulses may be less steep than those illustrated in fig2 a and 2b . the top of these figures illustrate a pulsed alternating signal supplied by the generator 1 , comprising a pulse of duration τ recurring cyclically with a period t . the d . c . component of this signal is zero . this amounts to stating that the ratio between the amplitudes v1 / v2 of the positive and negative parts of this signal respectively , is equal to : ## equ1 ## the lower part of these figures illustrates the signal supplied by the generator 1 and which had respectively undergone , signals va and vb , the alternation rectifications imposed by the first and second diode circuits . these signals serve the purpose of supplying the loads 2 and 3 respectively . fig2 a and 2b are complementary . fig2 a illustrates signals having a low cyclic ratio , being of the order of 10 % in this case , and fig2 b illustrates signals having a high cyclic ratio , of the order of 90 % in this case . it may be shown by a simple calculation , that upon rectifying these two alternations , the effective value of the rectified signals is proportional to the square root of the energy dissipated by each of these two alternations in the loads , averaged over a cycle of the signal . the ratio between these effective values may then be written as a first approximation , as : ## equ2 ## consequently , when the cyclic ratio τ / t is , for example , of the order of 10 %, the ratio between the effective voltages is of the order of 3 , and when the cyclic ratio is of the order of 90 %, the same ratio between the effective voltage values is close to a 1 / 3 . this means that in the case of fig2 a , the energy dissipated in the load 2 is three times greater than the energy dissipated in the load 3 . conversely , in the case of fig2 b , the energy dissipated in the load 3 is three times greater than the energy dissipated in the load 2 . in the case of an application of the invention to an x - ray tube , this 1 to 3 ratio is sufficient to differentiate between a hot filament and a cold filament . a hot filament is able to emit electrons , whereas a cold filament cannot emit electrons . the result of this modification of the cyclic ratio consequently acts to perform the selection between the cathode filaments intended for the required application : utilisation in radioscopy or radiography . the ratio between the effective voltages is not however directly indicative of the energy expended in the loads 2 and 3 . the explanation which has been given relates merely to a configuration in which the points a and b would coincide and in which the loads 2 and 3 would present an identical resistivity value . under this assumption , the difference in thermoemissivity of the cathode filaments would then have to be obtained by differentiation of the thermoemissive materials forming these filaments . in practice , the filaments are produced from one and the same material , commonly based on tungsten , and the difference in thermoemissivity of the filaments is related to their size : the one is larger than the other . as a result , they present a different resistance to the heating current . this is the reason why the tappings a and b are not combined in the transformer 8 . the tapping a corresponding to a large number of turns comprised between the point c and the point a , consequently supplies an alternating signal of greater amplitude than that of the signal supplied by the tapping b . as a result , the energy dissipated into the load 2 with a signal having a low cyclic ratio will be greater than the energy expended in the load 3 by a signal having a high cyclic ratio . for a given cyclic ratio , the ratios between the energies expended are consequently proportional to the ratios between the effective voltages on the one hand , and on the other hand to the transformation ratios applied by the transformer 6 between the signals supplied at the point a and at the point b . however , if the cyclic ratio is high ( fig2 b ), for example of the order of 90 %, this differentiation of the transformation ratios of the transformer 6 neutralises the selective effects obtained by means of the ratio of the effective values . this situation is easily remedied by interposing a particular number of diodes in the diode circuits . thus , the signal marked va in fig2 a does not have v1 as its amplitude , but merely has as its amplitude the voltage v1 minus the voltage drop in the diodes 9 and 10 of the first diode circuit . this voltage drop is depicted by the dashed outlines . the voltage v1 is high since the cyclic ratio is low in this figure , so that this change has little effect . by contrast , in fig2 b , in which the voltage v1 is low , this change is proportionately very appreciable and it is even possible to cause cancellation of the voltage va of fig2 b , by selecting the number of diodes of the first diode circuit . the load 2 corresponds to the large cathode filaments utilised in radiography for which the thermoemissivity should be high . the load 3 represents a cathode filament utilised in radioscopy . its resistive value is lower than that of the load 2 . in the case of signals having low cyclic ratios ( fig2 a ), the voltage vb is not equal to the voltage v2 but equal to this voltage v2 reduced by the voltage drop applied by the diode 11 . the neutralisation of this voltage vb is obtained with a lesser number of diodes in the second diode circuit as compared to the first circuit , since this voltage vb is obtained moreover with a lower transformation ratio than that with which the voltage va had been obtained . with a higher cyclic ratio , as in fig2 b , this voltage vb undergoes little modification by the presence of a comparatively small number of diodes . it is very clearly apparent that it is possible , in this manner , to provide a sufficient number of diodes in each of the two diode circuits to cancel , in each case , that of the two voltages which is unwanted . in an example , in which the signal supplied by the generator 1 has a variation of the order of 10 volts , in which the transformation ratio of the transformer 6 is 1 for the tapping a and 1 / 2 for the tapping b , and in which the diodes have the layout illustrated in fig1 the signal va and the signal vb are equal respectively to 7 . 6 volts and 0 volts . in the case of a high cyclic ratio , their values are respectively 0 volts and - 3 . 8 volts . these values may easily be discovered , considering that the diodes are silicon diodes and each cause a voltage drop of the order of 0 . 7 volt . based on this numerical example , it may consequently be grasped that it is possible to act on the amplitude of the signal supplied by the generator 1 , on the transformation ratios established by the transformer , and on the number of diodes contained in each of the diode circuits in order to adapt the power dissipated in each of the two loads 2 and 3 as a function of the resistances of these loads . a control input d has been shown symbolically in fig1 which makes it possible to perform the switching of the supply to the loads by acting on the cyclic ratio of the pulses produced by this generator 1 . it is possible to regulate the quantity of energy dissipated in the loads by incorporating a regulator loop comprising a detector 12 for detection of a value representing the quantity of energy dissipated in the load which is to be controlled . in the radioscopy application , this detector 12 may in particular comprise means for measuring the brightness of the image received on a video monitor forming part of this radioscopy array . the level of the video signal fed to this monitor is thus measured in practice , since this video signal is proportional to the quantity of x - ray radiation which had passed through the object or the patient , and is consequently proportional to the intensity of the heating current fed to the cathode of the tube 4 which is utilised for emission . the signal supplied by the detector 12 is fed to one of the inputs of a comparator 13 receiving a reference signal ref at its other input . this comparator then generates an error signal rg for corrective purposes . this signal rg is fed in parallel with a control signal cd to the control input d of the signal generator 1 . in radiography , the control array will operate at the same rate as the regulator array for radioscopy , the reference quantity ref being established by experience , and whilst making simultaneous allowance for the sensitivity of the photographic plates utilised and for the maximum acceptable irradiation for the patients . numerous types of signal generators having an adjustable cyclic ratio are available at present . in practice , these generators comprise a sawtooth generator , with t being the period of the sawteeth . the output signal of a comparator may be employed to produce the pulses recalled , by comparing the value of the sawtooth signal to a control value cd in this comparator . the control voltage rg may then simply be superimposed over the control voltage cd to alter the cyclic ratio of the pulse about its initial setting value . the method described and the electronic circuit applying the same may be utilised in numerous forms . some of these variants have been described and relate in particular to the shape of the pulses , the presence of a transformer , and the form of the diode rectifying circuits . however others may still be invisaged which would mainly be characterised in that they utilise the modification of the cyclic ratio to perform the switching action . it may also be observed that the application of the method is still possible when it is merely desired to establish a balance between the energies expended in two electric load circuits . | US-82721886-A |
the invention provides a method and system for recovery of file system data in file servers having mirrored file system volumes . the invention makes use of a “ snapshot ” feature of a robust file system disclosed in the incorporated disclosures , to rapidly determined which of two or more mirrored volumes is most up - to - date , and which file blocks of the most recent mirrored volume have been changed from each one of the mirrored file systems . in a preferred embodiment , among a plurality of mirrored volumes , the invention rapidly determines which is the most up - to - date by examining a consistency point number maintained by the wafl file system at each mirrored volume . the invention rapidly pairwise determines what blocks are shared between that most up - to - date mirrored volume and each other mirrored volume , in response to a snapshot of the file system maintained at each mirrored volume and are stored in common pairwise between each mirrored volume and the most up - to - date mirrored volume . the invention re synchronizes only those blocks that have been changed between the common snapshot and the most up - to - date snapshot . | in the following description , a preferred embodiment of the invention is described with regard to preferred process steps and data structures . embodiments of the invention can be implemented using general - purpose processors or special purpose processors operating under program control , or other circuits , adapted to particular process steps and data structures described herein . implementation of the process steps and data structures described herein would not require undue experimentation or further invention . the following terms refer or relate to aspects of the invention as described below . the descriptions of general meanings of these terms are not intended to be limiting , only illustrative . block — in general , any collection of data for data objects in a file system . consistency point — in general , any point at which the consistency of a file system is assured or recorded . file server — in general , any device which responds to messages requesting file system operations . file system — in general , any organization or structure of information for storage or retrieval . file system data — in general , any information recorded in a file system or an object in a file system . file system volume — in general , any mass storage device , or collection thereof , for storage or retrieval of file system objects . mirrored volume — in general , any file system volume having a copy of at least a portion of another file system volume . parallel storage system — in general , any file system in which data is recorded , in whole or in part , in multiple locations or multiple ways . raid subsystem — in general , any system including a redundant array of mass storage drives . recovery of file system data — in general , any recopying or regeneration of information from one memory or storage medium to another . redundant file system — in general , any file system in which data is recorded , in whole or in part , with additional information allowing the recovery of at least a portion of that data . re - synchronize — in general , any operation in which objects in a file system are reorganized or rewritten to assure that file system objects maintain or restore synchronization . shared file block — in general , any file block whose data contents are located on more than one file system volume . snapshot — in general , any consistent file system available , in whole or in part , for later retrieval even if the snapshot is not a current consistent file system . up - to - date — in general , a measure of recentness of a file system , file system object , or snapshot . wafl file system — in general , a file system as described in the incorporated disclosures , or any file system in which at least one snapshot is maintained in addition to a current consistent file system . as noted above , these descriptions of general meanings of these terms are not intended to be limiting , only illustrative . other and further applications of the invention , including extensions of these terms and concepts , would be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art after perusing this application . hese other and further applications are part of the scope and spirit of the invention , and would be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art , without further invention or undue experimentation . [ 0034 ] fig1 shows a block diagram of a system for recovery of file system data in file servers having mirrored file system volumes . a system 100 includes a file server ( or other device ) 110 , a communication network 120 , and a network interface 130 . the file server 110 includes a plurality of mirrored file system volumes 111 , each of which includes mass storage for recording and retrieving data . each file system volume 111 includes at least one snapshot 112 according to the wafl file system , as described in the incorporated disclosures . each snapshot 112 includes a file system information block 113 , including a pointer to an entire consistent file system and a consistency point value 114 indicating a sequence in which that snapshot 112 was generated . each file system volume 111 also includes an active file system 115 , itself associated with a consistent point value 114 . in a preferred embodiment , snapshots 112 are made periodically in response to ( and as copies of ) an active file system 115 . thus , while every snapshot 112 includes a consistent point value 114 from its associated active file system 115 , not every active file system 115 is made into a snapshot , and thus not every consistency point value 114 is associated with a snapshot 112 . the file server 110 receives messages 116 requesting to write data or otherwise alter data from the communication network 120 using the network interface 130 . in normal operation , the file server 110 parses those messages 116 and writes the same data to both of the active file systems 115 of the mirrored file system volumes 111 , so that each of the mirrored file system volumes 111 includes the same active file systems 115 , the same snapshots 112 , therefore the same data . however , in the event of a system crash or other error , it might occur that one or more of the mirrored file system volumes 111 fails to remain in synchronization with the others , either because its active file system 115 is not up - to - date or its snapshots 112 are not up - to - date . if one or more of the mirrored file system volumes 111 is not in synchronization with the others , there will be at least one mirrored file system volume 111 having an active file system 115 with a consistency point value 114 larger than all others . this indicates that the associated an active file system 115 and the associated file system volume 111 ( with the highest consistency point value 114 ) is the most up - to - date file system volume 111 of all of the mirrored file system volumes 111 . similarly , for any pair of mirrored file system volumes 111 , there will be at least one common snapshot 112 present for them both , thus having the same consistency point value 114 for the common snapshot 112 at each of the two mirrored file system volumes 111 . for any pair of mirrored file system volumes 111 a and b , the difference between the common snapshot 112 and the most up - to - date active file system 115 ( say , at mirrored file system volume 111 a ) can be easily and rapidly determined using the wafl file system . the file blocks indicated by that difference are the only file blocks necessary for re - synchronization between the pair of mirrored file system volumes 111 a and b . while each pair ( a and b ) of mirrored file system volumes 111 will have at least one common snapshot 112 , of which one can be compared with the most up - to - date active file system 115 , there is no particular requirement that each other pair ( a and c , or a and d ) of mirrored file system volumes 111 will have the same common snapshot 112 as the first such pair ( a and b ). however , for each such other pair ( a and c , or a and d ) of mirrored file system volumes 111 , the difference between the common snapshot 112 and the most up - to - date active file system 115 can still be easily and rapidly determined using the wafl file system ; the file blocks indicated by that difference are the only file blocks necessary for re - synchronization between the other pair ( a and c , or a and d ) of mirrored file system volumes 111 . [ 0042 ] fig2 shows a process flow diagram of a method for operating a system as in fig1 . a method 200 includes a set of flow points and a set of steps . the system 100 performs the method 200 . although the method 200 is described serially , the steps of the method 200 can be performed by separate elements in conjunction or in parallel , whether asynchronously , in a pipelined manner , or otherwise . there is no particular requirement that the method 200 be performed in the same order in which this description lists the steps , except where so indicated . at a flow point 210 , the file server 110 is ready to re - synchronize a plurality of mirrored file system volumes 111 . at a step 211 , the file server 110 examines the file system information block 113 for each one of the plurality of mirrored file system volumes 111 , to determine a single consistency point value 114 which is the maximum for all active file systems 115 at such mirrored file system volumes 111 . while it is possible that there will be more than one such mirrored file system volume 111 having an active file system 115 with that maximum consistency point value 114 , there is no particular requirement to select one of such mirrored file system volumes 111 in preference to others , as all active file systems 115 with that identical consistency point value 114 will be identical . at a step 212 , the mirrored file system volumes 111 with the maximum consistency point value 114 for an active file system 115 generates a new snapshot 112 for that active file system 115 and having that maximum consistency point value 114 . this new snapshot 112 is thus the most up - to - date snapshot 112 and has the maximum consistency point value 114 . at a step 213 , for each one of the plurality of mirrored file system volumes 111 ( other than the file system volumes 111 with the most up - to - date active file system 115 ) the file server 110 examines the file system information block 113 , to determine a snapshot 112 at that one mirrored file system volume 111 that is common with the mirrored file system volume 111 having the most up - to - date snapshot 112 . thus , the file server 110 determines a closest degree of synchronization between each mirrored file system volume 111 ( in turn ) and the mirrored file system volume 111 having the most up - to - date snapshot 112 . at a step 214 , for each such closest degree of synchronization , the file server 110 determines a difference between the common snapshot 112 and the most up - to - date snapshot 112 , thus generating a set of file blocks that have been changed between the common snapshot 112 and the most up - to - date snapshot 112 . these changed file blocks are the only file blocks required to be re - synchronized between the common snapshot 112 and the most up - to - date active file system 115 . at a step 215 , for each such set of changed file blocks , the file server 110 re - synchronizes each mirrored file system volume 111 with the most up - to - date snapshot 112 by copying only the changed file blocks over , thus generating a copy of the most up - to - date snapshot 112 at each mirrored file system volume 111 . in a preferred embodiment , there are only two such mirrored file system volumes 111 . the file server 110 needs to make only one comparison to determine the maximum consistency point value 114 for a most up - to - date active file system 115 . the file server 110 needs to examine only one pair of mirrored file system volumes 111 for a common snapshot 112 . the file server 110 needs to determine only one set of changed blocks between the common snapshot 112 and the most up - to - date snapshot 112 . the file server 110 needs to copy only one set of changed blocks from one mirrored file system volume 111 to the other . however , in alternative embodiments , there may be more than two mirrored file system volumes 111 . those skilled in the art will see , after perusal of this application , that the invention is easily and readily generalized to additional mirrored file system volumes 111 , without undue experimentation or further invention . in a preferred embodiment , the mirrored file system volumes 111 can each be updated to create new active file systems 115 in response to messages 116 requesting file system operations , even while the snapshot 112 at each mirrored file system volumes 111 is being synchronized with the most up - to - date snapshot 112 . thus , the mirrored file system volumes 111 can each perform the full functions of a file server 110 mirrored file system volume 111 even while the re - synchronization is taking place . after this step , the method 200 has re - synchronized all of the mirrored file system volumes 111 to the most up - to - date active file system 115 . in a preferred embodiment , the method 200 is performed each time the system 100 recovers from a system crash , as part of the crash recovery process . in alternative embodiments , the method 200 may be performed in response to other events , such as in response to a timer , in response to detection of lack of synchronization between the mirrored volumes , or in response to operator command . the invention has general applicability to various fields of use , not necessarily related to the services described above . for example , these fields of use can include one or more of , or some combination of , the following : other and further applications of the invention in its most general form , will be clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of this application , and are within the scope and spirit of the invention . although preferred embodiments are disclosed herein , many variations are possible which remain within the concept , scope , and spirit of the invention , and these variations would become clear to those skilled in the art after perusal of this application . | US-71969903-A |
the present invention involves a system and method for superheating the refrigerant gas in a motor vehicle air conditioning system in order to minimize the amount of work required to be performed by the compressor . in an embodiment of the present invention , the refrigerant gas is diverted through the exhaust manifold immediately after passing through the compressor . as the refrigerant gas passes through the exhaust manifold , it is superheated by the surrounding hot exhaust gases thereby increasing the refrigerant gas pressure to reduce the amount of work done by the compressor . | fig1 and 2 illustrate typical closed - loop air conditioning systems containing a refrigerant fluid which is continuously recycled . in such a system , refrigerant fluid in liquid phase is initially converted to gas phase by evaporation inside an evaporator 100 . depending on the type of system being used , the refrigerant gas may then pass through an accumulator 110 prior to entering the system &# 39 ; s compressor 120 . after being converted from low temperature , low - pressure gas into high - temperature , high - pressure gas by the compressor 120 , the refrigerant fluid then enters a condenser 130 , where the fluid changes from gas phase back into liquid phase . the liquid refrigerant fluid is then returned either through a fixed orifice tube 140 or through a thermostatic expansion valve 150 , depending on the type of system , to the evaporator 100 to begin the cycle over again . these types of systems are well - understood by those in the art . in such present systems , the compressor 120 is required to perform substantial work on the refrigerant fluid to increase its temperature and pressure . the compressor 120 is typically rotationally driven by linkage to the vehicle engine 200 by belt or other linking means , and the torque require to rotatably drive the compressor 120 comprises a substantial burden on the vehicle &# 39 ; s engine 200 , requiring the use of a substantial portion of the engine &# 39 ; s torque output and concomitantly impacts the required fuel consumption of the vehicle by as much as twenty - five percent . it has been observed that in automobiles that have no automatic mechanism for increasing the energy consumption of the engine when the air conditioning system is activated that the revolutions - per - minute ( rpm ) may decrease as much as 25 % when the compressor is activated . referring to fig3 , and 5 , the present invention improves on existing air conditioning systems by including modifications to utilize the waste heat generated by the vehicle engine 200 to reduce the burden on the compressor 120 and hence also reduce the load placed on the vehicle engine 200 . these modifications therefore result in substantial savings in fuel and an overall more efficient vehicle . fig3 depicts a view of one embodiment of the invention . a vehicle engine 200 typically includes a manifold 210 in which hot exhaust gases created by the combustion of fuel in the engine 200 are accumulated prior to being removed from the vehicle by the exhaust system . in the ordinary course of a vehicle &# 39 ; s operation , the measured temperature of the manifold 210 varies depending on the load placed upon the engine 200 , generally represented by the revolutions per minute of the engine &# 39 ; s drive shaft . for example , in a typical system , an engine 200 idling at 750 revolutions per minute ( rpm ) has been observed to have a manifold temperature of approximately 450 degrees fahrenheit , and at 2 , 000 rpm of approximately 565 degrees fahrenheit . ordinarily , this heat represent waste energy which is lost to the environment through the exhaust system as well as through the engine &# 39 ; s ordinary cooling systems . however , as shown in fig3 , and 5 , the present system utilizes this heat to superheat the air conditioning system &# 39 ; s refrigerant liquid , thus performing a substantial portion of the work ordinarily performed by the compressor 120 . in one embodiment of the invention , two holes are provided in the manifold 210 which are connected within the manifold by a manifold tube 50 , which consists of ordinary steel air conditioning tubing . the outer surface of the tube 50 is connected around its outer circumference at either end to the inner surface of the holes by welding or other attachment means which will be understood to those in the art . the manifold tube 50 therefore passes through the manifold 210 while maintaining the manifold &# 39 ; s integrity as a containment vessel for exhaust gases . the output tube 122 running from the vehicle &# 39 ; s compressor 120 is connected to a one - way check valve 60 , which is then connected to the manifold tube 50 . the check valve 60 prevents high - pressure gas or liquid refrigerant fluid from flowing back to the compressor . the manifold tube 50 is then connected to the condenser 130 . as shown in fig3 and 4 , the present invention may be practiced by modifying a vehicle existing air conditioning system , using the vehicle &# 39 ; s original equipment compressor 120 . in one embodiment , the vehicle &# 39 ; s original equipment compressor 120 is replaced with an electric compressor 70 powered by the vehicle &# 39 ; s standard 12 v electrical system as shown in fig5 . while the invention may be implemented by modifying an original equipment manifold that is sold without any mechanism for heat exchange with refrigerant fluid , the invention can also be implemented by designing an exhaust manifold having such a heat exchange mechanism built in . it is anticipated that new manifolds could be developed with a larger heat exchange surface area in a newly designed manifold . for example , instead of passing a tube through a manifold , a manifold could be molded out of metal having a first cavity for exhaust and a second cavity for refrigerant fluid such that heat is exchanged between the exhaust and the refrigerant fluid . the molded manifold would preferably be constructed in one - piece using a single mold and having external connections for attachment of a refrigerant fluid inlet and a refrigerant fluid outlet . as noted previously , the exact temperature of the manifold 210 is dependent upon the particular vehicle and its current operating conditions . in a typical system in which observations have been conducted , with an engine 200 idling at approximately 750 rpm , the manifold has been observed to have a temperature of approximately 450 degrees fahrenheit . under these conditions , the refrigerant fluid has been observed to have a temperature at the input to the manifold tube 50 of approximately 130 degrees fahrenheit and an output temperature of approximately 200 degrees fahrenheit . with the engine 200 operating at approximately 2 , 000 rpm ( representing an ordinary operational vehicle speed ), the manifold 210 has been observed to have a temperature of approximately 565 degrees fahrenheit . under these operational conditions , the refrigerant fluid has been observed to have a temperature at the input to the manifold tube 50 of approximately 134 degrees fahrenheit , and a temperature at the output of approximately 270 degrees fahrenheit . it has been observed in a motor vehicle not having the system described above and without an automatic mechanism for increasing the energy consumption of the engine when the air conditioning system is activated that the revolutions - per - minute ( rpm ) may decrease as much as 25 % when the compressor is activated . after that same system has been modified as described above , no such decrease in the revolutions - per - minute of the engine is detected when the compressor is activated . although not wishing to be bound to a particular operational principle or theory , it is believed that the majority of the temperature and pressure increase of the refrigerant fluid gas required prior to condensation is performed by passing the refrigerant through the manifold thereby decreasing the amount of work done by the compressor . under these conditions , it is believed that the compressor 120 or electric compressor 70 acts primarily as a pump to move the refrigerant fluid through the system . these and other benefits of the present invention will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art . furthermore , persons with ordinary skill in the art will understand the various parts forming the present invention and will understand their methods of manufacture , and the methods of connecting them to form the complete invention . while the preferred embodiment has been described , it will furthermore be understood that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | US-28259805-A |
an automatic ion residue monitoring and testing system that has a particular application to quantify ionic residue on a printed circuit board . the monitoring system is a stand - alone unit that includes a purification system for providing deionized water . deionized water from purification system is heated and sent to an extraction tank where it is held in a controlled quantity . a printed circuit board is placed in the extraction tank and the heated deionized water is caused to circulate through the extraction tank so as to remove ionic contamination on the circuit board . the system then automatically extracts a controlled quantity of now ionized water from the extraction tank and sends it to an ion chromatograph . the ion chromatograph tests the contaminated water , and provides a readout of the level of ionic contamination in the water . | the following discussion of the preferred embodiments directed to an automatic ionic cleanliness tester for monitoring ionic residue on a printed circuit board is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention or its applications or uses . fig1 shows an overview diagram of an automatic cleanliness test system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention . the system 10 has particular application for determining ionic residue on a printed circuit board . however , the system 10 has many other applications beyond that particular use . the system 10 includes various components and units supported on and within a support structure assembly 12 including a table top 14 . the system 10 is controlled by a suitable computer system 16 , such as a gateway pc , including a computer screen 18 and a keyboard 20 . a specialized i / o board ( not shown ) is added to the computer system 16 to control the various valves , pumps , heaters , etc ., as described below . suitable computer software is provided for interfacing purposes to automatically perform these functions . the support structure assembly 12 includes an enclosed cabinet portion 22 that houses the various plumbing fixtures and connections of the system 10 , an enclosed cabinet portion 24 that houses various electrical systems of the system 10 , and an enclosure cabinet portion 26 that houses electrical control circuitry for the main power distribution used to operate the system 10 . the electrical systems within the cabinet portion 24 include a suitable relay board that receives instructions from the computer system 16 , and transfers electrical signals to operate the various valves and pumps described below . the system 10 includes a purification system 30 that receives processed pretreated tap water and purifies the tap water for deionization purposes . the purification system 30 includes various replaceable filters 32 that perform the deionization . in one embodiment , the purification system 30 is the e - pure system commercially available from barnsted of dubuque , iowa , however , the purification system 30 can be any suitable deionization system known to those skilled in the art suitable for the purposes described herein . an extraction tank 34 is positioned in the table top 14 , and is connected to the purification system 30 and the plumbing system of the system 10 to receive and hold deionized water from the purification system 30 . the tank 34 includes a lid 36 that is removable by an operator , so that a pcb to be tested can be inserted in the tank 34 to allow the ionic residue on the pcb to be dissolved in the water . an ion chromatography system 40 , including an ion chromatograph 42 and an interface system 44 , is provided to do an ionic analysis on the water in the extraction tank 34 after the pcb has soaked in the tank 34 for a predetermined period of time . in one embodiment , the system 40 is the dx - 100 , or other models , ion chromatograph available from dionex , but can be any type of chromatography system suitable for the purposes described herein . as will be discussed in detail below , a carefully measured amount of heated deionized water is added to the extraction tank 34 , and a pcb assembly is then placed in the tank 34 . contaminated ionized water is then sampled from the tank 34 and analyzed by the chromatography system 40 . the computer system 16 interfaces with the interface system 44 so that a reading of the ionic constituents in the contaminated water is determined . a printout of the contamination level is provided by a printer 46 . a schematic diagram 50 of the plumbing fixtures and connections of the cleanliness testing system 10 is shown in fig2 . an input of pretreated water is connected to a purification system 52 representing the purification system 30 . the purification system 52 filters the supply water to have a predetermined resistivity suitable for the purposes of the present invention . a water tap 54 allows deionized water to be extracted from a water line 56 after the water supply is purified by the system 52 . the deionized water is sent to a manifold 58 through the line 56 to separate and distribute the deionized water through various plumbing lines in the system 10 , as will be discussed in detail below . one line from the manifold 58 is connected to an in - line heater 60 that heats the deionized water to , for example , 180 ° f . an output of heated water from the in - line heater 60 is applied to a pressure relief valve 62 and a flow control valve 64 . the flow control valve 64 controls the flow of heated water from the heater 60 . the pressure relief valve 62 is a safety device that allows the heated water to be dumped to waste through a water line 68 in the event that the heater 60 heats the water too high creating excess pressure . when desired , heated deionized water from the heater 60 is sent to a sample tank 70 through a water line 72 by electrically activating an actuator valve 74 . likewise , cool deionized water from the manifold 58 is sent to the sample tank 70 through a water line 76 and the line 72 by activating an actuator valve 78 . the sample tank 70 represents the extraction tank 34 discussed above . prior to the pcb being introduced into the sample tank 70 , the sample tank 70 is rinsed and purged several times , and then filled to a known and tightly controlled level of heated deionized water . a recirculation pump 82 is provided to recirculate water in the tank 70 through lines 84 and 86 during rinsing and when the pcb is in the tank 70 . two actuator valves 88 and 90 allow water in the tank 70 to be removed from the tank 70 to waste , as will be described below . to perform the rinsing and purging process , both of the valves 74 and 78 are opened to allow the fastest rate of water available to flow through the line 72 into the line 84 to fill the tank 70 . at this time , both the valves 88 and 90 are closed . an overflow line 92 prevents the tank 70 from overflowing by removing overflow water to waste . while the tank 70 is filling the recirculation pump 82 is activated in order to cause water to recirculate through the lines 84 and 86 and the tank 70 . when the tank 70 is full , the valves 74 and 78 are closed . after a predetermined period of time , the pump 82 is turned off and the valves 88 and 90 are opened to drain the tank 70 to waste on the line 92 . this process is performed a number of times until the tank 70 and the lines 84 and 86 are clean . the tank 70 is then filled with heated water by opening the valve 74 and keeping the valve 78 closed . a temperature sensor 94 monitors the temperature of the deionized water flowing into the tank 70 . the tank 70 is filled to a level near the overflow level , and then the valve 74 is closed . the valve 88 is then opened to drain some of the deionized water out of the tank 70 so that a tightly controlled known quantity of deionized water is present in the tank 70 for purposes of the test . the volume of the tank 70 can be tailored to particular product families so as to insure maximum instrument sensitivity , accuracy and repeatability . the valve 88 is then closed , and the recirculation pump 82 is switched on . a heater 96 within the tank 70 keeps the deionized water in the tank 70 at the desirable temperature . a pcb assembly 104 is then inserted into the tank 70 , and held in there for a predetermined period of time , for example 10 minutes , so as to allow contaminant material on the pcb assembly 104 to be dissolved in the deionized water in the tank 70 . after the preset dissolving time has expired , an injection pump 106 is activated to pump a controlled quantity of the now ionized water within the tank 70 through a sample line 108 , an actuator valve 110 , a pilot valve 112 and a sample line 114 into an ion chromatograph 116 . the ion chromatograph 116 represents the ion chromatograph 42 , above . the valve 112 is a pilot valve actuated by air pressure , and is controlled by an actuator valve 118 . the valves 110 and 112 are in their default position when the sample is introduced into the ion chromatograph 116 . the ion chromatograph 116 operates in the same manner as that of the manual system of the prior art discussed above after being started through act software , and therefore need not be discussed here . through the software associated with the computer system 16 and the interface system 44 , the ion chromatograph 116 automatically performs the process described above after an operator run command so as to provide an indication of the ionic contamination in the water from the tank 70 to be output by the printer 46 and read by an operator . the command is initiated at the beginning of the entire process . the ion chromatograph 116 starts automatically when it is time without further operator intervention . a valve 120 allows the ion chromatograph 116 to be switched to a manual sample injection . at the same time that the ion chromatograph 116 is analyzing the sample from the tank 70 , the tank 70 is rinsed and purged to waste through the valves 88 and 90 , and cleaned in the manner as described above for the next sample . thus , the system 10 will simultaneously be cleaning the tank 70 and refilling it with deionized water while the ion chromatograph 116 is performing the analysis . a plurality of consecutive tests can be done on a single pcb assembly left in the tank 70 or multiple pcb assemblies taken from the same location in the assembly line to give an indication of ionic contamination at any given time . prior to the ion chromatograph 116 performing the analysis of the sample in the tank 70 , the ion chromatograph 116 needs to be calibrated against a calibration standard having a known amount of ions to give accurate results . prior to calibrating the ion chromatograph 116 , the tanks , valves and flow lines used in the calibration process must be cleaned and purged . to perform this cleaning process , the injection pump 106 , an actuator valve 124 , valves 110 and 112 are appropriately activated by the system 10 so that deionized water from the manifold 58 flows through a pressure regulator 126 and travels through water lines 128 , 130 and 132 into an injection chamber 134 . to allow this flow , each of the valves 110 , 112 and 124 are electrically actuated from their default position by the system 10 . when the injection chamber 134 is full or is filling , a valve assembly 136 is actuated in order to allow helium under pressure to flow through a valve 138 and a pressure regulator 140 in the assembly 136 to the injection chamber 134 through lines 142 and 144 . helium at a pressure of 90 - 100 psi is necessary for the operation of the ion chromatograph 116 , and is applied to the ion chromatograph 116 on line 146 . the pressure regulator 140 reduces the helium pressure to a lower pressure to blow out the injection chamber 134 . by activating a valve 148 , the deionized cleaning water in the injection chamber 134 is flushed to waste through line 150 . the valves 110 , 112 , 124 , and the injection chamber 134 are flushed and purged in this manner so that they are clean for subsequent calibration or analysis . for the calibration sequence , a tank 152 is provided that includes a calibration standard having a very precise level of contaminants . additionally , a tank 154 is provided of a deionized water generally taken from the tap 54 . a calibration pump 156 and a deionized water pump 158 are activated by the system 10 so that a controlled amount of the calibration standard and the deionized water from the tanks 152 and 154 , respectively , are applied on lines 160 and 162 to the injection chamber 134 . the pumps 156 and 158 are tightly controlled so that each revolution of the pumps 156 and 158 injects a controlled amount of fluid into the injection chamber 134 for mixing . pumps of this type are generally controlled by electrically actuating a stepper motor . commercially available pumps that provide this level of accuracy are available , for example from fluid metering , inc . a line 164 of helium is applied to the tanks 152 and 154 from the ion chromatograph 116 at about 15 psi in order to keep bubbles out of the tanks 152 and 154 and prime the pumps 156 and 158 . the software of the system 10 is programmed to provide the appropriate number of revolutions of the pumps 156 and 158 to provide the mixture of the calibration standard and the deionized water to a desirable standard . in one embodiment , three calibration processes are performed at varying levels of ion contamination to provide a more accurate calibration for these samples . each of the valves 110 , 112 , and 124 , and the injection pump 106 are activated such that the solution in the injection chamber 134 flows from the injection chamber 134 through line 166 and the lines 130 , and 114 into the ion chromatograph 116 . this calibration is performed for different levels of contaminant to get a range for calibration purposes . to automatically perform the operations as discussed above , the system 10 is provided with appropriate software as the link between the operator and the system 10 . this software controls the testing sequence and all associated hardware , including filling , rinsing , extracting , calibration , etc . further , the software is responsible for managing all relevant , product specific , data needed to perform the tests . this task accomplished through a data base that prompts the operator upon initial testing and stores the information for subsequent testing . further , the software interface provides a user friendly environment , supported by menu selectable help topics , which step the operator through all necessary functions associated with analyzing circuit board assemblies and system calibration . the various plumbing lines discussed above can be many different types of plumbing lines suitable for the purposes described herein . for example , the line 92 can be 1 &# 34 ; inner diameter ( id ) reinforced pvc tubing , the lines 56 , 72 , 68 , 76 , 84 and 86 can be 3 / 8 &# 34 ; id reinforced pvc tubing , the lines 108 , 128 , 130 , 150 , 160 and 162 ( on the suction side of the pumps 156 and 158 ) can be 1 / 8 &# 34 ; outer diameter ( od ) by 1 / 16 &# 34 ; id tefzel tubing , the lines 114 and 132 can be 1 / 16 od by 0 . 020 &# 34 ; id peek tubing , the lines 142 , 144 and 146 can be 1 / 8 od by 1 / 16 id urethane tubing , and 1 / 16 od by 0 . 010 id tefzel tubing can be used at various locations such as for lines 160 , 162 on the pressure side of the pumps 156 and 158 in the plumbing . also , the electrical connections required to activate the different valves , pumps , heaters , etc ., discussed above , as controlled by the computer system 16 , would be well apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the discussion above . further , ai - 450 operating software can be used in conjunction with the interface system 44 to perform the various tasks as discussed above . the foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention . one skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion , and from the accompanying drawings and claims , that various changes , modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims . | US-68495696-A |
an actuating device for motor vehicle transmissions , especially for automatic transmissions has a selector lever , a transmission structure for sensing and transmitting the shift commands from the actuating device to the motor vehicle transmission , as well as a hinge structure with a four - bar mechanism in which the selector lever is mounted in such a way that it can perform shifting motions . the actuating device presents a small space requirements for installation with good ergonomic properties , good force - displacement curve at the selector lever qualities , as good sensing and signal transmission aspects . visual shift gates and gear shifting gates can also be embodied at actuating devices of very compact design . | referring to the drawings in particular , fig1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment for an actuating device according to the present invention . a selector lever 1 shown without actuating knob as well as a four - bar mechanism 2 , in which the selector lever 1 is mounted and comprises the two pivoted levers 3 , 4 as well as the four - bar connection member 5 arranged between the pivoted levers 3 , 4 , are recognized first . the connection member 5 is in turn connected to the selector lever 1 and thus guides the selector lever 1 kinematically in agreement with the pivoting motions of the connection member 5 of the four - bar mechanism 2 . the selector lever - side hinge points 6 , 7 of the four - bar mechanism 2 , i . e ., the hinge points that are at the top in relation to the drawing , have a greater distance from one another than the body - side hinge points 8 , 9 of the four - bar mechanism 2 , i . e ., the hinge points that are the lower hinge points relative to the drawing , in the embodiment of the actuating device shown . the kinematics or position of the virtual fulcrum point 11 of the connection member 5 in the four - bar mechanism 2 and hence also of the selector lever 1 that is shown by dash - dotted line 10 in fig1 in the form of a suggestion is obtained due to this arrangement of the hinge points 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 of the four - bar mechanism 2 . in other words , this means that in the position shown of the four - bar mechanism 2 and of the selector lever 1 , the virtual fulcrum point 11 of the connection member 5 in the four - bar mechanism 2 is in the point of intersection of the connection lines 10 passing through the hinge points of the two pivoted levers 3 , 4 of the four - bar mechanism 2 . in the embodiment of the actuating device shown , the fulcrum point 11 is down relative to the drawing to such an extent that the actual location of the virtual fulcrum point 11 cannot be shown on the drawing sheet any more and the dash - dotted connection lines 10 passing through the hinge points 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 of the two pivoted levers 3 , 4 of the four - bar mechanism 2 are therefore also shown in a correspondingly kinked form . a lever motion as is shown in fig3 is obtained during the actuation of the selector lever 1 of the actuating device according to the present invention because of the special kinematics of the four - bar mechanism 2 . in other words , this means first that the selector lever 1 of the actuating device according to the present invention shown behaves for the operator as if the selector lever 1 were comparatively long and as if the fulcrum point 11 of the selector lever were located far below the actuating device or even outside the drawing sheet , as this is also indicated in the form of a suggestion on the basis of the dash - dotted extensions 10 of the longitudinal axes of the lever in the two actuation positions in fig3 . the felt kinematics of the selector lever 1 of the actuating device shown in fig1 and 3 agrees to a conventional , but much longer selector lever . however , this would require a much larger space for installation than in the case of the actuating device according to fig1 , which can be designed as an extremely compact actuating device according to the present invention . whether the plane of motion of the selector lever 1 at the motor vehicle , which coincides here with the plane of the drawing sheet , extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle or in the transverse direction of the vehicle is irrelevant at first in the embodiment being shown . the lever motion extending at right angles to the plane of motion being shown ( here consequently the lever motion into the drawing plane and out of the drawing plane ) can then take place in both cases by means of a conventional joint mount , which may be arranged , for example , in the connection member 5 of the four - bar mechanism 2 . however , the four - bar mechanism 2 may also be designed such that both lever motions within the drawing plane , as shown , and lever motions at right angles to the drawing plane can be performed by corresponding motions of the four - bar mechanism 2 . the advantages according to the present invention thus become manifest in this case during lever motions in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the transverse direction of the vehicle alike . if one wanted to accommodate a conventional selector lever 12 according to the state of the art in a space just as compact as that required by the actuating device according to the present invention , a picture as shown in fig2 would be obtained as an example . even though the same actuation paths b = a would be able to be obtained in the area of the lever end or at the shift knob ( not shown ) at b with the conventional selector lever 12 according to fig2 as with the actuating device according to the present invention at a according to fig3 , the desired kinematics of a long lever would not be present any more in the selector lever 12 according to fig2 , which is mounted in the conventional manner because of the fulcrum point 13 being located much farther above and the resulting strong rotation component of the lever motion . on the other hand , a selector lever 12 of a conventional design , which should have , on the whole , a kinematics comparable to that of the actuating device according to the present invention , would require an installation space several times larger than that of the actuating device according to the present invention , because the fulcrum point 13 of such a conventional selector lever 12 would have to be arranged much farther down . reference is made for this in the view in the figure to the great distance 14 between plane e of the gear shifting gate ( not shown ) and the virtual fulcrum point 11 of the lever in the actuating device according to the present invention , which distance is already shown as a shortened distance in the drawing , compared to the short and hence compact distance 15 between plane e and the actual lower fulcrum points 8 , 9 of the four - bar mechanism 2 . however , the selector lever 12 mounted in the conventional manner according to fig2 would , in particular , also hardly be able to be provided with a visually conspicuous gear shifting gate at the level of plane e of the gearshift cover , let alone to be equipped with a gear shifting gate , likewise at the level of plane e . this is due above all to the fact that the lever paths that the conventional selector lever 12 travels during shifting motions in the area b ′ marked in fig2 is already much too small to also permit the webs of a gear shifting gate to be arranged there , for example , between different shifting planes of the selector lever 12 , or to make it also possible to arrange even a clear visualization or lettering of the different selector lever positions . for illustration , reference is made here to a viewing together of fig2 and 3 , and there especially to a comparison of the distances of the lever surfaces between adjacent selector lever positions or shifting planes , which said distances are designated by a ′ and b ′, respectively . it is recognized that distance a ′ will be much greater in the selector lever designed according to the present invention according to fig3 than the corresponding distance b ′ in a selector lever 12 mounted in the conventional manner according to fig2 , which latter distance even becomes smaller than zero in the example shown . unproblematic arrangement of the webs of a gear shifting lever or clear visualization and lettering of the selector lever positions and gear shifting gates is thus readily possible in a selector lever 1 designed according to the present invention according to the view in fig3 , because , thanks to the special kinematics of motion of the selector lever , which is made possible with the four - bar mechanism 2 , a sufficient distance still remains at the level of plane e of a gearshift cover or gear shifting lever between the individual selector lever positions in order to make it possible to arrange the web of a gear shifting lever , for example , in the intermediate space a ′ between two shifting planes of the selector lever . finally , the selector lever 12 mounted in the conventional manner according to fig2 would also entail problems in the arrangement of both the transmission means and the reliable sensing of the selector lever position and in connection with the embodiment of the locking of the selector lever 12 with the desired force - displacement curve . the elements of the transmission means ( for example , bowden cable , linkage or the like ) and the elements of the means sensing the selector lever position ( for example , hall sensors , microswitches or the like ) as well as the locking means 16 are usually arranged in a selector lever 12 mounted in the conventional manner on the side of the selector lever mount located opposite the selector lever , i . e ., approximately in the area designated by letter b ″ in fig2 . the paths b ″ available for the sensing and locking thus also become increasingly smaller with progression of the size reduction of the installation space and with shortening of the paths of the selector lever , and the necessary forces become at the same time increasingly stronger as the corresponding components are moved increasingly closer to the axis of rotation 13 of lever 12 . however , these problems also do not occur in a selector lever 1 designed according to the present invention according to fig1 and 3 , cf . section a ″ available for actuating the transmission means ( not shown ) and for locking the selector lever positions in a selector lever 1 according to the present invention according to fig3 compared to the corresponding , but considerably shorter section b ″ in a selector lever 12 of a conventional design . at the same time , an actuating device designed according to the present invention according to fig1 and 3 with a selector lever 1 does , however , remain , on the whole , extremely compact , and valuable installation space can thus be saved in the interior space of the vehicle , and such space can be made available , instead , to the passengers or used in terms of design for other purposes . thus , it becomes clear as a result that the present invention leads to an actuating device for motor vehicle transmissions , which has considerable advantages over the state of the art concerning the management of the conflicting objectives between short shifting path and the need for a small installation space , on the one hand , as well as between the embodiment of a qualitatively and ergonomically high - quality force - displacement curve and reliable sensing or signal transmission , on the other hand . furthermore , a conspicuous gear shifting gate contour or gear shifting gate can possibly be readily embodied thanks to the present invention even in an extremely compact actuating device of a space - saving design . thus , the present invention makes a substantial contribution to the improvements of the ergonomics of the shifting actuation along with a reduction of the size of the space needed for the installation in the area of the actuating devices for motor vehicle transmissions , especially in case of use for demanding applications in the area of automatic transmissions and automated gearboxes . while specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and 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 . | US-43862207-A |
the present invention provides a method for treating a mammal with immunological disorders , particularly autoimmune disease , and most preferably systemic lupus erythematosus . the method includes oral administration of germination activated ganoderma lucidum spores to the mammal . additionally , a corticosteroid , such as prednisolone , can be co - administered with the glss to the mammal to achieve synergistic effect of treatment . | the tiny spore of ganoderma lucidum has an extremely hard and resilient , double - layered epispore . in the wild , the germination of the spores of ganoderma lucidum is relatively slow and their germination rate is extremely low . in fact , it takes about 24 to 48 hours for the germ tubes of the spores start to sprout under proper conditions , and the capillitia start to form branches after 72 hours , with a germination rate of only 3 - 15 %. mature spores of ganoderma lucidum were selected to undergo processing treatment . there are three distinctive stages for the spores processing treatment so as to effectively preserve the large amount of bioactive substances produced by the germination activated spores . the first stage involves the induction of germination , which is achieved by soaking the spores in a solution for a period of time , followed by cultivating the germination induced spores in a well - ventillated culture box . the second stage involves the production of sporoderm - broken ( i . e ., by breaking up the cell walls of epispores ) spores , which is achieved by enzyme treatment and / or mechanical force . the final stage involves the extraction of bioactive substances from the sporoderm - broken spores , which is achieved by freeze - drying or vacuum drying followed by extraction with solvent or by thin film condensation . below are general descriptions of the steps which lead to the production of bioactive substances : i . soaking to induce germination : mature and perfect spores of ganoderma lucidum were carefully selected to undergo a soaking process to induce germination . spores were kept in clear or distilled water , biological saline solution , or other nutritional solutions that could enable the spores of red ganoderma lucidum to germinate rapidly . examples of nutritional solutions include coconut juice or a 1 - 5 % malt extract solution , 0 . 5 - 25 % extracts of ganoderma lucidum sporocarps or ganoderma lucidum capillitia , 0 . 1 - 5 % of culture solution containing biotin , 0 . 1 - 3 % of culture solution containing potassium phosphate ( monobasic ) and magnesium sulfate . the choice of solution would depend on the soaking time required , the amount of spores to be processed and other such factors as availability of materials . one or more of the above germination solutions could be used , with the amount added being 0 . 1 - 5 times the weight of the spores of red ganoderma lucidum . the soaking time was determined according to the temperature of the water , and usually the soaking was carried out for 30 min to 8 hours with the temperature of the water at 20 - 43 ° c . preferably soaking times were 2 - 4 hours , and temperature of the water was 25 - 35 ° c . ii . activation culture : the spores of ganoderma lucidum were removed from the soaking solution and excess solution was eliminated by allowing it to drip . the spores were then placed in a well - ventilated culturing box at a constant temperature and humidity so that spore activation culture could be carried out . the relative humidity of the culture was generally set at 65 - 98 %, the culture temperature at 18 - 48 ° c . and the activation time lasted from 30 min to 24 hours . preferably humidity is 85 - 97 % and temperature is 25 - 35 ° c . using this method , the activation of spores of red ganoderma lucidum reached a rate of more than 95 %. during activation , the cell walls of the spores of red ganoderma lucidum were clearly softened such that it was easier to penetrate the cell walls of the spores . iii . treatment of the epispores : after the germination activation process , the spores were treated by enzymolysis . this process was carried out at a low temperature and under conditions such that enzyme activity was maintained , using chitinase , cellulase , or other enzymes , which are commonly used in the industry . the process was complete when the epispores lost their resilience and became brittle . alternatively , physical treatments were carried out to penetrate the cell walls , for example , micronization , roll pressing , grinding , super high pressure microstream treatment , and other mechanical methods commonly used in the industry could be carried out , with a penetration rate of over 99 %. iv . drying / encapsulation : drying was carried out at low temperature using standard methods including freeze - drying or vacuum - drying etc ., which are commonly used in the industry . the obtained product had a moisture content less than 4 %. the dried glss are in powder form and encapsulated . each capsule contains 300 mg of dried glss . the recommended clinical dosage of glss to treat patients with immunological disorders was about 6 . 3 g / day / person , which was converted according to the respective body mass of humans and mice . this was equivalent to a dosage in mice of 0 . 8 g / kg , ( 6 . 3 g ÷ 7 . 9 = 0 . 8 g / kg ). about 10 times of the recommended clinical dosage of glss did not appear to cause adverse effects in humans and mice . the present invention uses glss to treat immunological disorder , particularly autoimmune disease , and most favorably sle . sle is an autoimmune disease also known as lupus . in patients with sle , multiple vital organs may be attacked by autoantibodies ( also known as “ self - reactive antibody ”) such as anti - dsdna , ssa / ssb , and sm / rnp antibodies . kidneys are eventually involved in about 80 % of lupus patient . in lupus nephritis , severe proteinuria , high titers of anti - dsdna and heavy mono - nuclear infiltration in kidney parenchyma are found in patients . at present , there is no cure for sle . the mainstay of lupus treatment involves the use of corticosteroid hormones , such as prednisone , hydrocortisone , methylprednisolone , and dexamethasone . corticosteroids are related to cortisol , which is a natural anti - inflammatory hormone . they work by rapidly suppressing inflammation . however , cortocosteroids are known for its side effects . short - term side effects of corticosteroids include swelling , increased appetite , weight gain , and emotional ups and downs ; and long - term side effects of corticosteroids can include stretch marks on the skin , excessive hair growth , weakened or damaged bones , high blood pressure , damage to the arteries , high blood sugar , infections , and cataracts . other than corticosteroids , several other types of drugs such as non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs , cox - 2 inhibitors , antimalarials , methotrexate , gamma globulin , and immunosuppressives , are also commonly used to treat lupus . however , similar to corticosteroid treatment , these other treatment options for lupus also lead to unwanted adverse effects . the following examples are illustrative , but not limiting the scope of the present invention . reasonable variations , such as those occur to reasonable artisan , can be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention . also , in describing the invention , specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity . however , the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected . it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose . 1 . samples : the dosage for testing the immunoregulatory effect of glss was at 0 . 06 g / kg bodyweight ( bw ) per day , and the concentrations needed for the various tests were all prepared by diluting glss in with distilled water . 2 . dosage groups : the animals were divided into the cold distilled water control group , and high , medium and low doses groups . the dosage of each group was described as follows : medium dose group : 0 . 60 g / kg bw at approximately 10 times of that in the low dose group . high dose group : 1 . 80 g / kg bw at approximately 30 times of that in the low dose group . 3 . animals : nih small white mice , 6 - 8 weeks old , weight 20 - 22 g , supplied by the guangdong medical animal farm , qualification inspection approval no . 97a022 . the pellets were supplied by the guangdong medical animal farm . 4 . laboratory for animal testing : clean grade , guangdong qualification inspection approval no . 96c10 , medical animal use no . 26 - 040 . room temperature 25 ± 2 ° c ., humidity 70 - 75 %. 5 . route of administering the test substances : the test substances were gavaged to each animal at a dose of 0 . 2 ml / 10 g daily . 1 . test of the delayed allergic reaction of the mouse ( by measuring the increase of the thickness of the footpad ) a week after being examined under laboratory conditions , 40 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups , with 10 for each group . the test substances were administered to the mice every day , with the duration of the test lasting for 4 weeks . four ( 4 ) days before the end of the test , the immune animals were given injections of 0 . 2 ml 2 % ( v / v ) sheep erythrocytes in the abdomen to sensitize the animals . four ( 4 ) days later the thickness of the left rear footpad was measured , then 20 % ( v / v ) sheep erythrocytes ( 20 μl per mouse ) were injected subcutaneously at the same location . twenty four ( 24 ) hrs after the injection , the thickness of the left rear footpad was measured three times and a mean value was obtained . 2 . measurement of the mouse serum hemolysin titer ( by measuring the blood coagulation ) forty ( 40 ) mice were randomly divided into 4 groups , with 10 for each group . the test substances were administered every day , with the duration of the test lasting for 4 weeks . the amount of the samples given was adjusted every week according to the increase or decrease of the body weight . four ( 4 ) days before the end of the test , the immune animals were each given injections of 0 . 2 ml 2 % ( v / v ) sheep erythrocytes in the abdomen , and 5 days later the eyeballs were extracted to obtain blood samples , with the blood serum separated to be used later . the thymus and the spleen were weighed and their ratios to the body weight were calculated . coagulation reaction : the blood serum was diluted with biological saline solution at an appropriate ratio in a trace element reaction plate , each 50 μl , then 50 μl of 0 . 5 % sheep erythrocytes were added , placed inside a moist container , covered with a lid and placed in an incubator at 37 ° c . for 3 hrs . the degree of coagulation was observed . forty ( 40 ) mice were randomly divided into 4 groups , with 10 for each group . the test substances were administered every day , with the duration of the test lasting for 4 weeks . the amount of the samples given was adjusted every week according to the increase or decrease of the body weight . on day 28 when the drug was administered for the last time , india ink diluted at 1 : 4 was intravenously injected into the tail of the mouse at 0 . 1 ml per 10 g body weight per mouse . using a timer , 20 μl blood were drawn at once , at intervals of 2 min and 10 min , from the veins inside the canthus , added to 2 ml na 2 co 3 solution , then the od value was measured at the 600 nm wavelength using a 721 spectrometer with the na 2 co 3 solution serving as a blank control . the mice were then sacrificed , the liver and the spleen weighed to calculate the phagocytic index . 4 . data processing : variance analysis was carried out using the sas software package . 1 . the effect of the glss on the body weight of the mice was shown in table 1 . the original , intermediate and the final body weights of the mice of each of the test groups were compared to the control groups for the same periods and statistically processed . the results were insignificant , indicating that the glss did not have significant effect on the body weight of the mice . 2 . the effect of the glss on the spleen and thymus weights of the mice is shown in table 2 . the values of the spleen and the thymus weights of the mice of each of the test groups were compared to the control groups and statistically processed . the results were not significant , indicating that there is no effect of the glss on the spleen and thymus weights of the mice . 3 . the effect of the glss on the delayed allergic reaction of the mice is shown in table 3 . the thickness of the tested parts of the mice of the low , medium and high dose groups were compared to those of the control group and statistically processed . the differences are highly significant , indicating that the test results were positive . 4 . the effect of the glss on the antibody titer of the blood serum hemolysin of the test animals is shown in table 4 . the high dose group of the test was compared to the control group and the differences were highly significant , indicating that the effect of the glss on the antibody titer of the blood serum hemolysin of the test animals was positive . 5 . the effect of the glss on the carbon clearance phagocytic index of the mice is shown in table 5 . the high dose group of the test was compared to the control group . the differences were highly significant , indicating that the glss could significantly increase the carbon clearance phagocytic index of the test animals . by using the glss , the delayed allergic reaction of the mice ( table 3 ) induced by the sheep erythrocytes , was significantly increased ( as measured by the increase in the thickness of the footpad ), indicating an effect on increasing the immune function in the mice . also , the antibody titer of the blood serum hemolysin of the mice ( table 4 ) was significantly elevated , indicating an effect on increasing the humoral immune function . finally , the carbon clearance phagocytic index of the mice ( table 5 ) was significantly increased , indicating an effect on increasing the phagocytosis by the phagocytes . 1 . test material : the glss were brown powders . after going through a 100 mesh sieve , 120 g of the samples were mixed with 300 ml distilled water ( to give a concentration of 40 g / dl ) and stirred for 15 min in a stirrer at 7000 rpm . they were then bottled , underwent disinfection and antiseptic treatments , and 1 ml of a pasty liquid was obtained , which was about 0 . 4 g of the samples . direct gavage was carried out two times per day . 2 . animals : healthy nih small white mice supplied by the guangdong medical animals farm , with body weights of 18 - 22 g . forty ( 40 ) nih small white mice with body weights of 18 - 22 g , half male and half female , were used in this test . using horn &# 39 ; s method , the mice were randomly divided into 4 dose groups and were force fed once on empty stomachs . observation was carried out for a week and the results are shown in table 6 . result : the activity and feeding of the test mice appeared normal . there was no deaths . ld 50 & gt ; 21 . 5 g / kg bw was obtained by administration to both male and female mice via the oral route . the results demonstrate that the sampled glss contained nontoxic substances . the amount was 268 . 75 times the recommended treatment amount ( 0 . 08 g / kg bw ). seventy ( 70 ) nih mice with body weights of 20 - 23 g were used in this test . the mice were divided into 7 groups and testing was carried out according to the methods of the toxicological evaluation procedures for food safety . gavage was carried out twice , and 6 hrs after the second force feeding , the mice were sacrificed , and both of the femurs were taken out for the preparation of a biopsy , staining and examination under a microscope . the micronucleus rate of each of the groups was calculated and the results were shown in table 7 . result : the micronucleus rate of the various dose groups of the glss was similar to that of the blank control group and none of them showed a significant difference . the test showed a negative result . twenty five ( 25 ) nih mice with body weights of 18 - 22 g , randomly divided into 5 groups and continuously force fed for 5 days ( the endoxan positive group received abdominal injections ), were used in this test . thirty five ( 35 ) days later , the animals were sacrificed and both testicles were taken out for the standard biopsy preparation and staining . five thousand ( 5000 ) whole sperm from each group were examined under an oil immersion lens and the sperm deformation percentage was calculated . the results are shown in table 8 . result : the sperm deformation percentage of the various dose groups of the glss was similar to that of the blank control group . even when a dose as high as 50 . 00 g / kg bw of glss was used , no induced deformation of the reproductive cells was found . test bacteria ( ta97 , ta98 , ta100 , ta102 ) were supplied by the bureau of food inspection , department of health in beijing . some of the properties and the s9 activity of the bacteria were evaluated and they met the requirement . using the petri dish mixing method , two independent tests were carried out . three dishes were prepared for each group and the results are shown in table 9 . result : whether or not s9 mixtures were added to each of the dose groups of the pure ganoderma lucidum spore capsules ( cell wall completely penetrated ), the test results showed that the number of colonies due to reverse mutation was never more than 2 times the number of colonies due to natural mutation . there was no indication that the glss could cause mutations directly or indirectly . no adverse effects were observed for the animals and ld 50 & gt ; 21 . 5 g / kg bw was obtained when the samples were given to male and female mice via the oral route . this is roughly equal to a ld 50 of 170 g in human . these results demonstrate that the sampled glss are nontoxic . the micronucleus rate of 0 . 62 - 10 g / kg bw glss was compared to that of the blank control group , and no significant differences were found . the test showed a negative result . there was no mutation of the cells of the body induced by glss . the sperm deformation rate of 2 . 5 - 10 g / kg bw glss was compared to that of the blank control , and no significant differences were found . the test showed a negative result ; there was no induced deformation of the reproductive cells of the body by glss . whether or not s9 mixtures were added to 0 . 5 - 5000 μg / dish glss , the test results showed that the number of colonies due to reverse mutation was never more than 2 times the number of colonies due to natural mutation . the results also show that glss did not cause mutations directly or indirectly . 1 . test material : the glss samples were as brown powders . after going through a 100 mesh sieve , 120 g of the samples were mixed with 300 ml distilled water and stirred at high speed for 15 min at 7000 rpm . they were then subjected to disinfecting and antiseptic treatments for 20 min , and made into pastes . one ( 1 ) ml of the paste was about 0 . 4 g of the samples . 2 . animals : healthy sd rats supplied by the guangdong medical animals farm . ninety six ( 96 ) healthy sd rats with body weights of 80 - 88 g were selected , which were supplied by the guangdong medical animal farm . they were randomly divided into 4 groups with 24 rats in each group , half male and half female . the average difference in body weight in each of the group was less than ± 5 g . observation was carried out for 1 week before the administration of the drug to see if there were any abnormal activities , feeding or characteristic appearances among the animals of the different dose groups . 1 . dosage : the recommended treatment amount was 4 times every day , 4 capsules each time and 0 . 3 g per capsule , based on an adult of 60 kg , at about 0 . 08 g / kg bw . three test groups and a control group were set up respectively for the male and the female rats with 12 rats for each group . ( 1 ) gavage of the samples was administered every day according to the body weight . the high dose group was gavaged twice every day and the control group was gavaged the same amount of distilled water . the samples were administered continuously for 30 days . the body weights were taken every week and the amount of the feed consumed was calculated while tracking the physiological indexes of the animals . ( 2 ) standard blood tests were carried out at the end of the test , the test items included the erythrocyte counts , hemochrome , white cell counts , the kind , and number of platelets , measured by the r - 1000sysme blood cell counter made in japan . for the blood biochemical indexes , blood sugar , albumin , triglycerides , total cholesterol , dehydrated creatine , glutamate - pyruvate transaminase and urea nitrogen were tested . measurements were carried out using the alize automatic biochemical analyzer made in france . ( 3 ) the liver , kidney , spleen , heart and testicles were extracted and weighed , preserved in formaldehyde , and the standard biopsies were taken , stained so that pathological changes could be observed . 1 . the rats from the different dose groups grew well and there were no significant differences when compared to the control group ( p & gt ; 0 . 05 ) ( see tables 10 and 11 ). the consumption of the feed by the rats of each of the dose groups and the utilization rate of the food also showed no significant differences when compared to the control group ( see table 12 ). 2 . in the final hemogram test , none of the specific indexes showed any significant differences when compared to the control group ( see table 13 ). 3 . in the items of the blood biochemical indexes , the blood sugar levels of the male rats were decreased in the low and medium dose groups and there were significant differences when compared to the control group ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 ). the blood sugar level of the male rats was decreased in the high dose group and there was a significant difference when compared to the control group ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ). the blood sugar level of the female rats was decreased in the low dose group and there was a significant difference when compared to the control group ( p & lt ; 0 . 01 ). the blood sugar levels of the female rats were decreased in the medium and high dose groups and there were significant differences when compared to the control group ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ). however , these biochemical changes basically varied within the normal range . there were significant differences in the urea nitrogen content of the male rats in the low and medium dose groups when compared to the control group ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ). there were significant differences in the triglyceride content of the female rats in the low and high dose groups when compared to the control group ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ). there were no significant differences in the other indexes of any of the test groups when compared to the control group ( see table 14 ). 4 . there were no significant differences in the organ indexes of each of the test groups when compared to the control group ( see table 16 ). pathological observation showed that there were no pathological abnormalities of the organs in any of the test groups . table 14 comparison of the organ indexes , each group n = 12 , x ± sd group heart liver spleen kidney testicles male rats control 0 . 31 ± 0 . 03 2 . 67 ± 0 . 18 0 . 24 ± 0 . 03 0 . 63 ± 0 . 05 0 . 86 ± 0 . 09 25 times 0 . 31 ± 0 . 03 2 . 60 ± 0 . 18 0 . 26 ± 0 . 05 0 . 64 ± 0 . 04 0 . 82 ± 0 . 12 50 times 0 . 30 ± 0 . 03 2 . 60 ± 0 . 45 0 . 24 ± 0 . 05 0 . 65 ± 0 . 07 0 . 87 ± 0 . 14 100 times 0 . 31 ± 0 . 03 2 . 65 ± 0 . 17 0 . 21 ± 0 . 02 0 . 63 ± 0 . 05 0 . 86 ± 0 . 08 female control 0 . 32 ± 0 . 02 2 . 44 ± 0 . 23 0 . 26 ± 0 . 05 0 . 63 ± 0 . 10 rats 25 times 0 . 31 ± 0 . 03 2 . 47 ± 0 . 72 0 . 27 ± 0 . 03 0 . 64 ± 0 . 06 50 times 0 . 33 ± 0 . 04 2 . 24 ± 0 . 78 0 . 25 ± 0 . 78 0 . 67 ± 0 . 08 100 times 0 . 33 ± 0 . 03 2 . 45 ± 0 . 34 0 . 25 ± 0 . 05 0 . 64 ± 0 . 07 in the present test , 25 , 50 and 100 times the recommended amount ( 0 . 08 g / kg bw ) of the glss were administered respectively to growing sd rats of both male and female . the control group was given distilled water . the duration of the test lasted for 30 days and the final results were : 1 . compared to the control group , there was no significant difference in the increase in body weight of the test rats given the pure ganoderma lucidum spores . 3 . the biochemical blood serum test : there was a slight decrease in the blood sugar , a slight increase in the triglycerides for the female but these were within the normal range . 4 . examination of the pathological biopsies of the organs of the rats from each of the dose groups showed no abnormalities . conclusions : examination of the 30 days feeding with glss showed that all the indexes were normal , and they could be safely used . sle mice was induced by infusing to f1 mice allogenic ( different individuals of the same species ) t - lymphocytes from dba / 2 and balb / c mice ( parent mice ). after a period of time , autoantibodies were found and sle - like symptoms developed in the f1 mice . sle - mice demonstrated sle - like symptoms such as severe proteinuria , high titers of anti - dsdna autoantibodies , igg immune complexes precipitated at the base membranes of kidney and skin , and heavy mono - nuclear infiltration in kidney parenchyma , etc ., which were essentially the same as those found in lupus patients . the detailed procedure for inducing the sle in mice was described as follows : spleens , lymph nodes , and thymus glands were collected under sterile conditions from the dba / 2 or balb / c mice . lymphocytes were then isolated and washed with hanks solution 3 times . cells were stained with 0 . 5 % trypan blue and examined for viability . the lymphocytes were then adjusted to the desired concentrations . mice were randomly separated into 8 - 10 animals per group . the isolated lymphocytes were infused through vein into unradiated f1 mice which were of the same gender and age . each animal received two lymphocyte infusions , with 1 week apart . control group was consisted of unradiated , untreated mice of the same age . the mice were monitored for the levels of serum autoantibodies and urine proteins . when the symptoms were established ( about 2 months ), the kidney tissues were collected for pathology and immunology examinations . fifty ( 50 ) female sle mice , 8 weeks of age and weighing 20 - 25 g , were obtained from the experimental animal center of the first military medical university according to the protocol described in example 4 . glss solution ( 0 . 2 g / ml ) was obtained from guangzhou green food project company of the college of life sciences , zhongshan university and green power health products international co . ltd ., sweden and hong kong . prednisolone ( 50 mg / 100 ml solution ) was given to the sle mice about 50 ml / kg / day . the sle mice were randomly divided into 4 groups ( 10 mice per group ). ten normal balalc mice ( the f1 mice without allogenic t - lymphocyte infusion ) at the same age and sex of the sle mice were also used as normal control . at about 1 . 5 hours prior to the experiment , blood samples from each animals in each group were taken , and the symptoms and characteristics of each animals were recorded . the mice in groups a and b were given saline solution orally ; the mice in group c were given 50 ml / kg / day of prednisolone solution ( about 25 mg of prednisolone ); the mice in group d were given 0 . 8g / kg / day orally ; and the mice in group e were given 50 ml / kg / day of prednisolone and 0 . 8 g / kg / day of glss . the drug was given to the mice daily at 9 am . at 168 hours after the first dosing , blood samples were collected via tail cutting and t cell counts were performed . kidney tissues were sampled and undergone morphologic analyses under light scope . statistical analyses and t test , were carried out using spaas 10 . 0 computer software . the total t cell ( t ) ( also known as the “ t - lymphocyte populations ”), t helper cell ( th ) and t suppressor ( ts ) counts of the blood samples drawn at 168 hours after the first dosing were presented in table 1 . as shown in table 15 , the sle control group contained the lowest levels of t - lymphocyte populations ( t %) and th %, as well as the lowest th / ts ratio . the t %, th %, ts % and the th / ts ratio in group c ( with glss ) and group d ( with prednisolone ) were similar , which were much better than those in the sle control group . the most significant improvement came from group e ( with glss and prednisolone ) where the t %, th %, ts %, and th / ts ratio were about the same as those in the normal control group ( group a ). ganoderma spores are tiny mist - like spores released by mature ganoderma . they contain all the bioactive genetic materials of ganoderma . they can rapidly activate the nerve system , induce feedback regulation , improve endocrine system functions and promote metabolism , thus , increase the immune ability , prevent diseases and delay aging of the body . however , because ganoderma spores have very strong , tough sporoderms that are resistant to high pressure , acid , and enzymatic digestion . the germination activated ganoderma lucidum spore powder ( glss ) used in this study had a sporoderm - broken rate higher than 99 . 8 %. the active materials , weighing about 37 . 5 % of the spores , in glss maintained their activities after the sporoderms were broken . the present study results indicated that glss treatment could lower the body temperature , stimulate appetite , improve diarrhea , and reduce death rate in sle mice to certain degrees . also , no side effect was observed in animals treated with glss . similar to the glss treatment , the prednisolone treatment also improved the t cell counts in similar degree as those of glss . however , in sle mice receiving the combined treatment of glss and prednisolone ( group e ), the general health and reduction of death ( no death in this group ) were significantly improved ; the t %, th %, and th / ts ratio were increased ; and the ts % was significantly decreased ( p & lt ; 0 . 05 ), as compared to the sle control ( group b ). activation of b cells by t cells has been suggested to the one of the reasons for causing sle . for this reason , a restoration of the normal homeostasis of t and b cells as well as their cytokines could essentially alleviate the symptoms associated with sle . thus , higher number of lymph cells indicate that more numbers of mature t cells and a better immune function are in the body . while the invention has been described by way of examples and in terms of the preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments . on the contrary , it is intended to cover various modifications 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 . | US-23410302-A |
formation of a plasma etch mask on a film on a substrate by photodecomposition of a gas at selective portions of the film &# 39 ; s surface to deposit etch mask material and form the etch mask is disclosed . the photodecomposition by blanket illumination through a photomask and by direct write with a computer controlled laser are both disclosed . the formation of the etch mask can be immediately followed by the plasma etch without breaking vacuum . | fig1 a - e illustrate the steps in a first preferred embodiment method of patterning and etching of a chromium film on a silicon substrate . in more detail and turning to schematic fig1 a , silicon substrate 12 is located in vacuum processing chamber 13 which is connected to vacuum processing chambers 14 and 15 , optical system 16 , and ultraviolet laser 20 ; note that chambers 13 , 14 , and 15 are connected by automatic valves , substrate moving apparatus , and include other appurtenances such as vacuum pumps , gas inlets , plasma electrodes , and so forth , all of which are not shown for reasons of clarity . first a film of chromium 22 of thickness 900 a is deposited uniformly on substrate 12 , such as by sputtering or evaporation as suggested by the left chamber 13 ; the thickness of substrate 12 and chromium film 22 has been greatly exaggerated for clarity in fig1 a . next , substrate 12 with layer 22 is moved to middle chamber 14 which is filled with molybdenum hexacarbonyl to a pressure of about 100 mtorr ; optical ( uv ) photomask 18 with the desired pattern is inserted into optical system 16 , and laser 20 is activated . optical system 16 is located and set so that photomask 18 and the film 22 surface of substrate 12 are conjugates ( i . e ., the pattern of photomask 18 is focussed at the surface of film 22 ); see fig1 b . note that photomask 18 may be a chromium pattern deposited on glass transparent in the near uv . laser 20 may be an excimer laser operating at about 2600 a ; molybdenum hexacarbonyl photodecomposes at this wavelength . thus on the surface of film 22 on substrate 12 molybdenum oxides 26 are formed from the photodecomposition of the hexacarbonyl , but only at the image 24 of the transparent portion of photomask 18 . this disposition of molybdenum oxides 26 continues until about 300 a of oxide 26 has accumulated ; the hexacarbonyl may be conveniently pumped through chamber to both replenish the decomposed gas near the surface and sweep out the volatile decomposition remnants . see fig1 c in which the thickness of deposited oxides 26 is greatly exaggerated for clarity . also note that the formation of oxides 26 is a low temperature process . molybdenum oxide 26 is now used at the etch mask for the plasma etching of chromium film 22 with chloroform and oxygen in a 2 to 1 ratio at a total pressure of 250 mtorr and at a power of 350 watts in a six inch diameter reactor ; see fig1 d in which the etching is illustrated as occurring in the right chamber 15 . either a parallel plate or a barrel etcher may be used . after the plasma etch of chromium 22 , molybdenum oxide 26 may be stripped , if necessary , by a plasma etch such as cf4 . this completes the patterning and etching of chromium film 22 ; see fig1 e . second preferred embodiment method is heuristically illustrated in fig2 a - b which show apparatus for use with the method ; the apparatus includes vacuum reaction cell 34 containing substrate 32 ( note that fig2 b is a close - up of the reaction cell from fig2 a ); laser 40 ; an optical system including a frequency doubler 36 , dispersive prism 37 , shutter 38 , and focussing lens 39 which may be a microscope objective lens ( ultraviolet compatible ); x - y - z stage 35 which controls the position of reaction cell 34 relative to the fixed laser and optical system ; and control system 33 which includes a computer for driving both x - y - z stage 35 and shutter 38 plus a cell 34 position measurement device to drive the computer . the method is as follows to pattern a film of polyimide on substrate 32 . substrate 32 has a 1 micron thick film of polyimide spon on and cured ; then substrate 32 with the polyimide is inserted into reaction cell 34 . the pattern to be formed in the polyimide is stored in the computer of control system 33 . reaction cell 34 is evacuated and then filled with molybdenum hexacarbonyl to a pressure of about 100 mtorr . laser 40 , which is an argon laser with wavelength 514 nm , is activated and its beam passes through adp frequency doubler 36 and then through prism dispersive 37 to separate the doubled 257 nm beam from the undoubled beam . the 257 nm beam the passes through shutter 38 and lens 39 ; lens 39 focusses the beam to a single spot on the surface of the polyimide film on substrate 32 . control system 33 moves x - y - z stage 35 , and thus cell 34 and substrate 32 , so that the beam spot scans the surface of the polyimide film ; simultaneously , control system 33 opens and closes shutter 38 so that the beam spot only appears on the surface of that portion of the polyimide film in the desired pattern . as with the first preferred embodiment , the molybdenum hexacarbonyl decomposes at the beam spot and deposits molybdenum oxides in the form of the desired pattern , thereby forming an etch mask . this formation of the oxide etch mask is a direct write method in contrast to the first preferred embodiment which used a photomask . the oxide etch mask is now used to etch the polyimide in a 1 to 1 argon to oxygen plasma at 250 mtorr total pressure and 350 watts of power to yield the desired pattern of polyimide . various modifications of the preferred embodiments can be made yet still remain within the scope of the invention . in particular , modifications include the following : the substrate carrying the film to be patterned may be any convenient material ; such as silicon , germanium , gallium arsenide , indium antimonide , oxide coated silicon , multiple layered structures on silicon , glass , etc . ( i . e ., the patterning of the film may be in connection with fabrication of semiconductor devices , with the fabrication of optical masks , etc .). the film to be patterned may also be of any convenient material and any thickness as long as the plasma etch chemistry is compatible with the etch mask used ; note that the pattern ( etch mask ) is formed on the surface of the film and does not depend upon the underlying characteristics of the film or substrate . of course , the film could be dispensed with and the etch mask used to directly etch the substrate ; however , this would not be taking full advantage of the invention . the etch mask material must be available from the decomposition of a gas with the decomposition induced by light , directly ( photolytic ) or indirectly as by the heating of the surface of the film ( pyrolytic ). further , the etch mask material should have a low etch rate compared to the material to be patterned , given the particular plasma etch chemistry used . beyond this , any convenient mask material may be used . the light source may be laser , incandescent , or other with the only limiting features being power levels at various frequencies ; for example , certain frequency bands must be driven to induce the photolytic decomposition and deposit the etch mask material , but other frequency bands may have to be avoided to preclude unwanted decomposition of portions of the film or substrate or even the just deposited etch mask material . also , the low temperature aspect of the etch mask formula ( no bakes as with organic photoresist ) may be needed and may thus determine the light source . deposition of the etch mask material from decomposition of a liquid or a liquid film is also possible , although the advantages of vacuum dry processing would likely be lost . the total pressure of the decomposable gas over the film may be varied according to the character of the gas , the power of the light source , the speed and quality of deposition , the nature of volatile gasses generated , and so forth . pressures typically can range from the vapor pressure of the material down to a few millitorr for practical deposition rates . high pressures , up to 300 to 400 torr , would allow greater deposition rates . | US-72225085-A |
a scaling tape for scaling a joint has an elastically expanding foam strip of approximate rectangular cross section and a foil - type wrapping at least partially surrounding the loam strip . foil wrapping holds the foam strip in a compressed state and comprises a tear - open tab extending in the longitudinal direction of the sealing tape for opening the wrapping to allow the foam strip to expand , and includes an adhesive tape located in the area of the bottom surface of the foam strip . the wrapping surrounds the two lateral surfaces and the top surface of the foam strip , has a first edge strip , which covers a first edge area of the bottom surface of the foam strip , and a second edge strip , which covers a second edge area of the bottom surface of the foam strip opposite the first edge area . the adhesive tape is bonded adhesively to the two edge strips and holds them in place but can be separated from them by pulling . the adhesive tape adheres at least in the middle area of the bottom surface of the foam strip directly to the foam strip . | in the drawings , the wrappings , adhesive tapes , and silicone papers are shown a certain distance away from the foam body , so that it is easier to distinguish from each other the individual elements which form the sealing tape . in reality , these elements lie directly on lop of each other or on the compressed foam strip , because the pressure of the strip causes it to rest tightly against the wrapping . fig1 shows a foam strip 1 . which , in the present example , has a rectangular cross section and which , in the compressed slate , is surrounded by both a wrapping , designated overall by the number 2 , and a double - sided adhesive tape 6 . foam strip 1 can be formed out of any desired open - cell or closed - cell soft foam . e . g ., polyurethane or polyethylene , and can be impregnated to delay its reexpansion . a multilayer arrangement of several different foam materials laminated successively to each other is also conceivable . an arrangement of an impregnated foam layer on a foam layer which is not impregnated is also contemplated . wrapping 2 has a first section 2 a and a second section 2 b . in the embodiment shown . this section 2 a covers the two lateral surfaces and the top surface of foam strip 1 . and a first edge strip 4 a is folded over onto an edge area of the bottom surface of foam strip 1 . on the opposite side , a first extension strip 3 a of first section 2 a of wrapping 2 projecting from foam strip 1 forms part of a tear - open tab , designated overall by the number 3 . the other edge of the bottom surface of foam strip 1 is covered by a second edge strip 4 b of second section 2 b of wrapping 2 . from there , a second extension strip 3 b extends laterally , parallel to the previously mentioned first extension strip 3 a , and forms another part of the tear - open tab 3 . first and second sections 2 a and 2 b of wrapping 2 are held together near foam strip 1 by a seam , which is symbolized in fig1 by the number 5 , and which can be a welded seam , a glued seam , or a sewn seam . the middle area of adhesive tape 6 , which serves to attach the sealing tape to a structural element to be installed , such as a frame profile , is attached directly to the bottom surface of foam strip 1 . the downward - facing , outside surface of the adhesive tape 6 is preferably kept covered by a piece of removable silicone paper 10 or the like , shown in broken line , until the sealing tape is to be attached to the structural clement . the edge areas of adhesive tape 6 cover edge strips 4 a , 4 b of wrapping 2 located on the bottom surface of foam strip 1 and hold them in place . the adhesive bond is sufficiently strong to resist the recovery force generated by foam strip 1 in the compressed state , but at the same time it is weak enough that it can yield to a pulling force . such a pulling force is applied after the sealing tape has been attached to a structural element and tear - open tab 3 is pulled . the edges of edge strips 4 a , 4 b can also have a zigzag shape or a wave shape . it should be emphasized at this point that , in practice , adhesive tape 6 is very often realized by a layer of adhesive , which has been applied to a piece of silicone paper or the like , which is then laminated in this form to a web of foamed plastic material . in some cases , a scrim or a support film , nonwoven fabric , or the like can also be embedded in this adhesive layer to increase the tensile strength . the expression “ adhesive tape ” used above should therefore also comprise adhesive layers of the type described here . the sealing tape according to another preferred embodiment , including adhesive tape 6 and silicone paper 10 , may be wound up into a wide roll , and this scaling tape roll is then cut into disks for further processing . the wrapping is usually applied after the scaling tape has been unwound from the roll . so that the foam strip can be kept in the compressed form , either the delayed reexpansion property of an impregnated foam is used , or the foam is kept compressed mechanically . then the compressed sealing tape is wound up again together with the wrapping , e . g ., onto a spool or again into a disk - like roll of sealing tape . fig2 shows a second embodiment of the sealing tape according to the invention . it differs from that of fig1 in that adhesive tape 6 is attached directly to foam strip 1 over the entire bottom surface of foam strip 1 , and edge strips 4 a , 4 b of first and second sections 2 a and 2 b of wrapping 2 are folded over toward the inside , so that they lie between the edge areas of adhesive tape 6 and silicone paper 10 . the edge areas of silicone paper 10 covering adhesive tape 6 thus also cover edge strips 4 a . 4 b of wrapping 2 , and because they merely rest on edge strips 4 a . 4 b without adhering to them , they form release tabs on each side . this makes it easier to separate silicone paper 10 from adhesive tape 6 . and this in turn simplifies the handling of the sealing tape even more before it is attached to a structural element . in this embodiment , the two edge strips 4 a , 4 b can , of course , simply be attached to the edge areas of the adhesive tape 6 in the same way as that shown in fig1 . the folding - over of edge strips 4 a , 4 b , however , offers the advantage that , when pulled , edge strips 4 a , 4 b , will come away from adhesive tape 6 by a peeling type action requiring a reduced amount of pulling force . fig3 shows a third embodiment of the scaling tape according to the invention , which differs from that of fig1 in that wrapping 2 is in one piece and therefore is provided here only with the reference number 2 without suffixes . wrapping 2 is guided around both lateral surfaces and the top surface of foam strip 1 , and its first edge strip 4 a is again folded under the bottom surface of foam strip 1 . on the opposite edge of the bottom surface of foam strip 1 , second edge strip 4 b of wrapping 2 is guided under foam strip 1 and then folded over to form a tear - open tab 3 projecting from foam strip 1 . the middle area of the bottom surface of foam strip 1 is again covered by adhesive tape 6 , which extends from the middle over first edge strip 4 a and also over second double - layer edge strip 4 b , thus holding wrapping 2 in place adhesively to keep foam strip 1 in the compressed state . when , in the case of this embodiment of the invention , it is desired to remove wrapping 2 , it is necessary merely to pull on tear - open tab 3 . as a result , edge strip 4 b is released from adhesive tape 6 first , and then edge strip 4 a can also be released from its bond to adhesive tape 6 . in the case of the embodiment according to fig3 as well , adhesive tape 6 could be attached directly to the entire bottom surface of foam strip 1 as in the case of fig2 . whereas edge strips 4 a , 4 b would now be arranged between adhesive tape 6 and silicone paper 10 . this also applies to all of the following embodiments . fig4 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention , which differs from the embodiment of fig3 in that first edge strip 4 a of wrapping 2 is folded over by 180 ° and guided back across the top surface of foam strip 1 , thus forming a double - layer wrapping . the returned section is used to form an extension strip 3 a and is connected in the area of second edge strip 4 b ( i . e ., at the point marked 5 ) to extension strip 3 b . extension strip 3 a extends from point 5 by means of , for example , welding , adhesive bonding , sewing or the like , as a result of which double - layer tear - open tab 3 is formed . the advantage of this embodiment is that wrapping 2 can consist of a single piece of material , wherein the thickness of the wrapping material can also be reduced . in addition , it is easier to remove the wrapping material in the area of the first edge strip 4 a , because , after the release of wrapping 2 , the inner layer of edge strip 4 a facilitates the peeling of the material from the adhesion site . fig5 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention . wrapping 2 has a first section 2 a , which completely covers a first lateral surface of foam strip 1 and about half of its top surface . first section 2 a has a first edge strip 4 a , which lies under foam strip 1 . an edge area of a second section 2 b is adhered to an adhesive bead 8 extending in the longitudinal direction of the sealing tape along the edge of first section 2 a lying on the top surface of the foam strip 1 . this second section 2 b is then preferably folded over . second section 2 b completes the coverage of the top surface of foam strip 1 . it also covers the other lateral surface of foam strip 1 and , as in the case of the embodiment of fig3 , is guided under foam strip 1 , where its edge strip 4 b , together with first edge strip 4 a . is covered by adhesive tape 6 . second section 2 b of the wrapping simultaneously forms a tear - open tab 3 projecting laterally from foam strip 1 . to remove the wrapping , the user simply pulls on tear - open lab 3 . the adhesive bond to edge strip 4 b lying under foam strip 1 is released as a result . upon further pulling of tear - open tab 3 , second section 2 b of wrapping 2 peels away from first section 2 a along adhesive bead 8 between two sections 2 a and 2 b of the wrapping , so that second section 2 b of the wrapping can be removed completely from foam strip 1 . first section 2 a remains behind . when suitable wrapping material is used , the remaining section can be used for special protective measures to protect the lateral surface of the sealing tape , e . g ., as a vapor barrier . other functions of the remaining part of the wrapping are also conceivable . for example , it could serve as a uv barrier to protect foam strip 1 or as a colored covering for decorative purposes on the building structure . as an alternative to adhesive bead 8 it is also possible to form two sections 2 a and 2 b as integral parts of each other and to provide a tear - open perforation in the area where adhesive bead 8 is located in fig5 . after edge strip 4 b has been detached by pulling on tear - open tab 3 , wrapping 2 then comes apart at the perforation just mentioned , which , again , leaves section 2 a behind on the sealing tape . in the case of the last two variants , adhesive tape 6 , if desired , can lie under the edge strip on only one side , i . e ., under edge strip 4 b on the side shown on the left in the drawing . edge strip 4 b is then covered by silicone paper 10 in the same way as is performed in the embodiment of fig2 . which makes it easier to pull wrapping 2 from the sealing tape . fig6 shows a sixth embodiment of the scaling tape according to the invention . this variant differs from that of fig1 in that first section 2 a of wrapping 2 covers only about half of the lateral surface of foam strip 1 on the side where tear - open tab 3 is located . second section 2 b of wrapping 2 covers the other half of this lateral surface and is connected to first section 2 a along a seam 5 , which lies approximately at mid - height of foam strip 1 . the procedure for removing wrapping 2 from foam strip 1 is comparable to that of the embodiment according to fig1 . as can be seen in fig6 , seams may be made with threads 7 , which preferably form scams in the longitudinal direction of foam strip 1 and pass through the foam from top to bottom . such seams hold foam strip 1 in the compressed state and thus ensure that foam strip 1 has in the compressed state , a cross section which is as rectangular as possible . in addition , the force acting on wrapping 2 is weaker , so that the wrapping can be made thinner . the seams consisting of threads 7 are separated after wrapping 2 is opened , which , in the case of seams of this type , is very easy to do by pulling on one end of the thread , with the result that the material of foam strip 1 can return elastically to its original shape . it is also conceivable that , if the scams are also sewn through the wrapping foil , threads 7 would already have been separated previously , i . e ., upon removal of wrapping 2 . threads 7 just mentioned can also be used in the embodiments according to fig1 to 5 . any desired type of single - thread or two - thread seams can be used . in this context it should be noted that the embodiments shown in fig1 to 5 without such threads are illustrated in what amounts to an idealized form of the cross section of foam strip 1 . in reality , the upper edges of foam strip 1 are pressed in more than the other surfaces of the foam strip by wrapping 2 and by the pressure acting from within , so that the cross section of foam strip 1 in the compressed state assumes a shape deviating from that of a rectangle . a certain outward bulging of foam strip 1 can also occur in the middle area of the bottom surface , so that overall a form resembling that of an oval will result . it should be emphasized here that the material of wrapping 2 can be sheeting , a scrim , paper , or some other material suitable for the purpose cited . laminated sheets , which consist of a plastic film laminated to a substrate ( e . g ., non - woven fabric ), or fabric - reinforced sheets can also be used . all these materials are included in the expression “ foil - type ”. combinations of these materials are also possible , especially in the case of the embodiment of fig5 . another embodiment of the invention , which can be realized with a foam strip 1 and can cither comprise scams with threads or not , is to be described now on the basis of fig6 . according to this variant , the wrapping comprises a longitudinal perforation line 9 on the top surface of the sealing tape , preferably in the area of the corner of the cross section of foam strip 1 located at the top left in fig6 . this perforation line is dimensioned in such a way that , when tear - open tab 3 is pulled , wrapping 2 tears along perforation line 9 . so that the part of section 2 a of wrapping 2 located to right in fig6 remains behind on foam strip 1 , whereas the other section 2 b of wrapping 2 separates from its bond to the bottom surface of foam strip 1 . after foam strip 1 has expanded , the part of wrapping 2 remaining on foam strip 1 can then cover one of its lateral surfaces and serve there again , for example , as a vapor barrier . in this context it should be pointed out that , in practice , foam strips 1 are compressed to such an extent that , when they expand , they preferably can increase to approximately live or six times their thickness in the compressed state . only about half of this expansion capacity , however , is actually used , so that it can be guaranteed that secure contact with the part of the building opposite the profile element to be sealed will be established . for example , upon realization of the variant of the invention with perforation line 9 , the sides of a 20 mm - wide foam strip compressed to a thickness of 10 mm . which has expanded to a height of just about 30 mm after wrapping 2 has been torn open , will still be covered by section 2 a of wrapping 2 remaining on the strip . even without a perforation line 9 , it is possible ( e . g ., in the embodiment according to fig3 ), to leave the entire wrapping 2 on foam strip 1 after the separation of edge strip 4 b alone ( edge strip 4 a should remain firmly in place ) to fulfill the functions described above . wrapping 2 can also be removed completely from foam strip 1 and then adhered separately to the object to be sealed . in such cases , a strip of pressure - sensitive adhesive ( not shown ), which can be covered by a piece of silicone paper , may be applied to the bottom surface of tear - open tab 3 . this makes it easy to fasten tear - open tab 3 to an object such as masonry or to window glass in cases where tear - open tab 3 is intended to protect the window frame from being scratched during installation of the window in its frame . fig7 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention with a one - piece wrapping 2 , in which foam strip 1 is held together not only by wrapping 2 but also by at least one seam made with a thread 7 . which , in the present case , is sewn through wrapping 2 and covered on the outside by a piece of single - sided adhesive tape 11 . thread 7 of the scam which crosses the foam material is dimensioned in such a way that it can be easily broken . a thread which links the loops of thread 7 together on the outside of wrapping 2 is dimensioned in such a way that it docs not break when wrapping 2 is torn off the sealing tape . when tear - open tab 3 is pulled after this scaling tape has been attached to a structural element by means of adhesive tape 6 , edge strip 4 b is pulled away from adhesive tape 6 first . as the pulling continues , it then becomes possible to break thread 7 of the scam , so that foam strip 1 can begin to expand . continued pulling on tear - open tab 3 has the result that the other edge strip 4 a also comes away from the adhesive , so that wrapping 2 is now completely released from the sealing tape and foam strip 1 can recover and expand , without hindrance . adhesive tape 11 holds sections 2 a and 2 b of the wrapping on the two sides of the scam together and also reinforces wrapping 2 , which has been weakened at this point by the stitched seam . in another variant , adhesive tape 11 can be omitted . the invention has been described above on the basis of the example of a foam strip 1 with a rectangular cross section for case of explanation herein . the term “ rectangular ” is also intended to include “ square ”. one of ordinary skill will nevertheless see that the invention can be realized in a corresponding manner with foam strips 1 which have cross sections deviating from a rectangular shape . the cross - sectional shape of the foam strip 1 indicated here should therefore not be understood in a limiting sense , especially since foam strips 1 which were originally rectangular can be squeezed into a shape approximating an oval after a certain time by the pressure exerted by wrapping 2 . while the invention is shown in several forms and preferred embodiments , it is not limited to those embodiments illustrated , but is susceptible to various changes , and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | US-52462808-A |
the present invention relates to communications . more especially it relates to multiple access communications over channels of diverse channel characteristics , e . g . coherence time or rate of time variations . particularly it relates to traffic distribution and channel allocation for efficient communications over such channels . | channel characteristics fluctuations , e . g . in terms of coherence time , depend on the speed with which moving mobile users move for mobile wireless communications . in wireless communications , channel characteristics also depend on the speed with which moving objects in the radio environment move . performance of modern communications systems generally benefit from feedback information . with transmission power control , transmission power is adjusted in accordance with received power or energy level and received power or energy level of interfering signals . multiple - antenna systems depend on appropriate channel - dependent weighting of signals to / from various antennas of an antenna array , e . g . considering feedback of channel state information , rapidly varying channels require frequent updates on channel state , whereas slowly varying channels no or little additional information is provided by frequent updates for which reason less frequent channel state updates provide required channel state information for proper operations . a problem in prior art systems , however , is that communications on channels , otherwise slowly varying are allowed to be affected by communications on rapidly varying channels . this is , e . g ., the case with co - channel interference of cellular communications systems , where frequency - reuse is adopted and the frequency range of communications on a slowly varying channel is interfered by communications in a cell a reuse - distance apart . when the interfering communications are varying rapidly , also the channel characteristics of the otherwise slowly varying communication channel becomes rapidly varying , at least to some extent , and more frequent updates of channel state information , for transmission power control , e . g ., will be required . this strained requirement on channel state updates loads the feedback channel , and considering a whole system it loads scarce radio channel resources . there are numerous situations where rapidly varying interference , particularly co - channel interference but to some extent also interference from neighboring channels , convert otherwise slowly varying channels to rapidly varying channels . an example situation when this problem arises is when a transmitting entity controls its transmission power in relation to a swiftly moving receiver , and the transmission power required to compensate for fast fluctuating channel attenuation . the swiftly moving receiver thereby induces fast varying interference at another non - moving example receiver . in tdm systems users of different propagation time delay to a common base station may interfere , as may users communicating with different base stations due to propagation time delay conditions causing time slots to overlap . in cdm systems users of quasi - orthogonal codes interfere to some extent when the codes are not perfectly orthogonal or distance to base station causes different users to transmit with substantially different transmission power ( the near - far problem ) and so on . the identified problem is a source of unnecessary energy consumption and waste of channel resources . fig1 illustrates the problem for two interfering communication links of an mimo communications system . ideally a first transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx 1 & gt ;& gt ; would communicate with a first receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx 1 & gt ;& gt ; without interfering with other communication links . in the figure the communication link between the first transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx 1 & gt ;& gt ; and first receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx 1 & gt ;& gt ; incidentally shows rapidly varying channel characteristics resulting in rapidly varying received signal level & lt ;& lt ; s & gt ;& gt ;, & lt ;& lt ; s 1 & gt ;& gt ; illustrated in fig2 at the receiving antenna of the receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx 1 & gt ;& gt ; in fig1 . the rapidly varying channel characteristics can be due to the first receiver moving around rapidly . another example reason for rapidly varying channel characteristics is cars or aircrafts or other rapidly moving objects causing radio wave reflections significantly contributing to the signal received at the receiver . feedback information & lt ;& lt ; adaptation feedback 1 & gt ;& gt ; is sent from the receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx 1 & gt ;& gt ; to the transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx 1 & gt ;& gt ;. in fig2 transmissions of feedback information & lt ;& lt ; fto & gt ;& gt ; is indicated by arrows at the time instances of transmission & lt ;& lt ; fto 1 n & gt ;& gt ;, & lt ;& lt ; fto 1 i & gt ;& gt ;. a second communication link is established between a second transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx 2 & gt ;& gt ; and a second receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx 2 & gt ;& gt ;. also the example second communication link relies upon feedback information & lt ;& lt ; adaptation feedback 2 & gt ;& gt ; with related feedback transmission occurrences & lt ;& lt ; fto & gt ;& gt ;, & lt ;& lt ; fto 2 n & gt ;& gt ;, & lt ;& lt ; fto 2 i & gt ;& gt ;. ideally this communication link would not be subject to interference from other communication links but only to noise & lt ;& lt ; n & gt ;& gt ; and would then be slowly varying as illustrated in fig2 for one receiving antenna of the second receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx 2 & gt ;& gt ; in fig1 . the feedback transmission occurrences could then be set smaller for the second communication link & lt ;& lt ; fto 2 n & gt ;& gt ; compared to the first communication link & lt ;& lt ; fto 1 n & gt ;& gt ; as explained above . however , the ideal situation with non - interfering communication links does not prevail if not accommodated for , and the communication links interfere with each other & lt ;& lt ; i + n & gt ;& gt ;. the interference from the second transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx 2 & gt ;& gt ; to the first receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx 1 & gt ;& gt ; is compensated for by the high frequency channel state updates & lt ;& lt ; fto 1 i & gt ;& gt ; required also in prior art solutions due to rapidly varying received power & lt ;& lt ; s 1 & gt ;& gt ;. as identified by the inventor , however , the interference from the first transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx 1 & gt ;& gt ; to the second receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx 2 & gt ;& gt ; impacts performance severely unless the frequency of channel state updates is increased & lt ;& lt ; fto 2 i & gt ;& gt ;, or the interference is accommodated for according to the invention , in relation to what would have been required & lt ;& lt ; fto 2 n & gt ;& gt ; in absence of the rapidly varying interference . the problem could be illustrated mathematically , using versatile terminology of mimo communications with h ij being matrix representation of channel transfer function to receiver i from transmitter j , it is valid also for single element receiving or transmitting antennas reducing dimensionality to one where appropriate . received signals r 1 , and r 2 in vector representation at the first and second receivers , respectively , are r 1 = h 11 v 1 s 1 + n 1 + i 2 , and r 2 = h 22 v 2 s 2 + n 2 + i 1 , where v 1 and v 2 are transmitter weighting matrices at the first and second transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx 1 & gt ;& gt ;, & lt ;& lt ; tx 2 & gt ;& gt ; respectively , s 1 and s 2 are the signal vectors transmitted by the first and second transmitter , respectively , n 1 and n 2 are the noise vectors at the first and second receiver , respectively , and i 1 and i 2 are the interference vectors representing received interference from the first and second transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx 1 & gt ;& gt ;, & lt ;& lt ; tx 2 & gt ;& gt ;, respectively . the interference can similarly be expressed ŝ 1 and ŝ 2 are estimated data vectors at the first and second receivers & lt ;& lt ; rx 1 & gt ;& gt ;, & lt ;& lt ; rx 2 & gt ;& gt ;, respectively , and u 1 h =( u 1 *) t and u 2 h =( u 2 *) t are hermitian transposed , or equivalently complex - conjugate transposed , receiving weighting matrices at the first and second receivers , respectively . the weighting matrices could be determined by , e . g ., zero forcing or mmse ( minimum mean square error ). irrespective of which method is used for decoding , the transmitter side weighting vectors v 1 and v 2 are adjusted in accordance with information feedback & lt ;& lt ; adaptation feedback 1 & gt ;& gt ;, & lt ;& lt ; adaptation feedback 2 & gt ;& gt ;. due to the interference , the matrices v 1 and v 2 are coupled . if the interference is not dominated by the noise level there will be a noticeable effect from the interference and the rate with which it varies , e . g . in terms of coherence time . according to the invention the problems mentioned above are eliminated or reduced by grouping of user equipment according to channel characteristics . the various groups are allocated different orthogonal channels such that the impact of rapidly varying channels on slowly varying channels is eliminated or substantially reduced . user equipment is continuously monitored and when its channel characteristics change , it is reallocated accordingly . according to a further mode of the invention different kinds of transmission diversity are adopted for the different groups . the greater the change rate of the channel characteristics , the less sensitive the transmission diversity scheme selected . some diversity schemes or principles , e . g . alamouti diversity or space - time coding , are not dependent on channel state information at all . diversity schemes of these kinds are adopted for the groups of channel characteristics of highest change rate . even if user equipment within a group can interfere , the change rate , e . g . in terms of coherence time , of the interference is in the same order of magnitude as the interfered communications and consequently no increase in feedback update rate is required . the change rate of channel characteristics can be determined on either side of a communication link , transmitter side as well as receiver side . it could also be determined with or without assistance data from the other side . the preferred measure of change rate is the inverse of coherence time . the invention , however , is not restricted to coherence time estimates . another example of estimating change rate is in relation to fixed thresholds , the change rate thresholds defining change rate range limits of the various groups . correlation estimates over respective time intervals greater and smaller than the thresholds determine whether it should be classified to a group of higher or lower change rate . below are described implementations of receiver assisted initiation of change of groups , receiver initiated change of groups and transmitter initiated change rate based on reverse channel properties . fig3 schematically illustrates receiver - assisted initiation of change of groups . transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx & gt ;& gt ; comprises processing means arranged for scheduling transmissions on a communications resource of a particular group & lt ;& lt ; channel allocation & gt ;& gt ; as allocated by the processing means or a control unit ( not illustrated ) controlling the transmitter . the transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx & gt ;& gt ; sends data & lt ;& lt ; data & gt ;& gt ; on the communications resource / channel to a receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx & gt ;& gt ;. the receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx & gt ;& gt ; comprises a detector for detecting or estimating the rate at which the channel characteristics changes & lt ;& lt ; coherence time detector & gt ;& gt ;. as earlier mentioned , the preferred measure of change rate of channel characteristics is the reciprocal of coherence time . the detected change rate of channel characteristics , or corresponding measure , is fed back as assistance information & lt ;& lt ; coherence time report & gt ;& gt ; from the receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx & gt ;& gt ; to the transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx & gt ;& gt ;, the receiver entity & lt ;& lt ; rx & gt ;& gt ; also comprises a transmitter sending feedback information and the transmitter entity & lt ;& lt ; tx & gt ;& gt ; also comprises a receiver receiving feedback information . the feedback information received on transmitter side is input for group ( re -) allocation according to the detected change rate at receiver side . fig4 illustrates receiver - determined change of groups . the receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx & gt ;& gt ; measures and estimates channel characteristics change rate , preferably in terms of coherence time & lt ;& lt ; ctd & gt ;& gt ;, of a communication link in consideration . for this purpose it includes processing means . based on the channel characteristics change rate , detects whether future communications of the communication link should be ( re -) allocated to a candidate channel group or a particular channel & lt ;& lt ; chm & gt ;& gt ;. it then issues a channel handover request & lt ;& lt ; ch . ho req .& gt ;& gt ;, urging for a channel change as need be , to the transmitter side , at which side the final channel allocation & lt ;& lt ; channel allocation & gt ;& gt ; is made considering other potential handover requests . for transmitting channel handover requests & lt ;& lt ; ch . ho req .& gt ;& gt ; the receiver entity & lt ;& lt ; rx & gt ;& gt ; also comprises transmitting means and the transmitting & lt ;& lt ; tx & gt ;& gt ; comprises receiving means & lt ;& lt ; rx & gt ;& gt ; for receiving the feedback information . an advantage of the embodiment of fig4 over the embodiment of fig3 is relaxed communications on the feedback channel as only ho requests need be transmitted and not frequent channel state information updates . this advantage is achieved at a cost of somewhat more complex receivers and the need of information transfer to the receiver on available channels , not required in the embodiment of fig3 . in relation to the embodiment of fig4 it is particularly advantageous to only make quantized measurements and estimates in relation to particular thresholds defining the respective group change rate range limits , as described above . when passing a threshold , a channel handover request & lt ;& lt ; ch . ho req .& gt ;& gt ; is triggered . the one or more thresholds are stored in the receiver or transferred from the transmitter . in the latter case the transmitter can cooperatively with other transmitters adaptively determine which threshold to use according to a preferred mode of the invention . in another example mode of the invention , the transmitter independently determines which threshold to use . fig5 illustrates an embodiment not requiring any assistance from receiver side , the communication link change rate being determined from the channel characteristics change rate of communications from receiver to transmitter for a bidirectional communication link . it may appear somewhat confusing referring to entities as transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx & gt ;& gt ; and receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx & gt ;& gt ;. the rational , however , is that the transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx & gt ;& gt ; determines transmission channel for data transmissions & lt ;& lt ; data t & gt ;& gt ; to the receiver based on channel characteristics of the channel on which it receives data & lt ;& lt ; data r & gt ;& gt ;. however , even if not strictly required most systems operating with bidirectional channels allocate channels of a bidirectional communication link in predefined pairs . i . e . once either of transmitter or receiver channel is changed so is the other ( receiver or transmitter ) channel of the pair to which it belongs . the pairing can , e . g ., be fixed frequency distances between uplink and downlink channels of fdm - based communications systems or fixed time difference of uplink and downlink time slots of tdm - based communications systems . the embodiment of fig5 has an advantage compared to the embodiment of fig3 and 4 in that it is operative also in absence of feedback information , relieving a communications system of overhead in terms of feedback of channel state information . not requiring feedback transmitted at particular intervals , group and channel ( re -) allocations can be fully dynamic . there is a disadvantage when there are symmetry impairments of the respective channels in different directions . a mere frequency difference can be compensated for by a frequency transformation or , when measurements are based on coherence time , a frequency scaling of coherence time , the coherence time being proportional to transmission wavelength . according a preferred mode of the embodiment the transmitter detects or estimates coherence time & lt ;& lt ; ctd & gt ;& gt ; of the channel on which data is received & lt ;& lt ; data r & gt ;& gt ;. depending on the coherence time estimates , group or particular channel for data transmission & lt ;& lt ; data t & gt ;& gt ; to the receiver & lt ;& lt ; rx & gt ;& gt ; is allocated & lt ;& lt ; channel allocation & gt ;& gt ; by transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx & gt ;& gt ; or a controlling entity controlling the transmitter & lt ;& lt ; tx & gt ;. if transmission parameters cannot be adapted sufficiently fast in relation to channel characteristics changes , parameter changes adapting to obsolete status could deteriorate already poor channel conditions . if the channel characteristics change rate exceeds a specified rate threshold , link communications are preferably altered from rate sensitive to less rate sensitive , e . g . from requiring channel state information to not requiring channel state information . when channel characteristics change rates changes from rapid to slow , a switch of link communications from less rate sensitive to more rate sensitive , e . g . from not requiring channel state information to requiring channel state information , is preferred in order to increase performance . coherent diversity combining ( at low channel characteristics change rates ) and alamouti diversity combining ( at high channel characteristics change rates ), svd ( singular value decomposition ) based mimo ( at low channel characteristics change rates ) and space - time block coding or layered architecture space - time based mimo . coherent diversity combining requires estimates of channel phase and amplitude for optimal combining , whereas alamouti diversity combining is well off with time - averaged path loss , averaged over time intervals substantially greater than the coherence time . fig6 illustrates a receiver assisted embodiment , as of fig3 , enhanced with rate based change of link communications rate sensitivity & lt ;& lt ; rate sensitivity & gt ;& gt ;. similarly , the embodiments of fig4 and 5 can be enhanced with rate based change of link communications rate sensitivity . for enhancement of the embodiment of fig4 the change of link communications rate sensitivity is initiated at receiver side , whereas for enhancement of the embodiment of fig5 , it is initiated at transmitter side , in direct correspondence to fig6 . according to a preferred mode of the invention , a base station of a radio communications system takes the role of transmitter and respective user equipment , served by the base station , takes the role of receiver as regards feedback assistance and channel allocation as described in relation to the embodiments in fig3 - 6 . preferably , the mentioned controller controlling the transmitter then corresponds to a radio network controller . for communication links in the reverse direction ( from user equipment to base station ), channel pairing ( described in relation to fig5 above ) is preferably adopted . the invention is not intended to be limited only to the embodiments described in detail above . changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention . it covers all modifications within the scope of the following claims . | US-57706909-D |
a notebook binder with an integral book band for holding sheets of paper , loose books or other objects affixed to the interior and exterior faces of a cover of the notebook binder . the objects are held against the cover of the notebook binder by the use of an adjustable strap which encircles the objects with two loops that are substantially perpendicular to one another . the strap passes through a strap slot in a cover of the binder . the apparatus has the multiple , simultaneous , advantages of consolidating a group of papers , books or other objects onto the face of a binder cover with a single strap , maintaining the strap attached to the binder in a prealigned , readily usable , perpendicular loop configuration and discouraging unintended uses of the strap . | referring to the drawings , fig1 shows a binder according to the present invention . the binder includes notebook binder 10 the binder 10 is attached to a single elastic woven cloth strap 12 having a first end 11 and a second end 13 . the first end 11 and second end 13 are sewn onto the strap 12 to form terminal loops . the ends can also be secured by other means , such as the use of rivets . buckle 14 is attached to the elastic strap 12 . the notebook binder includes a first cover 16 , a second cover 18 and center spine 20 . the second cover 18 has at least one binder strap slot 22 . the single elastic woven cloth strap 12 passes through the at least one binder strap slot 22 once . located around the edge of binder strap slot 22 is a metal grommet 34 . the buckle 14 of this embodiment has a buckle cover 15 . the notebook binder 10 and the buckle 14 hold the elastic strap 12 in a configuration that defines two approximately perpendicular loops 24 and 26 , even while the loops 24 and 26 encircle only the second cover 18 . approximately , within this context , means plus or minus twenty degrees . this feature has the important benefit of maintaining the elastic strap in a readily usable preconfigured state . moreover , the two loops 24 and 26 are self equalizing with respect to the amount of tension they are under because the loops 24 and 26 are formed from a single elastic strap 12 . this is in contrast to the prior art preconfigured elastic book bands whose loops are subject to uneven stress because they are not self equalizing . fig2 shows another view of the binder according to the present invention . the hinged ring notebook binder 28 is attached to the single woven cloth strap 30 . the single strap 30 has a first end and a second end . the hinged ring notebook binder 28 includes a first cover 16 , a second cover 18 , center spine 20 and rings 32 . the buckle attached to the strap 30 is not visible in this drawing , but is shown in fig1 . the second cover 18 has a binder strap slot 22 . the strap 30 passes through the binder strap slot 22 once . located around the edge of binder strap slot 22 is a metal grommet 34 . the notebook binder 28 and the buckle hold strap 30 in a configuration that defines two approximately perpendicular loops 24 and 26 even while the loops encircle only said second cover 18 . fig3 shows an embodiment of a buckle 36 connected to a single elastic woven cloth strap 12 according to the invention . the buckle 36 has rounded corners 38 and buckle cover 40 . the buckle 36 has an internal buckle plate which is not visible in this figure , but which has the general configuration shown in fig4 . the buckle can be made of any suitable material , such as a polymeric material or metal . the buckle cover 40 is attached to the internal buckle plate for example by the use of welding or by the use of glue . the single elastic woven cloth strap 12 is arranged so as to pass through the binder cover , by means of the binder cover strap slot 22 , and define two loops 24 and 26 that are in a approximately perpendicular configuration . bent metal wire rod 56 has two acute bends 58 . the elastic woven cloth strap 12 is connected to a first of the two buckle strap slots that are positioned so as to be perpendicular to one another by riveting the first end 11 of the elastic strap to the elastic strap 12 , with rivets 17 to form a first terminal loop , passing the first terminal loop through the first of the two buckle strap slots and connecting the first terminal loop to the first of the two buckle strap slots by passing bent metal rod 56 , which is longer than the first of the two buckle strap slots , through the first terminal loop . the terminal loop can also be formed by sewing instead of , or in addition to , riveting . then the elastic strap 12 is connected to the buckle strap slot that is positioned so as to be at an acute angle relative to the two of the buckle strap slots that are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another by doubling the elastic strap 12 upon itself to form a pinched loop , passing the pinched loop through the buckle strap slot that is positioned so as to be at an acute angle relative to the two of the buckle strap slots that are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another and connecting the pinched loop to the buckle strap slot that is positioned so as to be at an acute angle relative to the two of the buckle strap slots that are position so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another by passing the metal rod 56 , which is longer than buckle strap slot that is positioned so as to be at an acute angle relative to the two of the buckle strap slots that are position so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another , through the pinched loop . substantially , within this context , means plus or minus ten degrees . the elastic strap is connected to the second of the two buckle strap slots that are positioned so as to be perpendicular to one another by riveting the second end 13 of the elastic strap to the elastic strap 12 to form a second terminal loop , passing the second terminal loop through the second of the two buckle strap slots that are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another and connecting the second terminal loop to the second of the two buckle strap slots by passing said bent metal rod 56 , which is longer than the second of the two buckle strap slots , through the second terminal loop . the bent metal rod 56 can be made of other material , e . g . plastic . fig4 shows a planar buckle plate 42 . the planar buckle plate can also be fabricated from a polymeric stock material , which is a suitable material or from other suitable materials . the planar buckle plate 42 has three buckle strap slots 44 , 45 and 46 . two of the buckle strap slots 44 and 46 are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another . one of the buckle strap slots 45 is positioned so as to be at an acute angle relative to the two buckle straps slots 44 and 46 that are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another . the planar metallic buckle plate 42 has rounded corners 47 . the planar metallic buckle plate 42 has angular corners 48 . an elastic strap , which is not shown in this figure , passes through the each of the three buckle strap slots 44 , 45 and 46 at least once . the elastic strap is connected to a first of the two buckle strap slots that are positioned so as to be perpendicular to one another 44 by riveting the first end of the elastic strap to the elastic strap to form a first terminal loop , passing the first terminal loop through the first of the two buckle strap slots and connecting the first terminal loop to the first of the two buckle strap slots by passing a bent metal rod , which is longer than the first of the two buckle strap slots 44 , through the first terminal loop . the terminal loop can also be formed by sewing instead of , or in addition to , riveting . then the elastic strap is connected to the buckle strap slot 45 that is positioned so as to be at an acute angle relative to the two of the buckle strap slots 44 and 46 that are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another by doubling the elastic strap upon itself to form a pinched loop , passing the pinched loop through the one of the buckle strap slots 45 and connecting the pinched loop to the one of the buckle strap slots by passing the metal rod , which is longer than buckle strap slot 45 , through the pinched loop . by passing the strap through buckle strap slot 45 , the strap is configured to define a first loop . the second end of the strap is then connected to buckle strap slot 46 to define a second loop . by defining the first and second loops , the strap can be arranged to encircle the notebook binder , which is not shown in this figure , and complete the approximately perpendicular configuration . the elastic strap is connected to the second of the two buckle strap slots 46 that are positioned so as to be perpendicular to one another by riveting the second end of the elastic strap to the elastic strap to form a second terminal loop , passing the second terminal loop through the second of the two buckle strap slots 46 and connecting the second terminal loop to the second of the two buckle strap slots by passing the bent metal rod , which is longer than the second of the two buckle strap slots 46 , through the second terminal loop . the bent metal rod can also be made of other suitable materials . the planar buckle plate can also be used without a bent metal rod by forming a first terminal loop after one of the strap ends are passed through one of the perpendicular slots , passing the second strap end through the angled slot and then forming a second terminal loop after the second strap end is passed through the other perpendicular slot . fig5 shows a planar buckle plate 50 according to the invention . the planar buckle plate 50 has four buckle strap slots 52 , 53 , 54 and 55 . the buckle strap slots 52 and 54 are positioned so as to be substantially parallel to one another . the buckle strap slots 53 and 55 are positioned so as to be substantially parallel to one another . the buckle strap slots 52 and 53 are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another . the buckle strap slots 54 and 55 are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another . the planar metallic buckle plate 50 has angular corners 48 . the buckle strap slots 52 , 53 , 54 and 55 are open to and accessible from an edge of the buckle through a buckle strap slot channels 62 , 63 , 64 and 65 . two elastic straps , not shown in this figure , are connected to the four buckle strap slots 52 , 53 , 54 and 55 . the elastic straps are connected to the buckle strap slots 52 , 53 , 54 and 55 by forming terminal loops , by sewing or riveting , passing an edge of the terminal loops through the buckle strap slot channels 62 , 63 , 64 and 65 , heating and deforming the buckle slots 52 , 53 , 54 and 55 so as to close and weld the buckle slot channels 62 , 63 , 64 and 65 . buckle plate 50 can be made of a material that can be heated , deformed , closed and welded , for example a polymeric material or metal . the buckle plate can also be made to function in conjunction with the strap without the need for welding by closing the slot channels with glue , or filler material or by other suitable methods . the planar buckle plate can also be used in conjunction with the strap by simply leaving the slot channels open . the planar buckle plate can also be used without the slot channels by forming a first terminal loop in one of the straps after one of the strap ends is passed through one of the slots and then forming a second terminal loop in the same strap after the second strap end of that same strap is passed through another slot . fig6 a shows a planar buckle plate 70 according to the invention . the planar buckle plate 70 has two buckle strap slots 72 and 74 . the buckle strap slots 72 and 74 are positioned so as to be substantially parallel to one another . the planar buckle plate 70 has angular corners 78 . the buckle strap slots 72 and 74 are open to and accessible from an edge of the buckle through buckle strap slot channels 82 and 84 . two elastic straps , not shown in this figure , are connected to the buckle . the planar buckle plate 70 has a strap clearance groove 76 . an elastic strap , of the type shown in fig1 and 2 , is connected to the buckle strap slots 72 and 74 by forming terminal loops , by sewing or riveting , passing an edge of the terminal loops through the buckle strap slot channels 82 and 84 , heating and deforming the buckle slots 72 and 74 so as to close the buckle slot channels 82 and 84 . buckle plate 70 can be made of a material that can be heated , deformed , closed and welded , for example a polymeric material or metal . the buckle plate can also be made to function in conjunction with the strap without the need for welding by closing the slot channels with glue , or a filler material or by other suitable methods . the planar buckle plate can also be used in conjunction with the strap by simply leaving the strap slot channels open . the planar buckle plate can also be used without the slot channels by forming a first terminal loop in one of the straps after one of the strap ends is passed through one of the slots and then forming a second terminal loop in the same strap after the second strap end of that same strap is passed through another slot . alternatively , a bent rod could be used to engage the loops in the manner discussed previously . fig6 b shows a buckle plate cover 90 according to the invention . the buckle plate cover 90 has a strap clearance groove 91 . the buckle plate cover 90 has four buckle strap recesses 92 , 93 , 94 and 95 . the buckle strap recesses 92 and 94 are positioned so as to be substantially parallel to one another . the buckle strap recesses 93 and 95 are positioned so as to be substantially parallel to one another . the buckle strap recesses 92 and 93 are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another . the buckle strap recesses 94 and 95 are positioned so as to be substantially perpendicular to one another . the buckle plate cover 90 has four raised alignment edges 98 . buckle plate cover 90 is configured so as to fit over and be affixed to buckle plate 80 . the buckle strap recesses 92 , 93 , 94 and 95 function in conjunction with the strap clearance grooves 76 and 91 to allow the straps a degree of movement even when the buckle plate cover 90 is affixed to buckle plate 70 . buckle plate cover 90 can be made of a material that can be heated , deformed , closed and welded , for example a polymeric material or metal . the buckle plate cover 90 can also be made to function in conjunction with the buckle plate 70 without the need for welding by affixing the buckle plate cover 90 to the buckle plate 70 with glue or by other suitable methods . five specific embodiments of the invention will now be further described by the following , non - limiting examples . all of the articles discussed secure a bundle of papers , books or other objects to the face of a binder cover . article based upon a single elastic strap and a bent metal wire : in the first example to be discussed , a single elastic woven cloth strap is attached to a buckle and to a hinged ring notebook binder having a single binder strap slot equipped with a metal grommet . the elastic strap is approximately 1 . 25 &# 34 ; in width and 45 &# 34 ; in length . the buckle includes a polymeric buckle plate having three buckle strap slots , a bent wire rod and a buckle cover . the strap with two presewn , preriveted or otherwise prejoined terminal loops is attached to the buckle by means of the buckle plate and bent wire . the strap passes once through the binder strap slot and twice through each of the buckle strap slots . this embodiment is adjustable by manually sliding the buckle , which changes the position of the buckle relative to the face of the binder . although the usual location of the buckle is in the center of the binder cover , by displacing the buckle across the face of the binder cover , i . e . toward one corner of the cover , books or other objects can more easily be inserted underneath the elastic strap loops . once the books or other objects to be secured have been inserted under the elastic loops , the buckle can be displaced back toward the center of the face of the binder cover . this embodiment does not preclude the presence of additional elastic straps or nonelastic straps . article based upon two elastic straps and a bent metal wire : in the second example to be discussed , two elastic woven cloth straps are attached to a buckle and to a hinged ring notebook binder having a single binder strap slot equipped with a metal grommet . the elastic straps are approximately 1 . 25 &# 34 ; in width and 20 - 25 &# 34 ; in length . the buckle includes a polymeric buckle plate having four buckle strap slots , a bent wire rod and a buckle cover . each of the straps with two presewn or preriveted terminal loops is attached to the buckle by means of the buckle plate and bent wire . one of the straps passes once through the binder strap slot and twice through two of the buckle strap slots . the other strap passes twice through the other two of the buckle strap slots . this embodiment is adjustable by manually sliding the buckle , which changes the position of the buckle relative to the face of the binder . although the usual location of the buckle is in the center of the binder cover , by displacing the buckle across the face of the binder cover , i . e . toward one corner of the cover , books or other objects can more easily be inserted underneath the elastic strap loops . once the books or other objects to be secured have been inserted under the elastic loops , the buckle can be displaced back toward the center of the face of the binder cover . this embodiment does not preclude the presence of additional elastic straps or nonelastic straps . article based upon a single elastic strap and deformed , welded buckle plate : in the third example to be discussed , a single elastic woven cloth strap is attached to a buckle and to a hinged ring notebook binder having a single binder strap slot equipped with a metal grommet . the elastic strap is approximately 1 . 25 &# 34 ; in width and 45 &# 34 ; in length . the buckle includes a polymeric buckle plate having three buckle strap slots and two buckle slot channels . the strap with two presewn or preriveted terminal loops is connected to two of the buckle strap slots by passing the an edge of the loops through the buckle strap slot channels of the buckle plate . the two channels are closed by heating and deforming the channels so as to close and weld the channels . the strap passes once through the binder strap slot and once through each of the buckle strap slots . this embodiment is adjustable by manually sliding the buckle , which changes the position of the buckle relative to the face of the binder . although the usual location of the buckle is in the center of the binder cover , by displacing the buckle across the face of the binder cover , i . e . toward one corner of the cover , books or other objects can more easily be inserted underneath the elastic strap loops . once the books or other objects to be secured have been inserted under the elastic loops , the buckle can be displaced back toward the center of the face of the binder cover . this embodiment does not preclude the presence of additional elastic straps or nonelastic straps . article based upon two elastic straps and a deformed welded buckle plate : in the fourth example to be discussed , two elastic woven cloth straps are attached a buckle and to a hinged ring notebook binder having a single binder strap slot equipped with a metal grommet . the elastic straps are approximately 1 . 25 &# 34 ; in width and 20 - 25 &# 34 ; in length . the buckle includes a polymeric buckle plate having four buckle strap slots and four buckle slot channels . each of the straps with two presewn or preriveted terminal loops is connected to two of the buckle strap slots by passing the an edge of the loops through the buckle strap slot channels of the buckle plate . the four channels are closed by heating and deforming the channels so as to close and weld the channels . one of the straps passes once through the binder strap slot and once through two of the buckle strap slots . the other strap passes once through the other two of the buckle strap slots . this embodiment is adjustable by manually sliding the buckle , which changes the position of the buckle relative to the face of the binder . although the usual location of the buckle is in the center of the binder cover , by displacing the buckle across the face of the binder cover , i . e . toward one corner of the cover , books or other objects can more easily be inserted underneath the elastic strap loops . once the books or other objects to be secured have been inserted under the elastic loops , the buckle can be displaced back toward the center of the face of the binder cover . this embodiment does not preclude the presence of additional elastic straps or nonelastic straps . article based upon two elastic straps and a deformed welded buckle plate : in the fifth example to be discussed , two elastic woven cloth straps are attached to a buckle and to a hinged ring notebook binder having a single binder strap slot equipped with a metal grommet . the elastic straps are approximately 1 . 25 &# 34 ; in width and 20 - 25 &# 34 ; in length . the buckle includes a polymeric buckle plate having two buckle strap slots , two buckle slot channels and a strap clearance groove . the buckle also includes a buckle cover having a strap clearance groove . one of the straps has two presewn or preriveted terminal loops and is connected to the buckle strap slots by passing the an edge of the loops through the buckle strap slot channels of the buckle plate . the two channels are closed by heating and deforming the channels so as to close and weld the channels . the first strap passes once through the binder strap slot and once through each of the buckle strap slots so as to define a loop . the other strap is in the form of a continuous loop and is wrapped around the binder cover that is equipped with the binder strap slot so as to be approximately perpendicular to the loop that will be defined by the first strap and the buckle . the buckle cover is then affixed to the buckle plate so that the strap clearance groove of the buckle cover is approximately perpendicular to the strap clearance groove of the buckle plate . this embodiment is adjustable by manually sliding the buckle , which changes the position of the buckle relative to the face of the binder . although the usual location of the buckle is in the center of the binder cover , by displacing the buckle across the face of the binder cover , i . e . toward one corner of the cover , books or other objects can more easily be inserted underneath the elastic strap loops . once the books or other objects to be secured have been inserted under the elastic loops , the buckle can be displaced back toward the center of the face of the binder cover . this embodiment does not preclude the presence of additional elastic straps or nonelastic straps . while there is shown and described herein certain specific structures embodying this invention for the purpose of clarity of understanding , the same is to be considered as illustrative in character , it being understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described . it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that certain changes , various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated in the scope of the appended claims . | US-91461792-A |
the present application describes devices that use various features to prevent the disconnection of connectors used in medical treatments . for example embodiments prevent disconnection of luer connectors that are incompletely mated . | referring to fig1 , a luer - type connector 100 has a male end 100 m and a female end 100 f . the male end 100 m has an internally - threaded barrel 106 that threads with bosses or threads ( not shown , but see , for example , u . s . pat . no . 4 , 452 , 473 to ruschke ; u . s . pat . no . 4 , 639 , 019 to mittleman ; and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 984 , 373 to fitoussi , et al , which are hereby incorporated by reference as fully set forth herein ) on the female end 100 f . the barrel 106 rotates relative to a male luer 104 ( the conical mating portion of the connector is hidden within the barrel 106 and so is not shown , but is contiguous with the male luer 104 ) to engage the bosses or threads ( again , not shown ) to bring the female and male ends 100 f and 100 m together and force the male luer 104 into the female luer 110 ( the conical recess that mates with the conical portion of the male luer 104 connector is hidden , partly within the barrel 106 , and so is not shown , but is contiguous with the female luer 110 ). note that in an alternative embodiment , the threaded barrel 106 could be on the female luer 110 and thread with bosses on the male luer 104 to similar effect . tubes 102 and 112 together with the luer - type connector 100 form a continuous channel when the male and female luers 104 and 110 are mated . wings 108 may be provided on one or both of the male and female luers 104 and 110 . referring now also to fig2 a , 2 b and 3 , edges 114 and 116 provide engagement portions for a disconnection protection device 130 which can be fitted over the mated luer - type connector 100 as shown in fig3 . the disconnection protection device 130 , in the present embodiment , is of flexible material such as thermoplastic sheeting , steel , rubber , fiberglass or other composite , textile , or any suitable material that is resilient such that it can be bent as shown in fig2 b while springing back toward the relatively flat shape shown in fig2 a . the disconnection protection device 130 can be moved over the luer - type connector 100 when bent as shown in fig4 and when released in the position shown in fig3 , engages an edge 133 of opening 132 with the edge 114 and engages an edge 135 of opening 131 with the edge 116 . thus , in the position shown in fig4 , the disconnection protection device 130 prevents the male luer 104 and female luer 110 from moving apart . as a result , even if the barrel 106 is rotated to release the bosses or threads of the female end 100 f , the male and female ends 100 m and 100 f will not come apart . the disconnection protection device 130 need not hold the male and female ends 100 m and 100 f tightly since the luer - type of connector forms a slowly - expanding channel as the male luer withdraws from of the female luer . as a result , a small amount of separation will produce a similarly small leak area and the male and female ends 100 m and 100 f must be drawn apart a considerable distance for a large leak to occur . as shown in fig5 , the disconnection protection device 130 can be bent and passed over one of the tubes 112 and 102 and released so that it remains in close proximity to the luer - type connector 100 while freeing the luer - type connector 100 to be closed or opened . referring to fig6 , a luer - type connector 200 has male a male end 200 m and a female end 200 f . the male end 200 m has an internally - threaded barrel 206 that threads with bosses or threads ( again , not shown but as described above and in the documents incorporated by reference ) on the female end 200 f . the barrel 206 rotates relative to a male luer 204 to engage the bosses or threads to bring the female and male ends 200 f and 200 m together and force the male luer 204 into the female luer 210 . note that in an alternative embodiment , the threaded barrel 206 could be on the female luer 210 and thread with bosses on the male luer 204 to similar effect . tubes 202 and 212 together with the luer - type connector 200 form a continuous channel when the male and female luers 204 and 210 are mated . as in the above embodiments , wings 208 may be provided on one or both of the male and female luers 204 and 210 . in the embodiment of fig6 , extensions 216 are provided on the barrel 206 . also , there are four wings 208 on the female luer 210 . referring now also to fig7 a and 8 , a disconnection protection device 230 has openings 240 and 241 which receive one of the extensions 216 and one of the wings 208 , respectively . as a result , when the disconnection protection device 230 is installed as discussed with reference to the embodiments of fig1 - 5 , one extension 216 a and one wing 208 a fits through the openings 240 and 241 , respectively thereby inhibiting the barrel 206 from rotating relative to the female luer 210 . as a result , disconnection by unthreading the barrel internal threads from the female luer 210 bosses or threads is prevented . referring to fig7 b , instead of openings 240 and 241 , recesses 252 may be formed in a disconnection protection device 250 which is otherwise similar to that disconnection protection device 230 of fig7 a . the recesses 7 b may be formed , for example , in thermoplastic sheeting , by molding , such as vacuum molding . also , in alternative configurations , extensions 216 and wings 208 could be replaced by hook - shaped extensions that catch on or both of outer edges 237 of a device similar to the disconnection protection device 230 . also , alternatively , the disconnection protection device could have an hourglass shape as shown in fig7 c that necks down to create a narrow center section 284 between the openings 285 such that the extensions 216 a wings 208 a will catch the edge of the narrow center section 284 . referring to fig9 a , 9 b , and 9 c , various alternative embodiments of disconnection protection device 271 , 273 , and 275 are shown . disconnection protection device 271 has rounded openings 373 , which is an alternative shape for the openings . the disconnection protection device 271 also has a bridging slot 375 which allows the disconnection protection device 271 to be snapped over the luer - type connector 100 or 200 rather than sliding it over the luer - type connector 100 or 200 . disconnection protection device 273 has slots 279 which are formed to allow them to expand to admit the luer - type connector 100 or 200 and a bridging slot 371 which allows the disconnection protection device 273 to be snapped over the luer - type connector 100 or 200 disconnection protection device 275 has rectangular openings 277 . referring to fig1 a , a luer - type connector 300 has male a male end 300 m and a female end 300 f . the male end 300 m has an internally - threaded barrel 306 that threads with bosses or threads ( again , not shown but as described above and in the documents incorporated by reference ) on the female end 300 f . the barrel 306 rotates relative to a male luer 304 to engage the bosses or threads to bring the female and male ends 300 f and 300 m together and force the male luer 304 into the female luer 310 . again , note that in an alternative embodiment , the threaded barrel 306 could be on the female luer 310 and thread with bosses on the male luer 304 to similar effect . tubes 302 and 312 together with the luer - type connector 300 form a continuous channel when the male and female luers 304 and 310 are mated . referring to fig1 a through 10c , attached to the female luer 310 is a pivoting latch 330 that locks the barrel 306 to prevent it from rotating . the latch 330 pivots on a hinge 337 which holds the latch on the female luer 310 . protrusions 334 may be formed in the latch 330 to facilitated locking engagement of the barrel 305 , which may be provided with a knurled surface 336 . fig1 a shows the embodiment of the disconnection protection device 300 from a bottom perspective and fig1 b shows the same embodiment of the disconnection protection device 300 from the side . fig1 c shows the disconnection protection device 300 from the side with the latch 330 pivoted in a disengaged position to allow the barrel 306 to be rotated . the protrusions 334 may be shaped to cause the latch 330 to snap over the barrel 306 , thereby holding the latch 330 in position as shown in fig1 a and 10b . when engaged , the latch 330 prevents the barrel 306 from rotating relative to the female luer 310 thereby preventing the internal threads ( not shown ) of the barrel 306 from uncoupling from the bosses or threads ( also not shown ) of the female luer 310 . fig1 d shows a snap - on variation of a disconnection protection device 350 which snaps to both a male luer 354 barrel 356 and a female luer 360 which has a knurled surface 367 . protrusions 363 and 365 on a clip element 380 engage the knurled surface of the barrel 356 and the knurled surface 367 of the female luer 360 . this prevents the barrel 356 from rotating relative to the female luer 360 thereby preventing disconnection by preventing the internal threads ( not shown ) of the barrel 356 from uncoupling from the bosses or threads ( also not shown ) of the female luer 360 . the disconnection protection device 350 has narrow openings 362 and 369 that engage ends of the male luer 354 and the female luer 360 to prevent the male and female ends 350 m and 350 f from uncoupling even in the event the barrel 356 rotates or the threads are not engaged . fig1 shows another clip - on variation of a disconnection protection device 400 which has slots 408 in extensions 402 and 404 which engage the ends ( for example , 214 and 216 ) to prevent the luer - type connector 100 , 200 from decoupling . fig1 shows a clamshell embodiment of a disconnection protection device 420 in which may be closed around the luer - type connector 100 , 200 or similar connector . a curved leaf spring 422 closes the clamshell disconnection protection device 420 such that the covers 422 and 434 fully enclose the luer - type connector and such that the edges of the male and female luers ( for example , 214 and 216 ) are held back while permitting the tubing to pass through openings 426 and 428 . fig1 shows a cartridge panel 450 which holds a tubing set which may include one or more luer - type connectors . the cartridge panel 450 may be made of sheet material whose properties are suitable for some of the disconnection protection devices described herein . the cartridge panel may have various cutouts and other shapes formed in it in various operations such as punching and vacuum - forming . an unused area is shown at 452 and the outline of a disconnection protection device 454 is shown . in the embodiment , the disconnection protection device 454 is formed and cut from the cartridge panel 450 during its manufacture . the cartridge panel is described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 579 , 253 to burbank , et al , hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein . referring to fig1 a and 14b , a luer - type connector 500 has male a male end 500 m and a female end 500 f . the male end 500 m has an internally - threaded barrel 506 that threads with bosses or threads ( again , not shown but as described above and in the documents incorporated by reference ) on the female end 500 f . the barrel 506 rotates relative to a male luer 504 to engage the bosses or threads to bring the female and male ends 500 f and 500 m together and force the male luer 504 into the female luer 510 . again , note that in an alternative embodiment , the threaded barrel 506 could be on the female luer 510 and thread with bosses on the male luer 504 to similar effect . tubes 502 and 512 together with the luer - type connector 300 form a continuous channel when the male and female luers 304 and 310 are mated . fig1 b , which shows the luer - type connector 500 uncoupled , shows a tapered end 534 of the male luer 504 and an end 536 of the female luer 510 which has the mating conical recess that receives the male luer 504 tapered end 534 . the luer - type connector 500 has a disconnection protection device integrated in the design of the connector . on the female luer 510 , a ratchet barrel 508 has a ratchet 526 with teeth 528 which is urged toward a circular rack 538 by a living hinge 565 . the teeth of both the rack 538 and ratchet 526 are shaped to cause them to engage such that the barrel 506 cannot turn relative to the ratchet 526 of the female luer 510 , thereby preventing unthreading . this is similar to the well - known structure of cable ties , typically made of nylon . as shown in fig1 c , the living hinge 565 allows pressure to be applied to the top of the ratchet 526 by squeezing or pinching the ratchet barrel 508 . this causes the ratchet surface 528 to withdraw from the circular rack 538 disengaging the barrel 506 allowing the luer - type connector 500 to be uncoupled . in this embodiment , as in the others , the ratchet could be provided on the male end and the rack on the female end of the luer - type connector with similar effect . this is true in all of the above embodiments , whether specifically indicated with respect to the embodiment or not . in an embodiment , the connector protection device prevents the disengagement of two mating connectors which have a locking component that maintains the connection between the mating connectors by non - frictional means . for example , the two connectors may be screwed together or clamped together . clamps and screws provide a positive engagement between the mating connectors . whereas a luer connector without a locking thread portion , such as the prior art luer connectors lacking a locking device , relied on frictional engagement between the male and female luer to maintain the connection between the male and female connector components . in the embodiment , a protector helps to ensure that the connectors do not come apart either by backing the connector element up or by preventing it from disengaging and thereby permitting the connectors from coming apart . so , for example , if the connectors are luer connectors and the locking component is a threaded barrel , the connector protection device could serve the function defined by either preventing the barrel from rotating or by preventing the male and female luers from separating if the threaded barrel fails . thus , in the embodiment , the connection protection device is one or both of : ( 1 ) a device that prevents the decoupling of the connectors such that failure of the connection is either prevented or inhibited by holding the connectors together and ( 2 ) a device that locks the locking component , thereby preventing it from failing to do its job . in the embodiment of fig1 through 5 , the locking element is the barrel 106 and the connector protection element is the disconnection protection device 130 . the disconnection protection device 130 falls into the first category ; that is , it prevents the decoupling of the connectors ( male luer 104 and female luer 110 ) such that failure of the connection is either prevented or inhibited by holding the connectors together embodiment . in the embodiments of fig9 a through 9c , the disconnection protection devices 271 , 273 , and 275 perform the same role . in the embodiments of fig6 through 8 , the disconnection protection devices 230 and 250 also perform the same role of preventing the decoupling of the connectors ( male luer 204 and female luer 210 ) such that failure of the connection is either prevented or inhibited by holding the connectors together but they also serve the second role of locking the locking component ( i . e ., the barrel 206 ), thereby preventing the barrel 216 from failing to do its job . in the example of the embodiment of fig6 through 8 , the barrel 206 is prevented from rotating relative to the female luer 210 by causing the extension 216 and the wing of the female luer 210 from engaging a common element , namely the disconnection protection device 230 . this in turn prevents relative rotation of the female luer 210 and the barrel 206 thereby preventing disengagement of the barrel threads from the female luer bosses or threads . in the embodiment of fig1 a through 10c , the locking element is the barrel 306 and the connector protection element is the latch 330 . the disconnection protection device 330 falls into the second category ; that is , it locks the locking component ( the barrel 306 ), thereby preventing it from failing to do its job of holding the threaded elements in continuous engagement to keep the male and female luers 304 and 310 mated . the embodiment of fig1 d is similar to the embodiment of fig1 a in that the locking element , the barrel 356 is prevented from rotating . but in this case , the disconnection protection device 352 also prevents the separation of the male and female luers 354 and 360 . thus , the disconnection protection device 350 falls into both categories 1 and 2 . in the disconnection protection device 500 of fig1 a through 15b , the locking element is the barrel 506 and the connection protection element is the ratchet 526 . the disconnection protection device 500 thus fits in category 2 because it prevents the barrel 506 from disengaging with the female luer 510 . in an embodiment of the invention , the connectors are luer connectors . in another , or a refinement of any of the foregoing embodiments , the connectors are used to secure a line of a medical treatment device . in yet another , or a refinement of any of the foregoing embodiments , the connectors connect blood - conveying lines of a medical treatment device . in another , or a refinement of any of the foregoing embodiments , the locking element includes a ratchet . in a further refinement , it includes rack that is engageable with the ratchet . in yet another , or a refinement of any of the foregoing embodiments , the connectors are male and female luers and the locking element includes a threaded barrel on either the male or female luer that engages on a mating portion of the other of the male and female luer . fig1 a and 16b show an adapter that can be added to connector components that do not have an edge that can securely engage the disconnection protection device of fig2 a , for example . a connector 614 , in this case a female luer which is secured to a catheter 640 has tabs 616 that engage threads of standard locking male luer connectors . a connector adapter 642 has a male luer with a recess 658 that has threads 618 to engage the tabs 616 in precisely the manner of a standard locking male luer connector . integrally formed in the connector adapter 642 is a connector 630 , that replicates the original connector 614 , in this case , a female luer . when threaded onto the original connector 614 , the connector adapter defines a continuous channel from the connector 630 to the original connector 614 . the connector adapter 642 is additionally fastened to the connector 614 by a flexible band that is received in recesses 650 such that it wraps tightly to the diameter of the catheter 640 . thus , the connector 614 is held in the recess 658 such that even if the it disengages from the threads 618 , it cannot withdraw from the connector adapter 642 . the connector adapter 642 provides a flange 640 that can engage the disconnect protection device 624 . in the example shown in fig1 b , a male luer 604 with a threaded barrel 606 is connected to the female luer 630 of the connector adapter 642 . the disconnection protection device 630 is engages the flange 640 and the male luer 604 edge 614 thereby preventing the disconnection of the catheter 640 from a fluid line 622 . in any of the above embodiments , the type of connector could be luer - type connector or any other connector which rely on mutually rotatable parts on the connecting elements or which slide apart to disconnect or both . also , although inline connectors are shown for purposes of illustration , the disconnect protection features shown can be applied to other types of connectors such as connectors forming parts of junctions , other components such as valves or filters , and others . while the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain embodiments , numerous modifications , alterations , and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention , as defined in the appended claims . accordingly , it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments , but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims , and equivalents thereof . | US-78255710-A |
disclosed herein is a specially designed container for cooking foods . in a preferred embodiment , the container has a centrally located segregated receptacle for containing a liquid . upon heating , steam is formed from the liquid in the receptacle and circulates throughout a chamber wherein the food is contained . the combination of circulating steam and microwave energy yields reduced cooking times for many foods and preserves the aesthetic qualities of food cooked in the container disclosed herein . | referring to all the figures , in preferred embodiments , a segregated receptacle 1 is located in the center of the bottom component 16 and contains a quantity of water 10 ( fig2 ). an outer wall 8 surrounds a food containment chamber 9 in which the segregated receptacle 1 is located . an annular - shaped food containment chamber 9 is preferred because it enables easy input and removal of food without excessive spilling into the height of the segregated receptacle 1 . in the embodiment illustrated in fig1 , and 3 , the segregated receptacle 1 substantially approaches the height of the outer wall 8 of the food containment chamber 9 , but should not abut the top component 6 , allowing steam to flow from the neck 2 of segregated receptacle 1 into the food containment chamber 9 without interference . a clearance of approximately 1 / 2 to 2 inches from the neck 2 of segregated receptacle 1 to the bottom of the top component 6 is preferred but may vary according to the size and configuration of the container . referring to fig2 and the embodiment illustrated there , the top component 6 is slightly inset from the outer wall 8 of the bottom portion of the container such that the outer rim 7 of the top component 6 rests on the edge 4 of the outer wall 8 . in a preferred embodiment , a plurality of passages 5 are placed in edge 4 that pass through the entire thickness of edge 4 . if liquid water or liquid food derivatives accumulate around the circumference of the container during the cooking process , the liquid flows down through passage 5 into the food containment compartment 9 . additionally , the passages 5 in edge 4 minimize overflow of liquid that may occur when cooking food with a very high moisture content or when water is added directly to food containment chamber 9 prior to cooking . a plurality of passages 5 are most effective at returning accumulated liquid to the food containment chamber when evenly spaced around substantially the entire circumference of edge 4 as illustrated in fig3 a . referring to fig3 b and 3c , an alternative to passages 5 is at least one channel 14 that is placed in edge 4 around it periphery through which accumulated liquid may flow back into food containment chamber 9 . ease of flow from channel 14 into food containment chamber 9 may be facilitated by one or more short channels 15 running from channel 14 to the innermost ledge of edge 4 . food is placed in food containment chamber 9 to rest on bottom surface 3 between the segregated receptacle 1 and inner wall 12 and is distributed evenly to promote maximum exposure to steam , generated by heated water 10 , flowing radially outward from the neck 2 of the segregated receptacle 1 and for maximum exposure to the microwave energy entering the food containment chamber 9 through top component 6 and outer wall 8 . an even placement of food around food containment chamber 9 also promotes the thorough and even distribution and flow of the heated steam currents . referring to fig4 this embodiment has a differently configured top component 13 and bottom component 17 that may be more suitable for advantageously heating smaller quantities of food . in this embodiment , a portion of food is placed on the bottom surface 3 of the bottom component 17 surrounding the segregated receptacle 1 as in the above embodiment . unlike the embodiment shown in fig1 , and 3 , the outer wall 8 of the food containment chamber 9 is incorporated into the top component 13 . the top component 13 is dome - shaped , thus comprising the outer wall 8 that surrounds the food containment chamber 9 and covers the segregated receptacle 1 . all other elements are essentially similar although the configuration of the junction of the rim 7 of the top component 13 and the edge 4 of the bottom component 17 may differ slightly to achieve a stable juncture . the following example is representative of one possible configuration of a preferred embodiment of the container described herein . the dimensions given below are not limiting in any fashion , but are representative of one individual container used in the testing and development of this invention . the container described in this example is circular and essentially similar to the embodiment shown in fig1 , and 3a . the outer wall 8 is approximately 3 . 5 inches high ( a ). the inner wall 12 is concave , thus forming a bowl - shaped bottom component 16 . the outer diameter of the bottom component 16 at its greatest distance , measured at a point ( b ) on outer wall 8 approximately 1 . 75 inches above the bottom surface 3 , is about 11 . 5 inches . the inner diameter of the food containment chamber 9 , at its outer periphery measured at a point ( c ) on inner wall 12 approximately 1 . 75 inches above the bottom surface 3 , is approximately 11 inches . the segregated receptacle has a height of approximately 3 . 0 inches above bottom surface 3 and is capable of containing about 50 - 100 ml of water . the edge 4 is approximately 0 . 75 inches wide and has six passages 5 that run from the upper surface of the edge 4 , through the edge 4 into the food containment chamber 9 . each passage 5 is approximately 0 . 125 - 0 . 25 inches in diameter . the top component 6 is circular and slightly concave and has a diameter of approximately 9 . 5 inches . during development and testing of the invention , substantially reduced cooking times have been observed as compared with traditional cooking techniques . the following table lists the results of cooking experiments conducted with an embodiment of the invention described herein which is termed the &# 34 ; microwave steamer &# 34 ; in the table below . several common foods were cooked with different containers under different cooking conditions . the cooking times reflect the inventors &# 39 ; best efforts to apply a uniform standard for fairly judging , from method to method , when the cooking of the particular food was complete . the individual food was subjectively determined to have completed cooking by testing with a fork to assess texture . thus , the recorded times are the times required by each method to achieve a satisfactory texture for the particular food . to illustrate the effect of simultaneous steam and microwave cooking in the container that is the subject of this invention , method 2 uses the same embodiment of the present invention as is used in method 1 except that water is not added to the segregated receptacle before cooking . method no . 1 = microwave steamer in a standard domestic microwave oven with 25 ml . water added to the segregated receptacle . method no . 2 = microwave steamer in a standard domestic microwave oven without added water . method no . 3 = corning ware ® brand container in standard domestic microwave oven ( 2 . 5 qt . container with lid , plus 250 ml . water ). method no . 4 = conventional stove top steaming in 2 . 5 qt . stainless steel pan with lid and inner basket plus 250 ml . water . ______________________________________time required to complete cooking method method method methodfood no . 1 no . 2 no . 3 no . 4______________________________________fresh 5 mins . 6 mins . 9 . 5 mins . 12 . 5 mins . broccoli179 . 5 gramsmethod no . 1 exhibits cooking times reduced by60 % compared to method no . 4 , by 47 % compared to methodno . 3 , and 17 % compared to method no . 2 . fresh 4 mins . 5 mins . 6 mins . 8 mins . cauliflower148 gramsmethod no . 1 exhibits cooking times reduced by 50 % compared to method no . 4 , by 33 % compared to method no . 3 , and 20 % compared to method no . 2 . fresh 7 . 5 mins . 8 mins . 11 mins . 28 . 5 mins . carrots213 gramsmethod no . 1 exhibits cooking times reduced by 74 % compared to method no . 4 , by 32 % compared to method no . 3 , and 6 % compared to method no . 2 . fresh 8 . 5 mins . 10 mins . 12 mins . 13 mins . potatoes520 gramsmethod no . 1 exhibits cooking times reduced by 35 % compared to method no . 4 , by 29 % compared to method no . 3 , and 15 % compared to method no . 2 . ______________________________________ 1 . all cooking containers , microwave , and burners were cooled to room temperature between each test . 2 . all tests were accomplished with containers in middle of microwave or middle of stove top burner . 3 . the microwave wattage for methods 1 - 3 was 700 , the cooking intensity was set on maximum . ( hotpoint ® countertop saver , model # r vm120 001 ). 4 . the stove top range used in method 4 is electric and cooking was achieved using conventional stove - top steaming techniques . initially , the setting was on maximum until vigorous boiling was achieved after which the heat was reduced to approximately one third of maximum to maintain simmering heat . ( roper ®, model no . 2384 ). 6 . the stainless steel pan was a top quality &# 34 ; waterless cookware &# 34 ; container manufactured by seal - o - matic ®. the manufacturer of this container claims that the sealed design of this container results in reduced cooking times compared to other cookware . 7 . the corning ware ® container was square - shaped with a matching glass lid . it is to be emphasized that the terms and descriptions used herein are preferred embodiments set forth by way of illustration only , and are not intended as limitations on the many variations which those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize to be possible in practicing the invention . modifications and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention or defined by the scope of the following claims . | US-20092694-A |
an electrical connector is disclosed with electrically contacting contact pins or contact sockets , such as plugs or couplings . the electrical connector exhibits on one side a receiver part . a light - guiding body made of a light - transmitting material with at least one illuminating body is inserted into the receiver part . feed lines for contact pins are led through the receiver part . the light - guiding body is furnished with at least two arms . reflection surfaces are furnished for deflecting light coming from an illuminating body into the two arms . the reflection surfaces deflect light into the respective arm and are capable of deflecting the light mainly in axial direction within the respective arm at an angle of from between about 40 to 140 degrees relative to the main radiation direction of the arm . the light - guiding or light - conducting body exhibits a recess below the tip or edge and the illuminating body is disposed in the recess . | an electrical connector is illustrated in the figures as a plug 1 in various views and sections , wherein a specifically formed light - guiding body 2 is disposed in the electrical connector , which light - guiding body 2 is directed to the requirements of the plug 1 and which light - guiding body consists of a transmitting or , respectively , transparent material and is produced as a molded part . the light - guiding body 2 comprises essentially two crossed pairs of arms 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , crossing each other preferably at right angles and disposed in a plane . the arm pairs preferably exhibit the same length . the arms 4 , 5 , or , respectively , 6 , 7 of a pair of arms can be directed in antiparallel directions . a cylindrical or parallelepipedal body 26 is molded at these pairs of arms 4 , 5 , or , respectively 6 , 7 , centered on one side . the cylindrical or parallelepipedal body 26 exhibits a recess 15 , which recess 15 is preferably formed as a blind hole 15 and which serves for receiving an illuminating body 11 . the illuminating body 11 can preferably be a luminescence diode , a light - emitting diode led , or other diode or also an incandescent bulb . a surface , concavely curved in direction of the longitudinal axis 22 of the main radiation direction of the illuminating body 11 or , respectively , of the center axis of the light - conducting body , is in each case molded at the side disposed opposite to the illuminating body 11 at the abutting ends of the respective arms 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 . said concave curved surfaces form in each case the reflecting deflection face 8 , 9 , 10 , 18 of the respective arm 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 . these deflection faces are in each case part of an ellipsoid or of a paraboloid or of a cylinder jacket or part of planar inclined faces . these deflection faces , in case of at least three arms meeting like a star , jointly abut in a tip 23 directed inside the light - guiding body 2 in the axis 22 of the main radiation direction of the illuminating body 11 and these deflection faces deflect the reflected light inside of the arms 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 . in each case , the elliptically or parabolically or otherwise shaped deflection faces abut to each other . the reflecting deflection faces 8 , 9 , 10 , 18 of the arms 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 can reflect either according to total reflection or the deflection faces can be metalized with a reflection layer in direction toward the inside to the light - guiding body 2 . the shape of the surface curvature or surface inclination of the reflecting deflection faces can be as desired , the reflecting deflection faces can be disposed on the outside at the light - guiding body or inside of the light - guiding body . for example , if the device is a furnished with four arms having in each case a planar inclined deflection face , then the deflection faces include a pyramid placed upside down or an inverted pyramid ; if the device has only two arms disposed opposite to each other with planar inclined deflection faces , then the deflection faces include a prism . similarly , the light - guiding body can be produced as a single piece or can be composed of several parts . advantageously , the selected shape for the deflection faces is an ellipsoid , wherein one focus point of the ellipsoid is the illuminating body 11 , and wherein the second focus point of the ellipsoid is the eye of the viewer . in this manner the light emitted through the outer front faces of the lateral arms 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 can be seen best . the light - guiding body 2 can be inserted into a receiver part 14 , wherein the receiver part is a part of the electrical connector 1 . a beaker 3 of the connector 1 is placed on the arms 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 on the side disposed opposite to the illuminating body 11 and thus disposed toward the deflection faces 8 , 9 , 10 , 18 . three contact pins 12 , 13 , 19 protrude into the beaker 3 for connection with a coupling , not illustrated . the beaker 3 has a recess in the floor for the deflection faces 8 , 9 , 10 , 18 . the contact pins 12 , 13 , 19 can be solidly connected to the beaker 3 according to the present embodiment of the light - guiding body 2 . feed lines 24 , 25 for the contact pins 12 , 13 , 19 lead through the receiver part 14 and past the cross - aligned arms 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 to the contact pins 12 , 13 , and 19 . feed lines 16 , 17 for the illuminating body 11 , preferably the anode a and the cathode k of a light - emitting diode led , protrude through the lower front face of the connector for providing contact . the connector 1 can also exhibit a cylindrical or also a parallelepipedal form as can be recognized from fig1 and 2 , wherein the front faces of the remote disposed ends of the arms 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 are disposed inside of the jacket face or inside of the side faces of the connector 1 . the light - guiding body to can be formed from arms , joining together in the shape of a star , or also only of two arms with centrally molded - on deflection faces also without contact pins according to the embodiments of the present invention in its simplest case , and can also be employed in applications other than in an electrical connector . fig1 and 11 show two further examples of light - guiding bodies 27 , 34 , wherein a section through a light - guiding body 27 with arms 28 , 29 as well as with inclined and reflecting surfaces 32 , 33 disposed within the light - guiding body 27 is illustrated in fig1 , for example within a receiver bore 30 for an illuminating body 31 . the light - guiding body 27 is again formed as a collimator and can be a hollow body with receiver opening 30 , wherein the receiver opening 30 is for example as central blind hole 30 , and wherein the illuminating body 31 , for example a diode 31 , is disposed in the central blind hole 30 . a projection 45 with bevel inclined delimiting faces 32 , 33 is disposed centrally inside at the foot of the blind hole , for example , a cone or a pyramid or a prism 45 , which delimiting faces 32 , 33 deflect the light falling onto them and through the arms 28 , 29 of the light - guiding body 27 . similarly , the reflecting projection 45 inside of the blind hole 30 can be an acutely converging cone with a peripherally surrounding jacket face . fig1 shows a section through a light - guiding body 34 , which light - guiding body 34 is formed as a hollow body with a blind hole 38 for receiving an illuminating body 43 . the light - guiding body 34 exhibits outwardly disposed , bevel inclined reflecting surfaces 39 , 40 at its upper end neighboring the tip of the illuminating body 43 , which surfaces 39 , 40 reflect the light bundle 44 of the illuminating body 43 into the interior of the light - guiding body 34 . the deflected light bundles 44 pass onto bevel inclined surfaces 41 , 42 , disposed at the lower end of the light - guiding body 34 for , which surfaces 41 , 42 deflect in turn the light bundles 44 and direct the light bundles 44 toward the outside through arms 36 , 37 attached in the lower region of the light - guiding body 34 . for example , the bevel inclined surfaces 41 , 42 can be formed and molded as a conical expansion inside a part of the blind hole 38 , preferably in the starting region of the blind hole 38 ; similarly the surfaces 41 , 42 can be bevel inclined planar faces . this embodiment of the light - guiding body 34 thus is furnished with multiple inclined and reflecting surfaces coordinated to each other , wherein the reflected light 44 is multiply reflected inside of the light - guiding body 34 . the arms 36 , 37 of the light - guiding body 34 can be substantially arbitrarily molded at the light - guiding body based on this embodiment . the illuminating body does not have to be mounted below the mirror planes , rather the light can pass on a desired path into the light - guiding body . the illuminating body can be mounted at a distance from the light - guiding body according to an associated embodiment , wherein the light of the illuminating body is the led , for example reflected , into the light - guiding body disposed at a distance . furthermore , the inclined surfaces of the arms of the light - guiding body , disposed opposite to each other , can in each case be holographic lenses or holographic mirrors , wherein the inclined surfaces form in each case the reflecting deflection face of the respective arm . advantageously , also a plurality of illuminating bodies can be employed within one and the same light - guiding body 46 instead of a single illuminating body ; such an example is illustrated in fig1 . a light - guiding body 46 , which can for example be constructed with a mirror symmetry plane , has several arms with reflecting faces . a light - emitting diode 31 is disposed in each case in two corners , disposed opposite to each other , at the base of the light - guiding body 46 , wherein the light of the light - emitting diode 31 is led over various reflection faces of the light - guiding body 46 into in each case one of the coordinated arms and exits from this arm . in this case , illuminating bodies of different colors can also be employed . a further example of a light - guiding body is shown in fig1 , wherein the light - guiding body 47 itself bundles the light of at least one illuminating body into at least one or several preferred directions . the light emitted from at least one illuminating body 31 and expanding in the light - guiding body 47 is thrown through at least one mirror face or reflection face of the light - guiding body 47 onto at least two different reflection faces of at least two different arms and is focussed there , whereafter the light exits out of the faces of the arms furnished for this purpose . according to a further embodiment of the connector , the illuminating body can be identical to the light - guiding body and the illuminating body or , respectively , the casing of the illuminating body can exhibit the desired shape of the above described light - guiding body . for example , laterally light - irradiating arms and laterally light - reflecting deflection faces are disposed in this case at the light - guiding body or , respectively , at the casing of the light - guiding body . the electrical connector is preferably to be employed there , where a complete plug insert together with an illuminating body and a light - guiding body is required , which plug insert can be incorporated in an advantageous manner into a plurality of electronic circuits for monitoring specific states to be displayed or to be detected . | US-47652200-A |
an electrophotographic apparatus in which toner particles are moved from the toner hopper or dispenser cartridge to the developer housing and onto the donor roller in a single component development system for use in color reprographic systems . a rotating holey tube toner agitator is modified to incorporate structure or grooves on the outer peripheral surface . further , by placing a shrouded toner dispense auger inside the holey tube , the development system architecture stays compact and improved toner powder pushing through the pre - load of toner on the donor roller results , thereby insuring delivery of fresh toner evenly across the length of the developer housing . with more efficient pre - load , agitator rotational speed and bias can be reduced , leading to less toner effluents emanating from the developer housing without adversely affecting the cycle to cycle donor roller toner reload . | for a general understanding of the features of the invention , reference is made to the drawings . in the drawings , like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements . fig1 schematically depicts the various elements of an illustrative electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the development system and toner particle transport of the invention therein . inasmuch as the art of electrophotographic printing is well known , the various processing stations employed in the fig1 printing machine will be shown hereinafter schematically and their operation described briefly with reference thereto . turning now to fig1 the electrophotographic printing machine employs a belt 10 having a photoconductive surface 12 deposited on a conductive substrate 14 . preferably , photoconductive surface 12 is made from a selenium alloy with conductive substrate 14 being made from an aluminum alloy which is electrically grounded . other suitable photoconductive surfaces and conductive substrates may also be employed . belt 10 moves in the direction of arrow 16 to advance successive portions of photoconductive surface 12 through the various processing stations disposed about the path of movement thereof . as shown , belt 10 is entrained by rollers 18 , 20 , 22 and 24 . roller 24 is coupled to motor 26 which drives roller 24 so as to advance belt 10 in the direction of arrow 16 . rollers 18 , 20 and 22 are idler rollers which rotate freely as belt 10 moves in the direction of arrow 16 . initially , a portion of belt 10 passes through charging station a . at charging station a , a corona generating device 28 , charges a portion of photoconductive surface 12 of belt 10 to a relatively high , substantially uniform potential . next , the charged portion of photoconductive surface 12 is advanced through exposure station b . at exposure station b , an original document 30 is positioned face down upon a transparent platen 32 . lamps 34 flash light rays onto original document 30 . the light rays reflected from original document 30 are transmitted through lens 36 forming a light image thereof . lens 36 focuses the light image onto the charged portion of photoconductive surface 12 to selectively dissipate the charge thereon . this records an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductive surface 12 which corresponds to the informational areas contained within original document 30 disposed upon transparent platen 32 . thereafter , belt 10 advances the electrostatic latent image recorded on photoconductive surface 12 to development station c . at development station c , a magnetic brush development system , indicated generally by the reference numeral 38 , transports a single component developer material comprising toner particles into contact with the electrostatic latent image recorded on photoconductive surface 12 . toner particles are furnished to development system 38 from a remote toner container ( or hopper ) 86 . blower 42 ( which may be provided , but is not essential for the preferred embodiment described herein ) maintains the pressure in the housing of development system 38 at a lower pressure than the pressure in remote toner hopper 86 . stationary drop tube 84 couples remote toner hopper 86 to the housing 80 of development system 38 ( although not shown , the toner hopper 86 may be positioned at a height above development system 38 ). auger 82 ( see fig2 and 3 ) is mounted inside the stationary drop tube 84 and causes toner particles to be advanced from remote toner hopper 86 to and across housing 80 of developer system 38 . developer system 38 forms a brush of toner particles which is advanced by donor roller 74 into contact with the electrostatic latent image recorded on photoconductive surface 12 of belt 10 . toner particles are attracted to the electrostatic latent image forming a toner powder image on photoconductive surface 12 of belt 10 so as to develop the electrostatic latent image . the detailed structure of developer system 38 will be subsequently described with reference to fig2 - 8 , inclusive . after development , belt 10 advances the toner powder image to transfer station d . at transfer station d , a sheet of support material 46 ( e . g ., paper ) is moved into contact with the toner powder image . support material 46 is advanced to transfer station d by a sheet feeding apparatus , indicated generally by the reference numeral 48 . preferably , sheet feeding apparatus 48 includes a feed roll 50 contacting the uppermost sheet of the stack of sheets 52 . feed roll 50 rotates to advance the uppermost sheet from stack 52 into chute 54 . chute 54 directs the advancing sheet of support material 46 into contact with photoconductive surface 12 of belt 10 in a timed sequence so that the toner powder image developed thereon contacts the advancing sheet of support material at transfer station d . transfer station d includes a corona generating device 56 which sprays ions onto the backside of sheet 46 . this attracts the toner powder image from photoconductive surface 12 to sheet 46 . after transfer , the sheet continues to move in the direction of arrow 58 onto a conveyor 60 which moves the sheet to fusing station e . fusing station e includes a fuser assembly , indicated generally by the reference numeral 62 , which permanently affixes the powder image to sheet 46 . preferably , fuser assembly 62 includes a heated fuser roller 64 and a backup roller 66 . sheet 46 passes between fuser roller 64 and a backup roller 66 with the toner powder image contacting fuser roller 64 . in this manner , the toner powder image is permanently affixed to sheet 46 . after fusing , chute 68 guides the advancing sheet to catch tray 70 for subsequent removal from the printing machine by the operator . invariably , after the sheet of support material is separated from photoconductive surface 12 of belt 10 , some residual toner particles remain adhering thereto . these residual particles are removed from photoconductive surface 12 at cleaning station f . cleaning station f includes a pre - clean corona generating device ( not shown ) and a rotatably mounted fibrous brush 72 in contact with photoconductive surface 12 . the pre - clean corona generator neutralizes the charge attracting the particle to the photoconductive surface . these particles are cleaned from the photoconductive surface by the rotation of brush 72 in contact therewith . subsequent to cleaning , a discharge lamp ( not shown ) floods photoconductive surface 12 with light to dissipate any residual charge remaining thereon prior to the charging thereof for the next successive imaging cycle . it is believed that the foregoing description is sufficient for purposes of the present application to illustrate the general operation of an exemplary electrophotographic printing machine incorporating the features of the invention therein . referring now to fig2 - 8 , the detailed structure of development system 38 is shown thereat . the development system includes a donor roller 74 . donor roller 74 is preferably phenolic , but may be a bare metal such as aluminum . alternatively , the donor roller 74 may be a metal roller coated with a material . for example , a polytetrafluoroethylene based resin such as teflon ®, a trademark of the du pont corporation , or a polyvinylidene fluoride based resin , such as kynar ®, a trademark of the pennwalt corporation , may be used to coat the metal roller . this coating acts to assist in charging the particles adhering to the surface thereof . still another type of donor roller may be made from stainless steel plated by a catalytic nickel generation process and impregnated with teflon ®. the surface of the donor roller is roughened from a fraction of a micron to several microns , peak - to - peak . an electrical bias is applied ( by known means ) to the donor roller . the electrical bias applied to the donor roller depends upon the background voltage level of the photoconductive surface , the characteristics of the donor roller , and the spacing between the donor roller and the photoconductive surface . it is thus clear that the electrical bias applied on the donor roller may vary widely . donor roller 74 is coupled to a motor ( not shown ), as known in the art , which rotates donor roller 74 in the direction of arrow 76 . donor roller 74 is positioned , at least partially , in chamber 78 of housing 80 . also shown , see fig4 is a metering blade 90 with blade holder 91 , which ensures toner uniformity on the donor roller 74 surface . additionally , reload flap 92 and chamber seal 94 are depicted , which help to reduce the amount of toner effluents emanating f rom the developer housing 80 . a stationary drop tube 84 connects remote toner hopper 86 to chamber 78 of housing 80 . toner particles stored in toner hopper 86 are advanced by auger 82 , which is preferably a flat wire spiral auger , but may be a helical spring or other similar type auger as known in the art , in the direction of arrow 83 to and along the longitudinal axis of chamber 78 of housing 80 . the stationary drop tube 84 , which is preferably an elongated duct and tubular in shape , has an entrance region 77 in remote toner hopper 86 and extends into the chamber 78 to the far end 81 of housing 80 . similarly , auger 82 , which extends through the remote toner hopper 86 , is rotatably mounted inside stationary drop tube 84 and extends to and through chamber 78 of housing 80 to the far end 81 of housing 80 . auger 82 is coupled to a motor ( not shown ) which rotates auger 82 as necessary ( in the range of about 30 rpm to 100 rpm ) to move toner from the remote toner hopper 86 to and across the housing 80 ( i . e ., at a move rate of about 10 in / sec to 30 in / sec ). note that a portion of stationary drop tube 84 ( i . e ., that portion wholly disposed within the chamber 78 ) has a plurality of holes 85 disposed uniformly about a periphery of the stationary drop tube 84 which allow the toner to exit the stationary drop tube 84 , and enter the chamber 78 , evenly dispersed throughout stationary drop tube 84 &# 39 ; s length . a holey tube 88 is rotatably positioned exterior to stationary drop tube 84 ( i . e ., the auger 82 and stationary drop tube 84 combination is arranged inside the rotating holey tube 88 ). holey tube 88 rotates at an appropriate speed , sufficient to fluidize and agitate the toner particles , however , it imparts substantially no longitudinal movement to the toner particles . the fluidized toner particles move in the direction of arrow 83 due only to the action of auger 82 . holey tube 88 is mounted rotatably in the chamber 78 of housing 80 and extends under and along donor roller 74 to facilitate the preload of toner particles on donor roller 74 by agitation of the bed of toner particles delivered by auger 82 and stationary drop tube 84 . holey tube 88 is also coupled to a motor ( not shown ) with sufficient torque producing capacity to rotate the holey tube 88 at speeds of about 250 rpm to 500 rpm . the detailed structure of the holey tube member 88 will be described hereinafter with reference to fig5 - 8 . fig5 shows the basic architecture of the holey tube 88 with the auger 82 disposed interior thereto ( note : the stationary drop tube 84 , which shrouds auger 82 , is not shown for ease of presentation ). in particular , holey tube 88 comprises a hollow rod or tube 95 having equal rows of apertures or holes 96 therein . the rows of holes 96 are spaced about the periphery of the hollow tube 95 by about 90 degrees between rows . each hole 96 in each row is spaced from the next adjacent hole . the holes are equally spaced from one another . in this way , as the holey tube 88 rotates , the holes therein cause the toner particles , delivered via the auger 82 and stationary drop tube 84 , to be agitated and fluidized so as to facilitate their deposition on donor roller 74 , as discussed above . fig6 and 7 show related examples of representative toner agitators disposed in chamber 78 of housing 80 . donor roller 74 , metering blade 90 and blade holder 91 are also depicted . in particular , holey tube 88a is shown with a smooth outer surface 206 . in fig7 a solid star tube agitator 89b is substituted for the holey tube agitator 88a shown in fig6 . importantly , however , neither agitator is effective for use with the invention described herein . fig8 shows the holey tube 88 for use in the invention , which is a modification of holey tube 88a shown in fig6 to the extent structure or grooves 106 are incorporated on the outer peripheral surface thereof . in this way , improved toner powder pushing and improved preload of toner on the donor roller 74 results . thus , with more efficient preload , agitator speed and bias can be reduced leading to less toner effluents emanating from the developer housing 80 without affecting cycle - to - cycle donor roller 74 toner reload , as discussed above . while the invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment , it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments . on the contrary , it is intended to cover all alternatives , modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . | US-6425093-A |
a reinforced carbon foam material is formed from carbon fibers incorporated within a carbon foam &# 39 ; s structure . first , carbon fiber bundles are combined with a liquid resol resin . the carbon fiber bundles separate into individual carbon fiber filaments and disperse throughout the liquid resol resin . second , the carbon fiber resin mixture is foamed thus fixing the carbon fibers in a permanent spatial arrangement within the phenolic foam . the foam is then carbonized to create a carbon fiber reinforced foam with improved graphitic characteristics as well as increased strength . optionally , various additives can be introduced simultaneously with the addition of the carbon fiber bundles into the liquid resol , which can improve the graphitic nature of the final carbon foam material and / or increase the foam &# 39 ; s resistance to oxidation . | carbon foams in accordance with the present invention are prepared from polymeric foams , such as polyurethane foams or phenolic foams , with phenolic foams being preferred . phenolic resins are a large family of polymers and oligomers , composed of a wide variety of structures based on the reaction products of phenols with aldehydes . phenolic resins are prepared by the reaction of phenol or substituted phenol with an aldehyde , especially formaldehyde , in the presence of an acidic or basic catalyst . phenolic resin foam is a cured system composed of open and closed cells . the resins are generally aqueous resol catalyzed by sodium hydroxide at a formaldehyde - to - phenol ratio which can vary , but is preferably about 2 : 1 . free phenol and formaldehyde contents should be low , although urea may be used as a formaldehyde scavenger . the foam is prepared by adjusting the water content of the resin and by adding a surfactant ( e . g ., an ethoxylated nonionic ), a blowing agent ( e . g ., pentane , methylene chloride , or chlorofluorocarbon ), and a catalyst ( e . g ., toluenesulfonic acid or phenolsulfonic acid ). the sulfonic acid catalyzes the reaction , while the exotherm causes the blowing agent , emulsified in the resin , to evaporate and hence expand the foam . the surfactant controls the cell size as well as the ratio of open - to - closed cell units . both batch and continuous processes are employed . in the continuous process , the machinery is similar to that used for continuous polyurethane foam . the properties of the foam depend mainly on density and the cell structure . the preferred phenol is resorcinol ; however , other phenols of similar kind that are able to form condensation products with aldehydes can also be used . such phenols include monohydric and polyhydric phenols , pyrocatechol , hydroquinone , alkyl - substituted phenols , such as , for example , cresols or xylenols , polynuclear monohydric or polyhydric phenols , such as , for example , naphthols , p . p ′- dihydroxydiphenyl dimethyl methane or hydroxyanthracenes . the phenols used to make the foam starting material can also be used in admixture with non - phenolic precursors that are able to react with aldehydes in the same way as phenol . the preferred aldehyde for use in the solution is formaldehyde . other suitable aldehydes include those that will react with phenols in the same manner . these include , for example , acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde . in general , the phenols and aldehydes that can be used in the process of the invention are those described in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 960 , 761 and 5 , 047 , 225 , the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference . in order to create a reinforced resin - derived carbon foam with improved strength and / or graphitic properties , the carbon foam should be prepared with carbon fibers , carbon nanotubes and carbonized phenolic micro - balloons , incorporated throughout the foam &# 39 ; s structure . the particular type of carbon fibers determines the resulting improvement of the carbon foam as carbon fibers derived from pan , isotropic pitch , and mesophase pitch improve the strength characteristics of the carbon foam while fibers derived solely from mesophase pitch increase the foam &# 39 ; s electrical and thermal conductivities . when carbon nanotubes are the selected type of carbon fiber for incorporation into the foam , both the strength and conductive properties of the foam are improved . additionally , the graphitic properties of reinforced carbon foam are increased because of the physical incorporation of the carbon fibers . the individual carbon fiber filaments physically enhance the graphitizability of the precursor phenolic resins through stress - induced graphitization resulting in a more graphitic carbon foam end product . the preferred method for creating reinforced phenolic - derived carbon foam is by incorporating carbon fibers into the initial liquid resol resin . optimally , the liquid resol resin will have a water content of about 10 % to about 30 % by weight and the carbon fibers will have a length of about 0 . 1 inch to about 1 . 0 inch . typically , the carbon fibers are added to the liquid resol resin in carbon fiber bundles under room temperature conditions . each bundle consists of approximately 2 , 000 to 30 , 000 individual carbon fiber filaments held together in the tow form with a polymer resin or a sizing agent . the carbon fiber filaments are typically , either mesophase pitch carbon fibers , isotropic pitch carbon fibers , carbonized rayon fibers , cotton fibers , polyacrylonitrile ( pan ) carbon fibers , cellulose fibers , carbon nanofibers , carbon nanotubes , or a combination of the aforementioned fibers . phenolic microballoons either in the natural or carbonized state can also be employed as a reinforcing additive . for the most effective reinforcement and the greatest uniformity in properties of the carbon foam , the carbon fiber bundles need to be separated into individual filaments and dispersed throughout the carbon foam &# 39 ; s structure . optimally , the resin used in holding the carbon fiber bundles is water soluble and will readily dissolve upon addition to the liquid resol resin , allowing for the dispersion of individual carbon fiber filaments . the carbon fiber bundles adhered with a water - soluble resin , can be added from about 0 . 5 % to about 10 % by weight to the liquid resol phenolic resin . this percentage range will optimally increase the strength and graphitic properties of the foam while not substantially reducing the inherent desirable properties of phenolic resin - derived carbon foam . upon addition of the carbon fiber bundles to the liquid resol resin , the individual carbon fiber filaments will disperse throughout the resin and provide an ideal carbon fiber - resin mixture for the subsequent foaming process . through foaming the phenolic resin , the carbon fiber will become uniformly dispersed and fixed in a specific spatial orientation within the phenolic foam product . during the carbonization of the phenolic foam , the carbon fiber filaments will aid in the stress orientation of the carbon foam ligaments , leading to an improved graphitizability and ultimately higher thermal and electrical conductivities . also , the carbon fiber filaments will act as reinforcing agents to the solid carbon fraction of the foam and act as a conductive filler within the carbon foam . in another embodiment , various additives can be added with the carbon fiber bundles to the initial liquid resol resin to achieve supplementary improvements . additional additives for improving electrical and thermal conductivities include natural graphite flakes , graphitized powders and metal powders . furthermore , oxidation - protective additives can also be added along with the carbon fiber bundles into the initial resol resin . the oxidation - protective additives include both polycarbosilane and silicon - nitrogen - containing polymers that will decompose at elevated temperatures into silicon carbide and silicon nitride . the above additives impart oxidation resistance to carbon foam , improving the performance of the carbon foam while minimally affecting the carbon foam &# 39 ; s desired characteristics . the polymeric foam precursor prepared as described above , that is used as the starting material in the production of the inventive carbon foam , should have an initial density that mirrors the desired final density for the carbon foam to be formed . in other words , the polymeric foam should have a density of about 0 . 03 to about 0 . 8 g / cm 3 , more preferably about 0 . 03 to about 0 . 6 g / cm 3 . the cell structure of the polymeric foam should be closed with a porosity of between about 50 % and about 95 % and a relatively high compressive strength , i . e ., on the order of at least about 100 psi , and as high as about 300 psi or higher . in order to convert the polymeric foam to carbon foam , the foam is carbonized by heating to a temperature of from about 500 ° c ., more preferably at least about 800 ° c ., up to about 3200 ° c ., in an inert or air - excluded atmosphere , such as in the presence of nitrogen . the heating rate should be controlled such that the polymeric foam is brought to the desired temperature over a period of several days , since the polymeric foam can shrink by as much as about 50 % or more during carbonization . care should be taken to ensure uniform heating of the polymeric foam piece for effective carbonization . by the use of a polymeric foam heated in an inert or air - excluded environment , a non - graphitizable carbon foam is obtained , which has the approximate density of the starting polymeric foam , but a compressive strength of at least about 2000 psi and , significantly , a ratio of strength to density of at least about 7000 psi /( g / cm 3 ), more preferably at least about 8000 psi /( g / cm 3 ). the carbon foam has a relatively uniform distribution of isotropic cells having , on average , an aspect ratio of between about 1 . 0 and about 1 . 5 . the resulting carbon foam has a total porosity of about 50 % to about 95 %, more preferably about 60 % to about 95 % with a bimodal cell size distribution ; at least about 90 %, more preferably at least about 95 %, of the cell volume is composed of the cells of about 10 to about 150 microns in diameter , more preferably about 15 to about 95 microns in diameter , most preferably about 25 to about 95 microns in diameter , while at least about 1 %, more preferably about 2 % to about 10 %, of the cell volume is composed of the cells of about 0 . 8 to about 3 . 5 microns , more preferably about 1 to about 2 microns , in diameter . the bimodal cell - structure nature of the inventive foam provides an intermediate structure between open - cell foams and closed - cell foams , limiting the fluid permeability of the foam while maintaining a foam structure . nitrogen gas permeabilities less than 3 . 0 darcys , even less than 2 . 0 darcys , are preferred . typically , characteristics such as porosity and individual cell size and shape are measured optically , such as by the use of an optical microscopy using bright field illumination , and are determined using commercially available software , such as image - pro software available from mediacybernetic of silver springs , md . the cell structure of the foam is unique as compared to other foams in that it is intermediate to a closed cell and open cell configuration . the large cells appear to be only weakly connected to each other and connected by the fine porosity so that the foam exhibits permeability in the presence of water but does not readily absorb more viscous liquids . accordingly , by the practice of the present invention , carbon foams having heretofore unrecognized characteristics are prepared . these foams exhibit graphitizability as well as high compressive strength to density ratios and have a distinctive bimodal cell structure , making them uniquely effective at applications , such as composite tooling applications , core materials for sandwich panels and high - temperature furnace construction . the disclosures of all cited patents and publications referred to in this application are incorporated herein by reference . the above description is intended to enable the person skilled in the art to practice the invention . it is not intended to detail all of the possible variations and modifications that will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading the description . it is intended , however , that all such modifications and variations be included within the scope of the invention that is defined by the following claims . the claims are intended to cover the indicated elements and steps in any arrangement or sequence that is effective to meet the objectives intended for the invention , unless the context specifically indicates the contrary . | US-32173905-A |
a bifurcation aerofoil having a leading edge portion and flanks where the leading edge portion is mounted to an inner wall of the bypass duct using a floating seal which permits circumferential movement of the leading edge . a cowl has a wall that provides the flanks of the aerofoil . on closing of the cowl into its flight position any contact between the flanks and the leading edge portion enables realignment of the leading edge portion to the inner wall of the bypass duct . | referring to fig1 , a ducted fan gas turbine engine generally indicated at 10 has a principal and rotational axis 11 . the engine 10 comprises a propulsive fan 13 and a core engine 9 having , in axial flow series , an air intake 12 , an intermediate pressure compressor 14 , a high - pressure compressor 15 , combustion equipment 16 , a high - pressure turbine , an intermediate - pressure turbine 18 , a low - pressure turbine 19 and terminating with a core exhaust nozzle 20 . a nacelle 21 generally surrounds the engine 10 and defines the intake 12 , a bypass duct 22 and an exhaust nozzle 23 . the gas turbine engine 10 works in the conventional manner so that air entering the intake 12 is accelerated by the fan 13 to produce two air flows : a first airflow a into the intermediate pressure compressor 14 and a second airflow b which passes through a bypass duct 22 to provide propulsive thrust . the intermediate pressure compressor 14 compresses the airflow a directed into it before delivering that air to the high pressure compressor 15 where further compression takes place . the compressed air exhausted from the high pressure compressor 15 is directed into the combustor 16 where it is mixed with fuel and combusted . the resultant hot combustion products then expand through , and thereby drive , the high , intermediate and low - pressure turbines 17 , 18 , 19 before being exhausted through the nozzles 20 to provide additional propulsive thrust . the high , intermediate and low pressure turbines 17 , 18 , 19 respectively drive the high , intermediate pressure compressors 15 , 14 and the fan 13 by suitable interconnecting shafts . a centre plug 29 is positioned within the core exhaust nozzle 20 to provide a form for the core gas flow a to expand against and to smooth its flow from the core engine . the centre plug 29 extends rearward of the cone nozzle &# 39 ; s exit plane 27 . the fan is circumferentially surrounded by a structural member in the form of a fan casing 24 which is supported by an annular array of outlet guide vanes 28 . the fan casing 24 comprises a rigid containment casing 25 and attached rearwardly thereto is a rear fan casing 26 . the gas turbine engine 10 is installed under an aircraft wing 7 via a pylon 8 . the nacelle 21 comprises an axially forward cover 35 and a translatable cowl 37 . both the cover and the cowl are provided by c - shaped openable doors with each door being separately hinged to the aircraft pylon 8 . the nacelle has a thrust reverser unit 31 which is formed from a number of cascade panels arranged sequentially around the circumference of the engine 10 . the hinged doors permit access to the engine core for maintenance or inspection purposes . a bifurcation aerofoil 60 surrounds the pylon mounting structure as it extends across the bypass duct 22 as shown in fig2 . the aerofoil has side panels 62 , 63 and a floating leading edge portion 64 which together enclose a volume that contains mechanical struts , engine mounts , cabling , and pipework through to the engine core . the aerofoil presents a smooth surface to the flow through the bypass duct to minimise flow disruptions and pressure loss . the cowling 26 , 40 is connected by a hinge to the pylon that allows the cowling to be opened by rotating it away from the engine about the hinge . the rotation allows access to the engine core for maintenance or inspection . in the embodiment shown the radially inner wall of the bypass duct 40 and the radially outer wall 26 of the bypass duct are connected by walls 62 and 63 that forms the side panels of the bifurcation aerofoil . efficiency of the engine is kept high by minimising air loss within the engine to ensure that the maximum amount of air possible can be used to generate thrust . minimising drag and aerodynamic losses is also important . a seal is therefore provided between the cowling and the aerofoil that inhibits air loss from the bypass duct . the leading edge portion is 64 is loosely connected to the outlet guide vane outer casing and inner casing 92 to permit limited axial and circumferential or transversal movement . by allowing the leading edge to float the manufacturing tolerance can be relaxed . cowling doors can be large components — up to four metres in diameter — and forming a repeatable seal that can be opened and closed has proved difficult . shown in fig4 , the bifurcation leading edge 64 is a lightweight , thin walled component of metal or composite that is reinforced with a plurality of stiffening ribs 66 . the ribs have holes 68 through which cabling and pipework can pass , or just for the weight reduction purpose . towards the radially inner and radially outer extent of the bifurcation leading edge 64 a lip 72 is provided . the lip extends both axially and circumferentially and advantageously acts both to stiffen the edge of the aerofoil and also to provide a sealing feature which cooperates with a further sealing feature on the outlet guide vane inner casing 90 . fig5 shows an exemplary seal between the radially outer end of the bifurcation leading edge 64 and the outlet guide vane casing 92 . it is to be understood that a corresponding seal may be provided between the radially inner end of the bifurcation leading edge 64 and the radially inner outlet guide vane casing 90 . floating point fasteners ( not shown ) may be used to limit the movement of the leading edge with respect to the casings of the outlet guide vane . the casing 92 which forms part of the outer wall of the bypass duct has a seal retainer 80 on the side of the wall that does not form the inner surface of the bypass duct . the seal retainer is cantilevered from the casing to define a channel which holds a flexible seal member . the flexible seal member is formed in two halves and mounted between the seal retainer and the casing 92 , one half mounted 82 a to the casing and one half to the seal retainer 82 b . the two halves of the flexible member abut each other but flex to allow the bifurcation lip to separate them .. advantageously , this creates a convoluted seal where any air that escapes through the seal has to pass across two flexible members and around the bifurcation lip 70 before exiting the bypass duct 22 . a portion 84 of the lip 70 protrudes through the flexible members 82 a , 82 b . the lip can therefore be imprecisely located axially and circumferentially whilst still providing the required seal . advantageously , the bifurcation aerofoil leading edge can therefore be loosely located onto the engine with a permitted degree of circumferential or axial movement that reduces the risk of damage to the part .. the rear of the leading edge 64 of the bifurcation aerofoil is provided with grooves 86 as receptacles for male elements that are provided on the cowling side walls 62 , 63 . one groove is provided for each flank but it will be appreciated that multiple flanges may be provided on each flank which will require multiple grooves on each side of the leading edge portion . when the cowl is closed the male elements , which are preferably flanges extending from the cowling , locate within the grooves on the leading edge portion . this both seals the cowling in place and locates the leading edge axially against the cowl . where the cowl induces movement of the leading edge the movement is enabled by the floating nature of the seal joint and realignment of the leading edge with the outlet guide vane casing structures is enabled in a simple and elegant manner whilst maintaining the sealing joint . use of a “ v ” shaped groove advantageously helps locate the leading edge portion 64 axially to the outlet guide vane casing . as the flange contacts the groove surface the force of the closing cowl moves the leading edge portion axially forward or rearward depending on whether the flange contacts the axially forward or axially rearward surface of the groove . the floating join between the aerofoil leading edge and the outlet guide vane casing maintaining the seal despite the axial and / or circumferential movement . fig6 depicts a schematic of a seal for the radially inner wall of the bypass duct that is of a similar arrangement to that of fig5 . the bifurcation leading edge 64 has a lip 72 that is located between a seal retainer 80 and the inner wall 40 . the flexible seal members are not shown for clarity . with this self - alignment effect , steps and gaps normal to the air flow direction are minimised with a similar reduction in drag . the steps and gaps around the groove 86 and flange joint can change but with a minor effect on the overall drag partially because over those corners integration angle wake is already generated . it will be appreciated that with this invention drag issue of the joint line is reduced and its variation is moved towards the area at which there is already a wake generated . integration of the drag sources gives less total drag than the separate drag sources . further , if elements of the engine have to be routed through the bifurcation &# 39 ; s leading edge 64 , reinforcing ribs 66 could be split into multiple parts , to provide sufficient access . it will be apparent that the invention can also apply to trailing edges of the bifurcation aerofoils which can also be loosely located onto the engine . the trailing and leading edges of the bifurcation duct may therefore move independently of each other as the cowl is opened and closed . as discussed earlier the bifurcation aerofoil may also enclose other structures than the pylon mounting structure . for example , it may surround drive shafts from the accessory gearbox . the invention may be used on multiple bifurcation aerofoils that extend across the bypass duct . although described with respect to aerofoils in bifurcation duct of a gas turbine it will be appreciated that the invention could also be applied to other aerofoil structures that require such a floating sealing joint . | US-201314081335-A |
a wiping article is provided which includes an effervescent cleanser composition held within a pouch formed from a first and second substrate sheet . at least one of the substrate sheets must be water permeable . the effervescent composition is an intimate mixture of an acid material such as citric acid and an alkaline material such as sodium bicarbonate . water contact causes the combination to effervesce . a dry surfactant such as sodium cocoyl isethionate in contact with the water and effervescing carbon dioxide results in a highly pleasant sudsing system . skin benefit agents may be included within the composition . the effervescent action may improve deposition of the skin benefit agents onto the skin . | the detergent composition of the present invention comprises four essential ingredients : anionic surfactant , cationic surfactant , an acid source and an alkali source . these and optional ingredients , and processes for making the detergents , are described in detail below . the detergent composition can comprise one or more anionic surfactants , as described below , and one or more cationic surfactants . optionally , additional surfactants , selected from the group consisting of additional anionic and cationic surfactants , nonionic , zwitterionic , ampholytic and amphoteric surfactants can be present . the total amount of surfactants is preferably of from 1 % to 90 %, preferably 3 % to 70 %, more preferably 5 % to 40 %, even more preferably 10 % to 30 %, most preferably 12 % to 25 % by weight of the detergent composition . a preferred aspect of the present invention is a granular detergent composition . one or more of the surfactants can be comprised in a base composition , containing preferably also a builder material . the base composition may be prepared by spray - drying and dry - mixing / agglomeration . the base composition may also comprise some or all of the alkali source . alternatively the acid source and / or alkali source may be added as separate components to the detergent base composition , preferably in a granular form . the detergent composition of the present invention comprises one or more anionic surfactants . any anionic surfactant useful for detersive purposes are suitable . examples include salts ( including , for example , sodium , potassium , ammonium , and substituted ammonium salts such as mono -, di - and triethanolamine salts ) of the anionic sulfate , sulfonate , carboxylate and sarcosinate surfactants . anionic sulfate surfactants are preferred . other anionic surfactants include the isethionates such as the acyl isethionates . n - acyl taurates , fatty acid amides of methyl tauride , alkyl succinates and sulfosuccinates , monoesters of sulfosuccinate ( especially saturated and unsaturated c 12 - c 18 monoesters ) diesters of sulfosuccinate ( especially saturated and unsaturated c 6 - c 14 diesters ), n - acyl sarcosinates . resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids are also suitable , such as rosin , hydrogenated rosin , and resin acids and hydrogenated resin acids present in or derived from tallow oil . the anionic surfactant is present at a level of 0 . 5 % to 60 %, preferably at a level of from 3 % to 50 %, more preferably of from 5 % to 35 %, most preferably from 65 to 20 % by weight of the composition . the ratio of the anionic surfactant to the cationic surfactant is preferably from 25 : 1 to 1 : 3 , more preferably from 15 : 1 to 1 : 1 , most preferably from 10 : 1 to 1 : 1 . anionic sulfate surfactants suitable for use herein include the linear and branched primary and secondary alkyl sulfates , alkyl ethoxysulfates , fatty oleoyl glycerol sulfates , alkyl phenol ethylene oxide ether sulfates , the c 5 - c 17 acyl - n -( c 1 - c 4 alkyl ) and — n —( c 1 - c 2 hydroxyalkyl ) glucamine sulfates , and sulfates of alkylpolysaccharides such as the sulfates of alkylpolyglucoside ( the nonionic nonsulfated compounds being described herein ). alkyl sulfate surfactants are preferably selected from the linear and branched primary c 9 - c 22 alkyl sulfates , more preferably the c 11 - c 15 branched chain alkyl sulfates and the c 12 - c 14 linear chain alkyl sulfates . alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactants are preferably selected from the group consisting of the c 10 - c 18 alkyl sulfates which have been ethoxylated with from 0 . 5 to 20 moles of ethylene oxide per molecule . more preferably , the alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactant is a c 11 - c 18 , most preferably c 11 - c 15 alkyl sulfate which has been ethoxylated with from 0 . 5 to 7 , preferably from 1 to 5 , moles of ethylene oxide per molecule . a particularly preferred aspect of the invention employs mixtures of the preferred alkyl sulfate and alkyl ethoxysulfate surfactants . such mixtures have been disclosed in pct patent application no . wo 93 / 18124 . anionic sulfonate surfactants suitable for use herein include the salts of c 5 - c 20 linear alkylbenzene sulfonates , alkyl ester sulfonates , c 6 - c 22 primary or secondary alkane sulfonates , c 6 - c 24 olefin sulfonates , sulfonated polycarboxylic acids , alkyl glycerol sulfonates , fatty acyl glycerol sulfonates , fatty oleyl glycerol sulfonates , and any mixtures thereof . suitable anionic carboxylate surfactants include the alkyl ethoxy carboxylates , the alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants and the soaps (‘ alkyl carboxyls ’), especially certain secondary soaps as described herein . suitable alkyl ethoxy carboxylates include those with the formula ro ( ch 2 ch 2 0 ) x ch 2 c00 − m + wherein r is a c 6 to c 18 alkyl group , x ranges from 0 to 10 , and the ethoxylate distribution is such that , on a weight basis , the amount of material where x is 0 is less than 20 % and m is a cation . suitable alkyl polyethoxy polycarboxylate surfactants include those having the formula ro —( chr 1 - chr 2 - o ) x - r 3 wherein r is a c 6 to c 18 alkyl group , x is from 1 to 25 , r 1 and r 2 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , methyl acid radical , succinic acid radical , hydroxysuccinic acid radical , and mixtures thereof , and r 3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon having between 1 and 8 carbon atoms , and mixtures thereof . suitable soap surfactants include the secondary soap surfactants which contain a carboxyl unit connected to a secondary carbon . preferred secondary soap surfactants for use herein are water - soluble members selected from the group consisting of the water - soluble salts of 2 - methyl - 1 - undecanoic acid , 2 - ethyl - 1 - decanoic acid , 2 - propyl - 1 - nonanoic acid , 2 - butyl - 1 - octanoic acid and 2 - pentyl - 1 - heptanoic acid . certain soaps may also be included as suds suppressors . other suitable anionic surfactants are the alkali metal sarcosinates of formula r - con ( r 1 ) ch 2 coom , wherein r is a c 5 - c 17 linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group , r 1 is a c 1 - c 4 alkyl group and m is an alkali metal ion . preferred examples are the myristyl and oleoyl methyl sarcosinates in the form of their sodium salts . another essential component of the detergent composition of the invention is a cationic surfactant , present at a level of from 0 . 1 % to 30 % by weight of the detegent composition . the cationic surfactant is preferably present at a level of from 0 . 1 % to 20 %, more preferably from 0 . 4 % to 7 %, most preferably from 0 . 5 % to 3 % by weight of the detergent composition . the ratio of the anionic surfactant to the cationic surfactant is preferably from 25 : 1 to 1 : 3 , more preferably from 15 : 1 to 1 : 1 . most preferably from 10 : 1 to 1 : 1 . preferably the cationic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cationic ester surfactants , cationic mono - alkoxylated amine surfactants , cationic bis - alkoxylated amine surfactants and mixtures thereof . if present in the detergent composition of the invention , the cationic ester surfactant is preferably present at a level from 0 . 1 % to 20 . 0 %, more preferably from 0 . 4 % to 7 %, most preferably from 0 . 5 % to 3 . 0 % by weight of the detergent composition . the cationic ester surfactant is preferably a water dispersible compound having surfactant properties comprising at least one ester ( i . e . — coo —) linkage and at least one cationically charged group . suitable cationic ester surfactants , including choline ester surfactants , have for example been disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 228 , 042 , 4 , 239 , 660 and 4 , 260 , 529 . in one preferred aspect the ester linkage and cationically charged group are separated from each other in the surfactant molecule by a spacer group consisting of a chain comprising at least three atoms ( i . e . of three atoms chain length ), preferably from three to eight atoms , more preferably from three to five atoms , most preferably three atoms . the atoms forming the spacer group chain are selected from the group consisting of carbon , nitrogen and oxygen atoms and any mixtures thereof , with the proviso that any nitrogen or oxygen atom in said chain connects only with carbon atoms in the chain . thus spacer groups having , for example , — o — o — ( i . e . peroxide ), — n — n —, and — n — o — linkages are excluded , whilst spacer groups having , for example — ch 2 — o — ch 2 — and — ch 2 — nh — ch 2 — linkages are included . in a preferred aspect the spacer group chain comprises only carbon atoms , most preferably the chain is a hydrocarbyl chain . wherein r 1 is a c 5 - c 31 linear or branched alkyl , alkenyl or alkaryl chain or m − . n + ( r 6 r 7 r 8 )( ch 2 ) s ; x and y , independently , are selected from the group consisting of coo , oco , o , co , ocoo , conh , nhco , oconh and nhcoo wherein at least one of x or y is a coo , oco , ocoo , oconh or nhcoo group : r 2 , r 3 , r 4 , r 6 , r 7 , and r 8 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl , alkenyl , hydroxyalkyl and hydroxy - alkenyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and alkaryl groups ; and r 5 is independently h or a c 1 - c 3 alkyl group ; wherein the values of m , n , s and t independently lie in the range of from 0 to 8 , the value of b lies in the range from 0 to 20 , and the values of a , u and v independently are either 0 or 1 with the proviso that at least one of u or v must be 1 ; and wherein m is a counter anion . preferably m is selected from the group consisting of halide , methyl sulfate , sulfate , and nitrate , more preferably methyl sulfate , chloride , bromide or iodide . in a preferred aspect , the cationic ester surfactant is selected from those having the formula : wherein r 1 is a c 5 - c 31 linear or branched alkyl , alkenyl or alkaryl chain ; x is selected from the group consisting of coo , oco , ocoo , oconh and nhcoo ; r 2 , r 3 , and r 4 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl and hydroxyalkyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms ; and r 5 is independently h or a c 1 - c 3 alkyl group : wherein the value of n lies in the range of from 0 to 8 , the value of b lies in the range from 0 to 20 , the value of a is either 0 or 1 , and the value of m is from 3 to 8 . more preferably r 2 , r 3 and r 4 are independently selected from a c 1 - c 4 alkyl group and a c 1 - c 4 hydroxyalkyl group . in one preferred aspect at least one , preferably only one , of r 2 , r 3 and r 4 is a hydroxyalkyl group . the hydroxyalkyl preferably has from 1 to 4 carbon atoms , more preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms , most preferably 2 carbon atoms . in another preferred aspect at least one of r 2 , r 3 and r 4 is a c 2 - c 3 alkyl group , more preferably two c 2 - c 3 alkyl groups are present . in a preferred aspect two of r 2 , r 3 and r 4 and the nitrogen of the cationically charged group from part of a ring structure . preferably , the ring structure contains another nitrogen atom or more preferably , an oxygen atom , or mixtures thereof . preferably , the ring structure contains 5 to 8 atoms , most preferably 6 atoms . in a highly preferred aspect two of r 2 , r 3 and r 4 and the nitrogen of the cationically charged group from part of a morpholino ring structure or a substituted morpholino ring structure . highly preferred cationic ester surfactants of this type are the esters having the formula : wherein r 1 is a c 5 - c 31 linear or branched alkyl , alkenyl or alkaryl chain ; x is selected from the group consisting of coo , oco , ocoo , oconh and nhcoo , r 9 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl , alkenyl , hydroxyalkyl and hydroxy - alkenyl groups having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and alkaryl groups ; and r 5 is independently h or a c 1 - c 3 alkyl group ; wherein the value of n lies in the range of from 0 to 8 . the value of b lies in the range from 0 to 20 , the value of a is either 0 or 1 , and the value of m is from 3 to 8 . more preferably r 2 , r 3 and r 4 are independently selected from a c 1 - c 4 alkyl group and a c 1 - c 4 hydroxyalkyl group . in one preferred aspect at least one , preferably only one , of r 2 , r 3 and r 4 is a hydroxyalkyl group . the hydroxyalkyl preferably has from 1 to 4 carbon atoms , more preferably 2 or 3 carbon atoms , most preferably 2 carbon atoms . in another preferred aspect at least one of r 2 , r 3 and r 4 is a c 2 - c 3 alkyl group , more preferably two c 2 - c 3 alkyl groups are present . highly preferred water dispersible cationic ester surfactants are the esters having the formula : where m is from 1 to 4 , preferably 2 or 3 and wherein r 1 is a c 11 - c 19 linear or branched alkyl chain . particularly preferred choline esters of this type include the stearoyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides ( r 1 ═ c 17 alkyl ), palmitoyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides ( r 1 ═ c 15 alkyl ), myristoyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides ( r 1 ═ c 13 alkyl ), lauroyl choline ester methylammonium halides ( r 1 ═ c 11 alkyl ), cocoyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides ( r 1 ═ c 11 - c 13 alkyl ), tallowyl choline ester quaternary methylammonium halides ( r 1 ═ c 15 - c 17 alkyl ), and any mixtures thereof . other suitable cationic ester surfactants have the structural formulas below , wherein d may be from 0 to 20 . in a preferred aspect the cationic ester surfactant is hydrolysable under the conditions of a laundry wash method . the particularly preferred choline esters , given above , may be prepared by the direct esterification of a fatty acid of the desired chain length with dimethylaminoethanol , in the presence of an acid catalyst . the reaction product is then quaternized with a methyl halide , preferably in the presence of a solvent such as ethanol , water , propylene glycol or preferably a fatty alcohol ethoxylate such as c 10 - c 18 fatty alcohol ethoxylate having a degree of ethoxylation of from 3 to 50 ethoxy groups per mole forming the desired cationic material . they may also be prepared by the direct esterification of a long chain fatty acid of the desired chain length together with 2 - haloethanol , in the presence of an acid catalyst material . the reaction product is then quaternized with trimethylamine , forming the desired cationic material . the cationic surfactant of the present invention can contain a cationic mono - alkoxylated amine surfactant , which has the general formula : wherein r 1 is an alkyl or alkenyl moiety containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms , preferably 6 to about 16 carbon atoms , most preferably from about 6 to about 11 carbon atoms ; r 2 and r 3 are each independently alkyl groups containing from one to about three carbon atoms , preferably methyl ; r 4 is selected from hydrogen ( preferred ), methyl and ethyl , x − is an anion such as chloride , bromide , methylsulfate , sulfate , or the like , to provide electrical neutrality ; a is selected from c 1 - c 4 alkoxy , especially ethoxy ( i . e ., — ch 2 ch 2 o —), propoxy , butoxy and mixtures thereof ; and p is from 1 to about 30 , preferably 1 to about 15 , most preferably 1 to about 8 . highly preferred cationic mono - alkoxylated amine surfactants for use herein are of the formula wherein r 1 is c 6 - c 18 hydrocarbyl and mixtures thereof , preferably c 6 - c 14 , especially c 6 - c 11 alkyl , preferably c 8 and c 10 alkyl , and x is any convenient anion to provide charge balance , preferably chloride or bromide . as noted , compounds of the foregoing type include those wherein the ethoxy ( ch 2 ch 2 o ) units ( eo ) are replaced by butoxy , isopropoxy [ ch ( ch 3 ) ch 2 o ] and [ ch 2 ch ( ch 3 o ] units ( i - pr ) or n - propoxy units ( pr ), or mixtures of eo and / or pr and / or i - pr units . when used in granular detergent compositions cationic mono - alkoxylated amine surfactants wherein the hydrocarbyl substituent r 1 is c 6 - c 11 , especially c 10 , are preferred , because they enhance the rate of dissolution of laundry granules , especially under cold water conditions , as compared with the higher chain length materials . the levels of the cationic mono - alkoxylated amine surfactants used in detergent compositions of the invention can range from 0 . 1 % to 20 %, more preferably from 0 . 4 % to 7 %, most preferably from 0 . 5 % to 3 . 0 % by weight of the composition . the cationic surfactant of the invention can be a cationic bis - alkoxylated amine surfactant , which has the general formula : wherein r 1 is an alkyl or alkenyl moiety containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms , preferably 6 to about 16 carbon atoms , more preferably 6 to about 11 , most preferably from about 8 to about 10 carbon atoms ; r 2 is an alkyl group containing from one to three carbon atoms , preferably methyl ; r 3 and r 4 can vary independently and are selected from hydrogen ( preferred ), methyl and ethyl , x − is an anion such as chloride , bromide , methylsulfate , sulfate , or the like , sufficient to provide electrical neutrality . a and a ′ can vary independently and are each selected from c 1 - c 4 alkoxy , especially ethoxy , ( i . e ., — ch 2 ch 2 o —), propoxy , butoxy and mixtures thereof ; p is from 1 to about 30 , preferably 1 to about 4 and q is from 1 to about 30 , preferably 1 to about 4 , and most preferably both p and q are 1 . highly preferred cationic bis - alkoxylated amine surfactants for use herein are of the formula wherein r 1 is c 6 - c 18 hydrocarbyl and mixtures thereof , preferably c 6 , c 8 , c 10 , c 12 , c 14 alkyl and mixtures thereof . x is any convenient anion to provide charge balance , preferably chloride . with reference to the general cationic bis - alkoxylated amine structure noted above , since in a preferred compound r 1 is derived from ( coconut ) c 12 - c 14 alkyl fraction fatty acids , r 2 is methyl and apr 3 and a ′ qr 4 are each monoethoxy . other cationic bis - alkoxylated amine surfactants useful herein include compounds of the formula : wherein r 1 is c 6 - c 18 hydrocarbyl , preferably c 6 - c 14 alkyl , independently p is 1 to about 3 and q is 1 to about 3 , r 2 is c 1 - c 3 alkyl , preferably methyl , and x is an anion , especially chloride or bromide . other compounds of the foregoing type include those wherein the ethoxy ( ch 2 ch 2 o ) units ( eo ) are replaced by butoxy ( bu ) isopropoxy [ ch ( ch 3 ) ch 2 o ] and [ ch 2 ch ( ch 3 o ] units ( i - pr ) or n - propoxy units ( pr ), or mixtures of eo and / or pr and / or i - pr units . when used in granular detergent compositions in accord with the invention , cationic bis alkoxylated amine surfactants wherein the hydrocarbyl substituent r 1 is c 6 - c 11 , especially c 8 or c 10 , are preferred cationic surfactants , because they enhance the rate of dissolution of laundry granules , especially under cold water conditions , as compared with the higher chain length materials the levels of the cationic bis - alkoxylated amine surfactants used in detergent compositions of the invention can range from 0 . 1 % to 20 %, preferably from 0 . 4 % to 7 %, most preferably from 0 . 5 % to about 3 . 0 %, by weight of the detergent composition . in accordance with the present invention , an alkali source is present in the detergent composition such that it has the capacity to react with the source of acidity in the presence of water to produce a gas . preferably this gas is carbon dioxide , and therefore the alkali is a carbonate , or a suitable derivative thereof . the detergent composition of the present invention preferably contains from about 2 % to about 75 %, preferably from about 5 % to about 60 %, most preferably from about 10 % to about 30 % by weight of the alkali source . when the alkali source is present in an agglomerated detergent particle , the agglomerate preferably contains from about 10 % to about 60 % of the alkali source . in a preferred embodiment , the alkali source is a carbonate . examples of preferred carbonates are the alkaline earth and alkali metal carbonates , including sodium carbonate , bicarbonate and sesqui - carbonate and any mixtures thereof with ultra - fine calcium carbonate such as are disclosed in german patent application no . 2 , 321 , 001 published on nov . 15 , 1973 . alkali metal percarbonate salts are also suitable sources of carbonate species and are described in more detail in the section ‘ inorganic perhydrate salts ’ herein . the alkali source may also comprise other components , such as a silicate . suitable silicates include the water soluble sodium silicates with an sio 2 : na 2 o ratio of from 1 . 0 to 2 . 8 , with ratios of from 1 . 6 to 2 . 0 being preferred , and 2 . 0 ratio being most preferred . the silicates may be in the form of either the anhydrous salt or a hydrated salt . sodium silicate with an sio 2 : na 2 o ratio of 2 . 0 is the most preferred silicate . alkali metal persilicates are also suitable sources of silicate herein . other suitable sources will be known to those skilled in the art . in accordance with the present invention , the acid source is present in the detergent composition such that the it is capable of reacting with the source of alkali in the presence of water to produce a gas . the acid source is preferably present at a level of from 0 . 1 % to 50 %, more preferably from 0 . 5 % to 25 %, even more preferably from 1 % to 12 %, even more preferably from 1 % to 7 %, most preferably from 2 % to 5 % by weight of the composition . in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the source of acidity is present in the range of about 1 % to about 3 %, most preferably about 3 % by weight of the composition . preferably , 80 % or more of the acid source has a particle size in the range of from about 150 microns to about 710 microns , with preferably at least about 37 % by weight of the acid source having a particle size of about 350 microns or less . preferably , 100 % of the acid source has a particle size of about 710 microns or less , but this is not essential provided the aforementioned criteria are fulfilled . alternatively , greater than about 38 %, more preferably 38 . 7 %, of the particulate acid source has a particle size of about 350 microns or less . the particle size of the source of acidity is calculated by sieving a sample of the source of acidity on a series of tyler sieves . for example , a tyler seive mesh 100 corresponds to an aperture size of 150 microns . the weight fractions thereby obtained are plotted against the aperture size of the sieves . the acid source may be any suitable organic , mineral or inorganic acid , or a derivative thereof , or a mixture thereof . the acid source may be a mono -, bi - or tri - protonic acid . preferred derivatives include a salt or ester of the acid . the source of acidity is preferably non - hygroscopic , which can improve storage stability . however , a monohydrate acidic source can be useful herein . organic acids and their derivatives are preferred . the acid is preferably water - soluble . suitable acids include citric , glutaric , tartaric acid , succinic or adipic acid , monosodium phosphate , sodium hydrogen sulfate , boric acid , or a salt or an ester thereof . citric acid is especially preferred . the detergent compositions of the invention may also contain additional detergent components . the precise nature of these additional components , and levels of incorporation thereof will depend on the physical form of the composition , and the precise nature of the washing operation for which it is to be used . the compositions of the invention preferably contain one or more additional detergent components selected from additional surfactants , bleaches , builders , organic polymeric compounds , enzymes , suds suppressers , lime soap dispersants , soil suspension and anti - redeposition agents and corrosion inhibitors . essentially any alkoxylated nonionic surfactants are suitable herein . the ethoxylated and propoxylated nonionic surfactants are preferred . preferred alkoxylated surfactants can be selected from the classes of the nonionic condensates of alkyl phenols , nonionic ethoxylated alcohols , nonionic ethoxylated / propoxylated fatty alcohols , nonionic ethoxylate / propoxylate condensates with propylene glycol , and the nonionic ethoxylate condensation products with propylene oxide / ethylene diamine adducts . the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from 1 to 25 moles of alkylene oxide , particularly ethylene oxide and / or propylene oxide , are suitable for use herein . the alkyl chain of the aliphatic alcohol can either be straight or branched , primary or secondary , and generally contains from 6 to 22 carbon atoms . particularly preferred are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing from 8 to 20 carbon atoms with from 2 to 10 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol . polyhydroxy fatty acid amides suitable for use herein are those having the structural formula r 2 conr 1 z wherein : r1 is h , c 1 - c 4 hydrocarbyl , 2 - hydroxy ethyl , 2 - hydroxy propyl , ethoxy , propoxy , or a mixture thereof , preferable c1 - c4 alkyl , more preferably c 1 or c 2 alkyl , most preferably c 1 alkyl ( i . e ., methyl ); and r 2 is a c 5 - c 31 hydrocarbyl , preferably straight - chain c 5 - c 19 alkyl or alkenyl , more preferably straight - chain c 9 - c 17 alkyl or alkenyl , most preferably straight - chain c 11 - c 17 alkyl or alkenyl , or mixture thereof ; and z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly connected to the chain , or an alkoxylated derivative ( preferably ethoxylated or propoxylated ) thereof . z preferably will be derived from a reducing sugar in a reductive amination reaction ; more preferably z is a glycityl . suitable fatty acid amide surfactants include those having the formula : r 6 con ( r 7 ) 2 wherein r 6 is an alkyl group containing from 7 to 21 , preferably from 9 to 17 carbon atoms and each r 7 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen , c 1 - c 4 alkyl , c 1 - c 4 hydroxyalkyl , and —( c 2 h 4 o ) x h , where x is in the range of from 1 to 3 . suitable alkylpolysaccharides for use herein are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 565 . 647 . llenado , issued jan . 21 , 1986 , having a hydrophobic group containing from 6 to 30 carbon atoms and a polysaccharide , e . g ., a polyglycoside , hydrophilic group containing from 1 . 3 to 10 saccharide units . wherein r 2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl , alkylphenyl , hydroxyalkyl , hydroxyalkylphenyl , and mixtures thereof in which the alkyl groups contain from 10 to 18 carbon atoms ; n is 2 or 3 ; t is from 0 to 10 , and x is from 1 . 3 to 8 . the glycosyl is preferably derived from glucose . suitable amphoteric surfactants for use herein include the amine oxide surfactants and the alkyl amphocarboxylic acids . suitable amine oxides include those compounds having the formula r 3 ( or 4 ) x n 0 ( r 5 ) 2 wherein r 3 is selected from an alkyl , hydroxyalkyl , acylamidopropoyl and alkyl phenyl group , or mixtures thereof , containing from 8 to 26 carbon atoms ; r 4 is an alkylene or hydroxyalkylene group containing from 2 to 3 carbon atoms , or mixtures thereof ; x is from 0 to 5 , preferably from 0 to 3 ; and each r 5 is an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl group containing from 1 to 3 , or a polyethylene oxide group containing from 1 to 3 ethylene oxide groups . preferred are c 10 - c 18 alkyl dimethylamine oxide , and c 10 - 18 acylamido alkyl dimethylanine oxide . a suitable example of an aklyl aphodicarboxylic acid is miranol ™ c2m conc . manufactured by miranol , inc ., dayton , n . j . zwitterionic surfactants can also be incorporated into the detergent compositions or components thereof in accord with the invention . these surfactants can be broadly described as derivatives of secondary and tertiary amines , derivatives of heterocyclic secondary and tertiary amines , or derivatives of quaternary ammonium , quaternary phosphonium or tertiary sulfonium compounds . betaine and sultaine surfactants are exemplary zwitterionic surfactants for use herein . suitable betaines are those compounds having the formula r ( r ′) n + r 2 coo − wherein r is a c 6 - c 18 hydrocarbyl group , each r 1 is typically c 1 - c 3 alkyl , and r 2 is a c 1 - c 5 hydrocarbyl group . preferred betaines are c 12 - 18 dimethyl - ammonia hexanoate and the c 10 - c 18 acylamidopropane ( or ethane ) dimethyl ( or diethyl ) betaines . complex betaine surfactants are also suitable for use herein . the detergent compositions of the present invention preferably contain a water - soluble builder compound , typically present at a level of from 1 % to 80 % by weight , preferably from 10 % to 70 % by weight , most preferably from 20 % to 60 % by weight of the composition . suitable water - soluble builder compounds include the water soluble monomeric polycarboxylates , or their acid forms , homo or copolymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxylic radicals separated from each other by not more that two carbon atoms , borates , phosphates , and mixtures of any of the foregoing . the carboxylate or polycarboxylate builder can be monomeric or oligomeric in type although monomeric polycarboxylates are generally preferred for reasons of cost and performance . suitable carboxylates containing one carboxy group include the water soluble salts of lactic acid , glycolic acid and ether derivatives thereof . polycarboxylates containing two carboxy groups include the water - soluble salts of succinic acid , malonic acid , ( ethylenedioxy ) diacetic acid , maleic acid , diglycolic acid , tartaric acid . tartronic acid and fumaric acid , as well as the ether carboxylates and the sulfinyl carboxylates . polycarboxylates containing three carboxy groups include , in particular , water - soluble citrates , aconitrates and citraconates as well as succinate derivatives such as the carboxymethyloxysuccinates described in british patent no . 1 . 379 , 241 , lactoxysuccinates described in british patent no . 1 , 389 , 732 , and aminosuccinates described in netherlands application 7205873 , and the oxypolycarboxylate materials such as 2 - oxa - 1 , 1 , 3 - propane tricarboxylates described in british patent no . 1 , 387 , 447 . polycarboxylates containing four carboxy groups include oxydisuccinates disclosed in british patent no . 1 , 261 , 829 , 1 , 1 , 2 , 2 - ethane tetracarboxylates , 1 , 1 , 3 , 3 - propane tetracarboxylates and 1 , 1 , 2 , 3 - propane tetracarboxylates . polycarboxylates containing sulfo substituents include the sulfosuccinate derivatives disclosed in british patent nos . 1 , 398 , 421 and 1 , 398 , 422 and in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 936 , 448 , and the sulfonated pyrolysed citrates described in british patent no . 1 , 439 , 000 . preferred polycarboxylates are hydroxycarboxylates containing up to three carboxy groups per molecule , more particularly citrates . borate builders , as well as builders containing borate - forming materials that can produce borate under detergent storage or wash conditions are useful water - soluble builders herein . suitable examples of water - soluble phosphate builders are the alkali metal tripolyphosphates , sodium , potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate , sodium and potassium and ammonium pyrophosphate , sodium and potassium orthophosphate , sodium polymeta / phosphate in which the degree of polymerization ranges from about 6 to 21 . and salts of phytic acid . the detergent compositions of the present invention may contain a partially soluble or insoluble builder compound , typically present at a level of from 1 % to 80 % by weight , preferably from 10 % to 70 % by weight , most preferably from 20 % to 60 % weight of the composition . suitable aluminosilicate zeolites have the unit cell formula na z [( alo 2 ) z ( sio 2 ) y ]. xh 2 o wherein z and y are at least 6 ; the molar ratio of z to y is from 1 . 0 to 0 . 5 , and x is at least 5 . preferably from 7 . 5 to 276 , more preferably from 10 to 264 . the aluminosilicate material are in hydrated form and are preferably crystalline , containing from 10 % to 28 %, more preferably from 18 % to 22 % water in bound form . the aluminosilicate zeolites can be naturally occurring materials , but are preferably synthetically derived . synthetic crystalline aluminosilicate ion exchange materials are available under the designations zeolite a , zeolite b , zeolite p , zeolite x , zeolite hs and mixtures thereof . zeolite a has the formula wherein x is from 20 to 30 , especially 27 . zeolite x has the formula na 86 [( alo 2 ) 86 ( sio 2 ) 106 ]. 276h 2 o . preferred crystalline layered silicates for use herein have the general formula wherein m is sodium or hydrogen , x is a number from 1 . 9 to 4 and y is a number from 0 to 20 . crystalline layered sodium silicates of this type are disclosed in ep - a - 01 64514 and methods for their preparation are disclosed in de - a - 3417649 and de - a - 3742043 . herein , x in the general formula above preferably has a value of 2 , 3 or 4 and is preferably 2 . the most preferred material is δ - na 2 si 2 o 5 , available from hoechst ag as nasks - 6 . a preferred feature of detergent compositions of the invention is an organic peroxyacid bleaching system . in one preferred execution the bleaching system contains a hydrogen peroxide source and an organic peroxyacid bleach precursor compound . the production of the organic peroxyacid occurs by an in situ reaction of the precursor with a source of hydrogen peroxide . preferred sources of hydrogen peroxide include inorganic perhydrate bleaches . in an alternative preferred execution a preformed organic peroxyacid is incorporated directly into the composition . compositions containing mixtures of a hydrogen peroxide source and organic peroxyacid precursor in combination with a preformed organic peroxyacid are also envisaged . inorganic perhydrate salts are a preferred source of hydrogen peroxide . these salts are normally incorporated in the form of the alkali metal , preferably sodium salt at a level of from 1 % to 40 % by weight , more preferably from 2 % to 30 % by weight and most preferably from 5 % to 25 % by weight of the compositions . examples of inorganic perhydrate salts include perborate , percarbonate , perphosphate , persulfate and persilicate salts . the inorganic perhydrate salts are normally the alkali metal salts . the inorganic perhydrate salt may be included as the crystalline solid without additional protection . for certain perhydrate salts however , the preferred executions of such granular compositions utilize a coated form of the material which provides better storage stability for the perhydrate salt in the granular product . suitable coatings comprise inorganic salts such as alkali metal silicate , carbonate or borate salts or mixtures thereof , or organic materials such as waxes , oils , or fatty soaps . sodium perborate is a preferred perhydrate salt and can be in the form of the monohydrate of nominal formula nabo 2 h 2 o 2 or the tetrahydrate nabo 2 h 2 o 2 . 3h 2 o . alkali metal percarbonates , particularly sodium percarbonate are preferred perhydrates herein . sodium percarbonate is an addition compound having a formula corresponding to 2na 2 co 3 . 3h 2 o 2 , and is available commercially as a crystalline solid . potassium peroxymonopersulfate is another inorganic perhydrate salt of use in the detergent compositions herein . peroxyacid bleach precursors are compounds which react with hydrogen peroxide in a perhydrolysis reaction to produce a peroxyacid . generally peroxyacid bleach precursors may be represented as where l is a leaving group and x is essentially any functionality , such that on perhydroloysis the structure of the peroxyacid produced is peroxyacid bleach precursor compounds are preferably incorporated at a level of from 0 . 5 % to 20 % by weight , more preferably from 1 % to 15 % by weight , most preferably from 1 . 5 % to 10 % by weight of the detergent compositions . suitable peroxyacid bleach precursor compounds typically contain one or more n - or o - acyl groups , which precursors can be selected from a wide range of classes . suitable classes include anhydrides , esters , imides , lactams and acylated derivatives of imidazoles and oximes . examples of useful materials within these classes are disclosed in gb - a - 1586789 . suitable esters are disclosed in gb - a - 836988 , 864798 , 1147871 , 2143231 and ep - a - 0170386 . the leaving group , hereinafter l group , must be sufficiently reactive for the perhydrolysis reaction to occur within the optimum time frame ( e . g ., a wash cycle ). however , if l is too reactive , this activator will be difficult to stabilize for use in a bleaching composition . and mixtures thereof , wherein r 1 is an alkyl , aryl , or alkaryl group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms , r 3 is an alkyl chain containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms , r 4 is h or r 3 , and y is h or a solubilizing group . any of r 1 , r 3 and r 4 may be substituted by essentially any functional group including , for example alkyl hydroxy , alkoxy , halogen , amine , nitrosyl , amide and ammonium or alkyl ammonium groups . the preferred solubilizing groups are — so 3 − m + , — co 2 − m + , — so 4 − m + , — n + ( r 3 ) 4 x − and o ← n ( r 3 ) 3 and most preferably — so 3 − m + and — co 2 − m + wherein r 3 is an alkyl chain containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms , m is a cation which provides solubility to the bleach activator and x is an anion which provides solubility to the bleach activator . preferably , m is an alkali metal , ammonium or substituted ammonium cation , with sodium and potassium being most preferred , and x is a halide , hydroxide , methylsulfate or acetate anion . alkyl percarboxylic acid bleach precursors form percarboxylic acids on perhydrolysis . preferred precursors of this type provide peracetic acid on perhydrolysis . preferred alkyl percarboxylic precursor compounds of the imide type include the n -, n , n 1 n 1 tetra acetylated alkylene diamines wherein the alkylene group contains from 1 to 6 carbon atoms , particularly those compounds in which the alkylene group contains 1 , 2 and 6 carbon atoms . tetraacetyl ethylene diamine ( taed ) is particularly preferred . other preferred alkyl percarboxylic acid precursors include sodium 3 , 5 , 5 - tri - methyl hexanoyloxybenzene sulfonate ( iso - nobs ), sodium nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate ( nobs ), sodium acetoxybenzene sulfonate ( abs ) and pentaacetyl glucose . amide substituted alkyl peroxyacid precursor compounds are suitable herein , including those of the following general formulae : wherein r 1 is an alkyl group with from 1 to 14 carbon atoms , r 2 is an alkylene group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms , and r 5 is h or an alkyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms and l can be essentially any leaving group . amide substituted bleach activator compounds of this type are described in ep - a - 0 170386 . perbenzoic acid precursor compounds provide perbenzoic acid on perhydrolysis . suitable o - acylated perbenzoic acid precursor compounds include the substituted and unsubstituted benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonates , and the benzoylation products of sorbitol , glucose , and all saccharides with benzoylating agents , and those of the imide type including n - benzoyl succinimide , tetrabenzoyl ethylene diamine and the n - benzoyl substituted ureas . suitable imidazole type perbenzoic acid precursors include n - benzoyl imidazole and n - benzoyl benzimidazole . other useful n - acyl group - containing perbenzoic acid precursors include n - benzoyl pyrrolidone , dibenzoyl taurine and benzoyl pyroglutamic acid . typically , cationic peroxyacid precursors are formed by substituting the peroxyacid part of a suitable peroxyacid precursor compound with a positively charged functional group , such as an ammonium or alkyl ammonium group , preferably an ethyl or methyl ammonium group . cationic peroxyacid precursors are typically present in the solid detergent compositions as a salt with a suitable anion , such as a halide ion . the peroxyacid precursor compound to be so cationically substituted may be a perbenzoic acid , or substituted derivative thereof , precursor compound as described hereinbefore . alternatively , the peroxyacid precursor compound may be an alkyl percarboxylic acid precursor compound or an amide substituted alkyl peroxyacid precursor as described hereinafter . cationic peroxyacid precursors are described in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 904 , 406 ; 4 , 751 , 015 ; 4 , 988 , 451 ; 4 , 397 , 757 ; 5 , 269 , 962 ; 5 , 127 , 852 ; 5 , 093 , 022 ; 5 , 106 , 528 ; u . k . 1 , 382 , 594 ; ep 475 , 512 , 458 , 396 and 284 , 292 ; and in jp 87 - 318 , 332 . examples of preferred cationic peroxyacid precursors are described in uk patent application no . 9407944 . 9 and u . s . patent application ser . nos . 08 / 298903 , 08 / 298650 , 08 / 298904 and 08 / 298906 . suitable cationic peroxyacid precursors include any of the ammonium or alkyl ammonium substituted alkyl or benzoyl oxybenzene sulfonates , n - acylated caprolactams , and monobenzoyltetracetyl glucose benzoyl peroxides . preferred cationic peroxyacid precursors of the n - acylated caprolactam class include the trialkyl ammonium methylene benzoyl caprolactams and the trialkyl ammonium methylene alkyl caprolactams . also suitable are precursor compounds of the benzoxazin - type , as disclosed for example in ep - a - 332 , 294 and ep - a482 , 807 , particularly those having the formula : wherein r 1 is h , alkyl , alkaryl , aryl , or arylalkyl . the organic peroxyacid bleaching system may contain , in addition to , or as an alternative to , an organic peroxyacid bleach precursor compound , a preformed organic peroxyacid , typically at a level of from 1 % to 15 % by weight , more preferably from 1 % to 10 % by weight of the composition . a preferred class of organic peroxyacid compounds are the amide substituted compounds of the following general formulae : wherein r 1 is an alkyl , aryl or alkaryl group with from 1 to 14 carbon atoms , r 2 is an alkylene , arylene , and alkarylene group containing from 1 to 14 carbon atoms , and r 5 is h or an alkyl , aryl , or alkaryl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms . amide substituted organic peroxyacid compounds of this type are described in ep - a - 0170386 . other organic peroxyacids include diacyl and tetraacylperoxides , especially diperoxydodecanedioc acid , diperoxytetradecanedioc acid and diperoxyhexadecanedioc acid . mono - and diperazelaic acid , mono - and diperbrassylic acid and n - phthaloylaminoperoxicaproic acid are also suitable herein . the compositions optionally contain a transition metal containing bleach catalyst . one suitable type of bleach catalyst is a catalyst system comprising a heavy metal cation of defined bleach catalytic activity , such as copper , iron or manganese cations , an auxiliary metal cation having little or no bleach catalytic activity , such as zinc or aluminum cations , and a sequestrant having defined stability constants for the catalytic and auxiliary metal cations , particularly ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid , ethylenediaminetetra ( methylenephosphonic acid ) and water - soluble salts thereof . such catalysts are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 430 , 243 . other types of bleach catalysts include the manganese - based complexes disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 246 , 621 and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 244 , 594 . preferred examples of these catalysts include mn iv 2 ( u - o ) 3 ( 1 , 4 , 7 - trimethyl - 1 , 4 , 7 - triazacyclononane ) 2 -( pf 6 ) 2 , mn iii 2 ( u - o ) 1 ( u - oac ) 2 ( 1 , 4 , 7 - trimethyl - 1 , 4 , 7 - triazacyclononane ) 2 -( clo 4 ) 2 , mn iv 4 ( u - o ) 6 ( 1 , 4 , 7 - triazacyclononane ) 4 -( clo 4 ) 2 , mn iii mn iv 4 ( u - o ) 1 ( u - oac ) 2 -( 1 , 4 , 7 - trimethyl - 1 , 4 , 7 - triazacyclononane ) 2 -( clo 4 ) 3 , and mixtures thereof . others are described in european patent application publication no . 549 , 272 . other ligands suitable for use herein include 1 , 5 , 9 - timethyl - 1 , 5 , 9 - triazacyclododecane , 2 - methyl - 1 , 4 , 7 - triazacyclononane , 2 - methyl - 1 , 4 , 7 - triazacyclononane , 1 , 2 , 4 , 7 - tetramethyl - 1 , 4 , 7 - triazacyclononane , and mixtures thereof . for examples of suitable bleach catalysts see u . s . pat . no . 4 , 246 , 612 and u . s . pat . no . 5 , 227 , 084 . see also u . s . pat . no . 5 , 194 , 416 which teaches mononuclear manganese ( iv ) complexes such as mn ( 1 , 4 , 7 - trimethyl - 1 , 4 , 7 - triazacyclononane )( och 3 ) 3 − ( pf 6 ). still another type of bleach catalyst , as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 114 , 606 , is a water - soluble complex of manganese ( iii ), and / or ( iv ) with a ligand which is a non - carboxylate polyhydroxy compound having at least three consecutive c — oh groups . other examples include binuclear mn complexed with tetra - n - dentate and bi - n - dentate ligands , including n 4 mn iii ( u - o ) 2 mn iv n 4 ) + and [ bipy 2 mn iii ( u - o ) 2 mn iv bipy 2 ]-( clo 4 ) 3 . further suitable bleach catalysts are described , for example , in european patent application no . 408 , 131 ( cobalt complex catalysts ), european patent applications , publication nos . 384 , 503 , and 306 , 089 ( metallo - porphyrin catalysts ), u . s . pat . no . 4 , 728 , 455 ( manganese / multidentate ligand catalyst ), u . s . pat . no . 4 , 711 , 748 and european patent application , publication no . 224 , 952 , ( absorbed manganese on aluminosilicate catalyst ), u . s . pat . no . 4 , 601 , 845 ( aluminosilicate support with manganese and zinc or magnesium salt ), u . s . pat . no . 4 , 626 , 373 ( manganese / ligand catalyst ), u . s . pat . no . 4 , 119 , 557 ( ferric complex catalyst ), german pat . specification 2 , 054 , 019 ( cobalt chelant catalyst ) canadian 866 , 191 ( transition metal - containing salts ), u . s . pat . no . 4 . 430 , 243 ( chelants with manganese cations and non - catalytic metal cations ), and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 728 , 455 ( manganese gluconate catalysts ). the detergent compositions of the invention preferably contain as an optional component a heavy metal ion sequestrant . by heavy metal ion sequestrant it is meant herein components which act to sequester ( chelate ) heavy metal ions . these components may also have calcium and magnesium chelation capacity , but preferentially they show selectivity to binding heavy metal ions such as iron , manganese and copper . heavy metal ion sequestrants are generally present at a level of from 0 . 005 % to 20 %, preferably from 0 . 1 % to 10 %, more preferably from 0 . 25 % to 7 . 5 % and most preferably from 0 . 5 % to 5 % by weight of the compositions . suitable heavy metal ion sequestrants for use herein include organic phosphonates , such as the amino alkylene poly ( alkylene phosphonates ), alkali metal ethane 1 - hydroxy disphosphonates and nitrilo trimethylene phosphonates . preferred among the above species are diethylene triamine penta ( methylene phosphonate ), ethylene diamine tri ( methylene phosphonate ) hexamethylene diamine tetra ( methylene phosphonate ) and hydroxy - ethylene 1 , 1 diphosphonate . other suitable heavy metal ion sequestrant for use herein include nitrilotriacetic acid and polyaminocarboxylic acids such as ethylenediaminotetracetic acid , ethylenetriamine pentacetic acid , ethylenediamine disuccinic acid , ethylenediamine diglutaric acid , 2 - hydroxypropylenediamine disuccinic acid or any salts thereof . especially preferred is ethylenediamine - n , n - disuccinic acid ( edds ) or the alkali metal . alkaline earth metal , ammonium , or substituted ammonium salts thereof , or mixtures thereof . other suitable heavy metal ion sequestrants for use herein are iminodiacetic acid derivatives such as 2 - hydroxyethyl diacetic acid or glyceryl imino diacetic acid , described in ep - a - 317 , 542 and ep - a - 399 , 133 . the iminodiacetic acid - n - 2 - hydroxypropyl sulfonic acid and aspartic acid n - carboxymethyl n - 2 - hydroxypropyl - 3 - sulfonic acid sequestrants described in ep - a - 516 , 102 are also suitable herein . the β - alanine - n , n ′- diacetic acid , aspartic acid - n , n ′- diacetic acid , aspartic acid - n - monoacetic acid and iminodisuccinic acid sequestrants described in ep - a - 509 , 382 are also suitable . ep - a - 476 , 257 describes suitable amino based sequestrants . ep - a - 510 , 331 describes suitable sequestrants derived from collagen , keratin or casein . ep - a - 528 , 859 describes a suitable alkyl iminodiacetic acid sequestrant . dipicolinic acid and 2 - phosphonobutane - 1 , 2 , 4 - tricarboxylic acid are alos suitable . glycinamide - n , n ′- disuccinic acid ( gads ), ethylenediamine - n - n ′- diglutaric acid ( eddg ) and 2 - hydroxypropylenediamine - n - n ′- disuccinic acid ( hpdds ) are also suitable . another preferred ingredient useful in the detergent compositions is one or more additional enzymes . preferred additional enzymatic materials include the commercially available lipases , cutinases , amylases , neutral and alkaline proteases , esterases , cellulases , pectinases , lactases and peroxidases conventionally incorporated into detergent compositions . suitable enzymes are discussed in u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 519 , 570 and 3 , 533 , 139 . preferred commercially available protease enzymes include those sold under the tradenames alcalase , savinase , primase , durazym , and esperase by novo industries a / s ( denmark ), those sold under the tradename maxatase , maxacal and maxapem by gist - brocades , those sold by genencor international , and those sold under the tradename opticlean and optimase by solvay enzymes . protease enzyme may be incorporated into the compositions in accordance with the invention at a level of from 0 . 0001 % to 4 % active enzyme by weight of the composition . preferred amylases include , for example , α - amylases obtained from a special strain of b licheniformis , described in more detail in gb - 1 , 269 , 839 ( novo ). preferred commercially available amylases include for example , those sold under the tradename rapidase by gist - brocades , and those sold under the tradename termamyl and ban by novo industries a / s . amylase enzyme may be incorporated into the composition in accordance with the invention at a level of from 0 . 0001 % to 2 % active enzyme by weight of the composition . lipolytic enzyme may be present at levels of active lipolytic enzyme of from 0 . 0001 % to 2 % by weight , preferably 0 . 001 % to 1 % bv weight , most preferably from 0 . 001 % to 0 . 5 % by weight of the compositions . the lipase may be fungal or bacterial in origin being obtained , for example , from a lipase producing strain of humicola sp ., thermomyces sp . or pseudomonas sp . including pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes or pseudomas fluorescens . lipase from chemically or genetically modified mutants of these strains are also useful herein . a preferred lipase is derived from pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes , which is described in granted european patent , ep - b - 0218272 . another preferred lipase herein is obtained by cloning the gene from humicola lanuginosa and expressing the gene in aspergillus oryza , as host , as described in european patent application , ep - a - 0258 068 , which is commercially available from novo industri a / s , bagsvaerd , denmark , under the trade name lipolase . this lipase is also described in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 810 , 414 , huge - jensen et al , issued mar . 7 , 1989 . organic polymeric compounds are preferred additional components of the detergent compositions in accord with the invention , and are preferably present as components of any particulate components where they may act such as to bind the particulate component together . by organic polymeric compound it is meant herein essentially any polymeric organic compound commonly used as dispersants , and anti - redeposition and soil suspension agents in detergent compositions , including any of the high molecular weight organic polymeric compounds described as clay flocculating agents herein . organic polymeric compound is typically incorporated in the detergent compositions of the invention at a level of from 0 . 1 % to 30 %, preferably from 0 . 5 % to 15 %, most preferably from 1 % to 10 % by weight of the compositions . examples of organic polymeric compounds include the water soluble organic homo - or co - polymeric polycarboxylic acids or their salts in which the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least two carboxyl radicals separated from each other by not more than two carbon atoms . polymers of the latter type are disclosed in gb - a - 1 , 596 , 756 . examples of such salts are polyacryiates of mwt 2000 - 5000 and their copolymers with maleic anhydride , such copolymers having a molecular weight of from 20 , 000 to 100 , 000 , especially 40 , 000 to 80 , 000 . the polyamino compounds are useful herein including those derived from aspanic acid such as those disclosed in ep - a - 305282 , ep - a - 305283 and ep - a - 351629 . terpolymers containing monomer units selected from maleic acid , acrylic acid , polyaspartic acid and vinyl alcohol , particularly those having an average molecular weight of from 5 , 000 to 10 , 000 , are also suitable herein . other organic polymeric compounds suitable for incorporation in the detergent compositions herein include cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose , carboxymethylcellulose , hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose . further useful organic polymeric compounds are the polyethylene glycols , particularly those of molecular weight 1000 - 10000 , more particularly 2000 to 8000 and most preferably about 4000 . another organic compound , which is a preferred clay dispersant / anti - redeposition agent , for use herein , can be the ethoxylated cationic monoamines and diamines of the formula : wherein x is a noniomc group selected from the group consisting of h , c 1 - c 4 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl ester or ether groups , and mixtures thereof , a is from 0 to 20 , preferably from 0 to 4 ( e . g . ethylene , propylene , hexamethylene ) b is 1 or 0 : for cationic monoamines ( b = 0 ), n is at least 16 , with a typical range of from 20 to 35 : for cationic diamines ( b = 1 ), n is at least about 12 with a typical range of from about 12 to about 42 . other dispersants / anti - redeposition agents for use herein are described in ep - b - 0 11965 and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 659 , 802 and u . s . pat . no . 4 , 664 , 848 . the detergent compositions of the invention , when formulated for use in machine washing compositions , preferably comprise a suds suppressing system present at a level of from 0 . 01 % to 15 %, preferably from 0 . 05 % to 10 %, most preferably from 0 . 1 % to 5 % by weight of the composition . suitable suds suppressing systems for use herein may comprise essentially any known antifoam compound , including , for example silicone antifoam compounds and 2 - alkyl alcanol antifoam compounds . by antifoam compound it is meant herein any compound or mixtures of compounds which act such as to depress the foaming or sudsing produced by a solution of a detergent composition , particularly in the presence of agitation of that solution . particularly preferred antifoam compounds for use herein are silicone antifoam compounds defined herein as any antifoam compound including a silicone component . such silicone antifoam compounds also typically contain a silica component . the term “ silicone ” as used herein , and in general throughout the industry , encompasses a variety of relatively high molecular weight polymers containing siloxane units and hydrocarbyl group of various types . preferred silicone antifoam compounds are the siloxanes , particularly the polydimethylsiloxanes having trimethylsilyl end blocking units . other suitable antifoam compounds include the monocarboxylic fatty acids and soluble salts thereof . these materials are described in u . s . pat . no . 2 . 954 , 347 , issued sep . 27 , 1960 to wayne st . john . the monocarboxylic fatty acids , and salts thereof , for use as suds suppressor typically have hydrocarbyl chains of 10 to 24 carbon atoms , preferably 12 to 18 carbon atoms . suitable salts include the alkali metal salts such as sodium , potassium , and lithium salts , and ammonium and alkanolammonium salts . other suitable antifoam compounds include , for example , high molecular weight fatty esters ( e . g . fatty acid triglycerides ), fatty acid esters of monovalent alcohols , aliphatic c 18 - c 40 ketones ( e . g . stearone ) n - alkylated amino triazines such as tri - to hexa - alkylmelamines or di - to tetra alkyldiamine chlortriazines formed as products of cyanuric chloride with two or three moles of a primary or secondary amine containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms , propylene oxide , bis stearic acid amide and monostearyl di - alkali metal ( e . g . sodium , potassium , lithium ) phosphates and phosphate esters . ( a ) antifoam compound , preferably silicone antifoam compound , most preferably a silicone antifoam compound comprising in combination ( i ) polydimethyl siloxane , at a level of from 50 % to 99 %, preferably 75 % to 95 % by weight of the silicone antifoam compound ; and ( ii ) silica , at a level of from 1 % to 50 %, preferably 5 % to 25 % by weight of the silicone / silica antifoam compound ; wherein said silica / silicone antifoam compound is incorporated at a level of from 5 % to 50 %, preferably 10 % to 40 % by weight ; ( b ) a dispersant compound , most preferably comprising a silicone glycol rake copolymer with a polyoxyalkylene content of 72 - 78 % and an ethylene oxide to propylene oxide ratio of from 1 : 0 . 9 to 1 : 1 . 1 , at a level of from 0 . 5 % to 10 %, preferably 1 % to 10 % by weight ; a particularly preferred silicone glycol rake copolymer of this type is dco544 , commercially available from dow corning under the tradename dco0544 ; ( c ) an inert carrier fluid compound , most preferably comprising a c 16 - c 18 ethoxylated alcohol with a degree of ethoxylation of from 5 to 50 , preferably 8 to 15 , at a level of from 5 % to 80 %, preferably 10 % to 70 %, by weight ; a highly preferred particulate suds suppressing system is described in ep - a - 0210731 and comprises a silicone antifoam compound and an organic carrier material having a melting point in the range 50 ° c . to 85 ° c ., wherein the organic carrier material comprises a monoester of glycerol and a fatty acid having a carbon chain containing from 12 to 20 carbon atoms . ep - a - 0210721 discloses other preferred particulate suds suppressing systems wherein the organic carrier material is a fatty acid or alcohol having a carbon chain containing from 12 to 20 carbon atoms , or a mixture thereof , with a melting point of from 45 ° c . to 80 ° c . the detergent compositions may contain a clay softening system comprising a clay mineral compound and optionally a clay flocculating agent . the clay mineral compound is preferably a smectite clay compound . smectite clays are disclosed in the u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 862 , 058 , 3 , 948 , 790 , 3 , 954 , 632 and 4 , 062 , 647 . european patents nos . ep - a - 299 , 575 and ep - a - 313 , 146 in the name of the procter and gamble company describe suitable organic polymeric clay flocculating agents . the detergent compositions herein may also comprise from 0 . 01 % to 10 %, preferably from 0 . 05 % to 0 . 5 % by weight of polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents . the polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents are preferably selected from polyamine n - oxide polymers , copolymers of n - vinylpyrrolidone and n - vinylimidazole , polyvinylpyrrolidonepolymers or combinations thereof . polyamine n - oxide polymers suitable for use herein contain units having the following structure formula : a is nc , co , c , — o —, — s —, — n —; x is o or 1 ; r are aliphatic , ethoxylated aliphatic , aromatic , heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or any combination thereof whereto the nitrogen of the n — o group can be attached or wherein the nitrogen of the n — o group is part of these groups . the n — o group can be represented by the following general structures : wherein r1 , r2 , and r3 are aliphatic groups , aromatic , heterocyclic or alicyclic groups or combinations thereof , x or / and y or / and z is 0 or 1 and wherein the nitrogen of the n — o group can be attached or wherein the nitrogen of the n — o group forms part of these groups . the n — o group can be part of the polymerisable unit ( p ) or can be attached to the polymeric backbone or a combination of both . suitable polyamine n - oxides wherein the n — o group forms part of the polymerisable unit comprise polyamine n - oxides wherein r is selected from aliphatic , aromatic , alicyclic or heterocyclic groups . one class of said polyamine n - oxides comprises the group of polyamine n - oxides wherein the nitrogen of the n — o group forms part of the r - group . preferred polyamine n - oxides are those wherein r is a heterocyclic group such as pyrridine , pyrrole , imidazole , pyrrolidine , piperidine , quinoline , acridine and derivatives thereof . other suitable polyamine n - oxides are the polyamine oxides whereto the n — o group is attached to the polymerisable unit . a preferred class of these polyamine n - oxides comprises the polyamine n - oxides having the general formula ( i ) wherein r is an aromatic , heterocyclic or alicyclic groups wherein the nitrogen of the n — o functional group is part of said r group . examples of these classes are polyamine oxides wherein r is a heterocyclic compound such as pyrridine , pyrrole , imidazole and derivatives thereof . the polyamine n - oxides can be obtained in almost any degree of polymerisation . the degree of polymerisation is not critical provided the material has the desired water - solubility and dye - suspending power . typically , the average molecular weight is within the range of 500 to 1000 , 000 . suitable herein are coploymers of n - vinylimidazole and n - vinylpyrrolidone having an average molecular weight range of from 5 , 000 to 50 , 000 . the preferred copolymers have a molar ratio of n - vinylimidazole to n - vinylpyrrolidone from 1 to 0 . 2 . the detergent compositions herein may also utilize polyvinylpyrrolidone (“ pvp ”) having an average molecular weight of from 2 , 500 to 400 , 000 . suitable polyvinylpyrrolidones are commercially available from isp corporation , new york , n . y . and montreal , canada under the product names pvp k - 15 ( viscosity molecular weight of 10 , 000 ), pvp k - 30 ( average molecular weight of 40 , 000 ), pvp k - 60 ( average molecular weight of 160 , 000 ), and pvp k - 90 ( average molecular weight of 360 , 000 ). pvp k - 15 is also available from isp corporation . other suitable polyvinylpyrrolidones which are commercially available from basf cooperation include sokalan hp 165 and sokalan hp 12 . the detergent compositions herein may also utilize polyvinyloxazolidones as polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agents . said polyvinyloxazolidones have an average molecular weight of from 2 , 500 to 400 , 000 . the detergent compositions herein may also utilize polyvinylimidazole as polymeric dye transfer inhibiting agent . said polyvinylimidazoles preferably have an average molecular weight of from 2 , 500 to 400 , 000 . the detergent compositions herein also optionally contain from about 0 . 005 % to 5 % by weight of certain types of hydrophilic optical brighteners . hydrophilic optical brighteners useful herein include those having the structural formula : wherein r 1 is selected from anilino , n - 2 - bis - hydroxyethyl and nh - 2 - hydroxyethyl ; r 2 is selected from n - 2 - bis - hydroxyethyl , n - 2 - hydroxyethyl - n - methylamino . morphilino , chloro and amino : and m is a salt - forming cation such as sodium or potassium . when in the above formula , r 1 is anilino , r 2 is n - 2 - bis - hydroxyethyl and m is a cation such as sodium , the brightener is 4 , 4 ′,- bis [( 4 - anilino - 6 -( n - 2 - bis - hydroxyethyl )- s - triazine - 2 - yl ) amino ]- 2 , 2 ′- stilbenedisulfonic acid and disodium salt . this particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename tinopal - unpa - gx by ciba - geigy corporation . tinopal - unpa - gx is the preferred hydrophilic optical brightener useful in the detergent compositions herein . when in the above formula , r 1 is anilino , r 2 is n - 2 - hydroxyethyl - n - 2 - methylamino and m is a cation such as sodium , the brightener is 4 , 4 ′- bis [( 4 - anilino - 6 -( n - 2 - hydroxyethyl - n - methylamino )- s - tiazine - 2 - yl ) amino ] 2 , 2 ′- stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt . this particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename tinopal 5bm - gx by ciba - geigy corporation . when in the above formula , r 1 is anilino , r 2 is morphilino and m is a cation such as sodium , the brightener is 4 , 4 ′- bis [( 4 - anilino - 6 - morphilino - s - triazine - 2 - yl ) amino ] 2 , 2 ′- stilbenedisulfonic acid , sodium salt . this particular brightener species is commercially marketed under the tradename tinopal ams - gx by ciba geigy corporation . cationic fabric softening agents can also be incorporated into compositions in accordance with the present invention . suitable cationic fabric softening agents include the water insoluble tertiary amines or dilong chain amide materials as disclosed in gb - a - 1 514 276 and ep - b - 0 011 340 . cationic fabric softening agents are typically incorporated at total levels of from 0 . 5 % to 15 % by weight , normally from 1 % to 5 % by weight . other optional ingredients suitable for inclusion in the compositions of the invention include perfumes , colours and filler salts , with sodium sulfate being a preferred filler salt . the present compositions preferably have a ph measured as a 1 % solution in distilled water of at least 10 . 0 , preferably from 10 . 0 to 12 . 5 , most preferably from 10 . 5 to 12 . 0 . the detergent composition of the invention can be made via a variety of methods , including dry - mixing and agglomerating of the various compounds comprised in the detergent composition . the acid source of the invention is preferably dry - added . the compositions in accordance with the invention can take a variety of physical forms including granular , tablet , bar and liquid forms . the compositions are particularly the so - called concentrated granular detergent compositions adapted to be added to a washing machine by means of a dispensing device placed in the machine drum with the soiled fabric load . the mean particle size of the base composition of granular compositions in accordance with the invention can be from 0 . 1 mm to 5 . 0 mm , but it should preferably be such that no more that 5 % of particles are greater than 1 . 7 mm in diameter and not more than 5 % of particles are less than 0 . 15 mm in diameter . the term mean particle size as defined herein is calculated by sieving a sample of the composition into a number of fractions ( typically 5 fractions ) on a series of tyler sieves . the weight fractions thereby obtained are plotted against the aperture size of the sieves . the mean particle size is taken to be the aperture size through which 50 % by weight of the sample would pass . the bulk density of granular detergent compositions in accordance with the present invention typically have a bulk density of at least 600 g / liter , more preferably from 650 g / liter to 1200 g / liter . bulk density is measured by means of a simple funnel and cup device consisting of a conical funnel moulded rigidly on a base and provided with a flap valve at its lower extremity to allow the contents of the funnel to be emptied into an axially aligned cylindrical cup disposed below the funnel . the funnel is 130 mm high and has internal diameters of 130 mm and 40 mm at its respective upper and lower extremities . it is mounted so that the lower extremity is 140 mm above the upper surface of the base . the cup has an overall height of 90 mm , an internal height of 87 mm and an internal diameter of 84 mm . its nominal volume is 500 ml . to carry out a measurement , the funnel is filled with powder by hand pouring , the flap valve is opened and powder allowed to overfill the cup . the filled cup is removed from the frame and excess powder removed from the cup by passing a straight edged implement eg ; a knife , across its upper edge . the filled cup is then weighed and the value obtained for the weight of powder doubled to provide a bulk density in g / liter . replicate measurements are made as required . the surfactant system herein is preferably present in granular compositions in the form of surfactant agglomerate particles , which may take the form of flakes , prills , marurnes , noodles , ribbons , but preferably take the form of granules . the most preferred way to process the particles is by agglomerating powders ( e . g . aluminosilicate , carbonate ) with high active surfactant pastes and to control the particle size of the resultant agglomerates within specified limits . such a process involves mixing an effective amount of powder with a high active surfactant paste in one or more agglomerators such as a pan agglomerator , a z - blade mixer or more preferably an in - line mixer such as those manufactured by schugi ( holland ) bv , 29 chroomstraat 8211 as , lelystad , netherlands . and gebruder lodige maschinenbau gmbh , d4790 paderbom 1 , elsenerstrasse 7 - 9 , postfach 2050 , germany . most preferably a high shear mixer is used , such as a lodige cb ( trade name ). a high active surfactant paste comprising from 50 % by weight to 95 % by weight , preferably 70 % by weight to 85 % by weight of surfactant is typically used . the paste may be pumped into the agglomerator at a temperature high enough to maintain a pumpable viscosity , but low enough to avoid degradation of the anionic surfactants used . an operating temperature of the paste of 50 ° c . to 80 ° c . is typical . in an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention , the detergent composition has a density of greater than about 600 g / l and is in the form of powder or a granulate containing more than about 5 % by weight of the alkali , preferably ( bi -) carbonate or percarbonate . the carbonate material is either dry - added or delivered via agglomerates . the addition of the acid , preferably citric acid , ( up to 10 %) may be introduced into the product as a dry - add , or via a separate particle . machine laundry methods herein typically comprise treating soiled laundry with an aqueous wash solution in a washing machine having dissolved or dispensed therein an effective amount of a machine laundry detergent composition in accord with the invention . by an effective amount of the detergent composition it is meant from 40 g to 300 g of product dissolved or dispersed in a wash solution of volume from 5 to 65 liters , as are typical product dosages and wash solution volumes commonly employed in conventional machine laundry methods . in a preferred use aspect a dispensing device is employed in the washing method . the dispensing device is charged with the detergent product , and is used to introduce the product directly into the drum of the washing machine before the commencement of the wash cycle . its volume capacity should be such as to be able to contain sufficient detergent product as would normally be used in the washing method . once the washing machine has been loaded with laundry the dispensing device containing the detergent product is placed inside the drum . at the commencement of the wash cycle of the washing machine water is introduced into the drum and the drum periodically rotates . the design of the dispensing device should be such that it permits containment of the dry detergent product but then allows release of this product during the wash cycle in response to its agitation as the drum rotates and also as a result of its contact with the wash water . to allow for release of the detergent product during the wash the device may possess a number of openings through which the product may pass . alternatively , the device may be made of a material which is permeable to liquid but impermeable to the solid product , which will allow release of dissolved product . preferably , the detergent product will be rapidly released at the start of the wash cycle thereby providing transient localised high concentrations of product in the drum of the washing machine at this stage of the wash cycle . preferred dispensing devices are reusable and are designed in such a way that container integrity is maintained in both the dry state and during the wash cycle . especially preferred dispensing devices for use with the composition of the invention have been described in the following patents ; gb - b - 2 , 157 , 717 , gb - b - 2 , 157 , 718 , ep - a - 0201376 , ep - a - 0288345 and ep - a - 0288346 . an article by j . bland published in manufacturing chemist , november 1989 , pages 41 - 46 also describes especially preferred dispensing devices for use with granular laundry products which are of a type commonly know as the “ granulette ”. another preferred dispensing device for use with the compositions of this invention is disclosed in pct patent application no . wo94 / 11562 . especially preferred dispensing devices are disclosed in european patent application publication nos . 0343069 & amp ; 0343070 . the latter application discloses a device comprising a flexible sheath in the form of a bag extending from a support ring defining an orifice , the orifice being adapted to admit to the bag sufficient product for one washing cycle in a washing process . a portion of the washing medium flows through the orifice into the bag , dissolves the product , and the solution then passes outwardly through the orifice into the washing medium . the support ring is provided with a masking arrangement to prevent egress of wetted , undissolved , product , this arrangement typically comprising radially extending walls extending from a central boss in a spoked wheel configuration , or a similar structure in which the walls have a helical form . alternatively , the dispensing device may be a flexible container , such as a bag or pouch . the bag may be of fibrous construction coated with a water impermeable protective material so as to retain the contents , such as is disclosed in european published patent application no . 0018678 . alternatively it may be formed of a water - insoluble synthetic polymeric material provided with an edge seal or closure designed to rupture in aqueous media as disclosed in european published patent application nos . 0011500 , 0011501 , 0011502 , and 0011968 . a convenient form of water frangible closure comprises a water soluble adhesive disposed along and sealing one edge of a pouch formed of a water impermeable polymeric film such as polyethylene or polypropylene . commercially marketed executions of the bleaching compositions can be packaged in any suitable container including those constructed from paper , cardboard , plastic materials and any suitable laminates . a preferred packaging execution is described in european application no . 94921505 . 7 . las : sodium linear c 12 alkyl benzene sulfonate tas : sodium tallow alkyl sulfate c45as : sodium c 14 - c 15 linear alkyl sulfate cxyezs : sodium c 1x - c 1y branched alkyl sulfate condensed with z moles of ethylene oxide c45e7 : a c 14 - 15 predominantly linear primary alcohol condensed with an average of 7 moles of ethylene oxide c25e3 : a c 12 - 15 branched primary alcohol condensed with an average of 3 moles of ethylene oxide c25e5 : a c 12 - 15 branched primary alcohol condensed with an average of 5 moles of ethylene oxide ceq : r 1 cooch 2 ch 2 . n + ( ch 3 ) 3 with r 1 = c 11 - c 13 qas i : r 2 . n + ( ch 3 ) 2 ( c 2 h 4 oh ) with r 2 = c 12 - c 14 qas ii : r 2 . n + ( ch 3 )( c 2 h 4 oh ) 2 with r 2 = c 10 - c 14 soap : sodium linear alkyl carboxy late derived from an 80 / 20 mixture of tallow and coconut oils . tfaa : c 16 - c 18 alkyl n - methyl glucamide tpkfa : c12 - c14 topped whole cut fatty acids stpp : anhydrous sodium tripolyphosphate zeolite a : hydrated sodium aluminosilicate of formula na 12 ( alo 2 sio 2 ) 12 . 27h 2 o having a primary particle size in the range from 0 . 1 to 10 micrometers nasks - 6 : crystalline layered silicate of formula δ - na 2 si 2 o 5 citric acid : anhydrous citric acid carbonate : anhydrous sodium carbonate with a particle size between 200 μm and 900 μm bicarbonate : anhydrous sodium bicarbonate with a particle size distribution between 400 μm and 1200 μm silicate : amorphous sodium silicate ( sio 2 : na 2 o ; 2 . 0 ratio ) sodium sulfate : anhydrous sodium sulfate citrate : tri - sodium citrate dihydrate of activity 86 . 4 % with a particle size distribution between 425 μm and 850 μm ma / aa : copolymer of 1 : 4 maleic / acrylic acid , average molecular weight about 70 , 000 . cmc : sodium carboxymethyl cellulose protease : proteolytic enzyme of activity 4 knpu / g sold by novo industries ais under the tradenamne savinase alcalase : proteolytic enzyme of activity 3 au / g sold by novo industries a / s cellulase : cellulytic enzyme of activity 1000 cevu / g sold by novo industries a / s under the tradenamne carezyme amylase : amylolytic enzyme of activity 60 knu / g sold by novo industries a / s under the tradename termamyl 60t lipase : lipolytic enzyme of activity 100 klu / g sold by novo industries a / s under the tradename lipolase endolase : endoglunase enzyme of activity 3000 cevu / g sold by novo industries a / s pb4 : sodium perborate tetrahydrate of nominal formula nabo 2 . 3h 2 o . h 2 o 2 pb1 : anhydrous sodium perborate monohydrate bleach of nominal formula nabo 2 . h 2 o 2 percarboriate : sodium percarbonate of nominal formula 2na 2 co 3 . 3h 2 o 2 nobs : nonanoyloxybenzene sulfonate in the form of the sodium salt . taed : terraacetylethylenediamine dtpmp : diethylene triamine penta ( methylene phosphonate ), marketed by monsanto under the trade name dequest 2060 photoactivated : sulfonated zinc phthlocyanine encapsulated in bleach dextrin soluble polymer brightener 1 : disodium 4 , 4 ′- bis ( 2 - sulphostyryl ) biphenyl brightener 2 : disodium 4 , 4 - bis ( 4 - anilino - 6 - morpholinol - 1 , 3 , 5 - triazin - 2 - yl ) amino ) stilbene - 2 : 2 ′- disulfonate . hedp : 1 , 1 - hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid pvno : polyvinylpyridine n - oxide pvpvi : copolymer of polyvinylpyrolidone and vinylimidazole srp 1 : sulfobenzoyl end capped esters with oxyethylene oxy and terephtaloyl backbone srp 2 : diethoxylated poly ( 1 , 2 propylene terephtalate ) short block polymer silicone antifoam : polydimethylsiloxane foam controller with siloxane - oxyalkylene copolymer as dispersing agent with a ratio of said foam controller to said dispersing agent of 10 : 1 to 100 : 1 . alkalinity : % weight equivalent of naoh , as obtained using the alkalinity release test method described herein . in the following examples all levels are quoted as % by weight of the composition : the following granular laundry detergent compositions a and b of bulk density 750 g / liter were prepared in accord with the invention : a b c d las 5 . 61 4 . 76 5 . 5 6 . 5 tas 1 . 86 1 . 57 2 . 1 1 . 5 c45as 2 . 24 3 . 89 2 . 4 3 . 2 c25ae3s 0 . 76 1 . 18 0 . 8 1 . 3 c45e7 — 5 . 0 — 2 . 5 c25e3 5 . 5 — 2 . 5 — ceq 2 . 0 1 . 0 — — qas — 1 . 0 2 . 0 1 . 5 zeolite a 19 . 5 19 . 5 16 . 5 16 . 5 nasks - 6 / citric acid ( 79 : 21 ) 10 . 6 10 . 6 10 . 6 6 . 9 carbonate 21 . 4 21 . 4 16 . 5 19 . 3 bicarbonate 2 . 0 2 . 0 2 . 0 — silicate 2 . 0 — — 2 . 0 sodium sulfate — 14 . 3 — — percarbonare 12 . 7 — 12 . 0 — taed 3 . 1 — 4 . 5 — detpmp 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 hedp 0 . 3 0 . 3 0 . 3 0 . 3 protease 0 . 85 0 . 85 0 . 85 0 . 85 lipase 0 . 15 0 . 15 0 . 15 0 . 15 cellulase 0 . 28 0 . 28 0 . 28 0 . 18 amylase 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 mama 1 . 6 1 . 6 1 . 0 2 . 2 cmc 0 . 4 0 . 4 0 . 7 0 . 7 photoactivated bleach ( ppm ) 27 ppm 27 ppm 27 ppm 27 ppm brightener 1 0 . 19 0 . 19 0 . 19 0 . 19 brightener 2 0 . 04 0 . 04 0 . 04 0 . 04 perfume 0 . 3 0 . 3 0 . 3 0 . 3 silicone antifoam 2 . 4 2 . 4 2 . 4 2 . 4 citric acid 1 . 5 2 . 0 4 . 5 5 . 5 minors / misc to 100 % the following detergent formulations , according to the present invention were prepared : e f g blown powder stpp 14 . 0 — 14 . 0 zeolite a — 20 . 0 — c45as 9 . 0 6 . 0 8 . 0 ma / aa 2 . 0 4 . 0 2 . 0 las 6 . 0 8 . 0 9 . 0 tas 2 . 0 — — qas ii 1 . 5 3 . 0 3 . 5 silicate 7 . 0 8 . 0 8 . 0 cmc 1 . 0 1 . 0 0 . 5 brightener 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 soap 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 dtpmp 0 . 4 0 . 4 0 . 2 spray on c45e7 2 . 5 2 . 5 2 . 0 c25e3 2 . 5 2 . 5 2 . 0 silicone antifoam 0 . 3 0 . 3 0 . 3 perfume 0 . 3 0 . 3 0 . 3 dry additives carbonate 26 . 0 23 . 0 25 . 0 percarbonate 18 . 0 18 . 0 10 pb1 — — 2 . 0 taed 3 . 0 3 . 0 1 . 0 photoactivated bleach 0 . 02 0 . 02 0 . 02 protease 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 lipase 0 . 4 0 . 4 0 . 4 amylase 0 . 25 0 . 30 0 . 15 dry mixed sodium sulfate 3 . 0 3 . 0 5 . 0 citric acid 2 . 5 2 . 0 5 . 0 balance ( moisture & amp ; 100 . 0 100 . 0 100 . 0 miscellaneous ) density ( g / litre ) 630 670 670 the following nil bleach - containing detergent formulations of particular use in the washing of colored clothing , according to the present invention were prepared : h i blown powder zeolite a 15 . 0 — sodium sulfate — — las 3 . 0 — qas i — 1 . 5 ceq 2 . 0 1 . 3 dtpmp 0 . 4 — cmc 0 . 4 — mama 4 . 0 — agglomerates c45as — 11 . 0 las 6 . 0 — tas 3 . 0 — silicate 4 . 0 — zeolite a 10 . 0 13 . 0 cmc — 0 . 5 ma / aa — 2 . 0 carbonate 9 . 0 7 . 0 spray on perfume 0 . 3 0 . 5 c45e7 4 . 0 4 . 0 c25e3 2 . 0 2 . 0 dry additives ma / aa — 3 . 0 nasks - 6 — 12 . 0 citric acid 4 . 0 3 . 0 citrate 10 . 0 8 . 0 bicarbonate 7 . 0 5 . 0 carbonate 8 . 0 7 . 0 pvpvi / pvno 0 . 5 0 . 5 alcalase 0 . 5 0 . 9 lipase 0 . 4 0 . 4 amylase 0 . 6 0 . 6 cellulase 0 . 6 0 . 6 silicone antifoam 5 . 0 5 . 0 dry additives sodium sulfate 0 . 0 0 . 0 balance ( moisture and miscellaneous ) 100 . 0 100 . 0 density ( g / litre ) 700 700 the following detergent formulations , according to the present invention were prepared : j k l m las 12 . 0 12 . 0 12 . 0 10 . 0 qas 0 . 7 1 . 0 — 0 . 7 tfaa — 1 . 0 — — c25e5 / c45e7 — 2 . 0 — 0 . 5 c45e3s — 2 . 5 — — qas ii 2 . 0 1 . 5 1 . 0 1 . 0 stpp 30 . 0 18 . 0 15 . 0 — silicate 9 . 0 7 . 0 10 . 0 — carbonate 15 . 0 10 . 5 15 . 0 25 . 0 bicarbonate — 10 . 5 — — dtpmp 0 . 7 1 . 0 — — srp 1 0 . 3 0 . 2 — 0 . 1 ma / aa 2 . 0 1 . 5 2 . 0 1 . 0 cmc 0 . 8 0 . 4 0 . 4 0 . 2 protease 0 . 8 1 . 0 0 . 5 0 . 5 amylase 0 . 8 0 . 4 — 0 . 25 lipase 0 . 2 0 . 1 0 . 2 0 . 1 cellulase 0 . 15 0 . 05 — — photoactivated 70 ppm 45 ppm — 10 ppm bleach ( ppm ) brightener 1 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 08 0 . 2 percarbonate 6 . 0 2 . 0 — — nobs 2 . 0 1 . 0 — — citric acid 3 . 5 5 . 0 3 . 0 2 . 0 balance ( moisture 100 100 100 100 and miscellaneous ) the following detergent formulations , according to the present invention were prepared : n o p blown powder zeolite a 10 . 0 15 . 0 6 . 0 sodium sulfate 19 . 0 5 . 0 7 . 0 ma / aa 3 . 0 3 . 0 6 . 0 las 10 . 0 8 . 0 10 . 0 c45as 4 . 0 5 . 0 7 . 0 qas i 2 . 0 4 . 0 1 . 0 silicate — 1 . 0 7 . 0 soap — — 2 . 0 brightener 1 0 . 2 0 . 2 0 . 2 carbonate 28 . 0 26 . 0 20 . 0 dtpmp — 0 . 4 0 . 4 spray on c45e7 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 dry additives pvpvi / pvno 0 . 5 0 . 5 0 . 5 protease 1 . 0 1 . 0 1 . 0 lipase 0 . 4 0 . 4 0 . 4 amylase 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 cellulase 0 . 1 0 . 1 0 . 1 nobs — 6 . 1 4 . 5 percarbonate 1 . 0 5 . 0 6 . 0 sodium sulfate — 6 . 0 — citric acid 2 . 5 2 . 5 2 . 0 balance ( moisture and 100 100 100 miscellaneous ) the following high density and bleach - containing detergent formulations , according to the present invention were prepared : q r blown powder zeolite a 15 . 0 15 . 0 sodium sulfate 0 . 0 0 . 0 las 8 . 0 3 . 0 qas — 1 . 5 ceq 2 . 0 — dtpmp 0 . 4 0 . 4 cmc 0 . 4 0 . 4 ma / aa 4 . 0 2 . 0 agglomerates las 4 . 0 4 . 0 tas 2 . 0 1 . 0 silicate 3 . 0 4 . 0 zeolite a 8 . 0 8 . 0 carbonate 8 . 0 6 . 0 spray on perfume 0 . 3 0 . 3 c45e7 2 . 0 2 . 0 c25e3 2 . 0 — dry additives citric acid 2 . 0 3 . 0 citrate 5 . 0 2 . 0 bicarbonate — — carbonate 8 . 0 10 . 0 taed 6 . 0 5 . 0 percarbonate 14 . 0 10 . 0 polyethylene oxide of mw 5 , 000 , 000 — 0 . 2 bentonite clay — 10 . 0 protease 1 . 0 1 . 0 lipase 0 . 4 0 . 4 amylase 0 . 6 0 . 6 cellulase 0 . 6 0 . 6 silicone antifoam 5 . 0 5 . 0 dry additives sodium sulfate 2 . 0 0 . 0 balance ( moisture and 100 . 0 100 . 0 miscellaneous ) density ( g / litre ) 850 850 the following high density detergent formulations , according to the present invention were prepared : s t agglomerate c45as 11 . 0 14 . 0 qas i 1 . 0 2 . 0 ceq 3 . 0 — zeolite a 15 . 0 6 . 0 carbonate 4 . 0 8 . 0 ma / aa 4 . 0 2 . 0 cmc 0 . 5 0 . 5 dtpmp 0 . 4 0 . 4 spray on c25e5 5 . 0 5 . 0 perfume 0 . 5 0 . 5 dry adds citric acid 1 . 5 2 . 0 hbdp 0 . 5 0 . 3 sks 6 13 . 0 10 . 0 citrate 3 . 0 1 . 0 taed 5 . 0 7 . 0 percarbonate 20 . 0 20 . 0 srp 1 0 . 3 0 . 3 protease 1 . 4 1 . 4 lipase 0 . 4 0 . 4 cellulase 0 . 6 0 . 6 amylase 0 . 6 0 . 6 silicone antifoam 5 . 0 5 . 0 brightener 1 0 . 2 0 . 2 brightener 2 0 . 2 — balance ( moisture and 100 100 miscellaneous ) density ( g / litre ) 850 850 | US-78377701-A |
a packaging device consisting of at least one enclosure containing the product and at least one flowable material of predetermined quantity , closed by at least one airtight closure , at least one portion of the walls of said enclosure and closure is flexible . in the event the product is tampered with through an opening in the walls of said packaging device , the package will manifest evidence which will alert the consumer of the possibility that the product may have been tampered with . statements for identifying evidence of tampering with the package and cautioning the purchaser against utilizing the contents therein appear on said package . | the illustrative embodiment of fig1 comprises an enclosure ( 1 ) of any suitable design , shape , construction and size , and is closed with closure ( 3 ) which is of the type of child resistant closure . at least a portion of the walls of at least one of enclosure ( 1 ) and closure ( 3 ) is flexible and suitably foldable and is of suitable size and design which may resemble the shape of bellows - like ( 2 ). the contents of the interior space ( 4 ) inside enclosure ( 1 ) may be solid , semi - solid , liquid or gaseous material , and above it is head space ( 5 ). a specified quantity of at least one specific flowable material in enclosure ( 1 ) after it is hermetically closed is instrumental in determining its volume under the pressure and temperature of the surrounding atmosphere by folding or unfolding bellows - like foldings ( 2 ). the bellows shaped foldings ( 2 ) associated with enclosure ( 1 ) and closure cap ( 3 ) are capable of holding a predetermined quantity of at least one flowable material which is capable of causing the internal pressure therein to reach a predetermined range of pressure level when said bellows shaped foldings are conveniently compressed . outer flexible pouch - like enclosure ( 7 ) is made of any suitable size , shape and construction and encloses enclosure ( 1 ) and forms space ( 6 ) in between , and holds a predetermined quantity of at least one specific flowable material which may be liquid or gas or both liquid and gas and is hermetically sealed at area ( 8 ). the internal pressure within enclosure ( 7 ) may be above or below that of the surrounding atmospheric pressure , and is determined by the quantity of the flowable material therein . enclosure ( 1 ) and enclosure ( 7 ) are capable of maintaining their predetermined volume and internal pressure under the same atmospheric conditions within an acceptable degree of accuracy as long as they remain closed and untampered with . shown in fig2 and 3 are enclosure ( 7 ) in an open position , the contents in space ( 4 ) is liquid and on top of it is head space ( 5 ) which contains gas . the walls of outer enclosure ( 7 ) do not press against the walls of the inner enclosure ( 1 ), and do not restrict its movement therein . shown in fig2 and 3 are enclosure ( 7 ) in an open position , the contents in space ( 4 ) is liquid and on top of it is head space ( 5 ) which contains gas . the walls of outer enclosure ( 7 ) do not press against the walls of the inner enclosure ( 1 ), and do not restrict its movement therein . in the illustrative embodiments of fig4 and 5 , enclosure ( 7 ) which encloses enclosure ( 1 ) has been evacuated and its internal pressure has been suitably reduced to a level below that of the surrounding atmospheric pressure before it was permanently closed . the partial vacuum within outer enclosure ( 7 ) would confine and seize and cushion structure ( 10 ) and inner enclosure ( 1 ) and restrain and limit their movement therein to a predetermined degree . its walls touch and press against the walls of the inner enclosure ( 1 ). the movement of enclosure ( 1 ) within enclosure ( 7 ) is restricted to a predetermined degree . the illustrative embodiments in fig6 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , and 15 show variations of containers and closures which conform with all the specifications of the inner enclosure ( 1 ) and closure ( 3 ) mentioned above . at least one of the bellows - like foldings ( 2 ) in either container ( 1 ) or closure ( 3 ) can be suitably compressed and result with raising its internal pressure and reducing its size . foldings ( 2 ) may be constructed in various suitable designs , sizes and locations , and compressed to settle on top of one another as in fig7 , 9 , 10 , 11 , and 12 , or settle within the container as in fig6 , and 14 , or outside the container as shown in fig . ( 15 ). the illustrative embodiment of fig1 shows an open and shut plug with plug piece ( 12 ) of a special design , size , dimensions and construction and is in an open position extending through opening ( 13 ) in enclosure ( 1 ). part of plug piece ( 12 ) which extends through opening ( 13 ) into the interior of enclosure ( 1 ) is narrower than opening ( 13 ) and has grooves indented on its surface which allows a specific flowable material to flow around it through opening ( 13 ) and subsequently in or out of enclosure ( 1 ). the tip of plug piece ( 12 ) which protrude in the interior inside enclosure ( 1 ) is larger than opening ( 13 ) and does not allow said plug piece ( 12 ) to slip or come out by itself through opening ( 13 ). the illustrative embodiment of fig1 shows an open and shut plug with plug piece ( 12 ) of a special design , size , dimensions and construction closed in locked - in position , pushed inside enclosure ( 1 ) through opening ( 13 ) and sealing opening ( 13 ) hermetically in an air tight condition . plug piece ( 12 ) becomes locked - in by opening ( 13 ) due to their special design , dimensions and construction . because of the elasticity of part of plug piece ( 12 ), after it is squeezed through opening ( 13 ) to protrude into the interior of enclosure ( 1 ), it will assume its original size , which is larger than opening ( 13 ) and locks in itself in that position . the illustrative embodiment of fig2 shows gasket ( 14 ) pressed between the opening of enclosure ( 1 ) and closure ( 3 ) in a hermetically air tight seal . the illustrative embodiment of fig2 shows flowed - in gasket ( 16 ) pressed between the threadings of the neck of enclosure ( 1 ) and those of closure ( 3 ) in a hermetically sealed air tight condition . opening ( 13 ) and plug piece ( 12 ) are located in the wall of closure ( 3 ). the illustrative embodiment of fig2 shows gasket ( 14 ) pressed between the open end of closure ( 3 ) and the shoulder of enclosure ( 1 ) in hermetically sealed air tight condition . opening ( 13 ) and plug piece ( 12 ) are located in the wall of enclosure ( 1 ). the combinations of the open and shut plug , plug piece ( 12 ) and opening ( 13 ) may be located in any of the walls of enclosure ( 1 ) and closure ( 3 ). packaging a product in a tamper - resistant packaging system of this type involves the following steps : ii a . transfer a predetermined quantity of the specified flowable material into enclosure ( 1 ) and close it by closure ( 3 ) in a hermetically air tight condition . ii b . in case where open and shut plug including plug piece ( 12 ) and opening ( 13 ) are associated with the wall of either enclosure ( 1 ) or closure ( 3 ) as specified above , enclosure ( 1 ) may first be closed by closure ( 3 ) in an air tight condition and thereafter the specified predetermined quantity of the flowable material content in enclosure ( 1 ) is adjusted to conform with the specification data . this adjustment of the contents in enclosure ( 1 ) is done while plug piece ( 12 ) is in an open position , and thereafter it is pushed to a closed locked - in position as specified above . iii . in case there is another enclosure such as outer enclosure ( 7 ) associated with the package , then enclosure ( 1 ) described above is placed within enclosure ( 7 ), and a predetermined quantity of the specified flowable content therein is adjusted before enclosure ( 7 ) is closed hermetically in an air tight condition . in case the internal pressure level within enclosure ( 7 ) is below that of its surrounding atmospheric pressure , the walls of enclosure ( 7 ) will press against the walls of enclosure ( 1 ) therein and restrict and limit its movement to a predetermined degree . the transfer of the flowable material to and from enclosure ( 1 ) and joining said enclosure ( 1 ) with closure ( 3 ) require special equipment , among which is a suitable adapter . at least one of said members , namely enclosure ( 1 ), closure ( 3 ), said adapter and equipment may be constructed according to specific designs , dimensions , construction , indentations and markings which may be utilized as proprietary . in another embodiment , the inner enclosure ( 1 ) which holds the product as described above is lodged within a skeleton framework structure means ( 10 ) which is illustrated in fig . ( 16 ). an oversize flexible outer enclosure ( 7 ) envelopes structure ( 10 ) including enclosure ( 1 ) and is closed by means of suitable closing device after adjusting the quantity of its contents . at least one bulge ( 11 ) extends from skeleton framework structure type ( 10 ) at a convenient location as shown in fig . ( 17 ). in the event that the internal pressure in outer enclosure ( 7 ) is reduced to a predetermined pressure level below that of the surrounding atmosphere during the manufacturing process , parts of the flexible walls of oversize enclosure ( 7 ) would be sucked in within the extremeties and reaches of bulges ( 11 ) and structure ( 10 ), and thus allow the manufactured package to assume nearly uniform shapes which may allow them to be stacked up . the partial vacuum within outer enclosure ( 7 ) would confine and seize and cushion structure ( 10 ) and inner enclosure ( 1 ) and restrain and limit their movement therein to a predetermined degree . in another embodiment of tamper - resistant packaging not shown in the drawings , flexible enclosure means ( 1 ) which holds the product is suitably pressurized to a predetermined pressure level above that of the surrounding atmosphere with at least one suitable flowable material and is fitted with a closure member ( 3 ) of the type referred to in the trade as &# 34 ; child - resistant closure &# 34 ;, or it is fitted with closure means replaceable by such child - resistant closure means . under normal temperatures and pressures , and whether it is closed or opened , the unpressurized flexible enclosure means ( 1 ) which holds the product , has the characteristics whereby upon applying on the exterior of its walls a predetermined pressure within a range equivalent to that of a human hand squeeze , it becomes soft , flexible and yields or caves in , and at least one of the following will occur : b . at least one section of the walls will cave in . c . at least one section of the walls will be damaged . under normal temperatures and pressures , the pressurized flexible enclosure means ( 1 ) which holds the product has the characteristics whereby upon applying on the exterior of its walls a predetermined pressure within the range equivalent to that of human hand squeeze , no portion of its exterior walls will yield or cave in , to the same degree mentioned above and the enclosure remains rigid and inflexible to the same degree as manifested by such packages which are properly manufactured , and the pressurizing flowable material remains therein . in another embodiment not shown in the drawings the enclosure which holds the product or the encased product has an internal pressure below that of the surrounding atmosphere . outer enclosure ( 7 ) is made of any suitable size , design , shape and markings , and is constructed from at least one or more suitable materials which may be rigid , semi - rigid , flexible , metal alloy , metallic foils , glass , fibre - glass , cardboard , cork , plastic - like cured rubber , rubber , impervious , non - impervious , permeable , non - permeable , stretchable , non - stretchable , laminated , non - laminated , elasticated , non - elasticated , lined , non - lined , multi - film , single film , with or without foil , single layer , multi - layer , specially treated or non - treated fabric , or any other suitable materials which may be available on the market , and at least one portion of the walls of said enclosure ( 7 ) is conveniently flexible . inner enclosure ( 1 ) is of any suitable size , design , shape and markings , and is constructed from one or more suitable materials of the type specified for the construction of outer enclosure ( 7 ). at least a portion of its walls may be flexible and may be foldable . the folds may be of any suitable size , design , shape and construction and may assume the form of bellows . the interior ( 4 ) of inner enclosure ( 1 ), which holds the product may be suitably shaped to cushion and restrict the movement of its content to a predetermined degree within a limited space . bellows ( 2 ) may be of any suitable size , shape , design and capacity , and can be conveniently stretched to increase the holding capacity of enclosure ( 1 ) in excess of a predetermined size , and when compressed , it should cause the internal pressure of enclosure ( 1 ) to rise above a predetermined pressure level and enables the package to perform properly . said bellows are constructed from at least one suitable flexible material which conforms with the specifications of the flexible materials associated with enclosure ( 1 ) mentioned above . closure means ( 3 ) of enclosure ( 1 ) may be of any suitable size , design , or shape , removeable , replaceable , permanent , with or without bellows , and it may conform with the specifications of what is known in the trade to be &# 34 ; child - resistant closure &# 34 ;, or it may be replaceable by a child - resistant closure means . it is constructed from one or more suitable materials such as those specified for the construction of inner enclosure ( 1 ). permanent closing device means associated with enclosure ( 7 ) at area ( 8 ), which may also be associated with enclosure ( 1 ), may be any suitable process such as crimping , fusing , welding , heat sealing , gluing or others . the flowable material loaded into enclosure ( 1 ) which contains the product or into outer enclosure ( 7 ) is constituted from at least one single chemical entity or from a mixture of single chemical entities which may be in a state of gas or in a state of liquid , or in the state of a combination of both gas and liquid under the pressure and temperature conditions which said package would exist and would be handled during manufacturing , distribution and retail display . the flowable material should not constitute part of the finished product or related to or constitute any of its ingredients or contribute or add or reduce or modify or alter any of its physical or chemical characteristics , such as color , odor , taste , consistency or texture or any other characteristics for which the product is intended to be utilized . in the event that the product itself has the characteristics which enables it to perform the functions of the flowable material , an additional flowable material may not be required . each of plug piece ( 12 ), gasket ( 14 ), and flowed - in gasket ( 16 ) is constructed from any suitable material , design , size and shape for carrying out properly its specified functions , and when in open position each is capable of allowing the flow of specific flowable material , and when closed each becomes hermetically sealed in air tight condition . the construction material may be selected from materials or combinations of materials such as elasticated rubber , cured rubber , plastics , cork , cardboard , treated or non - treated fabric among others including those materials of the type specified for the construction of outer enclosure ( 7 ). skeleton framework structure means ( 10 ) is of any suitable size , shape and design , and constructed from one or more suitable materials such as those specified for the construction of outer enclosure ( 7 ), and is capable of supporting the outer flexible ( 7 ) under the surrounding atmospheric pressures and temperatures , and continues to do so during manufacturing , distribution and retail display . skeleton framework means ( 10 ) may constitute an integral part of enclosure ( 1 ). at least one bulge ( 11 ) is located on the exterior surface of skeleton framework means ( 10 ), which may be an integral part of it . one or more of skeleton framework structure ( 10 ) may be located in one or more locations in this packaging system such as the locations inside or outside enclosure ( 1 ) and the locations inside or outside enclosure ( 7 ). this packaging system has at least one distinguishing proprietary means which may be associated with its shape , design , markings , or graphic characteristics such as a trade mark or a logo which is not readily available on the market , and which provides an indication of package integrity and remains intact during manufacturing , distribution and retail display . their distinguishing proprietary means is associated with the barrier to entry to the product , and if destroyed , broken , breached , or missing , it can easily be expected to provide visual , mechanical , odorous , or any other means of evidence to indicate to the consumer that tampering with the product may have occured . this package may contain a statement prominently placed which remains intact in the event that the package is tampered with , which statement is intended to alert the consumer to the specific tamper - resistant features which would indicate the possibility that tampering may have occured , and recommends against purchasing that particular package . the flowable material as well as all the other component parts of this tamper - resistant packaging means may be of the type which can be sterilized . in the event the contents of enclosure ( 1 ) is tampered with through at least one aperture made in each of enclosure ( 1 ) and also in enclosure ( 7 ) whenever the latter is utilized in this packaging system , both of the predetermined volume and the predetermined presssure in enclosure ( 1 ) and enclosure ( 7 ) or at least in one of them will be disturbed , and cause the package to manifest at least one of the following indications , which would serve to caution the consumer of the possibility that the package had been tampered with : 1 . when said package is subjected to a predetermined pressure level equivalent to that of a human hand squeeze on the exterior of its walls , at least one of the following results would be manifested : b . at least a portion of its walls would cave in . c . at least a portion of its walls would be damaged . d . the size of the enclosure which holds the product will be reduced and its internal pressure will rise and upon freeing it from said pressure , it will not regain its original capacity . e . the internal pressure in the outer enclosure ( 7 ) will change . f . the volume and pressure of said outer enclosure ( 7 ) will change . 2 . upon pulling outwardly at least a portion of the walls of the package , said outer enclosure grows in size and would not be restored to its original smaller capacity when said outwardly pulling stops . 3 . the inner enclosure which contains the product would move within the outer enclosure easily and freely beyond the predetermined extent of the movement of its counterpart in a properly manufactured package which has not been tampered with . 4 . discharge of the package contents out of outer enclosure ( 7 ) or inner enclosure ( 1 ) or out of both enclosures may become evident . 5 . at least one of the characteristic color , odor , design or texture of the package will change . the radio - activity of the materials utilized in the component parts of this tamper - resistant packaging system should be within human tolerance . while certain illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described in particularity , it will be understood that various other modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention . accordingly , it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description set forth herein but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all equivalents of the present invention which are apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains . | US-58889784-A |
a method for improving imaging properties of two or more optical elements comprises the step of determining for at least one of the two optical elements a polarisation - dependent perturbation . in a further step a polarisation - independent perturbation is determined for at least one of the two optical elements . then a target position for the at least one movable optical element is calculated such that , in the target position , the total perturbation of the at least two optical elements which is made up of the polarisation - dependent perturbations and polarisation - independent perturbations of the two optical elements , is minimized . finally the at least one movable optical element is moved the to the calculated target position . | a projection exposure system denoted overall by 1 in fig1 is used for transferring a structure from a mask 2 to a wafer ( not shown in fig1 ). a light source 3 , for example an f2 laser with a wavelength of 157 nm , generates a projection light beam 4 for this purpose . it passes first through illumination optics 5 for shaping , and subsequently through the mask 2 . a projection lens 6 images the structure present on the mask 2 onto the wafer . in fig1 , the projection lens 6 is divided into a part 7 , rotatable about the optical axis of the projection lens 6 , and a stationary part 8 . in practice , there are often a plurality of rotatable parts in the projection lens 6 ; restriction to only one rotatable part 7 , however , will suffice for the purpose of this description . in fig1 , a biconvex lens 9 is indicated to exemplify the optical components of the rotatable part 7 and a plane - parallel optical plate 10 is indicated to exemplify the optical components of the stationary part 8 . furthermore , as illustrated by a cartesian coordinate system 20 in fig1 , the lens 9 is displaceable both along the optical axis and transversely to the optical axis of the projection lens 6 , and it is also tiltable relative to the optical axis of the projection optics 6 as indicated by a double arrow 21 in fig1 . the double arrow 21 here denotes one of two possible and mutually perpendicular tilting movements relative to the optical axis . other optical elements of the projection lens 6 , which are not explicitly represented in fig1 , may also have the said degrees of freedom in movement . a position - sensitive sensor 11 is provided in order to analyse perturbations which affect the imaging properties of the projection lens 6 . it is displaceable transversely to the optical axis of the projection lens 6 , between a measurement position represented in fig1 and a projection exposure position ( not shown ) withdrawn from the optical path of the projection light beam 4 ( cf . double arrow 12 in fig1 ). the sensor 11 is connected to a computer 14 via a signal line 13 . the lens 9 and the optical plate 10 are made from single crystals of caf2 , which has a cubic crystal symmetry . for production , these optical elements 9 , 10 are cut from crystal blocks and polished . such a crystal block 15 for the lens 9 is represented by way of example in fig2 . it is oriented such that ( 100 ) crystal planes 16 are perpendicular to the plane of the drawing , so that their section lines constitute lines extending horizontally with the plane of the drawing . the lens 9 is machined from the crystal block 15 so that its element axis ea , i . e . the optical axis of the lens 9 , coincides with the ( 100 ) crystal direction , which is perpendicular to the ( 100 ) crystal plane . the optical plate 10 , which is represented separately in fig3 , is also machined from a crystal block with such an orientation . besides the ( 100 ) crystal direction , the ( 101 ), ( 110 ), ( 10 - 1 ) and ( 1 - 10 ) crystal directions are also represented there as arrows , the negative sign when indexing the crystal direction in this description being equivalent to the designation “ upper crosswise ” in the drawing . an intrinsic birefringence of the optical plate 10 is schematically represented by four “ lobes ” 17 , the areas of which indicate the magnitude of the intrinsic birefringence for the respective ray direction of a light ray of the projection light beam 4 ( cf . fig1 ). the maximum intrinsic birefringence of the optical plate 4 is respectively obtained in the ( 101 ), ( 110 ), ( 10 - 1 ) and ( 1 - 10 ) crystal directions . the ray direction of a light ray 18 of the projection light beam 4 is defined by an aperture angle θ and an azimuth angle α fig4 illustrates the position of these two angles : a cartesian coordinate system of the projection exposure system 1 is shown there , the z axis of which coincides with the optical axis of the projection lens 6 . the aperture angle θ is the angle between the light ray 18 and the z axis . the azimuth angle α is the angle between the x axis and the projection of the light ray 18 onto the xy plane . in the following description , the optical components 9 , 10 are oriented so that the ( 100 ) crystal direction coincides with the z axis and the projection of the ( 101 ) crystal direction onto the xy plane coincides with the x axis . fig5 shows the intrinsic birefringence ( idb ) of the optical plate 10 as a function of the azimuth angle α for the aperture angle θ = 45 degrees . a fourfold symmetry is found , the maxima of the intrinsic birefringence being obtained for light rays whose ray directions coincide with the ( 101 ), ( 110 ), ( 10 - 1 ) and ( 1 - 10 ) crystal directions ( cf . fig3 ), that is to say for light rays with an aperture angle θ of 45 degrees and an azimuth angle α of 0 degrees , 90 degrees , 180 degrees and 270 degrees . the intrinsic birefringence vanishes ( cf . fig3 ) at an aperture angle of 0 degrees , i . e . a ray direction along the optical axis of the projection lens 6 in the ( 100 ) crystal direction . as the maximum intrinsic birefringence ( ray propagation e . g . in the ( 110 ) crystal direction , i . e . θ equal to 45 degrees , α equal to 90 degrees ), a value of ( 11 . 0 +/− 0 . 4 ) nm / cm was measured at a wavelength of 156 . 1 nm for caf2 . at the azimuth angles for which intrinsic birefringence occurs ( cf . fig5 ), it decreases continuously with the aperture angle for aperture angles of less than 45 degrees ( cf . fig3 ). besides these intrinsic contributions to the birefringence , the lens 9 and the optical plate 10 have additional stress birefringence contributions depending on their installation situation in the projection lens 6 , which are added to the intrinsic birefringence . further birefringence contributions may , for example , be due to crystal defects , in particular the formation of domains . there may even be non - intrinsic birefringence contributions in optical materials which do not have any intrinsic birefringence . a method for improving the imaging properties of the projection lens 6 is carried out as follows : first , the optical perturbations of all the optical elements of the projection lens 6 are determined individually . such measurement methods for determining the aforementioned birefringence contributions as an example of polarisation - dependent perturbations , on the one hand , and polarisation - independent perturbations , on the other hand , are known to the person skilled in the art . to this end , for example , as indicated by the sensor 11 in fig1 , a measurement of the overall imaging properties of the projection lens 6 may be carried out in different adjustment states of the projection lens 6 . as an alternative or in addition , the individual optical elements of the projection lens 6 may be analysed independently of one another with the aid of known measurement methods . in this case , care should be taken to simulate the installation situation of the optical elements in the projection lens 6 as precisely as possible during this independent analysis , so as to prevent the installation of the optical elements in the projection exposure system 1 from giving rise to additional perturbation contributions , which impair the optimisation of the imaging properties of the projection lens 6 . the determination of the birefringence contributions may , for example , comprise determination of the position of the crystal axes of the optical elements to be analysed , when crystalline materials are involved . the measurement results are evaluated by the computer 14 . it determines the respective perturbation contributions of the individual optical elements of the projection lens , and assigns these contributions to the individual polarisation - dependent and polarisation - independent perturbations . the computer 14 subsequently calculates and optimises a target function ( merit function ). this target function takes in the dependencies of the perturbation contributions of all the optical elements on the degrees of freedom in movement of these optical elements ( rotation , inclination , centring ). in the exemplary embodiment which is represented , this calculation is carried out for the optical components 9 and 10 . as was mentioned above , the lens 9 is rotatable relative to the optical plate 10 about the optical axis . for the lens 9 and the optical plate 10 , their respective contributions to the polarisation - dependent and polarisation - independent perturbations are available after the perturbation contributions have been analysed . besides the perturbations of the lens 9 and the optical plate 10 , the merit function also contains the dependency of the perturbation contributions of the lens 9 on its rotation about the optical axis . the merit function is subsequently optimised by varying of the degrees of freedom in movement of the mobile parts of the projection lens 6 . in the embodiment according to fig1 , the merit function is evaluated at each rotation position of the rotatable part 7 of the projection lens 6 . the rotation position in which the merit function has the optimum value is subsequently determined . finally , the mobile optical elements are brought into the target position which has been determined . in the embodiment according to fig1 , the rotatable part 7 with the lens 9 is rotated into the target position which has been determined | US-36134506-A |
a method of producing a package from lenticular sheet having anisotropic optical properties comprising the steps of providing a body of transparent material having a pair of opposing sides and an index of refraction greater than one ; forming a plurality of lenses on the first side of said pair of opposing sides in pre - selected portions of the first side ; forming a pre - determined package design from the lenticular sheet , and wherein the remainder of the first side of said pair of opposing sides outside the pre - selected lens portions is generally flat and transparent . a method of manufacturing a lenticular sheet comprising the steps of producing a transparent sheet by engraving a desired lens pattern over an entire cylinder or flat plate ; placing a mask over selected lens areas ; metal plating the unmasked areas to a thickness greater than the surface of the masked areas ; cutting the plated areas back to the level of the masked areas ; and forming a pre - determined package design from the lenticular sheet . | the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown . however , this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein . these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be both thorough and complete , and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art . like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings . the present invention provides various embodiments of a method for producing a package from an optical lenticular sheet having high clarity lens arrays located in pre - selected areas . the various embodiments of the present invention may be applied in any known lenticular manufacturing system . as will be understood by those in the art , the term “ package ” includes any label , signage , or other device intended to encase or advertise a product . as is well known and understood in the art , lenticular lens material utilizes rows of simple and commonly dome - shaped lenses or “ lenticules ” in combination with a lineform or interlaced image , to create the desired visual effect . as used herein , the term “ lenticular sheet ” is intended to include any optical sheet , roll , film or material that is suitable for use in the printing arts and has a substantially transparent quality . material compositions of such sheets may include , for example and without limitation , polypropylene , polyester , polyethylene , polyvinylchloride , and polystyrene . all such compositions are considered to be polymeric sheet materials and are synonymous thererwith . in one example , the lenticular sheet generally comprises a flat side and a lenticulated side including the lenticules . an image is affixed , or reverse printed , to the flat side of the sheet thereby allowing a viewer to see the desired visual effect from lenticulated side . the resulting product is an improved lenticular assembly that provides the advantages of the prior art without the short comings . referring now to the drawings , fig1 is a perspective view of a portion of a known lenticular array 10 . the array 10 has lens elements 14 that are cylindrical lenses with a circular cross section . the width of each lens is d . the lenticular array consists of a dielectric medium 12 with multiple convex lenses 14 formed on a viewer side . the dielectric medium 12 may be any transparent material , but is typically a clear plastic having good mechanical properties . the planar side of the array 18 contains a printed image that is commonly designed using a computer to be addressed by the array 10 and variation in a viewer &# 39 ; s angle of regard . fig2 is a cross - sectional view of the lenticular array 10 shown in fig1 . the array 10 comprises a sheet of material with dimensions md × nd ט nr /( n − 1 ) where d is the width of a lens element 14 as best shown in fig2 , n is the index of refraction of the plastic material , r is the radius of the lens element 14 and r & lt ; d / 2 . m and n are product variables . in one example , a button may be presented that flips from a picture to a slogan , wherein m and n may be on the order of 50 to 100 or more . the actual dimension d depends on the design viewing distance and quality objectives . the transparent material is commonly formed as a sheet with a lens array formed on the entirety of a front side 16 , or a viewer side . the backside 18 , or flat side , is considered a non - viewer side . the backside 18 , or flat side , is considered a non - viewer side . the radius of the substantially circular cross section , r , is shown larger than the lens spacing d . the overall thickness of the array is : where n is an index of refraction for the dielectric medium . the backside 18 is printed with an appropriate computer generated image that is aligned with the lens array 10 , thereby enabling the viewer to see a repertoire of two or more , typically eight , images depending on the viewer &# 39 ; s angle of regard . fig3 is a cross - sectional view of the lens element 14 of the lenticular array 10 shown in fig1 . since the viewer &# 39 ; s eye is on the order of 4 , 000 times the radius of the lens cross section , an individual lens can be analyzed with negligible error by assuming that light rays at a first angle 20 and light rays at a second angle 22 are parallel . the lens 14 focuses the rays from a repertoire of angles onto a repertoire of printed regions . the light rays from the first angle 20 focus on a printed region 24 . from symmetry , light rays at an angle that is negative with respect to a perpendicular to the array 10 , if the angle 20 is defined as positive , focus on an area 28 that is mirrored from the centerline of the lens 14 . light rays from the second angle 22 focuses on and therefore select a second , independent area 26 . if the repertoire of images has a defined number , the lens 14 must be capable of adequately focusing on a same number of independent areas . the actual repertoire of angles need not be a linear progression . if one marks off the projection of the lens 14 on the surface 18 in q centers where q is the number of images in the repertoire and then calculates the corresponding angles of regard , parallel rays at these angles must focus in a reasonably non - overlapping fashion on the surface at the best image plane compromise available . non - compensated lenses will typically depart from the ideal . a measure of the quality of a lens is the standard deviation of a point from a spread of points that intersect the lens . if the standard deviation is such that focus areas overrun adjacent focus areas , the images seen will not be well defined in color and especially definition . fig4 is a side view of the lenticular array 10 shown in fig1 showing the geometry of the array . the distance from the eye of the viewer to the center of the array 10 , dvd , is the design viewing distance . the lens spacing in the array 10 should be small with respect to dvd . improvement in quality is noticeable up to a dvd / d ratio of 3400 that corresponds to 1 arc minute at the eye . typical dvd / d ratios exceed 1000 . for example , a common design point is dvd = 18 inches and d = 0 . 01 - inches to provide a ratio of 1800 . as previously mentioned , from the aspect of a single lens , the angle of regard with respect to a perpendicular to the lens 14 may be regarded a constant . from the aspect of the entire array 10 , this angle varies continuously and critically from an angle γ on a bottom of the array 10 to an angle α at a center of the array 10 to an angle β on a top of the array 10 . the computer - designed printed array uses these angular variations to design the underlying picture segments associated with each central angle of regard , α . there may be eight principal angles of regard α , corresponding to eight images . at each angle of regard , the gradual variation from γ at the bottom of β at the top are correlated with the desired image at that angle . fig5 is a detailed view of a known lenticular array showing image addressing . as the angle of regard for a specific image varies from p ( fig4 ) at the top of the screen to γ ( fig4 at the bottom , the image which is printed in stripes 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , and 38 that run perpendicular to the axes of the cylindrical micro lenses vary in content . for a particular micro lens , the angle of regard intersects the surface of the lens at a point 40 and is focused on a stripe 42 of about 12 . 5 % of the width of the lens that intersects the printed stripes . the strip 42 is aligned to the array at printing . the orthogonal stripes blend and diffuse errors throughout the image as well as account for gradual shift in angles of regard from top to bottom at each selection angle . the package formed from the lenticular assembly of the present invention is operable for presenting a desired visual effect that serves as a significant improvement over the above described prior art . the present invention provides a method of producing a package from a high clarity lenticular sheet wherein higher clarity is needed and / or the visual effect is only desired in pre - selected areas of the lenticular sheet . in this regard , the lenticular sheet produced by the present invention can , for example and without limitation , presents a sequence of two or more images in pre - selected areas of the sheet , which appear and / or disappear as a viewer changes his angle of regard over a range of less than 90 degrees , typically from 15 to 50 degrees . the viewer &# 39 ; s angle of regard is preferably the angle between a normal to a plane and a viewer &# 39 ; s eye . the remainder of the lenticular sheet or the portion of the sheet without the lenticular pattern or arrays permits the viewer to see images through the sheet without any distortion caused by the lens arrays . the method of the present invention also produces a sheet having lenses consisting of plano - convex cylindrical lens elements with a pre - determined periodicity that depends from a viewing distance for which the lens is designed . by way of example and without limitation , at normal viewing distances for reading of 18 inches , the periodicity of the cylindrical elements is preferably 100 elements to the inch or more . lenticular sheet designs of up to 250 elements per inch can be achieved using this method . indeed , each lens element brings into view a slice or portion of an underlying printed image into focus . the underlying printed image is generated by a computer program . without the high clarity array of lenses formed by the method of the present invention , the printed image affixed to the flat side of the lenticular sheet appears to be a set of stripes that run orthogonally to the axes of the lenses with a multi - image stripe periodicity equal to the lens periodicity but divided into image - specific stripes by the number of images in the set . for example and without limitation , if the set has eight images and the lenses are at 100 per inch , a periodicity of eight stripes in 0 . 01 inches are used , one stripe for each image . the viewer sees the intersection of a focused stripe due to the lens and the printed stripe . technically , two configurations exist , one in which the cylindrical axes are vertical , and one in which the axes are horizontal . in the vertical case , the images are selected to appear at differing depths since the right and left eyes of the viewer have differing angles of regard . the device can be stationary , and , typically , eight images that appear to be at differing depths are superimposed . in the horizontal case , the viewer &# 39 ; s angle of regard must be changed . as the device is rotated through a series of angles of regard , a sequence of images is seen . various effects are possible depending on the design of the stripes . one image can gradually transform into another , termed “ morphing ”. a sequence of images of various stages of an action scene can give a motion - like effect , termed ‘ motion ’. if the images are unrelated , the viewer will see the unrelated sequence appear , termed ‘ flip ’. one image can be a magnification of the preceding image and the effect is similar to looking through a zoom lens , termed ‘ zoom ’. in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention , the lens arrays used in the sheet which form the package are fabricated by first designing a cutting tool , such as a stylus , with a desired lens shape . the cutting tool is preferably made of a diamond or carbide , however , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that any hard material suitable for engraving cylinders may be used . the shape of the cutting tool is dictated by the desired visual effect , however , in order to provide a higher clarity , a first radius is formed on either side of the distal end of the cutting tool and then a second , larger , radius is formed on the tip of the cutting tool . once the cutting tool is designed , the inverse lens shape is engraved into pre - selected portions of a flat plate or cylinder using any known , conventional method of engraving , thereby forming a plurality of inverse lens arrays or patterns . preferably , the engraving processing includes the use of a computer operable for directing the cutting tool in both direction and depth such that an optimal lens pattern can be transferred into the plate or cylinder . advantageously , by using the engraving process for the plate or cylinder , a variety of inverse lens patterns can be engraved into the plate or cylinder , thereby providing a variety of lens patterns embossed on the same sheet , including but without limitation , lens patterns having different shapes and lens patterns extending in different directions such as longitudinally and latitudinally from a certain axis . subsequent to engraving the plate or cylinder , the cylinder is placed into the lenticular system or process of manufacture . the inverse lens pattern is then transferred to a sheet material using known conventional extrusion embossment methods , thereby forming the lens pattern on the sheet in the desired areas only . preferably , the sheet material is plastic . further , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art , that a variety of plastics can be employed , for example and without limitation , acrylics , polystyrenes , polycarbonates , polyesters , polyolefin &# 39 ; s , polyvinyl chlorides and all such polymeric equivalent materials . subsequent to the formation of the lenticular sheet , a striped image array is produced by a thermal or piezoelectric ink jet printer that is readily capable of producing 1200 picture elements per inch and laminated or otherwise affixed to the flat side of the lenticular sheet such that the image location and direction corresponds to the lens array location and direction . when the thickness of the lens array sheet is small enough , the pattern can be reverse printed using a conventional printing press . reverse printing using a transfer printing press is an option for array resolutions of greater than 60 elements per inch . another option for directly printing a reverse image on the sheet is screen - printing which is an option for array resolutions of greater than 10 elements per inch up to about 60 elements per inch . the printing medium may be plastic or paper . preferably , the printed array has the same frequency as the lens array , such that a print that contains multiple image information can be linearly registered to the lens . the device operation of the visual effect is designed into the image dissection and the lens array . after the image is affixed to the lenticular sheet , the sheet is placed into a conventional packaging or stamping process such as a die cut process such that a pre - determined pattern of a package design can be cut from the sheet . it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the pre - determined pattern corresponds to the location of the image and the un - embossed portions of the sheet . further , it will be understood by those skilled in the art , that the lenticular sheet can be placed in a stamping machine to cut or stamp out the desired package design from the sheet . once the desired package design is cut from the lenticular sheet , the pattern is folded or otherwise formed in the package . the resulting product allows a viewer to see the desired visual effect in the pre - selected areas and the product or other information in the areas without the lens arrays . referring now to fig6 , a lens constructed in accordance with an alternative method of the present invention is disclosed . as seen , fig6 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a lenticular array 10 as would be engraved into and across a plate or cylinder . this plate or cylinder could be used to produce the lens pattern of fig1 ( prior art ). fig7 depicts a cross sectional view of a portion of the lenticular array 10 with a pre - mask 94 placed in certain areas on the engraved plate or cylinder where it is desirable to keep and protect the lenses 14 from being electroplated by a metal such as copper . this pre - mask 94 is pre - shaped to a desired shape , for example , a heart or triangular shape and attached to the desired area . the pre - mask 94 is made of a dielectric material whose function is to prevent plating from taking place in this area . fig8 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the lenticular array 10 with a pre - mask 94 placed in certain areas on the engraved plate or cylinder where it is desirable to keep and protect the lenses 14 from the electroplated metal 96 . the electroplated metal 96 is provided and builds up to a level higher that the lenticules 14 under the pre - mask area 94 . fig9 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the lenticular array 10 with the pre - mask 94 removed from the lenses 14 and showing the electroplated metal 96 cut back to a desired level 98 . thereafter , the lens pattern is transferred to a desired side of a flexible , transparent plastic sheet at a pre - selected area by using an extrusion nip when the sheet is formed or at an embossing nip with a preformed and heated plastic sheet , or by casting if made from an ultra violet light curing resin or with other curable resins . subsequent to the embossing of the sheet material , an image or other object is printed on the smooth backside of the lenticular sheet , thereby forming an improved lenticular sheet assembly wherein a high clarity lens is used and placed in a pre - selected area to exhibit a desired visual effect . after the image is affixed to the lenticular sheet , the sheet is placed into a conventional packaging or stamping process such as a die cut process such that a pre - determined pattern of a package design can be cut from the sheet . it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the pre - determined pattern corresponds to the location of the image and the un - embossed portions of the sheet . further , it will be understood by those skilled in the art , that the lenticular sheet can be placed in a stamping machine to cut or stamp out the desired package design from the sheet . once the desired package design is cut from the lenticular sheet , the pattern is folded or otherwise formed in the package . the resulting product allows a viewer to see the desired visual effect in the pre - selected areas and the product or other information in the areas without the lens arrays . according to another exemplary embodiment , a lenticular array is engraved into and across the entirety of a plate or cylinder . subsequent to the engraving of the plate or cylinder , the plate or cylinder is placed in a gravure engraving machine operable for removing portions of the cylinder under computer direction and controls . desired portions or lenticules are removed . thereafter , the lens pattern is transferred to a desired side of a flexible , transparent plastic sheet at a pre - selected area by using an extrusion nip when the sheet is formed or at an embossing nip with a preformed and heated plastic sheet , or by casting if made from an ultra violet light curing resin or with other curable resins . subsequent to the embossing of the sheet material , an image or other object is printed on the smooth backside of the lenticular sheet , thereby forming an improved lenticular sheet assembly wherein a high clarity lens is used and placed in a pre - selected area to exhibit a desired visual effect . after the image is affixed to the lenticular sheet , the sheet is placed into a conventional packaging or stamping process such as a die cut process such that a pre - determined pattern of a package design can be cut from the sheet . it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the pre - determined pattern corresponds to the location of the image and the un - embossed portions of the sheet . further , it will be understood by those skilled in the art , that the lenticular sheet can be placed in a stamping machine to cut or stamp out the desired package design from the sheet . once the desired package design is cut from the lenticular sheet , the pattern is folded or otherwise formed in the package . the resulting product allows a viewer to see the desired visual effect in the pre - selected areas and the product or other information in the areas without the lens arrays . fig1 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the lenticular array 10 with the lenses 14 and the cut back portions 100 . fig1 is a cross sectional view of a portion of the lenticular array 10 produced in accordance with the present method wherein the lenses 14 are removed in certain areas 100 on the engraved plate or cylinder by a diamond stylus or cutting tool on a gravure engraving machine , while leaving the lenses 14 in the desired areas of the engraved plate . by using a gravure engraving machine , it is not necessary to pre - mask the areas desired to be left with a lenticular pattern . the diamond stylus used to remove the lenses in the unwanted areas is pre - determined and computer controlled . therefore , the pattern can be generated by the computer as is done when engraving print patterns . the lens area 14 will be higher on the plate or cylinder as this is a subtractive process . on the plastic sheet , the lens area 14 will be below the surface of the flat gravure engraved portions of the sheet . the gravure engraving machine can also apply register marks or bands needed for printing and later operations . after the image is affixed to the lenticular sheet , the sheet is placed into a conventional packaging or stamping process such as a die cut process such that a pre - determined pattern of a package design can be cut from the sheet . it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the pre - determined pattern corresponds to the location of the image and the un - embossed portions of the sheet . further , it will be understood by those skilled in the art , that the lenticular sheet can be placed in a stamping machine to cut or stamp out the desired package design from the sheet . once the desired package design is cut from the lenticular sheet , the pattern is folded or otherwise formed in the package . the resulting product allows a viewer to see the desired visual effect in the pre - selected areas and the product or other information in the areas without the lens arrays . according to another exemplary embodiment , a method of manufacturing a lenticular sheet comprises the steps of producing a transparent sheet by engraving a desired lens pattern into a flat metal plate or into and over an entire cylinder wherein the surface metal of the plate or cylinder in which the pattern is engraved into is loosely bonded to the base thereof and can be removed to become an engraved metal shell . thereafter , the engraved metal shell is cut to the desired shape and turned in the desired direction of which the lenses are to run on the final transparent patterned sheet . the metal shell is then fastened to the cylinder or plate to be used to produce the transparent patterned sheet . thereafter , the lens pattern is transferred to a desired side of a flexible , transparent plastic sheet at a pre - selected area by using an extrusion nip when the sheet is formed or at an embossing nip with a preformed and heated plastic sheet , or by casting if made from an ultra violet light curing resin or with other curable resins . subsequent to the embossing of the sheet material , an image or other object is printed on the smooth backside of the lenticular sheet , thereby forming an improved lenticular sheet assembly wherein a high clarity lens is used and placed in a pre - selected area to exhibit a desired visual effect . after the image is affixed to the lenticular sheet , the sheet is placed into a conventional packaging or stamping process such as a die cut process such that a pre - determined pattern of a package design can be cut from the sheet . it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the pre - determined pattern corresponds to the location of the image and the un - embossed portions of the sheet . further , it will be understood by those skilled in the art , that the lenticular sheet can be placed in a stamping machine to cut or stamp out the desired package design from the sheet . once the desired package design is cut from the lenticular sheet , the pattern is folded or otherwise formed in the package . the resulting product allows a viewer to see the desired visual effect in the pre - selected areas and the product or other information in the areas without the lens arrays . the foregoing describes the theory , which allows the lenticular portion of this sheet to produce the desired special effects . the smooth un - embossed clear portion of the lenticular sheet provides no visual effect by the production of this invention , as reverse printing this sheet is known and predictable . referring back to the drawings , fig1 is a surface view of a portion of the final engraved lenticular sheet the process of this invention , wherein lenses 14 are located in the desired portions of the sheet only . fig1 is a surface view of a continuous web 104 showing pre - selected areas 102 that have a lenticular pattern . this lenticular pattern is engraved across the sheet to facilitate its use after reverse printing . lenticular designs are most often vertical in order to accommodate the viewers eyes which are on a horizontal plane in order to achieve the before described effects allowed by lenticular lenses . however , it will be understood by those in the art that the present invention allows the lenticular design to be horizontal or diagonal in direction . the clear un - embossed portion of the web is shown by 104 . fine , easy to read print , bar codes and other information , which is not desirable to be printed under the lens portion , is found at 104 . clear and flat stripes are an aid to extruding the web in reducing stretch of the web as it is extruded . the stripes also allow a firmer roll to be wound up off the extruder . fig1 shows the high clarity lens produced by the present method wherein the lens has a certain radius on either side of the distal end and a tip with a second , larger , radius . the use of the second larger radius gives a much improved clarity and see through effect . fig1 shows fig1 with a three flip image printed on the smooth side . fig1 shows a smaller radius of curvature on either side , which gives a thinner sheet . advantageously , the high clarity lens shape provides the ability to keep the same pitch for a variety of sheet thicknesses . this is not possible using current prior art lens designs . fig1 shows a higher pitch with the same radius of curvature on each side by extending the length of the center lens . the pitch number can also be decreased by the same techniques . fig1 shows the lens of a fig1 with the center lane left unprinted in certain areas for see through to an object or print at or beyond the backside of the lenticular sheet . fig1 shows a perspective view of a produced lenticular sheet roll 200 having lens arrays 210 in pre - selected areas of the sheet roll 200 . the sheet roll 200 is operable for placement into a conventional packing or stamping process , such as a die cut machine . upon completing the packaging or stamping process , a pre - determined package design is cut from the sheet roll 200 . the sheet roll 200 shown in fig1 , also shows a pre - determined package design 212 which will be cut from the sheet roll 200 and formed in a final product package 220 ( fig1 ). as seen in fig1 , once the package design 212 is cut from the sheet roll 200 and formed in the final product 220 , a viewer can easily view an image behind the lenses 14 exhibiting the desired visual effect . further , a viewer can view a product 222 or other information within the package 220 through the un - embossed portions 224 of the package 220 . the foregoing is a description of various embodiments of the invention that are provided here by way of example only . although the method for producing the lenticular sheet having high clarity lenses in pre - selected areas has been described with reference to preferred embodiments and examples thereof , other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results . all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by 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 . | US-78234904-A |
text classification has become an important aspect of information technology . present text classification techniques range from simple text matching to more complex clustering methods . clustering describes a process of discovering structure in a collection of characters . the invention automatically analyzes a text string and either updates an existing cluster or creates a new cluster . to that end , the invention may use a character n - gram matching process in addition to other heuristic - based clustering techniques . in the character n - gram matching process , each text string is first normalized using several heuristics . it is then divided into a set of overlapping character n - grams , where n is the number of adjacent characters . if the commonality between the text string and the existing cluster members satisfies a pre - defined threshold , the text string is added to the cluster . if , on the other hand , the commonality does not satisfy the pre - defined threshold , a new cluster may be created . each cluster may have a selected topic name . the topic name allows whole clusters to be compared in a similar way to the individual clusters , and merged when a predetermined level of commonality exists between the subject clusters . the topic name also may be used as a suggested alternative to the text string . in this instance , the topic name of the cluster to which the text string was added may be outputted as an alternative to the text string . | in the past , the pursuit of commerce and leisure activities did not require consumers to spell or even correctly pronounce the product or service they desired . instead , consumers would be presented with the desired product or service ( and its correct spelling ) simply by visiting a local retail store , contacting a service provider , or browsing a telephone directory . however , the text - based nature of e - commerce , and information technology generally , has required consumers to become more familiar with product names and their spelling in order to find the products they desire . in particular , search engines are dependent on the accuracy of the inputted query . misspellings , missing quotations , and other related errors , often cause the search engine to return with no results or irrelevant results . this level of familiarity is especially difficult to achieve in commerce transactions , where average consumers are forced to identify trademarked names not commonly found in their language . for example , “ pokemon ” is the name of a popular collection of children &# 39 ; s toys and collectibles . yet , “ pokemon ” ( a combination of “ pocket ” and “ monster ”) is not a word commonly found or understood in the english language . a consumer familiar with the “ pokemon ” product , but not its spelling , may abandon his / her search on the internet after repeated misspellings fail to return any results . therefore , it has become an important part of everyday life to relate the misspellings of certain words or phrases , not necessarily found in the any language , to their correct spelling . text classification and clustering help accomplish this task . fig1 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief , general description of a suitable computing environment in which the invention may be implemented . while the invention will be described in the general context of computer - executable instructions of a computer program that runs on a computer , those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention also may be implemented in combination with other program modules . generally , program modules include routines , programs , components , data structures , etc . that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types . moreover , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with other computer system configurations , including hand - held devices , multiprocessor systems , microprocessor - based or programmable consumer electronics , minicomputers , mainframe computers , and the like . the illustrated embodiment of the invention also is practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network . however , some embodiments of the invention can be practiced on standalone computers . in a distributed computing environment , program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices . with reference to fig1 , one system for implementing the invention includes a conventional personal computer 100 , including a processing unit 101 , a system memory 102 , and a system bus 103 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 101 . processing unit 101 may be any of various commercially available processors . dual microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures also can be used as processing unit 101 . system bus 103 may be any of several types of bus structure including a memory bus or memory controller , a peripheral bus , and a local bus using any of a variety of conventional bus architectures . system memory 102 includes read only memory ( rom ) 104 and random access memory ( ram ) 105 . a basic input / output system ( bios ), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the personal computer 100 , such as during start - up , is stored in rom 104 . personal computer 100 further includes a hard disk drive 107 and a magnetic disk drive 108 to read from or write to a removable disk 109 , and an optical disk drive 110 to read a cd - rom disk 111 or to read from or write to other optical media . hard disk drive 107 , magnetic disk drive 108 , and optical disk drive 110 are connected to system bus 103 by a hard disk drive interface 112 , a magnetic disk drive interface 113 , and an optical drive interface 114 , respectively . the drives and their associated computer - readable media provide nonvolatile storage of data , data structures , computer - executable instructions , etc . for personal computer 100 . although the description of computer - readable media above refers to a hard disk , a removable magnetic disk and a cd , it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of media which are readable by a computer , such as magnetic cassettes , flash memory cards , digital video disks , bernoulli cartridges , and the like , may also be used in the operating environment . a number of program modules may be stored in the drives and ram 105 , including an operating system 115 , one or more application programs 116 , other program modules 117 , and program data 118 . a user may enter commands and information into personal computer 100 through a keyboard 120 and pointing device , such as a mouse 122 . other input devices ( not shown ) may include a microphone , joystick , game pad , satellite dish , scanner , or the like . these and other input devices are often connected to processing unit 101 through a serial port interface 126 that is coupled to system bus 103 , but may be connected by other interfaces , such as a parallel port , game port or a universal serial bus ( usb ). a monitor 127 or other type of display device is also connected to system bus 103 via an interface , such as a video adapter 128 . in addition to monitor 127 , personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices ( not shown ), such as speakers and printers . personal computer 100 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers , such as a remote computer 129 . remote computer 129 may be a server , a router , a peer device or other common network node , and typically includes many or all of the elements described relative to personal computer 100 , although only a memory storage device 130 has been illustrated in fig2 . the logical connections depicted in fig2 include a local area network ( lan ) 131 and a wide area network ( wan ) 132 . such networking environments are commonplace in offices , enterprise - wide computer networks , intranets and the internet . when used in a lan networking environment , personal computer 100 is connected to local network 131 through a network interface or adapter 133 . when used in a wan networking environment , personal computer 100 typically includes a modem 134 or other means for establishing communications over wide area network 132 , such as the internet . modem 134 , which may be internal or external , is connected to system bus 103 via serial port interface 126 . in a networked environment , program modules depicted relative to personal computer 100 , or portions thereof , may be stored in the remote memory storage device . it will be appreciated that the network connections shown are one example , and that other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used . in accordance with the practices of persons skilled in the art of computer programming , the present invention is described below with reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations that are performed by the personal computer 100 , unless indicated otherwise . such acts and operations are sometimes referred to as being computer - executed . it will be appreciated that the acts and symbolically represented operations include the manipulation by the processing unit 101 of electrical signals representing data bits which causes a resulting transformation or reduction of the electrical signal representation , and the maintenance of data bits at memory locations in the memory system ( including the system memory 102 , hard drive 107 , floppy disks 109 , and cd - rom 111 ) to thereby reconfigure or otherwise alter the computer system &# 39 ; s operation , as well as other processing of signals . the memory locations where data bits are maintained are physical locations that have particular electrical , magnetic , or optical properties corresponding to the data bits . fig2 is a block diagram of a client - server system in which the present invention may be implemented . client - server system 200 includes a client computer 201 coupled to a communication network 205 . client computer 201 may comprise a personal computer ( as shown in fig1 ) that has an extensible markup language ( xml ) and / or hypertext markup language ( html )- based browser software installed thereon , for example , internet explorer available from microsoft corporation . communication network 205 may be a lan or wan , for example , the internet . it should be understood that while one client computer 201 is shown in fig2 , in practice , there may be many client computers simultaneously accessing communication network 205 . communication network 205 is further coupled to a search engine server 204 . search engine server 204 is coupled to a search engine database 211 . client computer 201 sends a query 202 to search engine server 204 via communication network 205 . in return from search engine server 204 , client computer 201 receives a search result 203 , corresponding to data located in search engine database 211 . query 202 may contain various combinations of characters , for example , alphanumeric or ascii entities . it should be appreciated that query 202 also may include non - alphanumeric , graphic - based entities including , but not limited to , bit - mapped graphic images . it should also be appreciated that although the following description uses examples with lowercase alphanumeric characters , the present invention may be capable of discerning lowercase with uppercase alphanumeric characters . search engine server 204 is coupled to a query log database 206 . query log database 206 is coupled to a qcluster computer 207 . query log database 206 stores query 202 into a database comprising all received queries from client computer 201 . qcluster computer 207 also is coupled to an editorial database 210 and to search engine server 204 . upon receiving query 202 from query log database 206 , qcluster computer 207 compares existing clusters 208 stored in editorial database 210 with query 202 . qcluster computer 207 will provide updated clusters 213 to editorial database 210 , depending on a degree of commonality between query 202 and existing clusters 208 in editorial database 210 . if query 202 satisfies the predetermined degree of commonality with an existing clusters 208 , query 202 will be added to the subject cluster . if , on the other hand , query 202 does not satisfy the predetermined degree of commonality with an existing clusters 208 , query 202 will create a new cluster . qcluster computer 207 may then export a topic 209 from editorial database 210 . topic 209 will be a member ( i . e ., word or phrase ) of a cluster in editorial database 210 . when query 202 satisfies the predetermined degree of commonality with an existing clusters 208 , topic 209 may be a member of the existing cluster . when query 202 does not satisfy the predetermined degree of commonality with an existing clusters 208 , topic 209 may be query 202 . once topic 209 has been determined , qcluster computer 207 may then provides topic 209 to search engine server 204 in the form of a modified query 210 . search engine server 204 conducts a search of modified query 210 in search engine database 211 . search engine computer 205 then provides a search result 203 to server computer 204 . server computer 204 then provides search result 203 to client computer 201 via communication network 205 . alternatively , qcluster computer 207 provide the results of its clustering process directly to search engine database 211 . in this case , qcluster computer 207 sends updated cluster and modified query 212 to search engine database 211 . in this way , search engine database 211 may be capable of modifying the query for the next time the same query 202 is received , without needing the services of editorial database 210 . this alternate path is shown dashed in fig2 . fig3 is a block diagram illustrating a comparison of received queries and clusters of information in a database , according to the invention . specifically , fig3 details comparison 208 of query 202 to the contents of editorial database 210 , as conducted by qcluster computer 207 . as shown in fig3 , qcluster computer 207 may receive multiple queries 202 . in the example shown in fig3 , four queries are present : “ pokeman ” 301 , “ pocket man ” 302 , “ pokeyman ” 303 , and “ superman ” 304 . as received queries 301 - 304 enter qcluster computer 207 , they are processed by a qclustering program 305 , stored on qcluster computer 207 . as will be discussed in more detail with reference to fig4 - 7 , qclustering program 305 compares the contents of editorial database 210 with received queries 301 - 304 . the contents of editorial database 210 may include multiple groups or “ clusters ” of information , for example , cluster a 306 , cluster b 307 , cluster c 308 , and cluster d 309 . although four clusters 306 - 309 are shown in fig3 , it should be appreciated that there may be any number of clusters located in editorial database 210 . each cluster is composed of individual members ( e . g ., words or phrases ) that previously were received as queries 202 . specifically , each query 202 that is inputted by client computer 201 becomes a member of one or more clusters located in editorial database 210 . for example , because “ pokemon ” 300 already is a member of cluster a 306 , it can be assumed that “ pokemon ” 300 was a previous query 202 . each cluster 306 - 309 may also designate at least one of its members to be a topic name . a topic name is one or more words or phrases that describe all members of the cluster . selection of a particular topic may be based on any number of factors including , but not limited to , the frequency with which a particular member is entered as a query and a predetermined user designation . in the example shown in fig3 , “ pokemon ” 300 is the topic for cluster a 306 because it is the only member of cluster a 306 . however , if another of cluster a &# 39 ; s 306 members , for example “ pokeman ” 301 , was queried by users more often than “ pokemon ” 300 , “ pokeman ” 301 may become the topic for cluster a 306 . alternatively , a database manager may predetermine that “ pokemon ” 300 will remain the topic for cluster a 306 , regardless of the frequency of other queries . selection of the topic will be discussed further with reference to fig1 . as received queries 301 - 304 enter qcluster computer 207 , qclustering program 305 compares the members of clusters 306 - 309 with received queries 301 - 304 to determine which cluster will house each query 301 - 304 . qclustering program 305 may compare received query 301 - 304 with the members of clusters 306 - 309 using any number of techniques . fig4 - 7 show one such method for comparing received queries 301 - 304 to the contents of editorial database 210 , called “ bigram matching .” bigram matching is a technique that segments each word or phrase to be compared into a plurality of character sets . each character set includes two adjacent characters of the subject word . for example , as shown in fig4 , received query “ pokeman ” 301 has the following character sets : notably , the bigram character sets include spaces ( i . e ., “ _ ”) at the beginning and end of each word . this bigram segmenting is accomplished for received queries 301 - 304 , as well as members of clusters 306 - 309 . although fig4 - 7 illustrate the comparison of received queries 301 - 304 with the members of clusters 306 - 309 using bigram matching , it should be appreciated that any n - gram matching may be conducted , for example , trigram or quadgram . it should also be appreciated that the invention may conduct the comparison of received queries 301 - 304 with the members of clusters 306 - 309 using other matching techniques . before comparing received queries 301 - 304 , qcluster computer 207 may conduct a number of operations on received queries 301 - 304 to facilitate the matching process . for example , qcluster computer 207 may normalize received queries 301 - 304 . such normalization may include “ stemming .” stemming describes the process of removing from words common suffixes or prefixes that are insignificant to the matching process ( e . g ., “ ing ,” “ ed ,” and “ un ”). normalization also includes the process of removing from phrases whole words or phrases that are commonly found in a particular database , and thus are insignificant to the matching process ( e . g ., “ www .” and “. com ”). thus , normalization may also include the removal of “ stop - words ” by qcluster computer 207 . stop - words are words commonly found in a certain language that have little significance to the information stored in a database ( e . g ., “ a ” and “ the ”). fig4 is an example comparison of a received query with a member of a cluster using bigram matching , according to the invention . specifically , fig4 shows the comparison of received query “ pokeman ” 301 with topic “ pokemon ” 300 , where other received queries 302 - 304 have not yet been considered by qclustering program 305 . as shown in fig4 , received query “ pokeman ” 301 is divided into bigram 401 and compared with bigram 402 of topic “ pokemon ” 300 , located in cluster a 306 . matching character sets of bigram 402 are shown highlighted . the highlighted matching character sets of bigram 402 include “ _p ”, “ po ”, “ ok ”, “ ke ”, “ em ”, “ n_ ”. once bigram 401 for received query “ pokeman ” 301 is compared with bigram 402 of topic “ pokemon ” 300 , a bigram match score 403 maybe determined . here , bigram match score 403 for bigram 401 and bigram 402 has a value of 6 / 8 . this means that six of a possible eight character sets of bigram 402 matched bigram 401 for received query “ pokeman ” 301 . although the bigram match score has been described as a fraction of matching bigrams within the entire domain , it should be appreciated that other scoring techniques may be used to determine the bigram match score . whether a certain bigram match score is sufficient to cause a received query to be added to a particular cluster will depend on a predetermined required bigram match score . for example , as shown in fig4 , bigram match score 403 likely is sufficient to satisfy a predetermined threshold value for adding received query “ pokeman ” 301 to cluster a 306 . also a bigram match score may be weighted by certain considerations , before determining whether received query 301 will be added to a particular cluster . for example , a bigram match score may be weighted based on the length of a received query and / or the length of the member contained in the cluster . in this way , the invention ensures that the final matching score will not be unduly influenced by high bigram match scores caused by longer queries matched against shorter members . for example , the following formula may be used to determine the final match score : in addition to weighting the bigram match score based on the length of the query or cluster member , the bigram match score may be weighted based on characteristics of the individual character sets . this weighting recognizes that certain bigram character sets appear less than others , and thus likely are more significant and should be given greater weight . for example , in fig4 , matching character set “ ke ” may be so rare that its very presence signals that the query should be clustered with the matching member . this weighting may be accomplished in qcluster computer 207 by qclustering program 305 . although two examples of weighting were discussed , it should be appreciated that there may be many other weighting techniques , based on the characteristics of the query or cluster members . qclustering program 305 also may be used to associate certain clusters to text - based documents or entire internet web sites , so that , conceptually , the terms in the clusters attached to a document are associated with the document . for example , if a particular site or document is attached to pokemon cluster a 305 , and cluster a 305 contains terms such as pokeman 301 ( as shown in fig4 ), it is as if the term pokeman occurs in the searchable terms in the document or site itself . therefore , when a user issues a query with the wrong spelling ( i . e ., pokeman , instead of pokemon ), he / she is directed to this site because the wrong spelling ( i . e ., pokeman ) is in the cluster associated with the site . fig5 is another example comparison of a received query with members of a cluster using bigram matching . specifically , fig5 shows the comparison for received query “ pocket man ” 302 . in this example , “ pokemon ” 300 remains the topic for cluster a 306 . also , received query “ pokeman ” 301 , which was compared in fig4 , has been added to cluster a 306 , thus indicating that the final match score of received query 301 “ pokeman ” was sufficient to become a member of cluster a 306 with topic “ pokemon ” 300 . other received queries 303 and 304 have not yet been considered by qclustering program 305 . as shown in fig5 , received query “ pocket man ” 302 is segmented into a bigram 501 . bigram 501 is then compared both to bigram 402 for topic “ pokemon ” 300 and also to bigram 401 for member “ pokeman ” 301 . although fig5 shows the received query compared both to the cluster &# 39 ; s topic and to its members , it should be appreciated that the invention may compare the received query to members only , or to the cluster &# 39 ; s topic and any predetermined number of members . received query “ pocket man ” 302 results in a bigram match score 502 of 4 / 8 with “ pokemon ” 300 , and a bigram matched score 503 of 6 / 8 with “ pokeman ” 301 . as discussed with reference to fig4 , the bigram match score determines whether a received query will be added to a particular cluster . specifically , whether received query “ pocket man ” 302 is added to cluster a 306 will depend on whether bigram match scores 502 and 503 satisfy a predetermined threshold value . also , as discussed with reference to fig4 for bigram match score 403 , bigram match scores 502 and 503 may be weighted to arrive at a final match score . fig6 is another example comparison of a received query with members of a cluster using bigram matching . specifically , fig6 shows the comparison for received query “ pokeyman ” 303 . in this example , “ pokemon ” 300 remains the topic for cluster a 306 . also , received query “ pokeman ” 301 , compared in fig4 , and received query “ pocket man ” 302 , compared in fig5 , have become members of cluster a 306 . therefore , fig6 assumes that the final match score for received query “ pokeman ” 301 and received query “ pocket man ” 302 were sufficient to make the queries members of cluster a 306 with topic “ pokemon ” 300 . other received query 304 has not yet been considered by qclustering program 305 . as shown in fig6 , received query “ pokeyman ” 303 is segmented into a bigram 601 . bigram 601 is then compared to bigram 402 for topic “ pokemon ” 300 , bigram 401 for member “ pokemon ” 300 , and bigram 501 for member “ pocket man ” 302 . received query “ pokeyman ” 303 results in a bigram match score 602 of 5 / 8 for topic “ pokemon ” 300 , a bigram match score 603 of 7 / 8 for member “ pokeman ” 301 , and a bigram match score 604 of 6 / 10 for member “ pocket man ” 302 . although fig6 shows received query 303 “ pokeyman ” being compared with each member 301 , 302 and each topic 300 of cluster a 306 , it should be appreciated that the present invention may compare received query 303 “ pokeyman ” with any one or more of the members 301 , 302 or topics 300 of cluster a 306 . as discussed with reference to fig4 , the bigram match score determines whether a received query will be added to a particular cluster . specifically , whether received query “ pokeyman ” 303 is added to cluster a 306 will depend on whether bigram match scores 602 - 604 satisfy a predetermined threshold value . also , as discussed with reference to fig4 for bigram match score 403 , bigram match scores 602 - 604 may be weighted to arrive at a final match score . fig7 is another example comparison of a received query with members of a cluster using bigram matching . specifically , fig7 shows the comparison for received query “ superman ” 304 . in this example , “ pokemon ” 300 remains the topic for cluster a 306 . also , received query “ pokeman ” 301 , compared in fig4 , received query “ pocket man ” 302 , compared in fig5 , and received query “ pokeyman ” 303 , compared in fig6 , have become members of cluster a 306 . therefore , fig7 assumes that the final match score for received query “ pokeman ” 301 , received query “ pocket man ” 302 , and received query “ pokeyman ” 303 , were sufficient to make the queries members of cluster a 306 with topic “ pokemon ” 300 . as shown in fig7 , received query “ superman ” 304 is segmented into a bigram 701 . bigram 701 is then compared to bigram 402 for topic “ pokemon ” 300 , bigram 401 for member “ pokemon ” 300 , bigram 501 for member “ pocket man ” 302 , and bigram 601 for member “ pokeyman ” 303 . received query “ superman ” 304 results in a bigram match score 701 of 1 / 8 for topic “ pokemon ” 300 , a bigram match score 702 of 3 / 8 for member “ pokeman ” 301 , a bigram match score 703 of 3 / 10 for member “ pocket man ” 302 , and a bigram match score 704 of 3 / 9 for member “ pokeyman ” 303 . although fig7 shows received query “ superman ” 304 being compared with each member and each topic 300 of cluster a 306 , it should be appreciated that the present invention may compare received query “ superman ” 304 with any one or more of the members 301 - 303 or topics 300 of cluster a 306 . as discussed with reference to fig4 , the bigram match score determines whether a received query will be added to a particular cluster . specifically , whether received query “ superman ” 304 is added to cluster a 306 will depend on whether bigram match scores 701 - 704 satisfy a predetermined threshold value . also , as discussed with reference to fig4 for bigram match score 403 , bigram match scores 701 - 704 may be weighted to arrive at a final match score . notably , bigram match scores 701 - 704 for received query “ superman ” 304 are much lower than for previous queries 300 - 303 , and thus received query “ superman ” 304 is less likely to be added to cluster a 306 . fig8 illustrates the contents of editorial database 210 following the clustering of received queries 301 through 304 , as discussed with reference to fig4 - 7 . as shown in fig8 , cluster a 306 has three members “ pokeman ” 301 , “ pocket man ” 302 , and “ pokeyman ” 303 . cluster a 306 also has a topic “ pokemon ” 300 . cluster b 307 includes “ superman ” 304 , thus indicating that bigram match scores 701 - 704 for “ superman ” 304 were insufficient to satisfy the predetermined threshold for adding it to cluster a 306 . although not shown , it should be appreciated that as additional queries 202 are received they may be added to cluster a 306 , cluster b 307 , cluster c 308 or cluster d 309 . moreover , additional clusters ( not shown ) may be added as additional queries fail to meet the predetermined threshold for existing clusters . also , it should be appreciated that the invention may be used to amalgamate existing clusters . for example , it may be that as more members are added to cluster a 306 and cluster c 308 their differences become insignificant . alternatively , it may be that cluster a 306 was generated using the invention , but cluster c 308 was created by some other method ( e . g ., manually ) and blindly inputted to editorial database 210 . as a result , cluster c 308 may be merged with cluster a 306 . in this case , the newly merged cluster may adopt cluster a &# 39 ; s 306 topic name , cluster c &# 39 ; s 308 topic name , or keep both topic names . therefore , the invention may be used to create individual clusters , as well as amalgamating whole clusters . fig9 provides a flow diagram 900 of a method for clustering a query in a database . in step 901 , a user inputs a query 202 . in step 902 , qcluster program 305 compares inputted query 202 with clusters existing in editorial database 210 ( see fig4 - 7 ). in step 903 , it is determined whether query 202 exists in editorial database 210 . if query 202 does not exist in editorial database 210 , method 900 moves to step 907 to determine whether query 202 meets a predetermined criteria for clusters existing in editorial database 210 . if the query 202 does not meet predetermined criteria for an existing cluster in step 907 , query 202 becomes a new member in a new cluster in editorial database , in step 908 . process 900 then moves to step 911 where query 202 , which has been designated as a topic in step 908 , is exported from the editorial database 210 to search engine server 204 , in step 911 . in step 912 , search engine server 204 conducts a search based on exported query 202 , and in step 913 search engine server 204 provides search result 203 to the user . if , on the other hand , query 202 meets the predetermined criteria for an existing cluster in step 907 , query 202 is added to that existing cluster in step 909 . in step 910 , the topic for the existing cluster whose predetermined criteria query 202 has satisfied is exported from editorial database 210 to search engine server 204 . search engine server 204 then conducts a search in step 912 and provides search result 203 to the user in step 913 . in step 903 , if query 202 exists in editorial database 210 , step 906 determines whether query 202 is a topic for an existing cluster . in step 910 , if query 202 is not a topic , the topic for the existing cluster is exported from editorial database 210 to search engine server 204 . in step 912 , search engine server 204 conducts a search based on exported query 202 , and in step 913 search engine server 204 provides search result 203 to the user . if , on the other hand , step 906 determines that query 202 is an existing topic , in step 911 query / topic 202 is exported from editorial database 210 to search engine server 204 . in step 912 , search engine server 204 then conducts a search based on exported query 202 , and in step 913 , search engine server 204 provides search result 203 to the user . fig1 is a flow diagram 1000 of one method of selecting a topic , in accordance with the invention . it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the disclosed method . in fact , the invention may encompass other methods of selecting a topic from a collection of clustered items . in step 1001 , a user inputs a query 202 . query 202 may be a word or series of words . in step 1002 , qcluster program 305 eliminates stopwords . stopwords are words that do not have a particular significance in the context of the task at hand . for example , because of their prevalence in the context of internet searching , the terms “ www .” and “. com ” are considered stop words , and are thus eliminated from topic selection consideration . in step 1003 , the query is separated into individual words . in step 1004 , qcluster program 305 may calculate the frequency of the occurrence of the individual words and whole query . in step 1005 , the highest frequency words and queries are determined , based on step 1004 . the precise number of selected highest frequency “ items ” ( i . e ., words and / or queries ) may vary , depending on the relative scores . for example , the two highest frequency items may be selected when their frequency scores are relatively close . on the other hand , only one highest frequency item may be selected , where the subject item has a frequency score that is significantly higher than the second highest frequency item . if two or more highest frequency items are selected , it is determined whether the items have the same frequency score , in step 1006 . if the scores are not the same , the highest frequency item may be selected as the topic . alternatively , a predetermined number of highest frequency items may be selected to be the topics . if the highest frequency items have the same frequency score , a predetermined criterion may be used to break the tie , in step 1008 . for example , it may be that the longest item ( i . e ., the item with the most characters ) is selected as the topic . notably , if none of the items satisfy a predetermined minimum threshold to become a topic , it may be that the longest item is selected to be the topic of the cluster . the invention is directed to a system and method for classifying a character string from database entries , but is not limited to database information , regardless of any specific description in the drawing or examples set forth herein . moreover , it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to clustering information anew , but also may be adapted to merging existing clusters of information . it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to use of any of the particular components or devices herein . indeed , this invention can be used in any application that requires the categorization of words or phrases , including spell - checking software , for example . further , the system disclosed in the present invention can be used with the method of the present invention or a variety of other applications . while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the presently preferred embodiments thereof , it will be understood by those skilled in the art that in invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed herein . those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and adaptations of the invention may be made in the form and details of these embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims . | US-45768603-A |
a cathode current control system employing a current thief for use in electroplating a wafer is set forth . the current thief comprises a plurality of conductive segments disposed to substantially surround a peripheral region of the wafer . a first plurality of resistance devices are used , each associated with a respective one of the plurality of conductive segments . the resistance devices are used to regulate current through the respective conductive finger during electroplating of the wafer . various constructions are used for the current thief and further conductive elements , such as fingers , may also be employed in the system . as with the conductive segments , current through the fingers may also be individually controlled . in accordance with one embodiment of the overall system , selection of the resistance of each respective resistance devices is automatically controlled in accordance with predetermined programming . | [ 0017 ] fig1 is a schematic block diagram of a plating system , shown generally at 50 , for electroplating a metallization layer , such as a patterned copper metallization layer , on , for example , a semiconductor wafer 55 . the illustrated system generally comprises a vision system 60 that communicates with a main electroplating control system 65 . the vision system 60 is used to identify the particular product being formed on the semiconductor wafer 55 before it is placed into an electroplating apparatus 70 . with the information provided by the vision system 60 , the main electroplating control system 65 may set the various parameters that are to be used in the electroplating apparatus 70 to electroplate the metallization layer on the wafer 55 . in the illustrated system , the electroplating apparatus 70 is generally comprised of an electroplating chamber 75 , a rotor assembly 80 , and a stator assembly 85 . the rotor assembly 80 supports the semiconductor wafer 55 , a current control system 90 , and a current thief assembly 95 . the rotor assembly 80 , current control system 90 , and current thief assembly 95 are disposed for co - rotation with respect to the stator assembly 85 . the chamber 75 houses an anode assembly 100 and contains the solution 105 used to electroplate the semiconductor wafer 55 . the stator assembly 85 supports the rotor assembly 80 and its associated components . a stator control system 110 may be disposed in fixed relationship with the stator assembly 85 . the stator control system 110 may be in communication with the main electroplating control system 65 and may receive information relating to the identification of the particular type of semiconductor device that is being fabricated on the semiconductor wafer 55 . the stator control system 110 further includes an electromagnetic radiation communications link 115 that is preferably used to communicate information , to a corresponding electromagnetic radiation communications link 120 of the current control system 90 used by the current control system 90 to control current flow ( and thus current density ) at individual portions of the current thief assembly 95 . a specific construction of the current thief assembly 95 , the rotor assembly 80 , the stator control system 110 , and the current control system 90 is set forth in further detail below . in operation , probes 120 make electrical contact with the semiconductor wafer 55 . the semiconductor wafer 55 is then lowered into the solution 105 in minute steps by , for example , a stepper motor or the like until the lower surface of the semiconductor wafer 55 makes initial contact with the solution 105 . such initial contact may be sensed by , for example , detecting a current flow through the solution 105 as measured through the semiconductor wafer 55 . such detection may be implemented by the stator control system 110 , the main electroplating control system 65 , or the current control system 90 . preferably , however , the detection is implemented with the stator control system 110 . once initial contact is made between the surface of the solution 105 and the lower surface of the semiconductor wafer 55 , the wafer 55 is preferably raised from the solution 105 by a small distance . the surface tension of the solution 105 creates a meniscus that contacts the lower surface of the semiconductor wafer 55 that is to be plated . by using the properties of the meniscus , plating of the side portions of the wafer 55 is inhibited . once the desired meniscus has been formed at the plating surface , electroplating of the wafer may begin . specific details of the actual electroplating operation are not particularly pertinent to the use or design of present invention and are accordingly omitted . fig2 - 7 illustrate the current thief assembly 95 and rotor assembly 80 as constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention . as shown , the current thief assembly 95 comprises a plurality of conductive segments 130 that extend about the entire peripheral edge of the wafer 55 . in the illustrated embodiment , the conductive segments 130 are formed on a printed circuit board 135 . each segment 130 is associated with a respective resistive element 140 as shown in fig7 . in the illustrated embodiment , the resistive elements 140 are disposed on the side of the printed circuit board opposite the segments 130 . the resistive element 140 respectively associated with each segment may take on various forms . for example , the resistive element 140 may be a fixed or variable resistor . the resistive element 140 also may be constructed in the form of a plurality of fixed resistors that are selectively connected in circuit to one another in a parallel arrangement to obtain the desired resistance value associated with the respective segment . the switching of the individual resistors to or from the parallel circuit may ensue through a mechanical switch associated with each resistor , a removal conductive trace or wire associated with each resistor , or through an automatic connection of each resistor . further details with respect to the automatic connection implementation are set forth below . in each instance , the resistive element has a first lead 150 in electrical contact with the segment 130 and a second lead 155 for connection to cathode power . as such , the resistive elements 140 provide an electrical connection between the conductive segments 130 and , for example , a cathodic voltage reference 160 ( see fig1 ). in the disclosed embodiment , the voltage reference is a ground and is established through a brush connection between the rotor assembly 80 and the stator assembly 85 which is itself connected to ground . during electroplating of the semiconductor wafer 55 , the resistive element 140 associated with each segment 130 controls current flow through the respective segment . the resistance value used for each of the resistive elements 140 is dependent on the current that the respective segment 130 must pass to ensure the uniformity of the plating over the portions of the wafer surface that are to be provided with the metallization layer . such values may be obtained experimentally and may vary from segment to segment and from product type to product type . a still further resistive element that may be used to control current flow through each respective segment 130 is shown in fig8 . here , the resistive element is comprised of a pair of fets 170 and 175 . the gate terminals of each fet 170 and 175 are connected to be driven by the output of a comparator 180 which is part of the feed - forward portion of a feedback control system shown generally at 185 . the source terminals of the fets 170 , 175 are connected to the cathode power while the drain terminals of the fets are connected to a respective segment ( or , as will be set forth below , a respective finger ). in the feedback system 185 , a current monitor circuit 190 monitors the current flowing through the respective segment 130 and provides a signal indicative of the magnitude of the current to a central processing unit 195 . the control processing unit 195 , in turn , provides a feedback signal to a bias control circuit 200 that generates an output voltage therefrom to the inputs of comparator 180 . comparator 180 uses the signal from the bias control circuit 200 and , further , from a plating waveform generator 205 to generate the drive signal to the gate terminals of the fets 170 and 175 . the central processing unit 195 is programmed to set the individual set - point current values for each of the segments 130 of the current thief assembly 95 . if the measured current exceeds the set - point current value , the control processing unit 195 sends a signal to the bias control circuit 200 that will ultimately control the drive voltage to the fets 170 , 175 so as to reduce the current flow back to the set - point . similarly , if the measured current falls below the set - point current value , the control processing unit 195 sends a signal to the bias control circuit 200 that will ultimately control the drive voltage to the fets 170 , 175 so as to increase the current flow back to the set - point for the respective segment . the current thief assembly 95 is disposed for co - rotation with the rotor assembly 80 . with reference to fig6 the printed circuit board 135 is attached on a surface of a hub 210 of the rotor assembly 80 . the board 135 is spaced the hub 210 by an insulating thief spacer 215 and secured to the spacer 215 using a plurality of fasteners 220 . the spacer 215 , in turn , is secured to the hub 210 of the rotor assembly 80 using fasteners 220 that extend through securement apertures 225 of both the spacer 215 and hub 210 . the hub 210 of the rotor assembly 80 is also provided with a plurality of support members for securing the wafer 55 to the rotor assembly 80 during the electroplating process . in the illustrated embodiment , the support members comprise insulating projections 230 that extend from the hub surface and engage a rear side of the wafer 55 and , further , a plurality of conductive fingers 235 . the fingers 235 are in the form of j - hooks and contact the surface of the wafer that is to be plated . preferably , each of the fingers 235 may be respectively associated with a resistive element 140 such as described above in connection with the segments 130 of the current thief assembly 95 . the current flow through each of the fingers 235 and its respective section of the wafer 55 may thus be controlled . still further , conductive portions of the fingers 235 that contact the electroplating solution during the electroplating process may also perform a current thieving function and , accordingly , control current density in the area of the fingers . to this end , the amount of exposed metal on each of the fingers 235 may vary from system to system depending on the amount of current thieving required , if any , of the individual fingers 235 . the conductive fingers 230 may be part of a finger assembly 240 such as the one illustrated in fig5 a and 5b . as shown , the finger assembly 240 is comprised of an actuator 250 including a piston rod 255 . the piston rod 255 engages the finger 235 at a removable interconnect portion 260 for ease of removal and replacement of the finger 235 . further , the actuator 255 is biased by springs 265 so as to urge the fingers against the wafer 55 as shown in fig5 . the fingers 235 may be urged to release the wafer 55 by applying a pressurized gas to the actuator 250 through inlet 270 . application of the pressurized gas urges the fingers 235 in the direction shown by arrow 275 of fig5 thereby facilitating removal of the wafer 55 from the rotor assembly 80 . as shown in fig4 the hub 210 is connected to an axial rod assembly 280 that extends into rotational engagement with respect to the stator assembly 85 . the axial rod 280 is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly 80 . the brush connection used to establish the reference voltage level with respect to the anode assembly 100 used in the electroplating process may be established through the axial rod . fig9 - 14 illustrate one embodiment of a control system that may be used to vary the resistance values of the resistive elements 140 thereby controlling the current flow through the conductive segments 130 and , optionally , the conductive fingers 235 . generally stated , the control system comprises a power supply circuit 400 to supply power for the control system , an electromagnetic communications link 120 for communicating with the stator control system 110 , a processor circuit 410 for executing the programmed operations of the control system , the resistive elements 140 for controlling the current flow through the individual segments 130 and , optionally , fingers 235 , and a resistive element interface 415 providing an interface between the processor 410 and the resistive elements 140 . the power supply circuit 400 preferably uses batteries 420 as its power source . the negative side of the battery supply is referenced to the brush contact ( ground ). three 3v lithium coin cells are used to provide 9v to the input of a lt1521 5v dc regulator 425 . this ensures 3 . 5 volts of compliance . the op - amp u 3 and corresponding circuitry monitors the output of the 5v dc regulator lt1521 and provides an interrupt to the 87251 processor u 17 when the batteries require replacement . the processor u 17 is preferably an 87251 microcontroller and controls communication with the control system . one of the communications links is the electromagnetic radiation link 120 which is preferably implemented as an infrared communications link that provides a communications interface with a corresponding infra - red communications link in the stator control system 115 . when the rotor assembly 80 is in a “ home position ” with respect to the stator assembly 85 , the processor u 17 may receive data over the link 120 from the stator control system 110 . the data transmitted to the control system over the link 120 of the disclosed system includes sixteen / twenty , 8 - bit channel data ( see below ). the processor u 17 controls the return of an ack / checksum and an additional battery status byte to the stator control system 110 . the data received by the control system is stored by the processor u 17 in battery backed ram . once the data is verified , the processor u 17 controls the resistive element interface 415 to select the proper resistance value for each of the resistive elements 140 . in the illustrated embodiment , the resistive elements 140 can be divided into individual resistive channels 1 - 20 respectively associated with each of the conductive segments 130 and , optionally , each of the conductive fingers 235 . since the current thief assembly 95 of the illustrated embodiment uses sixteen segments 130 and there are four conductive fingers 235 that are used , either sixteen or twenty resistive channels may be employed . as shown with respect to the exemplary resistive channel 1 , each resistive channel 140 is comprised of a plurality of fixed resistors that may be selectively connected in parallel with one another to alter the effective resistance value of the channel . eight fixed resistors are used in each channel of the disclosed system . each channel is respectively associated with an octal latch , shown here as u 1 for channel 1 . the output of each data bit of the octal latch u 1 is connected to drive a respective mosfet q 1 a - q 4 b that has its source connected to a respective fixed resistor of the channel . the processor u 17 uses its port 2 as a data bus to communicate resistor selection data to the octal latches of the resistive element interface 415 . ports 1 and 0 of the processor u 17 provides the requisite clock and strobe signals to the latches . after the requisite data has been communicated to the octal latches , the processor u 17 preferably enters a sleep mode from which it awakes only during a reset of the system or when the stator control system 110 transmits further information through the infra - red link . based on the data communicated to each of the octal latches , various selected ones of the mosfets for the respective channel are driven to effectively connect corresponding fixed resistors in parallel with one another and effectively in series with the respective segment 130 or finger 235 . the resistance values of the fixed resistors for a given channel are preferably weighted to provide a wide range of total resistance values for the channel while also allowing the resistance values to be controlled with in relatively fine resistance value steps . the foregoing control system is preferably mounted for co - rotation with the rotor assembly 80 . preferably , the control system is mounted in the hub 210 in a location in which it is not exposed to the electroplating solution 105 . one embodiment of the stator control system 110 is shown in fig1 - 16 . the stator control system 110 includes an 87251 processor 440 that contains the programming for the stator control system operation . the primary function of the stator control system 110 is to receive programming information from the main control system 65 over an rs485 half duplex multi - drop communications link 430 . the programming information of the disclosed embodiment includes the sixteen / twenty , eight bit values used to drive the mosfets of the resistive element interface 415 . data transmitted from the stator control system 110 to the main control system 65 includes : an ack / checksum ok and an additional byte containing a product detection bit , a meniscus sense bit , and a rotor control system battery status bit . communications between the current control system 90 and the stator control system 110 should be kept to a minimum to conserve battery power in the rotor control system . due to the gain limitations of the micro - power characteristics of the integrated circuits used in the current control system 90 , the baud rate used for the communications should be maintained between 600 baud and 1 . 2k baud . the static ram of the rotor control system is non - volatile . as such , the channel resistance programming values are stored so long as there is power in the batteries . communications between the stator control system 110 and the current control system 90 need only take place when the batteries are replaced or when different plating characteristics are necessary . the stator control system 110 includes an on - board watchdog timer which is software enabled / disable . the watchdog timer is enabled after power - on reset and register initialization . one of the on - board timers also provides a timer for controller operation and i / o debounce routines . the stator control system 110 also includes a meniscus sense circuit 450 as shown on fig1 . just prior to product plating , a start signal at pp 8 from the processor 440 enables relay k 1 . in response , the signal at pp 10 output from the meniscus sense circuit 450 is provided to the processor 440 when the product contacts the plating solution . this latching signal causes the control system to stop downward motion and retract , for example , 0 . 050 in . to provide the meniscus pull described above . mechanisms for lowering and raising the semiconductor wafer 55 may be constructed in effectively the same manner as such mechanisms are implemented on the equinox ® semiconductor processing machine available from semitool , inc ., of kalispell , mont . the stator control system 110 also provides a wafer sensor interface 455 at j 2 . the external product sensor ( not illustrated ) may be , for example , an open collector optical sensor such as one available from sunx . on initialization of the control system 110 , the processor 440 preferably stores $ ff to all of the ports . the following table lists the port assignments for the processor . a further embodiment of the current thief 95 and corresponding rotor assembly 80 is set forth in fig1 . in the illustrated embodiment , the segments 130 are preferably formed from stainless steel and are secured to a polymer base 475 that , in turn , is secured to the hub 210 . each of the segments 130 projects beyond the inner parameter of the base 475 toward the wafer support area , shown generally at 480 . in the illustrated embodiment , each finger 235 is associated with a corresponding insulating anvil support 485 . as such , the wafer 55 is gripped between the end of conductive fingers 235 and the respective anvil supports 485 to secure the wafer for rotation of the rotor assembly 80 during the electroplating process . the circuits for the current control system 90 are disposed on , for example , printed circuit board 500 . electrical connection between each of the segments 130 and the corresponding resistive element 140 on board 500 is facilitated through the use of a plurality of stand - offs 490 . each stand - off 490 extends from a respective connection to one of the resistive elements 140 on the printed circuit board 500 through the base 475 and into electrical engagement with a respective one of the conductive segments 130 . the stand - offs 490 also function to secure the board 500 , hub 210 , and base 475 to one another . the entire assembly 510 may be disposed for rotation or pivoting about a horizontal axis . in a first position shown in fig1 , the wafer is faced downward toward the plating solution for processing . in a second position , the entire assembly is inverter to expose the wafer to manipulation by , for example , mechanical arms or the like . to assist in removal of the wafer from the processing area 480 , the assembly 510 is provided with a plurality of pneumatically actuated lifter mechanisms 515 . when actuated , the lifter mechanisms 515 lift the wafer to a level beyond the current thief assembly 95 to allow placement of the wafer into and removal of the wafer from the assembly 510 . [ 0052 ] fig1 illustrates the rotor assembly 80 in its home position with respect to the stator assembly 85 . in this position , the ir transmit links 115 and 120 are aligned for communication . other embodiments of the control system of fig9 - 14 are also suitable for use with the current thief assembly 95 . for example , the control system may be implemented without a processor , instead allowing the processor of the stator control system 110 to shift the resistor selection data bit - by - bit through shift registers of the current control system 90 . in such instances , further ir links may be used to communicate shift register timing signals to the system 90 to allow the stator control system 110 to control the shifting operations . such timing signals are specific to the particular manner in which the current control system is designed and are not particularly pertinent here . numerous modifications may be made to the foregoing system without departing from the basic teachings thereof . although the present invention has been described in substantial detail with reference to one or more specific embodiments , those of skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims . | US-91029901-A |
a system and method for improving processing of gases contained within the crankcase of an internal combustion engine is presented . the system is especially suited for single boiling point fuels because it allows the storage of such fuels until the fuel can be opportunistically combusted . | referring to fig1 , internal combustion engine 10 , comprising a plurality of cylinders , one cylinder of which is shown in fig1 , is controlled by electronic engine controller 12 . engine 10 includes combustion chamber 30 and cylinder walls 32 with piston 36 positioned therein and connected to crankshaft 31 . combustion chamber 30 is known communicating with intake manifold 44 and exhaust manifold 48 via respective intake valve 52 an exhaust valve 54 . each intake and exhaust valve is operated by a mechanical camshaft 130 that is rotated by coupling the camshaft to crankshaft 31 . in an alternative embodiment , one or more valves may be operated by electrical or hydraulic actuators . fresh air enters intake plenum 63 where its mass is determined by mass air sensor 115 . most fresh air is routed into engine 10 through electrically controlled throttle 62 where it enters intake manifold 44 . however , a portion of inducted air enters engine 10 through valve cover 50 by way of duct 66 . air is drawn through duct 66 by a differential pressure between intake manifold 44 and crankcase 51 . air goes from the cylinder head to crankcase 51 by way of passages that connect the cylinder head and the crankcase . as the air passes through the cylinder head and crankcase , it mixes with and displaces fuel vapors inside the engine . fuel vapors exit crankcase 51 and are routed through valve 71 to intake manifold 44 or through pcv canister 76 . pcv canister 76 may contain carbon , zeolite , or an alternate form of hydrocarbon storage media . fuel vapors can be purged from pvc canister 76 by opening valve 72 and providing fresh air across the trapping media by way of optional valve 73 . the fresh air may be heated by exhaust gas heat exchanger 46 or by another means to increase the rate at which hydrocarbons are released from the trapping media . in an alternative embodiment , heated crankcase gases may be used to purge a canister of hydrocarbons by allowing crankcase gases to pass through valve 71 and valve 72 to intake manifold 44 . in an alternative embodiment , pcv canister 76 may be sealed within the engine ( e . g ., under the valve cover or in the crankcase ) so that the hydrocarbon storage media remains at an elevated temperature after the engine warms . keeping the media temperature elevated may increase the rate at which hydrocarbons can be purged from the storage media . intake manifold 44 provides a conduit for air to travel between throttle 62 and intake valve 52 . fuel is directly injected to combustion chamber 30 by way of injector 66 . fuel is delivered to fuel injector 66 by fuel system ( not shown ) including a fuel tank , fuel pump , and fuel rail ( not shown ). alternatively , the engine may be configured such that the fuel is injected into a port of intake manifold 44 , if desired . distributorless ignition system 88 provides ignition spark to combustion chamber 30 via spark plug 92 in response to controller 12 . universal exhaust gas oxygen ( uego ) sensor 45 is shown coupled to exhaust manifold 48 upstream of catalytic converter 49 . alternatively , a two - state exhaust gas oxygen sensor may be substituted for uego sensor 45 . converter 49 can include multiple catalyst bricks in one example . in another example , multiple emission control devices , each with multiple bricks , can be used . converter 49 can be a three - way type catalyst in one example . controller 12 is shown in fig1 as a conventional microcomputer including : microprocessor unit 102 , input / output ports 104 , and read - only - memory 106 , random - access - memory 108 , 110 keep - alive - memory , and a conventional data bus . controller 12 is shown receiving various signals from sensors coupled to engine 10 , in addition to those signals previously discussed , including : engine coolant temperature ( ect ) from temperature sensor 112 coupled to water jacket 114 ; a throttle position sensor 69 ; a cam position sensor 150 ; a position sensor 119 coupled to a accelerator pedal ; a measurement of engine manifold pressure ( map ) from pressure sensor 122 coupled to intake manifold 44 ; a measurement ( act ) of engine air amount temperature or manifold temperature from temperature sensor 117 ; and a engine position sensor from sensor 118 sensing crankshaft 40 position . sensor 118 may be a variable reluctance , hall effect , optical , or magneto - resistive sensor . alternatively , a camshaft position sensor may also be provided and may be used to determine engine position . in a preferred aspect of the present description , engine position sensor 118 produces a predetermined number of equally spaced pulses every revolution of the crankshaft from which engine speed ( rpm ) can be determined . storage medium read - only memory 106 can be programmed with computer readable data representing instructions executable by processor 102 for performing the methods described below as well as other variants that are anticipated but not specifically listed . in an alternative embodiment ( not shown ), engine 10 is a diesel engine wherein fuel is injected directly into a cylinder and combusted via compression ignition . pcv canister 76 is positioned between crankcase 51 and intake manifold 44 . if desired , compressed air from a compressor can be routed to pcv canister 76 such that throttle 62 is bypassed . the compressed air flows over the canister storage medium and strips hydrocarbons from the storage medium . the hydrocarbons are then directed into the intake manifold by way of a control valve 72 . this arrangement allows the canister to be purged even when the intake manifold is near or higher than atmospheric pressure . in yet another embodiment ( also not shown ), compressed air can be directed through pcv canister 76 without bypassing throttle 62 by providing valves that direct flow through the pcv canister and then through throttle 62 . in still another embodiment , the pcv canister contents can be routed to the inlet side of an inlet compressor so that the low pressure side of the compressor draws pcv canister vapors into the engine . referring now to fig2 , an example flowchart for improving crankcase ventilation compensation is shown . at step 201 , engine operating conditions are determined engine coolant temperature , time since start , ambient temperature , engine load , fuel injection amount , and exhaust gas oxygen concentration are inferred or sensed . however , additional or fewer engine operating parameters may be input from sensor data . in addition , some engine operating conditions determined from characterized data and from other sensed engine operating conditions . for example , engine exhaust gas temperature may be inferred from engine speed , cylinder air charge , and engine coolant temperature . after determining engine operating conditions , the routine proceeds to step 203 . at step 203 , the routine determines the type of fuel ( e . g ., gasoline , ethanol , mixtures of gasoline and ethanol , diesel , or natural gas ) being injected to the engine . in one embodiment , fuel type for the present engine start can be determined from information stored in the engine controller during the last period of time that the engine operated . in other words , it can be assumed that the fuel combusted just prior to an engine stop is the substantially the same fuel used to start the engine . for example , fuel type can be inferred from the amount of fuel injected , the cylinder air amount , and the exhaust gas oxygen concentration . specifically , fuel type can be inferred from the ratio of fuel to air that produces a stoichiometric exhaust gas mixture . the stoichiometric air - fuel ratio can then be related to a specific fuel type . for example , when stoichiometric exhaust is detected at an air - fuel ratio of about 9 : 1 the engine controller can infer that the type of fuel being combusted as ethanol . alternatively , a sensor in the fuel supply line may be used to determine the type of fuel that will be combusted in the engine . such a sensor may assess fuel type by refraction , sensed capacitance , or other known methods . similar to the method described above , sensor information that indicates fuel type at engine stop can be used to determine and indicate fuel type at start . after the fuel type is determined the routine proceeds to step 205 . at step 205 , the routine determines or estimates the amount of fuel in the engine crankcase that can vaporize . in one embodiment , the routine uses engine temperature , the number of cylinder combustion events , type of fuel , amount of fuel injected , crank angle at which fuel is injected , and the estimated amount of fuel in the crankcase at the last engine stop to estimate the amount of fuel presently in the crankcase . the routine also has the capacity to determine the entire mass of fuel in the crankcase as well as the individual fuel masses that make up the total estimated crankcase fuel mass . in one embodiment , the routine estimates that a fraction of the total amount of fuel injected to a cylinder during a combustion cycle that ends up in the crankcase . engine temperature , type of fuel injected , and crankshaft angle at which injection occurs are used to look - up empirically determined factors that when added together represent the fractional amount of a cylinder &# 39 ; s fuel charge that ends up in the crankcase . this fractional amount is multiplied by the amount of fuel injected into a cylinder to determine an amount of fuel that entered the crankcase during a particular combustion event . the fuel type ( i . e ., the fractional concentrations of gasoline and alcohol ) determined in step 203 are multiplied by the total estimated mass of fuel entering the crankcase . in this way , the masses of the individual fuel components entering the crankcase can be determined the total amount of a particular fuel in the engine crankcase can be determined by subtracting the amount of that type of fuel purged from the crankcase from the amount of that type of fuel that has entered the crankcase . the total fuel amount of a particular type of fuel in the crankcase can be expressed as : where fuel_liq represents the total amount of liquid fuel in the crankcase , int_crk_fuel represents the estimated amount of fuel in the crankcase before the engine is started , crk_cyl ( n ) is the amount of fuel entering the crankcase each cylinder cycle , crk_prg ( n ) is the amount of fuel evacuated from the crankcase each cylinder cycle and is related to or a function of the amount of fuel in vapor state fuel_vap determined in step 209 , n is the number of cylinder cycles from engine start , and the subscript denotes a particular fuel type ( e . g ., 1 = gasoline ; 2 = ethanol ; 3 = methanol ). if the engine is stopped before the time to fully vaporize the crankcase fuel has transpired , then the remaining individual fuel amounts can be stored in memory and used when the engine is restarted . the fuel amounts stored in memory are combined with or added to the fuel amounts estimated to entering the crankcase during the present start , thereby increasing the estimated fuel amount in the crankcase and the purge time . in this way , fuel that enters the crankcase over many engine starts can be accounted for if the crankcase temperatures do not reach the fuel vaporization temperature . it should also be noted that for equal volumes of gasoline and ethanol , substantially all ethanol will go from a liquid state to a gaseous state when the boiling point of ethanol is reached and when given enough time . on the other hand , the total amount of gasoline going into vapor will gradually increase as the temperature of gasoline is increased . as such , for equal volumes of gasoline and ethanol , more ethanol vapor may be purged from a crankcase over a shorter time interval as long as the boiling temperature of ethanol is reached . after determining the amount of fuel in the crankcase , the routine proceeds to step 207 . at step 207 , the routine determines if fuel vaporization has commenced . in one embodiment , the onset of fuel vaporization ( i . e ., the pcv lower vaporization temperature limit or the lower temperature limit at which the fuel begins to vaporize at ambient pressure ) in the crankcase is related to engine coolant temperature or engine oil temperature . in one example , if the engine coolant temperature or engine oil temperature exceeds a first predetermined value , then a particular fuel type may be considered to be transitioning to a vapor state . on the other hand , if coolant temperature is less than the predetermined amount , no or insignificant fuel vaporization is deemed to have occurred for the particular fuel type . in some embodiments , if coolant temperature exceeds a second predetermined temperature ( i . e ., the pcv upper vaporization temperature limit or the temperature limit at which the fuel is substantially vaporized ) for a predetermined amount of time that is related to the amount of fuel in the crankcase , the strategy may determine that all the condensed fuel in the crankcase has been vaporized . however , fuel in a gaseous state may continue to enter the crankcase if it passes the piston rings . it should also be noted that the above - mentioned lower and upper vapor limit temperatures can be varied to accommodate different types of fuel . thus , one type of fuel may be determined to begin to vaporize at an engine coolant temperature of 75 ° c . and be completely vaporized at 80 ° c . while a different type of fuel may begin to vaporize at 10 ° c . and be completely vaporized at 95 ° c . at the same pressure . it should also be noted that there are other methods for determining or estimating the amount of fuel in the engine crankcase . therefore , the above method is not intended to limit the breadth of the present description , but rather as a non - limiting example . if fuel vaporization has commenced the routine proceeds to step 209 . if not , the routine proceeds to step 215 . in step 209 , the routine determines the effect that engine temperature , time at a temperature , fuel type , and amount of fuel in the crankcase have on fuel vaporization within the crankcase . in one example , these factors may be empirically determined or determined by modeling and then multiplied together to form a first - order time constant that represents fuel the vaporization rate within the crankcase . the fuel in vapor state can then be expressed as : where fuel_vapor is the estimated fuel mass that is in vapor state ; fuel_liq is the liquid fuel mass in the crankcase determined in step 205 ; e is base of the natural logarithm ; α is the variable determined from engine temperature , effect of time at a temperature , and fuel type ; and t is time since fuel is at conditions for vaporization . of course , higher order estimates that represent vaporization rates for different types of fuels may also be constructed if desired . after determining the amount of fuel in vapor the routine proceeds to step 211 . at step 211 , the routine determines if it is desirable to store fuel vapors in a pcv canister . based on the fuel type determined in step 203 , the routine can select alternative strategies or methods to decide when to store crankcase hydrocarbons in the pcv canister . in one embodiment , when gasoline is in the crankcase and the engine is cold started , fuel vapors are directed from the engine crankcase to the storage media by positioning valve 71 such that pcv canister 76 is in communication with crankcase 51 ( hydrocarbon storage mode ). simultaneously , valve 72 is opened to allow a path for hydrocarbon reduced gas to pass from crankcase 51 to intake manifold 44 . the crankcase gases are passed through pcv canister 76 until the engine air - fuel control is adjusted from sensed exhaust gases , or until a predetermined time or operating condition occurs ( e . g ., engine coolant temperature or engine oil temperature reaching predetermined conditions ). after hydrocarbon storage is complete , the state of valve 71 is changed so that crankcase gases can flow directly to the intake manifold and valve 72 is closed ( pcv canister bypass mode ). in another embodiment , when alcohol is in the crankcase , and the engine is cold started , valve 71 is positioned to allow communication between crankcase 51 and intake manifold 44 . when a temperature of the engine ( e . g ., coolant temperature or oil temperature ) reaches a predetermined value , valve 71 is positioned to allow communication between crankcase 51 and pcv canister 76 . at this time , valve 72 is also opened to allow hydrocarbon reduced gases to flow from crankcase 51 to intake manifold 44 . valve 72 is closed and valve 71 is returned to the position that allows crankcase gases to bypass pcv canister 76 when engine temperature reaches a second temperature or after a predetermined amount of time . alternatively , valves 71 and 72 can be repositioned from the hydrocarbon storage mode to the bypass mode when a temperature of the engine reaches a predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time . the predetermined amount of time can be related to the type and estimated amount of fuel in the crankcase . in still another envisioned embodiment , the routine uses a plurality of parameters including , but not limited to coolant temperature , time since start , amount of fuel in the crankcase , and the amount of stored fuel vapor to determine when to store crankcase vapors to the pcv canister . if conditions are met to store vapors to a pcv canister the routine proceeds to step 213 . if not , the routine proceeds to step 215 . in step 213 , the routine commands selected control valves in a manner that will cause crankcase fuel vapors to be stored in a canister . in one embodiment , valves are commanded as described in step 211 . this is accomplished by way of two - way valve 71 and one - way valve 72 . in another embodiment , two - way valve 71 is replaced by two one - way valves and the valves are commanded to store crankcase hydrocarbons in canister 76 . after the canister control valves are operated the routine returns to step 211 . at step 215 , the routine determines whether engine operating conditions are desirable for combusting stored fuel vapors . in one embodiment , canister purge is permitted after a plurality of engine operating conditions have been met , the conditions including but not limited to the engine exceeding a predetermined coolant temperature , a predetermined period of time since engine start has been exceeded , and the engine being within a prescribed speed and load region . in other embodiments , fewer engine conditions may be required to purge the canister . for example , the canister may be purged when the engine is operated at higher loads so that the fraction of combusted hydrocarbons originating from the canister is low as compared to the amount of fuel being injected . in another embodiment , canister purge is permitted after the engine coolant temperature reaches a predetermined temperature . once started , the canister purging process can continue until the exhaust gas oxygen sensor detects little or no hydrocarbons related to the crankcase or until other engine operating conditions indicated that canister purging should be inhibited . for example , crankcase purging can be stopped if sensors detect no change in exhaust gas hydrocarbons when the flow of crankcase gases is cycled on and off . in another example , crankcase purging can be deactivated when the engine shuts off fuel during deceleration or when engine load is less than a predetermined amount . if the engine operating conditions have been met for combusting stored hydrocarbons the routine proceeds to step 217 . otherwise , the canister flow control valves are closed and the routine proceeds to exit . at step 217 , the routine releases fuel trapped in a canister into the engine intake manifold . in the embodiment shown in fig1 , the canister is purged when two - way valve 71 is positioned such that crankcase vapors flow from the crankcase to the intake manifold . at the same time , valve 72 is opened to allow fuel vapors from the canister to enter the intake manifold . in addition , valve 73 is opened to allow heated fresh air to flow through canister 76 . the heated air strips fuel from the canister media and the enriched air enters the intake manifold via valve 72 . the air may be heated from engine heat or by other known methods . valve 72 may also be modulated so as to control the release of canister vapor into intake manifold 44 . in one embodiment , a pulsewidth modulated control signal is sent to valve 72 to control the average position of valve 72 . since the air enters canister 76 from upstream of throttle 62 , and since pressure in intake manifold 44 may be lower than pressure upstream of throttle 62 , a pressure differential causes enriched air to flow from upstream throttle 62 to intake manifold 44 . in an alternative embodiment , the canister may be purged using heated crankcase gases . that is , valve 71 is positioned such that crankcase gases flow into the canister and valve 72 is opened so that gases move through the canister and are discharged to intake manifold 44 . using crankcase gases to purge the canister may be a more cost effective way to purge the canister because valve 73 and heat exchanger 46 may be eliminated from the system for some engine configurations . in another alternative embodiment , a compressor may be located upstream of throttle 62 . in this embodiment , positive pressure created by the compressor can be used to pressurize canister 76 and cause fuel vapors to enter intake manifold 44 . thus , fuel vapors can be pushed or pulled through canister 76 into intake manifold 44 to facilitate purging of stored hydrocarbons from canister 76 . as mentioned above , valve 72 can be modulated to control the flow of enriched air from canister 76 to intake manifold 44 . in one embodiment , the duty cycle of valve 72 is controlled in response to engine speed , engine load , the amount of fuel stored in the vapor canister , and sensed oxygen in exhaust gases . a three dimensional table is indexed by engine speed , engine load , and estimated stored hydrocarbons . the duty cycle of the canister flow control valve ( e . g ., valve 72 in fig1 ) is increased ( average valve opening is increased ) as engine speed and engine load increase . valve opening amount is decreased when the amount of hydrocarbons stored in the canister is high and engine speed and load are low . further , the valve opening amount is increased when the amount of hydrocarbons stored in the canister is low and engine speed and load are low . oxygen sensor feedback may also be used to adjust the canister flow control valve duty cycle . if oxygen is detected in the exhaust gas at a higher concentration than is expected , the canister purge valve average opening amount can be increased while the throttle opening is reduced . the throttle opening amount is reduced in proportion to the increase in the canister flow control valve opening amount . likewise , if oxygen detected in the exhaust gas is at a lower concentration than is expected , the average canister purge valve opening amount can be reduced while the throttle position is substantially maintained . in another embodiment , fuel injection timing can be adjusted when the pcv canister is purged so that the engine delivers the desired amount of fuel . in particular , the amount of injected fuel is decreased by the amount of fuel estimated to enter the engine by way of the pcv canister . further , the fuel injection amount can be increased or decreased as the oxygen concentration in the exhaust varies . thus , the system can compensate for the release of pcv hydrocarbons by adjusting fuel injection timing . after the canister flow control valves are positioned routine returns to step 215 . referring now to fig3 , an example pcv purge cycle is shown . plots of engine speed , engine load , engine coolant temperature , and closed - loop fuel flag are used to illustrate an example pcv canister purge sequence . the sequence begins on the left and proceeds to the right . the plots of fig3 are used to illustrate several different pcv canister purging cycles that are related to different fuel types . when fuels comprised of more than a predetermined amount of gasoline are in the crankcase ( e . g ., 80 %), the pcv canister is filled and purged such that hydrocarbons liberated from the crankcase over a wide temperature range are advantageously combusted by the engine . in one embodiment , pcv canister valves are operated so that crankcase hydrocarbons are stored in the pcv canister from engine crank until vertical marker 301 is reached . in one example , where pcv canister control valves are configured as illustrated in fig1 , valve 71 opens to allow gases to flow from crankcase 51 to canister 76 . and valve 72 is opened to allow gas to exit pcv canister 76 . vertical marker 301 indicates the time at which the engine goes into closed - loop fuel control . in another embodiment , the pcv canister valves are operated so that crankcase hydrocarbons are stored in the pcv canister from engine crank until a predetermined temperature of the engine is reached at vertical marker 303 . hydrocarbons may be released from the pcv canister at different times depending on engine operating conditions and control objectives . if crankcase hydrocarbons are stored until the engine goes closed - loop , the pcv canister contents can be purged to the engine intake system after closed - loop fuel control is initiated at vertical marker 301 . alternatively , the pcv canister contents can be purged to the engine intake system after the engine temperature meets a predetermined temperature at vertical marker 303 . on the other hand , if crankcase hydrocarbons are stored until an engine temperature meets a predetermined temperature at vertical marker 303 , then the pcv canister contents can be purged to the intake manifold after the engine temperature meets the predetermined operating temperature . in one example , where pcv canister control valves are configured as illustrated in fig1 , valve 71 changes position to allow gases to flow from crankcase 51 to intake manifold 44 . valves 72 and 73 are opened to allow heated intake air to purge hydrocarbon vapors from canister 76 to intake manifold 44 . in an alternate embodiment , valve 71 can continue to let crankcase gases pass through canister 76 so that heated crankcase gases will cause hydrocarbons to exit canister 76 and enter intake manifold 44 . pcv canister purge continues from vertical marker 301 or 303 until the engine control strategy detects a reduction of hydrocarbons being admitted from the pcv canister or until vertical marker 305 is reached . marker 305 indicates that the engine is operating at a low load condition where it can be more difficult to control the engine air - fuel ratio . temporarily deactivating the pcv purge at vertical marker 305 can improve engine emissions because it can be easier to control engine air - fuel by using fuel injectors rather than using pcv canister hydrocarbon release estimates . pcv canister purge remains deactivated while the engine is at low load conditions . in one embodiment , pcv canister purge can be deactivated by closing valves 71 , 72 , and 73 . it should be noted that the system configuration illustrated in fig1 allows crankcase gases to bypass the pcv canister when crankcase hydrocarbons are not being stored to the pcv canister . thus , the system of fig1 can use heated fresh air that is routed through valve 73 and passed through pcv canister 76 and valve 72 to purge the pcv canister while crankcase gases are ingested to the engine via two - way valve 71 . at vertical marker 307 , engine load increases and pcv canister purge resumes until the engine control system strategy detects a reduction of hydrocarbons being admitted from the pcv canister or until low engine load conditions are reached . when fuels comprised of more than a predetermined amount of alcohol are in the crankcase ( e . g ., 50 %), the pcv canister is filled and purged such that hydrocarbons liberated from the crankcase over a narrower temperature range are advantageously combusted by the engine . in one embodiment , pcv canister valves are operated so that crankcase hydrocarbons bypass the pcv canister from engine crank until vertical marker 303 is reached . that is , hydrocarbons are not store to the pcv canister until a predetermined temperature of the engine is reached . in one embodiment , where pcv control valves are configured as illustrated in fig1 . the pcv canister is bypassed by setting two - way valve 71 such that crankcase gases to flow from crankcase 51 to intake manifold 44 . during pcv bypass , valves 72 and 73 are put in the closed position . hydrocarbons are stored in the pcv canister from vertical 303 until vertical marker 305 . hydrocarbons are stored by positioning valve 71 such that gases flow from crankcase 51 to canister 76 . valve 72 is also opened to provide a path for gases to flow from canister 76 to intake manifold 44 . vertical marker 305 in this example indicates two conditions : a low engine load condition and a second predetermined engine temperature . if hydrocarbons are being stored in the pcv canister and if the engine temperature meets or exceeds a predetermined temperature , the pcv canister filling operation can be stopped and the pcv canister contents purged to the engine intake system . on the other hand , if a low engine load is reached while the pcv canister is being filled the pcv canister can continue to fill or filling may be deactivated without purging the pcv canister until a higher engine load is achieved . at vertical marker 307 , engine load increases and pcv canister purge begins purging until the engine control system strategy detects a reduction of hydrocarbons being admitted from the pcv canister or until low engine load conditions are reached . purge is initiated in the configuration illustrated in fig1 by setting valve 71 to a position where crankcase gases are routed to the intake manifold . in addition , valves 72 and 73 are set to the open position so that heated fresh air is routed through pcv canister 76 . in an alternative embodiment , the pcv canister can be purged by setting valve 71 such that crankcase gases can flow from crankcase 41 to pcv canister 76 while valve 72 is open . valve 73 is not required if pcv purging is performed using crankcase gases . when fuels comprised of a predetermined mixture range of alcohol and gasoline are in the crankcase ( e . g ., fuels between 49 % and 80 % gasoline ), the pcv canister is filled and purged such that hydrocarbons liberated from the crankcase are advantageously combusted by the engine . in one embodiment , pcv canister valves are operated so that crankcase hydrocarbons are stored in the pcv canister from engine crank until vertical marker 301 is reached . hydrocarbons stored in the pcv canister are then purged to the engine intake system from vertical 301 until vertical marker 303 . at vertical marker 303 , hydrocarbons are stored again . in this embodiment , vertical marker 303 corresponds to a predetermined temperature of the engine . and the predetermined temperature of the engine is related to the boiling point of a single boiling point fuel ( e . g ., ethanol ). crankcase hydrocarbons are stored to the pcv canister when the engine reaches the predetermined temperature that is related to the boiling point of the single boiling point fuel . in this embodiment , vertical marker 305 also indicates two conditions : a low engine load condition and a second predetermined engine temperature . if hydrocarbons are being stored in the pcv canister and the engine meets or exceeds a predetermined temperature the pcv canister filling operation can be stopped and the pcv canister contents purged to the engine intake system . on the other hand , if a low engine load is reached while the pcv canister is being filled the pcv canister can continue to fill or filling may be deactivated without purging the pcv canister until a higher engine load is achieved . at vertical marker 307 , engine load increases and the pcv canister purge cycle begins . purging continues until the engine control system strategy detects a reduction of hydrocarbons being admitted from the pcv canister or until low engine load conditions are reached . the methods , routines , and configurations disclosed herein are exemplary and should not be considered limiting because numerous variations are possible . for example , the above disclosure may be applied to i3 , i4 , i5 , v6 , v8 , v10 , and v12 engines operating in natural gas , gasoline , diesel , or alternative fuel configurations . the following claims point out certain combinations regarded as novel and nonobvious . certain claims may refer to “ an ” element or “ a first ” element or equivalent . however , such claims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more elements , neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements . other variations or combinations of claims may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or through presentation of new claims in a related application . the subject matter of these claims should be regarded as being included within the subject matter of the present disclosure . | US-201313741136-A |
a substrate handling robot includes an arm drive mechanism . a first arm is connected to the arm drive mechanism . a multiple substrate batch loader is connected to the first arm . a second arm is also connected to the arm drive mechanism . a single plane end effector is connected to the second arm . the multiple substrate batch loader produces a vacuum signal indicative of how many substrates are held by the multiple substrate batch loader . a vacuum signal interpreter alters the movement of the first arm in response to the substrate load number . an object sensor is connected to the second arm . the object sensor assesses the number of substrates in a cassette adjacent to the multiple substrate batch loader . a substrate loading sequence controller controls the first arm and the second arm in response to the number of substrates in the cassette , such that the second arm removes substrates from the cassette in such a manner as to facilitate complete loading of the multiple substrate batch loader . | fig1 is a perspective view of a dual arm batch loading robot 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . the robot 20 includes a first arm 22 , which supports a multiple substrate batch loader 24 . the robot also includes a second arm 26 , which supports a single plane end effector 28 . the first arm 22 includes a base arm 30 with a proximal end 32 connected to an arm drive mechanism 34 . the base arm 30 also includes a distal end 36 . the first arm also includes a forearm 38 . the proximal end 40 of the forearm 38 is connected to the distal end 36 of the base arm 30 . the distal end 42 of the forearm 38 supports a batch loader support mechanism 44 . the second arm 26 includes a base arm 46 with a proximal end 48 and a distal end 50 . a forearm 52 has a proximal end 54 connected to the distal end 50 of the base arm 46 . an object sensor 58 is connected to the distal end 56 of the forearm 52 . fig1 also illustrates a housing 60 , which encloses a motor and other components . those skilled in the art will recognize a number of benefits associated with the apparatus of fig1 . the multiple substrate batch loader 24 allows a set of substrates to be transported , thereby increasing processing efficiency . the single plane end effector 28 allows the robot 20 to perform traditional substrate handling operations . other advantages and benefits of the invention are highlighted with the following discussion . fig2 is a side view of the robot 20 . the figure illustrates the housing 60 , the arm drive mechanism 34 , the single plane end effector 28 , and the multiple substrate batch loader 24 . fig3 is an exploded rear view of the first arm 22 and second arm 26 . the figure illustrates the first arm 22 and its base arm 30 , the distal end 36 of which receives a pivot mechanism 70 . the proximal end 40 of the forearm 38 is also attached to the pivot mechanism 70 . similarly , the distal end 50 of the second arm 26 has an aperture 51 to receive a pivot mechanism 72 associated with forearm 52 . fig3 also illustrates a portion of the arm drive mechanism 34 . the arm drive mechanism 34 includes a dual shaft drive mechanism 74 , which is used to provide motive force for the arms 22 and 26 . a drive shaft housing 76 encloses the dual shaft drive mechanism 74 . the drive shaft housing 76 rests on top of a motor housing frame 78 . a motor ( not shown ) is positioned within the motor housing frame 78 . a motor housing exterior 80 encloses the motor housing frame 78 . fig4 a is a cross sectional view of a portion of the robot 20 . in particular , the figure illustrates the first arm 22 and a portion of housing 60 in cross - section . the figure illustrates the dual shaft drive mechanism 74 with a first shaft 82 . the shaft 82 is connected to a belt 84 , which is linked to a pulley 86 . a similar arrangement is used in connection with the second arm 26 . the particular internal arm drive mechanism used in connection with the invention is immaterial , since any number of configurations may be used in accordance with the invention . the invention is not directed toward robotic arm movements , but to the use of a multiple substrate batch loader 24 , a single plane end effector 28 , and the associated utilization of these devices , as further discussed below . although the particular internal arm drive mechanism that is used is not critical to the operation of the invention , one particular configuration has been found to be advantageous . fig4 b illustrates the use of a harmonic drive mechanism ( gear reduction unit ) which is instrumental in providing smooth motion and enough torque to move multiple wafers . the gear reduction unit reduces moving parts , provides a strong drive system , avoids the problem of belt wear , and is relatively compact . in addition , it is housed in the arm base for easy accessibility for servicing . fig4 b illustrates that the pulley 86 rotates the shaft 87 , which drives the input portion of the harmonic drive 88 . the output portion of the harmonic drive 88 is attached to a radial link 89 , which in turn is attached to the arm base 30 through spacer 91 . fig5 is an exploded view of a single plane end effector 28 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . the device 28 has a connector 90 for attachment to the second arm 26 . an intermediate support member 92 is attached to the connector 90 . a single plane paddle 96 is attached to the intermediate support member 92 . an object sensor 58 is connected to the base of the single plane paddle 96 . the object sensor 58 may be an optical sensor , a laser sensor , or the like . the object sensor 58 is used to identify whether substrates are stored at a storage site , such as a cassette . the second arm 26 is manipulated through a variety of positions to allow the object sensor 58 to identify where objects are stored . fig5 also illustrates that the paddle 96 includes a vacuum aperture 98 . the vacuum aperture is linked to a vacuum pump ( not shown ). the vacuum pump establishes suction that secures a substrate to the paddle 96 . fig6 illustrates a multiple substrate batch loader 24 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . the device 24 includes a first arm connector 100 for connection with the first arm 22 . a stand - off 102 is positioned on the first arm connector 100 . an elevated base member 104 is positioned on the stand - off 102 . a first paddle 106 is positioned and secured between the first arm connector 100 and the elevated base member 104 . the first paddle 106 includes a vacuum aperture 108 , which operates in the manner described with respect to the vacuum aperture 98 of paddle 96 . fig6 illustrates that the multiple substrate batch loader 24 may also include any number of additional paddles 116 . each additional paddle 116 includes a paddle plateau 117 , which operates as a stand - off for an adjacent paddle . each additional paddle 116 also includes a vacuum aperture 108 . a paddle cap 118 may be used to secure the vertical arrangement of paddles 116 . each paddle in the multiple substrate batch loader 24 contains an internal vacuum channel . an o - ring is used to seal the vacuum channel between components . fig7 is a simplified illustration of the dual arm batch loading robot 20 . the figure illustrates in simplified form the multiple substrate batch loader 24 and the single plane end effector 28 . as previously discussed , these components are attached to an arm drive mechanism 34 . the arm drive mechanism 34 preferably includes a vacuum sensor 119 . the vacuum sensor is used to measure the vacuum signals associated with the various vacuum apertures of the multiple substrate batch loader 24 , as further discussed below . fig7 illustrates that the dual arm batch loading robot 20 may operate in connection with a cassette 140 , which holds a set of substrates 141 . fig7 also illustrates that the dual arm batch loading robot 20 may be controlled by a control circuit in the form of a general purpose computer 120 . the computer 120 includes a set of input / output devices 122 to interface with the robot 20 . the input / output devices 122 also include such items as a keyboard , mouse , monitor , printer , and the like . control signals to and from the robot 20 are exchanged through the input / output devices 122 . the control signals include vacuum sensor signals from the vacuum sensor 119 and sensed object signals from the object sensor 58 . these signals are passed to the central processing unit ( cpu ) over bus 126 . the bus 126 is also connected to a memory ( e . g ., ram , disc memory , or the like ) 128 , allowing the cpu 124 to execute programs stored within the memory 128 . the operation of a computer in connection with input / output devices 122 , a cpu 124 , and a memory 128 is well known in the art . an aspect of the invention is directed toward the particular types of programs executed by the computer 120 . in accordance with the invention , the memory 128 preferably stores a substrate loading sequence controller program 130 , a vacuum signal interpreter program 132 , and a motion control unit program 134 . the motion control unit program is a standard program for generating control signal for the arm drive mechanism 34 . as known in the art , the motion control unit 134 relies upon information from the map sensor 121 . the substrate loading sequence controller 130 is executed by the cpu 124 to select an optimal transport sequence to be performed by the robot 20 . the substrate loading sequence controller 130 determines which arm to use when dealing with a partially filled cassette . for example , if the object sensor 58 detects three substrates in the bottom slots of a cassette , a missing substrate above those three , and a group of five substrates above that , the controller 130 can select the single plane end effector 28 to move the first three substrates individually , skip the empty slot , then move the group of five with the multiple substrate batch loader 24 . thus , based upon the information accumulated by the object sensor 58 , the controller 130 executes a set of rules to optimize the utilization of the multiple substrate batch loader 24 . the execution of these rules typically results in the use of the single plane end effector 28 to move substrates such that groups of substrates are subsequently dispatched with the multiple substrate batch loader 24 . the vacuum signal interpreter 132 as executed by the cpu 124 processes the control signal from the vacuum sensor 119 . the vacuum sensor 119 is tied to each of the vacuum apertures of the individual paddles of the batch loader 24 . since the batch loader 24 has all of its blades tied into a single vacuum source , there is only one vacuum sensor which is used to detect the presence of the substrates . if only four out of five wafers are present , a “ vacuum leak ” on the blade without a wafer is reflected in an altered vacuum signal . the vacuum leak results in reduced suction at the remaining substrates . in response to this condition , the vacuum signal interpreter reduces the speed of the arm 22 to insure safe transport of the substrates . observe that the object sensor 58 will typically provide information as to how many substrates will be carried at any given time . however , the vacuum signal interpreter 132 operates as a redundant failsafe mechanism , or alternatively , as a substitute mechanism if an object sensor 58 is not available . the vacuum signal interpreter 132 may be implemented as simple circuit that determines whether any paddle is not carrying a substrate . in response to such a condition , the altered movement of the robotic arm can be adjusted . in other words , in this embodiment the vacuum signal is not mapped to a specific number of substrates that are missing in the batch loader . instead , if only a single substrate is missing the motion of the arm is adjusted . those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention provides an improved technique for robotic - based bulk transfers of substrates . the bulk transfer technique of the invention allows for the transfer of various numerical combinations of substrates to optimize transfer operations . the vacuum - sensor associated with the multiple substrate batch loader facilitates a low cost assessment of the number of substrates being transferred at any given time . based upon this information , the motion of the robot may be altered . advantageously , the invention utilizes known materials and techniques and is otherwise compatible with existing robotic processes . the foregoing description , for purposes of explanation , used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention . however , it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the invention . in other instances , well known circuits and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessary distraction from the underlying invention . thus , the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description . they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed , obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings . the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications , to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated . it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents . | US-11359998-A |
a two - wheel battery - powered vehicle having a platform , two wheels connected to the platform , a battery - powered wheel drive driving the two wheels , an attachment connected to the platform , and a sensor device arranged in the platform . a person standing on the platform and engaging the attachment moves the platform into an angle position corresponding to a body position of the person . based on the angle position of the platform relative to a horizontal position , the sensor device controls the wheel drive such that the wheel drive , by acceleration or deceleration , keeps the vehicle and the person standing on the platform in a balanced position . the attachment has a leg support device for at least one leg of the person standing on the platform in order to keep the platform at a desired angle position . the leg support device is adjustable . | the following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention . however , the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents . in this description , reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout . unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims , all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art . unless the context clearly requires otherwise , throughout the description and the claims , the words “ comprise ,” “ comprising ” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense ; that is to say , in a sense of “ including , but not limited to .” words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number , respectively . additionally , the words “ herein ,” “ above ,” “ below ,” and words of similar import , when used in this application , shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application . the above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above . while specific embodiments of , and examples for , the invention are described above for illustrative purposes , various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention , as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize . for example , while steps are presented in a given order , alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order . the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems , not only the systems described herein . the various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments . these and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description . any and all the above references and u . s . patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference . aspects of the invention can be modified , if necessary , to employ the systems , functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention . fig1 - 4 show a vehicle 1 according to the present invention which provides a platform 2 configured as a flat box , two wheels 3 connected to the platform 2 and enfolded by fenders 200 , a battery - powered wheel drive 8 driving the two wheels 3 , an attachment 100 connected to the platform 2 and a sensor device arranged in the platform 2 . on one of the fenders 200 is mounted a support 300 for an object to be transported . the attachment 100 at the front end of the vehicle 1 extends upwardly from the platform 2 . it is comprised of a rigid base support 101 fixedly connected to the platform 2 and a support column 102 which is positioned with a socket 103 to the base support 101 . the support column 102 extends at a slant upwardly and is connected to a support rod 104 of a leg support device 110 comprising front shells 111 , 112 and rear shells 113 , 114 . the front and rear shells 111 - 114 are provided with lay - on surfaces 115 - 118 for the legs of a person which provide approximately the form of a quadrant . as it can be seen in fig1 and 3 the front shells 111 , 112 are arranged in a higher position than the rear shells 113 , 114 . as presented in fig5 - 10 , the leg support device 110 comprises an adjustable rod system 120 carrying the shells 111 - 114 . fig9 and 10 show the rod system 120 with the front and rear shells 111 - 114 removed . the rod system 120 comprises a middle support rod 124 which is connected to the support rod 104 , a front support member 133 carrying the front shells 111 , 112 , a further middle support rod 129 connected to the rear shells 113 , 114 , and a rear adjustment member 137 . the middle support rod 124 , the front support member 133 , the middle support rod 129 , and the rear adjustment member 137 are connected with each other by sliding rods 160 , 161 . the leg support 110 as a whole is height - adjustable by moving and subsequently fixing the rod system 120 along the rigid base column 104 . the rear shells 113 , 114 are mounted on a rear support member 131 which is arranged slidable on a support bar 132 in order to adjust the height of the rear shells 113 , 114 in respect to the front shells 111 , 112 . the front shells 111 , 112 are mounted on the front support member 133 which comprises a horizontal bar 134 and a support block 135 . together with the further middle support block 129 and the rear adjustment member 137 the front support member 133 is horizontally adjustable by means of a spindle drive 121 comprising a threaded rod 122 . the threaded rod 122 is fed through a tapped bore 123 of middle support rod 124 and provided with a crank handle 125 . analogously a spindle drive 126 with a threaded rod 127 , a tapped bore 128 of the further middle support rod 129 and a crank handle 130 is provided for the rear support member 131 in order to adjust the rear support member &# 39 ; s horizontal position in respect to the front support member 133 . while the transverse horizontal space between the respective left and right shells 111 - 114 is adjustable to comport to variations in space between different person &# 39 ; s legs , the position of the leg support device 110 as a whole is adjustable to move the person &# 39 ; s 400 center of gravity which may include camera gear forwards and backwards to achieve equilibrium in the stopped position . the position may be adjusted by use of the spindle drives 121 , 126 and the handle 125 , 130 which may be adjusted while in use . the front shells 111 , 112 are fixed on the horizontal bar 134 which is arranged pivotable around a horizontal axis in a support bore of a carrier block 135 . the position of the horizontal bar 134 can be fixed with bolts 136 which are arranged in threaded bores that lead to the support bore . the position of the front shells 111 , 112 can individually be adjusted against each other by loosening bolts 136 , pivoting the front shells 111 , 112 around the horizontal bar 133 and / or move them along it and fixing the bolts 136 again . in the same manner the position of the rear shells 113 , 114 can be adjusted by loosening and bolts 139 , pivoting / moving the rear shells 113 , 114 around / along a horizontal bar 138 of the rear support member 131 , and subsequently fixing the bolts 139 again . the front and rear shells 111 - 114 may be rotated about the transverse horizontal axis of the horizontal bars 133 , 138 to accommodate persons of varying bone structure and muscular development . thus the disclosed leg support device 110 can accommodate persons presenting differing leg angles in both the vertical and horizontal axis . as fig1 and 12 show detailed in exploded perspective views , the leg support device 110 is mounted on a swivel assembly 140 which connects the support rod 104 and the leg support device 110 . the leg support 110 device can be pivoted around the longitudinal axis of the support rod 104 by means of the swivel assembly 140 . the swivel assembly 140 comprises a spring compartment which is made of a base plate 142 firmly fixed on the support rod 104 , an u - shaped sidewall member 143 and a clamp 149 that sits on the sidewall member 143 . the base plate 142 is connected to the support rod 104 by means of plug connection comprising a connecting bar 141 which fits into the support rod 104 and a cut - out of the base plate 142 . while a superior part of a rotary bar 148 is arranged within the middle carrier rod 124 of the leg support device 110 , a lower part sits in the spring compartment . a wedge 150 with two perpendicularly protruding pins 145 is arranged on the lower part of the rotary bar 148 . on each lateral side of the pins 145 , i . e . between the pins 145 and even parts 151 of the u - shaped sidewall member 143 , a resilient silicone pad 146 acting like a spring is arranged . on the front side of the spring compartment , a spring load adjusting plate 144 that is provided with a recess is arranged . the closing plate 144 is fastened to rotary bar 148 by an adjusting bolt 147 that presses the adjusting plate 144 against the silicone pads 146 . the leg support device 110 can be swiveled against the force that is necessary to deform the silicone pads 146 . when the force is taken off , the silicone pads 146 push the leg support device 110 back in a centred position . the spring load provided by the silicone pads 146 can be adjusted with the aid of the adjusting bolt 147 . if the adjusting bolt 147 is tightened strongly the adjusting plate 144 presses on the silicone pads 146 . as a result the silicone pads 146 are compacted in the spring compartment and a greater force is necessary to deform them . accordingly the leg support device 110 exerts more counterpressure against the legs of the person when his legs abut against the front or the rear shells 111 - 114 . correspondingly , if the adjusting bolt 147 sits only loosely on the closing plate 144 , swiveling the leg support device 110 is easier . referring to fig1 , the vehicle 1 is shown when used by a person 400 . the person 400 stands with his feet 404 on the platform 2 and his legs 401 lay on the lay - on surfaces 115 - 118 of the shells 111 - 114 . as it is shown more detailed in fig1 which shows a section of the leg support device 110 and one of the legs 401 of the person 400 when standing on the vehicle 1 the front shells 111 , 112 lay above and on the knees 402 on the fore side of the legs 401 and the rear shells 113 , 114 lay on the person &# 39 ; s 400 calfs 403 . as it is illustrated in fig1 , when accelerating the vehicle 1 the person 400 can lean forward and thereby abut his knees 402 and / or his upper legs 401 against the front shells 111 , 112 ( see arrow f ). to decelerate or tho reverse he can lean backwards by bending his knees 402 ( see arrow k ) and moving into a sitting position wherein calfs 403 back against the rear shells 113 , 114 ( see arrow r ). when the person 400 wants to turn the vehicle and thereto twists his upper body in the turning direction the leg support device 110 follows the corresponding movement of person &# 39 ; s legs and swivels by means of the swivel assembly 140 ( see arrow s on fig1 ). fig3 shows in a top view the positions of the leg support device 110 in relation to the platform when it is swiveled to the right ( fig3 ( a )) or to the left side ( fig3 ( b )). when swiveling the leg support device 110 , the rotary bar 148 pivots about its longitudinal axis and the pins 145 are pressed against the resilient silicone pads 146 . once no swiveling force acts on the leg support device 110 , the silicone pads 146 push it back into a centred position . the swivel assembly 140 may comprise sensor equipment 160 for detecting the swivel angle of the leg support device 110 in relation to the support rod 104 or / and the platform 2 . the sensor equipment 160 is arranged in the support rod 104 and measures the degree of rotation of the rotary bar 148 in relation to the support rod 104 or the spring compartment . it is connected to the sensor device so that the determined degree of rotation can be used as steering information for the right / left control of the vehicle . the driving direction of the vehicle 1 can be controlled in function of the swivel angle by driving the wheels at different speeds so that the person 400 can steer the vehicle by pivoting the leg support device 110 . another possibility is to arrange the attachment 100 as a whole such that it is tiltable on the platform wherein the attachment is self - centering by force of a spring . if the vehicle comprises a sensor equipment for detecting tilting angle of the attachment 100 in relation to the platform 2 , the person 400 can control the driving direction of the vehicle by leaning his body to the left or to the right and thereby pushing the attachment in the corresponding direction . right / left tilting positions of the attachment 100 are shown in fig3 ( a ) and ( b ). furthermore the sensor equipment for detecting the swivel angle of the leg support device and the sensor equipment for detecting tilting angle of the attachment 100 can be combined so that the person can steer the vehicle by tilting as well as by swiveling . as it can be seen in fig1 to 4 , the fenders 200 are made of two half - shells 201 , 202 . fig1 shows in different views the inner half shell 201 which may be made of steel in order to be able to withstand heavy loads . on its closed side 203 it has a rectangular cut - out 204 with which it overlaps the platform 2 . a semi - toroidal flange 205 is connected to the inner side of the half shell 201 . as presented in fig1 ( e ) the flange 205 is provided to sit over and partially enclose a part of the gear box 4 connecting the wheels 3 and is fixed on the gear 4 box by means of bolts that are led through bores 206 . the bores 206 are arranged such that they fit with threaded bores that are provided on the gear box 4 of a commercially available vehicle (“ segway ®”). the gear box 4 is part of the battery - powered wheel drive 8 . fig1 and 17 show slimmer and broader embodiments of the outer fender half - shells 202 which may be chosen in function of the wheel &# 39 ; s 3 size . the outside of the fenders 200 present solely rounded contours with no sharp edges , so that it offers less possibility of injuring or causing damage to any person or object the vehicle 1 may come into collision with . as shown in fig3 fender half shells 211 , 212 can be provided such that they enclose the wheels 3 to a smaller degree than the fenders 200 shown in fig1 - 4 . on the front side 213 the fenders 210 fully enclose the wheels 3 to a height off the ground that is consistent with the vehicles 1 climbing and descending capabilities . at their front ends , the fenders 210 descend to a height above the ground approximately equal to that of the height above the ground of the lower casing of a battery enclosure . this corresponds to the height that the vehicle 1 can safely climb . when the vehicle 1 comes into frontal contact with an object exceeding this height , the vehicle pushes it aside , or if the object is immovable , comes to rest against it . on their rear side 214 the fenders 210 fully enclose the wheels 3 to a height off the ground such that it can descend a greater height that it may climb , allowing the vehicle to descend kerbs and drops . furthermore a rounded nature of the fenders 210 helps to prevent them from hanging - up on a surface the vehicle 1 is descending from . fig1 to 4 show how a hard - mount assembly 300 that may be attached to the fenders 200 . the hard - mount assembly 300 comprises an articulated arm 301 which is fixed onto the fender 200 by means of a metal mount 302 . as it is shown more detailed in fig1 the hard - mount assembly 300 has three rotary joints 303 - 306 which allow exact adjustment of the arm 301 . though the metal mount 302 of the vehicle 1 as shown in fig1 to 4 sits on the inner 201 as well as on the outer fender half shell 202 , in particular for supporting heavy payloads it may be advantageous to mount it only on the inner half shell 201 that is made of steel , is connected directly to the gear box and is provided to carry heavy payloads . a further embodiment of the inventive vehicle is shown in fig1 - 21 . the vehicle 10 differs form the vehicle 1 outlined above in that it is provided with stabilizers 501 , 502 on its front and its rear side . each stabilizer 501 , 502 comprises a telescopic rod 503 , 504 which is mounted to a chassis 505 that vertically protrudes form the platform 20 of the vehicle 10 . support wheels 505 , 506 are arranged on ends of each of the telescopic rods 503 , 504 . the telescopic rods 503 , 504 are provided with a gas spring 510 . as presented in fig3 one part 511 of gas spring 510 is connected to an upper rod 507 of the telescopic rods 503 , 504 and a movable part 512 of the gas spring 510 is fixed to a lower rod 508 of the telescopic rods 503 , 504 . when activated the gas spring 510 extends the telescopic rods 503 , 504 to make contact with the ground at angles suitable to stabilizing the vehicle 10 . the gas spring is automatically activated when the vehicle &# 39 ; s 10 power supply is shut down . then the stabilizers 501 , 502 maintain it in its erect position . it is a matter of course that , alternatively , the telescopic rods 503 , 504 could be provided with helical springs for pulling them out . as it is shown in fig2 the inventive vehicle 10 can be provided with a shut down means to manually shut down the power supply of the vehicle 10 when the person 400 is aboard . the shut down means comprises power supply connector plug 601 which can be extended out of a connector holder 602 that is arranged on the upper side of the chassis 505 . thereto the connector plug 601 is provided with a rope 603 which the person 400 driving the vehicle 10 holds in one of its hands . when the person 400 pulls the connector plug 601 out of the connector plug 601 the power supply of the vehicle 10 is interrupted , the stabilizers 501 , 502 extend and the vehicle 10 stops . component parts of the connector holder 602 are shown more detailed in fig2 - 29 and in fig3 . fig3 and 31 show the connector plug 601 . as presented in fig2 - 26 a casing of the connector holder 602 is provided with a reception recess 604 for the connector plug 601 . the connector holder 602 comprises a rotary switch element 610 ( fig2 ) that is provided with an outer recess 611 , a central aperture 612 , a connecting tab 613 and a contacting tab 614 . the central aperture 612 of the switch element 610 is arranged on an axle pin which forms the axis of rotation of the switch element 610 . the axle pin is provided with a pin head 606 which can be engaged with a corresponding tool . the connecting tab 613 is connected to a spring 607 that is fixed to the casing . using the tool the switch element 610 can be rotated against the force of the spring 607 such that the outer recess 611 is aligned with the reception recess 604 as shown in fig2 and 24 and the connector plug 601 can be put into the reception recess 604 . as presented in fig2 ( a ), in this position the contacting tab 614 holds a button 621 of an electrical switch 620 of the power supply of the vehicle in a switch - on position in which the vehicle is supplied with electrical energy . as soon as the connector plug 602 is pulled out of the reception recess 604 , the spring 607 contracts and thereby turns the switch element 610 so that the contacting tab 614 turns in the position shown in fig2 and 26 . the contacting tab 614 releases the button 621 and the electrical switch 620 gets in a switch - off position in which the power supply of the vehicle is interrupted . moreover , as it is presented in fig2 and 35 , the connector holder 602 comprises a bracket 620 for a hydraulic cylinder 621 . the hydraulic cylinder 621 is hydraulically connected to another hydraulic cylinder 622 a flexible tube 623 . the hydraulic cylinder 622 can release an actuator 624 of the gas springs 510 of the telescopic rods 503 , 504 . when the switch element 610 turns in the switch - off position which is shown in fig3 ( b ) it impinges on the hydraulic cylinder 621 and as a result the hydraulic cylinder 622 releases the actuator 624 so that the gas springs 510 are released and the telescopic rods 503 , 504 pull out as described above . alternatively instead of the hydraulic connection , a electrical connection between the shut down device could be provided so that the gas springs 510 could be released electronically as well . as shown in fig3 ( a ) a plug - in - side of the connector plug 601 is bevelled on its ends 631 , 632 in order to fit in a complementary form of the reception recess 604 as shown in fig2 ( b ). furthermore the connector plug 601 is provided with a connecting recess 633 for fixing the rope 603 . due to the bevelled ends the connector plug 601 can easily pulled out of the reception recess 604 in directions which are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reception recess 604 and which are inclined to the perpendicular of the top of the casing ( see arrows t in fig3 ( a )). moreover the connector plug 601 is thinner than the width of the reception recess 604 so that the connector plug 601 can easily pulled out of the reception recess 604 in directions which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the reception recess 604 and are inclined to the perpendicular of the top of the casing ( see arrows p in fig3 ( b )). | US-201214110262-A |
the present invention relates to a mobile set integrating a memory efficient data storage system for the real time recording of voice conversations , data transmission and the like . the data recorder has the capacity to selectively choose the most relevant time frames of a conversation for recording , while discarding time frames that only occupy additional space in memory without holding any conversational data . the invention executes a series of logic steps on each signal including a voice activity detector step , frame comparison step , and sequential recording step . a mobile set having a modified architecture for performing the methods of the present invention is also disclosed . | prior to the discussion of the present invention , certain terms used herein convey a meaning which extends beyond their ordinary meaning in the field of the present invention . for clarification the following definitions are used in this description . “ data stream ” refers to the information stored into memory and relayed from the processor of the mobile set to the memory element . the data stream contains a series of data records which are formatted similar to any of a variety of computer files . each record possesses a pointer to the next sequential record , and the last record in the file contains and end - of - file marker . “ data stream ” refers to a single stored file of information and may comprise any number of data records . the “ data stream ” is composed of compressed data containing either digital or analog voice information , or other electronically storable information ( such as video , e - mail or computer files ). “ downlink ” refers to any signal received by a mobile set regardless of source . “ memory ” as used herein refers to any media capable of storing information in electronic form . though computers and mobile phones often use flash memory for storing information , the present discussion includes either the use of persistent memory ( retaining information even if no power is supplied to the memory element ) and flash memory , having the characteristic of not being able to store information without constant power supplied to the memory element . in the discussion of the present invention the term “ memory ” is used to signify either flash memory , or persistent memory . “ mobile set ” is used to describe any number of portable communications devices , and is not restricted to the field of commercially available cell phones . although “ mobile set ” certainly includes cellular phones , it also more generally includes any gsm compatible phone , mobile communications phone ( such as two way radio , “ walkie - talkie ”, satellite phones , etcetera ). the use of the term “ mobile set ” furthermore is not restricted to portable communications devices based strictly on speech . the use of “ mobile set ” in the present invention also includes portable communications device which , in addition to being able to send and receive voice signals , are also capable of sending and receiving data signals of various types ( such as video ( multimedia ), e - mail , computer files and non - voice style electronic information in general ). “ playback ” refers to the recovery and restoration of data ( digital or analog ) into a media the subscriber can understand . it also requires the correct timely organization of all the data in the same sequence as originally received . while the data management system of the present invention includes the ability to receive and record several types of data streams , the playback feature allows the reproduction of all stored data as well as the ability to properly assign time codes to non - voice information which may be stored . the nature of the invention in several embodiments does not permit “ true ” playback . that is the playback of the recorded information is not 100 % restored to its original form . indeed often only half of the original data ( or less ) will be part of the data available for playback . while “ true ” playback is possible , it is not in any way suggested nor required in the present invention . “ streamlining ” refers to the process by which a processor accesses a variety of different data time frames and connects them into a single data stream while preserving the identity and source of each data record . streamlining is a process by which multiple data types of both voice and non - voice information may be connected accurately into a single data string , and recovered later without errors in reproduction of the original various signals . the processor in a mobile set performs a number of functions at various times or cycles . the processor acts as a frame comparator , determining which time frames are to be forwarded to the data recorder . as a frame comparator the processor may substitute or delete any particular frame . the processor also operates as the voice activity detector ( vad ). the combined different processes cycles the processor engages in to create the single data stream for recording is referred to as “ streamlining .” “ uplink ” refers to any transmission of information from the mobile set . the present invention relates to a system and method of recording voice conversations in using a mobile set . the basic structure of a mobile set used as a portable communications device is loosely shown in fig1 . the mobile set 20 operates in a cell 22 , which exists in a larger communications network such as a public land mobile network ( plmn ) 10 . within each cell 22 are base stations 24 used as receivers and transmitters of the signals used to communicate with a mobile set 20 . the various signals into and out of the base stations 24 are controlled through a series of controllers , registries , and routing equipment that makes up different parts of the plmn 10 . for the purposes of this disclosure , only signals to and from the mobile set 20 are considered , and the routing of information and signals through the whole of the plmn are not discussed . whenever a subscriber uses a mobile set 20 to communicate , all uplink signals are transmitted to the base station 24 of the cell 22 , and all incoming signals come through the base station 24 through the plmn 10 . the exception to this occurs in radio phones or other communications devices designed to communicate directly with each other without the use of a base station . all signals received by the mobile set 20 , whether from a wire line caller , or another mobile subscriber , will be received by a mobile set 20 through the base station 24 . any transmissions from the base station 24 to the mobile set 20 are referred to herein as downlink signals . any transmissions from the mobile station 20 to the base station 24 are uplink signals . signals transmitted between the base station 24 and the mobile station 20 are generally digital signals . it is often the case the mobile subscribers will call each other from their mobile sets 20 and those uplink signals go to a base station 24 , are processed through the plmn 10 before being re - transmitted to the appropriate receiving mobile set 20 . as the technology and options of mobile sets and base stations ( and plmns ) increases , conference calls between multiple mobile subscribers and wire line callers will be possible . in any combination of communications from either wireless or wire line subscribers , the present invention can successfully record the voice and data signals to , and from , a mobile set . to preserve memory space , the present invention describes a method for a mobile set to storing voice recordings . in its basic form , the method comprises controlling a voice activity detector to identify speech containing time frames from at least one uplink and at least one downlink signal . once the speech containing time frames are identified , the speech containing time frames are recorded . the speech containing time frames from the uplink and downlink signals are recorded sequentially with a time stamp for each time frame . for the method of the present invention , a dedicated voice activity detector may be used as part of the architecture in the mobile set 20 . however it is more common in gsm compatible phones that part of the design of the gsm mobile set 20 allows the processor 108 to operate as a voice activity detector during certain operation cycles . reference to a cycle here does not mean a single clock cycle , but rather a series of clock cycles which are required to execute a single function in the processor ( such as encoding a speech frame , decoding a speech frame , or comparing two frames , etcetera ). this feature is generally related to the uplink side for preserving battery life . thus for the present invention the method may utilize the voice activity detector cycles of the processor 108 of a gsm phone and tie in the downlink signal into the voice activity detector cycles as an extra series of instructions . both the uplink and downlink signals are paired based on their time frames and recorded as a single data stream into memory 112 . the processor records each time frame of uplink and downlink signal alternating between the two sources . referring now to fig2 the method sorts received or downlink 102 signals and uplink 104 signals in the processor 108 . the processor 108 may have a built in memory buffer 106 , or it may be separate as shown . the processor 108 alternates between time frames of the downlink 102 and uplink 104 signals , arranging them into a single data stream for recording into memory 112 . simultaneously the uplink 104 signal is sent to the antenna 120 for transmission , and the downlink 102 signal is converted into a form the subscriber can understand at either the speaker 124 or display 126 . another method comprises receiving both uplink 104 and downlink 102 signals and storing them in the processor buffer 106 . the uplink 104 and downlink 102 signals are compared to each other in the voice activity detector cycle . the signals compared to each other must have the same time stamp ( be of the same time frame ). in operation , each time frame that is processed through the voice activity detector 108 is assigned a logic value . time frames designated as record worthy ( value 1 ) are recorded while those not record worthy ( value 0 ) are dropped from the data stream to be recorded . the dropped data frames are replaced with a placeholder that permits the playback to accurately reproduce pauses in the original conversation . the manner of replacing non - record worthy time frames with placeholders may be done by various data compression means and is not per se an inventive aspect of the present invention . in this method only half the data of the conversation is recorded . in general conversation , only one person is speaking at a time . to preserve memory 112 space the method of the present invention distinguishes the speech and non - speech time frames and records only the speech containing time frames . the non - speech containing time frames are dropped from the data stream that is recorded . because a placeholder is inserted into the space of each time frame that is not recorded , the linear time relationship between the speech containing time frames is not lost . when the uplink 104 and downlink 102 signals for a particular time frame both contain no speech , only one placeholder need be inserted into the recording data stream . the placeholder for the non - speech containing frames will be restored to non - speech pauses when the data is recovered for playback . the signals to be recorded are then sent to memory 112 while the buffer is cleared for the next batch of time frames . processors generally operate at a much faster cycle time than the rate at which uplink and downlink time frames are loaded into the buffer . thus the voice activity detector cycles can clear the buffer of stored speech time frames without the buffer becoming full . once the time frames are selected for recording , they are arranged into a single data stream by the processor 108 . this maximizes space as the data stream can now be recorded as a computer file composed of records . each record has a record pointer showing where the next sequential record is . the last record has an end of file marker . the file may contain records which contain both voice and non - voice data . thus the voice activity detector cycle looks at both the uplink and downlink time frames and assigns them a logic value of one or zero . the following example shows the logic executed by the voice activity detector cycle and the processor during a “ frame comparator ” step . the voice activity detector determines if the speech time frame ( either uplink or downlink source ) contains record worthy data . if so the time frame is assigned a high logic value ( 1 ). if not the frame is given a low logic value ( 0 ). once the speech frames for a given time are assigned values , they are returned to the buffer 106 for the next processor cycle . the processor 108 then retrieves the data from the buffer 106 and sends the high logic value frames to the data recorder 110 for recording . the low logic value frames are dropped , and substituted with a placeholder as previously described ( however to further conserve space in memory , the place holder for a low logic speech frame may be omitted ( except where both uplink and downlink signals contain no data ). the proper sequence of timing for the speech frames can be derived from only the high logic frames that are recorded ). the processor acts as a switching logic controller in determining which time frame to record when sorting through the uplink and downlink signals ( or various uplink and downlink signals ). the recorded data stream , after stream lining may look like u 1 , d 1 , u 2 , d 2 , etc . . . . the high logic time frames are recorded into a single data stream to allow for the file record to be stored as a computer file . depending on the operation of the mobile set , the operation of the voice activity detector cycle and file comparator cycles may be combined into just the voice activity detector cycle . the added benefit is high logic signals may be sent directly to the data recorder without having to go back into the memory buffer , which reduces the power consumption of the operation . the methods described above are also executable when dealing with signals from a non - voice source , such as video , text messaging , e - mail or other signal the mobile set is capable of receiving . as the abilities of mobile sets expand , and offer additional features to subscribers , such as mobile video conference calling , wireless e - mail and web browsing , the next generation of mobile set will have a much broader array of data to contend with . memory for recoding information in a mobile set will therefore be at a premium . the recording of video signals accompanying voice signals ( such as in a conference call ) may be selectively handled so that only the video time sequences corresponding to record worthy voice signals are recorded . the uplink and downlink signal paths would similarly be tracked so the voice and video of the appropriate source is maintained . by way of example , if a mobile set is receiving two downlink signals of voice ( d 1 and d 2 ), and two downlink signals of video , then only the video time frame corresponding to the record worthy voice time frame ( when some one is speaking ) will be recorded ( fig3 ). thus the party of the actual phone conversation who is not speaking , is not recorded for either voice , or video . the data received goes to the processor as events , and the operation performed is either the voice activity detection ( vad ) or frame comparator ( fc ). the fc cycle executes a logic yielding in data recording of an uplink signal ( u n ), downlink signal ( d n ) or placeholder ( p l ). [ 0060 ] vad / fc operation and result oper - event ation logic record 1 vad d 1 = 1 or d 1 = 0 n / a 2 vad d 2 = 1 or d 2 = 0 n / a 3 fc if d 1 = 1 then v 1 = 1 , then record d 1 and v 1 . d 1 , v 1 4 fc if d 1 = 0 , then v 1 = 0 , then drop d 1 and v 1 . p l 5 fc if d 2 = 1 then v 2 = 1 , then record d 2 and v 2 . d 2 , v 2 6 fc if d 2 = 0 , then v 2 = 0 , then drop d 2 and v 2 . p l 7 vad u 1 = 1 or u 1 = 0 n / a 8 fc if u 1 = 1 , then u 2 = 1 , then record u 1 and u 2 . u 1 , u 2 9 fc if u 1 = 0 , then u 2 = 0 , then drop u 1 and u 2 . p l in this example , the data stream which is recorded is derived in the frame comparator cycle , and may appear like d 1 , v 1 , p l , d 2 , v 2 , p l , u 1 , u 2 , p l . alternatively , if the p l is not recorded where there is a frame of actual data , the data stream would look like d 1 , v 1 , d 2 , v 2 , u 1 , u 2 . the execution of these methods originates from a computer - readable medium containing instructions for controlling a mobile set processor to record multimedia signals . the computer - readable medium comprises instructions for controlling a processor ( vad / fc ) to compare a plurality of voice signals having identical time stamps , and arranging the voice signals such that data containing time stamp sequences are sequential in a single data file . the computer readable - medium also has instructions for controlling a processor to identify non - voice signals containing the same time stamp as data containing voice time stamp sequences . then the data containing voice signals and the corresponding time stamp non - voice signals are sequentially recorded such that both the voice and non - voice data signals are recorded into a memory element as a single data file . however it is not necessary that computer files , such as text messages or application data files , be recorded into memory in the same manner as voice and video . these files would be stored in whole without any insertion of placeholders for actual data . an arrangement of multiple data files forms a data structure in the memory element . the memory element then forms a computer - readable medium containing a data structure for storing voice signals . the data structure comprises a conversation list containing an entry for each of one or more phone conversations . each entry comprising a single string of data records wherein each data record has a file pointer to the next record , the last record having an end of file marker . depending on how a particular mobile set is designed to store information , each record will corresponding to one or more time frames of the phone conversation for use in restoring the data structure to a media format understandable by a subscriber . as described in the method of selecting signals for recording , the data may contain voice and multi - media data , with fragments of various types of data strung together into a single data stream . in the case of a mobile set that also acts as a pda ( personal data assistant ) the mobile set may also have the ability to record computer files . files received by the mobile set may be stored sequentially , or contain a file pointer in the last record of the file that identifies any attachments . while the computer - readable medium of the present invention has a default method of determining what data is “ record worthy ” a subscriber may alter the default method by instructing the mobile set to record information in a variety of other methods . therefore an additional method in a mobile set for selecting data to be stored comprises displaying a plurality of recording modes , indicating a selection means for choosing a recording mode ; and in response to selection of the displaying a plurality of recording modes , a different method of recording is selected . in this manner a subscriber can choose to record all time frames of both the uplink and downlink signals , or record only the uplink , or only downlink . where multimedia files are concerned , this option permits the user to preserve memory space by ignoring multimedia material except voice . or the subscriber can turn recording off completely . recalling stored information ( fig4 ) from the data structure involves displaying a line indicating a data structure of recorded conversations , and in response to a selection of the displayed line , replaying a recorded conversation . in addition to the ability to recall a previously recorded message , the mobile set of the present invention would allow a subscriber to review recorded conversations using a variety of speed controls , or segment replay controls ( replaying a few seconds of voice where the audio is garbled or difficult to distinguish ). another feature of the present invention is the ability to recall and playback recorded conversations while using the mobile set as a phone . in this manner a subscriber may recall a previously recorded conversation ( either of the current call , or a previous call ) and play it back for the subscriber , or transmit the recorded data through the uplink signal . finally a mobile set having a voice recording means for storing voice conversations is disclosed . the mobile set of the present invention can record signals received through the mobile set and can playback at least a portion of those signals on the mobile set . the mobile set comprises an uplink / downlink switch for selecting speech frames from either a uplink or downlink signal , at least one switching logic controller for switching between the uplink and downlink signals , a method of file header generation for generating headers for recorded speech files , a recorder controlling means for configuring and controlling of a recorder operation in one of several modes available to a subscriber and a memory element capable of storing the voice recordings . | US-65166303-A |
a clutch assembly for a motor vehicle drive train is provided . the clutch assembly includes a clutch pack ; a piston for engaging the clutch pack ; a housing including a surface for slidably supporting the piston ; a release spring for disengaging the piston from the clutch ; and a bearing supporting the clutch pack . the bearing limiting axial movement of the release spring away from the piston . a method of assembling a clutch assembly is also provided . | the present disclosure provides a one - way clutch inner race used as a reaction point for a clutch pack release spring . in the embodiments discussed below , the outer race serves as a clutch carrier for a series of clutch plates . the piston is released by a release spring acting between the piston and the inner race . fig1 shows a clutch assembly 10 for a transmission in a motor vehicle drive train in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention . clutch assembly 10 includes a clutch pack 11 formed by a plurality of clutch plates 12 including friction surfaces 14 on both sides thereof that are axially slidable along an outer radial surface of a bearing 18 and a plurality of clutch plates 20 that are axially slidable along an outer support 22 of a housing 24 . an axially slidable piston 26 is forced toward and away from the end clutch plate 20 to engage and disengage clutch pack 11 with an axial extension 27 thereof . in order to engage clutch pack 11 , a force exerted on piston 26 in the direction of clutch pack 11 needs to overcome a force exerted by a return spring 28 onto piston 26 . return spring 28 is positioned radially inside of axial extension 27 and contacts piston 26 with a radially outer portion 30 thereof . an inner radial end 32 of return spring 28 is held axially in place by a snap ring 34 , which contacts return spring 28 on a side of return spring 28 opposite of a side return spring 28 that contacts piston 26 . snap ring 34 includes an inner radially extending portion 36 and an outer radially extending portion 38 that are axially offset from each other by an axially extending portion 40 connecting radially extending portions 36 , 38 . outer radially extending portion 38 is arranged axially further away from bearing 18 than inner radially extending portion 36 and contacts inner radial end 32 of return spring 28 . in contrast to u . s . pat . no . 6 , 095 , 941 , snap ring 34 is not machined into housing 24 . instead , snap ring 34 is sandwich axially between a radially extending surface 68 of an axially protruding lip 44 of housing 24 and a radially extending surface 66 of inner race 56 that aligns with a radially extending surface 68 . axially protruding lip 44 hangs over an annularly shaped blind hole 46 formed by an inner radial surface 48 of lip 44 , an axial stop 50 and a first radial support surface 52 of housing 24 . housing 24 also includes a second radial support surface 54 radially outside of the axially protruding lip 44 , which piston 26 slides axially along during engagement and disengagement of clutch pack 11 . bearing 18 is supported by first radial support surface 52 and includes an inner race 56 contacting first radial support surface 52 , a rolling element 58 riding along inner race 56 and an outer race 60 radially outside of rolling bearing 58 that includes a splined surface for receiving clutch plates 12 . bearing 18 , at inner race 56 , includes an axial protrusion 62 received radially inside of axially protruding lip 44 and contacting axial stop 50 . protrusion 62 includes an outer radial surface 64 aligned with inner radial surface 48 of lip 44 that extends axially from a radial extending surface 66 of inner race 56 that aligns with a radially extending surface 68 of lip 44 . to assemble clutch assembly 10 , piston 26 is first slid onto second radial support surface 54 , then retainer spring 28 is slid against piston 26 . next , snap ring 34 is slid onto housing 24 such that inner radially extending portion 36 contacts a radially extending surface 68 of lip 44 and inner race 56 , either alone or with rolling element 58 and possibly outer race 60 , is slid onto first radial support surface 52 of housing 24 such that protrusion 62 is received radially inside of axially protruding lip 44 and contacts axial stop 50 and radially extending surface 66 of inner race 56 contacts snap ring 34 at inner radially extending portion 36 to fix return spring 28 and snap ring 34 in place . fig2 shows a clutch assembly 110 for a transmission in a motor vehicle drive train in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention . clutch assembly 110 is formed in substantially the same manner as clutch assembly 10 , with the only differences being the constructions of housing 124 , the elimination of snap ring 34 and replacing return spring 28 with a longer return spring 128 . in this embodiment , because snap ring 34 is not used for retaining return spring 128 , housing 124 , like housing 24 from the first embodiment , does not include an annular groove machined therein . additionally , axially protruding lip 44 is replaced by a more compact axially protruding lip 124 that is spaced away from radially extending surface 66 . instead of using the housing to help retain return spring 128 , return spring 128 is retained directly by inner race 56 . inner race 56 is fixed in place on a first support surface 152 of housing such that inner race 56 directly contacts inner radial end 132 of return spring 128 . radially extending surface 66 of inner race 56 forms an axial stop contacting release spring 128 to limit the axial movement of release spring 128 away from piston 26 . axially protruding lip 144 hangs over an annularly shaped blind hole 146 formed by an inner radial surface 148 of lip 144 , an axial stop 150 and first radial support surface 152 of housing 124 . housing 124 also includes a second radial support surface 154 radially outside of the axially protruding lip 144 , which piston 26 slides axially along during engagement and disengagement of clutch pack 11 . to assemble clutch assembly 110 , piston 26 is first slid onto second radial support surface 154 , then retainer spring 128 is slid against piston 26 . next , inner race 56 , either alone or with rolling element 58 and possibly outer race 60 , is slid onto first radial support surface 152 of housing 124 such that an end of protrusion 62 is received radially inside of axially protruding lip 144 and contacts axial stop 150 and radially extending surface 66 of inner race 56 directly contacts inner radial end 132 of return spring 128 to fixed return spring 128 in place . in comparison with a clutch assembly having an annular groove machined into the housing , clutch assemblies 10 , 110 may be advantageous in that the elimination groove 42 and snap ring 34 saves cost . in the preceding specification , the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and examples thereof . it will , however , be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of invention as set forth in the claims that follow . the specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive sense . | US-201414526202-A |
a clamping device for clamping a work piece includes a chuck , a collet positioned inside the chuck , and a bayonet fastener operatively arranged so that the collet is fastenable in the chuck and is removable from the chuck solely by manual operation of the bayonet fastener without the use of auxiliary tools . | fig1 contains a partial sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a clamping device 1 according to the invention which is used for the clamping of a work piece . fig1 shows a chuck 2 and a collet 3 for the clamping device 1 . not shown is the mechanism for activating the collet 3 that is positioned in the chuck 2 and which functions to move the collet 3 and thus to clamp in or release the work piece , which is also not shown herein . this mechanism can comprise a drive unit , in a manner known per se , for generating a linear movement of a pull rod which serves to activate the collet 3 . components of the arrangement shown in fig1 are shown as separate components in fig2 . as can be seen in fig1 , the chuck 2 of the clamping device 1 is composed of a chuck flange 4 and a chuck body 5 which is also shown separately in fig2 . the chuck flange 4 and the chuck body 5 are connected via cap screws 6 while a stopper holder 7 , which is positioned between the chuck flange 4 and the chuck body 5 , is screwed with the aid of cap screws 6 to the chuck body 5 . a reversible stop 8 is positioned on the inside of the chuck 2 and is secured in place with a locking pin 9 . the reversible stop 8 functions as a replaceable reference element which , together with axial stops , makes it possible to adapt to different work pieces positioned in the collet 3 . the chuck body 5 comprises an opening on the front which is delimited by conically extending contact surfaces 5 a into which the collet 3 is inserted . fig1 illustrates the collet 3 that is inserted into this opening , wherein it is provided with a sealing ring 10 at the back edge that is inserted into the opening and is positioned inside the chuck body 5 . this sealing ring protects a locking area in which the collet 3 is secured inside the chuck 2 against penetrating shavings or other types of contamination . as can be seen in particular in fig2 , the collet 3 is composed of six identically embodied collet segments 3 a , wherein respectively adjacent collet segments 3 a are connected by elastic elements 11 that extend in an axial direction of the collet 3 . the elastic elements 11 are embodied as preforms that are composed of rubber mixtures . these elastic elements 11 form elastic couplings between the collet elements 3 a , so that the elastic elements 11 are compressed when pressure forces act upon the surface area of the collet 3 , so that the collet segments 3 a can be pushed together in the radial direction . the collet 3 is positioned non - rotating inside the chuck body 5 . as a means for preventing rotation , grooves 12 which extend the axial direction are provided in the outside surface of the collet 3 . in the present case , a groove 12 is provided on each collet segment 3 a . cap screws 13 that are positioned in the chuck body 5 engage in these grooves 12 and ensure a non - rotating positioning of the collet 3 in the chuck body 5 . according to the invention , the collet 3 is secured tool - less with the aid of a bayonet fastener and thus without any auxiliary tools inside the chuck 2 . the bayonet fastener comprises an activation ring 14 , positioned on the outside of the chuck body 5 , which can be activated , meaning rotated , by an operator . the bayonet fastener furthermore comprises a bayonet ring 15 , arranged concentric to and within the activation ring 14 , which functions to lock in place or unlock the collet 3 . the bayonet ring 15 is provided on its outside surface with slots 16 in which pins 17 engage that are positioned on the activation ring 14 and project radially inward from its inside surface . a rotational movement of the activation ring 14 is thus transmitted to the bayonet ring 15 . to secure the collet 3 inside the chuck 2 , the bayonet ring 15 is provided with brackets 18 on a front face which extend in the radial direction into the cavity enclosed by the bayonet ring 15 . the brackets 18 are embodied identically and are respectively separated by intermediate spaces . the intermediate spaces are also formed identically , so that the brackets 18 are positioned equidistance in a circumferential direction of the bayonet ring 15 . corresponding to the brackets 18 on the bayonet ring 15 , webs 19 are provided in the back region of the collet 3 which leads into the chuck 2 , wherein these webs end at the outer surface of the collet 3 as seen in radial direction . six webs 19 which are separated by grooves 20 are provided in the present case , wherein respectively one web 19 is provided on each collet segment 3 a . the webs 19 are embodied identically . the grooves 20 between the webs 19 are also embodied identically , so that the webs 19 are arranged equidistant in the circumferential direction of the collet 3 . the lengths of the webs 19 , meaning the extensions in circumferential direction , are adapted to the lengths of the brackets 18 for the bayonet ring 15 . by rotating the activation ring 14 by 30 °, the bayonet ring 15 can be moved between an opened position and a closed position . during the insertion of the collet 3 into the chuck 2 , the bayonet ring 15 is in the opened position . as soon as the collet 3 has been inserted to the desired position inside the chuck 2 , the brackets 18 of the bayonet ring 15 are located in the region of the grooves 20 because the bayonet ring 15 is in the opened position . to secure the collet 3 inside the chuck 2 , the activation ring 14 is then rotated by 30 ° until the bayonet ring 15 is in the locked position . in the closed position , the brackets 18 of the bayonet ring 15 are positioned on the tops of the webs 19 on the collet 3 and thus prevent the collet 3 from being removed from the chuck 2 . if the collet 3 is to be removed once more from the chuck 2 , the bayonet ring 15 is again moved to the opened position . the removal of the collet 3 can be aided by using a spring or in general a spring mechanism . the sectional view according to fig3 shows the bayonet ring 15 in the opened position while the sectional view according to fig4 shows the bayonet ring 15 in the closed position . as can be seen in fig3 , the brackets 18 on the bayonet ring 15 are in the opened position , in the region of the grooves 20 between the webs 19 on the collet 3 , thus covering some of the elastic elements 11 . with the closed position shown in fig4 , the brackets 18 are pushed in front of the webs 19 and are therefore no longer visible in fig4 , but the elastic elements 11 are now exposed . the invention has been described in detail with respect to various embodiments , and it will now be apparent from the foregoing to those skilled in the art , that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects , and the invention , therefore , as defined in the appended claims , is intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit of the invention . | US-201414245059-A |
provided is a release agent composition useful in an electrophotographic process . the composition is comprised of certain heat - stable grafted silicone interpolymers . the interpolymers have a melting point such that it is in the form of a liquid on a hot fuser roll , but solidifies to a waxy solid at room temperature . the compositions of the invention were found to reduce transparency streaking in wiper pad systems , and when used in felt roll applications , were found to be equal to silicone oil in transmission ratio and transparency streaking . accordingly , the release agent compositions are especially efficacious in duplex and transparency printing . the release agent compositions of the present invention also exhibit superior release performance and facilitate clean release of toner from fuser rolls in an electrophotographic imaging process . | a silicone wax must meet the following requirements to be useful as a release agent in a laser printer : the wax can have no odor throughout the life of the composition and should not appreciably change physical properties , such as viscosity . the wax must have a melt viscosity from about 250 to about 10 , 000 centipoise , preferably from about 250 to about 1 , 000 centipoise , most preferably about 500 cps , at about 70 ° c . this matches silicone oil viscosity at fusing temperature and allows the wax to be directly substituted into the felt roll dispensing system . the wax must have a melting point between about 35 ° c . and about 80 ° c . if the melting point is below about 35 ° c ., the wax will not solidify when the printer is running at full speed and the cartridge is hot ; thus , duplex streaks can occur . if the melting point is above 80 ° c ., the wax will solidify on the backup roll when printing heavy media and collect paper dust and toner which could cause the media to wrap the backup roll . further , at standard flow rates , the wax must not produce streaks on transparencies . this is accomplished by having a flow rate of less than about 800 micrograms per page . thus , in a first aspect of the invention , there is provided a polymer , useful in release agent compositions , comprised of repeat units of the formulae : r is independently selected from a c 1 - c 6 alkyl or phenyl group ; r 1 is independently selected from a c 2 - c 14 alkyl and / or a c 15 - c 60 alkyl ; r 2 is a group of the formula — r 3 — si ( r 4 ) 3 ; wherein r 3 is c 1 - c 8 alkyl ; r 4 is a c 1 - c 6 alkyl or phenyl group ; r 5 is a group of the formula — r 3 —[ o si ( r 6 ) 2 ] n — osi ( r ) 3 , and r 6 is c 1 - c 6 alkyl , phenyl , or — osi ( ch 3 ) 3 ; y + z = 1 to 100 and provided that the ratio of w : ( x + y + z ) is from 0 : 1 to 1 : 0 . 03 ; and wherein the weight average molecular weight of the polymer is from about 5 , 000 to 250 , 000 . in the above polymers , the monomeric unit having the subscript “ w ” tends to impart properties of a siliconic oil to the overall polymer in proportion to the other monomeric species . the monomeric unit having the subscript “ x ” tends to impart the properties of a wax to the overall polymer , in proportion to the other monomeric species . the monomeric units having the subscript “ z ” tend to impart the properties of a siliconic oil to the overall polymer in proportion to the other monomeric species . in the above formulae , it is preferred that w is 35 to 65 , x is 2 to 40 , z is 2 to 20 , and y is 0 . it is further preferred that r is either methyl or phenyl , that r 3 is methylene , ethylene , propylene or butylene , r 4 is methyl , and r 6 group is methyl . preferred interpolymers of the present invention are terminated with groups of the formulae : r 7 is independently selected from a c 1 - c 6 alkyl or phenyl , and is preferably methyl . the polymers of the present invention preferably have a weight average molecular weight of about 20 , 000 to about 200 , 000 , most preferably about 20 , 000 to about 70 , 000 . it is further preferred that the polymer be “ heat stable ”; in other words , it is preferred that such polymers are capable of being held at about 210 ° c . for a period of three months with no significant change in color , odor , viscosity or molecular weight . as noted above , the polymers of the invention are useful in release agent compositions . accordingly , in a further aspect of the invention , there is provided a release agent comprising r is independently selected from a c 1 - c 6 alkyl or phenyl group ; r 1 is independently selected from a c 2 - c 14 alkyl and / or a c 15 - c 60 alkyl ; r 2 is a group of the formula — r 3 — si ( r 4 ) 3 ; wherein r 3 is c 1 - c 8 alkyl ; r 4 is a c 1 - c 6 alkyl or phenyl group ; and r 5 is a group of the formula — r 3 —[ o si ( r ) 2 ] n — osi ( r 6 ) 3 r 6 is c 1 - c 6 alkyl phenyl , or — osi ( ch 3 ) 3 ; y + z = 1 - 100 and provided that the ratio of w : ( x + y + z ) is from 0 : 1 to 1 : 0 . 03 ; and wherein the weight average molecular weight of the polymer is from about 5 , 000 to 250 , 000 ; and the release agent composition of the present invention preferably comprises from about 50 % to about 97 %, preferably from about 75 % to about 95 %, of the polymer described above . the melt viscosity is particularly important because it is one of the major factors in determining the rate at which the release composition is dispensed onto the fuser roll . the viscosity of the polymer is optimized for the particular dispensing means used . preferrably , the melt viscosity of the composition is from about 250 to 10 , 000 cps at about 70 ° c ., more preferably from about 250 to 1 , 000 cps at 70 ° c ., and most preferably about 500 cps at about 70 ° c . the melting point of the polymer is also critical because it is the melting point that will determine whether the composition is actually a liquid on the ( heated ) fuser roll and a solid when cooled on the printed paper . the polymer should , therefore , have a melting point of from about 35 ° c . to about 80 ° c ., preferably about 50 ° c . to about 70 ° c ., and most preferably about 60 ° c . the melt viscosity of the polymer may be adjusted in several ways to ensure that it falls within the required range and is optimized within that range for the particular electrophotographic device involved . two ways to adjust the viscosity is to control the viscosity of the hydride siloxane copolymer by using a chainstopper , or by controlling the level of crosslinking of the copolymer while it is being formed . another way to adjust the viscosity is to add a viscosity control agent to the release composition . when used , these agents generally comprise from about 0 . 5 % to about 30 %, preferably from about 10 % to about 25 % and most preferably about 20 % of the composition , by weight . the particular agent selected may either be added to increase the viscosity or decrease the viscosity of the composition . examples of useful viscosity modifying agents include amorphous ( fumed ) silica ( especially amorphous silica having a hexamethyldisiloxane surface treatment ), silicone oil , and mixtures thereof . the preferred viscosity control agent is silicone oil , 30 , 000 centistoke . in addition to adjusting the viscosity of the composition , the silicone oil also enhances the lubricating ability and adjusts the flow rate of the composition . since the release agent compositions of the present invention are used under a variety of temperature conditions ( the high temperatures of the fuser roll as well as the ambient room temperature ) it is important that the composition , and particularly the copolymer , be stable so as to eliminate any odor , decomposition and crosslinking problems which may occur . this may be accomplished by adding an antioxidant to the composition to provide thermal stability at the fusing temperatures . when used , the antioxidant generally comprises about 3 % to about 25 % , preferably about 8 % to about 20 %, and most preferably about 17 %, by weight , of the composition . although use of the antioxidant is preferred , if it is used at too high levels , undesired “ foil streaks ” may be seen on printed copies . any conventional antioxidant may be used . moreover , mixtures of antioxidants which operate by different mechanisms are preferred . examples of such useful antioxidants include the following classes of materials : a particularly preferred mixture of antioxidants includes irganox 1010 ( a hindered phenol type antioxidant , commercially available from ciba specialty chemicals ), cyanox stdp ( distearylthiodipropionate , commercially available from cytec industries ), and mark 2112 ( a high temperature phosphite antioxidant , commercially available from witco corp .). a typical fuser assembly ( i . e ., a “ fuser roll ” as referred to herein ) for use in an electrophotographic process comprises a heated roll structure including a hollow cylinder or core having a suitable heating element disposed in the hollow portion thereof which is coextensive with the cylinder . the heating element may comprise any suitable type of heater for elevating the surface temperature of the cylinder to operational temperatures , which are generally from about 250 ° f . to about 400 ° f . ( i . e ., from about 115 ° c . to about 204 ° c .) and , for example , may be a quartz lamp . the cylinder may be fabricated from any suitable material , i . e ., a material which will not only transfer heat to the surface to provide the temperature required for fusing toner particles , but also a material having a surface which is capable of interacting with the release agent compositions of the present invention to form an interfacial or barrier layer to toner between the release layer and the surface of the barrier fuser roll to prevent toner particles from contacting the fuser surface . typical fuser roll materials include anodized aluminum and alloys thereof , steel , stainless steel , nickel and alloys thereof , nickel - plated copper , copper , glass , zinc , cadium and the like , as well as various combinations of these materials . alternatively , the core may be a rigid steel core having an elastomeric layer thereon . the cylinder may also be fabricated from any suitable material which is nonreactive with the release agent compositions as long as the surface of the cylinder is coated with a material capable of accomplishing the goals of the invention . surface temperature of the fuser roll may be controlled by means known per se in the art . see , for example , u . s . pat . no . 3 , 327 , 096 , incorporated herein by reference . in general , the fuser assembly further comprises a backup member , such as a roll or belt structure which cooperates with the fuser roll structure to form a nip through which a copy paper or substrate passes such that the toner images thereon contact the fuser roll structure . the backup member may comprise any suitable construction , for example , a steel cylinder or a rigid steel core having an elastomeric layer thereon , or it may be a suitable belt material which provides the necessary contact between the fuser roll and the substrate carrying the developed latent image . the dimensions of the fuser roll and the backup member may be determined by one skilled in the art and generally are dictated by the requirements of the particular electrophotographic apparatus in which the fuser assembly is employed , the dimensions being dependent upon the proven speed and other parameters of the machine . means may also be provided for applying a loading force in a conventional manner to the fuser assembly to create nip pressures on the order of from about 10 to about 100 psi average . thus , in a further aspect of the invention , there is provided a fuser roll treated with the release agent compositions of the present invention . such compositions are applied in an amount sufficient to cover the surface of the fuser roll with at least a continous low surface energy film in order to prevent the nonreactive thermoplastic toner resin from contacting the surface of the fuser and to provide a surface which releases the thermoplastic toner resin heated by the fuser . as referred to above , the release agent composition of the present invention may be applied to the fuser roll using several alternative methodologies . in general , such methodologies comprise the use of an absorbent pad , comprising a felt pad constructed from a temperature resistant fiber , such as dupont &# 39 ; s nomex ® fiber , said pad impregnated with an effective amount of the release agent composition of the present invention . thus , in a further aspect of the invention there is provided an absorbent pad having coated thereon or impregnated therein the release agent composition of the present invention . further , absorbent members such as pads or fibers in various forms may be utilized in the forms of webs , rolls , wicks , wipers and brushes . see , for example , u . s . pat . nos . 5 , 327 , 203 ; 4 , 040 , 383 ; 4 , 083 , 322 ; 5 , 200 , 786 ; and 5 , 202 , 734 , incorporated herein by reference . as such , these absorbent members form part of an overall release agent management system capable of applying the desired amount of the release agent composition to the fuser to effect high quality electrophotographic imaging . accordingly , as a further aspect of the invention , there is provided an absorbent member having coated thereon or impregnated therein in the release agent composition of the present invention . the interpolymers of the present invention may be synthesized by any method known in the art , including the methodology set forth in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 959 , 056 , incorporated herein by reference . the steps generally include the copolymerizatoin of a cyclic siloxane compound as depicted below and silicone hydride components to form a silicone prepolymer and then grafting the various side chains onto that prepolymer : * the grafted moieties are utilized in the desired stoichiometric proportions to prepare the interpolymers of the present invention . a flask , equipped with a mechanical stirrer , condenser , and n2 / vacuum inlet , was charged with 16 . 6 g polymethylhydrosiloxane ( pmhs , gelest ), 17 . 3 g triacontene ( chevron ), and 200 ml toluene . the mixture was degassed , then heated to 70 ° c . under a positive n 2 flow . a solution of platinum - divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex ( ptdtd ) in xylene ( 10 μl , ptdtd , gelest ) was added ( t = 0 min ), and the mixture stirred 20 minutes . a second aliquot of ptdtd ( 10 μl ) was added ( t = 20 min ) and the mixture again stirred 20 minutes . vinylpentamethylsiloxane ( 16 . 6 g , gelest ) and ptdtd ( 10 μl ) were added ( t = 40 min ). after 20 minutes , another aliquot of ptdtd ( 10 μl ) was added ( t = 60 min ). the mixture stirred 20 minutes , then 20 ml 1 - hexene ( aldrich ) and ptdtd ( 10 μl ) were added ( t = 80 min ). after 20 minutes ( t = 100 min ), the final aliquot of ptdtd ( 20 , μl ) was added and the reaction stirred an additional 20 minutes ( t = 120 min ). an anti - oxidant package , comprised of cyanox stdp ( 5 . 5 g ; cytek industries ), irganox 1010 ( 1 . 52 g ; ciba geigy ), and mark 2112 ( 1 . 01 g ; witco corp . ), was added to the polymer solution in toluene , and stirred well . the mixture was poured into a dish and dried in an explosion proof oven at 80 ° c . overnight . a flask , equipped with a mechanical stirrer , condenser , and n 2 / vacuum inlet , was charged with octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane ( 32 g ; d4 ; dow corning ), pmhs ( 14 . 8 g ), and acid leached bentonite ( 0 . 13 g ; grade f20 - x , engelhard ). the mixture was heated at 90 ° c . overnight ( at least 16 hours ). after cooling to room temperature , toluene ( 140 ml ) and triacontene ( 17 . 3 g ) were added . the mixture was degassed , then heated to 70 ° c . under a positive n 2 flow . ptdtd catalyst ( 25 μl ) was added ( t = 0 min ), and the mixture stirred 20 minutes . a second aliquot of ptdtd ( 25 μl ) was added ( t = 20 min ) and the mixture again stirred 20 minutes . vinylpentamethylsiloxane ( 15 . 1 g ) and ptdtd ( 25 μl ) were added ( t = 40 min ). after 20 minutes , another aliquot of ptdtd ( 25 μl ) was added ( t = 60 min ). the mixture stirred 20 minutes , then 12 ml 1 - hexene and ptdtd ( 25 μl ) were added ( t = 80 min ). after 20 minutes ( t = 100 min ), the final aliquot of ptdtd ( 25 μl ) was added and the reaction stirred an additional 20 minutes ( t = 120 min ). an anti - oxidant package , comprised of cyanox stdp ( 9 . 1 g ), irganox 1010 ( 1 . 82 g ), and mark 2112 ( 2 . 73 g ), was added to the polymer solution in toluene , and stirred well . the mixture was poured into a dish and dried in an explosion proof oven at 80 ° c . overnight . example 3 a flask , equipped with a mechanical stirrer , condenser , and n2 / vacuum inlet , was charged with pmhs ( 10 g ), allyltriphenylsilane ( 17 . 55 g ; aldrich ), and 200 ml toluene . the mixture was degassed , then heated to 70 ° c . under a positive n 2 flow . ptdtd catalyst ( 5 μl ) was added ( t = 0 min ), and the mixture stirred 20 minutes . a second aliquot of ptdtd ( 5 μl ) was added ( t = 20 min ) and the mixture again stirred 20 minutes . vinylpentamethylsiloxane ( 10 g ) and ptdtd ( 5 μl ) were added ( t = 40 min ). after 20 minutes , another aliquot of ptdtd ( 5 μl ) was added ( t = 60 min ). the mixture stirred 20 minutes , then 10 ml 1 - hexene and ptdtd ( 5 μl ) were added ( t = 80 min ). after 20 minutes ( t = 100 min ), the final aliquot of ptdtd ( 5 μl ) was added and the reaction stirred an additional 20 minutes ( t = 120 min ). an anti - oxidant package , comprised of cyanox stdp ( 1 . 2 g ), irganox 1010 ( 0 . 25 g ), and mark 2112 ( 0 . 3 g ), was added to the polymer solution in toluene , and stirred well . the mixture was poured into a dish and dried in an explosion proof oven at 80 ° c . overnight . referring to table 1 above , several release agents have been tested to determine how well they aid in the clean release of toner from the fuser . for each case , a “ 0 ” indicates a clean release while a “ ho ” indicates a hot offset condition . “ xxx ” indicates not run and 0 * indicates the sample released freely from the fuser but some hot offset of toner occurred . no release agent performed the worst . the oil web and 1000 cst silicone oil nomex ® roll each improved the window by 10 ° c . over the dry release case . the problem with wax 1 and wax 2 structures was that both caused unacceptable streaking on transparencies . the optimized wax a showed equivalent release characteristic to the oil web and 1000 cst silicone oil nomex ® roll but without streaks . the transparency image quality is measured by the transmission ratio . higher transmission ratios indicated more transparent images . each of the optimized wax a trials , the oil web , and the dry release case basically all had the same transmission ratio at a given temperature . | US-73097500-A |
improved oil control piston rings with reduced friction compared to prior art rings are disclosed for use in liquid lubricated internal combustion engines , gas pumps , and gas compressors . the ring assemblies are interchangeable with conventional oil control rings and offer similar oil control performance . like conventional oil control rings , they include a spring action expander that loads circular steel scraper rails against the cylinder bore to form a sliding barrier between the oil - filled crankcase and the combustion chamber and pressure sealing piston rings . unlike conventional rings , the improved ring assemblies utilize means of supporting thinner scraper rails that form the sliding barrier with less contact force and resulting friction . | upon examination of the following detailed description the novel features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art or can be learned by practice of the present invention . it should be understood that the detailed description of the invention and the specific examples presented , while indicating certain embodiments of the present invention , are provided for illustration purposes only . various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description of the invention and claims that follow . the prior art and the invention are described with reference to internal combustion engines , but it is to be understood that the invention is applicable to liquid lubricated oil control piston rings in other applications including gas compressors . in the description “ upper ”, “ top ”, “ above ” and “ head ” refer to the direction towards the combustion chamber , and “ lower ” and “ downward ” refer to the direction towards the crankcase . fig5 , fig6 and fig7 show the first embodiment of the reduced friction oil control piston ring 507 . like the conventional three - piece oil control ring , this five - piece ring is installed in a piston groove 101 below the two compression ring grooves 103 and 104 containing compression rings 108 and 109 , and includes a spring action expander 500 . the difference is that the two circular steel scraper rails 105 are each replaced by a pair of rails . the outer rails 501 in each pair are thin scraper rails spring - loaded against the cylinder bore 106 by the expander 500 through multiple contact points 115 and in sliding contact with the adjacent upper and lower surfaces 116 and 117 of piston groove 101 . the inner rail 502 in each pair is a thicker support rail that has a radial clearance 503 with the expander 500 so that rail 502 is not spring - loaded against the cylinder bore 106 by the expander , and lightly loaded against the cylinder bore by its own elastic tension . the expander 500 contacts only the sides of the two support rails 502 at multiple points , and positions them in the axial direction so that they are in sliding contact with the thin scraper rails . as shown in fig7 , the thicker support rails 502 serve to bridge the unsupported areas 701 of the thin scraper rails 501 between expander contact points 700 and prevent excessive axial deflection of the thin scraper rails caused by frictional forces between the scraper rails and the cylinder bore 106 . the expander 500 circumferential spring tension is reduced to provide the required oil film thickness with the thin scraper rails 501 , thereby reducing ring friction . the light radial loads on the support rails 502 minimize their contribution to friction . the scraper rails 501 are supported on one side by the upper and lower piston groove surfaces 116 and 117 of piston groove 101 and on the other side by a thicker support rail 502 , and therefore may be very thin and still withstand the axial friction loads and loads imposed by radial expander 500 . axial clearances are set such that the scraper rails 501 are free to slide radially relative to the support rails 502 and the piston groove surfaces 116 and 117 . similarly , the support rails are free to slide radially relative to the expander and the scraper rails . oil control performance is maintained over the life of the ring assembly , since scraper rail 501 wear does not affect the width of the slider bearing zone . the radial stiffness of the thin scraper rail 501 decreases in proportion to the decreased bearing zone width and reduced radial force . this characteristic allows it to retain the ability of conventional three - piece ring assemblies to conform to cylinder bore distortions , but with reduced radial force and friction . the trailing support rail 502 a is pushed radially inward by the oil 505 collected by the adjacent trailing scraper rail 501 a , and forms a dynamic gap 506 with the cylinder bore 106 that allows the oil to flow to the piston groove drain holes 113 . this dynamic gap is shown for the down - stroke in fig5 , and is larger than the oil film thickness in the scraper rails 501 slider bearing zones because of the low outward radial force of the support rail 502 . the leading support rail 502 b is not pushed in , and slides on the thin oil film left by the leading scraper rail 501 b . fig8 and fig9 show the second embodiment of the reduced friction oil control piston ring 800 . like conventional two - piece oil control rings , this five - piece ring is installed in a piston groove 101 below the two compression ring grooves 103 and 104 containing compression rings 108 and 109 , and includes a helical spring expander 801 . the difference is that the pairs of circular steel scrapers 303 and 304 are each replaced by thin , flat scraper rails 802 and 803 . these thin scraper rails are spring - loaded against the cylinder bore 106 by the expander 801 through an intermediate bridge ring 804 . the expander 801 exerts an outward radial force on the inside diameter of the bridge ring 804 , which in turn exerts an outward radial force on the inside diameters of the scraper rails . the bridge ring is thin in the radial direction , making it radially flexible along its circumferential extent so that it has a small effect on the distribution of force transferred from the expander 801 to the scraper rings 802 and 803 . a spacer ring 805 separates the scraper rings 802 and 803 , and keeps them in in sliding contact with the upper and lower surfaces 116 and 117 of piston groove 101 . the spacer ring 805 has a radial clearance 806 with the bridge ring 804 so that the spacer ring is not spring - loaded against the cylinder bore 106 by the expander 801 , and lightly loaded against the cylinder bore by its own elastic tension . the bridge ring 804 and the spacer ring 805 incorporate openings to facilitate oil flow from the annular volume between the scraper rails 802 and 803 to the inner diameter of the piston groove 101 and back to the crankcase through the piston oil drain holes 113 . the bridge ring 804 includes edge notches 807 and the spacer ring 805 includes radial slots 808 to provide these functions , but it is obvious that holes or other geometric features could provide similar functions . the expander spring 801 circumferential spring tension is reduced to provide the required oil film thickness with the thin scraper rails 802 and 803 , thereby reducing ring friction . the light elastic radial self - loading of the spacer ring 805 minimizes its contribution to friction . the net effect is the same as in the first embodiment : the scraper rails 802 and 803 are supported on one side by the upper and lower surfaces 116 and 117 of piston groove 101 , and on the other side by the spacer ring 805 , allowing the scrapers to be very thin and still withstand the axial friction loads and imposed radial loads . axial clearances are set such that the scraper rails 802 and 803 are free to slide radially relative to the spacer ring and the piston groove . similarly , the spacer ring position is independent of the bridge ring 804 . oil control performance is maintained over the life of the ring assembly , since wear of the scraper rails 802 and 803 does not affect the width of the slider bearing zone . the radial stiffness of the thin scraper rails 802 and 803 decreases in proportion to the decreased bearing zone width and reduced radial force . this characteristic allows it to retain the ability of conventional two - piece ring assemblies to conform to cylinder bore distortions , but with reduced radial force and friction . as with the support rails 502 , the spacer ring 805 is pushed radially inward by the oil 809 collected by the adjacent trailing scraper rail 802 , and forms a dynamic gap 810 with the cylinder bore 106 that allows the oil to flow to the piston groove drain holes 113 . this dynamic gap is shown for the down - stroke 110 in fig8 , and is larger than the oil film thickness in the scraper rails 802 and 803 slider bearing zones because of the low outward radial force of the spacer ring 805 . | US-201314432571-A |
a method is provided for forming a nitride spacer , in which a layer of oxide is grown superjacent a substrate and the semiconductor features disposed thereon . a layer of nitride is deposited superjacent the oxide layer , and a major horizontal portion of the nitride layer anisotropically etched with an ionized fluorocarbon compound . the remainder of the horizontal portion of the nitride layer is removed with nf 3 ions in combination with ionized halogen - containing compound , thereby creating nitride spacers adjacent the features . | the process of the present invention is described and illustrated with respect to a dram transistor structure . however , one having ordinary skill in the art , upon being apprised of the invention , in hindsight would be able to apply it to other semiconductor devices , such as , but not limited to eproms , eeproms , and etc . the process of the present invention is not limited to the formation of spacers along gate structures , but is also adaptable to the formation of nitride spacers adjacent other semiconductor features . the formation of a nitride spacer using the selective nitride to oxide etch process of the present invention is as follows : fig1 illustrates a reoxidation 2 layer formed over transistor gate structures 4 . the reoxidation layer 2 is a thin oxide layer which is preferably grown over the surface of the wafer 1 . the source / drain reoxidation areas 5 are the locations of the future source / drain regions for their associated gate structures 4 . the oxidation layer 2 has a thickness of less than approximately 150 å , of which 70 å is gate oxidation , and the additional amount is grown . both values are adjustable to achieve the desired oxide 2 thickness . a layer of silicon nitride 3 is disposed superjacent the thin reoxidation layer 2 . the silicon nitride layer 3 has a thickness of approximately 1 . 6 kå . the oxide 2 and nitride 3 layers are preferably conformal in nature . in this particular etch , layer 3 acts as a protective or resistant area to cover the future source / drain areas 5 during the subsequent implant or doping process . the nitride layer 3 is preferably conformally deposited . there are several methods commonly known in the art to accomplish such deposition . the structure of fig1 is then etched according to the process of the present invention to result in the structure depicted in fig2 . the etch of the present invention has a basis in the physical nature of the reaction , and more specifically , in ion bombardment . hence , the process of the present invention is most effective when performed in a chamber in which ions can be accelerated . such chambers are known in the art , and include , but are not limited to , reactive ion etchers , preferably magnetically enhanced reactive ion etchers , and high density source etchers . the present invention involves the physical impact of the ions which enables the reaction to proceed , as compared to a simple chemical reaction . while the invention anticipates chemical reaction , it uses the physical impact of the etchant chemical ions to enhance the uniformity of the etch process . the process of the present invention comprises two etch steps , preferably performed in situ , i . e ., in the same reaction chamber . the first step , is a low selective nitride to oxide etch which is used to remove a major portion of the nitride layer 3 . approximately 75 % the thickness of the nitride is removed . in the preferred embodiment , approximately 1 . 4 kå of silicon nitride 3 is etched . the preferred chemistry is approximately 50 sccm cf 4 and approximately 10 sccm chf 3 . the etch parameters are approximately 200 mtorr , at 600 watts , and 100 gauss . of course , one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the above values will vary depending on the make and model of the etcher used in the process . the etch processes of the present invention were carried out in an applied 5000 magnetically enhanced reactive ion etcher , sold by applied materials corporation of santa clara , calif . the low selective etch is an anisotropic etch , and therefore removes material in one direction , i . e ., vertically . hence , the nitride material 3 on the top of the gate structures 4 and along the surface of the substrate 1 is removed more quickly than the nitride material 3 on the sides of the gate structures 4 . in this manner , &# 34 ; spacers &# 34 ; 3 are formed on either side of the semiconductor gate structures 4 . the process of the present invention , then employs a highly selective nitride to oxide etch to remove the remaining nitride 3 which is on the top portion of the gate structures 4 and also covering the thin oxide layer 2 . the highly selective etch has an etch selectivity in the approximate range of 49 : 1 . this means that the nitride 3 is removed at a rate 49 times faster than the oxide 2 is removed . the remaining nitride 3 in the preferred embodiment is approximately 200 å , which is about 25 % of the thickness of the deposited nitride layer 3 . the process is halted upon reaching the 150 å of oxide layer 2 of the source / drain reoxidation the parameters for highly selective nitride to oxide etch phase of the present process are 500 mtorr , at 200 watts , and 50 gauss . once again , these parameters will vary with the make and model of etcher employed in the process . the nitride to oxide selective etch is accomplished by using an nf 3 / hbr chemistry , as described more fully in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 338 , 395 entitled , &# 34 ; method for enhancing etch uniformity useful in etching submicron nitride features ,&# 34 ; having a common inventor with the present application , and assigned to micron semiconductor , inc . the etch chemistry comprises approximately 49 sccm nf 3 , along with a hydrogen halide , such as , for example , hcl , hi , and hbr . the preferred embodiment employs approximately 21 sccm hbr . the fluorine from the nf 3 gives a very fast nitride etch rate , while the bromine from the hbr gives a very slow oxide etch rate . the process of the present invention results in a spacer which is substantially anisotropic . there is essentially no undercutting apparent in the nitride spacers 3 . thus , submicron features can be etched with considerable reliability . experiments have shown that the individual steps which make up the present invention yield faulty devices if they are performed alone . if a high selective nitride to oxide etch alone is used to remove all of the nitride 3 , undercutting of the gate structures 4 tends to result , thereby causing faulty transistors 4 . if , on the other hand , a low selective nitride to oxide etch alone is used to remove all of the nitride 3 , most of the reoxidation layer 2 is also removed , and the substrate 1 below is consequently etched , and therefore damaged by the process , as shown in fig4 . poor nitride to oxide etches have resulted in low refresh times in dram semiconductor transistors because the substrate damage lessens the ability of the transistor to hold a charge . since charge on the cell leaks more rapidly , more frequent refreshing of the cell is necessitated . the process of the present invention overcomes the above - mentioned drawbacks . hence , the process of the present invention results in improved semiconductor device functionality . all of the u . s . patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference herein as if set forth in their entirety . while the particular process as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and advantages herein before stated , it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims . for example , one having ordinary skill in the art will realize that the present invention is adaptable to the forming of spacers for other semiconductor devices . | US-79957597-A |
aspects of the invention provide a switching power supply in which frequency reduction control in a light load condition both in a power factor correction converter and a dc - dc converter restrains energy loss and achieves optimum efficiency . a switching power supply can include a power factor correction converter and a dc - dc converter . the dc - dc converter can include a load condition detecting means for detecting a condition of the load , and a frequency reducing means for reducing a switching frequency in the dc - dc converter when a light load condition is detected by the load condition detecting means . the power factor correction converter can include a frequency reducing means for reducing a switching frequency in the power factor correction converter corresponding to the load condition detected by the load condition detecting means of the dc - dc converter . | the following describes in detail a switching power supply according to a certain embodiments of the invention with reference to accompanying drawings . fig1 shows a schematic construction of a switching power supply according to an embodiment of the present invention . the switching power supply 1 , like the conventional switching power supply 1 shown in fig8 , comprises a power factor correction converter 2 ( pfc 2 ) that switches an input ac voltage vac and generates a dc voltage vb , and a dc - dc converter ( qr ) 3 that switches the dc voltage vb and generates a dc output voltage vo for supplying to a load . the same components are given the same symbols as in the switching power supply 1 shown in fig8 and description thereon is omitted . this switching power supply 1 is characterized in that the dc - dc converter 3 detects load detection information , which is information indicating load condition , for frequency reduction control , which is a bottom skip control , and give the load detection information to the power factor correction converter 2 ; and the power factor converter 2 conducts frequency reduction control , which is a bottom skip control , according to the load detection information delivered by the dc - dc converter 3 . a control circuit ic 2 of the dc - dc converter 3 comprises a load condition detecting means 7 for detecting a magnitude of the load from the information on the dc output voltage vo , which is an fb signal , fed back through the feedback circuit fb . the control circuit ic 2 of the dc - dc converter 3 also comprises a frequency reducing means 8 that controls to delay a turning on timing of the switching element q 2 according to the load condition detected with the load condition detecting means 7 and reduces the switching frequency of the switching element q 2 in the light load condition . the control circuit ic 1 of the power factor correction converter 2 likewise comprises a frequency reducing means 9 that controls to delay a turning on timing of the switching element q 1 in a light load condition and reduces the switching frequency of the switching element q 1 . the frequency reducing means 8 and 9 specifically composed of respective bottom skip control means . in the switching power supply 1 according to the embodiment of the invention , the load condition detecting means 7 provided in the dc - dc converter 3 detects load detection information to use in control of the frequency reducing means 8 , which is a bottom skip control means , and delivers the load detecting information also to the power factor correction converter 2 . the frequency reducing means 9 of the power factor correction converter 2 is operated according to the load detection information delivered by the dc - dc converter 3 . now , a description is made here about the frequency reduction control , i . e ., bottom skip control , in the dc - dc converter 3 . the bottom skip control in the dc - dc converter 3 is conducted by detecting a load condition based on the tendency that the on width of the switching element q 2 becomes longer as the load becomes heavier , which means larger output power . fig2 shows an example of construction of a bottom skip control circuit 10 of the dc - dc converter 3 . this bottom skip control circuit 10 includes the load condition detecting means 7 and the bottom skip control means 8 , which is a frequency reducing means . the bottom skip control circuit 10 generates an output signal bot - out that regulates a turning on timing of the switching element q 2 . the load condition detecting means 7 of the bottom skip control circuit 10 determines the magnitude of the load using the fact that an l level period of a driving signal ‘ drv ’ for the switching element q 2 corresponds to an on width ‘ ts ’ of the switching element q 2 . the load condition detecting means 7 determines a load condition , or a magnitude of the load , by comparing the on - width ts of the switching element q 2 with reference on widths ts_ref 1 , ts_ref 2 , and ts_ref 3 generated in a reference on width generating circuit 11 . the reference on width generating circuit 11 generates the reference on widths ts_ref 1 , ts_ref 2 , and ts_ref 3 with different pulse width according to a setting signal ‘ set ’ and a bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’, which are issued upon turning off of the switching element q 2 . the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ is detected when a zcd voltage developed on an auxiliary winding p 2 of the isolation transformer t decreased below a predetermined threshold value recognizing a zero value of a quasi - resonant oscillation current after turning off of the switching element q 2 . the reference on width generating circuit 11 generates the reference on widths ts_ref 1 , ts_ref 2 , and ts_ref 3 with a pulse width from a common reference timing of turning off of the switching element q 2 to a first , second , or third input timing of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’, respectively . these reference on widths ts_ref 1 , ts_ref 2 , and ts_ref 3 are in an inequality relationship : ts_ref 1 & gt ; ts_ref 2 & gt ; ts_ref 3 . more specifically , the load condition detecting means 7 is provided with two reset preference type flip - flops 7 a and 7 b . the flip - flop 7 a is reset by a logical output through a nor circuit 7 d of the driving signal ‘ dry ’ with an on width ts inverted through a not circuit 7 c and the reference on width ts_ref 1 . the flip - flop 7 a is set by a logical output of the driving signal ‘ dry ’ and the reference on width ts_ref 2 , the logical output being executed in an and circuit 7 e . on the other hand , the flip - flop 7 b is reset by a logical output through a nor circuit 7 f of the driving signal ‘ dry ’ inverted through a not circuit 7 c and the reference on width ts_ref 2 . the flip - flop 7 b is set by a logical output of the driving signal ‘ dry ’ and the reference on width ts_ref 3 , the logical output being executed in an and circuit 7 g . as a consequence , the flip - flop 7 a is set under a relationship : ts_ref 1 & gt ; ts & gt ; ts_ref 2 ; and the flip - flop 7 b is set under a relationship : ts_ref 2 & gt ; ts & gt ; ts_ref 3 . the output signals of the flip - flops 7 a and 7 b are used for bottom skip control after passing through a not circuit 7 h , a not circuit 7 i , and an and circuit 7 j . more specifically , the output signal of the flip - flop 7 a , which is a first selection control signal sel 1 is given to an and circuit 8 g after inversion through the not circuit 7 i . consequently , the and circuit 8 g is active only when the flip - flop 7 a is reset . the output of the flip - flop 7 a and the output of the flip - flop 7 b that is inverted through the not circuit 7 h are given to the and circuit 7 j and logically processed there . the output of the and circuit 7 j is given to an and circuit 8 h , which will be described later . consequently , the and circuit 8 h is active only when the flip - flop 7 a is set and the flip - flop 7 b is reset . the bottom skip control means 8 , which is a frequency reducing means , is provided with a delay circuit 8 a for delaying the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ and a delay circuit 8 b for delaying the setting signal ‘ set ’. the delay circuits 8 a and 8 b give a delay time of half the pulse width , 200 ns , for example , of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’, to the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ and to the setting signal ‘ set ’ to regulate operation timing in the bottom skip control . the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ delayed through the delay circuit 8 a is used for generating the output signal bot - out and simultaneously used as a clock signal for setting operation of series - connected two stages of d flip - flops 8 c and 8 d . the first stage d flip - flop 8 c is reset by the setting signal ‘ set ’ delayed through the delay circuit 8 b and is set receiving a power supply voltage vdd with the clock signal . the second stage d flip - flop 8 d is reset by the setting signal ‘ set ’ delayed through the delay circuit 8 b and is set receiving the output of the first stage d flip - flop 8 c . consequently , the first stage d flip - flop 8 c is set to an h level at the timing delayed from the input of the first bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ by half the pulse width of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’. the second stage d flip - flop 8 d is set to an h level at the timing delayed from the input of the second bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ by half the pulse width of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’. the set output signal from the first stage d flip - flop 8 c is delivered to an and circuit 8 e , and an output signal bot_out 2 is delivered at the timing of the second input of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ in synchronism with the input timing of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’. the set output signal from the second stage d flip - flop 8 d is delivered to an and circuit 8 f , and an output signal bot_out 3 is delivered at the timing of the third input of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ in synchronism with the input timing of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’. this output signal bot_out 3 is delivered through an or circuit 8 i as the output signal bot - out for regulating turning on timing of the switching element q 2 . the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ delayed through the delay circuit 8 a is given to the and circuit 8 g , which is controlled to be active when the flip - flop 7 a is reset and the first selection control signal sel 1 is not delivered , i . e ., in the normal load condition or in a heavy load condition . thus , the and circuit 8 g delivers the output signal bot_out 1 at the timing of input of the first bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ under a heavy load condition in synchronism with an input timing of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’. the output signal bot_out 1 is delivered through the or circuit 8 i as the output signal bot - out for regulating the timing of turning on of the switching element q 2 . the output signal bot_out 1 is of course delivered before the output signals bot_out 2 and bot_out 3 . the output signal bot_out 2 that is generated at the timing of input of the second bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ in the and circuit 8 e is delivered to the and circuit 8 h . this and circuit 8 h is controlled to be active , as described earlier , when the flip - flop 7 a is set and the flip - flop 7 b is reset , i . e ., in a middle load condition . thus , the and circuit 8 e delivers the output signal ‘ bot_out 2 ’ at the timing of the second input of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ in synchronism with the input timing of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ under the middle load condition . the output signal bot_out 2 is delivered through the or circuit 8 i as the output signal ‘ bot - out ’ for regulating the timing of turning on of the switching element q 2 . the output signal ‘ bot_out 3 ’ that is generated at the timing of third input of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ in the and circuit 8 f is controlled to be active when the flip - flop 7 a is set and the flip - flop 7 b is set , i . e ., under a light load condition . the output signal bot_out 3 is delivered through the or circuit 8 i as the output signal ‘ bot - out ’ for regulating the timing of turning on of the switching element q 2 . thus , the output signal ‘ bot - out ’ is delivered , as shown in fig3 , corresponding to the load condition : at the timing of the first detection of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ in a heavy load condition , at the timing of the second detection of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ in a middle load condition , and at the timing of the third detection of the bottom detecting signal ‘ bot ’ in a light load condition . the timing of turning on of the switching element q 2 is regulated by the output signal ‘ bot - out ’ that is delay - controlled at three steps corresponding to the load condition . thus , the switching frequency is reduced in the middle load condition and the light load condition . the bottom skip control circuit 10 for controlling bottom skip operation having the construction described above is further provided with a load information delivering means that delivers load detection information indicated by the first and second selection control signals sel 1 and sel 2 to the power factor correction converter 2 . the load information delivering means is composed , for example , of an encoder 12 that generates control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 for determining the number of bottoms to regulate the timing of turning on of the switching element q 1 from the first and second selection control signals sel 1 and sel 2 . more specifically , the encoder 12 is provided with a function for generating the control signals qb 1 and qb 2 by logical processing similar to the logical processing function of the not circuits 7 h and 7 i , and the and circuit 7 j . the encoder circuit is also provided with a logical processing function that generates the control signal qb 3 at an h level only when the flip - flop 7 a is set and the flip - flop 7 b is set . consequently , the control signal qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 delivered from the encoder 12 in parallel are [ 100 or hll ] in the heavy load condition , [ 010 or lhl ] in the middle load condition , and [ 001 or llh ] in the light load condition . the control signal qb 1 is a signal indicating the first bottom detection at the number of skips of [ 0 ]; the control signal qb 2 is a signal indicating the second bottom detection at the number of skips of [ 1 ]; and the control signal qb 3 is a signal indicating the third bottom detection at the number of skips of [ 2 ]. the control circuit ic 1 in the power factor correction converter 2 conducts frequency reduction control , which is a bottom skipping control , receiving the control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 from the dc - dc converter 3 and constructed , for example , as shown in fig4 . the control circuit ic 1 is provided as a main component with a flip - flop 43 that is set upon detecting , by a zero current detector 41 , a timing of zero value of the resonant oscillation voltage after turning off of the switching element q 1 , and reset by the output of the on width generating circuit 42 , as shown by the schematic construction of fig4 . the output of the flip - flop 43 drives an output driver circuit 44 to generate an output signal pfc - out for on / off - driving the switching element q 1 . the on width generating circuit 42 generates a reset signal with a pulse width regulating the on width of the switching element q 1 corresponding to the output of an error amplifier 45 for detecting a feedback voltage pfc - fb , which is a divided voltage of the output voltage vb . more specifically , the on width generating circuit 42 generates a signal with a wide pulse width , i . e ., a wide on width , when the output voltage of the error amplifier 45 is high , and the on width generating circuit 42 generates a signal with a narrow pulse width as the output voltage of the error amplifier 45 decreases . the setting signal ‘ set ’, which sets the flip - flop 43 and triggers the on width generating circuit 42 , is generated through a delay circuit 46 that delay - controls an output signal vzcd of the zero current detector 41 corresponding to the control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 delivered by the dc - dc converter 3 . the delay circuit 46 comprises as shown in fig5 , for example , a not circuit 51 inverting the output signal vzcd , a semiconductor switch 52 , which can be a mosfet , on / off - driven by the not circuit 51 , and a capacitor 53 parallel connected to the semiconductor switch 52 . the capacitor 53 is charged in the off period of the semiconductor switch 52 with selected current of i 1 , i 2 and i 3 delivered by the constant current sources 54 a , 54 b , and 54 c , respectively . the capacitor 53 is discharged in the on period of the semiconductor switch 52 . a comparator 55 generates a setting signal ‘ set ’ for setting the flip - flop 43 indicated in fig4 when the charged voltage of the capacitor 53 exceeds a predetermined specified reference voltage vref . the control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 are used for controlling charging of the capacitor 53 by the constant current sources 54 a , 54 b , and 54 c . more specifically , the constant current source 54 a , 54 b , and 54 c are driven by the power supply voltage vdd through switches 56 a , 56 b , and 56 c to deliver the constant current i 1 , i 2 , and i 3 . the switch 56 a turns on receiving the control signal qb 1 and drives the constant current source 54 a . the switch 56 b turns on receiving the control signal qb 1 or the control signal qb 2 through an or circuit 57 to drive the constant current source 54 b . the switch 56 c turns on receiving any one of the control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 through an or circuit 58 to drive the constant current source 54 c . consequently , the capacitor 53 is charged rapidly , when the control signal qb 1 is given , with the current i 1 + i 2 + i 3 delivered by the constant current sources 54 a , 54 b , and 54 c . when the qb 2 is given , the capacitor 53 is charged with the current i 2 + i 3 delivered by the constant current sources 54 b and 54 c . when the qb 3 is given , the capacitor 53 is charged slowly with the current i 3 delivered by the constant current sources 54 c . as a result , the period of time for the terminal voltage of the capacitor 53 to be charged up to the reference voltage vref set for the comparator 55 decreases as the charging current increases . thus , the comparator 55 reverses the output thereof after passing the charging time on the capacitor 53 determined corresponding to the control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 from the input timing of the output signal vzcd . in other words , the comparator 55 delivers the setting signal ‘ set ’ after passing delay times td 1 , td 2 , and td 3 corresponding to the control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 , wherein td 1 & lt ; td 2 & lt ; td 3 . the setting signal ‘ set ’ delivered by the comparator 55 with the delay time control as described above sets the flip - flop 43 and at the same time triggers the on width generating circuit 42 . accordingly , the turning on timing of the switching element q 1 is controlled through the delay times td 1 , td 2 , and td 3 corresponding to the control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 that indicate the load condition , thereby conducting the frequency reduction control in the light load condition . in the switching power supply 1 of an embodiment of the invention having the construction described above , the power factor correction converter 2 performs frequency reduction control corresponding to the load condition that is detected by the dc - dc converter 3 . therefore , the power factor correction converter 2 is not affected by the variation of the input ac voltage vac , which is the case in power factor correction converters having a conventionally common construction . the dc - dc converter 3 in the switching power supply 1 conducts switching operation receiving a dc voltage vb stabilized through the power factor converter 2 and generates a dc output voltage vo for supplying the load . thus , the dc - dc converter 3 that detects the load condition from the on width of the switching element q 2 detects the load condition , i . e ., a magnitude of the load , with high precision . therefore , the dc - dc converter 3 performs frequency reduction control , which is a bottom skip control , in the light load condition corresponding to the load condition that is detected with high precision . the power factor correction converter 2 also performs frequency reduction control in the light load condition corresponding to the load condition that is detected in the dc - dc converter 3 with high precision . consequently , frequency reduction control is performed appropriately in both the power factor correction converter 2 and the dc - dc converter 3 to restrain energy losses in the switching elements q 1 and q 2 , thereby effectively improving the power factor . moreover , the power factor correction converter 2 effectively uses the load condition just as detected in the dc - dc converter 3 with a high precision for conducting frequency reduction control in the power factor correction converter 2 . consequently , the frequency reduction control in the power factor correction converter 2 is performed in a simple construction with sufficiently high precision . it is therefore a great advantage in practical application that energy losses are restrained in a simple overall construction of a switching power supply 1 to improve a power factor . although the description thus far is made about the bottom skip control in three steps as an example , the number of steps of bottom skip control is not limited to a special number . the load condition , i . e ., a magnitude of the load , can be detected by dividing into n steps , where n is a natural number of two or larger , and frequency reduction control , which is a bottom skip control , is conducted corresponding to these load conditions . the control precision of the frequency reduction control , which is a bottom skip control , in the power factor correction 2 does not necessarily equal to the control precision of the frequency reduction control , which is a bottom skipping control , in the dc - dc converter 3 . for example , bottom skipping control in the dc - dc converter 3 can be conducted with five steps , while the bottom skipping control in the power factor correction converter 2 is conducted with three steps . in such a case , bottom skip control information indicating the load condition can be converted using a conversion circuit 60 as shown in fig6 and given to the power factor correction converter 2 . the conversion circuit 60 executes logical processing to converts control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , qb 3 , qb 4 and qb 5 indicating five steps of bottom numbers to control signals qb 1 ′, qb 2 ′, and qb 3 ′ indicating three steps of bottom numbers , in which the control signals qb 1 and qb 2 are logically processed through an or circuit 61 and the control signals qb 4 and qb 5 are logically processed through an or circuit 62 . use of the conversion circuit 60 allows the power factor correction converter 2 maintaining a bottom detecting number of [ 1 ] even when the bottom detecting number in the dc - dc converter 3 is changed from [ 1 ] to [ 2 ]. even in the case the bottom detecting number in the dc - dc converter 3 is a large number of [ 4 ] or [ 5 ], the bottom detecting number in the power factor correction converter 2 can be restrained to [ 3 ]. therefore , appropriate effects of the frequency reduction control , which is a bottom skip control , can be readily achieved in the power factor correction converter 2 and the dc - dc converter 3 corresponding to the load condition . the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above . the present invention can be applied to a power factor correction converter 2 as shown in fig7 , for example , which uses a control circuit ic 1 that performs bottom skip control based on the voltage developing through an auxiliary winding of the inductor l 1 . the present invention can be applied to power factor correction converter 2 with an average current control method as well as the fixed on width control method as described above . in such a case , the output of an error amplifier used for average current control can be corrected corresponding to the control signals qb 1 , qb 2 , and qb 3 . whereas the load condition is detected according to the fact that the on width of the switching element is proportional to the magnitude of the load in the dc - dc converter 3 in the above description , the load condition can be detected based on the on - off width of the switching element , where the on - off width means the period of time of a switching period of the switching element subtracted by a resonant oscillation period . the function of the conversion circuit 60 described previously can be alternatively provided in the side of the power factor correction converter 2 . the present invention can be applied with various modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention . examples of specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings . while the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments , it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments . on the contrary , it is intended to cover alternatives , modifications , and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims . in the above description , specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention . embodiments of the invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details . further , portions of different embodiments and / or drawings can be combined , as would be understood by one of skill in the art . | US-201314099302-A |
a table leg mount for attaching a table leg to a table top includes a mounting member which has an integrally formed screw shank . the mounting member is attached to the table top by a mounting plate and projects into a hollow portion on the upper end of the table leg . the screw shank passes through a hole in a resilient gripping member and engages a threaded portion on the table leg . tightening the table leg onto the mounting member forces the gripping member to bear against a conical portion on the mounting member and to also bear against the inside of the hollow portion of the table leg thereby creating a rigid connection between the table leg , the mounting member and the table top . | referring in detail to the drawings , there is shown in fig1 and 2 a table leg assembly 10 , made in accordance with the present invention and comprising a mounting plate 12 , a mounting member 14 , a gripping member 16 and a table leg 18 . the mounting plate 12 is a metal plate which is secured to one corner of the under surface 20 of a table top 22 , which is shown in broken lines in fig1 . the mounting plate 12 is attached to the table top 22 in a conventional manner either by screws which pass through the holes 24 , 26 , or by an adhesive layer which is spread on the upper surface 28 of the mounting plate . as is best shown in fig2 and 3 , the mounting member 14 depends centrally from the mounting plate 12 and is rigidly secured thereto by welding or other conventional means . the mounting member 14 is in the form of a solid metal cylinder 30 having a tapered end portion 32 . projecting from this tapered end portion 32 is an integrally formed smaller cylinder 34 which carries a threaded screw shank 36 . in the preferred embodiment shown in fig2 the tapered end portion 32 has a plurality of circumferential grooves or serrations 38 , the function of which will be presently described . the table leg 18 is a hollow metal cylinder , within the upper portion 40 of which a relatively thick circular metal disk 42 is rigidly secured , as by welding . the disk 42 has a threaded central hole 44 which is sized to receive the threaded shank 36 . the table leg 18 is sized so that its upper end 46 fits slideably and snugly onto the cylinder 30 of the mounting member 14 . the gripping member 16 is best shown in fig4 and comprises a thick cylindrical ring which is made of a relatively hard rubber and has an outer diameter which is sized to enable it to fit loosely within the hollow table leg 18 . the gripping member 16 is provided with a central hole 48 which is sized to receive the cylindrical portion 34 which carries the screw shank . the apparatus 10 also includes a relatively thin circular rubber pad 50 which has a central hole 52 sized to receive the cylinder 30 . in use , the cylindrical gripping member 16 is inserted into the top open end 46 of the table leg 18 so that it rests on the metal disk 42 . the table leg 18 is then brought to the mounting member 14 , which has been previously attached to the table top 22 , with the screw shank 36 extending through the hole 48 in the gripping member 16 and into the threaded hole 44 of the disk 42 . the table leg 18 is now rotated in the direction shown by the arrow 54 in fig2 so that the screw shank 36 screws into the disk 42 . as is shown in fig2 the cylinder 30 of the mounting member 14 fits slidably into the upper end 46 of the table leg 18 , and the lower cylindrical portion 34 extends into the central opening 48 of the gripping member 16 . fig2 shows the table leg 18 before it has been turned to its final secure position , with the upper edge 56 of the table leg still spaced a short distance below the rubber pad 50 . the gripping member 16 is performing no function at this time and its outer surface 58 is slightly spaced from the inner surface 60 of the table leg 18 . continued rotation of the table leg 18 brings it to its secured position which is shown in fig3 . this raises the disk 42 further onto the screw shank 36 so that it compresses the gripping member 16 against the tapered portion 32 of the cylinder 30 . sufficient force is applied in this manner to cause the gripping member 16 to be highly compressed and this compression causes it to expand in diameter so that it tightly grips the inner surface 60 of the table leg 18 as well as the tapered portion 32 of the cylinder 30 and the smaller cylinder 34 , as is shown in fig3 . the grooves 38 which are formed in the tapered portion 32 create local areas of relatively high stress within the gripping member 16 , thus aiding the tapered end portion 32 in engaging and slightly penetrating the gripping member and forcing the gripping member to expand laterally . at the same time , the top edge 56 of the table leg 18 has moved into firm abutment with the pad 50 and the mounting plate 12 . the table leg assembly 10 thus provides a very rigid connection between the table leg 18 and the tabletop 22 . the abutment of the top of the table leg 18 against the pad 50 and the mounting plate 12 , combined with the pressure of the gripping member 16 against the inner surface 60 of the table leg 18 and against the mounting member 14 , results in the creation of an extremely rigid table leg joint . fig2 also shows the use of an alternative form of mounting member 62 to provide an adjustable glide assembly 64 for the table leg 18 . within the lower portion 66 of the table leg 18 , there is welded a relatively thick circular metal disk 68 having a threaded central hole 70 , and being similar to the disk 42 . the mounting member 62 which is provided , is generally similar to the mounting member 14 and includes a cylindrical portion 72 and a screw shank 74 . the screw shank 74 is threaded into the threaded hole 70 . the bottom portion 76 of the mounting member 62 is formed with a central threaded hole 78 for mounting a glide member 80 . this glide member 80 includes a base 82 having a slightly convex bottom surface 84 , and a threaded stud 86 projecting from an upper surface 88 . the threaded stud 86 passes through the central aperture of a disk 90 and is inserted into the threaded hole 78 . the disk 90 has approximately the same outer diameter as the table leg 18 . the height of the table relative to a floor may be varied by rotating the cylinder 72 and its screw shank 74 relative to the table leg 18 and its rigid disk 68 . fig5 shows the use of the glide assembly 64 in combination with a hollow wooden cylindrical cover member or sleeve 92 and a metal bottom cap 94 which are provided in order to modify the appearance of the table leg 18 and to create a desired decorative effect . the cylindrical cover member 92 has an inner bore 96 which fits over the outer surface 98 of the table leg 18 . the bottom cap 94 includes a flat lower surface 100 and a convex upper surface 104 . the lower surface 100 has a central hole 102 through which passes the threaded stud 86 of the glide member 80 . the upper surface 104 includes a central counterbored portion 106 into which the end 108 of the table leg 18 and the end 110 of the cover member 92 project . the glide member 80 has a knurled surface 112 which facilitates rotation of the glide member and adjustment of the table surface 22 . fig6 a through 6e show alternative top caps and bottom caps which are used with table leg covers 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 and 122 , table leg assemblies 10 and glide assemblies 62 which have been previously described , in order to vary the outer appearance of the table leg 18 . the top caps 124 , 126 and the bottom caps 128 , 130 , 132 , 134 and 136 are each generally similar in construction to the bottom cap 94 in that they include a central bore into which an end of the table leg cover and the table leg project in the manner shown in fig5 . the outer surfaces of the top caps 124 , 126 and bottom caps 128 , 130 , 132 , 134 and 136 vary as is shown in fig6 a through 6e and include a conical configuration 124 , 128 ( fig6 a ), a toroidal configuration 130 and a convex configuration 126 ( fig6 b ), a convex configuration 132 having a cylindrical end 138 ( fig6 c ), a concave configuration 134 ( fig6 d ), and a spherical configuration 136 ( fig6 e ). it is understood that the configurations shown are by way of example only and that a variety of top and bottom cap configurations and combinations thereof may be used with the table leg assembly according to the present invention . the table leg covers 114 , 116 , 118 , 120 and 122 , when mounted , have the outward appearance of table legs , and are made of selected materials , colors and surface finishes to match those of the table on which they are mounted . while preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein , it is obvious that numerous additions , changes and omissions may be made in such embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | US-68931485-A |
a combination lock with a dial displaying window which is directed to a combination lock with the installation of a dial matching frame placed across all the dials and having at least one window for the users to check the combination numerals or symbols on the dials through the window for unlocking the combination lock . the dial matching frame may be differently constructed to provide the window with the displaying function . a magnification lens may be mounted on the window to further enhance the effectiveness during utilization . | fig1 shows a combination lock 10 with a dial matching frame 20 thereon such that the user can clearly identify the combination of the dials for unlocking the lock . as illustrated in the figures , the combination lock 10 includes a lock body 11 and a latch 12 , wherein the lock body 11 further has a locking hole 111 and a plurality of parallel dials 112 provided around the exterior of the lock body 11 . each of the dials 112 can be independently rotated with respect to the lock body 11 and is provided with numerals 113 ( or symbols ) surrounding the surface thereof . when each of the dials 112 is rotated to a preset combination at the predetermined dial matching position , the lock body 11 may be unlocked . otherwise , when one or more numerals 113 of the dials 112 at the matching position do not match with the preset combination , the lock body 11 remains at the locked state . the application of this kind of combination lock 10 is well known to the persons skilled in the art and thus , the detailed description is not provided . the combination lock 10 also includes a latch 12 . according to this invention , the latch 12 may be a u - shaped rigid body or a flexible wire , such as a steel cable . in the preferred embodiments discussed in this invention , the latch 12 includes a steel cable 121 having a desired length with one end thereof connected with the lock body 11 , and the other end of the latch 12 is provided with a locking rod 122 which may be inserted into the locking hole 111 to be locked by the lock body 11 when it is adjusted to the locked state . thus , the lock body 11 and the latch 12 are locked together and form a closed loop . of course , the locking rod 122 may be released from the locking hole 111 when the lock body 11 is at the unlocked state , in addition to the lock body 11 and the latch 12 , the combination lock 10 disclosed in the preferred embodiment of this invention further comprises a dial matching frame 20 which is used to provide the reference position and enhance the identifiability for the user to match the dials 112 . accordingly , the user can clearly identify a set of numerals 113 on the dials 112 through the dial matching frame 20 . generally , the dial matching frame 20 includes a frame body 21 which defines at least one window 22 enclosed by an appropriate perimeter . as illustrated in fig2 and 3 , after the dial matching frame 20 is mounted on the lock body 11 ( to be further described later ), the numerals 113 can be clearly identified by the user through the window 22 . the size of the window 22 can be appropriately designed in view of the dimension of the numerals 113 on the dials 112 , such that under normal viewing angle , the user can only see one set of the numerals 113 on the dials 112 . that is , only the set of numerals 113 adjusted to the matching position can be seen through the window 22 . in the preferred embodiments of this invention , the dial matching frame 20 and the lock body 11 may be separable components , wherein the dial matching frame 20 and the lock body 11 respectively have mating holes 23 and mating blocks 13 of the same number at corresponding locations such that the dial matching frame 20 can be mounted on the lock body 11 by inserting the mating blocks 13 into the mating holes 23 . in actual application , the mating block 13 may further incorporate a resilient head 131 which is deformable upon an external force for passing through the mating hole 23 , so that the dial matching frame 20 can be mounted on the lock body 11 . as shown in fig4 , each of the dial matching frame 20 and the lock body 11 may have a fastening hole 14 and 24 , respectively , at a corresponding location , and a fastening member 30 is further provided to pass through the two fastening holes 14 and 24 so as to fasten the dial matching frame 20 on the lock body 11 . fig5 a and 5b show the dial matching frames 20 a and 20 b with different structures as compared with that disclosed in fig3 . as shown in fig5 a , the dial matching frame 20 a has small windows 22 a on its surface in the same number with that of the dials 112 . each of the small windows 22 a is designed according to the type and size of the numerals 113 , and may also be designed into various shapes to present unique and novel visual effects . in fig5 a , the small windows 22 a are round , and of course may be other geometrical shapes or specially designed shapes . further , as illustrated in fig5 b , instead of the enclosed circular shape shown in fig5 a , the small windows of the dial matching frame 20 b may be in the form of a semicircular opening 22 b . although the dial matching frame 20 b with the opening 22 b may not completely encircle the numerals 113 , the numerals 113 of the dials 112 at the dial matching position can still be clearly identified in such a design . in view of the above , it is understood that the dial matching frame 20 , 20 a or 20 b is a dial displayer provided on the combination lock 10 so as to facilitate the user to match the combination of the lock 10 . the dial matching frame 20 , 20 a or 20 b should have at least one displaying window 22 , 22 a or opening 22 b . the dial matching frame 20 may further include a lens 40 inserted thereinto , as shown in fig6 . particular , the lens 40 may be a convex lens to magnify the numerals 113 through the window 22 . moreover , the dial matching frame 20 may be made of a fluorescent material such that the combination lock 10 can still be used in a dark environment since the display of the numerals 113 are enhanced by the light emitting from the dial matching frame 20 . fig7 shows another type structure of the dial matching frame 20 . as illustrated in the drawing , the dial matching identification mechanism may be a resilient member 50 with restorability after stretching . in addition , the lock body 11 has two positioning parts 15 at the predetermined dial matching positions on both sides of the dials 112 , respectively . the resilient member 50 is stretched and wrapped around the positioning parts 15 . the resilient member 50 thus forms a frame body surrounding the dial matching position and defines a window 51 to provide the indication function . in order to have stable attachment so that the resilient member 50 will not be easily or unexpectedly separated from the positioning parts 15 , the resilient member 50 should have shorter length than the distance between the two positioning parts 15 . therefore , the resilient member 50 must be properly stretched prior to being wrapped around the positioning parts 15 and thus , the resilient member 50 is constantly under the recovering force and is stably engaged with the positioning parts 15 . furthermore , the positioning parts 15 may comprise recessed grooves 151 so that the resilient member 50 can be inserted thereinto and will not be separated very easily . accordingly , not only the dial matching frame 20 made of hard material can provide the user with dial matching function for the combination lock 10 , the resilient member 50 with restorability after stretching may also be used to achieve the identical function . fig8 discloses another preferred embodiment of this invention . the latch 12 has an integrally formed dial matching frame 20 c . the latch 12 also includes the steel cable 121 with one end thereof connected with the lock body 11 . the other end of the latch 12 is provided with the locking rod 122 which may be inserted into the locking hole 111 to be locked by the lock body 11 when it is adjusted to the locked state . at this time , the latch 12 is fixed with the lock body 11 . the locking rod 122 may be released from the locking hole 111 when it is at the unlocked state . alternatively , the dial matching frame 20 c may be integrally formed with the lock body 11 . in either way , the window 22 c of the dial matching frame 20 c is set to be at the dial matching position above the dials 112 when the locking rod 122 is inserted into and locked within the locking hole 111 , as shown in fig9 . the dial matching frame 20 c may be constructed as that shown in the figure as an annular framework surrounding the latch 12 . the dial matching frame 20 c has not only an engraved window 22 c , but also dialing holes 25 c for the user to rotate the dials 112 . this kind of dial matching frame 20 c provides the function of identifying the matching position of the dials for the user through the window 22 c , it also provides certain degree of protection over the latch 12 to prevent damage thereto due to collision between the latch 12 and other articles . fig1 illustrates another type of preferred embodiment for a dial matching frame 20 d according to this invention . the overall dial matching frame 20 d is not solely extended from the lock body 11 or the latch 12 , but combined by two half frames 201 d , 202 d extending from the lock body 11 and the latch 12 respectively . thus , when the locking rod 122 is inserted into the locking hole 111 , the two half frames 201 d and 202 d match with each other above and is placed across all the dials 112 at the predetermined dial matching position and form at least one window 203 d above the dials 112 in order to show the numerals 113 thereon . in other words , the dial matching frame 20 d is formed by two concave plates extending toward each other from the lock body 11 and the latch 12 respectively . it is not integrally formed in one piece . fig1 discloses a modified structure based on the previous preferred embodiment . the dial matching frame 20 e is formed by two straight plates 204 e and 205 e extending from the lock body 11 and the latch 12 respectively and misaligned with each other . it should be pointed out that , the lens inserted into the dial matching frame as shown in fig6 and the use of a fluorescent material to make the dial matching frame , may also be applied to the dial matching frames 20 c , 20 d as shown in fig8 and 10 so as to enhance the displaying effects of the combination numerals . this invention provides a dial matching frame to be utilized on a combination lock . it is a dial matching indication device that clearly marks the reference position for matching the dials . therefore , the user may quickly and accurately identify the combination of a series of numerals ( or symbols ) of the dials through the dial matching indication device for unlocking the combination lock . in addition , the dial matching identification function provided by the device of this invention will not be easily deteriorated by the usage of the lock . this invention is related to a novel creation that makes a breakthrough in the art . aforementioned explanations , however , are directed to the description of preferred embodiments according to this invention . since this invention is not limited to the specific details described in connection with the preferred embodiments , changes and implementations to certain features of the preferred embodiments without altering the overall basic function of the invention are contemplated within the scope of the appended claims . | US-23461902-A |
a heat - sensitive recording paper is disclosed . the paper is comprised of a support base which is made of a paper having a density 0 . 9 g / cm 3 or less and a heat - sensitive recording layer coated on the support base . the surface of the heat - sensitive recording layer has an optical contact ratio of 7 % or more . by utilizing the particularly disclosed support base paper and adjusting the optical contact ratio of the surface of the heat - sensitive recording layer , the resulting recording paper can give high heat conductivity between the surface of the recording layer and a recording element . accordingly , the recording paper has a fast response speed and can produce a high density image without disadvantages such as increased fog formation . | the term &# 34 ; optical contact ratio &# 34 ; as used in this specification is the value obtained by placing under pressure a prism on a paper and optically measuring the contact ratio and the value is considered in principle a suitable value as the value relates to the contact extent of a thermal head and a heat - sensitive recording sheet . the measuring principle is described in sinpei inamoto , measuring method of printing smoothness of paper mainly by optical contact method , ministry of finance , printing bureau , research institute , report , vol . 29 , no . 9 , pages 615 - 622 ( sept ., 1977 ). the measuring apparatus may be a dynamic printing smoothness measuring apparatus , made by toyo seiki seisakusho k . k . the optical contact ratio in this invention is the value measured at a condition of a measuring wavelength of 0 . 5 μm after 10 milliseconds after pressing a prism onto a paper at a pressure of 15 kg / cm 2 . when the optical contact ratio of the surface of a recording measured by the condition is less than 7 %, sufficient dot reproducibility cannot be obtained when contacting the heat - sensitive recording paper with a recording element . therefore , the optical contact ratio of the surface of the recording layer in this invention is 7 % or more , preferably 10 to 30 %. better results with respect to dot reproducibility can be obtained if the optical contact ratio of the surface of the recording layer is larger . however , the present inventors have found that the running property , writability and dot reproducibility are reduced with the increase of the optical contact ratio . as a result of further investigations relating to dot reproducibility , running property , and writability , the present inventors have found that the density of the recording paper having the specific optical contact ratio as described above is a very important factor for obtaining good quality balance . more specifically , the present inventors have confirmed that if the density of the recording paper is larger than 0 . 9 g / cm 3 , the running property and writability are poor and the dot reproducibility is reduced . therefore , if the paper density is above 0 . 9 g / cm 3 , a recording sheet having good quality balance cannot be obtained even when the optical contact ratio is higher than 7 %. accordingly , the recording paper of this invention has the specific optical contact ratio as described above as well as an adjusted density of 0 . 9 g / cm 3 or less , preferably 0 . 85 g / cm 3 or less , more preferably 0 . 80 to 0 . 70 g / cm 3 . in accordance with this invention , and throughout this disclosure density values are calculated from the basis weight and the measured value of thickness by jis p - 8118 ( japanese industrial standard ). there is no particular restriction as regards the production process of the heat - sensitive recording sheet having such a specific optical cotact ratio and density . these factors are properly controlled by the selections of the support for the recording sheet , the materials which make up the recording layer , the coating method for the recording layer , and the post treatment for the surface of the recording layer . the support is preferably comprised of a base paper having a density of 0 . 9 g / cm 3 or less and the heat - sensitive recording layer wherein the surface of the recording layer coated has an optical contact ratio of 15 % or more . such a base paper is obtained by drying a wet web after pressing or by drying a paper impregnated with water by pressing the paper onto the smooth surface of a metal . in accordance with such methods , a base paper having a large optical contact ratio can be obtained without increasing the density as with a calender treatment . in accordance with the most preferred production method , a wet web having a water content of 50 to 70 % after being press prepared using a paper manufacturing machine having a yankee dryer is dried to a water content of 15 % or less by pressing the paper onto the yankee dryer . even when a base paper having an optical contact ratio of 15 % or less is prepared by a paper machine having a multi - cylinder dryer , the base paper is coated or impregnated with water to increase the water content above 20 % and the paper may be dried to a water content of 15 % or less by pressing the wetted paper onto a yankee dryer . in order to further increase the optical contact ratio of the base paper , a liquid composed of a pigment and a polymer binder may be coated on or sprayed onto the paper before pressing the paper onto a yankee dryer . even if the optical contact ratio of a base paper is large , the optical contact ratio is reduced greatly by coating and hence the use of a base paper having a large optical contact ratio is meaningless . however , with a base paper dried by pressing onto a yankee dryer , the reduction in optical contact ratio by coating is less . therefore , heat - sensitive recording paper having a large optical contact ratio is obtained without increasing the density by using the base paper . one criterion for reducing the optical contact ratio by coating an aqueous coating composition is the water expansion of the base paper when immersed in water . base paper dried by a yankee dryer showed a very low water expansion of cross direction of 2 . 5 % or less and the reduction in optical contact ratio of the base paper by drying shrinkage after coating is less . therefore , a heat - sensitive recording paper having a heat - sensitive color forming layer with a large optical contact ratio is obtained without requiring a strong calender treatment . on the other hand , an ordinary base paper dried by a multi - cylinder dryer shows a large water expansion of cross direction of 3 to 6 %, shows a large reduction in optical contact ratio by coating , and requires a strong calender treatment , thereby increasing the density and sticking . furthermore , a heat - sensitive recording paper prepared by using a base paper showing small water expansion shows less shrinkage of the surface of the base paper which is in contact with the heat - sensitive color forming layer by heating at recording and shows good contact with a thermal head during recording . the water expansion is a value measured by the method of j - tappi no . 27m . base paper dried by pressing onto a yankee dryer is effective in this invention because of having very high optical contact ratio and large void content . for example , the void content of a base paper of this invention having an optical contact ratio of 26 . 1 % is 50 % but the void content of a base paper having an optical contact ratio of 21 . 8 % dried by a multi - cylinder dryer and super - calendered is 37 %. the void content of a paper is calculated by the following equation . the apparent density is calculated from the basis weight and the measured value of thikness by jis p - 8118 . true density is assumed to be 1 . 5 . a large void content of a base paper shows that the base paper which is in contact with a heat - sensitive color forming layer absorbs a substantial amount of the fused matter of the heat - sensitive color forming layer with heating , thereby sticking is reluctant to occur . in order to obtain a high recording density with a heat - sensitive recording sheet using usual base paper dried by a multicylinder dryer , it is necessary to first subject the base paper to a calender treatment . the calendering treatment is not preferred because of making the density of the base paper to higher than 0 . 9 g / cm 3 . however , by using a base paper having a density of 0 . 9 g / cm 3 or less and a high optical contact ratio , a heat - sensitive recording paper having higher recording density can be obtained . by using a base paper having a void content above 40 %, a density of 0 . 9 g / cm 3 or less , and an optical contact ratio of 15 % or more , the heat - sensitive recording paper will produce a high density image and not cause sticking and piling . the air permeability and oil absorption of the base paper also affect the fused material absorptive faculty of the base paper , that is , the sticking preventing faculty . in such a base paper , the optical contact ratio is 15 % or more , the air permeability is low , and the value of the air permeability ( sec .) divided by the basis weight ( g / m 2 ) is 2 or less . the value of the air permeability of a base paper having an optical contact ratio of 21 . 8 % and a density of 0 . 95 / cm 3 dried by a multi - cylinder dryer and super - calendered divided by the basis weight thereof is 2 . 5 . also , it is preferred that the oil absorption of 300 sec . or less . the air permeability is a value measured by jis p - 8117 ( japanese industrial standard ) and the oil absorption is a value measured by jis p - 8130 ( 1963 ) ( japanese industrial standard ). enhancing beating of pulp is an example of one method for improving the smoothness of a base paper and improving the smoothness of a heat - sensitive recording paper . for example , japanese patent application ( opi ) no . 24191 / 81 describes that a paper having a density above 0 . 9 g / cm 3 using a pulp having a canadian standard freeness below 250 cc is used as the base paper . however , the enhancing of beating increases the density of the base paper and reduces the void content , which are undesirable for the invention in view of preventing sticking and piling . the base paper provided with a smoothness dried by pressing onto a yankee dryer has a canadian standard freeness above 250 cc but a preferred canadian standard freeness for obtaining a sufficient smoothness is 300 to 400 cc . when increasing the void content , a base paper having an optical contact ratio above 15 % is obtained even if the canadian standard freeness is 400 cc to the state of unbeaten . if the optical contact ratio of a base paper is 15 % or more , a heat - sensitive recording paper shows a higher recording density and excellent running property for recording a compared to the case of using a conventional base paper dried by a multi - cylinder dryer . when a high recording density at high - speed recording is required , it is preferred to use a base paper having an optical contact ratio of at least 20 %. more preferably , a base paper having an optical contact ratio of at least 25 % is used . such a base paper is prepared using a wood pulp such as nbkp , lbkp , nbsp , lbsp , etc . also , it is possible to increase the void content of a base paper by using a mixture of the foregoing wood pulp and a synthetic pulp . when producing the base paper , a filler such as clay , talc , calcium carbonate or urea resin particles ; a sizing agent such as rosin , alkenylsuccinic acid , alkylketene dimer or a petroleum resin ; and a fixing agent such as aluminum sulfate or a cationic polymer , may be added to the pulp . also , a pigment such as calcium carbonate or synthetic aluminum silicate ; a polymer adhesive such as starch , polyvinyl alcohol or a sbr latex may be coated on the base paper by a size press in a range not exceeding 2 in the value of the air permeability divided by the basis weight and 300 sec . in the oil absorption . furthermore , the back surface of a base paper may be coated with a coating cmposition for curling prevention or preventing the heat - sensitive color forming layer from being changed with the passage of time . a base paper containing no sizing agent and having a stookigt sizing degree of 0 secong can be used as the base paper in this invention . however , it is preferred to impart a sizing degree ( of cobb test ) of 15 to 25 g / m 2 by incorporating a sizing agent into the paper . a base paper dried by pressing onto a yankee dryer may be further treated by a super calender , a machine calender , or a gloss calender to improve the optical contact ratio . thus , a high optical contact ratio is obtained as compared with a base paper dried by a multi - cylinder dryer even at a low density . a method of producing the heat - sensitive recording paper of this invention will now be explained . in general , a color former and a color developer are separately dispersed in aqueous solutions of a water - soluble polymer using dispersers such as separate ball mills . when using , for example , a ball mill to obtain fine particles of color former and color developer , balls having different sizes are used in proper mixing ratios and each component is dispersed for a sufficient period of time . also , a horizontal - type sand mill ( e . g ., dainomill , trade name ) can be used effectively to mix the dispersions . the dispersion of color former obtained is mixed with the dispersion of color developer obtained and then an inorganic pigment , a wax , a higher fatty acid amide , a metal soap , and , if necessary , an ultraviolet absorbent , an antioxidant , and a latex series binder , are added to the mixture to form a coating solution . the additives may be added to the dispersions during the preparation of the individual dispersions . the coating solution is generally coated on the support so that the amount of the color former is 0 . 2 g / m 2 to 1 . 0 g / m 2 . in general , any color formers used for ordinary pressure - sensitive recording papers , of heat - sensitive recording papers can be used without restriction . practical examples of useful color formers include : ( 1 ) triarylmethane compounds such as 3 , 3 - bis -( p - dimethylaminophenyl )- 6 - dimethylaminophthalide ( i . e ., crystal violet lactone ), 3 -( p - dimethylaminophenyl )- 3 -( 1 , 2 - dimethylindol - 3 - yl ) phthalide , 3 -( p - dimethylaminophenyl )- 3 -( 2 - phenylindol - 3 - yl ) phthalide , 3 , 3 - bis ( 9 - ethylcarbazol - 3 - yl )- 5 - dimethylaminophthalide and 3 , 3 - bis ( 2 - phenylindol - 3 - yl )- 5 - dimethylaminophthalide ; ( 2 ) diphenylmethane compounds such as 4 , 4 - bis - dimethylaminobenzhydrin benzyl ether , n - halophenyl leucoauramine and n - 2 , 4 , 5 - trichlorophenyl leucoauramine ; ( 3 ) xanthene compounds such as rhodamine b - anilinolactam , 3 - diethylamino - 7 - dibenzylaminofluoran , 3 - diethylamino - 7 - butylaminofluoran , 3 - diethylamino - 7 -( 2 - chloroanilino ) fluoran , 3 - diethylamino - 6 - methyl - 7 - anilinofluoran , 3 - piperidino - 6 - methyl - 7 - anilinofluoran , 3 - ethyltolylamino - 6 - methyl - 7 - anilinofluoran , 3 - cyclohexylmethylamino - 6 - methyl - 7 - anilinofluoran , 3 - diethylamino - 6 - chloro - 7 -( β - ethoxyethyl ) aminofluoran , 3 - diethylamino - 6 - chloro - 7 -( γ - chloropropyl ) aminofuoran , 3 - diethylamino - 6chloro - 7 - anilinofluoran , 3 - n - cyclohexyl - n - methylamino - 6 - methyl - 7 - anilinofluoran and 3 - diethylamino - 7 - phenylfluoran ; ( 4 ) thiazine compounds such as benzyl leucomethylene blue and p - nitrobenzyl leucomethylene blue ; and they may be used solely or as a mixture of them . they are suitably selected according to the use or the characteristics of the heat - sensitive recording materials . phenol derivatives and aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives are preferably used as the color developers and bisphenols are particularly preferred . practical examples of the phenols include p - octylphenol , p - tert - butylphenol , p - phenylphenol , 2 , 2 - bis ( p - hydroxy ) propane , 1 , 1 - bis ( p - hydroxyphenyl ) pentane , 1 , 1 - bis ( p - hydroxyphenyl ) hexane , 2 , 2 - bis ( p - hydroxyphenyl ) hexane , 1 , 1 - bis ( p - hydroxyphenyl )- 2 - ethyl - hexane and 2 , 2 - bis ( 4 - hydroxy - 3 , 5 - dichlorophenyl ) propane . practical examples of the aromatic carboxylic acid derivatives include p - hydroxybenzoic acid , propyl p - hydroxybenzoate , butyl p - hydroxybenzoate , benzyl p - hydroxybenzoate , 3 , 5 - di - α - methylbenzylsalicyclic acid and carboxylic acid , or the polyvalent metal salts of these acids . it is preferred that these color developers are added in the form of an eutectic mixture with a low melting point thermofusible material for fusing at a desired temperature to cause a color forming reaction or fine particles to the surface of which a low melting point material is fused . examples of the low melting point materials used in this invention include paraffin wax , carnauba wax , microcrystalline wax , polyethylene wax and higher fatty acid amides such as stearic acid amide , ethylenebisstearoamide and higher fatty acid esters . examples of metal soaps used in this invention include polyvalent metal salts of higher fatty acids , such as zinc stearate , aluminum stearate , calcium stearate and zinc oleate . examples of inorganic pigments include kaolin , calcined kaoline , talc , agalmatolite , diatomaceous earth , calcium carbonate , aluminum hydroxide , magnesium hydroxide , magnesium carbonate , titanium oxide and barium carbonate . the inorganic pigment preferably has an amount of an oil absorption of 60 ml / 100 g or more and a mean particle size of 5 μm or less . it is desirable that the oil absorptive inorganic pigment is incorporated in the recording layer at a dry weight of 5 to 50 % by weight , preferably 10 to 40 % by weight . the low melting point materials , metal soaps and inorganic pigments are dispersed in a binder and coated on a support . a water - soluble binder is generally used . practical examples include polyvinyl alcohol , hydroxyethyle cellulose , hydroxypropyl cellulose , ethylene - maleic anhydride copolymer , styrene - maleic anhydride copolymer , isobutylene - maleic anhydride copolymer , polyacrylic acid , starch derivatives , casein and gelatin . in order to make these binders waterproof , a water resisting agent ( gelling agent , cross - linking agent ) may be added or an emulsion of a hydrophobic polymer such as a styrene - butadiene rubber latex or an acrylic acid resin emulsion may be added to the binder . the binder is incorporated in the recording layer at a dry weight of 10 to 30 % by weight . furthermore , if necessary , a defoaming agent , a fluorescent dye or a colored dye may be added to the coating composition . in order to form the recording layer , the coating composition can be coated by a known coating method such as a blade coating method , an air - knife coating method , a gravure coating method , a roll coating method , a spray coating method , a dip coating method , a bar coating method or an extrusion coating method . there are no particular restrictions relating to the coating amount of the coating composition on the support for forming the recording layer . however , the composition is usually coated in an amount in the range of 3 to 15 g / m 2 , preferably 4 to 10 g / m 2 by dry weight . also , the recording layer thus formed is surface - treated , if necessary , by calender , super calender , etc ., but is treated so that the optical surface contact ratio of the surface of the recording layer and the density of the recording paper are within the specific values defined herein . the present inventors have found that when surface treatment is performed by passing the recording paper through a pressing means composed of a metal roll and an elastic roll having a shore hardness of 70 to 90 so that the recording layer surface is brought into contact with the metal roll , the recording density is increased without causing a formation of fog . however , even by using a super calender or a machine calender , the heat - sensitive recording paper having the specific optical contact ratio and density as defined herein can be obtained as a matter of course by controlling the nip pressure . the invention will now be practically explained by the following examples but the invention is not limited to these examples . in the examples , all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated . a mixture of 20 g of 3 - diethylamino - 6 - chloro - 7 -( β - ethoxyethylamino ) fluoran and 100 g of an aqueous solution of 5 % polyvinyl alcohol ( polymerization degree : 1 , 000 and saponification degree : 90 %) was dispersed for about 24 hours in a ball mill to provide solution a . a mixture of 60 g of bisphenol a , 60 g of stearic acid amide , and 900 g of an aqueous solution of 5 % polyvinyl alcohol ( having the properties described above ) was dispersed for about 24 hours in a ball mill to provide solution b . solution a and solution b were mixed with each other and after adding thereto 1 , 200 g of calcium carbonate ( unibar , trade name , made by shiraishi kogyo k . k ) and 6 , 000 g of an aqueous solution of 5 % polyvinyl alcohol , the resultant mixture was dispersed well to provide a coating composition . after beating 100 parts of lbkp to a canadian standard freeness of 350 cc , 1 part of rosin and 2 parts of aluminum sulfate were added to the pulp and a base paper of a basis weight of about 50 g / m 2 was made from the pulp by means of a fourdriner paper machine . the wire surface of the wet web which passed through a pressing portion was pressed onto a yankee dryer having a surface temperature of 120 ° c . to obtain a water content of 8 %. the paper was then treated by a machine calender . the coating composition for the heat - sensitive recording layer was coated on the base paper thus obtained by an air knife coating method at a coating weight of 7 g / m 2 solid content . after drying the coated paper to a water content of 6 %, the coated paper was surface - treated by passing it through a pressing means composed of a combination of a hard chrome - plated roll and a hard rubber roll ( shore hardness of 80 ) to provide a heat - sensitive recording paper having an optical contact ratio of 12 % and a density of 0 . 78 . the heat - sensitive recording paper obtained in example 1 was applied to a super calender to provide a heat - sensitive recording paper having an optical contact ratio of 15 % and a density of 0 . 85 . after beating 100 parts of lbkp to a canadian standard freeness of 350 cc , 1 part of rosin and 2 parts of aluminum sulfate were added to the pulp and a base paper having a basis weight of about 50 g / m 2 was made by a fourdriner paper machine . the wet web which passed through the pressing portion was dried by a multi - cylinder dryer having a surface temperature of 100 ° to 130 ° c . to a water content of 8 % and applied to a machine calender . the heat - sensitive recording coating composition obtained in example 1 was coated on the base paper thus obtained by an air knife coating method at a coating weight of 7 g / m 2 solid content . after drying the coated paper to a water content of 6 %, the coated paper was applied to a super calender to provide a heat - sensitive recording paper having an optical contact ratio of 10 % and a density of 0 . 92 . the heat - sensitive recording paper prepared in comparative example 1 was applied to a machine calender to provide a heat - sensitive recording paper having an optical contact ratio of 6 % and a density of 0 . 87 . each of the heat - sensitive recording sheets thus obtained was overall colored by applying an energy of 2 ms / dot and 40 mj / mm 2 and a density of 5 dots / mm in main scanning and 6 dots / mm in side scanning with a recording element . the recording density and the fog density were measured by means of a macbeth rd - 514 type reflection densitometer using a wratten no . 106 filter . at the same time , recording was continued and the formation state of sticking was observed . furthermore , using a ball point pen and a pencil , the writability on the heat - sensitive recording sheets was evaluated . the optical contact ratio was measured in accordance with the procedure described herein at beginning and the oil absorption was measured by placing a drop of polybutene oil on the paper , spreading the drop by rolling a roller and then measuring the time when the gloss of the oil spot decreases to the constant low level . the properties of the base paper are shown in table 1 and the properties of the heat - sensitive recording sheet are shown in table 2 . the heat - sensitive recording sheet in example 1 is excellent in recording density , dot reproducibility , sticking , and writability as compared to those in comparative examples 1 and 2 . table i______________________________________ ( properties of base paper ) optical basis contact oil weight thickness density ratio absorption ( g / m . sup . 2 ) ( μm ) ( g / cm . sup . 3 ) (%) ( sec ) ______________________________________example 1 51 . 8 70 0 . 74 26 . 1 10comparative 50 . 6 62 0 . 82 4 . 5 24example 1______________________________________ table 2__________________________________________________________________________ ( properties of heat - sensitive recording paper ) optical record - dot contact basis thick - ing reproduci - fog ratio weight ness density density bility density sticking writability (%) ( g / m . sup . 2 ) ( μ ) ( g / cm . sup . 3 ) __________________________________________________________________________example 1 1 . 15 excellent 0 . 08 none excellent 12 60 77 0 . 78example 2 1 . 25 &# 34 ; 0 . 10 &# 34 ; &# 34 ; 15 60 71 0 . 85comparative 0 . 84 good 0 . 15 observed no good 10 58 . 6 64 0 . 92example 1comparative 0 . 73 no good 0 . 12 &# 34 ; good 6 58 . 6 67 0 . 87example 2__________________________________________________________________________ note : ( 1 ) in dot reproducibility , &# 34 ; excellent &# 34 ; shows that the colored image around the dot is sharp and the dot size is uniform , &# 34 ; good &# 34 ; shows that th dot size is slightly unevenness , and &# 34 ; no good &# 34 ; shows that the dot not recorded is present . ( 2 ) in sticking , &# 34 ; none &# 34 ; shows that adhesion of foreign body is not observed on the surface of the recording element and &# 34 ; observed &# 34 ; shows that adhesion of foreign body is slightly observed . ( 3 ) in writability , &# 34 ; excellent &# 34 ; shows that the colored literal image is without becoming thin , sharp and can be read , &# 34 ; good &# 34 ; shows that the literal image is slightly not sharp but can be read , and &# 34 ; no good &# 34 ; shows that the literal image is not sharp and cannot be read at all . while the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof , it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof . | US-43608182-A |
a system and a method for managing user and data profiles utilizing a web - enabled interactive database to organize , store and retrieve the information to create a consistent security model through centralized administration , are disclosed . the system captures various rules and pre - determined methodologies to provide on - line , up - to - date decisions to the users when users request access to a set of specific data or an application . the system further provides the capability to the user to request access to information that the user currently does not have access to , tracks the status of the request , obtains approval / disapproval decision from the data owner , implements the decision , and notifies requester within a reasonable time . | fig1 is a simplified block diagram of a users profile management system ( upms ) 10 including a server system 12 and a plurality of client systems 14 connected to server system 12 . upms 10 provides a system and a methodology used to define users that have similar needs and interests . upms 10 also provides an application to manage user profile information including access control to applications , and data for the growing web - based systems . more specifically , upms 10 streamlines the process by utilizing the same level of security across the different applications , thus facilitating a consistent security model including centralized security administration . upms 10 is used with web - based and non - web - based corporate applications . upms 10 integrates with lightweight directory access protocol ( ldap ) and provides development specification for interfaces , such that access control to data is provided using user profiles . as a result , all corporate user ids may be defined with access permission levels . furthermore , upms 10 provides a common security model for access control and event notification . upms 10 also updates user profiles automatically on a pre - determined timed interval , when a change in an organization hierarchy is detected , or when a person is transferred to a different department . system 10 then generates a report detailing which users have access to data , and what data exists that is not accessible by anyone . in one embodiment , client systems 14 are computers that include a web browser , such that server system 12 is accessible to client systems 14 via the internet . client systems 14 are interconnected to the internet through many interfaces including , but not limited to a network , such as a local area network ( lan ) or a wide area network ( wan ), dial - in - connections , cable modems and special high - speed isdn lines . client systems 14 could be any device capable of interconnecting to the internet including a web - based phone or other web - based connectable equipment . a database server 16 is connected to a centralized database 20 that includes product related information on a variety of products , as described below in greater detail . in one embodiment , centralized database 20 is stored on database server 16 and is accessed by potential users at one of client systems 14 by logging onto server system 12 through one of client systems 14 . in an alternative embodiment centralized database 20 is stored remotely from server system 12 . upms 10 utilizes a web - enabled interactive database that automates an information and management process . system 10 captures community - related information and provides on - line , up - to - date information upon request . in one exemplary embodiment , system 10 utilizes a relational database with a client user interface front - end for administration and a web interface for standard user input and reports . information is accessible from the database through structured query language ( sql ). accordingly upms 10 is an information and management tool that may facilitate building stronger relationships with the customer base . fig2 is an expanded version block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server architecture of a upms 22 . upms 22 is utilized when the number of users is numerous , such that a more powerful system architecture is demanded . components in system 22 , identical to components of system 10 ( shown in fig1 ), are identified in fig2 using the same reference numerals used in fig1 . system 22 includes server system 12 and client systems 14 . server system 12 also includes database server 16 , an application server 24 , a web server 26 , a fax server 28 , a directory server 30 , and a mail server 32 . a disk storage unit 34 is coupled to database server 16 and directory server 30 . servers 16 , 24 , 26 , 28 , 30 , and 32 are coupled in a local area network ( lan ) 36 . in addition , a system administrator &# 39 ; s workstation 38 , a user workstation 40 , and a supervisor &# 39 ; s workstation 42 are coupled to lan 36 . alternatively , workstations 38 , 40 , and 42 are coupled to lan 36 via an internet link or are connected through an intranet . each workstation , 38 , 40 , and 42 is a personal computer including a web browser . although the functions performed at each workstation are illustrated as being performed at respective workstations 38 , 40 , and 42 , such functions may be performed at one of many personal computers coupled to lan 36 . workstations 38 , 40 , and 42 are illustrated as being associated with separate functions only to facilitate an understanding of the different types of functions that can be performed by individuals having access to lan 36 . in another embodiment , server system 12 is configured to be communicatively coupled to various individuals or employees 44 and to third parties , 46 , e . g ., internal or external auditors , via an isp internet connection 48 . the communication in the exemplary embodiment is illustrated as being performed via the internet , however , any other wide area network ( wan ) type communication may be utilized in other embodiments , i . e ., the systems and processes are not limited to being practiced via the internet . in addition , and rather than wan 50 , local area network 36 could be used in place of wan 50 . in the exemplary embodiment , any authorized individual or an employee of the corporation having a workstation 54 can access upms 22 . at least one client system includes a senior manager &# 39 ; s workstation 55 located at a remote location . workstations 54 and 55 are personal computers having a web browser , and configured to communicate with server system 12 . furthermore , fax server 28 communicates with employees located outside the business entity &# 39 ; s 44 and any of the remotely located client systems , including a client system 56 via a telephone link . fax server 28 is configured to communicate with other client systems 38 , 40 , and 42 as well . fig3 shows a configuration of database 20 within database server 16 of server system 12 shown in fig1 . database 20 is coupled to several separate components within server system 12 , which perform specific tasks . server system 12 includes a collection component 64 for collecting information from users into centralized database 20 , a tracking component 66 for tracking information , a displaying component 68 for displaying information , a receiving component 70 for receiving queries from client system 14 , and an accessing component 72 for accessing centralized database 20 . receiving component 70 is programmed to receive a specific query from one of a plurality of users . server system 12 also includes a processing component 76 for searching and processing received queries within data storage device 34 for information collected by collection component 64 . an information fulfillment component 78 , located in server system 12 , downloads requested information to the users in the order in which the data requests were received by receiving component 70 . more specifically , information fulfillment component 78 downloads the information after the information is retrieved from data storage device 34 by a retrieving component 80 . retrieving component 80 retrieves , downloads and sends information to client system 14 based on a query received from client system 14 regarding various alternatives . retrieving component 80 also includes a display component 84 for downloading information to be displayed on a client system &# 39 ; s graphical user interface , and a printing component 88 for printing information . although , retrieving component 80 generates various reports requested by the user through client system 14 in a pre - determined format , system 10 is flexible an permits a user to select alternative report formats , and thus , the user is not constrained to the options set forth above . database 20 is divided into an application section 90 , a data section 92 , a users profiles section 94 , and a rules section 96 . sections 90 , 92 , 94 , and 96 are interconnected within database 20 , such that data and information may be updated and retrieved from sections 90 , 92 , 94 , and 96 as required . each section 90 , 92 , 94 , and 96 is also divided into several individualized sub - sections that store data in various different categories . the architecture of system 10 , as well as various components of system 10 , are exemplary only , and other architectures are possible and may be utilized in connection with practicing the processes described below . fig4 is an exemplary embodiment of a process flow 120 describing the basic functionality of the upms . upms 10 creates electronic profiles of the user known as “ eprofiles ” 122 . more specifically , users 124 defined by upms 10 include current and future end users 124 including , but not limited to , employees , suppliers , customers and contractors who can access the corporation network and as well as existing different applications . the applications cover many hierarchies in the department , and users 124 access upms 10 through login sessions that require a user id and a user password . when users 124 log into various applications 126 to access applications 126 , as well as associated data 128 , upms 10 reviews each eprofile 122 prior to providing access to applications 126 or data 128 . the eprofile database is programmed using information retrievable from an oracle human resource ( ohr ) application , as well as a request for computer access ( rfca ) application 130 . more specifically , user profiles developed in ohr and rfca is stored in eprofile 122 . users 124 are given access to applications 126 and data 128 based on pre - established criteria that are developed from various rules and access criteria established by the management . some of these include : rules based access 132 , group based access 134 , search & amp ; subscribe utilities 136 , active positioning monitoring 138 , hard exclusion rules 140 , and access audit 142 guidelines . fig5 is an exemplary embodiment of a process flow 160 for creating user profiles within database 20 . an eprofile database 162 is programmed using information available from an oracle human resource ( ohr ) application 164 , as well as a request for computer access ( rfca ) application 166 . an initial user profile developed through ohr 164 and rfca 166 is stored in eprofile database 162 , and eprofile database 162 stores user profiles within a subsection of database 20 . any restrictions 168 on the user profile , such as reading or writing rights , are also stored in eprofile database 162 . the users are provided access based on these restrictions . user profiles within eprofile database 162 are created using a reliable source that identifies each user &# 39 ; s organization and citizenship for export control . in one embodiment , eprofile database 162 includes foreign national contractors and customers also for exception list . in addition , eprofile database 162 is updated on a pre - determined timed interval , when there are changes in organizational hierarchy , when a person transfers to another organization , or when a person leaves the company . fig6 is an exemplary embodiment of a process flow 180 for creating data profile within database 20 . data profiles 182 created within eprofile database 162 ( shown in fig5 ) are built using information available from various sources . for each application 184 , a system administrator defines various attributes 186 of the application , including but not limited to data elements , data tags , rules of access , an approver &# 39 ; s name for each rule , rules of exclusion , exception lists , and field tags ( e . g . read , write , notify ). each data profile 182 developed is stored in eprofile database 162 , which stores data profiles 182 in a sub - section of database 20 . any restrictions 188 on the data profile , such as reading or writing rights , are also stored within eprofile database 162 , and users are provided access based on these restrictions . fig7 describes a user access process 200 . user access process 200 includes requesting access to a uniform resource locator ( url ) by utilizing a browser 202 or requesting an access to an application 204 . each request for a url is processed by a lightweight directory access protocol ( ldap ) 205 through a siteminder 206 which evaluates each request . if approved , the requested url is then downloaded by server system 12 ( shown in fig1 ). if the request is denied based on access rules , a message is sent informing the user that the access is denied . user access process 200 includes requesting access to application 204 . the request is processed by eprofile database server 207 after the user &# 39 ; s id and password are authenticated . database server 207 retrieves information from one of a user profile storage 208 , an application data storage 210 , access rules & amp ; exception storage 212 , and a group storage 214 or ldap 205 , and based on the information retrieved , and the rules stored under access rules & amp ; exception storage 212 , system 10 either downloads application 204 or denies access of application 204 . fig8 is an exemplary embodiment of a flow chart describing default access process 230 . default access process 230 relates to the system &# 39 ; s decision making process to permit the user access to a set of specific data within the application . once the user accesses data within the application 232 , upms 10 invokes an evaluation process 234 to determine whether the user is permitted to access the requested data . if the user has permission to access , the user continues with the application to access the data 236 . if the user is denied access , a decision for quick request 238 is explored by the system . if the user desires not to pursue quick request 238 , the user is directed to eprofile application 240 or the user can skip 242 the entire process by exiting from the application . if the user decided to pursue quick request 238 , user completes a request for approval 244 which is subjected to an internal exception access process 246 . if the user is approved based on pre - established criteria , the user is notified of the approval 248 . alternatively , if the user is denied access , a notification informing of the denial 250 is sent to the user . fig9 is an exemplary embodiment of a flow chart describing evaluation process 260 . evaluation process 260 relates to the system &# 39 ; s decision - making process in permitting a user access to data or applications . after a user requests access , after logging onto upms 10 , the system determines whether the user is permitted access after completing an evaluation based on hard exclusive rules 262 , application rules 264 , exception access rules 266 , and exception access list 268 . during the evaluation process , the system retrieves the information from eprofile storage 270 and submits any new information to eprofile storage 270 , as required . if the user is approved based on an evaluation of application rules 264 , exception access rules 266 , and exception access list 268 , the user is permitted access 274 . if access is denied , a message informing such restriction is conveyed to the user through a message box 272 , and the user is notified 276 . fig1 is an exemplary embodiment of a flow chart describing exception access process 290 . exception access process 290 relates to the system &# 39 ; s maintenance process . process 290 includes a request being submitted by the user for approval . the request includes a list of data for approval to section manager 292 . section manager is responsible for decision 294 to approve or disapprove . if the request is denied , a notification 296 is sent to the requester . if the request is approved , a decision 298 is made either to add the rule 300 or to add the user 302 . when a new rule or a new user is added , eprofile storage 304 database is automatically updated . if the rule is added 300 , an exception list is updated 306 , and an affirmative notification 308 is sent to the user . fig1 is an exemplary embodiment of a flow chart describing access process within eprofile 320 . access process within eprofile 320 relates to the system &# 39 ; s maintenance process . process 320 includes a request form 322 that is submitted by the user to request access . the form is subjected to exception access decision making process 324 , and after the user &# 39 ; s access request is approved 326 or denied 328 , the user is notified accordingly . in one embodiment , client system 14 , as well as server system 12 , are protected from access by unauthorized individuals . as described , upms 10 includes an interactive searchable database 20 for storing users related information . eprofile database is a subset of database 20 . through upms 10 , managers , employees , contractors , variable workers and database administrators directly update , review and generate reports of current information based on their individual authentication criteria . while the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments , those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims . | US-84257701-A |
a method is disclosed for protecting glass surfaces in a stack of glass sheets by treating the surfaces with a stain - inhibiting organic hydroxy acid and separating adjacent surfaces with an interleaving material . | glass sheets are treated with a stain - inhibiting organic acid solution and dried prior to applying a particulate interleaving material in order to provide enhanced stain and scratch resistance in the course of handling , stacking , transportation and storage . treatment of the glass surface with a solution of stain - inhibiting organic acid in accordance with the present invention is carried out preferably by contacting the glass surface with an aqueous solution of the stain - inhibiting organic acid by any conventional technique , preferably spraying , at a temperature sufficient to achieve immediate evaporation of the solvent , preferably a temperature of about 110 ° to 180 ° f . ( about 43 ° to 82 ° c .). the concentration of stain - inhibiting organic hydroxy acid in the solution is preferably greater than 0 . 1 percent , more preferably in the range of about 0 . 5 to 1 percent . preferred stain - inhibiting organic acids are hydroxy dicarboxylic acids , especially malic acid , preferably applied to a glass surface which is at a temperature of about 140 ° to 160 ° f . ( about 60 ° to 71 ° c .). in a preferred embodiment of the present invention , an aqueous solution of about 0 . 5 to 1 percent malic acid is sprayed onto a glass surface at a temperature of about 140 ° to 160 ° f . ( about 60 ° to 71 ° c .). the solution essentially dries on contact with the hot glass surface , leaving a film of malic acid on the glass surface . the acid treated glass surfaces are separated by any suitable interleaving material , preferably a particulate interleaving material . for example , various synthetic materials such as polyethylene , polystyrene , polytetrafluoroethylene and polyacrylate beads are acceptable , as well as natural porous cellulose materials such as wood flour and rice flour , typically applied at rates of about one pound per 5000 to 9000 square feet of glass . it appears that the acidic organic stain - inhibiting compounds neutralize alkali buildup between stacked glass sheets which is believed to cause the staining which typically occurs on the surface of packaged glass sheets . the stain - inhibiting treatment , in combination with the interleaving material offers optimum protection of the treated glass surfaces from staining and scratches . the present invention will be further understood from the description of specific examples which follow . sheets of soda - lime - silica float glass are sprayed at a temperature of about 140 ° to 160 ° f . ( about 60 ° to 71 ° c .) with an aqueous solution containing two percent malic acid . the solution essentially dries on contact with the hot glass surface leaving a film of malic acid on the glass surface . the sheets are then dusted with one pound rice flour per 7500 square feet of glass . the treated sheets are stacked and placed in a humidity chamber for accelerated staining tests . after exposure to conditions of 140 ° f . ( about 60 ° c .) and 100 percent relative humidity for 39 days , the treated glass looked very good , with no visible stain . on a larger scale , the top surface of a freshly - formed and annealed float glass ribbon is sprayed at a temperature of about 140 ° f . ( about 61 ° c .) with an aqueous solution containing 0 . 1 percent of malic acid . the dry , acid - treated surface , which bears about 15 - 20 milligrams of malic acid per square foot of glass , is dusted with wood flour using conventional powder application equipment set to distribute one pound of interleaving material to about 7500 square feet of glass . sheets of treated glass are stacked and exposed to 140 ° f . ( about 60 ° c .) at 100 percent relative humidity . for comparison , sheets of glass , not treated with malic acid but dusted with wood flour at the same level of distribution , are also tested . after 30 days exposure , the malic acid treated glass shows no stain while the glass only dusted with wood flour is stained throughout after about 3 to 5 days exposure . the above examples are offered to illustrate the present invention , the scope of which is defined by the following claims . | US-42739882-A |
this disclosure is directed to uses for a new crystalline molecular sieve designated ssz - 99 . ssz - 99 is synthesized using a methylethyldiisopropylammonium cation as a structure directing agent . | the term “ molecular sieve ” includes ( a ) intermediate and ( b ) final or target molecular sieves and molecular sieves produced by ( 1 ) direct synthesis or ( 2 ) post - crystallization treatment ( secondary synthesis ). secondary synthesis techniques allow for the synthesis of a target material from an intermediate material by heteroatom lattice substitution or other techniques . for example , an aluminosilicate can be synthesized from an intermediate borosilicate by post - crystallization heteroatom lattice substitution of the boron for aluminum . such techniques are known , for example as described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 790 , 433 . as used herein , the numbering scheme for the periodic table groups is as disclosed in chem . eng . news , 63 ( 5 ), 27 ( 1985 ). in preparing ssz - 99 , a methylethyldiisopropylammonium cation is used as a structure directing agent (“ sda ”), also known as a crystallization template . the sda useful for making ssz - 99 is represented by the following structure ( 1 ): the sda cation is associated with anions which can be any anion that is not detrimental to the formation of the molecular sieve . representative anions include elements from group 17 of the periodic table ( e . g ., fluoride , chloride , bromide and iodide ), hydroxide , acetate , sulfate , tetrafluoroborate , carboxylate , and the like . in general , ssz - 99 is prepared by : ( a ) preparing a reaction mixture containing ( 1 ) at least one source of an oxide of at least one tetravalent element ; ( 2 ) one or more sources of one or more oxides selected from the group consisting of oxides of trivalent elements , pentavalent elements , and mixtures thereof ; ( 3 ) at least one source of an element selected from groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table ; ( 4 ) hydroxide ions ; ( 5 ) a methylethyldiisopropylammonium cation ; and ( 6 ) water ; and ( b ) subjecting the reaction mixture to crystallization conditions sufficient to form crystals of the molecular sieve . the composition of the reaction mixture from which the molecular sieve is formed , in terms of mole ratios , is identified in table 1 below , wherein compositional variables t , x , m and q and stoichiometric variable b are as described herein above . in one sub - embodiment , the composition of the reaction mixture from which ssz - 99 is formed , in terms of mole ratios , is identified in table 2 below , wherein compositional variables m and q are as described herein above . as noted above , for each embodiment described herein , t is selected from the group consisting of tetravalent elements from groups 4 - 14 of the periodic table . in one sub - embodiment , t is selected from the group consisting of silicon ( si ), germanium ( ge ), titanium ( ti ), and mixtures thereof . in another sub - embodiment , t is selected from the group consisting of si , ge , and mixtures thereof . in one sub - embodiment , t is si . sources of elements selected for composition variable t include oxides , hydroxides , acetates , oxalates , ammonium salts and sulfates of the element ( s ) selected for t . in one sub - embodiment , each source ( s ) of the element ( s ) selected for compositional variable t is an oxide . where t is si , sources useful for si include fumed silica , precipitated silicates , silica hydrogel , silicic acid , colloidal silica , tetra - alkyl orthosilicates ( e . g ., tetraethyl orthosilicate ), and silica hydroxides . sources useful herein for ge include germanium oxide and germanium ethoxide . for each embodiment described herein , x is selected from the group consisting of trivalent and pentavalent elements from groups 3 - 13 of the periodic table . in one sub - embodiment , x is selected from the group consisting of boron ( b ), aluminum ( al ), gallium ( ga ), indium ( in ), iron ( fe ), and mixtures thereof . in another sub - embodiment , x is selected from the group consisting of b , al , ga , in , and mixtures thereof . in one sub - embodiment x is al . sources of elements selected for compositional variable x include oxides , hydroxides , acetates , oxalates , ammonium salts and sulfates of the element ( s ) selected for x . where x is al , sources useful for al include aluminates , alumina , and aluminum compounds such as alcl 3 , al 2 ( so 4 ) 3 , al ( oh ) 3 , kaolin clays , and other zeolites . an example of the source of aluminum oxide is na — y zeolite . boron , gallium , indium , titanium , and iron can be added in forms corresponding to their aluminum and silicon counterparts . as described herein above , for each embodiment described herein , the reaction mixture can be formed using at least one source of an element selected from groups 1 and 2 of the periodic table ( referred to herein as m ). in one sub - embodiment , the reaction mixture is formed using a source of an element from group 1 of the periodic table . in another sub - embodiment , the reaction mixture is formed using a source of sodium ( na ). any m - containing compound which is not detrimental to the crystallization process is suitable . sources for such groups 1 and 2 elements include oxides , hydroxides , nitrates , sulfates , halides , oxalates , citrates and acetates thereof . for each embodiment described herein , the molecular sieve reaction mixture can be supplied by more than one source . also , two or more reaction components can be provided by one source . the reaction mixture can be prepared either batch wise or continuously . crystal size , morphology and crystallization time of the molecular sieve described herein can vary with the nature of the reaction mixture and the crystallization conditions . in practice , the molecular sieve is prepared by : ( a ) preparing a reaction mixture as described herein above ; and ( b ) subjecting the reaction mixture to crystallization conditions sufficient to form crystals of the molecular sieve . the reaction mixture is maintained at an elevated temperature until the crystals of the molecular sieve are formed . the hydrothermal crystallization is usually conducted under pressure , and usually in an autoclave so that the reaction mixture is subject to autogenous pressure , at a temperature between 125 ° c . and 200 ° c . the reaction mixture can be subjected to mild stirring or agitation during the crystallization step . it will be understood by the skilled artisan that the molecular sieves described herein can contain impurities , such as amorphous materials , unit cells having framework topologies which do not coincide with the molecular sieve , and / or other impurities ( e . g ., organic hydrocarbons ). during the hydrothermal crystallization step , the molecular sieve crystals can be allowed to nucleate spontaneously from the reaction mixture . the use of crystals of the molecular sieve as seed material can be advantageous in decreasing the time necessary for complete crystallization to occur . in addition , seeding can lead to an increased purity of the product obtained by promoting the nucleation and / or formation of the molecular sieve over any undesired phases . when used as seeds , seed crystals are added in an amount between 1 % and 10 % of the weight of the source for compositional variable t used in the reaction mixture . once the molecular sieve crystals have formed , the solid product is separated from the reaction mixture by standard mechanical separation techniques such as filtration . the crystals are water - washed and then dried to obtain the as - synthesized molecular sieve crystals . the drying step can be performed at atmospheric pressure or under vacuum . the molecular sieve can be used as - synthesized , but typically will be thermally treated ( calcined ). the term “ as - synthesized ” refers to the molecular sieve in its form after crystallization , prior to removal of the sda cation . the sda can be removed by thermal treatment ( e . g ., calcination ), preferably in an oxidative atmosphere ( e . g ., air , gas with an oxygen partial pressure of greater than 0 kpa ) at a temperature readily determinable by the skilled artisan sufficient to remove the sda from the molecular sieve . the sda can also be removed by photolysis techniques ( e . g ., exposing the sda - containing molecular sieve product to light or electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength shorter than visible light under conditions sufficient to selectively remove the organic compound from the molecular sieve ) as described in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 960 , 327 . the molecular sieve can subsequently be calcined in steam , air or inert gas at temperatures ranging from 200 ° c . to 800 ° c . for periods of time ranging from 1 to 48 hours , or more . usually , it is desirable to remove the extra - framework cation ( e . g ., na + ) by ion exchange and replace it with hydrogen , ammonium , or any desired metal - ion . where the molecular sieve formed is an intermediate material , the target molecular sieve can be achieved using post - synthesis techniques such as heteroatom lattice substitution techniques . the target molecular sieve can also be achieved by removing heteroatoms from the lattice by known techniques such as acid leaching . the molecular sieve made from the process disclosed herein can be formed into a wide variety of physical shapes . generally speaking , the molecular sieve can be in the form of a powder , a granule , or a molded product , such as extrudate having a particle size sufficient to pass through a 2 - mesh ( tyler ) screen and be retained on a 400 - mesh ( tyler ) screen . in cases where the catalyst is molded , such as by extrusion with an organic binder , the molecular sieve can be extruded before drying or dried ( or partially dried ) and then extruded . the molecular sieve can be composited with other materials resistant to the temperatures and other conditions employed in organic conversion processes . such matrix materials include active and inactive materials and synthetic or naturally occurring zeolites as well as inorganic materials such as clays , silica and metal oxides . examples of such materials and the manner in which they can be used are disclosed in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 910 , 006 and 5 , 316 , 753 . molecular sieves made by the process disclosed herein have a composition , as - synthesized and in the anhydrous state , as described in table 3 ( in terms of mole ratios ), wherein compositional variables t , x , q and m and stoichiometric variable b are as described herein above : in one sub - embodiment , the molecular sieves made by the process disclosed herein have a composition , as - synthesized and in the anhydrous state , as described in table 4 ( in terms of mole ratios ), wherein compositional variables q and m are as described herein above : molecular sieves synthesized by the process disclosed herein are characterized by their xrd pattern . the powder xrd pattern lines of table 5 are representative of as - synthesized ssz - 99 made in accordance with the present disclosure . minor variations in the diffraction pattern can result from variations in the mole ratios of the framework species of the particular sample due to changes in lattice constants . in addition , sufficiently small crystals will affect the shape and intensity of peaks , leading to significant peak broadening . minor variations in the diffraction pattern can also result from variations in the organic compound used in the preparation . calcination can also cause minor shifts in the xrd pattern . notwithstanding these minor perturbations , the basic crystal lattice structure remains unchanged . ( b ) the powder xrd patterns provided are based on a relative intensity scale in which the strongest line in the x - ray pattern is assigned a value of 100 : w = weak (& gt ; 0 to ≦ 20 ); m = medium (& gt ; 20 to ≦ 40 ); s = strong (& gt ; 40 to ≦ 60 ); vs = very strong (& gt ; 60 to ≦ 100 ) ( c ) peak broadening is characterized by the full - width at half maximum ( fwhm ) of the xrd peak . based on the fwhm values , the peaks are classified as : sh = sharp (≦ 2 * smallest fwhm ); b = broad (& gt ; 2 * smallest fwhm to ≦ 5 * smallest fwhm ); vb = very broad (& gt ; 5 * smallest fwhm ) ( d ) p / n is the peak to noise ratio which is calculated as p / n = ( peak height − background )/√ peak height . l = low (≦ 15 ); h = high (& gt ; 15 ) the x - ray diffraction pattern lines of table 6 are representative of calcined ssz - 99 made in accordance with the present disclosure . ( b ) the powder xrd patterns provided are based on a relative intensity scale in which the strongest line in the x - ray pattern is assigned a value of 100 : w = weak (& gt ; 0 to ≦ 20 ); m = medium (& gt ; 20 to ≦ 40 ); s = strong (& gt ; 40 to ≦ 60 ); vs = very strong (& gt ; 60 to ≦ 100 ) ( c ) peak broadening is characterized by the full - width at half maximum ( fwhm ) of the xrd peak . based on the fwhm values , the peaks are classified as : sh = sharp (≦ 2 * smallest fwhm ); b = broad (& gt ; 2 * smallest fwhm to ≦ 5 * smallest fwhm ); vb = very broad (& gt ; 5 * smallest fwhm ) ( d ) p / n is the peak to noise ratio which is calculated as p / n = ( peak height − background )/√ peak height . l = low (≦ 15 ); h = high (& gt ; 15 ) the powder x - ray diffraction patterns presented herein were collected by standard techniques . the radiation was cuk α radiation . the peak heights and the positions , as a function of 2θ where θ is the bragg angle , were read from the relative intensities of the peaks ( adjusting for background ), and d , the interplanar spacing corresponding to the recorded lines , can be calculated . ssz - 99 is useful as an adsorbent for gas separations . ssz - 99 can also be used as a catalyst for converting oxygenates ( e . g ., methanol ) to olefins and for making small amines . ssz - 99 can be used to reduce oxides of nitrogen in a gas streams , such as automobile exhaust . ssz - 99 can also be used to as a cold start hydrocarbon trap in combustion engine pollution control systems . ssz - 99 is particularly useful for trapping c 3 fragments . ssz - 99 can be used to separate gasses . for example , it can be used to separate carbon dioxide from natural gas . typically , the molecular sieve is used as a component in a membrane that is used to separate the gases . examples of such membranes are disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 508 , 860 . the disclosed herein comprises a process for catalytic conversion of a feedstock comprising one or more oxygenates comprising alcohols and ethers to a hydrocarbon product containing light olefins , i . e ., c 2 , c 3 and / or c 4 olefins . the feedstock is contacted with ssz - 99 at effective process conditions to produce light olefins . the term “ oxygenate ” as used herein designates compounds such as alcohols , ethers , and carbonyl compounds ( e . g ., aldehydes , ketones , carboxylic acids ). the oxygenate can contain from 1 to 10 carbon atoms , e . g ., from 1 to 4 carbon atoms . the representative oxygenates include lower straight chained branched alcohols , and their unsaturated counterparts . particularly suitable oxygenate compounds are methanol , dimethyl ether , and mixtures thereof . the process disclosed can be conducted in the presence of one or more diluents which can be present in the oxygenate feed in an amount of from 1 to 99 mole %, based on the total number of moles of all feed and diluent components . diluents include helium , argon , nitrogen , carbon monoxide , carbon dioxide , hydrogen , water , paraffins , hydrocarbons ( such as methane and the like ), aromatic compounds , or mixtures thereof . u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 677 , 242 ; 4 , 861 , 938 ; and 4 , 677 , 242 emphasize the use of a diluent to maintain catalyst selectivity toward the production of light olefins , particularly ethylene . the oxygenate conversion is desirably conducted in the vapor phase such that the oxygenate feedstock is contacted in a vapor phase in a reaction zone with ssz - 99 at effective process conditions to produce hydrocarbons , i . e ., an effective temperature , pressure , whsv and , optionally , an effective amount of diluent . the process is conducted for a period of time sufficient to produce the desired light olefins . in general , the residence time employed to produce the desired product can vary from seconds to a number of hours . it will be readily appreciated that the residence time will be determined to a significant extent by the reaction temperature , the molecular sieve catalyst , the whsv , the phase ( liquid or vapor ) and process design characteristics . the oxygenate feedstock flow rate affects olefin production . increasing the feedstock flow rate increases whsv and enhances the formation of olefin production relative to paraffin production . however , the enhanced olefin production relative to paraffin production is offset by a diminished conversion of oxygenate to hydrocarbons . light olefin products will form , although not necessarily in optimum amounts , at a wide range of pressures , including but not limited to autogenous pressures and pressures in the range from 0 . 1 kpa to 10 mpa . conveniently , the pressure can be in the range from 7 kpa to 5 mpa , e . g ., from 50 kpa to 1 mpa . the foregoing pressures are exclusive of diluents , if any are present , and refer to the partial pressure of the feedstock as it relates to oxygenate compounds and / or mixtures thereof . lower and upper extremes of pressure can adversely affect selectivity , conversion , coking rate , and / or reaction rate ; however , light olefins such as ethylene and / or propylene still may form . the temperature which can be employed in the oxygenate conversion process can vary over a wide range depending , at least in part , on the molecular sieve catalyst . in general , the process can be conducted at an effective temperature of from 200 ° c . to 700 ° c . at the lower ends of the temperature range , and thus generally at a lower rate of reaction , the formation of the desired light olefins can become low . at the upper ends of the range , the process cannot form an optimum amount of light olefins and catalyst deactivation can be rapid . the molecular sieve catalyst can be incorporated into solid particles in which the catalyst is present in an amount effective to promote the desired conversion of oxygenates to light olefins . in one aspect , the solid particles comprise a catalytically effective amount of the catalyst and at least one matrix material selected from the group consisting of binder materials , filler materials and mixtures thereof to provide a desired property or properties , e . g ., desired catalyst dilution , mechanical strength and the like to the solid particles . such matrix materials are often , to some extent , porous in nature and can or cannot be effective to promote the desired reaction . filler and binder materials include , for example , synthetic and naturally occurring substances such as metal oxides , clays , silicas , aluminas , silica - aluminas , silica - magnesias , silica - zirconias , silica - thorias and the like . if matrix materials are included in the catalyst composition , the molecular sieve desirably comprises from 1 to 99 wt . % ( e . g ., from 5 to 90 wt . % or from 10 to 80 wt . %) of the total composition . ssz - 99 can be used in a catalyst to prepare methylamine or dimethylamine . dimethylamine is generally prepared in industrial quantities by continuous reaction of methanol ( and / or dimethyl ether ) and ammonia in the presence of a silica - alumina catalyst . the reactants are typically combined in the vapor phase , at temperatures of from 300 ° c . to 500 ° c ., and at elevated pressures . such a process is disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 737 , 592 . the catalyst is used in its acid form . acid forms of molecular sieves can be prepared by a variety of techniques . desirably , the molecular sieve used to prepare dimethylamine will be in the hydrogen form , or have an alkali or alkaline earth metal , such as na , k , rb , or cs , ion - exchanged into it . the process disclosed herein involves reacting methanol , dimethyl ether , or a mixture thereof and ammonia in amounts sufficient to provide a carbon / nitrogen ( c / n ) ratio of from 0 . 2 to 1 . 5 , e . g ., from 0 . 5 to 1 . 2 . the reaction is conducted at a temperature of from 250 ° c . to 450 ° c ., e . g ., from 300 ° c . to 400 ° c . reaction pressures can vary from 7 to 7000 kpa , e . g ., from 70 to 3000 kpa . a methanol and / or dimethyl ether space time of from 0 . 01 to 80 h − 1 ( e . g ., from 0 . 10 to 1 . 5 h − 1 ) is typically used . this space time is calculated as the mass of catalyst divided by the mass flow rate of methanol / dimethyl ether introduced into the reactor . ssz - 99 can be used for the catalytic reduction of the oxides of nitrogen in a gas stream . typically , the gas stream also contains oxygen , often a stoichiometric excess thereof . also , the molecular sieve can contain a metal or metal ions within or on it which are capable of catalyzing the reduction of the nitrogen oxides . examples of such metals or metal ions include lanthanum , chromium , manganese , iron , cobalt , rhodium , nickel , palladium , platinum , copper , zinc , and mixtures thereof . one example of such a process for the catalytic reduction of oxides of nitrogen in the presence of a zeolite is disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 297 , 328 . there , the catalytic process is the combustion of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and the catalytic reduction of the oxides of nitrogen contained in a gas stream , such as the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine . the zeolite used is metal ion - exchanged , doped or loaded sufficiently so as to provide an effective amount of catalytic copper metal or copper ions within or on the zeolite . in addition , the process is conducted in an excess of oxidant , e . g ., oxygen . gaseous waste products resulting from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels , such as gasoline and fuel oils , comprise carbon monoxide , hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides as products of combustion or incomplete combustion , and can pose a serious health problem with respect to pollution of the atmosphere . while exhaust gases from other carbonaceous fuel - burning sources , such as stationary engines , industrial furnaces , etc ., contribute substantially to air pollution , the exhaust gases from automotive engines are a principal source of pollution . because of these concerns , the u . s . environmental protection agency has promulgated strict controls on the amounts of carbon monoxide , hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides which automobiles can emit . the implementation of these controls has resulted in the use of catalytic converters to reduce the amount of pollutants emitted from automobiles . in order to achieve the simultaneous conversion of carbon monoxide , hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide pollutants , it has become the practice to employ catalysts in conjunction with air - to - fuel ratio control means which functions in response to a feedback signal from an oxygen sensor in the engine exhaust system . although these three component control catalysts work quite well after they have reached operating temperature of about 300 ° c ., at lower temperatures they are not able to convert substantial amounts of the pollutants . what this means is that when an engine and in particular an automobile engine is started up , the three component control catalyst is not able to convert the hydrocarbons and other pollutants to innocuous compounds . adsorbent beds have been used to adsorb the hydrocarbons during the cold start portion of the engine . although the process typically will be used with hydrocarbon fuels , the present disclosure can also be used to treat exhaust streams from alcohol - fueled engines . the adsorbent bed is typically placed immediately before the catalyst . thus , the exhaust stream is first flowed through the adsorbent bed and then through the catalyst . the adsorbent bed preferentially adsorbs hydrocarbons over water under the conditions present in the exhaust stream . after a certain amount of time , the adsorbent bed has reached a temperature ( typically about 150 ° c .) at which the bed is no longer able to remove hydrocarbons from the exhaust stream . that is , hydrocarbons are actually desorbed from the adsorbent bed instead of being adsorbed . this regenerates the adsorbent bed so that it can adsorb hydrocarbons during a subsequent cold start . the use of adsorbent beds to minimize hydrocarbon emissions during a cold start engine operation is known in the art . see , for example , u . s . pat . nos . 2 , 942 , 932 ; 3 , 699 , 683 ; and 5 , 078 , 979 . as stated , this disclosure generally relates to a process for treating an engine exhaust stream and , in particular , to a process for minimizing emissions during the cold start operation of an engine . the engine consists of any internal or external combustion engine which generates an exhaust gas stream containing noxious components or pollutants including unburned or thermally degraded hydrocarbons or similar organics . other noxious components usually present in the exhaust gas include nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide . the engine can be fueled by a hydrocarbon fuel . as used herein , the term “ hydrocarbon fuel ” includes hydrocarbons , alcohols and mixtures thereof . examples of hydrocarbons which can be used to fuel the engine are the mixtures of hydrocarbons which make up gasoline or diesel fuel . the alcohols which can be used to fuel engines include ethanol and methanol . mixtures of alcohols and mixtures of alcohols and hydrocarbons can also be used . the engine can be a jet engine , gas turbine , internal combustion engine , such as an automobile , truck or bus engine , a diesel engine or the like . the process of this disclosure is particularly suited for an internal combustion engine mounted in an automobile . when the engine is started up , it produces a relatively high concentration of hydrocarbons in the engine exhaust gas stream as well as other pollutants . pollutants will be used herein to collectively refer to any unburned fuel components and combustion byproducts found in the exhaust stream . for example , when the fuel is a hydrocarbon fuel , hydrocarbons , nitrogen oxides , carbon monoxide and other combustion byproducts will be found in the engine exhaust gas stream . the temperature of this engine exhaust stream is relatively cool , generally below 500 ° c . and typically in the range of from 200 ° c . to 400 ° c . this engine exhaust stream has the above characteristics during the initial period of engine operation , typically for the first 30 to 120 seconds after startup of a cold engine . the engine exhaust stream will typically contain from 500 to 1000 ppm hydrocarbons by volume . in one embodiment , the engine exhaust gas stream which is to be treated is flowed over a combination of molecular sieves which preferentially adsorbs the hydrocarbons over water to provide a first exhaust stream , and flowing the first exhaust gas stream over a catalyst to convert any residual hydrocarbons and other pollutants contained in the first exhaust gas stream to innocuous products and provide a treated exhaust stream and discharging the treated exhaust stream into the atmosphere . the combination of molecular sieves includes ssz - 99 in combination with : ( 1 ) a small pore crystalline molecular sieve or mixture of molecular sieves having pores no larger than 8 - membered rings selected from the group consisting of ssz - 13 , ssz - 16 , ssz - 36 , ssz - 39 , ssz - 50 , ssz - 52 and ssz - 73 and having a mote ratio of at least 10 of ( a ) at least one oxide of at least one tetravalent element to ( b ) one or more oxides selected from the group consisting of oxides of trivalent elements , pentavalent elements , and mixtures thereof and / or ( 2 ) a large pore crystalline molecular sieve having pores at least as large as 10 - membered rings selected from the group consisting of ssz - 26 , ssz - 33 , ssz - 64 , zeolite beta , cit - 1 , cit - 6 and itq - 4 and having a mole ratio of at least 10 of ( a ) at least one oxide of at least one tetravalent element to ( b ) one or more oxides selected from the group consisting of oxides of trivalent elements , pentavalent elements , and mixtures thereof . the engine exhaust gas stream which is to be treated is flowed over a molecular sieve bed comprising molecular sieve ssz - 99 as a first exhaust stream . the first exhaust stream which is discharged from the molecular sieve bed is now flowed over a catalyst to convert the pollutants contained in the first exhaust stream to innocuous components and provide a treated exhaust stream which is discharged into the atmosphere . it is understood that prior to discharge into the atmosphere , the treated exhaust stream can be flowed through a muffler or other sound reduction apparatus well known in the art . the catalyst which is used to convert the pollutants to innocuous components is usually referred to in the art as a three - component control catalyst because it can simultaneously oxidize any residual hydrocarbons present in the first exhaust stream to carbon dioxide and water , oxidize any residual carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and reduce any residual nitric oxide to nitrogen and oxygen . in some cases the catalyst cannot be required to convert nitric oxide to nitrogen and oxygen , e . g ., when an alcohol is used as the fuel . in this case the catalyst is called an oxidation catalyst . because of the relatively low temperature of the engine exhaust stream and the first exhaust stream , this catalyst does not function at a very high efficiency , thereby necessitating the molecular sieve bed . when the molecular sieve bed reaches a sufficient temperature , typically from 150 ° c . to 200 ° c ., the pollutants which are adsorbed in the bed begin to desorb and are carried by the first exhaust stream over the catalyst . at this point the catalyst has reached its operating temperature and is therefore capable of fully converting the pollutants to innocuous components . the adsorbent bed used in this disclosure can be conveniently employed in particulate form or the adsorbent can be deposited onto a solid monolithic carrier . when particulate form is desired , the adsorbent can be formed into shapes such as pills , pellets , granules , rings , spheres , etc . in the employment of a monolithic form , it is usually most convenient to employ the adsorbent as a thin film or coating deposited on an inert carrier material which provides the structural support for the adsorbent . the inert carrier material can be any refractory material such as ceramic or metallic materials . it is desirable that the carrier material be unreactive with the adsorbent and not be degraded by the gas to which it is exposed . examples of suitable ceramic materials include sillimanite , petalite , cordierite , mullite , zircon , zircon mullite , spondumene , alumina - titanate , etc . additionally , metallic materials which are within the scope of this disclosure include metals and alloys as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 920 , 583 which are oxidation resistant and are otherwise capable of withstanding high temperatures . the carrier material can best be utilized in any rigid unitary configuration which provides a plurality of pores or channels extending in the direction of gas flow . the configuration can be a honeycomb configuration . the honeycomb structure can be used advantageously in either unitary form , or as an arrangement of multiple modules . the honeycomb structure is usually oriented such that gas flow is generally in the same direction as the cells or channels of the honeycomb structure . for a more detailed discussion of monolithic structures , refer to u . s . pat . nos . 3 , 767 , 453 and 3 , 785 , 998 . the molecular sieve is deposited onto the carrier by any convenient way well known in the art . a desirable method involves preparing a slurry using the molecular sieve and coating the monolithic honeycomb carrier with the slurry . the slurry can be prepared by means known in the art such as combining the appropriate amount of the molecular sieve and a binder with water . this mixture is then blended by using means such as sonication , milling , etc . this slurry is used to coat a monolithic honeycomb by dipping the honeycomb into the slurry , removing the excess slurry by draining or blowing out the channels , and heating to about 100 ° c . if the desired loading of molecular sieve is not achieved , the above process can be repeated as many times as required to achieve the desired loading . instead of depositing the molecular sieve onto a monolithic honeycomb structure , the molecular sieve can be formed into a monolithic honeycomb structure by means known in the art . the adsorbent can optionally contain one or more catalytic metals dispersed thereon . the metals which can be dispersed on the adsorbent are the noble metals which consist of ruthenium , rhodium , palladium , platinum , and mixtures thereof . the desired noble metal can be deposited onto the adsorbent , which acts as a support , in any suitable manner well known in the art . one example of a method of dispersing the noble metal onto the adsorbent support involves impregnating the adsorbent support with an aqueous solution of a decomposable compound of the desired noble metal or metals , drying the adsorbent which has the noble metal compound dispersed on it and then calcining in air at a temperature of 400 ° c . to 500 ° c . for a time of from 1 to 4 hours . by decomposable compound is meant a compound which upon heating in air gives the metal or metal oxide . examples of the decomposable compounds which can be used are set forth in u . s . pat . no . 4 , 791 , 091 . examples of decomposable compounds are chloroplatinic acid , rhodium trichloride , chloropalladic acid , hexachloroiridate ( iv ) acid and hexachlororuthenate ( iv ). it is typical that the noble metal be present in an amount ranging from 0 . 01 to 4 wt . % of the adsorbent support . specifically , in the case of platinum and palladium the range is from 0 . 1 to 4 wt . %, while in the case of rhodium and ruthenium the range is from 0 . 01 to 2 wt . %. these catalytic metals are capable of oxidizing the hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide and reducing the nitric oxide components to innocuous products . accordingly , the adsorbent bed can act both as an adsorbent and as a catalyst . the catalyst which is used in this disclosure is selected from any three component control or oxidation catalyst well known in the art . examples of catalysts are those described in u . s . pat . nos . 4 , 528 , 279 ; 4 , 760 , 044 ; 4 , 791 , 091 ; 4 , 868 , 148 ; and 4 , 868 , 149 . desirable catalysts well known in the art are those that contain platinum and rhodium and optionally palladium , while oxidation catalysts usually do not contain rhodium . oxidation catalysts usually contain platinum and / or palladium metal . these catalysts can also contain promoters and stabilizers such as barium , cerium , lanthanum , nickel , and iron . the noble metals promoters and stabilizers are usually deposited on a support such as alumina , silica , titania , zirconia , alumino silicates , and mixtures thereof with alumina being desirable . the catalyst can be conveniently employed in particulate form or the catalytic composite can be deposited on a solid monolithic carrier with a monolithic carrier being desirable . the particulate form and monolithic form of the catalyst are prepared as described for the adsorbent above . the molecular sieve used in the adsorbent bed is ssz - 99 . a teflon liner was charged with sodium silicate , 1 n naoh , a fau zeolite ( sio 2 / al 2 o 3 mole ratio = 5 ) and a methylethyldiisopropylammonium hydroxide solution . the composition of the reaction mixture , in terms of mole ratios , is reported in table 7 . the teflon liner was then capped and sealed within a steel parr autoclave . the autoclave was placed on a spit within a convection oven at 135 ° c . the autoclave was tumbled at 43 rpm for 6 days in the heated oven . the autoclave was then removed and allowed to cool to room temperature . the solids were then recovered by filtration and washed thoroughly with deionized water . the solids were allowed to dry at room temperature . the powder xrd pattern of the resulting product is shown in fig1 . elemental analysis indicated the product contained 30 . 8 % si and 7 . 89 % al . the resulting product was calcined inside a muffle furnace under a flow of air heated to 595 ° c . at a rate of 1 ° c ./ minute and held at 595 ° c . for 5 hours , cooled and then analyzed by powder xrd . the powder xrd pattern of the resulting product is shown in fig2 . the powder xrd pattern indicates that the material remains stable after calcination to remove the organic sda . calcined ssz - 99 was subjected to a micropore volume analysis using n 2 as adsorbate and via the bet method . the zeolite exhibited a considerable void volume with a micropore volume of 0 . 17 cm 3 / g . calcined ssz - 99 exhibited no uptake of n - hexane at room temperature indicating that ssz - 99 is a small pore molecular sieve ( i . e ., a molecular sieve having a pore size of from 3 å to less than 5 . 0 å ). the na + form of calcined ssz - 99 was converted to the nh 4 + form of ssz - 99 by heating the material in an aqueous solution of nh 4 no 3 ( typically , 1 g of nh 4 no 3 / 1 g of ssz - 99 in 20 ml of h 2 o ) at 95 ° c . for 2 - 3 hours . the mixture was then filtered and the step was repeated as many times as desired ( usually 2 - 3 times ). after filtration , the obtained nh 4 + - exchanged product was washed with deionized water and air dried . the nh 4 + form of ssz - 99 can be converted to the h + form by calcination to 540 ° c . the h + form of ssz - 99 prepared per example 4 was pelletized at 4 kpsi , crushed and granulated to 20 - 40 mesh . a 0 . 6 g sample of the granulated material was calcined in air at 540 ° c . for 4 hours and cooled in a desiccator to ensure dryness . then , 0 . 5 g of material was packed into a ¼ inch stainless steel tube with alundum on both sides of the molecular sieve bed . a furnace ( applied test systems , inc .) was used to heat the reactor tube . nitrogen was introduced into the reactor tube at 9 . 4 ml / min and at atmospheric pressure . the reactor was heated to about 600 ° f . ( 315 . 6 ° c . ), and a 50 / 50 feed of n - hexane and 3 - methylpentane was introduced into the reactor at a rate of 8 μl / min . the feed was delivered by an isco pump . direct sampling into a gc began after 15 minutes of feed introduction . after 15 minutes on stream ( 600 ° f . ), the catalyst converted about 40 % of the n - hexane feed and none of the 3 - methylpentane feed , indicating that ssz - 99 is a small pore shape - selective molecular sieve . for the purposes of this specification and appended claims , unless otherwise indicated , all numbers expressing quantities , percentages or proportions , and other numerical values 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 can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained . it is noted that , as used in this specification and the appended claims , the singular forms “ a ,” “ an ,” and “ the ,” include plural references unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent . as used herein , the term “ include ” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non - limiting , such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items . as used herein , the term “ comprising ” means including elements or steps that are identified following that term , but any such elements or steps are not exhaustive , and an embodiment can include other elements or steps . unless otherwise specified , the recitation of a genus of elements , materials or other components , from which an individual component or mixture of components can be selected , is intended to include all possible sub - generic combinations of the listed components and mixtures thereof . the patentable scope is defined by the claims , and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art . such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims , or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims . to an extent not inconsistent herewith , all citations referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference . | US-201514626779-A |
a circuit arrangement for operating at least one high - pressure discharge lamp , has four switches in a full - bridge arrangement , a first and a second switch forming the first half - bridge arm , and a third and a fourth switch forming the second half - bridge arm , at least two terminals for coupling the high - pressure discharge lamp between the midpoint of the first and the second half - bridge arms , at least two terminals for supplying the circuit arrangement with a dc voltage signal and a drive circuit for driving the four switches . the drive circuit is designed to provide drive signals , , z 2 , z 1 , z 2 ) for the four switches , whose clock pulse is swept between a first and a second frequency , and whose pulse width and / or phase is modulated with a prescribable third frequency . | fig2 b shows the inventive driving of the pwm module 28 of fig1 . it may be pointed out once again that instead of a pwm module that is driven at its clock input with the aid of a square wave signal from which it generates a saw - tooth signal , as indicated in fig2 a and 2 b the same function can also be realized by a circuit having a comparator . in a simplified representation , specifically , a pwm module can be considered as a comparator that receives a saw tooth signal at a clock input and receives at its modulation input the modulation signal that is converted into a pulse width signal . consequently , the signal present at the clock input , that is to say a square wave signal at the clock input of a pwm module or a saw tooth signal at the clock input of a comparator is denoted below in general by y ( t ). in the present case , a saw - tooth signal whose frequency is equal to the swept clock frequency f t is now applied to the clock input . present at the modulation input of the pwm module 28 as signal x ( t ) is a signal that includes the amplitude modulation information , specifically the signal x ( t )= b 0 ·( 1 + â sin f a t ). provided at the output is a signal z ( t ) that has a period of t t and whose rear edge is displaced with the frequency f a . the modulation depth can be set with the aid of the parameter â . fig3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an inventive circuit arrangement , components and modules comparable to those in fig1 being denoted by identical reference symbols and not being explained again . initiated in the microprocessor 24 is the generation of a square wave signal with the frequency that is to be used to undertake the amplitude modulation or the phase shift . a square wave signal is generated for this purpose in a square wave generator that , in order to fashion therefrom a sinusoidal signal , is routed via an lc filter 32 . this sinusoidal signal is modified in a damping element 34 in accordance with a modulation index prescribed in the device 36 . an offset signal os can be defined via a unit 38 , and serves for setting the lamp power . the offset signal os and the amplitude modulation signal am are fed to an adder 40 that generates therefrom the signal x ( t ) that is coupled to the modulation input of the pwm module 28 . a swept clock signal y ( t ) is generated in the block 42 and coupled to the clock input of the pwm module 28 . depending on the embodiment , the pwm module 28 generates at its output a signal z ( t ) or a pair of dual alternating signals z 1 ( t ) and z 2 ( t ). if the pwm module is replaced by a phase shift module , it generates a signal pair modulated with regard to its phase angle . yet further details will be given on this aspect with reference to fig4 to 10 . the signals z 1 ( t ) and z 2 ( t ) constitute dual alternating pwm signals . they differ from one another in their phase , shifted by 180 °, and serve for driving the driving circuits 22 a for the switches q 3 and q 4 , and the driver circuit 22 b for the switches q 1 and q 2 of the full bridge 14 that is connected between a dc voltage supply ( 400 vdc ) and ground ( gnd ). in addition to the signals z 1 ( t ) and z 2 ( t ), the driver circuits 22 a , 22 b provide signals z 1 ( t ) and z 2 ( t ), z 1 ( t ) being complementary to z 1 ( t ), and z 2 ( t ) being complementary to z 2 ( t ). fig4 and 5 show schematics of the generation of a symmetrical ( fig4 ) and an asymmetric ( fig5 ) pwm module output signal . the respective curve trace a ) designates the base oscillator signal , here a square wave signal at frequency f t , which is swept , for example , at a sweep frequency f s of 100 hz between 45 and 55 khz . the respective curve trace x ( t ) designates the amplitude - modulated output signal of the generator 26 . x ( t ) is , for example , a sinusoidal signal of amplitude â current and a frequency of 24 . 5 khz . a symmetrical comparator ramp signal derived from the base oscillator signal , see curve trace a ), is generated in fig4 as signal y ( t ). an asymmetric comparator ramp signal is generated from the base oscillator signal in fig5 . applying the signals y ( t ) and x ( t ) to a comparator 28 ( see fig2 b ), for example in a pwm module , produces a respective signal z ( t ) that is applied to the switches of the full bridge 14 via the driver circuits 22 . as is clearly evident , the gain of the signal x ( t ), that is to say â current in accordance with fig2 b , can be used to set the depth of the pulse width modulation , while the frequency of the pulse width variations is defined by the frequency f a ( see fig2 b ). fig6 and 7 show the generation of dual pairs of drive signals z 1 ( t ) and z 2 ( t ), again once with a symmetrical pwm module output signal ( fig6 ) and with an asymmetric pwm module output signal ( fig7 ). here , means familiar to the person skilled in the art are used to derive from the same base oscillator signal that was used in fig4 and 5 a comparator ramp signal y ( t ) of double the base oscillator frequency . the respective amplitude modulation signal x ( t ) present at the modulation input is the same as in fig4 and 5 . consequently , dual pairs z 1 ( t ) and z 2 ( t ) of output signals of the pwm module 28 ( not shown in fig1 ) are produced for driving the switches q 1 to q 4 of the full bridge . as is obvious to the person skilled in the art , the switches respectively situated diagonally to one another , that is to say q 1 and q 4 , and q 2 and q 3 are simultaneously conducting for time t . in all four embodiments in accordance with fig4 to 7 , no square wave signals with frequencies higher than f t , thus not higher than 55 khz in the present case , occur at the outputs of the pwm module 28 . fig8 shows a schematic of the generation of a pwm module output signal with phase shift , using a phase shift module ( not illustrated ) instead of a pwm module . here , the base oscillator signal illustrated as curve trace a ) forms the signal z 1 ( t ) and the delayed signal , illustrated as curve trace ( c ), whose delay value δ i is inversely proportional to the pwm modulation signal x ( t ). a pwm modulation signal of high amplitude therefore leads to a short delay , and a pwm modulation signal x ( t ) of small amplitude to a long delay . the vertical arrows illustrated in fig8 at the curve trace b ) correspond to the delays δ 1 , δ 2 etc . between z 1 ( t ) and z 2 ( t ) as illustrated in fig8 c . the active pwm window is illustrated in fig8 d as the result of driving the individual switches which contain the entire information relating to the swept clock frequency and the amplitude modulation signal . the switches of the full bridge are driven as follows with reference to fig8 : q 1 with z 1 ( t ), q 2 with z 1 ( t ), q 3 with z 2 ( t ) and q 4 with z 2 ( t ). to illustrate , fig9 shows once again , for the case of pulse width modulation , the time characteristic of the clock signal y ( t ) at the frequency f t , as well as the signals z 1 ( t ), z 1 ( t ), z 2 ( t ) and z 2 ( t ). the time τ in which the respective switches are switched on is varied with the frequency fa . to illustrate , fig1 shows once again , for the case of phase modulation , the time characteristic of the clock signal y ( t ) at the frequency f 1 , as well as the signals z 1 ( t ), z 1 ( t ), z 2 ( t ) and z 2 ( t ). the signal characteristics d 1 ) and d 2 ) show the effective superimposition of the signals at the switches q 1 q 4 and q 2 q 3 respectively . the delay δ with which z1 ( t ) follows z2 ( t ) is varied with the frequency fa . it may be said in general that preference is given to the methods for generating the output signals of the pwm module 28 by using a symmetrical signal y ( t ), since they generate fewer harmonics at the output of the full bridge 14 . | US-88802204-A |
a humidification apparatus which makes possible individual humidification of the air in a cabin of a passenger or cargo aircraft makes available a conditioning fluid to be ejected into the cabin from an outlet nozzle . the conditioning fluid contains as a component water which is sprayed at a spraying point in very close spatial association with the outlet nozzle . to avoid undesired local cooling of the cabin air caused by vaporization of the sprayed water , the conditioning fluid contains an air flow conducted to the outlet nozzle , into which the water is sprayed . the air flow is supplied to the spraying point at a temperature which is higher by a defined amount than a desired effective temperature of the air flow after emerging from the outlet nozzle . in another embodiment the conditioning fluid contains water as its only component , the water being sprayed at a temperature above the cabin temperature . | in the exemplary architecture for decentralised , individual cabin air humidification of a passenger or cargo aircraft shown in fig1 , an outlet nozzle from which a conditioning fluid conditioning the cabin air is ejected is designated by 10 . conditioning is understood here to mean at least humidification of the cabin air , additionally with influencing of the temperature of the cabin air if desired . an air supply line 12 leads to the outlet nozzle 10 . the air supply line 12 carries an air flow which is blown from the outlet nozzle 10 . in close spatial association with the outlet nozzle 10 , water is sprayed by means of a schematically indicated spray element 14 , the sprayed water being entrained by the air flow in the air supply line 12 and carried into the cabin . close spatial association is understood here to mean that the water is sprayed close to or directly at the location of the outlet nozzle 10 . the outlet nozzle 10 and the spraying element 14 may be constructionally unified . however , it is also possible to use separate components for this purpose . the water spraying point and the ejection point from which the conditioning fluid is ejected from the outlet nozzle 10 may be separated , for example , by a few millimeters or a few centimeters . a distance between the water spraying point and the ejection point of the conditioning fluid within the range of a few meters or above is not understood in the context of the invention to be close spatial association . the water to be sprayed is supplied from a container 16 to the spray element 14 via a water line 18 . the water container 16 may be a permanently installed container which can be filled from outside via a suitable filling interface , or it may be a removable container which is removed and filled as needed , for example , before a flight , or exchanged for another . it may be a pressure container in which the water is contained under pressure . however , it may also be an unpressurised container . in particular in the latter case , and also in situations in which the water line 18 is relatively long and / or thin , a feed pump , schematically indicated at 20 in fig1 , by means of which the water can be fed to the spray element 14 , is advantageously inserted in the water line 18 . a diaphragm pump , a piston pump or a turbo pump may be used , for example , as the feed pump 20 . the water line 18 is so designed that it satisfies the pressure conditions prevailing therein . in addition , it preferably meets relevant hygiene regulations . suitable materials are , for example , plastics and metals . the water line 18 is preferably also resistant to disinfectants and cleaning agents , since , with the architecture according to fig1 , cleaning of the water system may be required from time to time . for cleaning , the container 16 may be filled with , for example , a suitable cleaning solution , or such a solution in a separate container may be connected to the water line 18 . depending on the type of cleaning solution used , the air flow in the air supply line 12 may be switched on or off during the cleaning procedure . it is possible to use ozonised water which is flushed through the air supply line 12 in combination with an air flow . with solutions containing chlorine it is recommended to switch off the air flow and to catch the solution with a collecting element , for example , a hose connected to the outlet nozzle 10 . in particular for the case in which the distance between the container 16 and the spray element 14 or the outlet nozzle 10 is sufficiently short , it is possible that the water line 18 may be exchangeable together with the container 16 . to compensate for the vaporisation enthalpy of the sprayed water , so that the vaporisation of the sprayed water does not cause a local temperature drop in the cabin , the air flow in the air supply line 12 and / or the water conveyed in the water line 18 may be individually heatable . in the embodiment in fig1 a first heating device 22 and a second heating device 24 , associated for this purpose respectively with the water line 18 and the air supply line 12 , are indicated schematically . the heating devices 22 , 24 may be , for example , heat exchangers or electric heaters . they may have a fixed setting or may form part of a closed control loop by means of which the energy transfer to the water or to the air flow can be regulated . in such a case a temperature sensor ( not shown in detail in fig1 ), which detects the actual temperature of the air flow in the air supply line 12 or of the water in the water line 18 and supplies it to an electronic control unit controlling the heating device concerned , may be arranged downstream of the heating device concerned . this control unit may be a separate control unit which is used only to control the heating device concerned . it is also possible to use a central control unit which controls all the controllable components of the architecture shown in fig1 . such a central control unit is indicated schematically at 26 in fig1 . the relevant control unit then determines a suitable correcting variable for the heating device concerned from the actual value of the water or air temperature supplied . although a corresponding heating device is provided for both components of the conditioning fluid in fig1 , it is self - evident that , instead , only the air flow in the air supply line 12 or only the water in the water line 18 may be heatable . in such a case a single heating device , associated either with the air supply line 12 or the water line 18 , may suffice . the air flow emerging from the outlet nozzle 10 may be , for example , of the order of magnitude of 2 to 20 l / s . the air velocity at the outlet nozzle 10 is preferably such that a value of less than 0 . 2 m / s is established on the face and body of the person towards whom the conditioning fluid is ejected . the quantity of water sprayed is preferably sufficient to maintain a relative air humidity of the order of magnitude of 20 % to 60 % in the face region of the person concerned . the outlet nozzle 10 may be rigid , or may be orientable in different directions . to influence the volume flow of the conditioning fluid emerging from the outlet nozzle 10 , the outlet cross - section of the outlet nozzle 10 may be adjustable , in particular closable . alternatively or additionally , the volume flow of the air in the air supply line 12 may be capable of being influenced . in this case it is recommended that when the volume flow of air in the air supply line 12 is changed , at the same time the quantity of water sprayed is changed to a corresponding degree . for this purpose a mechanical coupling may be present between the actuators which determine the volume flow of air in the air supply line 12 and the quantity of water sprayed . equally , it is possible that , to influence the quantity of water sprayed , the spray element 14 and / or the feed pump 20 is / are controllable , for example , by the central control unit 26 . however , it is not ruled out that the outlet nozzle 10 is permanently open and the volume flow of the air is preset permanently and consequently is not variable . the spray element 14 may inject the water into the air flow transversely or longitudinally thereto . it is also possible that the spray element ejects the water directly into the cabin , and its combination with the air flow occurs only there . the spray element 14 may be , for example , a piezo nozzle , an ultrasonic atomiser or a venturi element . the energy for heating the air in the air supply line 12 and / or the water in the water line 18 may be made available , for example , electrically . it may also originate from the heat dissipated from various electrical , pneumatic or hydraulic devices of the aircraft . if water from a fuel cell is available in vapour form , this vapour may be used instead of the water stored in the container 16 , and cooled by means of a heat exchanger . the energy released thereby may be discarded unused . however , it may be used to heat the air in the air supply line 12 . the water introduced into the air flow is preferably demineralised and microbiologically pure . water containing minerals might lead to undesired calcium deposition in the cabin , while microbiologically contaminated water might induce illnesses . for this reason a treatment unit 28 in which the water supplied in the water line 18 is treated physically and / or chemically and / or biologically is provided in the air humidification arrangement of fig1 . the treatment unit 28 may , for example , carry out degerming of the water . if the water is mineral - free but not completely degermed , the treatment unit 28 may contain a device for destroying microorganisms . the degerming may also be performed physically , for example , by irradiating the water with ultraviolet light or by exposure to ultrasonic waves . these methods require only a small use of energy necessary to kill the germs . a valve 30 indicated schematically in fig1 offers the possibility of interrupting the water supply to the spray element 14 . the valve 30 may be operable manually . however , as indicated by a broken line in fig1 , it may be controllable by the control unit 26 . in the other figures identical components or components having the same effect as in fig1 are provided with the same reference numerals , suffixed with lowercase letters . to avoid repetitions , reference is made to the preceding discussion of fig1 . unless stated otherwise below , this discussion applies analogously to the components shown in the further figures . the embodiment in fig2 relates to a system in which a plurality ( two in the example shown ) of outlet nozzles 10 a are supplied centrally with water and air . it is conceivable that some tens , some hundreds or even a thousand or more outlet nozzles 10 a could be fed from a common water and air supply . to be able to influence the water supply to the outlet nozzles 10 a or the spray elements 14 a individually , each outlet nozzle 10 a may have associated with it a separate shut - off valve 32 a which is inserted in the relevant line branch leading from the central water line 18 a to the spray element 14 a concerned . the shut - off valves 32 a may be controllable by the control unit 26 a . it is also conceivable to give the passengers the possibility to control the shut - off valves 32 a via suitable operating elements . if the shut - off valves 32 a are present , moreover , the main valve 30 a in the water line 18 a can be omitted . the control unit 26 a may be configured to control the ejection of conditioning fluid from the outlet nozzles 10 a individually for each outlet nozzle 10 a , or in groups of a plurality of outlet nozzles 10 a in each case . it is also possible that a plurality of control units independent of one another are provided , each of which is responsible for controlling only a partial number of outlet nozzles . thus it is possible , for example , to provide one control unit per temperature zone of the aircraft cabin . in the variant shown in fig3 , unlike the embodiment in fig2 in which the air in the air supply lines 12 a is heatable individually by means of a heating device 24 a , the air supply for a plurality ( two in the example illustrated ) of air outlets 10 b is heated centrally . for this purpose there is provided a heating arrangement 24 b associated with a feed line 34 b from which the individual air supply lines 12 b branch off . the energy for heating the air may come from the same sources as previously mentioned in connection with fig1 . hot air tapped from the engines may also be considered as a further source . air tapped from the engines may , after pressure regulation , be blown directly into the air flow supplied in the feed line 34 b , in order to control the temperature of this air flow . it is equally possible to transfer the heat energy of the air tapped from the engines via a heat exchanger to the air flow in the feed line 34 b . a tube - bundle or plate heat exchanger may be suitable for this purpose . for reasons of clarity neither a main valve nor the shut - off valves associated with the individual spray elements 14 b are shown in fig3 . it is self - evident that such valves may be provided , as for the embodiment of fig2 or the variant of fig3 . the conditioning fluid ejected into the aircraft cabin may also consist only of sprayed water . in such a configuration an additional air flow which entrains the sprayed water is dispensed with . the water must be then heated to a temperature above the cabin temperature in order not to impair the thermal comfort in the cabin . an embodiment without additional air flow is shown in fig4 . the water contained in the container 16 c may be made available in different ways . for example , the water may be obtained through precipitation from the cabin air and reused for humidification of the cabin . however , before the water obtained in this way is sprayed once more , careful treatment is required . water may be precipitated from the cabin air by adsorption or supersaturation . in fig4 an interceptor is illustrated schematically at 36 c . the dried outgoing air 38 c may either be discharged from the aircraft or directed into the cabin as supply air after prior treatment . it may also be used for drying and / or heating structural parts of the aircraft on which humidified cabin air can condense . in the exemplary case illustrated at 40 c in fig4 , the liquid water made available by the interceptor 36 c is subjected to a first stage of water treatment . in this treatment stage particles and / or phases ( solid - liquid or liquid - liquid ) are separated . to separate particles a water filter with a separating power of from 50 to 200 μm may , for example , be used . in preparation stage 40 c separation may also be performed according to density of phases . a centrifugal separator , for example , may be used here . in the context of the treatment stage 40 c a waste mass flow 42 c may be produced , that is continuously removed . in a concluding second stage of water treatment , performed at 44 c in fig4 , separation of dissolved components and / or microbiological contaminants is carried out . this separation may be effected according to chemical potential or particle size . possible separation methods are membrane techniques such as microfiltration , ultrafiltration , nanofiltration , reverse osmosis and electrodialysis , or physical / chemical techniques such as adsorption , absorption , precipitation and electrophoresis . if adsorption , absorption or precipitation apparatus is used , a material flow 46 c must be fed to the apparatus and a material flow 48 c charged with the components to be separated must be discharged from the apparatus . separation of different phases may be performed in treatment stage 44 c , for example , according to particle size and / or settling speed in a centrifugal field . if the geostatic gradient is not sufficient to cause the water made available by the interceptor 36 c to flow through the treatment stages 40 c , 44 c to the container 16 c , a feed pump 50 c may be provided to convey the liquid water of the interceptor 36 c . this feed pump 50 c may be , for example , a piston , diaphragm or turbo pump . again for reasons of clarity , neither a control unit nor valves to shut off the water flow in the water line 18 c are shown in fig4 . however , it is self - evident that such components may also be present in the embodiment of fig4 , as is the case in the embodiments in fig1 and 2 . it is also self - evident that the type of water acquisition and treatment shown in fig4 may be used in the other embodiments considered here . the embodiment of fig5 shows a system architecture in which drinking water from an onboard freshwater tank 52 c is treated in such a way that it can be used for individual humidification . regarding water treatment techniques , reference is made to the discussion in connection with the description of fig4 . finally , fig6 shows various possible positions in which outlet nozzles 10 e may be installed in an aircraft for the purpose of individual air humidification . one possibility is the ceiling trim panel of the aircraft cabin , designated 54 e in fig6 . another possibility consists in installing outlet nozzles 10 e in a front or side wall trim panel 56 e of the cabin . in addition , the rear side of the backrest of a passenger seat 58 e may be used for installing an outlet nozzle 10 e , which the passenger sitting behind it can use for individual air humidification . an outlet nozzle 10 e may also be fitted to an end of a stiff but flexible hose 60 e , the other end of which is fixed , for example , to the headrest area of a seat 58 e . the hose 60 e enables adaptation to different sizes of passenger and adaptation to different seat positions , so that , for example , precise humidification of the face area of the person in the seat is also possible in a reclining position . the more precisely the conditioning fluid emerging from the outlet nozzles 10 e is directed on to the faces of the passengers , the more effectively the water is used , which is favourable for low overall water consumption . | US-56810405-A |
a door jam or guard for preventing forced entry through a door , the guard including an adjustable tubular brace having an upper tubular member and a lower tubular member telescopically engaged with the upper tubular member , a base pad mounted on the lower end of the tubular brace , a yoke mounted on the upper end of the tubular brace for engaging the door knob on the door , and a lever actuated extension in the upper tubular member for moving the yoke outwardly of the tubular member to seat the yoke against the handle . | the door jam device 10 according to the present invention , as shown in fig1 and 2 , is wedged between the floor 12 and a door knob 14 provided on the door 16 . the cam lock assembly 18 is advantageously provided in the device 10 to quickly and easily wedge the device 10 between the door knob 14 and floor 12 . the device 10 generally includes a tubular assembly 20 having a base plate 22 at one end which rests on the floor 12 and a yoke 24 at the other end which is positioned to engage the door knob 14 and face plate 48 . the tubular assembly 20 includes an upper tubular member 26 and a lower tubular member 28 which are telescopically engaged . the lower member 28 includes a plurality of holes 30 equally spaced at approximately one - half inch intervals along one side of the member 28 . an adjustment button 32 is provided in the upper tubular member 26 which is aligned with an aperture 34 in the lower end of the tubular member 26 . the button 32 is biased outwardly through the aperture 34 by means of a spring 36 . the tubular members are adjusted in length by pressing the button 32 inwardly and sliding the lower member 28 over the upper member 26 until the button 32 is aligned with one of the holes 30 in the lower member 28 . with this arrangement the tubular members 26 and 28 can be adjusted to accommodate door knobs located at a wide variety of positions on the door . the base plate 22 includes a nonskid compressible material 38 on the bottom for preventing sliding of the base plate on the floor 12 . the base plate 22 is molded from a plastic material with a ball 40 provided on the top and a traction pad 44 at the bottom of the base plate . the ball 40 is seated in a corresponding recess 42 provided in the bottom of the lower tubular member 28 . with this arrangement the base plate 22 is free to pivot in any direction within the limits of the recess 42 , thus eliminating any possibility of misalignment of the pad with the floor . the door jam device 10 is aligned with the door knob 14 by means of the yoke member 24 having a shaft 25 which is free to pivot in the upper end of the upper member 26 to thereby prevent any misalignment of the guard with the door knob . the yoke member 24 is formed from a plastic material with an anti - friction material 45 provided on the surfaces 46 so that a portion of the load on the door knob 14 is taken up by the engagement of the anti - friction material with the surface of the face plate 48 for the door knob . the guard 10 is normally wedged between the door knob 14 and the floor 12 by forcing the base plate 22 toward the door to jam the yoke against the door knob 14 . since the base plate 22 and the yoke are provided with an anti - skid material it may be difficult to achieve a tight fit because of the force required to move the base plate with respect to the floor . to assure a positive wedging fit between the floor and the door knob a cam lock assembly 18 , shown in fig4 and 6 , is provided to extend the length of the guard approximately one - quarter inch to one - half inch after the guard has been firmly wedged in position . this is achieved by the cam lock assembly 18 which generally includes a lever 50 that extends through a slot 54 in the member 26 and is pivotally mounted on a pin 52 in the upper member 26 . the lever 50 includes a handle portion 56 and an extension 58 . an actuator pin 60 is pivotally mounted on the end of extension 58 by means of a pin 62 . the actuator pin 60 is seated in a recess 64 provided in the shaft 25 of the yoke 24 . it should be noted that the pin 62 moves over center to pin 52 when the lever is pivoted to the locked position . with this arrangement the wedging force introduced into the yoke will also act on the lever to seat the handle against the side of the upper tube 26 . referring to fig8 and 9 , means are shown for securing the lower end tubular member 28 to the door 16 . such means is in the form of a lock mechanism 70 which is formed from a thin metal strip 72 having a block 74 at one end and a hole 76 at the other end . the metal strip 72 is put under the door 16 with the block 74 on the outside of the bottom of the door to prevent the strip from sliding under the door . on the inside of the door , the lower end of the tubular member 28 or base plate 22 may be inserted into the hole 76 . when the door jammer is tightened up between the door knob 14 and the floor 12 , the tubular member 28 is seated securely in the hole 76 . the lock mechanism 70 prevents anyone from inserting a piece of metal or a yardstick under the door to dislodge the traction pad 44 from under the door . although the door jam device 10 has been shown and described with respect to a hinged type door , it can also be used to secure a sliding type patio door 80 . in this regard , the yoke 24 can be replaced by a base plate 22 having a nonskid pad 38 of the type described herein . the door jam device 10 can then be aligned with the edge 82 of the patio door 80 with the lower base member 22 and pad 38 seated in the sliding door track 84 and the upper base member 22 and pad 38 seated against the edge 82 of the sliding door 80 . the door jam device 10 can then be wedged between the edge 82 of the door 80 and the door track 84 by means of the cam lock assembly 18 as described above . thus , it should be apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the present invention a door jam device that fully satisfies the aims and advantages set forth above . although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof , it is evident that many alternatives , modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art . accordingly , it is intended to embrace all such alternatives , modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims . | US-75198091-A |
the present invention is directed to a motor vehicle tire , preferably a colored motor vehicle tire . the tire is configured so that a significant portion of the external surface of the tire displays colors . preferably , the chemical composition of the tire is colored so that when the tire is formed the tire is colored throughout its depth and colorfast , and in the case of the tread portion does not change color significantly with wear . in a preferred embodiment , the chemical composition of the tire is provided with a coloring agent or additive such as a pigment or dye that will yield a desired color upon completion of the tire manufacturing process . such dye or pigment may be enhanced by the use of reflective , luminescent or photochromic agents that will enhance certain effects and appearances of the tire including ease of visibility , other safety concerns including wear , puncture identification , and enhanced aesthetic appearance . the tire can be color coordinated with the vehicle &# 39 ; s exterior paint , wheels , and interior colors and trim . | a motor vehicle tire 10 according to the present invention is shown in fig1 and fig4 . the tire 10 is defined by an outer tread portion 12 , an outer sidewall portion 14 , inner sidewall portion 16 , outer bead portion 18 , and inner bead portion 20 . the sidewalls 14 and 16 connect the tread portion 12 to the bead portions 18 and 20 . the tread portion 12 is further defined by tread width portion 12 a ( i . e . portion more or less making contact with road ), outer side tread portion 12 b located adjacent outer sidewall portion 14 , and inner side tread portion 12 c located adjacent inner sidewall portion 16 . the tire 10 may include one or more internal belt portions for reinforcing the tire material , and wires 22 for reinforcing the bead portions 18 and 20 . the tread portion 12 is shown having three ( 3 ) separate zig - zag type treads 13 a , 13 b and 13 c . however , the number of treads , the design and pattern of the treads , the width of the treads , the depth of the treads and other parameters involving or relating to the treads can be modified for performance , appearance , weather conditions , wear , visual appearances , and other factors . in addition , the outer sidewall 14 ( or possibly even the inner sidewall 16 ) can be provided with whitewalls , colored walls and / or raised lettering having the same or different color or colors from the base color of the tire ( e . g . base color of the tire composition when formed ), to set off the color and provide contrast therebetween . as shown in fig4 a cross - sectional view of the tire reveals a substantially uniformly colored tire chemical composition throughout the thickness of the tire both at the tread 12 and sidewalls 14 and 16 . this is achieved by selecting a chemical composition having a particular natural color and / or coloring a base tire composition with a coloring agent or additive , which is uniformly dispersed or distributed throughout the tire composition prior to formation into a tire . this embodiment of the tire according to the present invention will continue to be substantially a uniformed color even as the tread portion 12 wears , since the coloring agent or additive is substantially uniform distributed throughout the thickness of the tread portion 12 . the base chemical composition ( e . g . natural rubber and / or synthetic rubber or other suitable polymer ) and / or coloring agent can be selected so that the color remains fairly stable during the process of making ( e . g . under heat and pressure ). alternatively , the base chemical composition and / or coloring agent can be selected so that the coloring develops during the process of making to reach a final color . as an alternative the whitewall portion 24 ( or colored wall portion ) extends over outer side tread portion 12 b . optionally , the sidewall portion 14 can be provided with a whitewall portion 24 ( or other suitable or desirable color ), white or colored stripe 28 or stripes , and / or white or colored raised letters 29 . in another embodiment of the tire according to the present invention as shown in fig5 the outer viewable surface of the tire is provided with a colored layer 30 . specifically , the tread portion 12 ′ and sidewall portions 14 ′ and 16 ′ are provided with an outer colored layer 30 . however , in this particular embodiment , the colored layer 30 does not extend into the treads 13 a ′, 13 b ′ and 13 c ′. the tire composition 32 can be colored substantially identical to the colored layer 30 or can be of a different contrasting color to provide various visual effects . alternatively , as shown in the embodiment in fig6 the outer colored layer 30 ′ can extend into the treads 12 a ″, 12 b ″ and 12 c ″ to provide a substantial uniform colored exterior surface of the tire . as a further alternative , as shown in the embodiment of fig7 the outer color layer 30 ″ includes a thicker outer tread layer 30 a ″ and thinner outer sidewall layer 30 b ″ to ensure that the tread remains substantially the same color as the sidewalls throughout the wear life of the tire . the motor vehicle tire 10 shown in fig1 - 4 is substantially uniform in color . specifically , the tire 10 is substantially uniformly colored ( i . e . all colors , and not black and not white ) on all surfaces and throughout the thickness of the tire . this particular embodiment of the tire 10 according to the present invention is made of a colored composition or material suitable for application as a motor vehicle tire . more specifically , a coloring agent or additive such as a dye , leuco - dye , pigment , metal oxide , metal powder , elemental metal , non - metal powder , solid , dispersion , colored polymer , and / or any other suitable coloring agent or additive can be utilized to color the tire composition uniformly prior to forming the material into a tire , developing the color during formation and / or even developing the color ( i . e . during aging or subsequent treatment step ) after formation of the tire . alternatively or in addition , some or all other surface portions of the tire ( e . g . exterior surface ) and / or non - viewable ( e . g . interior surface ) can be colored prior to , during and / or after formation of the tire depending on the particular processes and specification of the particular tire . for example , the outer surface of the tire can be provided with one or more layers of colored material and / or the outer surface after being formed can be treated so as to become colored . preferably , the tire chemical composition of the material itself is uniformly colored throughout prior to formation of the tire resulting in a tire having coloring throughout the thickness of the tire . thus , when the tread of the tire wears , the newly exposed surface of the tread due to wear would be substantially the same color as previously . further , the tire chemical composition and coloring agent or additive are preferably selected so that the color of the tire remains substantially stable throughout its life and resistant to color change ( i . e . colorfast ) due to heat , temperature , wear , stress , strain , elasticity and other physical and / or chemical factors applied to the tire . however , in some embodiments the chemical composition is designed to change color at some point during the life cycle of the tire ( e . g . changes color due to wear ). the tire chemical composition is preferably of a type in which the coloring additive or agent is highly bonded ( e . g . covalently ) within the resulting material . specifically , the color additive or agent is chemically reacted with precursors of the polymer and / or the polymer itself in the finished material , preferably resulting in cross - linking , and more preferably with a high percent or degree of covalent cross - linking . this will tend to make the color colorfast , fade proof , wear resistant , prevent leaching and / or smearing of colors . however , ionic type bonding between the coloring additive or agent in some embodiments may be acceptable . the coloring agent and / or additives can be mixed and / or chemically reacted with prepolymers , carbon black , silica fillers and / or other components or starting materials of the tire chemical composition . it is desirable to mask or coat the carbon black by partial or fully micro - encapsulating the carbon black particles or chemically reacting same with coloring additive or agent to reduce and / or minimize the black coloring effect of carbon black while providing strength and durability in the resulting material . alternatively , carbon black is totally eliminated in some formulations . the tire according to the present invention preferably includes various components for reinforcing , stiffening , or otherwise strengthening the base tire composition itself . specifically , as shown in fig8 the motor vehicle tire 110 is provided with a plurality of separate belts 134 , 136 and 138 for reinforcing the tire 110 . specifically , the belt 134 reinforces the tread portion 112 and the sidewall portions 114 and 116 . the belts 136 and 138 further strengthens the tread portion 112 . the belt portions 134 , 136 and 138 can be natural colored ( e . g . natural color of aramide , nylon or other strengthening fiber ) and / or can be colored . for example , the belt portions 134 , 136 and 138 may be colored to be substantially the same as the color of the tire base composition 132 . alternatively , potentially the tire base composition 132 can be translucent ( e . g . see through , clear , colorless or colored ) and the belt portions 134 , 136 and 138 can be colored ( e . g . all the same color or different colors to provide various visual effects ). further , the belt portions 134 , 136 and 138 can be formed or treated to be luminescent , again to provide various visual effects when light is applied to the tire . in the embodiment shown in fig9 a clear ( e . g . colorless , colored ) or translucent layer 140 defines the outer surface of the tread portion and wraps around to portions of the sidewall portions 114 and 116 . strip lights 142 are provided underneath the clear layer 140 and the tread portion 112 , and strip lights 144 are provided underneath the clear layer 140 on the sidewall portions 114 and 116 . the strip lights can be white and / or colored ( i . e . single color or a plurality of different colors ) and can provide various visual effects . for example , the strip lights can be operated in a sequence or operated like a strobe ( e . g . blinking in various time sequences such as repeating in a sequence or repeating randomly of blinking to another outside signal such as music ). the strip lights 142 and 144 can be powered by a battery embedded within the tire 110 , provided on the inside of the tire 110 ( e . g . adhered to interior surface of tire ), and / or located on the wheel of the tire . alternatively , other power sources or power generating devices can be utilized in combination with these strip lights 142 and 144 for powering purposes . in addition , the strip lights 142 and 144 maybe connected to a control circuit for controlling the operation of the strip lights 142 and 144 . for example , the control device can sequence the strip lights 142 and 144 in various sequence , changing the timing of the sequence , changing the periods of the sequence , operating the lights in a fixed pulse , random pulse or patterned sequence ( e . g . music ), and even allowing the remote operation of the lights for example from the hand held device ( e . g . on key chain ) or from the control console of the motor vehicle . the motor vehicle tire according to the present invention is preferably a colored motor vehicle tire . specifically , at least a portion of the exterior surface of the tire is colored ( i . e . more or less , the exterior surface of tire exposed when mounted on a wheel ). the term “ colored ” means all colors , but not including black and white . the motorized vehicle tire according to the present invention is configured to display a non - black and non - white colored surface preferably on at least twenty - five percent ( 25 %) of the outer surface of the tire , even more preferably on at least thirty percent ( 30 %) of the outer surface of the tire , more preferably on at least thirty - five percent ( 35 %) on the outer surface of the motor vehicle , even more preferably on at least fifty percent ( 50 %) of the outer surface of the tire , and even most preferably on at least ninety percent ( 90 %) of the outer surface of the tire , and most preferably on one - hundred percent ( 100 %) of the outer surface of the tire . thus , the colored tire according to the present invention has a significant portion of the outer surface of the tire colored unlike black conventional tires . the colored outer surface can be a single colored surface or a multiple colored surface . a particularly desirable embodiment according to the present invention would be a uniformly colored tire optionally having raised lettering and / or stripes that are of the same color or a contrasting color depending on the manufacturer &# 39 ; s , distributors and / or end user &# 39 ; s preference . the tires according to the present invention can be custom colored to coordinate or match with the wheels , exterior body paint , exterior trim , interior color , interior trim and / or any other component of the motor vehicle . the colored motor vehicle tire according to the present invention can include a visual pattern achieved by different colors and / or textures of the outer surface . further , the motor vehicle tire according to the present invention can be provided with a colored design and / or artwork . for example , a photographic or digital image can be developed on the outer surface and / or provided in the outer surface of the tire according to the present invention . the artwork can be in the form of classic art , contemporary art , impressionist art , other types of art form , advertisements , signs , data , information , indicia , numbers , repeating patterns , non - repeating patterns , abstract design , and virtually any type of artwork desirable by the manufacturer , distributor and / or end user of the tire . “ stars and stripes ”— the stars and stripes pattern shown in the embodiment of fig1 can be molded to provide a textured surface that extends outwardly and / or inwardly from the outer surface of the tire to provide the background pattern . the tire can have a uniform colored exterior surface . alternatively , the stars and stripes can be colored according to the colors of the u . s . flag in combination with the surface texturing of the outer surface of the tire . “ stars and stripes ”— the tire according to the present invention as shown in fig1 is provided with a substantially smooth outer surface and colored in the pattern and colors of the u . s . flag . “ flame ”— the tire according to the present invention shown in fig1 is provided with an outer surface having a substantially uniform color in combination with raised texturing in the outline of multiple flames extending both inwardly and outwardly as shown . “ flames ”— the tire according to the present invention as shown in fig1 is provided with a flame pattern having different color flames and / or outlines of flames as shown . “ vortex ”— the tire according to the present invention as shown in fig1 is a substantially uniform colored tire having raised curved vortex - like lines as shown in fig1 . “ vortex ”— the tire according to the present invention as shown in fig1 is provided with a plurality of adjacent vortex - like waves having different colors or different shades of a particular color around the perimeter of the tire as shown in fig1 . “ camouflage ”— the tire according to the present invention as shown in fig1 is provided with a substantially uniformly colored exterior surface with raised pattern or raised outline of pattern as shown . “ camouflage ”— the tire according to the present invention as shown in fig1 is provided with a substantially smooth exterior surface and colored in the camouflage pattern as indicated . specifically , the tire can have colors similar to a forest , desert or other landscape in which the motor vehicle will operate . the process described maybe used on any state of the art chemical compositions that maybe used for tire material including both natural rubber and synthetic rubber . the tires of the present invention may be manufactured by any state of the art commercial process that will produce tires that are suitable for modern day use on modern day motor vehicles and will result in tires that are of non - black and non - white color . such process may include heat treatment of the tire material as well as a curing process to produce synthetic rubber . to the manufacturing process of the tire is added a coloring agent or additive such as dye or pigment or other suitable coloring agent so as to produce a rubber or synthetic rubber composition suitable for tires that has a non - black and non - white color evenly dispersed throughout the tire composition . by “ fully colored ” it is meant that the tire composition itself is of a non - black and non - white color and this color remains throughout the density of the tire so that the color is an inherent ingredient of the chemical composition . the resulting tire will be of a non - black and non - white color that is distinctive from the modern day , state of the art black colored tires . such color will preferably stand out in appearance . it is thought that colors such as reds or blues will provide a good aesthetic effect and may provide a striking appearance . woodland hues such as greens , brown and yellows maybe used for a less obtrusive and more natural looking appearance to the tire and the vehicle . lighter shades such as grays , off whites , beige , and pastels may also be used to provide a cleaner look and may be more easy to see in the dark and to spot signs of damage to the tire . the aforementioned list of colors is not meant to be exhaustive but merely illustrative of the type of colors and the resulting effects that may be produced by the use of such colors . it is believed that many types of commercial rubber compositions maybe suitable for practicing the invention . such types of rubbers may include commercial polymer and pre - polymers that form vulcanizable rubber products as well as natural rubbers . natural rubber products may also be used in the tire manufacturing process . to these rubber pre polymers and natural rubbers maybe added a coloring agent or additive such as pigment or dye such that the coloring agent or additive will produce a non - black and non - white color when the finished product is created . for instance , certain types of titanium dioxides will produce a light colored and these types of coloring agents may be added to the polymerizable compositions when the polymer of the tire composition is formed to form a base color that can then be custom colored . metallic based oxides as well as cyano dyes , or di - aryl based dyes or other types of dyes may be used . other types of colors may be used without violating the spirit of the invention . other state of the art ingredients that may be used in the tire manufacturing process include stabilizers , fillers , cross linking agents , catalysts , sealants , preservatives and other ingredients that are recognized in the art as suitable for use in manufacturing tires . the types of metallic particles that may be used in the coloring process may be of any size or shape that is found to be suitable for the purposes of vehicle usage and after due allowance is made for trial and error in the design and development process . such metallic particles may include oxides of metals and / or metal alloys of elemental metals . some types of oxides that may be of use in the invention include titanium dioxide and zinc oxides . other dyes and pigments may be used without varying from the spirit of the invention . motor vehicle tires with a lighter pigmented body may absorb a reduced amount of ultraviolet light rays and light from other parts of the spectrum and this , in turn , will lower the amount of energy that is absorbed and thus , the rate of rubber degradation in the tire is slowed by increasing the light reflectance of the tire . such degradation may occur due to long exposure to the elements and is more likely to occur when the tire is not actually in use on the wheel as rotation of the tire gives effect to the blooming process for tire protection . additional additives may be used in lieu of , or in combination with , state of the art carbon black compositions to absorb and / or dissipate the ultraviolet energy . such dissipation would be in addition to that provided by the use of the lighter inherent colors of the novel tires . a silica based process may also be used in the place of the carbon black process and other methods referred to above . ultraviolet ray absorption may also be combated with reflective materials and additives in the chemical composition proper or on the surface of the tire , thus reducing the level of ultraviolet ray penetration and resulting damage . standard methods used in the commercial field may be still be used to enhance the dissipation of absorbed energy in the tire . the use of the lighter colored motor vehicle tires should not preclude these processes . other methods of transferring heat from the motor vehicle tire may be used without violating the spirit of the invention . one such method would be a sacrificial protectant process , such as blooming , that may be utilized to protect the surface of the tire . such blooming results in ozone protection of the tire . other methods that achieve the same effect on the tire surface may also be practiced with the invention . it is preferred that the pigment or coloring agent used in the manufacturing process should be dispersed in a continuous and even manner throughout the tire material or chemical composition of the motor vehicle tire . that is the lighter colored agent is not merely a coating or an applique but rather it is fully dispersed throughout the density of the tire and as such the tire will not change in color when a cut or other damage occurs to the surface of the tire . in other words , it is preferred that the tire is not surface coated by the pigment or dye , such non - black and non - white color remains throughout the depth of the tire . it will be red , or whatever color is used , through the whole tire . however , surface coatings or layers that are colored may be utilized , with or without coloring agent throughout the tire material , to achieve certain visual effects , and provide some embodiments of the tires according to the present invention . such coloring agents may be enhanced by the use of reflective materials as an option , that will reflect some portions of ambient light and so brighten the appearance of the tires at night . such reflective materials maybe the same or in addition to the coloring agents used to produce the non - black color . such reflective materials may be specially formulated for use in the nighttime when ambient light is at a minimum or for daylight hours when light is at a maximum . such materials may include metallic and / or plastic agents that reflect light . other optional embodiments include optional pigments that may enhance the visual effect of tires at night . such options may include the use of photo chromic or photo luminescent type of dyes and / or pigments . such photoluminescent type pigments may allow for a glow in the dark effect of the motor vehicle tires at night . such materials are widely used in other type of applications today and may be adapted for use in motor vehicle tires . such materials may absorb energy from light during the daylight hours and then return the energy in the form of luminescence at night . the visual effect may be quite striking when used on a vehicle and may serve as an additional warning to motorists and pedestrians that a vehicle is in the area . the use of photochromic materials allows for color changes that take place due to change in temperature . again such materials in a vehicle tire could enhance the visual effect of the tires on a day when the ambient temperature rises or falls . such visual effect at night could increase the safety of automotive driving at night . such photochromic materials can also provide visually appealing patterns that are characteristically complicated in appearance . | US-5596602-A |
disclosed is a semiconductor device and a process for producing a semiconductor device using a gate electrode such as an sram , wherein a gate electrode pattern is formed with fidelity to a reticle pattern through no complicated layout design and the gate electrode pattern is formed in an area smaller than that of a conventional semiconductor device . in a lithographic step using a reticle pattern provided with substantially linear gate electrode patterns , a projecting portion in which at least a part of a contact region is arranged is formed such that it is included in almost the center of a long side of a linear gate electrode pattern and a concave portion facing at least the entire length of the projecting portion is formed such that it is included in a long side opposite to the projecting portion between transistor regions of a reticle pattern . in miniaturization technologies , the fidelity of a pattern in a process for the production of a semiconductor device can be improved by the reticle pattern having the concave portion . | embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings . firstly , a first embodiment will be explained with reference to fig1 to fig3 . explanations of this embodiment refers to an sram formed with six mosfets in one memory cell as shown in fig1 . fig1 is a top plan view showing a cell layout of the sram and fig2 is a top plan view showing the result of lithographic simulation with respect to the pattern of a gate electrode of a cell layout of the sram . as shown in fig1 the cell layout of the sram includes a gate electrode pattern 110 and an impurity diffused region pattern 111 to be formed as a source / drain region . the gate electrode pattern 110 comprises patterns 101 , 102 , 103 , 101 ′, 102 ′ and 103 ′. the patterns 101 , 102 , 103 and the patterns 101 ′, 102 ′, 103 ′ respectively constitute different sram cells . the patterns 101 and 102 constitute a load transistor ( pmos transistor ) and a drive transistor ( nmos transistor ) respectively and the pattern 103 constitutes a pair of transfer transistors ( nmos transistor ). the impurity diffused pattern 111 is constituted of n - type patterns 104 , 105 , 108 and 109 and p - type patterns 106 and 107 . when it is intended to form the cell layout of such an sram exactly , if , for instance , in a step of forming a gate electrode , a photoresist on the semiconductor substrate 112 is exposed for patterning by using a reticle pattern having the same shape as the gate electrode pattern 110 shown in fig1 the photoresist is patterned and a gate electrode pattern 113 with the same pattern is formed as shown in fig2 . such a gate electrode pattern 113 is formed repeatedly on the semiconductor substrate 112 to form the sram . in the same manner , a photoresist pattern is formed on the semiconductor substrate 112 from the impurity diffused region pattern of the reticle pattern and an impurity diffused region 114 which has the same shape as the photoresist pattern and is to be used as a source / drain region is formed . each of the patterns 101 , 101 ′, 102 and 102 ′ among the electrode pattern 110 shown in fig1 is a rectangular which is longer in a lateral direction . each of these patterns has a convex portion in almost the center of one of the long sides and a concave portion 100 is formed on the opposite side so as to face the side of the projecting convex portion . the depth of the concave portion is in a range between 0 . 1 μm and 0 . 175 μm and the width of the gate electrode pattern 110 is 0 . 3 μm . when the gate electrode pattern is formed on the semiconductor substrate by using the gate electrode pattern of the reticle pattern , the width ( which represents the gate length of a transistor ) of the gate electrode pattern which is overlapped on a transistor region is compensated by the concave portion and hence shows a constant value without any fluctuation . the gate electrode pattern 113 contains element regions constituting one load transistor and drive transistor respectively on both ends thereof . a contact region 117 is formed in the center where the convex portion which is formed between these element regions is arranged . a gate electrode of the one load transistor and drive transistor is connected via the contact region to a wiring which is electrically connected to each drain region of another load transistor and drive transistor . on the other hand , a local interconnect 115 which connects the drains of these load transistor and drive transistor to each other is formed close to the gate electrode pattern 113 directly on the semiconductor substrate 112 . the local interconnect is formed with a contact 16 . since a convex portion 118 formed in the gate electrode pattern 113 allows the interval between these contacts to be larger than that in a conventional structure in which contacts are formed close to each other , the local interconnect can be formed closer to the gate electrode pattern . [ 0063 ] fig3 is a top plan view showing the structure in which a gate electrode pattern of a cell layout of an sram is overlapped on the pattern of an impurity diffused region and pattern of an gate electrode which are formed on the semiconductor substrate . fig3 is an enlarged view of a part of the semiconductor substrate formed with the impurity diffused region and the gate electrode pattern shown in fig2 . on the semiconductor substrate 112 , two impurity diffused regions 114 a , 114 b which become a source region and drain region of a transistor respectively are formed . the gate electrode pattern 113 is formed and arranged such that the impurity diffused regions 114 a , 114 b are overlapped on both ends thereof respectively . a view when the gate electrode pattern 101 of the cell layout of the sram which is a base forming the gate electrode pattern 113 is overlapped on the gate electrode pattern 113 is as shown in fig3 . to state in more detail , the gate electrode 101 of the cell layout of the sram has a convex portion and a concave portion arranged corresponding to the convex portion . an increase in the width of the gate electrode on account of the formation of the convex portion is offset by a reduction in the width of the gate electrode due to the formation of the convex portion . the width d ( which corresponds to the gate length of a transistor ) of the gate electrode close to the convex portion above the edge of the impurity diffused region on which the gate electrode overlaps is spaced apart from the convex portion so that the width d is not affected by the convex portion . also , the width d is substantially the same as the width c ( which corresponds to the gate length of the same transistor ) of the gate electrode above the opposite edge of the impurity diffused region on which the gate electrode overlaps . therefore , a variation in the transistor characteristics is eliminated and a transistor is formed exactly in accordance with the design . as mentioned above , in this embodiment , the processing accuracy of the gate dimension of the mos transistor portion to be formed can be improved by the correcting pattern ( the gate electrode pattern having the convex portion ) used for improving fidelity ( reproducibility ) in the process of the production of the layout pattern shown in fig1 . the introduction of this correcting pattern renders it possible to make an improvement in the control of the dimensions of both ends of the gate electrode in the mos transistor ( in the case of positive type resists , the condition of exposure of the region provided with a wedge may be set to a lower side ). this produces an effect of improving shortening of the gate electrode in the longitudinal direction . next , a second embodiment will be explained with reference to fig4 . [ 0067 ] fig4 is a top plan view showing a part of a cell layout of an sram . the cell layout of the sram includes a gate electrode pattern 201 and an impurity diffused region pattern 204 to be formed as a source / drain region . a impurity diffused region pattern 206 constitutes a load transistor ( pmos transistor ) and the impurity diffused region pattern 204 constitutes a drive transistor ( nmos transistor ). a convex portion 201 characterizing the present invention is formed on one side of the gate electrode pattern 201 for a contact region and a concave portion 200 formed on the opposite side so as to face the convex portion 202 partly overlaps on the impurity diffused region patterns 204 , 206 . when the cell layout of such an sram is formed exactly , if , for instance , in a step of forming a gate electrode , a photoresist on the semiconductor substrate is exposed for patterning by using a reticle pattern having the same shape as the gate electrode pattern 201 shown in fig4 the photoresist is patterned and a gate electrode pattern with the same pattern is formed on the semiconductor substrate . such a gate electrode pattern is formed repeatedly on the semiconductor substrate to form the sram cell . in the same manner , a photoresist pattern is formed on the semiconductor substrate from the impurity diffused region pattern of the reticle pattern and an impurity diffused region which has the same shape as the photoresist pattern and is to be used as a source / drain region is formed . by extending the position of the concave portion optionally in this manner , the widths of the c and d portions of the gate electrode pattern on the layout as shown in fig4 can be designed to be substantially equal to each other when these portions are actually formed as a gate electrode pattern on a semiconductor substrate . as a consequence , each processing dimensional accuracy of the width of the gate electrode in the center portion of the gate electrode forming the drive transistor and load transistor which constitute a memory cell in the sram and of the width of the gate electrode of the transistors formed on each end of the gate electrode can be improved . next , a third embodiment will be explained with reference to fig5 . [ 0071 ] fig5 is a top plan view showing a part of a cell layout of an sram . the cell layout of the sram includes a gate electrode pattern 301 and impurity diffused region patterns 304 , 306 to be formed as source / drain regions . the impurity diffused region pattern 306 constitutes a load transistor ( pmos transistor ) and the impurity diffused region pattern 304 constitutes a drive transistor ( nmos transistor ). a convex portion 302 characterizing the present invention is formed on one side of the gate electrode pattern 301 for a contact region and a selif pattern 305 is formed on each corner of the gate electrode on which corner a concave portion 300 formed on the opposite side so as to face the convex portion 302 has no effect . when it is intended to form the cell layout of such an sram exactly , if , for instance , in a step of forming a gate electrode , a photoresist on the semiconductor substrate is exposed for patterning by using a reticle pattern having the same shape as the gate electrode pattern 301 shown in fig5 the photoresist is patterned and a gate electrode pattern with the same pattern is formed on the semiconductor substrate . such a gate electrode pattern is formed repeatedly on the semiconductor substrate to form the sram cell . in the same manner , a photoresist pattern is formed on the semiconductor substrate from the impurity diffused region pattern of the reticle pattern and an impurity diffused region which has the same shape as the photoresist pattern and is to be used as a source / drain region is formed . the phenomenon that only inexact transfer is made depending upon the shape of a reticle pastern appears especially on the corner of the reticle pattern . as measures for this problem , conventionally a selif pattern is added to each corner if necessary . in this embodiment , a selif pattern is likewise added to the corners on which the concave portion characterizing the present invention has no effect . if a photoresist is patterned in such a method , a photoresist pattern is formed in which the round shape is corrected and which is reduced in error . the number of selif patterns to be added is smaller than in a conventional case and hence working load can be reduced compared with that of the conventional case . as a consequence , each processing dimensional accuracy of the width of the gate electrode in the center portion of the gate electrode forming the drive transistor and load transistor which constitute a memory cell in , especially , an sram and of the width of the gate electrode of the transistors formed on each end of the gate electrode can be improved . next , a fourth embodiment will be explained with reference to fig6 a and 6b . [ 0077 ] fig6 a and 6b are each a top plan view showing a part of a cell layout of an sram . the cell layout of the sram includes a gate electrode pattern 401 and impurity diffused region patterns 404 , 406 to be formed as source / drain regions . the impurity diffused region pattern 406 constitutes a load transistor ( pmos transistor ) and the impurity diffused region pattern 404 constitutes a drive transistor ( nmos transistor ). in this embodiment , a concave portion 400 is arranged so as to corresponds to the left side of a convex portion 401 and no convex portion is formed on the side of the impurity diffused region pattern 406 on which the load transistor is formed ( fig6 a ). moreover , on the side of the impurity diffused region pattern 404 in which the drive transistor of the gate electrode pattern 401 is formed , the concave portion 400 is formed and a selif pattern 405 is also formed on each corner unaffected by the concave portion 400 ( fig6 b ). when it is intended to form the cell layout of such an sram exactly , if , for instance , in a step of forming a gate electrode , a photoresist on the semiconductor substrate is exposed for patterning by using a reticle pattern having the same shape as the gate electrode pattern 401 shown in fig6 a and 6b , the photoresist is patterned and a gate electrode pattern with the same pattern is formed on the semiconductor substrate . such a gate electrode pattern is formed repeatedly on the semiconductor substrate to form the sram cell . in the same manner , a photoresist pattern is formed on the semiconductor substrate from the impurity diffused region pattern of the reticle pattern and an impurity diffused region which has the same shape as the photoresist pattern and is to be used as a source / drain region is formed . the phenomenon that only inexact transfer is made depending upon the shape of a reticle pattern appears especially on the corner of the reticle pattern . as measures for this problem , conventionally a selif pattern is added to each corner if necessary . in this embodiment , a selif pattern is likewise added to the corners on which the concave portion characterizing the present invention has no effect . if a photoresist is patterned in such a method , a photoresist pattern is formed in which the round shape is corrected and which is reduced in error . the number of selif patterns to be added is smaller than in a conventional case and hence working load can be reduced compared with that of the conventional case . as a consequence , each processing dimensional accuracy of the width of the gate electrode in the center portion of the gate electrode forming the drive transistor and load transistor which constitute a memory cell in , paticularly , the sram and of the width of the gate electrode of the transistors formed on each end of the gate electrode can be improved . the exactness of the dimension of a gate electrode in a load transistor ( pmosfet ) is not so much required as in a drive transistor ( nmosfet ). therefore , the concave portion and the selif pattern are provided only on the side of the drive transistor , making it possible to reduce the working load of layout . other than the above embodiments , many variations and modifications are possible . for example , in the second embodiment mentioned above , a conversion difference on the reticle from a design value in the dimension of the width of the gate electrode of the transfer transistor forming the word line can be designed to be smaller than that in an actual case . a gate electrode pattern including a drive transistor and load transistor which constitute an sram memory cell is subjected to various treatments such as addition of a concave portion or selif patterns and hence a reticle pattern is produced in a dimension slightly larger than an actual design value . hence the dimension of the gate electrode of the transfer transistor becomes larger than an actual value . therefore , the aforementioned treatment is performed . this treatment produces the effect of improving the shortening of a gate electrode forming the drive transistor and load transistor . the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned srams . the present invention is , of course , effective to improve the processing dimensional accuracy and to reduce an element area also in usual plural mosfets which are separated by element isolated regions and formed with regard to a gate electrode pattern . the processing dimensional accuracy of the width of a gate electrode of each mosfet formed on the same gate electrode is improved and the area occupied by the mosfets is reduced , bringing about an effect on high integration . the present invention can improve the processing dimensional accuracy of the width of a gate electrode of a gate electrode pattern of a mos transistor wherein both ends of the gate electrode pattern is overlapped on impurity diffused regions constituting the mos transistor and a contact region is formed in the center of the gate electrode pattern , thereby improving the shortening of the gate electrode . also , each processing dimensional accuracy of the width of a gate electrode in the center portion formed with a contact of the gate electrode forming a drive transistor and load transistor which constitute an sram memory cell and of the width of the gate electrode of the transistors formed on each end of the gate electrode can be improved , thereby improving the shortening of the gate electrode . moreover , in a highly integrated structure in which drains of a drive transistor and load transistor are electrically connected directly to each other via a local interconnect formed on a semiconductor substrate , even if a contact is formed in the local interconnect , the local interconnect is formed closer to the gate electrode pattern to proceed with high integration since the aforementioned concave portion is formed . 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 . | US-61298803-A |
a hydraulic block for a hydraulic unit is configured to control the brake pressure in a slip - controlled vehicle brake system . multiple pressure sensors are received in receptors that are defined by the hydraulic block and that are configured to place each of the pressure sensors in hydraulic contact with a respective brake circuit . the pressure sensors are configured to detect wheel brake pressures in the corresponding brake circuits . the hydraulic contact between the pressure sensors and the brake circuits is enabled by a common duct that includes a shut - off element configured to block a pressure medium connection between the brake circuits . | fig1 shows a hydraulic block 10 , particularly for a hydraulic unit for controlling the brake pressure in a vehicle brake system with traction control . this hydraulic block 10 is a cuboid formation which is preferably made from metal by continuous casting . opening out onto the front face 12 of this hydraulic block 10 facing the viewer in fig1 are sockets 14 a , 14 b , 14 c , which are intended to accommodate solenoid valves . in total , twelve such sockets 14 are provided , for example , the longitudinal axes 16 of which are aligned parallel to one another and perpendicular to the front face 12 of the hydraulic block 10 . four of these sockets 14 are arranged in each straight row 18 running horizontally , a total of three such rows 18 a , 18 b , 18 c being formed parallel to one another at different heights on the hydraulic block 10 . the sockets 14 a assigned to the first , top row 18 a are intended to accommodate valves which control a pressure build - up in the wheel brakes of a vehicle brake system that can be connected to the hydraulic block 10 . sockets 14 b , which are intended to accommodate valves which control a pressure reduction in these wheel brake of the vehicle brake system , are situated along an underlying second row 18 b . below this in turn in the third , bottom row 18 c , sockets 14 c are formed for valves which switch the vehicle brake system from the service braking mode into the traction control mode or which control a supply of fluid to pressure generators likewise provided on the hydraulic block 10 . sockets 14 d for these pressure generators are situated between the second row 18 b and the underlying third row 18 c , in an arrangement in which their longitudinal axes 16 d run parallel to the three rows 18 , the sockets 14 d assigned to the pressure generators each open out towards one of the opposite side faces 20 of the hydraulic block 10 . of these side faces only the left - hand side face 20 of the hydraulic block 10 is visible in fig1 . above the sockets 14 d for the pressure generators , sockets 14 e are provided for damper elements . their longitudinal axes 16 e likewise run parallel to the three rows 18 a , 18 b , 18 c of the sockets 14 of the valves and to the sockets 14 d of the two pressure generators . these too open out towards opposite side faces 20 of the hydraulic block 10 . sockets 14 f and 14 g for a total of three pressure sensors are furthermore provided on the hydraulic block . the sockets 14 f for a first pressure sensor and for a second pressure sensor are situated one perpendicularly above another on an imaginary central axis 22 running vertically through the hydraulic block 10 , which divides this into a left - hand and a right - hand part . the sockets 14 in the left - hand part and the sockets 14 in the right - hand part of the hydraulic block 10 are each connected to a hydraulic circuit by means of connecting ducts . the two hydraulic circuits are separated from one another , that is to say no fluid connection exists between the two hydraulic circuits , so that in the event of one brake circuit failing the other brake circuit remains serviceable . the socket 14 f for the first pressure sensor is situated above the first row 18 a of sockets 14 a for valves and the socket 14 f of the second pressure sensor lies between this first row 18 a and the second row 18 b of valve sockets . a socket 14 g for the third pressure sensor is situated at the center of an imaginary square , the corners of which is formed by the longitudinal axes 16 b and 16 c of the sockets 14 b and 14 c of the valves in rows 18 b and 18 c in the left - hand part of the hydraulic block 10 in fig1 . according to the disclosure the hydraulic contact of the sockets 14 f for the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor is provided by a common duct 24 . this takes the form of a blind bore , which opens out towards an upper side 26 of the hydraulic block 10 visible in fig1 . sockets 14 h for the hydraulic connections of the wheel brakes also open out on this upper side 26 . in total four such sockets 14 h are arranged side by side . a longitudinal axis 16 f of the blind bore forming the common duct 24 runs perpendicular to the rows 18 of sockets for the valves in the area of the central axis 22 of the hydraulic block 10 . the blind bore has one step in its inside diameter and is thereby subdivided into two bore portions 24 a and 24 b of differing inside diameters . the duct 24 has the bore portion 24 a of larger diameter in the area where it opens out into the surroundings , whilst the bore portion 24 b , on the other hand , situated in the interior of the hydraulic block 10 and forming the closed end , is reduced in its inside diameter . the transition from the bore portion 24 a of larger inside diameter to the bore portion 24 b of smaller inside diameter may be designed as a right - angled step or as a taper , for example . fig2 shows the hydraulic block 10 described above from behind and thereby affords the viewer a view of its rear face 30 . corresponding elements are identified by the same reference numerals in fig1 and fig2 . fig2 shows the hydraulic contact of the common duct 24 with the sockets 14 a , 14 b for the valves in rows 18 a , 18 b on the one hand and the hydraulic contact of the common duct 24 with the sockets 14 f of the pressure sensors on the other . the latter contact ensues via first and second branch ducts 32 a and 32 b , which run perpendicular to the front face 12 and the rear face 30 of the hydraulic block 10 and thereby connect the common duct 24 by the shortest possible route to the sockets 14 f of the pressure sensors . fig2 furthermore shows third and fourth branch ducts 32 c , 32 d , which are led in a straight line and at an angle of other than 90 ° towards the front face 12 and the rear face 30 of the hydraulic block 10 , and which each connect the common duct 24 to one of the laterally inner sockets 14 a and 14 b for valves . the third branch duct 32 c establishes the connection of the socket 14 f of the first pressure sensor to the socket 14 a in the first row 18 a in the right - hand part of the hydraulic block 10 in fig2 . this branch duct 32 a opens into the bore portion 24 a of the common duct 24 of larger inside diameter . the fourth branch duct 32 d , which establishes the hydraulic contact between the socket 14 f of the second pressure sensor and the inner socket 14 b of the valve in the left - hand part of the hydraulic block 2 in the second row 18 b , is connected to the bore portion 24 b of the common duct 24 of smaller inside diameter . the sockets 14 a and 14 b provided with such contacts belong to different brake circuits . the two branch ducts 32 c , 32 d run in horizontal cross - sectional planes led on two different levels through the hydraulic block 10 shown . the selected inclination of the two angles of the branch ducts 32 c , 32 d can be seen to run in opposite directions . fig3 and 4 show the common duct 24 for the contact of the sockets 14 f for the first pressure sensor and the pressure sensor in longitudinal section . the bore portions 24 a and 24 b can be seen , with their different inside diameters and with the transition provided between them , which here takes the form of a taper , for example . the open end of the duct 24 is situated on the upper side 26 of the hydraulic block 10 indicated by hatching . the mouth of the fourth branch duct 34 d is shown at the inner , closed end of the duct 24 . the third branch duct 32 c arranged higher up on the hydraulic block 10 opens into the bore portion 24 a of larger inside diameter from the opposite side . according to fig3 the external orifice of the duct is sealed by means of a closing element 40 a . a ball , which is pressed so that it is fluid - tight into the bore portion 24 b in the area where the duct 24 opens out into the surroundings , is provided for this purpose . a shut - off element 40 b , which here also takes the form of a ball , is pressed into the bore portion 24 b of smaller diameter shortly after the transition between the two bore portions 24 a , 24 b . instead of balls it is also possible , for example , to use cylindrical closing or shut - off elements ( not shown ) having diameters matched to the inside diameter of the associated bore portion 24 a , 24 b . the shut - off element 40 b separates the fluid connection that otherwise exists between the two hydraulic circuits , so that the common duct 24 comprises a bore portion 24 a connected to the one hydraulic circuit and a second bore portion 24 b connected to the other hydraulic circuit . fig4 shows an alternative embodiment of a shut - off and closing element 42 , which is of a pin - shaped form and has a head 42 a of a diameter matched to the bore portion 24 a . this head 42 a is integrally formed with a shank 42 b of a diameter matched to the bore portion 24 b . the length of the shank 42 b here is selected so that this penetrates into the bore portion 24 b of the duct 24 of smaller diameter and seals this as soon as the head 42 a of the closing element 42 is pressed into the bore portion 24 a of larger diameter and thereby seals the duct 24 off from the surroundings . with a single pin - shaped shut - off and closing element 42 and a single pressing operation in a single duct 24 it is therefore possible both to separate the two hydraulic circuits from one another and to provide contacts for two pressure sensors with the two hydraulic circuits and finally to seal off the common duct 24 from the surroundings . this brings savings in overall space , weight , number of parts , production costs and assembly costs for the hydraulic block 10 . modifications or additions to the exemplary embodiments described are naturally feasible , without departing from the basic idea of the disclosure . | US-201314651756-A |
a dirt separator may be retrofit into existing gas turbine engines since it is formed of circumferentially separate pieces which may be assembled together in the gas turbine engine . | a gas turbine engine 10 , such as a turbofan gas turbine engine , circumferentially disposed about an engine centerline x , is shown in fig1 . the engine 10 includes a fan 14 , compressors 18 and 22 , a combustion section 26 and turbines 30 and 34 . as is well known in the art , air compressed in the compressors 18 and 22 is mixed with fuel and burned in the combustion section 26 , and expanded across turbines 30 and 34 . turbine blades with turbines 30 and 34 rotate in response to the expansion , which in turn drive the compressors 18 and 22 , and fan 14 . turbines 30 and 34 are comprised of alternating rows of rotating airfoils , commonly referred to as blades , which are axially spaced from static airfoils , commonly referred to as vanes . this structure is shown schematically in fig1 . while one example gas turbine engine is illustrated , it should be understood this invention extends to any other type gas turbine engine for any application . fig2 shows a dirt separator associated with a high pressure turbine , and having turbine blades 90 , and vanes 91 and 92 . a cooling air supply is utilized to cool the blade 90 , vanes 91 and 92 , and a blade outer air seal 111 . a plurality of case clevis tabs 100 extend radially inwardly from a core engine case 99 . flow passages are defined between the circumferentially spaced clevis tabs 100 such that air f can be delivered from an upstream location downstream as cooling air . a mount ring 102 has tabs 103 bolted at 105 to the clevis tabs 100 . the mount ring 102 supports a dirt separator inner liner 104 and outer liner 106 . as shown , outer liner 106 may be provided with a bend 108 to fit within the case 99 , while inner liner 104 may be provided with a flange 110 to be held between a blade outer air seal support 111 , and an inner surface of the case 99 . as shown , louvers 112 may be formed in the outer liner 106 to divert dirt or other impurities in the air f into a collection area 116 . an opening 114 may be formed in the inner liner 104 aligned with the louvers 112 . the inner and outer liners may be welded together . as shown in fig3 , the tabs 103 are circumferentially spaced . the support ring 102 may thus be inserted into the engine to the location shown in fig2 by initially moving the tabs 103 between clevis tabs 100 , until the ring is inside of the clevis tabs 100 . the ring may then be turned such that the tabs 103 align with the clevis tabs 100 , and the bolts 105 may then be inserted . while only two clevis tabs are illustrated , it should be understood that there will be many more circumferentially spaced tabs . as shown in fig4 , the liner portions 104 and 106 are formed of two or more separate parts having ends 120 , 122 , 124 and 126 which overlap . each of these circumferentially separate parts may be inserted separately , and then mounted on the support ring 102 , and also supported by the circumferential overlap between the ends 120 , 122 , 124 and 126 . that is , the end 122 sits radially underneath the end 124 , and will serve to support the end 124 , and hence the entire part . while fig4 shows only two separate parts for the liners , there may be any number of separate parts . with this invention , existing gas turbine engines can now be provided with a dirt separator , without any necessary modification to the engine casing . while an embodiment of this invention has been disclosed , a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention . for that reason , the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention . | US-94296207-A |
a self - contained , recirculating flush liquid , type of water closet for passenger aircraft ; wherein , the means for periodically draining the contents of the waste holding tank , comprises an inverted u - shaped tube which is separated at the bend of the u - shape or elbow thereof , into approximately two half - parts . these half - parts are joined by a movable or flexible connection in order that one of the half - parts can be moved relative to the other half - part . one end of the u - shaped tube is rigidly fixed to and projects out from the bottom of the tank ; and the other movable half - part has an intake nozzle opening which when it is positioned at the bottom surface of the tank , it is at an operative waste removal position , and when it is moved to a raised position where the intake nozzle opening is at the top of the tank , the removal of waste from the tank is prevented . | fig1 to 4 , show a first embodiment of the drain valve mechanism for the toilet tank drainage system of the present invention . fig1 is a side assembly view of the waste system mounted within the cross - section of an aircraft fuselage . the waste holding tank 10 is supported by the fuselage floor 11 and vented to atmosphere through an overboard vent line 12 to outside of the fuselage hull 13 . servicing of the waste holding tank 10 is done externally of the fuselage and is performed from the service panel 14 which is flush mounted in the fuselage hull 13 and located below the floor 11 supporting the waste holding tank 10 . the waste system comprises a toilet bowl 15 mounted onto the waste holding tank 10 . the toilet bowl 15 has a spray ring 16 located around the upper inner periphery for ejecting flushing liquid to wash the waste down from the sides of the bowl ; and the spray ring 16 is connected through flush line 17 to a pump and filter assembly 18 which provides the recirculating filtered flushing liquid . the waste drainage system within the interior of the waste holding tank 10 , comprises an inverted u - shaped drain valve assembly 20 which is made into two halves or parts 21 and 22 ; and which are shown in enlarged detail in the plan view of fig2 the front cross - section view of fig3 and the side cross - section view of fig4 . the part 21 is movable rotatably with respect to the part 22 which is mounted rigidly within the tank . the part 21 is connected together with part 22 through a rotatable joint 23 having double o - ring seals 24 for providing a leakproof rotatable juncture . as more clearly shown in fig2 through 4 , a control cable 27 is fastened at one end 28 to the relatively large pulley 29 which is mounted at pivot 30 to the top of the tank 10 ; and the control cable 27 goes over the top of pulley 29 and down to and around the rotatable juncture 23 , where it has a fixed connection at 31 to the rotatable ring part 32 of the inverted u - shaped drain valve 20 . from the fixed connection 31 , the control cable 27 goes up and over smaller pulleys 34 , 35 , and down to the service panel 14 where it is fastened at its other end to a drain valve control handle 37 . the relatively large pulley 29 has a spring mechanism 38 which biases the rotatable part 21 of the inverted u - shaped drain tube valve 20 to rotate to the raised and closed position , shown in dash - dot outline in fig3 and 4 , when the drain valve control handle 37 is released to return to the closed position . for readying the waste holding tank for the draining and flushing operation , the service attendant pulls out the drain valve control handle 37 whereby the control cable 27 rotates the drain intake nozzle 21 of the inverted u - shaped drain valve 20 from the raised , closed position to the down and open intake position , where the drain intake nozzle opening 21a is at the bottom of tank . the shape of the intake opening 21a and the scoop angle that the lower surface of the drain intake nozzle 21 makes with respect to the bottom of the waste holding tank 10 , is of importance in completely emptying the tank . because , the more tangent that the lower surface of the intake opening portion 21a of the drain intake nozzle 21 is to the bottom of the tank , the more complete will be the emptying action of the tank when vacuum suction is applied for waste removal . also of importance is the height of the upper lip of the intake opening 21a and the sizing thereof ; and this is more clearly seen in fig3 wherein the intake opening 21a is shown as a rectangular shape . by having a relatively large flat surface portion lying on the bottom of the tank , the waste removing action is somewhat analogous to using a dust pan for sweeping up dirt , in that it is desirable to have fairly large and flat surface against the floor for a more rapid and complete take - up of the dirt . the inverted u - shaped drain valve arrangement 20 of the present invention will also prevent overflow of the waste holding tank 10 during the ground servicing operation , in the event that too much fresh liquid is pumped back into the tank as the pre - charge for initiating toilet flushing operation . the manner in which this pre - charging is presently done , is that through the use of a flow meter on the ground servicing tank truck , a predetermined amount of pre - charge liquid is pumped into the waste holding tank ; however , if the servicing attendant is lax or inattentive , it is possible to pump in an excessive amount or in some instances fill the tank to overflowing . however , with the present invention , the drain intake nozzle opening 21a is left in the down position after emptying the tank and the fresh liquid pre - charge is pumped into the tank 10 through the tank flush connection 40 , tank flush line 41 , check valve 42 and the tank spray ring 43 . as the liquid level reaches the elbow of the inverted u - bend , any excess will spill over the crest thereof and flow out through the waste drain connection 45 comprising a handle and a hinged cap . referring to fig4 as the drain intake nozzle 21 is rotated to the up position , the intake opening portion 21a enters into a recess 10a located in the upper surface of the tank . the purpose of this is to get the end closure or sealing point of the drain intake nozzle 21 , above the level of the waste , in the event that the holding tank becomes full ; so that , if the intake opening 21a does not close tightly and seal against the resilient stop 47 , the leakage will be air and not liquid waste . an analysis of the possible liquid leak paths , will show that if the drain cap 45 at the service panel 14 leaks and the drain intake opening 21a also leaks , then the leakage will be only air and not liquid waste . this makes the sealing function of the drain cap 45 and the tank drain valve not critical ; since , any small amount or reasonable amount of leakage will be only air and not liquid waste . also , this would eliminate the need for the so - called do - nut 49 as previously described . to do a good job of emptying and cleaning out the waste holding tank 10 requires the use of vacuum pressure on the ground service tank truck . however , in the event that vacuum pressure is not available , the waste in the holding tank can be drained down to a fairly low level by a self - siphoning action . this is done by starting with the level of liquid waste above the elbow or the rotatable juncture 23 of the inverted u - shaped drain valve parts 21 , 22 , which if not there initially , can be accomplished by adding liquid through the tank flush connection 40 at the service panel 14 , and then rotating the drain intake nozzle 21 to the down position ; this will start a gravity siphoning action when the waste drain connection 45 is hooked up to the ground service tank truck . this gravity siphoning action will continue until the level of liquid waste reaches the upper lip of the drain nozzle intake opening 21a , at which time air will enter and stop the further removal of waste . fig5 is an enlarged side view somewhat similar to fig4 and shows a second embodiment of an inverted u - shaped drain valve arrangement , wherein the juncture or elbow portion of the two parts of the inverted u - shape , comprises a flexible connection 25 . those elements which are similar to those previously described have been given like reference numerals and where there are some differences in the elements , they have been identified with different numerals or a letter suffix has been added . the waste drainage apparatus in the enlarged detail side view of fig5 comprises an inverted u - shaped tubular member 20 ( as shown in solid outline ) which is separated at the u - bend into approximately two parts 21 and 22 , which are joined at their separation through a flexible tubing 25 having a relatively smooth interior surface to prevent waste buildup . the part 22 is affixed to the interior of the tank 10 and has its non - joined end projecting out from the bottom of the tank , forming the tank drainage opening . the part 21 forms the waste drain intake nozzle with the nozzle opening 21a at its non - joined end ; and through the flex - tube connection 25 , it is movable to a raised position ( shown in dash - dot outline ). an actuating mechanism 50 moves the intake nozzle 21 from its operative waste removal position ( shown in solid outline ) where the nozzle opening 21a is adjacent to the bottom of the tank , to the raised position whereat the intake nozzle opening 21a is in a closed abutment relationship with a resilient member 47 for a liquid sealing engagement therewith . the actuation of the intake nozzle 21 is through a cable 27 and pulley 29 operated linkage mechanism 50 which guides the movement in a vertical plane of the nozzle opening 21a . the actuating mechanism 50 comprises a relatively large pulley 29 which is mounted at pivot 30 to the top of tank 10 ; and mounted for rotation therewith is a driving arm 51 . this driving arm 51 is pivotally connected at 52 to the upper end of a vertical rod or link 53 , and the lower end of link 53 is pivotally connected at 54 to a driven arm 55 . this driven arm 55 is pivotally supported at 56 to structure fixed to the interior of the tank 10 and is integrally movable with the intake nozzle 21 , through an upright lug fitting or arm 21b which is formed integral with the intake nozzle 21 . it will be noted that the driving arm 51 , the link 53 and the driven arm 55 , together form a parallel linkage arrangement ; whereby , the link 53 moves vertically and slides through a grommet 57 supported in the top of the tank . the driving arm 51 , through a spring mechanism 38 which biases the pulley 29 to rotate clockwise ( as shown in fig5 ), and likewise biases the drain intake nozzle 21 to rotate about pivot 56 to the raised and closed position , shown in dash - dot outline , when the attendant at the service panel releases the drain valve control handle 37 to return it to the closed position . to ready the waste holding tank for the draining and flushing operation , the attendant pulls out on the drain valve control handle 37 , as was previously described with respect to the first embodiment ; whereby , the control cable 27 , which goes under and around over to the top of pulley 29 is affixed thereto , rotates the pulley 29 counterclockwise and lowers the drain intake nozzle 21 to its operative waste removal position , shown in solid outline , whereat the nozzle opening 21a is adjacent to the bottom of the tank . this invention provides a sound technical solution to the problems associated with the sealing characteristics of the waste drain valves , regardless of how the toilet waste system is serviced , by providing a rotatable drain intake nozzle within the waste holding tank which moves the sealing point of the drain valve from the bottom of the tank to the top whereat the sealing characteristics of the drain valve are no longer critical . while the invention has been disclosed with reference to presently preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that those modifications and changes which become obvious to a person skilled in the art as a result of the teachings herein , will be encompassed by the following claims . | US-81802777-A |
the disclosure concerns a label applying device for delaminating each of a series of labels from their backing paper web and for applying the delaminated labels to articles . the label applying device has a grip which can be manually depressed and released to move an actuator up and down . on this actuator , there is carried a label applier which is brought into contact with each delaminated label to apply the same to an article . a link mechanism is hingedly connected to the actuator to transmit the depressing force of the actuator to a feed roller which is made operative to feed a composite label web a predetermined length and to effect the delamination of the labels from their backing paper web . | the present invention is now described in connection with an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings . the upper portion of a generally box - shaped body 1 of a label applying device tapers upward . as shown in fig1 and 2 , a label application operator 2 is disposed at the upper portion for performing a series of operations for delaminating and applying labels , etc . at the upper right - hand portion of the device body 1 , a composite label web 3 is held in a rolled shape on a label holder 4 . the upper portion of the body 1 has a vertical bore 5 through which a vertical grip shaft 6 extends for acting as the shaft of the label application operator 2 . a grip 7 is fixed by means of a screw 8 to the upper end of the grip shaft 6 . an actuator 9 is fixed to and moves with the lower end of the grip shaft 6 . a cylindrical spring cover 10 is disposed on the upper portion of the body 1 to enclose the grip shaft 6 . a return coil spring 11 is disposed under compression around the grip shaft 6 and under the spring cover 10 , between the grip 7 and the bottom of the cover 10 . in fig1 a first arm 12 is hinged at one end to a pivot pin 13 which is fixed to the actuator 9 at one side of the actuator . turning to fig2 a retaining pin 14 is hinged to the other end of that pivot pin 13 at the other side of the actuator 9 . referring to fig1 there is disposed at the left - hand and lower portion of the actuator 9 a label applier 15 for applying labels to articles . at the other end of the first arm 12 from its attachment to the actuator 9 , one end of a second arm 16 is hinged by a pivot pin 17 . at the other end of the second arm , a rocking member 18 is hinged by a pivot pin 19 . the left - hand lower portion of the second arm 16 has a retaining portion 21 which is to be retained by a stopper 20 formed on one side wall of the device body 1 . moreover , the side of one end of the second arm 16 is formed with a retaining portion 22 which engages the first arm 12 and ensures integration between the first and second arms 12 and 16 . the rocking member 18 is rotatably borne on a roller shaft 23 supported on the body 1 . the right - hand upper portion of the rocking member 18 is formed with a retaining portion 25 which is to be retained by a stopper 24 formed on one side wall of the body 1 . the first and second arms 12 and 16 and the rocking member 18 together form a link mechanism 101 . a pair of pawls 26 are mounted on the roller shaft 23 inside of the rocking member 18 . a feed roller 27 is rotatably borne on the roller shaft 23 at such a position as to internally contact the circumferential edges of the pawls 26 . the feed roller 27 has ratchet teeth 28 formed on its inner circumference , and the teeth are shaped and sized to engage with the pawls 26 . the feed roller 27 has a plurality of feed teeth 29 formed on its outer circumference . these are sized and positioned to engage the composite label web 3 to feed it . at the right of the feed roller 27 , there is an outlet 31 from the body , from which the paper web 30 backing the composite label web 3 is discharged to the outside . a label guide plate 32 is formed at the other side wall about the center of the body 1 . the label web passes along under the label guide plate . the plate 32 guides the composite label web 3 below the applier 15 . below and opposite the applier 15 , there are formed a pair of label supporting plates 34 and 35 arranged side - by - side and respectively supported on both side walls of the body 1 . at the right of the supporting plate 34 , there is disposed a label delaminator 102 , which is comprised of a label turning pin 37 , for example , for delaminating the labels 36 of the composite label web 3 one - by - one from their backing paper web 30 as the composite web is drawn over and then turned back around the pin 37 . the following description is directed to the retaining pin 14 . as shown in fig2 the retaining pin 14 has a nose at one side of the pin 13 and is formed with first and second abutments 38 and 39 at the other side of the pin 13 and which are expanded in a bifurcated shape . the other , opposing side wall of the body 1 is formed with a rack 40 which is engageable with the nose of the retaining pin 14 . a pair of stoppers 41 and 42 are formed on the actuator 9 . these are spaced above and below the retaining pin 14 so as to abut against the first and second abutments 38 and 39 , respectively . the retaining pin 14 is always elastically biased in the direction of arrow a by a spring ( not shown ). the applicator 15 is now described . referring to fig1 the actuator 9 is formed with a bore 43 at its underside , through which an applier shaft 44 slidably extends . a washer 45 is mounted on the upper end of the applier shaft 44 for preventing the applier shaft 44 from moving down out of the bore 43 . a suspending member 46 is fixed to the lower end of the applier shaft 44 by means of a screw ( not shown ). an applying pad 47 , which is made of rubber , for example , is fixed to the lower side of that suspending member 46 , for applying the labels 36 . a coil spring 48 is held under compression between the actuator 9 and the suspending member 46 for urging the member 46 downwardly and for establishing the pressure of the pad 47 . the operation of the present invention is described with reference to fig1 and 2 , together with fig3 and 4 . the label holder 4 is charged with the composite label web 3 in rolled form . the composite label web 3 is unrolled below the guide plate 32 and is reversed in direction around the label turning pin 37 . the labels are here delaminated from the backing paper and are fed forward beneath the applying pad . the backing paper of the composite label web 3 is turned back and is passed below the toothed roller 27 until it comes out of the outlet 31 . this sets the composite label web 3 in the label applying device . to apply the labels to articles , the grip 7 is first depressed against the bias of the return coil spring 11 . this lowers the first and second arms 12 and 16 , together with the pivot pin 13 carried on the actuator 9 , from the position shown in fig3 ( a ) to the position shown in fig3 ( b ), so that the rocking member 18 is rotated counterclockwise . then , when the retaining portion 21 on the arm 16 abuts against the stopper 20 and when the retaining portion 25 on the member 18 abuts against the stopper 24 , both the downward movement of the second arm 16 and the rotation of the rocking member 18 are stopped by those respective abutments . through the rotations of the rocking member 18 , the pawls 26 are also rotated counterclockwise , and they engage with the ratchet teeth 28 to rotate the feed roller 27 , thereby to advance the backing paper web 30 to the outlet 31 . one of the labels 36 is completely delaminated from the backing paper web 30 at the label turning pin 37 . that label is separately fed to advance to the left onto the supporting plates 34 and 35 . when the grip 7 is further depressed , the first arm 12 swings counterclockwise on the pivot pin 17 with respect to the second arm 16 , as shown in fig3 ( c ). moreover , since the pivot pin 13 is lowered as it moves in the same direction as the grip 7 , the label 36 on the supporting plates 34 and 35 is pushed down by the applying pad 47 until the label is applied to an article . the coil spring 48 causes a proper pressure to be exerted upon the label 36 until the label 36 is applied to the article . next , upon the release of the depressing force applied to the grip 7 , the grip 7 is returned up to its initial position by the return coil spring 11 . at the same time , the link mechanism 101 is restored to its initial position shown in fig3 ( a ). the operation of the retaining pin 14 is now described . when the grip 7 is first depressed , the retaining pin 14 in the position of fig4 ( a ) is carried down together with the actuator 9 toward the position of fig4 ( b ). simultaneously as the pawls 26 mesh with the ratchet teeth 28 , the nose of the retaining pin 14 slides over and along and comes into meshing engagement with the rack 40 . at this state , even if the depressing force that was applied to the grip 7 is released , the actuator 9 , having been moved down , cannot be returned to its initial position , even under the biasing force of the return coil spring 11 , because of the cooperation of the retaining pin 14 and the toothed rack 40 . the retaining pin 14 cannot be released from engagement with the teeth of the rack 40 before the grip 7 is further depressed and the nose of the pin 14 moves under the rack 40 , the position of fig4 ( b ). this ensures that the applying pad 47 pushes down upon the label 36 which has already been applied to the article . moreover , when the actuator 9 is now raised back by the action of the return coil spring 11 , after the label 36 has been applied , the retaining pin 14 is also carried upward from the position of fig4 ( b ) to restore its initial position . the retaining pin 14 , having finished its rise , is turned by a spring in the counterclockwise direction , from the position of fig4 ( c ), until it restores its initial operating position shown in fig4 ( a ). as has been described hereinbefore , according to the present invention , labels can be delaminated from their backing paper web and the delaminated labels can be applied to the articles manually in a single action . although the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment thereof , many variations and modifications will now become apparent to those skilled in the art . it is preferred , therefore , that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein , but only by the appended claims . | US-34759082-A |
a system for monitoring a water consuming structure in an individual unit of a multi - unit building , comprising means for determining that volumetric flow through the pipe proximate the water consuming structure has been continuous during a predetermined period of time , the predetermined time being selected to be greater than a period of time during which water should be flowing continuously through the pipe , and means for transmitting an alarm signal in the event that it is determined that flow to the water consuming structure has been continuous for the predetermined time . | utility provided water 10 ( fig1 ) generally is metered by a water meter wm 11 as it enters a building such as an apartment house or office building . a portion of the water branches off to supply the building cold water supply line 12 and the other portion is supplied to a hot water heater h 13 which supplies the hot water supply line 14 of the building . the building has a number of similar units ( in a two story apartment house , there could be four one bedroom apartments , two on each floor , for example ) each having a sink ( including associated tub / shower ) and toilet in the powder room and a second sink ( including any associated appliances such as a dishwasher ) in the kitchen . each sink is supplied by separate hot and cold water lines ( the hot and cold water lines of the kitchen sink may also supply a dishwasher ) and each toilet is supplied by a single cold water line . stacked kitchens and bathrooms are supplied via vertical risers 15 . in each water line ( or just downstream in the mixed water line ) is located a monitor m 19 . fig2 shows the heating / cooling system for the same units . water ( hot in the winter or cold in the summer ) is supplied by a suitable source such as a heat pump hp 13 a ( discrete sources such as a boiler for hot water and a chiller for cold water could be utilized ) to a feed line 16 which supplies the individual heating or cooling units h / c 23 through multiple vertical risers 17 . the water is returned to the source hp by suitable return lines 18 . located upstream and downstream of each heating or cooling unit h / c is a monitor m . a monitor m ( fig3 ) which can be located in each line by a plumber , is a unitary battery operated structure , which is fully sealed to reduce tampering and water damage . the monitor can have a universal set of fittings to simplify installation . a monitor may include a pipe 20 in which may be permanently secured a gearbox 21 such as the type found in lawn sprinkler heads to control the movement of the water spray . the gear box has axial input 22 and output 24 shafts which are connected to a turbine wheel drive propeller 26 and a copper or other metal axially extending partial cylindrical portion paddle wheel 28 . water entering the pipe , passes through a set of orifices 30 which direct the water at the propeller blades thereby efficiently driving the gearbox . the gear ratio of the gearbox is selected so that the partial cylindrical portion 28 will make no more than about half a rotation during a sampling time ( a rate of rotation that will assure that an oscillator ( osc - 25 ) will sense the presence of the partial cylindrical portion ( the target ) 28 twice each revolution ). the gear ratio may be different for different devices ( full flow for a toilet is very different than full flow for a tub , for example ). coil 29 will change inductance twice each revolution changing the frequency of the oscillator . the microprocessor uc 31 or custom specialized electronic circuit can therefore count a pulse each time the target 28 is located at 0 ° and 180 ° and each pulse equates to a unit volume of liquid . referring to fig4 if a reading is to be taken approximately once per “ x ” time ( a minute , for example ) based on a timer circuit 33 associated with the microprocessor ( see fig3 ), the gear ratio will be selected so that the target will rotate less than 180 °, during one minute with maximum flow through the pipe . alternately , other sensors could be used such as a rotating magnet and hall effect sensor , reed switch , capacitive sensor , optical sensor , inductive sensor with ferrite rotator , etc . when , during that time interval , the target has been sensed , a volume counter will be updated to a new total of volume units and at some other regular time interval “ y ” ( once a day , for example ), the total volume count will be transmitted by the radio transmitter 33 . the updated count is representative of the total volumetric flow through the pipe . limiting the rate of rotation of the target with the gear box so that a reading need only be taken once per minute , prolongs battery life since the microprocessor uc only has to be turned on once per minute . the flow measuring system could also be an ultrasonic doppler flowmeter , a magnetic flowmeter , an electronic mass flowmeter , or a vortex flowmeter , for example . the energy use of the hot water used in a water using device may be computed by multiplying the volumetric volume of the associated hot water pipe by the temperature that hot water is supplied where the monitor is receiving hot water from the hot water heater . optionally , the monitor can include a heat thermistor 32 ( or a thermocouple , etc .) attached to the pipe to sense the temperature of the fluid flowing through the monitor . the microprocessor uc 31 may multiply the temperature by that unit volumet ric flow to define a heat content number ( btu use — fig4 ) and will then update the total heat content totalizator . by subtracting the total heat count at one side of a heating / cooling unit h / c from the simultaneous total heat count at the other side ( the subtraction made by a local receiver which receives the data from both monitors — fig7 for example ), the energy use of the heating / cooling unit can be determined . alternately , one of the monitors on either side of a heating / cooling unit can monitor only temperature and be connected to the other monitor with that monitor making both computations such as by subtracting out the temperature reading from the other to compute the heat change . should electrical power be available or should the battery economics permit , the position of the target could be sampled continuously and the gear box would not be required . once every day ( or some other time interval ) which equates to “ y ” time interval , the microprocessor will operate the transmitter ( which is a radio transmitter 33 in the preferred embodiment but could be an ultra sonic or infrared transmitter , etc .) to transmit the then current count of the register which is representative of volumetric flow , the then current total of the heat content totalizator , identifier data which identifies the apartment unit , the water using device , etc . and any pulse count data used to chronologically locate the transmission . the microprocessor uc can also determine that a water consuming device has been left open ( a tub running continuously , for example ). for example , the microprocessor should detect the presence of the target once a minute while the tub is being filled at the fully open condition . even at a slow fill rate the target should be sensed once every “ x ” minutes ( fig5 ). if “ x ” is five minutes , for example , the filling process should be complete within twenty minutes ( four multiples of “ x ”). accordingly , according to the algorithm expressed in fig5 when the water has been running for “ x ” minutes and the target has been sensed , the counter is incremented and the process is repeated . when the target has been sensed in the next “ x ” minutes the counter again increments and so forth . if the count reaches 15 (“ y ”), for example , the water has run for a time beyond that which was required to fill the tub and this can mean that someone has failed to turn the water off , etc . should the microprocessor determine that flow has continued for more “ y ” increments of “ x ”, the microprocessor will direct the transmitter to transmit an alarm signal , identifying the water consuming device , to the receiver which indicates that the device has been left open so that immediate action can be taken to correct the problem . the alarm signal can be transmitted to a local receiver which could be a general alarm system for the home which would announce the condition or it could be further transmitted to a remote receiver which could be at a home security company which could take appropriate action or it could be a part of the water usage system for a multiple unit building as described herein . this algorithm can also be computed with a number of “ x ” and “ y ” values (“ x 1 ” and “ y 1 ”, “ x 2 ” and “ y 2 ”, for example ) since the fill rate can be chosen at widely different rates . these variables can also be defined during installation by programming non volatile memory in the monitor . in the apartment illustrated in fig1 and 2 , a radio ( local ) receiver ( a microprocessor , for example ) which can receive and decode the transmitted radio signal can be located on each floor ( fig6 ) for receiving the data transmitted from all of the monitors on its floor . as shown in fig6 the local receiver may compute daily , weekly , monthly , quarterly , etc ., totals for the volumetric flow and energy ( btu ) use for each unit , and can issue alarm signals ( by audible alarm or telephone to a security location , for example , identifying the unit and the water consuming device subject to the alarm signal . each receiver could , for example , have a visual readout or it could be connectable to a hand held terminal which can read out the data . by transmitting volumetric flow data from the monitors to the receiver each day , the receiver can determine that a monitor is not operating which could indicate that the monitor battery has died , etc ., or that the monitor has been tampered with . the local receiver may also implement the algorithm disclosed in fig7 . it can determine a rolling volumetric flow average / unit of time ( “ t ” may be 30 or 60 days for example ) and first compare that with the calculated current volumetric flow / unit of time . where it exceeds the rolling average by x % which indicates the a faucet is leaking , for example , the local receiver will send a maintenance signal . a second comparison can also be made to determine whether the current volumetric flow / unit of time exceeds by y % a standard for that device . should the difference exceed this variance , the local receiver will issue a maintenance signal . the receiver , in its simplest form , could contain an information system ( or a part of a larger information system ) for an individual unit or a home ( fig8 ). a monitor which would not have to monitor temperature , could be placed in each line supplying the water consuming devices so that volumetric flow data could be transmitted to a local receiver which would determine whether any device was leaking or open and would issue an appropriate alarm or maintenance signal for that device . this figure also illustrates a monitor downstream of the water meter wm - 11 . this monitor can implement the algorithm of fig5 to detect a break in any downstream water line such as could happen as a result of earthquake or freeze damage , for example . by comparing the volumetric flow / unit of time of this common monitor ( fig9 ), with the total / unit of time of all the dedicated monitors , an internal leak can be identified ( a variance of x % would indicate an internal leak ) . maintenance and alarm signals can be issued by the local receiver and optionally the local receiver can communicate with a remote receiver in the form of a security company or to the monitoring or billing system to obtain assistance . as shown in fig1 , the multi - unit building may have a plurality of local receivers hard wired in series ( or connected on a phone line ) to a base local receiver ( the local receiver located on the superintendents &# 39 ; floor for example ), with the base local receiver presenting the data for all the local receivers . instead of phone lines or wires , a radio ( custom or pcs system ) could transmit the data from one local receiver to other local / remote receivers . the total volumetric flow and energy use for an individual unit can be computed by each of the local receivers or all computations can be performed by the base local receiver . alternately , such a base local receiver can be connected in parallel with the other local receivers ( fig1 ). the base receiver may not receive data from a monitor but only receive data from local receivers ( receivers receiving data from monitors ( fig1 ). the base receiver is then a remote receiver . the remote receiver ( fig1 ) can provide a database which communicates via phone lines with any number of local and / or remote receivers and a receiver ( a local receiver , a base local receiver or a remote receiver ) can operate on the data and prepare , bills for water , energy and sewer use for each reporting unit which can be sent directly to the individual units or to the buildings for distribution as well as support reporting of leaks and open faucets , etc . | US-74533096-A |
a meter unit , co - located to an electric meter , and a building unit , co - located with an energy management system , cooperate to deliver electric meter relay pulses from the electric meter to an energy management system via a wireless link . meter relay pulses are input to the meter unit from the electric meter , relay states and pulse counts are transmitted to the building unit , and the states of the relays and pulses are regenerated by the building unit as outputs to the energy management system . the pulses output from the building unit perform as though they were created by the meter originally , but without the traditional wired connection . the system provides for error correction should a pulse count transmission be lost , as well as repeating of an end - of - interval pulse so that the energy management system may synchronize its data collection and operation to the measurements from the meter . | the following detailed description of the invention is presented relative to wireless isolation and relaying of meter data for an electric power consumption meter . it will be recognized , however , by those skilled in the art that similar problems with other types of utility meters such as water and natural gas meters exist , and that the invention can likewise be employed to solve the unfulfilled needs in the art . the wireless isolation relay ( 100 ) is implemented as a pair of units , a meter unit ( 3 ) and a building unit ( 4 ), as shown in fig1 . the meter unit ( 3 ) is co - located with the electric meter ( 1 ), and is receives as input the 4 - channels , form - a pulses ( 2 ) from the meter &# 39 ; s relays . the meter unit ( 3 ) then transmits via a wireless medium a count of the ky and kyz pulses , optionally with the eoi status , to the building unit ( 4 ). the building unit ( 4 ) is co - located with the energy management system , such as inside the consumer &# 39 ; s facility or building . the building unit ( 4 ) replicates the pulses and relay status in the form of 4 channel , form - a outputs such that the energy management system may receive meter data just as if it were directly connected to the meter . according to the preferred embodiment , frequency hopping spread spectrum radios are used to minimize interference and for license free operation . these radios are preferably world wireless communications , inc ., ( wwc ) microhopper [ tm ] radios . these frequency - hopping data transceiver radio modules are designed for integration into other products . the microhopper [ tm ] radio modules are connected to host devices , such as a microcontroller as described later in the present invention , via common connector ( a 20 - pin dual in - line header ). the connection to the radio module provides dc power to the radio as well as i / o lines for ttl controls and rs - 232 port data communications . the microhopper [ tm ] of the preferred embodiment operates within the 900 mhz ism band , which is license free . the microhopper [ tm ] also employs spread spectrum technology , which allows secure and interference - immune communications between the two units of the invention . it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that alternate radio means can be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . the block diagram of the meter unit is shown in fig2 . the relay outputs is ( 21 ) from the meter ( 1 ) are cabled ( 2 ) to an input conditioning circuit ( 27 ), such as required pull - up resistors , pull - down resistors , current limiting resistors and surge protectors . the pulse inputs are compatible with 4 ky or 4 kz signals , 5 vdc wetting voltage , at 10 ma . the conditioned relay states are read by a microcontroller ( 22 ), which is provided with an internal or external clock or oscillator source . in the preferred embodiment , a pic505 microcontroller , available from microchip semiconductors , is used . however , it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that many alternate suitable microcontrollers may be used . the microcontroller is preferably provide with several installer - selectable mode switches ( 23 ), which is readable by the microcontroller firmware . the microcontroller also has rs - 232 inputs and outputs ( 24 ) including a transmit data signal ( txd ) to the radio module ( 25 ), and a receive data signal ( rxd ) from the radio module . the radio module ( 25 ) is preferably a wwc microhopper [ tm ] unit as described before , with a suitable antenna ( 28 ). the meter unit ( 20 ) is also provided with a power supply ( 26 ), such as an ac to dc transformer or a battery . the power supply ( 26 ) is designed to accept ac voltages common to that of electric meters , such as 120v , 240v and 277v , without any additional equipment . the power supply can be configured for dc operation for applications where the wireless isolation relay ( 100 ) is installed at substations and operating at battery voltages of 24v , 48v , 125v or 250v . turning to fig3 the block diagram of the building unit is illustrated . the signal transmitted from the meter unit is received via a build unit antenna ( 31 ) by another radio module ( 25 ), preferably a wwc microhopper [ tm ] unit . the radio module data input txd and output rxd ( 32 ) are communicated to the rs - 232 port of the microcontroller ( 33 ), which is also preferably of the same manufacturer and model as employed in the meter unit . similarly , the preferred embodiment calls for a set of installer - configurable mode switches or straps ( 34 ), which is readable by the microcontroller ( 33 ) firmware . finally , the microcontroller ( 33 ) outputs are used to control a set of relays ( 35 ) with output signal conditioning so as to replicate the meter relay outputs to an energy management system . the output relays are 4 form - a solid state contacts with common k terminal . the contacts are rated at 240 vac or 240 vdc , 100 ma maximum . and , like the meter unit , a power supply ( 36 ) such as an ac to dc converter or battery is provided to power the building unit ( 30 ). the wireless isolation relay system ( 100 ) preferably uses a polling scheme where the building unit , acting as a master , polls the meter unit for its pulse data . the pulse data is a count of pulses for each meter channel , not merely the current state of each input . polling allows a more robust system in that communications is a closed loop between the meter unit and the building unit . further , with polling and an addressing scheme , multiple meter units can be supported by one building unit . being a four - channel system , the user has the option of two meter units , each feeding two channels to one building unit , or even four meter units feeding one channel each to one building unit . a benefit of programming all units via mode switches is that a building unit knows what to expect from each meter unit , and it can detect and report erroneous operation . errors could include improper meter unit response , and no meter unit response . the communications protocol , described in detail later , preferably includes a bit - level error detection scheme , as well . according to the preferred embodiment , the user can select one of three actions to be taken by the building unit after a loss of signal condition between it and a meter unit . this is a critical issue since each pulse ultimately corresponds to cost of electrical power . the three modes of operation are ( a ) basic mode , ( b ) catch - up mode , and ( c ) end - of - interval mode . in basic mode , after a loss of signal condition , the building unit does not generate output pulses to “ catch - up ” with missed meter unit transmissions , due to those missed during the signal loss . instead , the building unit zeros the count from the meter unit , but then continues with the next count from the meter unit . the pulses transmitted during the loss of signal are essentially thrown away . in catch - up mode , after a loss of signal condition , the building unit generates output pulses to the energy management system to catch - up or compensate for the count from the meter unit . in end - of - interval mode , one channel input by the meter unit is designated for eoi operation . after a loss of signal condition , the receiver generates catch - up pulses as in the catch - up mode . if a complete cycle ( high - low - high ) has occurred on the meter unit eoi input during the loss of signal , then the building unit generates pulses as in the catchup mode but the pulses on each output channel are generated in sequence , relative to the eoi output , just as they were on the meter unit &# 39 ; s inputs relative to the eoi input . this requires an additional set of counts per channel and an eoi flag to be sent from the meter unit to the building unit . if the eoi flag is not set , operation is the same as catch - up mode . if the eoi flag is set ( due to a cycle on the eoi input ), the building unit generates the catch - up pulses on all output channels prior to the eoi input , cycles the eoi output ( hi - lo - hi ), then generates the balance of pulses to catch - up with the count from the meter unit . in actual operation , an eoi count is used instead of an eoi flag , in case a loss of signal condition occurs during the recovery from a previous loss of signal condition . eoi mode is a method of preventing an artificially high peak demand due to a simultaneous occurrence of a loss of signal and an end of interval . in many applications ( but not all ), the pulses are recorded in 15 minute increments with the 15 minute period established by a sync ( eoi ) pulse from the electric meter . the eoi pulse commands the end - recording device to save the accumulated pulses and start counting again from zero for the next 15 - minute period . in addition to summarizing all pulses to determine consumed kilowatt - hours , the demand in kilowatts is determined by the count per 15 - minute interval . and the peak demand is determined by the largest count of any interval for the month . the catch - up process following a loss of signal crossing an interval boundary would result in pulses being applied to the wrong interval and possibly creating an artificially high peak demand measurement . by using the described eoi mode , this is prevented . the mode select switches ( 23 and 34 ) as shown in fig2 and 3 represent the user &# 39 ; s choice in the number of transmitters , transmitter addresses , test mode operation and whether basic mode , catch - up mode or eoi mode is to be used . communications between the meter unit and the building unit are bi - directional according to the preferred embodiment , and as shown in fig4 . however , it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a uni - direction , meter unit to building unit is communications scheme could be adopted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . both units , though , preferably include a wireless data transceiver , such as the www microhopper [ tm ] previously described . while the meter unit receives relay state changes ( 40 ) on each channel from the meter , it integrates a count of pulses for each channel and keeps that count in memory . each second , the building unit polls ( 41 ) the meter unit ( or sequentially each meter unit one second at a time by address when multiple meter units are used ) for the meter pulse count data . the pulse count data , including the logical state of each meter relay or channel , and the count or running total of pulses on each channel with an 8 - bit capacity , is transmitted ( 42 ) by the addressed meter unit to the building unit . with each poll response , the building unit compares each most recent channel count with each previous channel count , and the calculated difference is the number of output pulses ( 40 ′) to be generated on the corresponding building unit output channel ( to be received by the energy management system ). then , the building unit waits one second and issues a poll command to each meter unit again ( 44 ). the meter unit responds by transmitting ( 45 ) the state of each channel relay with the running total count of pulses for each channel ( 43 ). again , the building unit subtracts the new running total from the previous total for each channel , and outputs that number of pulses on the corresponding relay outputs to the energy management system ( 43 ′). this continues repetitively , as described . with this protocol and process , even if the signal path is temporarily interrupted and some polls or poll responses are missed , the count received with the next successful poll is used with the last previous poll to determine the number of pulses to output , so no pulses are ultimately lost . this is the catch - up mode previously described in this disclosure . the actual state of each input is also sent as part of the meter pulse count data to ensure the logical state of the building outputs stay in sync with the meter unit inputs . as for real - time operation , the building unit polls the meter unit each second so the pulse count data could be as much as one second old . however , metering pulses are usually integrated over a 15 minute interval , so one second is effectively “ real - time .” with pulses entering the meter unit &# 39 ; s input at a slow speed ( corresponding to a low rate of electric consumption ), many polls may pass with no state change on a particular channel . with a high input pulse rate ( corresponding to a high rate of electric consumption ), multiple changes of meter relay state can occur per poll which is resolved with the building unit toggling its output an equal number of times during the next poll period . by using whip antennae and the suggested radio units , an isolation distance of up to 500 feet between the meter unit and the building unit can be reliably achieved . an isolation distance of up to 2 miles may be achieved using a pair of directional yagi antennae . these isolation distances are adequate for communications across parking lots , fields and switchyards , thereby avoiding the necessary trenching to bury wires or is installation of overhead wires as seen in the current technology . | US-79650501-A |
a lock for a retractable cover which overlies a bed of a pickup truck has a cover - connectable housing and a handle that pivots relative to the housing for clamping a pointed tip of a flexibly mounted fastener into engagement with a nearby member such as a guide rail extending along one side of the bed of a pickup truck to retain a housing - connected retractable cover in a chosen position . a push button trigger pivoted on the handle is depressable to unlatch the handle and thereby release the clamping action of the handle . a torsion spring biases the trigger relative to the handle . a compression spring biases the handle relative to the housing . a leaf spring flexibly mounts the fastener on the handle . a key - operated plug assembly may retain the trigger in a latched position . | referring to fig1 , a lockable latch assembly or lock 100 embodying features of the present invention is indicated generally by the numeral 100 . referring to the exploded view of fig9 , the lock 100 includes a generally rectangular base or housing 110 , a complexly configured handle 150 that is pivotally connected to the base or housing 110 by a pivot pin 140 , and a push button trigger 200 that is pivotally connected to the handle 150 by a roll pin 210 . as will be explained , a feature of the lock 100 resides in the use made by the lock 100 of a pointed - tip - type threaded fastener 250 carried by a leaf spring 275 that is connected to the handle 150 — an arrangement that flexibly mounts the fastener 250 on the handle 150 . as will be explained , the flexible mounting of the fastener 250 enables a pointed tip 255 of the fastener 250 to be securely but resiliently clamped against an elongate guide rail 300 ( such as is shown in cross - section in fig1 ) when the handle 150 of the lock 100 is latched in the closed position that is shown in fig1 - 4 and 14 . the elongate guide rail 300 may assume a wide variety of cross - sectional configurations , one example being shown in fig1 , and another being indicated by the numerals 16 a and 16 b in the aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 6 , 276 , 735 , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference . a retractable cover ( such as is shown in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 276 , 735 , or as is shown at www . retrax . com ) that extends between two guide rails ( having identical cross sections , for instance of the character shown in fig1 ) can be opened and closed to provide or restrict access to the rear load carrying compartment or bed of a conventional pickup truck , such as is shown in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 276 , 735 . the lock 100 is typically mounted on a retractable cover ( portions of which are indicated by the numeral 50 in fig5 and 14 ) that is movable along guide rails ( such as the guide rail 300 shown in fig1 ) between a cover - closed position and various cover - open positions . the ability of the leaf spring 275 to deflect or to bend slightly as by flexing away from a lower portion 154 of the handle 150 ( in a manner shown with some exaggeration in fig1 ) provides a flexible mount for the fastener 250 — a flexible mount which ensures that the pointed tip 255 of the fastener 250 will be clamped firmly against a surface 302 of the rail 300 ( as is depicted in fig1 ) even when the surface 302 of the rail 300 varies slightly in position along the length of the elongate guide rail 300 which typically extends for the full length of the load - carrying compartment or bed of a pickup truck or the like . referring principally to the exploded view of fig9 , the base or housing 110 of the lock 100 is a generally rectangular , upwardly opening structure that has two spaced , parallel extending , relatively lengthy upstanding side walls 112 , 114 , and two spaced , parallel extending , relatively short , upstanding end walls 116 , 118 . a complexly configured bottom wall 120 closes a majority of the bottom of the base or housing 110 . upper portions of the side walls 112 , 114 and the end walls 116 , 118 join with a horizontally projecting flange 122 which extends around the perimeter of an upwardly - opening region 125 located interiorly with respect to the base or housing 110 . the perimetrically extending flange 122 has a continuous , downwardly - facing bottom surface 124 that resides in a single , substantially horizontally extending plane . the bottom surface 124 can rest atop portions 50 ( fig5 and 14 ) of a structure such as a retractable cover to which the base or housing 110 is connected . the retractable cover ( portions of which are indicated by the numeral 50 in fig5 and 14 ) typically has a generally rectangular opening 55 ( fig5 ) through which the side walls 112 , 114 and the end walls 116 , 118 of the base or housing 110 extend . if desired , a conventional thin and flat , weather resistant gasket ( not shown ) having the generally rectangular configuration of the bottom surface 124 of the flange 122 may be interposed between the bottom surface 124 and the upwardly - facing surface that extends about the opening 55 . referring to fig9 , the perimetrically extending flange 122 of the base or housing 110 has an upwardly facing surface that includes a c - shaped upper surface 126 that extends in an imaginary upper plane 127 ( see fig5 ), and a u - shaped upper surface 128 that extends in an imaginary lower plane 129 ( see fig5 ) that parallels the upper plane 127 at a short distance therefrom . the upper and lower surfaces 126 , 128 are connected by a shoulder 130 ( fig5 - 9 ). as can best be seen in fig5 and 9 , the shoulder 130 is located near where a relatively wide and lengthy part 121 of the interior region 125 of the base or housing 110 joins with a relatively narrower and shorter part 123 of the interior region 125 of the base or housing 110 . referring to fig9 , aligned holes 132 , 134 are formed through the upstanding side walls 112 , 114 to permit the cylindrical body 142 of the pivot pin 140 to extend therethrough . the pivot pin 140 has an enlarged head 144 at one end of the body 142 , and a perimetrically extending groove 146 located near the opposite end thereof . a retaining ring 148 is provided that is configured to engage the groove 146 . nylon washers 149 are provided for positioning on the cylindrical body 142 of the pivot pin 140 , with one of the washers 149 situated adjacent the head 144 , and the other situated adjacent the retaining ring 148 . the complexly configured handle 150 which is pivotally connected to the base or housing 110 by the pivot pin 140 can pivot between a closed position shown in fig1 - 4 and 14 , and an open position shown in fig5 - 8 . a torsion spring 160 ( best shown in the exploded view of fig9 ) has coils 162 that encircle part of the body 142 of the pivot pin 140 . the torsion spring 160 has one leg 164 that presses against a portion of the handle 150 , and another leg 166 that presses against a portion of the base or housing 110 to bias the handle toward the open position shown in fig5 - 8 . referring to fig9 , the handle 150 has an upper portion 152 and a lower portion 154 that are coupled by an intermediate portion 156 . the intermediate portion 156 has two spaced , parallel - extending arms 158 ( best illustrated in the sectional view of fig4 ) through which identical , aligned holes 159 ( one of which is shown in fig9 ) are formed . the body 142 of the pivot pin 140 extends through the holes 159 to mount the handle 150 for pivotal movement on the housing or base 110 . referring initially to fig1 , 9 and 10 , the upper portion 152 of the handle 150 has a top surface 151 with a raised annular area 153 that surrounds an opening 155 through which a round button 205 of the trigger member 200 normally extends . however , as is shown in fig1 , the button 205 is depressable to pivot the trigger 200 to an operated position that releases the handle 150 to move from the closed position shown in fig1 - 4 and 14 to an open position such as is shown in fig5 - 8 . referring to fig1 , 3 and 9 , the top surface 151 is defined by a relatively thin , perimetrically extending region 199 of the upper portion 152 , and by a much thicker region 161 of the upper portion 152 . a major part of the relatively thin region 199 has a thickness that is approximately equal to the short distance that separates the two parallel - extending planes 127 , 129 that are shown in fig5 . the thicker region 161 surrounds and defines a generally cylindrical plug - receiving passage 157 that opens through the top surface 151 at location spaced from the trigger button opening 155 . the plug - receiving passage 157 is also open at its lower end ( as can be seen in fig1 - 13 ). the plug - receiving passage 157 has an interior configuration ( not shown ) that is well known to those who are skilled in the art — a configuration that is designed to receive and cooperate with a conventional key - operated plug assembly 170 ( fig9 , 10 and 12 ) which has an exterior configuration that also is well known to those who are skilled in the art . the plug assembly 170 includes a plurality of tumblers 173 ( fig2 ) that cooperate in a conventional way with interior formations of the passage 157 to permit the plug 170 to turn only a quarter rotation when a suitably configured key ( not shown ) is inserted into a keyhole 171 of the plug 170 , and that permit the key to be removed only when the plug 170 is turned to either of the ends of its permitted quarter turn of rotation . referring to fig1 and 13 , a bottom end region of the plug assembly 170 includes a pair of depending abutments 174 , 175 that are separated by a space 176 . if the plug assembly 170 is turned to a locked position such as is shown in fig1 and 11 , the abutment 174 is then positioned so that , if the trigger 200 is depressed , a projection 203 of the trigger will be engaged and blocked by the abutment 174 , thereby preventing depression of the trigger 200 . however , if the plug 170 is turned a quarter turn to an unlocked position such as is shown in fig1 and 13 , neither of the depending abutments 174 , 175 obstructs depression of the trigger 200 , hence the projection 203 moves into the space 176 located between the two depending abutments 174 , 175 . referring to fig1 , 2 , 9 and 10 , the lower portion 154 of the handle 150 defines a generally rectangular projecting part 185 which has two spaced holes 180 , 181 formed therethrough . the hole 180 has a tapered , countersunk formation at its upper end which receives the tapered head of a conventional phillips head screw 182 when the screw 182 is inserted to extend through the hole 180 . a nut 183 is provided for being tightened onto a threaded , lower end region of the screw 182 . one purpose for providing the screw 182 and the nut 183 is to securely attach the leaf spring assembly 190 ( components of which are shown in the exploded view of fig9 ) to the underside of the projecting part 185 of the lower portion 154 of the handle 150 . another purpose , although infrequently utilized , is to provide an easy - torelease - and - reinstall attachment that can be utilized if a leaf spring 275 ( or leaf spring assembly 190 ) having a different degree of “ bendability ” or “ flexibility ” needs to be installed on the handle 150 . referring to fig9 ( which shows the three elements of the leaf spring assembly 190 disassembled ), the leaf spring assembly 190 includes a generally rectangular leaf spring 275 , an internally threaded stainless steel bushing 192 , and the previously mentioned threaded fastener 250 which has the pointed tip 255 . in preferred practice , the fastener 250 is pointed - tip - type stainless steel set screw . holes 193 , 194 are formed through opposite end regions of the rectangular leaf spring 275 . the hole 193 is sized to permit the threaded lower end region of the screw 182 to extend therethrough . the nut 183 may be tightened in place on the screw 182 to securely attach the leaf spring assembly 190 ( fig9 ) in place on the projecting part 185 of the lower portion 154 of the handle 150 . the hole 194 is sized to permit the set screw fastener 250 to extend loosely therethrough . the internally threaded steel bushing 192 is welded to the leaf spring 275 in alignment with the hole 194 so the set screw fastener 250 can extend through the hole 194 and can be threaded into the bushing 192 . the threads on the interior of the bushing 192 are sized to provide a snug or tight fit when the set screw fastener 250 is threaded into the bushing 192 — which permits the set screw fastener 250 to be adjusted , but ordinarily securely retains the set screw fastener 250 in a position to which the set screw fastener 250 has been installed . the hole 181 that is formed through the rectangular projecting part 185 of the lower portion 154 of the handle 150 is of a size that quite loosely receives the bushing 192 that is welded to the rectangular leaf spring 275 . the pointed tip 255 of the set screw fastener 250 extends upwardly a significant distance out of the threaded bushing 192 , and extends upwardly a significant distance out of the hole 181 that is formed through the lower portion 154 of the handle 150 . the stiff but slightly bendable nature of the leaf spring 275 taken together with the relatively large size of the hole 181 and the significant distance that the pointed tip 255 of the fastener extends upwardly out of the bushing 192 and the hole 181 ensure that , even when the leaf spring 275 bends or deforms in the much exaggerated manner shown in fig1 , the pointed tip 255 will still be pressed by the leaf spring 275 into firm and secure engagement with the guide rail surface 302 . the relatively large size of the hole 181 permits the bushing 192 and the set screw fastener 250 to move freely within the hole 181 , and permits the leaf spring 275 to bend or deflect as is shown in an enormously exaggerated manner in fig1 — so the pointed tip 255 of the set screw fastener 250 can move without obstruction toward and away from the surface 302 of the guide rail 300 shown in fig1 . by this arrangement , if the downwardly facing surface 302 of the rail 300 should vary slightly in position along the length of the elongate rail 300 , the flexible mounting of the set screw fastener 250 by the leaf spring 275 will automatically accommodate such variation without requiring any adjustment of the set screw fastener 250 . if , however , wear of , or damage to , the guide rail 300 or components of the lock 100 should necessitate some minor adjustment of the set screw fastener 250 , no lock nut needs to be loosened and then retightened to permit adjustment of the set screw fastener 250 . adjustment of the set screw fastener 250 simply requires the one - handed use of a conventional allen wrench ( not shown ) inserted into a hex opening 259 ( fig8 ) at the lower end of the set screw fastener 250 . as will be apparent from the foregoing description , the push button trigger 200 is provided to serve as a latch for retaining the handle 150 in the closed position shown in fig1 - 4 and 14 . referring to fig9 , the trigger 200 has a generally l - shaped or right - angle appearance , which also is shown in cross - section in fig5 , 10 and 12 . the round push button 205 forms a substantially horizontally extending leg of the trigger 200 , and a depending portion 206 forms a substantially vertically extending leg of the right - angle , generally l - shaped configuration of the trigger 200 . a hole 204 is formed through the trigger 200 in the vicinity of the junctures of the above - mentioned horizontally and vertically extending legs 205 , 206 to receive the roll pin 210 which pivotally mounts the trigger 200 on the handle 150 . a recess 207 is defined by the depending leg 206 to receive one end region of a compression spring 220 . an opposite end region of the compression spring 220 engages the thick part 161 of the handle 150 that defines the passage 157 that contains the plug assembly 170 . by this arrangement , the compression spring 220 is caused to bias the trigger toward the normal latched position shown in fig1 - 7 , 10 and 11 . referring to fig5 , a notch 209 formed in the depending leg 206 of the trigger 200 normally engages a projection 215 ( as shown in fig2 ) formed on an interior part of the base or housing 110 normally serves to retain the handle 150 in its closed position shown in fig1 - 4 and 14 . when the button 205 of the trigger 200 is depressed as shown in fig1 , the notch 209 disengages the projection 215 , permitting the handle 150 to pivot to the open position shown in fig5 under the influence of the torsion spring 160 . depression of the push button 205 as shown in fig1 releases the handle 150 from its closed position by moving the notch 209 out of engagement with the projection 215 defined by the base or housing 110 . when a force depressing the button 205 is released , the depressed trigger 200 will return to its normal position due to the influence of the compression spring 220 . because the surface 302 of the extruded , elongate guide rail 300 may vary in a minor way — typically by only a few thousands of an inch — in position along the length of the guide rail 300 , the leaf spring 275 is provided to ensure that the pointed tip 255 of the set screw fastener 250 will always be pressed firmly against the surface 302 despite small variations in the position of the guide rail surface 302 . when the lock 100 is initally brought into service , the set screw fastener 250 is adjusted ( i . e ., is set ) so that , when the handle 150 is moved to and latched in the closed position ( as shown in fig1 - 4 and 14 ), the leaf spring 275 will always be caused to be slightly bent or very slightly deflected , as is shown with great exaggeration in fig1 . by adjusting the set screw fastener 250 so that the pointed tip 255 is always caused to project or extend sufficiently far from out of the hole 181 formed through the rectangular part 185 of the lower handle portion 154 to cause the leaf spring 275 ( i . e ., the leaf spring assembly 190 ) to be deflected or bent slightly ( as is depicted in a much exaggerated manner in fig1 ), the deflected or slightly bent leaf spring 275 will be caused to always press the pointed tip 255 of the set screw fastener 250 firmly and securely into engagement with the guide rail surface 302 whenever the handle 150 is moved to and is latched in the closed position as shown in fig1 - 4 and 14 . this will be true regardless of the presence of minor variations ( along the length of the extruded guide rail 300 ) of a few thousands of an inch in the position of the guide rail surface 302 that is engaged by the pointed tip 255 of the set screw fastener 250 . in view of the arrangement just described , a retractable cover 50 ( portions of which are shown in fig5 and 14 ) to which the base or housing 110 is connected , will be securely retained and held in whatever position a customer positions it along the length of the guide rail 300 because the pointed tip 255 of the fastener 250 will always be pressed firmly and securely into engagement with the surface 302 of the guide rail 300 . if , when the retractable cover 50 is moved to various different positions along the length of the guide rail 300 , the pointed tip 255 of the fastener 250 needs to move a few thousands of an inch toward or away from the surface 302 to accommodate variations in the surface 302 that are encountered along the length of the guide rail 300 , the flexible mounting of the fastener 250 by the leaf spring 275 will automatically attend to any needed movement of the pointed tip 255 toward or away from the surface 302 as the leaf spring 275 flexes automatically to maintain the biasing of the fastener 250 toward and into firm and secure engagement with the surface 302 of the guide rail 300 . although the invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity , it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example , and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed . it is intended to protect whatever features of patentable novelty that exist in the invention disclosed . | US-201313986196-A |
the invention describes a system for detecting partial changes to data - structures of interest . if an inter - related set of data items are to be used then it is of value to know that the data items are undergoing changes , and thus may not be self consistent , and / or have been tampered with and / or are not the most recent update . the invention uses guids to track updates by assigning a guid to a selected set of nodes or items belonging to an identified set , preferably arranged in a tree structure . a new guid is generated whenever an update takes place . methods are defined to test that the interrelated data items are valid , i . e ., replicated in toto , by testing for changes in the guid by traversing the interrelated data items and comparing guids at each node . similarly , methods are provided for generating a new guid in course of inititiating an update , or in order to invalidate an intererlated data item set , and additional methods are envisaged for catering to particular applications such as assuring integrity of the data by using encryption and certificates . | turning to the drawings , wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements , the invention is illustrated as being implemented in a suitable computing environment . although not required , the invention will be described in the general context of computer - executable instructions , such as program modules , being executed by a personal computer . generally , program modules include routines , programs , objects , components , data structures , etc . that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types . moreover , those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with other computer system configurations , including hand - held devices , multi - processor systems , microprocessor based or programmable consumer electronics , network pcs , minicomputers , mainframe computers , and the like . the invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network . in a distributed computing environment , program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices . with reference to fig1 an exemplary system for implementing the invention includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a conventional personal computer 20 , including a processing unit 21 , a system memory 22 , and a system bus 23 that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit 21 . the system bus 23 may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller , a peripheral bus , and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures . the system memory includes read only memory ( rom ) 24 and random access memory ( ram ) 25 . a basic input / output system ( bios ) 26 , containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the personal computer 20 , such as during start - up , is stored in rom 24 . the personal computer 20 may further include a hard disk drive 27 for reading from and writing to a hard disk 28 , a magnetic disk drive 29 for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 30 , and an optical disk drive 31 for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk 32 such as a cd rom or other optical media . the hard disk drive 27 , magnetic disk drive 29 , and optical disk drive 31 are connected to the system bus 23 by a hard disk drive interface 33 , a magnetic disk drive interface 34 , and an optical disk drive interface 35 , respectively . the drives and their associated computer - readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions , data structures , program modules and other data for the personal computer 20 . although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk 28 , a removable magnetic disk 30 , and a removable optical disk 32 , it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computer readable media which can store data that is accessible by a computer , such as magnetic cassettes , flash memory cards , digital video disks , bernoulli cartridges , random access memories , read only memories , and the like may also be used in the exemplary operating environment . a number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk 28 , magnetic disk 30 , optical disk 32 , rom 24 or ram 25 , including an operating system 36 , one or more applications programs 37 , other program modules 38 , and program data 39 . a user may enter commands and information into the personal computer 20 through input devices such as a keyboard 40 and a pointing device 41 . other input devices ( not shown ) may include a microphone , joystick , game pad , satellite dish , scanner , or the like . these and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 21 through a serial port interface 42 that is coupled to the system bus . increasingly , such devices are being connected by the next generation of interfaces , such as a universal serial bus ( usb ) 43 with a root hub / host 44 , and to which other hubs and devices may be connected . illustrated are keyboard 47 , and a hub - 1 49 connected to the root hub / host 44 . hub - 1 49 is further connected to a hub - 2 , 50 , and scanner 51 . other interfaces that may be used include parallel ports , game ports , and the firewire , i . e ., the ieee 1394 specification available at www . standards . ieee . org / catalog / bus . html # 1394 - 1995 . a monitor 45 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 23 via an interface , such as a video adapter 46 . in addition to the monitor , personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices . a network interface 53 allows the computer 20 to communicate with a network 55 , which includes a plurality of domain controllers . the components within network 55 may use high bandwidth connections and switches as well as large memory storage devices to service users , such as computer 20 , accessing the network 55 . the server / personal computer 20 may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers / servers . the remote computer may be another personal computer , a server , a router , a network pc , a peer device or other common network node , and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the personal computer 20 in fig1 . such networking environments are commonplace in offices , enterprise - wide computer networks , intranets and the internet . in the description that follows , the invention will be described with reference to acts and symbolic representations of operations that are performed by one or more computers , unless indicated otherwise . as such , it will be understood that such acts and operations , which are at times referred to as being computer - executed , include the manipulation by the processing unit of the computer of electrical signals representing data in a structured form . this manipulation transforms the data or maintains it at locations in the memory system of the computer , which reconfigures or otherwise alters the operation of the computer in a manner well understood by those skilled in the art . the data structures where data is maintained are physical locations of the memory that have particular properties defined by the format of the data . however , while the invention is being described in the foregoing context , it is not meant to be limiting as those of skill in the art will appreciate that various of the acts and operation described hereinafter may also be implemented in hardware . much of the following discussion will use the context of updating and maintaining databases although the described methods are also useful in distributed computing in general . although the implementation discussed below is in the context of database organized in domains managed via domain controllers ( dc ), it also applies to computer / server 20 , and in managing information within network 55 based applications in general . a domain , in the context of a domain server , refers to a defined , interrelated portion of a database sharing a common security boundary . in the context of databases , a domain is also used to denote a range of values acceptable for an attribute , e . g . a day of the month cannot exceed 31 and has to be a positive integer . fig2 illustrates an exemplary environment in which an embodiment of the invention operates , although other distributed implementations are possible . this environment includes a hybrid network with a single - master server ( sms ) 62 , which can communicate with a multiple - master primary server ( mmps ) 64 . another sms 68 is connected to the mmps 64 . mmps 64 is also connected to multiple - master backup server ( mmbs ) 76 and mmbs 72 . the smss in the network offer read - only access while the multiple - master servers ( mmss ) allow read / write access . thus , client 80 has read / write access to mmbs 72 , and may modify the domain storage 74 while client 82 has read - only access to sms 62 . similarly , client 84 has read / write access to the mmps while client 86 has read - only access to sms 68 . furthermore a mmbs in the network can replicate from another mmbs while the smss can only replicate from the pmmdc , as is illustrated by the arrows . however , all of the computers in fig2 are likely to be interconnected by bi - directional linkages although replication is only from the mmps to a sms , as is shown in fig2 . an exemplary single - master server ( sms ) system is provided by “ microsoft windows nt 4 . 0 .” as previously noted , earlier generations of servers , including “ microsoft windows nt 4 . 0 ” employed a single - master replication protocol . an embodiment of single - master replication employs a change - log , or journal , to track changes in course of performing incremental replication . whenever a change occurs an entry is written to the change - log . the entry may typically contain an index that is incremented for each entry , a reference to the location where the modified information is stored , and possibly a description of the change . in a single - master server system , including the “ windows nt 4 . 0 ” implementation , changes could be made only on the ps . windows nt 4 . 0 bss also maintained a change - log consisting of the changes replicated from the pdc . the changes were replicated in the order they occurred on the ps . therefore the change - log on the “ windows nt 4 . 0 ” bss contained changes in the same sequence as the “ windows nt 4 . 0 ” ps . if a bs were to be promoted to be the ps then the other bss in the system could continue to replicate from this bs as the changes in the change - log retained the same order as the previous ps , although some changes may not have made it to the promoted bs . the remaining bss in the network simply discarded changes corresponding to entries later than the latest change recorded in the change - log of the newly promoted ps . “ windows 2000 ,” on the other hand , uses a multiple - master servers ( mms ). changes can be made on any “ windows 2000 ” server and replicated to other “ windows 2000 ” servers . a consequence is that different servers see changes in different orders . in a hybrid “ windows 2000 ”, “ windows nt 4 . 0 ” network , one of the “ windows 2000 ” server acts as the principle server ( ps ), i . e ., the pdc for the “ windows nt 4 . 0 ” servers in the network . however , changing the pdc role from one “ windows 2000 ” server to another “ windows 2000 ” server does not allow for incremental synchronization between the new pdc and “ windows nt 4 . 0 ” server because the changes to each of the “ windows 2000 ” servers are not guaranteed to be in the same order in their respective change - logs . additional steps are taken to ensure that the order of changes on different “ windows 2000 ” servers is the same for the benefit of the sms in the network . fig3 illustrates a process for updating a first multiple - master server from a second multiple - master server . such a procedure may be used for updating a multiple - master backup server from another multiple - master backup server . the procedure is initiated ( step 120 ) with identification of changes on the second server that are not present on the first server , e . g ., with a method provided in “ windows 2000 ” ( step 122 ). the identified changes are sent to the first server ( step 124 ). the procedure is repeated in reverse , although not necessarily in the same operation , by identification of changes on the first server that are not present on the second server ( step 126 ) and the identified changes are sent to the second server ( step 128 ) followed by exiting the procedure ( step 130 ). these changes may be identified since a particular time point on a server . thus , if the first server had obtained changes until change number 999 of the second server at the last update from the second server , then only changes since change number 999 need be considered at step 122 . turning to databases implemented in a network , a number of concepts and terms are discussed in order to describe illustrative embodiments of the invention . databases can , without any loss of generality , be represented as corresponding to a tree structure . the nodes in the tree correspond to the data stored in the database . thus , in a general sense , a node in such a tree corresponds to an object in the database , where each such object may have several attributes . this picture is in accordance with object oriented programming implementations , although not limited by them . furthermore , an object - set , comprising of objects that should be consistent with each other , can be represented as a subtree in the database , thus providing a contiguous representation for the nodes ( objects ) included in the subtree as illustrated in fig4 . the database 180 is shown enclosed by a triangle within which is a tree with a root node 182 . this tree has a subtree with a root node 184 defining the object - set 186 . each of the objects in the object - set has two associated attributes , viz ., “ id ” 188 and “ count ” 190 . these attributes correspond to a consistency - identifier and a consistency - count respectively in the general case . a subtree need not be appended to a tree , but may be embedded in the larger tree . the root node of the subtree is connected to the nodes in the subtree in a downstream direction , and each of the subtree nodes is a “ child ” of the root node . it is also possible to simulate the embedding of a subtree although there might be connections in addition to the root node of the subtree . such a simulation is possible by suitably defining a boundary for the subtree , possibly using optional attributes in the objects so that the same subtree may be treated differently depending on the context . for the purpose of the discussion here such complexities are noted as not detracting from implementing an embodiment of the invention . as an example , an embedded subtree is illustrated in fig5 . the database 192 is implemented as a tree with a root node 194 in a manner similar to fig4 . an object - set 196 is connected to the database 192 through the root node 198 . each object in the object - set has at least two attributes , a consistency - identifier 200 having a value id_ 1 and a consistency - count 202 with a value equal to the number of immediate children of a node , not including the node itself . for the object - set 196 , all of the objects have the same consistency - identifier , id_ 1 , but different values for the consistency - count reflecting the children of the nodes . the leaves of the embedded tree have consistency - counts of “− 1 ” to mark them as leaves and allow a tree traversing algorithm to recognize the boundary of subtree 196 and not proceed , e . g ., to node 204 . of course other strategies to mark boundaries of embedded trees are also acceptable . it should be understood that the objects in a database need not be identical . the branches in the tree structure , where a branch connects adjacent nodes , may represent a part of a possible path for accessing a particular node , in which case the branches would reflect a directory service for accessing data in the database . however , such an interpretation of the branches in a tree representation of a database , while convenient , is not required . an object , as understood in this context , is manipulable as a unit while an object - set is a collection of objects that are related and contiguous , but changes to any one of the objects in the object - set do not necessarily affect the attributes corresponding to another object in the object - set . this is a useful property since use of an object in an object - set by a client does not prevent access to another object in the object - set . in some implementations , if a user is using an object , another user typically will not be able to use the same replica of that object even if the attributes of interest to the two users are different . fig6 illustrates an object - set and its partially updated replica as seen by a plurality of clients . it is assumed in this document that a consistent object - set is the result of modifications by a source client 140 prior to any replication because creating an inconsistent object - set is counter productive . thus , a typical object - set is either consistent or partially updated . source client 140 accesses a database 142 containing an object - set , organized as a sub - tree with a root 144 , and makes update 146 to object 148 followed by another update 150 to object 152 . these updates are propagated using replication mechanism 154 to a replica 156 containing a corresponding object - set in a sub - tree with a corresponding root node 158 . a destination client 160 carries out a read operation 162 and obtains data in node 164 , which corresponds to node 152 , prior to updating of node 152 . a second read operation 166 allows client 160 to obtain data in node 168 , which corresponds to the updated node 148 , as is indicated by the hatched lines . a third read operation 170 by client 160 retrieves data corresponding to node 172 , which , itself is a replica of node 174 , and is not affected by the updating operations by client 140 . client 160 is retrieving an image of the object - set 142 from the partially updated replica 156 that is potentially internally inconsistent . the time lag between a replication operation that copies node 152 and the node 148 is responsible for the inconsistent data available to client 160 , who attempts read operation 162 prior to the updating of node 164 , but after the updating of node 168 . it should be noted that in a large network similar delays can be significant due to other competing tasks . the locking down of database 142 during updating and of database 156 during the replication would avoid the problem , but deprive other users of access to the database resources that are not part of the object - set represented by the root nodes 144 or 158 . in general , a distributed database allows for independent updating and local control . it is desirable to allow clients the maximum possible access to the database servers . in other words , the need for placing locks should be reduced to the extent possible , as is facilitated in embodiments , in accordance with the invention , described here . it should also be noted that while objects in an object - set are contiguous , this does not necessarily imply physical proximity , but rather logical relationships . similarly , the attributes , consistency - count and consistency - identifier , may not necessarily be stored in the root node of an object - set . for instance , instead of modifying the root node attributes to indicate an invalid object - set , an embodiment may include a flag which is settable , where the process for accessing the object - set checks the flag prior to actually conducting a read operation . maintaining the logical relationship between such flags and the object - set results in embodiments in accordance with the invention . such variations , known to those of ordinary skill in the art , simulate the consequences of practicing the invention and are intended to be included within the scope of the invention . in an embodiment of the invention , changes to a database are tracked by advancing an index corresponding to each change . a first server informs a second server of the presence of changes . the second server then requests the first server to replicate corresponding changes since the last cycle of replication , represented by an index number supplied by the second server . some systems allow identification of changes that are present on the first server but not on the second server , thus , reducing the information actually transmitted to this subset of the changes . as replication proceeds , the first and second servers are not locked , and instead changes to defined object - sets proceed as outlined in fig7 in order to flag partial - updates . the first operation in updating an object - set is “ invalidating ” the object - set ( step 300 ). this operation ensures that subsequent access to the object - set replica would reveal that a partial - update exists . in an embodiment of the invention , the invalidate_object_set function uses the “ distinguished name ,” of the root node of the object - set , i . e ., a name used to locate the node , as an argument . the invalidate_object_set function sets the consistency - count corresponding to the root node to 1 ( step 302 ) and generates a new identifier ( step 304 ), which , in turn , is assigned to the consistency - identifier corresponding to the root node ( step 306 ). these operations are local and fast compared to the exchange of information over the network . the new data are written to the appropriate nodes in the object - set , and possibly to other nodes as well ( step 308 ). at the termination of the updating operation a call is made to a “ create_object_set ” function , which also accepts the distinguished name of the root node as an argument in an embodiment of the invention ( step 310 ). this function may generate another new identifier for assignment to the root node &# 39 ; s consistency - identifier ( step 312 ). next , the subtree corresponding to the object - set is traversed , preferably using a depth - first strategy ( step 314 ). implementation of a tree structure defines a parent - child relationship making tree traversal possible as a basic property . in a depth - first tree traversal , the procedure starts at the root node and moves to the child that is furthest away from the root node . only the immediate children of a given node are counted as being children of the node for the purpose of the consistency - count in this embodiment , although variations are possible . in the event a particular node has more than one child , a list is made of immediate child nodes visited during the traversal , and the nodes not yet visited are visited subsequently in order . the order may be dictated by a number , handedness , or a simple walk through a list of the immediate children of a node . the tree traversal procedure can count the children of the nodes in a tree in a recursive fashion . thus , immediate children of each node may be counted in the same traversal with the children of a child node being counted completely prior to the count of the child nodes being completed . when the tree traversal walk reaches a leaf node , i . e ., with no children , the new identifier is assigned to the consistency - identifier corresponding to the leaf node ( step 316 ). the consistency - count is set to zero or null since there are no children for a leaf node . then , the traversal routine moves to the parent of the leaf node just visited , a counter corresponding to this parent node is incremented by one for each of its child nodes , and , when the last child has been visited on a node , the consistency - identifier is set to the new identifier , and the consistency - count to the number of children of the node recorded in the counter ( step 318 ). the traversal continues in this fashion until all the children of the root node have been visited . at the root node , the consistency - count for the root node is set to the number of immediate children as it is with all other nodes visited , and the object - set is validated ( step 320 ). the attribute consistency - count can be assigned any single valued function of the children of a node instead of the actual number of children of the node . such variations are intended to be included in the scope of consistency - count . tree traversal , being a local operation , is very fast . it is completed before there is a reasonable chance for changes to be made to the tree just traversed . it is possible that in some embodiments the object - set may be locked for the duration of the tree traversal or the execution of the create_object_set function if such changes should present a real concern . the invention is predicated on the shared intent of updaters to allow detection of ( in ) consistency in the object set ( s ) that they create . thus all updaters follow the algorithms and procedures described by the invention and locking is not necessary . the use of globally unique identifiers ( guid ), or universally unique identifiers ( uuid ) may advantageously implement the generation of identifiers . the generation of guid and uuid has become a standard practice . a typical guid is a 64 or 128 bit number that is guaranteed or almost certain to be unique . furthermore , guids can be generated at a high rate using standard algorithms . these rates can be as high as ten million numbers per second until approximately 3 , 400 a . d . these high generation rates combined with the uniqueness make the guid procedure particularly well suited for generating new identifiers for the object - sets whenever a new write operation is required . however , other methods for generating identifiers can also be employed . additional details about the guid algorithm devised by paul j . leach and rich salz may be found at http :// search . ietf . org / internet - drafts / draft - leach - uuids - guids - 01 . txt . in an embodiment of the invention , the operation of reading from and writing to an object - set may be handled through a user interface rather than permitting direct access to the memory locations in a database . referring to fig8 a call 330 to user interface 332 is needed to address the database 334 . the user interface 332 includes processing for hiding the actual targets of the requested operations . exemplary operations may include a determination if an object - set is a target ( step 336 ), followed by a determination if a change to the database 334 is requested or the request is read - only ( step 338 ). if database 334 is to be changed then user privileges may be authenticated ( step 338 ), which may include using encrypted certificates to ascertain user identity , e . g ., using secure socket layer ( ssl ) based negotiations . following authentication , the relevant object - set is invalidated ( step 342 ), changes are made ( step 344 ) and the object set is validated to indicate end of update activity ( step 346 ). if at step 336 the operations were not directed at an object - set then object - set related routines are not invoked and control passes around ( step 350 ). at step 338 if the operation was a read only operation then the object set is validated ( step 348 ) and control passed on ( step 350 ) the user interface 332 invokes the invalidate_object_set and the create_object_set functions if the target of the write operation is in an object - set . the user need not know that these functions are being called . similarly , a read operation from an object - set in a database calls a validate_object_set function . in an exemplary embodiment of the invention , this function accepts the root node of the object - set as an argument , although other implementations are possible as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are not intended to be excluded from the scope of the invention . the validate_object_set function carries out a tree traversal in the object - set and counts the number of children of the root node having the same consistency - identifier as the root node . if the number of such children is equal to the consistency - count then the object - set is consistent , i . e ., not in a partial - update state , and the read operation can proceed . on the other hand , if the consistency - count does not match then a partial - update is flagged for the benefit of applications that require consistent object - sets . in some embodiments , a partial - update state may automatically terminate a read request while in other embodiments the applications may have the option of terminating a read request . this procedure can be extended to provide security by conditioning the call on the create_object_set function and / or the invalidate_object_set function on proper authentication to ensure authorized access . in the event of unauthorized access , the object - set may be left in an invalid state , which may be detected later followed by restoration from a backup copy . while only two additional optional attributes , viz ., the consistency - identifier and the consistency - count have been described , additional attributes may be used to authenticate information by attaching digital signatures to information updates . thus , a digital signature that is derived from the guid and the information at a particular node may make the information tamper proof . a digital signature typically employs one way hash functions to generate a message of fixed length such that it is exceedingly difficult to manipulate the original so that the hashed message remains invariant . typically such signatures and associated information are encrypted . some embodiments of the invention may use the assymmetric key encryption protocols which allow the use of a public key to decrypt a message , which may be the digital signature and the associated message , but encryption is possible only with the securely held private key . the encrypted message and the associated data can be decrypted by all but no encryption is possible . since these well known procedures may be combined with the operations on the object - set , it is possible to define a secure object - set that is tamper proof while not requiring that the entire database be encrypted . for secure object - sets step 308 of fig7 or step s 344 of fig8 may additionally invoke encryption of the information being written to the object - set nodes . the create_object_set function then can provide a message for creating a digital certificate for a node in the object - set when a new identifier is assigned to a node while traversing the tree at steps 316 and 318 of fig7 and step 346 of fig8 . in yet other embodiments in accordance with the invention , object - sets may be defined with one object - set contained within another . multiple consistency - identifiers may be associated with a node to identify the different object - sets . such variations have utility in avoiding traversal of large trees when consistency is of interest only in a small part of a larger object - set . the various possible embodiments of the invention illustrate the implementations for detecting partial updates , including combining partial update detection with secure databases . in a secure environment , the invention allows flagging of unauthorized access , without necessarily warning the intruder of a failed authentication attempt . thus , the mere failure to call the create_object_set_function flags the object set as having been tampered , and , thus , being in need of attention . all of the references cited herein , including patents , patent applications , and publications , are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference . in view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of this invention may be applied , it should be recognized that the embodiment described herein with respect to the drawing figures is meant to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of invention . for example , those of skill in the art will recognize that the elements of the illustrated embodiment shown in software may be implemented in hardware and vice versa or that the illustrated embodiment can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the spirit of the invention . therefore , the invention as described herein contemplates all such embodiments as may come within the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereof . | US-38344599-A |
in a touch control system including one or more touch sensitive devices which capacitively transmit a relatively large electrical signal when not touched and transmit a relatively small electrical signal when touched an improved means for detecting the touch and no - touch conditions of the touch sensitive devices includes a comparator having positive feedback associated therewith . by increasing or decreasing the positive feedback the touch control system is operable either asynchronously or synchronously with an external control system . furthermore , a plurality of touch sensitive devices may be multiplexed utilizing a single detection means constructed in accordance with the invention disclosed herein while requiring a relatively low voltage drive signal . | referring to the above described figures and more particularly to fig1 a touch sensitive device 10 includes a dielectric material 18 which may comprise glass , such as the nesa ® and nesatron ® glass produced by pittsburgh plate glass ; a metallic coating of tin oxide 12 disposed on a surface 17 of the dielectric material 18 , and two metal strips 14 and 16 disposed in spaced parallel relationship to the coating of tin oxide 12 on another surface 19 of the dielectric material 18 . in operation , metal strip 14 is capacitively coupled to the coating of tin oxide 12 and the coating of tin oxide 12 is capacitively coupled to metal strip 16 . a high frequency electrical signal is applied to the metal strip 14 which is capacitively transmitted to the coating of tin oxide 12 and the other metal strip 16 in that order . capacitances are formed via the glass dielectric material 18 and the close proximity of the conductive plates 12 , 14 and 16 . when the coating of tin oxide 12 is touched , the electrical signal will be shunted thereby substantially reducing the output signal from touch sensitive device 10 . while the above described touch sensitive device 10 is typically of the type used in the art it is not intended that the invention disclosed herein be limited to its use with a touch control system which includes this type of touch sensitive device . in fact , as will be obvious to those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure , the present invention may be used with various other touch sensitive devices without departing from the essence of the invention . referring now to fig2 a touch control system 20 is shown which includes a first embodiment of a detection means 30 constructed in accordance with the present invention . in addition to detection means 30 touch control system 20 further includes a means 22 for providing a series of electrical drive pulses , an equivalent electrical circuit 10 &# 39 ; of the touch sensitive device 10 illustrated in fig1 and a means 28 for providing a series of electrical pulses for enabling detection means 30 . each of the means 22 and 28 for providing electrical pulses may be any conventional square wave oscillator which may serve as a source for digital input signals to touch control system 20 . the equivalent electrical circuit 10 &# 39 ; of the touch sensitive switching device 10 illustrated in fig1 includes a capacitance means 24 ( representative of the capacitance between the coating of the tin oxide 12 and metal strip 14 depicted in fig1 ), a capacitance means 26 ( representative of the capacitance between the coating of tin oxide 12 and metal strip 16 depicted in fig1 ), and a shunting means 23 ( representative of the coating of tin oxide 12 depicted in fig1 ). as shown , capacitance means 24 is electrically coupled to square wave oscillator 22 at junction j1 and to capacitance means 26 . capacitance means 26 is in turn electrically coupled to detection means 30 at junction j2 . shunting means 23 is electrically coupled to both capacitance means 24 and capacitance means 26 whereby the electrical signal provided by oscillator 22 is effectively shunted to ground potential as it passes through capacitance means 14 when shunting means 23 is physically touched . the improved detection means 30 of my invention includes a conventional high gain differential comparator 32 of the type manufactured by national semiconductor and identified by the number lm2901 . the negative (-) input of the comparator 32 is electrically coupled to the touch sensitive device 10 &# 39 ; at junction j2 and therefore is responsive to the electrical signal transmitted by capacitance means 24 and 26 . the positive (+) input of the comparator 32 is electrically coupled through a resistor 40 to a voltage divider network consisting of a potentiometer 36 and a resistor 38 . the voltage divider network is coupled across a dc power supply source having a positive side (+ dc ) and a negative side 48 . the wiper 36 &# 39 ; of the potentiometer 36 is electrically coupled through a resistor 34 to the touch sensitive device 10 &# 39 ; at junction j2 such that by setting the potentiometer 36 a threshold voltage is established for comparator 32 which allows comparator 32 to discriminate between touch and no - touch conditions of touch sensitive device ( 10 &# 39 ;). the output 33 of comparator 32 is electrically coupled at junction j3 to a means 43 for defining a time period for at least one of the states of comparator 32 . means 43 for defining a time period includes a resistor 42 in a positive feedback loop which is electrically coupled to the positive (+) input of comparator 32 at junction j4 . output 33 of comparator 32 is in addition electrically coupled at junction j3 to the output 46 of touch control system 20 and through a resistor 44 to means 28 for providing electrical pulses for enabling detection means 30 at junction j5 . the embodiment of my detection means 30 described hereinabove is responsive to the negative going edges 27 of the electrical drive pulses provided by means 22 in a manner which will be described in more detail hereinafter . having thus described in detail a preferred embodiment of my improved detection means 30 and the touch control system 20 for which it is adaptable , the operation of touch control system 20 and more specifically of detection means 30 will now be described . the theory of operation hereinafter described is that which is at present believed properly applicable to the embodiment described above ; however , it is not intended to be limiting in nature . perhaps the best way to describe the operation of touch control system 20 is to describe its operation in relation to the various voltage waveforms which appear at junctions j1 , j2 , j3 , j4 , and j5 . therefore , referring to fig2 , and 4 , oscillator 22 supplies a square wave signal 50 ( fig3 ) to junction j1 of touch control system 20 . as illustrated in fig3 oscillator 28 separately supplies an enabling square wave 60 at junction j5 which when driven low forces the signal 58 at junction j3 low thereby clearing detection means 30 . as shown in fig3 once the signal 58 at junction j3 is forced low it remains low until a no - touch condition is detected by detection means 30 at which time a signal 58 will again appear at junction j3 . accordingly , junction j3 remains low even though junction j5 is high as long as a no - touch condition does not exist . the magnitude of the signal transmitted from junction j1 to j2 through touch sensitive device ( 10 &# 39 ;) will depend upon whether the touch sensitive device ( 10 &# 39 ;) has been touched . when no touch contact is being made with shunting means 23 an exponentially decaying voltage spike 51 of relatively large magnitude appears at junction j2 coincidental with the positive - going edge of the square wave 50 provided by oscillator 22 . coincidental with the negative going edge 27 ( fig2 ) of square wave 50 another relatively large spike 54 of opposite polarity occurs at junction j2 . when touch contact is being made with shunting means 23 a spike 52 of relatively small magnitude will appear at junction j2 coincidental with the positive - going edge of a square wave 50 provided by oscillator 22 and coincidental with the negative - going edge 27 of square wave 50 a relatively small spike 56 of opposite polarity occurs at junction j2 . as previously indicated , the threshold potentiometer 36 is set such that detection means 30 discriminates between the touch and no - touch conditions of shunting means 23 based upon the magnitude of the negative spike appearing at junction j2 . referring specifically to fig4 the manner in which detection means 30 discriminates between touch and no - touch conditions will be described . shown in fig4 is the relationship between the spikes appearing at junction j2 which are indicative of touch and no - touch conditions , the threshold or reference voltage 64 of comparator 32 appearing at junction j4 , and the signal appearing at junction j3 representing both the output 33 of comparator 32 and the output 46 of touch control system 20 . if the spike 54 appearing at junction j2 coincidental with the negative going edge 27 of a square wave signal 50 is of relatively large magnitude and therefore crosses the threshold voltage 64 at junction j4 , comparator 32 changes states thereby allowing its output 33 to be high and producing a signal 58 at junction j3 . this state of comparator 32 is indicative of a no - touch condition of touch sensitive device ( 10 &# 39 ;). as further illustrated in fig4 the period of time during which comparator 32 will indicate a no - touch state is determined by the magnitude of the positive feedback . a large positive feedback 62 latches detection means 30 in a no - touch state resulting in a signal 58 at junction j3 of long duration which may be detected at any subsequent time as an indication of no - touch . this no - touch state of comparator 32 will be maintained indefinitely until the voltage at junction j5 is forced low by square wave signal source 28 . accordingly , the touch control system 20 may be sampled asynchronously with the drive signal 50 ( fig3 ). a small amount of positive feedback 62 &# 39 ; results in a signal 58 &# 39 ; at junction j3 of a longer duration than if no positive feedback is used . no positive feedback 62 &# 34 ; results in a signal 58 &# 34 ; at junction j3 which is of very short duration ( probably too short to be properly recognized by an external control system which operates synchronously ). accordingly , the touch control system 20 may also be sampled synchronously with the drive signal 50 by using the proper amount of positive feedback to obtain the desired pulse widths of the signal at junction j3 which are compatible with the remainder of the control system . continuing to refer to fig4 if the spike 56 appearing at junction j2 coincidental with the negative - going edge 27 of a square wave 50 is of a relatively small magnitude and therefore does not cross the threshold voltage 64 at junction j4 , comparator 32 does not change states leaving the output 33 of comparator 32 at a low voltage which appears at junction j3 . this state of comparator 32 is indicative of a touch condition of touch sensitive device ( 10 &# 39 ;). referring now to fig5 a touch control system 80 is shown which includes a second embodiment of a detection means 90 constructed in accordance with the present invention . in addition to detection means 90 touch control system 80 further includes a means 22 for providing a series of electrical drive pulses of the type previously described in fig2 an equivalent electrical circuit 10 &# 39 ; of the touch sensitive device 10 illustrated in fig1 and a means 28 for providing a series of electrical pulses for enabling detection means 90 also of the type previously described in fig2 . each of the means 22 and 28 and the equivalent circuit 10 &# 39 ; are identical to the corresponding elements shown in fig2 ; accordingly , the same identifying numerals have been used to identify these elements in fig5 . the improved detection means 90 of my invention includes a conventional high gain differential comparator 92 of the type previously described in fig2 . the positive (+) input of the comparator 92 is electrically coupled to the touch sensitive device ( 10 &# 39 ;) at junction k2 and therefore is responsive to the electrical signal transmitted by capacitance means 24 and 26 . the negative (-) input of comparator 92 is electrically coupled through the wiper 96 &# 39 ; of a potentiometer 96 to a voltage divider network consisting of resistors 94 and 98 and potentiometer 96 . the voltage divider network is coupled across a dc power supply source having a positive side (+ dc ) and a negative side 108 . by setting the potentiometer 96 a threshold or reference voltage is established along line k4 for comparator 92 which allows comparator 92 to discriminate between touch and no - touch conditions of touch sensitive device ( 10 &# 39 ;). the output 93 of comparator 92 is electrically coupled at junction k3 through a resistor 104 to a means 110 for defining a time period for at least one of the states of comparator 92 . means 110 for defining a time period includes a resistor 100 in a positive feedback loop which is electrically coupled to the positive (+) input of comparator 92 at junction k2 . output 93 of comparator 92 is in addition electrically coupled at junction k3 to the output 106 of touch control system 80 and through resistors 102 and 104 to means 28 for providing electrical pulses for enabling detection means 90 at junction k5 . as illustrated in fig5 this embodiment of my detection means 90 is responsive to the positive going edge 21 of the electrical drive pulses provided by means 22 . with the exception of the polarities of the various waveforms appearing at junctions k1 , k2 , k3 , k4 , and k5 , the operation of touch control system 80 is identical to the operation of touch control system 20 described hereinabove . accordingly , for a detailed description of the operation of touch control system 80 reference is made to the above described operation of touch control system 20 . in view of the above description of the embodiments of my invention it will be seen that the several objects of my invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained and that further modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as defined in the appended claims . | US-89575578-A |
an electronic circuit assembly comprises a substrate and circuit components attached to the substrate by means of an electrically conductive adhesive , wherein the adhesive is releasable under predetermined release conditions , whereby to enable the circuit components to be removed from the substrate for recovery or re - use . | fig1 ( a ) shows an embodiment of a printed circuit assembly 10 according to the invention , comprising a rigid substrate ( or ‘ rigidiser ’) 2 , a releasable non - conductive adhesive layer 4 , a flexible substrate 6 , printed flexible conductive tracking 8 , a pattern of releasable electrically conductive adhesive 12 , and electronic circuit components 14 . the flexible substrate 6 is provided with the conductive tracking 8 , which may be printed on its surface , in order to provide the necessary circuit tracks for connection of the electronic components to form the circuit . the tracking also provides for electrical connection with external components ( e . g . power supplies , external circuits , etc ) to which the assembly 10 may be connected by means of connectors 16 , 18 provided at ends of the flexible substrate . the circuit provided on the flexible substrate may comprise multiple layers of conductive tracking ( not shown ) as required , which may be separated where necessary by insulating or dielectric layers . the tracking may be printed onto the flexible substrate in the form of a conductive ink or other flexible conductor , and the flexible substrate may also have certain electrical components integrally formed on its surface ( e . g . resistances , switches , connection points ) which may form part of the circuit of the completed assembly 10 . the flexible substrate 6 is mounted to the rigid substrate 2 by means of the releasable adhesive layer 4 , which in this case may be non - conductive . the rigid substrate provides rigidity to the completed assembly , if required , but the electrical circuitry may be contained exclusively on and within the flexible substrate 6 , which may also be capable of providing the required circuit without the presence of the rigid substrate 2 . additional electric circuit components 14 , which may be higher value electronic components including integrated circuits or microprocessors , are mounted onto the flexible substrate 6 by means of electrically conductive releasable adhesive 12 , which is provided by any appropriate means ( e . g . screen printing or stencil printing , or other suitable dot dispense printing techniques ) into a pattern on the flexible substrate 6 and tracking 8 in order both to secure the components 14 in place and make the required electrical connections of the components 14 within the circuit . fig1 ( b ) shows the layers of assembly 10 in cross - section : the flexible substrate 6 and tracking layers 8 , together with appropriate bonding layers 5 , form a flexible circuit layer 7 , which is mounted to the rigid substrate 2 by means of the releasable non - conductive adhesive layer 4 . conductive releasable adhesive layer 12 provides an electrical connection pattern , as well as a secure but releasable adhesive mounting , for electrical circuit components 14 . the complete assembly is shown in fig2 , which shows the flexible circuit layer 7 affixed to the rigid substrate 2 , with the electrical circuit components 14 mounted on top of the combined rigid and flexible substrates . it can be seen that the flexible circuit layer 7 in this example provides for external connections by means of extending flexible portions 7 a , 7 b which do not overlie an area of rigid substrate 2 , since no additional components are required to be supported in these regions , and therefore no additional rigidity is necessary , and these portions can be used to provide flexible connection leads . the circuit assembly of fig2 might form , for example , a lighting control circuit , where one end of the flexible circuit layer is connected to a power source , and the other end is connected to a lighting circuit , by means of the connectors 16 , 18 ( not shown in fig2 ). however , the assembly may be used to provide any kind of electrical circuitry in place of conventional printed circuit boards . the adhesive layer 4 ensures secure connection of the flexible circuitry to the rigid substrate 2 during conventional operating conditions of the circuit assembly , and likewise the conductive adhesive layer 12 provides both the required electrical connections and the physical securing of the components 14 . at the end of the life of the circuit , instead of being disposed of in landfill as is conventional , the assembly can be disassembled to its major constituent parts by releasing , or unzipping , the releasable adhesive layers by applying the release conditions . depending on the adhesives , these conditions may involve exposing the adhesive to a temperature , or solvent , which is not encountered during normal operation of the circuit , but which is simple to apply without being onerous in terms of energy use . for example , the adhesives may be engineered to release on being raised to a temperature of around 80 - 100 ° c ., which is outside the normal operating temperature , but requires much less energy than the recovery of precious metals in a furnace . alternatively , the adhesives may be water soluble , and be engineered to release on exposure to hot water . different adhesives within the assembly may have different release conditions , allowing them to be released separately , if required . in a typical example , in order to recover the constituent parts of the assembly , it is merely necessary to place the assembly in hot water for a short while , in order to soften and initiate the water - releasable adhesive . the circuit components can then be easily separated from the flexible substrate , e . g . by gently sweeping or scraping them along the surface to the edge , and the components are then recovered for recycling , reuse or separate disposal . likewise , the flexible circuit layer can be peeled from the rigid substrate on release of the adhesive layer 2 . in this way , the complete working assembly can be quickly and easily reduced to its constituent parts as shown in fig3 , which shows the separated rigid substrate 2 , flexible circuit layer 7 and electrical circuit components 14 . other arrangements may be provided for separating the components , for example using a steam jet to heat the adhesive , while also physically separating the components from the substrate , resulting in a very fast and effective recovery . it has also been found that by peeling the flexible substrate from the rigid substrate with a sufficiently small radius of peeling , the circuit components can be simultaneously removed from the flexible substrate , resulting in a complete disassembly in one operation . in the illustrated embodiment , the rigid substrate may be a polyester substrate , which typically makes up around 70 % of the weight of the assembly in the embodiment shown . this arrangement leads to a printed circuit assembly which may be around 90 % recyclable . the same technique may be used to apply the flexible circuit layer to many different kinds of rigid substrate material for support , due to the simplicity of the adhesive attachment , and the rigid substrate is not limited to that illustrated and described in this embodiment . furthermore , the flexible circuit layer need not be provided with a rigid substrate at all , if sufficient support for any components which are present can be achieved without such a rigid substrate , or otherwise , smaller rigid substrates may be used only in parts of the circuit , and other areas may be provided only with a flexible substrate . alternatively , electrical circuit components may be attached directly to a rigid substrate or other circuit board provided with appropriate conductive tracking , and the components may be attached using a conductive releasable adhesive as described above , but without the presence of the flexible layer . it has been found that the use of a rigid substrate facilitates the removal of the components from the assembly , although the components can also be removed easily where they are provided on only a flexible substrate . the flexible substrate may be formed from polyimide , pen or pet , or any other material suitable for this application , which will be apparent to the skilled person . the described system of releasable adhesive attachment can be used with both two - dimensional and three - dimensional ( planar and non - planar ) circuitry , which may comprise rigid or flexible structures . for example , circuitry can be formed to fit over a three - dimensional curved surface on which it is required to be located , either by forming the circuit on a flexible substrate or forming it as a rigid structure but having the required shape . various different releasable adhesives may be used in the invention . suitable materials will be apparent to the skilled person from the properties specified for the various adhesives in the description below . in different embodiments , different types of adhesives may be required , and may be used in various combinations as appropriate , depending on the presence or absence of a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate , etc . typically , a first adhesive may be required (‘ bond a ’) to releasably join the rigid substrate to the flexible substrate , where present . further materials are typically required ( bond b ) to form the flexible circuit layer on the flexible substrate , and may include conductive and non - conductive inks , used as appropriate to form the required circuitry . further conductive adhesive may be required ( bond c ) to releasably connect additional electrical circuit components onto the flexible circuit layer . in one form , the adhesives are engineered to utilise thermoplastic properties of the adhesive material in such a way that the adhesive is sufficiently set at the operating temperature range of the circuit to securely mount the components in place , but at the elevated release temperature , the components can be easily separated . such thermoplastic materials have the benefit that they can be reused ( e . g . circuit components can be removed and replaced using the same adhesive ), whereas water soluble adhesives cannot . furthermore , thermoplastic adhesives can allow for movement and repositioning of components during processing . however , water soluble releasable adhesives may be preferred in some embodiments , depending on the required release conditions . suitable polymeric non - conductive adhesives can be engineered for use in conductive applications by the incorporation of conductive particles ( e . g . silver ) into the polymer structure . in summary , therefore , the adhesives may comprise non - conductive thermoplastic adhesives selected to provide an appropriate release temperature for the circuit components ( e . g . above 80 ° c ., between 80 - 100 ° c ., or above 100 ° c .). the adhesives may be selected to be suitable for application to the substrates by screen printing or bar coating . alternatively , the adhesives may comprise water soluble adhesives . appropriate conductive adhesives , where required , may be formed by incorporating conductive particles , e . g . silver particles , into the non - conductive adhesives , in a known manner . any of the adhesives and inks may undergo an appropriate curing step after application to the relevant substrate . examples of types of adhesive suitable for use in the invention are described below . bond a — non - conductive adhesives which may be used to join the rigid substrate to the rest of the circuitry this high - grab adhesive is thermally releasable , and has been designed to be screen printed , or bar coated , onto rigid and flexible substrates , that can then be bonded by pressing or rolling together . at the end of the component &# 39 ; s life the adhesive strength may be weakened by heating to 100 ° c ., and separating the rigidiser from the flexible substrate , enabling recycling of both parts . cross link thermoset , cyclic amine allows cross link density to be controlled . polymer unzippable — the polymer network breaks up on heating . this adhesive has been designed to be screen printed onto rigid and flexible substrates , that can then be bonded by pressing or rolling together . the adhesive strength may be weakened by immersion in hot water , and separating the rigidiser from the flexible substrate , enabling recycling of both parts . bond b — materials which may be used in the flexible circuit layer this insulation ink is a thermoplastic , screen - printing product , developed for use in flexible polymer applications . it may be printed on to flexible polymeric substrates , such as polyimide and pet substrates , to create an insulation layer over conductive tracks for general circuit applications . it is compatible with the range of silver products described below , in order to construct simple circuits . the ink has under gone testing to show that it is very flexible and provides sufficient electrical insulation . this product is a thermoplastic , screen - printing silver ink . it may be screen - printed on to flexible polymeric substrates , such as polyimide , pen and pet , to create a highly conductive track for general circuitry . the ink has under gone electrical and mechanical testing which has shown that it is very flexible and has good conductivity . the printed silver tracks are soluble in most organic solvents , hence the substrates may be reused at the end of the component &# 39 ; s life . bond c — conductive adhesives which may be used to connect the electrical circuit components to the rest of the circuitry this silver ink can be used in a wide range of applications , as a conductive adhesive for component attach , it has excellent chemical resistance with good adhesion . it may be screen - printed on to flexible polymeric substrates , such as polyimide , pen and pet . this product is based on a unique curing process that results in a low temperature formation of a thermosetting conductive coating . this silver adhesive may be unzipped by immersion in hot water . this silver ink can be used in a wide range of applications , as a conductive adhesive for component attach . it has excellent chemical resistance combined with good adhesion . it is designed to be stencil - printed and has a higher viscosity for this reason . this product is based on a unique curing process that results in a low temperature formation of a thermosetting conductive coating that combines excellent chemical , solvent and abrasion resistance . the components may be removed from the substrate by breaking this bond . this is done by immersion in hot water . | US-201313750184-A |
a valve assembly to dispense fluid from fluid containers including a member that is rotatably slideable in a tube between open and closed positions . the valve assembly utilizes sealing beads to provide seals so that fluid cannot be dispensed from the assembly when the assembly is in the closed position . the valve assembly also includes a tamper evident indicator to show a user whether or not the valve assembly has been previously actuated . the tamper evident indicator may include a tab that is broken when the valve assembly is first actuated . the tamper evident indicator may also include a skirt that either detaches from a knob or fractures when the valve assembly is first actuated . | one embodiment of the valve assembly 10 of the present invention has a configuration as shown in fig1 in which the assembly 10 is already connected to a fluid container 12 . in this embodiment the valve assembly 10 is fully assembled and may be attached to the fluid container 12 a number of ways . it may be mechanically attached to a suitable outlet of the fluid container 12 or the valve assembly 10 may be directly attached to the container 12 . in the embodiment shown in fig1 through 4 , the valve assembly 10 includes a housing 14 that is sealed to a wall of the fluid container 12 . the valve assembly 10 may be made of plastic or other suitable materials . the valve assembly 10 also includes an open tube 16 that is connected to the housing 14 by an inlet 18 through which fluid can flow from the container 12 . the inlet 18 is connected near a first open end 20 of the tube 14 ; it is through this first open end that fluid is dispensed from the valve assembly 10 . the valve assembly 10 also includes a member 22 ( fig3 , 5 ) which has a knob 24 that is attached to one end of the member 22 . the knob 24 can be any device that can be easily rotated by a user . in one embodiment , the knob 24 includes two grooves 26 that are located on opposite sides of the knob 24 . when the member 22 is inserted into the tube 16 , two protrusions 28 located on the outside wall of the tube 16 , near the second open end , are fitted into the grooves 26 as shown in fig1 . the grooves 26 are angled in such a way that the member 22 slides within the tube 16 when the knob 24 is rotated . as shown in fig1 , the protrusions 28 are visible to the user when they are within the two grooves 26 of the knob 24 . in the valve assembly 10 shown in fig1 there is also included a tamper evident indicator in the form of tabs 30 located in grooves 26 of the knob 24 . when the valve assembly 10 is initially in the closed position , the tabs 30 are located near or preferably adjacent to the protrusions 28 such that when the valve assembly 10 is first actuated by turning the knob 24 , the protrusions 28 break the tabs 30 evidencing that the valve assembly 10 had been actuated . the tabs 30 can either fully bridge the grooves 26 , as shown in fig1 , or can partially bridge the grooves 26 . the tabs 30 may also serve an additional purpose of initially locking the valve assembly 10 into the closed position so that during shipment the valve assembly 10 is not inadvertently opened or actuated . another embodiment of the valve assembly 10 is shown in fig2 , wherein the tamper evident indicator is in the form of a skirt 34 connected to the knob 24 . that embodiment also includes a flange 36 located on the outside wall of the tube 16 . when the knob 24 is first rotated to actuate the valve assembly 10 , the skirt 34 detaches from the knob 24 , evidencing that the valve assembly 10 has been actuated . this is clearly shown in fig3 and 4 , where the valve assembly is in the closed position in fig3 and in the open position in fig4 . the skirt 34 is attached to the knob 24 in fig3 and detached in fig4 . in this embodiment , when the skirt 34 is detached it rests on flange 36 on the outside wall of the tube 16 . detachment of the skirt 34 from the knob 24 during actuation can be accomplished in a number of ways . one way is to have projections ( not shown ) on the skirt 34 that engage the wall of the tube 16 so that the skirt 34 cannot be rotated in conjunction with the knob 24 . when the knob 24 is rotated the projections engage the wall of the tube 16 exerting a force onto the skirt 34 which results in detaching it from the knob 24 evidencing that the valve assembly 10 has been actuated . another way of detaching the skirt 34 is to provide projections ( not shown ) on the outside wall of the tube in such a manner that when the knob 24 is rotated the projections sever a plurality of strips 38 attaching the skirt 34 to the knob 24 . in other embodiments of the present invention , the skirt 34 may fracture , evidencing that the valve assembly 10 has been actuated . as with the previous embodiment , the skirt 34 may also serve the additional purpose of locking the valve assembly 10 into the closed position so that during shipment the valve assembly 10 does not inadvertently open . when the member 22 is fitted into the tube 16 , the second open end 40 of the tube 16 fits into a groove 26 formed by the knob 24 and the outside of the member 22 . at the same time , the protrusions 28 near the second open end 40 of the tube 16 fit into the grooves 26 of the knob 24 . fig3 illustrates the interaction between the member 22 and the tube 16 . the valve assembly 10 illustrated in fig3 is in the closed position . in that position , the valve assembly 10 provides a seal around an inlet 18 so that fluid is not dispensed from the container 12 . that seal is provided by at least two sealing beads . in the embodiment shown in fig3 to 6 , three sealing beads 42 , 44 and 46 are used . the sealing beads 42 , 44 and 46 are continuous protrusions or rings on the inside wall of the tube 16 . the first sealing bead 42 is located between the first open end 20 of the tube 16 and the inlet 18 . the second sealing bead 44 is located between the second open end 40 and the inlet 18 . the third sealing bead 46 is located between the second sealing bead 44 and the second open end 40 . in the closed position , the side of the member 22 and the sealing beads 42 , 44 and 46 come together and provide a tight seal so that fluid cannot pass and fluid cannot be dispensed from the container 12 . the sealing beads 42 , 44 and 46 can be easily seen in fig5 . in this embodiment the wall of tube 16 between the second open end 20 and the inlet 18 is tapered . this can be seen in fig6 which shows an enlarged view of the valve assembly 10 in the closed position . the portion of the member 22 which is in contact with the first sealing bead 42 is also tapered . such tapered regions interact to provide a tight seal as the member 22 slides into the closed position . to open the valve assembly 10 , a user turns the knob 24 and the member 22 rotatably slides away from the inlet 18 . the seal between the first sealing bead 42 near the first open end 20 of the tube 16 and the sides of the member 22 is then broken and the member 16 is removed from the inlet 18 . when the valve is in the open position , the seals between the second and third sealing beads 44 and 46 and the member 22 remain so that fluid does not exit through the second open end 40 of the tube 16 . rather , fluid flows only through the first open end 20 of the tube 16 . the open position of the assembly is shown in fig4 . a detent 32 as shown in fig1 and 2 can be used to hold the valve assembly 10 in either the open or closed positions . in another embodiment of the present invention , the entire member 22 and the entire tube 16 are tapered . as the member 22 slides into the tube 16 , the seal between the sides of the member 22 and the sealing beads 42 , 44 and 46 tighten . in yet another embodiment of the present invention , the sealing beads 42 , 44 and 46 are on the side of the member 22 and , together with the wall of the tube 16 , provide the seals in the valve assembly 10 . it should also be understood that the size of the sealing beads 42 , 44 and 46 may vary depending on the dimensions of the member 22 and / or tube 16 . although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments , those skilled 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 . | US-4367205-A |
a method for fitting a cylinder assembly into an internal combustion cylinder housing includes the steps of gripping the connected rod - pin - piston assembly with a gripper or clamp and lowering the connected rod - pin - piston assembly , gripped by the gripper or clamp , onto the head surface of the engine cylinder . the connected rod - pin - piston assembly is then inserted into the engine cylinder being thrust by an actuator passing through the gripper or clamp . | referring to fig1 an engine housing 1 is schematically represented with a head surface 21 and four cylinders 2 , each intended to be fitted with a connected rod - pin - piston assembly a , the connected rod - pin - piston assembly a being comprised a rod 3 , a pin 4 , and a piston 6 , under the action of a mounting press 7 a equipped with actuators 8 . as previously indicated , tightening of the piston rings 9 on the pistons 6 and mounting of the connected rod - pin - piston assemblies a , each connected rod - pin - piston assembly a being comprised of a rod 3 , a pin 4 , and a piston 6 , using a mounting press and actuator system , as shown in fig1 require the operator to position a necking cone 11 on the opening o of each cylinder 2 , as well as the connected rod - pin - piston assemblies a , each connected rod - pin - piston assembly a being comprised of a rod 3 , a pin 4 , and a piston 6 , in the cones 11 before lowering of the actuators 8 . when the same mounting press 7 a is used for the assembly of different engines , it is necessary to arrange specific necking cones 11 for each engine . the diversification of engines on the same site therefore results in multiplying the number of parts references handled on the latter . in accordance with the present invention , the mounting of connected rod - pin - piston assemblies a in the cylinder housing i is carried out mechanically , without necking cones 11 . referring to fig2 it is seen that the clamp 12 is capable of : supporting a connected rod - pin - piston assembly a being comprised of a rod 3 , a pin 4 , and a piston 6 ; guiding that connected rod - pin - piston assembly a opposite the opening o of a cylinder 2 ; and contracting the piston rings 9 on lowering of the jack 16 . the clamps 12 , suspended from the frame 13 of the mounting press 7 or fastened to the end of a robot ( not represented ), are provided with a center hole 14 allowing passage of a jack 16 and fingers 17 , which grip the pistons 6 . fig3 and 4 show that the body 18 of the clamp 12 is supports a plurality of jaws 19 in a radially direction of the body 18 of the clamp 12 , and a finger 17 is fastened on each of the jaws 19 , bringing the piston rings 9 in contact , so as to tighten the piston rings 9 on the pistons 6 , on closing the clamp 12 . mounting of the connected rod - pin - piston assemblies a , each connected rod - pin - piston assembly a being comprised of a rod 3 , a pin 4 , and a piston 6 , in the cylinders 2 is carried out as follows . when the clamp 12 is in a high position , each connected rod - pin - piston assembly a is gripped by a clamp 12 , provided by a robot , or on a machine frame . the clamp 12 is then lowered on the piston 6 , which enters a center hole 14 in the body 18 of the clamp 12 . closing of the clamp 12 on the piston 6 is carried out by the inward radial displacement of the jaws 19 and therefore , of the fingers 17 , which tighten the piston rings 9 . the clamp 12 holding the piston 6 is then lowered until the fingers 17 , still tightened around the piston 6 , come to rest on the top or head surface 21 of the housing 1 . finally , actual mounting is carried out by lowering of the jacks 16 , which drive the pistons 6 inside each cylinder 2 . the advantages of the present invention are numerous . in the first place , it makes it possible to mount connected rod - pin - piston assemblies of different types with the same equipment , for the clamps adapt themselves to the diameter of the pistons they grip , without having to handle accessories , such as specific necking cones , for each engine . furthermore , those clamps have a triple function , since they are capable of gripping the pistons , tightening the piston rings and positioning the connected rod - pin - piston assemblies at the cylinder entrance , before the actual mounting operation . the elimination of manual positioning of the necking cone and piston makes it possible to reduce mounting cycle times considerably . finally , it is to be noted that the number and shape of the fingers of the clamp or shape of the jaws can be very variable without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention , the working example illustrated by the figures not being limitative in that regard . | US-78791401-A |
a portable device which incorporates a body unit and a display unit incorporating a display screen formed on the front surface and / or the rear surface . the body unit includes sidewalls formed projecting forwards from the left and right side surfaces of the body unit so as to allow the display unit to rest in a stable fashion . each sidewall of the body unit has a holding member of which one end is secured to one region of the sidewall . a portion of the holding member is positioned inside the display unit . a movement hole is formed in the side surface of the display unit . a portion of the holding member passes through the movement hole so as to allow the display unit to slide on the main body . | reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention , examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below . it is to be understood that the accompanying drawings are illustrated for the enhancement of understanding of the present invention . it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that the scope of the invention is not defined by the accompanying drawings . fig1 is a perspective view showing a portable device according to an embodiment of the invention . the portable device includes a display unit 110 and a body unit 120 . the display unit 110 includes a first display 130 , and is positioned such that a first surface 135 faces forward . buttons 140 can be positioned in the upper portions of the left and right sections of the body unit 120 . here , the state in which the first display 130 , i . e . a wide display , faces forward is defined as a first mode of the portable device , whereas the state in which a second display 170 smaller than the first display 130 faces forward is defined as a second mode of the portable device . although the first display 130 is defined to be greater than the second display 170 for the sake of description , the scope of the invention is not limited thereto . rather , the sizes of displays can vary depending on the design . fig2 is a view showing the display unit of the portable device according to an embodiment of the invention which is slid and rotated to a predetermined angle . the display unit 110 can slide upward and parallel to the body unit 120 . after the display unit 110 has completed sliding , the display unit 110 can rotate about a reference shaft . the portable device 100 which has rotated to a predetermined angle can expose a keyboard 160 inside the body unit 120 . the keyboard 160 is exposed outward when the portable device is converted from the first mode into another mode . in this state , a user can use the portable device as a computer using the keyboard 160 and the first display 130 . fig3 is a view showing the second surface of the display unit of the portable device according to an embodiment of the invention which is directed upward . when the display unit 110 shown in fig2 is rotated further ( e . g . to 180 degrees ), the display unit is coupled with the body unit . that is , the portable device is arranged such that a second surface 175 of the display unit 110 faces upward . the second display 170 and a keypad 180 can be disposed on the second surface 175 . as defined above , the state of the portable device in which the second display 170 faces upward can be defined as the second mode . the user can use the portable device as a mobile phone using the second display 170 and the keypad 180 . although an example for the keypad 180 and the second display 170 is shown in fig3 in order to describe the concept of the invention , the scope of the invention is not limited thereto . the arrangement of keys of the keypad 180 and the shape , size or the like of the second display 170 can be changed . detailed descriptions will be given below of respective components of portable devices according to various embodiments of the invention . fig4 a is an exploded perspective view showing respective components of a portable device according to a first embodiment of the invention , and fig4 b shows only the display unit of these components . the body unit 120 of the portable device has sidewalls 410 on left and right sections of the body unit . the sidewalls 410 protrude such that they face left and right side surfaces of the display unit 110 so that the display unit 110 can rest therebetween . the body unit 120 also has fixed hinge shafts 400 which are respectively fixed to predetermined portions of the sidewalls 410 . the fixed hinge shafts 400 are partially located inside the display unit 110 . the display unit 110 has movement holes 425 formed in side surfaces thereof . predetermined portions of the fixed hinge shafts 400 respectively extend through the movement holes 425 such that the display unit 110 can slide on the body unit 120 . circular holes 435 are respectively formed on terminal ends of the movement holes 425 such that the fixed hinge shafts 400 rotate inside the circular holes 435 when the display unit 110 rotates . the display unit 110 can include protrusions 430 on both side surfaces thereof , the protrusions extending in the vertical direction . the protrusions 430 can be formed on predetermined portions of the side surfaces of the display unit 110 such that the display unit 110 can rotate about the body unit 120 . first guide recesses 405 are respectively formed in inner surfaces of the sidewalls 410 of the body unit 120 such that the protrusions 430 of the display unit 110 can be inserted into and slide in the guide recesses 405 . second guide recesses 415 can be respectively formed in the front sections of the sidewalls 410 of the body unit 120 such that the display unit 110 can closely adjoin the body unit 120 after having rotated about the body unit 120 . the first guide recesses 405 of the body unit 120 and the protrusions 430 of the display unit 110 serve to prevent vibration when the display unit 110 is sliding , so that the display unit 110 can smoothly slide . portions where the fixed hinge shafts 400 are respectively coupled with the sidewalls 410 of the body unit 120 are higher than portions in which the first guide recesses 405 are formed and are located in the inner side surfaces of the sidewalls 410 of the body unit 120 . that is , the fixed hinge shafts 400 are located adjacent to end portions of the sidewalls 410 , serve as the center of rotation when the display unit 110 rotates , and serve as a stopper which prevents the display unit 110 from sliding any further when the display unit 110 is moving in the second mode after having slid in the first mode . a recess 480 which extends in the lateral direction , i . e . in the left - right direction , can be formed in the upper portion of the area of the body unit 120 between the sidewalls 410 . the recess 480 helps the display unit 110 smoothly rotate without interruption , and serves to support and guide the display unit 110 . the keyboard 160 can be disposed in a portion below the recess 480 . recesses can be respectively formed in the surfaces of the body unit 120 that face the sidewalls . due to this configuration , interlock members 450 which are coupled with the fixed hinge shafts 400 can be formed on terminal ends of the fixed hinge shafts 400 . here , it is preferred that the interlock members have a cylindrical shape such that the display unit 110 can rotate . rotation holding members 485 can also be provided . when the display unit slides , the rotation holding members 485 integrally move along with the display unit 110 . when the display unit 110 rotates , the rotation holding members 485 are coupled with the interlock member 450 and serve as the center of rotation together with the interlock member 450 . each of the rotation holding members 485 can have an elastic member 475 on one end thereof which provides elastic force . the side cross - section of the rotation holding members 485 can have a shape selected from among a circle , a quadrangle , a polygon or the like . it is preferred that the fixed hinge shafts 400 be configured such that the central portion thereof is bent . each of the interlock members 450 can have a first linear recess 455 in a surface which is opposite the surface coupled with the corresponding fixed hinge shaft 400 . the first linear recess 455 is formed parallel to the direction in which the display unit 110 slides . each of the interlock members 450 can also has one or more second linear recesses 460 which are formed at a different angle from the first linear recess 455 . each of the rotation holding members 485 has a linear protrusion 470 on the surface thereof that faces the corresponding sidewall 410 of the body unit 120 . the linear protrusion 470 is parallel to the direction in which the display unit slides . each linear protrusion 470 of the rotation holding member can be configured such that it can be inserted into at least one of the first linear recess 455 and the second linear recesses 460 . the first linear recesses 455 are closed only in one direction . this is because the first linear recesses 455 must be closed in one direction such that the linear protrusions 470 of the rotation holding members 485 are caught so that the display unit 110 which has slid from the first mode is fixed just before it rotates . in addition , the display unit 110 can also include guide rails 420 on inner walls of the front or rear surface thereof . the guide rails 420 are formed along a path along which the bent central portions of the fixed hinge shafts 400 move during the sliding . the guide rail 420 can protect the inside of the display unit 110 which would otherwise be exposed through the movement holes 425 . in particular , since cables or the like which are located inside the display unit 110 can be damaged through the movement holes 425 , the guide rails 420 protect these components . the guide rails also serve to help the display unit move along the fixed hinge shafts 400 without vibration . in addition , it is preferred that the inside of the display unit 110 in which predetermined portions of the fixed hinge shafts 400 are located have a cylindrical shape . that is , the circular holes 435 formed in the display unit 110 have a cylindrical shape . fig5 a to fig5 d are perspective views showing the display unit of the portable device according to an embodiment of the invention which has sequentially moved about the body unit . fig5 a shows the display unit 110 and the body unit 120 of the portable device which closely adjoin each other , in which the first surface of the display unit 110 faces forward . in this state , a user can slide the display unit 110 by applying force thereto in two o &# 39 ; clock direction on the paper surface . then , the display unit 110 can smoothly move and slide , since the protrusions 430 closely adjoin the first guide recesses of the sidewalls , thereby reducing vibration . the elastic members 475 and the rotation holding members 485 integrally move with the display unit 110 , since they are fixed to the display unit 110 . fig5 b is a view showing the state in which the display unit 110 has completed sliding and cannot slide any further . after the display unit 110 has started sliding , the display unit 110 stops sliding at the moment that the linear protrusions 470 of the rotation holding members 485 are inserted into the recesses of the interlock members 450 . since the recesses of the interlock members 450 are partially closed by stepped portions , the display unit cannot move further outward in the horizontal direction . while the display unit 110 is sliding , the movement holes 425 stay closed by the guide rails 420 . therefore , it is possible to prevent external foreign matters from entering the inside of the display unit 110 . it is also possible to prevent a cable from being damaged by a sharp tool such as an awl . in addition , the cable 510 is disposed such that it is drawn from the body unit 120 and extends through the central portion of the fixed hinge shaft 400 . after the cable 510 is drawn downward of the display unit 110 from the central portion of the fixed hinge shaft 400 , it is twisted or bent once , and extends across the space below the fixed hinge shaft 400 . after the cable 510 passes through the space below the fixed hinge shaft 400 , it is twisted or bent once and then adjoins and is coupled with the area of the display unit 110 adjacent to the ceiling . alternatively , the cable 510 adjoins and is coupled with the area of the display unit 110 opposite the ceiling without being twisted or bent . fig5 c is a view showing the display unit 110 which has rotated and is at an incline when the display unit 110 is rotated about the sidewalls 410 . when the display unit has completed sliding , the linear protrusions 470 of the rotation holding members are inserted into the horizontal recesses of the interlock members 450 attached to the terminal ends of the fixing hinge shafts 400 of the display unit 110 . when force for rotating the display unit 110 is applied in this state , the rotation holding members 485 , each of which has each elastic member 475 inserted into one end thereof , slightly retract due to elastic contraction . when the display unit 110 is rotated further from this position , the linear protrusions 470 of the rotation holding members 485 can be engaged into one or more recesses that have a different angle from the horizontal recesses of the interlock members 450 . that is , the linear protrusions 470 of the rotation holding members 485 are inserted into the recesses of the interlock members 450 due to elastic force generated by the elastic members 475 . in this fashion , the display unit 110 is fixed at a predetermined angle ( e . g . 30 °, 45 °, 60 ° or the like ) with respect to the body unit 120 . consequently , the user can use the portable device as a small computer using the keyboard 160 disposed on the body unit 120 and the first display 130 of the display unit 110 . a variety of commercially distributed operating systems ( os ) loaded in the portable device in order to control the operation of the portable device . fig5 d is a view showing the display unit 110 which has been rotated further from the position shown in fig3 c so that the second display 170 and the keypad of the display unit face forward . when force for rotating the display unit 110 is applied , the linear protrusions 470 on terminal ends of the rotation holding members of the display unit are forced to dislodge from the interlock members 450 . this force causes the elastic members 475 to be pushed backward and the linear protrusions 470 are dislodged from the recesses . since the linear protrusions 470 of the rotation holding members 485 are dislodged from the recesses of the interlock members 450 , the display unit 110 can be rotated by a small amount of force . the rotation fixing shafts 400 act as the center of rotation , and are surrounded by the circular holes 435 which are formed in the side surfaces of the display unit 110 and have the shape of a cylinder , so that the rotation can be smoothly carried out . when the rotation has been completed , the protrusions 430 of the display unit 110 are closely inserted into the second guide recesses 415 of the body unit 120 . it is preferred that the sidewalls 410 and the inserted protrusions 430 be designed such that there are no stepped portions therebetween . fig6 a is a front view showing a portable device according to an embodiment of the invention . in addition to the above - described features , the body unit 120 has another advantage in that the thickness of the central portion of the body unit 120 can be reduced by disposing batteries 610 in both side sections such that they are oriented at predetermined angles . in addition , the bottom of the body unit 120 can be made of metal . when the bottom of the body unit 120 is made of metal , it is possible to easily dissipate heat that has been generated from a printed circuit board ( pcb ) 615 which is located in the central portion of the body unit and on which components and circuits are mounted . consequently , it is not required to dispose an additional heat dissipating member inside the body unit 120 , which is advantageous . the body unit 120 also has the keyboard 160 on the top portion thereof . the display unit 110 includes the first display 130 , the second display 170 and the keypad 180 . the first display 130 of the display unit 110 basically operates together with the keyboard 160 of the body unit 120 , and is operated by a processor , a memory or the like which is equipped in the body unit 120 . signals can be transmitted between the keyboard 160 and the first display 130 via the cable 510 . in addition , the cable 510 also allows semiconductor components , processors and memories which are disposed on the pcb 615 of the body unit 120 to share resources with semiconductor components , processors and memories which are disposed on a pcb 630 of the display unit 110 . that is , the processors or memories in one part can use resources of the processors or memories in the other part when their capacities are insufficient . fig6 b is a side elevation view showing the portable device according to an embodiment of the invention . the movement holes 425 or protrusions 430 can be formed in both side surfaces of the display unit 110 , and the circular holes 435 can be formed on the terminal ends of the movement holes 425 . the protrusions 430 are configured such that they can respectively rest in the second guide recesses 415 of the body unit . fig7 a and fig7 b are enlarged views showing one of the fixed hinge shafts 400 of the portable device according to an embodiment of the invention . the fixed hinge shaft 400 is fixed to the sidewall 410 of the body unit 120 , and stays fixed to the body unit 120 without movement while the display unit 110 is rotating . in addition , the cable 510 is disposed through the inside of the fixed hinge shaft 400 , such that it is not damaged by external impacts in spite of rotation of the display unit 110 . the protrusion 430 of the display unit 110 rests in the first guide recess 405 of the body unit 120 . consequently , when the display unit 110 is sliding , vibration is not applied . the guide rail 420 is configured such that it can close the movement hole , thereby preventing foreign matters from entering and the inside cable or circuit from being damaged by a sharp object . the elastic member 475 provides the rotation holding member 485 with restoring force . the restoring force allows the protrusion 470 to be attached to or detached from the linear recess 455 . the body unit 120 can also include the pcb therein . a fixing stepped portion 476 which prevents the elastic member 475 from being dislodged outward , the fixing stepped portion 476 surrounding and fixing one end of the elastic member 475 . the elastic member 475 is disposed inside the insert recess 411 , and the central portion of the fixed hinge shaft has a flat shape . fig8 a is a perspective view showing a portable device according to another embodiment of the invention , and fig8 b is a front view showing the portable device according to another embodiment of the invention . in this embodiment , fixed hinge shafts 800 have a linear shape ( linear fixed hinge shafts ). the advantage is that the width of the display unit 110 can be decreased more . the display unit 110 can include protective films 850 inside the sidewalls thereof such that the fixed hinge shafts 800 have the linear shape . the display unit 110 includes the protective films 850 disposed inside the sidewalls thereof . the protective films 850 close the movement holes 425 of the display unit 110 from the outside , and can be made of an elastic material . since the protective films 850 which can close the movement holes 425 are provided in place of the guide rails 420 which were described in the foregoing embodiment , the inside of the display unit 110 is protected . since the protective films 850 are made of an elastic material , they can be bent while the display unit 110 is sliding . in addition , each protective film 850 has a circular hole , which surrounds each central portion of the fixed hinge shafts 800 . protective film - receiving recesses 860 are formed in the horizontal direction in the upper part of the display unit 110 adjacent to the inner sidewall . as the display unit 110 slides on the body unit 120 , portions of the protective films can enter or exit the protective film - receiving recesses 860 . according to the embodiment shown in fig8 a , it shall be assumed that the display unit 110 slide in the first mode and be separated from the body unit 120 . specifically , the protective films 850 are located inside the protective film - receiving recesses 860 when the display unit 110 is in the first mode . as the display unit slides in the first mode , the protective films 850 slip from the protective film - receiving recesses 860 , thereby closing the movement holes 425 formed in the display unit 110 . in this embodiment , each of the fixed hinge shafts 800 is configured as two sections , and can also include a ring which surrounds the two sections in order to prevent the two sections from being widened by external force . fig9 a and fig9 b are enlarged views of one of the fixed hinge shafts 800 of the portable device according to another embodiment of the invention . the fixed hinge shaft 800 has a linear shape without bends , and an elastic member 810 is located adjacent to the fixed hinge shaft 800 . a coupling protrusion 830 is formed at a position outside the elastic member , and one or more coupling recesses 840 are formed in a rotation fixing section 820 which is opposite the coupling protrusion . since the horizontal recess of one or more coupling recesses 840 is closed at one end thereof as described above , the display unit 110 which has been sliding in the horizontal direction is fixed and stops . when rotating force is applied to the display unit 110 , the coupling protrusion 830 which has been supported by the elastic member 810 is decoupled from the coupling recess 840 and is then coupled with the coupling recess 840 having a different angle . based on this principle , the display unit 110 can be fixed at a predetermined angle with respect to the body unit 120 . according to this embodiment , the fixed hinge shaft 800 has a linear shape instead of a curved shape , it is possible to remove as much empty space as possible inside the display unit 110 , thereby advantageously reducing the width of the display unit 110 . fig1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of a portable device according to a second embodiment of the invention . in the second embodiment , the structures of a body unit 120 a , a display unit 110 a , sidewalls 410 a , protrusions 430 a , guide recesses 405 a , grooves 480 a , and a keyboard 160 a are the same as those of the first embodiment which are designated with corresponding reference numerals . therefore , descriptions thereof will be omitted herein for the sake of brevity . according to the second embodiment , holding members 485 a that can be considered to correspond to the rotation holding members 485 of the first embodiment are partially inserted into the sidewalls 410 a instead of the inside of the display unit 110 a . each of the holding members 485 a is configured such that one portion thereof is inserted into the sidewall 410 a and the other portion thereof is inserted into the display unit 110 a such that it can move . in addition , unlike the first embodiment , rotary hinge shafts 400 a which can be considered to correspond to the fixed hinge shafts 400 of the first embodiment are inserted into the display unit 110 a . each of the rotary hinge shafts 400 a is configured as a c - shaped ring in which a portion of the respective holding member 485 a that is inserted into the display unit 110 a can rest in the ring . thus , when the display unit 110 a slides on the body unit 120 a , the holding members 485 a are introduced into the openings of the rotary hinge shafts 400 a which are configured as a c - shaped ring . after the holding members 485 a have been introduced into the rotary hinge shafts 400 a , the rotary hinge shafts 400 a serve as a stopper , thereby causing the display unit 110 a to stop sliding on the body unit 120 a . the display unit 110 a has movement holes 425 a formed in the side surfaces thereof . predetermined portions of the holding members 485 a respectively extend through the movement holes 425 a such that the display unit 110 a can slide on the body unit 120 a . the width of each movement hole 425 a is determined to be equal to or greater than the width of the sliding surface of each holding member 485 a which protrudes beyond protrusions and recesses formed in the circumference of an interlock member 470 a , such that the holding member 485 a can smoothly move without friction . each holding member 485 a is located in the inner surface of the sidewall 410 a of the body unit 120 a , specifically , adjacent to one end of the inner surface ( i . e ., an end portion ), and serves as the center of rotation when the display unit 110 a rotates . when the display unit 110 a is moving in the second mode after having slid from the first mode , the holding member also acts as a stopper which prevents the display unit from sliding any further . the interlock member 470 a is formed on at least a portion of the holding member 485 a . the interlock member 470 a surrounds the outer circumference of the holding member 485 a and engages with the rotary hinge shaft 400 a . one end of the interlock member 470 a engages with the rotary hinge shaft 400 a , and the other end of the interlock member 470 a and one end of opposite ends of the holding member 480 a which is disposed inside the body unit 120 a are connected to each other via an elastic member 475 a which surrounds the outer circumference of the holding member 485 a . the elastic member 475 a provides the interlock member 470 a with elastic force that is in the axial direction of the holding member 485 a , using one end of the holding member 485 a as a fixed end . in the opposite ends of the elastic member 475 a , one end is fixed to the terminal end of the fixed member 485 a and the other end is fixed to one end of the interlock member 470 a in order to prevent the interlock member 470 a which surrounds the outer circumference of the holding member 485 a from being separated from the holding member 485 a . according to a preferred embodiment , as shown in fig1 , one end of the opposite ends of the holding member 485 a which is disposed inside the body unit 102 a has a fixing stepped portion . an insert recess can be formed in the fixing stepped portion . the distal end of the elastic member 475 a which has the shape of a spring can be inserted into the insert recess . the distal end that has been inserted into the insert recess can be bent and fixed to the insert recess . in addition , as shown in fig1 , a fixing stepped portion can also be formed on one end of the opposite ends of the interlock member 470 a which adjoins the elastic member 475 a . the distal end of the elastic member 475 a can be inserted into the insert recess formed in the fixing stepped portion of the interlock member 470 a . the distal end that has been inserted into the insert recess can be bent and fixed to the insert recess . in this fashion , the elastic member 475 a can be fixed between one end of the holding member 485 a and the interlock member 470 a , thereby preventing the interlock member 470 a from being separated or dislodged . the outer diameter of the interlock member 470 a is formed to be equal to the outer diameter of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a , such that the outer circumference of the interlock member 470 a adjoins and engages with the outer circumference of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a . a protrusion and a recess are respectively formed in the circumference of the interlock member 470 a and the circumference of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a . it is preferred that the circumference of the interlock member 470 a and the circumference of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a be formed in the shape of waves . when the recess of the interlock member 470 a and the protrusion of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a engage with each other or the protrusion of the interlock member 470 a and the recess of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a engage with each other , the elastic force of the elastic member 475 a is minimized . in contrast , when the protrusion of the interlock member 470 a and the protrusion of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a adjoin each other , the elastic force of the elastic member 475 a is maximized . consequently , the interlock member 470 a and the rotary hinge shaft 400 a can firmly engage with each other at a point where the elastic force of the elastic member 475 a is minimized . that is , the interlock member 470 a and the rotary hinge shaft 400 a engage with each other such that the display unit 110 a and the body unit 120 a are fixed at a predetermined angle ( e . g . 30 °, 45 °, 60 ° or the like ) with respect to each other , and rotate in this state . fig1 a and 11b are perspective views showing the display unit 110 a of the portable device according to the second embodiment of the invention which sequentially moves on the body unit 120 a . fig1 a shows the display unit 110 a and the body unit 120 a of the portable device which closely adjoin each other in the state where the first surface of the display unit 110 a faces forward . in this state , the user can slide the display unit 110 a by applying force thereto in two o &# 39 ; clock direction on the paper surface . fig1 b is a view showing the display unit 110 a which has completed sliding and cannot slide any further . after the display unit 110 a has started sliding , it stops sliding when the holding member 485 a is inserted into the opening of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a which is configured as the c - shaped ring and is stopped by the hinge shaft 400 a . the opening of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a can be in contact with the guide rail 420 a . the guide rail 420 a helps the holding member 485 a to reliably move when the display unit is sliding , and allows the holding member 485 a to safely rest inside the rotary hinge shaft 400 a . at the moment that the holding member 485 a rests inside the rotary hinge shaft 400 a , the protrusion of the interlock member 470 a which surrounds the outer circumference of the holding member 485 a and the recess of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a engage with each other and the recess of the interlock member 470 a and the protrusion of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a engage with each other . afterwards , the holding member 485 a rotates inside the rotary hinge shaft 400 a . when the holding member 485 a rotates , the interlock member 470 a and the rotary hinge shaft 400 a engage with each other . when the interlock member 470 a and the rotary hinge shaft 400 a rotate in the engaged state , the elastic force of the elastic member 475 a is adjusted in the axial direction of the holding member 485 a . as the holding member 485 a and the rotary hinge shaft 400 a rotate about each other , the display unit 110 a rotates at a predetermined angle about the body unit 120 a . here , the interlock member 470 a and the rotary hinge shaft 400 a also rotate about each other . in this process , when the protrusion of the interlock member 470 a and the protrusion of the rotary hinge shaft 400 a adjoin each other , the elastic force of the elastic member 475 a becomes maximum . therefore , the interlock member 470 a and the rotary hinge shaft 400 a are characterized in that their protrusion and recess engage with each other . consequently , the interlock member 470 a and the rotary hinge shaft 400 a stop rotation whenever the protrusion and the recess engage with each other . accordingly , the display unit 110 a engages with and rotates about the body unit 120 a such that it is fixed at a predetermined angle ( e . g ., 30 °, 45 °, 60 ° or the like ) with respect to the body unit . the display unit 110 a continuously rotates until it has the relationship with respect to the body unit 120 a as shown in fig5 c and fig5 d . this process is the same as that of the first embodiment , and thus descriptions thereof will be omitted . a cable through - hole h axially extends through the holding member 485 a , and the cable ( not shown ) which is drawn from the body unit 120 a passes through the cable through - hole h . the cable which has passed through the cable through - hole h can be drawn to the display unit 110 a and be fixed thereto . the cable may be implemented as a flexible printed circuit board ( fpcb ) or the like . according to the second embodiment of the invention , the rotary hinge shaft 400 a is configured as a c - shaped ring . the width of the rotary hinge shaft is the same as the width of the guide rail 420 a . since the holding member 485 a and the elastic member 475 a are disposed on the body unit 120 a instead of the display unit 110 a , components which are housed in the display unit 110 a can be simplified . accordingly , the width of the display screen of the display unit 110 a can be further increased , whereas the thickness thereof can be decreased . fig1 is a view showing the state in which the lower part of the display unit 110 or 110 a cannot be raised further above the horizontal line of the rotary shaft ( i . e . the rotation holding member or the holding member ) just before the display unit 110 or 110 a starts tilting or rotating after it has stopped sliding . raise - preventing stepped portions 201 are disposed on the bottoms of the left and right outer side surfaces of the display unit 110 or 110 a . the raise - preventing stepped portions 201 prevent the lower part of the display unit 110 or 110 a from being raised further above the horizontal line of the rotary shaft ( i . e . the rotation holding member or the holding member ) or the upper part of the display unit 110 or 110 a from being lowered below the horizontal line 200 of the rotary shaft as the display unit 110 or 110 a stops sliding upward on the body unit 120 or 120 a ( i . e . stops due to completion of sliding ), that is , just before the display unit 110 or 110 a starts rotation to tilt to a predetermined angle or turn back 180 degrees . in addition , stepped portion slip guide recesses 202 which correspond to the raise - preventing stepped portions 201 are formed along both the sidewalls so that the raise - preventing stepped portions 201 can be inserted into and slide along the inner side surfaces of the sidewalls of the body unit 120 or 120 a . as set forth above , it is apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in forms and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and essential features of the present invention . accordingly , the foregoing embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting . the scope of the present invention is not defined by the detailed description as set forth above but by the accompanying claims of the invention . it should also be translated that all alterations or modifications derived from the definitions and scopes of the claims and their equivalents fall within the scope of the invention . | US-201113812214-A |
a high purity chemical delivery system is provided that connects a high purity chemical container to a high purity chemical utilization point and that comprises three manifolds , each of the manifolds having a plurality of diaphragm valves . the inventive system enables rapid clean out and purge after the container is replaced by means of a plurality of vacuum and purge cycles , which remove residual chemical and entrapped impurities while reduced manufacturing downtimes compared with systems in the prior art . | detailed descriptions of embodiments of the invention are provided herein . it is to be understood , however , that the present invention may be embodied in various forms . therefore , the specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting , but rather as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to employ the present invention in virtually any detailed system , structure , or manner . turning first to fig1 , there is shown a first embodiment of the invention , which is particularly suitable for use in a direct liquid injection process in semiconductor fabrication . a high purity chemical delivery system 10 is connected to a high purity chemical container 12 having a push gas inlet port 14 and a high purity chemical delivery port 16 . high purity chemical delivery system 10 comprises a first manifold 18 , a second manifold 20 , and a third manifold 22 . each of the manifolds includes a plurality of diaphragm valves that regulate the flow of liquid or gas in the delivery system , and one or more low dead space connectors that attach each manifold to another manifold , to container 12 , or to other parts of the manufacturing plant . first manifold 18 is connected to container 12 by means of a first low dead space connector 24 ( preferably a vcr fitting ); to second manifold 20 by means of a second low dead space connector 26 ( preferably a low obstruction fitting such as fujikin &# 39 ; s upg gasket fitting or hy - tech &# 39 ; s full bore 002 ); and to third manifold 22 by means of a third low dead space connector 28 . first manifold 18 further comprises a first diaphragm valve 30 and a second diaphragm valve 32 , wherein first diaphragm valve 30 has one side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to second low dead space connector 26 , and the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to both first low dead space connector 24 and second diaphragm valve 32 . in turn , second diaphragm valve 32 has one side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to first diaphragm valve 30 , and the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to third low dead space connector 28 . second manifold 20 is instead connected to third manifold 22 by means of a fourth low dead space connector 34 , and to container 12 by means of a fifth low dead space connector 36 ( preferably a vcr fitting ). second manifold 20 further comprises a plurality of diaphragm valves , including third diaphragm valve 38 , which has one side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to a high purity chemical utilization point , for instance , in a semiconductor manufacturing plant , to a process tool for semiconductor fabrication or to a second high purity chemical container , and the other side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to a fourth diaphragm valve 40 . fourth diaphragm valve 40 instead has one side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to third diaphragm valve 38 , and the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to a fifth diaphragm valve 42 and to a sixth diaphragm valve 44 . further , fifth diaphragm valve 42 has one side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to fourth diaphragm valve 40 , and the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to a seventh diaphragm valve 46 , which in turn has one side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to fifth diaphragm valve 42 and to fourth low dead space connector 34 , and the other side connected to a vacuum transducer , such as a manometer . still further , sixth diaphragm valve 44 has one side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to an eighth diaphragm valve 48 , and the other side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to a ninth diaphragm valve 50 . in turn , eight diaphragm side 48 has one side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to sixth diaphragm valve 44 and to one side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) of a tenth diaphragm valve 52 , while the other side ( preferably the seat side ) of tenth diaphragm valve 52 is connected to a source of purge gas , such as nitrogen . instead , ninth diaphragm valve 50 has one side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to sixth diaphragm valve 44 and to fifth low dead space connector 36 , and the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to a source of push gas , such as helium . optionally , the conduit connecting ninth diaphragm valve 50 to fifth low dead space connector 36 may be divided in two segments connected by a low dead space connector ( preferably , a low obstruction fitting ), in order to facilitate installation of second manifold 20 . third manifold 22 is connected to first manifold 18 by means of third low space connector 28 , and to second manifold 20 by means of fourth low dead space connector 34 . third manifold 22 also comprises an eleventh diaphragm valve 54 , a twelfth diaphragm valve 56 , and a thirteenth diaphragm valve 58 . more specifically , eleventh diaphragm valve 54 has one side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to third low dead space connector 28 and the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to twelfth diaphragm valve 56 . instead , twelfth diaphragm valve 56 has one side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to eleventh diaphragm valve 54 and to one side ( preferably the seat side ) of thirteenth diaphragm valve 58 , while the other side of thirteenth diaphragm valve 58 ( preferably the diaphragm side ) is connected to an outer source , such as a source of vent or a source of vacuum . the above embodiment has been described as having the first , second , and third manifolds connected by low dead space connectors ; however , other means of connection may be employed , for instance , the first , second , and third manifolds may be welded to each other , or no connectors may be present and the manifolds may be connected to each other by means of continuous conduits . turning now to fig2 , there is shown a second embodiment of the invention , which is also particularly suitable for use in a direct liquid injection process in semiconductor fabrication . a high purity chemical delivery system 60 is connected to a high purity chemical container 62 having a push gas inlet port 64 and a high purity chemical delivery port 66 . high purity chemical delivery system 60 comprises a first manifold 68 , a second manifold 70 , and a third manifold 72 , each of the manifolds comprising diaphragm valves to regulate the flow of liquid or gas , and low dead space connectors to attach each manifold to container 62 , to other manifolds , or to other parts of the manufacturing plant . the structure of this second embodiment may be readily understood by reference to the first embodiment , and by highlighting the differences between the two embodiments . by comparing second manifold 20 in fig1 to second manifold 70 in fig1 , it will be appreciated that second manifold 70 further comprises an additional flow connection between third diaphragm valve 74 and eleventh diaphragm valve 76 , the additional flow connection comprising a fourteenth diaphragm valve 78 and a fifteenth diaphragm valve 80 . more specifically , one side of third diaphragm valve 74 ( preferably the seat side ) is connected to first diaphragm valve 82 and to fourth diaphragm valve 84 , while the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) is connected to one side of fourteenth diaphragm valve 78 . in turn , fourteenth diaphragm valve 78 has one side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to third diaphragm valve 74 and to fifteenth diaphragm valve 80 , and the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected instead to a high purity chemical utilization point , for instance , in a semiconductor fabrication plant , to a process tool or to a second high purity chemical container . finally , one side ( preferably the seat side ) of fifteenth diaphragm valve 80 is connected to fourteenth diaphragm valve 78 , and the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) is connected to eleventh diaphragm valve 76 in third manifold 72 by means of a sixth low dead space connector 86 . further , in the second embodiment , one side of first diaphragm valve 82 ( preferably the diaphragm side ) is connected not only to second diaphragm valve 88 and to first low dead space connector 90 , but also to one side of sixteenth diaphragm valve 92 ( preferably the seat side ), while the other side of sixteenth diaphragm valve 92 ( preferably the diaphragm side ) is connected to a seventeenth diaphragm valve 94 . in turn , seventeenth diaphragm valve 94 has one side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to sixteenth diaphragm valve 92 , and also to ninth diaphragm valve 96 through a seventh low dead space connector 98 ( preferably a low obstruction fitting ), while the other side of seventeenth diaphragm valve 94 ( preferably the diaphragm side ) is connected to fifth low dead space connector 100 . sixteenth diaphragm valve 92 is preferably positioned closer to first diaphragm valve 82 than to seventeenth diaphragm valve 94 , in order to minimize the wet surface areas of the delivery system . the second embodiment has been described as having the first , second , and third manifolds connected by low dead space connectors ; however , other means of connection may be employed , for instance , the first , second , and third manifolds may be welded to each other , or no connectors may be present and the manifolds may be connected by means of continuous conduits . one of the advantages of the high purity chemical delivery system according to the present invention is the reduction in purge cycle times compared to systems employed in the prior art . following is one example of purge cycle described with reference to the second embodiment , using the appropriate reference numbers to identify each valve . shut all valves . open valves 96 , 94 , open push gas inlet valve 116 , open high purity chemical delivery valve 118 , open valves 82 , 74 , and 78 . apply push gas at source of push gas to push gas to deliver high purity chemical from container 62 to utilization point . a . open valves 116 , 94 , 104 , 102 , 112 , and 114 . shut all other valves . apply vacuum at source of vacuum . b . open valves 96 , 104 , 84 , 74 , 82 , and 118 . shut all other valves . apply push gas at source of push gas . c . open valves 110 , 104 , 92 , 88 , 76 , and 114 . shut all other valves . apply purge gas at source of purge gas , and vent at source of vent . d . open valves 110 , 84 , 82 , 88 , 76 , and 114 . shut all other valves . apply purge gas at source of purge gas , and vent at source of vent . e . open valves 110 , 84 , 74 , 80 , and 114 . shut all other valves . apply purge gas at source of purge gas , and vent at source of vent . f . apply vacuum to circuit open valves 104 , 84 , 102 , 112 , and 114 . g . open valves 104 , 84 , 102 , and 106 . shut all other valves . measure vacuum level with vacuum transducer to measure presence of residual chemical . if chemical is present above predetermined levels , repeat cycle . h . open valves 110 , 104 , 94 , 92 , 88 , 76 , and 114 . shut all other valves . apply purge gas at source of purge gas , and vent at source of vent , removing ambient gas after a new container is installed . i . open valves 110 , 84 , 82 , 88 , 76 , and 114 . shut all other valves . apply purge gas at source of purge gas , and vent at source of vent . j . open valves 110 , 84 , 74 , 80 , and 114 . shut all other valves . apply purge gas at source of purge gas , and vent at source of vent . k . apply vacuum to circuit open valves 104 , 84 , 102 , 112 , and 114 . l . open valves 106 , 102 , 84 , 82 , 92 , 94 , and 104 . shut all other valves . check vacuum at vacuum transducer , monitoring possible leaks . m . open valves 114 , 112 , 106 , 102 , 84 , 74 , and 80 . shut all other valves . apply vacuum at vacuum source , checking vacuum at vacuum transducer . turning now to fig3 – 4 , there is shown in fig3 a front view of the second embodiment of the invention , and in fig4 a front view of an alternate embodiment 120 of first manifold 68 . more specifically , first diaphragm valve 82 in first manifold 68 is connected to first low dead space connector 90 , and is parallel and oriented in the same direction as sixteenth diaphragm valve 92 . instead , in alternate embodiment 120 , first diaphragm valve 122 is parallel but rotated 90 degrees in relation to sixteenth diaphragm valve 124 , in order to achieve direct flow into the valve seat . further , in alternate embodiment 120 , first connector 126 is connected not to first diaphragm valve 122 , but to sixteenth diaphragm valve 124 . with further reference to fig2 , in a third embodiment of the invention there is no seventeenth diaphragm valve 94 , and the sixteenth diaphragm valve 92 has one side ( preferably the seat side ) connected to the first diaphragm valve 82 , and the other side ( preferably the diaphragm side ) connected to the fifth low dead space connector 100 and to the seventh low dead space connector 98 . the above embodiments have been described as having manifold comprising a plurality of discrete valves . some of the valves , however , may be grouped in multi - valve blocks . for instance , in the first embodiment illustrated in fig1 , valves 30 and 32 may be clustered in a two - valve block , and valves 38 and 40 , as well as 44 and 50 , may also be clustered in two - valve blocks . likewise , valves 54 , 56 , and 58 may be clustered in a three - valve block . while the above described embodiments have been described with relation to a gas and vacuum purge process , the invention is equally adapted to a solvent purge process . additionally , while the invention has been described in connection with the above described embodiment , it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth , but on the contrary , it is intended to cover such alternatives , modifications , and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention . | US-5522505-A |
a light reflective film with structural support . the structural support is a layer of adhesive applied to a reflective film , a polyester film attached to the applied adhesive layer , a second adhesive layer applied to the other side of the polyester film , and a fiber layer applied to the second layer of adhesive . a uv light blocker may be sprayed onto the fiber layer . such reflective surface being ideal for use in tension member solar collection systems . | the following description of the preferred embodiment ( s ) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention , its application , or uses . fig1 illustrates an elevated view of a prior art product . reflective product , shown generally at 10 , comprises an external acrylic layer 12 , a reflective layer 14 , a foundation layer 16 , an adhesive layer 18 , and a polymer layer 20 . layers 12 , 14 , 16 , and 18 are collectively referred to hereinafter as “ reflective film 22 ”. it should be understood that there are many different ways to layer materials to produce a reflective film . the layering shown in fig1 is simply one example of layering , but a reflective film may be produced using a different number of layers , a different material selection for each layer , a different ordering of layers , and a different number of layers . generally , a “ reflective film ” is a flexible sheet with multiple layers where one side of the sheet has a high reflectance , and does not have the rigidity to maintain a planar surface when extended an unsupported distance of twelve inches . polymer layer 20 is used to protect the adhesive layer 18 before the intended use of reflective film 22 . in use , polymer layer 20 is peeled away from reflective film 22 . then , reflective film 22 is applied to a solid object such as sheet metal , by placing newly exposed adhesive layer 18 in physical contact with the solid object . fig2 illustrates an elevated view of the reflective product or reflective device 10 ′ of the present invention . in the present invention , reflective product 10 ′ comprises a reflective film layer 22 ′, an adhesive layer 18 ′, a polymer layer 20 ′, a second adhesive layer 24 , and a fiber layer 26 . reflective film layer 22 ′ is a flexible sheet with multiple layers where one side of the sheet has a high reflectance , and does not have the rigidity to maintain a planar surface when extended an unsupported distance of twelve inches . the adhesive layer 18 ′ is different from the adhesive layer 18 of the prior art . adhesive layer 18 ′ permanently bonds reflective film layer 22 ′ to polymer layer 20 ′ such that polymer layer 20 ′ cannot be peeled or separated from reflective film layer 22 ′. it is important that polymer layer 20 ′ remain bonded . the difference between polymer layer 20 ( fig1 ) and polymer layer 20 ′ ( fig2 ) is that the polymer of polymer layer 20 is selected to separate easily from or detach easily from reflective film 22 , whereas the polymer of polymer layer 20 ′ is selected prevent separation from or detachment from ( to enhance fixation with ) reflective film 22 ′. when reflective product 10 ′ of the present invention is placed under tension , polymer layer 20 ′ prevents the texture of fiber layer 26 from visibly pressing through reflective film layer 22 ′, and therefore allows reflective film layer 22 ′ to remain a smooth surface . adhesive layer 18 is preferably an adhesive that retains adhesion under tension , and that will stretch as the other layers of reflective product 10 ′ stretch when placed under tension . it is possible that if the commercial product is initially used , in an alternative embodiment of the present invention , another adhesive layer 18 ′ may be applied over the existing adhesive layer 18 . in such a situation , reflective product 10 ′ of the alternative embodiment of the present invention has two adhesive layers , 18 and 18 ′ instead of a single adhesive layer 18 ′ as shown in fig2 . fiber layer 26 is any fiber material that resists creep ( permanent stretch ) under long - term tension . therefore , cloths made from materials such as cotton , fiberglass , or nylon are suitable . in addition , newer engineered materials such as fiber - reinforced composites ( e - glass , glass , carbon fiber , kevlar carbon , basalt fiber , etc .) are also suitable . at present , the preference is for cloths made from long fibers that run parallel to the direction of the intended applied tension . as a result , the most preferred embodiment at present is a unidirectional fiberglass cloth . a unidirectional fiberglass cloth allows some elastic stretch , but resists creep . this allows the resulting reflective product 10 ′ to hold a tension stretch without significant permanent lengthening . as shown in fig2 , the ends of various filaments comprising fiber layer 26 are shown . further shown in fig2 is an optional uv coating layer 26 . this uv coating layer 26 may be sprayed onto fiber layer 26 . uv coating layer 26 prevents or blocks uv light from penetrating through fiber layer 26 and reaching polyester layer 20 . polyester material is known to break down over time when exposed to uv light . uv coating layer 26 is preferably composed of any substance that inhibits the penetration of uv light , such as zinc oxide . the resulting reflective product 10 ′ of the present invention is flexible , but strong enough to be placed under tension . in use , the reflective product 10 ′ of the present invention may be used in tension about a structural frame , and still retain film - like flexibility for wrapping or bending about a structural frame , without need of any continuous sheet metal support . the prior art reflective product 10 shown in fig1 cannot be placed in tension about a structural frame without attachment to a further surface such as sheet metal . as various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiments , as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations , without departing from the scope of the invention , it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting . thus , the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above - described exemplary embodiments , but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents . | US-201313775138-A |
the configurations of an h - bridge circuit and a controlling method thereof are provided in the present invention . the proposed circuit includes an h - bridge having a first and a second bridge arms , each of which has a middle point , and a bidirectional switch connected to the two middle points , a bootstrap circuit providing a bootstrap voltage , a driving circuit receiving the bootstrap voltage and driving the bidirectional switch , and an energy compensation circuit coupled to the h - bridge , the bootstrap circuit and the driving circuit , and providing a compensation energy to the bootstrap circuit . | to compensate the aforementioned drawbacks , fig4 ( a ) and 4 ( b ) provide auxiliary energy supply circuits of bootstrap driver circuit with floating ground structure in an h - bridge circuit of the present invention , each of which provides an auxiliary energy compensation path of a bootstrap circuit to compensate energy to the bootstrap circuit which effectively raises the operational reliability of bootstrap circuit . the circuits as shown in the dash - lined block 3 of fig4 ( a ) and 4 ( b ) are energy compensation circuits of bootstrap circuit , each of which is a three - terminal network including input and output terminals , wherein the input terminals receive energy from the other power source such as the ac power source and provide energy to the three - terminal network , and the output terminals provide energy to the bootstrap capacitor . the three - terminal network in the block 3 includes a reference voltage device providing a reference voltage vs and a switch element ts . the operational principles of the three - terminal network are : comparing the voltage across the bootstrap capacitor c 3 with the reference voltage vs ; and controlling the on and off of the ts according to the results of comparison . for example , the three - terminal network begins to operate and controls ts to be turned on and the output terminals output energy to c 3 when the voltage across c 3 is lower than the reference voltage vs . the three - terminal network is not operated and controls ts to be turned off and the output terminals do not output energy when the voltage across c 3 is higher than the reference voltage vs . the three - terminal network in the block 3 could be realized by various circuits known by the person with ordinary skill in the art . the input terminals of this three - terminal network could have various connection methods . in fig4 ( a ), c and s are input terminals , and d and s are output terminals . the current flows by the following loop : a -& gt ; d 1 -& gt ; c -& gt ; three - terminal network -& gt ; s -& gt ; the body diode of t 2 -& gt ; b when the voltage value at a is larger than that at b . when the voltage value at b is larger than that at a , the current flows by the following loop : b -& gt ; d 2 -& gt ; c -& gt ; three - terminal network -& gt ; s -& gt ; the body diode of t 1 -& gt ; a . in fig4 ( b ), c and s are input terminals , d and s are output terminals . the current flows by the following loop : a -& gt ; d 1 -& gt ; c -& gt ; three - terminal network -& gt ; s -& gt ; the body diode of t 2 -& gt ; b when the voltage value at a is larger than that at b . in fig4 ( a ) and 4 ( b ), the input terminals of the three - terminal network could be changed to a and s , and output terminals are d and s . then the current flowing loop is a -& gt ; three - terminal network -& gt ; s -& gt ; the body diode of t 2 -& gt ; b when the voltage value at a is larger than that at b . in fig4 ( a ) and 4 ( b ), the input terminals of the three - terminal network could also be changed to b and s , and output terminals are d and s . then the current flowing loop is b -& gt ; three - terminal network -& gt ; s -& gt ; the body diode of t 1 -& gt ; a when the voltage value at b is larger than that at a . in fig5 , it provides a preferred embodiment of the three - terminal network in the dash - lined block 3 , wherein t 3 is a switch element , e . g ., a mosfet , corresponding to ts in fig4 ( a ) and 4 ( b ), and d 6 is a stabilivolt e . g zener diode with the stabilized voltage value ( the zener voltage ) of d 6 is v . the turn - on threshold voltage between gate and source of t 3 is vgs_th , the voltage across c 2 is vcc , and the effective threshold voltage of the driving circuit in block 2 of fig3 ( a ) is von_th , that is to say the driving circuit operates normally only when the output voltage of which is higher than von_th . thus , the design of the three - terminal network needs to fulfill two conditions simultaneously : v z − vgs_th & lt ; vcc and v z − vgs_th & gt ; von_th . the first condition is to cause the output voltage of the three - terminal network of fig5 to be less than vcc so as to guarantee that the three - terminal network does not operate when the bootstrap circuit in the dash - lined block 1 of fig3 ( a ) operates normally . the second condition is to make the output voltage of the three - terminal network to be larger than von_th so as to guarantee that the driving circuit in the block 2 of fig3 ( a ) gains a potential level being high enough to make the driving circuit operate normally when the bootstrap circuit in the block 1 of fig3 ( a ) does not operate and the three - terminal network in the block 3 of fig5 operates . the operational principles of the three - terminal network of fig5 are : if the bootstrap path of bootstrap driver circuit with floating ground structure is interrupted , then the voltage across bootstrap capacitor c 3 decreases . after the voltage across c 3 reduces to make the voltage between gate and source of t 3 be larger than vgs_th , t 3 is turned on and c 3 is charged through a new charge loop . the new charge loop is a -& gt ; d 1 -& gt ; r 1 -& gt ; t 3 -& gt ; c 3 -& gt ; the body diode of t 2 -& gt ; b when the voltage value at a is larger than that at b . the new charge loop is b -& gt ; d 2 -& gt ; r 1 -& gt ; t 3 -& gt ; c 3 -& gt ; the body diode of t 1 -& gt ; a when the voltage value at b is larger than that at a . and c 3 is charged until the voltage between gate and source of t 3 is less than vgs_th and then t 3 is turned off . the voltage across c 3 decreases again since the driving circuit consumes the energy of c 3 , and the above - mentioned process is repeated continuously . thus , resistors r 1 , r 2 , capacitor c 3 , switch t 3 and the zener diode d 6 in fig5 form a voltage stabilizing source to maintain the voltage across c 3 almost a constant value . when bootstrap circuit operates normally , d 5 is on and the voltage across c 3 equals to vcc ( the forward voltage drop of diode d 5 is ignored ). to satisfy v z − vgs_th & lt ; vcc , the voltage between gate and source of t 3 vz − vcc is less than the turn - on threshold voltage of t 3 vgs_th , thus t 3 is kept off which means the energy compensation circuit in the block 3 of fig5 does not operate , and the energy required by c 3 is totally provided by the bootstrap circuit in the block 1 of fig3 ( a ). the design of energy compensation circuits in the block 3 of fig5 and 6 needs to fulfill two conditions : v z − vgs_th & lt ; vcc and v z − vgs_th & gt ; von_th to provide energy to capacitor c 3 when the bootstrap circuit is interrupted . to facilitate the choice of the zener diode d 6 , the block 4 in fig6 adds a switch t 4 based on the block 3 in fig5 . the function of switch t 4 is to make the three - terminal network shown in the block 3 of fig5 a controllable intermittently - operating circuit . t 4 is controlled by the voltage signals between gate and source of t 1 or t 2 . switch t 4 is turned on when the voltage signal between gate and source of t 1 or t 2 is at a high level , which means that the voltage across c 3 is high enough , and c 3 possesses sufficient energy to provide to the driving circuit , while t 4 is turned off when that is at a low level . when t 4 is turned on , the voltage across the diode d 6 is clamped to zero , thus t 3 is turned off , and the three - terminal network 3 does not operate . and after t 4 is added to the three - terminal network , the threshold value of d 6 - - - vz does not need to fulfill v z − vgs_th & lt ; vcc , which provides convenience for the design and product producing . besides , the current flows through t 3 will result in losses on resistor r 1 when switch t 3 is on during the operational process of the energy compensation circuit . after t 4 is added , loss on r 1 is reduced since the three - terminal network operates intermittently . and fig7 shows the waveform of the voltage across capacitor c 3 - - - v c3 , voltage signal between gate and source of t 1 or t 2 - - - v gs , and the voltage across diode d 6 - - - v d6 , when the bootstrap circuit does not operate normally . during the time period of t 0 - t 1 , v gs is at a high level ; t 1 and t 2 are turned on ; v d6 decreases to zero due to the turning - on of t 4 , and the energy compensation circuit in block 3 does not operate . during t 1 - t 2 , v gs is at a low level ; t 1 and t 2 are off , v d6 increases gradually ; but t 3 is still off since voltage between the gate and the source of t 3 is not high enough , thus the energy compensation circuit still does not operate . during t 2 - t 3 , v d6 increases to a level to make t 3 turn on and v o is increased gradually . during t 3 - t 4 , v gs is at a high level ; v d6 is zero ; the energy compensation circuit does not operate and v c3 decreases gradually . and the aforesaid processes are repeated in the following time periods . due to the existence of t 4 , the energy compensation circuit operates intermittently and the loss is relatively small , which is just like the pfc circuit operates in burst mode under the unloaded condition , the light loaded condition , or around the zero - crossings of ac input voltage , and has significant meaning for decreasing the constant losses and raising the efficiency . in the above - mentioned embodiments , the bootstrap circuit and the energy compensation circuit do not operate simultaneously . but in actual designs , they could operate at the same time , and provide energy to the bootstrap capacitor c 3 commonly , thus the condition v z − vgs_th & lt ; vcc is not considered . fig8 shows still another preferred embodiment of the present invention , wherein t 3 is a controllable switch , vs is a voltage reference source ( or a reference voltage device ) providing a reference voltage . the comparator compares the reference voltage with the voltage across c 3 . the comparator outputs a low level signal to turn off t 3 when the voltage across c 3 is higher than the reference voltage ; while the comparator outputs a high level signal to turn on t 3 when the voltage across c 3 is lower than the reference voltage . the charging path of c 3 is a -& gt ; d 1 -& gt ; c -& gt ; r 1 -& gt ; t 3 -& gt ; c 3 -& gt ; the body diode of t 2 -& gt ; b when the voltage value at a is larger than that at b . the charging path of c 3 is b -& gt ; d 2 -& gt ; c -& gt ; r 1 -& gt ; t 3 -& gt ; c 3 -& gt ; the body diode of t 1 -& gt ; a when the voltage value at b is larger than that at a . according to the above descriptions , the present invention provides an h - bridge circuit having a bootstrap circuit with a bootstrap capacitor and an auxiliary circuit , and a controlling method thereof , and the auxiliary circuit provides compensation energy to the bootstrap circuit while the voltage across the bootstrap capacitor is insufficient such as to raise the operational reliability of the bootstrap circuit . while the invention has been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments , it is to be understood that the invention need not be limited to the disclosed embodiment . on the contrary , it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims , which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures . therefore , the above description and illustration should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention which is defined by the appended claims . | US-62185509-A |
the invention relates to an exchange device for grip heads comprising a plurality of clamping jaws , consisting of a carrier plate having a borehole . pivoting arms are axially staggered in relation to the carrier plate and are concentrically arranged in relation to the borehole . said pivoting arms are articulated by means of a joint in such a way that they can be pivoted in a plane containing the axis of the borehole . the pivoting movement is thus carried out radially in relation to the axis of the borehole . coupling elements are arranged on the pivoting arms , by which means the exchange device can be coupled to the clamping jaws of the grip head and detached from the same . | [ 0029 ] fig1 and 2 show in an unoperated starting position a first embodiment of a changing device 30 . fig3 and 4 show the same changing device 30 in the operating end position . the upper half of the drawing in each case shows a part sectional , diagrammatic side view in the case of fig1 and 3 , whereas in the lower drawing half in fig2 and 4 is shown the plan view also in the form of a diagrammatic , part sectional representation . the changing device 30 is coupled to a closer 20 . the closer 20 comprises several gripping jaws 21 separated from one another by slots 22 . connecting bodies 23 are placed in the slots 22 . the connecting bodies 23 are made from elastically deformable material , particularly rubber - like , deformable material , such as e . g . natural and artificial rubbers with different additives influencing the material characteristics or colour . the connecting bodies can be positively and / or non - positively fixed to the two adjacent gripping jaws 21 by bonding and / or vulcanizing , but also by means of other fastening procedures . the connecting bodies 23 can fill all the slots 22 , so that to the outside a body with a closed contour line is formed . to be able to couple a changing device 30 to the closer 20 , the latter has several receptacles 24 for coupling members . at least one receptacle 24 for a coupling member is provided for each clamping or gripping jaw 21 . the receptacles 24 are here provided on the workpiece - receiving side of the closer . the free end face of the closer 20 is particularly suitable . for the machine - side fastening of the closer , e . g . in a draw - in tube , the closer 20 has an all - round groove 25 , which in particular serves for the positive , axial and radial holding of the closer on the draw - in tube . the collet chuck is formed by the closer and the draw - in tube . in the starting position shown in fig1 and 2 the closer 20 is in its assembly or storage state . the connecting bodies 23 are in a starting state in which the opposing forces compensate one another . on mounting the closer 20 on a draw - in tube there is a positive engagement behind of the groove 25 of closer 20 . as a result the closer is at least axially held in the draw - in tube . fig3 and 4 show the position where the changing device 30 is in the operating end position . through elastic deformation of the connecting bodies 23 , which in particular reduces the outer circumference of the closer 20 in the vicinity of the groove 25 , the positive connection between the closer 20 and draw - in tube is released . thus , the closer 20 can be removed from or inserted in the draw - in tube . in order to carry out the operation of the closer , the changing device 30 is provided . the changing device serves to release the positive connection between the closer 20 and the draw - in tube , as well as for handling the closer 20 when it has been released from the draw - in tube . the changing device 30 can be coupled to the closer 20 by coupling members 35 . in the embodiment shown here the coupling members 35 are constructed as lugs , which can be introduced into receptacles in the form of bores 24 . in the starting position shown in fig1 and 2 , the coupling members 35 project axially from the swivel arms 33 in the direction of the closer 20 . the swivel arms 33 are held by means of joints 34 on the carrier plate 31 . the rotation axis 34 of each swivel arm 33 is positioned on the radial outside relative to a bore 32 in the carrier plate 31 . the rotation axis of a joint 34 is tangential to the bore . this makes it possible to swivel the swivel arms in a plane containing the bore centre axis 37 . they can therefore be swivelled radially to the bore axis . the carrier plate 31 is traversed by the bore 32 in which is held in guided manner the tension bolt 36 . in the manner shown in fig1 to 4 , the tension bolt 36 can be a built - up part comprising a cylindrical shaft and a cover projecting radially outwards from said shaft . the tension bolt 36 traverses the carrier plate and with the cover engages behind the swivel arms 33 . through the back - engagement of the swivel arms , it is possible by means of the tension bolt 36 to exert tensile forces on the swivel arms 33 , so that the coupling members 35 are swivelled about the joints 34 and are inclined inwards towards the bore centre axis 37 . the swivelling movement leads to the leaving of the starting position shown in fig1 and 2 until the operating end position shown in fig3 and 4 is reached . counter to the action of the rubber - like deformation of the connecting members 23 , there is a deformation of the closer 20 , which permits the release of the closer from the draw - in tube . the deforming forces introduced into the connecting bodies act as restoring forces , so that by means thereof a return from the operating end position of fig3 and 4 to the starting position of fig1 takes place . in the case of such a swivelling back , the swivel arms 33 introduce the forces from the closer 20 into the changing device 30 and the tension bolt is moved back into the starting position of fig1 by its back engagement of the swivel arms 33 . so that this return movement also takes place when no closer 20 is coupled to the changing device 30 , it is possible to provide corresponding return springs . this makes it possible to construct the return springs between the two operating means , namely the two operating levers 38 , 39 . it is also possible to place corresponding return springs between the swivel arms 33 and the carrier plate 31 . in order to bring about a good leverage for the restoring force , it is advantageous to position the corresponding return springs as close as possible to the bore 32 . an abutment 41 is formed on the back of the carrier plate 31 remote from the receptacle for the closer 20 . the abutment is constructed as a fixed disk located on the carrier plate 31 and which also has a bore 32 . the abutment 41 comprises a cylindrical body in which are shaped joint cups 46 . ball ends 45 of levers 44 are mounted in said joint cups 46 . according to the invention there are three regularly spaced levers . in addition , the abutment 41 and swivel 43 have grooves , in which can come to rest the levers 44 when the swivel 43 and abutment 41 are mutually engaged , as is the case in the starting position shown in fig1 and 3 / 4 . the grooves run substantially tangentially to the bore centre axis . the facing ends of the levers 44 also have ball ends 45 held in joint cups 46 , which are constructed on the swivel 43 . the swivel 43 is held indirectly on the carrier plate 31 by the levers 44 . the number and arrangement of the levers are determined in such a way that the swivel 43 can be swivelled about the bore centre axis 37 relative to the carrier plate 31 . however , with said swivelling movement is forcibly coupled an axial movement with respect to this axis . in order to permit such a guiding holding of the swivel with respect to the carrier plate 31 by means of levers 44 alone , it is advantageous if there are at least three levers . the number of levers can also be reduced , but then possibly further guidance means are needed . it must be borne in mind that the tension bolt 36 also traverses the swivel 43 , because the swivel 43 also has a corresponding bore and to this extent said tension bolt can also fulfil certain guidance functions . however , it is still advantageous to provide three or an even larger number of levers 44 . in this case the degrees of freedom of the swivel 43 relative to the carrier plate 31 are adequately determined by the levers 44 alone . the first operating lever 38 is at least indirectly held in fixed manner on the carrier plate 31 of the changing device 30 and projects substantially radially outwardly from the carrier plate 31 and can be ergonomically shaped to obtain good gripping characteristics . the second operating lever 39 is firmly connected to the swivel 43 and in the starting position of fig1 and 2 projects under a certain angle in the radial direction from the swivel 43 with respect to the first operating lever 38 . the angle between the two operating levers 38 , 39 is upwardly limited in that the two levers 38 , 39 must be graspable by one hand in order to allow a one - handed operation and a one - handed manipulation of the changing device 30 . the second operating lever 39 can also be ergonomically shaped with regards to its gripping characteristics . it is in particular possible to adopt shapes such as are used for gripping pliers . with regards to the useability of the changing device 30 with both the left and right hands , it can be advantageous for the shape of the two levers to be the same . the choice of hand is not only dependent on the user and his habits , but also on the accessibility within the machine area . on carrying out an operation of the changing device 30 , there is a relative movement between the first and second operating levers due to the operating forces manually introduced by the user . the relative movement between the two operating levers 38 , 39 initiated by the operating forces leads to an identical relative movement of the swivel 43 with respect to the carrier plate 31 with the abutment 41 . it is a rotary movement about the bore centre axis 37 , which consequently also defines the rotation axis 40 between the swivel and the carrier plate 31 . in this case the rotation axis 40 and bore centre axis 37 are not only oriented coaxially to one another , but in fact correspond with one another . as a result of the rotary movement and the supporting of the levers 44 in bilaterally positioned joint cups , there is a tilting up of the levers 44 between abutment 41 and swivel 43 . this increases the axial spacing between these two parts with respect to the rotation axis 40 . as , at least in the axial direction , the tension bolt 36 is held in fixed manner on the swivel 43 , there is also an axial displacement of the tension bolt in the bore 32 . the tension bolt is drawn away from the closer 30 , e . g . through the axial tension bolt head 42 engaging over the swivel 43 . through the coupling of the tension bolt 36 with the swivel arms 33 , a swivelling movement of said arms is brought about . there is a transition from the starting position shown in fig1 and 2 into the operating end position shown in fig3 and 4 . the operating end position of fig3 and 4 reveal the first operating lever 38 and the second operating lever 39 in a position where they are immediately adjacent to and engage with one another , provided that this is permitted by their shaping . such a construction with a pivot bearing and levers 44 tilting over the same can be gathered from fig3 and 4 , where the levers 44 are aligned as coaxially as possible with the rotation axis 40 in the operating end position . thus , if the forces opposing operation , namely the deformation forces for the rubber - like connecting bodies 23 , are at a maximum , there is a maximum leverage between the swivel 43 and abutment 41 via levers 44 . thus , the necessary operating forces for operating the two operating levers 38 , 39 remain within appropriate limits . the power ratio and power path are significantly co - determined by means of the length of the levers 44 . thus , in accordance with circumstances and the necessary forces , adaptation takes place to the conditions for each individual changing device . [ 0046 ] fig5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the changing device 30 according to the invention . in the embodiment according to fig5 and 6 the rotation axis 40 of the second operating lever 39 is not coaxial to the bore centre axis 37 , but instead perpendicular thereto , relative to the first operating lever 38 . in the embodiments according to fig5 and 6 the design of the carrier plate 31 and swivel arms 33 , together with the use of the latter by means of joints 34 on carrier plate 31 essentially correspond to the embodiment according to fig1 to 4 , so that a further description will not be given . the coupling members 35 constructed as lugs also correspond to the coupling pieces of fig1 to 4 . to illustrate the swivelling movement and for simplifying study , the closer 20 is not shown in fig5 and 6 . however , the changing device 30 according to fig5 and 6 is suitable for use in connection with closers , which correspond to the closers 20 shown in fig1 to 4 . fig5 again shows the unoperated starting position and fig6 the corresponding operating end position of the changing device 30 . both drawings are part sectional , diagrammatic representations of a corresponding changing device . a cylindrically constructed , high section 51 projects from the back of the carrier plate 31 remote from the swivel arms 33 . a sleeve 54 is located in the interior of the pipe section , which is positioned concentrically to the bore 32 in carrier plate 31 . it is closed at its rear end remote from the carrier plate 31 . the sleeve 54 is located in the interior of the pipe section 51 . the wall thickness of the sleeve 54 and the internal diameter of the pipe section 51 are such that the internal diameter of sleeve 54 corresponds to the diameter of bore 32 . in the vicinity of the carrier plate can be provided a widening 61 of the bore 32 , so that the internal diameter in the vicinity of the widening 61 corresponds to the internal diameter of the pipe section 51 . thus , the sleeve 54 can project into the vicinity of the widening 61 . on one side of the pipe section 51 and in a substantially radially projecting manner is provided a first operating lever 38 . the latter is in particular shaped in such a way that a particularly good engagement is provided in the hand in the area between thumb and hand surface . in the area between the carrier plate 31 and the first operating lever 38 , the pipe section 51 has an opening 63 , which is in particular in slot form . the second operating lever 39 passes through said opening 63 into the interior of the sleeve 54 , which for this purpose has a slot 62 in this area . the second operating lever 39 is held by the toggle lever arrangement 50 and can be swivelled about a rotation axis perpendicular to the drawing plane with respect to the first operating lever . the second lever is in particular constructed in such a way that it can be grasped in an ergonomically favourable manner by the fingers of one hand , whose thumb engages behind the first operating lever 38 . the toggle lever arrangement 50 comprises three fulcrum or rotation points . there is firstly the rotation axis fixed by the safety bolt 58 , which also forms the rotation centre of the longer of the two lever arms 52 on the safety bolt 58 . at the other end of the longer lever arm 52 the bearing opening 57 produces a rotary connection between the longer lever arm 52 and the second operating lever 39 . the shorter lever arm 53 is defined by the spacing b between the bearing opening 57 and the king pin 56 and is part of the second operating lever 39 . the king pin 56 traverses the diametrically facing elongated holes 55 of the tension bolt 36 . the king pin 56 defines a rotation point fixed with respect to the pipe section 51 , because it is constructed in such a way that it traverses both the sleeve 54 and pipe section 51 in corresponding bores and therefore fixes the position relative to the pipe section 51 . the king pin projecting through the elongated holes 55 limits the maximum path of the tension bolt 36 in the pipe section 51 and consequently defines the starting position and operating end position . the second operating lever projects into the recess 65 which is constructed for this purpose in the tension bolt 36 and with respect to which the elongated holes 55 are laterally positioned . in order to obtain a clearly defined operating starting position for the second operating lever 39 , between the latter and the carrier plate 31 or a component fixed with respect thereto the return spring 60 is provided . the latter draws the second operating lever 39 into a position in which it is far removed from the first operating lever 38 , but should still be grippable with one hand . as a result of the coupling between the second operating lever 39 and the tension bolt 36 by means of the king pin 56 guided in the elongated hole 55 , there is a clearly defined position of the swivel arms 33 . the swivel arms 33 are so held in the diameter - reduced area of the tension bolt that to the same can be transferred both tension and tensile forces . the tension bolt 36 has in the vicinity of the swivel arms 33 a section whose external diameter is smaller than the external diameter in the vicinity of the bore 32 in carrier plate 31 in which tension bolt 36 is held in guided manner . following the area over and beyond which the swivel arms 33 can be bilaterally embraced by the king pin , a cover 64 is provided , which again increases to the original amount the external diameter of the tension bolt . the swivel arms 33 are so held between the parts of the tension bolt 36 that it is able to transfer to the latter both push and pull forces . the cover 64 can in particular be the head of a screw or a head part detachably fixed on the tension bolt by means of a screw . if there is a transfer of the second operating lever 39 in the direction of the operating end position shown in fig6 the second operating lever is swivelled about its rotation centre defined by the king pin 56 . as a result of the spacing b formed by the shorter lever arm 53 of the toggle lever arrangement 50 and the guidance of the tension bolt 36 in pipe section 51 or in sleeve 54 , the safety bolt 58 , by means of which the free end of the longer lever arm 52 is fixed to the tension bolt 36 , is rearwardly pressed away from the closer 20 . the toggle lever arrangement extends into a position in which the three swivel axes of said arrangement are approximately in one plane . this is in particular the median plane of the elongated hole 55 . in this operating end position as shown in fig6 the second operating lever almost completely engages on the first operating lever . thus , during operation the tension bolt 36 is shoved rearwards . the most favourable lever transmission which most increases the leverage between the first and second operating levers is obtained when the operating end position is at least approximately reached . it is here that the greatest restoring forces from the closer act on the changing device and the swivel arms 33 . to ensure the return of the second operating lever into the starting position shown in fig5 the return spring 62 , which can be constructed as a tension spring , is connected between the second operating lever 39 and carrier plate 31 or a component fixed with respect thereto . during the return movement the tension bolt 36 again slides forward in the pipe section 56 . due to the fact that the swivel arms 33 are in engagement with the tension bolt 36 in both the push and pull directions , the swivel arms 33 are returned to their starting position in which they can be coupled to and uncoupled from the closer 20 . in the operating end position shown in fig6 the swivel arms 33 are so swivelled about the joint 34 with a radial component that the tips of the coupling members 35 , constructed as stay bolts , move towards one another . thus , they perform a corresponding movement moving the gripping jaws of a closer towards one another , such as is also produced with the changing device according to fig1 to 4 . | US-48494004-A |
the invention relates to the deposition of nanoparticles from the gas phase of the a thermal plasma of a gas discharge and the subsequent attachment of said nanoparticles to the substrate particles . the invention can be used for increasing the flowability of solid bulk material . particularly the pharmaceutical industry utilizes numerous intermediate and final products in the form of powders which cause processing problems because of the poor flowability thereof . with fine - grained materials , undesired adhesive effects occur foremost because of van der waals &# 39 ; forces . said effects can be reduced by applying nanoparticles to the surface of the material that is to be treated . the invention is characterized by a combined process in which the nanoparticles are produced and are attached to the substrate surface . using a non - thermal plasma additionally makes it possible to treat temperature - sensitive materials that are often used in the pharmaceutical industry . | accordingly , the invention serves for providing an improved method for attaching nanoparticles to substrate particles . the invention here particularly proposes to provide the formation of nanoparticles and their attachment to substrate particles by means of plasma - supported chemical deposition from the gas phase . the following text will define how the terms “ nanoparticles ” and “ substrate particles ” are to be understood in connection with this document : solid particles which are treated using the process described in this document . the particles can be organic or inorganic particles , they can consist of only one material ( homogeneous ) or they can comprise mixtures ( heterogeneous ), or they can be , for example , coated particles . possible examples are polymer particles , particles on the basis of organic molecules such as lactose or inorganic substances etc . particles which do not have any restrictions with respect to the chemical composition and physical properties . for them to be able to definitely withstand the treatment in the plasma or directly after the plasma in afterglow , they should preferably be stable up to 70 ° c ., i . e . the temperature for conversion into another chemical form should lie at least at room temperature , preferably at least 50 ° c ., particularly preferably at least 70 ° c . the particles are preferably electrically non - conducting . particles whose characteristic size typically lies in the range from a few micrometers to a few millimeters , but preferably even in the range from a few hundred nanometers ( 500 nm ) to a few hundred micrometers ( 500 μm ). the particles can have different shapes . for example , they can have the form of plates , spheres , rods , flakes , or they can be irregular fragments ( for example as a result of a grinding process ). they typically have an average diameter ( d 50 ) in the range from 1 μm - 1 mm , preferably even from 500 nm - 500 μm . solid particles which are produced via a chemical reaction from the monomer , where it may also be a mixture of different monomers or monomers with additives , respectively , or the like . formations which can comprise individual or a plurality of particles ( agglomerate ). particles whose characteristic size is typically less than 1 μm or even smaller than 500 nm . accordingly , the nanoparticles normally have an average diameter ( d 50 ) in the range from 0 . 5 nm - 500 nm . they can be so small that their presence cannot be proven with a scanning electron microscope . the average size of nanoparticles is preferably in the range from 0 . 5 nm - 500 nm , particularly preferably in the range from 1 - 10 nm . the ideal size of the nanoparticles with respect to the effect on the flowability of the substrate particles depends , inter alia , also on the size and the shape of the substrate particles . the size of the nanoparticles can be adjusted via the process parameters . it is proposed in particular to form nanoparticles by means of plasma - supported chemical deposition from the gas phase and to attach them to substrate particles . in concrete terms , a method for forming nanoparticles and their attachment to substrate particles is proposed , which is characterized : in that a gas stream is guided through a plasma zone in which an electric gas discharge is used to produce an anisothermal plasma , in particular to produce free charge carriers ( cc ) and excited neutral species ( excited particles ), wherein a gaseous monomer , which serves as starting material for the chemical reaction for the formation of the nanoparticles , is added to the gas stream before , in ( direct plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition — direct pecvd ) or after ( remote pecvd ) the plasma zone , and wherein the free charge carriers and excited neutral species are used directly in the plasma zone or after the plasma zone to bring the gaseous monomer into a chemically reactive state and to a homogeneous chemical reaction , so that nanoparticles form from the gas phase owing to chemical deposition , and in that the formed nanoparticles attach to the surface of the substrate particles due to the collision of the two types of particles in a treatment zone through which a substrate particle and / or substrate particle / gas stream is guided under the influence of the gas flow and / or the gravitational force . it is possible here according to a first preferred embodiment to allow the attachment of the nanoparticles to the substrate particles to take place directly in the plasma zone . this is possible by guiding , in a gas / substrate particle stream under the influence of the gas flow and the gravitational force , the substrate particles through a treatment zone , wherein the gas stream includes , in addition to the substrate particles , a gaseous monomer which serves as starting material for the chemical reaction for forming the nanoparticles ; by using an electric gas discharge in the treatment zone in order to produce an anisothermal plasma as the plasma zone , wherein the free electrons , or , respectively , the cc and the excited particles , are used to bring the gaseous monomer into a chemically reactive state and to a homogeneous chemical reaction , with the result that nanoparticles form due to chemical deposition from the gas phase ; and by the formed nanoparticles attaching directly to the surface of the substrate particles due to the collision of the two types of particles inside the plasma zone . the fact that a gas / substrate particle stream is guided through the treatment zone has the result that the nanoparticles are formed and the substrate particles are coated quasi in situ with these particles in the treatment zone . plasma zone and treatment zone can thus physically coincide and therefore the formation of the nanoparticles and their attachment can take place directly at the same time . it is alternatively possible for the treatment zone to be situated substantially directly downstream of the plasma zone ( here referred to as afterglow method ), where in the latter case preferably the gas stream from the plasma zone and the substrate particle stream quasi intersect . so in this case only a gas stream without substrate particles is guided through the plasma zone . the gas stream , which now no longer carries the monomer but the nanoparticles formed in the plasma zone , quasi intersects with a gas stream , which carries the substrate particles ( substrate particle stream ), only directly after the plasma zone . this process is even suitable for substrate particles which are still more temperature - sensitive . preferably , the average residence time of the substrate particles in the treatment zone is between 10 ms and 1 s . for this purpose , it is possible in a preferred embodiment to guide the substrate particles through the treatment zone once . the substrate particles can quasi fall through the treatment zone here . this can preferably be realized in a drop tube reactor . on the other hand it is also possible for the substrate particles in the substrate particle gas stream to rise upwards through the treatment zone . this type of substrate particle guidance occurs preferably in an ascending tube reactor . it is , however , also possible in a further preferred embodiment for the substrate particles to be guided through the treatment zone a number of times , e . g . periodically , in which case the treatment zone is preferably situated in the ascending tube of a circulating fluidized bed . in a further embodiment , however , it is likewise possible for the substrate particles to reside in the treatment zone . here , the treatment zone would preferably be located in a drum reactor or in a fluidized bed reactor . the substrate particles and the gas stream can be fed in at different locations in the reactor . in principle , the monomer can be a chemical substance which is polymerized under the influence of the cc and the excited particles produced in the plasma zone or which reacts to form an oxide , preferably silicon oxide ( sio x ). the latter , because it is chemically inert , appears to be particularly suitable and can be obtained , for example , by means of hexamethyldisiloxane ( hmdso ) or mixtures containing this component . however , it is also possible to use other monomers which form nanoparticles under the specified conditions . examples are alkanes , alkene and alkynes such as ethyne ( trivial name : acetylene ), but also hydrocarbons with functional groups . moreover , hydrofluorocarbons , such as c 2 f 6 , or organometallic monomers , such as already known hmdso , tetraethoxysilane or titanium ( iv ) isopropoxide can be used . silanes or titanium tetrachloride are , however , also feasible , to name but a few . according to this , it is possible for both gaseous and liquid monomers to be used , the latter particularly preferably in the form of a vapour or of an aerosol . with respect to possible monomer systems , reference is made to a compilation by morosoff ( n . morosoff , an introduction to plasma polymerization , in : plasma deposition , treatment , and etching of polymers , editor : r . d &# 39 ; agostino , academy press , san diego , 1990 ), and the systems mentioned therein are expressly incorporated in the disclosure . the chemical reaction can proceed via a number of reaction stages , and the nanoparticles can collide among each other and agglomerate before they attach to the substrate surface and / or the nanoparticles on the substrate surface collide with other nanoparticles and agglomerate . the free nanoparticles which are not yet attached can be coated by heterogeneous chemical deposition from the gas phase and / or the nanoparticles which are already attached to the substrate surface can be coated by heterogeneous chemical deposition from the gas phase . the substrate surface which is not yet loaded or only to a negligible degree by nanoparticles can also be coated by heterogeneous chemical deposition from the gas phase , and / or the substrate surface can be coated exclusively by heterogeneous chemical deposition from the gas phase . according to a further preferred embodiment , a microwave coupling , medium or radio frequency coupling or dc excitation is used to produce an electric gas discharge . an anisothermal low - pressure plasma or an anisothermal normal - pressure plasma can thus preferably be present in the plasma zone . the low - pressure plasma is preferably operated at a pressure in the range from 0 . 27 mbar to 2 . 7 mbar . according to a further preferred embodiment , the monomer is fed in in a gas stream ; particularly preferably in an inert gas stream ( for example ar ), wherein the monomer partial pressure fraction of the total pressure at the point of addition to the reaction volume lies in the range from 1 - 10 % ( in particular in the case of hmdso ), particularly preferred in the range from 2 - 5 %. in general , a method for increasing the flowability appears sensible if substrate particles with an average size in the range from 1 μm - 1 mm , or particularly in the range from 500 nm - 500 μm , particularly preferred in the range from 5 μm - 500 μm , are introduced into the process , wherein the substrate particles are preferably electrically non - conducting . in larger substrate particles , a treatment within the meaning of the invention generally appears to have no substantial advantages because , between substrate particles upwards of a size of 20 μm , the van der waals forces increasingly lose their importance as compared to the gravitational force . the method is preferably applied in comparatively temperature - sensitive substrate particles , and the substrate particles can be particles , for example , which are stable up to a temperature of at least 70 ° c . ( typical maximum temperature of the heavy particles in an anisothermal low - pressure plasma ). with respect to the nanoparticles , it has proven advantageous if these have an average size in the range from 0 . 5 nm - 1 μm or from 0 . 5 nm - 500 nm . the size of the nanoparticles can be adjusted by way of the process parameters , wherein the easily determinable flowability of the treated substrate particles can be used for example to adjust the parameters . the above - described method is particularly preferably used to increase the flowability of substrate particles . furthermore , the present invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out a method as is described above . the apparatus is preferably characterized in that a plasma zone is present through which a gas stream is guided and in which an electric gas discharge is used to produce an anisothermal plasma , in particular to produce free charge carriers and excited neutral species , wherein a gaseous monomer , which serves as starting material for the chemical reaction for the formation of the nanoparticles , is added to the gas stream before , in or after the plasma zone , and wherein the free charge carriers and excited neutral species are used directly in the plasma zone or after the plasma zone to bring the gaseous monomer into a chemically reactive state and to a homogeneous chemical reaction , with the result that nanoparticles form from the gas phase owing to chemical deposition , and that a treatment zone is present through which a substrate particle and / or substrate particle / gas stream is guided under the influence of the gas flow and / or the gravitational force , and in which the formed nanoparticles attach to the surface of the substrate particles due to the collision of the two types of particles . a first preferred embodiment of the apparatus is characterized in that a first guiding element is arranged , preferably in the form of a tube , in which the substrate particles are guided in the sense of a drop tube or of an ascending tube and in that a second guiding element , which is arranged preferably substantially at right angles to the first guiding element and opens into this first guiding element , preferably in the form of a tube , is present , in which second guiding element the gas stream with the monomers is guided and in which second guiding element the anisothermal plasma zone is arranged such that substantially directly after this plasma zone , the nanoparticles , which are formed there , in the gas stream attach to the surface of the substrate particles by way of the collision of the two types of particles in the treatment zone . the treatment of fine - grained substances , which are flowable only to a limited extent or not at all , in anisothermal plasmas with the aid of chemical deposition of nanoparticles from the gas phase and their attachment to the substrate particle surface is a very promising method for improving flow properties , which had never been considered for these applications until now . so - called anisothermal gas discharges are characterized in that the electrons and the heavy species are not in thermodynamic equilibrium ( a . grill , cold plasma in materials fabrication , from fundamentals to applications , ieee press , piscataway ( 1994 )). the energy of the system is not distributed uniformly over all types of particles , but mainly concentrated on the kinetic energy of the electrons , whose temperature is of the order of magnitude of 10 4 or even 10 5 k . since the average temperature of the entire system results from the average kinetic energy of all the particles and the temperature of the heavy species is 300 - 500 k , this type of plasma is suitable particularly for treating temperature - sensitive substances , such as pharmaceutical products . despite a low system temperature , the kinetic energy of the electrons in the inelastic collision suffices for providing the activation energy for a chemical reaction . the formation of nanoparticles in the plasma has already been described in various patents ( us2005 / 118094 , jp2004024953 ) and papers . especially the generation of particles in thermal plasmas has been known for some time ( r . m . young , e . pfender , generation and behavior of fine particles in thermal plasmas — a review , plasma chem . plasma process . 5 ( 1 ) ( 1985 ), 1 - 37 ; n . rao , s . girshick , j . heberlein , p . mcmurry , s . jones , d . hansen , b . micheel , nanoparticle formation using a plasma expansion process , plasma chem . plasma process . 15 ( 4 ) ( 1995 ), 581 - 606 ) and is also used in a wide variety of branches of industry , such as powder metallurgy . the high temperatures of 1000 k and more may result in high conversion rates , but are unsuitable in connection with the treatment of thermally unstable materials . a wide variety of literature citations relating to the nanoparticle formation in anisothermal plasmas , which is part of the present patent specification , likewise exist . in the known surface treatment processes , which presuppose a homogeneous coating of the substrate , the particle formation in the plasma is always regarded as an unwelcome disadvantage ( g . s . selwyn , j . singh , r . s . bennett , in situ laser diagnostic studies of plasma - generated particulate contamination , j . vac . sci . technol . a 7 ( 4 ) ( 1989 ), 2758 - 2765 ) since undesired material defects can occur due to the particle contamination . however , nowadays the formation of nanoparticles in electric discharges is no longer regarded exclusively as unwanted contamination per se . the small particle size ( nanometer range ), the uniform particle size distribution or the chemical activity of the particles formed in the plasma can thus be considered to be useful properties ( h . kersten , g . thieme , m . fröhlich , d . bojic , d . h . tung , m . quaas , h . wulff , r . hippler , complex ( dusty ) plasmas : examples for applications and observation of magnetron - induced phenomena , pure appl . chem . 77 ( 2 ) ( 2005 ), 415 - 428 ). the formation of particles was investigated both for radio frequency and for microwave couplings , wherein process parameters such as system pressure , introduced energy , temperature , residence time and monomer concentration were varied ( t . fujimoto , k . okuyama , m . shimada , y . fujishige , m . adachi , i . matsui , particle generation and thin film surface morphology in the tetraethylorthosilicate / oxygen plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition process , j . appl . phys . 99 ( 5 ) ( 2000 ), 3047 - 3052 ; a . bouchoule , a . plain , l . boufendi , j . ph . blondeau , c . laure , particle generation and behavior in silane - argon low - pressure discharge under continuous or pulsed - frequency excitation , j . appl . phys . 70 ( 4 ) ( 1991 ), 1991 - 2000 ; j . h . chu , l . i , fine silicon oxide particles in rf hollow magnetron discharges , j . appl . phys . 74 ( 7 ) ( 1993 ), 4741 - 4745 ; s . schlabach , v . szabo , d . vollath , a . braun , r . clasen , structure of alumina and zirconia nanoparticles synthesized by the karlsruhe microwave plasma process , solid state phenomena , 99 - 100 ( 2004 ), 191 - 196 ). possible arrangements of apparatus and reactor types for the plasma treatment of solid particles are described , inter alia , in the following patent documents : ep 0 807 461 , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 620 , 743 , u . s . pat . no . 4 , 685 , 419 , u . s . pat . no . 5 , 234 , 723 and us 2004 / 182293 . the least common ones are batch reactors with stirring element ( j . w . kim , y . s . kim , h . s . choi , thermal characteristics of surface - crosslinked high density polyethylene beads as a thermal energy storage material , korean j . chem . eng . 19 ( 4 ) ( 2003 ), 632 - 637 ) which permit only an irregular treatment of the particles since the particles in these reactors form a body which comes into contact with the plasma only on the surface . a similar point applies to drum reactors ( u . s . pat . no . 5 , 925 , 325 ) which permit a high throughput performance . the circulating fluidized bed ( m . karches , ch . bayer , ph . rudolf von rohr , a circulating fluidised bed for plasma - enhanced chemical vapour deposition on powders at low temperatures , surf . coat . tech . 119 ( 1999 ), 879 - 885 ) here offers , as compared to the conventional fluidized bed ( ch . bayer , m . karches , a . matthews , ph . rudolf von rohr , plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition on powders in a low temperature plasma fluidized bed , chem . eng . technol . 21 ( 5 ) ( 1998 ), 427 - 430 ), the advantages that a more homogeneous particle treatment and a narrower residence time distribution can be achieved . the continuous drop tube reactor ( c . arpagaus , a . sonnenfeld , ph . rudolf von rohr , a downer reactor for short - time plasma surface modification of polymer powders , chem . eng . technol . 28 ( 1 ) ( 2005 ), 87 - 94 ) offers the possibility of a homogeneous short - term treatment of the particles . it is the idea of the invention that nanoparticles are deposited from the gas phase due to a non - thermal ( i . e . anisothermal ) plasma and attach to the substrate particles in the same process step in order to improve for example the flow properties of fine - grained substances in this manner . treatment of temperature - sensitive substances is in particular possible because the heavy species in the plasma are not in thermodynamic equilibrium with the electrons . particle adhesion effects , which are caused , for example , by electrostatics , liquid junctions or van der waals forces , result in flowability of solids being strongly decreased . in particle sizes of less than 20 μm , the van der waals interaction dominates over all the other forces . in addition to the particle radius , it primarily depends on the distance between the substrate particle surfaces . the van der waals force increases strongly as the particle radius increases and the particle spacing decreases . one possibility of circumventing this problem is to apply even smaller particles with diameters in the nanometer range on the particle surface in order to increase the distance between the substrate particles in this way and thus to decrease the attractive forces . the invention relates to the process which can be divided into the partial processes of particle formation and attachment . these two steps will be explained in more detail in the next paragraphs . the formation and the growth of the nanoparticles in the plasma can be divided into four phases ( a . bouchoule , dusty plasmas , physics , chemistry and technological impacts in plasma processing , wiley , chapter 2 ( 1999 )). in a first step , primary clusters are formed from the atoms and / or molecules of the precursor gas which has formed from the monomer via one or more chemical reactions . while the clusters grow , first particle seeds form , which grow to structures of nanometer size (& lt ; 5 nm ). in the third phase , the primary particles agglomerate , wherein the formations can become up to 50 nm in size . subsequently , the particles continue to grow independently of one another through deposition from the gas phase . in the second step of the process , the nanoparticles formed in the first step collide with the substrate particles and adhere to the substrate surface due to the adhesion forces . this presupposes intensive contact of the two species of particles which can be realized , for example , in a fluidized bed . the two main target variables of the product are the nanoparticle diameter d np and the number of the nanoparticles n np per substrate particle surface a sp which have a decisive influence on the flow properties of the substrate particles . in principle , the rule applies that the diameter of the nanoparticles should be chosen such that the substrate particles cannot touch each other directly but in all cases only via nanoparticles . the nanoparticles thus serve to reduce the contact area and to thus largely reduce the undesired adherence between the substrate particles . the ideal population of the surface depends , inter alia , on the shape of the substrate particles and their size , as well as on the size and shape of the nanoparticles . accordingly , the number of nanoparticles per substrate surface can thus be quasi adjusted indirectly by way of the desired and easily measurable flowability . these target variables can be controlled by way of the process parameters , such as pressure , residence time , gas composition , temperature or introduced energy in the plasma for the gas discharge . the generally most important parameter is the system pressure because it has a significant influence on the particle formation in anisothermal plasmas . the system pressure or reactor pressure is the pressure in the plasma ; that is , preferably the pressure in the plasma zone . typically , a low - pressure plasma with pressures in the range from 0 . 27 - 2 . 7 mbar is applied for the proposed method . in the pressure range specified , preferably nanoparticles are formed since the average diffusion length ( for ensuring homogeneous chemical reactions ) is already sufficiently small , while the initially required fragmentation or activation of the monomer ( preferably initiated by high - energy electrons ) is still sufficiently large due to a sufficient electron density ( cf . in this respect n . morosoff , an introduction to plasma polymerization , in : plasma deposition , treatment , and etching of polymers , editor : r . d &# 39 ; agostino , academy press , san diego , 1990 ). for example , tests have shown that at low pressures , a heterogeneous gas phase reaction takes place at the surface of the substrate particles and thus a homogeneous layer formation is promoted there . at higher process pressures , however , the frequency of the particle collisions in the plasma increases , with the result that the homogeneous gas phase reaction preferably takes place and thus the formation of particles is facilitated . the residence time of the substrate particles to be treated in the reactor , or to be more precise in the treatment zone , and of the gas stream in the plasma zone are likewise important variables of the process . for example , the size of the nanoparticles and the number of nanoparticles per substrate surface can be controlled by way of these parameters . tests show that a treatment time of the order of magnitude of a tenth of a second suffices to achieve the desired result . however , it is also possible to circulate the substrate particles a number of times through the treatment zone . the longer the residence times in plasma zone and treatment zone , the larger the nanoparticles that form and , respectively , the better the population of the surface . in general it is true to say that a total residence time in the treatment zone and / or in the plasma zone ( if appropriate also in the case of cyclic exposition of the substrate particles to be understood as sum , i . e . accumulated ) in the range from 10 ms - 1 s is suitable . consequently , the reactor concept must be chosen such that such short residence times can be observed with correspondingly narrow residence time distribution of the substrate particles . configurations which are suitable therefor are , for example , the drop tube reactor mentioned in the introduction or the circulating fluidized bed mentioned in the introduction , which will both be described in detail further below . the flowability of fine - grained substances , in which the van der waals forces dominate with respect to gravity and the other particle interaction forces , can be improved by the method explained . hereby , blockages and deposits in apparatuses in processes such as mixing , discharging or metering can be avoided , which is in turn connected to savings in terms of time and costs . the two partial steps of nanoparticle formation and attachment coincide in one process step or are carried out one directly after the other in the gas stream . an additional processing of nanoparticles , which is in turn connected to adhesion phenomena and to aspects which are dangerous to health , can thus be omitted . moreover , the risk of a dust explosion is negligibly small in low pressure . as opposed to methods where the nanoparticles attach to the substrate surface via a mixing process ( compare , for example , i . zimmermann , m . eber , k . meyer , nanomaterials as flow regulators in dry powders , z . phys . chem . 218 ( 2004 ), 51 - 102 ), significantly shorter treatment times result ( hours as opposed to seconds or fractions of a second ) and thus a significant improvement of cost effectiveness . the low process temperatures (& lt ; 70 ° c .) enable temperature - sensitive substrate particles to be treated . as already explained , this is a low - pressure plasma in which substantially only the electrons have a high kinetic energy ( temperature equivalent in the range from 1000 - 10000 k ). accordingly , neither substrate particle , nor monomer , nor nanoparticle is heated as a rule in the process to a temperature above approximately 70 ° c . an apparatus and a method for forming nanoparticles and their attachment to substrate particles , which is characterized by the following features : — the use of a gas / substrate particle stream which guides the substrate particles through the so - called treatment zone under the influence of the gas flow and the gravitational force ( e . g . drop tube or ascending tube ); — the use of a gas stream which includes , in addition to other species , the gaseous monomer which is used as starting material for the chemical reaction ; — the use of an electric gas discharge for producing an anisothermal plasma in which the free electrons ( more precisely : cc and excited particles , preferably high - energy electrons ) are used to bring the gaseous monomer into a chemically reactive state ; — the process of the homogeneous chemical reaction of the reactive species in the gas phase ; — the process of the formation of nanoparticles which is caused by the chemical deposition from the gas phase ; — the process of attachment of the nanoparticles to the surface of the substrate particles , which is caused by way of the collision of the two types of particles and takes place directly inside the plasma zone . an apparatus and a method of this type can be characterized in that the process of deposition of the nanoparticles on the surface of the substrate particles takes place outside the plasma zone . it can also be characterized in that , rather than using a reactor which was designed specifically for the method , the described process is integrated in another method step or in another apparatus ( e . g . jet mill ). it can furthermore be characterized in that , rather than the sio x described in the detailed description of a possible technical implementation of the invention , another reaction product is produced , which forms the basis for the nanoparticle production . the invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings , in which : fig1 shows a circulating fluidized bed as possible arrangement for realizing the process ; the process , which is described in this document , mainly takes place inside the active plasma zone of the reactor ; all essential components relating to the overall arrangement are in each case numbered for the description of the structure ; fig2 shows a drop tube reactor as possible arrangement for realizing the process ; fig4 shows flowability as a function of the monomer flow rate ; and fig5 shows flowability as a function of the rf power in the plasma . an example of how the invention can be realized will be shown here with reference to the circulating fluidized bed ( fig1 ) and the drop tube reactor ( fig2 ). the monomer used is hmdso which reacts , under suitable conditions , to sio x and finally attaches in the form of nanoparticles to the surface of the substrate particles to be treated . at the core of the arrangement is the ascending tube 1 made of fused glass in which the substrate particles to be treated are guided through the plasma zone . the microwave plasma source 2 μslan ( je plasma consult , germany ) is used to emit the microwaves into the plasma zone according to a ring resonator / slot antenna principle , as a result of which the plasma can form inside the fused tube . the microwave excitation occurs at a frequency of 2 . 45 ghz , with the forward power being capable of being varied between 0 and 2000 w . a general observation can be that coupling in more power also leads to a better flow behavior of the substrate particles . the process gas is composed of argon , oxygen and hmdso . the latter is stored in a pressure vessel 3 in liquid form and guided , via a mass flow regulator 4 , to the evaporation module 5 where the monomer evaporates . in general it is true that the achieved flow behavior of the treated substrate particles can be better , the more monomer is fed in ( normally approximately a monomer partial pressure fraction of the overall pressure , i . e . of the system pressure , of 2 % to 10 %). at the same time , argon is admixed at this place in the evaporation module . its flow rate is likewise adjusted by way of a mass flow regulator 6 . in order to prevent recondensation of the monomer , the gas mixture is heated until it enters the reactor . in addition , the oxygen is admixed by way of another mass flow regulator 7 . finally , the process gas flows via a sinter plate 8 ( this plate only lets gas through and keeps substrate particles back ) into the reactor and thus leads to a dispersion of the solid . due to the frictional forces of the gas , the substrate particles are accelerated in the vertical direction . the substrate particles are introduced in this reactor before the start of a batch and subsequently circulated in the circuit denoted with the reference symbols 1 , 2 , 11 , 12 , 16 , 19 . in other words , this reactor is a reactor in which the substrate particles are guided a number of times through the treatment zone and it is a process which cannot normally be carried out continuously . at the end of the ascending tube , the system pressure , or process pressure , is measured using a capacitive pressure probe 9 . the solid mass flow in the tube can be estimated by means of determining the pressure drop 10 across the plasma zone . after the plasma zone , the gas / particle stream passes into the cyclone separator 12 via the bent inlet 11 . the gas is discharged by the vacuum pumps through a dust filter 13 . the two - stage pump system comprises a roots pump 14 and a two - stage rotary vane pump 15 . the particles separated in the cyclone are stored in the drop tube 16 . in this region of the reactor , the temperature of the substrate particles is likewise measured using thermocouple 17 . an additional stream of argon , which is controlled by way of a mass flow regulator 18 , fluidizes the fixed bed in the lowermost region of the drop tube 19 and thus enables the substrate particles to be uniformly guided back into the ascending tube . it is possible by way of the argon stream to control the degree of fluidization of the particulate bed and thus also the mass flow of the particles which are guided back into the ascending tube . the process gas feed 3 - 7 and the pump system 13 - 15 are identical to those of the circulating fluidized bed and will not be explained in more detail here . as opposed to the circulating fluidized bed , the drop tube reactor can be operated continuously . the untreated substrate particles are stored in a storage container 20 before they are transported , via a speed - controllable conveying screw 21 into the drop tube 22 made of fused glass . the process gas , which flows into the drop tube from above , accelerates the substrate particles in the vertical direction downward . the solid is homogeneously dispersed over the tube cross section via a nozzle ( cf . in this respect for example c . arpagaus , a . sonnenfeld , ph . rudolf von rohr , a downer reactor for short - time plasma surface modification of polymer powders , chem . eng . technol . 28 ( 1 ) ( 2005 ), 87 - 94 ), so that a homogeneous particle treatment can be achieved . subsequently , the gas / solid mixture flows through the reaction zone , where the plasma is produced by way of two capacitively coupled electrodes 23 ( normally copper electrodes ). here , as opposed to the microwave , the energy is produced using a radio frequency generator ( 13 . 56 mhz , pfg 300 , hüttinger electronic , germany ), wherein the forward power can be adjusted to be between 0 and 300 w . the matching network 25 ( pfm 1500a , hütttinger electronic , germany ) between generator 24 and powered electrode ensures the impedance matching . below the plasma zone , the process pressure is measured using capacitive pressure probe 9 . the major part of the treated substrate particles is collected in a collection container 26 . the remaining solid is separated off by way of the cyclone 27 . accordingly , in the drop tube reactor the substrate particles are not treated cyclically , but the substrate particles rather drop once through the drop tube for the coating with nanoparticles . however , the process is a continuous process , as opposed to the circulating fluidized bed . a model substance ( a - d - lactose monohydrate , d 50 = 5 . 5 μm ) is intended to be used to show how the flow properties of solids can be significantly improved using the present process . the sequence of the treatment process can be described as follows : once the storage container is filled with the untreated lactose particles , the reactor is sealed in a vacuum - tight manner and the vacuum pumps are switched on . the recipient is evacuated up to an absolute pressure of 0 . 05 mbar . the mass flow regulators are adjusted such that 50 sccm of argon and 1030 sccm ( standard cubic centimeters per minute ) of oxygen flow into the reactor . a process pressure of 2 mbar is set , which is kept constant for the further course of the test . the rf generator ( forward power 100 w ) is switched on and the capacities of the matching network are set such that the reflected power is & lt ; 10 w . thus , an effective power of & gt ; 90 w is produced . the plasma ignites . the mass flow regulator for the monomer is adjusted such that 103 sccm of hmdso (& gt ; 98 . 5 %, fluka ) are admixed to the process gas stream . after a stationary state is established in the reactor , the conveying screw for the feed of solids can be switched on , so that 1 . 3 kg of lactose per hour are continuously guided through the reactor ( residence time t ≈ 0 . 1 s ). 180 s after the conveying screw is switched on , it is switched off again . no more solid is conveyed . the feed of the monomer is interrupted and the rf generator is switched off . the plasma extinguishes . the remaining process gas feed ( argon , oxygen ) is interrupted and the valve between pump and recipient is closed . the reactor can now be brought to atmospheric pressure and the treated lactose can be removed from the collection container . the flowability ( ff c , for the definition cf . d . schulze , zur fliessfähigkeit von schüttgütern — definition und messverfahren [ regarding the flowability of loose materials — definition and measurement method ], chem . 1 ng . tech . 67 ( 1 ) ( 1995 ), 60 - 68 ) of the treated and untreated lactose is measured using a ring shear tester ( rst - xs , schulze schüttgutmesstechnik , germany , cf . also d . schulze , a . wittmaier , flow properties of highly dispersed powders at very small consolidation stresses , chem . eng . technol . 26 ( 2 ) ( 2003 ), 133 - 137 ). the shear cell used therefor has a capacity of 30 ml . the initial shear stress applied in the measuring procedure is 5000 pa , where final shear stresses of 1000 , 2500 and 4000 pa are selected . the measured flowabilities can be gathered from fig3 . the error bars refer to a 95 % confidence interval . it can be seen that the flowability of the untreated lactose can be improved by the described plasma process from 1 . 5 ( very cohesive ) to 3 ( cohesive ). illustrated in comparison therewith is the flowability of lactose particles which were treated with aerosil ™ in a conventional mixing process ( mixing time : 8 h ) ( cf . for example p . reichen , tailoring particle properties of fine powders by surface modifiers , private commun ., diploma thesis , eth zürich 2005 ). a parameter study is used to show to what extent the monomer flow rate affects the flow properties of the model substance ( α - d - lactose monohydrate , d 50 = 5 . 5 μm ). the design of the reactor and the sequence of the treatment process are identical to those from the application example 1 , except that the process gas composition is varied . in order to be able to ensure a constant oxygen to hmdso ratio of 10 , the oxygen flow rate ( 170 - 1030 sccm ) is correspondingly matched to the monomer flow rate ( 17 - 103 sccm ). in order that the residence time in the plasma zone remains constant for all parameter settings , the speed of the process gas in the drop tube must be kept constant . accordingly , the oxygen / hmdso mixture is supplemented by argon ( 50 - 995 sccm ), so that a constant gas flow of 1083 sccm is established . at a process pressure of 2 mbar , this corresponds to a gas speed of approximately 8 m / s . the flowabilities of the treated powders are measured using the method described in application example 1 . fig4 shows that the flowability increases as the hmdso flow rate increases , which can be based on an increased separation rate with increasing partial pressure of the monomer . another parameter study is used to show to what extent the rf power affects the flow properties of the model substance ( α - d - lactose monohydrate , d 50 = 5 . 5 m ). the design of the reactor and the sequence of the treatment process are identical to those from the application example 1 , except that the forward power of the rf generator is varied . for this parameter study , the rf forward powers of 50 w , 100 w and 200 w are set . the capacities of the matching network are adjusted such that the reflected power is & lt ; 10 w . the result is effective powers of & gt ; 40 w , & gt ; 90 w and & gt ; 190 w . the flowabilities of the treated powders are measured using the method described in application example 1 . fig5 shows that the flowability increases as the rf power increases . the higher power results in greater fragmentation of the monomer and thus to an increased separation rate . the values illustrated in fig5 relate to the forward power of the rf generator . | US-8842106-A |
a control apparatus for opening and closing a convertible top of a vehicle includes first detecting device for outputting a first signal representing that a movable roof is closed , a second detecting device for outputting a second signal representing that a locking mechanism is in a locked condition , a third detecting device for outputting a third signal representing that a driving mechanism is turned to an excessive load condition , and a controller for controlling the driving mechanism according to the first signal , the second signal and the third signal . the controller includes a processing device for executing an error step when the third signal is inputted to the controller and the second signal is not inputted to the controller while the first signal is inputted to the controller . | a control apparatus for opening and closing a convertible top of a vehicle in accordance with the present invention is described below with reference to fig1 - 4 . referring initially to fig3 a convertible top 2 of a vehicle 1 includes a movable roof panel 21 and a movable back panel 22 . the convertible top 2 is movably supported on a rear fender panel 11 of the vehicle 1 by a pair of roof link mechanisms ( not shown ) so that the convertible top 2 is moved between an opened condition and a closed condition ( as shown in fig3 ). when the convertible top 2 is in the opened condition , the convertible top 2 is accommodated under a trunk lid 13 of a rear portion of the vehicle 1 . when the convertible top 2 is in the closed condition , the movable roof panel 21 is positioned at a fully closed position a shown in fig2 so that the front end portion 21 a of the movable roof panel 21 is held at a front roof pillar 12 of the vehicle 1 . the roof link mechanisms are coupled to electric motors 3 , 4 generally shown in fig1 . the drive force generated by the electric motors 3 , 4 is transmitted to the roof link mechanisms so that the roof link mechanisms cause the convertible top 2 to move between the opened condition and the closed condition . as shown in fig3 a pair of locking mechanisms 5 , 5 is arranged between the front end portion 21 a of the movable roof panel 21 and the front roof pillar 12 of the vehicle 1 . the locking mechanisms 5 , 5 are coupled to an electric motor 6 that drives the locking mechanisms 5 , 5 . upon operation , the locking mechanisms 5 , 5 turn between a locked condition and an unlocked condition . as shown in fig2 the locking mechanisms 5 , 5 include a hook 51 , an engaging pin 52 , a load receiving pin 57 and a receiving member 58 . the hook 51 is movably supported on a base bracket 53 by a pair of links 54 , 55 . the base bracket 53 is attached on the front end portion 21 a of the movable roof panel 21 . the link 54 is rotatably supported on the base bracket 53 by a pin 54 a . one end of the link 55 is rotatably supported on the base bracket 53 by a pin 55 a . the hook 51 is rotatably supported on the link 54 by a pin 54 b and is rotatably supported on opposite end of the link 55 by a pin 55 b . an engaging groove 51 a is formed on the side of the hook 51 . the link 55 is connected to the electric motor 6 via a rod 61 . the drive force generated by the electric motor 6 is transmitted to the hook 51 through the rod 61 and the link 54 . therefore , the hook 51 moves to be turned between a fully locked position b in which the locking mechanism 5 is in the locked condition and a fully unlocked position c in which the locking mechanism 5 is in the unlocked condition . while the hook 51 moves , the engaging groove 51 a of the hook 51 is moved on an arc locus f around the pin 55 a by the link 55 . an integral contacting portion 51 b of the hook 51 is formed on the hook 51 with the engaging portion 51 a . the engaging pin 52 is fixed on a base bracket 56 . the base bracket 56 is attached on the front roof pillar 12 of the vehicle 1 so as to be positioned opposite the engaging groove 51 a . when the engaging pin 52 is positioned on the arc locus f of the engaging groove 51 a and the movable roof panel 21 is positioned at the fully closed position a , the engaging pin 52 is engageable with and disengageable from the engaging groove 51 a . when the engaging pin 52 is not positioned on the arc locus f of the engaging groove 51 a and the movable roof panel 21 is not positioned at the fully closed position a , the engaging pin 52 is not able to be engageable with and disengageable from the engaging portion 51 a and contactable with the contacting portion 51 b of the hook 51 . when the hook 51 is positioned in the fully locked position b , the engaging pin 52 is engaged with the engaging groove 51 a and the link 54 contacts a stopper portion 53 a formed on the base bracket 53 . when the hook 51 is positioned in the fully unlocked position c , the engaging pin 52 is disengaged from the engaging groove 51 a and the link 54 is contacted to a stopper portion 53 b formed on the base bracket 53 . the load receiving pin 57 is fixed on the base bracket 53 . the receiving member 58 is fixed on the base bracket 56 in opposition to the load receiving pin 57 . when the movable roof panel 21 of the convertible top 2 is positioned at the fully closed position a , the load receiving pin 57 is fitted into the receiving member 58 . therefore , the force loading the movable roof panel 21 is transmitted to the front roof pillar 12 of the vehicle 1 via the load receiving pin 57 and the receiving member 58 . as shown in fig1 a controller 7 for controlling operation of the vehicle convertible top includes a central processing unit ( cpu ) 71 , a motor drive circuit 72 , a power supply circuit 73 , an input circuit 74 , an excessive electric current detection circuit 75 and an output circuit 76 . the cpu 71 is a micro processor . the electric motors 3 , 4 , 6 are electrically connected to an output port of the cpu 71 through the motor drive circuit 72 . a pair of closed condition detection switches 62 , 62 , a locked condition detection switch 64 and an operation switch 8 are electrically connected to an input port of the cpu 71 through the input circuit 76 . an alarm 10 is electrically connected to an output port of the cpu 71 through the output circuit 76 . a battery 9 of the vehicle 1 is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 73 . the power supply circuit 73 is electrically connected to the cpu 71 , the motor drive circuit 72 , the power supply circuit 73 , the input circuit 74 and the output circuit 76 to supply electric power to the cpu 71 and the circuits 72 , 73 , 74 and 76 . the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 is electrically disposed between the motor drive circuit 72 and the power supply circuit 73 . the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 monitors the electric current supplied to the electric motors 3 , 4 , 6 through the motor drive circuit 72 . the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 is also electrically connected to the cpu 71 . when the value of the electric current supplied to the electric motors 3 , 4 , 6 exceeds a predetermined value , the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 outputs an excessive load signal to the cpu 71 . as shown in fig2 the locked condition detection switch 64 is fixed on the base bracket 53 of one of the locking mechanisms 5 . a movable contact 64 a of the locked condition detection switch 64 is arranged for contacting engagement with a contact arm 54 c of the link 54 . the movable contact 64 a of the locked condition detection switch 64 contacts the contact arm 54 c of the link 54 when the hook 51 is positioned at a predetermined position between the fully locked position b and the fully unlocked position c of the hook 51 . the locked condition detection switch 64 outputs an on signal to the cpu 71 through the input circuit 74 when the movable contact 64 a contacts the contact arm 54 c of the link 54 . the closed condition detection switches 62 , 62 are fixed on the base bracket 57 of both locking mechanisms 5 , 5 . a movable contact 62 a of the locked condition detection switch 62 is arranged for contacting engagement with the load receiving pin 57 . the movable contact 62 a contacts the load receiving pin 57 when the movable panel 21 is positioned at a predetermined position arranged on the open side relative to the fully closed position a . the closed condition detection switch 62 outputs an on signal to the cpu 71 through the input circuit 74 when the movable contact 62 a contacts the receiving pin 57 . as shown in fig1 , 3 and 4 , while the movable roof 2 moves toward the closed direction d ( as shown in fig3 ) by the operation of the electric motors 3 , 4 , the receiving pin 57 fits into or is received in the receiving member 58 and the front end portion 21 a of the movable roof panel 21 contacts the front roof pillar 12 of the vehicle 1 . the receiving pin 57 contacts the movable contact 62 a of the closed condition detection switch 62 and the electric current supplied to the electric motor 3 , 4 exceeds the predetermined value by contact between the front roof pillar 12 and the front end portion 21 a of the movable roof panel 21 . therefore , the closed condition detection switch 62 outputs the on signal to the cpu 71 and the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 outputs the load excessive signal to the cpu 71 . when the on signal outputted by the closed condition detection switches 62 and the load excessive signal outputted by the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 are inputted to the cpu 71 , the cpu 71 outputs a stop signal to the motor drive circuit 72 . therefore , the operation of the electric motors 3 , 4 is stopped . as a result , the movable roof panel 21 is positioned at the fully closed position a . the cpu 71 outputs a drive signal to the motor drive circuit 72 when a predetermined time is passed after the output of the stopped signal . therefore , the electric motor 6 is operated or driven . the operation of the motor 6 causes the hook 51 to move toward a lock direction e as shown in fig2 from the unlocked position c . the contact arm 54 c contacts the movable contact 64 a of the switch 64 a and the link 54 contacts the stopper portion 53 a of the base bracket 53 . the electric current supplied to the electric motor 6 exceeds the predetermined value by virtue of the contact between the stopper portion 53 a and the link 54 . therefore , the locked condition detection switch 64 outputs the on signal to the cpu 71 and the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 outputs the load excessive signal to the cpu 71 . when the on signal from the locked condition detection switch 64 and the load excessive signal from the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 are inputted to the cpu 71 , the cpu 71 outputs a stop signal to the motor drive circuit 72 . therefore , the operation of the electric motor 6 is stopped . as a result , the hook 51 is positioned at the fully locked position b . when the engaging pin 62 is positioned on the arc locus f of the engaging groove 51 a of the hook 51 while the hook 51 moves toward the lock direction e ( as shown in fig2 ) by the operation of the electric motor 6 , the engaging pin 52 is engaged with the engaging groove 51 a of the hook 51 . therefore , the movable roof panel 21 is held against the front roof pillar 12 by the locking mechanisms 5 , 5 . when the engaging pin 52 is not positioned on the arc locus f of the engaging groove 51 a of the hook 51 while the hook 51 moves toward the lock direction e ( as shown in fig2 ) by the operation of the electric motor 6 , the engaging pin 52 contacts the contacting portion 51 b of the hook 51 . the contact arm 54 c of the link 54 does not contact the movable contact 64 a of the locked condition detection switch 64 and the electric current supplied to the electric motor 6 exceeds the predetermined value by contact between the engaging pin 52 and the contacting portion 51 b of the hook 51 . therefore , the locked condition detection switch 64 does not output the on signal to the cpu 71 and the excessive electric current detect circuit 75 outputs the load excessive signal to the cpu 71 . the error step executed by the cpu 71 in the following manner . when the on signal outputted by the locked condition detection switch 64 is not inputted to the cpu 71 and the load excessive signal outputted by the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 is inputted to the cpu 71 , the cpu 71 outputs an error signal to the output circuit 76 and the stop signal to the motor drive circuit 72 . therefore , the alarm 10 warns the user of the vehicle 1 and the electric motor 6 is stopped . while the hook 5 moves toward the lock direction e ( as shown in fig2 ) by the electric motor 6 , although the closed switch 62 outputs the on signal to the cpu 71 , the cpu 71 outputs the error signal to the output circuit 76 . in accordance with the present invention , it is possible to substitute a torque and / or revolution sensor for detecting the torque and / or revolution of the electric motors 3 , 4 , 6 for the excessive electric current detection circuit 75 . the principles , preferred embodiment and mode of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification . however , the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiment disclosed . further , the embodiment described herein is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive . variations and changes may be made by others , and equivalents employed , without departing from the spirit of the present invention . accordingly , it is expressly intended that all such variations , changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims , be embraced thereby . | US-79258601-A |
a computer based software system and method for semantically processing a user entered natural language request to identify and store linguistic subject - action - object structures , using such structures as key words / phrases to search local and web - based databases for downloading candidate natural language documents , semantically processing candidate document texts into candidate document sao structures , and selecting and storing only relevant documents whose sao structures include a match with a stored request sao structure . further features include analyzing relationships among relevant document sao structures and creating new sao structures based on such relationships that may yield new knowledge concepts and ideas for display to the user and generating and displaying natural language summaries based on the relevant document sao structures . | one exemplary embodiment of a semantic processing system according to the principles of the present invention includes : a cpu 12 that could comprise a general purpose personal computer or networked server or minicomputer with standard user input and output driver such as keyboard 14 , mouse 16 , scanner 19 , cd reader 17 , and printer 18 . system 10 also includes standard communication ports 21 to lans , wans , and / or public or private switched networks to the web . with reference to fig1 - 6 , the semantic processing system 10 includes a temporary storage or data base 12 for receiving and storing documents downloaded from the web or local area net or generated as a user request text with use of keyboard 14 or one of the other input devices . user can type the request , examples disclosed below , or enter full documents into db 12 and designate the document as user &# 39 ; s request . system 10 further includes semantic processor 14 for receiving the entire text of each document and includes a subject - action - object ( soa ) analyzer unit 16 that tags each word of each sentence with a code type ( such as markov chain theory code ). unit 16 then identifies each verb group and noun group , ( described below ) within each sentence , and parses and normalizes each sentence into sao structures that represents the sense of the sentence . unit 16 applies its output to db of sao structures 18 . sao processor unit 20 stores the request sao structures and receives the sao structures of each sentence of each document stored in unit 18 . unit 20 compares the document sao &# 39 ; s to the request sao &# 39 ; s and deletes out those documents with no matches . the sao structures of matched documents are stored back in unit 18 or some other storage facility . in addition , unit 20 analyzes sao structures within a single document or with those of one or more other relevant documents , searches for relationships among s - a - o &# 39 ; s and generates new sao structures for user consideration . these new structures are stored in unit 18 or some other storage facility in the system . unit 14 further includes natural language unit 22 that receives sao structures in table form and synthesizes structures into natural language form , i . e . sentences . unit 14 also includes keyword unit 24 for receiving sao structures and extracts key words and phrases from them and acquires their synonyms for use as additional key words / phrases . database units 26 , 28 , and 30 receive the outputs from unit 14 , generally as shown , for storing the natural language summaries of selected sao structures as described below and the key words / phrases that form user request sent to search engines through port 21 . unit 16 includes document pre - formatter 32 that receives full text of documents from unit 12 and converts the text an d other contents to a standard plain text format . text coder 34 analyzes each word of each sentence of text and tags a code to every word which code designates the word type , see fig8 . various data bases designated 44 in fig4 are available to aid the units of unit 16 . following tagging , recognizer unit 36 identifies the verb groups ( fig9 ) and the noun groups of each sentence ( fig 10 ). sentence parser 38 then parses each sentence into a hierarchical coded form that represents the sense of the sentence . fig1 . s - a - o extractor 40 organizes the sao &# 39 ; s of each sentence into extracted table format ( fig1 ). then normalizer 42 normalizes the extractions into sao structures as described above ( fig1 ). sao processor 20 includes three main units . comparative unit 46 receives sao structures from database 18 . one set of these structures originates from the user request text de scribed above and other sets originate from the candidate documents . unit 46 then compares these two sets looking for matches between sao structures of these two sets . if no match results , then the candidate document and associated sao &# 39 ; s are deleted . if a match is identified then the document is marked relevant and ranked and stored in unit 12 and its sao structures stored in unit 18 . unit 46 then compares all candidate documents in sequence and in the same way as described . unit 20 also includes the sao structure reorganizing unit 48 to synthesize new sao structures from different documents on the same matter and combines them into the new structure , as described above , and applies them to unit 18 . filtering unit 50 analyzes every sao structure of each document and blocks or deletes those not relevant to the sao structures of the request . reference 52 designates some of the data bases available to aid sub - units of unit 20 . sao synthesizer unit 22 ( fig6 ) includes a subject detector 54 for detecting the content of the subject for each received sao structure . if s is detected then the sao is fed to unit 56 in which the tree structure of the verb group ( s ) is restored to natural language using grammar , semantic , speech pattern , and synonym rules data base 66 . synthesizer 58 does the same for subject noun groups and synthesizer 60 does the same for object noun groups . combiner 68 then organizes and combines these groups into a natural language sentence . if s was not detected by unit 54 , the sao structures are processed by synthesizer 62 to restore the verb group in passive form . synthesizer 64 processes the object noun group for a passive sentence and combiner 70 to organize and combine the groups into a natural language sentence . if sao structures received by unit 54 bear new structure markings , then combiners 68 and 70 apply their output to unit 28 and if they were marked existing sao structure , then units 68 , 70 apply output to unit 26 . see fig3 . the salient steps to the method according to the principles of the present invention are shown in fig3 where the number in the parenthesis refer to the units of fig2 where the process steps takes place . a session begins with the user inputting a natural language request which could be customized with the use of the keyboard or could be a natural language document entered via one of the input devices shown in fig1 . a typical user generates customized request as shown in fig7 . system 10 unit 14 , then by first tagging each word with a type code ( see fig8 ) then identifying the verb groups of each sentence ( fig9 ) and noun groups of each sentence ( fig1 ) then processing each sentence into an hierarchical tree ( fig1 ) and then extracting the sao extractions where all extracted words are the originals of the request ( fig1 ). then the method normalizes these words ( modifies ) each as each action is changed to its infinitive form . thus , &# 34 ; is isolated &# 34 ; fig1 is changed to &# 34 ; isolate &# 34 ;, the word &# 34 ; to &# 34 ; being understood ( fig1 ). it should be understood that not all attributes of the subject , action and objects appearing in fig1 are shown in fig1 and 13 , but the system knows the full attributes associated with the sao elements and these attributes are part of the sao structure . also , note in fig1 , no subject is listed for the last action because is indicated pursuant to the planning rules . this absence does not affect the reliability of the overall method because all sentences of the candidate documents the include an a - o of isolate - slides will be considered a matter regardless of the subject . the normalized sao &# 39 ; s are called herein as sao structures . these users request sao structures are stored and applied in two following steps ( i ) synthesis of key word / phrases of user request ; ( ii ) a comparative analysis of sao structure of each sentence of each candidate documents as described below . the request sao structure key words / phrases are stored and sent to a standard search engine to search for candidate documents in local databases , lans and / or the web . altavista ™, yahoo ™, or other typical search engines could be used . the engine , using the request sao structure key words / phrases identifies candidate documents and stores them ( full text ) for system 10 analysis . next the sao analysis as described above for the search request is repeated for each sentence of each candidate document so that sao structures are generated and stored as indicated in fig3 . in addition , the sao structures of each document are used in the comparative steps where the request sao structures are compared with the candidate document sao structures . if no match is found then the documents and related sao structures are deleted from the system . if one or more matches are found then the document and related structures are marked relevant and its relevancy marked for example on a scale of 1 . 0 to 10 . 0 . the fill relevant document text is permanently stored ( although it can later be deleted by user if desired ) for display or print - out as user desires . relevant sao structures are also marked relevant and permanently stored . next system 10 filters out the least relevant sao structures and uses the matched sao structures of each relevant documents to synthesis into natural language summary sentences ( s ) the matched sao structures and the page number where the complete sentence associated with the matched sao structures appears . this summary is stored and available for users display or print - out as desired . filtered relevant sao structures of relevant document ( s ) are analyzed to identify relationships among the subjects , actions , and objects among all relevant structures . then sao structures are processed to reorganize them into new sao structures for storage and synthesis into natural language new sentence ( s ). the new sentences may and probably some of them will express or summarize new ideas , concepts and thoughts for users to consider . the new sentences are stored for user display or print - out . and s 1 , is the same as or a synonym of o 3 then s 3 - a 3 - s 1 - a 1 - o 1 is synthesized into a new sentence and stored . accordingly , the method and apparatus according to the present invention provides user automatically with a set of new ideas directly relating to user &# 39 ; s requested area of interest some of which ideas are probably new and suggest possible new solutions to user &# 39 ; s problems under consideration and / or the specific documents and summaries of pertinent parts of specific documents related directly to user &# 39 ; s request . although mention has been made herein of application of the present system and method to the engineering , scientific and medical fields , the application thereof is not limited thereto . the present invention has utility for historians , philosophers , theology , poetry , the arts or any field where written language is used . it will be understood that various enhancements and changes can be made to the example embodiments herein disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . | US-32180499-A |
a method and apparatus is disclosed for handling single in - line packaged components wherein the components are individually selected from a plurality of magazine supplies , transported to a gauging station at which the leads thereof are straightened and aligned and electrical functioning of the component is tested , and transferred from the gauging station to an insert station at which the leads thereof are inserted into corresponding holes of a printed circuit board . | referring to fig7 - 9 , a piston - cylinder 16 is attached to reciprocating slide 20 , via floating coupling 19 and bracket 18 for extension and reaction along axis 13 . slide 20 has an electrically insulative block 22 attached to the top thereof and straddles a fixed , center guide 14 . center guide 14 is attached to a fixed base plate 12 , to which cylinder 16 is also affixed via bracket 17 . a front end of insulative block 22 is provided with slots 23 ( as seen in fig8 ) and a lead straightener block 25 . slots 23 are for reception of flexible electrical contacts 24 ( fig7 and 14 ) which are biased against the back of holes 26 of straightener block 25 as seen in fig1 . a photocell sensor arrangement 28a , 28b , 28c is attached to frame 12 for sensing three different positions of extension or retraction of slide 20 . to facilitate such sensing , a vane 27 has apertures ( not shown ) appropriately arranged along the length thereof and is attached to slide 20 by bracket 21 . the front ( to the left in fig7 and 8 ) of frame 12 has a clamping cylinder 32 attached thereto for reciprocation of a clamp block 34 along axis 31 of fig8 . clamp block 34 slides on a horizontal surface 38 to clamp a component between the front surface 35 of clamp block 34 and locator surface 40 in opposition thereto , as will be explained further . a magnet 48 ( fig8 ) is reciprocatable with clamp block 34 and cooperates with hall effect sensors 44 and 46 to detect the extended and retracted positions of clamp block 34 . referring further to fig1 - 17 , lead straightening / aligning block 25 has a series of holes 26 with conical - shaped lead - in portions 26 &# 39 ; for receiving and guiding leads into holes 26 such that the tips of the leads of a component 100 will engage flexible leaf - spring contacts 24 in order that a test function may be performed ; and block 25 is electrically insulated by a coating or by forming it from a ceramic , plastic , or the like . with this arrangement , the leads are straightened , or at least aligned parallel to each other so that contact of the tips of the leads with electrical contacts 24 allows the sensing of the presence and absence of the various leads as well as testing of the electrical functioning of component 100 via a connection between electrical contacts 24 and a controller ( not shown ). the controller typically may comprise a programmable computer . located above horizontal surface 38 is a vertical transfer assembly 50 as schematically illustrated in fig1 . the structure of vertical transfer assembly 50 may be seen in fig4 - 6 in which a bracket 53 is attached to a cylinder 57 to support it on a machine frame such as a typical c - frame . accordingly , cylinder 57 is fixed relative to the machine frame and actuation thereof provides for a vertical reciprocation of vacuum tubes 54 in the direction of arrows 51 . the top ends of tubes 54 are connected to vacuum supply hoses ( not shown ) in a well known manner , and the bottom ends of tubes 54 have the typical flexible tips attached thereto . guide rods 55 ensure proper reciprocation of vacuum tubes 54 relative to bracket 53 under the control of cylinder 57 . a magnet 58 cooperates with a pair of hall effect sensors to indicate the extended and retracted positions of tubes 54 . fig2 and 3 illustrate a shuttle assembly 80 ( similar to that disclosed in the above referenced u . s . pat . no . 4 , 327 , 483 ) for pick - up of the sip components 100 from a selected magazine 90 ( shown schematically in fig1 ) and transport thereof to vertical transfer assembly 50 . a general functioning of shuttle assembly 80 is well illustrated and explained in the above cross - reference u . s . pat . no . 4 , 327 , 483 and comprises a main body 81 to which is pivotally attached an arm 83 having an extensible and retractable clamp assembly comprising a retriever 82 and a clamp 84 . extension of clamp 84 is limited by a guide bolt 85 threaded into body 81 such that a spring 86 biases clamp 84 to its fully extended position . retriever 82 is extensible and retractable relative to body 81 via a well known piston / cylinder arrangement . extension of retriever 82 further than that shown in fig2 and 3 opens the clamp assembly for reception of a sip and , during retraction thereof , the sip is sandwiched or clamped between retriever 82 and clamp 84 under the bias of the spring 86 . fig1 and 11 illustrate an insert head assembly similar to that disclosed in the above cross - referenced u . s . pat . no . 4 , 327 , 483 . an insert head 60 is pivotal about axis 61 and comprises a vacuum block 62 which is extensible and retractable in the direction of arrows 63 of fig1 . referring to fig1 a , vacuum block 62 has a vacuum hose attachment 65 and a tapered surface 64 for purposes which will become apparent from the following description of the operation of the overall apparatus . insert head 60 also comprises a clamp assembly 66 ( fig1 - 13 ) for clamping the body of a sip against vacuum block 62 . clamp assembly 66 has a clamp member 68 pivotal about axis 67 and biased to the unclamped position of fig1 by compression spring 70 . actuation cylinder 72 has a piston rod 74 to the end of which is attached a hardened steel nose piece 76 for engaging clamp member 68 and pivoting it to the clamping position against the biasing of spring 70 . the generalized sequence of operation involves movement of shuttle assembly 80 to a selected magazine 90 , extraction of a sip 102 from the magazine and transport of sip 102 to a position underneath vertical transfer assembly 50 . sip 102 is engaged by one or more vacuum tubes 54 of vertical transfer assembly 50 ( according to the length of body 101 ) for removing sip 102 from shuttle 80 and transferring it downwardly to horizontal surface 38 of testing station 10 . at testing station 10 , side clamp cylinder 32 is actuated to engage body 101 of sip 102 and force it against locator surfaces 40 such that the leads 106 of sip 102 are properly located relative to lead straightening holes 26 of tester station 2 . at this time , vertical transfer vacuum tubes 54 are retracted , insert head 60 pivots to position the tooling thereof in a horizontal position , and vacuum block 62 of insert head 60 is extended into engagement with sip 102 while slide 20 is moved to a first extended position by cylinder 16 such that leads 106 are guided into straightening holes 26 by lead - in portion 26 &# 39 ; of straightener / aligner block 25 and body 101 of sip 102 is sandwiched between vacuum block 62 and straightener / aligner block 25 . the front portion of vacuum block 62 is beveled so that body 101 of sip 102 is firmly engaged against horizontal surface 38 , without damage , if the body 101 was not already fully engaged with surface 38 . the tips of straightened leads 106 engage flexible leaf - spring contacts 24 which are located behind block 25 ( as seen in fig1 ). having straightened leads 106 and tested the electrical functioning of sip 102 via leads 106 thereof , side clamp 34 is retracted , and slide 20 is extended along with retraction of vacuum block 102 ( generally in the direction of axis 13 ) to transfer sip 102 away from test station 10 . thereafter clamping cylinder 72 is actuated , such that pivotal clamp 68 , engages body 101 of sip 102 to clamp sip 102 onto vacuum block 62 , and slide 20 is fully retracted . at this time , insert head 60 is pivoted to position the tooling thereof in the vertical position of fig1 with the body of sip 102 sandwiched between vacuum block 62 and pivotal clamp 68 , then clamp 68 is pivoted out of engagement with sip body 101 , and insert head 60 is actuated to insert leads 106 of sip 102 into corresponding holes of a printed circuit board . ( 1 ) shuttle 80 moves to a selected magazine 90 with the tooling thereof pivoted downwardly and partially extended ; ( 4 ) retriever 82 retracts to extract sip 102 from magazine 90 and clamp the body thereof between retriever 82 and clamp 84 under the bias of spring 86 ; ( 5 ) the tooling of shuttle assembly 80 is lowered and a check is performed for the presence or absence of a component in the tooling . if the check is negative , three more attempts are initiated to retrieve a component from the selected magazine or an alternative magazine . if , after the three attempts , no component has been retrieved by the tooling of shuttle assembly 80 , then the machine is stopped and the operator is notified by an alarm . if the check for a component is positive ; then ( 6 ) shuttle 80 moves to a position adjacent vertical transfer assembly 50 ; ( 7 ) the tooling of shuttle assembly 80 is extended and the vacuum of transfer assembly 50 is turned on ; ( 8 ) the tooling of shuttle assembly 80 is raised to contact the body 101 of sip 102 with vacuum head 56 of vertical transfer assembly 50 ; ( 9 ) retriever 82 of shuttle assembly 80 is further extended to unclamp the sip , a piezoelectric transducer - type vacuum switch senses whether or not a sip is supported by vacuum head 56 of vertical transfer assembly 50 , and a &# 34 ; part missing &# 34 ; function similar to that described above is performed if a component is not supported by vacuum head 56 . if a component is supported by vacuum head 56 ; then the above described steps ( 3 - 11 ) are repeated in concert with the following steps ( 12 - 20 ). ( 12 ) vacuum tubes 54 of vertical transfer assembly 50 are extended downwardly ; ( 13 ) side clamp cylinder 32 of test station 10 is extended , and the vacuum of vertical transfer assembly 50 is turned off . hall effect sensor 44 will be actuated if a sip 102 is not appropriately captured between clamp block 34 and locator surface 40 . with sip 102 appropriately captured by extension of side clamp block 34 ; ( 14 ) vacuum tubes 54 of vertical transfer assembly are retracted and the tooling of insert head assembly 60 is rotated to the horizontal position indicated in phantom lines in fig1 ; ( 16 ) slide 20 of test station 10 is extended to a first position such that leads 106 of sip 102 are guided into straightening holes 26 and electrical functioning of sip 102 is performed ( through leads 106 via flexible leaf contacts 24 and associated circuitry ). the vacuum of vacuum block 62 is turned on ; ( 18 ) the pressure under which vacuum block 62 has been extended is lowered , and slide 20 is further extended to a second position so that sip 102 clears horizontal surface 38 of the test station 10 ; ( 19 ) clamp 68 of clamping assembly 66 is pivoted into engagement with body 101 of the sip 102 , which is being held by the vacuum on vacuum block 62 and by the sandwiching of body 101 between vacuum block 62 and straightening / aligning block 25 of slide 20 ; ( 20 ) slide 20 is retracted . during this retraction of slide 20 , leads 106 remain parallel to each other during the sliding disengagement thereof from holes 26 of block 25 . if , for some reason , leads 106 are not exactly perpendicular to the surface of the body 101 from which they protrude , it will not matter since the tips of the parallel leads will be equally spaced and located relative to holes 26 of block 25 which , in the fully retracted position of block 25 , are reference locations for positioning the corresponding circuit board holes beneath insert head 60 . thus , the tips of leads , 106 if not the full lengths of the leads , will be properly positioned relative to the corresponding circuit board holes into which they are to be inserted . if the test results have been negative , i . e ., all the leads have not been straightened and tested or electrical functioning of sip 102 is unsatisfactory , then the component will be removed from vacuum block 62 such that a faulty component will not be mounted on the circuit board . during the next three steps ( 21 - 23 ), the above described steps ( 3 - 5 ) and ( 12 - 14 ) are performed in conjunction therewith . ( 21 ) insert head 60 is pivoted to the insert position , while the printed circuit board is properly positioned and a clinching mechanism under the printed circuit board is opened to receive leads 106 of sip 102 . ( 22 ) clamp 68 is pivoted away from sip 102 such that only vacuum block 62 is holding sip 102 . ( 23 ) the insert head is extended to insert leads 106 into the corresponding holes of the circuit board , and clinching of the leads to the underside thereof is performed . testing of the component for electrical functioning should be understood to include testing for proper orientation of the component . typically during straightening and testing , vacuum block 62 is extended with 80 pounds of fluid pressure while slide 20 is extended with 10 pounds of fluid pressure ; whereas , during transfer of the sip from the test station , 20 pounds of extension pressure is applied to vacuum block 62 and 60 pounds to slide 20 . it has been found that these pressures prevent breakage of the stand - offs of the components . in cases where the component bodies 101 vary in thickness , from component to component , the lead straightening operation may cause all of the leads 106 to be parallel to each other but not perpendicular to the surface of body 101 from which they protrude . in fact , because of manufacturing inconsistencies , a body 101 may vary in thickness from end to end , causing a similar situation where the leads 106 are parallel to each other and not perpendicular to the body surface . however , by the instant invention , the tips of the straightened leads still will be located properly for subsequent insertion when either of these situations occur . 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 carrying out the above method and in the construction set forth without departing from the 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 . 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 . | US-48370083-A |
a chiral nematic liquid composition , which exhibits a cholesteric phase at a room temperature , comprising a nematic liquid crystal composition and at least one kind of chiral agent . the nematic liquid crystal composition includes at least one kind of liquid crystal ester compound , at least one kind of liquid crystal terphenyl compound , and at least one kind of liquid crystal tolane compound . this chiral nematic liquid crystal offers superior bidirectional stability , good color purity and reflectance , high contrast , a wide temperature compensation range , and a low voltage driving requirement . | the embodiments of the liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal light modulating element pertaining to the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings . fig1 ( a ) and 1 ( b ) show the cross - sectional construction of the liquid crystal display 10 a comprising a first embodiment of the present invention . fig1 ( a ) shows the planar state ( colored display state ) caused by the application of a high - voltage pulse , and fig1 ( b ) shows the focal conic state ( transparent / black display state ) caused by the application of a low - voltage pulse . the liquid crystal composition used here has a memory capability , such that the planar state and the focal conic state are maintained even when the application of the pulse voltage is stopped . in fig1 and 12 are transparent substrates , and multiple parallel belt - shaped transparent electrodes 13 and 14 are formed on the surfaces of the transparent substrates 11 and 12 , respectively , such that they face each other . these electrodes 13 and 14 are also aligned so as to be perpendicular to each other . it is preferable for the electrodes 13 to be coated by an insulating film 15 . in addition , a visible light absorbing layer 16 is formed on the substrate 12 where necessary . alternatively , rather than forming a visible light absorbing layer 16 , the substrate 12 itself may be given a visible light absorbing capability . 20 are column - shaped resin bodies that serve as to maintain the space between the substrates 11 and 12 . 21 is a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition that exhibits a cholesteric phase at room temperature . the materials and combinations of these substances are explained below , and are explained in more detail in connection with the experiment examples . 24 is a sealing material that seals the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition 21 inside the substrates 11 and 12 . 25 is a pulse power supply that applies prescribed pulse - shaped voltages to the electrodes 13 and 14 . fig2 ( a ) and 2 ( b ) show the cross - sectional construction of the liquid crystal display 10 b comprising a second embodiment of the present invention . fig2 ( a ) shows the planar state ( colored display state ) caused by the application of a high - voltage pulse , and fig2 ( b ) shows the focal conic state ( transparent / black display state ) caused by the application of a low - voltage pulse . these two types of states are maintained even when the application of the pulse voltage is stopped , as in the first embodiment . the liquid crystal display 10 b is a resin network type display formed by a composite film 22 comprising a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition 21 and a three - dimensional lattice - shaped resin network 23 . the composite film 22 is made by mixing the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition together with a prescribed proportion of a resin substance to which a photopolymerization initiator is added , whereupon the mixture is irradiated with ultraviolet light to polymerize the resin substance . for the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition 21 , the materials described below may be used . the other components are identical to those in the first embodiment , and are identified by the same symbols used in that embodiment . fig3 shows the cross - sectional construction of a liquid crystal display 10 c ( in a planar state , after application of a high - voltage pulse ) comprising a third embodiment of the present invention . this liquid crystal display has the same basic construction as the first embodiment shown in fig1 but there are no column - shaped bodies in the display area . in fig3 the same members that are shown in fig1 are assigned the same symbols . fig4 shows the cross - sectional construction of a liquid crystal display 10 d ( in a planar state , after application of a high - voltage pulse ) comprising a fourth embodiment of the present invention . this liquid crystal display 10 d comprises the liquid crystal display 10 c of the third embodiment , with small column - shaped bodies 20 ′ formed to extend into the center area of the space between the substrates 11 and 12 . in fig4 the same members that are shown in fig3 are assigned the same symbols . fig5 shows the cross - sectional construction of a liquid crystal display 10 e comprising a fifth embodiment of the present invention . this liquid crystal display 10 e comprises a guest - host type liquid crystal composition 21 that is obtained by adding a dichroic pigment 26 to a host liquid crystal 21 ′. in addition , orientation control films 17 are formed on the electrode surfaces of the substrates 11 and 12 . in fig5 the same members that are shown in fig3 are assigned the same symbols . the liquid crystal displays 10 a through 10 e having the constructions described above perform display through the application of a pulse voltage from the power supply 25 to the electrodes 13 and 14 . in other words , where liquid crystal that exhibits a cholesteric phase is used for the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition 21 , when a relatively high - energy pulse voltage is impressed to the liquid crystal composition , the liquid crystal enters a planar state , and light having the wavelength determined based on the helical pitch and the reflectance of the liquid crystal is selectively reflected . when a relatively low - energy pulse voltage is impressed to the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition , the composition enters a focal conic state in which the composition becomes transparent . it is also possible to construct the liquid crystal displays of the embodiments such that each state is maintained even after the application of voltage is stopped . it has also been determined that an intermediate state between the focal conic state and the planar state exists , and it is possible to perform halftone display through the application of an intermediate energy pulse voltage . this intermediate state is considered a mixture of the planar state and the focal conic state , and it is possible to construct the liquid crystal displays of the embodiments such that this intermediate state is maintained even after the application of voltage is stopped . in addition , as shown in the drawings , when a light absorbing layer 16 is formed on the back side ( the side opposite the side of observation ), black display is performed when the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition is in the focal conic state . in these liquid crystal displays , the locations at which the belt - shaped electrodes 13 and 14 intersect in a matrix fashion each comprise individual pixels . in this specification , the area where light modulation is performed by means of the liquid crystal composition is termed the light modulation area , and the area around this area where light modulation is not performed is termed the non - modulation area . in the liquid crystal displays of the embodiments , the light modulation area comprises the display area . at least one of the substrates 11 and 12 must be transparent to light . in addition to glass , a flexible substrate such as polycarbonate , polyether sulfone or polyethylene terephthalate may be used as the transparent substrate . for the electrodes 13 and 14 , transparent conductive film such as ito ( indium tin oxide ) or other transparent conductive film , metal electrodes made of aluminum or silicon , or photoconductive film such as amorphous silicone or bso ( bismuth silicon oxide ) may be used . after the ito film is formed on the substrates 11 and 12 through sputtering , for example , the electrodes 13 and 14 may be formed into a belt shape via patterning using photolithography . the insulating film 15 comprises an inorganic film made of silicon oxide or an organic film made of polyimide resin , epoxy resin , acrylic resin or urethane resin , and serves to prevent short - circuiting of the electrodes 13 and 14 , and as a gas barrier layer to improve the reliability of the liquid crystal . polyimide resin or silicon resin may be used as an orientation control film . moreover , if a pigment is added , the film functions as a color filter as well . the material used for the high - polymer bodies in the column - shaped bodies 20 may also be used as the insulating film or the orientation control film . while not shown in connection with the embodiments , spacers may be located between the substrates 11 and 12 . the spacers maintain the gap between the substrates 11 and 12 at a uniform distance , and may comprise , for example , spheres made of resin or an inorganic oxide compound . therefore , the spacers only may be used as the material to maintain the gap between the substrates , without using the column - shaped bodies 20 . the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition of the present invention comprises nematic liquid crystal composition and chiral agent , and exhibits cholesteric phase at room temperature . the nematic liquid crystal composition contains a liquid crystal ester compound , a liquid crystal phenyl compound and a liquid crystal tolane compound as its principal components . furthermore , a liquid crystal component such as a liquid crystal phenyl cyclohexyl compound , a liquid crystal polycyclic compound and / or an n - type ( non - polar ) compound may be included in the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition as well . pigments and / or uv - absorbent substances may also be added . chiral nematic liquid crystal composition allows the selective reflection wavelength to be adjusted by means of the amount of chiral agent added to the nematic liquid crystal composition , thereby allowing the selective reflection wavelength to be set either inside or outside the range of visible light . generally , when the amount of chiral agent is increased , the selective reflection wavelength shifts in the direction of the shorter wavelengths . the selective reflection wavelength refers to the peak wavelength in the visible light range within the reflected light components when a pulse voltage is impressed to the electrodes 13 and 14 , causing the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition to enter a planar state . a liquid crystal ester compound has a large dielectric anisotropy , which increases responsiveness to drive voltage and transparency when included in the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition , so that the contrast increases . in particular , it is desirable that the compound includes an f group or a cn group ( ideally located at the end of the molecule ), which improves the transparency of the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition , allows the drive voltage to be reduced , and increases the range of operating temperatures . a liquid crystal terphenyl compound has a large refractive anisotropy , which increases scattering , thereby increasing the contrast and increasing the operating temperature range when included in the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition . it also helps to maintain the long - term reliability and stability of the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition . it is particularly desirable that the compound includes a polar group such as an f group or a cl group ( ideally at the end of the molecule ), which allows the drive voltage to be reduced . it is preferred that the compound has a cl group at the end of the molecule and include one or more f groups . the liquid crystal tolane compound offsets the viscosity of the relatively high - viscosity liquid crystal ester compound and liquid crystal terphenyl compound , thereby increasing the responsiveness of the liquid crystal composition . by including this compound in the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition , the viscosity of the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition may be reduced while maintaining a high refractive index . a liquid crystal phenyl cyclohexyl compound helps to reduce the viscosity and increase the refractive index of the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition . in this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition , it is desirable for the total amount of liquid crystal ester compound and liquid crystal terphenyl compound to comprise at least 50 % by weight of the amount of nematic liquid crystal composition . it is also desirable for the total amount of liquid crystal ester compound and liquid crystal tolane compound to comprise at least 40 % by weight of the amount of nematic liquid crystal composition . in particular , it is desirable for the amount of liquid crystal terphenyl compound to comprise at least 10 % by weight of the amount of nematic liquid crystal composition . the upper limit is 40 %, but the preferred percentage is 30 %. it is desirable for the amount of liquid crystal ester compound to comprise at least 30 % by weight of the amount of nematic liquid crystal composition , but the preferred minimum percentage is at least 40 %. the upper limit is 70 %, but the preferred upper percentage is 60 %. regarding the physical properties of the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition , it is desirable for the reflective anisotropy value to be between 0 . 1 and 0 . 3 , but the preferred value is between 0 . 15 and 0 . 25 . if the reflective anisotropy value is too small , there are too few scattering components , the color becomes faded in the planar state , and a sufficient reflectance cannot be obtained . conversely , if the reflective anisotropy value is too large , there are too many scattering components , and transparent and black display in the focal conic state become poor ( i . e ., the display becomes insufficiently transparent ), thereby reducing display performance . in other words , in order to obtain good transparency and color while maintaining sufficient contrast , the reflective anisotropy value should be maintained in the range described above . it is furthermore desirable for the dielectric anisotropy value to be at least 10 , but the preferred value is at least 15 . the upper limit is 40 , but the preferred value is 30 . if the dielectric anisotropy value is too large , the long - term reliability of the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition is affected , while if it is too small , the drive voltage increases to a high level . the general chemical formulae ( a ) and ( a ′) and specific formulae ( a1 ) through ( a69 ) and ( a ′ 1 ) through ( a ′ 40 ) for the usable liquid crystal ester compound are shown below . r is an alkyl group , alkoxyl group , alkenyl group , or fluoroalkyl group having a carbon number from 1 to 10 . r2 is an alkyl group , alkoxyl group , alkenyl group or fluoroalkyl group having a carbon number from 1 to 10 , a cn group ( see a1 - a10 ), or an f group . each of a and b is a 1 , 4 phenylene group or a 1 , 4 cyclohexyl group . each of l , m and n is an integer in range from 0 to 4 . next , the general chemical formula ( b ) and specific formulae ( b1 ) through ( b72 ) for the usable liquid crystal tolane compound are shown below . r3 is an alkyl group , alkoxyl group or alkenyl group having a carbon number from 1 to 8 . r4 is an alkyl group , alkoxyl group or alkenyl group having a carbon number from 1 to 8 , or f group . each of b and d is a phenylene group , cyclohexyl group or single bond . next , the general chemical formula ( c ) and specific formulae ( c1 ) through ( c48 ) for the usable liquid crystal terphenyl compound are shown below . r5 is an alkyl group , alkoxyl group or alkenyl group having a carbon number from 1 to 8 . each of x , y and z is an f group , cl group or h group . each of a , b , and c is an interger in range from 0 to 1 . r6 is an alkyl group , alkoxyl group or alkenyl group having a carbon number from 1 to 8 , f group , cl group , or cn group . the chiral nematic liquid crystal compositions described above have the advantage that the pitch of their spiral structure may be changed by changing the amount of chiral agent added , thereby allowing the selective reflection wavelength of the liquid crystal to be controlled . generally , the term used to describe the pitch of the spiral structure of the liquid crystal molecules is ‘ helical pitch ’, defined as the distance between liquid crystal molecules when they turn 360 ° along the spiral structure . a chiral agent is an additive that has the effect of twisting the liquid crystal molecules when it is added to nematic liquid crystal . adding a chiral agent to nematic liquid crystal causes the liquid crystal molecules to adopt a helical structure having a prescribed distance between spirals , thereby creating a cholesteric phase . the use of different kinds of chiral agents allows the phase shift temperature of the liquid crystal composition to be changed , mitigates the change in the selective reflection wavelength of the liquid crystal in response to changes in temperature , and allows physical properties of the liquid crystal such as the dielectric anisotropy , reflective anisotropy and viscosity to be varied , thereby improving the characteristics of the liquid crystal display . the added chiral agent may comprise , for example , a biphenyl compound , a terphenyl compound , an ester compound , a pyrimidine compound , an azoxy compound , or another type of chiral agent . it may comprise a generally - marketed chiral agent having an optically active group for the end group of the compound , such as s811 , r811 , cb15 , s1011 , or r10011 ( all manufactured by merk & amp ; co . ), or such as cm31 , cm32 , cm33 or cm34 ( all manufactured by chisso corp .) in addition , cholesteric liquid crystal having a cholesteric ring , such as cholesteric nonanoate , may be used as well . the chemical formulae ( d1 ) through ( d6 ) for the usable chiral agents are provided below . two or more chiral agents may be added . by adding multiple chiral agents , the selective reflection wavelength may be prevented from shifting due to changes in the ambient temperature . where multiple chiral agents are added , two agents that cause the liquid crystal molecules to twist in opposite directions may be added . the total amount of chiral agent added should comprise approximately 10 % to 45 % by weight of the total amount of the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition . if it is less than 10 %, the liquid crystal composition may not be able to perform selective reflectance of light of the desired wavelength . if it exceeds 45 %, a cholesteric phase may not be exhibited at room temperature , or the liquid crystal composition may solidify . the pigment added to the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition may comprise an azo compound , a quinone compound or an anthraquinone compound , or a dichroic pigment . any of various publicly known pigments may be used , and they may be used individually or in combination . the amount of pigment should comprise no more than 5 % by weight of the total amount of chiral nematic liquid crystal composition , but the preferred percentage is 3 % or less . where a color filter is used instead of a pigment , a colorless transparent substance to which a pigment is added may be used as the filter substance . a substance that is fundamentally in a colored state without the addition of a pigment , or a film made of a substance that has the same effect as a pigment , may also be used . needless to say , the same effect may be obtained by replacing the transparent substrate itself with the filter substance , instead of applying the filter as a separate layer . the added uv - absorbent substance prevents deterioration of the liquid crystal composition due to uv exposure , such as color fading or deterioration in the responsiveness of the liquid crystal over time . a benzophenone compound , a benzotriazole compound , or a salicylate compound , for example , may be used . the added amount should comprise 5 % or less by weight of the total amount of liquid crystal composition , but the preferred percentage is 3 % or less . the structure of the column - shaped bodies will first be explained . the column - shaped bodies have a circular , square , or oval cross - section , and are aligned in a prescribed pattern , such as a lattice pattern , with a prescribed distance between them . alternatively , they may be aligned in a striped configuration with a prescribed distance between them . it is preferable if the column - shaped bodies are not aligned randomly , but are placed at equal distances apart , or aligned such that the distance between them changes gradually , or such that a prescribed alignment pattern repeats itself at regular intervals , so that the distance between the substrates is maintained at an appropriate distance and the alignment does not serve to hinder the performance of image display by the liquid crystal . various publicly known methods for forming the column - shaped bodies may be adopted . in one method , for example , after a photo - curing resin substance is applied to the surface of the substrates , it is irradiated by light of a prescribed wavelength via a mask in which are formed openings having a desired pattern , whereby the photo - curing resin substance is polymerized and the unnecessary parts are removed . alternatively , a method may be used in which the resin substance is transferred to the substrates by means of the screen printing method and thereafter cured and dried . in yet another method , a mixture of the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition and the photo - curing resin substance is applied to one of the substrates , the other substrate is placed on the first substrate , the mixture is irradiated by light of a prescribed wavelength via a mask in which are formed openings having a desired pattern , thereby polymerizing the photo - curing resin substance , and the column - shaped bodies are formed through phase separation of the mixture . the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition may be placed between the substrates that sandwich the column - shaped bodies through vacuum injection . alternatively , the liquid crystal composition may be applied to one of the substrates on which the column - shaped bodies are formed , the other substrate placed on top , and the liquid crystal composition made to spread out between them by pressing the substrates toward each other . in the screen printing method , a screen in which a prescribed pattern ( openings ) is formed is placed on the substrate surface on which the electrodes are formed , and the resin substance is placed on the screen . a squeegee is then operated to travel at a prescribed pressure and speed . in this way , the resin substance is transferred to the substrate via the screen , whereupon it is heated , hardened and dried . where the column - shaped bodies are formed through the screen printing method , the resin substance is not limited to photo - curing resin , and a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin or acrylic resin , or a thermoplastic resin , may also be used . thermoplastic resins include polyvinyl chloride resin , polyvinylidene chloride resin , polyvinyl acetate resin , polymethacrylate ester resin , polyacrylate ester resin , polystyrene resin , polyamide resin , polyethylene resin , polypropylene resin , fluorine resin , polyurethane resin , polyacrylonitrile resin , polyvinyl ether resin , polyvinyl ketone resin , polyether resin , polyvinyl pyrrolidone resin , saturated polyester resin , polycarbonate resin , and chlorinated polyether resin . these resins are preferably dissolved in an appropriate solvent and used in the form of a paste . after the column - shaped bodies are formed on the substrates , spacers are dispersed on at least one of the substrates , and the other substrate is placed on top such that the electrodes face each other , forming an empty cell . when doing so , by heating the pair of substrates while pressure is applied to both sides of the pair of substrates , the column - shaped bodies are softened , and may be hardened once more through cooling . a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 48 % by weight of the liquid crystal ester compounds described in structural formulae ( a7 ), ( a8 ), ( a9 ), ( a ′ 22 ), ( a ′ 23 ) and ( a ′ 24 ), 20 % by weight of the liquid crystal tolane compounds described in structural formulae ( b9 ), ( b41 ), ( b42 ), ( b43 ) and ( b44 ), and 15 % by weight of the liquid crystal terphenyl compound described in structural formula ( c4 ) was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with the chiral agent described in structural formula ( d3 ) in the proportions of 78 . 5 % and 21 . 5 % by weight , respectively , creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 550 nm . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition had a reflective anisotropy value of 0 . 215 , a dielectric anisotropy value of 19 . 2 , and a phase shift temperature to an isotropic phase of 82 . 1 ° c . spacers were placed between glass substrates on which electrodes had been formed to adjust the distance between the substrates to 7 μm , and the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition was inserted between them . a black light - absorbing layer was mounted to the back side of the substrate opposite the substrate that the incident light strikes , thereby creating the liquid crystal display shown in fig3 . in this liquid crystal display , when a 30v pulse voltage was impressed between the electrodes for 5 msec , the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition entered a focal conic state ( transparent state ), with a y - value of 2 . 35 . when a 55v pulse voltage was then impressed for 5 msec , the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition entered a planar state ( green colored state ), with a y - value of 20 . 45 and a contrast of 8 . 70 . the color purity under the planar state was 81 . 5 %, and the reflectance under the planar state was 32 . 6 %. measurement of the y - value ( luminous reflectance ) and color purity ( excitation purity ) was performed using a spectrophotometric colorimeter cm3700d manufactured by minolta co ., ltd . the same equipment was used in the experiment examples and comparison examples described below . a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 48 % by weight of the liquid crystal ester compounds described in structural formulae ( a7 ), ( a8 ), ( a9 ), ( a ′ 22 ), ( a ′ 23 ) and ( a ′ 24 ), 20 % by weight of the liquid crystal tolane compounds described in structural formulae ( b9 ), ( b41 ), ( b42 ), ( b43 ) and ( b44 ), and 15 % by weight of the liquid crystal terphenyl compound described in structural formula ( c4 ) was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with the chiral agent described in structural formula ( d3 ) in the proportions of 81 . 8 % and 18 . 2 % by weight , respectively , creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 680 nm . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition had a reflective anisotropy value of 0 . 206 , a dielectric anisotropy value of 16 . 2 , and a phase shift temperature to an isotropic phase of 78 . 8 ° c . spacers were placed between glass substrates on which electrodes had been formed to adjust the distance between the substrates to 9 μm , and the liquid crystal composition was inserted between them . a black light - absorbing layer was mounted to the back side of the substrate opposite the substrate that the incident light strikes , thereby creating the liquid crystal display shown in fig3 . in this liquid crystal display , when a 35v pulse voltage was impressed between the electrodes for 5 msec , the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition entered a focal conic state ( transparent state ), with a y - value of 1 . 40 . when a 60v pulse voltage was then impressed for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a planar state ( red colored state ), with a y - value of 6 . 80 and a contrast of 4 . 86 . the color purity under the planar state was 69 . 5 %, and the reflectance under the planar state was 31 . 5 %. a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 48 % by weight of the liquid crystal ester compounds described in structural formulae ( a7 ), ( a8 ), ( a9 ), ( a ′ 22 ), ( a ′ 23 ) and ( a ′ 24 ), 20 % by weight of the liquid crystal tolane compounds described in structural formulae ( b9 ), ( b41 ), ( b42 ), ( b43 ) and ( b44 ), and 15 % by weight of the liquid crystal terphenyl compound described in structural formula ( c4 ) was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with the chiral agent described in structural formula ( d6 ) in the proportions of 76 . 6 % and 23 . 4 % by weight , respectively , creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 490 nm . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition had a reflective anisotropy value of 0 . 215 , a dielectric anisotropy value of 17 . 5 , and a phase shift temperature to an isotropic phase of 78 . 9 ° c . spacers were placed between glass substrates on which electrodes had been formed to adjust the distance between the substrates to 5 μm , and the liquid crystal composition was inserted between them . a black light - absorbing layer was mounted to the back side of the substrate opposite the substrate that the incident light strikes , thereby creating the liquid crystal display shown in fig3 . in this liquid crystal display , when a 20v pulse voltage was impressed between the electrodes for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a focal conic state ( transparent state ), with a y - value of 2 . 01 . when a 40v pulse voltage was then impressed for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a planar state ( blue colored state ), with a y - value of 8 . 07 and a contrast of 4 . 01 . the color purity under the planar state was 65 . 1 %, and the reflectance under the planar state was 31 . 5 %. a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 42 % by weight of the liquid crystal ester compound described in structural formulae ( a6 ), ( a7 ), ( a8 ), ( a ′ 5 ), ( a ′ 22 ) and ( a ′ 24 ), 22 % by weight of the liquid crystal tolane compound described in structural formulae ( b9 ), ( b11 ), ( b40 ), ( b42 ) and ( b46 ), and 13 % by weight of the liquid crystal terphenyl compound described in structural formulae ( c2 ) and ( c6 ) was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with the chiral agent described in structural formula ( d1 ) and si - 426 dichroic pigment ( manufactured by mitsui toatsu co ., ltd .) in the proportions of 80 . 1 %, 19 . 4 % and 0 . 5 % by weight , respectively , creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 690 nm . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition had a reflective anisotropy value of 0 . 205 , a dielectric anisotropy value of 15 . 4 , and a phase shift temperature to an isotropic phase of 79 . 5 ° c . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition was mixed in a 3 : 7 ratio with r - 684 uv - hardened type monomer ( manufactured by nippon kayaku co ., ltd .) that was previously mixed with 5 % by weight of a polymerization initiator , and was placed between glass substrates on which electrodes had been formed and spacers having a diameter of 9 μm were sprayed . the mixture was irradiated with uv light while the gap between the substrates was maintained at a specified distance . a black light - absorbing layer was mounted to the back side of the substrate opposite the substrate that the incident light strikes , thereby creating the liquid crystal display shown in fig2 . in this liquid crystal display , when a 45v pulse voltage was impressed between the electrodes for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a focal conic state ( transparent state ), with a y - value of 1 . 32 . when a 75v pulse voltage was then impressed for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a planar state ( red colored state ), with a y - value of 6 . 43 and a contrast of 4 . 87 . the color purity undre the planar state was 75 . 2 %, and the reflectance under the planar state was 33 . 5 %. a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 42 % by weight of the liquid crystal ester compounds described in structural formulae ( a6 ), ( a7 ), ( a8 ), ( a ′ 5 ), ( a ′ 22 ) and ( a ′ 24 ), 22 % by weight of the liquid crystal tolane compounds described in structural formulae ( b9 ), ( b11 ), ( b40 ), ( b42 ) and ( b46 ), and 13 % by weight of the liquid crystal terphenyl compounds described in structural formulae ( c2 ) and ( c6 ) was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with the chiral agent described in structural formula ( d6 ) and kayaset yellow gn pigment ( manufactured by nippon kayaku co ., ltd .) in the proportions of 19 . 2 %, 20 . 5 % and 0 . 3 % by weight , respectively , creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 550 nm . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition had a reflective anisotropy value of 0 . 189 , a dielectric anisotropy value of 15 . 3 , and a phase shift temperature to an isotropic phase of 83 . 2 ° c . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition was mixed in a 3 : 7 ratio with r - 684 uv - hardened type monomer ( manufactured by nippon kayaku co ., ltd .) that was previously mixed with 5 % by weight of a polymerization initiator , and was placed between glass substrates on which electrodes had been formed and spacers having a diameter of 7 μm were sprayed . the mixture was irradiated with uv light while the gap between the substrates was maintained at a specified distance . a black light - absorbing layer was mounted to the back side of the substrate opposite the substrate that the incident light strikes , thereby creating the liquid crystal display shown in fig2 . in this liquid crystal display , when a 45v pulse voltage was impressed between the electrodes for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a focal conic state ( transparent state ), with a y - value of 2 . 12 . when a 65v pulse voltage was then impressed for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a planar state ( green colored state ), with a y - value of 21 . 1 and a contrast of 9 . 95 . the color purity under the planar state was 84 . 6 %, and the reflectance under the planar state was 31 . 5 %. a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 42 % by weight of the liquid crystal ester compounds described in structural formulae ( a6 ), ( a7 ), ( a8 ), ( a ′ 5 ), ( a ′ 22 ) and ( a ′ 24 ), 22 % by weight of the liquid crystal tolane compounds described in structural formulae ( b9 ), ( b11 ), ( b40 ), ( b42 ) and ( b46 ), and 13 % by weight of the liquid crystal terphenyl compounds described in structural formulae ( c2 ) and ( c6 ) was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with the chiral agent described in structural formula ( d6 ) and mbt - 175 uv - absorbing agent ( manufactured by nippon kayaku co ., ltd .) in the proportions of 74 . 1 %, 25 . 4 % and 0 . 5 % by weight , respectively , creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 475 nm . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition had a reflective anisotropy value of 0 . 178 , a dielectric anisotropy value of 14 . 8 , and a phase shift temperature to an isotropic phase of 84 . 1 ° c . spacers were placed between glass substrates on which electrodes had been formed to adjust the distance between the substrates to 5 μm , and the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition was inserted between them . a black light - absorbing layer was mounted to the back side of the substrate opposite the substrate that the incident light strikes , thereby creating the liquid crystal display shown in fig3 . in this liquid crystal display , when a 30v pulse voltage was impressed between the electrodes for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a focal conic state ( transparent state ), with a y - value of 1 . 68 . when a 50v pulse voltage was then impressed for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a planar state ( blue colored state ), with a y - value of 7 . 56 and a contrast of 4 . 50 . the color purity under the planar state was 70 . 2 %, and the reflectance under the planar state was 30 . 9 %. a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 53 % by weight of the liquid crystal ester compounds described in structural formulae ( a2 ), ( a7 ), ( a8 ), ( a9 ), ( a63 ), ( a ′ 22 ), ( a ′ 23 ), ( a ′ 24 ) and ( a ′ 27 ), 22 % by weight of the liquid crystal tolane compounds described in structural formulae ( b11 ), ( b41 ), ( b42 ) and ( b44 ), 10 % by weight of the liquid crystal terphenyl compound described in structural formula ( c4 ), and 7 % by weight of the liquid crystal phenyl cyclohexyl compounds described in the following structural formulae ( e1 ) and ( e2 ) was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with the chiral agent described in structural formula ( d3 ) in the proportions of 71 . 5 % and 28 . 5 % by weight , respectively , creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 480 nm . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition had a reflective anisotropy value of 0 . 208 , a dielectric anisotropy value of 19 . 5 , and a phase shift temperature to an isotropic phase of 76 . 1 ° c . spacers were placed between glass substrates on which electrodes had been formed to adjust the distance between the substrates to 5 μm , and the liquid crystal composition was inserted between them . a black light - absorbing layer was mounted to the back side of the substrate opposite the substrate that the incident light strikes , thereby creating the liquid crystal display shown in fig3 . in this liquid crystal display , when a 20v pulse voltage was impressed between the electrodes for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a focal conic state ( transparent state ), with a y - value of 1 . 72 . when a40v pulse voltage was then impressed for 5 msec , the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition entered a planar state ( blue colored state ), with a y - value of 7 . 87 and a contrast of 4 . 58 . the color purity under the planar state was 64 . 3 %, and the reflectance under the planar state was 32 . 5 %. a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 56 % by weight of the liquid crystal ester compounds described in structural formulae ( a7 ), ( a8 ), ( a9 ), ( a ′ 13 ) and ( a ′ 14 ), as well as in the following structural formulae ( a70 ), ( a71 ), ( a ′ 41 ) and ( a ′ 42 ) described below , 10 % by weight of the liquid crystal tolane compounds described in structural formulae ( b40 ), ( b41 ) and ( b43 ), and none of the liquid crystal terphenyl compound , was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with the chiral agent described in structural formula ( d1 ) and si - 426 dichroic pigment ( manufactured by mitsui toatsu co ., ltd .) in the proportions of 77 . 7 %, 21 . 8 % and 0 . 5 % by weight , respectively , creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 680 nm . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition had a reflective anisotropy value of 0 . 135 , a dielectric anisotropy value of 12 . 8 , and a phase shift temperature to an isotropic phase of 78 . 1 ° c . spacers were placed between glass substrates on which electrodes had been formed to adjust the distance between the substrates to 9 μm , and the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition was inserted between them . a black light - absorbing layer was mounted to the back side of the substrate opposite the substrate that the incident light strikes , thereby creating the liquid crystal display shown in fig3 . in this liquid crystal display , when a 60v pulse voltage was impressed between the electrodes for 5 msec , the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition entered a focal conic state ( transparent state ), with a y - value of 1 . 18 . when a 90v pulse voltage was then impressed for 5 msec , the liquid crystal composition entered a planar state ( red colored state ), with a y - value of 3 . 51 and a contrast of 2 . 97 . the color purity under the planar state was 63 . 7 %, and the reflectance under the planar state was 23 . 3 %. a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 15 % by weight of the liquid crystal tolane compounds described in structural formulae ( b9 ), ( b41 ) and ( b42 ), 35 % by weight of the liquid crystal terphenyl compounds described in structural formulae ( c3 ), ( c4 ) and ( c5 ), as well as in the following structural formulae ( c49 ) and ( c50 ) described below , and none of the liquid crystal ester compound , was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with the chiral agent described in structural formula ( d2 ) in the proportions of 84 . 4 % and 15 . 6 % by weight , respectively , creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 550 nm . this chiral nematic liquid crystal composition had a reflective anisotropy value of 0 . 220 , a dielectric anisotropy value of 13 . 8 , and a phase shift temperature to an isotropic phase of 82 . 1 ° c . spacers were placed between glass substrates on which electrodes had been formed to adjust the distance between the substrates to 7 μm , and the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition was inserted between them . a black light - absorbing layer was mounted to the back side of the substrate opposite the substrate that the incident light strikes , thereby creating the liquid crystal display shown in fig3 . in this liquid crystal display described above , when a 60v pulse voltage was impressed between the electrodes for 5 msec , the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition entered a focal conic state ( transparent state ), with a y - value of 5 . 21 . when a 90v pulse voltage was then impressed for 5 msec , the chiral nematic liquid crystal composition entered a planar state ( green colored state ), with a y - value of 24 . 62 and a contrast of 4 . 73 . the color purity under the planar state was 54 . 4 %, and the reflectance under the planar state was 34 . 0 %. a nematic liquid crystal mixture including 49 % by weight of the liquid crystal ester compounds described in structural formulae ( a7 ), ( a8 ), ( a9 ), ( a ′ 22 ), ( a ′ 23 ) and ( a ′ 24 ), 35 % by weight of the liquid crystal terphenyl compounds described in structural formulae ( c3 ), ( c4 ) and ( c48 ), and none of the liquid crystal tolane compound , was used . this nematic liquid crystal mixture was mixed together with a combination of the chiral agents described in structural formulae ( d6 ) and ( d1 ), in the proportions of 78 . 9 % and 21 . 1 % by weight , respectively , for the purpose of creating a chiral nematic liquid crystal composition having a selective reflection wavelength of 550 nm . this liquid crystal composition did not exhibit a cholesteric phase at room temperature , and a smectic phase appeared instead . the liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal light modulating element pertaining to the present invention are not limited to the examples described in the embodiments and the experiment examples , and may be varied within the essential scope of the invention . in particular , various constructions may be adopted for the liquid crystal light modulating element . furthermore , the specific components of the liquid crystal compositions described in the embodiments and the experiment examples were examples only . although the present invention has been fully described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings , it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art . therefore , unless otherwise such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention , they should be constructed as being included therein . | US-67060900-A |
a router depth adjustment device includes a shaft with a first and a second end , a handle disposed on the first end of the shaft , for rotating the shaft , and a mechanical connection disposed on the second end . the mechanical connection is configured to couple with a corresponding mechanical connection on a depth adjustment shaft of a router . a depth adjustment indexing system includes an adjustment knob slidably mounted on the shaft and an indexer pivotally mounted to the adjustment knob . the adjustment knob and the indexer are capable of pivoting independently and pivoting simultaneously . the adjustment knob is configured such that rotation of the adjustment knob rotates the shaft . | referring generally now to fig1 through 7 , exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown . the system and method of the present invention overcome the difficulties associated with typical plunge router adjustment mechanisms , such as when a plunge router is utilized with a router table . referring to fig1 a and 2 b , a mechanism 200 of the present invention is suitable for utilization in a plunge router 100 . the mechanism 200 for permitting base end plunge depth adjustment of a router is shown . a base 202 is included in the mechanism 200 . the base 202 contains an aperture 206 suitable for permitting access to the interior of a first column portion 208 connected to the base 202 . for example , the aperture 206 is sufficient to allow a wrench , such as an allen wrench to access the interior recess of the first column portion 208 . the first column 208 includes an aperture through the side opposite the connection between the first column 208 and the base 202 . a second column portion 210 is adjustably connected to the first column 208 . for example , the second column portion is capable of receiving the first column 208 in an interior recess included in the second column 210 so as to permit plunging action . the second column 210 is formed integral to a motor housing 212 . in further embodiments , the second column 210 is formed separately and connected to the motor housing 212 . the mechanism 200 is suitable for at least partially supporting the motor housing when in an upright orientation . for example , a plunge router employing the present mechanism may include an additional column assembly for at least partially supporting the motor housing when upright . a threaded rod 214 is included in the mechanism 200 . the rod 214 is pivotally connected , adjacent the first end of the rod 214 , to the second column 210 opposite the first column 208 . the pivotal connection between the threaded rod 214 and the second column 210 permits the rod 214 to rotate without traveling along the rod 214 . for instance , the rod 214 includes a groove around the circumference of the rod , a smooth portion bounded by opposing washers , see generally fig3 , and the like for pivotally connecting the rod 214 through the aperture included in the second column 210 . a mechanical connection is formed on the second end of the rod 214 . for example , the mechanical connection is a hex head 220 . in further embodiments , the mechanical connection is a socket for receiving an allen wrench , a square socket for receiving a square bit , a slot head , a phillips head , a torx head , and the like . for instance , the mechanical connection is suitable for connecting with a corresponding mechanical connection included on a wrench for adjusting the rod 214 . see fig4 wherein a wrench 430 with a hex socket connection 432 is utilized for adjusting plunge depth . referring to fig2 a , 2b and 3 , a nut 216 is threaded on to the threaded rod 214 . the nut 216 is disposed in the recess included in the first column 208 between the end of the first column 208 connected to the second column 210 and a stop 218 . the interior recess of the first column 208 prevents the nut 216 from rotating with respect to the column while permitting the nut 216 to travel along the rod 214 . for instance , the first column interior recess is hex shaped to receive a hex shaped nut . the threaded rod 214 passes through an aperture on the end of the first column 208 opposite the base 202 . the aperture allows passage of the rod 214 without contact , thus permitting plunging action . a stop 218 is connected to the interior of the first column 208 . the stop 218 forms the maximum plunge depth when contacted by the nut 216 . for instance the stop 218 is a lip , a screw secured to the first column portion and the like for arresting the nut 216 , while permitting passage of the rod and / or a wrench . referring now to fig4 , for instance , should a user wish to increase the plunge depth from the base end an eighth of an inch ( ⅛ ″), the user would rotate the rod 314 via a wrench 430 until the nut 416 traveled the desired distance . in a further embodiment , a full rotation of the rod 414 results in an eighth of an inch ( ⅛ ″) travel of the nut 416 along the rod 314 . setting the pitch of the threads so a single rotation of the rod is equal to an eighth of an inch ( ⅛ ″) of linear travel is advantageous due to the common occurrence of ⅛ ″, 1 / 16 ″, 1 / 32 ″ and multiples thereof in router operation . for instance , a user knows that a one - half rotation equals approximately a 1 / 16 ″ adjustment . the stop 418 permits passage of the rod 414 while preventing the nut 416 from passing . disposing the second end of the threaded rod 414 in the first column portion 408 permits ease of adjustment and lower manufacturing costs than base mounted adjustment mechanisms . referring to fig2 , in an additional aspect of the invention , an adjustment knob 222 is connected to the first end of the rod 214 . the adjustment knob 222 is mated to the rod 214 such that rotation of the knob 222 results in a corresponding rotation of the rod 214 . for example , the knob 222 is secured to the rod via a screw . in another embodiment , a knob aperture and the first end of the rod are shaped to interlock , such as by including a square shaped the rod end and square knob aperture , and the like for securing the threaded rod / adjustment knob . in further embodiments , an adjustment collar 224 indicating various adjustments may be included . for example , the collar 224 includes a series of depth adjustments for aiding in maximum plunge depth adjustment . in the example , the collar 224 may have a series of adjustment marks , such as 1 / 64 ″, 1 / 32 ″, 1 / 16 ″ and the like for aligning with a corresponding mark on the knob / motor housing , for aiding depth adjustment . a biasing means , such as a compression spring 214 , is included in the second column 210 . the spring 214 provides a force suitable for at least partially supporting the motor housing 212 in an extended orientation , while permitting a user the ability to plunge a router in which the mechanism 200 is included . a base plate 226 may be attached to the base 202 . those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various base plates may be utilized to achieve desired functionality , such as to provide a collar for following a template , providing radius cutting ability , aiding in connecting the base to a router table and the like . suitable base plates include an aperture to allow access to the interior of first column 208 or may be designed so as to not interfere with operation of the mechanism 200 . in further embodiments , a removable cap , a penetrable rubber gasket or the like for preventing the ingress of debris into a first column portion is included in the mechanism 200 . referring to fig5 a and 5b , a router depth adjustment device 500 is described . those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the device 500 of the present embodiment may be implemented with both standard and plunge type routers . for instance , the depth adjustment device may be implemented with a router , either plunge or standard , when utilized with a router table , such as may be seen generally with regards to fig1 . the device 500 includes a shaft 502 . a handle 504 is connected on an end of the shaft . various handle types , such as t - handles , handles for aiding in grasping and the like may be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention . a mechanical connection is secured to the shaft opposite the handle 504 . in the current embodiment , the mechanical connection is a socket 506 for receiving a hex - head included in a router . in further embodiments , the mechanical connection is a hex head , a square socket for receiving a square bit , a slot head , a phillips head , a torx head , and the like . an adjustment knob 510 is mounted to the shaft 502 . the knob 510 is connected such that the knob is permitted to slide or traverse along the length of the shaft . in additional embodiments , the connection between the shaft and the knob permits travel along the shaft while the knob remains pivotally fixed . for instance , the shaft includes a flattened zone along the longitudinal column for interacting with a complimentary zone included in the knob 510 , thus resulting in the knob remaining rotationally fixed . moreover , when the device 500 is implemented with a router , such as described previously , the user may rotate the knob 510 , thus resulting in a change in plunge depth . an indexer 512 is pivotally connected to the adjustment knob 510 . the indexer 512 is generally ring shaped and includes graduations to aid the user in adjusting the depth of cut , in the case of a standard router , or maximum plunge depth for a plunge router . for instance , the indexer 512 indicates a full rotation will result in a ⅛ ″ ( eighth of an inch ) variation in depth . those of skill in the art will appreciate that the change in depth of the router &# 39 ; s cutting tool is a function of the pitch of the threading included in a router . it is the intention of this application to encompass and include such variation . for instance , a router may be threaded so a single rotation results in a ( ¼ ″) quarter inch of linear travel , thus the indexer graduations would correspond to a ¼ ″ change per rotation . in additional embodiments , the indexer 512 includes a mechanical interconnect . for example , a mechanical interconnect may be a rib ( multiple ribs are shown 514 ), a pin , such as a rounded protrusion , a gasket , such as an elastomer gasket , with a high coefficient of friction , and the like for aiding in maintaining orientation of the indexer . preferably , the mechanical interconnects included on the indexer 512 extend outwardly parallel to the axis of the shaft 502 so that a router table or insert included with a router table may receive the interconnect without disruptions of the work surface . for instance , a rib 514 is included on an indexer . the rib 514 may be received by a recess included in a router table . thus , an indexer 512 may be secured in a desired orientation while an associated adjustment knob is manipulated . in further implementations , an elastomeric gasket , such as a rubber plug , is positioned between an adjustment knob and an indexer . the plug may act to permit the knob and indexer to rotate together or independently , depending on user manipulation . for instance , a user may choose to manipulate the indexer and knob in unison thus the plug may be compressed slightly between the knob and indexer , resulting in uniform rotation . referring to fig6 a and 6b , a router table 600 is shown . the router table 600 of the present embodiment permits measured depth adjustment from the workpiece side . the router table 600 includes a support 602 . an aperture 604 extends through the support 604 . the aperture 604 permits access to a depth adjustment mechanism included on a standard or plunge router . for example , the aperture permits access to a router mounted below the support , such as may be seen generally in fig1 . a mechanical interconnect recess is formed in the support 602 adjacent to the aperture 604 . a recess 606 , for accepting a rib , such as a rib included on device 500 is shown . a recess may be formed to accept a specific mechanical interconnect , such as a pin and the like included on a wrench for manipulating router depth . an interconnect recess allows for alignment of depth adjustment ring or indexer with respect to the table . referring to fig6 b , for example , a user may wish to align a zero mark on the indexer with an indicator or alignment mark 608 on the surface of the support 602 and then rotate an adjustment knob 610 to achieve a desired change in plunge depth . the user may rotate the adjustment knob until an alignment point on the knob aligns with the desired linear change . the aperture and recess are formed in the support on the workpiece side of the support . those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the aperture and adjacent structures may be formed as part of an insert into a router table , so as to permit retrofitting , for cost effective manufacture and the like without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention . referring to fig7 , a flow chart depicting a method 700 for adjusting a router utilized with a router table . initially , a router adjustment device is coupled 702 to a mechanical connection included on a threaded shaft disposed in a column . for instance , the adjustment device is inserted through an aperture included in the router table / base . an indexer is aligned with the router table 704 . for example , a mechanical interconnect is matched with a corresponding interconnect included on the router table . the adjustment knob is utilized 706 to rotate the shaft such that the rotation of the shaft results in a measured depth of cut change . for instance , the shaft is rotated via the knob so a 1 / 32 ″ change occurs . further , it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed are examples of exemplary approaches . based upon design preferences , it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of the present invention . the accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order , and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented . it is believed that the apparatus and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the forgoing description . it is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form , construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages . the form herein before described being merely an explanatory embodiment thereof . it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes . | US-88077007-A |
latch sets must be fitted with a flat face of the latch bolt parallel to a major door face such that the bolt is correctly received in the door frame bolt recess . latch sets comprise the handles , actuating mechanism , and latch bolt case including the bolt . here , the latch bolt case is adapted for correct alignment of the latch bolt flat face when the latch bolt case is positioned in a latch bolt case passageway . the latch bolt case is provided with a self - retaining non - cylindrical end portion to avoid the need for recessing the door edge for a latch bolt case plate . instead , a jig is provided for guiding the case into a retained position within the passageway in which it is a progressive force fit . | in fig1 a drilling jig assembly comprises a pair of arms 10 having flats 12 for engaging opposite sides of a door . the arms contain aligned openings 14 through which cross - hole can be formed in a door . a threaded shaft 16 has a right hand threaded portion screwed into one of the arms 10 and a left hand threaded portion screwed into the other arm . a handwheel 18 is fixed on one end of the shaft and can be used to move the arms 10 towards and away from one another by rotating the shaft . a drilling jig 20 is provided with a pair of locating elements 22 which are received in complementary openings in the arms 10 . the elements 22 are non - circular , having parallel sides 24 with rounded ends 26 , and this prevents the jig pivoting with respect to the arms . alternatively , the elements 22 could be replaced by two round rods 60 and 62 ( fig7 ) to allow sliding movement of the arms 10 while still preventing pivoting of the drilling jig . the jig also has a central tubular guide portion 28 with a guide hole 30 of octagonal cross - section . the shaft 16 passes through a hole 64 in the guide portion 28 as shown in fig2 . in fig3 a drill bit guide 32 has a socket 34 for fitting onto a cylindrical spigot portion 36 of the tubular guide 28 . a drill bit 38 is mounted within the guide 32 and can be guided axially through the hole 30 when the spigot 36 is received in the socket 34 . once the drilling jig assembly has been clamped onto a door and a cross - hole has been formed in the door in the region of the openings 14 , the drill bit can pass through the tubular guide 28 and can drill a latch bolt case passageway into the door so that is intersects the cross - hole . the latch bolt case shown in fig5 has a cylindrical barrel 40 with an enlarged end portion 42 from which a latch bolt 44 will project when the latch bolt case is installed in a door . the barrel 40 has a flat surface 46 which will lie against a flat on the latch bolt 44 . as the drawing clearly shows , the enlarged portion 42 is of octagonal cross - section and it is of such a size that will fit closely within the guide hole 30 in the tubular guide 28 ( fig1 ). thus , once the barrel 40 has passed into a hole drilled in the door , the enlarged portion 42 and the guide 28 can co - operate to prevent turning of the lock case as it is driven into the hole . the outer faces of the enlarged end portion are tapered so as to progressively force fit into the passageway drilled by the bit 38 in which barrel 30 is a sliding fit . the latch bolt case of fig6 is of similar construction to that of fig5 and similar reference numerals are used to refer to similar parts . in the latch bolt case of fig6 the enlarge portion 42 is hexagonal instead of octagonal and is provided with herringbone - like detents or barbs 48 which permit the enlarged portion to be driven into a hole or passageway but serve to securely retain the latch bolt case in a door once it has been installed . when the case of fig6 is to be installed in a door , the jig 20 is replaced by a jig having a guide hole 30 of suitable cross - section , such as that shown in fig7 . again the enlarged portion 42 has a taper such that the latch bolt case progressively becomes a force fit when installed . in fig4 a latch bolt case driver 50 is provided for driving the latch bolt case through the guide hole 30 and into the door . the driver has a driving portion 52 which is of the same cross - section as the hole 30 but which is slightly smaller than the hole . however , it is not necessary for the shape of the driver to be the same as the shape of the hole . the driver also has a head 54 with an abutment shoulder 56 . for installing a latch bolt case in a door , the assembly of fig1 is clamped onto the door at the height at which the latch bolt case is to be fitted . this is effected by turning the handwheel 18 to draw the arms 10 towards one another and to clamp the door between the flats 12 . the assembly is located so that the distance between the edge of the door and the free end of the spigot 36 is equal to the length of the driving end portion 52 of the driver 50 . at this stage , one end of the guide portion 28 abutts against the door . a cross - hole is drilled across the door through the openings 14 . a latch bolt case passageway is then drilled into the door by the drill bit 38 which passes through the guide hole 30 and is guided by the combination of the guide 28 with the guide 32 ( fig3 ). the hole or passageway is drilled until it intersects the cross - hole through the door . the drill bit 38 and guide 32 are then removed . the diameter of the latch bolt case hole is approximately equal to the diameter of the narrower end of the latch bolt case . with the assembly still clamped to the door , the latch bolt case is inserted into the latch bolt case passageway through the guide hole 30 until the enlarged non - circular portion 42 reaches the guide hole 30 . the enlarged portion is then driven through the guide hole and into the door using the driver 50 with the flat surface 46 substantially parallel to the sides of the door . the shoulder 56 of the driver will abut against the free end of the spigot 36 when the latch bolt case has been driven to the correct depth into the door . the assembly can then be removed from the door . because the enlarged portion 42 is larger than the diameter of the latch bolt case hole , the latch bolt case driven into the door will bite into the wood of the door and will remain in place without the need for screws or other fasteners . the teeth or barbs 48 greatly assist the retention of the latch bolt case in the door . because the enlarged portion 42 is of a non - circular cross - section and the guide hole 30 is of a similar shape , the guide hole 30 can ensure that the flat surface 46 remains parallel to the sides of the door when the enlarged portion 42 of the lock case is being driven into the door . this means that the flat of the latch bolt will be parallel to the sides of the door when the latch bolt is installed . the form of barbs or teeth 48 may be modified whilst retaining the general function of retaining the latch bolt case in the door . the door a shown in fig8 is factory made and pre - drilled with the latch bolt case passageway b and cross - section hole c . it is intended that the latch bolt case f of fig9 ( generally similar to that of fig6 ) will be fitted on site by employing a t - shaped jig member d . the t - shaped jig member d has a first part e for holding the latch bolt face j of latch bolt i in the latch bolt case f parallel to the major face a1 of the door a and a second part d1 abutting the major face of door a . as is known , a latch set has a latch set actuating mechanism namely , connecting parts of the latch set ( now shown ) which extend through the cross - hole c of the door a and an aperture h in the latch bolt case f . the aperture h is provided in all such latch bolt cases f and it is merely necessary to dimension jig member part e to be a sliding fit in standard sized apertures h . in order to correctly orientate the latch bolt face j , the end g of the latch bolt case f is slid into the latch bolt case passageway b and then the latch bolt case f is orientated , by rotation if necessary , such that the aperture h for the latch set connecting parts ( not shown ) is aligned with the cross - hole c . then the first part e of the t - shaped jig member d is inserted into cross - hole c and through aperture h until the second part d1 of the jig member abuts the major face a1 of the door a . there after the latch bolt case f is driven , for example by means of a driver 50 ( fig4 ) into the passageway b until fully inserted and retained therein by its barbs 48 on its non - cylindrical end 42 ( fig6 ). during this driving operation the second part d1 of the jig member d is maintained in abutment with the door major face a1 . next , the first part e of the jig member d is removed from aperture h and cross - hole c . the relative dimensions of jig member first part e and cross - hole c are such as to permit clearance between first part e and the wall of the cross - hole c prior to and subsequent to said driving of the latch bolt case f . the jig member d may be used with latch bolt cases not provided with a non - cylindrical portion as in fig5 and 9 but these latch bolt cases are the preferred form . jig member d is described as a t - shaped jig member . functionally the first part e must be adpated for insertion in aperture in aperture h and a face of part d1 must be adapted to abut door major face a1 . consequently , the body of part d may be shaped differently to that shown and for example , may be provided with a hand - grip ( not shown ). | US-82010377-A |
the present invention discloses a method for the measurement of hydride using a chemiluminescent compound . the preferred chemiluminescent molecule is an acridinium compound . the source of hydride for the reduction of acridinium compound may be of chemical or biochemical origin , or the result of enzymatic catalysis . the chemical source of hydride , for example , might be metal hydrides , such as nabh 4 . a biochemical source of hydride might be that derived from nadh , or nadph , while an enzymatic source would be the class of oxidoreductases termed dehydrogenases which convert nadh or nadph from nad or nadp . there are numerous potential applications for acridinium compounds as chemiluminescent indicators of hydride . any applied tests or diagnostic assays , in which hydride is either present at the onset of or generated through the course of a reaction , would benefit from the present invention . such tests , which could encompass many different formats as discussed below in detail , may involve the quantitation or detection of metal hydrides , or enzyme cofactors such as nadh , nadph , fmnh 2 , or fadh 2 . of particular importance , are those diagnostic assays which might use dehydrogenases as reagents , indicators , diagnostic markers or as labels . ethanol , for example , might be detected with acridinium ester chemiluminescence through the reaction of alcohol dehydrogenase on ethanol , said reaction producing nadh . as a label , dehydrogenase might be used in an elisa for the detection of a specific analyte with acridinium ester providing the signaling response . nucleic acid assays using dehydrogenase as a label are also envisioned . assays for the detection of clinically relevant dehydrogenases such as elevated glutamate dehydrogenase as an indicator of hepatocellular damage might also be developed . | central to the present invention is our discovery that the chemiluminescent activity of an acridinium compound can be modulated ( increased or decreased ) by hydride . although the examples discussed herein result in a decrease in chemiluminescent activity , several mechanisms are contemplated wherein one will see an increase in chemiluminescent activity . for example , in section b2 and part of section b3 , below , chemiluminescence can be increased when the detector is sensitive to a selective range of emission wavelength . if the reaction results in a shift of the emission to a wavelength where a detector is more sensitive , increased chemiluminescence will be observed . in the other part of section b3 , below , an increase is observed because the moiety causing quenching is reduced and inactivated by the hydride . we have discovered that reduction of acridinium ester with hydride suppresses the chemiluminescent activity of the acridinium ester . the reduction in chemiluminescent activity is the result of the addition of hydride to c - 9 of the acridinium nucleus ( see fig1 ). the product , which is the acridan , is unable to participate in the light - generating reaction with alkaline hydrogen peroxide . other chemiluminescent acridinium compounds or analogs ( e . g . benzacridinium , phenanthridinium , quinolinium compounds or isomers ) and their derivatives , as well as chemiluminescent compounds such as lucigenin and its derivatives , share the same or similar mechanism of hydride attack to the electron - deficient acridinium nucleus to form the reduced acridans . our initial studies focused on the reduction of 2 ′, 6 ′- dimethylphenyl - 10 - methyl acridinium - 9 - carboxylate ( dmae - φ ) with the chemical reductant sodium borohydride in methanol solvent . chromatographic analysis ( hplc ) of this reduction reaction revealed clean conversion to the corresponding n - methylacridan , correlating with a drop in chemiluminescent activity when the reaction mixture was treated with alkaline peroxide . a similar result was also observed when the hydride donor nadh was employed to reduce the acridinium ester . chromatographic analysis of this reaction too revealed clean formation of the acridan with a concomitant loss of chemiluminescent activity . the extent of this decrease was found to depend upon the concentration of nadh . as shown in the table in fig2 increasing quantities of nadh were accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the chemiluminescent activity of the reaction mixture . the reduction reaction was complete in less than 10 minutes . measurement of hydride generated in enzymatic systems has been used in the prior art to devise sensitive assays . for example , cook et al . in clin . chem . 1993 , 39 / 6 , 965 - 971 describe an enzyme amplification system to detect human proinsulin in human plasma . this assay involves using alkaline phosphatase as the primary label which is used to dephosphorylate nadp + to nad + . the latter compound is then employed as a cofactor in a redox cycle using the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase and diaphorase . while the former enzyme utilizes nad + to oxidize ethanol to acetaldehyde with generation of nadh , the latter enzyme diaphorase utilizes the nadh for the reduction of a tetrazolium dye to produce a colored formazan dye . using this system , cook et al . were able to detect 1 zeptomole of alkaline phosphatase and 0 . 017 pmol / l of human proinsulin . the same system was employed by johannsson et al . ( j . immunol . meth . 1986 , 87 , 7 - 11 ) to devise a highly sensitive assay for tsh ( sensitivity of 0 . 0013 μiu / l ). both the above assays use a colored dye as an indicator . since chemiluminescent indicators such as acridinium esters are much more sensitive , measuring hydride using these compounds is likely to produce more sensitive assays . we envisage other interesting and useful applications of our finding which we will elaborate in greater detail later . the reduction of 2 ′, 6 ′- dimethylphenyl - 10 - methyl acridinium ester with nadh involves addition of hydride to c - 9 to generate the non - chemiluminescent acridan . it is evident that acridinium compounds and analogs with widely different structural modifications , but containing the same core acridinium nucleus or the analogous benzacridinium , phenanthridinium , or quinolinium nucleus will be amenable to this transformation . such compounds can be generalized with the structure ( s ), which have been described in all the prior arts references incorporated herein in the background section at the beginning of this disclosure . these structures include not only blue - emitting ( about 420 - 490 nm ), but also green ( about 490 - 570 nm ), yellow ( about 570 - 580 nm ), orange ( about 580 - 595 nm ) and red ( about 595 - 780 nm )- emitting acridinium compounds and said analogs . for further illustration , the general structure of the main acridinium compounds useful as the chemiluminescent indicators of the present invention can be schematically represented as shown in fig3 wherein r 1 , is an alkyl , alkenyl , alkynyl or aralkyl containing optionally up to 20 heteroatoms ; preferably r 1 is methyl or sulfoalkyl group . r 2 , r 2 ′, and r 3 , are identical or different , selected from hydrogen , — r , substituted or unsubstituted aryl ( arr or ar ), halide , amino , hydroxyl , nitro , sulfonate , — cn , — cooh , — scn , — or , — sr , — ssr , — c ( o ) r , — c ( o ) or , — c ( o ) nhr , or — nhc ( o ) r ; throughout this application , r is selected from the group consisting of alkyl , alkenyl , alkynyl , aryl , and aralkyl containing optionally up to 20 heteroatoms ; alternatively , r 2 and r 3 can be linked as shown in fig4 so as to form an additional ring fused to the attached acridinium nucleus . the c 1 , c 2 , c 3 , c 4 , c 5 , and c 8 , peri - positions of the acridinium nucleus are optionally substituted as represented by r 2 ′. a − is a counter ion which is introduced to pair with the quaternary nitrogen of the acridinium nucleus either as a result of quarternarizing the acridine ring nitrogen by the use of alkylating agents during the synthesis , modification of the r 1 , or subsequent exchange that occurs during the work - up of reaction mixtures and purification of desired compounds in a solution or fluid containing excess amount of other anions . examples of the counter ions include ch 3 so 4 − , fso 3 − , cf 3 so 3 − , c 4 f 9 so 3 − , ch 3 c 6 h 4 so 3 − , halide , cf 3 coo − , ch 3 coo − , and no 3 − , when x is oxygen or sulfur , z is omitted and y is a polysubstituted aryl moiety shown in fig5 where r 4 and r 8 can be ( 1 ) hydrogen or ( 2 ) alkyl , alkenyl , alkynyl , alkoxyl (— or ), alkylthiol (— sr ), or substituted amino groups that serve to stabilize the — cox — linkage between the acridinium nucleus and the y moiety , through steric and / or electronic effects . preferably , one of them is as defined below while the other is a hydrogen , if the c 1 or c 8 position of the acridinium nucleus is substituted with a lower alkyl group , preferably methyl . more preferably , r 4 and r 8 are alkyl , alkenyl , alkynyl , alkoxyl (— or ), alkylthiol (— sr ), or substituted amino groups that serve to stabilize the — cox — linkage between the acridinium nucleus and the y moiety , through steric and / or electronic effect . most preferably r 4 and r 8 are lower alkyl ( e . g ., a methyl group ). r 5 and r 7 are any of r 2 , r 2 ′, and r 3 defined above ; r 6 is also any of r 2 , r 2 ′, and r 3 defined above , when the acridinium compound is used as a free chemiluminescent indicator . alternatively , the acridinium compounds can be covalently attached to a more water - soluble polymer ( natural or synthetic ) or biopolymers ( e . g . proteins , polysaccharides , glycoproteins , and nucleic acids ) in a conjugate form to enhance its water solubility for practical , commercial utility as chemiluminescent indicator . it will then be necessary to impart a reactive functional group , preferably , onto r 6 to facilitate covalent linkage formation between the acridinium compound and the water soluble polymer or biopolymer of choice . thus , r 6 can also be — r 9 - r 10 , where r 9 is not required but optionally can be branched or straight - chained alkyl , substituted or unsubstituted aryl or aralkyl containing optionally up to 20 heteroatoms , and r10 is a leaving group or an electrophilic functional group attached with a leaving group including but not limited to those shown in fig6 . r 10 can also be — q — r — nu , — q — r —( i ) nnu —, — q — nu , — r — nu , or — nu , where n is a number of at least 1 , nu is a nucleophilic group , q is a functional linkage , i is an ionic or ionizable group ; detailed definitions of nu , q , and i can be found in the u . s . pat . no . 5 , 241 , 070 , column 3 , line 45 to column 3 , line 16 . the reactions contemplated for nu were also described in the same patent , column 3 , line 48 to column 4 , line 18 . when x is nitrogen , then z is — so 2 — y ′, y ′ has the same definition of y as described above , and both can be the same or different . additionally , y itself can be a branched or straight - chained alkyl containing optionally up to 20 carbon atoms , halogenated or unhalogenated , or a substituted aryl , or heterocyclic ring system . similarly , the general structure of the phenanthridinium and quinolinium compounds useful as the chemiluminescent indicators of the present invention can be schematically represented as shown in fig7 . all the definitions of the substituents and counter - ion of the phenanthridinium and quinolinium nucleus discussed above are the same as those described for the acridinium compounds earlier , except for the possible peri - positions for r 2 ′ substituent have to be re - designated at the c 1 , c 2 , c 3 , c 4 , c 6 , and c 9 positions of the phenanthridinium nucleus and c 2 , c 3 , c 5 , and c 8 positions of the quinolinium nucleus . in addition to reduction of acridinium esters to acridans , hydride such as nadh can also be employed to modulate the chemiluminescent activity of acridinium compounds in other novel and interesting ways which can be potentially useful . several such approaches are summarized below all of which require chemical selectivity ( regioselectivity ) in the reduction reaction . in one approach , hydride can be directed to the ester or sulfonylamide moiety ( instead of the acridinium nucleus ) of the acridinium compound to effect a change in the emission characteristics of the compound . it is well known that acridinium esters with poor leaving groups are poorly chemiluminescent . poor leaving groups are typically electron - rich and can be generated by hydride addition to electron - poor functional groups . by employing this procedure , an acridinium ester or sulfonylamide that contains an electron - deficient ester or sulfonylamide moiety can be converted to one which is electron - rich , thereby converting a strongly chemiluminescent compound to a weak one . fig8 illustrates how this is achieved . while carrying some of the necessary basic substituents and the counter - ion as defined in section a above , the acridinium nucleus in the illustration is deliberately engineered to be electron - rich by the attachment of one or more desired electron - donating groups ( relative to hydrogen and designated with letter d ), which are as defined in “ advanced organic chemistry ” jerry march ed ., 4 th edition , page 18 - 19 , at one or more optimal positions of the acridinium nucleus , so that reduction of the n - methylpyridinium moiety is achieved preferentially . if more than one electron - donating groups ( d &# 39 ; s ) are substituted at the acridinium nucleus , the d &# 39 ; s can be the same or different . to impart other important or desirable structural characteristics ( e . g . hydrophilicity , functional group , etc . ), other additional substituents are permissible at the peri - positions of the acridinium nucleus , as long as the combined electronic effect of all substituents is that of electron donating . obviously , the same teaching applies to the analogs of the acridinium ester and sulfonylamide as described earlier in section a . reduction can also be used to alter the emission - wavelength of an acridinium compound . the emission - wavelength of blue - emitting acridinium compounds can be shifted to long wavelengths by creating an extended electronic conjugation system at the acridinium nucleus as discussed in pct application pct / us99 / 18076 . by directing reduction to disrupt the extended conjugated system in an acridinium compound , emission wavelength of the acridinium compound can be shifted from long to short wavelength , hence varying the chemiluminescent intensity of the selected wavelength range under monitoring . fig9 illustrates the above principle . again , while carrying some of the necessary basic substituents and the counter - ion as defined in section a above , the acridinium nucleus in the illustration is also deliberately engineered to be electron - rich by the attachment of one or more desired electron - donating groups ( relative to hydrogen and designated with letter d ), at one or more optimal positions of the acridinium nucleus , so that reduction of the side chain extended conjugation system is achieved preferentially . if more than one electron - donating groups ( d &# 39 ; s ) are substituted at the acridinium nucleus , the d &# 39 ; s can be the same or different . to impart other important or desirable structural characteristics ( e . g . hydrophilicity , functional group , etc . ), other additional substituents are permissible at the peri - positions of the acridinium nucleus , as long as the combined electronic effect of all substituents is that of electron donating . obviously , the same teaching applies to the analogs of the acridinium ester and sulfonylamide as described earlier in section a . other modes of modulating the chemiluminescent activity are illustrated in the scheme in fig9 where the hydride resulting from an enzymatic reaction alters the structure of the hydride - reducible quencher that is covalently linked to the acridinium moiety having group d , the purpose of which was described above , and thus alters the quenching effect . the prerequisite of the quencher here is its ability of quenching the chemiluminescent activity of the acridinium compound via dipole - dipole resonance energy transfer or other mechanisms , and its ability to be reduced by hydride preferentially over the reduction of the acridinium moiety . the reduction in quantum yield due to the quenching effect of the quencher can be reversed by the interaction of hydride with the quencher . thus , in the presence of hydride , the quantum yield of the acridinium moiety of the conjugate will increase . one obvious advantage of modulating the chemiluminescent activity by hydride using acridinium - quencher conjugate is the positive correlation between the concentration of the hydride and chemiluminescent activity of the conjugate . again , while carrying some of the necessary basic substituents and the counter - ion as defined in section a above , the acridinium nucleus in fig1 can be attached with one or more desired electron - donating groups , d &# 39 ; s at one or more optimal positions of the acridinium nucleus , so that reduction of the side chain quencher is achieved preferentially . if more than one electron - donating groups ( d &# 39 ; s ) are substituted at the acridinium nucleus , the d &# 39 ; s can be the same or different . similarly , to impart other important or desirable structural characteristics ( e . g . hydrophilicity , functional group , etc . ), other additional substituents are permissible at the peri - positions of the acridinium nucleus , as long as the combined electronic effect of all substituents is that of electron donating . obviously , the same teaching also applies to the analogs of the acridinium ester and sulfonylamide as described earlier in section a . an alternative mode similar to the use of the acridinium compound - quencher conjugate is to replace the quencher with a fluorophore to form the ae - fluorophore conjugate . acridinium - fluorophore conjugates , where the fluorophore is linked to the acridinium nucleus , in their chemiluminescent reactions , emit light in a region of the spectrum characteristic of the fluorophore . this occurs via resonance energy transfer from the electronically excited , acridone moiety to the fluorophore . the principle and examples of the ae - fluorophore conjugates are disclosed in more detail in pct application pct / ib98 / 00831 , which is incorporated herein by reference . one of the examples of this novel class of compounds is the conjugate of acridinium ester with rhodamine as shown below . the conjugate emits light at 628 nm due to efficient energy transfer from the ae moiety to rhodamine after it is treated with hydrogen peroxide in strong alkaline solution . the acridinium moiety can be modified by varying the d group so that the rhodamine moiety is selectively or preferentially reduced by hydride . as the result of the reduction , the light emission intensity at long wavelength due to the rhodamine moiety can decrease and the emission intensity at short wavelength due the acridinium moiety can increase . thus , the quantitation of hydride is made possible either by detecting the decrease of the long emission signal or by detecting the increase of the short emission signal . again , while carrying some of the necessary basic substituents and counter - ions as defined in section a above , the acridinium nucleus in fig1 can be attached with one or more desired electron - donating groups , d &# 39 ; s at one or more optimal positions of the acridinium nucleus , so that reduction of the side chain fluorophore moiety is achieved preferentially . if more than one electron - donating groups ( d &# 39 ; s ) are substituted at the acridinium nucleus , the d &# 39 ; s can be the same or different . similarly , to impart other important or desirable structural characteristics ( e . g . hydrophilicity , functional group , etc . ), other additional substituents are permissible at the peri - positions of the acridinium nucleus , as long as the combined electronic effect of all substituents is that of electron donating . obviously , the same teaching also applies to the analogs of the acridinium ester and sulfonylamide as described earlier in section a . modulating the chemiluminescent activity of acridinium compounds with hydride has numerous applications in analytical measurements . as mentioned earlier , colored indicator molecules to monitor nadh formation have been used to devise sensitive immunoassays ( see above ) . we have discovered that nadh ( and by analogy any hydride ) formation in a system can be quantified using acridinium ester ( and by analogy any acridinium - type compound ), the present invention discloses an analytical procedure as shown in fig1 . here , a and ah represent oxidized and reduced forms of an acridinium compound whose chemiluminescent - emission properties are distinguishable . the hydride source can be chemical or biological . in addition , the hydride can be transferred either directly to the acridinium compound or indirectly through the intervention of an enzyme such as diaphorase . one additional benefit of using the instant invention is that it allows a laboratory to measure hydride generation via the use of an instrument that measures chemiluminescence , thus eliminating the need to use a uv - visible spectrophotomer , which was needed in the past to measure hydride generation . a widely used , commercial diagnostic test called emit ® ( emit ® is a registered trademark of behring diagnostics gmbh and is defined below , schneider , r . s . “ recent advances in enzyme immunoassay ” in ligand assay ; langan , j . and clapp , j ., editors : masson publishing usa , inc . 1981 ) employs a homogeneous immunoassay format and monitors and quantifies the formation of nadh ( directly by uv spectrophotometry ) whose concentration is correlated ultimately to the concentration of analyte . to demonstrate the utility of acridinium compounds as an excellent , quantitative indicator of nadh , we utilized this commercial test for three analytes ( theophylline , quinidine and valproate ) similarly , an enzymatic assay for the determination of ethanol is also given in example 8 to demonstrate the utility of this approach . we also chose to employ the direct reduction of the acridinium compound with the nadh generated in the assay although it is obvious that this reduction can also be performed through the intervention of diaphorase . the model chemiluminescent hydride indicators used for this study were 2 ′, 6 ′- dimethylphenyl - 10 - methyl - acridinium - 9 - carboxylate ( dmae - φ ) free label and 2 ′, 6 ′- dimethylphenyl - 10 -( 3 ′- sulfopropyl )- acridinium - 9 - carboxylate ( nsp - dmae ) conjugated via a carboxamide linkage to bovine serum albumin ( bsa ). a specific demonstration of the utility of acridinium esters as chemiluminescent redox indicators of hydride is described below where chemiluminescent signal from nsp - dmae or dmae - φ is used in an enzyme - immunoassay for the quantitation of theophylline , quinidine and valproate in serum and also in an enzymatic assay for the quantitation of ethanol in serum . for this purpose a prototype assay has been developed on the bayer diagnostics corp . acs : 180 ® ( acs : 180 ® is a registered trademark of bayer corporation for the automated chemiluminescence analyzer : a fully automated immunodiagnostic assay system ) using behring diagnostics emit ® 2000 theophylline and model 1 valproate assay reagents and also bayer corporation immuno 1 ™ emit ® 2000 quinidine assay reagents as well as an enzymatic assay for the determination of ethanol in serum with the inclusion of an additional chemiluminescent redox indicator reagent . dmae - φ or nsp - dmae - bsa conjugates are useful for applications in both organic and aqueous media . since a broad variety of acridinium compounds which include the prior art hydrophilic ae &# 39 ; s as described above have been well documented , the users of the present invention can select a highly water soluble acridinium compound to eliminate the use of organic solvents which are potentially detrimental to assay . therefore , the user is provided with a number of options for selection of the chemiluminescent hydride indicator with appropriate solubility for application in an assay matrix with a given polarity . alternatively the acridinium compound selected as the chemiluminescent indicator for hydride might be conjugated to any number of small molecules , macromolecules or particulates , covalently or otherwise , to improve or impart properties such as , but not limited to , solubility , quantum yield , stability and resonance energy transfer . enzyme - multiplied immunoassay technique ( emit ®) was originally developed by syva co ., inc . as a bioanalytical technology and is currently marketed in kits by dade - behring , inc ., chiefly for therapeutic drug monitoring ( tdm ) with some minor application for the detection of drugs of abuse . the automated , homogeneous behring diagnostics , inc . emit ® assay series is currently one of several preferred diagnostics systems for tdm analytes . in these assays , a drug present in a patient sample will compete with a drug - enzyme conjugate for a limited quantity of antibody , directed against the drug . the conjugate &# 39 ; s enzymatic activity , which in this case is that of the glucose - 6 - phosphate dehydrogenase ( g6pdh ) from leuconostoc mesenteroides , is partially inhibited when bound to the drug - specific antibody . g6pdh catalyzes the reduction of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ( nad ) to the reduced form , nadh , by hydride transfer from glucose - 6 - phosphate ( g6p ) and is monitored by the increased uv absorbance at 340 nm due to nadh formation . endogenous sample g6pdh requires nadp , not nad , for catalytic activity and will , therefore , not interfere with nad reduction . consequently , the g6pdh catalytic activity of the conjugate is correlated to the drug concentration in the patient sample through the rate of nadh formation , for example , δa 340 nm / minute . a behring diagnostics , inc . emit ® assay kit holds two reagents : reagent a contains a buffered solution of g6p ( substrate ), nad ( enzyme cofactor ), and murine monoclonal antibodies reactive to a particular drug analyte , while reagent b consists of a buffered solution of drug - g6pdh conjugate . since the bayer diagnostics acs : 180 ® readout system employs a photomultiplier tube to quantitate chemiluminescent signal , adaptation of a behring diagnostics , inc . emit ® assay to the bayer diagnostics acs : 180 ® requires an additional reagent for transduction of the calorimetric signal to chemiluminescence . this additional reagent is termed a chemiluminescent redox indicator of hydride ( chi ), and the chi is an acridinium compound . the following experiments have indicated that several acridinium ester derivatives are reduced by hydride transfer ( most likely to the c - 9 position of the n - methylacridinium nucleus ) from an equimolar concentration of nadh in the milli - and micromolar range . the rate of reduction is slow , most likely because the predominant pseudobase form is not susceptible to hydride reduction , ensuring that the differential decrease in chemiluminescence is observed even in the presence of a great excess of available hydride . for example , reduced dmae - φ ( n - alkylacridan ) is weakly chemiluminescent , when compared to dmae - φ , and yields little detectable signal when flashed ; therefore , although the comparative concentration of nadh introduced into a mixture may be far greater than that of dmae - φ , the relative nadh concentration is correlated to the decrease in total chemiluminescence . this correlation has been established . dmae - φ , as well as nsp - dmae , should , therefore , function as a chemiluminescent redox indicator of hydride in an emit ® type assay , where increased analyte concentrations would increase the rate of nadh formation , thereby decreasing the chemiluminescence of a fixed quantity of acridinium compound included within the assay reaction . the ability to measure changes in nadh concentrations which are in the micro to millimolar range , with acridinium compounds or conjugates in the nanomolar range , has permitted us to measure changes in analyte concentrations ( as reflected in changes in nadh concentrations ) directly , without having to either dilute nadh containing samples or adding a secondary sink reagent to scavenge the vast excess of nadh in undiluted samples . a schematic representation of the above assay is shown in fig1 and examples of three analytes ( theophylline , quinidine and valproate ) measured using the aforementioned technique are described in detail in example 5 - 8 as well as for an enzymatic assay for the quantitation of ethanol . the data clearly indicate that acridinium compounds are indeed excellent , quantitative indicators of hydride . 3 . solving the assay interference from a whole blood sample with the insertion of a solid phase capture step : the homogenous assay described above measures the residual chemiluminescent activity in the assay mixture i . e . increasing concentrations of analyte lead to decreasing levels of chemiluminescent activity remaining in the assay mixture . since the assay is homogenous , extraneous substances in the sample e . g . from a whole blood sample , could potentially interfere or inhibit the chemiluminescent reaction of the acridinium compound with hydrogen peroxide . in the event this is observed , it is possible to manipulate the assay so that this interference / inhibition is removed . this can be accomplished in a most direct way as illustrated in fig1 . in this assay , a solid phase such as paramagnetic particles are introduced at the end of the homogenous assay . the particles are coated with an antibody which is specific for the acridinium compounds ( ref : u . piran , et al ., u . s . pat . no . 5 , 445 , 936 , “ method for non - competitive binding assays ”). following completion of the homogenous assay , the particles are introduced to capture the acridinium compound . the particles can then be washed to remove interfering substances prior to triggering the chemiluminescent reaction with hydrogen peroxide . assays that employ a heterogeneous format can also be coupled to the present invention . fig1 illustrate how this may be performed . for a sandwich assay utilizing two antibodies , one of them can be coupled to the hydride generating system such as g6pdh , alcohol dehydrogenase etc . the concentration of the enzyme label in the assay is then measured by using the nadh generated by the enzyme to reduce the acridinium compound indicator molecule . alternatively , in a competitive assay for a small analyte , the hydride generating system such as g6pdh can be coupled to the analyte for use in the assay as a tracer . signal readout in the assay is accomplished in a similar manner as the sandwich assay . it is also obvious that utilizing the hydride generating system such as the enzyme g6pdh as a label for nucleic acids will permit nucleic acid assays to be devised with acridinium compounds as the indicator of hydride . those with relevant expertise will recognize further variations which are consistent with the invention disclosed . this invention is illustrated but not limited , by the following examples . acridine - 9 - carboxylic acid ( 5 g ) was refluxed with thionyl chloride (˜ 25 ml ) under a nitrogen atmosphere in an oil - bath . reflux was maintained till the reaction turned clear . the solution was then cooled to room temperature and poured into benzene ( 200 ml , anhydrous ). the benzene suspension was chilled in the refrigerator overnight to complete the precipitation of the acid chloride which was isolated by filtration and rinsed with anhydrous ether . yield = 5 . 3 g ( quant .) the acid chloride ( 5 . 3 g ) was mixed with 2 , 6 - dimethylphenol , dimethylaminopyridine ( 0 . 5 g ) in anhydrous pyridine ( 40 ml ). the reaction was heated in an oil - bath at 100 ° c . for 3 hours . the reaction was then cooled to room temperature and the crude product was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using 1 : 4 , ethyl acetate in hexanes as eluent . concentration of the flash fractions afforded the product as a bright yellow powder . a solution of 2 ′, 6 ′- dimethylphenyl acridine - 9 - carboxylate ( 20 mg , 0 . 061 mmol ) in anhydrous dichloromethane (˜ 2 ml ) was treated with methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate ( 0 . 175 ml , 25 eq .). the reaction was stirred at room temperature . a yellow precipitate started forming in ˜ 1 hour . the reaction was stirred for ˜ 16 hours and then anhydrous ether (˜ 50 ml ) was added to precipitate the product which was collected by filtration and rinsed with ether and then air - dried . yield = 29 mg , maldi - tof ms 342 . 9 obs . ( 342 . 4 calc ). synthesis : a solution of 2 ′, 6 ′- dimethylphenyl - 10 - methylacridinium - 9 - carboxylate trifluoromethanesulfonate ( 50 mg , 0 . 105 mmol ) in methanol ( 20 ml , partial solution ) was cooled in an ice - bath and treated with sodium borohydride ( 20 mg , 0 . 525 mmol ). the yellow color of the solution was bleached instantly . after 1 hour additional sodium borohydride ( 20 mg ) was added and the reaction was warmed to room temperature and stirred for ˜ 16 hours . the reaction was then quenched with acetic acid ( 1 ml ) and evaporated to dryness . the residue was dissolved in acetonitrile . hplc analysis on a 3 . 9 × 300 mm c18 column , with a 30 - min . gradient of 10 →& gt ; 100 % mecn / water ( 0 . 05 % tfa in each ) at a flow rate of 1 ml / min . and uv - detection at 260 nm showed rt = 27 min ( acridan ), rt = 18 min ( acridinium ester ). the product was purified by preparative hplc and the hplc fractions were lyophilized to dryness to afford a white powder . yield = 30 mg ( 60 %). synthesis : bovine serum albumin ( 1 . 65 mg , 25 nmol ) was dissolved in 475 μl of 0 . 20 m nahco 2 , ph 9 . 0 . nsp - dmae - nhs ( u . s . pat . no . 5 , 656 , 426 ) ( 0 . 61 mg , 1 . 03 μmol ) was dissolved in 103 μl of n , n - dimethylformamide dmf to make a 10 mm solution . twenty - five microliters of the 10 mm nsp - dmae - nhs was mixed with the 475 μl of bsa solution and incubated at 4 ° c . for 16 hours . the conjugate was isolated in water by sec . nsp - dmae incorporation onto bsa was approximately four labels per protein molecule as calculated from the known chemiluminescent specific activity of the label and protein determination using the bradford protein assay ( 6 . 4 μm ). a . nine milligrams ( 32 μmoles ) of n ( 10 )- methylacridinium tetrafluoroborate ( nma , sigma - aldrich ) was dissolved in 320 μls of n , n - dimethylformamide ( dmf ) to make a 0 . 10 m solution . a mass of 6 . 25 mgs ( 13 μmoles ) of dmae - φ was dissolved in 2 . 607 mls of methanol , and was serially diluted in methanol to a concentration of 0 . 50 μm . three hundred microliters of the 0 . 10 m nma was mixed with 750 μls of the 0 . 50 μm dmae - φ into 1 . 95 mls of water . alternatively , nma and two other hydride sinks , cetylpyridium chloride and crotonic acid , were dissolved in 0 . 20 m glycine buffer , 0 . 1 % bgg , ph 7 . 4 , when the chemiluminescent indicator of hydride used was a covalent conjugate of acridinium ester and igg ( bayer diagnostics ). the acridinium ester - igg conjugate was diluted to 12 nm in the same buffer . b . alternatively , nsp - dmae 4 - bsa conjugate was diluted to a concentration of 12 nm in a buffer of 0 . 20 m glycine , 1 . 0 % ( w / v ) bsa , ph 7 . 4 . theophylline assay using acridinium ester as a chemiluminescent indicator of hydride in this automated , homogeneous enzyme - immunoassay , theophylline present in a patient sample will compete with a theophylline - g6pdh conjugate for binding to a limited quantity of anti - theophylline , murine , monoclonal antibody . binding of the anti - theophylline antibody to the theophylline - g6pdh conjugate partially inhibits enzymatic activity . g6pdh catalyzes the reduction of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ( nad ) to the reduced form nadh by hydride transfer from glucose - 6 - phosphate ( g6p ). hydride is then chemically transferred from the nadh to dmae - φ or nsp - dmae conjugated to bsa . consequently , the g6pdh catalytic activity of the conjugate is correlated to the theophylline concentration in the patient sample and inversely correlated to the residual chemiluminescence of the assay reaction . the following assay was run in entirety by the bayer diagnostics acs : 180 ® ( bayer diagnostics corp ., walpole , mass .). cuvettes were loaded into the track , then 10 μls of bayer diagnostics acs theophylline assay standards or controls were added to their respective cuvettes in replicates of three . the standards contained theophylline in concentrations of 0 . 00 , 13 . 9 , 27 . 8 , 55 . 5 , 111 and 222 μm . the bayer diagnostics ligand controls 1 , 2 and 3 contained theophylline in concentrations specified in the following table . to each cuvette , 300 μls of behring diagnostics emit ® 2000 theophylline assay reagent 1 , containing a buffered solution of g6p , nad , and anti - theophylline antibody , was added and incubated at 37 ° c . for 2 minutes and 40 seconds . to this was added 150 μls behring diagnostics emit ® 2000 theophylline assay reagent 2 , consisting of a buffered solution of theophylline - g6pdh conjugate . the cuvettes were incubated at 37 ° c . for another 2 minutes and 40 seconds , then 20 μls of the chemiluminescent indicator , containing either 10 mm nma and 125 nm dmae - φ in aqueous 10 % ( v / v ) dmf and 25 % ( v / v ) methanol or 12 nm nsp - dmae 4 - bsa conjugate , 0 . 20 m glycine , 1 . 0 % ( w / v ) bsa , ph 7 . 4 , was added for a final incubation at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . since the assay is homogeneous washes 1 and 2 , as well as , vacuums 1 , 2 and 3 were switched off . the reaction mixtures were sequentially mixed with bayer diagnostics acs reagents 1 ( 0 . 1 n hno 3 , 0 . 5 % ( w / v ) h 2 o 2 ) and reagent 2 ( 0 . 25 n naoh , 0 . 5 % ( w / v ) n , n , n , n - hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride surfactant ) to initiate the chemiluminescent reaction . valproate assay using acridinium ester as a chemiluminescent indicator of hydride in this automated , homogeneous enzyme - immunoassay , valproate present in a patient sample will compete with a valproate - g6pdh conjugate for binding to a limited quantity of anti - valproate , murine , monoclonal antibody . binding of the anti - valproate antibody to the valproate - g6pdh conjugate partially inhibits enzymatic activity . g6pdh catalyzes the reduction of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ( nad ) to the reduced form nadh by hydride transfer from glucose - 6 - phosphate ( g6p ). hydride is then chemically transferred from the nadh to dmae - φ or nsp - dmae conjugated to bsa . consequently , the g6pdh catalytic activity of the conjugate is correlated to the valproate concentration in the patient sample and inversely correlated to the residual chemiluminescence of the assay reaction . the following assay was run in entirety by the bayer diagnostics acs : 180 ® ( bayer diagnostics corp ., walpole , mass .). cuvettes were loaded into the track , then 10 μls of bayer diagnostics in - house acs valproate assay standards or controls were added to their respective cuvettes in replicates of three . the standards contained valproate in concentrations of 0 . 000 , 86 . 7 , 173 , 347 , 693 and 1387 μm . the bayer diagnostics in - house tdm controls a , b and c contained valproate in concentrations specified in the following table . to each cuvette , 225 μls of behring diagnostics emit ® model 1 valproate assay reagent a , containing a buffered solution of g6p , nad , and anti - valproate antibody , was added and incubated at 37 ° c . for 2 minutes and 40 seconds . to this was added 225 μls behring diagnostics emit ® model 1 valproate assay reagent b , consisting of a buffered solution of valproate - g6pdh conjugate . the cuvettes were incubated at 37 ° c . for another 2 minutes and 40 seconds , then 20 μls of the chemiluminescent indicator , containing either 10 mm nma and 125 nm dmae - φ in aqueous 10 % ( v / v ) dmf and 25 % ( v / v ) methanol or 12 nm nsp - dmae 4 - bsa conjugate , 0 . 20 m glycine , 1 . 0 % ( w / v ) bsa , ph 7 . 4 , was added for a final incubation at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . since the assay is homogeneous washes 1 and 2 , as well as , vacuums 1 , 2 and 3 were switched off . the reaction mixtures were sequentially mixed with bayer diagnostics acs reagents 1 ( 0 . 1 n hno 3 , 0 . 5 % ( w / v ) h 2 o 2 ) and reagent 2 ( 0 . 25 n naoh , 0 . 5 μ ( w / v ) n , n , n , n - hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride surfactant ) to initiate the chemiluminescent reaction . chemiluminescence data were collected for five seconds as photons detected by acs luminometer and expressed in relative light units ( rlus ). quinidine assay using acridinium ester as a chemiluminescent indicator of hydride in this automated , homogeneous enzyme - immunoassay , quinidine present in a patient sample will compete with a quinidine - g6pdh conjugate for binding to a limited quantity of anti - quinidine , murine , monoclonal antibody . binding of the anti - quinidine antibody to the quinidine - g6pdh conjugate partially inhibits enzymatic activity . g6pdh catalyzes the reduction of oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ( nad ) to the reduced form nadh by hydride transfer from glucose - 6 - phosphate ( g6p ). hydride is then chemically transferred from the nadh to nsp - dmae conjugated to bsa . consequently , the g6pdh catalytic activity of the conjugate is correlated to the quinidine concentration in the patient sample and inversely correlated to the residual chemiluminescence of the assay reaction . the following assay was run in entirety by the bayer diagnostics acs : 180 ® ( bayer diagnostics corp ., walpole , mass .). cuvettes were loaded into the track , then 10 μls of bayer diagnostics in - house acs quinidine assay standards were added to their respective cuvettes in replicates of three . the standards contained quinidine in concentrations of 0 . 00 , 0 . 77 , 1 . 5 , 3 . 1 , 6 . 2 , 12 , 18 and 25 μm . to each cuvette , 160 μls of bayer corporation emit ® 2000 quinidine assay reagent a , containing a buffered solution of g6p , nad , and anti - quinidine antibody , was added and incubated at 37 ° c . for 2 minutes and 40 seconds . to this was added 80 μls bayer corporation emit ® 2000 quinidine assay reagent b , consisting of a buffered solution of quinidine - g6pdh conjugate . the cuvettes were incubated at 37 ° c . for another 2 minutes and 40 seconds , then 20 μls of the chemiluminescent indicator , containing 12 nm nsp - dmae 4 - bsa conjugate , 0 . 20 m glycine , 1 . 0 % ( w / v ) bsa , ph 7 . 4 , was added for a final incubation at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . since the assay is homogeneous washes 1 and 2 , as well as , vacuums 1 , 2 and 3 were switched off . the reaction mixtures were sequentially mixed with bayer diagnostics acs reagents 1 ( 0 . 1 n hno 3 , 0 . 5 % ( w / v ) h 2 o 2 ) and reagent 2 ( 0 . 25 n naoh , 0 . 5 % ( w / v ) n , n , n , n - hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride surfactant ) to initiate the chemiluminescent reaction . chemiluminescence data were collected for five seconds as photons detected by acs luminometer and expressed in relative light units ( rlus ). homogeneous , chemiluminometric , enzyme assay for ethanol using acridinium ester as a chemiluminescent indicator of hydride in this automated , homogeneous enzyme assay , ethanol from the patient sample is oxidized to acetaldehyde through the specific catalytic action of a fixed quantity of yeast alcohol dehydrogenase ( adh ) with concurrent hydride reduction of the cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ( nad ) to nadh . equilibrium in favor of oxidation of ethanol to acetaldehyde is further promoted with the addition of a hydrazide aldehyde scavenger . hydride is chemically transferred from the nadh to nsp - dmae conjugated to bsa . consequently , the ethanol concentration is correlated to nadh formation and inversely related to the residual chemiluminescence of the assay reaction . the following assay was run in entirety by the bayer diagnostics acs : 180 ® ( bayer diagnostics corp ., walpole , mass .). cuvettes were loaded into the track , then 10 μls of standards prepared by serial dilution of ethanol in serum were added to their respective cuvettes in replicates of three . the standards contained ethanol in concentrations of 0 . 00 , 0 . 025 , 0 . 050 , 0 . 10 , 0 . 20 , and 0 . 40 % ( w / v ) to each cuvette , 150 μls of ethanol assay reagent a , containing 0 . 15 m sodium phosphate , 0 . 15 m hydrazinecarboxamide hydrochloride , ph 9 . 0 , was added and incubated at 37 ° c . for 2 minutes and 40 seconds . to this was added 150 μls ethanol assay reagent b , consisting of 22 mm glycine , 12 mm nad , 14 μm adh , 1 . 0 mg / ml bsa , ph7 . 0 . the cuvettes were incubated at 37 ° c . for another 2 minutes and 40 seconds , then 20 μls of the chemiluminescent indicator , containing 12 nm nsp - dmae 4 - bsa conjugate , 0 . 20 m glycine , 1 . 0 % ( w / v ) bsa , ph 7 . 4 , was added for a final incubation at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . since the assay is homogeneous washes 1 and 2 , as well as , vacuums 1 , 2 and 3 were switched off . the reaction mixtures were sequentially mixed with bayer diagnostics acs reagents 1 ( 0 . 1 n hno 3 , 0 . 5 % ( w / v ) h 2 o 2 ) and reagent 2 ( 0 . 25 n naoh , 0 . 5 % ( w / v ) n , n , n , n - hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride surfactant ) to initiate the chemiluminescent reaction . chemiluminescence data were collected for five seconds as photons detected by acs luminometer and expressed in relative light units ( rlus ). method of calculation for assay parameters . arithmetic means for rlus resulting from a specific analyte concentration , represented here as μ , were calculated from three replicates . an inverse , non - linear relationship exists between the analyte concentration present in the standard and the detected rlus , y = y 0 + ( y ∞ - y 0 ) ( 1 + 10 - m log x - b ) where x is the analyte concentration , and y is the observed signal generated as rlus ( rodbard , david ; ligand analysis ; ( 1981 ); langon , j . ; clapp , j . ( eds . ); masson publishing , inc ., new york ; pp . 45 - 101 ) ( nix , barry ; the immunoassay handbook ; ( 1994 ); wild , david ( ed . ); stockton press , inc ., new york ; pp . 117 - 123 ) ( van lente , frederick , galen , robert s . ; enzyme - immunoassay ; ( 1980 ); maggio , edward t . ( ed . ); crc press , inc ., boca raton ; pp . 135 - 153 ). additionally , there are four parameters , namely the regression constant , b , the regression coefficient , m , the asymptotic limit at infinite dose , y ∞ , and the asymptotic limit for the zero dose , y 0 . the latter three of these parameters were calculated directly using the iterative , standard , four - parameter logistic ( 4pl - std ) analysis function of the dosecalc . exe rev . 1 . 73 program ( bayer diagnostics corp ., walpole , mass .). the arithmetic mean of the regression constant b was determined over the entire range of analyte concentrations as calculated from the dose response expression re - written as b = - log y ∞ - y y - y 0 - m log x . analyte concentrations of unknowns were subsequently calculated using the dose response equation arranged as x = 10 log [ ( y ∞ - y ) / ( y - y 0 ) ] + b - m . theophylline , quinidine and valproate assay standard curves using acridinium ester as a chemiluminescent indicator of hydride . a plot of the rlus versus analyte concentration illustrates the inverse , non - linear relationship between chemiluminescence and analyte concentration . precision was good , being under 5 % c . v . for all points . clearly , acridinium compounds will function as chemiluminescent indicators of hydride either as free indicators dissolved in organic solvent or as hydrophilic conjugates when covalently linked to protein . assay accuracy in determination of theophylline and valproate concentrations . analyte concentrations were determined for the ligand controls using the standard 4pl function . the determined values were compared to the established ranges stated in the associated product literature , as shown in fig2 . variation in specified analyte ranges between different assay constructs is considerable for a number of multi - level ligand controls because of the different susceptibility to the matrix effect . since acceptable ranges of analyte concentrations have not yet been established for the new assay format described in the present invention , some difference is expected . determined values are similar enough to referenced control limits that we can demonstrate the utility of an acridinium compound as a chemiluminescent indicator of hydride for the quantitation of theophylline and valproate in a homogeneous , enzyme - immunoassay . ethanol assay standard curves using acridinium ester as a chemiluminescent indicator of hydride . a plot of the rlus versus analyte concentration ( see fig2 ) illustrates the inverse , non - linear relationship between chemiluminescence and analyte concentration . as with the chemiluminometric emit ® assays precision in the ethanol assay was good being under 5 % c . v . for all points . | US-44852299-A |
the present invention relates to a drive element such as a driving wheel for a goods - handling cart or the like , or such as a hoisting winch , the drive element comprising a wheel or a drum and an electric motor for rotating the wheel or the drum . the electric motor is a synchronous motor having a permanent - magnet rotor and a stator comprising teeth and respective individual windings on said teeth . | fig1 shows a driving wheel constituting an embodiment of the invention . this driving wheel 1 comprises an electric motor 2 which , in accordance with the invention , is of the synchronous type , comprising a flux - concentrating permanent magnet rotor 6 and a stator 10 wound on teeth , the stator being shown in fig2 . each tooth 10 a carries an individual coil 10 b belonging thereto . the stator 10 in the example described has eighteen teeth , while the rotor has twelve poles and the power supply is three - phase . each tooth 10 a is deprived from pole shoes , as one can see on fig2 . each tooth may comprise notches for the mounting of a wedge , not shown , to maintain the individual coils onto the teeth . the rotor 6 has transversely - magnetized permanent magnets 100 disposed between pole pieces 102 , each constituted by a stack of magnetic laminations that are identical in shape and superposed on one another . when seen looking along the axis of rotation of the rotor , each magnet 10 is generally wedge - shaped , of substantially trapezoidal cross - section that tapers going towards the stator . the magnets 100 are placed radially between the pole pieces 102 . the pole pieces are not interconnected magnetically , being fixed on a non - magnetic shaft 101 by means of complementary shapes . for this purpose , the shaft has axial ribs 103 and the pole pieces have cutouts 104 of complementary shapes . the wedge - shape of the magnets 100 enables them to be held effectively and simply on the rotor . the fixing of the pole pieces onto the shaft by means of complementary shapes enables the connection between the shaft and the pole pieces to be made in such a manner as to make it possible to manufacture the shaft out of a material that is non - magnetic , such as aluminum . other materials can be used , such as an aluminum alloy or a non - magnetic casting . each individual coil 10 b is constituted by winding electric wires around a winding axis , which wires can be rectangular in cross - section , having their long sides parallel to the winding axis . in a variant , circular section wires could be used . the coils 10 b are excited so as to produce a rotating field in order to drive the rotor . the driving wheel comprises a main casing 3 which can be swivel - mounted on an element 5 secured to the chassis of the cart by means of a hollow shaft 12 and a ball bearing 4 suitable for pivoting about a vertical axis z - z ′. in a variant that is not shown , the main casing 3 is fixed in non - swivel manner to the vehicle chassis , and the wheel is not used for steering . the main casing 3 has a large - diameter tubular wall 7 and a small - diameter tubular wall 8 interconnected by a transverse wall 9 . in the example shown , these three walls are made as a single piece , but in a variant they could be made differently . the motor stator 10 is received inside the large - diameter tubular wall 7 , the transverse wall 9 presenting an annular groove 11 for receiving the projecting portions of the stator windings . the rotor shaft 13 has an end 14 that is fluted and an end 15 that is provided both with a gearwheel cut into it and with a circularly cylindrical stub axle 16 . in a variant , the gear could be fitted onto the shaft . the large - diameter tubular wall 7 is fixed to a bearing - forming endpiece or cheekplate 18 which supports a ball bearing 19 within which the fluted end portion 14 rotates . the small - diameter tubular wall 8 of the main casing 3 is fixed to the planet - carrier 20 by means of screws 41 and is coupled to the planet - carrier 20 by any suitable means , e . g . pins 22 . in a variant , the coupling between the tubular wall 8 and the planet - carrier 20 can be achieved by means of complementary shapes , by making teeth at the end of the tubular wall and a housing of complementary shape in the planet - carrier . the planet - carrier 20 carries a ball bearing 41 within which the stub axle 16 of the rotor rotates . the planet - carrier supports pins 24 parallel to the axis of rotation x - x ′ of the rotor , and each of these pins carries a planet wheel 25 . in the example described , the gearing has three planet wheels 25 which mesh firstly with the gear 15 cut into the shaft 13 of the rotor , and secondly with a ring 27 a belonging to a support 27 . in a variant , the ring 27 a could be constituted by a fitted element . a ball bearing 28 is placed between the small - diameter tubular wall 8 and the support 27 to enable the support to rotate about the axis x - x ′. a rim 30 supporting a tire 31 is fixed to the support 27 by means of screws 32 . a cap 33 is fixed in sealed manner to the support 27 . in the embodiment described , the support 27 has a circularly cylindrical surface at its periphery with an annular groove formed therein to receive an o - ring 34 , against which the cap 33 bears . sealing could be obtained in some other way . at its side opposite from the epicyclic gear train , as described above , the wheel 1 has a brake 36 that is fixed to the bearing - serving piece 18 and that acts in the event of a power failure . the brake comprises a disk 37 provided with a fluted hub 38 which engages on the fluted end 40 of the rotor , and also provided with brake linings , in conventional manner . the brake also comprises moving equipment 40 suitable for pressing against the disk 37 when no power is applied to the motor . cables 45 for powering and controlling the electric motor extend through the hollow shaft 12 that is swivel - mounted to the chassis . in a variant , these cables could be disposed otherwise . the above - described driving wheel 1 occupies an axial space that is smaller than the outside diameter of a new tire , or that is close thereto , thus making it possible to satisfy the requirements of cart manufacturers . the motor is housed inside the wheel , without being offset above the tire , thus making additional space available in the cart . in particular , as mentioned above , the main casing need not be swivel - mounted to the chassis of the cart . it is also possible to omit the stepdown gearing , in which case the motor would drive the wheel directly . it is also possible to omit the brake , it being possible to perform braking in some other way , e . g . using the motor . naturally the gearing could be modified and in particular it is possible to use some other number of planet wheels . the invention also applies to a hoisting winch , in which case the motor drives a winch or a pulley . for a hoisting winch , the rim 30 and tire 31 are replaced by a winch 30 ′ as shown in fig3 on which a cable c can be wound . the main casing 3 can be modified to be not swivel - mounted . | US-7545002-A |
in a two - way closable slide fastener having a pair of sliders arranged reversely to each other on interlocking rows of fastener elements , one of the sliders has a tongue projecting forwardly therefrom , whereas the other slider has a socket for receiving the tongue . built into the socketed slider is a key - operated lock mechanism including a bolt which can be shot into and withdrawn from the socket by manipulation of the key . when the tongue is inserted into the socket upon closure of the fastener , the bolt selectively engages and disengages the tongue for locking and unlocking the sliders . | with particular reference to fig1 and 2 , the illustrated form of the two - way closable slide fastener constructed according to this invention comprises a pair of flexible supports or stringer tapes 10 and 11 carrying interlocking rows of fastener elements 12 , 13 on their opposed longitudinal edges . in providing a fastener of the two - way closable type , there is arranged on the rows of fastener elements 10 and 11 a pair of sliders 14 and 15 which are disposed reversely to each other , that is , with their flared front ends opposed to each other , so that the fastener may be closed from either end . the sliders 14 and 15 include bodies 16 and 17 defining therein the usual y - shaped guide channels 18 and 19 , respectively , through which the rows of fastener elements 12 and 13 pass as the sliders are moved therealong to open and close the fastener . the slider bodies 16 and 17 have formed thereon longitudinally extending lugs 20 and 21 to which there are pivotally and slidably attached pull tabs 22 and 23 , respectively , for manipulating the sliders . according to this invention , the right - hand slider 14 , as viewed in the drawing , has a tongue 24 projecting forwardly therefrom , or toward the left - hand slider 15 . the tongue 24 is shown to have a rectangular aperture 25 adjacent its front end . the left - hand slider 15 has socket 26 shaped and sized to receive relatively neatly the tongue 24 of the right - hand slider 14 when the two sliders are moved into contact with each other on the rows of fastener elements 12 and 13 as shown in fig3 . as will be seen from fig2 the tongue 24 and the socket 26 should preferably be arranged in coplanar relationship to the guide channels 18 and 19 in the slider bodies 16 and 17 . in this manner , when the fastener is attached to a so - called boston bag or similar article where the sliders are required to travel along a curved path , the relative angular dispositions of the tongue 24 and socket 26 will not greatly vary according to the curvature of the fastener stringers . the tongue 24 can therefore be smoothly moved into and out of the socket 26 . the left - hand slider 15 additionally comprises a built - in lock mechanism generally designated at 27 in fig2 . the lock mechanism 27 includes a bolt 28 which can be shot into and withdrawn from the socket 26 and which is biased by a compression coil spring 29 ( hereinafter referred to as the bolt spring ) toward the socket . when the tongue 24 of the right - hand slider 14 is received in the socket 26 , the bolt 28 is movable into and out of the aperture 25 for engaging and disengaging the tongue , that is , for locking and unlocking the sliders 14 and 15 . the bolt 28 has a sloping surface 30 at its bottom end so that when the bolt is in the lowered position of fig2 the tongue 24 may be permitted to be inserted fully into the socket 26 by temporarily raising the bolt against the bias of the bolt spring 29 . in this particular embodiment of the invention , the lock mechanism 27 is shown to include , in addition to the bolt 28 , a cylindrical tumbler 31 integrally provided with a shaft 32 extending downwardly therefrom in coaxial relationship . the shaft 32 is rotatably supported within the left - hand slider 15 , so that the tumbler 31 is rotatable relative to the slider 15 about its own axis . the tumbler 31 is biased upwardly by a compression coil spring 33 ( hereinafter referred to as the tumbler spring ) arranged thereunder , and the top end of the tumbler is operatively supported by a guide plate 34 having an overlying faceplate 35 . a keyhole 36 is formed in the top of the tumbler 31 through the faceplate 35 for insertion of a key 37 , fig3 by which the tumbler can be rotated relative to the slider . in order to translate the rotation of the tumbler 31 into the desired up - and - down motion of the bolt 28 into and out of the socket 26 , the tumbler is cammed out at 38 to provide a cam surface 39 over which rides a cam follower 40 integral with the bolt . the cam surface 39 and cam follower 40 are urged against each other by the biasing forces from the bolt spring 29 and tumbler spring 33 . thus , when the tumbler 31 is turned 180 degrees from its position of fig2 or 3 by the key 37 , the bolt 28 is withdrawn from the socket 26 against the bias of the bolt spring 29 . in operation , the slide fastener of the foregoing construction can be closed by moving either of the sliders 14 and 15 toward the other , or by moving both sliders toward each other , until the tongue 24 of the right - hand slider is received in the socket 26 of the left - hand slider . if then the bolt 28 of the lock mechanism 27 is in the position of fig2 the bolt will be temporarily raised by the tongue 24 against the bias of the bolt spring 29 and will then be shot into the aperture 25 in the tongue as shown in fig3 . since the bolt 28 is biased downwardly by the bolt spring 29 , the sliders 14 and 15 are now inseparably locked together . for unlocking the sliders , the key 37 may be inserted into the keyhole 36 and turned 180 degrees relative to the slider 15 . the tumbler 31 rotates simultaneously with the key 37 about the shaft 32 , so that the bolt 28 is withdrawn from the socket 26 against the bias of the bolt spring 29 because then the cam follower 40 formed integral therewith rides on the most elevated position on the cam surface 39 of the tumbler . with the tongue 24 thus released by the bolt 28 , the sliders 14 and 15 may be moved away from each other along the rows of fastener elements 12 and 13 to open the fastener . if desired , the tumbler 31 may be turned 180 degrees back to the position of fig2 or 3 by the key 37 after the fastener has been opened in the above described manner . when the tongue 24 is subsequently inserted into the socket 26 upon closure of the fastener , the sliders 14 and 15 will then be readily locked together . while the invention has been shown and described in terms of a preferred embodiment thereof , it will be understood that this embodiment is merely for the purpose of illustration and explanation and that various modifications may be made within the scope of this invention as expressed in the following claims . | US-65596276-A |
a seal formed between a metal part and a second part that will remain gas tight in high temperature operating environments which experience frequent thermal cycling , which is particularly useful as an insulating joint in solid oxide fuel cells . a first metal part is attached to a reinforcing material . a glass forming material in the positioned in between the first metal part and the second part , and a seal is formed between the first metal part and the second part by heating the glass to a temperature suitable to melt the glass forming materials . the glass encapsulates and bonds at least a portion of the reinforcing material , thereby adding tremendous strength to the overall seal . a ceramic material may be added to the glass forming materials , to assist in forming an insulating barrier between the first metal part and the second part and to regulating the viscosity of the glass during the heating step . | a series of experiments were conducted to demonstrate the apparatus and method of the present invention , and to test the joints , or seals , formed by the present invention . while these experiments are useful in demonstrating certain features and aspects of the present invention , they should in no way be interpreted as an exhaustive demonstration of all the various aspects of the invention . as will be recognized by those having skill in the art , many of the advantages of the present invention can readily be achieved with significant variations from the experiments described herein , including , without limitation , the selection of the materials , and the methods and operating parameters used to combine those materials . accordingly , the present invention should be broadly construed to include all such modifications and equivalents thereto that are encompassed by the appended claims . this invention contemplates using reinforcing material , for example , a metal powder , metal wire , mesh screen or a series of metallic protuberances which are sintered , etched or machined to the metal substrate or any other form of metal that can be firmly anchored to the substrate and subsequently surrounded by the sealing glass . one concept of this invention is that , when tensile or shear or torsion forces are applied to the joint , the load is transferred to the metal - to - metal joins between the reinforcing materials and the substrate . these metal - to - metal joins will bear much higher loads than will the glass - oxide scale - metal interfaces . to test the durability of the seals formed by the present invention , a series of parts were joined together . in one embodiment , a first part consisting of a metal ring resembling a common washer , having an inside diameter of 15 mm and an outside diameter of 44 mm , was joined to a second part consisting of a flat disk , 25 mm in diameter . various metals were selected , and then joined together by placing glass forming materials between the parts and then heating them at sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to melt the glass forming materials , thereby forming them into a glass and adhering the glass to the surfaces of the metal parts . in some experiments , only the glass forming materials were used to form the bond , in other experiments , screens of generally the same geometry as their corresponding metal parts were first welded to the parts as described herein , and in yet further experiments , additional ceramics , as also described herein , were also added to the glass forming materials . in a second embodiment , metal screens of generally the same geometry as the metal ring were first welded to the parts as described herein and second part comprising a ceramic bilayer disk , consisting of nominally an 8 μm thick ysz layer attached to a 350 μm thick anode material that was glass sealed as described previously to the ysz side of the disk . in comparison , a sofc window frame consist of a metal support , glass forming materials , and an anode / electrolyte . a sofc cassette consists of the previously described window frame bonded ( laser welded ) to a metallic separator plate . the sealed metal ring to ceramic bilayer disk test specimens approximate sealing in the window frame component , while the sealed metal ring to metal disks specimens approximate the sealing between cassettes , which is used when forming a complete sofc stack . the first and second parts were then tested to determine if a conductive path was present from the first part to the second part . finally , pressure was then applied through the hole in the first part until the seal broke and the second part “ popped off ,” or ruptured . while these rupture strength tests do not provide an absolute measure of the strength of the various seals , they do provide an excellent measure of the relative strength of the seals when comparing such variables as the various materials used for the parts , the presence or absence of the reinforcing materials , and the presence or absence of the ceramics added to the glass forming materials . table 1 summarizes examples of various specimens , the metal component , the seal type and the ceramic components used in the testing of this invention . table 2 summarizes the rupture strength values as a function of test condition . all of the strength values are reported in pounds per square inch ( psi ). the sealing specimens were configured using a 20 mil crofer - 22 apu and ni — ysz / ysz bilayers prepared as described herein . the sealing was conducted at 825 ° c . for 1 hour , then annealed at 750 ° c . for 4 hours prior to cooling to room temperature . thermal cycle testing was conducted by heating from air temperature to 750 ° c . in 10 minutes , holding at 750 ° c . for 10 minutes , and cooling back to room temperature in 40 minutes . age testing ( soaking ) was conducted in static air at 750 ° c . the glass identified as “ g - 18 ” is formed of about 10 mole % b 2 o 3 , about 35 mole % sio 2 , about 5 mole % al 2 o 3 , about 35 mole % bao , about 15 mole % cao , and an organic binder that is gasified during the heating step , described as a preferred embodiment in the foregoing summary of the invention . by example , fig1 shows how the testing of the present invention was carried out . the test employs essentially a miniaturized version of the main fuel cell components , i . e . window frame and cassette , as the test specimen . according to fig1 , a metal washer 1 acts a the metal frame of a sofc . a 25 mm diameter ceramic bi - layer coupon 2 or metal disk is sealed with a glass seal 3 directly to a metal washer 1 . by comparison , a frame 4 of the same composition used in the psofc stack , that measures 44 mm in outside diameter with a 15 mm diameter concentric hole , is sealed with a glass seal 3 to an anode - supported bi - layer coupon 5 . like the actual ceramic psofc cell , the anode - supported bi - layer coupons 2 and 5 consist of nio - 5ysz as the anode and 5ysz as the electrolyte . the bi - layer coupons were fabricated by tape casting and co - sintering techniques developed at pacific northwest national laboratory . to prepare the anode layer , nio ( j . t . baker , inc . ), 5ysz ( zirconia sales , inc . ), and carbon black ( columbia ) powders were ball milled together in a 38 : 25 : 37 volume percent ratio for 1½ days with a proprietary binder and dispersant system in a 2 - butanone / ethyl alcohol solvent . the slurry was cast onto silicone - coated mylar , forming a ˜ 0 . 4 mm thick tape after solvent evaporation . the electrolyte tapes were prepared by ball milling 5ysz with a proprietary binder and dispersant system in 2 - butanone / ethyl alcohol for 2 days and casting the slurry by the doctor blade technique onto silicone - coated mylar to form tapes with an as - dry thickness of approximately 50 μm . the anode and electrolyte tapes were then laser cut into 100 × 100 mm plies . multiple plies of the anode tape were laminated together with a single ply of the electrolyte tape through a combination of heat and pressure to form a single green bi - layer tape . disks measuring 30 mm in diameter were cut from the laminated tape using a circular hot knife . the green parts were then sintered in air at 1350 ° c . for 1 hr , yielding finished bi - layer components measuring nominally 25 mm in diameter by 600 μm in thickness , with an average electrolyte thickness of ˜ 8 μm . the metal materials employed in ring and disk fabrication were procured as 300 μm thick sheet in the as - annealed condition , unless otherwise specified . the flat washer - shaped and disk - shaped specimens were cut from the sheets via electrical discharge machining and the sealing surface was polished to a nominal 10 μm diamond grit finish , flushed with de - ionized water to remove the grit , ultrasonically cleaned in acetone for 10 minutes , and wiped with methanol prior to use . reinforcing materials , by example metal screens of nominally the same size and geometry as the ring and disk pieces , were cut and spot welded to the corresponding flat metal parts to form the reinforcing surface for the glass matrix in the seal . the glass seal composition , for example designated as g - 18 , was an in - house designed barium calcium aluminosilicate based glass originally melted from the following mixture of oxides : 10 mole % b 2 o 3 , 35 mole % sio 2 , 5 mole % al 2 o 3 , 35 mole % bao , and 15 mole % cao . the g - 18 powder was milled to an average particle size of ˜ 20 μm and mixed with a proprietary binder system to form a paste that could be dispensed onto the substrate surfaces at a uniform rate of 0 . 075 g / linear cm using an automated syringe dispenser . in this manner , the glass paste was dispensed onto the ysz side of the bilayer disks or reinforcing material side of a metal disk . each disk was then concentrically positioned on a washer specimen , loaded with a 50 g weight , and heated in air under the following sealing schedule : heat from room temperature to 850 ° c . at 10 ° c ./ min , hold at 850 ° c . for one hour , cool to 750 ° c . at 5 ° c ./ min , hold at 750 ° c . for four hours , and cool to room temperature at 5 ° c ./ min . as illustrated in fig2 , the sofc cassette is the repeat unit of the sofc stack . it consists of the ceramic pen 10 ( bilayer with cathode layer applied ) sealed into a metallic frame 12 , forming the previously described window frame , which is bonded ( laser welded ) to a metallic separator plate 14 . in the gfm concept , the reinforcing material 16 ( e . g . mesh ) is pre - joined to the sealing surfaces on each cassette , including the surface around each manifold opening 18 and the outer periphery of the cassette 20 . a glass forming material 22 , typically containing a ceramic spacer material ( fiber , spheres , particulate , etc .) to ensure electrical insulation between cassettes , is used to hermetically seal adjacent cassettes together . the entire stack of cassettes is typically joined in a single sealing operation . a schematic of the experimental set - up used in rupture testing is illustrated in fig3 . the test sample was placed within a fixture that consists of a bottom 30 and top flange 32 , a coupling 34 secures and centers the two flanges 30 , 32 , and an o - ring 36 is squeezed against the bottom surface of the washer . compressed air pumped through air line 40 was used to pressurize the backside of the washer specimen up to a maximum rated pressure of 150 psi . a digital regulator 38 allows the pressure behind the joined bi - layer disk 33 to be slowly increased to a given set point . this volume of compressed gas can be isolated between the specimen and a valve , making it possible to identify a leak in the seal by a decay in pressure . in this way , the device can be used to measure the hermeticity of a given seal configuration without causing destructive failure of the seal . alternatively , by increasing the pressure to the point of specimen rupture , we can measure maximum pressure using pressure gage 42 that the specimen can withstand . a minimum of six specimens was tested for each joining condition . it is evident that various modifications , additions or deletions could be incorporated in the system and method of the present invention without departing from the basic teachings thereof . also , the various elements and steps described herein are exemplary of an embodiment which is presently considered to be a preferred embodiment , and these are to be interpreted to include equivalents thereof . | US-94835904-A |
a flexible shock absorbing component providing cushioning for surfaces , especially wall and floor surfaces , is described . the shock absorbing component includes two sheets of thermoplastic , each sheet with inwardly facing , opposing , resiliently compressible indentations extending into a cavity between the two sheets . the shock absorbing component also includes a layer of particulate matter applied to and adhered to the outer surface of one of the sheets , to provide wear and weather resistance . a moderator may also be attached to the outer surface of the sheet . | the present invention relates to a twin sheet structure specifically adapted for floor or wall cushioning . the twin sheet structure includes a first sheet with indentations and a second sheet with indentations that abut the indentations extending from the first sheet . a twin sheet structure having hemispherical indentations is shown in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 029 , 962 to joseph j . skaja and martyn r . shorten . the &# 39 ; 962 patent shows a twin sheet structure having hemispherical indentations in the sheets . the present invention provides a number of improvements that allow that structure of the &# 39 ; 962 patent to be advantageously used for cushioning of floor and wall surfaces . the present invention improves on the twin sheet structure of the &# 39 ; 962 patent by adding an additional layer of material , also referred to as a wearcourse , to the outer surface of one of the sheets . the wearcourse layer provides traction , wear resistance , and resistance to temperature extremes and weather conditions . for example , the wearcourse layer may consist of rubber granules , thermoplastic , or thermoset rubber applied and adhered to the outer surface of a sheet . although a number of other materials may be used to form the wearcourse layer according to the present invention , several materials that have been tried are described below . as shown in fig1 the twin sheet cushioning structure includes a first or upper sheet 11 and a second or lower sheet 21 . the first sheet has hemispherical or hemi - ellipsoidal indentations 12 and the second sheet also has hemispherical or hemi - ellipsoidal indentations 22 . each indentation in the first sheet abuts a corresponding indentation in the second sheet . drainage connectors 26 may extend between the indentations . the drainage connectors not only allow water to drain from the top sheet to the bottom sheet , but also between adjacent hemis or ellipses in the same layer . sidewalls 13 and 23 at the perimeter of each sheet may be joined at a seam . [ 0031 ] fig2 shows a first preferred embodiment of the present invention . in the first embodiment , the wearcourse layer consists of rubber particles 40 applied to the outer surface of sheet 11 . the rubber particles may partially or completely fill indentations 12 . the rubber particles in each indentations may be loose or may be adhered together with a binder such as a urethane binder . the rubber particles may have irregular dimensions or may be spherical or some other shape if desired . preferably , the rubber particles are elastic and each will have outward dimensions of less than 0 . 25 inches . use of rubber granules to partially or completely fill some or all of the indentations helps make the cushioning structure of the invention effective and consistent across the typical temperature range for the outdoor activities . [ 0032 ] fig3 shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention . in the third embodiment , the wearcourse layer consists of moderator 50 , which is a sheet of plastic or rubber material applied to the outwardly facing surface of sheet 11 . the moderator may be adhered to sheet 11 with adhesive or spot welded to the outer surface of sheet 11 . as shown in fig3 moderator 50 may cover a layer of rubber particles 41 that partially or completely fill indentations 12 . alternatively , the moderator and sheet each may have mating protrusions and holes to fit over the protrusions , so that the moderator is engaged to the sheet . optionally , the moderator may have additional cushioning members with a regular grid or pattern , and hemispherical protrusions that extend into indentations . the protrusions may be integral to the moderator . optionally , fiber particles also may be applied to the outer surface of the moderator . [ 0033 ] fig4 shows a third preferred embodiment of the present invention . in the third embodiment , the wearcourse layer consists of fiber particles 30 applied to the outer surface of sheet 11 . this process is generally known as flocking . the fiber particles ( i . e ., nylon , acrylic , etc .) are applied to the outwardly facing surface of one of the sheets in the twin sheet cushioning structure . optionally , the outer surface of sheet 11 may be electrically charged to attract and adhere the fibers . if desired , adhesive also may be applied to sheet 11 to adhere the flocking material to that sheet . a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in fig5 . in this embodiment , the wearcourse layer consists of moderator 59 which is a third thermoplastic cushioning sheet applied to the outer surface of top sheet 11 . moderator 59 includes a grid of raised polygonal structures 60 with interconnecting channels therebetween . each polygonal structure has an indentation in the top surface thereof , preferably a hemispherical or hemiellipsoidal indentation , as shown in the expanded view of fig5 a . after the floor or wall cushioning structure of the present invention has been manufactured , it can be easily transported and assembled at another location , as will be described below with reference to fig6 . the twin sheet structure and wearcourse layer can be produced in lengths and widths limited only by the dimensions of the production equipment , which is described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 976 , 451 to joseph j . skaja and martyn r . shorten . for floor and wall cushioning structures of the present invention , however , it is advantageous to have the twin sheet structure and wearcourse layer sized into symmetrical tiles , and preferably square tiles . the tiles may be 12 inches on each side , for example , facilitating their shipment to the assembly site . each tile is locked to the adjacent tiles by male and female seam locks 25 , 26 . additionally , the present invention contemplates the use of double sided tape applied to urethane film to seal the edges of each tile in the cushioning structure . double sided tape attached to the urethane film may be used for sealing up the side of a tile , or for the seams . to apply the cushioning structure of the present invention around an obstacle , one can simply cut a hole to fit around the obstacle , take the double sided tape and attach it to urethane film , then put it around the opening in the cushioning structure . | US-97626201-A |
a method for hydroponics comprises submerging the lower region of a bulb and its hair roots for a selected period of time and for another selected period of time , lifting the bulb out of the water to expose to air the lower region of the bulb and an upper portion only for the hair roots of the bulb . an aquatic float comprises a vessel having a floatable coaster in juxtaposition thereto , means temporarily securing the coaster to the vessel and a seed or bulb bed means disposed at least at one end of the vessel , the seedbed means including a plurality of passages through the walls of the vessel . | referring to the drawings , in fig1 and 2 , a hemispherical aquatic float comprises hemispherical segments 1 , 2 , each having an apertured floatable platform ( hereinafter referred to as &# 34 ; coaster &# 34 ; 3 , 4 ) held together by adhesive tape 12 which is removable positioned at their outer circumferences . the mating surface between segments 1 , 2 can be either flat or zig zag 20 , 21 . the aquatic float segments 1 , 2 and the coaster 3 , 4 are fabricated of floatable material , such as a form plastic or styrene by a conventional method . each segment 1 , 2 has at its polar end a seedbed b surrounded by a circular barrier b or a circular recess 17 in fig5 . the seed bed b in fig3 has a plurality of small holes 10 arranged circularly on the seedbed b for protuding hair roots 14 of a hydroponic bulb 13 . the coasters 3 , 4 each has a central aperture 5 , 6 and an outer diameter of selective dimensions so that it can be forced and wedged , by finger pressure , into an interior portion of hemispherical segments 1 , 2 and held therein by friction to support the weight of bulbs 13 . preferably the seeds or bulbs 13 are wrapped in a plastic film 7 for storage and transport prior to cultivation by water . the aquatic float can be decorated as a gift case with a heat seal h for chocolates and candies therein prior to hydroponic procedures . the seedbed b of aquatic float segments 1 , 2 can optionally have circular slits 10 &# 39 ; or 10 &# 34 ; as shown in fig6 and 8 to provide more opening areas for the roots than the small holes 10 in fig1 to 4 . a ridge b can be moulded in the seedbed area to strengthen the structure in the polar regions of segments 1 , 2 and to hold the bulb 13 in a more stable upright position . for the hydroponic procedure , the segments 1 , 2 are separated into two parts after removing the adhesive tape . the coasters 3 , 4 and the film bag 7 are removed . the seeds or bulbs 13 are removed from the film bag 7 and planted in the seed bed areas b , b in a manner so that the roots 14 of the bulbs pass through holes 10 or slits 10 &# 39 ; or 10 . &# 34 ; the coasters 3 , 4 are then returned and wedged into their original position as shown in fig2 . the segments 1 , 2 are then placed upon water as shown in fig4 and 5 so that the roots 14 and the lower portion of bulb 13 are kept submerged in the water . if the lower portion of bulb 13 , especially the circular germinating section thereof , and the entirety of the roots 14 are submerged for a long period of time , decomposition of both occurs . accordingly , it is very important to maintain the circular germinating portion , preferably with an upper portion of the roots 14 , above the water surface to contact with fresh oxygen in the air for preventing the decomposition of the bulb and the roots . in accordance with this invention and to prevent decomposition of the growing bulb , at a selected time , the coasters 3 , 4 are relocated from their former positions in fig2 to a new position under the segment 2 , as shown in fig7 with its aperture 6 aligned with seedbed b , b . as shown in fig7 and in accordance with this invention , the buoyancy of the coaster 4 &# 34 ; will lift the circular germinating section of the bulb and the upper portion of the root hairs out of the water . as shown , the circular germinating portion of roots 14 of the bulb 13 on the seed bed b , b is lifted up a distance of α , due to the buoyancy of the coaster 4 in the direction of arrow so that the circular germinating section of the bulb 13 and the upper portion of the root hairs 14 are constantly exposed to oxygen of the air . after several days , the bulb 13 begins to germinate as the roots and bulb continually absorb water . in approximately one month , leaves 15 grow to a substantial size and the total weight of the aquatic float progressively increases . in fig7 the aquatic float sinks down a distance under the water surface in direct proportion to the total changing weight w which depends on the growth of the bulb 13 as a lower portion of the bulb 13 and the root 14 constantly absorbs water . the long leaves 15 and flowers 16 after growth of the bulb 13 disturb the balance of the aquatic float on the water w due to its unsymmetrical blooming and spreading which displaces the weight of the plant from its vertical center line . such changing unbalance of the growing plant would unsatisfactorily tilt the aquatic float if it were not for the stabilizing effect of the wide coaster 3 , 4 relative to the concave small diameter of the segment 1 , 2 and seedbed b , b . fig9 and 10 disclose modifications of the aquatic float in the form of an apple , heart or egg . in fig1 , the segment 2 &# 34 ; is one half of an egg shaped hemisphere which has an off - center seed bed b &# 34 ;. coaster 4 &# 34 ; has an off - center aperture 6 &# 34 ; to match and mate with the seedbed b &# 34 ;. the curved walls of segment 2 &# 34 ; are selectively formed so that it will float at α degrees to the water surface upon planting of the bulb 13 &# 34 ; and before the coaster 4 &# 34 ; is placed under the seedbed 6 &# 34 ;. at a selected later time in the plant growth when the coaster 4 &# 34 ; is placed under the seed bed 6 &# 34 ;, the angle α can be controlled by changing , as by cutting with hand scissors , the outline of coaster 4 &# 34 ; to be more or less elliptical . thus the aquatic float can be selectively tilted towards the source of sunlight as it freely rotates on the water . in fig1 to 14 , the float af comprises an aquatic disk 34 having a cylindrical wall 31 with brim 33 and a seedbed mesh 37 supported on an inside shelf 38 of wall 31 . the seed mesh 37 should be located so that it is at the level of the water surface when the aquatic float af is launched on the water . for cultivation of vegetables 35 such as alfalfa on the household table , the seeds are firstly sown on the seed mesh 37 for their germination under water . the seed mesh 37 and the growing vegetable seeds progressively sink under the water surface because of their weight which increases gradually . the coaster 32 on brim 33 , at a selected time , is transferred under 32 to lift the aquatic float af for a distance of α &# 39 ; as shown in fig1 so as to expose in the air the upper portion of roots 36 under the seed mesh 37 so that the roots will not decompose . thus , the aquatic float af enables fresh vegetables 35 to be provided on the household table every morning . the hemispherical or cylindrical disk aquatic floats with the coasters described hereinbefore , advantageously are packaged by mating the two segments , secured with tape and placed in a paper box or can pb or cn , as shown in fig1 and 16 . such pb , cn can be selectively designed and decorated when it is intended to be used also for the hydroponics procedure . the combined spherical aquatic float fl may optionally enclose gift products 13 such as bulbs , chocolates , candies , etc ., which are placed into a film bag 7 . after such spherical aquatic float fl is used as a gift product case and the contents thereof are taken out to eat , each hemispherical aquatic float 1 , 2 is used to plant a bulb 13 into its seedbed b and floated on the water w in a suitable vessel . the vessel for hydroponics of the present invention , may use any containers such as a cup , a bowl , a pot , a tub , etc . however , it is preferably to use the paper box pb covered with the plastic film bag in which the spherical aquatic float fl is wrapped . in preparation of the aquatic paper vessel of fig1 , the plastic film bag described hereinbefore is firstly positioned inside of the paper box pb along its bottom and vertical sides . thereafter the remaining plastic film 43 as shown at 44 , 45 is bent down along the outside of the box an turned over bottom surfaces 41 , 42 of the paper box pb as shown at 46 , 48 . the ends of the plastic film are secured with an adhesive tape on their end portions 48 . the hemispherical aquatic float 2 with the planted bulb 13 is floated in the aquatic paper vessel pb after the coaster 4 is inserted into its upper portion as shown in fig1 . the bulb 13 germinates with its roots in the water w and grows in the cavities r covered with the coaster 4 . the lower portion of the bulb 13 progressively submerges due to the increase of its weight because of its growth . at a selected time the coaster 4 is transferred under the aquatic float 2 to lift it up until its blooming period is completed . in fig1 , two cylindrical disk aquatic floats af of fig1 , are positioned in opposite relationship with packing material s , s &# 39 ; therebetween in a can cn comprising a body 51 and a cover 52 for providing a vessel for hydroponics , as shown in fig1 . the aquatic float af , in fig1 accommodates two bulbs 53 on the seed mesh for cultivation in the body 51 of the can cn . the bulbs 53 grow progressively in the water w and bulbs 53 on the seed mesh progressively submerges into the water . at a selected time the coaster on brim 33 is transferred under the later to lift up the seed mesh until complete blooming , as described hereinbefore . the present inventions have been described and pointed out the fundamental novel futures as applied to preferred embodiment thereabove , however , it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the aquatic float illustrated may be made by the skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention . it is the invention therefore to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims . | US-39309589-A |
a fastener component , such as a nut , has size indicia thereon . the size indicia is used to identify the size of the tool to be used in attaching , adjusting or removing the fastener , a dimensional size of the fastener , or both . | according to the present invention , a fastener component comprises a body that defines a threaded bore wherein the body has a plurality of flat circumferential faces which provide tool - engaging surfaces . located on the body of the fastener component , there is at least one visible numeral which indicates the distance between opposed faces on the body , and thus , the size of a tool suitable for engaging the opposed faces so that a suitable tool can be selected without a user having to know or measure any other dimension of the fastener component . as illustrated in the drawing figures , nut 10 and bolt 12 bear visible numerical indicia 14 , 15 which indicate the size ( x ) of the opening of the wrench to be used with a fastener . the fastener includes a bolt and nut , each of which has a plurality of flat , circumferential , tool - engaging faces or &# 34 ; flats &# 34 ;. the size ( x ) is the distance between two opposed faces . in the illustrated embodiment , the indicia show the fraction &# 34 ; 3 / 4 &# 34 ; which indicates 3 / 4 inch wrenches mate with the bolt head and nut . although a nut and bolt are shown , the same type of indicia could be used for any type of fastener component held by a wrench , including most types of bolts , nuts , and lag screws . additionally , these bolts and nuts may bear indicia 16 , 18 giving the length ( y ) and diameter ( z ) of the bolt shank and the inside diameter ( z ) of the threaded bore of the nut . but , while useful in selecting the proper fastener for a job , these dimensions are of no help in choosing the correct wrench or other installation tool since the outer dimensions of the bolt head and nut are larger . both the indicia for indicating the proper wrench size and the indicia for indicating other fastener dimensions can be included on the same fastener . there are several ways of applying indicia to the fasteners . the illustrated bolts and nut could be made using molds which apply either recessed or raised numbers when the fastener parts are cast . raised numbers are shown in fig3 a ; recessed numbers are shown in fig3 b . the raised numbers could also be in braille rather than arabic numbers for the visually impaired . in a preferred embodiment , indicia could be stamped on using conventional metal stamping techniques . less preferably , the indicia could be painted on as shown in fig3 c . paint is not preferred since it can wear off with time . having illustrated and described the principles of my invention with respect to a preferred embodiment , it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that my invention may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles . for example , although the drawings illustrate a bolt and nut sized in inches , the present invention can be used for fastener components sized in metric , or any other , units . i claim all such modifications falling within the scope and spirit of the following claims . | US-27395694-A |
a lever and rack - type fastener assembly for sports footwear includes a lever assembly having a hooking member that is movably between an open position and a closed position for securing the footwear about the user &# 39 ; s foot or ankle . a conformable segmented rack assembly is configured to engage the hook member . the segmented rack assembly includes a flexible cable , and a plurality of rack segments that is fixedly attached to the cable , wherein the cable provides a hinged joint between adjacent rack segments . each of the rack segments includes a plurality of teeth . in some embodiments , an attachment plate clamps the rack members to the cable , in other embodiments , the rack members are formed with a crimpable channel for fixing the rack members to the cable . | particular embodiments of a fastening system in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures , wherein like numbers indicate like parts . fig1 is a side view of a fastening system 100 suitable for sports footwear and the like , for example , ski boots , in accordance with the present invention . the fastening system 100 comprises a conventional lever assembly 90 and an articulated or conformable segmented rack assembly 110 . the lever assembly 90 and segmented rack assembly 110 are configured to adjustably engage and securely close the sports footwear 80 about a user . the lever assembly 90 may be any conventional lever assembly as are known in the art . for example , a suitable lever assembly may be constructed based on the lever assemblies disclosed in any of u . s . pat . no . 8 , 096 , 065 , to marechal , u . s . pat . no . 7 , 603 , 795 , to pallatin , and / or u . s . pat . no . 5 , 983 , 531 , to chaigne et al ., all of which are incorporated by reference above . the lever assembly 90 shown in fig1 includes a mounting plate 91 that may be configured for attachment to a boot or binding by any suitable means , for example , by stitching , rivets , adhesives , a strap , or the like . a lever arm 92 is pivotably attached to the mounting plate 91 with a first pivot pin 93 that extends through a mounting plate wing or boss 94 . a rod assembly 95 is attached to the lever arm 92 at an intermediate location with a second pivot pin 96 , and is attached near one end to a hook or latching element 97 with a third pivot pin 98 . in an exemplary embodiment , the length of the rod assembly 95 is adjustable , for example , with a threadable attachment or the like . the latching element 97 includes a rung , hook , or other transverse elements 99 that is configured to engage the segmented rack assembly 110 at a selectable location on the rack assembly 110 . to close the fastening system 100 , the transverse element 99 is positioned to engage a selected tooth 122 of the rack assembly 110 , and the lever arm 92 is pivoted about the first pivot pin 93 to a latching position ( counterclockwise in fig1 ). the articulated segmented rack assembly 110 comprises a flexible cable 112 , for example , a steel or composite cable , that may include a sheath 114 over a portion of the cable 112 . a plurality of rack segments 120 ( three shown ) clamp onto and are fixed to the cable 112 . in this embodiment , the rack segments 120 each include a toothed member 124 and an attachment plate 126 . the toothed member 124 includes one or more hook elements or teeth 122 ( two shown for each rack element 120 ) that are configured to engage the transverse element 99 of the lever assembly 90 . the toothed member 124 and the plate 126 are assembled to fix the rack segments 120 to the cable 112 . fig2 shows an exploded view of the segmented rack assembly 110 , fig3 shows a bottom view of the rack assembly 110 , and fig4 shows a cross - sectional view of the rack assembly 110 through section 4 - 4 in fig3 . each toothed member 124 includes a pair of generally parallel , longitudinal channels 125 that extend along the length of the toothed member 124 and are sized to engage the cable 112 . the attachment plates 126 similarly include a pair of longitudinal channels 127 that are aligned with the toothed member channels 125 when the rack assembly 110 is assembled . a fastener 128 attaches each attachment plate 126 to a corresponding toothed member 124 to clamp the rack segment 120 onto the cable 112 , such that cable portions 112 a , 112 b are retained in and between the channels 125 , 127 . in the current embodiment , the fasteners 128 are screws , but may alternatively comprise bolts , rivets , or the like . the cable 112 in this embodiment includes two cable portions 112 a , 112 b that are joined together at their distal ends with a u - shaped crimp connector 116 . alternatively , but not preferably , the cable 112 may simply loop around to engage the parallel channels 125 , 127 in the rack segment 120 . the distal - end rack segment 120 may optionally define a transverse channel ( not shown ) that joins the parallel longitudinal channels 125 , 127 and receives a looped portion of the cable 112 . as seen most clearly in fig1 and 2 , in this embodiment , the rack segments 120 are attached to the cable 112 with a small gap between adjacent rack segments 120 , and the ends of the rack segments 120 are shaped to permit neighboring rack segments 120 to move angularly with respect to each other through flexure of the cable 112 . the cable 112 therefore defines a hinge connecting adjacent rack segments 120 . therefore , the rack segments 120 may articulate relative to each other , such that the rack assembly 110 can conform to the shape of the boot 80 . it is contemplated that the present invention may be practiced with more or fewer rack segments 120 to meet the needs of a particular application . the rack segments 120 may be formed from any suitable material . for example , in a current embodiment , the toothed member 124 and the attachment plate 126 are formed from aluminum . however , it is contemplated that these components may be formed from other materials , for example , rigid plastics or composite materials . to use the fastener system 100 , typically the lever assembly 90 is fixedly attached to a boot 80 , or mounted on a strap to engage the boot 80 , for example . the cable 112 supporting the rack assembly 110 is fixed on an opposite side of the boot 80 . the user may position the rack assembly 110 in a desired location to engage the lever assembly transverse element 99 , with the lever arm 92 pivoted towards an open position . the transverse element 99 engages the selected tooth 122 of one rack segment 120 , and the lever arm 92 is then pivoted to an over - center closed position . a side view of another embodiment of a rack assembly 210 in accordance with the present invention is shown in fig5 . the rack assembly 210 in this embodiment comprises a plurality of segments including proximal rack segments 220 and a distal rack segment 220 ′. the rack segments 220 , 220 ′ are formed unitarily , that is , each as a single member , and are attached to the cable 112 ( shown in phantom ) by crimping . the rack segments 220 , 220 ′ each include a plurality of hook portions or teeth 222 that are shaped to engage the lever assembly 90 described above , and a base portion 226 , 226 ′. a first end 221 of each segment 220 , 220 ′ is convexly curved , for example , forming a partially cylindrical face , and a second end 223 of the proximal rack segments 220 is concavely curved and shaped to receive the first end 221 of the neighboring segment 220 or 220 ′. refer also to fig6 , which shows a perspective view of the proximal rack segment 220 . in this embodiment , the teeth 222 are narrower in width than the base portion 226 and approximately centered such that lateral end portions 229 are defined on either side of the teeth 222 . the proximal rack segment 220 further includes a pair of longitudinal channels 225 that are sized to receive and engage the cable 112 . in the current embodiment , the channels 225 include one or more gripping transverse teeth or gripping elements 127 ( five shown ). the longitudinal channels 225 each include a narrow inwardly - extending portion 228 . the proximal rack segment 220 is formed from a plastically deformable material , for example , aluminum , or a deformable polymeric material . a perspective view of the distal rack segment 220 ′ is shown in fig7 . the distal rack segment 220 ′ is generally similar to the proximal rack segments 220 , except as discussed herein , with side channels 225 ′ configured to receive and crimp to the cable 112 . from fig5 , it is clear that the distal rack segment 220 ′ second end 223 ′ does not have a neighboring rack segment . rather , the distal rack segment 220 ′ second end 223 ′ includes a transverse channel or recess 224 ′ that serves as a guide or retainer for the u - shaped crimp connector 116 or end portion of the cable 112 . in this embodiment , the rack segments 220 , 220 ′ are clamped to the cable 112 by positioning cable 112 at the desired position to engage the longitudinal channels 225 , 225 ′ and crimping the rack segments 220 , 220 ′, for example , by compressing the end portions 229 , such that the gripping elements 227 engage and secure the flexible cable 112 . it will be appreciated that the crimping is facilitated by the inner narrow portion 228 of the longitudinal channels 225 . a lower side perspective view of another embodiment of a rack assembly 310 in accordance with the present invention is shown in fig8 . the rack assembly 310 in this embodiment also comprises a plurality of proximal rack segments 320 and a distal rack segment 320 ′. two proximal rack segments 320 are shown in fig8 , although more or fewer proximal rack segments may be included . in this embodiment , the proximal rack segments 320 include a toothed member 324 with a plurality of teeth 322 , and an attachment plate 326 that is fixed to a bottom of the corresponding toothed member 324 to lock the rack segment 320 to the flexible cable 112 . similarly , the distal rack segment 320 ′ includes a toothed member 324 ′ and an attachment plate 326 ′ that is fixed to a bottom of the toothed member 324 ′ to attach the distal rack segment 320 ′ to the flexible cable 112 . the front and back faces of the rack segments 320 and the back face of the distal rack segment 320 ′ are shaped to permit pivotal motion between neighboring rack segments 320 , 320 ′ by flexure of the cable 112 . fig9 shows an exploded view of the proximal rack segment 320 with the cable 112 shown in phantom . the toothed member 324 includes a bottom portion ( i . e ., a face opposite the teeth 322 ) defining two parallel longitudinal channels 325 . in this embodiment , the channels 325 have a depth that is approximately equal to , or slightly less than , the diameter of the cable 112 , such that the received portion of the cable 112 substantially fits within the longitudinal channel 325 . the longitudinal channels 325 optionally include a plurality of ridges or gripping elements 337 extending inwardly from the channels 325 . a recess 330 is defined on the bottom portion of the proximal rack segment 320 between the longitudinal channels 325 , and is sized to receive the attachment plate 326 . the bottom portion of the proximal rack segment 320 further defines a plastically deformable rivet portion 332 extending distally from the recess 330 . in this embodiment , the rivet portion 332 is round and tubular in shape , although other shapes may alternatively be used . the attachment plate 326 includes an aperture 327 that is sized and positioned to slidably engage the rivet portion 332 when the attachment plate 326 is received into the recess 330 . it will now be appreciated that the proximal rack segment 320 is attached to the cable 112 by positioning the cable 112 at a desired position in the parallel longitudinal channels 325 , pressing the attachment plate 326 into the recess 330 such that the segment 320 clamps onto the cable 112 , and deforming the tubular rivet portion 332 to lock the attachment plate 326 to the toothed member 324 . fig1 shows an exploded view of the distal rack segment 320 ′, which is substantially similar to the proximal rack segments 320 in most respects . the distal rack segment 320 ′ includes a toothed member 324 ′ with a plurality of teeth 322 ( two shown ), and a u - shaped channel 325 ′ that is sized and configured to receive the flexible cable 112 . a rivet portion 332 extends from a recess 330 ′ on the bottom of the toothed member 324 ′. an attachment plate 326 ′ with an aperture 327 is sized and configured to be positioned in the recess 330 to clamp onto the cable 112 , and the rivet portion 332 is plastically deformed to lock the attachment plate 326 ′ to the toothed portion 324 ′, and thereby fix the distal rack segment 320 ′ to the cable 112 . while illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described , it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention . | US-201213460402-A |
an interleaver circuit architectures , which utilizes the relationship between intra - row elements in a matrix , in order to simplify the mod computations necessary in an interleaver . the interleaver calculates a subset of results , stores those results , performs operations on the stored results in order to obtain new results , then updates at least some of the old results with the new results for the next column operation . the interleaver address is then calculated row by row . by storing only a subset of the results and replacing old results with new results , the interleaver can calculate the interleaver address “ on the fly ” in one clock cycle with very little delay . the interleaver may also require less power and smaller substrate surface area . | an algorithm for producing an interleaved address may include several steps . an exemplary algorithm includes the steps of formatting the input data bits into a rectangular matrix , performing intra - row and inter - row permutations on the rectangular matrix , and outputting the bits from the rectangular matrix with pruning . the first step is to format the input bits into a rectangular matrix . if k is the number of input bits in the data block to encode , the number of rows r and columns c of the rectangular matrix may be determined as follows . 1 . determine the number of rows r of the rectangular matrix such that : r = { 5 , if ( 40 ≤ k ≤ 159 ) 10 , if ( ( 160 ≤ k ≤ 200 ) or ( 481 ≤ k ≤ 530 ) ) 20 , if ( k = any other value ) the rows of rectangular matrix are numbered 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . , r − 1 from top to bottom . 2 . determine the prime number p and the number of columns c of the rectangular matrix such that : else find the minimum prime p such that ( p + 1 )− k / r ≧ 0 , where p is the minimum prime number & gt ;=( k / r )− 1 . c is determined by the value of p with respect to k / r as depicted above . the columns of rectangular matrix are numbered 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . , c − 1 from left to right . 3 . when r and c have been determined , the input bits can be written into a r × c matrix row by row . 4 . compute the intra - row and inter - row permutations within the r × c rectangular matrix . the second step is to perform intra - row and inter - row permutations on the rectangular matrix . the following algorithm may be used to compute the intra - row and inter - row permutation . ( 1 ) select a primitive root ν ( for example for table 1 , which is provided in the 3gpp standard .) ( 2 ) construct a base sequence s ( i ) for intra - row permutation as : s ( i )= [ ν × s ( i − 1 )] mod p , i = 1 , 2 , . . . , ( p − 2 )., and s ( 0 )= 1 ( 3 ) let q 0 = 1 be the first prime integer in { q j }, select the consecutive minimum prime integers { q j } ( j = 1 , 2 , . . . , r − 1 ) such that : g . c . d { q j , p − 1 }= 1 , q j & gt ; 6 , and q j & gt ; q ( j − 1 ) , where g . c . d . is greatest common divisor . ( 4 ) permute sequence { q j } to get sequence { r j } such that r t ( j ) = q j , j = 0 , 1 , . . . , r − 1 , where t ( j ) ( j = 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . , r − 1 ) is the inter - row permutation pattern defined as the one of the following four patterns : pat 1 , pat 2 , pat 3 and pat 4 depending on the number of input bits k . { t ( 0 ) , t ( 1 ) , t ( 2 ) , … , t ( r - 1 ) } = { pat 4 if ( 40 ≤ k ≤ 159 ) pat 3 if ( 160 ≤ k ≤ 200 ) pat 1 if ( 201 ≤ k ≤ 480 ) pat 3 if ( 481 ≤ k ≤ 530 ) pat 1 if ( 531 ≤ k ≤ 2280 ) pat 2 if ( 2281 ≤ k ≤ 2480 ) pat 1 if ( 2481 ≤ k ≤ 3160 ) pat 2 if ( 3161 ≤ k ≤ 3210 ) pat 1 if ( 3211 ≤ k ≤ 5114 ) , where pat 1 , pat 2 , pat 3 and pat 4 have the following patterns respectively . pat 1 : { 19 , 9 , 14 , 4 , 0 , 2 , 5 , 7 , 12 , 18 , 10 , 8 , 13 , 17 , 3 , 1 , 16 , 6 , 15 , 11 } pat 2 : { 19 , 9 , 14 , 4 , 0 , 2 , 5 , 7 , 12 , 18 , 16 , 13 , 17 , 15 , 3 , 1 , 6 , 11 , 8 , 10 } pat 3 : { 9 , 8 , 7 , 6 , 5 , 4 , 3 , 2 , 1 , 0 } pat 4 : { 4 , 3 , 2 , 1 , 0 } ( 5 ) perform the j - th ( j = 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . , r − 1 ) intra - row permutation as : when c = p , u j ( i )= s ([ i × r j ] mod ( p − 1 )), i = 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . , ( p − 2 )., and u j ( p − 1 )= 0 , c = p , when c = p + 1 , u j ( i )= s ([ i × r j ] mod ( p − 1 )), i = 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . , ( p − 2 )., u j ( p = 1 )= 0 , and u j ( p )= p , if ( k = c × r ) then exchange u r − 1 ( p ) with u r − 1 ( 0 ). when c = p − 1 , u j ( i )= s ([ i × r j ] mod ( p − 1 ))− 1 , i = 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . , ( p − 2 ), the maximum - size of the permutation matrix is 20 × 256 . ( 6 ) perform the inter - row permutation based on the pattern t ( j ) ( j = 0 , 1 , 2 , . . . , r − 1 ); where t ( j ) is the original row position of the j - th permuted row . the output of the turbo code internal interleaver is the bit sequence read out column by column from the intra - row and inter - row permuted r × c matrix starting with row 0 of column 0 and ending with row r − 1 of column c − 1 . the output may be pruned by deleting bits that were not present in the input bit sequence , i . e . the number of bits output from turbo code internal interleaver is k and the total number of pruned bits is : fig1 illustrates exemplary hardware for implementing an exemplary algorithm for producing an interleaved address . the interleaver address generator 10 includes adjlut 12 , lut 14 , and adder 16 as well as first storage 18 and second storage 20 . the interleaver address generator 10 also includes control logic 30 , add / compare / subtract ( acsub ) units 40 and 42 , lookup tables 44 and 46 , multipliers 48 and 50 , prune control logic 60 and adder 70 . in an exemplary embodiment , the first storage 18 and second storage 20 are each implemented as a bank of d - flip flops . exemplary calculations performed by the interleaver address generator 10 of the present invention are as follows . in a given row , if a first column mod result is 1 * r mod p = a , and the jth column mod result is j * r mod p = b , then the succeeding column ( j + 1 ) th computation is ( j + 1 )* r mod p =( 1 * r mod p + j * r mod p ) mod p =( a + b ) mod p . since both a and b are less than p , ( a + b ) mod p may be computed with a single adder , comparator , and subtractor . as a result , the desired result may be obtained without a large amount of computation . in the above example , a and b are defined as old results , which are stored in the first storage 18 and the second storage 20 , respectively . “ a ” will always be stored in the first storage 18 for all the new computations and “ b ” will be stored in the second storage 18 and updated whenever the succeeding new result has been calculated . the results of the mod computations above are then used as an index of the lookup table , s ( i ) lut 44 and the true intra - row permutation order is supplied from table 2 , which can be provided by a dsp or stored in a rom . in some exemplary algorithms , the interleaving is based on inter - row and intra - row permutation among a rectangular matrix , and the numbers of row are only selectable from a fixed set ( for example , 5 , 10 , 20 , . . . ), the number of column is determined based on the nearest prime number . for example , if the block length k = 44 , the row assigned is 5 , and column assigned is 10 , then 5 * 10 = 50 interleaving address will be generated from the matrix ( 0 , 1 , . . . , 49 in random order ). all invalid addresses are pruned , namely those with values longer than k . in this example , only addresses 0 – 43 are useful addresses . if k = 50 , then there is no need to prune any addresses . after the mod calculation , pruning by the prune control circuit 60 may occur . for example , in the first clock cycle , the row 1 , column 1 and row 2 , column 1 addresses are generated , if both are valid , the ( 1 , 1 ) address is selected otherwise the ( 2 , 1 ) address is the substitute . then in the next clock cycle the ( 2 , 1 ) address and the ( 3 , 1 ) address are calculated if no pruning was performed in last cycle or the ( 3 , 1 ) address and the ( 4 , 1 ) address are generated if pruning occurred in last clock cycle . in the no pruning case , the ( 2 , 1 ) address has already been calculated in the last clock cycle , in order to save power . the prune control circuit 60 stops the computation path for the ( 2 , 1 ) address in the repeated calculation period . the operation of the interleaver address generator 10 is most easily described in conjunction with table 2 . for operation of the interleaver address generator 10 , a prime integer p is selected according to the length of data input to the interleaver address generator 10 . { q j } in table 2 is defined as a sequence of minimum prime integers starting with 1 and having a maximum size ( in an exemplary embodiment , the maximum size is 20 prime numbers , but the interleaving structure may be flexible to support different maxima ) which is essential to construct a set of column 1 values ( shown as column 5 in table 1 ). the subsequent columns &# 39 ; values are generated by the previous column value and column 1 &# 39 ; s value . the value of { q j } may be selected from the set { 1 , 7 , 11 , 13 , 17 , 19 , 23 , 29 , 31 , 37 , 41 , 43 , 47 , 53 , 59 , 61 , 67 , 71 , 73 , 79 , 83 , 89 } sequentially on condition that g . c . d { q j , p − 1 }= 1 . the δq j lut 14 stores the difference sequence { q j − q j − 1 }, the values in column 3 of table 2 , instead of { q j } in order to reduce the storage area and calculate the value for the first column in a simple way . adjlut 12 adjusts the output value from δq j lut 14 if there is any skipping of prime numbers in the { q j } sequence . with regard to the recursive calculations performed in table 2 , { m ij } represent the ([ i * q j ] mod ( p − 1 )) element in the matrix . column 0 is all 0s ( i = 0 ). each column 1 modulo result can be obtained from its preceding row modulo value and the corresponding δq j . the subsequent columns &# 39 ; modulo results are calculated from the column 1 value and the respective preceding column &# 39 ; s results as follows : m 1 , j = q j mod ( p − 1 ) = ( m 1 , j − 1 + δq j ) mod ( p − 1 ), where mod ( p − 1 ) is =( m 1 , j + m i − 1 , j ) mod ( p − 1 ), where mod ( p − 1 ) is calculated as follows : the first storage 18 is used to store the column 1 values and the second storage 20 is used to store the most recent column values . the second storage 20 is updated at every cycle with the new matrix value . acsub unit 40 is the add - compare - subtract to calculate the new matrix value . two acsub units 40 , 42 and two ports for the first and second storage units are employed to handle the pruning of invalid addresses without introducing a clock cycle delay . control logic 30 generates the address signal and write enable signals we_ 1 and we_p , etc for the adjlut 12 , δq j lut 14 , and the first and second storages 18 , 20 . the control logic 30 also generates enable and control signals to organize the operation of the acsub units 40 , 42 . in the pruning cycle , both acsub units 40 , 42 are turned on to calculate two interleaver addresses simultaneously , otherwise both acsub units 40 , 42 are active alternatively to provide one effective value in every clock cycle . in this manner , acsub units 40 , 42 do not need to repeat any unnecessary calculations , so half of the power for the add , comparison and subtraction can be saved . t ( j ) lut circuit 46 is the look up table for the row permutation of the matrix , which is used to generate the respective position of the interleaving after multiplication with the column number of the input data . s ( i ) lut circuit 44 is the intra - row permutation sequence that may be downloaded for each code block from a dsp or another micro - controller , or in the alternative , hard - wired into rom . each of these options is further discussed below . the matrix value is the input to the s ( i ) lut 44 as the index of the look up table and the outputs of the s ( i ) lut 44 are part of the final interleaving . s ( i ) lut 44 may be implemented with a double port ram and double multipliers designed to produce two outputs per clock cycle . both outputs go through the prune control circuit 60 to provide one interleaving address per clock cycle . in order to perform the operations described above , the following input parameters are required to be downloaded : k ( block length ), prime_ 1 ( prime number minus one ), prune_value ( the number of value needed to be pruned ), col c ( the number of columns ), row r ( the number of rows ) and an si table . these input parameters may be provided from several sources . a first source for the input parameters is a dsp 80 , as illustrated in fig2 . a second source is an all - hardware solution . in this case , as illustrated in fig3 , all the possible prime numbers ( p_ 1 ) and si are stored in a rom for block lengths from 40 to 5114 . the row r , col c , and prune_value can be calculated according to the p_ 1 looked up from the rom table . the p_ 1 & amp ; si base address rom may be 1092 bits , and the si rom may be 6128 * 8 bits . since s ( 0 ) is always 1 , the si rom size can be further reduced to ( 6128 − 52 )* 8 bits . with the all - hardware generation for the auxiliary parameters , the si lut 44 employed in the interleaver address generator 10 can be omitted if there is already a si rom outside the interleaver address generator 10 . the interleaver address generator 10 may be used in a sliding window decoder 100 where the sliding window decoder 100 partitions the block into one or more windows . as illustrated in fig4 , the sliding window decoder 100 may also include a memory control unit 102 for controlling the generation of interleaved and sequential addresses and a mux 104 for sending one or both to an extrinsic memory 110 . with a two phase windowed logmap decoder , the sliding window decoder 100 can simultaneously fetch two blocks from the extrinsic memory 110 in order to calculate a forward recursion on the window and a dummy backward recursion from the end of the next window to the end of the current window . in the second phase , the logmap decoder calculates the backward recursion for the current window . an efficient method of generating turbo interleaver addresses for a new window period of the sliding window decoder 100 is to calculate them in the current window period phase two , and then store the addresses in a cache memory for use in the next window period . tiwina and tiwinb , shown in fig4 , are “ turbo interleaver windows memories a and b ”, and are used store windows of addresses . fig5 a and fig5 b show how the address windows can be updated and used in a particular two - phase logmap algorithm for decoder 100 . the decoder operates in sequential order and pseudo - random order alternately . fig5 a shows the decoder 100 operating in sequential access mode , and fig5 b shows the decoder 100 operating in pseudo - random access mode that uses the interleaved addresses . in phase one , windows w 0 and w 1 are accessed to calculate alphas and dummy betas , and in phase two the window w 1 is accessed in a reverse order to calculate true betas . the window may then be slid forward to the end of the block , as showed in fig5 a and 5b . when in sequential order , tiwina and tiwinb are equipped with the first two windows &# 39 ; interleaver addresses in order to address windows w 0 and w 1 at the very start of the phase one calculation during decoder &# 39 ; s pseudo - random access mode . in each current window period , the addresses for w 1 remain and used for the next window period to address w 0 , and the memory storing the addresses for w 0 are updated during phase two for next window period to address w 1 . as a result , tiwina and tiwinb are accessed in forward order and reverse order alternately to provide the addresses for w 0 and w 1 due to the properties of the sliding window logmap decoder , as illustrated in fig5 b . as described above , the interleaver of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention reduces the number of mod calculations necessary by utilizing old results efficiently . the interleaver of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention uses two storage areas 18 , 20 , one to store the first column of m 1 , j results and the other to store the latest column of m i , j results , where m i , j is the result of acsub units 40 , 42 . the results from the two acsub units 40 , 42 are stored into the j and j + 1 row of the storage area 20 , wheras m 1 , j is stored in the storage 18 . j may vary from 0 to 20 , increases by 1 every clock cycle . in the interleaver of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention , all a dsp is needed for is to provide the s ( i ) sequence . if the overall encoder / decoder architecture does not include a dsp , the all - hardware solution described above may be used to calculate the s ( i ), col c , row r , and prune_value parameters . it is further noted , that although the present invention has been described in the context of calculating two columns using two acsub units , embodiments using any other number of columns less than the total number of columns are also considered to be within the scope of the present application . it is further noted than a dsp is capable of performing the mod calculation , so another option , with the scope of the present invention is to implement the interleaver algorithm via dsp firmware and download the results into a memory for hardware to use and access . while the particular invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments , this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense . it is understood that although the present invention has been described , various modifications of the illustrative embodiments , as well as additional embodiments of the invention , will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reference to this description without departing from the spirit of the invention , as recited in the claims appended hereto . those skilled in the art will readily recognize that these and various other modifications , arrangements and methods can be made to the present invention without strictly following the exemplary applications illustrated and described herein and without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention . it is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention . | US-15382402-A |
systems and methods are provided for creating three dimensional visualizations of in - process products . one embodiment is an apparatus that includes a controller and an interface . the controller is able to generate a 3d scene depicting ongoing assembly of a product by a machine tool . the scene includes a 3d model of the product and a 3d model of the machine tool , and the 3d models are placed within the scene based on a location of the product and a location of the machine tool . the interface is able to receive an update from the machine tool indicating a 3d placement of a part that has been attached by the machine tool to the product . the controller is also able to acquire a 3d model of the part , to insert the 3d model of the part within the scene based on the 3d placement , and to provide the scene for display to a user . | the figures and the following description illustrate specific exemplary embodiments of the disclosure . it will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that , although not explicitly described or shown herein , embody the principles of the disclosure and are included within the scope of the disclosure . furthermore , any examples described herein are intended to aid in understanding the principles of the disclosure , and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions . as a result , the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments or examples described below , but by the claims and their equivalents . fig1 is a block diagram of a manufacturing system 100 in an exemplary embodiment . in this embodiment , manufacturing system 100 is operating upon product 110 ( in this case , an airplane fuselage ) in order to assemble product 110 . manufacturing system 100 includes multiple machine tools ( e . g ., robot arms , lathes , computer numerical control ( cnc ) machines , punches , etc .) that operate on product 110 , and these machine tools are grouped into one or more assembly cells . as used herein , an assembly cell is defined by the set of tools that will position and / or manipulate product 110 while it occupies a single location ( e . g ., room , corridor , jig , etc .). in fig1 , as machine tool 120 assembles product 110 , it transmits 3d placement information ( e . g ., a position and orientation ) for newly added parts to interface ( i / f ) 130 ( e . g ., a firewire interface , an ethernet interface , a universal serial bus ( usb ) interface , etc .). this information received at i / f 130 is analyzed by controller 140 , which updates display 150 with a 3d scene . the 3d scene depicts a 3d model 112 of product 110 , a 3d model 122 of machine tool 120 , and the parts that have been added to product 110 during assembly . as used herein , a scene ( also known as a “ space ,” a “ volume ,” or a “ virtual room ”) may comprise a set of models arranged in a 3d coordinate space . for example , a scene may comprise a rendered view of multiple 3d models arranged in a manner that mimics the real - world arrangement of machine tools at an assemble cell . in one embodiment , the scene is updated in real time as machine tool 120 assembles product 110 . controller 140 includes memory 142 , and may be implemented as custom circuitry , as a processor executing programmed instructions , etc . manufacturing system 100 provides a benefit over prior manufacturing systems , because it is capable of updating a dynamic 3d display based on updates from machine tool 120 indicating the actual 3d positions / orientations of parts that have been attached to product 110 on the factory floor . using 3d models to present the ongoing activities of an assembly cell provides for a better intuitive understanding of manufacturing progress than systems which use 2d drawings . 2d drawings are inferior because they are harder for an operator to precisely interpret . in contrast , using manufacturing system 100 , an operator at the factory may determine the completion status of product 110 by glancing at display 150 , and may further utilize the 3d scene to rapidly identify the location and nature of manufacturing errors , increasing the speed at which they are corrected . illustrative details of the operation of manufacturing system 100 will be discussed with regard to fig2 . assume , for this embodiment , that product 110 has entered a new assembly cell that includes machine tool 120 , and that machine tool 120 has started attaching new parts to product 110 ( e . g ., by mounting windows , attaching sheets of metal to ribbing on product 110 in order to form a skin , etc .). fig2 is a flowchart illustrating a method 200 for monitoring a product as it is being manufactured in an exemplary embodiment . the steps of method 200 are described with reference to manufacturing system 100 of fig1 , but those skilled in the art will appreciate that method 200 may be performed in other systems . the steps of the flowcharts described herein are not all inclusive and may include other steps not shown . the steps described herein may also be performed in an alternative order . according to fig2 , controller 140 generates a 3d scene for display 150 that depicts the ongoing assembly of product 110 ( step 202 ). the scene includes a 3d model of product 110 and a 3d model of machine tool 120 as they are currently positioned / oriented / located within their assembly cell . the 3d models for product 110 and machine tool 120 may be stored in memory at controller 140 or acquired from an external device , while location information for the 3d models for product 110 and machine tool 120 may be pre - programmed into controller 140 , reported by machine tool 120 , provided by a factory floor operator , etc . with the 3d scene depicted at display 150 , a user may determine the current progress of product 110 within the assembly cell . machine tool 120 starts to assemble product 110 by attaching parts to product 110 . for each attached part , an internal controller at machine tool 120 records a 3d placement indicating how the part was attached to the product . this information is packed by the internal controller into an update , which is transmitted via an interface of machine tool 120 to interface 130 . the update therefore may include the 3d location of the part ( e . g ., an x , y , and z position of a point on the part ) attached to product 110 . the update may further include the orientation of the part ( e . g ., an angular rotation of the part with respect to the scene , with respect to a 3d model within the scene , etc .) as defined by angles θ , φ , and ψ . the update may further include 3d positioning / orientation data for machine tool 120 itself , a success / fail status of an operation performed by machine tool 120 ( e . g ., “ milestones ” indicating which parts are successfully installed ), etc . the update may even include an amount of force applied by machine tool 120 to attach a part to product 110 , a penetration distance of a part attached to product 110 by machine tool 120 , a grip length of a fastener inserted into product 110 , tolerancing information ( e . g ., indicating whether a part was attached to product 110 within acceptable limits of position , or indicating a deviation of a part from its expected 3d position and orientation ), etc . in step 204 , interface 130 receives the update from machine tool 120 , which indicates the 3d placement of the part that has been attached by machine tool 120 to product 110 . this information enables controller 140 to update the current scene to depict the part as it has been attached to product 110 in the real world . to this end , controller 140 acquires a 3d model of the part ( e . g ., from internal memory or a remote server ) in step 206 . in step 208 , controller 140 inserts the 3d model of the part within the scene based on the 3d placement of the part ( e . g ., based on a position and orientation indicated in the update ). in some embodiments , each update uses a coordinate system local to machine tool 120 , while the 3d scene utilizes a different coordinate system . in such embodiments , controller 140 transforms the 3d placement from the coordinate system used by machine tool 120 ( e . g ., by offset and rotation techniques ) to match the coordinate system used by the 3d scene before placing the 3d model for the part . the newly updated scene is then transmitted from controller 140 in step 210 for display to a user , via display 150 . using the techniques described herein with regard to method 200 , an operator on a factory floor may quickly and efficiently utilize the 3d scene provided by controller 140 in order to manage manufacturing operations and evaluate the assembly and / or installation progress of individual products ( e . g ., in real time ). for complex or expensive products that take weeks or months to assemble , this provides a substantial benefit in terms of enhanced production quality and speed . fig3 is a diagram 300 illustrating the creation of a 3d scene in an exemplary embodiment . according to fig3 , controller 140 loads individual models for product 110 , machine tool 120 , and a rivet . specifically , 3d model 310 represents product 110 , 3d model 320 represents machine tool 120 , and 3d model 330 represents the rivet . each of these models is oriented and positioned according to an internal coordinate system , meaning that simply overlaying the models on top of each other will not properly represent ongoing manufacturing processes . to this end , controller 140 consults an internal memory to determine how machine tool 120 and product 110 are oriented with respect to each other within an assembly cell . this information comes in the form of six data points for each of machine tool 120 and product 110 . the data points for each of machine tool 120 and product 120 indicate their position ( x , y , z ) and orientation ( θ , φ , and ψ ) with respect to each other within the assembly cell . controller 140 uses this information to create a 3d scene 350 that includes 3d models 310 and 320 . when machine tool 120 applies the rivet to product 110 , it reports six data points indicating the position and orientation of the rivet as it was actually driven into product 110 . controller 140 transforms the coordinate system used by machine tool 120 into the coordinate system used by the 3d scene by scaling , rotating , and offsetting 3d model 330 . controller 140 then inserts 3d model 330 at its reported position and orientation within the 3d scene , as shown at element 340 . in a further embodiment , a controller is capable of updating a 3d scene to depict the 3d location of manufacturing errors / faults that have an impact on a product . fig4 is a block diagram 400 illustrating the detection of a manufacturing error in an exemplary embodiment . in this embodiment , a part 410 ( e . g ., a rivet ) has been improperly oriented with respect to a surface of product 110 , and then attached / mounted to product 110 . machine tool 120 reports the position and orientation of part 110 to controller 140 via interface 130 . controller 140 renders a 3d model 112 of product 110 , a 3d model 122 of machine tool 120 , and a 3d model 412 of part 410 into a scene . controller 140 compares the position and orientation of part 410 to an expected position and orientation for part 410 , and determines that part 410 has not been installed in its expected location . controller 140 then loads tolerancing information indicating an acceptable level of variance in position and orientation for part 410 . based on the tolerancing information , controller 140 determines that the installation of part 410 has resulted in a manufacturing error . controller 140 may then update the scene in order to actively depict / visualize the detected error ( e . g ., by showing a position / orientation of machine tool 120 or part 410 during the error , highlighting locations on the scene where the error is located , etc .). controller 140 may further indicate an error status on display 150 , and update the 3d scene to indicate the location and orientation of misplaced part 410 . in embodiments where product 110 is very large and part 410 is very small , controller 140 may further highlight , color , or otherwise draw attention to the location in the 3d scene where the error was encountered . a factory operator viewing the 3d scene may then immediately proceed to the exact known 3d location where the error was encountered , in order to determine how to best address the problem ( e . g ., by repairing product 110 and attempting to re - attach a new part 410 ). in many automated machine tools , in - process data is reported in a 2d format whenever a process is completed ( e . g ., whenever a rivet is installed ). when the data is reported in a 2d format , it is impossible for external devices to accurately represent / visualize the operation in a 3d space . to address this issue with existing machine tools , in one embodiment a program or circuit is inserted into each machine tool in order to pull / intercept locally determined 3d coordinate information directly from a numerical control program ( ncp ) at the machine tool as the machine tool is operating . for example , the program may be inserted into firmware governing the machine tool and used to report 3d coordinate information to external devices , such as controller 140 . utilizing such a system ensures that instead of receiving sanitized and pre - processed positioning information from the machine tool ( which may include , for example , only 2d coordinates instead of full 3d coordinates ), the low - level raw data indicating the actual 3d movements of the machine tool are acquired for updating a 3d scene . in this manner , the system ensures that processes performed on the product are accurately represented in the 3d scene created by the controller . in the following examples , additional processes , systems , and methods are described in the context of a manufacturing system at a factory that assembles aircraft fuselages by riveting a sheet metal skin onto the fuselage . fig5 is a block diagram 500 illustrating a further exemplary manufacturing system in an exemplary embodiment . in this example , the manufacturing system implements an assembly cell with a pair of robot arms used for riveting . one arm is positioned outside of the fuselage and holds the rivet in place , while the other arm is positioned inside of the fuselage and applies a clamp force to fasten the rivet onto the fuselage . the two robot arms are depicted in fig5 as elements 510 and 520 . each robot arm includes a manipulator ( 512 , 522 ) for engaging in manufacturing processes for the fuselage , and also includes a sensor ( 514 , 524 ) for detecting the position / orientation of each of its joints . a controller ( 516 , 526 ) at each robot arm directs the operation of its corresponding manipulator , and based on input from its corresponding sensor determines how rivets have been attached to the fuselage . manufacturing server 530 periodically pulls updates from each robot arm . in this example , each update includes information for each installed rivet , in the form of six numbers ( x , y , z , θ , φ , ψ ) representing a 3d position and orientation of the rivet as it has been attached to the fuselage . each update also includes similar information for each newly installed sheet of skin for the fuselage , as well as a 3d position and orientation of each movable component of the corresponding robot arm . controller 534 therefore updates database 532 to accumulate entries for each newly attached rivet and sheet of skin . while manufacturing server 530 is only depicted as communicating with robot arms in the current assembly cell , in this example manufacturing server 530 acquires and updates progress information from each assembly cell on the factory floor . thus , manufacturing server 530 aggregates progress information from multiple cells within the factory . in this example , database 532 includes information for each assembly cell , indicating the location and orientation of each machine tool with respect to an in - process fuselage . this enables workstations at the factory to update and depict different assembly cells as desired by operators within the factory . manufacturing server 530 , product design server 540 , and machine tool server 450 are all coupled for communication with workstation 560 via a network connection . in this example , product design server 540 and machine tool server 550 are remotely located from the factory , but manufacturing server 530 and workstation 560 are located in the same building . an operator of workstation 560 elects to determine the status of the assembly cell where riveting is taking place , and operates ethernet interface 562 to acquire setup information for the assembly cell . manufacturing server 530 then provides setup information indicating the position and orientation of the fuselage , as well as each machine tool of the assembly cell ( in this case , the two robot arms ). manufacturing server 530 also indicates the model number of each machine tool in the assembly cell , as well as a reference number indicating the type of rivets being attached , a reference number indicating the type of sheets of skin being attached to the fuselage by the rivets , and a reference number indicating the type of fuselage frame to which the skin is being attached . controller 564 , upon acquiring this information , contacts product design server 540 to acquire a 3d model of the rivet , the fuselage , and the fuselage skin , and further contacts machine tool server 550 to acquire 3d models for the robot arms being used in the assembly cell . controller 564 then utilizes the position and orientation data provided by manufacturing server 530 to place each 3d object in an integrated scene . once the scene has been set up , controller 564 operates ethernet interface 562 to acquire updates for the scene as they are provided by the robot arms to database 532 . specifically , controller 564 acquires updates via manufacturing server 530 indicating the position and orientation of each rivet and sheet of skin successfully attached to the fuselage , and updates the 3d scene with new models placed in the corresponding locations and orientations on the fuselage . in this manner , the operator enjoys the benefit of watching a 3d model of the fuselage assemble in real time . controller 564 further updates the position and rotation the robot arms , based on their reported 3d positions and orientations . fig6 is a diagram 600 illustrating an update 610 in an exemplary embodiment . in this embodiment , the update provided by the machine tool includes numerous parameters , including the name of a “ job ” currently being worked on by the machine tool , an identifier for the machine tool , a date / time stamp , and a program name . the program name indicates the name of the program that governs the operations of the machine tool as it modifies this product . the program may therefore vary depending on the type of product being manipulated by the machine tool , new firmware updates , etc . a line number is also included , indicating which line of code is currently being executed by a numerical control program for the machine tool . to further illustrate its progress , the machine tool also reports the exact hole number that it is riveting , a status indicator as to whether the operation for that hole succeeded or failed , and a 3d location ( x , y , z ) and rotation ( a , b , c ) in radians indicating the position and orientation of a rivet applied to the hole . in this example , the update is acquired directly from internal components of the machine tool , and therefore the update indicates a position and orientation in the 3d space as defined by the local coordinate system used by the machine tool . to address this issue , a controller at manufacturing server 530 or workstation 560 transforms the local coordinates used by the machine tool into universal coordinates that are applicable to the 3d scene being depicted ( e . g ., by offsetting and / or rotating the coordinate from the machine tool , based on the coordinate system used to depict the scene ). any of the various elements shown in the figures or described herein may be implemented as hardware , software , firmware , or some combination of these . for example , an element may be implemented as dedicated hardware . dedicated hardware elements may be referred to as “ processors ”, “ controllers ”, or some similar terminology . when provided by a processor , the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor , by a single shared processor , or by a plurality of individual processors , some of which may be shared . moreover , explicit use of the term “ processor ” or “ controller ” should not be construed to refer exclusively to hardware capable of executing software , and may implicitly include , without limitation , digital signal processor ( dsp ) hardware , a network processor , application specific integrated circuit ( asic ) or other circuitry , field programmable gate array ( fpga ), read only memory ( rom ) for storing software , random access memory ( ram ), non - volatile storage , logic , or some other physical hardware component or module . also , an element may be implemented as instructions executable by a processor or a computer to perform the functions of the element . some examples of instructions are software , program code , and firmware . the instructions are operational when executed by the processor to direct the processor to perform the functions of the element . the instructions may be stored on storage devices that are readable by the processor . some examples of the storage devices are digital or solid - state memories , magnetic storage media such as a magnetic disks and magnetic tapes , hard drives , or optically readable digital data storage media . although specific embodiments are described herein , the scope of the disclosure is not limited to those specific embodiments . the scope of the disclosure is defined by the following claims and any equivalents thereof . | US-201414533327-A |
a method and apparatus for extracting the vector optical properties of biological samples with micron - scale resolution in three dimensions , using polarization - sensitive optical coherence tomography . the method measures net retardance , net fast axis , and reflectivity . polarization sensing is accomplished by illuminating the sample with at least three separate polarization states , using consecutive acquisitions of the same pixel , a - scan , or b - scan . the method can be implemented using non - polarization - maintaining fiber and a single detector . this ps - oct method reported measures fast axis explicitly . in a calibration test of the system , net retardance was measured with an average error of 7 . 5 ° over the retardance range 0 ° to 180 °, and fast axis with average error of 4 . 8 ° over the range 0 ° to 180 °. | referring to the drawings , wherein like reference numerals designate like parts in the several figures , and initially to fig1 a polarization - sensitive optical coherence tomography system 10 ( sometimes referred to below as ps - oct or ps - oct interferometer system ) is illustrated . in the schematic diagram of fig1 the ps - oct system 10 includes a polarizing beam splitter ( pbs ) passing vertically polarized light and an addressable waveplate ( awp ) with fast axis oriented at 45 °. these are described further below . the ps - oct system 10 includes a source 11 , detector apparatus 12 , beamsplitter 13 , sample arm 14 and reference arm 15 . the reference 16 in the reference arm is shown as a mirror ; it may be a silvered mirror or some other mirror that is perpendicular to the incident light or is otherwise arranged to receive incident light and to reflect the light back toward the detector apparatus 13 . if desired , the reference 16 may be a scanning reflector , a retroreflector or a fourier domain rapid scan optical delay line . sometimes the reference arm in an oct system is referred to as a delay line . it will be appreciated that other configurations of delay lines that ultimately sends the light back into the interferometer may be used . using the ps - oct system 10 , at least three separate incident polarization states of light are used to illuminate the sample 20 in the sample arm 14 sequentially , and for each incident polarization , the component of remitted light returning in the same polarization state is measured by the detector apparatus 12 . the polarization states may be applied during repeated measurements at the same pixel location , or during repeated line ( a - scan ) or image ( b - scan ) acquisitions . from the interference measurements obtained with different polarization states , the total reflected power , net retardance ( with π ambiguity ), and net fast axis ( with π / 2 ambiguity ) are calculated . in addition to being feasible in conventional fibers without any limitations on flexible sample arm 14 motion ( so long as the sequential polarization measurements are acquired quickly with respect to such motion ), this approach also obviates the need and expense for dual detection channels . if desired , more than three polarization states may be used , e . g ., the system 10 may be used to examine ( sometimes referred to as to probe ) a sample using incident light of more than three polarization states . an advantage to taking measurements at more than three polarization states is that the π ambiguity and / or the π / 2 ambiguity could be removed . in an example of ps - oct system 10 illustrated in fig1 the source 11 is a broadband sld source centered at 1270 nm with a coherence length of 20 . 3 μm . other suitable sources may be used ; examples include those having 30 nm , 60 nm , or 70 nm bandwidth or some other suitable bandwidth . the components and arrangement of components of the system 10 are substantially identical to conventional oct systems with a number of exceptions , some of which are noted below . one of those exceptions is that the sample arm 14 beam is directed through a linear polarizer 21 , which is followed by an addressable waveplate 22 . an example of an addressable waveplate is a liquid crystal modulator , which may be obtained from thor labs , inc . another example is an electro - optic phase modulator acting as an addressable waveplate , which usually has a faster response than a liquid crystal modulator . other devices and / or systems may be used equivalently to provide the function of the addressable ( or otherwise adjustable ) waveplate 22 . an exemplary polarizer is a plane polarizer , such as a polarizing beamsplitter ; but other polarizers may be used . the waveplate 22 has its fast axis oriented at 45 ° with respect to the polarizer . the objective is to illuminate the sample 20 with illumination at a series of polarization states and to measure only the light coming back in the respective polarization state . changing the setting or optical characteristics of the addressable waveplate 22 during operation of the system 10 adjusts or changes the polarization states of the illumination used to probe the sample , 20 . it will be appreciated that components other than the polarizer and addressable waveplate may be used to accomplish such illumination function , e . g ., a single polarization determining or adjusting device or a series of components making up the polarization determining or adjusting device . in a different configuration of interferometer , such as a mach - zehnder interferometer , it also is possible to illuminate the sample with one or more polarization states or even virtually an infinite number of polarization states , and the results can be detected in a different channel or path from the incident path . fiber polarization adjustors ( paddles ) 14 a , 15 a in both the sample and reference arms 14 , 15 may be used to maximize the light power incident upon the sample 20 and the optimum interference of sample and reference arm light , respectively . however , measurement of retardation and fast axis does not depend upon ideal alignment of the paddles . the detector apparatus 12 may be a photosensitive detector 23 , such as a photosensitive diode or other device . the detector apparatus also may include appropriate signal amplifying and / or measuring circuitry , for example , such as are used in conventional optical coherence tomography devices , to provide signals representative of detection by the photosensitive detector . the detector apparatus 12 also may include a signal processing circuit or module , such as an electronic circuit , a lock - in amplifier 24 and a computer 25 as are schematically illustrated . the computer is able to carry out various data storage and data processing functions , such as , for example , those described below . the beamsplitter 13 may be a 50 / 50 beamsplitter or some other ratio splitter . the optical source may be other than a broadband 1270 nm source , if desired , as will be appreciated . the respective lines 30 - 33 in fig1 are fiber optic lines or conductors , for example . one or more lenses , such as lenses 34 , 35 , 36 illustrated in fig1 may be used to provide various focusing effects at the sample and reference arms 14 , 15 and / or elsewhere in the system 10 . in the example below particular orientation ( e . g ., 45 degrees ) and operation of components in the sample arm 14 , e . g ., linear polarizer 21 and addressable waveplate 22 are described . it will be appreciated that these are exemplary , and that other components , arrangements and operation could be used consistent with the invention disclosure , e . g ., to generalize the components and their use in a ps - oct system , such as in the system 10 . for example , although the mathematics may be more complex what is described in the example below , orientation of axes other than at the 45 ° relation described could be used ; the angular relationships between polarization states could be equal or unequal , etc ., thus generalizing the light directions and / or polarization states described . adding to the sample arm 14 a linear polarizer 21 and addressable waveplate 22 with axes oriented 45 ° apart causes attenuation of remitted light in the sample arm as a function of the addressable waveplate retardance ( r ), the net sample retardance accumulated to the depth being examined ( δ ), and the net sample fast axis angle to that depth ( θ ). the power of remitted sample arm 14 light at the detector apparatus 12 after a round trip through the polarizing optics is given by : p s pol ( r ) = p s · [ 1 2 + 1 2 cos 2 ( r ) · ( cos 2 ( 2 θ ) + sin 2 ( 2 θ ) cos ( δ ) ) - cos ( r ) sin ( r ) sin ( 2 θ ) sin ( δ ) - 1 2 sin 2 ( r ) cos ( δ ) ] , ( 1 ) where p s is the optical power at the receiver remitted from the sample location in all polarization states , proportional to the total sample reflectivity at a given depth . the amplitude of the envelope of the oct signal photocurrent is given by a is = 2ρ { square root }{ square root over ( p r p s )}, where ρ is the detector responsivity , and p r is the optical power incident on the receiver or detector apparatus 12 returning from the reference arm 15 of the interferometer 30 of the ps - oct system 10 . see , for example , a . m . rollins and j . a . izatt , opt . lett . 24 , 1484 ( 1999 ), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference . by measuring sequential ps - oct pixels , a - or b - scans with three or more addressable waveplate settings r , corresponding values of a is pol ( r )= 2ρ { square root }{ square root over ( p r p s pol ( r ))} can be measured , and the three unknown quantities ( a is 2 ∝ p s , δ , θ ) can be extracted from the three measurements by algebraic manipulation . the term a is 2 is measured — it is the response of the optical detector ; it is proportion to the optical power on the detector and , thus , is proportional to the reflectivity of the sample . the unknown quantity “ a is 2 ∝ p s ” is used because the actual parameter in equation 1 is the optical power . the term δ refers to retardation , and the term θ refers to the fast axis direction or angular relation . for three incident polarizations obtained using addressable waveplate 22 retardations of 45 °, 90 °, and 135 °, the expressions are : a is 2 = 1 2 ( a 45 2 + a 135 2 ) + 1 2 ( a 45 2 + a 135 2 - 2 a 90 2 ) 2 + ( a 45 2 - a 135 2 ) 2 ; δ = cos - 1 ( 1 - 2 · a 90 2 a is 2 ) ; θ = 1 2 sin - 1 [ a 135 2 - a 45 2 a is 2 · 1 - ( 1 - 2 a 90 2 / a is 2 ) 2 ] . ( 2 ) in these expressions , a r represents a is pol ( r ), the amplitude of the envelope of the interferogram at a given depth measured with an addressable waveplate retardance of r °. equation 1 is written in terms of p s for conceptual simplicity , while equations 2 are written in terms of a is ( the measured quantity ) in order to be directly applicable to experimental measurements . the accuracy of the system 10 was tested by measuring the retardation of a calibrated berek polarization compensator , which is available from new focus , inc ., over the range of 0 ° to 180 ° of retardation in 15 ° increments , and 0 to 180 ° fast axis angle in 10 ° increments . for each sample birefringence setting , 20 ps - oct a - scans were averaged at each addressable waveplate 22 setting of 45 °, 90 °, and 135 °. these waveplate positions were chosen to fall within the retardance range of the addressable waveplate , and to maximize or minimize the three terms in equation ( 1 ) which may be separated to calculate quantities p s , δ , and 74 . the calibration results presented in fig2 ( a ) demonstrate an average error of 7 . 5 ° in retardation measurements ( 26 . 5 nm average retardance error ), including a systematic error which is approximately linear with sample 20 retardance . the average standard deviation of the measured retardation was 2 . 2 °, corresponding to 7 . 8 nm of retardance repeatability error . the systematic error may be due to incorrect factory calibration of the berek compensator test plate . the fast axis is read out on a 90 ° scale , with a result mapping to 2 points in the range of fast axis from 0 ° to 180 ° ( due to the π / 2 ambiguity in fast axis determination ). as illustrated in fig2 ( b ), this reading has an average error of 4 . 80 , and each value maps to 2 possible physical axis locations . as was mentioned above , the example presented uses 45 degrees separations . however , other separations may be used , e . g ., 60 degrees or some other amount ; and , if desired the separations may be “ equidistant ” or unequal . the settings / values mentioned could be any arbitrary value to extract the mentioned three parameters , although the mathematics may be more complex than for the example presented above . these three settings were used as a matter of convenience due to the limitations of the liquid crystal wave plate that was used in the exemplary system presented ; but in general , the principles of the invention are not limited to such settings . in fig2 ( a ) measured vs . actual retardation in a calibrated test plate is illustrated . solid rings represent the test plate retardation settings in degrees , and the data points represent measured retardation settings . the angle from the origin represents the fast axis setting , from 0 ° to 180 °. in fig2 ( b ) measured vs . predicted fast axis in the calibration test sample is illustrated . the horizontal axis represents the fast axis . the solid lines represent the test plate fast axis settings , and points represent the measured fast axis orientation . the fast axis readings represent averaged acquisitions ; each reading corresponds to 2 possible fast axis locations . in an example of use of the system 10 , the depth - resolving capability of birefringence detection in this system 10 was tested by placing the berek &# 39 ; s variable waveplate in series with a fixed waveplate of 57 . 1 ° retardation at the same fast axis angle . the measured retardation of the fixed plate was measured for variable waveplate retardations of − 15 °, − 5 °, 0 °, 5 °, 15 ° and 30 °. the average error in the measurement of retardation in the fixed waveplate was 1 . 2 °. in another example of use of the system 10 , to illustrate the performance of the system 10 in biological media , the ps - oct system 10 was used to image a cross section of muscular tissue from the hind leg of an ex vivo xenopus laevis african tadpole . for this experiment , three sequential images each comprising 400 a - scans were obtained at addressable waveplate settings of 45 °, 90 °, and 135 °. the total image acquisition time was 6 minutes . fig3 ( a ) and 3 ( b ) illustrate the resulting images of total reflected optical power ( fig3 ( a )) and of combined reflectivity and birefringence ( fig3 ( b )). the birefringence image is presented on a hue - saturation - value ( hsv ) color scale , with power ( p s ∝ a is 2 ) coded as the value and saturation components , and retardance ( δ ) coded as the hue . each red band , which is labeled with the letter “ r ” in the image , represents a net retardance of an integral number of optical periods , while each green band , which is labeled with the letter “ g ” in the image , represents a halfwave offset . in fig3 ( a ) and 3 ( b ) image dimensions are 6 mm wide by 4 . 5 mm deep . in fig3 ( a ) optical power reflectivity image is plotted on a logarithmic scale . fig3 ( b ) is a combined retardation / optical power image . on the hue - saturation - value ( hsv ) color scale in fig3 ( b ), reflected optical power is displayed in saturation and value , and retardance is displayed in hue . the hue color scale is displayed at the right , representing net retardance of 0 ° in red ( designated by the letter “ r ”) and of 180 ° in green ( designated by the letter “ g ”). a useful way to plot the data is to use an hsv color scale such that the three parameters are used and plotted , whereby reflectance is mapped into saturation and value and retardance is mapped into hue . it will be appreciated that the invention relates to a non - polarization maintaining ( non - pm ) fiber based polarization - sensing optical coherence tomography system with a single detector apparatus 12 , which relies on temporally multiplexed illumination of the sample 20 with at least three different polarization states for determination of depth - resolved sample birefringence , net fast axis , and total reflectivity . using this approach , conventional fiberbased oct systems may be inexpensively retrofitted for polarization - sensitive measurements . the ps - oct system 10 and method described above measure the effects of birefringence in a sample 20 . in the technique presented it is desirable and may be required that dichroism , another polarization - sensitive effect , not be present . if dichroism were suspected , a technique employing six measurements of the sample instead of three could be employed to cancel out dichroism or to measure dichroism . thus , this is an example of utility of making more measurements using the principles of the present invention . in equation ( 1 ) above the attenuation experienced at the linear polarizer 21 is described as a function of the retardation and fast axis of the sample 20 and the retardation of the variable waveplate 22 . the dependence on waveplate retardation has a 180 degree period , while the range of possible polarization states incident on the sample are created over 360 degrees of retardation at the waveplate . therefore , in the presence of only birefringence effects , two settings of the variable waveplate 180 degrees apart will have equal attenuation at the linear polarizer 21 , as is described in equation ( 4 ) below and will cause orthogonal polarization states of light incident upon the sample 20 , as is described in equation ( 5 ) below . i pol = i · [ 1 2 + 1 2 cos 2 ( r ) · ( cos 2 ( 2 θ ) + sin 2 ( 2 θ ) cos ( δ ) ) - cos ( r ) sin ( r ) sin ( 2 θ ) sin ( δ ) - 1 2 sin 2 ( r ) cos ( δ ) ] = i · [ 1 2 + 1 2 cos 2 ( r + π ) · ( cos 2 ( 2 θ ) + sin 2 ( 2 θ ) cos ( δ ) ) - cos ( r + π ) sin ( r + π ) sin ( 2 θ ) sin ( δ ) - 1 2 sin 2 ( r + π ) cos ( δ ) ] ( 4 ) polarization state of light incident upon sample 20 : [ 1 0 0 0 0 cos r 0 - sin r 0 0 1 0 0 sin r 0 cos r ] · [ 1 - 1 0 0 ] = [ 1 - cos r 0 - sin r ] two beams are orthogonal if they are related as a ) and b ) : a ) [ a b c d ] b ) c · [ a - b - c - d ] the polarization states incident upon the sample 20 from variable waveplate 22 settings r separated by 180 if dichroism is not present in the sample 20 , adding 180 degrees to the retardation at the variable waveplate 22 will not change the measurement . if dichroism is present , these two values may be different and can be averaged to yield a dichroism independent result . recognizing that a waveplate will not affect whether two incident beams are orthogonal : their orthogonality or non - orthogonality will be preserved through the waveplate 22 . a dichroic reflection in the sample 20 can be modeled by summing the transition through two orthogonal linear polarizers with different attenuation coefficients , as described in equation ( 6 ) below , with c1 and c2 equal to cos ( 2 * d ), where d describes the axis of dichroism . r1 and r2 are reflectivities along 2 axes . i describes the input light . r ( i ) = r1 · 1 / 2 · [ 1 c2 s2 0 c2 c2 2 c2s2 0 s2 c2s2 s2 2 0 0 0 0 0 ] · [ i ] + r2 · 1 / 2 · [ 1 - c2 - s2 0 - c2 c2 2 c2s2 0 - s2 c2s2 s2 2 0 0 0 0 0 ] · [ i ] ( 6 ) [ i 1 i 2 i 3 i 4 ] , and [ i 1 - i 2 - i 3 - i 4 ] , to use these results in the ps - oct system 10 , each of the three measurements will be replaced by an average of two measurements with variable waveplate settings 180 degrees apart . this method may be effective in application in making measurements in tissue . below a strong dichroic layer in the tissue , the ability of the system 10 to measure retardation or cancel dichroism on another axis will be impaired , as it will not be practically possible to control the state of polarization of light incident on those deeper regions of tissue . it may be desirable to measure the difference between the averaged signal pairs to measure the dichroism present , so the user might know that birefringence measurements beneath that region be of decreased accuracy . from the foregoing , it will be appreciated that the present invention may be used to provide in an oct system the ability and functions of a ps - oct system by inserting in the sample arm components to provide for illumination of the sample at a selected number of polarization states , e . g ., two or more polarization states . measurements may be made at the respective polarization states , whereby the remitted light ( or other illumination / electromagnetic energy ) measured is at the same polarization state as that incident on the sample to probe the sample . in other interferometer embodiments , e . g ., mach - zehnder type or other type , the state detected at the detector may be different than the polarization state incident on the sample . in the illustrated embodiment there are two components added in the sample arm , namely the polarizer and the addressable waveplate ; but there may be other components to provide the described functions . the number of settings of the components added in the sample arm may be the described three but may be more or less than three to provide a corresponding number of polarization states . the system 10 may be considered a time multiplexed system in which polarization encoding is done by taking several measurements one after another , e . g ., sequentially . accordingly , by easily retrofitting into the sample arm 14 the polarization components , e . g ., the polarizer 21 and waveplate 22 , and coordinating the measurements so they are taken sequentially one after another in coordinated relation with the polarization state of incident illumination probing the sample 20 a standard oct can be converted to a ps - oct . also , by placing the optical components dealing with optical polarization characteristics in one place , e . g ., in the sample arm 14 , rather than having such components in different places in the system 10 , it is not necessary to use polarization preserving options in other parts of the interferometer . using the features of the present invention the polarization components , e . g ., the polarizer 21 and the waveplate 22 need be only in the sample arm and , thus , only a single detector 12 is needed to obtain measurements at different respective polarization states . as was mentioned above , the taking of fewer measurements than the measurements at three respective polarization states is possible , although the number of parameters measured would decrease than the three described at the three polarization states described . however , as also was mentioned above , the number of polarization states at which measurements are taken could be more than three and , accordingly , more parameters could be measured and / or measurements of parameters could be of improved accuracy as the number of polarization states and measurements is increased . examples of parameters include not only retardation and fast axis angle , but also measurements of layers , e . g ., if the sample 20 had several layers , each with its own retardance and / or thickness characteristics . dichroism is another parameter that could be measured , as also was mentioned above ; for example , dichroism may result when one polarization state is absorbed more than another polarization state . by reducing the number of components required to obtain the ps - oct functions , namely for polarization sensitivity , whereby as few as two components , e . g ., the linear polarizer 21 and waveplate 22 , or their equivalent , and placing the same in the sample arm many existing conventional oct systems can be retrofitted easily to provide the ps function . as is described above , the invention may be used to take three successive measurements or readings at three successive polarization states , and the measurements could be made on lines , pixels , etc . however , it will be appreciated that consistent with the invention the polarization state could be continuously modulated . the modulation could be done according to a ramp function , a sawtooth function , a sinusoidal function , or in discrete steps , or in any other manner . the signal , e . g ., the remitted light from the sample 20 , can be measured in coordinated relation with the modulation function and the various parameters or values for those parameters that are to be extracted from the measurements can be obtained . as an example , the waveplate 22 could be modulated sinusoidally with a signal generator ; and at the detector , the detected signal would be coordinated with the signal from the signal generator so that the measurements are made , for example , synchronously with the driving waveform of the signal generator . it will be appreciated that the invention may be used in the making of optical measurements . the invention also may be used to retrofit oct systems for ps - oct functions . | US-5528202-A |
a high - speed labeling device is provided for use on form , fill and seal packaging equipment or other types of thermoforming equipment . the device includes a label dispensing unit operable to sequentially and successively deliver a plurality of labels to a delivery location . a label transport assembly is locates adjacent to unit and has a shiftable label - receiving component operable to receive labels . a control assembly is operably coupled with the dispensing unit and transport assembly in order to dispense the plural webs as a group and without interruption in the movement of the component during sequential dispensing of the labels . the device can achieve labeling speeds up to 50 % greater than those obtainable with conventional labelers . | turning now to the drawings , fig1 depicts a labeling device 20 having a label dispensing unit 22 as well as a label transport assembly 24 . the unit 22 and assembly 24 are supported by a frame assembly 26 . the function of device 20 is to apply adhesive - coated labels 28 to packages 30 ( see fig1 and 15 ) in synchronization with movement of the packages . the device 20 may be used with a conventional form , fill and seal packaging machine . such machines typically include laterally spaced apart , fore and aft extending side rails supporting powered roller chains . the roller chains are designed to grip and incrementally advance a synthetic resin web 32 ( fig1 and 15 ). the web 32 is first advanced to a forming station wherein the packages 30 are heat - formed , and thence through a filling station where product is placed within the packages 30 . at this point , the filled packages are advanced to a sealing station where a top web 32 a is affixed to the filled packages 30 . thereafter , the sealed packages are separated and placed into cartons or the like for shipping . during the course of operation of such forms , fill and seal equipment , it is common to attach labels to the undersides of the packages 30 and / or to the top web 32 a . in the illustrated fig1 embodiment , the device 20 is designed to apply labels to the undersides of the packages 30 . the frame assembly 26 includes elongated , fore and aft extending side rail bars 34 and 36 , together with transverse cross bars 38 and 40 . additionally , a pair of vertically spaced apart , transversely extending stabilization bars 42 and 44 are provided , the latter being operably connected to rail bars 34 and 36 by means of shiftable couplers 46 and 48 . the overall frame assembly 26 is operatively secured to a form , fill and seal machine by conventional means . the label dispensing unit 22 includes a label supply reel 50 for holding and dispensing an elongated label - supporting web 52 bearing spaced labels 28 thereon , with respective adjacent labels being spaced apart by a short gap distance g ( fig5 ). additionally , the dispensing unit 22 has a take up roller 53 to recover the web 52 . a multiple - roller dancer or tensioning assembly 54 provided between reel 50 and the take up roller for supporting web 52 during advancement thereof while also controlling the tension of the web 52 during label delivery . the assembly 54 is powered and controlled by means of stepper motor 54 a . a label sensor 55 and wedge - shaped peelbar 56 are located adjacent the label delivery location in order to sense the position of the labels 28 and to detach the labels from web 52 as will be described . the transport assembly 24 includes a label belt 58 designed to received detached , adhesive side up labels 28 from the unit 22 , and to move the labels into a position for engagement and shifting thereof for labeling of the packages 30 . the overall device 20 also has a tamping assembly 60 associated with belt 58 and operable to engage and rapid move the labels 28 from the belt 58 and into labeling engagement with the packages 30 . in particular , the belt 58 includes a pair of endmost belt shafts 62 and 64 supporting a plurality of continuous , spaced apart belts 66 . the belts 66 are movable to the medium of stepper motor 68 coupled with shaft 62 in timed and speed - controlled relationship wit the remainder of device 20 . the tamping assembly 60 has a plurality of upright , laterally extending , spaced apart , hollow plates 70 which each have an uppermost open labeling end and an opposed , lower open end . the plates 70 are in side - by - side adjacency and are shiftable in unison as a pack or assembly , i . e ., the plates 70 are secured adjacent the lower ends thereof to a cross piece 72 . the complete assembly 60 also includes apparatus 74 drawing air through the plates 70 in order to create reduced pressure conditions adjacent the upper open ends . the apparatus 74 has an apertured fan mount 76 supporting a pair of electrically operated fans 78 . operation of the fan 78 serves to draw air through the plates 70 . the device 20 is equipped with one or more conventional control devices which are operably coupled with the sensor 55 as well as stepper motors 54 a and 68 respectively control the operation of the sensing unit 22 and transport assembly 24 in a manner described below . a variety of control devices can be used , e . g ., an industrial c - programmable controller . the control devices may be programmed with one or more computer programs to control operation of the present invention as described herein . the computer program preferably comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions in the control devices . the computer program can be embodied in any computer - readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system , apparatus , or device , such as a computer - based system , processor - containing system , or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system , apparatus , or device , and execute the instructions . in the context of this application , a “ computer - readable medium ” can be any means that can contain , store , communicate , propagate or transport the program for use by or in correction with the instruction execution system , apparatus , or device . the computer - readable medium can be , for example , but not limited to , an electronic , magnetic , optical , electro - magnetic , infrared , or semi - conductor system , apparatus , device , or propagation medium . more specific , although not inclusive , examples of the computer - readable medium would include the following : an electrical connection having one or more wires , a portable computer diskette , a random access memory ( ram ), a read - only memory ( rom ), an erasable , programmable , read - only memory ( eprom or flash memory ), an optical fiber , and a portable compact disk read - only memory ( cdrom ). the computer - readable medium could even be paperer another suitable medium upon which the program is printed , as the program can be electronically captured , via for instance , optical scanning of the paper or other medium , then compiled , interpreted , or otherwise processed in a suitable manner , if necessary , and then stored in a computer memory . generally , the device 20 , when mounted on a form , fill and seal machine , dispenses a plurality of labels across the individually formed packages in a location where the labels can be properly applied to each respective package . once the labels are properly positioned across belt 58 , the tamper assembly 60 comes into play to move the adhesive - bearing faces of the labels into contact with the packages 30 . the packaging machine then shifts the web 30 forwardly until a new array of packages 30 is presented at the device 20 for packaging . the device 20 is described in complete detail in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 868 , 887 incorporated by reference herein . specifically , all of the hardware aspects of device 20 are identical with that of the labeler described in the &# 39 ; 887 patent . the difference between the present invention and the disclosure of the &# 39 ; 887 patent resides in the label dispensing operation of the it 22 and assembly 24 , described below . as indicated above , the present invention is concerned with novel labeler control methods and apparatus which permit very significant increases in labeler operation . in order to better understand the present invention , and the differences between the invention and the prior art , the conventional control systems are first discussed , followed by a description of the control systems of the invention . these exemplary discussions are based upon a situation where three labels 28 a , 28 b and 28 c are dispensed per labeling cycle , using the preferred labeling device 20 described above . currently , labelers of the type described above and in u . s . pat . no . 6 , 868 , 887 are controlled such that plural labels are individually dispensed and transported in distinct movements . this results in a time - consuming stop - start movement of the labeler dispensing unit and transport assemblies . attention is directed to fig2 and 3 which are respectively speed vs . distance graphs showing the operation of the label dispensing unit 22 ( fig2 ) and the label transporting assembly 24 ( fig3 ). referring first to fig2 , it will be seen that the label dispensing unit is operated in three distinct , time - separated instances at speed 1 . on the other hand , the belt 58 of transport assembly 24 is moved a total of 6 times at varying speeds . specifically , during the three movements of the dispensing unit shown in fig2 , the belt 58 is correspondingly moved at the exact same speed 1 as the dispensing unit 24 . however , between these movements the belt 58 is moved twice at a speed 2 over distance 1 in order to effect proper spacing between the three labels . the final offset move also occurs at speed 2 , to give the desired offset distance . in this control system , it is important that both the dispensing unit 24 and the belt 58 move at exactly the same linear speeds ; however , the intermediate spacing movements of the belt 58 , and the final offset move , may be at any selected speed , and need not be at the same speeds . this distance - based prior art approach results in very accurate label placement , but requires considerable time to execute , owing to the number of separate moves required , each with an acceleration and deceleration time . the present invention makes use of a velocity ratio approach wherein the labels are moved as a group in a “ burst ” fashion without any intermediate stopping of the dispensing unit between individual labels . referring to fig4 , the sequential movement of the label dispensing unit 22 and belt 58 of transport assembly 24 are shown . it will be appreciated from a consideration of these graphs that all of the labels are moved in a single sequence at a constant speed 1 . at the same time , the belt 58 is moved at a different speed 3 so as to achieve the label spacing illustrated in fig5 where the labels 28 a , 28 b and 28 c are each separated an appropriate distance and the label group is offset from the label dispensing location . during simultaneous movement of the dispensing unit 22 and belt 58 of transport assembly 24 , the spacing between the labels 28 a , 28 b and 28 c is created on the fly by virtue of the different speeds 1 and 3 and the ratio between these speeds . generally , the belt 58 is moved at a higher speed 3 as compared with the speed 1 of the labels as they are peeled by the peelbar , and the labels do not attain the same speed 3 until they are released at the last instant from the web 52 at the forward edge of peelbar 56 . consequently , a slippage occurs between the faster moving belt 58 and the slower moving labels 28 a , 28 b and 28 c , until the labels are completely separated from the web 52 . this phenomenon is illustrated in fig1 and 15 . in fig1 , the labels 28 a and 28 b are fully separated from web 52 and travel at the same speed as belt 58 . as label 28 c is peeled from the web 52 by peelbar 56 , the label 28 c travels at a speed less than that of belt 58 , until the peel - off is completed . this is not a problem with the device 20 , because the labels are peeled with their adhesive - bearing faces upwardly , and the pneumatic hold - down provided by the tamping assembly 60 allows such relative slippage . fig6 - 13 illustrate the sequential steps followed in dispensing of the labels 28 a , 28 b and 28 c across belt 58 as the latter is moved in timed relationship with the label removal effected by the unit 22 . as shown , as each label is stripped from web 52 because of movement of the web 52 around peelbar 56 , the labels instantaneously begin moving at the speed of the belt 58 so that proper spacing of the labels across the belt ( fig1 ) is achieved . as explained previously , during the peel - off operation , there is a slippage between the respective labels and belt 58 . the foregoing description refers to dispensing of three labels per labeling cycle . however , the invention is not limited to any particular number of labels per cycle . therefore , the generalized case where n labels are dispensed per cycle can be described as follows , where : ll = label length g = gap between labels on supporting web n = number of labels dispensed per cycle spread = total center - to - center spread between the initial and final labels offset = distance between center line of final label and dispensing location s 1 = label dispensing unit speed s 3 = transport assembly speed tmd = transport move distance label registration is accomplished by sensing of the first label gap g by the sensor 55 and a distance ( n − 1 )× ll is added as the label offset . at the same time , a distance move is made by the belt 58 which is equal to tmd = ll / 2 + spread + offset . this distance move tmd is made at a s 3 = s 1 ×( spread /( n ×( ll + g ))). the offset parameter is used to adjust the position of the group of labels , and thus is not entered into the calculation of s 3 . | US-55492306-A |
a tool for imparting force to a mechanical element located in a confined area having an impact member for receiving and transferring force applied to it , an end member engageable with the mechanical element , and a connector rotatably joining the end member and the impact member , the end member and the impact member having mating faces at least one of which lies in a plane oblique to the force transmitting axis thereof for applying a force to the mechanical element from an angular position of the impact member relative to the end member by selective relative rotation of the impact member and the end member . | in general , an exemplary valve tool embodying the concepts of the present invention , generally indicated by the numeral 10 , includes an impact member 11 and an end member 12 . a valve mounting element 14 depicted in chain lines in fig1 and 3 is insertable into the tool 10 . a complete description of these portions of tool 10 and the method of operation in the mounting and demounting of valve assemblies is contained in my aforementioned u . s . pat . no . 3 , 315 , 339 to which reference may be made for further explanation of the structure and operation of the tool , except for the differences hereinafter denoted . the impact member 11 is preferably constructed of metal and of an elongated generally cylindrical shape with a somewhat rounded outer end 15 for impacting with a rubber mallet or the butt of the hand . the axially opposite end of impact member 11 terminates in a flat face 16 which is somewhat oblique to the longitudinal axis a , of the tool 10 . as seen in fig2 and 3 , a cylindrical passage 18 extends from flat face 16 a distance into the impact member 11 . the passage 18 is preferably coaxial of impact member 11 and has a small recess 19 of greater diameter or radial dimension than that of the passage 18 . the end member 12 is also metal and of the same general configuration as the impact member 11 , although it may advantageously be somewhat shorter than the latter . the end member terminates in a flat face 20 , also oblique to the longitudinal axis a of the tool 10 which may be formed as a cut - off of the valve demounting tool part described in my above referenced prior patent . as depicted in fig1 the faces 16 and 20 of the members 11 and 12 , respectively , may be positioned so that both members 11 and 12 of the tool 10 have their force transmitting axes substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis a . the impact member 11 at its axial extremity opposite the flat face 20 has an engaging surface 21 which is generally perpendicular to the force transmitting axis to permit proper alignment of the tool 10 against a valve spring retainer . a cylindrical passage 22 which may be of the diameter of passage 18 of impact member 11 extends through end member 12 substantially coaxially thereof , as seen in fig2 . a first recess 23 of greater diameter than the passage 22 is provided preferably approximately intermediately of the passage 22 for a purpose hereinafter detailed . a second recess 24 extends inwardly from the engaging surface 21 and is provided to receive a magnetic sleeve 25 which may be press fit into the recess 24 or threadably engaged therewith . the sleeve 25 has a cylindrical inner wall 26 having a diameter substantially the same as that of the passages 18 and 22 . the inner wall 26 encompasses the segmental collets which lock the spring retainer on the valve stem . during removal of a valve assembly from a cylinder head , using the tool 10 , the valve spring is momentarily depressed , freeing the segmental collets which are readily attracted to and held by the inner wall 26 of the magnetic sleeve 25 . with the collets thus withdrawn from the conventional annular seating groove in a valve stem , the spring and retainer are free to be removed therefrom . the impact member 11 and end member 12 are joined and have their faces 16 and 20 longitudinally maintained in mating surface engagement subject to selective relative rotation by a spring connector 13 . the inner diameters of the passages 18 and 22 of members 11 and 12 which accommodate the spring 13 that is a coil configuration are preferably of substantially the same diameter and of approximately the same or slightly greater diameter than the radially outer diameter of the coil spring connector 13 . as depicted in fig2 and 5 , a first catch 28 is preferably formed proximate the one end and as part of one or more convolutions of the spring 13 so as to partially extend beyond the outer diameter of the spring 13 . the very tip 29 of the spring 13 is preferably aligned with the convolutions thereof rather than spiraling generally away from the spring 13 . similarly , a second catch 30 is formed proximate the other end and as part of one or more convolutions and extends partially beyond the outer diameter of the spring 13 , and its tip 31 is aligned with the convolutions thereof . during assembly of the tool 10 , the impact member 11 is urged over the spring 13 until catch 28 is received within the recess 19 of the passage 18 . although the catch 28 will be slightly deflected by the bore of the passage 18 , it will fully expand within the recess 19 thereby prohibiting unintentional separation of the spring 13 from the impact member 11 . likewise , the other end of spring 13 , with the catch 30 , is urged into passage 22 of end member 12 until the catch 30 expands within the first recess 23 provided in end member 12 . the combined length of the passage 18 and passage 22 to the recess 23 is preferably as long or slightly longer than the overall length of spring 13 from tip 29 to tip 31 so that when the tool 10 is assembled , as depicted in fig3 the faces 16 and 20 of members 11 and 12 , respectively , are maintained in relative contact , there being a slight tension upon the spring 13 tending to produce contraction . if necessary for assembly , the members 11 and 12 may be slightly relatively rotated so that the spring 13 is longitudinally extended by frictional engagement with the passages 18 and 22 to effect seating of the catches 28 and 30 in the recesses 19 and 23 . when the impact member 11 and end member 12 are in vertical alignment , as depicted in fig3 the tool 10 is ready for normal use in the demounting or removal of valve assemblies according to my earlier above - referenced patent . as such , the tool 10 is located so that the engaging surface 21 of the end member 12 is securely positioned upon the upper surface of the spring retainer of a valve assembly . a sudden blow of the type hereinabove described to the rounded end 15 of the tool 10 momentarily depresses the valve spring and removes the collet segments , thereby permitting rapid disassembly of the various component parts maintaining the valve operatively assembled within the cylinder head . in the event that there is insufficient clearance in which to align the tool 10 with the valve retainer and yet apply a force thereto , as with a mallet or the hand , the end member 12 and the impact member 11 may be rotated with respect to one another as depicted in fig4 . owing to the oblique inclination of the faces 16 and 20 , the tool 10 assumes a plurality of positions with the axes of members 11 and 12 angularly displaced from the aligned longitudinal orientation of fig1 . it has been determined that if the oblique inclination of faces 16 and 20 is an angle α of approximately 10 ° with respect to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a , suitable access is afforded with respect to known existing engine compartment arrangements . an angle of approximately 10 ° permits angular displacements of an infinite variety between the impact member 11 and end member 12 from 0 to 20 °. as can be seen from fig3 the shank 14 &# 39 ; of valve mounting element 14 may be of substantially lesser diameter than the inner diameter of the spring member 13 and the inner wall 26 of the sleeve 25 such that the shank 14 &# 39 ; may be readily accommodated within the spring 13 throughout the extent of relative rotation producing the angular displacement between the axes of the impact member 11 and end member 12 . in such an angular position which may be selected with the tool in place , the operator is able to locate the engaging surface 21 of tool 10 squarely upon the spring retainer of a valve assembly and yet apply a force against the impact member 11 at an angularity providing sufficient clearance to strike the tool 10 . the tension of the spring 13 maintains the members 11 and 12 in firm contact one to the other , whereas the small clearance between the spring diameter and the diameter of passages 18 and 22 prohibits inadvertent rotation of the members 11 and 12 . the members 11 and 12 may be repeatedly rotated without separation inasmuch as the catches 28 and 30 of the spring 13 remain within the recesses 19 and 23 under normal operation of the tool 10 . separation of the members 11 and 12 , if desired , may be accomplished by twisting each member while concurrently pulling them away from each other . as described in my u . s . pat . no . 3 , 315 , 339 , to remount a valve assembly , a valve mounting element 14 is utilized . the mounting element 14 has the extending shank 14 &# 39 ; which is received within the spring 13 whether the tool 10 is in a straight configuration or in the inclined configuration for the reasons described hereinabove . it can thus be seen that the above - disclosed tool carries out the objects of the invention . since various modifications in details , materials and arrangements of parts are within the spirit of the invention herein disclosed and described , the scope of the invention is to be limited solely by the scope of the attached claims . | US-74975076-A |
the present invention is a mems - based two - phase lhp and cpl using semiconductor grade silicon and microlithographic / anisotrophic etching techniques to achieve a planar configuration . the principal working material is silicon , particularly compatible with the cooling needs for electronic and computer chips and package cooling . the microloop heat pipes utilize cutting edge microfabrication techniques . the device has no pump or moving parts , and is capable of moving heat at high power densities , using revolutionary coherent porous silicon wicks . the cps wicks minimize packaging thermal mismatch stress and improves strength - to - weight ratio . also burst - through pressures can be controlled as the diameter of the coherent pores can be controlled on a sub - micron scale . the two phase planar operation provides extremely low specific thermal resistance . the operation is dependent upon a unique micropatterened cps wick which contains up to millions per square centimeter of stacked uniform micro - through - capillaries in semiconductor - grade silicon , which serve as the capillary “ engine ,” as opposed to the stochastic distribution of pores in the typical heat pipe wick . as with all heat pipes , cooling occurs by virtue of the extraction of heat by the latent heat of phase change of the operating fluid into vapor . in the cooling of a laptop computer processor the device could be attached to the processor during laptop assembly . consistent with efforts to miniaturize electronics components , the current invention can be directly integrated with a unpackaged chip . for applications requiring larger cooling surface areas , the planar evaporators can be spread out in a matrix and integrally connected through properly sized manifold systems . | the present invention overcomes problems with the prior art by providing improved thermal transfer devices for removal of heat from a high temperature device , such as integrated circuit chips and microprocessors . two - phase silicon - based thermal transfer devices according to several exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below . one embodiment of the basic construction of the thermal transfer device 100 is shown in fig2 . this embodiment includes an evaporator 101 connected to a condenser 118 . the evaporator 101 , passage ways 130 , 210 and the condenser 118 form a closed loop with hermetic sealing . after evacuating the device , using the fill / vacuum port 170 , a liquid working fluid 112 is introduced via fill / vacuum port 170 . the amount of liquid working fluid 112 introduced is often a fraction of the total loop internal volume . a heat source ( e . g ., an integrated or attached semiconductor chip or other device ) 125 is cooled at the evaporator 101 . the primary operation of this device is to transport heat from the evaporator 101 to the condenser 118 . the heat at the condenser 118 is removed using methods illustrated in fig2 . as shown in fig2 , the evaporator 101 consists basically of two or three bonded layers beginning as batch processed silicon wafers , typically [ 100 ] si . the first silicon layer 114 is the silicon top - cap . the thermal top - cap has anisotropically etched grooves 113 , created by koh or edp micropatterned anisotropic wet etching , that guide the evaporated working fluid to external ports 130 . other embodiments can have the cooling surface unencumbered without protruding ports ( e . g ., fig3 and 4 ). a silicon - based wick material 109 is bonded to the reservoir back plate 140 . a secondary wick 150 , constructed of packed silicon dioxide fiber (“ quartz wool ”) in this embodiment or other glass or asbestos fiber , ensures uniform wick wetting preventing dry - out and failure . secondary wick 150 is spring - loaded into the reservoir channel using a fitted stainless steel screen 160 . the porosity of the secondary wick 150 can be varied depending on packing density , load , and size of fiber ( usually , & gt ; 90 %). in some embodiments , a secondary wick will not be needed . the reservoir back plate 140 is constructed of compatible borosilicate glass for see - through capability or a silicon chip with a formed reservoir . the reservoir in 140 is anisotropically etched into silicon or formed in glass or silicon by , for example , a mems - based ultrasonic impact grinding ( uig ) method that was uniquely developed for this application . see p . medis , h . t . henderson , “ micromachining using ultrasonic impact grinding ” j . micromech . microeng . 2005 , 15 , 1556 - 1559 , the content of which is incorporated by reference into this application as if fully set forth herein . the reservoir in 140 can be easily sized and placed as needed in an lhp - like configuration or etched as a side branch in a cpl - like configuration . depending on the location within the base plate , possible mems - based “ balloon ” pressure can be added to the reservoir , as later discussed . gravity or pressure enhancement can be achieved in the reservoir . the water input port 170 is connected using a novel bonding technique to the bottom reservoir plate 180 . in this embodiment , the external surfaces containing input / exit ports ( created by methods known to those skilled in the art , such as diamond - pointed mini - drills , uig , chemical etching or by laser drilling ) are coated with an evaporated or sputtered thin film of nickel ( preferred ) or gold over an adhesion layer of chromium . stainless steel or copper nipples have been soldered and connected to other tubing ( e . g ., metallic , polymer ) connecting to a specially designed condenser 118 that is either air - or fluid - cooled . the recondensed working fluid is recirculated in a similar fashion as the traditional lhp / cpl described in fig1 . in one embodiment , the silicon - based evaporator 101 is directly attached to a pre - packaged chip 110 as in fig3 . the silicon layer 109 is a wicking material made of coherent porous silicon ( cps ), which is an array of highly uniform true through - capillary “ worm holes ,” as shown in fig4 , unlike the ordinary sintered ceramic wicks with stochastically distributed intersecting pores of random sizes and distribution . the cps wicks can posses a range of capillary wicking pressures , depending on the pore design . this high capillary wicking pressure allows the cps wicks 109 to act as a membrane between the vapor 111 and liquid 112 phase . heat 102 is delivered to the wick 109 directly from the chip 110 via silicon conduction pathways 113 . as the wick 109 warms , fluid is evaporated from inside the cps pores 115 . the vapor is directed to a remote condenser through metallic or polymeric tubes which are directly connected to the silicon evaporator . the working fluid circulates by pressure differences that exist across the primary wick and the external loop . fig5 ( a ) shows an embodiment of a single evaporator that is 500 μm 2 . at this scale , a liquid working fluid 112 is resevoired below the cps wick 109 . the capillaries in the wick draw the liquid into the cps wick 109 . heat travels from the heats source through the silicon top - cap 114 and the heat conducting structure 113 to the cps wick 109 . as the heat arrives , the working liquid 112 evaporates to vapor 111 . the vapor travels along the vapor escape path 116 , which is the space between the top - cap 114 and the cps wick 109 . in fig5 ( b ), an array of evaporators can be created to cool any size planar surface . in this embodiment , the evaporator array 101 cools unpackaged chip structures 115 that are directly mounted into the silicon top - cap 114 . as shown , this invention can cool an entire system , as well as individual chips . fig6 is an exploded view of another embodiment of an evaporator 101 . evaporator 101 includes a top - cap 114 , a cps wick 109 , and a compensation chamber 140 . this embodiment provides a planar surface for attachment or integration of a heat source . heat is uniformly distributed from the source to the evaporating surfaces 220 of the cps wick 109 using heat conducting structures 113 . vapor escape paths 230 , formed between the top - cap 114 and the cps wick 109 , are micromachined in the top - cap 114 using methods known to those skilled in the art . the vapor escape paths 230 can be a number of shapes in cross section , such as trapezoidal or rectangular . in certain embodiments , a flow field enhancement anisotropic champhering can be added using a convex corner undercut etching process at the end of the heat conducting structure 113 . in this configuration , two vapor exit ports 260 are required on each side of the heat conducting structures 113 . however , other embodiments allow for the top surface to be unencumbered . at each exit port 260 , a vapor plenum 270 accommodates vapor 111 from multiple vapor escape paths 230 . the cps wick 109 has microcapillary regions 220 patterned so that these regions match the top - cap 114 and provide spontaneous capillary action to pull the working fluid into the individual capillary pores to prevent dry - out failure . the capillary diameters in the evaporating region 220 are small enough to supply sufficient capillary pressure to avoid any burst - through of the top surface meniscus due to the pressure generated by the evaporation process . the wick 109 has non - porous surfaces 250 and 255 to bond to the top plate 114 at 260 and to the compensation chamber 140 , respectively . the compensation chamber 140 provides the cps wick 109 with the working fluid 112 . this is achieved by putting a specially prepared secondary fibrous wick 150 on the bottom surface of the cps wick . condensed working fluid from the condenser 118 is returned to the compensation chamber 140 via an attached liquid return line 210 ( shown in fig2 ). in fig5 , the compensation chamber 140 is typically made of a block of borosilicate or “ pyrex ” glass ( 7740 ), though other ceramics or silicon may be used . the smaller of the two voids 280 houses the quartz fiber secondary wick 150 . the larger void 290 is in contact with the bottom of void 280 . to construct the evaporator , the cps wick 109 is eutectically bound to top - cap 114 . this assembly is bonded onto the surface of the compensation chamber 140 . cavity 280 is filled with the quartz fiber secondary wick 150 . once the secondary wick 150 is packed to the required density , a stainless steel mesh retainer 160 is pushed through the larger cavity 290 . a circular gasket 320 , made of silicone in this embodiment , is placed against the compensation chamber 140 . finally , the stainless steel back plate 180 is placed and the package is sealed using four screws running through the holes 300 and 330 . fig7 shows a schematic of the forced fluid ( typically liquid ) cooled condenser 118 . the condenser 118 has two tubes . the vapor flows in the inner condensing tube 190 to 200 that has a fin structure 400 to facilitate an enhanced heat transfer . silver solder is used to attach the fins 400 to the inner tube 190 to 200 . both the inner condenser tube 190 to 200 and the internal fin structure 400 are typically made of copper . the inner tube 190 to 200 is enclosed by the outer tube 420 , which is a coolant passage for pumped liquid flows . during operation of embodiment one of the device ( 100 , fig2 ), vapor 111 will flow into the condenser 118 via the condenser working fluid inlet 190 . likewise , the condensed vapor flows out of the condenser via the working fluid outlet 200 . the absorbed latent energy of phase transformation form vapor 111 to liquid 112 will be transferred to the coolant flowing in the coolant passage 420 . the supply of the coolant 450 to the condenser is via the coolant inlet 430 and the heated coolant 460 will flow out of the condenser 118 via the coolant outlet 440 . in order to make this technology applicable in the industry , certain changes were made from the initial embodiment . for example , a second embodiment of the silicon evaporator 1001 is shown in fig8 . this low profile design consists of the same primary components as the first embodiment : a compensation chamber 1140 , a primary cps wick 1109 , heat conduction pathways 1113 to interface with the primary cps wick 1109 for uniform heat delivery to the evaporating surface 1220 . the working fluid flow path is shown by 1112 also the vapor exit ports 1260 may be brought out of the back side of the evaporator 1001 , along with the liquid return port 1210 , to clear the top surface 1255 for unencumbered thermal contact for cooling over the complete top surface . ( terms “ top ” and “ bottom ” need not necessarily have any gravitational relevance .) the density and size of the cps micro capillaries may also be varied as required . the fiber secondary wick 150 ( fig6 ) is not necessary in cases where the thermal distribution is sufficiently uniform and other key parameters fall within the critical range . a third embodiment of an effective and inexpensive evaporator 2001 , shown in fig9 has demonstrated cooling in excess of 60 w / cm 2 using a version ( random pile ) of the sio 2 microfiber as the primary wick 2150 . this quartz evaporator consists of five primary components : a reservoir back plate 2140 , a set of mesh metallic screens 2220 , glass fibers 2210 , a silicon top - cap 2114 , and an external one - way valve 2250 . a working fluid 2112 enters the quartz evaporator and experiences phase change to vapor 2111 . during operation of the thermal transfer device , waste heat is dissipated from the heat source 2115 and conducts through the silicon top - cap 2114 . the heat evaporates the liquid in reservoir 2280 . the vapor is directed by vapor passageways 2230 to a vapor channel 2231 that exists in the reservoir back plate 2140 . in this embodiment , a one - way valve 2250 is incorporated into the fluid return line near the reservoir to permit liquid flow in the forward direction . in addition to operating under vacuum , this device operates at ambient pressure in the presence of non - condensable gases . in one embodiment , sio 2 quartz wool fibers 2150 with diameters varying from 1 to 10 μm were used . the fiber mass can be compacted to give a smaller effective pore sizes . the quartz wool 2150 can be stacked with varying sized layers for a graded effective pore size . a stainless steel or other metallic screen 2220 ( typically , copper for good thermal contact to the top cap rails 2113 ) is used to hold the fiber mass 2010 . other hydrophilic fibers , such as ordinary glass or asbestos , can be substituted for sio 2 . the reservoir back plate 2140 may be constructed of silicon or glass , as shown in fig6 , and the reservoir may be either anisotropically etched [ 100 ] silicon or may be configured in any arbitrary configuration by a mems - uig in either silicon or glass ( preferred ). in those cases where condensable gases are tolerated , polymeric external tubes 2010 function as flexible substitutes for the ordinary vacuum - tight stainless steel or copper lines . an added advantage is that mass movement of fluid slugs can be followed . transparent glass can be used to both visualize movement and seal for initial vacuum evacuation . in this embodiment , the cpl configuration ( with an external series or parallel reservoir ) has been shown to function very well , even when the reservoir is open to the atmosphere , typically with gravity feed . again , all ports may be constrained to the reservoir side of the planar evaporator package . for use with the second and third evaporator embodiments , a mems - based silicon condenser 1118 is described in fig1 . the approach combines a planar design , leveraging the cps microfabrication technique to form high porosity distributions of capillaries and fin structures in ( 100 ) silicon . the features 1500 and 1510 can be fabricated with lateral dimension ranging from a few to hundreds of microns while having aspect ratios ranging from 60 - 200 . in this design , vapor 1111 enters the condenser arriving from the evaporator ( e . g . 1001 , fig8 ). due to the internal pressure difference between the liquid side of the wick 1009 and the evaporating surface 1220 , vapor 1111 is forced through the fins structures 1510 . heat is absorbed from vapor 1111 via conduction through the thin silicon walls and exchanged through forced convection with a gas 1520 ( e . g . air ) cross flowing though the adjacent capillaries 1500 . the planar design will maximize heat transfer between vapor 1111 internal to the device and gas 1520 by leveraging the large surface area exposed within the high aspect ratio silicon features . by using mems - batch fabrication , the silicon condenser 1118 can be made inexpensively , which offers significant cost to weight savings . the silicon - based condenser is key to achieving all silicon mems - based micro - lhps that will be smaller , lighter , and more amenable to incorporation into dense and space limited electronics systems . various embodiments of the planar two - phase silicon - based thermal transfer device are variations and extensions of the primary embodiment and incorporate an evaporator embodiment and a condenser embodiment described above . for example , in fig1 , an embodiment of the thermal transfer device is shown with a low profile silicon based evaporator and condenser . for example , this embodiment would be useful in applications at the pcb board level . the thermal transfer device 100 interfaces with a planar heat source 110 so that heat flows into the evaporator 101 . within the evaporator , the working liquid vaporizes and moves along the vapor line 117 to a silicon based condenser 118 . the vapor is air - cooled 119 resulting in condensation . the liquid recirculates to the evaporator 101 through the liquid line 120 due to the pressure difference that exists across the cps wick . this embodiment of the device is amenable to electronics use . the cps wick 109 is planar which allows for a planar evaporator design 101 . also , the top - cap 114 and wick 109 is fabricated with cmos - grade silicon , allowing for easy interface with a planar chip 110 . this device has been shown to have a greater heat extraction capability than traditional commercial systems . this thermal transfer device is robust due to the passive operation of the device . this embodiment has shown excellent scalability ranging from chip level to large surface area cooling on the system level . the planar and cellular silicon configuration allows for trivial and infinite size power handling expansion using bonding and packaging techniques known to those skilled in the art . this embodiment allows for the overall effective thermal conductivity to be adjusted according to design by thermally oxidizing as much of the silicon structure as desired into oxide as silicon has a high thermal conductivity , whereas silicon dioxide has a very poor thermal conductivity . use of cps wicks allows for direct control of vibration resistance and internal pressure handling capability . failure of the capillary meniscus by burst - through is controlled by the largest surface pore . commercially available wick structures are sintered , which severely limits control over pore diameter size on the submicron scale . therefore , the largest pore in the random distribution controls burst - through failure . to the contrary , the cps etching technique allows for cps wick capillaries to be micro patterned with uniform and controllable pore size . also , cps wicks of small and uniform size minimize burst - through pressure , which is inversely proportional to the capillary diameter . in addition , the capillaries of the cps wicks are inherently coated with sio 2 , which lowers burst - through pressure because the wetting constant of sio 2 is high . the coherent capillaries of the cps wicks geometrically maximize stacking , which allows for maximized porosity . also , the ordinary lost viscous internal pressure drop in a wick is reduced to the ultimate minimum due to direct coherent through - paths , smooth walls , ultra - high porosity and very thin wicks ( at least an order of magnitude thinner using cps ). specifically , capillaries are patterned so that they are only located in between the contact rails of the top - cap . this distributes the heat from the top thermal caps uniformly to the wick surface . also , other arrays may be useful and easily fabricated . also , the multiple metallic components will lessen internal corrosion . fig1 shows the heat transfer device from fig1 at server system level of integration acting as a thermal bus system in a blade server application . the thermal bus system 7000 consists of multiple evaporators 7010 connected by a manifold systems 7020 connected to a central condenser 7030 . each evaporator 7010 is attached to a processor 7040 that resides on a multi - processor rack 7050 . within the server cabinet 7060 , multiple racks are used with each containing a thermal bus system 7030 . the device has been scaled to a point where it can transport the heat from each microprocessor 7040 unit to a suitable central heat exchange ( a condenser / radiator / heat exchanger ) location 7030 . the transport of waste heat in server applications is a current concern because of the close proximity of both processors 7040 and stacking height between racks 7050 . a key to this device is the ability to make the cps wicks . the cps arrays in silicon are fabricated in three stages : pre - processing ; etching ; and post - processing . the pre - processing method is illustrated in part in fig1 . in this embodiment , cmos - grade n - type silicon 4020 with [ 100 ] crystal orientation typically between 300 - 650 microns thick , and having background dopant concentrations between 10 12 - 10 15 is used . silicon dioxide is thermally grown and subsequently stripped from the backside leaving the silicon surface exposed ( not shown in fig1 ). next , n + diffusion using solid sources in a diffusion furnace is performed . the n + diffused region 4300 acts as an ohmic contact and makes the electric field more uniform . the n / n + on the backside junction builds built - in field which pushes the holes towards the pore tips and reduces recombination at the semiconductor surface . the silicon dioxide on the front side prevents any n + diffusion on the front side of the wafer . fourth , the silicon wafer is stripped of all oxide diluted hf acid . fifth , low pressure chemical vapor deposition is used to grow a low stress sin passivation film against the anisotropic koh etching . sixth , micron - sized windows in the polymer photoresist are created by photolithography . as shown in fig4 a , the passivated areas form the bonding sites to the thermal conduction pathways 113 . the windows in sin 4310 are opened by reactive ion etching ( rie ) with common halogen / oxygen gas mixture . the initial etch pits 4320 are created by anisotropic koh etching . sin is etched off the backside of the wafer by rie . liftoff photolithography on the backside is performed using alignment marks on the mask and the front side of the wafer ( infrared aligning ). cr / au layer 4330 is evaporated to provide light masking and ohmic contact during etching . then the metal is lifted off using solvent , for instance , acetone . photon - pumped etching is performed in an electrochemical etch setup 4000 with aqueous or organic hf solution 4010 as shown in fig1 . the substrate / working electrode si 4020 in the electrochemical cell 4000 is anodically - biased 4030 with respect to a counter electrode 4040 . the silicon working electrode 4020 is integrated into the electrochemical cell by placing an o - ring 4050 between the cylinder 4060 and the silicon working electrode 4020 . when n - type silicon is used as the working electrode , radiation ( typically uv ) 4070 is used to excite electron - hole pairs . the holes are supplied either by the intrinsic hole concentration in the wafer ( for p - type si ) or by external illumination 4070 of the wafer ( for n - type si ). the holes created reach the etching interface 4080 and form silicon dioxide , which is subsequently etched by hf 4010 . both inorganic and organic electrolytes can be used . in the preferred embodiment , n - type silicon is positively biased with respect to the hf electrolyte . electron - hole pairs are created on the backside of the silicon wafer by irradiation . the holes created in the bulk of the wafer drift to the anisotropically etched field concentrators on the top of the surface . anodic oxidation of the field concentrator and subsequent etching in hf enables high aspect ratio pores in silicon fig4 . traditional etching methods for creating porous silicon resulted in deterioration of the passivation layer . a new method for etching the cps generates clearly defined microarrays through surface patterning and successfully grows capillaries in silicon while maintaining a surface roughness less than approximately 1 micron during an aggressive etching cycle . this was accomplished by the development of combinations of electrolyte , passivation film / films , and direct application of degassing force necessary to make capillary growth rate favorably high whilst still preserving the thin passivation film . first , low stress sin is used as a mask for hf on the front side typically of 0 . 2 - 0 . 5 μm thick . a thin film uv mask of cr / au is aligned to the microarray features on the front side . gold thin films block uv light reaching the backside of the wafer . in regions where microarrays were wanted , the gold mask is selectively removed to allow uv light to penetrate . a thin 50 nm chromium film was used as an adhesion layer and 200 nm of gold film was used as a uv masking layer 4330 ( fig1 d ). traditional electrolytes cause damage to the passivation layer . a new organic electrolyte was developed where hf was dissolved in dmf ( dimethyl formamide ) to form a 5 wt % solution . this solution reduces the h + concentration of this solution is reduced the solution is insulating . tbap ( tetra - butyl ammonium percolate ) is added to the solution to make it conducting . the result is a cps etching electrolyte with virtually no attack rate of sin ( calculated to be 1 . 5 - 2 a / min ). this electrolyte had very low etch rates using traditional etching systems . an agitation system was built to solve the etch rate problem . as shown in fig1 , the sonotrode 4100 utilizes external energy , for example ultrasonic waves , to dislodge hydrogen bubbles from the capillaries and aid in mass transport within the cell . the combination of thin film , electrolyte , and agitation mechanism generated etch rates of ˜ 1 - 2 a / min for the passivation film while etching silicon at ˜ 1 . 3 micons / min ; a selectivity ratio of nearly 10 , 000 to 1 . using the above methods , cps microarrays have been created as shown in fig1 . in order to realize the type of unit cell configuration depicted in fig4 a , a microbond must be formed between the top - cap 114 and the cps wick 109 . due to constraints of surface roughness and maximum bonding temperature of 600 ° c ., a novel bonding mechanism was developed . also , good alignment prior to the bonding of the wick to the top cap is important , i . e . the rails of the top cap should touch and bond to the unpatterned areas of the silicon wick and should not cover any pores . closure of the pores at the top forces vapor generated in those pores to vent from the backside , which accelerates backside nucleation ( i . e ., boiling ) and stops the cooling process by depriming the cps wick . the preferred alignment scheme for silicon - to - silicon bonding is the infrared alignment . in this scheme , ir irradiation is through both wafers and the image is captured on a screen where the features or alignment marks on each wafer can be aligned . however , the evaporated metal layers on the mating surfaces prevents ir transmission . the interface should produce a hermetic seal and have a high thermal conductivity . the new process is called in — au solid - liquid interdiffusion ( slid ) or transient liquid phase bonding ( tlp ). information concerning this subject can be found in j . h . lau , “ chip on board technologies for multichip modules ,” international thomas publishing , new york , 1994 , the content of which is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein . this scheme is akin to eutectic bonding but requires a lamellar structure . the bonding technique allows for bonding with rougher surfaces ( i . e . rms & lt ; 1 μm ) than typical au — si eutectic bond ( rms & lt ; 0 . 1 μm ). since the intermediate layers , i . e . the metals in this embodiment , show a higher thermal conductivity compared to silicon . when two metals are in intimate contact with each other , the application of heat and increased temperature ( with high pressure ) will cause the molecules at the interface of the metals to interpenetrate / diffuse thus forming an alloy bond . in most cases , this bonding requires very high temperature and pressures . on the other hand , diffusion in the liquid state is about three orders of magnitude faster and requires low pressures . by triggering a phase change in one of the metal layers , larger diffusion coefficients and faster diffusion times are possible . one of the metals , having a low melting point , forms a surface compatible alloy when combined with a second metal . in this embodiment , gold ( au ) and indium ( in ) are used . the melting point of the in is 157 ° c . when heated above 157 ° c ., the liquid in diffuses into the solid au and the alloy ( more accurately , the solid solution ) auin 2 is formed . if excess gold is present , the diffusion process continues until the alloy is formed in the stoicheometric proportion of the in present . once the bond is formed , it does not debond at temperatures less than 459 ° c . because the bonding occurs below the eutectic temperature , the residual stress created after cooling to room temperature is very small . as a result , stress - related cracks or deformations at the interface , which results in a premature device failure , is minimal . evaporated in substrates become oxidized when exposed to the atmosphere which hinders the bonding process . to prevent oxidation , the in is sandwiched between two thin au layers in situ . within the vacuum environment of the thermal evaporator , the in alloys with the au thin layers which prevents in oxidation . fig1 shows the basic steps involved in this process . the various thin film metals were deposited on the rca - cleaned wafer using e - beam evaporation . in fig1 , a 30 nm cr seed layer 4510 and a 100 nm au 4520 is evaporated onto a silicon substrate 4500 . on the second silicon substrate 4550 , a 30 nm cr seed layer 4510 , 25 nm au layer 4530 , 370 nm in layer 4540 and a final 25 nm au layer 4545 are evaporated . all the in must be used during the process to effect a good bond . the wafers are aligned and tacked with minimal amount of quick drying epoxy ( pre - bond ) then placed in a bonder . heat 4570 and pressure 4580 are applied uniformly on the wafer , in the preferred embodiment , for a period of 45 min at 250 ° c . the resulting structure includes a residual amount of au 4520 , while all of the in 4540 is alloyed to form auin 2 4580 . heat delivery to the internal evaporating surface is a paramount concern . an embodiment of the cps wick shown in fig1 provides a novel method of heat delivery and is referred to as the “ integrated micro capillary screen ” ( imcs ). the evaporator top - cap , the cps wick ( or “ screen ”), and the secondary wick are fabricated into the same monolithic silicon wafer or chip , eliminating all other parts except for the bottom glass or silicon reservoir . a packaged representation is shown in fig1 ( not to scale ), where the bottom reservoir plate 3280 has been added . an integrated electronic die 3110 is integrated by direct bonding to a cavity etched in the top surface of the evaporator 3101 . this is a truly integrated microchip into a lhp eliminating the troublesome chip package used in industry . the fluidic ports 3010 , 3260 are shown in fig1 on top and bottom , however , in other embodiments , the ports could logically connect on the backside . the vapor exit ports 3260 can also be tapped into the upper plenum at any arbitrary location , including the top edge . the microfabrication of this imcs evaporator assembly proceeds much as did the earlier cps wick , except that the cps photon - controlled electrochemical etching parameters are adjusted so that the diameter of the ordinary capillary “ worm holes ” are enlarged and interpenetrate on their walls . this leaves silicon microposts 3113 at four corners of each hole in both orthogonal and hexagonally stacked geometries ( cut away in fig1 ) except in a limited area 3109 , referred to here as the “ silicon microscreen ,” where the ordinary cps hole diameter is maintained . this silicon microscreen becomes the actual wick . since all internal surfaces / heat conduction pathways 3113 have a hydrophilic sio 2 surface coating ( by conventional thermal oxidation ), the micromeniscus extends below and above the microscreen wick 3109 . the remaining shorter posts 3122 serve as a secondary wick , negating the need for other secondary wicks ( e . g . sio 2 fiber in previous embodiments ). the open space at the top ( interpenetrated by thermally conducting microposts ) serves as the vapor channel 3116 or plenum ( which can be arbitrarily sized in volume ). the whole system , top - cap 3114 , thermally conducting posts 3113 , “ capillary ” wick 3109 , and secondary wick 3122 , is self - aligned except for the reservoir . moreover , there is one thermally conducting silicon micropost 3113 for each pore or capillary . the most effective heat transfer occurs in the tail of the meniscus contacting the walls . in this embodiment , the meniscus extends into the vapor chamber 3114 on the microposts 3113 , which conduct the heat down toward the silicon microscreen 3109 . see , r . oinuma “ fundamental study of evaporation model in micron pore ”, phd dissertation , texas a & amp ; m university , 2004 , the content of which is incorporated into this application as if fully set forth herein . thus , most of the heat may never reach the actual microscreen wick / meniscus 3109 , because the heat is shunted off into vapor and latent heat of vaporization , leaving the wick and its backside too cool for nucleate boiling . the thickness of the microscreen wick 3109 can be tailored as desired ( within the limitation of silicon wafer thickness ) for further thermal isolation . also , oxidation of the screen can be used to adjust thermal isolation . in the microfabrication of this embodiment , the variable pore or capillary size can be controlled by several techniques such as : ( a ) epitaxial layering of materials with varying electrical resistivity , ( b ) varying parameters such as light intensity , etchant concentration , and temperature dynamically , ( c ) using the “ coking ” effect in the initial formation of anisotropically etched initiation pits . any and all combinations of elements of the previous five embodiments are possible , including the use of any of the evaporator systems entirely open - ended or in a closed loop , with or without gravity feed or using a separate pump ( typically mems ) feed , with or without a series or parallel reservoir ( lhp or cpl ) integrated within the silicon or 7740 glass sections of the evaporator package or external to the package . any of the above embodiments may also substitute a reservoir base plate that allows both vapor and working fluid ports on the backside . also when sizing becomes an issue , the basic cell ( herein approximately 1 cm 2 ) can be downsized as lithographic processes improve . the cells can be expanded in a two - dimensional matrix of unlimited size and power . an extended matrix has an infinite number of interconnecting schemes , with an optimal configuration for a desired means of condenser placements . a prototypical fabrication sequence is given in fig1 for the evaporator embodiment in fig9 and condenser embodiment in fig1 . similar design rules and fabrication constraints are utilized in the fabrication of the other embodiments . the quartz evaporator design is depicted in fig9 and consists primarily of a silicon top - cap 2114 and a glass reservoir 2140 . the rendering of the top cap 2114 is accomplished by photolithographic micropatterening of a passivation film and lye etching ( ex . koh ). the glass block compensation chamber 2140 is formed by ultrasonic impact grinding ( uig ), a technique not commonly used in this field . this technique is described in fig2 and 23 . after formation of the features 2231 and 2280 and inlet and outlet holes the internal component screens 2220 and quartz wick 2150 are assembled into the cavity 2280 . this step is shown in fig1 as the placement of the “ internal components ” of the quartz evaporator . the top cap 2114 is microbonded to the glass compensation chamber 2140 . the microbonding technique in fig1 can be used . after the two primary layers are joined , metallic microfluidic interconnects are adjoined directly to the surface as shown if fig2 and 21 . in this commercial design , the quartz evaporator is connected to the low profile condenser shown in fig1 to close the loop . to further demonstrate the use of novel fabrication techniques within the context of the disclosed technology the low profile condenser manufacturing steps are shown in fig1 . this heat exchange component of the loop in fig1 consists primarily of two silicon layers . the silicon used is of [ 100 ] crystal orientation , n - or p - type , typically 300 - 650 microns thick , and typically having background dopant concentrations between 10 12 - 10 15 . both silicon layers 1530 and 1540 utilize thin film micropatterening . the top layer 1530 is etched with a lye solution ( e . g ., koh , tmah ) to form vias for cross - flowing air 1520 . the bottom silicon plate 1540 utilizes the etching technique cps etching technique described in fig1 - 158 . the cps etching technique allows for the formation of high aspect ratio arrays of adjacent fin 1510 and capillary structures 1500 while still keeping multiple fabrication constraints specific to this design within acceptable tolerances levels . after cps etching , the cavity structures 1550 are formed by an additional etching step ( e . g ., koh ). the microbonding technique is used to adjoin 1530 and 1540 . finally , microfluidic interconnects 1560 and 1570 are attached to the silicon surface . the evaporator and condenser are joined and evacuated , backfilled , and sealed . a novel method to create robust yet versatile microfluidic connections between the components of the mems - based two - phase heat transfer device . the main disadvantage of traditional bonding schemes is that strong connections cannot be made without high pressure and temperatures . other disadvantages include the fact that the interconnects cannot maintain internal vacuum . a simple planar fabrication can be used to strongly connect glass or metal ( e . g ., stainless steel , copper ) nipples / tubes to channels or reservoirs that are fabricated on silicon or glass . in fact , application of a normal tension force to the tube bonded to glass or silicon results in material breakage before a bonding failure . a method of manufacturing is illustrated in fig2 . the method comprises the following steps : ( 1 ) careful cleaning of the surface the connection to be made 5100 fig1 ( a ). the preferred cleaning method is “ rca ” cleaning , which consists of three steps : ( i ) solvent cleaning using warm acetone or methanol followed by rinse in di ( deionized ) water , ( ii ) base cleaning using a hot mixture (˜ 70 ° c .) of di water / nh 4 oh / h 2 o 2 ( 5 : 1 : 1 ) followed by rinse in di water , ( iii ) acid cleaning using a hot mixture (˜ 70 ° c .) of di water / hcl / h 2 o 2 ( 4 : 1 : 1 ) followed by rinse in di water . ( 2 ) evaporation of a thin layer ( typically , 200 - 500 nm ) of metal ( e . g ., ni , au , cu , sn ) 5300 with a cr or ti seed layer 5400 (˜ 30 nm ) on the surface that surrounds the prefabricated entrance / exit orifice . ( 3 ) preparation of the stainless steel ( or other metallic ) tube to be connected . ( a ) dress the end of the tube 5000 so that it is flat for coherent contact with the bonding surface . ( b ) if bonding to a metal surface , a fine abrasive compound or material should be used to remove any oxide then wipe with methanol . ( c ) if bonding to a glass tube 5500 , as in fig2 b , clean the glass ( preferably by rca cleaning ) and evaporate or use electroless plating to deposit a thin layer of metal , as done in the step ( 2 ), around the rim of the tube . any thin film coating mechanism can be used as long as the film is not subject to delamination . ( 4 ) align the tube and the orifice ; clamp to ensure intimate contact . ( 5 ) make the joint : ( a ) apply a very small amount of liquid flux to the joint ; ( b ) heat the joint ; ( c ) apply solder 5200 fig2 a to the joint . ( d ) another way to accomplish this boundary is to use a solder pre - form fig2 a , b and / or eutectic pre - form ( not shown here ) in the junction and use the heat source to bring the junction to the melting / eutectic temperature which will secure the connection . ( e ) another possibility in production is to perform the solder by casting / molding as in fig2 a and b and to include a restive wire to act as the source of heat . during the automated soldering process , current is passed though the wire and remains interior to the bond afterward . other application - specific variations rely on the same basic concepts as the above method . the basic interconnection scheme is shown in fig2 a , where a metallic tube 5000 is directly attached to ceramic substrate 5100 . in some applications it is necessary to connect clear glass tubing ( fig2 b ). the glass tube 5500 is coated with 5550 a seed layer ( e . g ., cr or sn ), and coated with a ni layer 5600 by either thermal evaporation process or electroless plating . the substrate holding plate of the evaporator should have a rotating horizontal spindle to attach the tube so that the metal is uniformly deposited . the solder is heated to liquid phase and attaches to ni layer 5300 of the substrate and ni layer 5600 of the glass tube 5500 . for a higher strength connection under normal loading , a flared connection can be made as in fig2 c . this connection is common to fig2 a but the metallic tube 5000 has been flared 5001 . if a high shear strength connection is desired , a metallic tube 5000 dressed to have a tapered end can be used as shown in fig2 d . the tapered end acts as a male fit to a concave taper 5002 that exists in the ceramic substrate 5100 . other metals besides ni may be used , such as gold , copper or any other “ solderable ” metal . in the preferred embodiment the connection tubes 5000 are either stainless steel or copper , but any other “ solderable ” metal tube can be used . for mass production , an appropriate prefabricated solder / eutectic “ pre - form ” can be placed on lithographically patterned substrate . possible pre - forms are shown in fig2 . the preform can be a simple donut shape ( fig2 a ) or could counter - sink with the bonding orifice ( fig2 b ). component structures in silicon , glass , or ceramic for the thermal transfer device were made using ultrasonic impact grinding ( uig ). this technique has not been used in mems applications , especially loop heat pipe / heat transfer device fabrication . fig2 . shows the schematic of the head assembly of magnetostrictively - driven uig assembly . a glass structure machined using this scheme is shown in fig2 . the tool head 6050 vibrates vertically at a resonance frequency ( typically , 20 - 28 khz ) of the compound system comprised of the transducer 6010 , transmitting cone 6030 , tool cone 6040 , and tool head 6050 . the transducer 6010 is driven at a resonance frequency by an ultrasonic amplifier 6000 . the mechanical vibration of the transducer is transmitted through the system components to the tool head 6050 . an abrasive slurry 6060 ( typically silicon carbide or boron carbide abrasive grit mixed with water ) is passed over the working material 6070 ( glass , ceramic , or silicon component of the thermal transducer ). the grit is squeezed between the work piece 6070 and the tool head 6050 resulting in grinding by minute ultrasonic pounding . the resultant shape in the work piece 6070 is the complement or negative of the tool head 6050 shape . uig can transfer virtually any image while grinding a cavity or cavities of virtually any form . the vertical amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration of the tool head 6050 will typically be on the order of tens of micrometers . the pattern &# 39 ; s dimensions are limited by the master pattern on the tool head 6050 and the size of the particles in the slurry 6060 . as the desired features shrink to smaller sizes , alternative techniques can be used to fabricate tool heads 6010 , including electrodischarge machining , or uv - liga and subsequent electroplating / electroless deposition . as dimensions shrink , the slurry may become a limiting factor . this hurdle is overcome by impregnating the microfabricated tool head with abrasive particulate ( e . g ., silicon carbide , aluminum oxide ). a cutting fluid ( e . g ., water ) can be used as the lubricant which relieves the constraints due to the mobile slurry . structures with the smallest dimension in the range of several tens to hundreds of micrometers can be fabricated using this technique . as the process of machining occurs , the slurry 6060 becomes crushed diminishing the cutting rate and eventually leading to no grinding . a circulating abrasive system 6100 feeds new abrasive particles in between the tool head 6050 and the work piece 6070 by way of a spray nozzle 6110 and removes the crushed and chipped particles of the work piece from the grinding zone . in this particular embodiment , tool heads 6050 made of stainless steel mild steel , and copper have been used . the work piece 6070 was glass or silicon , and the abrasive 6060 used is 600 grit silicon carbide mixed with water in a 1 : 1 ratio . with respect to the above description , the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention , to include variations in size , materials , shape , form , function and manner of operation , assembly and use , are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art , and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention . therefore , the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention . further , since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art , it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described , and accordingly , all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to , falling within the scope of the invention . | US-53010706-A |
a microchannel double pipe device comprises a channel for inner nozzle , a channel for outer nozzle and a mechanical probe . the channel for outer nozzle concentrically surrounds the channel for inner nozzle , and the channel for inner nozzle concentrically surrounds the mechanical probe . constricted at the outlet of the channel for inner nozzle , the channel for inner nozzle extends to form an inner nozzle core . constricted at the outlet of the channel for outer nozzle , the channel for outer nozzle extends to form an outer nozzle core . the outer nozzle core essentially concentrically surrounds the inner nozzle core , and the outlets of the inner nozzle core and the outer nozzle core are at the same level essentially . the mechanical probe is configured to intermittently empty the inner nozzle core . the device can be used for microcosmic mixing and reaction , especially suitable for continuous preparation of inorganic , organic or medicine particles with nanostructure or micron - structure using liquid - liquid precipitation method . | the following are the description and illustration of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention . these embodiments are included in the microchannel double - pipe device and the method of using such microchannel double - pipe device , more particularly , in the method for preparing the inorganic , organic or medicine particles with nano - or micron - structure in a continuous manner . it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiments discussed below are exemplary and can be modified without departing from the scope and the sprit of the present invention . however , the exemplary embodiments discussed below can include preferred steps , methods and features for clarity and accuracy , those skilled in the art should understand that these preferred steps , methods and features are not essential for determining the scope of the present invention . the microchannel double - pipe device of the present invention and the method for preparing particles with nano - or micron - structure are based on the inventor &# 39 ; s knowledge and study in art related fields . for producing the particles with nano - or micron - structure by using liquid - phase precipitation method , the formation of the particles with nano - or micron - structure is first a phase transition process which includes nucleation stage and growth stage . when two solutions that can form precipitate quickly are mixed , diffusion and phase transition will occur at the interface between the two fresh solutions . if the concentration of the resulting new phase exceeds a critical nucleation concentration , numerous new nucleus will be produced ; in the mean while nucleation leads to the concentration decrease of the two solutions to a value at which it is not sufficient for new nucleus formation but the growth of the formed nucleus can be maintained . therefore , when producing particles with nano - or micron - structure by using liquid - liquid precipitation method , it is advantage to provide phase interface between fresh solutions as much as possible when two liquid phases are mixed , thereby the number of the resulting primary nucleus is larger and the concentration for the subsequence growth of the nucleus is lower , which thus can provide a condition at which the time for nucleus growth and the particle size decrease . the above effects can be achieved by enhancing microcosmic mixing and mass transfer . the present invention is based on above theory and principle . hereinafter , embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to fig1 and 2 . in practice , liquid flow a is quickly added to the channel of inner nozzle 4 through the first feed pipe 2 , then , the flow rate of the liquid flow a is increased at inner nozzle core 9 due to the narrowing of the channel . liquid flow b is quickly added to the channel of outer nozzle 5 through the second feed pipe 3 , then , the flow rate of the liquid flow b is increased at outer nozzle core 10 due to the narrowing of the channel . two flows collided each other and mixed at the outlets of the nozzle cores and a micro - liquid flow with high flow rate is generated , microcosmic mixing is achieved and precipitation takes place , finally the flow is collected in the circular cone collector 11 , then the resulting flow is drained out . in the above - mentioned embodiment , the cross - section of channel of the inner nozzle core 9 can have various shapes including but not limited to a circle , square or equilateral triangle . the diameter of the circle is 0 . 01 - 5 mm ; each side of the square or equilateral triangle is 0 . 01 - 5 mm . the shape of the channel of the outer nozzle core corresponds to that of the inner nozzle core and the interval between the inner nozzle core and the outer nozzle core is 0 . 01 - 5 mm . the outer nozzle core surrounds and matches with the inner nozzle core , therefore the fluid generated after the prompt microcosmic mixing between the fluids from the inner and outer nozzle core maintains the main direction of the feed flow in the first microchannel . to achieve the purpose of prompt microcosmic mixing , the fluids passing through the outlets of the inner nozzle core 9 and the outer nozzle core 10 have a flow rate ( v ) of 0 . 01 - 50 m / s , a volume flow ( q ) of 0 . 01 - 500 l / min and a reynolds number ( re ) of 1 , 000 - 100 , 000 . wherein re = ρvl / μ , ρ , μ and v are the density , viscosity and flow rate of the fluid respectively , l is the diameter or equivalent diameter of the cross - section of the microchannel . in some embodiments of the present invention , the outlets of the inner nozzle core ( 9 ) is substantially flush with the outer nozzle core ( 10 ) or the outlet of the inner nozzle core ( 9 ) is located inward from the outlet of the outer nozzle core ( 10 ), so as to achieve a prompt microcosmic mixing more efficiently . the device comprise a mechanical probe 8 to effectively prevent the particulate generated by mixing and precipitation from being accumulated on the nozzle core or remove the particulate from the nozzle core , so as to make sure the microchannel double - pipe device is operated normally in a continuous manner . the mechanical probe can have a solid structure or a hollow structure . in the case of the hollow structure , high - pressure nitrogen passes through the hollow structure to purge the nozzle core if desirable , so as to maintain the normal operation of the nozzle core . in the case of the solid core , the mechanical probe 8 purges the nozzle core by going downwards through the nozzle core at a determined time . the purging of the nozzle core can be carried out at a suitable rate by the mechanical probe , usually at 1 - 200 times / min . to prevent the agglutination of the particles precipitated after mixing the flows from inner and outer nozzle or to reduce the particle aggregates , an ultrasonic device 13 is mounted on the outer surface of the lower part of the circular cone collector 11 to disperse the collected suspension and prevent it from agglutination . in an embodiment , a plurality of microchannel double - pipe devices can be in parallel connection as illustrated in fig2 , so as to be used in industrial implementation and achieve a homogeneous and microcosmic mixing between the raw materials such as liquid a and liquid b . in an embodiment , liquid a and liquid b of the present invention can react to form precipitate after mixing . for example , liquid a can be a metal salt solution , liquid b can be a precipitant solution . the metal salt solution can be a solution of metal acetate , metal chloride , metal nitrate , metal phosphate , metal sulfate or metal carbonate , or a mixture thereof . the precipitant solution can be alkali solution , for example , inorganic alkali solution such as sodium hydroxide , potassium hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide , or organic alkali solution such as tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide , or a mixture thereof . in a particular embodiment , liquid a is a mixture solution of bacl2 and ticl4 , liquid b is naoh solution . the molar ratio of ba / ti in liquid a is 1 . 05 , the concentration of ti 4 + in liquid a is 0 . 5 mol / l . the concentration of oh — in liquid b is 3 . 0 mol / l . the ratio of the volume flows of liquid a and liquid b in the respective feed pipe is 1 : 1 , both has a volume flow of 20 l / h and a flow rate of 2 m / s . the temperature of the reaction is controlled at 90 ° c . by the temperature controlling jacket . the two liquids are combined and reacted in the circular cone collector 11 , and resulting suspension is drained , and filtered and dried to obtain batio 3 nano - particle product in powder form . the particle size of the batio3 particle is 30 ± 10 nm as determined by transmission electron microscope ( tem ). in an embodiment , liquid a is medicine solution and liquid b is anti - solvent . anti - solvent solution refers to a solution that the solvent therein is miscible with the solvent of the medicine solution , but the medicine solution has low or little solubility in the anti - solvent solution . therefore precipitation takes place after the mixing of the medicine solution and the anti - solvent solution duo to the change in solubility . the medicine is selected from the group consisted of : analgesics , anti - inflammatory drugs , anti - anginal drugs , anti - arrhythmic drugs , antibiotics , antiparasitics , anti - clotting drugs , antidepressants , anti - diabetic drugs , antifungal agents , antihistamines , anti - hypertensive drugs , anti - muscarinic drugs , anti - wart drugs , anti - migraine drugs , antiparasitics , anti - parkinson drugs , antipsychotics , hypnotics , sedatives , anti - stroke drugs , anti - thrombotic drugs , antitussives , antiviral drugs , beta - adrenergic receptor blockers , calcium channel blockers , vasoconstrictors , contraceptives , cortical steroids , dermatology drugs , disinfectants , diuretics , gastrointestinal drugs , systemic anesthetics , hemostatics , local anesthetics , opioid analgesics , parasympathomimetics , peptides , hormones , steroids , inducers , vasodilator , nitric oxide agents , acid , base , salt derivatives and spatial isomerism derivatives suitable for a preparation . in an embodiment , the medicine from liquid a is selected from the group consisted of : fenofibrate , cefuroxime axetil , azithromycin , lopinavir , cyclosporine , bicalutamide , megestrol acetate , levodopa , ciprofloxacin , camptothecin , danazol , naproxen , silybin , and itraconazole . in an embodiment , the solvent of the medicine solution a is one of methanol , ethanol , acetone , propanol , isopropanol or the mixture thereof . in an embodiment , one or more of additives are added to medicine solution a , anti - solvent solution b or the suspension formed after the microcosmic mixing in microchannel double - pipe device . in an embodiment , the one or more of additives added to medicine solution a , anti - solvent solution b or the suspension formed after the microcosmic mixing in microchannel double - pipe device are selected from filling agents ( diluents ), adhesives , lubricants and disintegrating agents etc . in an embodiment , the one or more of additives added to medicine solution a , anti - solvent solution b or the suspension formed after the microcosmic mixing in microchannel double - pipe device are selected from lactose , microcrystalline cellulose , mannitol , dextrin , hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose , povidone , crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose , cross - linked povidone , polyvinyl alcohol , magnesium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate etc . in a particular embodiment , the medicine solution a is obtained by dissolving fenofibrate 20 g and sodium lauryl sulfate 0 . 5 g in 200 ml ethanol . before added into the feed pipe i ( 2 ), the temperature of the medicine solution a is maintained at 35 ° c . the anti - solvent solution b is obtained by dissolving lactose 76 g , hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose - e3 2 g and sodium lauryl sulfate 1 . 5 g in 2 l water . before added into the feed pipe ii ( 3 ), the temperature of the anti - solvent solution b is maintained at 4 ° c . the ratio of the volume flows of medicine solution a and anti - solvent solution b in the respective feed pipe is 1 : 1 . the volume flow of the fenofibrate solution in the feed pipe i ( 2 ) is 2 l / hr . the flow rate of the fenofibrate solution in the feed pipe i ( 2 ) is 1 m / s . the two solutions are combined and reacted in the circular cone collector 11 , and the resulting suspension is flowed out and dried by online spray drying to obtain a powder containing fenofibrate nano - particles and additives . the particle size of the fenofibrate particles in the powder is 30 ± 10 nm as determined by tem . the fenofibrate particles in the powder are well - dispersed in the additives . the final fenofibrate powder can be used in make a preparation and improved the bioavailability of the fenofibrate preparation . | US-201013263833-A |
multispindle lathe comprising a machine frame , a spindle drum which is arranged in the machine frame , is rotatable about a spindle drum axis and is made up at least partially of segments which are cut out from flat material in a stacking direction parallel to the spindle drum axis and extend in stacking planes transverse to the stacking direction , these segments having receiving cutouts and cooling channel cutouts which overlap with one another such that the spindle drum has spindle motor receptacles for spindle motors and a cooling channel system separated therefrom by wall webs , characterized in that the cooling channel system has several channel subsystems for a liquid cooling medium which are fed in parallel . | a multispindle lathe 10 , which is illustrated in parts in fig1 , comprises a machine frame 12 , in which a spindle drum designated as a whole as 14 is mounted for rotation about a spindle drum axis 16 , wherein the rotatable mounting of the spindle drum 14 in a spindle drum receptacle 18 of the machine frame 12 is brought about by means of rotary bearings 20 and 22 arranged on the casing side of the spindle drum 14 . the spindle drum 14 comprises , as illustrated in fig2 , a plurality of spindle motor receptacles 30 which are arranged in the spindle drum 14 around the spindle drum axis 16 and pass through it over its entire length . a spindle motor , which is designated as a whole as 32 and designed as a hollow shaft motor , is seated in each of the spindle motor receptacles 30 and has a stator 34 which accommodates the stator coils as well as a rotor 36 which is arranged within the stator 34 , is seated directly on a spindle tube 38 and is mounted by this spindle tube 38 so as to be rotatable about a spindle axis 40 relative to the stator 34 . in this respect , the spindle tube 38 has , for example , on a side facing an operating space 42 a workpiece clamping device , which is not illustrated , for clamping a workpiece accommodated in the spindle tube 38 in the known manner . as illustrated , in particular , in fig3 on an enlarged scale , the spindle motor receptacle 30 passing through the spindle drum 14 comprises a forward section which forms a spindle bearing receptacle 50 and in which a forward spindle bearing 52 is seated which mounts the spindle tube 38 at a forward end area 54 facing the operating space 42 . furthermore , the spindle motor receptacle 30 comprises a section which forms a stator receptacle 60 and in which the stator 36 is seated with a stator body 62 which accommodates stator coils and is built up of stator metal sheets , wherein a casing surface 64 of the stator body 62 abuts directly on an inner wall 66 of the stator receptacle 60 of the spindle drum 14 , merely , where applicable , coupled to a heat conducting mass , in order to ensure a good transfer of heat between the stator body 62 which accommodates the stator coils of the stator 36 and the spindle drum 14 in the region of the stator receptacle 60 . the spindle tube 38 is , in addition , supported on the spindle drum 14 via a rear bearing receptacle 70 , wherein a bearing ring 72 engages , for example , in the rear bearing receptacle 70 and accommodates a rear spindle mounting 74 which mounts the spindle tube 38 at a rear end area 76 so as to be rotatable . as illustrated in fig3 to 7 , the spindle drum 14 is built up , at least in the region of the stator receptacle 60 , from a plurality of segments 80 a , 80 b and 80 c which are cut out from flat material , for example from steel plates , and stacked in a stacking direction 82 parallel to the spindle drum axis 16 and are connected to one another in a materially joined manner , for example by way of soldering , in particular hard soldering , to form a coherent body . the individual segments 80 preferably have plane parallel surfaces 84 and 86 and extend in stacking planes 88 which are at right angles to the stacking direction 82 , as also described , for example , in the european patent application ep 1 414 615 . for the purpose of forming the spindle motor receptacle 30 , the segments 80 are provided with receiving cutouts 90 which together form the spindle motor receptacle 30 in the direction of the stacking direction 82 . furthermore , for the purpose of cooling the spindle motor receptacle 30 , in particular in the region of the stator receptacle 60 , cooling cutouts 92 are provided in segments 80 a between respective receiving cutouts 90 following one another in a circumferential direction 100 ( fig4 to 7 ) while cooling cutouts 96 are provided in the segments 80 b which overlap with areas 94 of the cooling cutouts 92 located radially outwards with respect to the spindle drum axis 60 and these cooling cutouts 96 overlap in the next following segment 80 a with the areas 94 of the cooling cutouts 92 located radially outwards . furthermore , cooling cutouts 106 are provided in the segments 80 c which overlap with areas 104 located radially inwards with respect to the spindle drum 16 and so with a stack sequence of a segment 80 a , a segment 80 b , a segment 80 a and a segment 80 c as well as a following segment 80 a of a next stack sequence , a flow path 110 for a cooling medium results which extends in the segments 80 a in a direction approximately radial to the spindle drum axis 16 either with a flow path section 110 1 from the inside outwards or with a flow path section 110 3 from the outside inwards , and extends in the segment 80 b with a flow path section 110 2 and in the segment 80 c with a flow path section 110 4 approximately parallel to the spindle drum axis 16 each time so that the flow path 110 , during its overall extension in the direction of the spindle drum axis 16 , has sections which extend alternately in an axial direction 110 2 and 110 4 and in a radial direction 110 1 and 110 3 to the spindle drum axis 16 and these sections efficiently cool the adjoining segments 80 b and 80 c and the wall sections 98 located in the segments 80 a between the cutouts 90 and the cooling cutouts 92 . as a result of such a construction of the stator receptacle 60 from the segments 80 a , 80 b and 80 c described , which are located one on top of the other in the stacking direction 82 , it is possible to efficiently cool the spindle drum 14 in its wall area adjoining the stator receptacle 60 and , therefore , to efficiently discharge the heat transferred from the stator 34 to the spindle drum 14 in the region of the stator receptacle 60 . preferably , for the purpose of cooling the stator receptacle 60 , as illustrated in fig3 , a first channel subsystem 120 and a second channel subsystem 130 are provided which are arranged in intermediate spaces 118 located between the spindle motor receptacles 30 in circumferential direction and in areas 122 and 132 of the intermediate spaces 118 which follow one another in the direction of the spindle drum axis 16 , wherein the first channel subsystem 120 is arranged in an area 122 facing the forward spindle bearing receptacle 50 and adjoining the stator receptacle 60 while the second channel subsystem 130 is provided in an area 132 facing away from the spindle bearing receptacle 50 and bordering on the stator receptacle 60 . the two channel subsystems 120 and 130 are operated in parallel with cooling medium , in particular with liquid cooling medium . for this purpose , as illustrated in fig1 to 3 , an annular space 140 is provided which surrounds the spindle drum 14 on its outer side and has an annular space cover 142 engaging over it which is arranged stationarily in the machine frame 12 and adjoins sealingly on cylinder surfaces 144 and 146 of the spindle drum 14 on both sides of the annular space 140 so that liquid cooling medium supplied to the annular space 140 remains in the annular space 140 and from this annular space can enter the first channel subsystem 120 and the second channel subsystem 130 , respectively , via entry openings 124 and 134 ( fig3 ), formed by entry cutouts 150 provided in special segments 80 d ( fig6 ). proceeding from the entry cutouts 150 in the segments 80 d , the liquid cooling medium then has the possibility of entering the areas 94 of the cooling cutouts 92 in the next following segments 80 a which are located radially outwards . furthermore , the channel subsystems 120 and 130 are also provided at their ends with exit openings 126 and 136 which likewise open into an annular space 170 which surrounds the spindle drum 14 on its casing side and via which the liquid cooling medium entering this annular space 170 can run off the casing side of the spindle drum 14 in line with gravity , namely as far as a collecting receptacle 172 , from which the cooling medium will be taken up by a cooling medium pump . as illustrated in fig3 , a third channel subsystem 180 is provided in addition for the spindle bearing receptacle 50 and this is located in an area 182 in the intermediate space 118 between the bearing receptacles 50 for separately cooling the spindle drum and has an entry opening 184 for cooling medium supplied to the annular space 140 , which is located between the entry openings 124 and is likewise formed by an entry cutout 152 in the segment 80 d , as well as an outlet 186 which faces the annular space 170 for discharging the cooling medium into the annular space 170 . the third channel subsystem 180 is likewise formed by cooling cutouts 192 and 194 in segments 80 e and 80 f which are arranged in the area 182 of the intermediate space 118 and also comprises entry channels 194 which lead from the entry openings 184 to the area 182 as well as exit channels 196 which lead from the area 182 to the exit openings 186 . in order to coordinate the cooling of the spindle drum 14 by the channel subsystems 120 , 130 and 180 such that the spindle drum 14 has in all the areas 122 , 132 , 182 cooled by the channel subsystems 120 , 130 and 180 an essentially constant temperature which is essentially identical in all the areas 122 , 132 , 182 which the channel subsystems 120 , 130 and 180 pass through , the exit openings 126 of the channel subsystem 120 and the exit openings 186 of the channel subsystem 180 are provided with throttle elements 202 and 204 , respectively , which allow adjustment of the liquid cooling medium flowing out of the channel subsystem 120 and 180 , respectively , into the annular space 170 for adjusting the respective temperature . the throttle elements 202 and 204 are preferably arranged in a receiving block 200 which can be screwed onto a flange 208 of the spindle drum 14 which includes the openings 126 and 186 , namely such that the throttle elements 202 and 204 are seated directly in front of the openings 126 and 186 , respectively , and throttle the flow rate of the exiting cooling medium . | US-201213612114-A |
a system and apparatus for analyzing stack gas for total reduced sulfur . the gas is withdrawn from a stack through a probe , filtered and regulated to a known temperature . the gas is then passed through a scrubbing column to remove sulfur dioxide and split into first and second portions . the first portion is oxidized to covert total reduced sulfur compounds to so 2 , and the gas is then passed to an electrochemical sensor for so 2 which is maintained at a temperature at least equal to the temperature of the regulated gas . the second portion of the scrubbed gas is passed through an electrochemical sensor for oxygen which is maintained at substantially the same temperature as the sensor for so 2 . | as shown in fig1 the system 10 of the invention includes a probe 11 having a probe tip 12 for insertion in the stack containing the gas to be monitored . the probe 11 may be fabricated from any material compatible with the stack gases , but is usually hastelloy c - 276 for recovery boilers and hastelloy c - 276 with a teflon liner for lime kilns . at the rear end of the probe is a transition block 14 constructed of torlon which functions to connect the sample probe with heated filter 16 or with blowback valve 17 . a torlon nipple 18 connects the transition block to the heated filter 16 , which is shown in greater detail in fig2 and 2a . heated filter 16 includes a sample entrance 100 directing gas to a glass fiber filter element 102 and through sample exit port 104 in end cap 103 , also containing port 105 . the filter body 106 is manufactured from tfe teflon , and end cap 103 has a square mandrel 107 that reduces the internal volume of the filter . square mandrel 107 only touches the filter element 102 at the corners and does not appreciably reduce the available filter surface area . filter dead volume is further reduced by making the gap 108 between the filter element and the filter body as small as possible , gap 108 being approximately 0 . 050 inches . reducing the volume of the filter in this manner improves the response time of the sampling system by reducing dead volume . the filter body 106 and end cap 103 are enclosed in a heated filter housing 110 manufactured from aluminum and heated by a cartridge heater 112 with a temperature sensed by a temperature sensor 113 , both located in the heated filter housing 110 . port 105 is connected to a valve 19 , and then to a source of calibration gas 20 . exit port 104 in the heated filter is connected by way of line 22 to a heat exchanger 24 formed as an assembly with an so 2 scrubber 50 , both shown in greater detail in fig3 and 3a . the heat exchanger includes a sample entrance port 26 and a teflon exchanger tube 28 with a reservoir section 29 at the bottom thereof . the reservoir section 29 collects water condensed from the sample gas . any water collected flows out through port 30 and through a drain valve 32 . the sample flows upwardly through teflon tube 34 and out of the heat exchanger through port 36 . the temperature of the heat exchanger is controlled by the trs electronics control 38 , and may be set between 35 and 90 ° f ., preferably at 50 ° f . the filtered and dried stack gas exiting through port 36 is then split into two portions at splitter 40 . a first flow proceeds through line 42 to oxygen analyzer 44 . the remainder of the flow is directed to parallel scrubber valves 46 and 47 . the output of valve 46 is connected to input 48 of so 2 scrubber 50 while the output of valve 47 is connected to input 49 of the so 2 scrubber . so 2 scrubber 50 is formed as a unit with the heat exchanger and includes parallel scrubber columns 51 and 52 . columns 51 and 52 are teflon tubes containing the so 2 scrubber media ; forming the scrubber units in the same housing as the heat exchanger causing the sample gas flowing through the so 2 scrubber media to be at the same relative humidity and temperature as the gas leaving the heat exchanger . the high relative humidity in the so 2 scrubber columns prevents the scrubber material from drying out and thereby affecting the response time of the trs gases flowing through the scrubber . the unit is cooled by thermoelectric cooler 59 and heat is dissipated from the heat exchanger by heat sink 59 a . scrubbed sample gas flowing outwardly through column 51 exits at port 53 and is directed to a valve 54 ; scrubbed sample gas exits column 52 at port 56 and flows to a valve 57 . by appropriately energizing the valves 46 , 47 , 54 and 57 , it is possible to utilize one column for scrubbing so 2 while the other column is scrubbed of absorbed sulfur containing compounds . scrubbed sample gas is directed through line 60 to thermal oxidizer 62 , shown in greater detail in fig4 . the thermal oxidizer includes a quartz tube 120 through which the sample flows from an inlet port 122 to an outlet port 124 . the quartz tube is heated to 1200 ° f . by a low voltage tophet heater 125 . heater 125 is protected by quartz protection sleeve 126 and insulated with a ceramic fiber blanket 127 . the internal heated volume of the oxidizer is 0 . 7 cc . oxidizer temperature is sensed by thermocouple 128 which is connected to trs electronics control 38 . oxidized sample gas passes through line 64 to the so 2 electrochemical sensor 44 installed into a teflon manifold embedded into aluminum housing 68 , which also contains oxygen sensor 66 . the housing is shown in detail in fig5 and 5a , and includes a thermoelectric cooler 130 and heat sink 132 to provide a thermal path from the cooler to the outside ambient air . sensor housing 68 sits on top of a manifold 134 formed from tfe teflon and designed to reduce dead volume to a minimum . sample gas enters the o 2 cell through a port 136 and exits through a port 137 , while sample gas enters the so 2 cell at port 138 and exits through port 139 . the sensor housing includes a temperature sensor which is connected to trs electronics control 38 . the gas exiting the sensors flow through orifice protection filters 70 or 72 , and then to eductor 75 , through tubes 74 or 76 . the gas flowing through the sensors is vented at 78 . the eductor utilizes instrument gas provided for the blowback circuit through source 88 , pressure regulated by regulator 89 and gauge 90 . for scrubber back flush purposes , the circuit includes a charcoal filter 82 , potassium permanganate filter 83 , particulate filter 84 and back flush orifice 85 , which is connected to the outlet valves from the scrubber columns . after cleaning the columns , the gas is vented at port 92 , which is connected to the inlet valves for the scrubber columns . other elements of the system can also be cleaned by the instrument gas in blowback mode . in particular , the instrument gas is connected to the transition block 14 through valve 17 , and the heat exchanger through valves 93 and 94 . stack gas containing trs compounds enters the analysis system at tip 12 of probe 11 . stack gas is drawn through the probe at a flow rate of 50 cc / min , and from the probe the stack gas flows into the transition block 14 . from the transition block 14 , the gas flows through the torlon nipple 18 into filter 16 , which is heated to 300 ° f . to prevent sample loss on the glass fiber filter element . alternatively , calibration gas can enter the heated filter through valve 19 , permitting the gas to flow through the same path as the stack gas and detect any losses in the sampling system . blowback valve 17 is provided periodically to clean the probe by allowing high pressure air from inlet 88 to blow accumulated particulate matter back into the stack . this air usually has a pressure of 60 to 90 psig . from the heated filter , the filtered stack gas flows through line 22 into heat exchanger 24 , which removes the water from the stack gas to provide a dry basis measurement , as required by the epa . gas flows through the heat exchanger tubes 28 and 34 in series , connected at the bottom by a teflon liquid reservoir 29 . the heat exchanger is thermoelectrically cooled to a temperature between 35 and 90 ° f ., and preferably 50 ° f ., with control by the trs electronics control 38 . condensate collected in the heat exchanger drains into the reservoir 29 and is drained periodically through drain valve 32 . drain valve 32 can be energized automatically every 15 minutes by the trs electronics control . exchanger purge valves 93 and 94 are provided to force condensate out the drain valve during the probe blowback . blowback valve 17 , exchanger purge valve 93 and exchanger purge valve 94 and drain valve 32 are all energized simultaneously for the blowback cycle , which can last approximately 5 seconds . from the heat exchanger , the filtered and dried stack gas flows to point 40 , where the gas stream splits into two equal flows , typically 25 cc / min . because the electrochemical sensors are not flow sensitive , exact flow rates are not important and the flow rate of 25 cc / min was chosen as a good compromise between filter life , so 2 scrubber life , response time and cost to manufacture . flows between 5 and 100 cc / min can also be used depending on the application . from point 40 , a stack gas flow of 25 cc / min flows into scrubber valves 46 and 47 . with the so 2 scrubber valves de - energized , the stack gas flows through valve 47 through scrubber column 52 and through exit valve 57 into the thermal oxidizer unit . while so 2 scrubber column 52 is being used , scrubber column 51 is being back flushed to vent with filtered instrument air which enters the system at point 88 , and flows through pressure regulator 89 and gauge 90 . pressure regulator 89 is used to set the correct operating pressure of 30 psig for the sample eductor 75 used to vent the gases after analysis and the so 2 scrubber back purge orifice 85 . from the pressure regulator , the instrument air flows through the charcoal filter 82 and potassium permanganate filter 83 , provided to insure that the instrument air is scrubbed of any sulfur compounds that could conceivably contaminate the so 2 scrubber columns . the air then flows through particulate filter 84 and scrubber back flush orifice 85 , which sets the back flush flow at 250 cc / min , or ten times the normal forward flow of 25 cc / min . setting the flows in this manner insures that the so 2 scrubber column will be completely regenerated before the start of each measurement cycle . after 15 minutes , the trs electronics control 38 automatically energizes all four scrubber valves 46 , 47 , 54 and 57 simultaneously , causing column 51 to become the active column and column 52 to go into the back flush mode . the trs electronics control 38 also causes a 5 second blowback / heat exchange purge cycle at the time of scrubber switching . the control holds both analyzer outputs constant for three minutes after a blowback / purge cycle . the so 2 scrubber is located in the same aluminum housing as the heat exchanger such that the stack gas leaving the heat exchanger has a dew point of 50 ° f . or a relative humidity of 100 % at 50 ° f . if the so 2 scrubber were allowed to operate at prevailing ambient temperatures between − 20 ° f . and 122 ° f ., the scrubber columns would be getting wetter at temperatures below 50 ° f . and drier at temperatures above 50 ° f . precise control of the so 2 temperature and humidity is a key factor to obtaining a reliable and accurate output from the trs analyzer . by installing the so 2 scrubber in the same block as the heat exchanger , the so 2 scrubber is kept under the correct moisture conditions that allow efficient scrubbing of so 2 without losing the trs compounds . the scrubber material must be acidic to allow the passage of the trs gases . it is desirable to operate the scrubber in the range of 50 to 100 % relative humidity to maintain the correct scrubber ph and prevent the loss of trs gases on the scrubber material . operating the so 2 scrubber in this manner eliminates the need to add distilled water to the analyzer on a weekly basis , and eliminating the distilled water reservoir also eliminates the need for heating the enclosure to prevent the water from freezing . controlling the so 2 scrubber temperature will also give much more consistent output than existing systems that allow the scrubber temperature to vary with the enclosure temperature . from the so 2 scrubber , the filtered , dried and scrubbed stack gas flows to thermal oxidizer 62 , which operates at a temperature of 1200 ° f . the thermal oxidizer tube 120 is made of quartz glass and is generally of dimensions 0 . 250 inches od × 0 . 150 inches id × 4 inches long . the operating temperature of 1200 ° f . is much lower than the temperatures of the conventional oxidizers , which operate between 1600 and 2200 ° f ., the higher temperatures being necessary due to the higher flow rates . operating the thermal oxidizer at 1200 ° f . allows the thermal oxidizer heater element to have a much longer operating life than higher temperature oxidizers and this benefit is made possible by the lower flow rates possible with electrochemical sensors . from the thermal oxidizer , the converted stack gas flows to the so 2 electrochemical sensor 66 installed in the teflon manifold embedded into the aluminum housing . the aluminum housing is thermoelectrically temperature controlled to 65 ° f ., with the temperature being sensed and controlled by the trs electronics control 38 which is adjustable between 35 and 90 ° f . both the heat exchanger temperature control and the sensor temperature control can heat or cool as required to maintain the set temperature . maintaining the heat exchanger at 50 ° f . and the sensors at 65 ° f . causes the stack gas flowing to the so 2 sensor to be at a constant relative humidity of approximately 50 %. this relative humidity insures that the sensors do not dry out while also insuring that the stack gas is dry enough to prevent condensation on the sensor membrane . the heat exchanger and sensor temperatures may be set to achieve any controlled humidity level between 10 and 100 %, as desired . controlling the sensor to a constant temperature also has the added benefit of eliminating the temperature related drift of the electrochemical sensor . controlling both the electrochemical sensor temperature and humidity is the key to long term analyzer stability and low maintenance . from the output of the so 2 sensor , the stack gas flows through orifice protection filter 72 and to eductor 75 and to vent at point 78 . the stack gas at point 40 flows in a parallel circuit to the oxygen sensor 44 which is also an electrochemical sensor . the relative humidity of the gas stream and temperature of the o 2 sensor is maintained and controlled in the same manner as the so 2 sensor . from the o 2 sensor , the stack gas flows through orifice protection filter 70 and through sample eductor 75 to vent at point 78 . the preceding description has described a method of sample conditioning and temperature control that allows electrochemical sensors to accurately and reliably measure trs and o 2 . this method would also enhance the operation of electrochemical sensors measuring many gases such as h 2 s , co , no , no 2 , cl 2 , hcn , hcl and nh 3 . due to the gas cross - sensitivity problems associated with electrochemical sensors , different gas scrubbers or filters would need to be used , but the basic method of humidity and temperature control could be applied to all the sensors mentioned above . | US-32852194-A |
a disposable ashtray for use on an open pop top beverage can . the tray is formed out of a flat blank of an aluminized paper sheet that has been scored to define a floor and erectable side walls for the tray . the floor is formed with a passage to matingly receive the actuator tab of the pop top can and a perforated score line defining a key tab portion that is displaced out of the plane of the floor to penetrate through the drink opening of the can . | while the invention will be explained in detail , it is to be understood that it is not limited in its application to the materials , the details of construction , and the arrangements of the components set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings . the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways . also , it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting . the drawings show a merely exemplary embodiment of a pop top beverage can 10 . this can may be made of a spun or drawn metal , e . g ., aluminum , and has a cylindrical side wall 12 , a flat or sometimes inwardly dimpled bottom wall 14 , and a top wall 16 that may be recessed slightly relative to a top circumferential flange or bead . the top 16 has a &# 34 ; pop top &# 34 ; opener mechanism and as such may , for example , have a raised integrally formed rib 18 of a generally horseshoe shaped configuration surrounding a frangible line 20 , the opposite ends of which terminate at opposite ends of a straight bend line 22 . upon actuation of the pop top opener a tab portion 20a of the can top 16 , embraced by the line 20 , is severed from the balance of the top and bent inwardly into the interior of the can leaving a drink opening 20b . for that purpose the top of the can is fitted with an actuator handle , designated generally at 24 , an inner end portion of which is secured to the can top 16 by means of a fastener or rivet 26 . the fastener 26 extends through a semi - circular rivet tab portion 28 of the actuator handle 24 , the tab 28 being separated from the body of the member 24 along a line 30 , of substantially semi - circular form , when an outer end loop 32 of the handle is lifted away from its normal position lying against the top 16 . thus , initial lifting of the actuator 24 causes an innermost end 34 of the actuator to open the can by tearing the tab 20a , enclosed by the tear line 20 , downwardly and away from the can top after which , if desired , the now erect ring portion 32 of the actuator may be turned back in the opposite direction . as stated , the particular configuration of can 10 illustrated in the drawings is merely exemplary and the ashtray of this invention is not limited in use to the specific embodiment of can illustrated . rather , the invention is usable with any type of can , jug or container in which an opening can be formed in the top , cover or lid by means of an adjacent handle which , after actuation , can be left disposed at some angle relative to the plane of the top of the can . the ashtray comprises a thin flat blank 40 which preferably has the planform of fig2 . the blank 40 may be made of any sheet material , e . g ., aluminum foil or paperboard , which is resistant to ignition by the burning end of a cigar or cigarette , of sufficient thickness to be self - supporting in flat configuration , and of a sufficiently inelastic or stiff material to be essentially permanently or semi - permanently deformable into a cuplike shape , e . g ., like that illustrated in fig3 . in its preferred form the blank 40 takes the form of a 10 or 12 point paper sheet material which is laminated on both sides with aluminum foil to have a 12 to 14 point finished gauge of thickness . preferably , the blank 40 is die cut into the essentially square configuration shown in fig2 comprising four orthogonally related straight edges 42 , adjacent ends of which are joined by a relatively short 45 ° cut corner 44 . on one face , the blank is formed with four crush scorelines 46 each of which is parallel to the corresponding or adjacent outer edge 42 . the four scorelines 46 together define a centrally disposed square 48 adapted to serve as the floor or bottom of the ashtray when it is fully formed and , preferably , large enough in area to fully cover the top of the can 10 . preferably , and assuming approximately a 31 / 2 &# 34 ; dimension across the blank 40 , each of the crush scorelines 46 may be spaced on the order of 5 / 8 &# 34 ; from the adjacent edge 42 . in each corner area of the blank 40 another short crush scoreline 50 extends from a corner of the square area 48 outwardly to the center of the corresponding cut corner 44 . the area bounded by a pair of lines 50 , a line 46 and an edge 42 defines one of four similar sidewalls 52 on the ashtray . at about the center of the floor portion 48 of the blank 40 , a passage means , which may take the form of a narrow slit 54 , is cut through the material of the blank of a length about the same as the width of the widest portion of the actuator handle 24 of the can 10 to be passed therethrough . preferably , this slit is sufficiently narrow that its opposite long edges will snugly engage opposite sides of the actuator handle 24 . while a through slit , slot or cut 54 is preferred the passage means could also , perhaps , take the form of a perforated score . however , a through slit , having a width defined by the kerf of the cutting tool or punch , is preferred as being easier to mount on the actuator handle 24 . parallel to the slit 54 , and spaced therefrom on the order of approximately 1 / 4 &# 34 ; in the illustrated case , is a crush scoreline 56 , of substantially the same length as the slit 54 , whose opposite ends terminate at opposite ends of an arcuate perforated scoreline 58 disposed on the opposite side of the score 56 from the slot 54 . the area bounded by the scoreline 56 and score 58 comprises a key tab or lock tab 60 , whose configuration may be substantially that of the tab 20a bounded by the frangible line 20 of the can top 16 , or approximately so . it will be understood that the contour defined by the scoreline 58 should be such that when the key tab 60 is depressed downwardly out of the plane of the ashtray bottom 48 , pivoting on hinge score 56 as shown in fig4 that the opposite side edges of the tab 60 , where it intersects the plane of the can top 16 , engage opposite sides of the opening 20b made in the top of the can after it has been opened . the can 10 is opened in the usual manner by means of raising the loop handle 32 of the actuator 24 away from contact with top 16 . as a result the can tab 20a is torn out of the plane of the can top 16 to bend on line 22 and protrude downwardly through opening 20b into the interior of the can , as indicated in fig4 . when the contents of the can have been consumed , or substantially so , it provides a convenient fireproof receptacle into which the ashes of tobacco products , cigarette and cigar butts , and other burning or burnable material , such as matches of paper and wood , may be disposed , especially if a portion of the liquid product or added water is held at the bottom of the can . assuming the can 10 to be in readiness for use as a container for such waste , the actuator handle 24 can be adjusted to any desired convenient angle relative to the top of the can 16 such that the slot 54 of a blank 40 can be mounted thereon . it will be understood that in mounting the ashtray onto the container 10 by means of the slot 54 the blank 40 should be oriented such that its tearable tab or key lock portion 60 overlies the opening 20b which has been made in the can . the tray is then moved downwardly along the actuator 24 until its bottom or floor 48 abuts the the upper end of the can 10 . in the illustrated case , with the particular exemplary embodiments of the ashtray and can illustrated , the floor of the ashtray seats on the upper end rim of the can 10 in slightly spaced relation above the recessed top 16 of the can . however , it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to a square planform and could be devised with an accordian pleated wall surrounding a circular floor portion adapted to seat directly on top 16 of the can . in any event , after the ashtray has been seated in place its key tab 60 is manually severed , for example by thumb pressure along the line 58 , to be folded into the penetrating position illustrated in fig4 . thereafter , if not previously accomplished , the side walls 52 of the ashtray are manually erected by folding along the crush scorelines 46 thus creating an upwardly concave trough 62 in each corner of the ashtray adapted to securely hold a burning cigarette , for example . it will also be observed that the now upstanding loop end 32 of the actuator 24 provides a convenient means for knocking ashes off of the end of the burning tobacco product or as a rest for the lit end of the product . assuming the condition of fig4 and , further , that no liquid is within the can 10 so that a lighted cigarette could remain burning after having been discarded into the can , the tab 60 provides a means of sufficiently impeding the flow of air into the can to ensure that a burning cigarette or the like would be extinguished notwithstanding the absence of any liquid . more specifically , the tab 24 can be turned to a more erect upstanding position such that the ashtray can be lifted sufficiently to expose the downwardly bent tab 60 which can then be manually turned back into the plane of the ashtray floor 48 . thereafter , the ashtray can be reseated back onto the top of the can 10 and , due to the area of the floor 48 and the tab 60 being in a closed condition , will sufficiently restrict the flow of fresh air into the can such that the burning cigarette will be extinguished and the escape of noxious fumes from the can will be stopped . it will be seen that the combination of the mating engagement of the actuator 24 with the slot 54 of the ashtray and the penetration of the tab 60 into the interior of the can provide a very safe and secure interconnection between the two items preventing any significant displacement of the ashtray relative to the can . in that connection it will be observed from fig4 that the actuator 24 can be pressed towards the can top 16 in order to clamp one edge of the slot 54 in the ashtray floor 48 between the underside of the actuator 24 and the upper surface of the can top 16 or top surface of the actuator tab portion 28 . at any time , the ashes , cigarette and the disposable ashtray itself can be inserted into the opening 20b to totally conceal all evidence of smoking . a small amount of drinkable product or water within the can will ensure immediate smokeless dousing of the ashes and cigarette or the like . | US-82001786-A |
the present invention relates to a specific process in which wool is initially subjected to a plasma treatment and then to a wet chemical treatment with a finishing agent , which provides nonfelting wool in a technically simple and easily handleable manner . | the plasma treatment of the wool in step ( a ) of the process of the invention is effected either as a low temperature plasma treatment at reduced pressure or as a corona treatment at normal pressure . the low temperature plasma treatment is extensively described in de 196 16 776 c1 ( counterpart of u . s . pat . no . 6 , 103 , 068 , hereby expressly incorporated by reference ). the wool is exposed to a radiofrequency discharge of a frequency of 1 khz to 3 ghz and a power density of 0 . 003 to 3 w / cm 3 at a pressure of 10 − 2 to 10 mbar for a period of 1 to 600 sec in the presence or absence of non - polymerizing gases . the process is preferably carried out under a pressure of 0 . 1 to 1 mbar and for a period of 2 to 5 minutes . the actual low temperature plasma is generated by feeding in electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of 1 khz to 3 ghz . in a preferred variant , the low temperature plasma is generated via a microwave discharge of 1 to 3 ghz ( the power density at the outcoupling is especially 0 . 1 to 15 w / cm 2 ). the electromagnetic radiation can be supplied continuously or pulsed . a pulsed high frequency discharge having a pulsing frequency of up to 10 khz is especially advantageous . when non - polymerizing gases are additionally used as plasma process gases , they are introduced into the plasma treatment space at a flow rate of up to 200 l / h . useful non - polymerizing gases are in particular oxygen , nitrogen , noble gases , especially argon , air , or mixtures thereof . the design and construction of a low temperature plasma reactor are known . preference is given to using an electrodeless reactor having an outcoupling for microwaves . the wool to be treated is preferably placed underneath the outcoupling unit . the distance of the wool from the outcoupling unit is preferably 1 to 30 cm , especially 2 to 10 cm . after the wool to be treated has been introduced into the reactor , the reactor is suitably evacuated with vacuum pumps in such a way that the pressure during the plasma treatment is in the range of 10 − 2 to 10 mbar , preferably 0 . 1 to 1 mbar . a continuous flow - through operation is preferably carried out by applying specific vacuum locks that make it possible for the material to enter and exit without leakage . alternatively to this embodiment of the low temperature plasma treatment under low pressure , the wool can also be subjected to a corona treatment at a pressure in the range of 100 mbar to 1 . 5 bar , preferably at atmospheric pressure . the corona treatment is described in detail in de - a 198 587 36 ( counterpart of u . s . pat . no . 6 , 242 , 059 , hereby incorporated by reference ). the corona treatment subjects the wool to a high frequency discharge having a power density of customarily 0 . 01 to 5 ws / cm 2 for a period of 1 to 60 seconds ( preferably 2 to 40 seconds , particularly 3 to 30 seconds ) in the presence or absence of non - polymerizing gases . suitable non - polymerizing gases are air , oxygen , nitrogen , noble gases , or mixtures thereof . the actual plasma is generated by applying an alternating voltage of 1 to 20 kv in the frequency range between 1 khz to 1 ghz ( preferably 1 to 100 khz ) to electrodes , one or both poles being provided with an insulator material . the alternating voltage can be supplied either continuously or with individual pulses or with pulse trains and pauses in between . the design and apparatus configurations of a corona reactor are known and described , for example , in de - a 197 31 562 . the corona treatment is preferably carried out via electric discharges in the atmospheric pressure region , for which the wool to be treated is initially introduced into a sealed , tight treatment housing , charged there with the working gas , i . e ., the above - mentioned non - polymerizing gas , and subsequently exposed to an electric barrier discharge in a gap between the two treatment electrodes . the distance of the wool material from the treatment electrodes is 0 to 15 mm , preferably 0 . 1 to 5 mm , particularly 0 . 3 to 2 mm . the treatment electrodes are preferably constructed as rotatable rolls either or both of which are coated with electrically refractory dielectric material . performing the corona treatment at a pressure in the range from 100 mbar to 1 . 5 bar , preferably at atmospheric pressure , has the advantage over the low pressure plasma treatment at 10 − 2 to 10 mbar that the equipment needed is very much less complicated than in the case of the low pressure treatment . vacuum pumps are not required , nor is it necessary to fit special vacuum locks . the special effect of the plasma treatment in step ( a ) of the process of the invention might be explained as follows . the liquid present in the fiber desorbs from the fiber surface as water vapor / gas during the process . high energy electrons , ions , and also highly excited neutral molecules or radicals are formed and act on the surface of the fiber , the water vapor desorbed from the fiber ensuring that particularly reactive particles are formed in the immediate vicinity of the respective fiber surface and these particularly reactive particles act on the surface . following the plasma treatment in step ( a ) of the process according to the invention , the wool is treated in step ( b ) with an aqueous solution of cationic polyurethanes . these cationic polyurethanes have a weight average molecular weight of at least 14 , 000 , preferably at least 16 , 000 , particularly preferably at least 18 , 000 , especially at least 20 , 000 . the upper limit of the molecular weight is customarily 200 , 000 , preferably 180 , 000 , particularly preferably 150 , 000 . p is from 1 . 5 to 5 , and q is an organic radical , and ( ii ) one or more bis - and / or polyhydroxy compounds containing at least one tertiary nitrogen atom and at least two hydroxyl groups , wherein the cationic character of the polyurethane is generated by subsequent protonation or alkylation of the tertiary nitrogen atoms . optionally , the cationic polyurethanes used according to the invention are prepared by additionally using ( iii ) one or more bis - and / or polyhydroxy compounds that contain no nitrogen atoms and have molecular weights of 62 to 5 , 000 . useful organic polyisocyanates ( i ) of the general formula ( i ) where q and p are each as defined above and include , for example , the following three types : ( 1 ) aliphatic , cycloaliphatic , araliphatic , and aromatic polyisocyanates , ( 2 ) aliphatic , cycloaliphatic , araliphatic , and aromatic polyisocyanates that contain isocyanurate and / or uretidione and / or allophanate and / or biuret and / or oxadiazine structures , and ( 3 ) isocyanate prepolymers that are obtainable by reaction of aliphatic , cycloaliphatic , araliphatic , and aromatic diisocyanates and polyesters and / or polyethers . the aliphatic , cycloaliphatic , araliphatic , and aromatic polyisocyanates ( 2 ) with isocyanurate and / or uretidione and / or allophanate and / or biuret and / or oxadiazine structures are preparable according to conventional prior art processes from corresponding aliphatic , cyclo - aliphatic , araliphatic , and aromatic diisocyanates . the isocyanate prepolymers ( 3 ) are reaction products of aliphatic , cycloaliphatic , araliphatic , and aromatic diisocyanates and polyesters and / or polyethers , which optionally may contain unconverted , free polyisocyanates . illustrative examples of aliphatic , cycloaliphatic , araliphatic , and aromatic diisocyanates useful as type ( 1 ) or for preparing types ( 2 ) and ( 3 ) are 1 , 4 - diisocyanatobutane , 1 , 6 - diisocyanatohexane , 1 , 5 - diisocyanato - 2 , 2 - dimethylpentane , 2 , 2 , 4 - trimethyl - 1 , 6 - diisocyanatohexane , 1 , 3 - and 1 , 4 - diisocyanatocyclohexane , 1 - isocyanato - 1 - methyl - 4 - isocyanatomethylcyclo - hexane , 4 , 4 ′- diisocyanatocyclohexylmethane , 2 , 4 - and 2 , 6 - diisocyanato - 1 - methylbenzene , 4 , 4 ′- diisocyanatodiphenylmethane , or any mixtures of these diisocyanates . preferred examples of modified diisocyanates ( 2 ) are trimerization products of hexamethylene diisocyanate and of its biuret - based derivatives , mixtures of the uretidione and the trimerization products of hexamethylene diisocyanate , and the uretidione of toluene diisocyanate . preferred examples of the isocyanate prepolymers ( 3 ) are reaction products of toluene diisocyanate or of hexamethylene diisocyanate with polyhydric alcohols , for example , of toluene diisocyanate with trimethylol - propane . preference is given to organic polyisocyanates of the general formula ( i ) p is from 1 . 5 to 5 ( especially 2 ), and q is an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 18 ( especially 6 to 10 ) carbon atoms , a cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 4 to 15 ( especially 5 to 10 ) carbon atoms , an aromatic hydrocarbon radical having 6 to 15 ( preferably 6 to 13 ) carbon atoms , or an araliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 8 to 15 ( preferably 8 to 13 ) carbon atoms . preferred bis - and / or polyhydroxy compounds ( ii ) are those of the general formula ( ii ) n and m are independently from 1 to 6 , r 1 is in each case independently hydrogen or a straight - chain or branched c 1 – c 4 - alkyl radical wherein , along the ( chr 1 ) n and ( chr 1 ) m alkylene chains , r 1 can alternately from carbon atom to carbon atom be not only hydrogen but also a straight - chain or branched c 1 – c 4 - alkyl radical , and r 2 is straight - chain or branched c 1 – c 10 - alkyl ( especially c 1 – c 6 - alkyl ), c 1 – c 10 - cycloalkyl ( especially c 5 – c 6 - cycloalkyl ), c 6 – c 12 - aryl ( especially phenyl ), or a — ch 2 ) r — oh radical in which r is from 1 to 6 . illustrative examples of bis - and / or polyhydroxy compounds ( ii ) of the general formula ( ii ) are n - methyldiethanolamine , n - ethyldiethanolamine , n - butyldiethanolamine , n - methyldipentanolamine - 1 , 5 , n - ethyldipentanolamine - 1 , 5 , triethanolamine , reaction products of fatty amines with two moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide or alkoxylation products of the aforementioned compounds , preferably of tris [ 2 -( 2 - hydroxyethoxy ) ethyl ] amine . illustrative examples of bis - and / or polyhydroxy compounds ( iii ) that contain no nitrogen atoms and have molecular weights of 62 to 5 , 000 are ethylene glycol , propanediol - 1 , 2 , propanediol - 1 , 3 , butanediol - 1 , 4 , butanediol - 1 , 3 , butanediol - 2 , 3 , butanediol - 1 , 2 , butenediol - 1 , 4 , butynediol - 1 , 4 , pentanediol - 1 , 5 , neopentyl glycol , hexanediol - 2 , 5 , hexanediol - 1 , 6 , 3 - methylpentanediol - 1 , 5 , 2 , 5 - dimethylhexane - 2 , 5 - diol , octadecanediol - 1 , 12 , diethylene glycol , dipropylene glycol , triethylene glycol , tripropylene glycol , tetraethylene glycol , tetrapropylene glycol , and also further higher polyethylene and polypropylene glycols , glycerol , trimethylolpropane , 2 - hydroxymethyl - 2 - methyl - 1 , 3 - propanediol , 1 , 2 , 6 - hexanetriol , or pentaerythritol . it is further possible to use polyethers and polyesters having a weight average molecular weight of up to 5 , 000 ( preferably up to 3 , 000 , particularly preferably up to 2 , 000 ) as component ( iii ). polyethers are obtainable from the above - mentioned bis - and / or polyhydroxy compounds as starter molecules by reaction with ethylene oxide , propylene oxide , and / or butylene oxide according to known processes of the prior art . polyesters are likewise obtainable from the above - mentioned bis - and / or polyhydroxy compounds , namely by esterification with industrially available di - or tricarboxylic acids according to known processes of the prior art . p is from 1 . 5 to 5 ( especially 2 ), and q is an aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 18 ( especially 6 to 10 ) carbon atoms , a cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 4 to 15 ( especially 5 to 10 ) carbon atoms , an aromatic hydrocarbon radical having 6 to 15 ( preferably 6 to 13 ) carbon atoms , or an araliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 8 to 15 ( preferably 8 to 13 ) carbon atoms , and ( ii ) bis - and / or polyhydroxy compounds ( ii ) of the general formula ( ii ) n and m are independently from 1 to 6 and are especially identical and from 1 to 3 , r 1 is in each case independently hydrogen or a straight - chain or branched c 1 – c 4 - alkyl radical wherein , along the ( chr 1 ) n and ( chr 1 ) m alkylene chains , r 1 can alternately from carbon atom to carbon atom be not only hydrogen but also a straight - chain or branched c 1 – c 4 - alkyl radical , and r 2 is straight - chain or branched c 1 – c 10 - alkyl ( especially c 1 – c 6 - alkyl ), c 1 – c 10 - cycloalkyl ( especially c 5 – c 6 - cycloalkyl ), c 6 – c 12 - aryl ( especially phenyl ), or a —( ch 2 ) r — oh radical in which r is from 1 to 6 , especially from 1 to 3 , and the cationic character of the polyurethanes is generated by subsequent protonation or alkylation of the tertiary nitrogen atoms . very particular preference is given to using in step ( b ) of the process according to the invention cationic polyurethanes obtained by reaction of ( i ) 2 , 4 - toluene diisocyanate or 2 , 6 - toluene diisocyanate or mixtures of these isomers with ( ii ) n - methyl - or n - butyldiethanolamine , wherein the cationic character is generated by treating the reaction products with one of the acids hydrochloric acid , sulfuric acid , formic acid , acetic acid , or propionic acid . to prepare the cationic polyurethanes to be used in step ( b ) of the process according to the invention , the bis - and / or polyhydroxy compounds ( ii ) and optionally ( iii ) are customarily initially charged in an aprotic auxiliary solvent . it is advantageous to choose the amount of polyhydroxy compounds ( ii ) and optionally ( iii ) in such a way as to still obtain a readily processible cationic polymer . illustrative examples of aprotic solvents for the reaction are alkyl ether acetates , glycol diesters , toluene , carboxylic esters , acetone , methyl ethyl ketone , tetrahydrofuran , dimethylformamide , and n - methylpyrrolidone . this initially charged solution then has added to it the organic polyisocyanate ( i ) with stirring . excesses of organic polyisocyanate must be avoided in the process , since this leads to undesirable secondary reactions due to the presence of a multiplicity of tertiary amine structures from the components ( ii ) and optionally ( iii ). conventional catalysts such as dibutyltin dilaurate , tin ( li ) octoate , or 1 , 4 - diazabicyclo [ 2 . 2 . 2 ] octane and / or further compounds containing tertiary nitrogen or tin and also optionally bismuth compounds or other customary polyurethane chemistry catalysts in amounts of 10 to 1 , 000 ppm , based on the reaction components , can be used to speed up the reaction . the reaction is carried out in the temperature range up to 130 ° c ., preferably in the range from 20 to 80 ° c . the upper limit of the reaction temperature is set by the boiling point of the solvent ; it can be advantageous to conduct the reaction under evaporative cooling . the reaction is monitored by determining the nco content by titration or by measurement of the ir spectra and evaluation of the nco band at 2260 to 2275 cm − 1 toward the end of the reaction and is complete when the isocyanate content is not more than 0 . 1 % by weight above the value that is obtained at complete conversion under the given stoichiometry or when the nco band has disappeared . it is advantageous for the molar ratio of component ( i ) to component ( ii ) plus optional component ( iii ) to be set in such a way as to have an approximately stoichiometric ratio of the nco and oh end groups present . the polyurethanes are customarily rendered cationic in one of the following two ways : first , it is possible to dilute the solution of the polyurethane as prepared with an aqueous acid after the reaction . useful acids include , for example , hydrochloric acid , sulfuric acid , formic acid , acetic acid , or propionic acid . formic acid and acetic acid are preferred . this addition of an acid protonates the tertiary nitrogen atoms from component ( ii ) and , if used , component ( iii ). it is customary to use a stoichiometric amount of acid , based on the nitrogen atoms , so that ideally complete protonation is obtained . the solvent is then distilled off until the theoretical solids content is obtained . on the other hand , it is also possible for the polyurethane prepared as described above to be converted into a polyurethane having permanent cationic charges by partial or complete alkylation . this can be accomplished according to conventional processes directly following preparation , either in organic solution or else in the aqueous state . the alkylating agents used are preferably methyl chloride , methyl iodide , dimethyl sulfate , or methyl p - toluenesulfonate . in step ( b ) of the process according to the invention the aqueous dispersion of the cationic polyurethane is applied to the wool at a ph of 2 to 7 , preferably 3 to 6 , particularly preferably 4 to 6 and especially 4 . 5 to 5 . 5 . the application temperature is customarily in the range from 20 to 80 ° c ., preferably from 30 to 70 ° c ., particularly preferably from 30 to 60 ° c . the concentration of the aqueous dispersion of the cationic polyurethane , based on the solids content of polyurethane , in the finishing liquor is 0 . 5 to 75 g / l , preferably 1 to 50 g / l . the treatment with the aqueous solution of cationic polyurethanes of the wool in step ( a ) is effected according to customary processes of the prior art . suitable is , for example , a batchwise method by the exhaust process or a continuous method by dipping , roll application , padding , application of a mist or spray , or backwasher application optionally using dyeing machines , stirrers , and the like to agitate the treatment liquor . the liquor ratio can be chosen within wide limits and can be within the range of ( 20 to 5 ): 1 , preferably ( 10 to 5 ): 1 . unexpectedly , the cationic polyurethanes are very quick to exhaust onto the wool in step ( b ) of the process according to the invention . this is all the more surprising as , at the slightly acidic ph customarily used for the aqueous liquor , the wool itself has a cationically charged surface , whereby the cationic polyurethanes should actually be repelled , which would result in worse exhaustion characteristics for the polyurethanes . the treatment in step ( b ) is optionally followed by a further after - treatment step ( c ) in which the wool is treated with further auxiliaries and additives . useful such auxiliaries and additives include , for example , flow control agents , levelling agents , surfactants , deaerators , wetting agents , distancing agents , exhaustion auxiliaries , and fixatives . the cationic polyurethanes used in the process of the invention have incomparably better stability in aqueous dispersion than the self - dispersing isocyanates known from de - a 198 587 34 and de - a 198 587 36 . the corresponding dispersions therefore have far longer use lives and can be prepared and utilized with long lead times . the present invention further provides the nonfelting wool , characterized in that the wool ( a ) is exposed to a plasma in a pretreatment , and ( b ) treated with an aqueous dispersion of cationic polyurethanes . the two steps ( a ) and ( b ) are subject to the above remarks for the process . the wool used in the process of the invention may be selected from a very wide range of wool materials , for example , raw wool after the raw wool wash , dyed or undyed wool slubbing , dyed or undyed wool yarn , roving , drawn - loop knits , formed - loop knits , wovens , or cloths . the water content of the wool is customarily 4 to 40 % by weight , preferably 5 to 30 % by weight , particularly preferably 6 to 25 % by weight , especially 8 to 15 % by weight . the wool of the present invention , finished with cationic polyurethanes , differs substantially from wool finished with self - dispersing isocyanates . the self - dispersing isocyanates known from de - a 198 587 34 and de - a 198 587 36 are compounds that are located in the low molecular weight range and are prepared , for example , by reaction of organic diisocyanates such as diisocyanatobutane with monofunctional polyalkylene oxide alcohols , amines , or thiols . these self - dispersing isocyanates crosslink on the surface of the wool in the presence of water . the nco end groups of the polyisocyanates react with the water to detach co 2 and to form longer chains through formation of urea moieties as bridge members between pairs of isocyanate molecules . the crosslinked longer chains thus have relatively many urea moieties and only very few urethane bonds . by contrast , polyurethanes having the stated high molecular weights have a very large number of urethane bonds in the main chain . due to the higher molecular weights , the end group concentration is relatively low and the end groups themselves are difficult to access . crosslinking of the small number of nco end groups possibly present under the influence of water is therefore hardly likely . the following examples further illustrate details for the process of this invention . the invention , which is set forth in the foregoing disclosure , is not to be limited either in spirit or scope by these examples . those skilled in the art will readily understand that known variations of the conditions of the following procedures can be used . unless otherwise noted , all temperatures are degrees celsius and all percentages are percentages by weight . 174 . 5 g of toluene diisocyanate ( mixture of 2 , 4 - and 2 , 6 - isomer in a ratio of 20 : 80 ; 1 . 003 mol ) are added to a solution of 119 . 2 g of n - methyl - diethanolamine in 250 g of acetone at room temperature over the course of 1 . 5 hours . an infrared spectrum is then recorded to check if there are still any free isocyanate groups left over . if this is not the case , 707 g of water and 60 g of glacial acetic acid are added as a mixture . this results in the formation of a homogeneous clear liquid , from which the solvent is distilled . the distillation is terminated once the solids content is 29 %. 168 . 8 g of toluene diisocyanate ( mixture of 2 , 4 - and 2 , 6 - isomer in a ratio of 20 : 80 ; 0 . 97 mol ) are added to a solution of 119 . 2 g of n - methyl - diethanolamine in 250 g of acetone at room temperature over the course of 1 . 5 hours . an infrared spectrum is then recorded to check if there are still any free isocyanate groups left over . if this is not the case , 696 g of water and 60 g of glacial acetic acid are added as a mixture . this results in the formation of a homogeneous clear liquid , from which the solvent is distilled . the distillation is terminated once the solids content is 29 %. 168 . 5 g of hexamethylene diisocyanate ( 1 . 003 mol ) are added to a solution of 59 . 6 g of n - methyldiethanolamine ( 0 . 5 mol ) and 31 . 1 g of ethylene glycol in 250 g of acetone at reflux temperature over the course of 1 . 5 hours . an infrared spectrum is then recorded to check if there are still any free isocyanate groups left over . if this is not the case , 580 g of water and 31 . 3 g of glacial acetic acid are added as a mixture . this results in the formation of a homogeneous clear liquid , from which the solvent is distilled . the distillation is terminated once the solids content is 30 . 9 %. 85 parts by weight of an isocyanate having an nco content of 22 . 5 % and consisting essentially of trimeric hexamethylene diisocyanate are reacted at 60 ° c . with 15 parts by weight of a polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether having an average molecular weight of 350 . the resultant product has an nco content of 17 % and a viscosity of 1 , 500 mpas at 25 ° c . the product is very efficiently dispersible in a water - filled glass beaker simply by stirring with a glass rod . the arithmetic nco functionality is f is 2 . 70 . moist wool slubbing is initially subjected to a corona treatment for which the following parameters are observed : frequency : 23 . 0 hz roll gap : 0 . 8 mm air supply : 400 . 0 l / min pulse full - cycles on : 2 pulse full - cycles off : 8 spread : 1 : 2 forward feed rate : 10 m / min power : 780 w the moist wool slubbing pretreated according to step ( a ) is treated by the exhaust process with a solution of the above - described polyurethanes that is buffered to ph 5 via an acetic acid / acetate buffer . when the self - dispersing isocyanate is used , a similar procedure is carried out at a ph 7 , set using a phosphate buffer . the slubbing is prewetted in warm water and whirled to spin off excess water . the finishing bath of warm water at 40 ° c . is admixed with 2 % ( solid , based on the wool weight in the dry state ) of the respective polyurethanes while observing a liquor ratio of 20 : 1 . the wool remains in the bath for 20 minutes and is then removed , squeezed off , washed three times manually with water in a beaker , again squeezed off , and suspended from a line to dry . after drying , the wool is subjected to the aachen felting ball test of iwto standard 20 – 69 . the results are summarized below in table 1 : in comparative example 5 , the aachen felting ball test is measured on the wool following a plasma treatment only , i . e ., after the step ( a ) described above for inventive examples 1 to 3 and comparative example 4 has been carried out . in comparative example 6 , the wool is exclusively treated with the self - dispersing isocyanate according to the step ( b ) treatment described above for comparative example 4 and then subjected to the aachen felting ball test . a comparison of the felt densities , which are likewise measurable in the aachen felting ball test , for the different pre - and aftertreatments of the wool stubbing is contained in table 2 : | US-68831903-A |
a perpendicular magnetic recording head is fabricated with a multi - level tapered write pole . the write pole comprises a main pole with a tapered tip on a leading edge or a trailing edge , on which is formed at least one yoke that has a tapered edge . the edge of the yoke is recessed from the abs of the main pole , giving the head a stepped profile . the yoke can be a single yoke formed on one side of the main pole or it can be two yokes formed on both the leading and trailing sides of the main pole . the write pole structure creates an efficient channeling of magnetic flux to the abs surface of the pole tip which produces magnetic recording field at high area densities . | the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a multi - level tapered write pole structure for use within a perpendicular magnetic recording ( pmr ) head . a first level of the tapering ( i . e . an increasing thickness in the layer produced by a bevel ) begins at the abs edge of the pole tip ( this is called the 1 st taper ) and extends in the positive y - direction ( away from the abs ). the 1 st taper ends and the pole layer then retains a constant maximum thickness from that point backwards ( i . e ., away from the abs ). a second level of tapering begins at the edges of the upper and / or lower yoke structure ( 2 nd taper ) which contacts the pole tip on the constant thickness portion of either a top surface or a bottom surface and proceeds in the positive y - direction until the yoke layer attains a constant thickness . referring to fig4 a , there is shown a schematic drawing of a side - view cross - section of a double - level tapered write pole that is a preferred embodiment of the present invention . in this embodiment , the main pole ( 14 ) is sandwiched between a top yoke ( 17 a ) and a bottom yoke ( 17 b ) that are formed conformally on the main pole on its trailing ( top ) and leading ( bottom ) surfaces respectively . the top yoke ( 17 a ) is formed on the top surface ( trailing surface ) of the main pole ; the bottom yoke ( 17 b ) is formed on the bottom surface ( leading surface ) of the main pole . this particular configuration is reflection - symmetric about a z - y mid - plane passing through the mid - line ( shown as a dashed line ) of the main pole . the taper of the main pole is defined by a region of symmetrically ( about said z - y mid - plane ) increasing thickness in the direction away from ( i . e . in the positive y - direction defined in fig1 a )) the abs end of the main pole ( 19 ). the taper terminates at a back edge ( 21 ), from which edge distally backwards , the main pole remains flat and horizontal and the thickness of the pole remains constant as the pole extends away from the abs . note , the direction away from the abs of the pole tip may be referred to hereinafter , with equal accuracy , as the distal direction or the positive y - direction . as is indicated in the drawing , the vertical front edges ( 18 a ), ( 18 b ), of the yokes have planar faces that are parallel to the abs of the main pole ( 19 ) and that the second taper is formed as an upward sloping ( beveled ) surface extending distally from the planar edge face ( 18 a ) to the trailing surface of the top yoke and from the planar edge face ( 18 b ) of the bottom yoke ( 17 b ) downward to the leading surface of the bottom yoke . note again that the taper of the top yoke slopes upward from edge ( 18 b ) towards its trailing surface , whereas the taper of the bottom yoke ( 17 b ) slopes downward towards its leading edge . the faces of these edges ( 18 a )/( 18 b ) are formed distally to the back edge ( 21 ) of the main pole taper and are recessed from the pole tip abs ( 19 ) by an amount between approximately 0 . 3 and 1 . 0 microns . thus , there is a short exposed flat portion ( 23 ) of the top and bottom surfaces of the main pole between the back edge of the 1 st taper ( 21 ) of the pole and the front edge of the 2 nd taper ( 18 a ), ( 18 b ) of the yokes . the height of the vertical faces of the front edges ( 18 a ), ( 18 b ) is between approximately 0 and 0 . 2 microns . the increasing thickness of the second taper in the distal ( positive y ) direction stops and the yoke maintains a substantially constant thickness thereafter . the thickness of the 2 nd taper region is between approximately 0 . 3 to 1 . 0 microns . the horizontal shape of the 2 nd taper region is conformal to the shape of the flaring portion of the main pole ( 14 ), which is generally a triangular shape as shown in fig4 b . the thickness of the combined layers is between approximately 0 . 5 and 3 . 0 microns and the material forming the layers is alloys of fe and co as is known in the art . it is to be noted that the front edges of the 2 nd taper on the upper and lower yokes ( 18 a ), ( 18 b ) are much closer to the abs than the top / bottom yokes of conventional pmr designs , which permits the delivery of more flux to the abs of the pole tip ( 19 ). in addition , the conformal shape of the 2 nd tapered region to the main pole itself , produces a tapered front cross - sectional aspect which also helps to efficiently concentrate more flux to the pole tip abs ( 19 ). referring to fig4 b , there is shown a top schematic view of the yoke and main pole as would be seen looking towards the trailing surface of the top yoke . the front edge of the 2 nd taper ( 18 a ) or ( 18 b ) is shown in outline as is the back edge of the 1 st taper ( 21 ). the triangular portion of the main pole ( 11 ) is conformally covered by the tapered portion top or bottom yoke ( 11 a ), if a single yoke is used , or by both yokes , if a sandwich configuration is constructed . it is to be noted that fabrication of the pole structure can be understood with reference to fig4 b as described above . the fabrication can be easily accomplished using the masking process as for prior art designs with only slight modification of mask alignment to take into account the recessing of the yokes relative to the pole tip . in - plane alignment should not be difficult , however , because of the fact that the recessing ( distance between ( 19 ) to ( 18 a )) is at least 0 . 3 microns from the abs , where 0 . 3 microns is the width of the pole . more specifically , a tapered bottom yoke ( 17 b ) can be created first by milling ( via an ion beam etch , a rie etch or the like ) a sloped region in an alox substrate having a smooth planar surface , followed by plating or sputtering a yoke layer into the milled region and applying cmp to form a smooth planarized surface . after the pole ( 19 ) is formed on the planarized bottom yoke , a tapered top yoke ( 17 a ) can be formed on the pole by plating or sputtering a conventional ( un - tapered ) top yoke as defined in the prior art and then milling the front of the yoke to create the necessary taper . the pole is formed , also by plating or sputtering through a mask , onto the already planarized bottom yoke . here , the mask is aligned over the bottom yoke to create the necessary recess of the yoke behind the tip of the pole . once the pole is formed , the top yoke ( 17 a ) is formed , as noted above , on the pole , using a conventional mask that is properly aligned to create the required recess . once the top yoke is formed and tapered , the pole tip can also be tapered , again using milling or rie as the mechanism referring to fig5 , there is shown a graphical comparison of the multi - level tapered main pole of the present invention as shown in fig4 a and 4 b with a reference writer using a single pole tip with trailing and leading edge tapers right at the abs . the vertical axis measures magnetic field h y ( oe ) into the magnetic medium and the horizontal axis measures downtrack position in cm . the reference pole has only 1 st level tapering and lacks the tapered and recessed top and bottom yokes shown as ( 17 a ) and ( 17 b ) in fig4 a . as shown in the graphs , the curve representing the present invention ( 1 ) shows a significant improvement in peak h y by approximately 380 oe or approximately 4 %. it is to be noted that the significant improvement in field strength of the present invention might make it desirable to further optimize shield design , so that cross - track flux will be reduced . referring now to fig6 a - 6 f , there are shown six schematic cross - sectional side views of combinations of 1 st ( pole ) and 2 nd ( yoke ) tapers for a main pole ( 14 ) and an attached recessed top yoke ( 17 a ) or bottom yoke ( 17 b ) that could meet the objects of the present invention . in fig6 a both the 1 s and 2 nd tapers are trailing edge tapers . in fig6 b , they are , respectively , leading and trailing edge tapers . in fig6 c , they are , respectively , leading / trailing and trailing edge tapers . in fig6 d , they are trailing and leading edge tapers . in fig6 e , they are , respectively , leading , leading edge tapers and , finally , in fig6 f they are leading / trailing and leading edge tapers . referring now to fig7 a - 7 c , there are shown three schematic cross - sectional side views of tapered poles ( 14 ), each formed between a top ( 17 a ) and bottom ( 17 b ) tapered yoke to provide 1 st and 2 nd tapers . either of these three configurations could meet the objects of the present invention . in fig7 a the top yoke ( 17 a ) has a trailing edge taper , the bottom yoke ( 17 b ) has a leading edge taper and the main pole ( 14 ) has a trailing edge taper . in 7 b , the top and bottom yokes are the same as in 7 a , but the main pole ( 14 ) has a leading edge taper . finally , the configuration of fig7 c has a main pole ( 14 ) with a symmetric leading / trailing edge taper . referring to fig8 , there is shown a 3 - level tapered pole comprising a main pole ( 14 ) sandwiched between a first top and bottom yoke ( 171 a ), ( 171 b ), the entire configuration then being sandwiched between a second top and bottom yoke ( 172 a ), ( 172 b ). this 3 - level tapered pole would also meet the objects of the present invention and is an alternative embodiment thereof referring to fig9 , there is shown a stitched , 2 - level main pole configuration in which a shortened main pole ( 14 ) is affixed between two yokes ( 17 a ) and ( 17 b ). such a stitched configuration allows the formation of a short pole segment ( 14 ) which can be advantageous in that the shorter segment produces stable domain structures that persist during inactive periods when the write current is off such a structure would form another embodiment of the present invention . referring now to fig1 a - 10 d , there are shown four views of the abs of the pole tip of the present invention in different shielded configurations . fig1 a shows the pole tip unshielded . fig1 b - 10 d show the pole tip surrounded respectively by a trailing shield ( 10 b ) a trailing shield and two side shields ( 10 c ) and a trailing shield , a leading shield and two side shields ( 10 d ). these embodiments are meant to illustrate the fact that shielded configurations of the multi - level tapered pole structure are possible using similar shield design technology of the prior art . it is to be noted , however , that the significantly increased flux produced by the multi - level tapered pole of this invention could very well require that shield dimensions be re - formulated to provide the protection against unwanted side writing at the new levels of write field intensity . shield structures must be formed with sufficient volume and of proper magnetic moment materials so that they do not saturate under the influence of the strong writing fields produced by the present pole configurations . at present , however , the shield designs used in testing the present invention , such as used in generating the graphs of fig4 have proven adequate . as is understood by a person skilled in the art , the preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrative of the present invention rather than limiting of the present invention . revisions and modifications may be made to methods , materials , structures and dimensions employed in forming and providing a pmr head having a multi - level tapered main pole , while still forming and providing such a pmr head and pole and its method of formation in accord with the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims . | US-201213608321-A |
a process and apparatus for recovering uranium from a carbonate solution containing uranium ions whereby the carbonate solution containing uranium ions is brought in contact with a cation exchanger so that a uranium cation is removed from solution and adsorbed by the cation exchanger , and the uranium cation is then removed from the cation exchanger . the treated carbonate solution from which uranium ions hve been removed by cation exchange is then further processed by removing carbon dioxide from the treated carbonate solution to produce a decarbonated solution , and passing the decarbonated solution through a membrane process to remove some remaining impurities . | referring now to the drawing , the apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a cation exchange unit , including a service tank 10 , a regeneration tank 12 , and a wash tank 14 ; a decarbonator 110 ; a membrane process unit 120 ; and a uranium recovery unit 130 . the sizes of the tanks and other units on the drawing is not necessarily the relative size of the apparatus in practice , as their relative size is adapted to the capacities required for service , regeneration , washing , decarbonation , membrane process , and uranium precipitation . the cation exchange unit can be of the fixed bed type or of the continuous countercurrent ion exchange type , such as disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 3 , 595 , 784 , assigned to the assignee herein , and incorporated herein by reference . the discussion herein of the cation exchange unit is adapted from the disclosure of that patent . the ion exchange resin used herein is preferably a weakly acidic cation exchange resin . although various weakly acidic cation exchangers such as the alumino - silicates ( gels and molecular sieve zeolites ) or liquid cation exchangers such as perflourooctanoic acid and di - 2 - ethylhexylphosphoric acid ( d2ehpa ) could be used by one of ordinary skill in the art , the preferred cation exchanger is a resin because inorganic zeolites would not be stable under the conditions of the uranium recovery process herein . the preferred forms of cation exchange resins are carboxylic acid resins , such as those based on methacrylic acid divinylbenzene ( dvb ) and hydrolyzed methyl or ethyl acrylate divinylbenzene ( dvb ) copolymers . crosslinked copolymers based upon maleic and resorcylic acids could also be used , with acrylic polymers preferred . examples of suitable cationic resins in the methacrylic acid / dvb type are : amberlite irc - 50 from rohm and haas co ., ionac cc from ionac co ., and duolite c - 464 from diamond shamrock co . suitable cationic resins in the hydrolyzed acrylate / dvb ester type are : amberlite irc - 84 from rohm and haas co ., ionac cnn from ionac co ., dowex ccr - 2 from dow chemical co ., and duolite c - 433 from diamond shamrock co . also the ion exchange resin is preferably in bead form . fluid beds or fixed beds of such resin may be used , as is known by those of ordinary skill . the cation exchange apparatus will now be discussed in greater detail . according to the preferred embodiment , a regenerated resin reservoir 16 communicates with an upper portion of the service tank 10 through a resin conduit 18 having a transfer valve 20 . similarly , the regeneration tank 12 has an exhausted resin reservoir 22 communicating with an upper portion thereof through a resin conduit 24 having a transfer valve 26 . finally , the wash tank 14 has a metering reservoir 28 communicating with an upper portion thereof through a resin conduit 30 having a valve 32 . as with the tanks 10 , 12 , and 14 , the reservoirs 16 , 22 , and 28 will not necessarily be the same size . resin transfer conduits 34 are connected to permit the transfer of resin from a lower portion of the service tank 10 to the exhausted resin reservoir 22 , from a lower portion of the regeneration tank 12 to the metering reservoir 28 , and from a lower portion of the wash tank 14 to the regenerated resin reservoir 16 . although the preferred embodiment shows three tanks 10 , 12 , and 14 for efficient service cycle operation , fewer tanks may be used . also , instead of using one service tank for cation exchange , more than one servive tank in series may be used as is known in the art . such a dual service tank system may be desirable when the influent solution to the first service tank contains large amounts of nonuranium cations that would compete for adsorption on the cation exchange resin . uranium that would leak from the first tank prior to saturation of the cation exchange resin in the first tank would be adsorbed in the second tank . in operation , the carbonate solution containing uranium ions is delivered to the service tank 10 through a service inlet 36 having a service inlet valve 38 , and the treated carbonate solution with a major portion of the uranium ions removed is withdrawn at a service outlet line 40 having a service outlet valve 42 . a drain line 50 having a drain valve 52 communicates with the service tank 10 at a lower portion . during operation , the service tank 10 is internally pressurized , and has a major portion of the resin compacted in an area above the level of the service inlet line 36 . a void zone , containing liquid only , is formed between the service inlet line 36 and an area just above the bottom of the tank 10 , where there is also some compacted resin . as it periodically becomes necessary to replace a portion of the exhausted resin in the service tank 10 with fresh resin from the regenerated resin reservoir 16 , the service inlet valve 38 and service outlet valve 42 are closed , and the drain valve 52 is opened , depressurizing the tank 10 . the transfer valve 20 is opened , and the bed of resin flows downwardly under the influence of gravity . additional resin flows in from the regenerated resin reservoir 16 as a result of the opening of the transfer valve 20 . after sufficient resin has entered the tank 10 , the drain valve 52 and transfer valve 20 are closed , and the tank 10 is pressurized by again opening the service inlet valve 38 and the outlet valve 42 . the repressurization compacts the bed , and again produces a void zone below the inlet line 36 , forcing a portion of the exhausted resin through the transfer conduit 34 to the exhausted resin reservoir 22 . the regeneration tank 12 is the site of this elution of the uranium ions from the cation exchange resin to form a solution containing uranium ions at a greater concentration than that of the influent carbonate solution . the regeneration tank 12 has an upper liquid outlet line 60 , a regenerant inlet line 78 below the outlet line 60 , and preferably near the midpoint of the tank 12 , and a separation liquid inlet line 90 communicating with the tank 12 below the regenerant inlet line 78 at a point above the bottom of the tank 12 . near the bottom of tank 12 and below the separation liquid inlet line 90 a drain line 66 having a drain valve 68 communicates with the tank 12 . as shown in the drawing , the upper liquid outlet line 60 has an outlet valve 70 located thereon , and the separation liquid inlet line 90 has a valve 92 located thereon . in the wash tank 14 , final cleansing of the resin is preferably carried out on a fluidized bed principle . the wash tank 14 has a cleansing liquid inlet line 94 and a cleansing liquid outlet 96 , each having valves designated respectively by reference numerals 98 and 100 . in operation , during the regeneration of resin and elution of uranium ions from the cation exchange resin , all valves on lines leading to the regeneration tank 12 are closed except for the outlet valve 70 , the valve 82 on the regenerant inlet line 78 , and the valve 92 on the separation liquid inlet line 90 . in addition , the valve 32 on the resin conduit 30 below the metering reservoir 28 is closed . the separation liquid is delivered under sufficient pressure to maintain the resin in the tank 12 packed above the level of the separation liquid inlet line 90 , so that a void zone , containing primarily liquid , is present below this inlet line 90 . some additional resin will also normally be present in the bottom of the tank 12 . this resin is prevented from leaving the tank 12 since the metering reservoir 28 , as well as the transfer conduit 34 between the metering reservoir 28 and the regeneration tank 12 , are filled with a slurry of resin . as the separation liquid , which will ordinarily be water , travels upwardly , it mixes with the regenerant being introduced at the regenerant inlet line 78 . in the preferred embodiment of the present invention , the regenerant is a mineral acid , such as hydrochloric acid . other suitable mineral acids are nitric acid and sulfuric acid . the mineral acid both regenerates the cation exchange resin and elutes the uranium , as uo 2 + 2 or [ uo 2 + 2 ( cl 3 )] - , when hydrochloric acid is used . both the regenerant and separation liquid are withdrawn from the tank 12 at the upper liquid outlet line 60 . therefore , the upper liquid outlet line 60 contains a solution having a greater uranium ion concentration than that of the influent carbonate solution in the inlet line 36 , making the uranium ion solution in the upper liquid outlet line 60 suitable for removal of the uranium by precipitation or anion exchange . the eluant can also be recycled through the regeneration tank 12 , instead of eluting with fresh mineral acid , until the desired concentration of uranium ion in the eluant is obtained . below the separation liquid inlet line 90 , there will be relatively little upward flow . the small amount of upward flow that does exist will be produced by liquid that enters the tank 12 from a pushwater pipe 102 , which communicates with the resin transfer conduit 34 just below the regeneration tank 12 . it is the function of this pushwater pipe 102 to aid in the transfer of resin between the regeneration tank 12 and the metering reservoir 28 as described herein . periodically , a portion of &# 34 ; slug &# 34 ; of regenerated resin is removed from the regeneration tank 12 and transferred to the metering reservoir 28 . to initiate this cycle , the valves 70 , 82 , 92 on the outlet line 60 , the regenerant inlet line 78 , and the separation liquid inlet line 90 are closed , shutting off flow within the tank 12 . the drain valve 68 and the transfer valve 26 are then opened , depressurizing the tank . exhausted resin from the reservoir 22 flows into the tank 12 under the influence of gravity . at the same time , the valve 32 below the metering reservoir 28 is opened , allowing resin to flow from the metering reservoir 28 into the wash tank 14 . after the tank 12 has been nearly completely filled with loose resin , the repressurization step is initiated . the drain valve 68 and transfer valve 26 are closed , and the valves 70 , 82 , 92 on the outlet line 60 , the inlet line 78 , and the separation liquid inlet line 90 are again opened . the valve 32 below the metering reservoir 28 is closed , halting the flow of resin into the wash tank 14 . washed resin from the wash tank 14 is transferred at various times through the transfer line 34 to the regenerated resin reservoir 16 . primary effluent streams from the cation exchange apparatus described above are thus the treated carbonate solution in service outlet line 40 ( that is , with uranium and other cations removed ) and the concentrated uranium ion solution in outlet line 60 . in order to accomplish recovery of the uranium removed from the carbonate solution , the concentrated uranium ion solution is passed through line 74 and pumped by transfer pump 133 into the uranium recovery vessel 130 . in one form of the present invention , uranium is precipitated by adding the ammonium ion via nh 3 until a ph of 6 . 8 to 7 . 0 is reached . as discussed in kunin , elements of ion exchange ( 1971 ) at pages 108 - 09 , the precipitation can also be accomplished by adding either naoh or mgo . the precipitate may be thought of as diuranate , na 2 u 2 o 7 . xh 2 o , although some uo 3 . xh 2 o is also present . the precipitated uranium is then filtered , dried or calcined , and is then shipped as &# 34 ; yellow cake &# 34 ; feed material for uranium refineries . alternatively , the hydrochloric acid eluate containing the uranium may be further concentrated and purified by passage through any of a number of anion exchange resins , strongly and weakly basic , such as amberlite ira - 400 from rohm and haas co ., dowex 21k from dow chemical co ., and amberlite ira - 93 from rohm and haas co . the uranium is then eluted from the anion exchange resin with water to form a solution from which the uranium may be precipitated with an alkaline reagent , such as ammonia or sodium hydroxide , or with hydrogen peroxide . the treated carbonate solution contains other ions , as noted above , such as vanadium , molybdenum , as well as residual amounts of sodium and magnesium . if it is necessary or desirable in the uranium leaching system to restore the treated carbonate solution to acceptable original groundwater levels , then additional filtration and treatment may be required . according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention , this treatment is accomplished in a decarbonator unit 110 and a membrane process unit 120 . when the outlet valve 42 is open , treated carbonate solution passes into the decarbonator unit 110 through transfer line 104 , where under a process as known in the art , co 2 is released . one such suitable decarbonator is disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 2 , 807 , 582 ( applebaum ). suitable gas influent can be added through the conduit 112 by opening the valve 111 to release co 2 from solution . the co 2 is vented through the vent 143 . the effluent of the decarbonator 110 is then transferred through the transfer line 106 to the membrane process unit 120 to remove remaining ions , by opening valves 113 and 118 and operating pump 116 . as is known in the art , the membrane process unit can be operated at a rate sufficient to accomplish desired removal of remaining salts , and other cations and anions generally . the membrane process unit 120 may be a reverse osmosis unit , or may be an electrodialysis unit . the preferred form is a reverse osmosis unit , containing a known semipermeable membrane . other suitable membrane processes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill . the effluent from the membrane process unit 120 then consists of two forms , released selectively by valves 126 and 122 , respectively , when valve 118 is opened . these effluents are purified water in outlet line 128 , suitable for return to the groundwater , and a waste stream in outlet line 124 for disposal . of course , it should be understood that modifications and changes to the preferred embodiments disclosed herein may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention , and without diminishing its attendant advantages . it is therefore intended that all such modifications and changes be covered by the following claims . | US-52422383-A |
a fluid flow regulator of the present invention comprises in combination a stationary hollow duct housing having a first end and a second end through which fluid flows . the device also incorporates a movable member aligned concentric with the duct having an end essentially similarly shaped and sized to the first end of the housing . the member may be spaced apart from the duct so that fluid can enter the duct housing through an opening defined by the space between the end of the member and the first end of the duct , with the movement of the member serving to change the size of opening . the movement of the member is controlled by the movement of a float located within the duct . the position of the float can be preset by the operator of the invention so that when fluid flow into the duct is at a predetermined amount the float will remain stationary , and when the fluid flow increases above such predetermined level the float will be moved in the direction of the fluid flow and when fluid flow into the duct is below said predetermined amount , the float will move the member opposite the direction of fluid flow . | fig1 illustrates one embodiment of the fluid flow regulator 100 of the present invention . although fluid flow regulator 100 is at times described in the context of its use situated vertically in a clinker cooler , in which case the fluid flow is cooling air , the fluid flow regulator 100 can operate with any fluid and in other equipment and positions as described in part below . fluid flow regulator 100 comprises a hollow duct 1 ( which , when used in a clinker cooler , is vertically situated ) through which fluid is adapted to flow axially in the direction of arrows 2 . fluid enters the interior of duct 1 through the first end 3 generally at right angles to the longitudinal axis of duct 1 in the direction generally shown by arrow 5 and thereafter flows axially through the duct housing toward second end 4 . duct 1 can be made of any material that can withstand the intended application and is impenetrable to the fluid it is intended to convey . second end 4 is adaptable to be placed underneath and / or adjacent to , as the case may be , the grate line in a clinker cooler , the combustion grate line in a stoker - fired furnace , the fluid distributor in fluidized bed equipment , and other equipment in which a fluid flow regulator would have utility . external to duct 1 is movable member 6 that is reciprocally movable in relation to duct 1 along the same longitudinal axis as duct 1 . the function of the movable member is to act as a flow control valve for the device . member 6 has lower end 21 and forward end 22 , and is adapted to move back and forth between a first , fully retracted , position at which the axial distance between forward end 22 and first end 3 is at a maximum , and a second , maximum forward , position where forward end 22 is essentially adjacent to first end 3 , and all positions in between . opening 23 , which serves as an entrance for fluid flow into duct 1 , is formed by the space , i . e . the axial distance between first end 3 and forward end 22 . fluid will flow into duct 1 through opening 23 and then will move axially through the duct in the direction of arrow 2 . the movement of member 6 either toward duct 1 ( in which case the size of opening 23 will be decreased while the pressure drop across the flow regulator increases ) or away from duct 1 ( in which case the size of opening 23 will be increased while the pressure drop across the flow regulator decreases ) corresponds to the movement of float 11 . the movement of float 11 will be dictated by the force balance on the float . as float 11 moves back and forth either in or against the direction of air flow through duct 1 , member 6 will also move an equivalent distance in the same direction in unison with the movement of float 11 . any suitable means can be utilized to link the movement of member 6 to the movement of float 11 — fig1 depicts member 6 connected to float 11 by attachment means 10 which in the depicted embodiment are connecting rods for example , wires or chains can be alternatively utilized . the upward ( or forward , i . e . in the direction of fluid flow ) force on float 11 is produced by the drag force on float 11 by the flowing fluid . the weight of the float assembly ( float 11 , attachment means 10 and movable member 6 ) creates a constant downward force provided the density of the float assembly is greater than the density of fluid . the drag force on the float is a function of the float cross - sectional area impacted by the fluid , the duct &# 39 ; s cross - sectional area and the rate of fluid flow . therefore , there is a rate of fluid flow which produces an upward force on the float that exactly cancels the downward force on the float assembly . if duct 1 &# 39 ; s cross - sectional area is constant , the drag force across float 11 is not a function of the float height . if the airflow rate increases slightly due to a reduction in the pressure drop downstream of the flow regulator or an increase in the pressure upstream of the flow regulator , the upward force on the float assembly will be greater than the downward force . this will cause the float assembly to move upward . conversely if the airflow rate decreases slightly due to an increase in the downstream pressure drop , the float assembly will move downward . this returns the air flow rate back to the designed value . the maximum and minimum sizes of opening 23 can be preset by the practitioner , in accordance with factors such as air flow rate and pressure drop . for example , in the embodiment depicted by fig1 , member 6 will move opposite the direction of fluid flow to the point where connecting rods 10 come in contact with bottom plate 7 and in the direction of fluid flow to the point where connecting rods 10 come in contact with first end 3 . the movement of member 6 ( corresponding to the movement of float 11 ) either in or opposite the direction of fluid flow according to prevailing pressure and flow conditions ( or if the float stays stationary at a constant pressure drop ) will also be determined in part by factors that can be preset by the practitioner , including the shape and cross - sectional area of the float and any reciprocal force or forces , such as gravity , spring force , hydraulic force , if any , acting on the float assembly to resist movement in the float assembly or to move the assembly opposite the direction of fluid flow when the pressure drop is below a predetermined level . as indicated , forward end 22 is substantially the same size and shape as first end 3 . thus , the size ( i . e ., the perimeter ) of forward end 22 can be the same size as , or slightly smaller or larger than , first end 3 . as depicted , duct 1 and member 6 are tubular and they have a circular cross section , but both can have any shape adaptable for fluid flow . in the embodiment depicted in the fig1 - 4 , forward end 22 has a slightly larger diameter than first end 3 , and at the maximum forward position of member 6 relative to duct 1 forward end 22 may slightly overlap first end 3 . depending upon the application forward end 22 may not overlap first end 3 . in general the higher the pressure drop that flow regulator 100 needs to control the smaller the opening 23 will be or the greater the overlap when member 6 is at its maximum forward position . alternatively , flow regulator 100 can be designed so that ( a ) first end 3 is slightly larger than forward end 22 , so that at the maximum forward position of movable member 6 , first end 3 may slightly overlap forward end 22 or ( b ) the two ends are the same size and at the maximum forward position of movable member 6 the ends will fit together without overlap and there will be no opening for fluid flow into duct 1 . the term “ slightly larger ” means that in general terms the perimeter of one element ( forward end 22 or first end 3 ) is no more than about 0 . 1 % to about 10 % larger than the perimeter of the other element although for practical purposes , since a gap between such elements will always result in a certain amount of minimum fluid flow into duct 1 , the actual extent one element is larger than another will depend on how much minimum fluid flow into the duct is required or can be permitted by the practitioner . fig2 depicts another embodiment of the invention in which flow regulator is depicted in a basically horizontal orientation such as when used in conjunction with a burner in a power plant furnace . in fig2 there is depicted reciprocal force means 24 which is used to resist or assist the movement of float 11 opposite the direction of fluid flow . the purpose of utilizing reciprocal force means 24 is to adjust the desired rate of fluid flow . reciprocal force means 24 can be a pneumatic cylinder mounted on the bottom plate with the rod attached to the float . by adjusting the pressure / vacuum in the pneumatic cylinder , the force acting on the float will change the designed airflow rate . the pressure / vacuum in the pneumatic cylinder can be controlled by an external pressure / vacuum regulator that is connected to the pneumatic cylinder with hoses . the external pressure / vacuum regulators can either be controlled manually or automatically from a computer control system that is monitoring the overall process . this is advantageous at cement plants since the total cooling air can be adjusted to match the clinker production , clinker temperature and / or ambient temperature . also the airflow rate in specific regions of the clinker cooler can be adjusted to match regional clinker conditions . other constant force devices such as constant force solenoids , linear motors , hydraulic cylinders , constant force springs , or removable weights can be used . suitable actuators may have internal sensors and if necessary power supplies to automatically respond without an external signal . another advantage of using an actuator is that the designed flow rate is not limited to a fixed number of designed values . theoretically , the designed flow rate is only limited by the resolution of the force produced by the actuator . another advantage is that the basic design of the flow regulator would remain the same , ( i . e . the dimensions of float 11 , duct 1 , and movable member 6 would remain the same ), and only the force produced by the actuator would have to be changed to change flow rates . another advantage of using a constant force actuator is that the orientation of the flow regulator does not have to remain vertical as long as the constant force actuator resists the drag force across the float . in addition , the upper ( most forward ) section of member 6 can be perforated ( as shown at 9 ) to allow another pathway for fluid flow into the duct via the direction as generally shown by arrow 8 . alternatively , member 6 can be comprised of a porous material . although only perforations in an upper section is depicted , the perforations or porosity can extend a portion of or the entire length of member 6 , so long as the degree of perforations or porosity progressively decreases down the length of member 6 toward end 21 , to thereby provide increasing pressure drop as member 6 moves upward . having a perforated or porous movable member 6 is utilized for stability in certain applications when member 6 is near its maximum forward position . one method of altering or predetermining the flow of fluid through duct 1 is by varying the cross sectional area of float 11 that is impacted by the fluid . this can be done by changing floats within a flow regulator , obviously during down periods for the relevant equipment such as a clinker cooler . fig3 depicts an alternative solution in which the cross sectional area of float 11 impacted by fluid is adaptable to be changed during operation of flow regulator 100 . float 11 has openings 25 therein through which fluid may pass . the size of openings 25 may be varied by rotating damper or plate 12 which is located directly under float 11 . at one position of the rotation of plate 12 openings 25 are completely open , and plate 12 can be further rotated to gradually reduce the size of opening 25 or to close them entirely to fluid flow . the rotation of plate 12 can be controlled by a bimetallic coil 13 so that the float area changes depending upon the temperature of the fluid through the regulator . the total length , materials of construction and thickness of the bimetallic element are selected to provide the desired increase or decrease in float area for a given temperature . one end of the bimetallic element 13 is fixed to float 11 and the other end is attached to damper 12 . the geometry of damper 12 and displacement is dictated by the float area adjustment required , which is a function of the degree of compensation required over the specified temperature range . the concept shown in fig3 may be expanded to use bimetallic elements of differing geometry , dampers of different geometry and other means of retaining the damper on the float &# 39 ; s surface . the concept shown in fig3 is not limited to bimetallic elements . other materials or mechanisms that change significantly in length / shape over temperature ranges or other selected parameters may be used . the rotation of damper 12 can also be brought about by , for example , a stepper motor ( not shown ) connected to a power source which is controlled by a internal sensor or a receiver system designed to receive a signal from an external control system . the signal can be sent either wirelessly or through small wires that don &# 39 ; t adversely affect the operation of the flow regulator as indicated , only a single characteristic such as the reciprocal force acting on the float assembly or the float area needs to be changed to achieve the desired fluid flow rate ; where as most prior art flow regulators need to modify multiple characteristics simultaneously . an example where it is advantageous to control fluid flow rates during the operation of the device is the need to control the air flowing through over - fired air ports in a furnace at a power plant as the fuel mass flow rate into the furnace changes . another example is that it would be advantageous to reduce the cooling air into a clinker cooler as the ambient air temperature changes . therefore , if two of the variables in the present invention &# 39 ; s flow regulator are held constant , the airflow rate can be changed by simply changing the third variable . this can be done , for example , by simply changing the float area while keeping the duct and the movable member constant . the ability to just change one variable independently of the other parameters means that in the present invention the design flow rate can change automatically in response to an external signal or automatically based upon an internal sensor . this is accomplished by adding a sensing device and actuator that can change the float area , duct 1 cross - sectional area , or constant downward force of the float / movable member assembly . the sensor can either automatically respond to its environment or receive an external signal . if desired multiple sensor / actuators can be added . one advantage of the design of the present invention pertaining to its application in clinker coolers is that the mass flow rate of the air needed to cool the clinker is inversely proportional to the cooling air temperature . so the present invention &# 39 ; s flow regulator can be designed to automatically reduce the airflow rate with decreasing air temperature . this is not possible with prior art flow regulators that respond only to pressure as the air temperature decreases the pressure drop across the grate assembly and clinker bed decreases for a given flow rate . duct 1 &# 39 ; s cross - sectional area versus height can be changed by attached a tapered rod to the inside of the duct 1 . if the tapered rod is larger at the bottom and thinner at the top , then the airflow rate will increase slightly with pressure drop . alternatively float 11 can be designed as a flat disk with a hole in the middle through which one end of a removable rod is attached . the rod will extend vertically through the duct and will be attached to the bottom plate 7 . by replacing the rod with different diameters , the effective cross - sectional area of duct 1 will change . other mechanisms or actuators that change the float area or downward force acting on the float with height will also produce a changing flow rate with pressure drop . the flow regulator of the present invention is not limited to controlling the airflow rate through clinker coolers . it can also be applied to any device that requires controlling the fluid flowing through different paths or branches . some applications are to control the distribution of cooling air into clinker coolers and heat exchangers ; combustion air into stoker furnaces , wind boxes in pulverized coal furnaces , tertiary air ducts to a precalciner and fluidized beds ; process air into baghouses and electrostatic precipitators , and conveying air into pressurized air conveyors . the flow regulator of the present invention can be used in non - air applications such as proportional controlled hydraulic valves . the flow regulator of the present invention is shown vertically in the figures to simplify the description of the device ; however , it is not restricted to vertical operation . further , bottom plate 7 and float 11 are shown as flat for simplicity ; however , this isn &# 39 ; t critical to the operation of the flow regulator . both float 11 and the bottom plate 7 can be , for example , coned shaped with the apex upward . one advantage is that this will reduce dust buildup if the flow regulator is utilized in a vertical position . another advantage to bottom plate 7 being cone shaped is that it will reduce the pressure drop of the fluid flowing above or through the movable member 6 and turning into duct 1 . | US-239407-A |
this earth photo globe is characterized in that landsat or other remote sensing geographical indicia is reproduced on the globe sphere with a definition smaller than that resolvable by the unaided human eye . an optical magnifier is mounted above the globe sphere to enable resolution of the full globe definition . a &# 34 ; cloud cover &# 34 ; spherical overlay may surround the sphere and contain a representation of the earth &# 39 ; s cloud cover . the magnifier may be supported by this overlay . various systems are disclosed for making the earth photo globe . one uses a laser beam that is raster scanned across a photosensitized sphere , and is modulated by landsat pixel data . in another system the landsat data is used to prepare a set of photographic negative images each covering a section of the globe , and each containing alignment and positioning information . these images are projected onto a photosensitized sphere to make the globe . several globe - illumination systems are also disclosed , including a diurnal interior lighting assembly and a surface lighting scheme for displaying geopolitical data . | the following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention . this description is not to be taken in a limiting sense , but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention since the scope of the invention best is defined by the appended claims . operational characteristics attributed to forms of the invention first described also shall be attributed to forms later described , unless such characteristics obviously are inapplicable or unless specific exception is made . fig1 shows the earth photo globe ( 31 ) covered by two cloud layer overlay hemispheres ( 32 ) that interlock at the cloud equator ( 33 ). the globe , with or without the cloud layer overlay ( hemisphere ( 32 )) is supported by a globe support arm ( 80 ) which features an adjustable mount ( 35 ) which may be tightened if the globe is mounted without the optional cloud layer hemisphere ( 32 ). this allows the globe to rotate around the actual north - south polar axis , or around any other two points which are 180 ° apart . at the other end of the globe support arm ( 80 ) is a fixed mount ( 34 ). one of the cloud layer hemispheres ( 32 ) will include an integral optical magnification assembly ( 38 ) to permit more detailed inspection of the surface of the globe . the support arm ( 34 ) sits on a toothed interface with support ( 37 ) which interlocks with bracing support ( 36 ) to provide a firm stand for the entire globe and cloud assembly . there are control assemblies embedded at each of the poles on the globe . the control assembly at the north pole ( 39 ), when switched on , can indicate political information . the control assembly at the south pole ( 71 )( not shown in fig1 but indicated in fig7 ) when switched on indicates information about seasonal and diurnal lighting conditions on the earth . a detailed portion of the globe surface is shown at ( 47 ) and again in enlargement . this surface is composed of an array of dots corresponding to land ( 40 ) or water ( 44 ) conditions on the earth &# 39 ; s surface . a coastline is thus indicated at ( 42 ). each dot signifies a representative number of picture elements hereinafter referred to as pixels , of landsat or other remote sensing data . the land grid ( 41 ) and sea grid ( 43 ) indicate the degree of precision which may be obtained , and places where dots may be printed . actual dots are indicated by land dot ( 40 ) and sea dot ( 44 ). the dimensions of the printed dot &# 39 ; s working diameter are indicated ( 45 ) and ( 46 ) longitudinal and latitudinal . no consideration of dot overlap is herein made . fig2 shows the architecture of the entire system required for producing the earth photo globe , including certain unique features of both software and hardware . a camera aboard an orbiting satellite ( 51 ) orbits the earth ( 50 ) and relays remotely sensed data back to earth receiving stations in the form of digital values for each area covered and distinguished ( 52 ). this is the form of data aquisition employed by the landsat satellite systems . when two or more remotely sensed images include the same locations on earth , where a single location on earth ( hereinafter referred to as address ) is represented by a pixel from each of several remotely sensed images , an averager and digital overlap filter program algorithm ( 110 ) will find the best average value for that pixel that will represent the shared location . when each dot ( 40 ) of the ultimate globe ( 31 ) is to represent more than one remotely sensed pixel value , then the averager and digital overlap filter ( 110 ) will find the average value for these pixels , and enter them into the computer memory ( 111 ) as a representative value ( 119 ) with a coded representative address . the globe output memory ( 111 ) then feeds these values in an orderly way to the appropriate globe imaging system , which may be a plurality of acousto - optical modulators ( 54 ) for a plurality of lasers ( 53 ) in a laser printing system , or a film - negative drive system ( 56 ) in a photographic printing system ( 57 ). the precise light value at any particular instant to be printed ( 119 ) is coordinated with its location on the globe ( 31 ) through a memory access control ( 112 ) which reads from the proper globe memory ( 111 ) address the pixel value ( 119 ) to be printed . the memory access control ( 44 ) tells the globe output memory ( 111 ) when to issue the value to the modulators ( 54 ) or drive system ( 56 ) by reading a rotation sensor ( 115 ) which determines the location of the printing mirror ( 55 ) and the printing mirror drive motor ( 116 ). the clock ( 113 ) and synchronizer ( 114 ) internal to the computer system insure that value to be printed , its position on the globe , and location of the printing mirror will all be synchronized . alternatively , an angle encoder ( 118 ) and decoder logic ( 117 ) may instruct the memory access control which address to select according to the angle of the printing mirror ( 55 ). fig3 shows a cutaway view of the earth photo globe which shows the interior lighting element ( 72 ) in the free - pivot position . in this position , the translucent portion of the bulb ( 60 ) will always tend to face up while the slightly heavier opaque portion of the bulb ( 61 ) will tend to face downwards . the interior lighting element ( 72 ) is attached to a shaft ( 66 ) which is attached to the lighting control assembly ( 71 ). the lighting control assembly ( 71 ) can rotate on bearings ( 68 ) and thus provide for a great number of positions for illumination of the earth &# 39 ; s surface . the shadow thus produced ( 73 ) indicates the night side of the earth . fig4 is also a cutaway view of the earth photo globe which shows the interior lighting element ( 72 ) in the fixed - pivot position . in this case , the double - pole - three position pushbutton ( dp 3p pb ) switch ( 70 ) activates both the light bulb ( 60 , 61 , 72 ) and the solenoid ( 65 ) which moves the bar ( 64 ) and the attached bulb ( 60 ) into a locked position . a sliding contact ( 62 ) still keeps the electrical current flowing by maintaining contact with the pivot mount ( 63 ). thus with the aid of gravity , a variety of lighting and night - day positions are obtainable with this globe . fig5 shows the major elements of the globe &# 39 ; s interior illuminating system . the lighting control assembly ( 71 ) includes shaft ( 66 ), shaft supports ( 67 ) and bearings ( 68 ) which allow the interior lighting element ( 72 ) to rotate about the earth &# 39 ; s axis in accurate fashion . the switch ( 70 ) is a push - button type and completes the circuit by closing contact with the replaceable battery ( 69 ). fig6 is a circuit diagram for the interior lighting element ( 72 ) and lighting control assembly ( 71 ). the circuit is designed so that the switch ( 70 ) may be in the off position , or in position to activate the light ( 60 ) only , or be in position to activate both light ( 60 ) and solenoid ( 65 ). the replaceable battery ( 69 ) completes the circuit . fig7 shows a cross section of the earth photo globe . the enlargement shows certain elements in detail . the photographic emulsion layer ( 76 ) is shown as individually developed pixel dots , a schematic representation of the quantized nature of the globe surface image . this layer ( 76 ) is composed of individual dots ( 40 , 44 ) and is deposited and developed on the globe structure shell ( 31 ) which is composed of a rigid translucent material like lexan . fig8 shows the cloud hemispheres ( 32 ) composed of a semi - rigid material which has an image of the clouds produced upon it . the two hemispheres interlock at their equator through a twist - slot and tab arrangement ( 75 ). a transparent protective coating ( 74 ) is affixed to the emulsion layer ( 76 ) in the photographic developing process ( see fig1 ). a side elevation ( 77 ) and cross - section ( 78 ) of the political information circuitry show how the north pole control assembly ( 39 ) is connected with dispersed political information elements ( 79 ) which might typically be sub - miniature light emitting diodes or liquid crystal elements and might typically represent cities of 100 , 000 or more population , ( approximately 1500 at the time of this writing ). thus it would be possible on the earth photo globe to represent the night illumination of earth &# 39 ; s metropoli and show all cities which experience dusk at the same time . similarly , political information circuitry ( 77 , 78 ) and information elements ( 79 ) might be used to represent political boundaries and other pertinent geographic data . when this circuitry is made to include complex ic microprocessors ( 80 ), entire gazettes of geographic data may be displayed on the earth photo globe . fig9 shows in detail the features of the adjustable mount ( 35 ). the globe support arm ( 80 ) is grooved to permit the insertion of a swivel mount ( 81 ) which in turn has a threaded interior wall that permits the threaded mounting bracket ( 82 ), shown in partial cutaway view , to be tightened by the grip ( 83 ) and lock nut ( 84 ) and hold any of several positions to enable a positive contact with the globe alone ( 31 ) or the globe with cloud layer overlay ( 32 ). the grip ( 83 ) is integral with the threaded mounting bracket ( 82 ), and is fashioned to permit ease of operation . the threaded mounting bracket ( 82 ) is slightly concave to permit a positive contact with the globe sphere , and is hollow to permit the insertion of a finger ( 85 ) to operate the north ( 39 ) or south ( 70 ) pole control assembly , should either of these be located under the adjustable mount ( 35 ). fig1 is an elevation of globe , support features , and stand parts . the globe ( 31 ) or globe and cloud hemispheres ( 32 ) sit on the support arm ( 80 ) or they may be suspended free of this arm through the use of the fixed mount ( 34 ) and adjustable mount ( 35 ). the support arm ( 80 ) in turn is free to be affixed to the support ( 37 ) by virtue of a plurality of toothed surfaces . thus the globe may be set to correspond to any seasonal inclination to the plane of the ecliptic . the remaining bracing support ( 36 ) keeps the globe ( 31 ) from rolling off its mountings and the stand upright . fig1 through 16 pertain to the process of manufacturing the rigid globe sphere , preparing the globe to receive photographic information , developing that information , and finally preparing the exposed globe with trimming and assembly of additional feature elements . these figures may also be considered to describe a process for the preparation of two hemispheres rather than a single sphere for each earth photo globe . fig1 indicates one process whereby the rigid globe sphere ( or hemispheres ) may be produced in large quantities . a thermoplastic is injected into a mold ( 91 ) and then forced against the walls of the mold by the introduction of a suitable pressurized atmosphere ( 93 ) through the nozzle ( 90 ) at the south pole of the ultimate globe . a plug is affixed to the north pole during this molding process to leave a hole . the flange of thermoplastic ( 95 ) is left to provide locating guides ( 96 ) for precise location of elements during subsequent processes . fig1 shows the thermoplastic sphere ( or hemispheres ( 92 )) with attached flange ( 95 ) immersed in a bath of photographic emulsion ( 98 ) or photopolymer held in a suitable container ( 97 ). fig1 shows the method for placing the image on the prepared sphere . the thermoplastic sphere or hemisphere ( 92 ) after being removed from the emulsion or photopolymer bath ( 98 ) ( and having the surface which is not to be exposed cleansed of emulsion through a suitable washing process ), is placed on a mounting stand ( 99 ), and a mirror ( 55 ) and a mirror mount ( 102 ) are inserted into the north pole hole left by the plug ( 94 ). the image light beam ( 100 ), photographic or laserlight , is directed onto the mirror ( 55 ) and reflected onto the emulsion or photopolymer ( 101 ). ( note : the process is described here as one that exposes the emulsion on the inside surface of the sphere . see fig2 for a process whereby the emulsion may be placed on the exterior surface of the sphere ( 131 )). fig1 shows the thermoplastic sphere ( 92 ) with an exposed emulsion surface , placed in a developer bath ( or baths )( 104 ) held by a suitable container ( 103 ). fig1 shows the trimming of the flange ( 95 ) with suitable knives ( 105 ). if the globe be made of two hemispheres , they would be attached using the locating guides ( 96 ) for exact alignment and sealed together before this trimming process takes place . fig1 shows the completely manufactured globe . the exposed globe ( 31 ) is provided with interior lighting element ( 72 ), spindle ( 66 ), and lighting control assembly ( 71 ), all of which are inserted through the south pole opening . the political information circuitry ( 77 ), gazette microprocessor ( 80 ), and north pole control assembly ( 39 ) are all inserted through the north pole opening . fig1 shows one process whereby digitized remotely sensed data from satellite or other source ( 52 ) may be accurately affixed to a surface . the particular process illustrated in this fig1 makes use of a plurality of lasers as the light source , a plurality of acousto - optical modulators as the means of light value control , and an arrangement of mirrors , motors , and controls ( similar to the kind used in mead laboratories digital laser printer ) for printing on the interior of the globe surface . the input data ( 52 ) is processed and analyzed in the averager and digital overlap filter ( 110 ) and then stored in the globe output memory ( 111 ). this in turn controls the variable intensity of the plurality of acousto - optical modulators ( 54 ) and at the same time through the memory control ( 112 ), clock ( 113 ), and synchronizer ( 114 ), determines the position of the printing mirror ( 55 ) through the rotation sensor ( 115 ) and thus instructs and coordinates activity of both the mirror motor ( 116 ) and modulators ( 54 ). this assures that each light dot ( 40 ) will have the proper value at the proper location on the surface of the globe . the prepared globe shell ( 31 ) is placed on the lower part of the mounting stand ( 99 ) and held in place through the locating guides to allow the upper part of the mounting stand ( 99 ) to be lowered into place . a plurality of lasers ( 53 ), each with a different spectral density characteristic ( obtained by using a variety of types of lasers : ruby , helium , neon , argon , krypton , etc .) can provide a range of spectral intensity characteristics which will produce a sufficient variety of colors to produce a convincing color image of earth . the coherent laser light rays , modified by the modulators ( 54 ) and processed through appropriate collimating optics ( 126 ) is reflected onto the center of the printing mirror ( 55 ) through an arrangement of mirrors and prisms ( 125 ). fig1 and 19 depict another method of affixing digital information acquired from landsat or other equivalent data onto a globe surface to make a visual image of earth . this method relies on the preparation of a film negative ( 132 ) composed of negative - image frames ( 133 ) of film dots ( 151 ) which are projected as a group onto the globe surface , in the form of sequential frames ( 150 ). fig1 shows a method for affixing the data ( 52 ) onto such a geographic film negative ( 132 ) as a series of sequential frames ( 133 ) of film dots ( 151 ). the unexposed film ( 132 ) is positioned in a vacuum sealed chamber ( 131 ) and exposed to a cathode ray beam ( 152 ) generated in a cathode ray tube ( 130 ). the dicomed corporation &# 39 ; s d - 48 crt is an example of such an apparatus already commercially available . this method generates a film negative image frame ( 133 ) composed of film dots ( 151 ), whose values and locations are determined by the averager and digital overlap filter ( 110 ) and globe output memory ( 111 ). an algorithm for geometric distortion from sphere to flat image may not be necessary , as the distorted flat image will be projected ultimately onto a sphere again , but if such algorithm be desirable , they would be part of the software of the averager or digital overlap filter ( 110 ). the necessary position for the film to correctly correspond to the proper globe address is achieved through the use of memory access control ( 112 ), clock ( 113 ), synchronizer ( 114 ) and rotation sensor ( 115 ). these in turn instruct the film drive mechanism ( 137 ) which in turn moves the film take - up spindle ( 140 ), and thus advances the film ( 132 ). precise alignment of film frame location is obtained with a laser ( 139 ) which directs a ray through the film ( 132 ) to a measuring photocell ( 136 ). the time and position of the ray is processed by a film sequence locator ( 135 ) which feeds this information back to be stored in the globe output memory ( 111 ). the film locator mark ( 134 ) corresponds to the frame being developed at that time ( 152 ) although it does not necessarily need to be immediately adjacent to the frame . additional film is stored on the film supply spindle ( 138 ). fig1 shows a method for affixing the images of the geographic film negative ( 132 ) onto accurate location ( 150 ) on a photosensitized hemispherical surface ( 92 ). this method has the advantage of being able to place many dots ( 40 ) onto the globe surface at one time , thereby reducing the time and energy and data storage required to produce multiple copies of the globe . the globe output memory ( 111 ) instructs the film negative drive system ( 56 ) to advance and position the proper negative image from ( 133 ) between the photographic printing system light source ( 57 ) and focusing optics ( 142 ). precise alignment of film negative image ( 133 ) and globe image location ( 150 ) is obtained through a laser ( 139 ) which notes the appropriate film locator mark ( 134 ) and indicates it on the measuring photocell ( 136 ). the film sequence locator ( 135 ) relays this information to the memory access control ( 112 ), clock ( 113 ), synchronizer ( 114 ), rotation sensor ( 115 ) system , which in turn instructs the printing mirror drive motor ( 116 ) to its correct position and angle . the position of the motor ( 116 ) may be changed by moving the motor ( 116 ) on the circular track ( 142 ) provided , with appropriate worm - gear drive ( not shown ). the printing mirror ( 55 ) is attached to the drive motor ( 116 ) by means of a support axle ( 102 ) which allows the mirror to be tilted and rotated to the appropriate angle . the photosensitized hemispherical surface ( 92 ) is positioned precisely on the mounting stand ( 99 ) by using the locating guides ( 96 ) which are located in the flange ( 95 ). the mirror ( 55 ) and motor ( 116 ) assembly may be moved out of the way to permit removal of the completely exposed hemisphere . note : the laser image generating assembly ( 160 ) may also be used in conjunction with the hemisphere printing assembly ( 163 ), and the photographic film image generating assembly ( 162 ) may be used in conjunction with the sphere printing assembly ( 161 ). thus four methods of converting digital data into a visual spherical image are herein described . fig2 shows a method for placing visual information onto the exterior surface of a sphere ( 131 ). an array of at least four printing mirrors ( 55 ) are coordinated as described elsewhere in this document ( fig2 , 18 , and 19 ) with a plurality of light sources ( 53 or 57 ) and data source ( 111 ) to ensure that the image on the surface of the sphere ( 40 and / or 150 ) is the proper value at the proper location . the light beams are directed to the printing mirrors ( 55 ) by means of appropriately placed mirrors and prisms ( 125 ). note : this method may also be used to simultaneously print two hemispheres instead of one single sphere . fig2 shows a method of directly placing landsat or other data ( 52 ) onto a hemisphere ( 171 ) which combined with cathode ray gun ( 130 ) effectively becomes a television with a hemispherical picture surface . since it is impossible for an individual to see more than half of a sphere at one time , for some applications this may be the most effective way of presenting certain information , especially information of more than one dimension , for instance a combined readout crop yield and cloud formation , or population as a function of changing political boundaries . the raw data ( 52 ) is processed as described elsewhere in this document , emerges as a controlled electron beam ( 152 ) and is seen as a pixel ( 40 ) on the hemispherical screen . as a further application of the use of the globe memory storage ( 111 ), this information may be made available in electronic form and broadcast to vessels and vehicle over a regular radio or tv broadcase frequency ( am , fm , cb , uhf , vhf , etc .). transportation carriers could thus tune in the local map which could be displayed as a continuously changing image on a small tv screen . if the carrier could signal its position to a navigational satellite system , its location could be processed in real time , added to the globe data input , and be displayed on the tv map image . levels of magnification to the limits of current remotely sensed data accuracy and even better are possible through this process by simply increasing the memory capacity and adding a magnification and scale factor to the software . | US-30217281-A |
a valve having a housing and including a rotatable rotary spool that includes a conducting chamber . a first inlet communicates with the conducting chamber and with a plurality of outlets that are selectively individually connected with the conducting chamber as a function of the rotational position of the rotary spool within the valve housing . the conducting chamber communicates with a first pressure chamber through a first check valve carried by the rotary spool . a second check valve carried by the rotary spool provides communication between the first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber that surrounds the rotary spool . | fig1 shows a known rotary valve 1 ′ in a longitudinal cross - sectional view and when it is in a first pressure condition . fig2 shows the valve 1 ′ of fig1 when it is in a second pressure condition . valve 1 ′ includes a first inlet 3 , which leads into a conducting chamber 5 of valve 1 ′. conducting chamber 5 is formed by a rotary spool 7 of valve 1 ′. more precisely , rotary spool 7 includes an essentially rectangular - shaped recess 9 that forms the conducting chamber 5 . viewed in the orientation of fig1 and 2 , conducting chamber 5 is bounded on the underside by an intermediate plate 11 , which is part of a housing 13 of valve 1 ′. housing 13 includes a base plate 15 that is joined to intermediate plate 11 . intermediate plate 11 includes a first inlet 3 , in the form of a bore , for example . in addition , intermediate plate 11 includes a plurality of outlets , of which a first outlet 17 is visible in the views shown in fig1 and 2 . at times one of the outlets , outlet 17 in the views shown in fig1 and 2 , can be connected to first inlet 3 through conducting chamber 5 . in fig1 , conducting chamber 5 is pressurized via first inlet 3 , as indicated by dashed line region 19 . it can be seen from fig1 that conducting chamber 5 of rotary spool 7 is connected to a first pressure chamber 23 by throughbores 21 . the throughbores 21 extend through a cylinder 25 at the upper part of rotary spool 7 , which cylinder is supported in a bore 27 in the base plate 15 . it can be seen in fig1 that there is a pressure present at an end face 31 of cylinder 25 , i . e ., that a pressure force is being exerted , which is indicated in fig1 by means of two arrows 29 . the pressure force indicated by the arrows 29 is transmitted via cylinder 25 to rotary spool 7 , so that the latter can be pressed against intermediate plate 11 in a sealing contact arrangement . it is apparent that the pressure force 29 results in a fluid - tight conducting chamber 5 , provided that the forces acting on the end face 31 of the cylinder 25 are greater than the upwardly - directed forces acting on the conducting chamber , in an upward direction in the orientation shown in fig1 . to that end , the area relationships must be appropriately selected so that the end face 31 has a greater area than a horizontal inner surface of the conducting chamber 5 . it can be seen in fig2 that a second pressure chamber 33 exists , which is bounded by an outer surface of rotary spool 7 , an inner surface of housing 13 outwardly of bore 27 , and the intermediate plate 11 . arrows 29 represent a pressure force that acts on an upper side of rotary spool 7 , in a downward direction as shown in fig2 . the second pressure chamber 33 of valve 1 ′ can be pressurized by means of a second inlet 35 , which is merely indicated schematically in fig1 and 2 . to rotate the rotary spool 7 , cylinder 25 can be coupled through a shaft 39 to a drive 41 , which is merely suggested . fig3 is a perspective view from above of a rotary spool 7 of a valve 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention . fig4 shows the rotary spool 7 of fig3 in a perspective view , partially in cross section . fig5 shows another partial cross - sectional perspective view of the rotary spool 7 shown in fig3 and 4 . the description below will only identify the differences from the known arrangement that is shown in fig1 and 2 . otherwise the description for fig1 and 2 is applicable . cylinder 25 , which is coupled with shaft 39 and rotary spool 7 , has a peripheral groove 43 . a sealing ring ( not shown ) can be placed in the groove 43 . the sealing ring can provide a sealing contact arrangement between groove 43 of cylinder 25 and a cylindrical inner wall of bore 27 of base plate 15 . advantageously , it is therefore possible to place cylinder 25 within bore 27 as a clearance fit and to provide the seal by means of the sealing ring ( not shown ). a fluid - tight fit between the opposed surfaces of cylinder 25 and bore 27 , as in the known arrangement , is not required . that makes it possible to slightly tilt the rotary spool 7 , or the entire system including rotary spool 7 , cylinder 25 , and shaft 39 , within the bore 27 , which tilting is indicated in fig3 by a curved , double - headed arrow 45 . in that way , rotary spool 7 , or a sealing surface 47 of rotary spool 7 , can be placed more precisely in contact with the intermediate plate 11 of valve 1 , not shown in greater detail in fig3 through 5 . slight tolerances when fitting the base plate 15 together with the intermediate plate 11 and / or the bore 27 of the base plate 15 can thus be compensated for by the slight tilting of rotary spool 7 relative to the central axis of bore 27 . therefore , a better - sealing contact arrangement of the sealing surface 47 of rotary spool 7 on the intermediate plate 11 results . in fig4 , arrows 29 indicate a pressure force acting on a first pressure surface 49 defined by the end face 31 of cylinder 25 . that pressure force is directed downward , and causes rotary spool 7 to be pressed against intermediate plate 11 . an opposing upward pressure force , which acts on a second pressure surface 53 , within conducting chamber 5 , is indicated by means of arrows 51 . first pressure surface 49 faces in an opposite direction from that of second pressure surface 53 and sealing surface 47 . when designing the valve 1 , the area of first pressure surface 49 must be made larger than the area of second pressure surface 53 . in contrast to the known structure shown in fig1 and 2 , conducting chamber 5 is coupled with first pressure chamber 23 through a first bore 55 and a first check valve 57 provided in first bore 55 . to that end , the first bore 55 is executed as a stepped bore , where a step of the first bore 55 serves as the ball seat for a ball 59 of the first check valve 57 . thus , the first check valve 57 is designed so that the ball 59 rises and thereby releases the first bore 55 as soon as a higher pressure exists in conducting chamber 5 than in first pressure chamber 23 . it is apparent that because of the connection by means of the first bore 55 and the first check valve 57 , the same pressure conditions result as in the known arrangement shown in fig1 . fig5 shows rotary spool 7 in the second pressure situation , analogous to the representation of the known arrangement shown in fig2 . here second pressure chamber 33 is pressurized via the second outlet 35 . arrows 61 indicate that downward - directed pressure forces , as shown in fig5 , act on a top side or a third pressure surface 63 of rotary spool 7 . the downward pressure forces indicated by arrows 61 are counteracted by upward pressure forces indicated by arrows 65 , the latter of which act on an underside or a fourth pressure surface 67 of cylinder 25 . in principle it is desirable to design the area of third contact surface 63 larger than the area of fourth contact surface 67 , so that a net downward force results , as viewed in the orientation of fig5 , so that rotary spool 7 can reliably be pressed against the intermediate plate 11 . advantageously however , in accordance with the representation in fig5 the second pressure chamber 33 is connected with the first pressure chamber 23 through a second bore 69 and a second check valve 71 . second bore 69 is formed similar to first bore 55 , so that the pertinent description of bore 55 applies . second check valve 71 likewise includes a ball 73 , and opens as soon as the pressure is higher in the second pressure chamber 33 than in the first pressure chamber 23 . under the pressure conditions as represented in fig5 , advantageously second check valve 71 is open and first check valve 57 is closed . first check valve 57 thus prevents an unwanted inflow of fluid from second inlet 35 into conducting chamber 5 . it is apparent that by switching check valves 57 and 71 , the first pressure surface 49 can be additionally pressurized with the pressure supplied through second inlet 35 , so that an additional downwardly - directed force results to press rotary spool 7 against the intermediate plate 11 , as represented by the arrows 29 in fig5 . the two pressure conditions analogous to fig4 and 5 can be adjusted by a direction - switching valve ( not shown ) that is connected ahead of rotary spool 7 . if the pressure is switched to the interior of rotary spool 7 , i . e ., into the conducting chamber 5 — pressure conditions as represented in fig4 — that simultaneously causes the second pressure chamber 33 to be switched to zero pressure . because of first bore 55 and second bore 69 , the pressure is present at the first pressure surface 49 and the second pressure surface 53 . those surfaces are so designed that the resulting force acts in the direction of intermediate plate 11 . to that end , the area of first pressure surface 49 must be designed to be larger than the area of second pressure surface 53 . therefore rotary spool 7 itself provides for its own sealing , i . e ., for the sealing surface 47 to be pressed against intermediate plate 11 . under the pressure conditions illustrated in fig5 , the pressure is present on third pressure surface 63 and on fourth pressure surface 67 . in that case , the conducting chamber 5 is switched to zero pressure by the switching direction valve ( not shown ). advantageously , through the interconnection by means of check valves 57 and 71 the pressure acting on the first pressure surface 49 can also be present , whereby the force pressing rotary spool 7 against intermediate plate 11 is increased . in particular , as a result it is also possible to enlarge the diameter of cylinder 25 without causing lifting of rotary spool 7 because of the similarly enlarged fourth pressure surface 67 . advantageously , the check valves 57 and 71 constitute an or element , where the first pressure surface 49 is pressurizable under both pressure conditions . that can improve the contact pressure of the rotary spool 7 against the intermediate plate 11 . in addition , the clearance fit of cylinder 25 in bore 27 can result in rotary spool 7 being enabled to tilt slightly in the guideway , in order to thus be able to compensate for a possible angularity error . advantageously , the diameter of the cylinder 25 provided with the circumferential groove 43 can additionally be enlarged , whereby the first pressure surface 49 and therefore the resulting downward - acting pressure forces are also increased . bores 55 and 69 are countersunk bores , which can receive the balls 59 and 73 to achieve the respective check valve functions . a sliding seal , not shown in fig3 through 5 , can be inserted into the circumferential groove 43 . the end face 31 of cylinder 25 defines the first pressure surface 49 . as soon as pressure is applied to the conducting chamber 5 within rotary spool 7 , ball 59 of first check valve 57 rises and releases the oil pressure that is present at first pressure surface 49 . ball 73 of second check valve 71 , on the other hand , is pressed into the ball seat by the existing pressure or by the pressure - free second pressure chamber 33 , and thereby closes second bore 69 . advantageously , compared to the known arrangement shown in fig1 and 2 , that results in a greater axial force , acting downward in the representations in fig3 through 5 , to press rotary spool 7 against intermediate plate 11 . that increased axial force can be further increased by enlarging the diameter of cylinder 25 . under the pressure conditions represented in fig5 , in the known arrangement as illustrated in fig2 heretofore only the third pressure surface 63 provided for the corresponding downward - acting pressure force . that pressure force is counteracted by the pressure forces acting on the fourth pressure surface 67 . advantageously , because of the switching of check valves 57 and 71 , despite the enlarged diameter of cylinder 25 , a greater downward - acting pressure force can be achieved by the additional pressure force acting on the first pressure surface 49 . the valve function of check valves 57 and 71 represents an or element , because one of the two bores 55 and 69 is always open when there is pressure present . because of that or element , the first pressure surface 49 of end face 31 of cylinder 25 can be used by both pressures as an effective area for pressing rotary spool 7 against the intermediate plate 11 . the higher pressure force guarantees better contact pressure , and thus lower leakage in both pressure positions . an additional measure , which provides for better sealing when there is a slight angular displacement of bore 27 that is designed to receive rotary spool 7 , cylinder 25 , and shaft 39 , is to use the sliding seal ring ( not shown ) in the circumferential groove 43 . in comparison to the known arrangement shown in fig1 and 2 , cylinder 25 in accordance with the present invention , in contrast , is not configured to provide a close fit , but is smaller in diameter than the bore 27 by about 0 . 2 mm , for example . as a result , the rotary spool 7 has the possibility of minimal tilting in the bore 27 . that enables rotary spool 7 to compensate for any tilting of the bore 27 that can occur , and thus to always lie flat against the intermediate plate 11 . since the periphery of cylinder 25 serves to separate first pressure chamber 23 and second pressure chamber 33 , i . e ., it must assume a sealing function , the sliding seal ring ( not shown ) can be inserted into the groove 43 . the sliding seal ring advantageously guarantees sealing at the periphery of the cylinder 25 against the bore 27 in both pressure directions . although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention . it is therefore intended to encompass within the appended claims all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention . | US-1270308-A |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.